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MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 • 3 Jumada II 1436 • Volume 20 Number 6378 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780

OPINION Emir meets Princess Astrid Importance SEC eases of Libyan agreement admission

rom FArab Spring and other revolu- procedures tions, we have learnt 91 private schools to be opened that compro- Dr Khalid Al-Jaber mise and DOHA: The Supreme Education next month. “By September 2015, agree- Council (SCH) has relaxed some six Indian schools will open, some ments are the only way to of the admission procedures of them will be only kindergar- come out of a crisis. Tunisia for private school students, but tens and others will have classes is a shining example among strictly instructed the schools for other grades as well. Schools many failures in the Arab not to admit children above their which were not allowed to admit world. Therefore, an agree- permitted capacity. more students due to lack of seats ment between the warring Admission to private schools in will soon open branches, it could parties in Libya is the only Qatar has started yesterday and be even by April before the Indian way to bring stability to the will continue until October 15. Any Schools start their academic year,” country. admission outside these dates will she said addressing a news confer- Any failure to reach an require the approval of the SEC. ence yesterday. agreement even at the mini- As per the new rules, permis- “The new schools will be an mum level will keep the door sion from the SEC is not required alternative option for parents and Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with Princess Astrid, Representative of King Philip of Belgium, at open for further fighting and to transfer children between pri- their fees will be lower compared the Emiri Diwan yesterday. See also page 21 entry of extremist groups sup- vate schools. And an expatriate to some other private schools,” she ported by foreign powers with student seeking admission in a pri- added. the intention of breaking up vate school is no more required to A total of 145,000 students the country among warlords. produce an equivalency certificate are presently studying at private All sides need to act fast to from the SEC. schools and 23,000 of them are Houthis seize end the chaos which started The SEC has given initial Qataris. More than 15 flights diverted after the ouster of the auto- approval to 91 new private schools In the 2014-2015 academic year, strategic Yemeni cratic regime of Muammar to open in the next academic year, 15 new schools and seven new from HIA due to bad weather Gaddafi. A security agreement including six Indian schools, a sen- branches of existing schools across will pave the way for a per- ior SEC official has disclosed. the country opened making the DOHA: More than 15 flights were diverted from Hamad city Taiz, airport manent ceasefire and demo- Aisha Al Hashmi, Assistant total number of private schools to International Airport (HIA) yesterday to airports in neighbour- cratic transition. It will also Director of Education Authority 154. The new SEC guidelines on ing countries due to the bad weather. A senior official of the ADEN: Houthi fighters opposed deprive the terrorist groups of Private School Affairs at SEC, admission procedures specifically Civil Aviation Authority said the flights were diverted due to to Yemen’s president took over the of any opportunity to sabotage said that complaints about a severe say that all private schools are thunderstorm and intermittent rains for the safety of passen- central city of Taiz in an escala- peace. The only option terror- shortage of seats in private schools, required to identify the number gers. Ahmad Ishaq, Head of the Air Surveillance Department at tion of a power struggle diplomats ist groups have to consolidate especially Indian schools will be of vacancies before the registra- the Civil Aviation Authority, said the thunderstorm that started say risks drawing in neighbour- their presence is by impeding addressed with the opening of new tion period begins, as well as after from 4:30am and continued until 5:30pm yesterday caused the ing oil giant Saudi Arabia and its a peaceful solution and then schools. completing the registration process, diversion of more than 15 flights that were to land at HIA, to main regional rival Iran. start to threaten Europe and She hinted that some existing and inform the SEC. neighbouring countries. Abdel-Malek al-Houthi, head the entire world. Indian schools would open new Continued on page 6 THE PENINSULA of the powerful Shia group, vowed Continued on page 6 branches very soon, probably by THE PENINSULA to pursue Sunni militants behind THE PENINSULA suicide attacks on Houthi sup- porters and said the poor Arabian peninsula country was in danger of descending into Libya-style turmoil. Residents of Taiz, on a main Firms jointly held with Qataris road from the capital Sana’a to the country’s second city of allowed Haj, Umrah licence Aden, said that Houthi militias took over the city’s military air- DOHA: A law was issued yesterday and became effective immedi- port without a struggle from local ately gives the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs the authority authorities late on Saturday. to recommend to the Prime Minister to provide the Haj and Umrah Eyewitnesses in the central licence to companies owned jointly by Qataris and non-Qataris. The province of Ibb reported see- law, though, states that otherwise only 100 percent Qatari-owned ing dozens of tanks and military companies should be provided the licence to operate Haj and Umrah vehicles headed southward from services. Houthi-controlled areas toward The law (No 3 of 2015) was issued by Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Taiz, while activists in the city Hamad Al Thani to regulate the operations of Haj and Umrah tour said Houthi gunmen shot into companies, reports Qatar News Agency. It has 26 articles. The law the air to disperse protests by stipulates that a Qatari who owns a Haj and Umrah tour company residents demonstrating against must have good character, must be between 30 and 70 years of age and their presence. must be a Muslim and resident in Qatar. Meanwhile, Iran yesterday THE PENINSULA called for dialogue, but suggested that Hadi should leave to spare the country further bloodshed. Census registration allowed online “The expectation is that DOHA: Nationals and expatriates can now register to avail an President ... Hadi will resign rather online service to provide their personal details for the interim than repeat mistakes, to play a population census being conducted by the Ministry of Development constructive role in preventing the Planning and Statistics. Registration for the service can be done break-up of Yemen and the trans- through the website of the ministry (www.qas.gov.qa.2015) (census formation of Aden into a terrorist section) until March-end. Vehicles wade through gushing water following incessant rains in Duhail, a sprawling suburb. SONIA AZAD haven,” said Iran’s deputy foreign A form will be made available to those who register. The form must minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, be filled up online between April 1 and 15. The ministry is conducting according to state news agency the interim census to measure demographic changes that have taken IRNA. REUTERS place in the country since 2010, the year of last census, for policy See also page 12 making and assess the pressure on public services and infrastructure. Rains expected to continue today The next full census is due in 2020. The census will be carried out in collaboration with the civic ministry in April and May. THE PENINSULA DOHA: Intermittent rains are He said intermittent rains the season continues until next expected to continue today as that began in some parts of the month-end,” said the veteran well in different parts of the country late on Saturday evening weather forecaster. Singapore’s founding father dies country, although the current continued for more than 24 hours. Asked about other places in the SINGAPORE: Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first prime minister and unstable weather was actually The 24-hour rainfall was on aver- GCC being affected by the rains, architect of the tiny city-state’s rapid rise from British tropical out- forecast to end yesterday. age 10.8mm, he said. he said Riyadh in particular was post to global trade and financial centre, died early today, aged 91, the “The rains are anticipated According to Al Mannai, it is witnessing such weather. Prime Minister’s Office said. “Mr Lee passed away peacefully at the to extend its spell until today,” normal for Qatar to witness such The weather bureau is regu- TODAY’S EDITION Singapore General Hospital today at 3.18 am,” a statement said. Lee, a said Abdullah Al Mannai, head rains during this time of the year. larly updating its social media INCLUDES A 16-PAGE SPECIAL Cambridge-educated lawyer, is widely credited with building Singapore of research and analysis at the In Qatar, this rainy season is accounts and people keen on get- into one of the world’s wealthiest nations on a per capita basis with a Department of Meteorology. He called ‘Al Siryat’ in local parlance ting latest updates individually SUPPLEMENT ON strong, pervasive role for the state and little patience for dissent. He told this newspaper that the unsta- and it begins from this time in can send SMS on 92215 writing co-founded the People’s Action Party, which has ruled Singapore since ble weather began on March 16 and March until the last week of ‘weather’. PAKISTAN 1959 and led the country when it was separated from Malaysia in 1965. was supposed to end yesterday April. “So we can expect more Continued on page 5 NATIONAL DAY Earlier report on page 15 REUTERS itself. “But it is extended for a day.” rains after this spell is over as THE PENINSULA MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Emir meets Philippine envoy Sheikha Moza meets Princess Astrid of Belgium

Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met outgoing Philippine Ambassador Crescente R Relacion at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. The Emir bestowed him with the Sash of Merit in appreciation of his role in further strengthening bilateral relations and wished him success in his H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser yesterday met Princess Astrid, Representative of King Philip of Belgium, at Qatar Foundation headquarters and dis- future assignments. cussed their respective education and health projects. A R Al-Baker QRC helps displaced Iraqis and Syrians DOHA: Qatar Red Crescent in basic life services, the QRC relations, submit a detailed (QRC) has helped 35,340 dis- office approached working report on QRC projects to placed Iraqis and Syrian refu- partners, collected data on the cover the needs of the Syrian gees in Iraqi Kurdistan in the situation, and identified the refugees and displaced Iraqis past few months through its most-affected areas. since October 2013 and discuss food and winter assistance. In partnership with Social humanitarian action in the Under the 2014-2015 Warm Solidarity Charitable Society, region. Winter Campaign in Iraqi food packages worth QR265,583 Akram Mohamed, Head of Kurdistan, which targets Iraqi were distributed to 9,900 people. the bureau, thanked QRC for families that left their homes Each package contained 25kg humanitarian services and and cities to seek a safer place of food items, including rice, assistance to the distressed in the city of Shaqlawa, QRC macaroni, lentils, white beans, families in Kurdistan territories. distributed winter assistance vegetable oil, tomato paste, He stressed that the bureau worth QR797,398 to 25,440 peo- canned meat and fish, dates, would keep removing obstacles ple, including widows, the elderly, sugar, tea, jam as well as soap and facilitating QRC’s task to QRC volunteers with food and winter assistance for displaced Iraqis and Syrian refugees in Iraqi Kurdistan. children and people with disa- packs. make more achievements, par- bilities. Each family received a A QRC delegation visited ticularly as the Syrian and Iraqi heater and three blankets. Bureau of Non-governmental displacement crisis continues to These efforts are based on a urgent intervention programme, services, hygiene kits, and house- In the face of increased insta- Organisations of the Kurdistan have impact on the region and its fundraiser launched by QRC to including mobile healthcare, food hold items for 30,000 Iraqis over bility in Mosul and deterioration Government to further enhance ability to contain the situation. mobilise QR7.3m to initiate an security, water and sanitation six months. THE PENINSULA HOME MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Emir issues two decrees Fans can watch

DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday issued Decree No. 20 two FIFA 2022 of 2015 approving Qatar’s acces- sion to the Arab Agreement for the Projection of Authors’ Rights and Neighbouring Rights (the amended Arab Agreement for the Protection of Authors’ matches a day Rights — Baghdad 1981). The Emir also issued Decree DOHA: World soccer fans prime opportunities for local No. 21 of 2015 approving Qatar’s descending here to for FIFA businesses. accession to the Budapest Treaty World Cup in 2022 will be able Attention is being paid to on International Recognition of to watch two matches a day the iconic, 86,000-seat Lusail Deposit of Microorganisms for the due to the proximity of stadi- Stadium, the proposed venue for Purposes of Patent Procedures. Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani with Ooredoo officials. ums and an excellent local pub- the opening and closing ceremo- lic transport system, says a top nies of 2022. Premier meets official. Officials from the council pro- “One of the most unique ele- vided to AmCham Qatar mem- Princess Astrid ments of the 2022 experience bers with an overview of design, PM visits Ooredoo HQ will be the compact nature of engineering, enabling works and DOHA: Prime Minister and the tournament,” said Ghanim Al contracting opportunities avail- Interior Minister H E Sheikh DOHA: Prime Minister and Ooredoo’s plans to establish disasters, monitoring cameras Kuwari, from Supreme Council able. The project forms a central Abdullah bin Nasser bin Interior Minister H E Sheikh Qatar’s first smart city with and Wi-Fi services. for Delivery and Legacy. component of the distinct con- Khalifa Al Thani yesterday met Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Lusail Real Estate Development The Premier expressed support The council is tasked with cept that won Qatar the 2022 Princess Astrid, Representative Al Thani yesterday visited Company. to the project and called for its making the best conditions avail- hosting rights. of King Philip of Belgium, and Ooredoo headquarters and met The Premier toured Ooredoo’s completion on schedule. able to host the 2022 event. Business leaders got an inside her delegation. Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed oasis lab and was briefed by Ooredoo is looking to provide Al Kuwari was speaking at an look at preparations for the Talks dealt with coopera- Al Saud, Chairman, Board Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad bin innovative technology to residents event organised by American tournament. AmCham Qatar tion between both countries and of Directors, Ooredoo Group Nasser Al Thani, Chief New and business people in Lusail in Chamber of Commerce in Qatar members from construction, means of developing it, especially and Chief Executive, Qatar Business Officer, Ooredoo, on line with Qatar National Vision (AmCham Qatar). hospitality, legal and profes- in the trade field, and issues of Investment Authority. features of smart cities such as 2030 which aims to build a knowl- The event was the chamber’s sional services industries heard mutual concern. QNA The Premier was briefed on recovery solutions to natural edge-based economy. QNA latest edition of its Distinguished from Al Kuwari, Competition Speaker Series. Venues Director at the council; This was a panel discussion Afraa Al Noaimi, HR Manager and participants from the coun- and Director, Operations, cil talked of progress on “eight Josoor Institute; Fatma Al to 12” FIFA-compliant stadiums Nuaimi, Human/Social Legacy Plan to open 20 new dental clinics being built or refurbished. Manager; and Farah Al Muftah, Al Kuwari reiterated the coun- Chairwoman, Workers’ Welfare DOHA: The Primary were present. Backer Siddiqe health centres. for children with special needs in cil’s commitment to provide local Committee. Healthcare Corporation (PHCC) Alkhatib said high fees at pri- Last academic year, compulsory collaboration with Best Buddies businesses with opportunities to AmCham Qatar Chairman, plans to open 20 new dental vate dental clinics are among the oral check-up was introduced for and Shafallah Centre. work on projects. Robert A Hager, said: “I remem- clinics at new primary health factors forcing many people to Independent school students in the The week aims to develop uni- For main construction works, ber the all-night celebrations on centres across the country to seek treatment at PHCC clinics. age group 6-13. GCC Oral Health fied GCC models to promote oral local contractors are invited the Corniche when Qatar won address public complaints about The press conference was held Week will feature activities to health and fight related diseases. to bid and encouraged to enter the bid to host the World Cup a shortage of such facilities. to announce details of GCC Oral raise awareness about oral health A survey in Qatar in 2011 found into and lead joint ventures and I am encouraged to see how Dr Asma Othman Alkhatib, Health Week from March 25 to 31. with a focus on children. Lectures that 90 percent of children brush with international contractors, far it has come in delivering this Head, Health education, Corporate Last year, 250,167 patients from will be held for visitors at health teeth at least once a day but 89 he said. historic event.” Communications and PR different age groups visited PHCC centres, and dental, diabetes and percent under four years have “The strategy aims to ensure Council officials also discussed Department, PHCC, told a press dental clinics, with an average of gynaecology clinics. teeth ailments. Over 60 percent local economic benefit while innovative local training oppor- conference yesterday that the 20,000 every month. Currently, Most health centres will organ- of children were found to be con- utilising global capabilities and tunities in the sports industry new clinics are expected to reduce PHCC operates 53 dental clinics at ise events at schools and KGs in suming unhealthy food such as expertise needed to deliver the and regional youth engagement pressure on existing facilities and health centres, with 113 dentists. their areas. There will also be biscuits, chocolates and chips that event.” For example, he said, initiatives leading up to the first waiting time for patients. PHCC also has exclusive dental workshops on oral health, risks create a favourable environment demand for steel, lighting, seats FIFA World Cup in the Middle Dr Arwa Tayyem and Dr Hebah clinics for primary schoolchildren of smoking and use of tobacco for bacteria to grow and damage and ACs for 2022 venues were East. THE PENINSULA Adnan AbuHalawah of PHCC in Mesaimeer, Daain and Abu derivatives. Activities will be held the teeth. THE PENINSULA Survey: Money, easy life not top motivators for young Qataris

DOHA: A research claims making the family proud by “The private sector, espe- that contrary to general belief, contributing to society and the cially, is in a position to attract young Qataris are not most country are critical motivators and retain great Qatari talent. motivated by money or easy for youth. However, employers must under- life. “However, these factors are stand young Qataris’ motivations Young Qataris ranked ‘chal- often ignored or misunderstood and attitudes to attract the best lenge’ (48 percent), ‘contributing by employers,” OSC said in a talent,” said William Scott- to society’ (46) and ‘development’ statement yesterday. Jackson, Chairman, OSC. (38) as the most important If Qataris are to fill all stra- The report is part of motivators in their lives, says tegic roles in the country, then ‘Maximising Qatari Talent’ the study by Oxford Strategic nearly 80 percent of them need research and will be launched at Consulting (OSC). It shows to develop leadership skills. ‘Qatari Leadership and Talent’ ‘working for their country’, and OSC argues that Qatar’s small Summit tomorrow. ‘influence’ also ranked as top national population means that OSC said the summit will motivators for Qataris. about 80 percent of citizens need explore how employers and the It suggests that responsibil- to be prepared for strategic lead- country can meet this major ity, the feeling of seniority and ership roles. challenge. THE PENINSULA Ministry issued 252 licences for new villas in January DOHA: A majority of residen- buildings dominated the category for 40 percent (256) of the total, tial building permits issued by of commercial building permits, followed by Doha with 20 percent. municipalities in January were accounting for 38 percent of the Al Daayen accounted for 12 for villas. total. percent, or 77 of the total), Umm Apartment buildings had only Government buildings had a Salal (10), Al Wakra (9), Al Khor a marginal share in the total for share of 25 percent in the total, (6) and Al Shamal (3). the month, official figures show. workshops and factories 25 per- Al Rayyan still includes The Ministry of Development cent and mosques 10 percent. details of the new Al Shahaniya Planning and Statistics has In terms of municipalities, Al Municipality. begun issuing building permit Rayan topped the list accounting THE PENINSULA details on a monthly basis from this year. It has released details for January which show that two- REPORTERS thirds (66 percent) of new resi- dential building permits issued A reputed media house in Qatar is were for villas in different looking for reporters for immediate municipal areas. Building permits are issued appointment. for new structures, to carry out alterations in existing structures Candidates should have an excellent and to create fencing. command of English and A total of 252 licences were issued for villas in the month, fol- experience in reporting. lowed by houses being built with loans taken from the government Eligible candidates (107 permits, or 28 percent). may send their CVs to Apartment buildings had a share of 21 permits, or five per- [email protected] cent, of the total. Private commercial MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME A scientist on mission to lend voice to Muslims and poor Kashif-ul-Huda’s website breaking stereotype coverage in Indian media

BY SACHIN KUMAR media houses. Muslims’ voices Kashif clarified that the web- were getting filtered. Also site initially focused on Muslim DOHA: Kashif-ul-Huda (pic- Muslims were not very artic- issues but now its attention has tured), a US-based scientist, ulate about their viewpoints. widened and covers stories and is on a mission to lend voice That is how it started,” he said. features on dalits, tribals and to Muslims and marginalised The soft-spoken biochem- women. communities in India through ist started the website alone “It is not focused on his English news website. in 2006 but now has a team of Muslims anymore. Out tagline His website — TwoCircles. 10 reporters working across is ‘mainstream news of the net — is breaking the stereotype Indian states, including Uttar marginalised’. coverage of Muslims in Indian Pradesh, Delhi, West Bengal, “I started with Muslims but media and raising issues of dal- Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, then realised the focus has to be its, tribals and women. Karnataka and Jammu and broadened. Take, for instance, In a freewheeling conversa- Kashmir. the issue of encounters. tion with The Peninsula dur- He wants to increase the “Before Muslims, many Sikhs ing his recent trip to Doha, the presence of reporters in other suffered it. Now dalits and trib- forty-year-old spoke about his Muslim world’. So for a Muslim states but is constrained by als are suffering. So I realised website, its focus and plans. in India, both identities are resources. that many struggles were same The name of the website is equally important,” he said. In the overcrowded Indian and we had to join forces. reflective of the dilemma Indian Kashif graduated with a media industry, he does not want “We concluded that we Muslims face. degree in biochemistry and to compete or aim to replace big needed to tell other stories “Muslims in India have to cell biology from University of brands. “I cannot compete with too. Now many dalit writers face a question whether they California, San Diego, and is big media houses but I can show have started writing for us,” he are Muslim first or Indian first. working for a pharmaceutical them, hey look, this is another added. I think this question is wrong,” company in the US. angle of this story and they have Kashif said the Indian media said Kashif. Lack of proper space to the started following up a lot of our calls itself mainstream but does “The name of our website problems of Muslims and biased stories,” he said. not give space to dalits, Muslims, clarifies my stand on the issue. news coverage became the main The website came to light farmers and poor, while wom- The name is derived from trigger to launch the website. when in June 2010 an adver- en’s voices get filtered. the quote of freedom fighter “Muslims are facing prob- tisement put out by the Gujarat The website is not funded by Maulana Muhammad Ali lems because of many reasons government, projecting happy any government or its agencies. Jauhar who once said ‘I belong but stereotyping of Muslims and prosperous Muslims in the It is helped by individuals and to two circles of equal size, but is an important factor. Witch- state, was revealed as a picture organisations, who support it which are not concentric. One hunting of Muslims was going from Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, financially, with resources, and is India, and the other is the on in the Indian media by many lifted from TwoCircles.net. time. THE PENINSULA

US students complete cultural trip to Qatar

DOHA: Qatar Foundation QFI’s exchange programmes together students from the US Kansas and Massachusetts International (QFI), a are an extension of QF’s com- and Qatar in an exploration of states, as many Qatari stu- Washington, DC-based non- mitment to connect cultures identity and cultures through the dents from Doha and 10 US profit member of Qatar and advance global citizenship Arabic language and arts. and Qatari teachers. Foundation, has yesterday com- through education. The nine-day trip included 30 The students came pleted an educational exchange Aber is an annual educational American students from Oregon, together to strengthen trip to Doha. exchange programme that brings Hawaii, Washington, Illinois, their Arabic language skills by learning about Islamic art, Arab culture and par- ticipating in service learn- ing activities. They took part in activi- ties at Education City, home to facilities across the educational cycle, including a home grown university, research insti- tutes and partner univer- sities that are some of the world’s leading universities. Students took part in an Arabic language scav- enger hunt and toured Al Shaqab, an equestrian academy dedicated to the Arabian horse and the tra- dition of equestrian excel- lence, and learnt about equestrian culture, which is an important part of Qatari heritage. They also attended a design workshop hosted by Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar and led by the Chair, Graphic Design at VCU-Q, Muneera Spence. Students creates illus- trated stories on culture and identity. They also attended cal- ligraphy and 2D geometry workshops at Museum of Islamic Art and explored the historic Naskh and Ruq’ah scripts and learnt about the role of 2D geom- etry in Islamic art. The group toured his- toric and cultural sites and participated in a service learning activity by paint- ing flowerpots, showcasing what they learnt at work- shops, and planting them at the residential com- pound of Hamad Medical Hospital. “Àber trip is always a rewarding and culturally enlightening experience for everyone – students and teachers, Americans and Qataris,” said Maggie Mitchell Salem, Executive Director, QFI. “Our mission is to pro- vide opportunities for students to learn and expe- rience Arabic language and culture through connec- tions with their peers in Doha and experience the Arab world for themselves, developing friendships halfway around the world.” THE PENINSULA MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Intermittent rains cause puddles, traffic jams

Continued from page 1 They will instantly receive a reply with the latest weather update. Thunder and strong winds with scattered rains are forecast for today. Northwesterly wind will be moving at 18 to 30 knots inshore. The seas will be rough and witness scattered rains. Temperatures will vary from 18 degrees C to 24 with Doha wit- nessing 20 and 23 degrees at night and during the day, respectively. Major roads and highways in Doha witnessed traffic snarls and the situation was particularly bad at some traffic interchanges. There was problem at Air Force Interchange as traffic lights went off, prompting a patrol to be on a constant vigil. Many low-lying areas in Doha and other places, particularly far-off suburbs, were water-logged with cars seen wad- ing through knee-deep water. In some areas, children came out in Young cyclists enjoy a ride in a water-logged residential compound in Al Wukair. hordes splashing through in water A car wades through a huge puddle on a road in Doha. KAMMUTTY VP SALIM MATRAMKOT puddles. There were no chances of a repeat of March 26, 2014 on Salwa Road as the subway was clear this time. All municipalities deployed emergency rain teams to drain out water from low-lying areas. In Doha Municipality, vulner- able areas included Old Airport, Madinat Khalifa, Al Hilal and South Duhail. The focus of water draining teams was on subways, roads in front of schools, hos- pitals, major roads, highways and government ministries and departments. Minor road acci- dents were reported in Doha and elsewhere. On D Ring Road, in front of Lulu Hypermarket, a car slipped and hit the road divider. No casualties were reported. There were jams on Corniche Road with police everywhere in full force to ensure smooth traffic. The Ministry of Interior had been tweeting, asking motorists to be cautious on slippery roads and amid rains. “Different parts of the country are blessed with rainfall. Motorists are advised to exercise maximum caution to avoid acci- A civic worker drains out rainwater in a low-lying area near Hilal Signal towards Abu Hamour. dents,” said one tweet. Youngsters run through rain water accumulated on a road in Al Wukair. ABDUL BASIT KAMMUTTY VP THE PENINSULA MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Francophone Week Qatar to host GCC Jail, fine for GCC e-Government citizen for attacking ministerial meet DOHA: Qatar is host- ing the fourth GCC e-Government ministe- traffic officer on duty rial meeting tomorrow which will be chaired by Minister of Information DOHA: A criminal court has sentenced a GCC citizen to six months in and Communications jail and fined him QR5,000 for assaulting a traffic officer on duty. Technology H E Dr Hessa The convict did not attend the trial. A summon was sent to his latest Sultan Al Jaber. address. Based on the request of public Prosecution, the court decided to The third meeting was continue the hearing in absentia. held in Kuwait last year to According to the file of the case, the victim was working with the Traffic enhance technical coopera- Department as a policeman. On the day of incident, he was on night duty tion and joint actions and when he received a call from the control room about a road accident. exchange of expertise and The caller said a mishap had occurred in West Bay behind Laguna Mall. knowledge in the field of The officer rushed in a patrol vehicle to the site alone. When he arrived at e-Government. the site, he saw the mishap in which a BMW car with diplomatic number The meeting will discuss plate had collided with a GMC pickup. priority initiatives such as The car owner said it was not his fault and blamed the pickup. The officer the GCC portal and the approached the pickup owner (the convict) and asked him to produce driver’s e-Government networks licence, road permit for his pickup and get into the patrol vehicle. integration project. The convict’s breath was smelling of liquor and he could not walk properly, It will also discuss the said the officer. The officer then went to the car owner to take his statement general secretariat’s report for necessary formalities. When he returned to his patrol vehicle to take the on implementation of joint convict to the department, the latter turned violent, tried to snatch papers initiatives as per the GCC from him and hit him on his back. The officer manage to control the situa- Guidelines Strategy for tion somehow and called Al Fazaa police that arrived and took the culprit to Singer Mario Stasi performs a repertoire of French classics during his concert at Katara Drama Theatre last night. e-Government and tasks police station. THE PENINSULA The concert is one of the highlights of ‘The Francophone Week in Qatar’ organised by the French embassy and and work mechanism of French Institute in Qatar featuring a selection of Francophone movies and musicians. various teams. QNA

SEC permission not required to transfer kids between private schools

Officials at the press conference. KAMMUTTY VP

Continued from page 1 of equivalence will not be And schools are not required. A student com- allowed to admit children ing to Qatar needs only to above capacity unless an provide educational certifi- approval is obtained from cates to the school. And the the SEC. school decides according to “If any complaints are their system. Main criteria made against schools are the age and academic admitting children beyond level of the student,” said capacity, it will be investi- Al Hashmi. gated by a special commit- However, any student tee which will also decide entering Qatar on a visa the punishment,” said Al valid for less than a year Hashmi. will not be allowed to be As per new rules, per- admitted to a school. mission from the SEC is Age is the primary con- not required to transfer sideration for admission children between private but in exceptional cir- schools. cumstances, parents and Only Qatari students the school could agree to moving from a pri- admit a child a class less or vate or international higher. But the maximum school to an Independent difference between chil- school requires cer- dren in a class should not tificates authenticated be more than two years. by Attestation and But when a student is Equivalency Unit of the enrolled in an age-inap- SEC to show equivalency. propriate class, the school If a student wants is required to ensure to transfer from a that parents are aware Independent school to of immediate and long- private school, then the term implications of such private school will specify a decision. Parents will be conditions, said Al Hashmi. required to sign a consent Also expatriate students form. “If a student comes from abroad are required from abroad and is found to provide only certificates to be weak or exceptional from their last schools. in performance, school Earlier, a certificate of can admit the child into a equivalence had to be lower or higher class after attested by the SEC dur- informing the parents and ing admission of such stu- the SEC,” said Al Hashmi. dents. “Now a certification THE PENINSULA

GCC, Arab states must back Libya peace efforts Continued from page 1 in Libya. There is a need When state and its to speed up the drafting of institutions are absent, the constitution and the the environment becomes formation of a national conducive for extrem- unity government under ist groups to thrive and the supervision of a legisla- export their crimes across tive body to keep the state the border. The GCC states united. and all other Arab coun- Peaceful coexistence tries must support peace between Libyans is possible efforts initiated by the UN, today and there is a histor- other international organi- ical opportunity that must sations and superpowers. not be missed. Libya has Use of force as an option suffered enough and paid a must be rejected, and all heavy price due to foreign forms of military escala- involvement in its internal tions should be avoided to affairs, whether by Arabs pave the way for restor- or Western states. ing security and stability THE PENINSULA

MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 HOME 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com GWC on equestrian HMC labs accredited by College logistics projects of American Pathologists DOHA: Gulf Warehousing Company Q.S.C. (GWC) will DOHA: Hamad Medical carry out equestrian logistics Corporation’s (HMC) projects in Qatar. The addition Department of Laboratory of the new activity is to fulfil the Medicine and Pathology has company’s vision to become the become the first integrated most sought-after third party laboratory network in Qatar logistics provider in Qatar and to have its laboratories accred- the GCC. ited by College of American GWC Equestrian will be an Pathologists (CAP). end-to-end solution, transporting Considered the ‘gold standard’ horses and related assets by land of laboratory accreditation, CAP and air and offering related value certification demonstrates HMC’s added services. Services include high-standard quality assurance international airfreight service and quality control programmes for the movement of all types and as accreditation requires success- breeds of horses worldwide, quar- ful performance in stringent pro- antine and supervisory services, among those performing at vault- ficiency testing that encompasses supervision of customs clearance ing, dressage, show-jumping, and record keeping, quality control and tarmac supervision, aircraft para-dressage events. procedures, staff qualifications, charter services and consultancy The horses arrived from 20 facilities, safety programmes and for the movement of horses. European countries, travelling overall management. Dr Hanan Al Kuwari (centre), Managing Director, HMC, with other officials at the event. “Horses are near and dear to first to Amsterdam as a cen- Dr Hanan Al Kuwari, Arab culture, and solutions we tral hub. GWC had full ground Managing Director, HMC, said: underwent an extensive evalua- metabolic disorders or testing to operations, demonstrate contin- offer must take all sensitivities teams in Amsterdam and Doha, “Accreditation helps patients tion prior to receiving the accred- diagnose and monitor treatment ued accuracy in the performance into account. GWC has been the handling the export and import make informed decisions about itation. The department strives for cancers, we strive to achieve of proficiency testing and pass a industry leader offering com- into and out of Qatar, providing their healthcare. When a health- to achieve the highest operating the highest operating standards rigorous on site survey. prehensive logistics solutions a veterinarian or a veterinarian’s care organisation earns an inter- standards possible, Dr Al Nabet possible,” said Dr Al Nabet. As part of the accreditation for many years, which we will assistant and a professional air national accreditation, the patient said, adding the accreditation “The accreditation ensures our process, CAP inspectors exam- put to the service of providing groom per flight to accompany is assured the facility has met reflects the hard work and dedi- testing procedures and results are ined HMC’s laboratory plans, equestrian logistics,” said Sheikh horses, and tarmac supervision comprehensive, evidenced-based cation of the staff. as consistently reliable as possible. policies and standard operating Abdullah bin Fahad bin Jassem on departure and arrival. criteria benchmarked against “Our team of pathologists, We are proud of the accreditation procedures. bin Jabor Al Thani (pictured), GWC worked with the Ministry international standards.” clinical scientists and technolo- and our patients can be assured They also examined the qualifi- Chairman, GWC. of Environment’s Veterinary Addressing the medical com- gists collaborate daily on tasks they are receiving the best and cations of the department’s medi- GWC provided logistics support Affairs Department to ensure all munity during an event to cele- that directly impact the lives of safest care.” cal and technical staff, equipment, during the transport of 128 horses processes complied with the high- brate the accreditation, Dr Ajayeb our patients. Whether testing to Accreditation is granted to lab- safety programme, records and for Chi Al Shaqab international est standards of bio-security at all Al Nabet, Chairperson of the confirm influenza, screening new- oratories that successfully apply overall management processes. event, with the horses divided times. THE PENINSULA department, said the department borns for potentially dangerous rigid standards of quality in daily THE PENINSULA Al Dar Optics opens 15th branch

Al Dar Optics has opened its 15th branch in Qatar in Duhail alongside Shamal Road. It is the first shop of Al Dar Optics with two floors and a panoramic elevator. The branch has all of the world’s latest brands. President Masoud Abedi said there are plans to open four more branches this year. Al Dar Optics also celebrated its 23rd anniversary after the opening ceremony. Shafallah to mark World Down Syndrome Day DOHA: As part of World and equal rights with oth- Down Syndrome Day, ers and become active Shafallah Centre for members of society. Children with Special Shafallah aims to high- Needs will organ- light down syndrome and ise a sports festival at the rights of persons living Villaggio tomorrow. with it as well as the inte- The 10th annual cel- gration of children with ebration will be held the condition in society under the theme ‘My through awareness pro- Opportunities, My Choices’ grammes to boost their – Enjoying Full and Equal self-confidence and abili- Rights and the Role of ties and provide psycho- Families’ adopted by Down logical and social support Syndrome International for people with down syn- (DSI) and down syndrome drome and their families. societies. It seeks constantly to As it coincides with the raise awareness of the 21st International Year rights of persons with disa- of Family, DSI this year bilities in all areas through highlights the role of fam- educational, training, tuto- ily and positive contribu- rial, sports, recreational, tion towards persons living physical and community with down syndrome to integration programmes. enable them to enjoy full QNA

‘Qatar road’ in Turkey discussed ANKARA: Qatari Ambassador to Turkey, Salem bin Mubarak Al Shafi, met the mayor of Gaziantep in Turkey and requested her to name a vital road in the city after Qatar. The mayor expressed willingness to grant the request to follow Istanbul and Ankara. She also expressed keenness to host Qatari Cultural Week as part of Qatar-Turkey 2015 Year of Culture. QNA MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Netanyahu allies criticise Obama Get over your temper tantrum, McCain tells President

JERUSALEM: Benjamin Netanyahu ally, acknowledged of Israeli military intelligence Netanyahu’s allies acknowl- the problem but pointed the fin- aligned with the centre-left edged yesterday that his ger at Washington for failing to Zionist Union which lost the vote election-eve disavowal of a understand the prime minister’s to Netanyahu, said Israel would Palestinian state had caused a position. “pay a price” for Netanyahu’s rift with the White House, but “If the Americans are find- remarks on statehood, which had blamed US President Barack ing it difficult to understand caused “fury” in Washington. Obama’s unprecedented criti- or accept our clarifications (on “I’m not among those who cism on a misunderstanding. Palestinian statehood), this is panic: I don’t think the United In the United States, where certainly worrying and requires States will impose sanctions on relations with Netanyahu have tending to,” he told Israel Radio. Israel. But I see places in which become a partisan issue after “He (Netanyahu) didn’t say this it will go much harder for us,” said generations in which support for (statehood) is ‘unacceptable’. He Yadlin, who returned a day ear- Israel was a point of bipartisan said reality has changed.” lier from a visit to the US capital. unity, Republican Senator John “Firstly, they used a word that they McCain said Obama should get ISRAEL WOULD “PAY A haven’t used since 1975 - ‘reassess- over his “temper tantrum”. PRICE” ment’, a reassessment of relations.” Israeli and foreign peace activists join Palestinian protesters in a demonstration in the Muslim Quarter of the Old The Israeli prime minister Israel’s close alliance with the President Reuven Rivlin began City of Jerusalem to support a family, which is under threat of eviction from their house by Israeli authorities. pledged on the eve of his re-elec- United States has been a fun- the formal process yesterday of tion victory last week that there damental pillar of its security consulting political parties to would never be a Palestinian state throughout its 67 year history, nominate a candidate to form a while he is prime minister. and Netanyahu’s political foes governing coalition, largely a fore- The remarks were widely have accused him of jeopardising gone conclusion after Netanyahu’s Protest against planned interpreted as a rejection of the it. Netanyahu has long had a dif- victory. “two-state solution” that has ficult relationship with Obama, Netanyahu, leader of the been the basis of decades of talks and made it worse two weeks right-wing Likud party, is likely to end the Palestinian-Israeli before the election by addressing to be given the nod as early as Jerusalem evictions conflict, brokered by successive the US Congress at the invita- Wednesday to start what could US Republican and Democratic tion of opposition Republicans be up to 42 days of negotiations JERUSALEM: Dozens of their home since 1953 when the want the eastern sector for the administrations alike. to condemn the administration’s with potential cabinet partners. Palestinians and foreign sup- Old City was ruled by Jordan. capital of a state of their own. Since winning re-election, nuclear negotiations with Iran. He is expected to build a coalition porters protested in east Israeli authorities issued an Israeli moves to expand settle- Netanyahu has tried to row back, Asked if US-Israel relations with far-right, religious and cen- Jerusalem’s walled Old City eviction order in September ment activity in east Jerusalem, arguing that he was not rejecting were at a dangerous point, trist parties, on course to becom- yesterday against the threat- which is currently under appeal, both through new construc- Palestinian statehood in principle, McCain, a leading voice on for- ing Israel’s longest-serving prime ened eviction of a Palestinian but settlers backed by police tion and by acquisition of exist- but responding to a reality in which eign affairs in the Republican- minister. family to make way for Jewish tried to gain possession last ing Palestinian homes, have the Palestinian Authority has a controlled Congress, said: “I think His comments on a Palestinian settlers. week, he said. stirred widespread international political pact with the Islamist that’s up to the president of the state were part of a hard right- “No to the eviction of the “Twenty police officers with condemnation. group Hamas, under which state- United States”. ward tack that helped deliver Sub Laban family,” read ban- settlers wanted to evict us,” he Jewish groups have bought hood would be unacceptable. “Get over your temper tan- the election victory after polls ners carried by demonstrators, said in a statement. property there through shad- But Obama said on Friday trum, Mr. President,” McCain predicted he would lose to the referring to the eight occupants Israel seized Arab east owy frontmen and straw Netanyahu’s comments had made said on CNN. “The least of your centre-left Zionist Union. of the house near the flashpoint Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day companies. it “hard to find a path” back to problems is what Bibi Netanyahu Obama also took Netanyahu to Al Aqsa mosque compound, a site War and later annexed it in a Selling land to Israeli set- serious peace negotiations. He said during an election campaign. task for an Internet post on the holy to both Muslims and Jews. move never recognised by the tlers is viewed as treason by the told Netanyahu on Thursday that If every politician were held to day of the election in which the Rafat Sub Laban, who lives international community. Palestinians and carries a pen- Washington would have to “reas- everything they say in a political prime minister urged right-wing there with his parents, his sister It claims both halves of the alty of life imprisonment. Some sess” its policies in the Middle campaign, obviously that would be supporters to vote because Arab and his brother’s wife and chil- city as its “united, undivided alleged perpetrators have been East. Israel’s Strategic Affairs a topic of long discussion.” Israelis were doing so in large dren, said the family have rented capital”, while the Palestinians killed. AFP Minister Yuval Steinitz, a close Amos Yadlin, a former chief numbers. REUTERS Israel president opens talks over appointing next PM JERUSALEM: Israeli President government and becomes the premier, of Likud. “With the beginning of these has ruled out joining a government of Ten parties were elected to the par- Reuven Rivlin yesterday began consul- but the one who can form a working coa- consultations, I call on all the elected national unity and said he will take the liament, and Netanyahu wants to put tations with representatives of parties lition, preferably with a majority of at representatives to do all in their power list into opposition. together a narrow coalition of six right- elected to parliament last week to hear least 61 — in this case, Netanyahu. to speed up the process and the coalition “Even if you chose to serve as leader- wing and religious factions which would who they would recommend as prime Although the election results were out negotiations, in order to allow the system ship of the opposition, it will be a complex have a 67-seat majority, commentators minister. on Thursday, the official numbers will of governance to once again operate as challenge,” he told them. said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s only be published on March 25, when necessary,” he said. Later Rivlin is to meet with the leader- The coalition would include Likud rightwing Likud party scored an unex- the Central Elections Committee will Although the government as elected by ship of the Joint List, which groups the (30), the far-right Jewish Home (8), pected election victory on March 17, hand them to Rivlin who will then have a majority, it would have to fulfil its role main Arab parties, and came third in the hardline anti-Arab Yisrael Beitenu taking 30 of the parliament’s 120 seats, to announce his choice to form the next by answering “the needs of all the citizens the vote, winning 13 seats, his spokes- (6), the ultra-Orthodox parties Shas (7) compared with 24 for its closest chal- government. of Israel,” he said. man Jason Pearlman said. and United Torah Judaism (6), and the lenger, the centre-left Zionist Union. “There is a need to act to swear in the After meeting Likud, he then began The president “cannot name a candi- newly formed centre-right Kulanu party In Israel, it is not necessarily the leader new government as soon as possible,” talks with representatives of the Zionist date to form the next government before of Likud defector Moshe Kahlon (10). of the largest party who forms the next Rivlin said on meeting representatives Union headed by Isaac Herzog, who Wednesday,” he explained. AFP

Cairo seeks investment Islamists capture Tunisian president Syria regime copter crew admits security failures BEIRUT: Islamist rebels cap- in museum attack tured four crew members of a regime helicopter which crashed TUNIS: Tunisian President developments in the case, but to in Idlib province of northwest Beji Caid Essebsi said security protect the secrecy of the inves- Syria yesterday, while a fifth “failures” had helped facilitate tigation we prefer not to provide serviceman was killed, a moni- the deadly attack on the coun- any details,” prosecution spokes- tor said. try’s national museum claimed man Sofiene Sliti said. “A regime helicopter was forced by the Islamic State group that However, Interior Minister to land in the region of Jabal Al killed 20 foreign tourists. Mohamed Ali Aroui said “more Zawiya in the northwest, which “There were failures” which than 10 people have been arrested is a bastion of (Al Qaeda’s Syrian meant that “the police and intel- for direct or indirect involvement affiliate) Al Nusra Front,” Rami ligence were not systematic in the attack, among them people Abdel Rahman, head of the enough to ensure the safety of the who provided logistical support”. Syrian Observatory for Human museum”, Essebsi told the Paris He declined to say whether Rights, said. Match weekly in an interview they included nine people already “Four of the crew were cap- published on Saturday. reported arrested, including the tured and a fifth man was killed Twenty-one people, all but one father, sister and two brothers of by armed men in a neighbouring of them foreign tourists, were one of the gunmen police killed in village,” he said. Boats are docked at the river Nile in front of the burned down headquarters of the National Democratic Party killed when two gunmen stormed the attack, Jabeur Khachnaoui. Pictures provided by the of toppled President Hosni Mubarak in Cairo yesterday. The building, which was burned and gutted during the the National Bardo Museum in The minister also said, with- Observatory showed groups of 2011 uprising, is draped with a banner reading “Investment is the key to Egypt’s prosperity.” the capital Tunis on Wednesday. out elaborating, that an arrest men gathering around a dam- Essebsi however stressed that warrant had been issued for a aged helicopter lying on its side the security forces “responded Tunisian named Maher Ben on a rocky hilltop. Syrian state very effectively to quickly put an Mouldi Kaidi for his suspected television confirmed a military end to the attack at the Bardo, involvement in the attack. helicopter had crashed in Idlib, Bahrain jails 11 over attack certainly preventing dozens more A police source and acquaint- saying it was due to a technical deaths if the terrorists had been ance of Khachnaoui said the gun- failure and that search efforts DUBAI: Bahrain yesterday of Aaly, near the capital Manama, rocked by unrest since security able to set off their suicide belts”, man’s four relatives had now been were underway to locate the crew. jailed 11 people for 15 years each during which petrol bombs were forces crushed Shia-led protests he was quoted as saying on the freed, but Aroui would not con- Abdel Rahman said two of the over an attack on a police sta- lobbed at a police station. in 2011 demanding a constitu- Paris Match website. firm that. On Wednesday, the two servicemen were being held by Al tion in a Shia village that left A police car was also set on fire tional monarchy and an elected Deputy speaker Abdelfattah gunmen targeted tourists visit- Nusra Front, while the other two four policemen wounded, the during the attack. Bahrain’s BNA prime minister. At least 89 people Mourou had said on Friday that ing the museum, killing 21 people, were captured by an unknown prosecutor’s office said. state news agency said the men have been killed in clashes with guards supposed to be protecting including a Tunisian policeman. Islamist group. At least one more The court in Manama also were charged with “premeditated security forces, while hundreds, the museum and the nearby par- The dead tourists were crew member was believed to be jailed a 12th defendant for seven murder”, possession of explosives most of them Shia, have been liament were having coffee at the four Italians, three Japanese, on the run, he said. years, said prosecutors in the and starting a fire “for terrorist arrested and put on trial, human time of the assault. three French, two Spaniards, Regime helicopters are often Sunni-ruled kingdom which has purposes”, as well as unlawful rights groups say. Shia opposi- The president’s comments a Colombian, an Australian- used to drop crudely constructed a Shia majority. The 12 were assembly. tion leader Sheikh Ali Salman is came as Tunisian authorities Colombian, a British woman, a barrel bombs on rebel-held areas. accused of taking part in an Bahrain, which is home to the behind bars for allegedly trying to said there were developments Belgian woman, three Poles and AFP attack in October in the village US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, has been overthrow the regime. AFP in the investigation. “There are a Russian. AFP MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 10 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 E-MAIL: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION RATES: ANNUAL QR 675 6 MONTHS QR 340 Editorial IS in Iraq Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate here is Iraq headed? Is the country making any progress in its transition to democracy, or is it sliding further into sectarian strife and Winstability? The answers aren’t very positive and if the world isn’t giving enough attention, it’s because we are occupied with far more serious threats like the Islamic State Netanyahu stoked primal fears; and Al Qaeda and many countries in the region are far more unstable than Iraq. Iraq is now in the headlines for its offensive against the Islamic State. A campaign to drive the IS out of the city of now my country is divided Tikrit, ordered by the Iraqi government but supported by Iranian-back Shia militias, has been stalled for a week due BY ANSHEL PFEFFER few hours later, came the second blow So how did Netanyahu manage in the to stiff opposition from the enemy and the heavy casualties when it transpired that in the actual last six days of the campaign to convince suffered by the coalition forces. HERE ARE three cities results Netanyahu was ahead by a com- more than 250,000 voters to change Iraq and the Islamic State have far more close links than of Jerusalem. There is the fortable margin. Where had all his sup- their minds and vote Likud? Why did the Western media has cared to investigate. The birth and Palestinian city whose resi- porters come from? his rivals fail so miserably at mobilising dents did not participate And just a few days earlier, in this the anti-Netanyahu sentiment into a influence of the IS in Iraq can partially be attributed to the in last Tuesday’s election. very enclave, all had seemed possible. coherent and cohesive political force? sectarian policies of the Nouri Al Maliki government. Maliki TThere is the city of the ultra-Ortho- A group of men in their early 30s Netanyahu won the election because failed miserably to win the confidence of the Sunnis and was dox Jews who voted (or refrained from were drinking at a nearby pub, discuss- he succeeded in stoking a deep and irra- seen as pursuing a sectarian agenda promoted by Iran, despite doing so) on the orders of the rabbis. ing politics. They were all from families tional fear of the left. A left which – or protests and pleas from its Arab neighbours to follow a just And there is the city of the Likud party who had invariably voted Likud since so runs the line – is too complacent, too and reconciliatory policy. Sunnis in Iraq felt left out from the and other rightwing groups. Within this emigrating to Israel in the 1950s. This cosmopolitan, too secular and too lack- last are a few tiny enclaves of mainly time would be different. “You can’t have ing in an ideological backbone to stand political process and found no immediate solution to their secular middle-class Israelis who sup- someone in power for so long,” one of up for Israel’s interests. woes. It’s into this vacuum that the Islamic State stepped port the parties of the left. Altogether them said of Netanyahu. “It all goes rot- Netanyahu’s cynical ploy on election in and found fertile ground to grow. While the whole world last Tuesday they amounted to only 15 ten and corrupt.” “Bibi lost sight of ordi- day, when he warned in a personal mes- shudders at the barbarianism and percent of the vote. nary people’s problems and, instead, just sage on his Facebook page of “droves If Sunnis cruelty of IS, Iraqi Sunnis found On Wednesday morning, in a cafe wants to frighten us with stories about of Arabs” descending on the polls, was in them a powerful opponent to in one of these Iran and the Palestinians,” said another. appealing less to the racism of his enclaves, they They were planning to vote for potential voters than to their fear that in Iraq are Maliki. Accusations that some sat huddled over Kulanu, a new centrist party, headed by the left was incapable of keeping a hold turning to IS Arab countries have funded their cappuccinos, a former Likud minister who had fallen on power and would be easily manipu- the IS can be linked to this By Anshel asking themselves out with Netanyahu, had run on a social lated by outside forces. He was warning for help, there disappointment with Maliki. how it happened. and economic reform platform, and was them that should they vote for some- Tikrit is able to thwart the Pfeffer “I just can’t widely expected on the eve of elections one else, Jews would be losing control understand why to join a Herzog-led coalition. They said of their destiny in their land. is something advances of Iraqi army-led Shia A fourth term someone in his many of their friends and family mem- An interview last Sunday with a cancerously militias because it has the support right mind votes bers were planning to do the same – part small weekly newspaper, read mainly by of the local population. And the for Bibi looked for Bibi again,” of a demographic that the pollsters had religious settlers, in which Netanyahu wrong with the resilience of the Islamic State’s exclaimed a yoga detected leaving Likud and endangering seemed to be ruling out the possibility unlikely until he instructor. “I Netanyahu’s re-election. His defeat sud- of his ever agreeing to the establishment political system defences in the hometown of Saddam Hussein suggests that look at the num- denly seemed possible, if not probable. of a Palestinian state, made headlines successfully bers and it just The next morning, 48 hours before the around the world. It is now the reason of that country. liberating larger cities across doesn’t make any polls opened, on a train from Jerusalem, for yet another crisis in his relationship northern and western Iraq, demonised the sense,” answered making the winding journey downhill to with the international community. including Mosul, might be tougher left. her friend, a film Tel Aviv, the passengers, mainly soldiers In Israel it barely caused a stir. Save than some Iraqi officials have expected. editor. “So many and police officers returning to their for a relatively small number of settlers The IS is not a single disease or symptom, but a complex people falling for bases after a weekend’s leave, were talk- still traumatised by past evacuations of phenomenon created by a slew of factors. And for the same his same old tricks.” ing about the election. “I didn’t want to settlements in the Sinai Peninsula and Outside, a small car covered in vote Bibi, he’s been around too long, but Gaza Strip and the retreat from parts of reason, this terrorist network cannot be rooted out with Netanyahu posters drove slowly down now there’s a danger of the left coming the West Bank at the start of the Oslo a military operation or international condemnations. If a the street. The driver, delirious with joy to power, so we have to vote Bibi,” was a accord, it is barely an issue. disenchanted segment of a country’s population is turning at the latest results, called from a loud- sentence I heard repeated up and down A majority of Israelis in opinion polls to a terrorist group for help, there is something cancerously speaker (“Thank you for all voting in the train. still support in principle the two-state wrong with the political system that country that needs to be the right way”), oblivious to the baleful The fatigue that most Israelis felt for solution, but it seems so distant. Their stares of those within. Netanyahu was very real. In poll after concerns are more immediate. Can they addressed first. Yet again they had allowed them- poll large majorities answered that they buy their own flat? Will their monthly Maliki should first transform himself into a prime minister selves to believe that Israel was “coming would prefer change and more votes income be sufficient or will they have to for all of Iraq and all Iraqis irrespective of their sect and to its senses”, only to have their hopes were cast for parties who were criti- yet again enlarge their overdraft? What religion. If IS is defeated now, another IS will emerge to fill the cruelly dashed by the exit polls, which cal of his policies and whose leaders, if prospect of prosperity can their children vacuum. He needs to treat Sunnis and Shias as equals and win showed Binyamin Netanyahu making a they could find a way of sitting together look forward to? the confidence of the latter. That will be the first bullet against comeback and closing the gap on Zionist in one government, would have gladly (Anshel Pfeffer writes for Haaretz) Union leader Isaac Herzog. And then, a replaced him. THE GUARDIAN the IS• The other side Quote of Progress on poll inquiry the day HE much-debated, long- of reference agreed between them to previous elections. The goal was and PTI, offering some hope that electoral delayed judicial commission the political parties for their input is also remains to ultimately have free and fair malpractices will not only officially be to investigate allegations of a welcome move: while it has often elections, though that does not mean identified, but also curbed ahead of the Tfraud and misconduct during shaped up as a private battle between anything short of that is not credible or next elections. the 2013 election appears finally to the PTI and PML-N, the tussle over the acceptable. It is that latter part — electoral be near creation, with the PML-N and 2013 election results affects all parties For too long, the PTI seemed to reforms — that may ultimately prove PTI unveiling a preliminary agreement — and, far too often forgotten, the focus on the smallest details — per- to be more difficult. Much as the PTI on Friday. If the committee is in fact voters themselves. haps because its real goal was to top- has done a service to democracy by formed and begins its work — between What is especially promising about ple the government. Similarly, for too demanding reforms and the PML-N “I consult with the stalling tactics of the PML and the the preliminary agreement is that it long, the PML-N seemed focused on seems willing to countenance them, mercurial demands of the PTI, nothing appears to strike the right balance the big picture — perhaps because its political parties deciding among them- my people on should be assumed — it would between concerns about electoral sole goal was survival. Neither of those selves the rules of the electoral sys- represent the politics of cooperation malpractices at the constituency level approaches was an improvement on tem is unlikely to ultimately produce every issue. I am reasserting itself after a dangerous spell and the need to respect the broader, the democratic process because it a corruption-free, untainted electoral the president. of brinksmanship that had threatened democratic system. The 2013 election put power and survival ahead of eve- process. For that, the process of debat- to destabilise the democratic system clearly did not establish some kind of rything else. Now, the PML-N appears ing and proposing reforms needs to be itself. That the PTI and PML-N have ideal to aspire to — but it was almost to finally be recognising its wider, open to the public too. Recep Tayyip Erdogan also agreed to take the so-called terms universally hailed as an improvement on systemic responsibilities as does the DAWN Turkish President MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Yemen: Peace deal now or full civil war

former president — even these are under siege by the Houthis, although they have not entered them. In Aden, President Hadi has not found the time to address the Yemeni people, even after all that has happened. Yet he seems very happy to be receiving ambas- sadors and the recognition of Gulf states which neglected him when he was presi- dent in Sana’a. This is not enough. He must address the Yemeni people. He has no clear pop- ular base, even in Aden. His base is in Abyan to the east, in the remainder of the militias formed in 2012 to fight Al Qaeda. He must see that his role now is to behave as a legitimate president, who addresses the Yemeni people in general and who leads them towards a settlement. Victory over the Houthis cannot be achieved by betting on the tribesmen BY DR AZMI BISHARA roaming Riyadh and Jeddah, looking for support to form tribal militias. emen and Libya are both large Nor can the Houthis continue to rule in countries where the nation- the same way. But they can’t be excluded, state is fragile but popular, and either, from any settlement now, as was Ylocal structures are robust. done in the past. They are an established In a civil war, the nation-state is sus- and organised force in the country. But ceptible to fragmentation, but local social they must behave like a national force structures can endure and even thrive. and accept pluralism rather than trying Both Yemen and Libya are on the verge to impose themselves and their will. of full-scale civil war. My previous article The most important strategic card tackled the situation in Libya, where the against the Houthis at the moment is conflicting parties must choose between the renewal of popular protests in the compromise or war. Today’s article tack- areas they control. les a similar situation in Yemen. This is a real socio-political force that I have written before in this column is directly linked to the demands of the about how the Houthis can never rule Yemeni revolution, whose legitimacy Yemen, even after their expansion from the Houthis are trying to rely on. These Saada to Sana’a and Hudayda, and argued Southern People’s Resistance militants loyal to Yemen’s President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi celebrate seizing the Al Anad air base in the protests are in favour of the legitimate that they don’t represent Yemen’s Zaydi country’s southern province of Lahej yesterday. government. population. The other forces are factional and dis- To be sure, Zaydis are affiliated to stress in the course of warning against and subsequently suspended their sup- units there loyal to them. After this, organised. They change their allegiance parties all over the political spectrum, civil war the fact that the Houthis have port for it. under pressure from the Gulf states, according to circumstances. They are in including Islah, and are not followers of become a major military force in Yemen. Some even wagered on Ali Abdullah President Hadi expelled 23 army officers no position to proffer any comprehensive any one regional bloc. This is one of the country’s new irrevo- Saleh to sabotage the transition. In effect, loyal to Ali Muhsin Al Ahmar, a major- solution for the country, but they are in The Houthis’ problem became appar- cable and irreversible facts. It is a state Saleh thwarted the Gulf Initiative by general and business tycoon who helped a position to drag it into full-scale civil ent when the legitimate president, of affairs that necessitates a settlement, remaining the chairman of a ruling party found the Islah party, exposing him to war. Therefore, bringing them into a set- Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi, escaped from since the Houthis can neither be defeated in Yemen, a position that allowed him to further attacks. tlement is the only way to prevent the their grip and fled to Aden. After that, militarily nor can they continue to rule continue to wield great power. Saleh thought that, by allying himself deterioration of the conflict. all that the Houthis were left with was Yemen alone. Internally, Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi with the Houthis, he could undermine Yemen is on the verge of civil war and naked force, standing against legitimacy. tried to modify his interim status and both the JMP and President Hadi. As a unbridled chaos. Meanwhile, few Yemen-watchers CATALOGUE OF BLUNDERS make his position permanent. It seems he result of these gambits, the Houthis only Negotiations among all parties to reach noticed that the principal outcome of The Houthis accumulated power as believed that weakening his allies would got stronger, taking even themselves by a settlement are an urgent necessity. And Hadi’s departure to Aden was that the others accumulated blunders. The parties make him stronger. surprise. in effect, the foundations of a settlement secession of the south was averted with that ruled Yemen during the transitional There is no other explanation for his Moreover, this situation induced tribal are there; the parties themselves have regional support. phase made grave mistakes. conduct, as it quickly transpired that he leaders in the North and officers formerly already agreed to many of them in the Secession would have almost certainly The same can also be said of the Gulf had left Islah and the Houthis to battle loyal to Saleh to come over to their side. National Dialogue. occurred if the Houthis continued to rule states too, which dealt with the govern- it out without intervening. Saleh’s miscalculations played right Dr Azmi Bishara is an intellectual, without a legitimate alternative. ment of the Joint Meeting of Parties This was most evident in the town into the Houthis’ hands, and they even- academician and the General Director of Though we have stressed that the (JMP) and the Congress Party as though of Amran in the north west, where the tually overran everything bar a few bases The Arab Center for Research and Policy Houthis cannot rule Yemen, we must also it was led by the Muslim Brotherhood, Houthis attacked Islah and the army belonging to special forces loyal to the Studies (ACRPS). Britain is as tribal now as it has been for millennia

I find this simply implausible. And my suspicions are strength- A study claims that the people ened by the Nature article being strong on algorithms but weak on of Britain are largely of Anglo- archaeology. There is no attempt in this research to cross-check its findings with archaeological Saxon origin. But this overlooks and linguistic evidence. Cunliffe himself pointed out at the week- end that the research did not go age-old resistance against the far back in time: “We already know there is a high percent- dominant culture. age of north European DNA in the modern British population, BY SIMON JENKINS wisdom. The Celtic scholar but archaeology suggests it goes Barry Cunliffe has long argued right back. From at least 4,000BC ome years ago I went to that after the last ice age the people were crossing from Europe see a medieval farmhouse British Isles were repopulated by into Britain.” Testing the current Sin north Devon. The owner waves of migrants returning from genes of late-Victorian Britons was a hostile character with a gun warmer climes. With his empha- was really no help in establishing and a mastiff. “Where you from?” sis on “mobility, connectivity and the size or timing of some distant he shouted as I approached. I said the sea”, he separates the “west migration. I was from London. “OK, as long side story”, of Atlantic colonisa- Cambridge’s archaeology pro- as you’re not from Cornwall,” tion, from the “east side story”: fessor Colin Renfrew is as puz- A pipe band performs in Perthshire, Scotland. he said, spitting as he spoke. of Germanic and other northern zled as Cunliffe by the study’s Cornwall was barely 10 miles Europeans’ migration across the lack of time depth. To Renfrew away. North Sea. We already knew that “a central problem with the data spoke at home. Was she really an of the non-Saxon clusters is clearly did press west and north, This was no petty foot- by the sixth century Frankish- is that it comes only from mod- “ancient Briton”, speaking some remarkable. Cornwall and Devon fighting the British Gododdin ball rivalry. It reflects, we are German tribes occupied most of ern DNA, not from ancient skel- version of Welsh? Or was she a appear wholly different from tribe in Northumbria and the told, an ancient genetic differ- what is now England. etons. What would be interesting British Saxon, speaking a version each other, as do north and south Welsh along the Severn. And they ence. You find it between parts What we do not really know is would be to look at data from pre- of German? Cunliffe accepts that Wales. The Severn and the Dee stopped this migration at what of Yorkshire and Lancashire, when they came, how they set- Roman and ancient Saxon bones, “many people now wonder if the are similar, as are Ulster and became the Welsh and Scottish between Scotland’s highlands tled and who, if anyone, was there and see how far it matches with long-term tongue of the east coast Galloway. Even the old northern borders, leaving half the area of and lowlands, between Pennine before them. Donnelly claims these findings.” In other words, a of England was not Celtic at all, kingdom of Elmet is detectable in the British Isles to what perhaps villages and Cumbrian dales. that his gene map shows a Saxon lot of money seems to have gone but German”. The new concept modern genes. we should now call clusters of Gwynedd people have gazed for migration “moving into what on what non-academics might call of “sea-as-land” suggests that Grouping people by “genetic people speaking versions of what centuries across the Dovey estu- is now eastern England from the blindingly obvious, with ten- relative ease of movement by sea clusters” is obviously dangerous. used to be called Celtic, which is ary into Ceredigion and muttered: AD450-600 after the collapse of dentious conclusions and a dose of means coasts have closer cultural It yields odious stereotypes and emphatically not Germanic. “They’re not real Welsh there.” the Roman empire”. It shows inter-disciplinary rivalry. ties across water than with their risks damaging the democratic That line of cessation remains The latest DNA research from 20-40pc of the study’s English The concept of an Anglo-Saxon own hinterland. axiom that all humans be treated to this day. The Saxon/English the Wellcome Trust Centre for gene pool to be north European, “invasion” and genocide of ancient Thus the Saxons (who included equal. kings tried for centuries to con- Human Genetics, in Oxford, spread across what is now consid- Britons is written deep into many Roman mercenaries) may But scientific research is quer and hold these peoples in claims “astonishing results”. ered England. early English history, helped by have seen themselves in eastern always liberating. When in 2002 a “first British empire”. They According to its author, Peter This migration was appar- Arthurian legend and a Victorian Britain as merely joining what tooth and bone DNA showed failed to assimilate them, and Donnelly, there was no Celtic peo- ently so potent that in just a few fascination with Saxon incursions, had long been their kith and Stonehenge’s Amesbury man to now their sovereignty over them ple before the Romans arrived, or centuries it eliminated almost assisted by the German Prince kin. Equally, Wales was closer have travelled from the Alps, grows weaker by the decade. after: only genetic clusters. There all trace of indigenous language Albert. It has long been set aside to Ireland than England, and with a companion from Kent, it Ireland went in 1921 and Scotland was no Anglo-Saxon genocide and archaeological remains in its in favour of the “topping up” of Cornwall to Brittany. It is frus- opened an exhilarating window remains in doubt. Even Wales after the Romans left but a steady newly settled lands. Donnelly’s co- age-old migration. Hence the trating that the gene survey on bronze-age Europe. This new and Cornwall are restive. Politics westward movement of Germanic author, the geneticist Sir Walter eagerness of Cunliffe and others ignored southern Ireland. data shows the British Isles as a cannot defy tribal sensibilities. In peoples, intermarrying with the Bodmer, adds that “Britain hasn’t for evidence of who, when and As it is, the new data is more melting pot of Europe for millen- other words for the English, so- pre-existing Britons. changed much since 600AD”. what it was that the incoming intriguing beyond the Saxon pale. nia. It is surely “much changed” called, to understand the origins The Oxford team has studied Meanwhile the later Viking inva- Saxons overwhelmed so com- While it found “no evidence of a since AD600. of those with whom they share the genes of 2,000 Britons who sion achieved no such penetration pletely. Two thousand Victorian general Celtic population in the Even if Saxons did not “invade” the British Isles is not an anti- can trace their parentage back to and left no such genetic traces, grandparents cannot tell us that. non-Saxon parts of the UK”, few in the dark ages but merely quarian foible. It is a constitu- the late 19th century. The results leading to headlines last week I used to puzzle over the ques- historians would have expected migrated over land people like tional necessity. mostly confirm conventional about Saxons and Vikings. tion of what language Boudicca otherwise. But the distinctiveness them had long occupied, they THE GUARDIAN MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Erdogan at odds with govt over Kurdish peace move

ISTANBUL: An unprecedented rift in August 2014 after over a decade as Erdogan hit back by saying late handle the whole issue. The president New Year, calling for a congress to end emerged yesterday between Turkish premier, although analysts have noted Saturday: “I consult with my people on meanwhile expressed anger at a joint the rebellion but falling short of setting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and increasing tensions between himself and every issue. I am the president.” public appearance at the Dolmabahce a clear timetable for PKK disarmament. the government over the handling of hand-picked Prime Minister Ahmet Arinc showed no sign of backing down Palace -- the office of the prime minister Expected by some observers to have been the peace process to end the decades- Davutoglu. “His (Erdogan’s) statements in new comments Sunday, warning of the in Istanbul -- on February 28 by Deputy a mere puppet of Erdogan, former foreign long armed struggle by Kurdish mili- like ‘I did not like that’ or ‘I’m not happy danger of boosting the opposition ahead Prime Minister Yalcin Akdogan and pro- minister Davutoglu is showing ambition tants. A senior minister told Erdogan about that’ are emotional and are his of June 7 legislative elections. Kurdish lawmakers. to be a high profile prime minister. to stop interfering and making “emo- own views,” said Deputy Prime Minister “We love our president, we know his Sirri Sureyya Onder, a lawmaker from On Saturday Davutoglu addressed a tional” statements but the president Bulent Arinc. strengths, we appreciate the service he the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic vast rally at a sports hall in Istanbul, snapped back that he had no intention “The peace process is being carried out has done. But don’t forget that in this Party (HDP), read out a message at that declaring in an impassioned speech that of staying out of politics. by the government and the government is country there is a government,” he said. meeting from jailed PKK leader Abdullah with the peace process it was time to In remarks published in pro-Erdogan responsible for this question,” said Arinc, The dispute stems from a government Ocalan urging the group to lay down its “bury in the ground for ever the culture newspapers yesterday, the president said the official cabinet spokesman. plan to create a monitoring committee to arms. “I did not find the meeting that of hatred”. Erdogan has since August a meeting between the government and His remarks were seen as a stinging oversee the process to end the decades- was held there to be right. I did not think transformed the office of the Turkish pro-Kurdish lawmakers three weeks ago rebuke to Erdogan, and the independent long conflict with the Kurdistan Workers’ the picture of the deputy prime minister presidency — hitherto a largely ceremo- to announce a call for disarmament was T24 news website said the dispute had Party (PKK). side-by-side with a parliamentary faction nial role — into Turkey’s most powerful “not appropriate”. become the most serious internal crisis in Erdogan strongly disputes the was appropriate,” Erdogan said. post and wants to cement this by chang- The dispute is the most significant the more than 12-year rule of the Justice idea, arguing that Turkey’s National Ocalan on Saturday issued a new state- ing the constitution. yet since Erdogan took the presidency and Development Party (AKP). Intelligence Organisation (MIT) should ment marking the traditional Kurdish AFP Yemen faces Libya-style strife, says Houthi chief UNSC condemns Houthis, threatens further measures

ADEN: The leader of Yemen’s and the UN Security Council to Saleh was forced from power in powerful Houthi movement call an emergency session. early 2012 after a year-long popu- vowed yesterday to pursue Impoverished but strategic lar uprising and has been accused Islamist militants behind sui- Yemen has descended into chaos of working with the Houthis to cide attacks anywhere and said in recent months, with the Shia restore his influence. the country was in danger of militia, known as Houthis, seizing Security sources said Houthi descending into Libya-style control of Sana’a and forcing Hadi militiamen were also patrolling strife. to flee to the main southern city parts of Taez and had set up In a live televised speech, of Aden. checkpoints in Raheda, some 80 Abdel-Malek Al Houthi said his The Arabian Peninsula country km south of the city on the road decisison to mobilise his fight- is increasingly divided between a to Aden. ers amid accelerating violence in north controlled by the Houthis, A military source said troops recent days was aimed against who are allegedly backed by Iran, loyal to Hadi and southern para- Islamic State, which claimed and a south dominated by Hadi’s military forces had meanwhile responsibility for bombings that allies. deployed in Lahj province north killed more than 130 in the capital The Houthis and their allies of Aden, in anticipation of a pos- Sana’a on Friday, and against Al seized the airport in Taez, which sible Houthi advance. Qaeda. is just 180km north of Aden on Houthi militiamen killed one He also criticised the UN the road to Sana’a and seen as protester in Taez when they Security Council, saying it was a strategic entry point to Hadi’s opened fire to disperse thou- Protesters run as pro-Houthi police troopers fire tear gas to disperse them in Yemen’s southwestern city of Taiz led by countries that ploted “evil” refuge. sands of people demanding that yesterday. Houthi fighters opposed to Yemen’s president took over the central city of Taiz in an escalation of a against others. Security sources said some 300 the rebels withdraw, activists said. power struggle diplomats say risks drawing in neighbouring oil giant Saudi Arabia and its main regional rival Iran. The United Nations Security men, including Houthi fighters Elsewhere, six tribesmen were Council meanwhile condemned dressed in military uniforms and killed in Qania, in Marib province, the takeover of much of Yemen allied forces, had deployed at the in a clash with Houthis advanc- arrest in Sanaa last month and to stop this aggression that is tendered under Houthi pressure. and its institutions by the Shia airport and reinforcements were ing towards the eastern province, fleeing to Aden. aimed at undermining the legiti- On Thursday, his forces overran Houthi militia and warn of “fur- arriving from Sana’a by air and a tribal source said. The source In a letter to the Security mate authority, the fragmenta- the special forces base in Aden ther measures” if hostilities do land. claimed that 30 militiamen were Council, he said the Houthis and tion of Yemen and its peace and after its commander rejected not end, diplomats said The forces allied with the killed. their allies “not only threaten stability.” Hadi’s decision to remove him. Shia militia yesterday seized Houthis included members of the Hadi, backed by Western and peace in Yemen but regional and Hadi has been trying to cement On Saturday he pledged to the airport in a key central city as former central security force, a Gulf states as Yemen’s legitimate international peace and security”. his power base in Aden which he fight Iranian influence in Yemen, deteriorating security prompted unit seen as loyal to ex-president ruler, has struggled to reassert He called for “urgent inter- declared the temporary capital accusing the Houthis of importing Washington to evacuate personnel Ali Abdullah Saleh. his authority since escaping house vention by all available means after he retracted a resignation Tehran’s ideology. AGENCIES

German tourist Shia militia chief slams army killed in Egypt weaklings over Tikrit strikes shark attack CAIRO: A shark attack yester- CAMP ASHRAF, IRAQ: The jihadist group and that they were police and a number of Popular day killed a 52-year-old German head of a powerful Shia militia needed. Mobilisation groups are taking tourist in an Egyptian Red Sea yesterday criticised “weaklings” Saadi was not available for part in the operation, bringing resort, in the first such incident in the Iraqi army who want comment on Ameri’s remarks. different tactics, skill levels and in five years, police said. US-led air strikes to support The Pentagon said that the willingness to take casualties to The attack in which the shark the massive operation to retake Iraqi government has not made the fight. sheared off the German’s leg took Tikrit from militants. any request for air support for the The latter groups are mostly place off Al Qusair. The remarks by Hadi al- Tikrit operation, which began on composed of Shiite fighters, some It was the first fatal shark Ameri point to a possible divide March 2. in pre-existing militias while oth- attack in Egypt since a string between the Iraqi army and Ameri indirectly referenced an ers fight for those formed since IS of maulings in 2010 that killed allied paramilitaries known as additional possible obstacle to US led a major offensive that over- a German woman and wounded “Popular Mobilisation” units, support aside from the lack of an ran large areas north and west of three Russian tourists in another which are dominated by Shiite official request: the role of Iran. Baghdad last June. Red Sea resort. militia forces, over the now- Washington may be reluctant Baghdad turned to militiamen The Red Sea is home to sev- stalled Tikrit drive. to be directly involved in an oper- to bolster its flagging forces, and eral species of shark, but the type “Some of the weaklings in ation in which rival Iran has been they have played a role in driving believed to have been behind the the army... say we need the playing a major role. IS back. But depending on them 2010 attacks was the oceanic Americans, while we say we do “Qassem Suleimani is here also risks further entrenching whitetip common to the region. not need the Americans,” Ameri whenever we need him,” said these forces, some of which have The attacks in 2010 forced the told journalists at Camp Ashraf, Ameri, referring to Iran’s top been accused of human rights government to close off a stretch north of Baghdad, when asked officer responsible for foreign violations. of beach in the Sharm el-Sheikh about US-led air support for operations. It is unclear who if anyone has resort for a week. Tikrit. “He was giving very good overall command of the Tikrit Army Staff Lieutenant General advice. The battle ended now, operation, and disputes between Abdulwahab Al Saadi, a top com- and he returned to his operations the forces involved would hamper S Sudan rebels free An Iraqi Sunni fighter stands at a checkpoint at the entrance of Al Alam, a mander in Salaheddin province, headquarters,” he said, apparently an effort that has already become flashpoint town north of Tikrit along the Tigris River, which has been fully of which Tikrit is the capital, referring to the current halt in bogged down by the huge number 250 child soldiers under the control of government fighters and local Sunni tribesmen opposed said that he had requested such the fight for Tikrit. of bombs planted by IS in the to Islamic State group. strikes against the Islamic State Forces from the army, the city’s streets and houses. AFP GENEVA: A South Sudanese rebel group has freed 250 child soldiers — including a girl as young as nine, the UN chil- dren’s agency said on Sunday, but warned that thousands Libya draft deal could be ready in two days: UN envoy were still being forced to fight. The rebel Cobra Faction is also set to release another 400 child SKHIRAT, MOROCCO: The Bernardino Leon blamed the internationally recognised cabinet of Skhirat when the fighting home”. There would be further soldiers in the next two days UN’s Libya envoy said yester- delay on fighting around Tripoli said loyalist forces had launched an erupted. But Leon said the del- consultations Sunday and Monday under a deal with the govern- day documents to pave the way over the past two days. offensive to “liberate” Tripoli. egates “agreed that at the end of aimed at preparing the docu- ment, out of total of 3,000 it holds, for a unity government for the “For the moment, no one is The capital was seized in the day, even with this military ments on the unity government Unicef said. “fragmented” country have leaving. We have had a difficult August by Fajr Libya, a militia escalation, it is more important as well as security arrangements, However, the scourge of child been delayed but could still be moment... and after these attacks alliance which includes Islamists what we are trying to do here. It he said. “The documents... might recruitment is far from over in ready within two days. there was a possibility either to can- that has installed its own govern- is more important to stay here.” be ready soon, maybe tomorrow South Sudan, as some 12,000 Speaking in Morocco, where he cel the dialogue or to lose some of ment and legislature in Tripoli. “Libya is not divided into two (Monday) or after tomorrow and youngsters are still fighting in has been working with represent- the delegations,” Leon told report- The Tripoli parliament’s del- camps. Libya is fragmented,” said then we expect to start the next the ranks of the country’s war- atives of Libya’s rival parliaments ers. Libya has two governments egation threatened to walk out of Leon, adding that the delegates in stage of the talks,” Leon said. ring factions, the UN says. to nail down the agreement, and parliaments, and on Friday the the talks in the Moroccan resort Morocco have “strong support back AFP AFP MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 EUROPE www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Andalusia poll: Big test for Spain France’s National Front Anti-austerity eyes gains in local polls

PARIS: France’s National party in focus Front, one of the most power- ful far right parties in Europe, SEVILLE: Andalusia, one of was expecting significant gains the poorest parts of Spain, held against President Francois a regional vote yesterday seen Hollande’s ruling Socialists in as a key test of anti-austerity local elections yesterday. party Podemos ahead of the The party appeared set to country’s most unpredictable capitalise on a high abstention general election in decades. rate, as well as a general loss of Recent years of recession and faith in the country’s mainstream corruption scandals make the parties after years of economic southern region of farms and slump. “I feel confident,” Marine tourist beaches a prime testing Le Pen, the controversial National ground for Spain’s new political Front (FN) leader said as she cast dynamic, transformed by the eco- her vote at a school in northern nomic crisis and ensuing austerity France. measures. “Everything is ready to With turnout at just over 18 fill the ballot boxes with mauve!” percent by midday, Hollande Podemos said on its Twitter called on the French to vote as account, referring to the party he cast his own ballot in central colour. “Andalusia is reclaiming France. “Today, the (key) issue the pulse of change,” Podemos’s is abstention,” he said. “And the Andalusia candidate Teresa Manuela Villena (left), wife of Andalusian regional People’s Party (PP) leader and candidate for the region’s elections score of the National Front.” Rodriguez said on her personal Despite topping several opinion Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla (right), casts her vote at a polling station in Malaga, southern Spain, yesterday. Twitter page. polls with around 30 percent of The election is an important the overall vote, the FN was not President Francois Hollande stands warm-up for Podemos — which surging protest movements in a “significantly higher” than in the million voters. The winner may expected to win more than four in the queue to cast his ballot during is looking to match the feat of dress rehearsal for national polls last election, the regional govern- have to strike an alliance with of the 101 “departments” up for the elections yesterday in Tulle. its ally Syriza in Greece — and due around November. ment said. “Everyone will inter- Podemos or Ciudadanos, fore- grabs, due to tactical voting by another upstart, the centre-right Greece’s Syriza won elections in pret the results (in Andalusia) as shadowing what coalitions may its opponents. Ciudadanos. “It’s an important January on a wave of discontent if it were a first round in the gen- later be forged to govern Spain. The ruling Socialists and con- Earlier this week, she declared test of all the options we just about painful cuts imposed during eral elections,” said Anton Losada, Andalusia was among the servative opposition UMP often her party would “invade the didn’t have up until now,” said economic crisis — the same trend a political scientist at Santiago de regions hardest hit by the collapse club together in second-round Elysee (presidential palace)”. Ismail Abiles, a 57-year-old civil that has pushed Podemos to the Compostela university. of Spain’s housing market and run-offs — which are due on The FN has capitalised on servant as he cast his vote. top of the polls in Spain. “That is going to happen with ensuing financial crisis in 2008. March 29 — just to keep the far- anger over France’s lacklustre The main opposition Socialist Podemos was buoyed by Syriza’s the Andalusian election and will Its regional unemployment rate is right from power. That means economy, as well as the politi- Party, in power in Andalusia victory, but was given pause for happen again with the other local the highest in Europe at 34.2 per- the UMP led by former president cally explosive issues of immi- since 1982, is seeking re-election thought by the tense ongoing and regional elections in May.” cent. Formed only in January 2014, Nicolas Sarkozy — which was gration and the integration of against the conservative Popular squabbles between the Greek Polls indicate neither of the Podemos has also topped national running neck-and-neck with the Islam into French society. But it Party, which governs nationally. party and European powers over main parties — the socialists or polls. Its pony-tailed leader Pablo FN in polling — was expected to has also benefited from the disas- The two parties that have the country’s crippling debt. the conservatives — will win an Iglesias, 36, vows to end austerity make the biggest gains. trous state of Hollande’s popular- taken turns to govern Spain since Figures issued at 1400 GMT absolute majority in the regional and do away with what he brands Sarkozy predicted a “wave” of ity figures. the 1980s face the rival pair of appeared to show turnout was parliament from Andalusia’s 6.5 a corrupt political elite. AFP departments falling to his UMP. His ratings have hit record But tactical voting against the lows, despite a temporary boost in FN has grown increasingly con- the wake of the January attacks troversial now that the party is on the Charlie Hebdo magazine no longer on the fringes, playing and a Jewish supermarket, when into Le Pen’s claims that the tra- he was credited for rallying the UK candidate suspended over far-right plot claims ditional parties are out of touch country. with the electorate. Hollande’s Socialists and their “It’s as if the only policy of allies on the French left were LONDON: Britain’s ruling footage and telephone recordings effect, pending an investigation. EDL, a street protest movement. the UMP and the Socialists is to expected to lose about half of the Conservatives have suspended a obtained by the Mail on Sunday “The Conservative Party views The allegations are damaging to oppose the National Front,” she 61 departments they currently Muslim candidate in a key seat newspaper trying to persuade the this as a matter of extremely seri- a Conservative party that needs to said at a recent campaign meet- control. Last year, the FN took following allegations he plot- EDL to announce a march against ous concern,” he said. win seats such as Dudley North, ing. “That’s not going to reduce first place in European elections ted with the far right English a new mosque in the area. Amin has denied the allega- currently held by opposition unemployment.” and won control of 11 town halls. Defence League (EDL) to stir Amin then allegedly planned to tions, telling the Independent on Labour on a tiny majority, to have Regardless of its final tally in The departmental polls mark up racial tension to help win take the credit for brokering the Sunday newspaper that the claims a chance of obtaining a majority the departments, which control another opportunity for the party votes in May’s election. suspension of the protest. were based on small snippets of on May 7. The Conservatives have issues such as school and welfare to expand beyond impoverished Afzal Amin, a parliamentary A spokesman for the over 57 hours of meetings he had governed Britain in coalition with budgets, a high percentage of areas on the outskirts of cities candidate in Dudley North in cen- Conservative Party said Amin had held with the local Muslim com- the Liberal Democrats since 2010. votes will still boost Le Pen’s bid and deeper into French society, tral England, was shown in video been suspended with immediate munity and the leadership of the REUTERS for the presidency in 2017. especially in rural areas. AFP

West should Ukrainian Fashion Week consider all Artillery rocks Donetsk despite truce

tools to help DONETSK: Artillery fire and rocket-propelled grenades hotspots including the airport and rocked the outskirts of the rebel- against government troops over- around the key government-held Ukraine: NATO held east Ukraine city of Donetsk night. It said there had been three port city of Mariupol. yesterday in the latest clashes injuries in its ranks but no deaths. According to the army, mili- to rattle an internationally- In the separatist stronghold tants fired 120mm mortar BRUSSELS: The West brokered ceasefire between pro- of Lugansk, the army also came shells overnight at the village of should consider using all its Russian separatists and Kiev. under fire from small arms and Shyrokyne, around 20km east tools to help Ukraine, includ- The sound of intensive explo- heavier 120mm mortar shells, of Mariupol. Many fear that the ing sending defensive weap- sions erupted at 9am (0600 GMT) according to an official statement. steel-making hub — the largest ons, NATO’s top military and appeared to come from the The overall rate of fighting has major city held by the govern- commander said yesterday. area around Donetsk airport, declined sharply since the peace ment in the conflict zone — could Officials in Washington have one of several flashpoints where deal, which obliges both sides to become the focus of a new been discussing whether to send shelling has rumbled on despite stop shooting and withdraw heavy offensive, opening up a corridor weapons to Ukraine’s military the February truce deal that has weapons, was hammered out by between rebel-held territory and to help them fight pro-Russian eased fighting around much of the leaders of France, Germany, Russian-annexed Crimea. There separatists who NATO says eastern Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine. were also nine sightings of rebel are armed and supported by The Ukranian army said rebels However, sporadic clashes with drones over the last 24 hours, Moscow. “I do not think that any located near the airport had used small arms and shells have con- Ukrainian military spokesman tool of US or any other nation’s small arms, 82mm mortar shells tinued on a near daily basis at Andriy Lysenko said. AFP power should necessarily be off Models wait backstage during Ukrainian Fashion Week in Kiev. the table,” US Air Force General Philip Breedlove told a Brussels conference when asked if he was in favour of sending defensive weapons to Ukraine. The West imposed economic European far-right meets at pro-Kremlin forum sanctions on Russia over its role in the conflict in eastern Ukraine and its annexation of SAINT PETERSBURG: Representatives Germany’s National Democratic Party, said at Crimea last year, but fighting of about a dozen far-right groups from the conference. “It is incredible what patience has continued. across Europe gathered in Russia yesterday Russia and President Putin have shown in the Without naming Russia, for a pro-Kremlin conference as concern face of NATO’s aggressive policies.” Breedlove said diplomatic, swirls over Moscow’s alleged attempts to Organisers said the forum was intended information, military and eco- court extremists on the continent. to strengthen links with right-wing groups nomic tactics were all being About 150 members of Russian nationalist across Europe and help shape a common used against Ukraine. “And so and right-wing European parties — includ- agenda. “This meeting is the first foundation we, I think, in the West should ing Greece’s Golden Dawn and Germany’s stone towards constructing the new world that consider all of our tools in reply. National Democratic Party — met in Russia’s we are obliged to build,” said Fyodor Birukov, Could it be destabilising? The second city Saint Petersburg to berate the from the pro-Kremlin Rodina party that answer is yes. Also, inaction West for its stance on the Ukraine conflict organised the event. could be destabilising.” and to promote “traditional values”. “I see this forum as a way pushing the fight He said NATO intelligence Far-rights groups across Europe have back against liberalism and what we call mod- pointed to “disturbing” mili- become vocal supporters of Russian President ernism, the destruction of traditional values tary developments in eastern Vladimir Putin over his handling of the including Christianity throughout the modern Ukraine and voiced concern Ukraine crisis, prompting allegations they world,” said Nick Griffin, former head of the about whether a ceasefire deal have reached a Faustian bargain to help bur- British National Party. “Russia is about tradi- reached in Minsk last month nish the Kremlin’s battered image. tion and Christianity and it’s very important was being complied with. “We The growing ties come despite Moscow’s that traditionalists from Russia, Europe and continue to see disturbing ele- claims it is aiming to counter what it sees America get together to present our ideas ments of air defence, command as “fascism” in Ukraine, where pro-Western more effectively to the general public.” and control, resupply, equip- protesters swept a Kremlin-backed president The meeting sparked condemnation from ment coming across a com- from power last year. the liberal opposition in Russia’s former impe- pletely porous border,” he said. “We do not support the sanctions against rial capital, with several demonstrators out- Russian activists hold a protest near the venue of the International Russian Conservative REUTERS Russia over the Ukraine conflict,” Udo Voigt, side the hotel venue holding placards reading Forum in Saint-Petersburg yesterday. a member of the European Parliament from “no to Nazis”. AFP MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com AMERICAS Marine Corps Last journey on alert after online threat IS threatens 100 US military staff

WASHINGTON: The US The IS Hacking Division said Marine Corps yesterday urged the 100 military staff had target- “vigilance” after a group claim- ted the Islamic State group in ing to be Islamic State hackers Iraq, Syria and Yemen. published what they said were “With the huge amount of data the names and addresses of 100 we have from various different military personnel and urged servers and databases, we have supporters to kill them. decided to leak 100 addresses The warning came after a so that our brothers residing in group calling itself the Islamic America can deal with you,” the State Hacking Division posted group wrote. information about members of “Now we have made it easy for the air force, army and navy, you by giving you addresses, all including photos and ranks, on you need to do is take the final the Internet, according to moni- step, so what are you waiting for?” toring group SITE Intelligence. Nato commander Philip The US Marine Corps said it Breedlove called the publication was visiting all affected staff, and an attempt by IS to divert atten- urged caution online. tion from military setbacks. “Vigilance and force protection “What we have seen across the considerations remain a priority last several months is that every The funeral procession of seven children who died in a house fire leaves the Shomrei Hadas Chapels enroute to the airport for their final resting for commanders and their person- time they take a defeat on the place in Israel, yesterday in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. nel,” US Marine Corps Lieutenant battlefield, or every time they are Colonel John Caldwell said in a under great pressure on the bat- statement, adding that the threat tlefield, they come out with kind remained “unverified”. of some big splash like this,” he “It is recommended Marines said at a conference in Brussels. and family members check their “This caliphate, I think, is Cruz to announce presidential bid today online/social footprint, ensuring under great pressure and so they privacy settings are adjusted to try to divert attention from what WASHINGTON: Texas expected to reveal their plans in position on his party’s far right Governor Scott Walker ranks limit the amount of available per- is happening on the battlefield,” Senator Ted Cruz, a conserva- coming weeks. wing. In recent weeks, he has told second at 16 percent. sonal information.” he added. tive firebrand who has fre- Cruz, 44, has built a reputa- audiences to look closely at the Several other potential candi- The Pentagon regularly tells A defence department official quently clashed with leaders tion as an unyielding advocate for actions of Republican candidates dates are statistically tied with service members to be careful told AFP they were investigating of his Republican Party, will conservative principles in his two who say they stick up for con- Cruz, including Paul, Rubio, New about what they post online. the posting. announce today that he plans to years in the Senate. servative principles. Jersey Governor Chris Christie, The self-proclaimed IS Hacking “I can’t confirm the validity of run for president, an aide told He pushed his party to force “We need to look to people former Arkansas Governor Mike Division claimed it took the infor- the information, but we are look- Reuters yesterday. a government shutdown in who walk the walk and don’t Huckabee, and retired neurosur- mation from government servers, ing into it,” the official said. Cruz will be the first major 2013 in an unsuccessful effort just talk the talk,” he said at the geon Ben Carson. databases and emails and called “The safety of our service mem- figure from either party to to deny funding to President Conservative Political Action All of these potential candi- on its followers to mount attacks. bers is always a concern.” announce his candidacy for the Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Conference in February. dates have spent the past several A defence source, however, told The United States is leading 2016 election when he speaks at Act, drawing the disapproval of Cruz is currently favoured months meeting with donors and The New York Times most of the an international coalition target- Liberty University, an evangeli- Republican leaders in Washington by 8 percent of self-identified visiting states like Iowa and New information was in fact available ting the Islamic State group in cal Christian school in Virginia. and praise from the grassroots Republicans in a Reuters/Ipsos Hampshire that vote early in the in public records and did not Iraq and Syria, where the Islamist Two other prominent Republican Tea Party movement. tracking poll. Former Florida primary season, but none have appear to have been hacked from militants have taken over swaths senators, Rand Paul of Kentucky As a presidential candidate, Governor Jeb Bush leads the poll yet to formally announce their government servers. of territory. AFP and Marco Rubio of Florida, are Cruz is likely to stake out a at 21 percent, and Wisconsin candidacy. REUTERS

German president in Peru Argentina Special licence plate hideout may have been for case in top US court WASHINGTON: The US flag surrounded by the words Nazis: Report Supreme Court today takes up “Sons of Confederate Veterans a free speech case on whether 1896.” The flag is a blue cross BUENOS AIRES: Texas was wrong in rejecting inlaid with white stars over a red Archeologists in Argentina a specialty vehicle licence plate background. believe a collection of ruins displaying the Confederate The group’s Texas chapter said found deep in a remote jungle flag — to some an emblem of its members’ free speech rights region may be the remains of a Southern pride and to others a were violated when the state secret hideout built by German symbol of racism. rejected the plate. Several other Nazis to flee to after World War The nine justices will hear a states have approved similar II, a report said yesterday. one-hour oral argument in a case plates. A team of archaeologists is that raises the issue of how states When Texas rejected the pro- studying the remains of three can allow or reject politically divi- posal in 2010, the state said it buildings located in the Teyu sive messages on licence plates had received public comments Cuare provincial park in north- without violating free speech that suggested “many members of ern Argentina on its border with rights. States can generate rev- the general public find the design Paraguay, the Clarin newspaper enue by allowing outside groups offensive” in large part due to the reported. to propose specialty licence plates Confederacy being synonymous The University of Buenos that people then pay a fee to put with the institution of slavery. Aires researchers have found five on their vehicle. A black Texas Democratic state German coins minted between The group Sons of Confederate senator, Royce West, said in 2011, 1938 and 1941 and a fragment Veterans says its aim is to pre- “Ill-intended or not, why would of porcelain plate bearing the serve the “history and legacy” of African Americans want to be inscription “Made in Germany.” soldiers who fought for the pro- reminded of a legalised system of “Apparently, halfway through slavery Confederacy in the US involuntary servitude, dehumani- the Second World War, the Nazis Civil War. Its proposed design sation, rape and mass murder?” had a secret project of building German President Joachim Gauck (centre) is given a poncho in Ayacucho, Peru, yesterday. His life partner, featured a Confederate battle REUTERS shelters for top leaders in the Daniela Schadt, stands to his left. The German President is on a visit to South America. event of defeat — inaccessible sites, in the middle of deserts, in the mountains, on a cliff or in the middle of the jungle like this,” the archaeologists’ team leader Daniel Schavelzon told Clarin. All eyes on EU foreign policy chief’s visit to Cuba Ultimately, though, the hideout wasn’t needed. HAVANA: EU foreign pol- strong momentum,” Mogherini scientist Eduardo Perera told in Cuba itself, and provide new the thaw with Washington was Thousands of Nazis, Croatian icy chief Federica Mogherini said in a statement earlier this AFP the negotiations in March opportunities for all,” Mogherini announced. Ustasha fascists and Italian fas- arrives in Cuba today in a bid month announcing the trip. reflected “marked differences of said. The EU hailed the move, call- cists arrived in Argentina with to spur delicately balanced talks The meeting between the top view” which made talks on human Besides meeting Rodriguez ing it a historic turning point. the blessing of president Juan aimed at normalising ties with diplomats aims at giving a shot in rights “thorny.” tomorrow, Mogherini is due to However, Spain in January urged Peron, who led the nation from the communist island state. the arm to the talks with the EU “A high-level exchange could meet other Cuban government the EU to speed up its proc- 1946 to 1955 and again briefly The visit comes as previously that began some 11 months ago. strengthen dialogue, but I think officials as well as the archbishop ess of normalisation to not lose in the 1970s, according to the icy relations between Cuba and The EU and Cuba held a third that will be the only topic to be of Havana, Cardinal Jaime Ortega, ground to Washington, particu- Nazi-hunting Simon Wiesenthal the West are thawing, following round of talks between chief nego- addressed,” Perera said. and civil society representatives. larly on trade. Since 1996, EU Center. In 1960, Nazi Adolf the dramatic rapprochement tiators at the beginning of March The talks earlier this month No meeting with President policy toward Cuba has been Eichmann, who helped organise between Havana and Washington aimed at tackling sensitive human were the first meeting between Raul Castro has been announced. guided by the so-called Common the Holocaust, was captured in in the last few months. rights issues and finalising an the 28-country EU and Havana In 2014, the EU launched its Position, which rules out full rela- Buenos Aires by an Israeli com- Mogherini will meet Cuban agreement “on political dialogue since the United States and Cuba normalisation process with the tions with Havana until it makes mando team and tried in Israel Foreign Minister Bruno and cooperation.” surprised the world by announc- Americas’ only communist nation reforms in areas such as diverse where he was executed. Rodriguez during the two-day EU negotiator Christian ing in December that they would to encourage the country to pur- political participation and free- Among other Nazis who visit which “comes at a crucial Leffler revealed that “differ- move to restore relations after sue reforms allowing for private dom of expression. The EU sus- sought refuge in Argentina time” for negotiations between ences of interpretation” had half a century. initiatives without having to pended talks with Cuba in 2003 were Joseph Mengele, Martin the two sides, her office said. emerged during the talks, while “The EU has been closely fol- change the one-party political after Havana launched a crack- Bormann, Walter Kutschmann, “Cuba is facing a very inter- Havana meanwhile appealed for lowing the developments in Cuba system. The negotiating ses- down and jailed 75 dissidents in a Josef Schwammberger, Eduard esting period and the European the EU to respect the “princi- and its relations with key inter- sions earlier this month, initially direct response to calls for liber- Roschmann and Wilfred Von Union is keen to see how we can ple of non-interference” in its national players, which create scheduled for January, had been alisation and greater respect for Oven, and Alois Brunner. AFP take the relationship forward with internal affairs. Cuban political new dynamics in the region and postponed by Cuba just before human rights. AFP MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 ASIA / AFRICA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Fonseka gets Copter crashes into lake promoted to field marshal Lanka president consolidates power

COLOMBO: A former Sri gains popularity. The 64-year old Lankan army general who veteran, dressed in his uniform, led the military to victory in walked to a special red-carpeted a 26-year war against Tamil stage in front of Sirisena to hear Tiger separatists and later the reading of his 40 years of served time in jail was elevated military achievements and receive to become the nation’s first five- the field marshal baton. The cer- star field marshal yesterday. emony included the raising of a Sarath Fonseka had won a flag with a new symbol for five- pardon in January from newly star field marshal. elected President Maithripala “He led the military to totally Sirisena after being convicted defeat and destroy the terrorists by the government of former with the help of other security President Mahinda Rajapaksa of forces,” Sirisena told the gather- offences ranging from corruption ing. “We got freedom and peace to engaging in politics in uniform. six years ago.” Fonseka’s promotion could “This (the promotion) will help Sirisena gain the confidence help Sirisena make sure that of the military and strengthen Fonseka or the military does the president’s position versus not back Rajapaksa in a future Rescuers pull the wreckage of a small helicopter out of a lake in Hefei, China, yesterday. The pilot remained missing and the sole passenger was Rajapaksa in a future election. election if Rajapaksa returns to injured after the two-seater Ukraine-made aircraft fell into the lake during an unregistered flight. Sirisena yesterday formed a gov- active politics,” a political ana- ernment with the main opposi- lyst said. tion party amid talk of a possible “But Sirisena has to make sure split in that party as Rajapaksa Fonseka does not intervene in mil- itary matters since he has already retired.” Fonseka had challenged Singapore founding father’s condition worsens Rajapaksa in the presidential elec- tion of 2010 and lost the election SINGAPORE: Singaporeans Lee Hsien Loong, Singapore’s constituency of Tanjong Pagar the highest per capita incomes in by 18 percentage points. were transfixed by news about prime minister and Lee Kuan and wrote a message on a large the world. Rajapaksa’s government the health of the country’s first Yew’s son, joined well-wishers at banner of goodwill notes left by “In a broader picture, coming accused him of planning a mili- prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, the Singapore General Hospital residents. It read, “Dear Papa, from the United States, and see- tary coup and arrested him one leaving flowers and tributes at yesterday in the corner desig- Hope you get better!” ing what Singapore has meant to month before his election defeat. the hospital where he is being nated for people to leave flowers Others have taken to social South-East Asia and the US, he’s Fonseka rejected the allegation. treated, as the government said and cards. media to express admiration and built something quite substantial,” He was sentenced to 30 months yesterday his condition had “There were many cards, flow- gratitude in an outpouring of said 56-year-old David Epstein, an in jail and released in May 2012. weakened further. ers and other gifts,” the prime emotion rare in the city state. American working in Singapore, Fonseka headed a new opposi- The 91-year-old Lee, who is minister wrote on his Facebook Lee Kuan Yew, one of the pre- who went to the hospital with his tion party while in jail and won a seen as the founding father of page. “Glad I had a chance to dominant figures of modern Asian family. parliamentary seat in April 2010 modern Singapore, which he led meet and thank well-wishers for politics, is widely credited with “Can’t predict what the future elections but was stripped of the from 1959 until 1990, has been in their support.” transforming Singapore from a is, but I think it is important to Sarath Fonseka during the post after his sentencing. hospital with severe pneumonia The previous day, he visited the British colonial outpost into a pay tribute to that contribution.” ceremony in Colombo yesterday. REUTERS since February 5. community club in his father’s financial powerhouse with one of REUTERS Climate change poses grave Koreas spar over plan to launch DVD balloons SEOUL: North Korea’s mili- local residents have complained The move is aimed at “delib- their safety” if the balloons are such launches, but has appealed threat to China, tary yesterday threatened to the activists are putting their erately escalating tension on the launched, it said. for restraint to avoid overly pro- blow up balloons that South lives at risk by making them Korean peninsula where the situ- The launch will mark the five- voking the North Korean activists plan to send potential targets. ation has reached the brink of a year anniversary of the sinking of South Korean police have occa- says expert over the heavily-militarised “All the firepower strike war due to... joint war rehearsals” a South Korean warship in 2010, sionally prevented the launches BEIJING: China’s top border carrying 10,000 DVDs means of the frontline units of by South Korea and the United with the loss of 46 sailors. The at times of high cross-border ten- weather official has issued of the satirical Hollywood film the (Korean People’s Army) will States, it said. South pinned the blame on the sions, citing the possible dangers a stark warning on climate “The Interview”. launch without prior warning... The South’s military said it North and effectively froze trade posed to local residents. change, saying that rising Activists plan to launch cop- to blow up balloons,” the North’s would retaliate if the North and investment ties. The activists remained tight- temperatures could have “huge ies of the film — a comedy about frontline military units said in a opens fire on its territory. The warning came even lipped about the exact location impacts” on the world’s most a fictional CIA plot to assassi- notice to the South. But the North’s notice warned after South Korea’s Unification and time for the launch. populous country, state media nate North Korean leader Kim It said the launch would con- that any challenge to its “just Ministry on Friday vowed to take In October last year North reported yesterday. Jong-Un — as well as 500,000 stitute “the gravest politically- physical countermeasures” will steps preventing the launch in Korean soldiers attempted to Global climate change will propaganda leaflets across the motivated provocation” against trigger “merciless retaliatory order to protect local residents, shoot down some balloons, trig- reduce crop yields, lead to “eco- border on or around March 26. North Korea and “a de facto strikes”. saying there is a “limit” to free- gering a brief exchange of heavy logical degradation” and create Pyongyang has long con- declaration of a war”, according South Koreans living near dom of expression. machine-gun fire across the unstable river flows, Xinhua news demned such balloon launches to Pyongyang’s official Korean the border are “recommended Seoul insists the activists have border. agency quoted Zheng Guoguang, and threatened retaliation, and Central News Agency. to evacuate in advance for a democratic right to carry out AFP chief of China’s Meteorological Administration, as saying. “As the world warms, risks of climate change and climate disas- On World Water Day ters to China could become more Displaced Filipinos will grave,” Zheng said. Fire at South China is the world’s largest source of carbon dioxide emis- Korea camp sions which cause climate change. be allowed to return Beijing has said it aims for those emissions to peak “around 2030”. MANILA: Some of the an estimated 140 of its fighters kills five Temperature increases in 120,000 people displaced by although the military has only SEOUL: A fire swept through China over the past century have the Philippine army’s offensive recovered five of their bodies, a South Korean camping site been more extreme than global against Muslim insurgents will Petinglay said. yesterday, killing five people averages, Zheng added. soon be allowed to return home Six soldiers have also been including three children and He described climate change now that violence has eased, a killed, she added. injuring two others, firefight- as a “serious threat” to several spokeswoman said yesterday. There has been no new fighting ers said. Chinese mega-projects includ- “We will determine which since Monday, possibly indicating The dead — all from two ing the vast Three Gorges Dam, areas will be safe for evacuees to the BIFF has been weakened by families — were asleep when a railway connecting Tibet with go back, areas already cleared of its losses, Petinglay said. the fire broke out, ravaging northwest China, and a huge the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Petinglay said the government their tent close to an island scheme to divert water from the Fighters (BIFF),” said the and private relief organisations beach near the western city of country’s south to its dry north. regional military spokeswoman had enough supplies for dis- Incheon. Zheng called for China to take Captain Joan Petinglay. placed people, but some of them “The tent was completely a “low-carbon development path.” The military in the trou- would soon be allowed to return gutted within a minute,” Ryoo But Xinhua also quoted him as bled southern province of home now that the situation was Hwan-Hyeong, head of the saying that the potential for wind Maguindanao on Mindanao island stabilising. Ganghwa Island fire station, and solar energy was “limited”, in February launched an all-out Islamic separatist insurgencies told journalists. without giving further details. operation against the BIFF, a in the south have claimed tens of An investigation was under- China and the US, which small insurgent group fighting thousands of lives since the 1970s. way to determine the cause of together produce around 45 per- to set up an Islamic state in the Although the MILF has signed the blaze, but firefighters sus- cent of the world’s carbon dioxide, south of the largely Christian an initial peace deal, a bungled pect a short circuit in the vic- will be key to ensuring a global Philippines. police raid has left the peace proc- tims’ electric sleeping mat may deal on reducing emissions after It rejects a peace pact signed ess in jeopardy have triggered the fire. 2020 at a Paris summit later by the much larger Moro Islamic A total of 44 police comman- The two injured included this year. Liberation Front (MILF) from dos hunting some of the coun- a 43-year-old man surnamed China’s ruling Communist which the BIFF split. try’s most wanted extremists Park, who was sleeping in party has for decades empha- The UN refugee agency has were killed on January 25 when another tent nearby. sised economic growth, which warned that more than 120,000 they entered a Maguindanao “I was awaken by the flame has caused demand for energy people have fled their homes in stronghold of the BIFF and other early in the morning. I ran — especially coal — to skyrocket. the south due to the fighting. Muslim armed groups. out of my tent and saw a boy Coal use in China grew by an The government has housed The incident has become an standing outside the burn- average of nine percent each many of them in schools, ham- embarrassment to President ing tent. I took him to safety year from 2000 to 2010, accord- pering educational activities. Benigno Aquino, who has been but others had no chance,” ing to the US Energy Information A boy scoops water from a hand-dug well in the dry river bed near Since the operation began, blamed for poor leadership and Park was quoted as saying by Administration. Matinyani, in southeastern Kenya, yesterday, the World Water Day. the BIFF — which originally coordination of the operation. Yonhap news agency. AFP AFP numbered about 300 — has lost AFP MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN 80 militants Lynched woman killed in heavy clashes near was innocent: Afghan border

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Investigator troops killed 80 militants in heavy clashes in the lawless northwest, near the mountain- ous border with Afghanistan, Hundreds attend Farkhunda’s funeral a spokesman said yesterday, while the Pakistani Taliban said KABUL: A woman killed said this was a made-up defence at least six soldiers had been by an angry mob in front of by their father, who wanted to killed. police in the Afghan capital protect the family after police told Fighter jets have pounded last week for allegedly burning them to leave the city for their positions in the Tirah Valley in a copy of the Holy Quran was own safety. the Khyber region, west of the wrongly accused, Afghanistan’s “My father was frightened and city of Peshawar, over the last top criminal investigator said made the false statement to calm few days. yesterday. people down,” said Najibullah, A security official said those Mobile phone footage circulat- who is changing his second name killed last week belonged ing on social media shows police to Farkhunda in memory of his to the outlawed militant at the scene did not save the sister. group Tehrik-e-Taliban 27-year-old woman, Farkhunda, Authorities announced the Pakistan and an allied group, who was beaten with sticks and suspension of 13 police officers Lashkar-e-Islam. set on fire by a crowd of men in as well as multiple arrests over Afghan people attend the funeral of a woman who was beaten to death and her body set on fire by a mob in “In Khyber, terrorists being central Kabul in broad daylight the lynching, which took place in Kabul yesterday. dislodged from bases, flee- on Thursday. full view of several policemen and ing to border. So far 80 ter- “Last night I went through all sparked widespread condemna- mental illness for many years”. police force,” Mariam Mustafawi, in major cities. But in some rural rorists killed, approximately documents and evidence once tion at home and abroad. But her father told the media one of those at the burial, said. areas, little has changed and 100 injured in this phase,” the again, but I couldn’t find any evi- The body of Farkhunda, was his daughter had a diploma in “Today our police force is una- hardwon rights are at risk of head of army’s media wing, Gen dence to say Farkhunda burnt the carried to the graveyard by Islamic studies and could recite ble to enforce the rule of law. How being reversed as aid and foreign Asim Bajwa, said on his Twitter Holy Quran,” General Mohammad women amid crowds of men, a the Koran by heart. He insisted can they protect us against the troops are withdrawn. account. Zahir told reporters at her funeral reporter said, a rare act of pro- she was not involved in burning enemy?” President Ashraf Ghani con- “Operations will continue with yesterday. “Farkhunda was totally test in a male-dominated society. the Muslim holy book. The United States and other demned the killing as “heinous” full force till total terrorist elimi- innocent.” The crowd, shouting “Allah Farkhunda’s brother countries have spent millions of and ordered a commission to nation from these areas.” “I will question the police... we o Akbar” (God is greatest), Najeebullah Malikzada supported dollars in Afghanistan on promot- investigate the incident. Taliban spokesman have started our inquiry. Even If demanded the government bring his father’s claim. ing the rule of law, justice and He said police, who play a Muhammed Khurassani said on I get killed, I won’t let any of her the killers to justice. “Farkhunda was a deeply reli- women’s rights since the Taliban crucial part in the war against Saturday there had been heavy perpetrators get away with it,” “This is a crime against this gious girl. She used to recite the were ousted in 2001. Taliban insurgents, were not well- fighting in the Tirah Valley for said Zahir. family, a crime against a sister Holy Quran and pray five times a Under the strict Islamist rule trained to contain such incidents. three days. The top criminal investiga- and a crime against humanity,” day,” he told the crowd. of the Taliban, women could nei- “Almost 90 per cent of the duties A mine “targeted” 12 soldiers tor promised to punish all those said Bari Salam, a human rights Footage of the attack on social ther attend school nor were they of the police today are focused on and six were killed in a sepa- involved and said 13 people, activist. media shows a number of uni- allowed to work, and were forbid- fighting, which is not their consti- rate attack. Two intelligence including eight police officers, had “All those involved and all those formed police watching the crowd den from leaving the house with- tutional role, it is not their legal sources said an army major already been arrested. who supported her killing should as they beat her to death, burn out a male guardian. role,” Ghani told reporters on was also killed and air strikes Farkhunda was a teacher of be brought to justice,” he said. her body and then dump it into The last decade has seen much Saturday. “Focusing on civilian were also targeting the South Islamic studies, according to her The United Nations said a river. progress: Millions of girls now capabilities, on enforcement of the Waziristan region, causing doz- brother, who denied media reports Farkhunda, who was known by “This brutal act once again attend school and women can rule of law, is key to us.” ens to flee. that she had been mentally ill. He only one name, had “suffered shows the incompetence of the enter employment, particularly AGENCIES There was no way to con- firm the casualties independ- ently as the area is sealed to journalists. The Pakistani Taliban are allied with the Afghan mili- Proving death row convict Shafqat’s juvenility an uphill task tants of the same name and share a similar jihadist ideology. But they operate as a separate ISLAMABAD: With the decade awaiting his sentence. was a juvenile when convicted. Manzoor, one of Shafqat’s brothers, a recently-issued birth certifi- entity, focused on toppling the announcement that the presi- In a recent speech on the “We didn’t find his father’s had regretted the fact that despite cate from the local government Pakistani state and establishing dent has approved a 30-day floor of the National Assembly, CNIC or his mother’s,” he an announcement by the interior department of Azad Jammu and strict Islamic rule in the nuclear- reprieve for death row convict Interior Minister Chaudhry announced on the floor of the minister, no one had contacted the Kashmir (AJK), which puts the armed nation. Shafqat Hussain his family, Nisar Ali Khan pointed out that house a few days ago. family to verify Shafqat’s age. year of his birth at 1991. Security officials said last legal team and the multitude of Shafqat’s appeals were denied But Makhni Begum, Shafqat’s Justice Project Pakistan (JPP) The argument the condemned week there were strong indica- supporters who have spent the by the high court and Supreme mother, has been making impas- Spokesperson Shahab Siddiqi said man’s current defence team is tions the leader of the Pakistani last week or so campaigning Court. Since the courts have dis- sioned appeals for mercy to the they had approached the interior using as the basis of their bid to Taliban, Maulana Fazlullah, was for clemency in his case can all posed of Shafqat’s case, there is authorities for some time now. ministry in person as well as writ- revisit Shafqat’s case is simple: in the area at the time of the air breathe a sigh of relief. no judicial recourse available for In a press conference held on ten to them several times. JPP Director Sarah Belal said strikes and there has been con- However, for those familiar with the condemned man. the eve of the original date of his The new evidence they seek to that “the issue of Shafqat’s age stant speculation about his fate the legal ins and outs of the case The defence’s final hopes hinge execution, she said they had been introduce to the inquiry includes was never raised during the trial on social media. itself, the battle is far from over. on an executive inquiry, which unable to visit Shafqat in Karachi the CNICs of Shafqat’s entire by his court-appointed counsel, Military offensives in Khyber Convicted of the kidnapping and according to the interior minis- ever since he was “implicated in the family, including both his parents; who was incompetent and did not and South Waziristan began in ‘involuntary murder’ of a seven- ter, has so far failed to find any murder case and forced to confess an affidavit from one of Shafqat’s plead the case well”. 2009. year-old, Shafqat has spent over a evidence suggesting that Shafqat to a crime he did not commit”. class fellows from childhood and INTERNEWS REUTERS

Prayer for church attack victims Musharraf’s PTI seeks bat as symbol party to contest local elections for local govt polls KARACHI: Pakistan’s LAHORE: The Pakistan legislatively.” Chaudhry further former military ruler Pervez Tehreek-i-Insaf has writ- said he then had written to the Musharraf, who is facing crimi- ten a letter to the Election ECP for allocation of the election nal proceedings, announced Commission asking it to allot symbol but the elections were yesterday that his party All symbol of bat to its candidates postponed. Pakistan Muslim League in local government polls. “I am writing again to the ECP (APML) would contest local PTI Punjab President Ejaz to allocate a symbol for my party government elections. Ahmed Chaudhry in the let- as a date of the local body polls The 71-year-old returned to ter said, “The PTI in 2013 chal- has been finalised. Pakistan in March 2013 after four lenged the vires of section 18 of By virtue of the provisions of years of self-imposed exile to run the Punjab Local Government Act section 6(b) read with the provision in general elections, vowing to 2013 whereby the local body elec- of section 7(1) of the Allocation of “save” the country from Taliban tion was conceived on non-party Symbol Order 2002 the candidates violence and economic ruin. basis. that my party intends to nominate But Musharraf, who seized Subsequently, a division bench would be entitled to the election power in a bloodless coup in of Lahore High Court headed symbol of a bat, which was also the 1999 and resigned in 2008, was by the chief justice declared the PTI symbol in 2013 general elec- barred from standing and put provision of section 18 unconsti- tion,” Ejaz Chaudhry said. The under house arrest over numer- tutional. The Punjab Assembly ECP has announced holding of ous criminal charges — including amended the said law and the local government polls in Punjab treason. Christians pray at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore yesterday during a service for victims of recent church error of non-party based local on September 20. APML were mauled — winning attacks. The attacks that killed 17 were the worst on the community since a devastating double suicide- government election was rectified INTERNEWS only one seat — as Nawaz Sharif’s bombing in Peshawar in September 2013 killed 82 people. Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) swept to power, but yesterday Musharraf launched an audacious bid to see his party re-emerge as a force. Resettlement of displaced won’t be over before 2016 “We will go in local body polls with the slogan of ‘Pakistan first’ and win,” he told AMPL’s central ISLAMABAD: Even as the According to an official release in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and reconstruction and Rs50bn the meeting. However, he said executive committee. phased return of the fami- by the finance ministry, the and the flood-ravaged population for security. The costs increased these timelines were tentative and Elections to elect local gov- lies displaced by the on-going return of the 336,762 families in Punjab and Azad Jammu and after the government decided subject to adjustments depending ernment representatives are military offensive against the from the Federal Administered Kashmir. to expand the operation beyond upon the progress achieved dur- expected to take place in three Taliban begins, the government Tribal Areas (Fata) will be under- The government expects the total North Waziristan. ing the operation. provinces later this year. of Pakistan yesterday cautioned taken in five phases and is sched- expenditure on the rehabilitation of The 11th Corps’ fresh estimates In June 2014, Pakistan launched Musharraf, the first former that the last of the internal uled to last between March 2015 TDPs and security operations to cost suggest that the military opera- a ground offensive in North army chief to be charged with refugees won’t be able to return and December 2016. Rs175bn ($1.72bn), a sharp 40 percent tion against the Taliban will con- Waziristan aided by airstrikes. treason, also predicted early gen- home until December 2016. The details were released after upward revision from the Rs125bn tinue for at least another year and At that time the government had eral elections and directed his This is seen as an indication Finance Minister Ishaq Dar the 11th Corps of the Pakistan Army a half and the government will hoped that the militants would be party to prepare for a national that the government anticipates chaired a meeting to review the had estimated earlier. need another couple of months to flushed out from their safe heav- campaign. the operation to last for another rehabilitation measures for tem- The earlier estimate called for carry out reconstruction activi- ens within six months. AFP year and a half. porarily displaced persons (TDPs) Rs75bn for TDP rehabilitation ties, said one official who attended INTERNEWS MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17

Water scarcity Police red-faced after raid on brothels finds colleagues

NEW DELHI: Police in eastern India were left red- faced when a raid on a sex district discovered four of their own along with a con- victed murderer whom they were supposed to be guard- ing, a report said yesterday. The four constables had been tasked with transport- ing the murderer from a jail in the underdeveloped state of Jharkhand to hospital for a check-up, the Hindustan Times reported. But the officers decided to make a 206 km detour to visit the red-light area in the town of Asansol across the border in West Bengal state, the news- paper said. West Bengal police rounded up the four as part of the raid although the murderer man- aged to escape — and then made his own way back to jail in Koderma city in Jharkhand, the paper said. “We have ordered a probe and suspended the four police- Women collect drinking water from a roadside on the occasion of World Water Day in Bhopal yesterday. Right: Kashmiri women wash clothes and dishes at the banks of a river at village men until further notice,” Khanpeth in Pattan, north of Srinagar. World Water Day is held on March 22 every year to highlight the importance of freshwater and its management. Jharkhand director general of police D K Pandey told the newspaper. Jharkhand, one of India’s poorest states which is grappling with a Maoist insur- gency, has seen several security lapses in recent years. Fire in Parliament House complex Thirteen prisoners escaped from custody in December in Jharkhand by throwing chilli powder at their guards. Police President Mukherjee expresses serious concern as Speaker seeks detailed report shot dead two more of the pris- oners during the getaway, staged NEW DELHI: A major fire after the first half of the budget second incident of fire in the spark might have fallen on some must be ensured at all times”. as they were being transported broke out in the Parliament session. Parliament House complex in the inflammable material which An official statement said back to a jail. AFP House complex yesterday after- The blaze was reported at 2.20 last 10 days. caused the fire,” he said. Mukherjee called upon the noon, damaging an air condi- pm, triggering panic among the Delhi Fire Services Director A Delhi Police said an inquiry has authorities concerned to conduct tioning plant adjacent to the security personnel deployed on the K Sharma said the fire broke out been launched into the incident. an urgent inquiry into the cause Villagers amazed reception area where welding premises. A thick cloud of smoke in all the three units of the plant. “An inquiry is being conducted. of the fire and take necessary work was in progress. No one billowed out of the red stone colo- “Fire broke out in all the three However, no case has been regis- steps to ensure that such inci- as federal minister was injured in the incident. nial era building complex. units of the air-conditioning plant tered so far,” Joint Commissioner dents do not recur. inspects toilets The blaze was controlled within Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra installed in an open park near the of Police Mukesh Kumar Meena “Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra half an hour as 12 fire tenders Mahajan sought a detailed report reception area outside gate No 8 said. Reacting to the incident, Mahajan has expressed concern KOHIMA: Tribal villagers were pressed into service. The over the incident while President of parliament,” Sharma said. President Mukherjee said “the and asked for a detailed report,” in Nagaland yesterday said incident occurred within two days Pranab Mukherjee expressed his “Welding work was being done complete safety and security of the Lok Sabha Secretariat said. they were amazed when Ram of parliament going into recess “serious concern”. This was the at the AC plant. And it seems a the Parliament House complex IANS Kripal Yadav, union minister of state for drinking water and sanitation, inspected the condition of toilets in some houses. Yadav, who is on a three-day First border talks with CPI-M hits back at Achuthanandan official visit to this mountain- ous state in the northeast, visited Rusoma and Tseisma China under Modi this week NEW DELHI: The CPI-M India-Marxist accused him of villages and also inquired about yesterday pulled up former having an “anti-party attitude”. their water scarcity problems. NEW DELHI: Senior Indian and Chinese envoys will this week Kerala chief minister V S He then came under flak from Not only the villagers, but hold talks aimed at resolving a bitter border dispute, the first such Achuthanandan (pictured), for speaker after speaker for breach- even Nagaland government discussions since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power. walking out of a party meeting ing party discipline. officials who accompanied China’s special representative Yang Jiechi will visit New Delhi from in the state. Yesterday, a peeved Yadav were surprised when Sunday until Tuesday for talks with national security adviser Ajit CPI-M general secretary Achuthanandan got angry in New the minister stopped his vehi- Doval, the Indian foreign ministry said in a statement on Sunday. Prakash Karat said the 91-year- Delhi when journalists repeatedly cle and got down to interact The meetings starting Monday — the 18th round of boundary talks — old did a wrong with his protest sought his opinion on what hap- with the villagers. are part of a push to make progress on the long-festering row between walkout from the 21st state party pened in the party meeting. “I cannot believe that a the regional rivals before Modi’s expected visit to China in May. conference at Alappuzha last “Karat has told you what hap- union minister would interact China defeated India in a brief but bloody war in 1962 but their month. Addressing reporters pened and I have already told with the villagers and even border remains unresolved, with each side regularly accusing the other after a two-day meeting in New you in clear Malayalam that I inspect our toilet. No minis- of sending soldiers to encroach on territory. Delhi, Karat said that the party will respond tomorrow. Don’t you ter or government official has Tensions peaked last September when hundreds of Chinese troops took up Achuthanandan’s letter understand it?” he said curtly. ever made such inspections,” allegedly moved into the Himalayan territory claimed by India before written to them on March 6. conference,” he said. Despite requests from the villager Bao Angami said. a visit to Delhi by China’s President Xi Jinping. “Some of the points he raised Karat said the party’s Politburo party leadership including Karat “We hope there will be more The tense troop standoff in the remote frontier region overshadowed were discussed and settled. Other Commission would look into the to return and take part in the ministers like him who come Xi’s visit, which had been intended to reset diplomatic ties after Modi issues were discussed at the issues. public meeting at the end of the and inspect our village so that swept to power in May general elections. Doval said last October that state conference. Whatever be Achuthanandan’s walk- Kerala conclave, Achuthanandan there is rapid development,” he India was willing to fix the border problem with China but would not his reasons, there is no justifica- out happened after a resolu- remained defiant and chose to said. IANS compromise on its own national security and territory. AFP tion in walking out of the state tion of the Communist Party of stay away. IANS Legalising e-rickshaws in Delhi: Hindrances persist

NEW DELHI: For Harish, and drivers face the same prob- organised special camps for issu- after modifying the e-rickshaws mushrooming of these vehicles mobility. The vehicle’s struc- being able to ply his e-rickshaw lem and describe the registration ing learners licenses, PSV (Public in tune with the models cleared on Delhi’s roads, estimated to ture can be improved through on the roads of the national and validation process as lengthy Service Vehicle) badges and reg- by International Center for number more than 100,000. The research efforts,” Sudipto capital without any hindrance and expensive. istration of e-rickshaws at the Automotive Technology (ICAT), popular e-rickshaws have, in fact, Mukherjee, professor of mechan- from law is still a far cry. Jai Bhagwan Goel, chairper- 13 transport offices across the he added. edged out cycle rickshaws. ical engineering at the Indian As the sole bread winner of his son, Battery Rickshaw Sangh capital. To ensure the safety of passen- “They have overtaken cycle Institute of Technology-Delhi, family, Harish, a father of five, (BRS), says that after months of The authorities had said they gers and the vehicle, ICAT has rickshaws in popularity and said. Special Commissioner of says he has to “grease the palm” uncertainty, to make the plying would issue permanent licences asked for certain modifications are giving stiff competition to Police (Traffic) Muktesh Chandra of the authorities to be allowed of e-rickshaws official the Delhi 10 days after issuing a learner’s in the e-rickshaws, including auto rickshaws. A proper policy, said that it would be a welcome to run his battery-operated government started the proc- licence. Now this period has introduction of a chassis number, though, is required,” rickshaw move if e-rickshaws were oper- rickshaw on certain stretches ess of licensing and registration been increased to a month and changing the headlight, indica- puller Anantram Pasi in Chandni ated in a regulated way. “We have in the city. “Though the Delhi through facilitation camps. the licence would be issued after tors, taillight, battery, rim and Chowk said. Gurmeet Singh, part provided to the transport depart- government has agreed to reg- Parliament approved the police verification. tyre, wiring and horn. ICAT has of another association of e-rick- ment the list of routes where ulate e-rickshaws and provide Motor Vehicles (Amendment) “Till now 21,000 people have also asked for installing a valid shaws, said most parts of the vehi- they should ply in the city. Such us licences to ply on the roads, Bill, 2015, with the Rajya Sabha applied for registration. The number plate with a light on it. cle were imported from China and vehicles should be kept away from they have also introduced sev- passing it on March 11. The Lok Transport department has sent “These modifications have put together by local manufactur- the high-speed corridors. There eral norms which have made Sabha passed the bill last week. the details to the respective police made the e-rickshaws cost- ers. “It is an environment-friendly should now be no problem with the process lengthy and expen- The bill that replaces an ordi- stations for verification, which lier. One will have to shell out option and needs to be promoted. e-rickshaws while having trained sive,” Harish, who belongs to nance aims at bringing e-rick- has not yet started. Verifying Rs.32,000 for these modifica- We have nothing against being drivers for this mode of trans- Madhubani in Bihar, said. shaws and e-carts under the 21,000 people and issuing them tions, including the changing of registered, but we want the gov- port,” Chandra said. “I bought my e-rickshaw after ambit of the Motor Vehicles Act, licence will certainly take much the battery. Every e-rickshaw ernment to provide us with cer- “E-rickshaws cannot ferry taking loan from a money lender. 1957, so that they can ply across time,” Goel said. driver cannot afford this,” said tain benefits like other transport more than four passengers and Now shelling out some Rs.30,000 the country. Getting a permanent licence Goel, adding that the govern- unions get,” Gurmeet Singh said. 40 kg luggage at one time. It more to get my e-rickshaw on the Following this, the Delhi gov- is not the end of the problem. ment should arrange for provid- “For a low-cost mode of trans- may work tremendously well as road is not possible for me. So I ernment asked owners to register They have to get a clearance ing loans to e-rickshaw owners to port the returns are very low; so feeder services in certain areas. have to bribe the authorities to their battery-operated rickshaws certificate for the vehicle from get the modifications done. there is a need to ensure safety. To ensure safety of passengers ply my e-rickshaw,” Harish said. under the Delhi Motor Vehicle the transport department, The lack of a proper policy People have just ensured mobil- overloading will not be allowed Thousands of e-rickshaw owners Act. The transport department which can be procured only on e-rickshaws has led to the ity but safety is a precursor to at any cost,” he added. IANS MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Modi faces opposition from farmers Lies being spread, land bill not anti-farmer, says prime minister NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Without naming any party or group, for government projects. current session of parliament, including Narendra Modi (pictured), sought Modi said “misinformation” was being “For private industry, for corporate ones governing coal field auctions and yesterday to stave off farmer protests spread against the new bill for “politi- (sector), for private factories, the consent mining at the last minute on Friday against his efforts to make it easier for cal reasons” and made a point-by-point clause is applicable, applicable, applica- before a recess. A few days earlier the businesses to buy land, after opposi- rebuttal to criticism while denying that ble,” he emphasised. government passed a long-awaited bill tion to the bill overshadowed a burst of it favours the corporates. The prime minister said his govern- to boost foreign investment in the insur- progress on economic reform. “The misinformation which is being ment was taking proactive steps to miti- ance industry. Tussles over land acquisition have spread... it is against the farmers. It is gate problems of farmers whose crops “Productivity in both the houses has locked up hundreds of billions of dollars of a conspiracy to keep the farmer poor... had suffered damage in the recent rains. been at a record high,” said Chakshu Roy infrastructure developments, and looser it is part of conspiracies not to take the Attacking the Congress, Modi said of PRS Legislative, a think tank tracking rules are important for Modi’s vision of country forward. We have to protect our- “those who are agitating now” had parliamentary performance. building modern cities and industrial cor- selves from this, save the country, save acquired land for over 60 years through But opposition to the watered-down ridors crisscrossing India. the farmer,” he said. the law framed by the British, referring rules around forced land acquisition has But opposition parties have success- In his about 35-minute-long talk, he to the 1894 law that was in force till 2013. been fierce. fully portrayed proposed changes to a said he had seen the pain of farmers in Noting that there was demand from Sonia Gandhi, the leader of the oppo- land purchase act, including exemption their letters and will ensure that his states to change the 2013 law, he said this sition Congress party, last week led a from getting consent of 80 percent of government is more responsive to their had kept 13 laws, under which “maximum march to the president’s residence oppos- landowners for some projects, as anti- concerns. land is acquired”, outside the purview of ing any changes. In one state, farmers farmer — a damaging charge in a country “Reading all this, I sometimes feel revised compensation norms and his gov- defecated on copies of the bill to express that is still mostly rural. ashamed about what we have done. I have ernment had made the “correction”. their opposition. Prime Minister said yesterday that no answer but your issues have touched Stressing that “a lie” was being spread More protests are planned, including “lies” were being spread about the new my heart. I will strive for meaningful that the new bill was pro-corporate, he one led by veteran activist Anna Hazare, land acquisition bill and asserted that change,” Modi said. said: “The laws for them (corporates) will who led massive anti-corruption marches the legislation was in farmers’ interest The new bill brought by the National Modi said the 2013 Act was brought “in be the same as in the 2013 law.” that rocked the Congress government as it will improve infrastructure, employ- Democratic Alliance (NDA) government a hurry” and his government had sought Assuring farmers that land will be Modi replaced in May. ment, farm productivity and incomes in has evoked resistance from activists as to remove its shortcomings, and was pre- strictly acquired as per needs, he said: “I The land law enacted by the Congress the rural areas. well as several political parties, while the pared to make further improvements if urge you not to take a decision based on government in 2013 was aimed at giv- Reaching out to farmers in his “Mann Congress is demanding that the provi- there were any constructive suggestions. lies, do not be misinformed... Our effort ing farmers a fairer deal than a British Ki Baat” programme on All India Radio, sions of the land bill passed in 2013 should He also said that if a state did not want is to take right steps for the welfare of colonial-era rule that gave authorities Modi took several digs at the Congress be restored. to implement the new bill, it was free to farmer and the village.” unbridled power to take land. and other parties for their opposition With the new bill not being passed in do so. Last year, Modi used executive orders But businesses say its stringent provi- to his government’s land acquisition parliament, the ordinance brought by On the concern that the new bill to jumpstart his economic reform agenda sions have made purchasing land almost bill, which could not be taken up in the the government to amend the 2013 Act dilutes social impact assessment and after a winter session of parliament failed impossible, contributing to a slump in Rajya Sabha — where the government is slated to lapse in early April. The gov- consent clauses of the 2013 Act, he said to pass any significant legislation. capital investment in Asia’s third-largest lacks majority — in the budget session’s ernment, however, may re-promulgate the previous legislation also did not have His Bharatiya Janata Party managed economy. first half. the ordinance. provision for consent for land required to ratify five of the six ordinances in the REUTERS/IANS

Counter-terror meet Diplomatic efforts Not conducive secured release of fishermen’s boats ATTARI: Diplomatic efforts time to withdraw by India helped in securing the release of 57 boats belonging to Indian fishermen from the cus- tody of Pakistani authorities, Home Minister Rajnath Singh AFSPA: Rajnath said here yesterday. The boats, according to the home minister, will reach Porbandar along the ATTARI, PUNJAB: Home mark the culmination of a 2,300- Gujarat coast today. Minister Rajnath Singh said km all-women Border Security The boats were confiscated yesterday that this was not the Force (BSF) Camel Safari from by Pakistani maritime authori- right time for the withdrawal the Gujarat border till here. ties after arresting Indian fish- of the Armed Forces Special “Pakistan should contain ter- ermen for allegedly violating the Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu rorism and stop green fields Pakistani maritime boundary in and Kashmir. from turning into red,” Rajnath recent years. In the past, Pakistan The remark came following said while addressing visitors used to release the fishermen two latest incidents of fiday- at the Attari joint check post after keeping them imprisoned een (suicide squads) attacking (JCP) along the India-Pakistan for terms ranging from a few a police station and an army international border, 30 km from months to some years, but did establishment in the Jammu Amritsar. not return the boats. sector close to the border with He said India was capable of The home minister said some Pakistan. protecting its borders completely of the boats were damaged and “AFSPA ko samapta karne ke from any attempt of infiltration the central government has abhi halaat nahin hai (The situ- from the Pakistan side. sanctioned `12.7m to get them Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju addressing the valedictory session of the International Counter- ation is not conducive to ending “Our security forces have given repaired. Most of the fishermen, Terrorism Conference in Jaipur, Rajasthan, yesterday. AFSPA),” Rajnath Singh said a befitting reply to every ceasefire who belong to Gujarat, were poor. while addressing media here on violation and infiltration bid from The home minister also assured Sunday evening. Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. that a full truck scanner would be The home minister questioned We will continue to do that.” installed at the Attari integrated Pakistan on why it was turning Asked about the recent attacks check post (ICP) to scan incom- green fields red by supporting on churches in various parts of ing trucks from Pakistan as part Incentives for girl child and terrorism. the country, the home minister of bilateral trade through the He said it was high time for said all minority communities Attari-Wagah land border. Pakistan to introspect its actions were secure in India. Singh laid the foundation stone smart cities in Kashmir budget in supporting terrorism. “Action is being taken as per for a viewers’ gallery to be con- Rajnath Singh was here to lay law for all the incidents. There is structed at Attari for people com- the foundation stone of a new visi- no need to create a sense of fear ing to watch the evening Retreat JAMMU: Jammu and tourists from Delhi to overcome Rs.46,473 crore expenditure, tors’ gallery at the Attari joint among minorities,” he said. ceremony. The facility will cost Kashmir’s budget for 2015-16 high costs of tickets during peak Rs.11,246 crore would be used to check post (JCP) and also to IANS `240m. IANS proposes abolition of water tax, tourist season. build assets and infrastructure, cash stipends for young girls For industrial purchases, the while the remaining Rs.35,227 and continuing VAT remis- budget proposes a cashless system crore is for current or revenue sion to industries till uniform of VAT remission with budgetary expenditure. Convocation ceremony GST comes into force in the support for revival of sick indus- “This is not a good position to country. trial units in the state. be in. In fact, if anything, it should Presenting the proposals yes- The proposals also include be exactly the other way round. terday, Finance Minister Haseeb release of Rs.2,200 crore as dear- But there is no way I can help it Drabu said the Rs.46,473 crore- ness allowance to state govern- as it is a legacy of the last 30 years expenditure budget also pro- ment employees. if not more. poses development of Jammu and Drabu said the budget’s struc- “The problem is very simple Srinagar cities as smart cities in ture has been changed follow- and all the honourable legisla- the state. ing the replacement of Planning tors must appreciate it: To spend Drabu proposed abolition of the Commission by NITI Aayog Rs.10,000 crore on the economy, archaic water tax called ‘Abiyana’, and the acceptance of the 14th the government is spending setting up of modern looms for Finance Commission award, to nearly three times that amount carpet weavers, floating of Dal make the state perhaps the first on the machinery that spends the development bonds for preser- in the country to align its budget Rs.10,000 crore,” he said. vation of the world-famous Dal to the changes in the federal fis- On last year’s floods, he said Lake in the state and payment of cal system. the devastation seen is huge “but Rs.1,000 monthly to a girl child He said he had decided to dis- there is a greater hit. The impact from birth till she attains the age card the entire old classification of these floods is that the proc- of 14. of the plan and non-plan in his ess of income generation has been The Dal development bonds proposals, and from 2015-16, the disrupted”. would be available for investment budget will now have only two Drabu said he is exploring the to non-locals as well. parts — the receipts budget and possibility of getting the state Other highlights include set- the expenditure budget — with the declared as an area where all ting up of a special department latter only having the revenue and bank lending would classify as for uplift of tribal communities capital expenditure estimates. priority sector lending, and has in the state, a modern Basmati Drabu placed total revenue approached the Reserve Bank of rice village in Jammu, apple and receipts in 2015-16 at Rs.42,137 India for this purpose and is wait- saffron villages in Kashmir and an crores leaving a resource gap of ing for the response. apricot village in Ladakh region, Rs.4,336 crore, which “is going “If that happens, it would not while exempting irrigation hand to be financed by prepositioning only increase the amount of pumps from VAT and toll tax as of the 14th Finance Commission bank lending in J&K but would an incentive to farmers. grants without seeking any addi- also reduce the lending rates by Minister of State for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Dr Mahesh Sharma presenting the degree to a student, at Drabu also proposed allow- tional funding”. 300 to 400 basis points,” he said. the Second Convocation of Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management, in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, yesterday. ing chartered aircraft to fly in He said that of the budgeted IANS

MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Avian reality show

Fajr (Dawn) 4:19 Shorook (Sunrise) 5:35 Zuhr (Noon) 11:41 Asr (Afternoon) 3:08 Maghrib (Sunset) 5:47 Isha (Night) 7:17

WEATHER

Today Tuesday Wednesday Weather Conditions: Scattered Mostly sunny Mostly sunny showers Partly cloudy to cloudy with

High: 23° High: 25° High: 26° scattered rain, Low: 20° Low: 18° Low: 19° may be thundery at first becomes slightly dusty later.

DOHA - SUN & SEA

SUN TIDE SEA SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 05:35 17:47 06:45 & 19:30 00:45 & 12:45 18-25/33 KT

THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW Birds sit in cages hanging from poles during a bird-singing contest in the Rueso district of Thailand’s southern province of Narathiwat yesterday. HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER Hundreds of bird owners from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia took part in the traditional contest held every year. MUSCAT 31/24 Mostly sunny 32/24 Mostly sunny MAKKAH 34/23 Mostly sunny 32/25 Scattered T-storms KUWAIT 22/10 Sunny 23/13 Partly cloudy BAHRAIN 22/18 Cloudy 22/18 Sunny SANAA 23/11 Scattered T-storms 22/11 Scattered T-storms Insurgent nets $54m, Gunman fires blank RIYADH 23/10 Sunny 24/10 Mostly sunny DUBAI 29/18 Mostly sunny 29/18 Partly cloudy LOS ANGELES: Insurgent to $60m. Insurgent’s audience was we’re seeing an overall broaden- “Obviously we had hoped for BAGHDAD 19/08 Sunny 21/09 Cloudy topped the weekend box office 60 percent female and 55 percent ing of the audience.” a little bit more,” said Jason with $54m, but its opening will under 25. Hispanics made up 17 Insurgent cost $110m to pro- Cassidy, chief marketing officer THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW likely fall just short of the num- percent of the opening weekend duce, roughly $25m more than at Open Road Films. “It’s a bers put up a year ago by the crowd and African-Americans Divergent racked up in produc- tough market out there and HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER first film in the Divergent series. comprised 11 percent of ticket tion fees. there are a lot of male-oriented ATHENS 16/11 Showers 17/11 Mostly sunny That’s a disappointment for buyers. The weekend’s other major action films, so it’s tough to WASHINGTON 09/00 Mostly sunny 09/02 Mostly sunny Lionsgate, the studio behind the The studio says it’s happy with wide release, The Gunman, fired penetrate.” adaptations of Veronica Roth’s the results, noting that with an blanks, picking up a meager The Gunman’s roughly $40m SYDNEY 24/16 Scattered T-storms 23/16 Partly cloudy best-selling books about a dys- A-minus CinemaScore and a lack $5m and seemingly deep-sixing production budget was fully LONDON 12/03 Mostly cloudy 11/01 Scattered showers topian future. It hoped that the of upcoming film releases pegged Sean Penn’s plans to be an aging funded by StudioCanal. Critics PARIS 14/04 Mostly sunny 09/02 Showers franchise would be able to build at teenage girls, Insurgent has a action star. Open Road distrib- torched the picture. ISTANBUL 11/05 Cloudy 11/04 Partly cloudy on its initial start, aided by star clear runway. uted the film in 2,816 theaters The Gunman has good company. MANILA 32/22 Partly cloudy 32/23 Mostly sunny Shailene Woodley’s higher profile “Our playability is incred- and had expected a debut in the Over the past two weeks, testo- DHAKA 36/23 Sunny 33/23 Scattered T-storms following the success of The Fault ibly strong,” said Richie Fay, $8m range. The Gunman’s mod- sterone-fuelled entertainments DELHI 34/19 Sunny 34/21 Mostly sunny in Our Stars. Going into the week- Lionsgate’s distribution chief. est results were good enough for a like Run All Night and Chappie ISLAMABAD 31/17 Partly cloudy 30/17 Sunny end, Lionsgate had been project- “We’re seeing a few more males fourth place finish in an otherwise have collapsed at the box office. ing an opening of between $57m than we did on the first one and slow weekend. REUTERS Celine Dion ‘Shaun the Sheep’ modelled on silent movie star to return to PARIS: As the studio behind a model for us for Shaun,” said of that’. And so we created Slip, its writers) appear thrilled their “We just do what we do and the “Wallace and Gromit” mov- Goleszowski (who directs under and she sort of acts as Shaun’s ovine work has found a place in what makes us laugh. And people ies herds its “Shaun the Sheep” the professional name Richard guide in the big city,” said Burton. the sun away from Aardman’s tell us it’s very British. And we Vegas home into cinemas worldwide, the Starzak). “I had a picture of The reception for “Shaun the star duo. “Wallace and Gromit like that. But we don’t know what directors revealed that they Buster Keaton pinned on the Sheep”, which started out as a cast a very big shadow,” admit- that is necessarily,” said Burton. WASHINGTON: Canadian modelled their fluffy protago- studio door just to remind the children’s TV animation in Britain ted Goleszowski. While he looked “We do put in our own culture,” singer Celine Dion will return nist on silent-movie star Buster animators that they didn’t have under Goleszowski, has been forward to a likely “Shaun” movie said Goleszowski, but added: “I to her residency in Las Vegas in Keaton — and also that they are to make (it)... bleat too much, or extraordinary since it started its sequel, he also hinted that the don’t think people are necessar- August after taking an indefi- not sorry to see parts of their be too physical,” he said. worldwide release last month. two Aardman franchises’ “paths ily buying into the Britishness, nite break last year to care for stop-frame works go digital. Charlie Chaplin’s silent films Rottentomatoes.com, which might cross again”. they’re buying into the quality her cancer-stricken husband, Richard Goleszowski and also added inspiration for Shaun’s aggregates reviews, ranks it at Part of what makes Aardman’s of the story, and the Britishness People magazine reported. Mark Burton, the brains behind new sidekick in the movie: a 100 percent positive, with critics films distinctive is the very comes with it because that’s what On her website, the star from Aardman Animations’ latest streetwise, and “dentally chal- praising its high technical qual- Britishness of them: the promi- we are.” French-speaking province Quebec stop-frame, no-dialogue feature lenged”, dog named Slip. ity and generous humour. The nence of cardigans, scones, polite- For Goleszowski, who started hinted at the news on Saturday, film, made the remarks in Paris “One of the things you note Australian movie blog Film Ink ness and preoccupation with the his long career with Aardman and exclaiming “Good news on the ahead of a new exhibition in the from Charlie Chaplin films... is said “it serves as a sweet antidote weather, for instance. But the has come back to the studio, much horizon!” showing her husband French capital showcasing the that there’s often a little orphan to the slick, computer-animated men behind Shaun said that was of the hard work that goes into and one-time manager Rene studio’s work. girl character, and so we thought family entertainment of the now”. merely the DNA of the studio’s making stop-frame animation. Angelil, 73, watching television “Buster Keaton was always ‘Well, let’s do an Aardman version The movie’s co-directors (also work and not a conscious put-on. AFP footage of Dion. Dion, 46, will be resuming her residency at Caesars Palace’s Colosseum in late August with a new show, according to People. “It is very emotional for me and King Richard III returns I’m anticipating the emotions to grow even more as the date gets closer,” Dion told the magazine. Fans reacted with glee. to his final battlefield “I am super excited I have been waiting for this moment for a very LEICESTER: A cortege carry- discovery, accompanied by the long time!! I love you Celine and ing the remains of King Richard team who made the find, in a I am so excited for your return!” III began a solemn tour yester- hearse to Fenn Lane Farm in the one wrote on her website. day to the battlefield where he village of Dadlington, the site The five-time Grammy win- was slain 530 years ago. believed to be the closest to his ner performed in Sin City full- Rediscovered under a car park death. time for more than three years, in 2012, Richard’s remains will be Richard fell fighting to hold wowing crowds with her biggest re-interred at Leicester cathedral onto his crown against the hits that include the theme song on Thursday in a ceremony led invading forces of Henry Tudor, for the 1997 Hollywood block- by Archbishop of Canterbury later King Henry VII. William buster Titanic starring Leonardo Justin Welby, spiritual head of the Shakespeare famously depicted DiCaprio and Kate Winslet — My Anglican Church, and members of him going down fighting shouting Heart Will Go On. the royal family. “A horse! A horse! My kingdom In 2014, the international sen- Richard, the last English king for a horse!” sation suffered from a condition to die in battle, was killed at Philippa Langley, a screen- that caused her throat muscles to Bosworth Field in 1485, at the end writer who led the search for become inflamed, forcing her to of the bloody Wars of the Roses. Richard III, said it was the end cancel her scheduled shows in Las After his death his body was of an “extraordinary journey”. Vegas since her last performance taken to the Grey Friars Church “It’s re-ignited our interest in on July 29 of that year. in the nearby city of Leicester this period of history,” she said in AFP and buried in a hastily dug grave an interview. which was too small to house his “It’s got people talking and body. it’s got people debating and it’s The location of his grave got people reading widely about became a mystery until it was Richard III, and realising that Cadets wheel Richard III’s coffin on to the battefield at Bosworth, near Leicester, central England, yesterday. found under a municipal car there’s far more to this man than park in a discovery which stunned people ever knew.” where a horse-drawn hearse will Archbishop of Westminster, was The public will be able to archaeologists and captivated the The procession is due to pass take the coffin to the cathedral. to preach a sermon in Leicester view the coffin for the next few world. the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage A busy schedule of events is cathedral. days before the remains will be Yesterday, Richard’s coffin left Centre and a number of villages planned. Yesterday, the most sen- Today, the cardinal archbishop re-interred at the cathedral on the University of Leicester where where short services will to be ior Roman Catholic churchman in will say a mass for Richard in the Thursday. it has been since the remarkable held before entering Leicester Britain, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, city’s Holy Cross Church. REUTERS Monday 23 March 2015 3 Jumada II 1436 Volume 20 Number 6378 Price: QR2

QE upgrade boosts Mannai’s share trading

Business | 23

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Qatar among It’s tough to hit world’s top $100-120 oil 20 financial centres again: Official DOHA: The latest Global Financial Centres Index, GFCI 17, covering 82 financial cen- tres from around the world, No politics in Saudi oil policy: Al Madi has ranked Qatar in the top 20 leading financial centres from RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Opec We want higher incomes, but we across the globe. governor Mohammed Al Madi want higher incomes for us and The GFCI 17, sponsored by said yesterday that it would be future generations,” he said. Qatar Financial Centre, was hard for oil to reach $100-$120 “There isn’t any political released yesterday by the London- per barrel — the peaks it hit last dimension in what we do at the based Z/Yen Group. Z/Yen is the year before falling sharply due oil ministry - our vision is com- City of London’s leading commer- to a glut of crude and weaken- mercial and economic. We didn’t cial think-tank. ing demand. mean to hurt anybody, our vision Qatar’s rating rose by 7 points, Last November, Opec kingpin is simply the following: the pro- mainly driven by its increasing Saudi Arabia persuaded members ducers which have low costs have Belgium’s Princess Astrid (centre) with Minister of Finance H E Ali Sherif Al Emadi (right) and Qatari Businessmen competitiveness, international to keep production unchanged to to have the priority to produce, Association Chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani in Doha yesterday. relations and perceived signifi- defend market share and curtail but those who have high costs cance as a leading financial cen- the output of more expensive pro- have to wait for their turn to pro- tre not only within the GCC but ducers such as the United States. duce,” he said. on a global level. The index saw The move accelerated the oil price Saudi Oil Minister Ali bin Qatar, Belgium sign slew of pacts the ratings of Doha, Riyadh and drop to a low around $45. Ibrahim Al Nuaimi has made it Casablanca reflect the biggest “I think it’s difficult to reach clear Riyadh will not cut output DOHA: Fresh efforts at bol- forward friendly relations between Qatar Chamber and Belgium gains in this competitive region, $100 or $120 another time,” Madi to prop up oil prices and denied stering economic and trade the two countries to more coop- Chambers-BECI. while Dubai and Abu Dhabi saw told an energy conference here. politics played a role in the king- relations between Belgium and eration in all fields in order to Princess Astrid also presided modest declines. Oil prices recovered since dom’s oil policy. Some produc- Qatar kicked-off on a high note increase the volume of trade and over a delegation of visiting min- Yousuf Al Jaidah, Deputy CEO January to over $60 a barrel, but ers such as Iran have criticised yesterday as Belgium’s Princess open new horizons for joint invest- isters and other high-level gov- of the QFC Authority, said: “The have fallen again in recent days Riyadh for its stance. Astrid, representative of the ment between Qatar and Belgium. ernment officials from Belgium QFC is delighted that Qatar has following a bigger than expected “It is in Opec’s interest to King of Belgium, met Emir H H He also expressed the hope that at meetings with top government again been recognised as a lead- crude stock build in the United achieve balance in the market. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al the Forum would come out with officials of Qatar. ing financial centre in the GCC, States that fueled concerns of an The price is decided by the mar- Thani, Prime Minister and constructive results supportive to The huge economic mission ranked within the top 20 financial oversupply in the world’s largest ket, and the market is subject to Interior Minister H E Sheikh the path of cooperation between from Belgium has representatives centres from around the world. oil consumer. supply and demand,” Madi said. Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa the two countries and the com- from 223 companies, 22 federa- The GFC Index is a renowned Oil companies, including US He also said market studies Al Thani and other ministers. mon interests of both sides. tions, two universities and 20 pub- and highly relevant and respected shale producers, have slashed showed that global oil invest- Princess Astrid also held talks On the sidelines of the Forum, lic organisations. Members of the report of the leading financial spending and jobs since the price of ment of around $40 trillion was with Minister of Economy and Qatar and the Kingdom of delegation participated in several centres globally, which reflect oil fell, and may face another round needed to meet expected growth Commerce H E Sheikh Ahmed Belgium signed an agreement on seminars that included presenta- the views and opinions of execu- of spending cuts to conserve cash in demand, which would be led by bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al the prevention of double taxation tions from Mariam Al Khalaf of tives from all over the financial and survive the downturn. emerging markets. Thani. and fiscal evasion with respect Qatar’s Ministry of Economy and community.” “We are not against anybody “If you want a stable market Minister of Finance H E Ali to taxes on income. The agree- Commerce and Valere Vangeel, “Qatar’s ranking and rise in or against the (production of U.S. 10 years from now, then you have Sherif Al Emadi, in the open- ment was signed by Al Emadi and General Counsellor of the Belgian ratings reflects how well the econ- shale oil). On the contrary we wel- to invest now,” he said. Demand ing speech at Qatari-Belgian Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister Federal Public Service Economy omy is performing in an unstable come it, as it balances the market for crude oil is expected to grow Forum, said the volume of trade and Minister of Foreign Affairs on Digichambers, on the topic of global economy. The QFC’s com- in the long run,” Madi said. by around 1 million barrels a day exchange between the two coun- for Foreign Trade and European doing business in their respective petitive business environment Benchmark Brent crude set- every year for the next 15 years, tries in 2014 exceeded 1.2bn euros Affairs Didier Reynders, in the countries. and its world class legal, regula- tled at $55.32 a barrel on Friday. Nasser Al Dossary, Saudi Arabia’s in 2014. Qatar’s exports of oil, gas presence of Princess Astrid. The Public Works Authority tory and tax platform provides Madi repeated that Saudi Arabia national representative at Opec and their derivatives in 2013 and The Forum also witnessed a (Ashghal) also hosted presenta- all firms with the resources they had no political motives in its oil told the same energy conference 2014 totalled $1.8bn. signing ceremony between Qatari tions on ‘future projects in Qatar’ require to grow their businesses policy. “We understand that all citing market reports. Al Emadi said the Qatari- Businessmen Association (QBA) for the visiting delegation. in Qatar and the broader GCC countries need higher incomes... REUTERS Belgian Forum aims at pushing and VOKA Flanders, and between THE PENINSULA region,” he said. Mark Yeandle, the author of the GFCI, said: “Doha contin- ues to make strong progress in attracting the attention of the international financial and busi- Milaha unit launches direct container service to India ness services community. Qatar’s regulatory and economic stability in the face of continued energy DOHA: Milaha Maritime & the thriving trade activities from a late cut-off providing more Nehru Port for their support in presence in non-vessel operating market uncertainty is testament Logistics, a subsidiary of the between the two countries. Unlike time to bring cargo into the port. reinforcing bilateral relations common carrier activities. In to Doha’s strength as a globally Qatar-based Milaha Group which existing services in the market, With a reduced transit time, between Qatar and India that has addition, the new non-stop serv- influential financial centre.” delivers integrated transport the new weekly service by Milaha shipments of perishable products gathered significant pace over the ice will strengthen the company’s GFCI 17 uses 28,494 financial and supply chain solutions in the will enable direct shipments for the Qatari market will bet- years. The launch of the service existing feeder network with the centre assessments completed GCC, has announced the launch between Nhava Sheva and Doha ter retain freshness and quality. will support t he increasing trade UAE with more fixed connections. by 3,527 financial services pro- of the first direct container serv- without the need for transship- Moreover, the new service may volume, where imports into Qatar Milaha Maritime & Logistics is a fessionals. Since 2007, well over ice between Qatar and India. The ment in Jebel Ali or elsewhere, open up for new perishable com- from India reached a total value leading provider of comprehensive 120,000 assessments from over non-Stop service will connect thus increasing reliability and modity segments which – due to of $989m in 2013-2014.” solutions in logistics and marine 9,500 respondents have built Doha port with India’s largest reducing transit time and costs, previous transit time – were pre- The new service, which is transport to the region’s biggest the index. The GFCI is updated port Nhava Sheva, also known as Milaha said in a regulatory filing viously not an option. named NDX, will not only bol- players in oil and gas and petro- regularly and ratings change as Jawaharlal Nehru Port, located with Qatar Exchange yesterday. Khalifa Ali Al Hetmi, President ster Milaha Maritime & Logistics’ chem as well as shipping, importing assessments and instrumental in Mumbai, Maharashtra. With an end of the week sail- and CEO of Milaha, said: “We feeder commitment to the Indian and exporting companies. factors change. The move will further facilitate ing, Indian exporters will benefit express our thanks to Jawaharlal market, but also increase Milaha’s THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

Schwarzenegger unveils his own watch brand

BASEL: Arnold Schwarzenegger muscled wrist to help boost sales. Within the industry, he Magnum is one of the largest watchmak- his way into the Baselworld watch fair to shares credit with Sylvester Stallone in helping ers in Latin America, with capacity to make unveil his own brand of wristwatches, a busi- make enormous watches popular. Terminator 5 million units annually. The company is also ness endeavor that may surprise fans of his 3 featured an oversize Audemars Piguet Royal introducing a Champion Neymar collection movies more than aficionados of timepieces. Oak Offshore timepiece. this year inspired by the Brazilian soccer star. The Austria-born film star and former The new line is set to go on sale in Many Swiss brands use well-known actors governor of California is introducing September for $565 to $2,790, according to Sao and athletes to help advertise. This year at Schwarzenegger watches in partnership with Paulo-based Magnum Group, Brazil’s biggest Baselworld, TAG Heuer is showing watches Brazilian watchmaker Magnum Group. Three watchmaker, which is overseeing their produc- linked to Cristiano Ronaldo and Cara Delevingne. collections inspired by his careers in body- tion. The timepieces will be 100 percent Swiss Earlier, Richard Mille unveiled a Jackie Chan building, acting and politics are on show at made and Magnum plans on selling them in watch priced at more than $500,000. One of the the watch industry’s largest annual gathering department stores worldwide. best-known links between a star and a brand is through next week. Rene Weber, an analyst at Bank Vontobel in the Paul Newman Rolex Daytona. “We’ve been working on it for a year and a Zurich, said he’s sceptical of the idea. “Swiss The Schwarzenegger watch isn’t the first half and finally Magnum came through with a watches are timeless, and have a long-term timepiece whose brand is a celebrity’s name. lot of dedication and hard work,” the Terminator story, but in 20 years, nobody will know who JLO Watches by Jennifer Lopez, produced by US-Austrian actor and former governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger actor told a cheering crowd at Baselworld. Arnold Schwarzenegger is. It makes sense to E. Gluck Corp, are being shown at Baselworld (centre) takes selfies with the crowd, at the world watch and jewellery show Schwarzenegger’s interest in watches began on have celebrities advertising the brand, but for again this year, while Gevril Group showcased Baselworld in Basel, Switzerland. the sets of his blockbuster action movies, when a celebrity to launch his own brand is a whole Paris Hilton timekeepers in past fairs. brands would place massive timepieces on his other story.” WP-BLOOMBERG MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Qatar bourse Nissan Patrol ‘SUV of the Year’ index ends slightly lower Saudi Arabia extends rebound

DOHA: Qatar Exchange index percent. dropped slightly by 6.29 points Local and regional investors or 0.05 percent when the bourse are accumulating Saudi equities closed at 11,517.48 points here as the kingdom prepares to allow yesterday. The market capitali- direct foreign share ownership sation decreased to QR623.94bn in the first half of 2015. A simi- from QR624.44bn registered on lar phenomenon helped Dubai’s Thursday. index more than double in 2013 Indices of four sectors gained when index compiler MSCI said and three declined today. Of the it would upgrade it to emerging 43 companies listed on QE, shares market status. of 38 saw trading. From these 15 Savola Group stabilised, falling gained, 16 declined and seven 1.1 percent. It dropped by its daily remained unchanged. 10 percent limit on Thursday Telecommunications firm after the firm halved its outlook Ooredoo fell 1.1 percent after it for first-quarter profit before warned investors last week that capital gains because of suffering The Nissan Patrol has won ‘SUV of the Year’ in both Automan and Evo Magazine awards, adding more prestigious accolades for the Japanese it expected revenue to fall by as retail sales and exports. Yanbu carmaker’s iconic model. Evo is one of the most highly-regarded automotive publications in the UAE, while Automan is the leading automotive much as 3 percent in 2015 and National Petrochemicals Co and publication in Oman. Picture on the left shows Samir Cherfan, Managing Director, Nissan Middle East, receiving the award from Evo Middle East core earnings to drop by a simi- Southern Province Cement fell team. RIGHT: Katib Belkhodja, Brand Manager for SUVs and Crossovers in Nissan Middle East, receiving the award from Automan Middle East team. lar margin. Commercial Bank 1.8 and 2.4 percent respectively of Qatar jumped 3.7 percent as they went ex-dividend. despite going ex-dividend after its Dubai’s index was the weakest in shareholders approved the issue the Gulf, falling 1.4 percent because of up to $1bn in capital-raising of builder Arabtec which tumbled instruments. its daily 10 percent limit. The con- Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s struction firm, whose shares are ‘Robo-adviser’ growth hits money managers bourse rebounded further after oil among the most traded on Dubai’s prices mounted an end-of-week bourse, also proposed no cash divi- WASHINGTON: When it said. Doyle said the digital invest- Valley viewpoint on investing.” of transparency from traditional rally, while other Gulf markets dend for 2014, but offered a 5 per- comes to investment advice, ment services appeal to young Wealthfront, the largest of financial services,” Wealthfront were steady although Arabtec cent bonus share issue. would you trust a financial pro- adults who lack the minimum the new breed, announced this chief executive Adam Nash said weighed on Dubai following the Other Gulf markets consoli- fessional or a robot? A growing — often $100,000 to $1m — for month it had reach $2bn in in a blog post. “For too long, this builder’s poor quarterly results. dated. Abu Dhabi slipped 0.3 number of people are choosing traditional wealth managers, but assets under management in just industry has made too much of Brent oil rose 1.6 percent to percent. Egypt’s index fell 1.7 the latter, on the belief that who want advice or management over three years. its revenue on the backs of those $55.32 per barrel on Friday while percent as all of its constituents algorithms can provide rational of their investments. The California startup has an who can least afford it.” US crude futures for April deliv- declined. One reason for the mar- and dispassionate advice at a Robo-adviser firms often allow investment team led by Burton Other startups including ery jumped 4 percent to settle ket’s weakness could be investors cost well below that of tradi- customers to set their preferences Malkiel, an emeritus profes- Betterment and FutureAdvisor at $45.72 as the dollar posted its cashing out to take part initial tional advisers. and let the algorithm do the rest— sor of economics at Princeton use a similar formula — turning biggest weekly decline against the public offer of Misr Fertilizers A handful of automated invest- trading, rebalancing and minimiz- University and author of a 1973 over daily portfolio management euro in more than three years. Production Company, which ment startups created in the ing taxes. Costs are often far less book that championed “passive” to an automated algorithm that Saudi Arabia’s main stock index announced its intention to list at past few years now have more than a traditional advisory firm, investing in low-cost indexes for selects investments based on a added 1.5 percent, as petrochemi- the end of last week. than $4bn in assets under man- which may charge one percent or stocks, bonds and other assets. customer’s risk profile, age and cal giant Saudi Basic Industries The listing is part of a flurry agement, according to Forrester more of a customer’s assets. The strategy is based on the other factors, in an effort repli- (SABIC) climbed 1.1 percent and of initial public offerings, merg- Research. It’s a small segment of “These upstarts have simple idea that “active” managers cate broad market returns. other sectors, such as banks and ers and rights issues that a trillion-dollar wealth manage- uncomplicated offers, often for rarely outperform over the long “More people are searching property firms, were also strong. have boosted market activity. ment industry but growing at a markets that are not being served term a broad index such as the for a technology-first automated Real estate developer Dar Al Egyptian food maker Edita will red-hot pace, Forrester analyst effectively by incumbent firms,” Standard & Poor’s 500, especially solution,” said Betterment’s Joe Arkan jumped 2.8 percent and put up shares in a secondary Bill Doyle said. Doyle said. On the Bogleheads when manager fees are included. Ziemer. The New York startup was the most traded stock, while offering in April and Orascom “This is a more meaningful investment forum, one contribu- These firms mainly recommend launched in 2010 now has 73,000 Emaar Economic City climbed Construction completed a sec- crop of disruptors than we’ve seen tor claimed to be happy with exchange-traded funds (ETFs) customers and $1.6bn under 2.2 percent. Top lender National ondary offer this month. for many years, really since the the “low fees with a lot of added that offer these blends of assets. management. Commercial Bank surged 4.2 REUTERS Internet brokerages emerged,” he value” at one firm and the “Silicon “Investors are sick of the lack AFP

Tourism industry apprehensive Fear behind Turkey aims to be current stock market highs: gas transit hub ISTANBUL: Turkey has Chow, senior fellow at the Center Nobel laureate staked a claim to become a for Strategic and International major transit hub with two Studies (CSIS). FRANKFURT: Fear rather new pipelines to pump gas He pointed to the lack of a than euphoria is currently driv- from Azerbaijan and Russia to strong international banking ing global stock markets to new Europe, but boasting may prove system, a solid legal system to highs, Nobel Economics laureate easier than fulfilling the ambi- resolve normal commercial dis- Robert Shiller said in a German tious projects. putes and sufficient storage facili- newspaper interview yesterday. Turkey and Azerbaijan last ties. “Turkey has the advantage of The Yale University professor week started work on the location, it’s near a lot of oil and also warned of potential stock new 1,850km overland Trans- gas producing countries. Being a market bubbles and suggested it Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline hub takes time,” he said. could be a good time to invest in (Tanap) which by 2018 aims to The $10bn Tanap project — oil, given the current record low provide 10 billion cubic metres of whose construction was launched prices. “The stock market boom gas per year (bcma) to European by President Recep Tayyip we’re currently experiencing consumers and 6 bcma to Turkish Erdogan and his Azerbaijani Sign for a money exchange shop serving tourists hangs in Times Square in Manhattan, New York City. isn’t driven by euphoria,” Shiller customers. counterpart Ilham Aliyev — is Many people in the tourism industry are apprehensive about the rising dollar as it could result in a slowing told the Frankfurter Allgemeine At the same time Turkish and firmly backed by the European of tourists to America as foreign currencies lose value to the dollar. Sonntagszeitung. Russian officials are in intense Union which hopes it will help “I call it the ‘new normal boom’. negotiations to agree terms for a Europe reduce its dependence on It is an investment boom... The brand new Turkish Stream pipe- Russian gas. mechanisms are all there, but the line under the Black Sea. With But analysts say Turkey will feeling is missing,” Shiller said. the EU backing Tanap and Russia need to ramp up its total capacity “We’re not seeing any opti- behind Turkish Stream, Turkey is from the initial plan of 16 bcma Weaker euro works in ECB’s favour mism. This boom is driven by now placed in a hugely strategic for it to make any major impact fear,” he argued. position in the intensifying rivalry on the EU’s goal of diversifying FRANKFURT: The weaker euro area from slipping into defla- eurozone inflation back above the European and US stocks ended between Brussels and Moscow supplies away from the Russia of euro, which could approach tion, a dangerous downward spiral 2.0-percent target by 2017. Such a the week on a high Friday with over gas supply. President Vladimir Putin. parity with the US dollar, is of falling prices that is difficult to scenario is all the more realistic London’s FTSE surging past Turkey’s dream is to turn the “In the longer term if TANAP making the European Central break once it has set in. because it was calculated using an the 7,000 mark for the first region on the western side of the carries much more that will start Bank’s task of kickstarting the But the euro has fallen by nearly exchange rate of $1.04 per euro. time in history, and other lead- country bordering Greece and to give it greater significance. eurozone economy easier. 20 percent against the dollar in the The extent of the euro’s recent ing European indices — such as Bulgaria into a gas hub, where That is something that will prob- But the feel-good effects could past six months and central banks decline appears to have caught the the DAX in Frankfurt — also at multiple pipelines will meet to ably happen but will not be immi- turn sour if the euro’s decline in start to feel uncomfortable when ECB off guard: its most recent offi- record highs. pump gas to EU consumers. The nent,” said Laurent Ruseckas, value becomes too pronounced too changes in the exchange rate are cial forecasts were compiled using Shiller said European stocks, EU-backed Tanap appears sure senior adviser in global gas at quickly, analysts said. Officially, too rapid and too volatile. For the an average exchange rate of $1.14 including German stocks, were to be built, as finding returns on IHS Energy. the ECB has no exchange rate moment, the ECB does not appear this year and $1.13 in 2016 and 2017. still a bargain, compared with the $40bn-$45bn investment in The plan to build Turkish target. But by making eurozone to be alarmed. Nevertheless, the euro could fall US stocks. Azerbaijan’s Shah Deniz 2 gas Stream was dramatically goods cheaper to export and President Mario Draghi even further against the dollar as a “There aren’t many alterna- field depends on the pipeline. announced by Putin in December pushing up prices of imports, the recently estimated that the result of the ECB’s policy of quan- tives to stocks at the moment. Turkish Stream however is a far in Ankara, as a replacement for weaker euro is positive for the euro’s decline should contribute titative easing, or widescale bond We’re in a period of extremely less stable proposition. the South Stream pipeline and to single currency area’s economy. “significantly” in bringing area- purchases, said Commerzbank low interest rates.” Questions remain over whether bypass Ukraine. Putin blamed the “In the current context, push- wide inflation back up towards economist Joerg Kraemer. In a bid to kick-start the Turkey has sufficient capacity to EU for the collapse of the South ing down the euro is probably the the ECB’s target of just below 2.0 At the beginning of this month, eurozone’s moribund economy, become a genuine gas hub, which Stream project, which was to have only means the ECB has for push- percent. In February, consumer the ECB embarked on a massive the European Central Bank has requires far more than the build- come ashore in Bulgaria. ing up inflation,” Natixis econo- prices in the 19-country bloc fell ¤1.14-trillion bond purchase pro- slashed its interest rates to new ing of pipeline infrastructure. But Russia and Turkey, who mist Sylvain Broyer said. by 0.3 percent. gramme, at a rate of ¤60bn per all-time lows and pumped unprec- “To be an energy hub there are already operate the undersea Blue The ECB has rolled out a series But in a scenario drawn up by month until September 2016. The edented amounts of liquidity into a number of ingredients that are Stream pipeline, have yet to agree of unprecedented measures in the ECB’s team of economists, an idea is to pump liquidity into the the financial system. necessary, none of which exist a final accord on Turkish Stream. recent years to try to prevent the excessively weak euro could push financial system. AFP AFP as yet in Turkey,” said Edward AFP MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Russian ‘teapots’ pose big threat to oil prices Moscow may increase oil exports, says expert

MOSCOW: The next big threat world’s biggest oil producers, of the unused oil exported, to oil prices isn’t from OPEC or would put more pressure on putting more pressure on crude Bakken shale. It’s Russian sam- crude, already down more than prices, according to JBC Energy, a ovars, or teapots. 50 percent from last year. Vienna-based consulting company Simple refineries that proc- Falling energy prices and US whose clients include Opec. ess crude into fuel oil are scal- and European Union sanctions The additional barrels would ing back, because when oil prices imposed last year in response to arrive as the Organisation of slump, the government reduces the Ukraine crisis have pushed Petroleum Exporting Countries, the discount that these refiners — Russia to the brink of recession, whose 12 members produce known as teapots to those in the damping demand for refined fuel about 40 percent of the world’s industry — get for exporting fuel. products in the country. oil, sticks to plans it announced They use less crude, freeing it Crude loadings from Russian in November to maintain its own up for sale abroad, which in turn ports are 9.5 percent higher in output in response to the global adds to the global glut. the first quarter year over year, supply glut. The move has yet to Russia may increase oil exports according to shipment schedules lead to a drop in production by by as much as 250,000 barrels a obtained by Bloomberg. the biggest non-Opec countries. day this year, according to James Teapot refineries processed as US output, fed by growth in Henderson, a senior research much as 800,000 barrels of crude hydraulic fracturing and hori- fellow at the Oxford Institute for a day last year, Igor Dyomin, a zontal drilling in the Bakken Energy Studies who’s followed spokesman for Russia’s state-run and elsewhere, has soared to 9.42 A gas flare is seen at the central processing plant for oil and gas near Surgut, Russia. the country’s energy industry for pipeline operator, Transneft, said. million barrels a day, the most more than 20 years. That would A teapot refinery is one that pro- in more than 30 years, even as its 2014 average of about $100 a economics of refining, and sought profitable at $85 a barrel and equate to 5 percent growth in duces mostly fuel oil rather than oil companies scale back invest- barrel, according to data compiled state financial support for a refin- start losing money with Brent shipments, the most in at least more premium fuels, according ment and the number of active by Bloomberg. ery project. crude at $50. a decade. to Dyomin. rigs drops to the lowest since 2011. The possible growth in exports Russian crude exports averaged “When oil prices were high, “The pain Russia is feeling Seven simple plants with a When crude prices slide, so may be reversed because the 4.84 million barrels a day last it was profitable to sell fuel oil from low oil prices has made combined capacity of 1.2 million too does the size of Russian tax refineries hurt by the current year, a 6.1 percent drop compared abroad and get a big tax discount,” more crude available for export,” barrels a day are most at risk in discounts for exporting fuel oil duty system are trying to get it with 2013. The biggest annual Transneft’s Dyomin said. “We Henderson said. “Quite a few of the current price environment, that’s used by ships, power plants changed. Igor Sechin, chief execu- increase in the past decade was called it ‘spoiled crude’ because Russia’s simple refineries could according to Henderson. or further processing. Refiners tive of Rosneft, the world’s big- 3.6 percent in 2009. the product they produced was reduce their runs.” There could be sporadic cuts save about $25 a tonne selling the gest publicly-traded oil producer, Rosneft said in a January pres- less valuable than the oil they Rising shipments from Russia, to refining of 400,000 barrels a product instead of crude at cur- told Russian President Vladimir entation that simple refineries used to make it. Now, the tables which ranks with Saudi Arabia day during the next few months’ rent prices. The saving would be Putin in February that this year’s that produce a high percentage have turned.” and the United States as the maintenance season, with much about $62 a tonne if crude was at tax changes had changed the of fuel oil are only marginally WP-BLOOMBERG

Toyota finalising plans for first Mexico plant

TOKYO/MEXICO CITY: executives recently spent a week Toyota Motor is finalising in Guanajuato and remain in plans for its first passenger car talks with local government offi- assembly plant in Mexico that cials over a potential plot of land could be approved by its board that would give the carmaker a as early as next month, accord- big enough footprint to expand in ing to three people with knowl- the future, a source said. edge of the matter. “We are always evaluating our The plant would make the pop- production capacity in Mexico, ular Corolla compact sedan and and in North America generally, begin production in 2019. Based to keep it in line with local market on recent investments by rivals, demand, but no such decision has including Volkswagen, a new been made at this time,” Toyota assembly plant would represent an spokesman Itsuki Kurosu said. investment of over $1bn for Toyota. An official at Mexico’s economy A green light for the plant ministry had no immediate com- would signal an end to a 3-year ment on Toyota’s plans in the coun- Sheikh Suhaim bin Abdulla Al Thani, Vice-Chairman (centre) with other board members during the Ordinary and Extraordinary General Assembly meeting expansion freeze imposed by the try. A spokesman for Guanajuato’s at InterContinental Hotel yesterday. ABDUL BASIT Japanese carmaker’s president economic development department Akio Toyoda, who has blamed declined to comment. aggressive expansion a decade ago The Mexico plant would pro- for contributing to quality lapses duce a new generation of the QE upgrade boosts Mannai’s share trading and a 2009 recall crisis. Corolla, which will also be made Toyoda last year asked planners at a factory in Japan, people with DOHA: The Qatar Exchange’s Addressing the annual gen- of Mannai’s business sustained The consolidated net profit of scouting for a site in Mexico to hit knowledge of the company’s plans efforts in obtaining MSCI eral assembly and extraordinary the continued annual trend of Mannai Corporation grew by 18 ‘pause’ and review the rationale said. Toyota said it sold close to Emerging Market status, coupled assembly meetings of Mannai increased profits. Mannai’s IT percent to QR526m in 2014 from for the project, executives famil- 340,000 Corollas last year in the with market liquidity measures Corporation on behalf of Sheikh business made a particularly QR446m recorded in 2013. iar with the matter said then. United States alone. recently introduced by the bourse, Hamad bin Abdulla Al Thani, strong contribution, as did the Sheikh Suhaim bin Khalifa Al He urged executives to squeeze Mazda Motor opened an assem- has resulted in a record increase Chairman, Mannair Corporation, Automotive & Heavy Equipment Thani (centre), Vice-Chairman, more production from existing bly plant in Guanajuato early last both in the trading of Mannai’s here yesterday, Sheikh Suhaim businesses. Whereas, there was Mannai Corporation, address- factories. year, which will also produce vehi- shares and in the number of inter- said the number of foreign share- a drop in the contribution from ing general and extraordi- Toyota is the last mass-market cles for Toyota under an agree- national shareholders in Mannai, holders, mainly institutions, more the company’s 35 percent stake nary assembly meetings along carmaker without a major produc- ment between the automakers. In Sheikh Suhaim bin Abdulla Al than doubled by the end of the in Axiom Telecom due to margin with other board members at tion hub in Mexico, which has lured June last year, Daimler and Nissan Thani, Vice-Chairman, Mannai year 2014. pressures in the handset sector Intercontinental Hotel yesterday. car makers and suppliers through Motor announced plans to build a Corporation, has said. He said the diversification during the year. THE PENINSULA its low labour costs and tariff- new small car joint-venture plant free access to the United States, in Mexico at a cost of $1.4b. Toyota’s largest single market. The wave of new investment by The Japanese firm has a plant in automakers has brought hundreds Mexico’s Baja California that pro- of Japanese auto parts suppliers to duces the Tacoma pickup truck, Mexico over the past few years. IT majors to More support for China-led AIIB but it has no passenger car plant. Auto production in Mexico doubled Last year, Mexican officials to more than 3 million vehicles a pitched half a dozen potential year in the five years to 2014. attend ATF BEIJING: China received project loans to developing coun- try to reach consensus in all the sites for a new plant, and Toyota Toyota’s Corolla plant in Blue critical support from the tries and is slated to begin opera- decisions we make without bran- executives have zeroed in on a site Springs, Mississippi, which DOHA: Avaya Technology International Monetary Fund tions at the end of 2015. dishing the majority shareholder in the central state of Guanajuato, opened in 2011, was the carmak- Forum (ATF) 2015, the first of and Asian Development Bank The United States’ key strate- status,” he said. China’s official two people with knowledge of the er’s most recent assembly plant to its kind to be held in the Middle yesterday for its goal of establish- gic allies in the region, Australia, Xinhua news agency suggested deliberations said. come on line in North America. East, is being supported by sev- ing a new Chinese-led multilat- Japan and South Korea, are also that the United States might be A delegation of Toyota REUTERS eral leading technology play- eral lender, adding to a growing considering joining the proposed embarrassed that many of its ers. More than 500 technology wave of endorsements that has Beijing-based bank. allies had not heeded its warnings. professionals and engineers are worried the United States. Early opposition to the AIIB “For decision-makers in the expected to participate in the Leaders of the IMF and ADB, from Western countries partially United States, they really have to 3-wheel Toyota i-Road forum to be held from March 30 speaking at a conference in dissolved after Britain said this be reminded that if they do not to April 1 in Dubai. Beijing, said they were in talks month it would join, with France, jump on the bandwagon of change Partners who have signed- with or happy to cooperate Germany and Italy swiftly follow- in time, they will soon be overrun on as presenting sponsors with the Asian Infrastructure ing suit. by the bandwagon itself,” it said. of ATF 2015 include Oracle, Investment Bank (AIIB), a $50bn Canberra could formally decide IMF Managing Director Almasa Value Distribution, lender to be majority funded by to sign up to the AIIB when the Christine Lagarde said yesterday Plantronics, Siemon, Nutanix, China that is seen by some as a full cabinet meets on Monday, that the fund would be “delighted” Axis Communications, Senetas, rival to these established interna- Australian media have said. to cooperate with the AIIB. Riverbed, and ITP. tional financial institutions. At least eight more countries China’s Lou and ADB President Mohammed Areff, Avaya’s The United States, concerned may join the lender by the March Takehiko Nakao said at the con- Managing Director for the GCC, about China’s growing diplo- 31 deadline, Jin Liqun, secretary- ference they had held discussions Levant, Iraq and Pakistan, said: matic clout, has urged countries general of the interim secretariat on possible cooperation, with the “The Avaya Technology Forum is to think twice about signing up that is establishing the AIIB, told a Chinese finance minister adding a popular international platform and questioned whether the AIIB panel at the conference on Sunday. that topics discussed included for the IT industry and it is an will have sufficient standards of The fund will have approval safeguard standards. honour to have the support of governance and environmental from its shareholders at the start Lou has previously said AIIB such a strong contingent of part- and social safeguards. to double its capitalization to $100 would complement rather than ners. We are happy to bring this Some 27 countries have already billion, he said. compete with other institutions globally-acclaimed conference to signed up to participate in the “China will follow the rules of such as the ADB, the Manila-based A woman negotiates a course in a 3-wheel Toyota i-Road urban Dubai, and help transform the IT AIIB, China’s Finance Minister the international community and multilateral lender dominated by mobility prototype at the TED Conference in Vancouver. landscape in our markets.” Lou Jiwei told China National will not bully other members but Japan and the United States. THE PENINSULA Radio on Saturday. It will provide work together with them and REUTERS MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Sugar glut sweeps across the globe Global output to exceed demand

NEW YORK: The world has consuming countries, data from never been so awash in sugar. the London-based sugar organi- Just as cane harvests expand in zation show. India, the second- India and Thailand, farmers in largest producer, will have the Brazil, the world’s largest pro- biggest harvest in three years at ducer, are ramping up exports 26 million tonnes, a Bloomberg to take advantage of a tumble survey showed. A Thai industry in the exchange rate that has group estimated cane output rose swelled their profit margins. 6.1 percent this season. And crops that were hurt In Brazil, which supplies one- by drought last year have been fifth of the world’s sugar, the revived by rain. Global out- incentive to sell more overseas put is set to exceed demand has increased in the past few for a fifth straight year, leav- months, as budget deficits and ing the biggest stockpiles on a stalled economy sent the real record, the International Sugar plunging to the lowest in almost Organisation said. 11 years against the dollar. In the All of that sugar signals global week ended March 11, domestic prices, already down 50 percent cargoes waiting to be shipped in three years, are poised to fall jumped 33 percent from a week further, cutting costs for buy- earlier, according to Recife, ers like Krispy Kreme Donuts Brazil-based Williams Servicos Sugar cane is harvested at the Usina da Mata Ethanol, Sugar and Energy facility in Valparaiso, Brazil. and Mondelez International, the Maritimos Ltda. maker of Cadbury chocolates and “With the Brazilian real will be shifting from surplus to from a year ago. Mondelez raised oil that has increased the risk of raw sugar to help mills pay debt Oreos. New York sugar futures down, it’s hard to put a floor a more balanced, small-deficit prices to cover higher costs for deflation from Japan to China to farmers. Maharashtra, the probably will slide 6.2 percent on prices,” said Claudiu Covrig, situation,” which should boost cocoa, milk and sugar. to the Europe Union. With ris- top producing state, is seeking by July to 12.02 cents a pound, senior agricultural analyst for prices, said Bruno Lima, a risk- Commodities got cheaper in ing agricultural output, global approval for additional aid to ship the lowest since January 2009, a sugar researcher Kingsman in management consultant for INTL recent months, but they “are all food costs tracked by the United product abroad. Bloomberg survey of nine analysts Lausanne, Switzerland. FCStone in Campinas, Brazil. still up year-over-year,” Chief Nations are the lowest in four Brazil’s Center South, the showed. Two decades of uninterrupted “China has been and should con- Executive Officer Irene Rosenfeld years, including a sugar index main growing region, may crush “The fundamentals are abso- consumption growth and four tinue to be a hungry buyer.” said on a February 11 conference that last month was the lowest as much as 585 million tonnes lutely bearish,” said Donald years of slumping prices may The government of Brazil, call. since 2009. of cane in the year that starts Selkin, who helps manage about leave less supply than forecast. where half the cane harvest is “The market basket of inputs Cheaper sugar already is April 1, up 2.6 percent from a $3bn of assets as chief market In Europe, people ate on average used to make ethanol for cars, for our chocolate business are helping to reduce commodity year earlier, industry consultant strategist at National Securities 37.1kg of sugar in 2013, up from mandated increased use of the among the highest,” which is costs by $3m in the next fiscal JOB Economia e Planejamento Corp. in New York. “Supplies are 35.1kg in 2011, while Americans fuel, leaving less to make sugar. why the Deerfield, Illinois-based year at Winston-Salem, North said. Agroconsult, based in very extensive. The good grow- consumed 32.5kg, up from 31kg, Vehicles must use fuel with 27 company made $1.6bn of price Carolina-based Krispy Kreme, Florianopolis, Brazil, projects an ing season and the weak currency the sugar organisation estimates. percent ethanol, up from 25 per- increases last year, she said. Vice President Price Cooper said even bigger cane crush. in Brazil are also making their The global average is 23kg. cent, Energy Minister Eduardo While sugar was “modestly on a March 11 conference call. “We’ve had several years in a exports more attractive.” Rather than expanding Braga said. favourable for us” in 2014, the The 1,000-store chain specialises row where output exceeded con- Global production in the year reserves, the world will see a Food makers may not see much benefit was “overwhelmingly in donuts glazed under a waterfall sumption and massive stocks have ending September 30 will exceed production deficit in the current benefit in the United States, offset” by cocoa, dairy and pack- of mostly sugar and milk. been accumulated,” said Stefan demand by 620,000 tonnes, leav- season of 2 million tonnes, widen- where the government limits aging costs, Michael Mitchell, a More sugar is on the way. India, Uhlenbrock, senior analyst for ing record stockpiles of 79.89 ing to 4 million next year, Societe sugar imports. Domestic futures, Mondelez spokesman, said. the second-largest producer, has commodity researcher FO Licht million tonnes, or almost enough Generale said. which trade at a premium to the The trend for commodities is approved subsidies for exports of in Ratzeburg, Germany. to supply the world’s top seven “By the end of June, the market world price, are up 9.7 percent down, including a plunge in crude as much as 1.4 million tonnes of WP-BLOOMBERG

E-commerce pioneers Arabtec swings to fourth quarter booming in Pakistan loss, blames ISLAMABAD: For Shayaan said Tahir, 29. Tahir, it all began when an order He launch Homeshopping.pk, high expenses he placed on Amazon for a new an online commerce site that iPod was rejected because the today deals with 500 transactions ABU DHABI: Dubai’s larg- online giant would not deliver per day and employees 65 people. est construction firm, Arabtec, electronics to Pakistan. Products are delivered within swung to a net loss of Dh94.4m Frustrated, he decided to take 24 hours inside Pakistan, and the ($25.7m) in the fourth quarter matters into his own hands and business primarily takes cash of last year, missing analysts’ founded one of Pakistan’s first on delivery because most people estimates as high costs weighed e-commerce ventures — a sector do not have credit cards. More on its bottom line. that today is booming. recently the site began accepting The builder, in which Abu That was seven years ago. online bank transfers. Dhabi state fund Aabar Like thousands of other young Despite some security concerns Investments owns a 36.11 percent Pakistanis, Tahir was working at and a handful of customers who stake, on Sunday reported a net a call centre in the city of Karachi, refused to pay for an item once it profit attributable to sharehold- the country’s violent, freewheel- had been delivered, it’s a formula ers of Dh214.6m for full-year 2014 ing economic hub located on the that has so far worked. versus Dh377.8m in 2013. Arabian sea. Other young entrepreneurs have It did not provide quarterly fig- He had saved hard to buy him- followed Tahir and today there is ures in the statement, but Reuters self an iPod — only to have his a host of online shops selling eve- calculations based on its previous purchase blocked. He enlisted a rything from consumer goods — financial statements showed the cousin in the United States to shophive.com and daraz.pk — to company swung to a fourth-quar- send him three of Apple’s music real estate — zameen.com — and Shayaan Tahir, CEO of Homeshopping.pk, posing at his call centre in Karachi. ter loss from a 122.1 million dirham players. Tahir kept one and sold even cars — pakwheels.com. profit in the prior-year period. the other two via classified ads. Pakistan is better known behind other emerging markets Di Gregorio and Blanchard are among themselves for market Two analysts polled by Reuters And that was when the idea hit abroad for its violent attacks by — has proved a further boon to among the foreign investors who share, said Maayr, a former invest- had forecast Arabtec would make him: To create his own Amazon- Taliban militants, but these entre- online commerce in the country. are hoping to cash in ahead of ment banker at Bear Stearns. The a quarterly profit of Dh107.3m like site for Pakistan, a country preneurs are more focussed on its “Basically the 30 million could any move by the global giants to rivalry is pushing sites to offer and Dh122m. of almost 200 million people that 30 million Internet users, roughly be 100 million in the next few acquire local companies. better services and driving up the Last year’s profits were hit has been all but forgotten by the 15 percent of the population. years,” said Shaun Di Gregorio, “When Amazon and Alibaba number of customers, observers by non-recurring general and web giants ubiquitous in the West. The total volume of online CEO of Frontier Digital Ventures, come in ... they would not want say. Before he invested in Zameen. administrative expenses, which Amazon, for example, can only sales was around $35m last year, a venture capital fund based in to build anything from scratch. com, Blanchard admits that he jumped 75 percent to Dh749.9m, sell limited products to Pakistan according to industry officials — a Malaysia that recently invested in It’s going to take too much time,” knew “nothing about Pakistan”. the company said. via its British site, at a hefty tiny fraction of the sales seen by Zameen.com and Pakwheels.com. said Muneeb Maayr, co-founder “I had heard talk on the TV Arabtec reorganised itself and mark-up. “Once I realised I can- global giant Amazon, Alibaba in “In order to surf, you need a of the site Daraz.pk, which sees about the Taliban, tribal zones laid off some executives and staff not buy anything from Amazon... I China or Flipkart in neighbouring wave, and the wave is here,” added around 1,000 sales per day. and stuff, and I thought to myself, after the abrupt departure in June realised that if I cannot get it and India. But experts agree there is Frenchman Gilles Blanchard, co- His goal is for his firm to one why not?” the Frenchman said, last year of former chief executive I want something from Amazon potential. founder of the site Seloger.com day be acquired by one of the for- eying its large population and Hasan Ismaik, who resigned after then there might be others like The arrival last year of 3G who has invested in Pakistani eign behemoths. For now, young little-known local talent. differences of opinion with Aabar. me who want the same product,” and 4G mobile networks — years startup Zameen.com. Pakistani entrepreneurs are battling AFP The Abu Dhabi fund then raised its stake in Arabtec, which the statement said showed govern- ment support for the company. Last year’s revenues climbed to Dh8.3bn. Because of the higher expenses, dividends attributed to More Ghana women take to shea butter business the parent company for 2014 will fall to Dh214.5m from Dh377.8m, ACCRA: Doris Acharibia says her new Women’s Development Project said in an Europeans, North Americans and Asians. Africa, Europe and the US from its factory but Arabtec said its board was trainees are eager to learn how to make interview last week. The cultivation of shea During dry seasons, Ghanaians buy the at Kasalgu in the Northern region, said CEO also proposing a 5 percent bonus butter from shea nuts in Ghana’s north- is dominated by women because the nut butter to moisturize their skin. It’s also Senyo Kpelly. Their products include body share issue. ern savannah. Growing global demand is used as a cooking oil, she said, and in used in chocolate-flavoured food as a sub- lotion, hand cream and soap. To boost revenues, the com- for the product used in food and as a skin northern households, women prepare most stitute for pricier cocoa, of which Ghana is Harvesting and refining shea is a labo- pany plans to rent out some moisturizer is attracting companies like meals. Making shea a commercial product the world’s second-biggest producer. rious process that can take three weeks. of its office space at the World Singapore’s Wilmar International, the helps women earn more. “This is what they Wilmar has invested almost $90m in While companies like Wilmar have mecha- Trade Centre in Abu Dhabi, world’s biggest trader of edible oils. do to look after their families,” she said. its unit, Ghana Specialty Fats Industries, nised refining, the rural women still proc- space which was not used in the Retail prices increased 67 percent in Shea trees, which can reach a height of since 2006 to meet growing demand in ess the nuts by hand, parboiling them and last two years, it said. 2014 for butter produced by independent 15 metres (49 feet), grow in west and cen- Asia and Europe, Wilmar Africa Ltd. Chief then leaving them out to dry for several Arabtec said it was in the final sellers in Acharibia’s group. That’s con- tral Africa’s arid Sahel region bordering the Executive Officer Ramachandra Kodey Rao days. stages of concluding a contract, vinced women in northern Ghana — who Sahara desert. Ghana is the world’s third- said. The factory, near the port at Tema, The outer shell is cracked to expose the previously estimated at $40bn, to already grow rice, soybeans and peanuts, biggest shea producer after Nigeria and Mali, 32km east of the capital, Accra, processes kernel, which is dried, roasted and ground build one million housing units in brew a millet drink called pito and make with output of 73,500 tonnes in 2012 worth between 30,000 and 40,000 tonnes of nuts into powder. Water is added to make it into Egypt. The project was originally jewellery — to risk snake bites to harvest $10m, according to the United Nations Food each year, said Fatima Alimohamed, a gen- the valuable butter. “Shea is our cocoa in announced early last year but nuts from trees in the wild. and Agriculture Organisation. eral manager at the plant. the north,” Acharibia said. “If you don’t the company has not yet reached “The price has attracted more women Companies including The Body Shop, a Local companies have also become have patience you can’t be in the business final agreement on terms with the to the shea-butter business,” the 42-year- unit of L’Oreal, and L’Occitane International involved in the industry. Sekaf Ghana makes of making the butter.” Egyptian government. old leader of the 875-member Talensi Area are selling shea beauty products to wealthy its Tama brand of cosmetics for buyers in WP-BLOOMBERG REUTERS MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

Sovereign issuers seek to Abe-Kuroda honeymoon thwart attacks by funds BY DANIEL BASES soured by fiscal friction OVERNMENT bond issuers are adopting new standards intended to thwart a strategy that’s plagued Argentina for G13 years, in which buyers snap up distressed debt for pen- BY LEIKA KIHARA and stimulus measures and inflation His favourite idea, floated at as long as possible, even if that nies on the dollar and then hold out for full payment after other TETSUSHI KAJIMOTO targets are effective. the panel, is to add a goal on means delaying an exit from the investors have agreed to restructure. But the mask began to slip the ratio of debt to GDP. This radical stimulus measures that Since August, as many as 12 of 22 recent emerging market issuers RIFT is emerg- last year when Abe decided to ratio falls without deep spending have led to that unwieldy bal- including Kazakhstan and Mexico have inserted language in their ing between Prime delay a sales tax hike, mak- cuts, as long as the BOJ main- ance sheet. “The BOJ’s stimulus bond prospectuses that makes it prohibitively expensive for a single Minister Shinzo ing Japan’s primary fiscal goal tains both low interest rates and is crucial in keeping borrowing holdout to block a restructuring settlement that the majority of Abe and his hand- harder to achieve. solid economic growth with its costs low, which is a prerequisite creditors may have accepted. This week Ecuador, which defaulted picked central bank “The honeymoon days are massive stimulus. for fiscal reform to proceed,” one in 2009, issued new bonds that incorporate the language, developed Aboss on how to fix Japan’s tat- over,” said Izuru Kato, chief Defying central bank eti- government official said on con- by the International Capital Markets Association. tered finances, which could blunt economist at Totan Research. quette, Kuroda spoke against the dition of anonymity. Driving the move to change is the situation in Argentina, lawyers the impact of the “Abenomics” “Kuroda must be frustrated over proposals at a panel meeting on “There’s no doubt it has and bankers said. After Argentina sought to refinance almost $100bn stimulus policies they have a lack of progress in structural February 12 in front of Abe. become very hard for the BOJ in debt and gained the agreement of 93 percent of the holders, inves- worked together to prosecute. reform and fiscal consolidation.” He returned to the theme two to end its quantitative easing tors led by Elliot Management and Aurelius Capital Management Two years into Bank of Japan A former finance ministry weeks later, despite raised eye- programme” during Kuroda’s rejected the restructurings and demanded full payment. Argentina Governor Haruhiko Kuroda’s bureaucrat, Kuroda feels Japan brows in government. five-year term ending in April responded by calling the holdouts “vultures” and refused to pay. tenure, the cracks are becoming cannot afford to delay tax hikes “Achieving the primary bal- 2018, a ruling party official said. The new mechanism being adopted, known as the aggregated hard to conceal and could affect and spending cuts given its dire ance target is just a first step. Kuroda earned political capi- collective action clause (CAC), is aimed at preventing future imple- the timing of any further mon- fiscal state, while Abe prefers to Only through this would Japan tal by giving Abe what he wanted mentation of the Elliot and Aurelius playbook. etary easing and an eventual end focus more on boosting growth think about gradually reducing with an intense burst of stimu- “The new CACs crush the business model of holdouts,” said to the massive money-printing to raise tax revenues. the debt-to-GDP ratio,” he told lus in April 2013, which boosted Gregory Makoff, a senior fellow at Centre for International programme he set in train. Last month a key policy reporters. corporate profits and improved Governance Innovation in Waterloo, Ontario. Their differences over fis- panel run by Abe’s right-hand Behind his concern is that consumer sentiment. “Holdouts thrive on buying small amounts of bonds that can’t be cal policy needed to cut Japan’s man, Economics Minister Akira Japan’s huge public debt could But the relationship soured forced into a transaction,” said Makoff, who’s based in New York staggering public debt, which at Amari, began debating proposals lead to cuts in its sovereign debt when he expanded stimulus in and formerly advised nations including Jamaica, South Africa and 230 percent of GDP is twice the that could water down Japan’s ratings, which in turn would October to pace up inflation with- the Philippines on debt transactions during a career at Citigroup. US figure and about 50 points fiscal target of returning to a pri- hurt Japanese banks with huge out advance consultation with “Now there is nowhere to hide since a supermajority can now sweep higher than perilous Greece, mary budget surplus, excluding bond holdings. the administration, say sources all bondholders into a transaction.” have so far been masked by debt servicing costs and income Delays in fiscal reform are familiar with the deliberations. To be sure, it may take decades for the holdout business model their shared determination to from bond sales, in fiscal 2020. also likely to leave the BOJ with The move raised suspicion to completely wither away as old-style bonds mature, since the end deflation. Abe has not resiled from that a bloated balance sheet, already among Abe’s aides that Kuroda new language applies only to newly issued bonds. Trying to retrofit The perception of common target, but the panel is laying equal to 60 percent of GDP, for was teaming with the finance such language onto old bond covenants would be cumbersome and purpose is critical to giving the ground for him to add other longer than it wants. ministry to nudge a wary premier costly, lawyers said. businesses, markets and con- goals that give him more wiggle- Government officials admit into proceeding with the sched- Both Elliot and Aurelius declined to comment on the new stand- sumers the confidence to change room on spending, government they are counting on the BOJ uled second sales tax hike in 2015. ards. Holdouts have argued that they play an important role in behaviour and ensure that the officials say. to keep borrowing costs low for REUTERS the credit markets by offering liquidity during distressed times. The new standards diminish their incentive to hold out on a deal. In a nutshell, an aggregated CAC means all of a sovereign’s bond- holders’ votes in a restructuring are counted in a single pool and if it passes the results are binding on all the bonds. That means if the supermajority of those votes agrees to a deal, then even those who don’t like the terms have no choice but to accept them. “Neither the sell-side, meaning the issuers, nor the hard money buy-side likes the result in Argentina,” said Antonia Stolper, a sovereign securities lawyer at Shearman & Sterling in New York. “For them it is a practical matter.” Stolper said adoption of the new language by sovereign issuers for their international bonds, typically adapted to either English or New York courts, has been “spectacularly fast.” The new covenants also include language written specifically to counteract the disputed opinion of US District Judge Thomas Griesa in Manhattan. His view of the so-called pari passu clause, or equal treatment clause, is what the holdout hedge funds have used to win $1.33bn plus accrued interest. “The modification to the pari passu clause diminishes investors’ ability to litigate,” said Moody’s Investors Service analyst Elena Duggar, who on March 13 published a study on the new language. Griesa’s opinion has been upheld on appeal and Argentina has exhausted its legal recourses. Until Argentina agrees to a settle- ment with the holdouts, its ability to reenter the international capital markets is severely restricted at a time when its shaky economy needs fresh investment. In October 2014 Kazakhstan adopted the new English law ver- sions nearly verbatim, while Mexico led the way for bonds governed by New York law with an issue in November. A simpler form of sovereign CACs were first used by Mexico in 2003, a milestone in the sovereign debt investment community. Those bonds matured earlier in this month. In fact, it was the Mexican peso crisis in December 1994 and subsequent international bailout that launched an effort to design bond covenants that would lessen the burden on the official sector and shift it to private bondholders. Belgian deputy central bank governor Jean-Jacques Rey headed a report issued to the G10 in 1996 that laid the groundwork for changes while the Argentine default in 2002 accelerated the effort to Mexico’s historic move in February 2003. “It took about eight years for the initial CACs to go from the drawing board to the marketplace. The new CACs made the leap in less than two years - record speed in the arcane world of sovereign bond documentation,” said Makoff. REUTERS Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

US multinationals to face more pain from strong dollar

BY SINEAD CAREW from the year-earlier quarters. dollar on US earnings could last Wednesday lowered its expecta- dollar revenues back into euros. increase their protection against The brokerage says that a 25 for three to seven years. It may tions for US economic growth and Its hedging of sales at a much further dollar strength through HE surging value of percent gain in the US dollar in not happen every quarter but inflation over the next two years lower dollar exchange rate will, increased hedging, though that the US dollar may a 12-month period has histori- there’s a secular risk to US earn- in what was widely seen as an though, delay the full impact for adds to costs and if mismanaged be posing the biggest cally coincided with a 10 percent ings, primarily to multinationals, acknowledgment that the soaring years. The company may also have can create risks of its own. threat to US corpo- decline in the market’s earnings as the dollar appreciates.” dollar has stalled its plan to start room to price more competitively “We have seen a huge increase rate earnings since per share. Expectations for S&P 500 earn- raising interest rates. to win major contests against rival in the number of our clients that Tthe 2008 financial crisis, hurting That hasn’t happened yet - but ings are expected to keep falling as That temporarily arrested the Boeing , though it may prefer to are hedging - they have doubled results at most US-based multina- the downward trend is clear. Wall companies tally the dollar impact dollar’s sharp gains, but many focus on boosting profits rather or tripled. We have also seen a tionals. Some on Wall Street are Street analysts currently estimate on results in the next few weeks. strategists see the greenback than increasing market share. huge increase in the percentage of even talking about an earnings earnings growth of 1.3 percent Take chemicals producer continuing to rally, with Goldman North American public com- their exposure that they’re hedg- recession. for 2015, down from a forecast DuPont, for example. On January Sachs predicting the euro will fall panies could give up more than ing,” said David Pierce, director The dollar’s gain of 22 percent of 8.1 percent at the beginning of 27, the company forecast full-year more than 10 percent in the next $25 billion in revenues in the of business development at GPS in the past 12 months against a the year, according to Thomson earnings of $4 to $4.20 for 2015 12 months to $0.95 from $1.082 first quarter alone, because of Capital Markets, a Salt Lake basket of major currencies has Reuters data. The S&P 500’s earn- after a 60-cent negative drag from late on Friday. currency-related volatility, said City-based corporate FX broker- landed a double whammy on US ings per share are expected to drop the dollar, based on its level on International revenues account Wolfgang Koester, chief executive age firm that helps clients hedge companies with big sales abroad. 3.1 percent in the first quarter and January 23. for about one-third of S&P 500 of FiREapps, a foreign exchange currency exposure. Revenue and earnings from for- 0.7 percent in the second quarter Since that time, the dollar index, sales, according to Goldman Sachs data analytics firm in Phoenix, While hedging helps multi- eign markets are worth less when before recovering modestly in the which measures the dollar against data, and more than 40 percent Arizona. The fourth-quarter effect national companies navigate translated into greenbacks and second-half of the year. six different major currencies — for technology, materials, energy was about $18.66bn, according to volatile currency markets, most their costs become relatively less Nearly one-fifth of S&P 500 the euro, yen, pound, Swiss franc, and industrial companies. Koester. don’t hedge 100 percent of their competitive against rivals produc- companies have warned on earn- Swedish krona and Canadian dol- The dollar’s gains are a boon for Among those that have warned exposure. Also, badly designed ing in countries with declining ings for the first quarter, with at lar — has gained nearly 3.5 per- rivals in Europe and elsewhere that are technology giant IBM , semi- or ill-timed programs can end in currencies. least 49 companies mentioning cent. Jefferies analyst Laurence have more of their costs in curren- conductor maker Intel Corp, disaster, such as in 2008, when Dollar moves of this magni- the effects of the dollar on results, Alexander estimated in a March cies, such as the euro, that have apparel retailer Michael Kors, Brazil’s pulp and paper manufac- tude in the past have resulted in according to Thomson Reuters. 11 note that DuPont’s currency hit declined and will get the transla- fashion accessories company turer Aracruz lost more than $2bn what Bank of America/Merrill “This is just the beginning,” said for 2015 earnings will be an addi- tion benefits from dollar sales. Fossil Group, and industrial con- betting that the Brazilian real Lynch strategists term an “earn- Richard Bernstein, veteran Wall tional 5 to 10 cents. Dupont, whose For instance, European air- glomerate Honeywell , all of which would continue to gain in value. ings recession,” which is generally Street strategist and now CEO quarterly results are due on April craft maker Airbus Group NV have said results would be hit by Instead, the currency plunged defined as at least two successive of Richard Bernstein Advisors 21, declined to comment. could eventually see an improve- currency issues. against the dollar. quarters of declining earnings in New York. “This impact of the The Federal Reserve on ment in margins as it translates Companies have been rushing to REUTERS MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Total Return Index 17,770.41 0.19 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,188.01 0.42 % QE All Share Index 3,074.77 0.17 % RATE QE All Share Banks & Financial 3,118.03 0.49 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low Services QE All Share Industrials 3,725.74 0.85 % GOLD Buying Selling QE All Share Transportation 2,439.92 0.53 % All Ordinaries 5912.465 104.479 1.8 5962 5248.5 QE All Share Real Estate 2,371.22 0.91 % QR136.4525 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Insurance 4,100.69 1.96 % Cac 40 Index/D 5039.75 6.33 0.13 5074.83 4076.16 SILVER UK ...... QR 5.4116 QR 5.4907 QE All Share Telecoms 1,319.58 0.54 % QE All Share Consumer Goods & Dj Indu Average 18076.19 227.11 1.27 18288.6 15855.12 Euro ...... QR 3.9053 QR 3.9843 6,856.85 0.16 % QR 1.8649 Services CA$ ...... QR 2.8734 QR 2.9389 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 6,787.37 2.92 % Hang Seng Inde/D 24468.89 348.81 1.45 25101.96 23312.5 Services Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.6961 QR 3.7897 QE Market Summary Comparison Iseq Overall/D 6098.23 22.83 0.38 6212.11 5072.7 Yen ...... QR 0.0298 QR 0.0304 Aus$ ...... QR 2.7984 QR 2.8694 Today Previous day Karachi 100 In/D 31451.62 -73.36 -0.23 35055.94 31338.29 CRUDE OIL 22-03-2015 19-03-2015 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0573 QR 0.0586 Index 11,517.48 11,523.77 Nikkei 225 Index 19476.56 -67.92 -0.35 19555.72 16592.57 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0354 QR 0.0359 Change 6.29 97.15 BRENT Peso ...... QR 0.0805 QR 0.0824 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2119.59 1814.36 % 0.05 0.85 $ 55.32 SL Re ...... QR 0.0271 QR 0.0279 YTD% 6.25 6.2 Straits Times/D 3386.16 24.41 0.73 3458.14 3267.89 Taka ...... QR 0.0463 QR 0.0471 Volume 4,876,984 8,318,112 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0360 QR 0.0371 Value (QAR) 214,474,373.21 379,982,820.25 Straits Times/D 3324.09 0.44 0.01 3387.84 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.2914 QR 0.2973 Trades 3,633 5,660 $ 52.02 Up 15 | Down 16 | Unchanged 07 Straits Times/D 3274.06 -8.82 -0.27 3291.83 2953.01

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 22-03-2015

Precious metals enjoy boost from Fed meeting

HE FEDERAL positive week in three. Soft com- Inventories at Cushing, European and Asian refineries Open Market modities were the best perform- Weekly Commodity Update Oklahoma, the delivery hub for are about to enter their annual sea- Committee meet- ing sector, with Arabica coffee and WTI crude oil futures, continue to son of maintenance which should ing on Wednesday cotton both jumping higher as the rise, and with speculation about negatively impact demand in April was the highlight of dollar triggered short covering. BY OLE S. HANSEN the risk of hitting capacity levels, and May. The rise in oil stocks, due Tthis week. A lot of attention is Industrial metals were higher this data has been receiving some to reduced demand from refineries, currently being given to the US as copper moved back to the top (Head of Commodity increased attention. The rise of during this time last year helped Federal Reserve as speculation of its current $2.6 to $2.7 range Strategy, Saxo Bank) 2.9mn barrels took the total to trigger the big sell-off. about when and by how much it as the world’s second largest mine a new record at 54.4mn barrels. Other potential negatives from will raise its official Fed Funds in Indonesia remained shut for a A subdued inflation outlook, could then signal a move toward Cushing inventories have soared a demand perspective is news that rates. The statement by Fed chair fifth day due to strike action. a rising dollar and recent weak- $1,193/oz, a level through which by 69 percent this year as the shale China, after building strategic Janet Yellen left the door open The grain sector failed to ben- ness in economic data may sway we believe the metal will struggle oil boom continues to boost US pro- reserves at a breath-taking pace, for a rate hike in September but efit from the weaker dollar as the the Fed from going too aggressive to break at this stage unless some duction. Despite witnessing a near- may temporarily be running out of at the same time the committee attention among traders, farm- on rates. and this was music to renewed risk adversity related to halving in the number of US oil rigs capacity to store. Over the coming turned more dovish on how much ers and consumers is increasingly the ears of gold bulls. Gold rose Greece begins to make an appear- since last October, US production months this could slow demand rates need to rise. turning towards a key report on for the first time in three weeks ance once again or the dollar nevertheless continues to rise and from the world’s biggest importer A sharply higher dollar against March 31. Each year the agri- after, just like in November and retracement continues. last week it reached a 30-year high of crude until such time where most other currencies, a subdued culture industry eagerly awaits December, having struggled to Crude oil, like most other com- at 9.4 million barrels/day. additional storage facilities have inflation outlook combined with the USDA’s Prospective Planting make it much below the $1,145/oz modities, received a boost from WTI crude oils discount to been completed. Finally, we still a recent host of weaker-than- report, which provides the first to $1,150/oz area of support. the dovish FOMC statement Brent did not expand further have the potential for a nuclear expected economic data provided survey-based (82,000 farmers) From a technical perspective, Wednesday. The recovery, however, on the back of this price nega- deal being struck between Iran the ammunition for the change in estimates of US farmers planting no significant levels have been proved temporary once again with tive news in the US as news from and the G6+1 group of nations. tone. The result was a big risk-on intentions for the coming year. broken to the upside and this the attention turning to the bear- around the world also added some Despite seeing an end of week move into stocks and bonds, while Gold, silver : Gold and espe- leaves the near-term outlook ish oil fundamentals highlighted in selling pressure to Brent crude, bounce all of the above still points the dollar experienced a couple cially silver staged a comeback pointing towards some consolida- the weekly US inventory report. the global benchmark. In Libya, towards lower crude oil prices in the of hours of turmoil, especially following the Federal Open tion, with the outlook now more Last week, the rise in US exports have against all odds near term and only a major reversal EURUSD, which had its second Market Committee meeting on balanced than just a week ago. inventories once again exceeded been picking up again. While it of the dollar’s upward trend, a slow- most volatile day ever. Wednesday. Although a rate hike The steep downtrend from the expectations and the addition of may still only be temporary the down in US production or a geopo- A weaker dollar and falling is still on the cards, Fed chair January high offers resistance at 9.6 million barrels took the total increase from 200,000 barrels per litical event may help stop the slide. bond yields returned some sup- Janet Yellen seems to have joined $1,182/oz, which coincides with to another multi-decade high of day in February to 500,000 barrels The global supply glut of oil con- port to precious metals, with the ever increasing crowd of cen- the 50% retracement of the lat- 458mn barrels, some 100mn bar- per day currently will neverthe- tinues at a pace. gold and silver enjoying the first tral bank doves across the world. est selloff. A break above this level rels above the five-year average. less add to the global supply glut. THE PENINSULA MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Lopez lifts Nets over slumping Pacers Bogdanovic plays key role for winners; Mavs’ Stoudemire slapped with $15,000 fine

INDIANAPOLIS: The Brooklyn Nets aren’t letting a little thing like fatigue disrupt their late push for an unlikely Nash retires after NBA play-off berth. Just 24 hours after their thrill- ing triple-overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, the Nets standout career defeated the slumping Indiana Pacers 123-111. NEW YORK: Two-time NBA most valuable player Steve Nash, The 29-39 Nets are currently (pictured) one of the best point guards ever to play professional out of play-off position at 11th basketball, is retiring after a 19-year career, the Canadian said in the Eastern Conference, but yesterday. they moved within a game of the The future Hall of Famer, a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, eighth-placed Celtics and will made the announcement in a letter published on The Players’ host Boston today. Tribune website. Indiana, who entered the game “The greatest gift has been to be completely immersed in my in a virtual tie with Boston for the passion and striving for something I loved so much -- visualizing a eighth and final playoff spot in the ladder, climbing up to my heroes,” the 41-year-old Nash said. East, failed to pick up a game on An eight-time All-Star, Nash finished his career with 10,335 the idle Celtics. assists, the third most in NBA history. Instead, they and Charlotte are His retirement was in many ways a mere formality as the point both just a half-game ahead of the guard, beset by back problems, had been unable to play this season Nets. with the Lakers. “We came out the way we knew After a standout career with the Phoenix we needed to,” said Brook Lopez, Suns, where he won MVP honors in 2005 and who scored 26 points and blocked 2006, Nash had struggled in Los Angeles due to four shots. injuries, playing in only 65 games. “We had guys who went long “When I signed with the Lakers, I had big last night and so we were going Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (right) drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies’ guard dreams of lifting the fans up and lighting this to need our bench to step up, and Nick Calathes (12) during their NBA game at FedExForum yesterday. Memphis Grizzlies beat Portland Trail city on fire,” said Nash, who signed a three-year, they did.” Blazers 97-86. $28m deal with the franchise in 2012. Brooklyn’s reserves out-scored “I turned down more lucrative offers to come the Pacers’ reserves 58-33. to LA because I wanted to be in the ‘fire,’ and Bojan Bogdanovic played a key out to a fast start. “I knew guys Amare Stoudemire was fined the second technical, which car- play for high risk and high reward in my last role, connecting on all eight of his were tired from last night. We all $15,000 by the NBA yesterday for ried an automatic ejection. NBA chapter. In my second game here, I broke my leg and nothing shots and scoring 21 points off the were,” Williams said. “We didn’t his angry outburst at his ejection “I had to get my mon- was the same.” bench for the Nets. land until 3:00 (am). from the Mavericks’ 112-102 loss ey’s worth at that point,” A standout at Santa Clara University in California after attend- Starting guard Deron Williams, “But I only played 22 minutes to Memphis on Friday. Stoudemire said. ing high school in British Columbia, Nash was a first round draft who endured a tough night of last night. I knew I had more gas NBA president of basket- Stoudemire continued to jaw choice of the Suns in 1996. He played two seasons with Phoenix and 1-for-6 shooting in the victory than they did, so I just wanted to ball operations Rod Thorn with officials after the incident, six with the Dallas Mavericks before returning to the Suns for the over Milwaukee, turned things try to attack early.” announced the penalty imposed and took his jersey off before leav- 2004-5 season. around, scoring 15 of his 17 points All five Nets starters scored for Stoudemire’s verbal abuse of ing the court. Only John Stockton and Jason Kidd had more assists than Nash, in the first quarter to get the Nets in the first quarter and all five a game official, and his failure After the game he said he who for nine consecutive seasons was the point guard for the number reserves had scored by 7:41 of the to leave the court in a timely didn’t think the officials should one offense in the league. NBA Results second as Brooklyn ended a five- manner. have been so quick to call a second Nash averaged 14.3 points and 8.5 assists for his career. He also Brooklyn 123 Indiana 111 game losing streak to the Pacers. Referee Scott Foster called technical foul. was the most accurate free throw shooter in NBA history, making Detroit 107 Chicago 91 George Hill had 18 points and two quick technical fouls on “To be a 13-year veteran, I fig- 90.4 percent of his attempts. Phoenix 117 Houston 102 nine assists to lead Indiana, who Stoudemire after he argued an ured I’d have a little more respect “I will likely never play basketball again,” he wrote. “It’s bitter- dropped their fifth straight deci- offensive foul call against him. than two quick technical fouls sweet. I already miss the game deeply, but I’m also really excited to Memphis 97 Portland 86 sion after a 7-0 winning streak. Stoudemire said he didn’t without saying a curse word,” he learn to do something else.” AFP Golden State 106 Utah 91 Meanwhile, Dallas big man swear at the referee until after said. AGENCIES Price lifts Canadiens over Sharks in NHL

MONTREAL: Tomas Plekanec scored in the first period and Carey Price made 29 saves for his second shutout in a row and ninth shutout of the season as the Montreal Canadiens eked out a 2-0 victory over the San Jose Sharks yesterday. Price, coming off a 4-0 win over Carolina on Thursday night, posted his league-leading 40th victory to become the third goalie in Canadiens history to reach that total after Jacques Plante and Ken Dryden. They share the team record of 42 wins. Brendan Gallagher had an empty-net goal with 14 seconds left as Montreal (46-20-7) won its third game in a row. Antti Niemi made 27 saves for Ireland celebrate winning the Six Nations Cup at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland on Saturday. San Jose (35-29-8), whose battle for a Western Conference playoff spot was set back. The Canadiens had been shut out in their previous three meet- ings with the Sharks, including a Thrilling Six Nations finale 4-0 loss in San Jose on March 2. Plekanec ended a sequence of 215 minutes without a goal at 18:46 of the opening period. augurs well for World Cup Criss-cross passing on a rush into the San Jose zone saw Alex Galchenyuk feed Plekanec for a LONDON: A Six Nations cham- Ireland, who like England and doubling their quota for the goal from a tight angle. pionship retained on points dif- Wales finished with four wins tournament. Montreal thought they had ference by Ireland left few clues from five, again showed what a England, runners-up for a a goal early in the third when as to which of the northern well oiled green machine they fourth consecutive season, were Alexei Emelin shot into an open Winnipeg Jets’ right wing Drew Stafford (12) and Washington Capitals’ hemisphere’s leading lights are have become under head coach comfortably the leading try scor- side, but the officials ruled that defenceman John Carlson (74) chase the puck in the second period best equipped to mount a sus- Joe Schmidt. ers, finishing with 18 and had David Desharnais had made action of their NHL game at MTS Centre yesterday. Jets won 3-0. tained World Cup challenge The New Zealander is a clever arguably the player of the tourna- a hand pass. Replays showed later this year. strategist and has a side at his ment in outside centre Jonathan Desharnais reached for the puck Ireland, England and Wales disposal who, with enigmatic fly- Joseph. Riddled by injuries before with his hand, but missed. his 500th career point. Right all have reason to feel confi- half Johnny Sexton at the pivot, the start, England showed a clini- For a second game in a row, winger Radim Vrbata broke a 1-1 NHL Results dent of a deep run in the global can adapt their game to suit cal side to their attacking game defenceman Tom Gilbert was hit tie early in the third period on a Minnesota 6 St Louis 3 showpiece after a Six Nations Schmidt’s meticulous planning. with George Ford improving rap- in the face by a puck, this time five-on-three power play as the Columbus 3 Calgary 2 that began with a laser show in Ireland’s ability to go through idly in the key number 10 position on a Marc-Edouard Vlasic shot Vancouver Canucks scored three Vancouver 4 Los Angeles 1 the Millennium Stadium and phase after phase at speed, forc- alongside Ben Youngs. at the end of the second period. consecutive goals to defeat the Montreal 2 San Jose 0 ended with fireworks on the ing a retreating defence into But they also showed also wor- This time, he did not return to Los Angeles Kings 4-1. Ottawa 5 Toronto 3 pitch in Rome, Twickenham and conceding penalties, was at the rying lapses in defence, not least the game. It was a stinging loss for the Murrayfield. core of their 10-match winning in conceding three tries to Italy Florida 2 Boston 1 In other matches, The defending Stanley Cup champi- A final-day tryfest, more run until their grand slam hopes at Twickenham. Minnesota Wild sprinted to a big ons in a game with serious playoff NY Islanders 3 New Jersey 0 reminiscent of a sevens tourna- came unstuck in Cardiff against England endured a chastening lead by scoring the first four goals implications. NY Rangers 3 Carolina 2 ment, provided a spectacular cli- terrific Welsh resistance. defeat in Dublin when they had en route to a 6-3 win over the St Columbus left winger Rene Winnipeg 3 Washington 0 max with the outcome in doubt Accused of playing a “turgid” no answer to Ireland’s aerial bom- Louis Blues. Bourque scored his second goal Nashville 3 Buffalo 0 right up until the final whistle game by former England scrum- bardment but World Cup-winning Right winger Justin Fontaine of the game with 59 seconds Dallas 4 Chicago 0 at Twickenham where England half Austin Healey, Ireland coach Clive Woodward believes had a goal and two assists for left in overtime to give the Blue Pittsburgh 3 Arizona 1 came up six points short of over- showed they could shake off the Stuart Lancaster has a side at Minnesota (40-25-7), while St. Jackets a 3-2 win over the Calgary hauling Ireland despite putting up shackles by running in four tries his disposal than can emulate his Edmonton 5 Philadelphia 4 Louis center Paul Stastny scored Flames. AGENCIES 55 points against France. against Scotland on Saturday, 2003 champions. AFP MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 28 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Stenson seizes command after round 3

ORLANDO: Sweden’s third- ranked Henrik Stenson went PGA Arnold Palmer four-under on the last four holes to grab a two-stroke lead Invitational Scores after yesterday’s third round of ORLANDO: Leading scores the Arnold Palmer Invitational after Saturday’s third round of while Rory McIlroy’s charge the $6.3 million US PGA Tour fizzled. Arnold Palmer Invitational Stenson sank a 13-foot birdie (USA unless noted, par-72): putt at 15, eagled the par-5 16th 200 Henrik Stenson (SWE) 68-66-66 with a 20-foot putt and dropped Roger Federer of Switzerland serves to Milos Raonic of Canada during their semi-final match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California his approach inches from the cup 202 Morgan Hoffmann 66-65-71 yesterday. Federer beat Raonic 7-5, 6-4. at 18 for a tap-in birdie to fin- 203 Jason Kokrak 67-71-65, Matt Jones ish a six-under par 66 and stand (AUS) 71-65-67, Ben Martin 68-67- on 16-under 200 at the $6.3m US 68, Matt Every 68-66-69 PGA Tour event. 205 Sean O’Hair 69-68-68 “Pretty nice way to finish,” 206 Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 70-71- Stenson said. “What I’ve done 65, Brendan Steele 71-67-68, Kevin has put me in a nice position but Na 67-70-69, Harris English 68-66- Federer reaches final, it has got to be done all over again 72 tomorrow. I’ve got to go out there 207 DA Points 70-70-67, Keegan Bradley and keep the same mindset.” 68-70-69, Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) It was the second day in a row 69-68-70, Rory McIlroy (NIR) 70-66- Stenson went four-under over the 71, Danny Lee (NZL) 72-64-71 final four holes. He matched the 208 Brandt Snedeker 68-74-66, Sam low 54-hole total at Bay Hill first to meet in-form Novak Saunders 70-71-67, Camilo Villegas recorded by Andy Bean in 1981. (COL) 69-72-67, Ryo Ishikawa (JPN) “I just hit some great shots 70-69-69, John Peterson 67-71-70, two days in a row,” Stenson said. Ian Poulter (ENG) 67-70-71 Roger Federer holds 20-17 edge over Novak Djokovic “You’re going to pick up some shots if you go 4-under two days 209 Russell Knox (SCO) 74-68-67, Hudson in a row on the last four.” Swafford 75-66-68, Daniel Berger INDIAN WELLS, UNITED American Morgan Hoffmann, 73-68-68, Kevin Kisner 69-71-69, STATES: Roger Federer roared who led after the first and sec- Charles Howell 71-68-70, David into the final of the ATP Indian ond rounds in quest of his first Lingmerth (SWE) 69-67-73 Wells Masters yesterday where tour title, fired a 71 to stand he will face Novak Djokovic in a second on 202, one stroke ahead out from the fairway with a stun- blockbuster showdown between of Australian Matt Jones and ning 237-yard shot on his way to the world’s top two players. Americans Jason Kokrak, Ben shooting 68. Federer’s remarkable run at Martin and defending champion Thailand’s Kiradech Indian Wells continued with a Matt Every. Aphibarnrat matched the tour- 7-5, 6-4 demolition of Canada’s Stenson, trying to snap a run nament record for the low front Milos Raonic in the semi-finals. of eight US PGA losses by 54-hole nine score with a 30 on his way Defending champ Djokovic was leaders, knows the layout well, liv- to a bogey-free 65. Kiradech made equally dominant earlier in the ing in the area, and his bogey-free six birdies in the first nine holes day with a convincing 6-2, 6-3 round also featured birdies at the and needed only nine putts on the win over world number four Andy par-5 sixth and par-4 ninth holes. first nine holes. REUTERS Murray. World number one McIlroy, “It is going to be quite physical who could win his third major out there,” Federer said of today’s title in a row and complete a final. “I think we played five times career grand slam with a victory last year and then now this would in next month’s Masters, pulled be the second time this year. We within one shot of the lead with have played each other a bunch back-to-back birdies only to bogey now.” the next three holes. The two also met in last year’s McIlroy had a tap-in birdie at Indian Wells final which Djokovic the par-5 sixth and chipped in a won 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/3). 22-footer from just off the green The ageless Federer has been for birdie at the ninth. After bird- in top form the past two weeks ies at 12 and 13, he was just one in the California desert and a win adrift. today would avenge last year’s Martina Hingis of Switzerland and India’s Sania Mirza after winning their doubles final match against Russia’s But McIlroy’s charge collapsed. heartbreaking loss. Ekaterina Makarova and compatriot Elena Vesnina at the BNP Paribas Open. Hingis and Mirza won 6-3, 6-4. He missed a 10-foot par putt at “I think last year’s final was the par-3 14th and a three-foot great,” said Federer. “We both par putt at 15, then went into played very well. Came down to year I was quite disappointed, said. “Probably the player that is with his only loss coming against a fairway bunker and missed a the wire. I didn’t get off to a good even though I was happy with in the best form. In the last 12 Andreas Seppi at the Australian seven-foot par putt at 16 for his start to the breaker and then he how I was playing. months he’s been playing some of Open in January. He avenged third bogey in a row. He fired a ran away with it. “So I couldn’t wait until I got his best tennis.” that defeat in the third round at 71 to stand seven behind Stenson. “After losing by so little last a chance to play him again here,” If Djokovic wins today he will Indian Wells this year, spanking Jones, who defends his lone he said. equal Federer for the most Indian Seppi 6-3, 6-4. He also took just US PGA title in two weeks at ATP and WTA Indian This will be the 38th career Wells men’s titles with four. 69 minutes to reach the semis the Houston Open, closed with meeting between the two with “It doesn’t play a decisive role by ousting in straight sets Czech four birdies in a row, including a Wells Results Federer holding a 20-17 edge. on how I’m going to approach the Tomas Berdych, who has been a 75-footer at the par-3 17th. INDIAN WELLS, United Their most recent meeting was match, but it does motivate me,” particularly troubling opponent It was a historic day of shot- States: Results at the ATP in the final last month in Dubai said Djokovic of trying to add to for Federer over the years. making at Bay Hill as Daniel Henrik Stenson of Sweden smiles and WTA Indian Wells tennis where Federer won in straight the titles he won in 2008, 2011 and Federer is out for more revenge Berger made the first albatross during the third round of the tournament on Saturday (x sets 6-3, 7-5. last year. “It does give me this in the final against Djokovic. in tournament history at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. denotes seeding): Serb Djokovic says facing a red- positive wind in the back that I “He’s tough, as we know. He par-5 sixth, the American holing hot Federer so soon in the final of can maybe use and manifest on barely misses. He moves great. He Men Semi-finals: Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) another big tournament is what the court.” makes you go for the extra shot,” bt Andy Murray (GBR x4) 6-2, 6-3; Roger he craves. The 33-year-old Federer won he said of Djokovic. “This is one Federer (SUI x2) bt Milos Raonic (CAN x6) Plucky Kim takes lead at “It’s the ultimate final that in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2012. of the great hardcourt players we 7-5, 6-4. right now I can have,” Djokovic Federer improved to 16-1 this year have seen in tennis.” REUTERS LPGA Founders Cup

Doubles title glory for PHOENIX: South Korea’s Kim Hyo-Joo fired seven birdies in a six- under par 66 yesterday to take a two-stroke lead after three rounds of the LPGA Founders Cup. Hingis and Mirza Kim wrapped up her round in dying light at Wildfire Golf Club, her 16-under par total of 200 giving her a two-shot lead over American INDIAN WELLS: Martina Hingis and Sania Mirza have completed Stacy Lewis. a dream first tournament together, beating Ekaterina Makarova She said every aspect of her game felt good. and Elena Vesnina 6-3, 6-4 to win the BNP Paribas Open women’s “Been really good with the driver... totally all the clubs,” said Kim, who doubles title here. edged Australian veteran Karrie Webb to win the Evian Championship The No.1 seeds, Hingis of Switzerland and Inia’s Mirza didn’t lose last September, making her first US LPGA tour title a major. more than four games in any set all fortnight. “If I miss, I save, so I’m playing good. All the putts feel good,” Kim After cruising through the first set, they fell behind 2-4 in the second said. to No.2 seeds Makarova and Vesnina. But they flipped the script from After her only bogey of the day, at the par-four 13th, Kim birdied there with four straight games to end it 6-3, 6-4 yesterday. three in a row, capping the burst with a 25-foot birdie putt at the 16th. Hingis has won 11 Grand Slams in the team discipline (nine in Lewis had six birdies in her five-under 67 for 202, and was one stroke women’s and two in mixed) while Mirza has claimed three Grand Slams in front of fellow Americans Alison Lee and Kim Kaufman. (all in mixed) -- and their doubles partnership was eagerly awaited Lee rocketed up the leaderboard with a stellar nine-under par 63 in the tennis circuit. that included nine birdies. “This is something we were hoping for,” Hingis said after the win. Kaufman, who had grabbed the halfway lead ahead of Kim when the “She hits a big forehand, especially on the right side, and I can move second round was completed yesterday morning, posted a third-round and finish off the point. She prepares, I finish. That’s pretty cool to 70 for a 13-under total of 203. me,” she added. Hingis expressed her satisfaction at the performance World number one Lydia Ko of New Zealand headed a group on 204 of the pair in the tournament. after her second straight 69. She was joined by South Koreans Jang “I’m very happy we made this move. Obviously, we had partners we Ha-Na -- who posted her third successive 68 -- and Lee Mi-Hyang, played well with, like me last year with Flavia, and changing was a big who signed for a 68. move. I’m very happy it worked out, because you never know what to The tournament had been behind schedule since a four-hour weather expect. Winning the tournament in our premier, it’s new energy, and delay on Thursday morning. hopefully we can keep it up,” Hingis said. Sixty-six players had to complete their second rounds yesterday Mirza echoed Hingis’ sentiments but admitted that she didn’t expect Canada’s Vasek Pospisil and American Jack Sock hold the championship morning, and it was a race against the desert sunset to complete the to win in such a dominating fashion. trophy after winning their doubles final match against Italy’s Simone Bolelli third round. “On paper, obviously we are supposed to be a good team, but it doesn’t and compatriot Fabio Fognini at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells “It’s nice not having to wake up super early tomorrow,” said Lewis. always turn out that way when you step on the court,” Mirza said. Tennis Garden. Pospisil and Sock won 6-4, 6-7, 10-7. “Just not having to think about those shots all night -- it’s just nice to IANS be done and be able to focus on tomorrow,” Lewis added. REUTERS MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 29 Asia’s best vie for three spots at FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup qualifiers Favourites Japan begin campaign against Kuwait, hosts Qatar take on Laos today

DOHA: Japan, Iran, and UAE will be under extra pressure tonight while hosts Qatar will be Qatar coach Nenem aiming feeling the responsibility to do their best in front of the crowd when the AFC qualifier for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Portugal 2015 kick off in Doha. high in AFC qualifiers Japan, Iran, and UAE are ranked among the 15 best teams in the world, according to the DOHA: The start of the FIFA stressed: “Beach soccer will grow Coach Nenem knows his oppo- Beach Soccer rankings and are Beach Soccer World Cup 2015 – a lot with Qatar’s investment in sition well, not only from his four the 14 sides which will compete AFC Qualifier Qatar will take sport, for sure. I came here four years in Qatar, but also from hav- in the tournament. place today and the anticipation years ago, and now the people are ing coached in Japan, one of the There are three spots available for soccer on the sand is at its starting to believe in this sport. tournament favourites. Other from the AFC qualifier in Doha peak. We’re growing and we can do earmarked favourites are Iran for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar’s head coach, Carlos good things.” and the UAE, who along with Portugal. Alberto Lisboa, more com- On the cusp of the AFC Japan are among the 15 best On the first day today, six monly known as Nenem, has just Qualifier, Nenem’s Qatar side has teams in the world according to matches will be played. Hosts returned with the team from a just returned from Beach Soccer’s the BSWW World Rankings. Qatar begins their campaign training camp in his native Brazil birthplace, Rio de Janeiro, where Qatar are grouped with Laos against Laos in Group A, while and believes that Qatar can qual- they played against some of the and Gulf neighbours Bahrain and Oman take on Bahrain in another ify, but that progression needs to world’s best teams. Oman in group A, and with the Group A match. A file picture of the Beach Soccer action in Qatar. happen step by step. Coach Nenem added: “We increase of talent within Asian The other matches will see Ahead of the second FIFA played against five teams, all Beach Soccer, any prediction can UAE take on Iraq in Group C, Beach Soccer AFC Qualifier to big names with big players like only be regarded as uncertain. China squaring to Vietnam in prevented the team from taking things changed in 2013 when Iran be hosted by Qatar, coach Nenem Jorginho, Daniel, and other While Nenem remains astute Group B, while favourities begin part in the qualifier. dethroned the Blue Samurais. believes the 2022 FIFA World Cup national team players from the knowing his team has a lot of their campaign against Kuwait in With Palestine withdrawal The Japanese coach, who Qatar is a driving force behind his Brazil setup. They learned tactics work to do. “The road is long Group B. IN the last match of the Group B has been reduced to has been in his current role for sport’s success. and movement of the Brazilian and not easy but we have the right day Iran and Lebanon will fight it three teams - United Arab almost a year after a long spell in Although he acknowledges way of Beach Soccer and it was pieces and people are buying into out in the Group D match. Emirates, Uzbekistan and Iraq. the UEA, knows what the most there is much work to be done, really helpful. The most impor- the programme, which has been Yesterday all the participating Notwithstanding, the pullout the important thing is for his squad, Nenem, a former beach soccer tant thing from going there is the developed over many years of teams took part in a training ses- match schedule of the rest of the saying: “Yes we want to defeat player who also played 11-a-side confidence they are coming back beach soccer experience.” sion on the sand of the Katara groups will remain the same, Iran but we also need to prioritize, football with Lille in France, to Qatar with.” THE PENINSULA Beach Stadium. organizers of the event said. we cannot relax and focus on only The official training day gave Meanwhile Japan coach one opponent.” teams a chance to experience, Marcelo Mendes said that: “There That much is true with all for the first time, the sand of the are so many strong teams and growing talent in the area. Katara Beach stadium and the improving squads on the entire Japan has not rested on their last chance for the 14 teams to continent that this could be any- laurels as they have already had test their actual level ahead of the one’s tournament.” a busy year, with training camps, fiercely demanding competition. The Nippon want to get back friendlies, and tours all over the Palestine FA announced at the top of continental Beach world. Everyone within the team that administrative issues have Soccer but coach Mendes alerts: is confident that all this hard Qatar’s head coach, Carlos “It is not a one-enemy-only thing. work will pay-off. Alberto Lisboa, more com- AFC Qualifers of FIFA We need to be focused” “I honestly believe we are one monly known as Nenem, in Beach Soccer World Getting back to the peak of the of the favourites and our exten- action during a training ses- mountain in Asian beach soccer sive training and practices have sion in Doha yesterday. will not be easy, despite the fact put us in the position to win Cup Portugal 2015 that the Japanese are almost and they show how dedicated 12.30 - UAE vs Iraq (Group C) always at the top of the pecking we are to winning. But, I know 15.00 - Oman vs Bahrain (Group A) order. that it is going to be really 16.15 - China vs Vietnam (Group B) Since 2006, Japan has fin- tough, and we will face some ished in first or second in the truly powerful opponents who 17.30 - Japan vs Kuwait (Group B) FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup also have significant chances to 18.45 - Qatar vs Laos (Group A) – AFC qualifier. In 2009 and win,” Mendes said. 20.00 - Iran vs Lebanon (Group D) 2011, they were champions but THE PENINSULA Germany mull Mid-table problem areas Menez at the double Mainz hold for Socceroos Wolfsburg friendly clash as Milan beat Cagliari BERLIN: Second-placed BERLIN: Germany coach MILAN: French forward defence untouched before leaving assist, but I prefer to win games. Wolfsburg were held to a sur- Joachim Loew (pictured) admits Jeremy Menez hit a brace Zeljko stranded. “I want to dedicate the goas to prise 1-1 draw by mid-table he has a few selection problems including a controversial pen- Menez wrapped up the points our fans. We have to keep on play- Mainz yesterday which leaves to solve in the world champions’ alty as AC Milan broke a three- 12 minutes from time when he ing like this so they keep coming runaway German league leaders ranks before hosting Australia game winless run thanks to a 3-1 beat the Cagliari keeper from the to the stadium.” Bayern Munich poised to extend in a friendly on Wednesday. victory over Cagliari in a half- spot, although Alessio Cerci was After seeing his side drop one their huge points advantage. Since winning their fourth empty San Siro on Saturday clearly outside the area when he place to second from bottom, Pep Guardiola’s Bayern World Cup title last July, Germany only joint second in their Euro night. tumbled under a challenge from Zeman hit out at the penalty host fourth-placed Borussia has struggled to recapture their 2016 qualifying group. Milan hosted Zdenek Zeman’s Luca Ceppitelli. decision. Moenchengladbach at the impressive Brazil 2014 form But Loew has promised a fresh league strugglers looking to It was Menez’s 15th league “I’m disappointed about the Allinanz Arena later on Sunday after a shock defeat to Poland, start for their opening interna- get back to winning ways fol- goal of the campaign, taking penalty decision, it was decisive and a 12th win from 13 home then a draw at home to Ireland tionals of 2015 having signed a lowing draws with Chievo and the Frenchman level with Inter in our defeat,” said the Czech league matches this season in October’s Euro 2016 qualifiers. contract extension until the 2018 Verona and a 2-1 defeat away to Milan striker Mauro Icardi and veteran. would leave the Bavarian giants Retirements and injuries World Cup. Fiorentina last week. Juventus marksman Carlos Tevez “There’s no point calling for the 13 points clear. did little to help the cause as He has problems to fix in both And the pressure eased on at the top of the Serie A scoring slow motion replay, we all saw it Mainz took a shock seventh- Germany then failed to impress defence and attack to get the embattled Rossoneri coach charts. was outside the area and up until minute lead against Wolfsburg in a 4-0 qualifier win against world champions up to their usual Filippo Inzaghi as Milan’s ninth “All that mattered tonight was then we were still in the game.” when defender Niko Bungert out- minnows Gibraltar before clos- standards with wing-back and win of the campaign moved the three points,” Menez told Milan moved up three places jumped the Wolfsburg defence to ing 2014 with a 1-0 friendly away striker the key “work in progress” them up to seventh place ahead Mediaset Premium. to seventh but could drop back head home from a corner. win over Spain last November in areas. of the remainder of the weekend “We played well at Fiorentina depending on results in the com- The hosts looked to have dou- rain-drenched Vigo. “The team which won the fixtures. as well, but this time we got the ing days. AFP bled their lead but Japan striker Next up are freshly-crowned World Cup doesn’t exist any more, “I’m happy for the team, we got win. It’s nice to score and get an Shinji Okazaki’s 40th-minute Asian champions Australia, who that was a unique constellation less than we deserved from our strike was ruled offside. enjoyed a shock 2-1 away win where everything fitted perfectly,” performances against Verona and Wolfsburg made their posses- in Germany four years ago, at said Loew. Fiorentina,” said Inzaghi. sion count as Brazil midfielder Kaiserslautern before an away “There are a few other ‘building “I was confident that if Luiz Gustavo hit the post, then Euro 2016 qualifier against sites’ which still need work on.” we played the way we did at scored their equaliser on 61 Georgia next Sunday. In particular, Loew has to settle Fiorentina, we would be rewarded. minutes. Germany captain Bastian on a right-back and striker after “Now, we hope to keep on like The result left Wolfsburg 10 Schweinsteiger is set to play his the post-World Cup retirements this.” points adrift of Bayern. first game in the famous white of Philipp Lahm and Miroslav Menez opened the scoring on 21 On Saturday, Germany winger shirt since the World Cup final Klose respectively, while left-back minutes when he controlled well Karim Bellarabi fired Bayer after injury while midfielder Ilkay has always been a problem posi- on the left edge of the area before Leverkusen into the Bundesliga’s Gundogan and defender Holger tion for the German coach. firing a great curling shot through top three with a 1-0 win at Badstuber are back after more Bayern Munich’s Mario Goetze the hands of Zeljko Brkic at the Schalke 04. than a year out. has been used up front as a false keeper’s far post. Having bowed out of the The Socceroos will be miss- nine without great success since Cagliari, who welcomed back Champions League after suf- ing ex-Nuremberg centre-back the World Cup while Benedikt Zeman two weeks ago following fering the heartbreak of a pen- Matthew Spiranovic, who has Hoewedes, Shkodran Mustafi and the sacking of Gianfranco Zola, alty shoot-out defeat to Atletico a hamstring injury, and the Antonio Ruediger formed a three- levelled in fine style when Diego Madrid in the last 16, Leverkusen Western Sydney Wanderers man defence against Spain. Farias dribbled around Philippe leap-frogged Gladbach into third defender will be replaced in the Loew has sent his scouts to Mexes to fire across Diego Lopez in Germany’s top flight. squad by Preston North End’s Italy and Chile, where the three- and inside the Spanish keeper’s Bellarabi, who has been linked Bailey Wright. man defence is especially preva- far post. to Arsenal, grabbed the 35th- German Football Association lent, and the Germans have been Mexes made up for his error minute winner from the tightest (DFB) president Wolfgang experimenting with a back three only two minutes later when he Milan’s Jeremy Menez (centre) jubilates with his team-mates after scor- of angles with a superb shot across Niersbach has admitted their despite winning the World Cup met a corner on the edge of the ing a goal on penalty, during the Italian Serie A match against Cagliari goal. Schalke coach Roberto di post-World Cup results have given with a 4-2-3-1 formation. AFP box with a volley which bounced Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, Italy, on Saturday. Matteo was bitterly disappointed. cause for concern with Germany and travelled through Cagliari’s AFP MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 30 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Australians call for fast pitch Home team want track with pace for the World Cup semi-final against India

SYDNEY: Australia’s World Cup semi-final against India is still four days away but the mind Australian games are already in full swing. With the stakes so high, neither cricketer Aaron side is wasting any opportunity Finch prepares to get an edge. to throw a The Australians flew into ball during a Sydney yesterday, two days after training session. their emphatic win over Pakistan Australia take on in Adelaide, and into a debate over the sort of pitch that would India in the 2015 best suit each team. World Cup semi- The state of the Sydney Cricket final in Sydney Ground pitch could play a pivotal on Thursday. role in the outcome. It is normally a spinner’s paradise, which would suit the Indians, who are raised on slow, turning wickets. The Australians would love a fast and bouncy pitch, to get the most out of their fast bowlers, “They haven’t won a game the semi-finals. When Australia Mitchell Johnston, Mitchell Starc against us all summer, hope- and India played each other in and Josh Hazlewood, and their fully we can make the most of the final test match in January, explosive batting lineup. So far that,” said Maxwell in refer- the pitch suited the spinners, India hoping Kohli during the World Cup, the SCG ence to Australia’s dominance in and India would love a wicket has been a batting wonderland, the Test and ODI series which like that. It was hard work for with teams racking up massive preceded the World Cup. The the Australian pacemen and scores. Indians haven’t beaten Australia Hazlewood was only half jok- Glenn Maxwell, who blasted a in any form of the game since ing when he said the ground delivers in Sydney century in Australia’s Pool A win they arrived in the country in staff didn’t do the home side any over Sri Lanka at the SCG, told November but have lost none of favours that time. SYDNEY: By his own lofty reporters he hoped it stayed that their confidence. “We’d obviously like some standards, Virat Kohli has had way. After a lacklustre start to the grass on it to suit our quicks,” a modest World Cup so far. “Hopefully we get a fast one. It tour, the defending World Cup Hazlewood said. “It would help us, But his Indian teammates all has been a pretty good wicket this champions have hit their peak with them having a couple of spin- think the elegant stroke-maker year and hopefully there is a bit of at the right time, winning seven ners and us favouring the quicks.” will live up to his reputation as a grass there as well,” Maxwell said. matches on the trot to stroll into AGENCIES big-match player when it matters. And few games matter more than Thursday’s semi-final Best four in against Australia. For Kohli, it’s a golden opportunity to get back India’s amongst the runs. batsman World Cup “I don’t think he has batted Virat Kohli badly. When he has got an oppor- speaks semis, says tunity he has scored runs,” India’s during World Cup captain Mahendra a press Singh Dhoni said. conference Hesson “It’s not that he has scored a at the century every time he has gone Melbourne AUCKLAND: There can be no out to bat. But everybody relat- Cricket argument about the make up ing his performance with the test Ground in of the World Cup semi-finals, series and expecting a hundred in this March with the best four teams still every innings from him.” alive, New Zealand coach Mike Kohli’s lean run at the World 2015 file Hesson declared yesterday. Cup has been puzzling, partly photo. New Zealand were the last because of his great record in One confirmed semi-finalists when Day Internationals and his great Martin Guptill’s stunning 237 form this summer. He has scored not out set up a lop-sided 143-run 22 ODIs, averages almost 52 from victory over the West Indies in 157 matches in the format and is Wellington on Saturday. among India’s best batmen. They meet South Africa in He replaced Dhoni as test cap- Auckland tomorrow in the first tain for India’s last match against semi-final with Australia playing Australia in Sydney in January India in the second semi-final two and scored four hundreds in the days later in Sydney. series and averaged over 86. But New Zealand’s demolition of his form in ODI has fallen away. story about his personal life. The “I don’t think there has been the West Indies was hailed in the He made a century in India’s batting mainstay was censured by any poor shot selection. He is a local news media, led by calls from opening World Cup match against the Indian board for his ugly out- dominant batsman who likes play- one radio station for a national Pakistan but hasn’t made a fifty burst against the travelling Indian ing his shots when he goes in to holiday next Tuesday so the whole since. journalist in Perth and advised to bat,” Dhoni said. nation can watch their semi-final Known equally for his silken maintain his cool. “It’s quite difficult but at the against South Africa. touch with the bat and a pen- After his 107 against Pakistan same time I feel it is important New Zealand’s Martin Guptill is congratulated by West Indies’ Chris But while the New Zealand chant for run-ins with opposition in Adelaide, he has scored 46, 33 to keep focussing on the process. Gayle as he walks off not out on 237 in their World Cup quarter-final fans celebrated their side getting players, Kohli also found himself not out, 33, 44 not out, 38 and 3 It’s just around the corner and match in Wellington on Saturday. through to the semis, and extend- embroiled in controversy after and Dhoni backed him for a big big players always score in big ing their unbeaten run to nine swearing at a journalist over a one soon. games.” REUTERS matches, coach Hesson said they deserved to be among cricket’s Gayle says no to retirement, ODI elite. “The best four teams are in the plans World T20 assault semi-finals and I don’t think many S Africa ready to journey people could disagree with that,” WELLINGTON: Chris Gayle intends to keep playing inter- he said yesterday as New Zealand national cricket with his eyes on the 2016 World Twenty20 but flew to Auckland for their show- admitted his back injury will sideline him from next month’s Test down with South Africa. into the ‘unknown’: Miller series against England. “South Africa on their day are The 35-year-old Jamaican hit a typically flamboyant 33-ball 61 as exceptional, (but) put them under West Indies slumped to a crushing 143-run defeat to New Zealand pressure and see what happens. A UCKLAND: South Africa However, Eden Park has staged in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday with many in the “The two sides are playing good batsman David Miller (pic- two low-scoring thrillers during game expecting Gayle to end his rollercoaster relationship with the cricket and it’s going to be a heck tured) believes his side are the tournament -- New Zealand’s national team. of a show.” ready for a journey into the one-wicket win over fellow co- But the veteran of 103 Tests and 269 ODIs intends to keep playing Hesson said New Zealand were “unknown” when they face New hosts Australia and Pakistan’s and is keen to help West Indies to the World T20 in India next year “confident as a group” and he Zealand in a World Cup semi- 29-run defeat of South Africa. where they’ll look for a second title to add to their 2012 triumph. rated Guptill’s heroics with the final in Auckland tomorrow. Nevertheless, the big-hitting “Definitely want to play the T20 World Cup next year for West bat against the West Indies as one Since being allowed into crick- Miller is aiming to cash in any Indies, there’s no doubt about that,” Gayle told www.ESPNcricinfo. of the finest innings he had seen. et’s showpiece event in 1992 way he can. “I’ve got a few concerns and a few injuries to try and solve. I’ll give “The way he paced the innings ahead of the collapse of apart- “Hopefully, I can mishit a few myself some time and hopefully look back at it and see how well I by setting the tone early, playing heid, South Africa have failed straight sixes,” he said. “That’s can actually progress for West Indies cricket at this point in time.” straight, adapting to the condi- to get past the semi-final stage just the way the field is and it’s Bu the left-handed opener, who hit a World Cup record score tions and timing everything from on three occasions and are still cool to be playing on it.” of 215 at the World Cup until it was bettered on Saturday by New ball 30 on. It was pretty surreal,” awaiting a maiden World Cup The 25-year-old Miller, appear- Zealand’s Martin Guptill with 237, will not play in the three-Test he said. final appearance. ing in his first World Cup, started home series against England in April and May to rest his back injury. A four-wicket haul for Trent New Zealand’s record is even the tournament with a career- “I’m actually out of the Test series, the back won’t hold up for that Boult and an outstanding leaping worse, with the Black Caps having best 138 not out in a win over format at this point in time. But I haven’t retired from any format as catch by Daniel Vettori were sig- lost all six of their previous World Zimbabwe in Hamilton. yet. As I go on I will keep informing the West Indies Cricket Board nificant elements in the win over Cup semi-finals. The left-hander has made two about my progress in the future with West Indies cricket.” the West Indies. Vettori, the elder Yet it is the Proteas who carry subsequent 40s, but he fell for a On Saturday, and with the West Indies having to chase 394 at the statesman of the New Zealand the unwanted tag of ‘chokers’, duck at Eden Park during the loss Westpac, Gayle hit 56 of his 61 runs in boundaries, including eight side, had to take a lot of ribbing a label they went some way to at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to Pakistan in pool play. sixes, as he was reduced to walking pace between the wickets. But from his teammates for the way removing with a thumping nine- “It’s a very exciting time. In eight However, Miller said he hoped he put that down to a groin strain rather than his troublesome back. he hurled his 1.91 metre (6ft 3in) wicket win over Sri Lanka in the days we could be world champions his previous experience of Eden “The back actually held up well, to be honest with you, in the frame into the air to pull off a quarter-finals -- South Africa’s but it’s just one step at a time, Park would prove beneficial. outfield for 50 overs and then opening the batting,” he said. remarkable one-handed catch first victory in the knockout take things slowly as they come,” “It’s my first time in New “It wasn’t too bad, slight scare again with a niggle in the groin, that removed Marlon Samuels. phase of any World Cup. Miller added. Zealand so it’s good to have so all that was happening, and you have to take the conditions into “I didn’t think 36-year-olds “It’s something that’s the The semi-final takes place at already played a game here and consideration, it was a bit cold and you’re feeling some pain.” could jump that high,” Hesson unknown,” said Miller yester- Eden Park tomorrow. just to get the feel of the ground Gayle said he was looking forward to working with former inter- quipped. “From our point of view, day of the prospect of playing Better known as a rugby itself, the dimensions of the field,” national all-rounder Phil Simmons, who will take over as West Indies I thought it was going over (the either Australia or defending venue, the ground’s short straight he said. “It’s just something to get coach next month after signing a three-year deal with the WICB. boundary) and he’d made a bit of champions India, who meet in boundaries were expected to lead used to and obviously the feel of REUTERS a token jump, but obviously there the second semi in Sydney on to a glut of fours and sixes during the crowd. It’s going to be huge on was more to it.” REUTERS Thursday, in the March 29 final the World Cup. Tuesday.” REUTERS MONDAY 23 MARCH 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 31 Guptill regales NZ fans with double century

WELLINGTON: Martin Play straight, work the ball into Guptill could not have found gaps to turn the strike over and, a better time to rediscover his when it was full, loft the ball in form as he scored a World Cup the arc between wide mid-off and best 237 not out on Saturday to deep mid-wicket. lead New Zealand into the semi- He repeated the recipe on finals against South Africa. Saturday against West Indies. Guptill’s innings, which eclipsed The fact Guptill was the first Chris Gayle’s 215 from earlier in New Zealander to pass 200 in a the tournament, anchored New ODI, was not really a surprise. Zealand’s 393 for six that gave the He scored 189 not out against World Cup co-hosts a 143-run vic- England in 2013 and he said on tory in their quarter-final against Saturday that looking back at New Zealand players celebrate the dismissal of the West Indies’ Darren Sammy in their World Cup quarter-final in Wellington on Saturday. Opener West Indies. that innings, he felt he could have Martin Guptill’s record score of 237 not out helped the co-hosts overwhelm the twice former champions by 143 runs at the Wellington Regional Stadium The score was the first one-day achieved the mark then. to set up a semi-final against South Africa in Auckland tomorrow. international double century by “I did muck around in the a New Zealand batsman and fol- middle overs of that innings but lowed the 105 he scored against I wouldn’t take it back at all,” Bangladesh in the final pool game Guptill said. “To set the record on March 13. and then break it again today is “I’m still not really sure what pretty amazing and I just have to happened today,” Guptill told try and do it again I guess.” reporters. “It hasn’t sunk in yet. Consistency has been Guptill’s Kiwis hoping it would “I am incredibly proud of biggest problem in the past and what happened today and hope- he turned to New Zealand’s best fully moving forward we can win batsman in modern times, Martin another game and then another Crowe, for help. one after that.” Crowe stripped it all back to A firing Guptill has shortened basics. be seventh time lucky the odds of Brendon McCullum’s Move your feet. Play each ball side becoming the first from on its merits. Play straighter. New Zealand to lift the World Wait to hit the ball square until Hosts reach World Cup semi-finals for seventh time Cup, though until last week the you were in. He said Crowe, who 28-year-old seemed to be strug- has terminal cancer, had sent him gling to build an innings. a message on Friday to just put AUCKLAND: New Zealand lost to England 221-8 (G Gooch field when Pakistan batted and, (M Jayawardene 115 no, U Prior to the Bangladesh game the ball into gaps. will hope it’s a case of seventh 71, M Brearley 53) by 9 runs as a result, a series of elaborate Tharanga 73) by 81 runs he had been getting starts. Guptill, who lost three toes in time lucky when they face South The closest New Zealand have bowling changes he had planned New Zealand were rarely in He made 49 in the opening an industrial accident as a teen- Africa at Auckland’s Eden Park yet come to a World Cup final saw were not carried out by acting this contest at Jamaica’s Sabina game against Sri Lanka and then ager, was roared off field by the tomorrow, as all six of their them just edged out in a match skipper Wright. Park. was in double figures in the next 30,268 crowd at the ground and previous World Cup semi-finals that went the distance. Pakistan were 140 for four Sri Lanka piled up an impos- three matches before he scored 57 he admitted that he had never felt have ended in defeat. New Zealand great Richard after 35 overs, needing 123 from ing total on the back of a brilliant against Afghanistan. he would experience that feeling. Below is a look back at the Hadlee took a miserly one for the last 15. But Inzamam-ul-Haq hundred by Mahela Jayawardene That released the pressure “It’s pretty cool. I’ve never Black Caps’ litany of last-four 32 in 12 overs but fifties from announced himself to the world and a fifty by opener Upul valve and Guptill began to do what heard anything like that before.” woes: Graham Gooch and England cap- with a brilliant innings and, with Tharanga. he does best against Bangladesh. REUTERS 1975, The Oval: New tain Mike Brearley saw the hosts veteran batsman Javed Miandad, In reply, no New Zealand bats- Zealand 158 (G Howarth 51; to a decent total. he shared a match-changing man made more than opener B Julien 4-27) lost to the West Opener John Wright anchored stand of 87. Peter Fulton’s 46, with off-spin Indies 159-5 (A Kallicharran New Zealand’s chase until he was 1999, Old Trafford: New great Muttiah Muralitharan tak- 72, G Greenidge 55) by 5 wkts run out by Derek Randall and, as Zealand 241-7 lost to Pakistan ing four wickets after Sri Lanka’s One-day internationals were wickets kept falling, a target of 242-1 (Saeed Anwar 113 no, new-ball bowlers had made early still in their infancy when a crack 14 off the last over, bowled by Ian Wajahatullah Wasti 84) by 9 inroads. West Indies side with plenty Botham, proved just beyond New wkts 2011, RPS Colombo: New of limited overs experience in Zealand. New Zealand, despite fast Zealand 217 (S Styris 57) lost English county cricket proved 1992, Auckland: New bowler Shoaib Akhtar taking to Sri Lanka 220-5 (T Dilshan too strong in the last four of the Zealand 262-7 (M Crowe three wickets, still managed what 73, K Sangakkara 54) by 5 inaugural World Cup 91, K Rutherford 50) lost to seemed a decent total. wkts Left-arm paceman Bernard Pakistan 264-6 (Inzamam-ul- But they were undone by a New Zealand struggled for Julien’s haul was mainly responsi- Haq 60, Javed Miandad 57 no) superb opening stand of 194 runs, with Scott Styris playing ble for New Zealand batting fewer by 4 wkts between Saeed Anwar and largely a lone hand in an innings than 53 of their then scheduled 60 New Zealand captain Martin Wajahatullah Wasti. where the next best score was 39, overs, with Geoff Howarth -- who Crowe led from the front but suf- The match ended in chaos while paceman Lasith Malinga played at The Oval for Surrey -- fered a pulled hamstring and a when, with Pakistan needing two and spinner Ajantha Mendis took top-scoring with 51. mix-up with his runner saw him runs for victory, Roger Twose three wickets each. A second-wicket stand of 125 run out nine runs shy of a hun- abandoned an attempt to catch Fine fifties from Tillakaratne between Gordon Greenidge and dred. But with Ken Rutherford Anwar as spectators charged on Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara Alvin Kallicharran then took the making 50, New Zealand set to the field, with the runs awarded meant that, although Sri Lanka West Indies, the eventual champi- Pakistan a stiff chase by the later by the umpires. lost three wickets in the 160s, ons, to the brink of victory. standards of the time. 2007, Kingston: New they inflicted another semi-final 1979, Old Trafford: New However, Crowe -- in a bid to Zealand 208 (M Muralitharan defeat upon New Zealand. Zealand 212-9 (J Wright 69) be fit for the final -- wasn’t on the 4-31) lost to Sri Lanka 289-5 REUTERS Bangladesh cricket captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza receives flowers at the Leading Batting Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka yesterday. The Bangladesh cricket team reached the knockout stages for the first time in their history. and Bowling McCullum hails Guptill Bangladesh lost to India in the quarter-finals stage. Figures SYDNEY: Leading batting World Cup Semi-final Officials and bowling figures at the 2015 after epic 237 not out World Cup: SYDNEY: Officials for the World Cup semi-finals this week: BATTING WELLINGTON: New Zealand brilliantly. “A set batman on that Tuesday captain Brendon McCullum pitch is dangerous. Having said At Auckland Leading run-makers acclaimed opener Martin that we didn’t bowl our yorkers K Sangakkara (SL) ...... 541 Guptill’s (pictured) World Cup well,” he added. New Zealand vs South Africa record 237 not out against West Guptill said his innings had not Martin Guptill (NZ) ...... 498 David Boon (match referee), Ian Gould and Rod Tucker (on-field Indies on Saturday as one of quite sunk in yet. umpires), Nigel Llong (third umpire), Bruce Oxenford (fourth Brendan Taylor (ZIM) ...... 433 the best ever seen in one-day “The boys will have a few umpire). AB de Villiers (SA) ...... 417 cricket. drinks tonight and I’ll probably The co-hosts overwhelmed hear all about it. In the last 10 Thursday T Dilshan (SL) ...... 395 the twice former champions by overs it was swing from the hip At Sydney Best performances 143 runs in the final quarter- and I was lucky to get a few out Australia vs India Martin Guptill (NZ) ...... *237 final at the Wellington Regional of the middle,” he said. Stadium to set up a semi-final “We had a couple of good part- Ranjan Madugalle (match referee), Kumar Dharmasena and Richard Chris Gayle (WI) ...... 215 against South Africa in Auckland nerships early which set the game Kettleborough (on-field umpires), Marais Erasmus (third umpire), David Warner (AUS) ...... 178 tomorrow. up. We were trying to take each Richard Illingworth (fourth umpire). AB de Villiers (SA) ...... *162 “Sublime, just sublime,” ball as it comes and just build a McCullum said yesterday. “I will partnership. First batch of Pakistan cricketers return T Dilshan (SL) ...... *161 never forget it. The innings we “After I got the hundred I just BOWLING witnessed is probably one of the thought I should probably hit a home from World Cup 2015 best we have seen in this format. few boundaries. It was the quick- Leading wicket-takers “We wanted to make a real est outfield I have played on here. KARACHI: The first batch of Pakistani players returned home last Trent Boult (NZ) ...... 19 statement on the back of Gup’s You got value for your shots.” night after their failed cricket World Cup campaign. Mitchell Starc (AUS) ...... 18 innings and that’s what we did New Zealand pace bowler The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had asked for special security for with the ball and in the field. We Trent Boult, who took four the second batch of players who will reach Lahore on Sunday night. Jerome Taylor (WI) ...... 17 will celebrate Gup’s success, the wickets to overhaul Australia’s A PCB delegation asked for the security in a meeting with senior M Shami (IND) ...... 17 team’s success and then turn our Mitchell Starc as the tourna- police officials in Lahore yesterday. Wahab Riaz (PAK) ...... 16 attention to the semi-final. ment’s top wicket taker, said he “They have asked for a security cordon for the players who will “It’s pretty hard to compare rated Guptill’s innings as the best return to Lahore tonight,” a senior police official in Lahore said. Best performances eras but certainly among the he had seen. In Karachi flamboyant all-rounder, Shahid Afridi, wicketkeeper- Tim Southee (NZ) ...... 7/33 teams I have played in, this is the “It was nice to go out and bowl batsman Sarfraz Ahmed and pace bowler Sohail Khan returned to a Mitchell Starc (AUS) ...... 6/28 best. No disrespect to the legends well as a unit in a pretty difficult quiet reception while senior batsman Younis Khan, who is based in the of the past but I am pretty happy situation, they were coming out city has stayed back in Melbourne. Trent Boult (NZ) ...... 5/27 with the current team.” there to give it everything. It’s on Afridi has announced his retirement from ODIs after the World Cup Mitchell Marsh (AUS) ...... 5/33 West Indies captain Jason to Auckland now and hopefully while Sarfraz scored the only century for Pakistan in the mega-event. Imran Tahir (SA) ...... 5/45 Holder said Guptill, who was we can make it some more good Pakistan crashed out in the quarter-finals of the World Cup after dropped on four from the third memories,” Boult said. losing out to co-hosts Austraila by six wickets in Adelaide on Friday. * denotes not out ball of the match, had played REUTERS AGENCIES Monday 23 March 2015 3 Jumada II 1436 Volume 20 Number 6378 Sport Price: QR2 SRI LANKA’S WEEKLY NEWS UPDATES Lopez lifts Beach Soccer    Nets over Cup qualifiers Pacers begin today LANKADEEPA MIDDLE EAST WEEKLY PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY BY DAR AL SHARQ                  !"#$%&'()#*#+,'-*,)# Sport | 27 Sport | 29

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Chelsea beat Hull to go six points clear Mourinho’s side beats Hull, Mata strikes twice as United down 10-man Liverpool

LONDON: Manchester United punished Steven Gerrard’s moment of madness as Juan Mata’s double secured a vital 2-1 win over bitter rivals Liverpool, while leaders Chelsea reestab- lished their stranglehold on the Premier League title race with a 3-2 victory at Hull yesterday. United were already leading through Mata’s composed finish in the 14th minute at Anfield when Gerrard made Liverpool’s task even harder as he earned a red card just 43 seconds after coming on as a half-time substitute. Making his final appear- ance against United before his close-season move to LA Galaxy, Gerrard was sent off, for the eighth time in his career, for a clear stamp on Ander Herrera. United took full advantage of their numerical superiority as Mata scored a quite brilliant sec- ond goal in the 59th minute. Angel di Maria picked out the former Chelsea midfielder with a clipped pass that Mata converted with a stunning bicycle kick. Daniel Sturridge got one back for Liverpool 10 minutes later, but Brendan Rodgers’ side couldn’t find an equaliser, leaving Gerrard Juan Mata scores the second goal for Manchester United against Liverpool in their English Premier League match at Anfield yesterday. RIGHT: Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic (left) in action to apologise for a mistake that with Hull City’s Gaston Ramirez.

English Premier could cost his team a place in next the fans, because we’ve beaten Hazard advanced to the edge Courtois. When Branislav At Loftus Road, Everton erased season’s Champions League. Liverpool three times this season. of the penalty area, where he Ivanovic pushed a risky backpass the frustration of their Europa League Results Fifth placed Liverpool are now We now have a gap from positions lashed a superb strike past Allan towards Courtois, the Belgian League exit with a 2-1 success at five points behind fourth placed five, six and seven which is very McGregor. tried to take a touch before clear- lowly QPR. Hull 2 (Elmohamady 26, Hernandez 28) United in the race for a top four important,” he said. The Blues looked in complete ing, but he allowed the ball to Roberto Martinez’s side had Chelsea 3 (Hazard 2, Costa 9, Remy 77); finish and Gerrard said: “I have At the KC Stadium, Chelsea control in the ninth minute when trickle away from him towards bowed out of Europe with a hum- Liverpool 1 (Sturridge 69) Manchester United let my team-mates and manager survived some self-inflicted Spain striker Diego Costa cut in Hernandez and the Uruguayan bling 5-2 defeat at Dynamo Kiev 2 (Mata 14, 59); QPR 1 (Vargas 65) Everton 2 down today, even more impor- wounds to secure a win that kept front the left to curl a fine finish forward gratefully accepted the on Thursday, but they took the (Coleman 18, Lennon 77) tantly I let all the supporters them firmly on course to win the into the far corner for his 19th present as he slotted into the lead in the 18th minute through Played on Saturday down and I take full responsibil- title for the first time since 2010. league goal of the season. empty net for his first goal since Seamus Coleman. Aston Villa 0 Swansea 1 (Gomis 87); ity for my action.” After second-placed But Hull reduced the defi- October. QPR drew level when substi- Manchester City 3 (Bony 27, Fernando 40, United’s victory would have Manchester City had closed to cit in the 26th minute thanks Courtois redeemed himself tute Eduardo Vargas struck from Silva 77) West Brom 0; Newcastle 1 (Sissoko been even bigger if Wayne within three points on Saturday, to Egypt international Ahmed with a series of second half saves close-range in the 65th minute. 48) Arsenal 2 (Giroud 24, 28); Southampton Rooney’s stoppage-time pen- the west Londoners are now six Elmohamady, who swept home and Chelsea grabbed a priceless But on-loan Tottenham winger 2 (Long 37, Shackell 58-og) Burnley 0; Stoke alty hadn’t been saved by Simon points clear again, with a game in Andrew Robertson’s cross from winner in the 77th minute when Aaron Lennon won it for Everton 1 (Diouf 14) Crystal Palace 2 (Murray 41-pen, Mignolet, but boss Louis van Gaal hand making their position even close range. McGregor allowed a fairly tame in the 77th minute to move the Zaha 45+2); Tottenham 4 (Kane 6, 13, was content with a success which stronger. And Steve Bruce’s team equal- shot from French forward Loic Toffees nine points away from the 64-pen, Schlupp 85-og) Leicester 3 (Vardy keeps them one point behind Jose Mourinho’s side took ised just two minutes later after Remy, who had only been on for relegation zone and leave second- 38, Morgan 50, Nugent 90); West Ham 1 third-placed Arsenal. just 78 seconds to go in front a disastrous piece of play from three minutes, to escape his grasp bottom QPR four points from (Sakho 88) Sunderland 0 “It’s an amazing result for as Belgium midfielder Eden Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut and trickle into the net. safety. AFP Big wins for Al Sadd and Lekhwiya Ticket sale for Gymnastics

DOHA: Qatar Stars League event in Doha picks pace leaders Lekhwiya, second- placed Al Sadd and El Jaish all DOHA: Tickets for the 2015 FIG the FIG Artistic Gymnastics registered big wins in Round 23 Artistic Gymnastics Challenge Challenge Cup reflects the keen- matches here yesterday. Cup are currently on sale in the ness of the Federation to com- At Al Arabi Stadium, defend- malls. municate with such an important ing champions Lekhwiya bounced Tickets are available at category. back from a first minute goal to Carrefour branches at Villaggio, “We also invited all the foreign trounce Al Arabi 3-1. City Center and Landmark and embassies in the state of Qatar Al Arabi went into the lead at the headquarters of the Qatar to attended event, especially the in the very first minute through Gymnastics Federation. embassies of the nations which Sergio Dutra Junior. The event, to be held March are represented in the event.” Al Lekhwiya bounced back to net 25-27, will bring the biggest names Moftah said. the equaliser in the 36th minute in artistic gymnastics to Aspire Al Moftah added that the mar- through Taehee Nam and there Academy of Sports Excellence. keting committee has allocated after struck two more goals in the Abdulrahma Al Moftah, Head spaces for families and people second half. Ismail Mohamad gave of Marketing Committee at the with special needs at the stands the lead in the 53rd while Khalid 2015 FIG Artistic Gymnastics of the event. Muftah put the issue beyond doubt Challenge Cup lauded the efforts Al Moftah extended his with a strike five minutes from end. being made by the members of appreciation to the chairman of Lekhwiya now have 55 points. marketing committee as the supreme organizing committee At Al Khor Stadium, a brace ticket sales went in accordance for his support to the marketing from Luiz Silva (52 and 68) and with the plan developed by the committee and thanked the Qatar goals from Talal Ali Albloushi federation to attract the highest Center For Voluntary Activities (42), Yusef Ahmed Ali (49) and possible number of gymnastics for its cooperation with the Qatar Mashaal Qassim helped Al Sadd fans to attend the event. Gymnastics Federation. to a 5-1 win over Al Khor. Al Moftah also stressed that Brazilian ring specialist Arthur Al Khor pulled one back in the the marketing committee has Zanetti will lead the star cast 80th minute through Julio cesar invited a number of social organ- at the three-day gymnastics Donacimento. Al Sadd now has izations at attend the competi- event — the second leg of a six- 48 points from 23 matches while tions such as the Qatar Orphan stop international series — will third placed Qatar SC is on 40 Foundation (Dhreima) and the also feature top gymnasts Diana points. El Jaish, which trounced Qatar Social and Cultural Centre Laura Bulimar from Romania Al Shahaniya 3-1 are in fourth Lekhwiya’s Mohammed Adbullahterazor (left) and Al Arabi’s Boualem Khoukhi in action during their Qatar for Deaf. and Americans Jacob Dalton and spot with 39 points. Stars League match at Al Arabi Stadium in Doha yesterday. PICTURE BY: BAHER AMIN Al Moftah said that inviting Danell Leyva. THE PENINSULA the social organizations to attend THE PENINSULA