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TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 • 4 Jumada II 1436 • Volume 20 Number 6379 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780

Emir in Pakistan Ministry forces Arab network firm to repeat raffle draw for freedom of DOHA: The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has forced a commercial outlet to repeat a raffle draw after it awarded the prize — a motor- speech urged cycle — to one of its employees, which was against the rules set by the ministry. The ministry cancelled the No jail terms for journalists: NHRC results of the first draw and forced the outlet to offer the prize again DOHA: An international con- the new media law was not being to the public in a repeat draw, said ference on basic rights in the enforced despite it being in the a statement yesterday. Arab world that concluded here pipeline now for several years. The ministry said it had acted yesterday has proposed that a The conference, meanwhile, against the outlet as it violated pan-Arab network is needed to proposed that a pan-Arab net- Article 7 of the ministerial deci- ensure freedom of speech in the work was the need of the hour sion no 19 of 2014 concerning bloc. to make sure that freedom of lucky draws. The two-day event titled speech was guaranteed in the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was received by Pakistan Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif As per the rule, people associ- ‘Freedom of Speech and Arab world. at the PAD Base Nur Khan. Pakistan’s Minister of Petroleum Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Minister of Information ated with the outlet that con- Expression in the Arab world’ “Arab countries must imple- Pervez Rasheed, Qatar’s Ambassador Saqr Mubarak Al Mansouri and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Qatar Shahzad duct the draw are not allowed was attended by several renowned ment international human rights Ahmed were present. The Emir is on a two-day visit to the country. See also page 3 to participate. They include the global and Arab human rights conventions,” said Sheikha Ghalia owners and partners, manag- and media freedom activists and bint Abdulrahman Al Thani, head ers of the bodies conducting the experts. of the Arab Network for Human draw, employees of the outlet It was organised by Qatar’s Rights Institutions. and their close relatives, said National Human Rights Addressing the conference, she the ministry. Committee (NHRC). said that Arab countries must Court upholds death penalty for citizen Meanwhile, the minis- The NHRC claimed at the con- upgrade their laws to ensure free- try closed down an outlet in ference that the provision of jail dom of speech and expression. DOHA: A higher criminal court Criminal Court of Appeals the helping burn Patterson’s body and Industrial Are for two weeks for sentence for errant journalists Legal provisions that criminal- yesterday upheld a death sen- Public Prosecution must do that destroy the evidence. selling electric heaters that do in a new media law Qatar is to ise the criticism of the govern- tence against a citizen convicted within the above timeframe. Patterson, from Kent in not meet Qatari standards and enforce possibly soon, has been ment and writing and reporting of the murder of a 24-year-old “This is because the sentence England, was murdered in specifications. removed at its behest. on sensitive social and political British school teacher. involves death. It is not an ordi- October 2013 after leaving a bar During raids conducted by “The draft of the new media issues should be removed from The Criminal Court of Appeals nary sentence, so the highest in a star hotel here with a female ministry inspectors, 71 heaters law was submitted to us by the all Arab countries, she said. confirmed the sentence as Lauren court must review the ruling,” friend and the two convicts after were seized. The violation was Ministry of Culture, Arts and “Arab countries must closely Patterson’s mother Alison, who said Al Zaman. midnight. confirmed after samples were Heritage for our review and we cooperate with one another to flew here from England to attend So, for the next 60 days the She was friendly with the sent to the standards and speci- proposed a number of changes,” make sure that they have free- the court proceedings, watched on. verdict of the Criminal Court of convicts and it seems they were fications authority at the Ministry said Jaber Al Hwail, head of legal dom of speech and expression,” The court, however, ruled Appeals will remain suspended, together in the bar. Patterson’s of Environment. affairs at the NHRC. the Sheikha said. that it was not within its juris- the lawyer added. female friend insisted that she The closure comes as part of Removing the jail sentence for Some Arab countries have diction to consider Alison’s plea When told that the last death stay with her overnight since she a nationwide clampdown on low errant scribes and imposing just emergency laws that curb freedom for a monetary compensation of sentence was carried out in Qatar was heavily drunk. But the main quality electrical products due to fines on them was proposed by the of speech. Such legislations should QR20m ($5.5m), reports Al Sharq. 12 years ago, in March 2003, Al convict dropped Patterson’s female the danger they pose to people’s NHRC, Al Hwail said. be condemned and replaced with “That jurisdiction lies with the Zaman said he wasn’t sure. friend at her home and promised lives and their property. He said the NHRC had earlier media-friendly laws, said Sheikha civil court.” Arun Abraham, an Indian, had her that he will be dropping her In another related incident, the posted a request to the govern- Ghalia. A prominent lawyer, Yusuf Al killed a woman family friend Lija (Patterson) also home safely. ministry raided a women beauty ment on its website that the cur- A regional mechanism was Zaman, told The Peninsula that the Abraham, also an Indian, late in But police investigations, salon that was found using some rent print media law that was needed to deplore hate speeches main convict can challenge the ver- April of 2001 and was sentenced according to Al Sharq, revealed expired beauty products. The enforced some 36 years ago, in and urge action against those who dict of the higher criminal court in to death two years later. that the main convict took her to ministry said it had detected 1979 (Law No 8 of that year), be indulge in such speeches to fuel Qatar’s Supreme Court (the Court Meanwhile, the Criminal Court a rented house of his accomplice, six violations at the facility but changed to ensure more rights to sectarian or religious divide or of Cassation) within 60 days. of Appeals sentenced an accom- the second convict. didn’t explain what action was print journalists. hatred. He said that if the convict fails plice of the convict, also a young Continued on page 5 taken. He, however, didn’t say why THE PENINSULA to challenge the ruling of the Qatari, to three years in jail for THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

INSIDE Snow art Page 9 Sultan Qaboos back in Oman The dictatorship of after ‘successful’ treatment the media MUSCAT: H M Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman flew home yester- by Dr Faisal Al day after spending more than eight months in Germany for medical Kassim treatment that was completely successful, state television reported. Sultan Qaboos returned after “having completed medical treatment Will Arab countries in Germany whose results were crowned as a total success,” the televi- become stable? sion announced. Footage showed the visibly frail 74-year-old walking By Dr Shamlan unaided from a royal aircraft and then along a red carpet before being driven away. Yousef Al Issa Scores of people took to social media networks to celebrate the return of Qaboos, who is the longest serving leader in the Middle East and the only one many Omanis have ever had. “For eight months, Omanis Art of creating hatred have been praying that their leader would recover,” said one post on By Dr Ibrahim Al Twitter using the Arabic hashtag “Good news: Qaboos has returned”. Sheikh “This leader deserves all this love. He has devoted himself, his time and efforts to Oman,” said another. Kuwait breaks Yemen calls for Gulf military help to thwart Houthi fighters up protest A view of a creation of British artist Simon Beck in the snow on Riederalp Valais, Switzerland, yesterday. Beck DUBAI: Yemeni Foreign Minister Riyadh Yaseen called yesterday KUWAIT CITY: Kuwaiti riot is fascinated by the interplay between the forces of nature and his work. for Gulf military intervention to halt advances by Houthi fighters, a police dispersed hundreds of move that could draw neighbouring states into the country’s deep- opposition protesters who ral- ening power struggle. lied yesterday to demand the The Gulf governments back President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, release of political prisoners and whose forces have recently suffered reverses at the hands of Iranian- press for democratic reforms. Unstable weather likely from tomorrow backed Houthis approaching his base in the southern port of Aden More than 500 activists gathered from the north. “We are requesting an intervention by the Gulf Shield outside parliament for the third forces to stop this Iranian-backed Houthi expansion,” Yaseen told the week in a row after authorities DOHA: Another spell of unsta- “There may be thundery clouds the weather can change suddenly, newspaper Al Sharq Al Awsat, referring to a military force of the Gulf jailed opposition leader and former ble weather is expected from at times on Thursday and Friday said the bureau. Cooperation Council (GCC). “We have expressed to the GCC, the lawmaker Mussallam Al Barrak. tomorrow and is likely to con- due to a low pressure system Temperatures will be in their United Nations as well as the international community that there As the protesters marched tinue until later Friday, accord- building in the upper layers of the mid-twenties and wind will be should be a no-fly zone, and the use of military aircraft should be towards parliament yesterday, ing to the Department of air,” said the bureau. northwesterly to northeasterly, prevented at the airports controlled by the Houthis.” police used batons to beat activists, Meteorology. Rains that occur this time of with moderate speed, which Speaking in Riyadh, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal forcing them to disperse. Earlier in Areas in the country will wit- the year in central parts of Saudi will become fresh to strong warned that Iran was trying “to sow sectarian strife” in the region the day, the interior ministry had ness low and medium clouds with Arabia will be moving towards with the formation of thunder and said Gulf states would take steps to back Hadi. “If this issue is not warned protesters to abide by a chances of scattered rains during Qatar by tomorrow and Friday. clouds. solved peacefully, we will take the necessary measures to protect the law that regulates rallies. the unstable weather, forecasters This is a transition period and THE PENINSULA region from their aggression,” he told a news conference. AFP said. a highlight of this period is that See also page 5 AGENCIES TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

A bird’s-eye view Emir sends condolences to Singapore

DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of condolences to President of the Republic of Singapore Tony Tan Keng Yam on the death of the former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew. Emir also sent his condolences to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on the death of the former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew. Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent cables of condolences to President of the Republic of Singapore Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on the death of Lee Kuan Ye w. Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani also sent similar cables to Singapore condoling the death of former premier. QNA An aerial view of Doha Corniche and West Bay area at night captured from a landing aeroplane. KAMMUTTY V P Qatar Airways flights to Zanzibar from July 1 Kilimanjaro services to become non-stop as airline’s African growth drive continues DOHA: Effective from July 1, Qatar The new destination Zanzibar and the African network to 20 cities. The new continent,” said Qatar Airways Group of 12 seats in Business Class and 132 in Airways will launch flights to Zanzibar, launch of direct flights to Kilimanjaro destination makes a perfect island holi- Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker. Economy. the airline’s third gateway in Tanzania will add even more options for passengers day spot for leisure travellers with its Qatar Airways’ African expan- The Doha – Kilimanjaro – Zanzibar after Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro. when travelling to any of the more than white sandy beaches, abundant wild life, sion in the past weeks has included schedules starting from 1st July 2015 are: The new five-times-a-week flight to 140 destinations served by Qatar Airways. rich culture and long history. the announcement of a new destina- Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Zanzibar will operate via Kilimanjaro. Similarly, passengers from the Middle “Today’s announcement of new serv- tion Durban and increase in flights to Saturdays and Sundays The current Kilimanjaro flights which East, Asia Pacific and Europe can now ices to Zanzibar reflects our commitment Johannesburg which will launch on 17th Depart Doha QR1355 at 08:50, arrive are served by Qatar Airways via Dar take advantage of connections to these to connect diverse cities via our Doha December 2015, and also an increase in Kilimanjaro at 14:20 es Salaam will be made non-stop Tanzanian cities via Doha’s hub, Hamad hub and offer our passengers an exten- frequency to Cape Town from 1st October Depart Kilimanjaro QR1355 at 15:20, from Doha to Kilimanjaro commenc- International Airport. sive range of exciting global destinations. this year. arrive Zanzibar at 16:20 ing 1st July 2015, with return flights The mystic spice island of Zanzibar As our 20th gateway in Africa, Zanzibar The Doha – Kilimanjaro – Zanzibar Depart Zanzibar QR1355 at 17:20, from Kilimanjaro to Doha served via in the Indian Ocean will take the total will strengthen our presence as one of route will be operated with an Airbus arrive Doha at 22:35 Zanzibar. number of destinations in the airline’s the biggest airlines flying to the African A320 aircraft in a two-class configuration THE PENINSULA

Indian embassy Open House Qatar Charity’s smart app receives award on Friday DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC) recently cooperation between the public and private received ‘Best Smart Applications’ award sectors,” said Al Sabah. Yafei spoke of the DOHA: The Indian embassy in Qatar from the Pan Arab Excellence importance of ‘Smart Government’, saying will hold an Open House on Awards Academy. that it represents services being made avail- Friday to address any urgent QC’s Executive Director of Support Affairs, able to a large number of people, noting that consular and labour problems Mohammed Abdullah Al Yazidi Yafei received the application follows the best practices in of Indians. the award from Kuwaiti Minister of State for the field of information technology. It will be held from 5.30pm to the Cabinet Affairs, Chairman of the Board QC has always sought to develop mod- 6.30pm. Written information on Central Agency for Information Technology, ern electronic systems that will contribute issues proposed to be discussed Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al Sabah at the to the development of philanthropy in Qatar with officials could be given from awards ceremony held in the Symphony Style and increasing donations for the benefit of QC 5.30pm to 6pm. Hotel in Kuwait. The event honoured a number projects, particularly those that allow donors This will be followed by meet- of national and Arab institutions that have cre- multiple options in terms of the kind of projects, ings with officials between 6pm ated apps which have gone on to become leaders the countries that they wish to donate to and the and 6.30pm, the embassy said in in the field of public service and acknowledges amounts that they wish to donate. Currently it is a statement. THE PENINSULA the need to keep up with current technological possible to donate via automated coupon, SMS, developments. on the QC website, or by applications on Smart “These smart apps contribute to the discov- phones and other smart devices. New Delhi to host ery of a lot of opportunities, as well improving These systems also link with the 64 organi- community prospects, involving and interact- sations with which QC collaborates in more Qatari-Indian ing with all segments of society and resulting than 30 countries, and also enables donors to in a number of outputs, such as advancement view the follow-up process and the method Economic Forum Qatar Charity Executive Director of Support Affairs, Mohammed Abdullah Al Yazidi Yafei and progress, success and competition and of action and correspondence between QC receiving the award from Kuwaiti Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad optimum utilization of human resources, and its overseas offices and branches at home DOHA:Qatari-Indian Abdullah Al Sabah at Symphony Style Hotel in Kuwait. investment and development, innovation and quickly and easily. THE PENINSULA Economic Forum will be held in New Delhi tomorrow. The event is organised by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce in collaboration with the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Tendulkar launches 150th Industry. Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin outlet of Aster Pharmacy Jassim Al Thani will lead Qatari delegation, which includes a DOHA: Aster DM Healthcare, regarded as one of the greatest number of businessmen, heads of a healthcare provider with cricketers and the most complete government agencies and institu- presence in the Middle East batsman in the world. He is argu- tions as well as the chief execu- and India, announced legen- ably the greatest cricket icon the tives of major companies in Qatar. dary cricketer and recipient game has ever produced. of the Bharat Ratna Sachin Commenting on the partner- Tendulkar, as the global face ship, Dr Azad Moopen, Chairman Suzuki recalls and brand ambassador of the and Managing Director of Aster Aster Pharmacy vertical. DM Healthcare, said: “We are Tendulkar also inaugurated the extremely proud to announce some models 150th outlet of Aster Pharmacy our partnership with the legen- DOHA: The Ministry of which is located at Hamdan dary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar. Economy and Commerce, in Street in Abu Dhabi. This will help Aster Pharmacy to close cooperation with the Tendulkar was ceremonially showcase many unique products Tayseer Motors Company initiated into the Group by Dr and services to the customers. It (authorised importers of Suzuki Azad Moopen, Chairman and will also aid the task of educat- cars) has ordered a recall of SX4 Managing Director of Aster DM ing the masses about the impor- and hatchback models between Healthcare, in the presence of tance of healthy living and safe June 2009 and November 2012 senior management officials of the medication. Sachin will also be due to some defects in handle Group. In his role as the brand a part of our Corporate Social transmission. ambassador, Tendulkar will also Responsibility initiatives helping The Ministry said the recall support a variety of community to spread the message and reach Sachin Tendulkar cutting a cake to mark the launch of 150th outlet of Aster Pharmacy in Abu Dhabi yesterday. Also decision is part of its ongoing initiatives being undertaken by out to the public with socially rel- actions to make sure all the vehi- the Group. evant causes.” seen from left are T J Wilson, Group Director; Alisha Moopen, Director; Dr Azad Moopen, Chairman & Managing cles on the roads are safe and to Tendulkar and the Aster DM Commenting on his new Director and Engr Anoop Moopen, Director of Aster DM Healthcare. protect rights of the consumers. Healthcare have committed to assignment, Tendulkar said: “I The Ministry will follow up the offer Dh1m on various initiatives am delighted to be appointed as DM Healthcare. In fact, I debuted on. I am particularly impressed region. I look forward to work- issue and keep in touch with the to support the needy and the the brand ambassador of Aster for India in 1989 which happens about responsible and respon- ing with the entire team at Aster customers to make sure that the downtrodden in India. Pharmacy. It has been a pleasure to be the same year that Aster sive manner, in which Aster DM making a positive impact on the defected cars are recalled and Tendulkar, the most pro- to know Dr Azad Moopen and Pharmacy opened its first outlet Healthcare touches the lives of lives of all stakeholders.” defects are repaired. QNA lific run machine of all times, is understand the journey of Aster and both of us did well from there thousands of people around the THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Qatar, Pakistan sign slew of agreements Emir and Pakistan PM witness signing ceremony in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Pakistani Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz RIGHT: Emir H H Sharif held an official discussion Sheikh Tamim bin about bilateral cooperation and Hamad Al Thani means of enhancing and devel- with President of oping them. The session was Pakistan Mamnoon attended by the official delega- Hussain. BELOW: tion accompanying the Emir. Emir and Pakistan The Emir and the Pakistani Prime Minister Prime Minister witnessed the Mohammad Nawaz singing of a number of agree- Sharif witness- ments and memorandums of ing the signing of understanding that included agreements. cooperation agreements in the field of culture, youth and sports. The Emir also witnessed the signing of the first executive pro- gramme for cooperation in the fields of education, higher edu- cation and scientific research of the cultural, scientific, techni- cal, educational and informa- tion agreement between the two governments. Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan held Qatar in very high esteem and wished to enhance coop- eration in all fields, particularly energy, trade, investment, defence and manpower. Prime Minister said Pakistan and Qatar enjoyed close and brotherly relations. He lauded the personal con- tribution of the Emir in trans- forming Qatar into one of the most attractive destinations of the world. Qatar’s progress is remarkable, enviable and a mat- Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is received at a military air base in ter of pride for us as a brotherly Islamabad yesterday by Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif. country, he said. “I was waiting for your highness’ visit to Pakistan, Qatar was home to more than President of Pakistan Mamnoon Staff Rashid Mahmood, Speaker Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif a 21-gun salute on his arrival. A like a brother waits for a brother,” 100,000 Pakistanis whose remit- Hussain at the Presidential of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz received the Emir and members contingent of Pakistani forces he said. He said Pakistan invited tances were making a valuable Palace in Islamabad. The meeting Sadiq. of his delegation at a military presented guard of honour to the Qatari investment in Pakistan in contribution to the socio-eco- reviewed bilateral relations and The Emir also attended a din- airbase. Minister of Petroleum Emir. It is Sheikh Tamim’s first all areas, adding that our bilat- nomic development of Pakistan. means of developing them in vari- ner banquet hosted in his honour Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and official visit to Pakistan as the eral trade of less than $300m Pakistan would appreciate if ous fields specially areas of future and the accompanying delega- Minister of Information Pervez Emir as part of his regional visit. per annum is much below its Pakistani manpower in Qatar was cooperation and joint projects. tion by Pakistan Prime Minister Rasheed Ministers, services chiefs He will also travel to several other potential. substantially enhanced, he said. Emir also met separately with Nawaz Sharif at the Headquarters and top officials were present at regional countries. The Prime Minister said that Earlier the Emir met with Pakistan army Chief of General of the Council of Ministers. the airbase. The Emir was given AGENCIES Draft traffic law discussed

DOHA: An internal commit- the Prime Minister, and Major The Committee submitted a tee of the Advisory Council yes- Ahmed Abdullah Al Harami, report on the draft law to the terday discussed finer points Head of Traffic Rule Violations Advisory Council earlier but the of a draft traffic law with sen- at the Traffic Department, Major Council sent it back to it saying a ior traffic officials, including Rashid Salem Al Qamra, also more extensive report was needed the Department’s Director, attended the meet and fielded and for that the Committee Brigadier Mohamed Saad Al question from Committee mem- should seek clarifications from Kharji. bers, reports QNA. senior traffic and interior minis- The objective is to prepare an QNA said that the officials try officials. extensive report on the draft law explained to the Committee mem- The ‘internal and external’ which will be forwarded to the bers interior ministry’ viewpoint Committee of the Advisory Advisory Council for debate. about the draft law. Council is known so because it The Council will later, as per The presence of Al Qamra, has Council members on it and established procedures, refer the according o observers, suggests depending on a subject it must draft back to the State Cabinet that the present fines for various give its opinion on, it ropes in with its recommendations. traffic rule breaches like jumping external experts. The draft was sent to the the red light (which carries a fine The Advisory Council is Council by the State Cabinet after of QR6,000 and is being opposed expected to soon refer the draft its initial approval. by many citizens), may have also law back to the Cabinet after dis- Brigadier Ibrahim Saad Al been discussed by the ‘Internal cussions once the Committee has Sulaiti, Head of Statistical and external’ Committee of the submitted its report to it. Analysis Office at the Office of Advisory Council. THE PENINSULA

Pakistan National Day International translation conference begins DOHA: Experts and academics from a number of countries are attending the sixth annual international translation confer- ence which began at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) yesterday. The two-day conference entitled “Translating the Gulf: Beyond Fault Lines” was opened by Dr Amal Al Malki, Executive Director of Translation and Interpreting Institute (TII). The Gulf, with its economic and Geo-political importance has attracted talents from around the globe, with different cultural identities, said Al Malki in her opening speech. Talking about the history of translation in the Arab world and its past golden age and the efforts by the institute to restore the glori- ous era for translation and its social, politi- cal, economical and cultural role in the Arab world, Dr Amal emphasized that “in the 21st century the State of Qatar strives to revive the Arab Islamic glorious past in translation through the TII”. The TII “has made a good progress in deliv- ering its goals” since its establishment in 2012, she added. Dr Naif Al Mutawa, founder and CEO of Teshkeel Media Group was the keynote speaker at the opening session. He shed light on “The 99” which is the first group of comic superheroes born of an Islamic archetype and Samar Javad, Deputy Ambassador of Pakistan hoisting flag he talked about the difficulties he faced due to to mark Pakistan National Day at the embassy premises the creation of this comic group and accusa- yesterday. ABDUL BASIT tions made against him by religious figures in the Arab world. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Yalla roadshow Food festival opens today at MIA Park at food festival

DOHA: Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar’s Yalla Natural Some 48 stands in nine zones are ready to provide wide variety of dishes initiative is taking its roadshow to Qatar International Food DOHA: The sixth Qatar food highlighting a fusion of culi- run, the festival will feature during the festival, while the where male dancers from all Festival 2015. International Food Festival nary cultures from around the nightly fireworks show. Tonight “Drummers” band will stun the ages wearing national dress will Yalla Natural is part of the col- (QIFF 2015) opens today at the world in addition to gourmet and at 6, visitors will witness the first audience with their energetic perform their traditional sword lege’s Your Health First campaign Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) organic food. pyrotechnics display at the festi- beats. The activities will also dance originally designed to be and aims to encourage families Park, promising five days of One of this year’s festival’s culi- val. From Wednesday to Friday, include dancing shows repre- performed in weddings and on and children to get back to basics, scrumptious food and diverse nary highlights is ‘Dinner in the the fireworks display is scheduled senting different cultures and special national occasions. using fresh, organic food, taking entertainment to suit every Sky – A Taste of Business Class’ at 8.30pm while on the last day of countries where skillful dancers In addition, there will be a regular exercise and even grow- one’s taste. in which Qatar Airways offers fes- the festival it will be at 9.30pm. will mesmerise the audience with special zone dedicated to the cel- ing their own fruit and vegetables. Organised by Qatar Tourism tival visitors chance to experience Exciting shows and perform- exciting performances, as well as ebration of Qatar-Turkey Year Throughout the festival, Yalla Authority and Qatar Airways, the the airline’s Business Class Menu ances will be held throughout the solo break-dancers will showcase of Culture 2015. The special zone Natural will be at the MIA Park annual festival will see the world’s 60 metres above the ground. festival at the “Stage Zone” which their flair. will host Qatari and Turkish chefs engaging the help of Eric Cousin, best chefs showcasing signature Other culinary features is equipped with state-of-the-art The “Chef Orchestra”, com- who will cook delicious local and Corporate Executive Chef at dishes from different cultures include Marsa Malaz Kempinski’ electrical and digital technolo- prising professional musicians, Turkish food. AMLAK, who will be showing around the world for everyone to Afternoon Tea – High Tea Tent, gies to provide the highest quality will play traditional tunes and The festival opens to the pub- people how to cook quick, healthy enjoy. Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels’ entertainment. perform original folk music using lic today from 5.45pm to 10.30pm and tasty meals. The festival, featuring 48 stands Dinner on a Dhow and The Pop artist and songwriter, pipe instruments. and from 1.30pm to 10.30pm in Chef Eric said: “It will be a located in nine zones, will offer a Diplomatic Club’s BBQ Donut. Tarek Sidani will play a number The Qatari Arda dance will also the succeeding days. huge privilege to be able to dem- wide variety of mouthwatering For the first time in its six-year of his most beautiful tunes be strongly present at the festival, THE PENINSULA onstrate healthy recipes – and maybe some trade secrets – to the people of Qatar. People often say that they don’t have time to cook when they come home from a long day at work but I’ll be showing HMC Trauma Center them that delicious meals can be created in just a few minutes. “By making meals at home, we can receives GCC delegation be sure of how much fat, salt and sugar they contain and knowing what you are eating is the first DOHA: The Trauma Center provide exemplary teaching and step to changing your diet for the at Hamad Medical Corporation research in the fields of trauma, better.” (HMC) hosted a visiting delega- acute surgery and critical care tion from the traffic ministries in Qatar. HTC has earned Ooredoo platinum of the GCC countries. The visit, ‘Distinction for Trauma Services’ which comes in the context of by the Accreditation Canada sponsor for FIFA the Gulf Traffic Week activities, International for the quality and aims at familiarizing the dele- safety of the trauma services Beach Soccer gates with the role of the Center it offers to its patients and the in the care of trauma patients community.” DOHA: Ooredoo will be the in Qatar. The delegates were “The Center has built on its official Platinum Sponsor for briefed on healthcare services strengths internally to form a the 2015 FIFA Beach Soccer rendered by HMC to urgent team with the ambulance serv- World Cup Asian Qualifier, trauma patients and road traf- ice, emergency department, which started yesterday. fic accident victims. rehabilitation department and The event, which runs until Dr Hisham Abdulrahman, numerous departments involved 28 March, will bring more than Trauma consultant and Head in clinical and support services Delegations from the traffic ministries of the GCC countries visiting the Trauma Center at Hamad Medical Corporation 2,000 fans to Katara Beach in of Resuscitation Unit at Hamad that provides exemplary services (HMC). Qatar, to see 14 nations compete Trauma Center (HTC), stated: for all of the victims of all kinds in the exciting competition. At “The Center has made major of trauma in Qatar. It has created order to extend its services to pre- The visiting delegation con- Commemorative gifts have been stake are three Asian Football strides in the development of partnerships with stakeholders in vent injuries from happening and cluded their visit with a round in distributed to the visiting delega- Confederation places for the 2015 a national trauma system for the community, government and make Qatar safer for all of its res- the inpatient ward accompanied by tion. FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Qatar, through continuing to non-government institutions in idents,” Dr Abdulrahman added. trauma and emergency physicians. THE PENINSULA Portugal this July. Ooredoo will offer high-speed Wi-fi connectivity during the event for fans and the media on its bigger and faster network. In addition, the company will organ- ise a special Fan Zone, with a Over 160 students to compete in Qatar STEAM wide range of surprises on offer during the tournament. “Ooredoo has a long history DOHA: More than 160 students The overall winners will go on to creativity and critical thinking Director of Education, Training or individuals will present their of supporting sporting activities from 40 schools will compete in represent Qatar at the renowned through research in education and Development at QF R&D. projects to a judging panel nationally and internationally, the inaugural Qatar Science, Intel International Science and and science. “Qatar Foundation’s mission over the course of the two-day and we are proud to be a Platinum Technology, Engineering, Math Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) in “The Qatar STEAM Fair wit- supports the students compet- competition. Sponsor of the FIFA Beach Soccer and Art Fair (Qatar STEAM) Pittsburgh, USA, in May. nesses the launch of a national ing in Qatar STEAM today to The students’ projects will be World Cup Asian Qualifiers. This finals today and tomorrow at This nationwide compe- competition aimed at instill- unlock their potential and foster on view to the public from 8am event will give Ooredoo the chance the Qatar National Convention tition is being organised by ing the enjoyment of academic a sustainable ecosystem based on on Wednesday. to show our capacity for offering Centre. Qatar Foundation Research & research into our nation’s youth, knowledge. QF R&D is proud to This will be followed by the world class communications at The country’s inaugural Qatar Development (QF R&D), Qatar as part of a collective effort to be leading such an initiative that announcement of the winners international events, as well as pro- STEAM Fair will see middle National Research Fund (QNRF), grow a robust research culture will no doubt go on to impact the at an award ceremony at 10am. viding a showcase for Qatar’s abil- and secondary school students which is part of QF R&D, and within Qatar for generations to lives of many.” The overall winners will go on to ity to host major sporting events in present their research projects the Supreme Education Council come,” said Dr Dirar Khoury, With more than 80 research join 1,700 of the world’s bright- the run-up to the 2022 FIFA World to an expert panel of judges and (SEC). The competition supports Executive Director of Research projects submitted since the start est young minds and compete for Cup,” said Sheikh Saud bin Nasser compete to win awards in differ- Qatar Foundation’s mission to Coordination and Special of the competition in September more than $5m in prizes in the Al Thani, Chief Executive Officer. ent scientific categories. build and develop capacity for Initiatives and Acting Executive last year, participating teams USA. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

Safari announces Dream Drive promotion

DOHA: Safari has announced its new ‘Dream Drive Win 5 Nissan Patrol’ mega promo- tion starting from today until July 26, at all its outlets across Qatar. During the promotion period, customers can participate and win Five Nissan Patrol cars. Customers, who purchase goods worth QR50 and above during Nasser Abdulghani (centre), Managing Director of AAB, with winners at Toyota showrom. ABDUL BASIT these periods will be eligible to get a raffle coupon to enter the Mega draw. AAB unveils Dream Car Contest winners Elaborating the promotion details, Safari Group General DOHA: Abdullah Abdulghani schools to participate in the Amra Najad- Bright Future Manager Zainul Abideen K (pic- & Bros. Co (AAB), sole agent contest where students drew Pakistani International school. tured), said: “With the aim of for Toyota vehicles in Qatar their dream cars inside their 12-15 years old providing exciting, value added recently organised the 5th schools. It is worth noting that Deepak Saji Kumar- MES and superb shopping experience national Dream Car Contest the winner of this year’s contest Indian School, Nipul De-Silva- and strengthening relationships, aiming at developing chil- be determined through social Doha Modern Indian School, we have decided to launch mega dren’s creative abilities and media polls with the collabora- Sanjay Kandaswamy- M E S promotion. I wish to thank all to motivate them to express tion of Judges. Indian School Safari customers and shoppers their talent in drawing their The Winners: Deepak Sajikumar, a Class IX who have shown great support dream cars in an attempt to Under 8 years old student of MES Indian School won and enthusiasm for all our previ- discover the hidden potential Kaushi Nisasala-Stafford the Bronze Medal at the Worldwide ous promotions and making it a and to unveil their imagina- Srilankan School, Doha, Thejus Competition of the Toyota Dream grand success”. Safari Mall is the tion for future cars. Aravind- DPS-Modern Indian Car Art Contest held in Japan only mall with a Gold Souk and it Since 2004, Toyota Dream school, Baavana Krishnakumar- from 25 – 29th August 2014. has many branded outlets. It has Car Art Contest has been con- DPS-Modern Indian school. Sajikumar’s exceptional artwork a spacious food court where excel- ducted as part of Toyota Motor 8-11 years old titled “Aqua Tour” has been lent and tasty delicacies are at the Corporation Japan’s social con- Siddhi Prasad-DPS-Modern selected from over 660,000 entries disposal for the food connoisseurs. tribution initiatives. AAB col- Indian School, Sarang santhosh for last year’s World Contest. THE PENINSULA laborated with more than 70 Krishna- M E S Indian school, THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 SEC move a big relief for parents and students Expatriate students to get benefit

DOHA: The move by the responded positively,” principal of Supreme Education Council an Indian school told this daily (SEC) relaxing the admis- yesterday. sion rules for private school He, however added that his students has come as a great school had not received any new relief to a number of students directive from the SEC in this People living in low-lying areas of the city have been hit by knee-deep water after the rains on Sunday. and parents. regard until now. Academic circles view the An expatriate professional who move as an indication of the SEC recently got his son enrolled in an becoming more considerate about Indian school said the SEC move the problems and concerns of pri- has come as a boon. vate school students. “We were supposed to submit Many city areas waterlogged A senior SEC official categori- the attested transfer certificate cally said on Sunday that expa- to the school for SEC approval DOHA: Several areas in and triate students seeking admission within a month. Agencies here are around the city and elsewhere No water leakage in a private school are no more charging a minimum QR500 as continue to be water-logged required to produce an equiva- service fee for attesting one docu- after two days of intermit- at airport lency certificate from the SEC. ment. This is a good news for me tent rains. People living along They can now be enrolled and I hope it would not be proved Al Rafiq Street in low-lying DOHA: The Hamad directly with a transfer certifi- wrong,” he said. areas of Al Asiri locality of the International Airport cate obtained from the institution The new admission guidelines city are suffering as knee-deep (HIA) denied reports cir- they previously studied pro- issued by the SEC also say that water is accumulated there. culating on social media vided they meet other admission students no more require permis- Conditions remain bad in Wadi about a water leakage at the requirements. sion from the SEC to move from Raha area along D-Ring Road airport following the inter- According to a rule introduced one private school to another. as well due to water-logging. In mittent rains on Sunday. by the SEC last year, all new Parents have the right to transfer Nauija locality close to The Mall, HIA said in its twitter students from abroad moving to children between private schools several streets had developed account that a video footage a private school in Qatar were without the SEC permission, pro- water puddles making it difficult showing water leakage in the required to get their transfer cer- vided seats are available in the for the traffic to move. — passenger terminal had no tificates attested by the authori- appropriate grade. Area 44 in Nauija was par- basis. The airport confirmed logged rainwater”. However, the the civic ministry as early as ties concerned in their home The SEC official has warned ticularly affected. Several areas that all its facilities are func- emergency teams of the various September last year and that countries as well as the Qatari the schools against admitting and roads in the far-off suburbs tioning properly despite the municipalities said they had by was the reason why there was no embassies there. students above their permit- like Al Azizya, Muaither and Ain unstable weather conditions. yesterday morning pumped out water logging in subways and on This certificate had to be sub- ted capacity, but school sources Khalid remained under water. THE PENINSULA some seven million gallons of major roads. “We had put gener- mitted to the SEC during admis- say that the SEC is now allow- Some interchanges on Salwa logged water from different areas ators near pumping stations and sion, for issuing an equivalency ing to admit up to 35 students Road had water puddles as well. in Doha, Umm Salal, Al Khor, Al linked all water pumping stations certificate. in one class, if the class room Meanwhile, people comment- beforehand and take precau- Rayan, Al Daayen, Al Dhakheera to a central control room,” said “If this equivalency certificate has enough space. The SEC had ing on social networking sites tionary measures,” asked one and Al Shamal. Ashghal in a release. is not required, it means that par- earlier put a cap of 30 students expressed their unhappiness commentator. The municipalities, though, “We had trained our staff to ents and students need not have in one class. with the way the authorities Another said rather sarcasti- admitted the pumping work was tackle emergencies arising due to to go through the long attesta- “We believe the SEC is now concerned dealt with emergency cally: “Despite all this modern still going on as several areas all incessant rains and we had all the tion procedures back home. It more aware about the severe water draining efforts. technology we areas till in an over remained water logged. necessary equipment and vehicles will be a great relief for them. We space constraints in many private “Why can’t the authori- era where we are using water Ashghal said it had taken pre- ready,” the Public Works Authority have raised this issue to the SEC schools,” said an official. ties identify vulnerable areas tankers and pumps to drain out cautions in coordination with said. THE PENINSULA officials and it seems they have THE PENINSULA

Qatar Biobank holds research workshop

DOHA: More than 25 health- Imperial College London. Sessions were delivered by Dr care professionals and research- The multi-disciplinary two day Neil Murphy, Dr Queenie Chan, ers enhanced their skills at seminar explored epidemiology – and Dr Inga Prokopenko from ‘Epidemiology and Public Health the branch of medicine that deals the Department of Epidemiology Research’ workshop hosted by with the incidence, distribution and Biostatistics, School of Qatar Biobank, a member of and possible control of diseases Public Health, Imperial College Qatar Foundation, in collabora- – to discuss various ways to London. tion with Qatar University and present epidemiological data. THE PENINSULA

Victim’s body set on fire

Continued from page 1

According to investiga- tion he had intercourse with Patterson forcibly and then stabbed her with a knife in the chest. “The crime took place just because the convict became crazy and wanted to have intercourse with the victim…And, moreover, she was killed unnecessar- ily,” the Public prosecution said in its charges filed in the court. The convicts wrapped Patterson’s body in a car- pet which had blood stains, put it in a car and drove to a deserted area and put it on fire using charcoal and wood. They also put Patterson’s mobile phone and handbag with her body to destroy evidence completely. Some people in the area where the victim’s body was burnt said they smelt the stench of burning flesh and saw the two men mov- ing in a car nearby. Al Sharq said during investigations the duo confessed to the crime and even re-enacted the gory episode which the police, understandably, had video-graphed to produce in the court. The Prosecution told the court it wanted death pen- alty for the main convict as the victim was mur- dered in cold blood and a “knife was used not for self-defence”. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Obama to host US, Israel snub UN rights council session on Gaza war Iraq premier GENEVA: US and Israeli Marie Harf confirmed that and by the many repetitive and he was beholden to the PLO, but A number of states criticised envoys refused to attend a UN Washington had “coordinated our one-sided resolutions under that said he was reluctantly stepping the absence of the United States Human Rights Council special refusal to participate with Israel.” agenda item.” down to avoid compromising the — and of most western nations on April 14 session yesterday on the situa- Israel provided no immediate The session had been scheduled Human Rights Council’s inquiry — from yesterday’s debate. tion in the Palestinian territo- explanation for missing the ses- to discuss a probe on the 50-day into the July-August conflict. Pakistan’s representative, speak- WASHINGTON: US President ries in the aftermath of the 2014 sion dedicated overwhelmingly to war in Gaza last year, but inves- Israel was not satisfied, call- ing on behalf of the Organization Barack Obama will host Iraq’s Gaza conflict. a discussion of alleged abuses by tigators obtained a delay after the ing for the entire inquiry to be of the Islamic Conference, Prime Minister Haider Al The US decision will disap- its forces, but a source close to head of the team quit under Israeli shelved, insisting the commission slammed “a deliberate attempt to Abadi next month, the White point those who hoped the recent the council said its absence clearly pressure. “The process cannot be and the Human Rights Council undermine the credibility of the House announced yesterday. disagreement between the allies amounted to a boycott. rushed,” former New York judge which created it are inherently Human Rights Council”. Officials said the meeting would over Iran policy and the Middle It has long been US policy not Mary McGowan Davis, who has biased against the Jewish state. Although the report on the 2014 take place on April 14. East peace process would see to participate in council debates taken over as head of the team, Israel is the only country in the Gaza war investigation was delayed “The prime minister’s visit Washington withhold diplomatic on “Item 7” — which is always on told the council. world with a special agenda item until June, the UN’s new Special underscores the strategic part- cover from Israel. the Human Rights Council agenda Canadian international law dedicated to it, meaning its rights Rapporteur on the situation in the nership between the United “As was the case last year, the and which Washington maintains expert William Schabas resigned as record is discussed at every ses- Palestinian territories did not hold States and Iraq and the strong United States will not engage in the unfairly singles out the Jewish state. chair of the Commission of Inquiry sion of the UN’s top rights body. back. “The ferocity of destruction US commitment to political and debate. Neither will Israel. Instead, “The United States’ approach to the on the 2014 Gaza conflict last Israel cut all ties with the coun- and high proportion of civilian lives military cooperation with Iraq we will call a vote, and vote ‘no’ Human Rights Council’s Item 7 has month after Israel complained he cil in March 2012 over its plans lost in Gaza cast serious doubts in the joint fight against ISIL,” a on Item 7 resolutions,” said the US not changed,” Harper said. could not be impartial because he to probe how Jewish settlements over Israel’s adherence to interna- White House statement said. ambassador to the council, Keith “We remain deeply troubled by had prepared a legal opinion for the were harming Palestinian rights, tional humanitarian law,” Makarim “The president and prime Harper. Speaking in Washington, this council’s stand-alone agenda Palestine Liberation Organisation and did not resume relations until Wibisono told the council. minister will discuss a range of State Department spokeswoman item directed against Israel, in October 2012. Schabas denied late 2013. AFP issues, including continued US support to Iraq to degrade and ultimately destroy IS, the gov- ernment of Iraq’s actions to address the needs of the Iraqi people and to strengthen coop- eration between all communities in Iraq, and advancing a broad Houthi advance US-Iraqi partnership through expanded political, commercial, and cultural relations under the US-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement.” raises fears Meanwhile, Abadi received an invitation from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to visit Saudi Arabia, as relations over waterway between the two nations improve, the premier’s office said. AFP ‘Bab Al Mandab control to boost Iran’ Israel jails Arab

ADEN: As they advance south, Al Mandab. If the militia does make citizen for joining Yemen’s Iran-linked Houthi mili- a move to take control the strait, tiamen are moving within strik- experts say, Yemen’s crisis could Syria fight ing distance of the strategic Bab quickly become a global problem. JERUSALEM: An Israeli Al Mandab strait, a vital corridor The Houthis have been closely court yesterday sentenced an through which much of the world’s linked with Iran, which already over- Arab citizen to 11 months in maritime trade passes. looks another maritime chokepoint, prison for travelling to fight Only about 30km across at its nar- the Strait of Hormuz linking the Gulf alongside Syrian rebels in rowest point, the strait separates the with the Arabian Sea. If the militia the Jewish state’s war-torn Arabian Peninsula from east Africa takes control of Bab Al Mandab, neighbour. and links the Red Sea with the Gulf “Iran would be the main winner,” said Several Arab Israelis have of Aden. Nearly 40 percent of global Bassem Al Hakimi, a Yemeni politi- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi (left), Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al Bashir (centre) and been arrested after return- maritime trade is estimated to pass cal expert. Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn shake hands during a meeting in Khartoum yesterday to ing from Syria, where armed through the strait, much of it on its He said such a move would give sign the agreement of principles on Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance dam project. opposition to President Bashar way to and from the Suez Canal. Tehran an additional “card to play in Al Assad is now dominated by As Houthi militiamen have moved the negotiations over its nuclear pro- jihadists, including the Islamic south after seizing the capital Sana’a gramme” with world powers. There Egypt signs up to Ethiopian Nile dam State group. last year, concern has been growing is no doubt that the seizure of coastal Yusef Nasrallah travelled via about their intentions for Bab Al areas on the strait would raise inter- KHARTOUM: Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan Sisi said yesterday that “this is a framework Jordan to Syria where his inten- Mandab. national concern. yesterday agreed a preliminary deal on a con- agreement and it will be completed”. “We have tion was to “die as a martyr The militia on Sunday took con- Both the United States and France troversial dam project that Cairo feared would chosen cooperation, and to trust one another for alongside rebels” fighting Assad, trol of the airport in the key central maintain a military presence on the reduce its share of vital waters from the Nile. the sake of development.” the court said in its verdict. city of Taez, tightening the noose on other side of the strait in Djibouti, The leaders of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan all Sisi said the final accord will “achieve benefits But two days after reaching President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi and for Egypt the strait is of crucial gathered in Khartoum to sign the agreement and development for Ethiopia without harming Syria, Nasrallah was arrested in his refuge in the southern city of importance. of principles on Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Egypt and Sudan’s interests”. by the Assad regime and spent Aden. Hadi fled to Aden after escap- Egypt’s ambassador to Yemen, Dam project. Sudan’s President Omar Hassan Al Bashir eight months in prison where he ing house arrest in Sanaa last month, Youssef Al Sharqawi, warned recently “I confirm the construction of the Renaissance hailed the deal as “historic”. The agreement was “tortured and interrogated”. and the country has increasingly that threats to Bab Al Mandab would Dam will not cause any damage to our three is made up of 10 principles, Egypt’s Water During that time, he passed on been divided between the Houthi- be a “red line” for Cairo. “More than states and especially to the Egyptian people,” Resources Minister Hussam Al Maghazi said. information about an Israeli controlled north and presidential 38 percent of global maritime trade Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn The countries agreed on the “fair use of waters military base, the court said, loyalists in the south. passes through the strait,” he told said at the signing ceremony. and not to damage the interests of other states by without elaborating. Security sources say Houthi forces reporters in Aden. “The national Egypt, heavily reliant for millennia on the Nile using the waters”. They also agreed to establish Nasrallah was released and have been dispatched from Taez to security of Yemen is closely linked for agriculture and drinking water, feared that “a mechanism for solving disputes as they occur”, returned to Israel in December, the port of Mocha, some 80km to to the security of the Red Sea, the the Grand Renaissance Dam would decrease its Maghazi said. He gave no details as to when the where the Shin Bet domestic secu- the west. From Mocha, a coastal Gulf and Bab Al Mandab.” water supply. final agreement would be signed. rity service detained him. road of around 100km leads to Bab AFP However, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al AFP AFP Playing with lion cubs Erdogan rift with govt widens

ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dug in his heels yesterday in what appears to be a widening rift with his own government over the Kurdish peace process. In a sign of simmering tensions at the top, Erdogan’s longtime deputy Bulent Arinc told the president over the weekend to stop interfering and making “emotional” statements about efforts to end the three decades-long insurgency in the southeast. But Erdogan, seen as all-powerful since being elected head of state last year after 11 years as prime minister, hit back yester- day in a televised speech: “The peace process began and reached the current stage under my responsibility. It is both my right and duty to voice my opinion,” he said. Ankara mayor Melik Gokcek, an Erdogan loyalist, later called on Arinc to resign. In a series of tweets he accused the Deputy Prime Minister of being a tool of the “parallel state”, a ref- erence to the Gulen movement — once a staunch ally of the Islamic-rooted government — which Erdogan claims plotted to overthrow him. “I always wondered... how they will strike at us,” Palestinian Saad Al Jamal and his two-year-old granddaughter Mlak play Gokcek wrote. “I must confess I wasn’t expecting such a blow... with two lion cubs inside their family house in the Al Shaboura refugee they wanted to strike at us from within.” camp in the central Rafah town, southern Gaza Strip. Al Jamal said he AFP bought the two-month-old cubs from Rafah Zoo. Museum massacre: Tunisia fires police chiefs TUNIS: Tunisia’s prime minister fired “It’s a challenge but also a message... we said, without disclosing the charges. police chiefs in the capital yesterday as want to show that they haven’t achieved In a reminder of the fragile security situ- the country looks to restore faith in its their goal,” museum curator Moncef Ben ation, a soldier was killed and two wounded tourism industry after last week’s jihad- Moussa said. The museum was to reopen to late on Sunday near the border with Algeria. ist attack that killed 20 foreigners. the public today with a 1330 GMT ceremony “A mine exploded under their vehicle,” min- Prime Minister Habib Essid sacked the organised by the culture ministry, including istry spokesman Belhassen Oueslati said. heads of police for Tunis and the area a concert by the Tunis symphony orchestra. “The mine was planted by terrorist ele- around the National Bardo Museum, site In a move aimed at restoring confidence, ments,” he added. of the assault claimed by the Islamic State Essid, himself a former interior minister, President Beji Caid Essebsi said Tunisia group, after finding “several deficien- “decided to fire a number of officials includ- was hunting a third suspect in the Bardo cies” in security. The dismissals came as ing the Tunis police chief and the police massacre. “Definitely there were three,” the museum prepared to reopen in what chief for the Bardo”, his communications he told France media iTele television and organisers said was “a message” to the director Mofdi Mssedi said. A policeman in Europe 1 radio on Sunday. “Two were killed, gunmen who killed tourists and a police charge of security at the museum has been but there is one who is now on the run.” officer last Wednesday. arrested, judiciary spokesman Sofiene Sliti REUTERS TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Iran should not get ‘undeserved’ N-deals: Saudi Deal must halt nuclear programme for ‘decades’, say US lawmakers; Kerry to meet Zarif on Thursday

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign that he would meet his Iranian with members of the Republican Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal counterpart Mohammad Javad majority criticising a deal said yesterday that Iran, which is Zarif in Lausanne for the next even before it is struck. Many negotiating with world powers on stage in talks between the so- Democrats are also sceptical its nuclear programme, should called “P5+1” world powers and and have joined their opponents not get “undeserved deals”. Iran. The delegates have in theory in threatening to block any “It is impossible that Iran given themselves until the end of accord they feel does not suffi- should get undeserved deals,” the month to agree the broad ciently dismantle Iran’s nuclear Prince Saud said at a joint outlines of a political accord to infrastructure. news conference with visiting govern a future final settlement Two weeks ago, Republican British Foreign Secretary Philip of the stand-off. senators set off a furor by under- Hammond. Washington and its allies mining Obama by warning Iran Prince Saud called for guaran- believe Iran’s purportedly civil- that he does not have the power tees that the programme “does ian nuclear power programme is to conclude a durable agree- not turn into a nuclear weapon a cover for an alleged drive by the ment without their backing. that could pose a threat to the Islamic republic to develop atomic Administration officials have region and the world, especially in weapons. This would, they fear, swarmed the Congress to pres- view of Iran’s aggressive politics upset the already precarious bal- sure lawmakers. in the region”. He also accused ance of power in the Middle East, Last week, State Department Tehran of “continued meddling trigger an arms race and pose a number two Antony Blinken in the affairs of Arab countries threat to US allies like Israel and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal (right) and British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond talk during a insisted any agreement would and attempts to stoke sectarian Saudi Arabia. news conference in Riyadh yesterday. prevent Iran from building a conflicts in the region”. Tehran insists it has no desire weapon and that the easing of Meanwhile, US Secretary of for nuclear arms, but has agreed and abroad that Tehran is simply constrain Iran for decades to regime must allow for short notice US sanctions would be gradual. State John Kerry will return to to discuss increased international playing for time. come. access to suspect locations, and The Senate Foreign Affairs Switzerland for talks on Thursday controls on its facilities in return More than 80 percent of the “Given Iran’s decades of decep- verifiable constraints on Iran’s Committee has scheduled an on a deal to restrain Iran’s nuclear for looser economic sanctions. lawmakers in the US House tion, negotiators must obtain nuclear programme must last for April 14 meeting to consider a programme, five days before a US President Barack Obama of Representatives — both maximum commitments to trans- decades.” bill that would require consulta- deadline to reach the outlines of has made the quest for a deal the Democrats and Republicans parency by Iran,” said the letter For months now, Congress tion with Congress in the event an agreement. key plank in US non-proliferation — yesterday wrote to Obama from the 367 representatives. has been at loggerheads with an accord is reached. Kerry’s office said yesterday policy, despite concerns at home to argue that any deal should “Any inspection and verification the Obama administration, AFP/REUTERS

Egypt honours woman dressed Netanyahu apologises to as man to work Arab Israelis for remarks CAIRO: An Egyptian woman JERUSALEM: Prime Minister the way for the likely emergence of who says she had to dress as Benjamin Netanyahu apologised a new right-wing religious govern- a man to get work has been publicly yesterday for saying Arab ment that may complicate efforts to hailed as an “exemplary work- Israelis were voting in “droves” in resurrect the peace process and pose ing mother” by President Abdel election day comments that drew further challenges for Israel’s trou- Fattah Al Sisi. condemnation, including from the bled ties with Washington. Sisa Abu Daooh, 65, showed up United States. The Israeli leader is expected to on Sunday at the presidential pal- “I know that my statements last be formally handed the task of build- ace to receive an award from Sisi week offended some Israeli citizens ing a coalition government tomor- and a cash prize of 50,000 pounds, and members of the Arab Israeli com- row after securing the backing of a wearing a male robe and turban, a munity. That was never my intention. solid majority of MPs in the 120-seat day after Egypt marked Mother’s I apologise for that,” he said during a Knesset, or parliament. There will Day. meeting with Arab Israelis that was then follow several weeks of hard- Members of the Libya Dawn, a militia alliance that includes Islamists, stand by a crater on the ground The money, the equivalent of broadcast by television channels. fought coalition horsetrading as following an air raid by Libyan pro-government forces in Tarhuna, 80km south-east of Tripoli, yesterday. about $6,500 is a large sum in the Netanyahu made a last-minute Netanyahu’s potential partners bat- conservative rural south where call to his supporters to vote last tle for portfolios and prestige. she lives. Abu Daooh said she first Tuesday in an attempt to counter a Backing for Netanyahu to stay Eight killed in air strike near Tripoli started dressing as a man in the high turnout among Arab Israelis. in the post came during two days city of Luxor 43 years ago after “The rule of the rightwing is in dan- of talks between President Reuven TRIPOLI/BENGHAZI: Eight civilians were million people a short sail away from Europe. her husband died and she was left ger. Arab voters posted are going to Rivlin and representatives of the 10 killed in an air strike near Tripoli yesterday, Islamist militants, including fighters who pro- to tend to her daughter alone. the polls in droves!” he said in a video parties elected to parliament who the US ambassador said, as Libya’s interna- claim loyalty to Al Qaeda or Islamic State, have “I cut my hair and wore a man’s on Facebook. “Go to the polling sta- told him whom they would recom- tionally recognised government pressed on taken advantage of the chaos to establish bases, robe and turban, and a man’s tions! Vote Likud!” mend as prime minister. with an assault to recapture the capital it attack oil fields and enter central regions. shoes to get a job. It was hard to US President Barack Obama, com- Six factions, comprising 67 abandoned to a rival faction last year. Forces loyal to the eastern government claimed get opportunities as a woman,” menting on Netanyahu’s surprise MPs, threw their support behind Four years after Nato warplanes helped dis- responsibility for the air strike in Tarhouna, a she said. Abu Daooh worked as a election victory, said: “That kind of Netanyahu, presidential spokes- lodge dictator Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has town south of Tripoli, saying they had hit a mili- brick maker and field hand, and rhetoric was contrary to what is the man Jason Pearlman said as Rivlin descended into chaos, with two rival govern- tary base. They also said they shot down a jet then when her health worsened best of Israel’s traditions.” wrapped up talks with the hardline ments fighting for control, both fielding armies flown by Libya’s Dawn. took up shoe shining. Meanwhile, Netanyahu is to be anti-Arab Yisrael Beitenu. of former rebel fighters and air forces that bomb “Terrible news today from Tarhouna where eight “It was hard (to dress as a tasked with forming the next coali- In Israel, it is not necessarily the rival territory. innocent displaced Tawergha killed in air strikes,” man), but without it men would tion government this week after win- leader of the largest party who forms The internationally recognised government US Ambassador Deborah Jones said in a tweet, have hassled me and stopped me ning a clear majority of support from the next government and becomes has been based in the country’s east since being referring to members of a minority group, thou- from working, and maybe even newly elected MPs yesterday. premier, but the one who can form a driven out of the capital last August by an alliance sands of whom were displaced after Gaddafi fell. assaulted me.” Despite now hav- Netanyahu’s surprise victory in working coalition, preferably with a of armed groups called Libya’s Dawn, which has “This violence serves no one’s interests,” said ing become famous, she says she last week’s snap election has paved majority of at least 61. AFP set up its own rival government and parliament. Jones, who is based outside Libya since most dip- will continue to work in men’s On Friday, the eastern-based government lomats were evacuated from Tripoli last year. clothes. “I will work dressed in a announced an assault to recapture Tripoli, even The eastern chief of army staff said in a state- man’s robe until I die,” she said. as the sides are both attending UN-hosted peace ment its planes had hit a Libya Dawn barracks, Women in Egypt are legally talks in Morocco. Western countries fear a total not a Tawergha camp, demanding an apology equal to men, and many are collapse of central authority in a country of 6 from Jones. REUTERS employed outside the house. AFP

IS moves west to attack Syrian army in Homs BEIRUT: Islamic State fighters attacked a military airport in Syria’s Homs province yesterday as they pressed a westward offensive against government strongholds, a monitoring group said. Forays by Islamic State, which is strongest in the northeast and east, into the provinces of Homs, Hama and even Damascus pose a fresh challenge for Syrian President Bashar Al Assad. Syria’s army has seized control of a swathe of territory from Damascus through the cities of Homs and Hama to the western coast by defeating other, less powerful militias including rebels fighting under the banner of the Free Syrian Army. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which tracks the violence through a network of sources in the country, said Islamic State attacked a military airport in Tadmur, a town in Homs province, early yesterday. Observatory head Rami Abdulrahman said 74 soldiers in Hama province had been killed by Islamic State, which he speculated launched both attacks to raise morale after losses to Kurdish forces in the northeast. The offensive followed a three-day battle that erupted on Friday further west in Hama around Sheikh Hilal village, the Observatory said. Islamic State was trying to cut the road from Hama to Aleppo, once Syria’s most populous city, it added. A Syrian official said Islamic State had killed around 70 people in the Sheikh Hilal area in what he described as a “massacre against civilians”, adding that some of the bodies were mutilated. Syrian state television said Syria’s army killed 19 Islamic State fighters in the eastern province of Deir Al Zor, one of the insurgent group’s strongholds. REUTERS TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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Price of populism Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

F NOT repenting, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras of the far-left Syriza party must at least be introspecting about all the promises he made to the public during his Iparty’s election campaign – promises which he is now Ghani is ready for tough finding difficult to fulfill, and some of which he may not fulfill at all without causing grievous damage to the economic and political future of Greece. Two months after taking charge, the government of questions at White House Tsipras is grappling with the realities of governance. Having promised an anti-austerity revolution, he and his party are BY DAVID LERMAN and JOHN having a taste of that promise. He had vowed to roll back the The possibility of slowing the troop with US officials this week and is being WALCOTT withdrawal and leaving most or even given his own session with Kerry at unpopular austerity measures the previous government had all American forces in Afghanistan Camp David. pushed through, and said that Athens would stop kneeling SHRAF Ghani opened his through this year, and perhaps beyond, Ghani defended his record fighting to European creditors. Tsipras himself has been doing a bit first visit to Washington gives Obama leverage in dealing with corruption in an interview with National of kneeling. Greek finances have deteriorated since he took as Afghanistan’s presi- Ghani, four administration officials and Public Radio that aired Monday. He over as uncertainty over the bailout caused a spike in bank dent by signaling that he’s American military officers and diplo- said he cancelled a fuel contract for the expecting some hard ques- mats said Sunday in Washington and Afghan military and suspended officials withdrawals. Tax collections have plunged, raising questions Ations along with words of support from Monday in Kabul. All spoke on condi- involved with it because it was $211m about whether the government will be able to pay salaries and President Barack Obama. tion of anonymity because none of them higher than other bids. meet other obligations. “I like tough partners,” Ghani said is authorised to comment publicly. “The good news is that it can be over- The European lenders of Athens have turned extremely in brief remarks at the Pentagon on Administration officials have hinted come,” Ghani said of corruption that’s cautious after Syriza’s victory and contrary to Greeks’ Monday morning at the start of a visit that Obama is willing to slow the with- endemic in his country. “The bad news expectations, they are not willing to make any concessions. that will take him to the White House drawals in part to test domestic politi- is that it requires enormous amount of to meet with Obama on Tuesday. cal support for such a move, but also effort and determination and focus. And The new government’s difficulties and helplessness are being Ghani, an American-educated former to signal to Afghan leaders that a final there will be a lot of resistance to it.” noticed by rival parties and the public. For example, a minister World Bank official, has won praise decision rests in part on their actions. White House aides hinted that an in the previous government, Evangelos Venizelos, who was from the Obama administration as an The reconsideration of troop levels announcement of a new withdrawal tasked with defending austerity, improvement over his often belligerent underscores doubts about whether the timetable could come after Obama’s Greek prime launched a blistering attack and erratic predecessor, Hamid Karzai. Afghan military, undermined by fac- meeting with Ghani on Tuesday, when against Tsipras and accused his But US officials said they have been dis- tionalism and equipped with only rudi- a press conference is scheduled. appointed by Ghani’s failure so far to mentary combat aircraft, can secure the Obama and Ghani have held three minister government of fooling the people. curb government corruption and drug country on its own. The US has failed video teleconferences on troop levels in “The government is fooling itself by trafficking and by his attempt to con- to root out Taliban insurgents after its the past four months. is now using double talk. They are saying solidate power in his own hands rather longest war, 13 years in which more While no decisions have been made, one thing in the country and than building ties to rival leaders. than 2,300 Americans have died. “it is safe to say the focus of our dis- grappling another thing to the lenders,” he “We are going to put our house in Without a larger American force cussions is on the next year or so and order,” Ghani said in the Pentagon than called for in the current timeta- how we continue and complete that core said. It’s not the opposition which with the courtyard, near where one of the four ble, the US officials said, the Afghan advisory mission,” Jeff Eggers, senior is ridiculing the government. The planes hijacked by terrorists struck on security forces aren’t ready to fight director for Afghanistan and Pakistan harsh government’s actions have riled September 11, 2001, triggering the US the Taliban and its allies on their own, on the National Security Council, told the Syriza party too and triggered invasion of Afghanistan a month later. lacking essential air, logistics and intel- reporters at a briefing last week. realities of infighting. Hard-core leftist Ghani discussed Afghanistan’s econ- ligence support. While the US declared an end to factions are frustrated by some omy and security, including the pace of Conversely, though, said two of the combat operations in December, its withdrawing US troops, with Secretary officials, there’s no reason to keep more new mission — using a smaller force — governance. of the compromises made by the of State John Kerry and Defence American forces in harm’s way if Ghani’s entails training Afghan troops and con- prime minister in his negotiations Secretary Ashton Carter at Camp government isn’t willing to do more than ducting counterterrorism operations. with the European lenders. David, the presidential retreat in rural it has so far to strengthen and unify the The top US commander in It seems that Tsipras banked on rhetoric and didn’t have a Maryland, on Monday before meeting government and its security forces. Afghanistan, Army General John credible alternative strategy to repair the economy. Threats with Obama at the White House on Ghani, who is a Pashtun, also is being Campbell, told reporters in Kabul last won’t help, especially when you require billions of dollars in aid Tuesday. Ghani is scheduled to give an pressed by the Obama administration to month that options for a slower with- address to Congress on Wednesday. move faster toward political reconcilia- drawal plan focus mostly on 2015 and to keep the government afloat. Tsipras must have realized that The Afghan leader, who took office six tion. Many positions in the government 2016 while “working within” Obama’s he doesn’t have more options than his predecessor. But he had months ago, is seeking assurances that remain empty amid continued maneu- goal of removing almost all troops by misled the public by selling them hope and therefore will have Obama will slow the American with- vering among ethnic factions including the end of his presidency. Yet even that to face the consequences. Also, the current recriminations, drawal after US military leaders urged Tajiks led by Abdullah Abdullah, the goal could be re- examined. especially with Germany, can’t be taken further because it will a review of the timetable. country’s chief executive. “In the end, that may be part of the Obama is reconsidering his plan, Months after a bitterly disputed elec- review,” Campbell said. be counterproductive. Leaving the euro is not an option for which calls for leaving about 5,500 tion, Kerry mediated an agreement in The US has spent about $65bn build- Athens, or it is an option with grave consequences. troops in Afghanistan by the end of which Ghani was named president and ing Afghanistan’s army and police Tsipras is in Germany for talks with Chancellor Angela this year, down from about 10,000 now. Abdullah, his opponent, was given the forces, and billions more are projected Merkel. Both leaders put on a public display of mutual goodwill Obama has pledged to bring home all newly created position of chief executive. over the next decade. The US and its yesterday, appealing to Greeks and Germans to set aside but a small contingent of troops to In a signal that Ghani has to move allies are paying about 65 percent of differences and national stereotypes and work for a better guard the US Embassy in Kabul by the toward greater inclusiveness, Abdullah Afghanistan’s budget this year. time he leaves office in January 2017. is being included in most of the meetings WP-BLOOMBERG European future. That’s a sensible advice• The other side Quote of Facing history squarely a prerequisite for better ties the day he reopening of the regular talks launched against its neighbou rs. women” and visits by Japanese prime joint efforts to bring relations onto the between the foreign ministers It is unwise for the three countries to ministers to the Yasukuni Shrine where right track. of China, the Republic of Korea let what happened more than 70 years 14 A-class war criminals are enshrined Japanese foreign minister Fumio Tand Japan on Sunday in Seoul, ago stand in the way of their three-way are not the right attitude. Kishida said on Sunday that Japan is after a hiatus of three years, sends a cooperation and prevent them from It is not that the Chinese and ROK willing to strive for the improvement of positive signal of a thaw in the relations making more joint endeavours for the peoples are oversensitive to the war. It bilateral ties in the spirit of facing his- between Japan and its two neighbours. peace and development of East Asia is because they strongly believe that tory squarely and advancing toward the As three close neighbours and major and the entire world. heartfelt reflection by the Japanese future on the occasion of the 70th anni- It is impossible economies in East Asia, their economic Yet, for both the Chinese and ROK people over the miseries the Japanese versary of the end of the World War II cooperation and joint efforts in various peoples, the attempts by Japanese poli- invading forces inflicted on its neighbou and the creation of the United Nations. that Iran should fields can make a great difference to the ticians to whitewash with both words and rs is a prerequisite if the same tragedy is There is no reason for China and situation not just in East Asia but also deeds what the Japanese aggressors to be prevented from happening again. the ROK not to welcome the goodwill get undeserved the world at large. did are obviously unacceptable. What Sincerely apologizing and atoning gesture Japan has made. We sincerely deals. However, China and the ROK have the Chinese and ROK peoples want is, for the war crimes Japanese militarists hope that this meeting will help pave been at loggerheads with Japan in first of all, for the Japanese government committed during the war is also imper- the way for smooth three-way coopera- recent years because of how Japan to have the right perception of the war. ative if Japan is to regain its neighbors’ tion toward a better future. Prince Saud Al Faisal looks at the war of aggression it Denials of the existence of “comfort trust, which obviously underlies their CHINA DAILY Saudi Foreign Minister TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 ARAB VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 The dictatorship of the media media! The media is considered the best tool for deceiving people. As Arab societies are under autocratic rule, their ability to fight media tyranny is limited, if not non-existent. The era of open, cyber horizons has begun to destroy the iron grip of tyranni- cal systems, liberating communi- ties from their dominance. But most of the media outlets launched at the time of the mod- ern media revolution have, ironi- cally, started practising tyranny BY DR FAISAL AL KASSIM in a cunning way under the guise of media diversity. e often talk about It is true that anyone can religious and polit- launch a media outlet through ical dictatorships; which they can express their Whowever, there views, especially since we are is a type of dictatorship that is living in the age of free digital no less heinous, namely media communication. This kind of dictatorship. media freedom, brought about Media outlets in the East and by developments in information West alike practise a danger- technology, did not exist before. ous form of autocracy that is no However, dictatorship is rooted less cruel than the religious and in human psychology. political ones. What else can we Arab media has not benefited say about the media’s control of from the blessing of diversity the masses; it makes them follow provided by the modern com- particular cultural, artistic and munications revolution. It is true social models? that we have launched hundreds Doesn’t the media do what of satellite channels and web- tyrants do by influencing people’s sites, but we are still ruled by A music show aired on an Arabic TV channel. Mindless entertainment dominates Arabic TV. vision and opinions? dictatorships. I do not exaggerate when I What do we call the musical, say that media dictatorship is artistic and entertainment chan- Perhaps they have the right They imitate Western media like latter with political issues. still do, politically, from the con- about to become the most seri- nels that have swept the Arab to take a wild break. We, on the monkeys. Masses get used to silly and cept of “one leader”, we have ous issue in many societies, far world? Isn’t it a kind of dicta- other hand, are still living in Perhaps, the common char- wild forms of media because they started suffering from the “one more so than political dictator- torship? Why is media diversity the pre-technology or tribal age acteristic of international and do not see an alternative. module” of social and artistic ship, as the latter is like a boil, limited in Arab communities? If when it comes to political, cul- Arab media outlets is that they Human beings become like standards represented by some as Khalis Jalabi, physician and we look at the number of enlight- tural and social development. are tyrannical and oppressive to computers. Computer logic starts actors and actresses whom the thinker, said: it hurts but may ening channels and the mindless In other words, what applies a large extent. with the “Rubbish in, rubbish bad channels promote despite easily be cured. ones, we find that the latter are to Western societies doesn’t fit If we take the case of our pop- out” principle, which means that their limited number of followers. On the other hand, media dic- more numerous. Arab societies. ular media outlet that pretends if you give the computer a good We need dozens of channels tatorship does not hurt, and its Some may say that this situ- We got on the same train as to be democratic and liberating, set of inputs it gives you a good to target the media dictatorship cure is complicated; it is like can- ation exists in Western democ- Western countries but not grad- we will find it is tyrannical to a output. If you give it bad input, imposed on our communities. The cer. If political tyranny is like an racies too, where meaningless ually, as they did. We adopted great extent. It is no different you will receive bad output. bad production in Arab countries external injury, media dominance media channels outnumber the the superficial aspects of devel- from the political media that fol- It is the same with the media. looks good, especially because is a tumour; the former is exter- meaningful ones. This is true, but opment. The type of media we lows the agenda of the countries’ If you give viewers good material, those funding these media empires nal while the latter is hidden. the difference between us and copied from the Western model is regimes. Both wrongly consider they will be good. How hard is it like to sell bad products. How easy it is to fight political them is that they have made huge the worst in their communities. themselves the medium of the to elevate the masses, and how The author is a columnist tyranny, and how hard it is when strides in the areas of technology, Arab media hit the wall by people; the former deals with easy is it to degrade them? and presenter on Al Jazeera TV you try to do the same with the industry, science and culture. following the lies of the West. cultural and social issues and the Just as we have suffered, and channel Will Arab countries become stable? Art of creating hatred situation, but it has become worse. which is working to protect Iran’s They will not manage to remain hat is the difference There was a so-called presiden- interests, regardless of whether stable because the Gulf states between free media dis- tial election in Syria in which the Iraqis benefit from that. All this have become stronger than their Wcourse and hate speech president was re-elected. had led to the continuation of the societies. We have strong regimes that rejects opposing views and The same happened in Algeria, civil war in Iraq and the emer- but weak communities; the state can descend to the level of incite- where having one president gence of terrorist groups like doesn’t really need its citizens ment and defamation? for more than one term is the Islamic State and Al Nusra. because oil resources, military The pre-2011 Arab media dis- norm — the “our leader for life” In Libya, the people dreamt of power, the country’s security and course saw sporadic incidents that model. This is indeed the favour- self-rule after the fall of the dic- economy are under its control. tested the fragility of our worn- ite political system of many Arab tatorship. But today Libyans are All over the Gulf, expatriates out media covenants. regimes. divided, with the military fight- constitute the main workforce. The Arab Spring revolutions Today, Syria is on fire because ing extreme religious groups that Citizens do not pay taxes or do and their strong aftershocks of the civil war. But none of the want to create an Islamic state, military service; hence, the citi- in the region, led by the deep BY DR SHAMLAN YOUSEF country’s leaders would even following in the footsteps of IS. zen’s role is insignificant. state, proved that hate speech in BY DR IBRAHIM AL AL ISSA consider stepping down in public Ironically, there are two parlia- Finally, what will be the the media is a strategic tool for SHEIKH interest. ments in Libya, only one of which future of the Arab countries and counter-revolution. espite my specialisation in We had hopes for Iraq after is internationally recognised. societies? George Orwell said: “In a time politics, I cannot explain the fall of the tyrannical regime Besides, the top court dissolved We do have extremist Islamist of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” The Dwhat is happening in the in 2003, but since then a sectar- the elected parliament because it groups, such as the one that broadcast of hate speech in our era of global deception through the Arab world. Arabs have adopted ian system has controlled Iraqi met in Cyprus, not Tripoli. announced the Islamic State. Arab and Islamic world’s media is an art that yields better positions an approach different from what politics. As for Yemen, the interna- They try to present themselves and high profits. we teach our students. The sectarian Dawah party is tional community and Gulf coun- as an alternative to the current Media no longer just broadcasts that kind of bad rhetoric, it has In ruling their countries, no better than the Ba’ath Party. tries intervened to guarantee its regimes. But the Islamic State even become a tool to justify and legitimise violence and hatred to Arabs did not follow the modern The monopolisation of power by security and stability through does not have a project for creat- destroy the opposition. Western countries, which chose one group is tearing the country elections and the formation of ing a stable country; all its mem- Previously, we have seen how the media was used to polish the democratic systems that brought apart, with Sunnis, Kurds and a parliament. Now we find that bers care about is ruling over the government’s image, but nowadays the media is used to demonise the them stability and prosperity. other minorities at war with the the former president, who fought community, even by killing and opposition to eventually get rid of it. Arabs have known only author- central authority. the Houthis in six intense wars, terrorising people. It is very clear that the hate speech cycle goes through three phases. itarian rule wherein the loyalty of This has created a political has allied with them against the The common factors among It starts with a political decision, marketed by paid reporters, to each Arab is to his tribe, sect and vacuum and led to the emer- current government. The tribes, all Arab regimes is their failure return to the politician who takes a hard decision against the media- race, not his homeland. gence of extremist groups among sects and parties are fighting each to create a civil society that can created devil. Let’s quickly summarise what the Sunnis and Shias. The various other in a chaotic war. sustain a civil state based on rule I am sorry to say this, but politicians use the media to achieve is going on in the Arab countries, groups in Iraq disagree with the How about the Gulf countries? of law, a constitution and equal- their goals and to take revenge on their opponents just as soldiers beginning with Lebanon, which leaders of the ruling party. Will they enjoy security and stabil- ity for all. use weapons against unarmed civilians. was always seen as a symbol of Some Shias also reject the ity, contrary to what other Arab The author is a researcher and What I am talking about is an American effort, initiated by US security, stability and democracy. dominance of the Dawah party, states are witnessing? political analyst President Woodrow Wilson during his election campaign in 1916. But in reality there is chaos in the That year, Wilson started his “peace without victory” campaign, but country due to the various parties it collided against the fact that the American people were peaceful and political hypocrisy. in nature and rejected war. Everyone is promoting their So Wilson formed the Creel Committee, whose mission was to own narrow interests without convince Americans about US participation in World War I. considering the larger inter- In just six months, the commission succeeded in changing American ests of Lebanon. The House of public opinion and creating war frenzy, with people developing a Representatives extended its term strong desire to destroy all that was German and fight the war to for two years and seven months; save the world. there is no elected president at I am not questioning the media here, but the political power with the moment; and the government its financial tools that were used to manipulate public opinion. is dealing with issues on behalf of Since our amateur governments are good copiers who follow the president. the ways of the West, all our regimes without exception have suc- Ironically, the council of min- ceeded in cloning the Creel Committee according to their needs and isters cannot take any decision circumstances. unless it is approved by all mem- Following the cold media and political wars between countries in bers of the government. This the region, we find that a huge amount of money is pumped into media means that each minister has the channels and newspapers, which have succeeded in creating defences power to veto a decision. to protect the deep states. What about the republican What I mean by deep states is the corrupt regimes who refuse system? to reform and depend for their survival on the continuation of the Some republics adopted dynas- dishonest gatekeeper, the media, which feeds on the dissemination tic leadership, as in Syria, while of hatred and incitement. others, such as Egypt, Yemen and We cannot eliminate the mercenaries of hate speech in our societies Libya, did not. unless we break the idols of the deep state inside us; then we will be Rule by a single party able to unite and break it. brought about the idea of life- Note: We often find that the head of state is not tainted by politi- long leadership. We hoped Fighters from Fajr Libya, an alliance of Islamist-backed militias, fire a heavy machine gun towards an opposing cal and media corruption, it is the advisers who hover around the that the Arab Spring revo- militia during clashes in Bir Al Ghanam, some 80km south of the Libyan capital Tripoli. political powers who are corrupt. lutions would change that The author is a columnist and researcher TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 EUROPE / AMERICAS 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

Tsipras, Merkel Britain vows show bonhomie

BERLIN: Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and German Chancellor Angela to investigate Merkel put on a public display of mutual goodwill yester- day, appealing to Greeks and Germans to set aside recrimi- nation and national stereotypes Shariah courts and work for a better European future. Yet despite warm words on the May lists steps to fight extremism new leftist premier’s first official visit to Berlin, it was unclear if LONDON: Britain will intro- spread hatred had to be tack- they had narrowed differences on duce measures to counter led and she called for Muslims economic reforms Greece must Islamist extremism, including to join “a partnership” to defeat implement to win urgently needed an investigation into Shariah extremists. fresh cash from its creditors. The courts and a crackdown on Measures she said would be two leaders were due to discuss incendiary preachers, if Prime brought in under a Conservative the reforms in greater depth over Minister David Cameron’s government included bans for dinner. Conservatives win May’s elec- groups which fell short of cur- Tsipras insisted he was not in tion, Home Secretary Theresa rent terrorism proscription Germany to solve Greece’s press- May said yesterday. orders, closure orders to shut ing liquidity problems but to find May said Britain would no down premises owned or used by common ground to move forward longer tolerate those who rejected extremists and extremism disrup- in the euro zone. He condemned the country’s values of democ- tion orders to target individuals as an “unjust provocation” a racy, free speech, equality and the who incite hatred. German magazine cover depict- rule of law, adding that Islamist There would also be an inde- ing Merkel amid Nazi officers by extremism presented the most pendent figure commissioned to German Chancellor Angela Merkel (right) and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras adjust their earpieces during a the Acropolis in Athens. serious and widespread problem. investigate the use of Islamic law press conference in the Federal Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, yesterday. REUTERS “To those who choose con- by Shariah councils, used to settle sciously to reject our values and family and inheritance disputes the basic principles of our soci- by some British Muslims. ety, the message is ... clear: the The Conservatives have game is up,” she said in a speech already pledged to beef up secu- in London. “We will no longer tol- rity measures as part of their erate your behaviour.” commitments ahead of the May 7 Yanukovich’s son dies in Russia accident Britain has wrestled with how general election, which pollsters to deal with extremism and radi- say could be one of the closest KIEV: The 33-year-old son of They gave his name as month, former deputy Mykhaylo Ukraine, unlike his father and calisation among its 2.8 million for decades. toppled ex-Ukraine president Viktor Davydov, the maiden Chechetov, a prominent lawmaker older brother Oleksandr. Muslims since the Sept 11, 2001 Recognising that there were Viktor Yanukovich has died, name of Yanukovich’s maternal in Yanukovich’s time, was found However, the European Union attacks on the United States. those who disagreed with her his former party said yester- grandmother. dead after jumping from a window froze his assets on the continent The issue came to the fore after approach, May said she wanted day, after his car apparently fell The other five people in the car of his 17th floor Kiev apartment. subject to an investigation into suicide bombings on the London to defeat all forms of extremism, through ice on Russia’s Lake survived, it was reported. On March 9, former lawmaker the embezzlement of Ukrainian transport system in 2005 and the including far-right ideology, and Baikal. Citing local officials, Russian Stanislav Melnyk, also from state funds. murder of a British soldier in 2013 that promoting British values was The Party of Regions’ official website RBK said the group Yanukovich’s Party of Regions, Nestor Shufrich, a former by young British Islamists, while not narrow-minded or jingoistic. website announced the “tragic had driven onto the ice to take was found by his wife dead in his minister for the Party of Regions recently some 600 Britons have “The starting point of the new death of our colleague and former photographs. bathroom, leaving a suicide note. — dormant since Yanukovich’s travelled to fight in Iraq and Syria strategy is the emphatic rejec- MP...Victor Yanukovich Jr” along- Yanukovych Jr served as a Three days later, Oleksandr ouster — wrote on his official including “Jihadi John”, suspected tion of the misconception that in side a picture of flowers and a deputy in Ukraine’s Rada from Peklushenko, another ally of Facebook page that car-lover of being the most notorious exe- a liberal democracy like Britain, candle. Russian authorities on 2006 but had been living in Russia Yanukovich, was found dead from Yanukovich “died as he lived, at cutioner of Islamic State radicals ‘anything goes’ — the belief that Sunday said that a man had died since his father lost power fol- a gunshot to the neck. the wheel of the vehicle.” who have occupied swathes of Iraq living in a society like ours means while travelling in a Volkswagen lowing pro-European protests Many of the former president’s The party’s official website and Syria. there aren’t really any fundamen- carrying six people on the fro- last February. It is the latest clan are now hiding out in Russia, called Yanukovich Jr “a wonder- May said not all extremism led tal rules of norms,” she added. zen lake close to Siberia’s remote in a string of deaths of those although Yanukovich Jr was not ful person, able to make friends to terrorism, but that those who REUTERS Olkhon Island late Friday. close to the former leader. Last facing any criminal charges in and to genuinely enjoy life.” AFP

Assange seeks Cruz invokes faith while launching presidential bid case probe files LYNCHBURG, UNITED America,” Cruz said. “I’m coming here to learn more before Sweden STATES: Ultra-conservative “I believe in you. I believe in the about him,” said Connor Sheehey, Republican US Senator Ted power of millions of courageous an 18-year-old Liberty freshman Cruz launched his White House conservatives rising up to reignite from North Carolina. can quiz him quest yesterday, invoking his the promise of America. And Cruz has raised hackles in his abiding faith in God as he effec- that’s why today I am announcing own party in recent years when GENEVA: WikiLeaks founder tively kick-started the 2016 that I am running for president he helped push the government Julian Assange will agree to be presidential race. of the United States.” into shutdown over budget fights. questioned by Swedish prosecu- The 44-year-old Tea Party Cruz has been a political rock And he will face intense compe- tors in London over rape alle- favourite from Texas chose star since he scored a major upset tition for funds and support from gations, but only if he is given Liberty University, the sprawl- and won a US Senate seat in 2012. other likely conservative candi- access to the investigation files, ing Christian evangelical bas- Seen as a provocateur by rivals dates, including Paul, Wisconsin his defence said yesterday. tion founded by Reverend Jerry — and an intense conservative Governor Scott Walker and “We need to be provided access Falwell, as the site of the official ideologue even by his support- Senator Marco Rubio. to the entirety of the proceedings, unveiling of his White House ers — Cruz is a fierce critic of Cruz made extensive refer- which for four and half years has ambitions. Obama’s administration. ence to his parents, including been in the hands of the Swedish Cruz is the first candidate Hitting several conservative his father, Cuban-born minister prosecution and not in the hands to formally join what will be a buttons, Cruz pilloried Obama’s Rafael Cruz. of the defence,” said Baltasar crowded Republican field vying health care law, vowed to abol- Asked how his son will distin- Garzon, a former Spanish judge to be their party’s champion in ish the IRS federal tax agency, guish himself from other conserv- who is Assange’s lawyer. the marathon slog to succeed and slammed the Democratic US Senator Ted Cruz and his wife Heidi wave to the crowd at the Vine Center atives, the elder Cruz told AFP Swedish prosecutors offered President Barack Obama. president’s bid to shield millions of Liberty University in Virginia yesterday. that “time will tell. He stands for earlier this month to drop their “It is a time for truth, it is a of immigrants from deportation, truth and the Constitution.” previous demand that Assange time for liberty. It is a time to calling it an “unconstitutional cheers of “Cruuuuuuuz” from the familiar with his likely 2016 Cruz’s father was soaking come to Sweden for question- reclaim the constitution,” Cruz executive amnesty.” audience after applause lines. Republican rivals — Jeb Bush, the up the enormity of his family’s ing about the 2010 allegations, told several thousand students His 30-minute speech, deliv- But it was also an opportunity son and brother of two presidents, moment, saying: “Only in America marking a significant U-turn in at the Virginia campus. ered in the round and without for him to bond with younger and Senator Rand Paul. can this happen.” the case that has been deadlocked “I believe God isn’t done with teleprompters, brought occasional voters, many of whom are more AFP for nearly five years. Sweden issued an arrest war- rant for Assange in 2010 follow- ing allegations from two women Peru pile-up claims 37 lives in Sweden, one who claimed rape and another who alleged sexual assault. Cameron says will The Australian former hacker, who has always vehemently denied the allegations and insisted not seek third term the sexual encounters were con- sensual, has been ensconced in Ecuador’s embassy in London LONDON: British Prime of David Cameron to be wor- since 2012 to avoid extradition to Minister David Cameron yes- rying about a third term as Sweden. terday said he will not seek a Prime Minister weeks before the He has long offered to be inter- third term in office, as he con- General Election,” said a Liberal viewed by prosecutors at the tests a close-fought election to Democrat spokesman. The embassy or by video link. try to win a second term. Labour party accused Cameron “That offer has always been on “There definitely comes a of being “arrogant”. the table. It has been repeated time when a fresh pair of eyes or Cameron said he wanted to again, and again and again, and fresh leadership would be good,” “finish the job” of reforming I am very pleased that the pros- Cameron told a BBC interview. Britain’s economy in the next five ecution has finally accepted that “The third term is not something years, and named future potential offer,” Assange said via video feed I’m contemplating.” leaders of the Conservative party to a diplomatic conference on how In power since 2010, Cameron’s as interior minister Theresa May, to protect whistleblowers from right-wing Conservative party is finance minister George Osborne prosecution. currently neck and neck in polls and London mayor Boris Johnson. He added though that “there with the main opposition centre- “The Conservative Party has are details to work through” since left Labour party ahead of the got some great people coming up,” three countries were involved. May 7 vote. he told the BBC. “There’s plenty Garzon told AFP on the side- Labour and Cameron’s junior of talent there.” lines of the conference in Geneva coalition partners the Liberal The comments set political that the defence team had yet to Democrats criticised his com- commentators asking whether respond to the Swedish authori- ments as taking for granted he Cameron’s position would be ties’ request for an interrogation People look at a damaged bus involved in a pile-up that killed 37 people on a highway some 270km north of would be elected to a second term weakened by the informal start to take place at the Ecuadorian Lima, Peru, yesterday. in May. of a leadership contest within embassy in London. AFP “It’s incredibly presumptuous his party. AFP TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 ASIA / AFRICA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

Japanese row Singapore plunges into mourning over US island base deepens World leaders pay tribute to Lee TOKYO: A clash between Japan’s central government and SINGAPORE: Singapore was Lee as an “old friend of the Okinawa island, host to the bulk plunged into mourning and world Chinese people” and said he was of US troops in Japan, deepened leaders united in tribute yester- “widely respected by the interna- yesterday when the southern day after the death of Lee Kuan tional community as a strategist island’s governor ordered a halt Yew, the iron-fisted politician who and a statesman”. to underwater work at the site transformed a colonial backwater Tearful mother Sharon Tan, 39, of a planned relocation of a US into a world financial centre. and her five-year-old son Ryan Marine base. His son, Prime Minister Lee Mackay were among the first to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Hsien Loong, issued a statement arrive outside the Istana. government and Okinawa have before dawn announcing the pass- “I brought Ryan here to share been on a collision course since ing of his 91-year-old father at an important part of Singapore’s anti-base conservative Takeshi Singapore General Hospital fol- history to him and also to help Onaga was elected governor lowing a long illness. him understand why mummy is last November and ruling party “He fought for our independ- so sad,” she said. candidates were trounced in a ence, built a nation where there Lee, whose health rapidly wors- December general election. was none, and made us proud to ened after his wife of 63 years, Onaga told a news conference be Singaporeans. We won’t see Kwa Geok Choo, died in 2010, was that he was ordering local defence another like him,” he said in an in hospital for nearly seven weeks ministry officials to halt the emotional TV address. with severe pneumonia. underwater survey work, which Local media reported that Despite growing anticipation of the prefecture fears is harming more than 11,000 people turned his death, sales manager June Tay local coral reefs, a prefecture offi- up at the main gate of the Istana Mae Sann, 37, said “it was still cial said. state complex to get condolence very different when it happened”. If those activities are not cards — with many leaving flow- Lee served as prime min- stopped within a week, Onaga ers — as a private family wake ister from 1959, when Britain may rescind approval for drilling began inside the former British granted self-rule, to 1990. He operations given by his predeces- colonial headquarters. led Singapore to independence Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah pays his respects to the late former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew next to sor in December 2012, he said. Lee’s coffin will be transported in 1965 after a brief and stormy Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana in Singapore yesterday. Delays to the plan to move the Wednesday atop a ceremonial gun union with Malaysia. Futenma base to a less populous carriage to Parliament House, Singapore now has one of analyst Derek da Cunha said. significant cost for human rights”. Lee, has won every election since area of northern Okinawa could where it will lie in state for the pub- the world’s highest per capita But the Cambridge-educated He said it may now be time 1959 and holds 80 of the 87 seats be a headache for Abe ahead of an lic to pay respects until his state incomes and its residents enjoy lawyer was also criticised for jail- for a national “conversation” on in parliament. April 26-May 3 visit to the United funeral and cremation on Sunday. near-universal home ownership, ing political opponents and driv- greater political liberalisation. Lee retired from advisory roles States, announced yesterday. US President Barack Obama, low crime rates and first-class ing his critics to self-imposed In a sign that things may not in government in 2011 after the A summit with President who called Lee “a true giant of infrastructure. exile or financial ruin as a result change soon, the government PAP suffered its worst poll result Barack Obama is expected to history”, led foreign leaders in The opposition Workers’ Party, of costly libel suits. Monday designated Singapore’s since it came to power, getting highlight Washington’s approval hailing the man who turned a whose leaders were among those Singapore strictly controls only free-speech zone, known as only 60 percent of votes amid of Abe’s more muscular security tiny territory lacking natural harried for years by Lee, joined freedom of speech and assembly. Speakers’ Corner, as a place for public anger over a large influx of policy amid concerns about rising resources into a world player in the rest of the nation of 5.5 mil- While it has become more liberal honouring Lee. immigrants, the rising cost of liv- Chinese influence in the region. finance, trading, high-tech indus- lion in mourning him. in recent years, it still uses cor- Permits for protests and other ing, urban congestion and insuf- Chief Cabinet Secretary tries and shipping — all the while On the diplomatic front, Lee’s poral and capital punishment and gatherings will not be granted in ficient supply of public housing. Yoshihide Suga told a news con- exerting a tight political grip long counsel was often sought by ranks 150th in the annual press the meantime. In his last book “One Man’s ference the defence ministry was decried by rights campaigners. Western leaders, particularly on freedom ranking of Reporters Lee stepped down in 1990 in View of the World” published examining the documents from Lee’s blend of economic reform China as well as on more volatile Without Borders—below Russia favour of his deputy Goh Chok in 2013, Lee looked back at his the governor but that the very allied with political authoritarian- neighbours in Southeast Asia. and Zimbabwe among others. Tong, who in turn handed the career and concluded: “As for me, fact he had taken this step was ism was of particular appeal to “Lee Kuan Yew gave Phil Robertson, deputy Asia reins to the former leader’s eld- I have done what I had wanted “extremely regrettable” since communist China as it opened up Singapore an international pro- director of Human Rights Watch, est son Lee Hsien Loong in 2004. to, to the best of my ability. I am the work had previously been in the early 1980s. file completely disproportionate acknowledged Lee’s economic The People’s Action Party satisfied.” approved by the prefecture. President Xi Jinping praised to the country’s size,” political legacy but said “it also came at a (PAP), co-founded by the elder AFP REUTERS Philippine trial of US Marine starts as plea bargain fails

OLANGAPO: The murder because we are poor doesn’t mean was found naked with strangle trial of a US Marine accused of we can’t fight for justice.” marks on her neck in a cheap killing a transgender woman in However one of Pemberton’s motel room at Olongapo’s red the Philippines began yesterday lawyers, Benjamin Tolosa, insisted light district in October last year, after plea bargain negotiations the marine’s legal team did not according to a police autopsy fell apart. offer any money. report. Private First Class Joseph Scott “It has been insinuated the Pemberton, who had just fin- Pemberton appeared in court demand came from us and that’s ished training exercises between dressed in a black suit and dark absolutely false. It’s contrary US and Philippine marines near tie for the start of the trial, five to what happened,” Tolosa told Olongapo, checked into the motel months after he allegedly mur- reporters at the end of the first with Laude, aged 26, shortly after dered Jennifer Laude in a red day of the trial. meeting her at a bar, prosecutors light district hotel. Pemberton, aged 19 at the time said. Prosecutor Emilie Fe de los of the killing, would face 40 years The prosecution’s first witness, Santos told reporters there had in jail if found guilty of murder. a bellboy, testified on Monday that been plea bargain discussions The maximum penalty for he saw Pemberton at the motel between both sides to settle the homicide in the Philippines is 20 on the night Laude was killed, case, but no agreement was reached years in jail. He declined to enter according to de los Santos. by Monday so the trial began. a plea at pre-trial hearing last However the proceedings were Laude’s relatives said they had month, as his appeal to have the closed to the media, and scant been offered 21m pesos ($468,000) in case dismissed is waiting to be details were only initially avail- exchange for their approval to lower heard in a higher court. able via de los Santos. the charge from murder to homi- However, the local court in the She said that, although the plea cide. “No amount of money could northern port city of Olongapo bargain offer negotiations had pay for the years I spent raising entered a not guilty on his behalf broken down, it could be revived my child,” Julita Cabillan, Laude’s last month, so the trial could go and introduced “anytime” during US Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton (centre in black top) leaves a court building in Olongapo, mother, told reporters. “What they ahead. the trial. near Manila, yesterday. did to my child was gruesome. Just Laude, also known as Jeffrey, AFP

Hong Kong man who salted and Sirisena heads to China after winding back ties cooked parents jailed for life

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s new divorce of sorts from China during to dock at Colombo port last year accounting for about 40 percent HONG KONG: A Hong Kong dock, Chau, who wore a loose- president heads to Beijing this the three-day state visit starting when Rajapaksa was still in power. of some $2.03bn in foreign money man who killed, dismem- fitting grey suit, looked impas- week for talks with China’s Wednesday, while trying not to Beijing has been accused of spent on infrastructure projects bered, salted and cooked his sive as the sentence was passed leadership, seeking to smooth upset the economic giant. seeking to develop facilities in 2013, according to the latest parents was sent to prison down. ruffled feathers after scut- Sirisena will hold talks with around the Indian Ocean in a Central Bank of Sri Lanka report. for life yesterday after being Stuart-Moore handed Chau tling Chinese-funded projects Chinese President Xi Jinping “string of pearls” strategy to China was also one of the few coun- found guilty of double murder. an additional nine years and and seeking stronger ties with along with other members of the counter the rise of rival India and tries to defend Sri Lanka’s human The conviction of Henry four months in jail for two sepa- regional rival India. leadership, Colombo said. secure its own economic interests. rights record under Rajapaksa, who Chau, 31, on Friday concluded a rate charges of preventing the Maithripala Sirisena swept to “The former government Indian Prime Minister angered Western nations for refus- gruesome case that shocked the lawful burials of his parents, power in January, ending a decade allowed China a free run in Sri Narendra Modi visited Sri Lanka ing to cooperate with an interna- city in 2013 when the severed which he admitted earlier. The of rule by Mahinda Rajapaksa, Lanka,” Sri Lankan political and other Indian Ocean nations tional probe into allegations of war heads of Chau’s elderly parents sentences will be served concur- whose close alliance with Beijing commentator Victor Ivan said. in March in a bid to counter that crimes on the island. were found stuffed into two rently, he said. had irked the island’s traditional “President Sirisena wants to influence, and reassert Delhi’s In contrast, the new govern- refrigerators. Stuart-Moore described close ally India. maintain a normal relationship traditional role in the region. ment has won support from the During the 20-day trial at the Chau as “narcissistic” and Sirisena has moved to wind back that will not irritate India.” Sri Lanka Foreign Minister West for its attempts at recon- city’s high court, the jury heard “preoccupied with fantasies for Beijing’s influence, which became The visit is about “bringing Mangala Samaraweera, who vis- ciliation between ethnic minority how Chau had dismembered his success”. He said: “In practice, the strategically located island’s big- balance in Sri Lanka’s engage- ited Beijing a month after Sirisena Tamils and majority Sinhalese, as elderly parents before salting, you have no feelings for other gest foreign financier and enjoyed ment with two Asian rivals”, P came to power, has said the new well as moves to ensure account- cooking and packing their body people”, adding he was a “highly significant political and even mili- Sahadevan, professor of South administration will not allow ability for crimes committed dur- parts into lunchboxes “like bar- dangerous individual”. tary influence under Rajapaksa. Asian studies at Jawaharlal Nehru Chinese submarines in Colombo. ing the separatist war. becued pork”. The heads of 65-year-old Sirisena has unnerved China University in Delhi, said. Colombo is also seeking to With Western backing and sup- “Your sentence on Count 1 Chau Wing-ki and his wife Siu by suspending a $1.4 billion “port Sirisena made India his first for- renegotiate huge loans given by port from Delhi, the government and Count 2 is that you go to Yuet-yee, 62, were found in city” project in Colombo that India eign trip after winning the January China for projects at rates as high has secured more time to address prison for life,” judge Michael March 2013 in two fridges in a considered a security risk, and elections, seeking to rebuild ties as 8 percent, Sri Lanka Finance allegations that troops under Stuart-Moore told Chau, refer- bloodstained apartment, days ordering a review of other Beijing- with Delhi damaged by tensions over Minister Ravi Karunanayake told Rajapakse’s command killed up to ring to the double murder after the elderly couple were financed projects and loans amid Beijing’s influence on the island. reporters recently. 40,000 Tamil civilians while defeat- charges. reported missing. allegations of corruption. Experts Delhi was reportedly furious after China had emerged as Sri ing rebels in the finale of the war. Sitting in the defendant’s AFP say the president will be seeking a Chinese submarines were allowed Lanka’s biggest single financier, AFP TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN We won’t be a burden, Ghani tells Kerry Afghan president thanks US troops

CAMP DAVID: Afghan addressed the widow of a slain US President Ashraf Ghani yester- general, offered a stark contrast day expressed deep gratitude to to the Karzai era. US troops for their sacrifices in The Afghan president said he a visit that Washington hopes came “to say thank you on behalf will mark a new chapter in rela- of a grateful nation to people in tions with Kabul after years of this building and the larger US friction. community for sacrificing con- Speaking to soldiers and top tinuously since September 11 to US officials at a ceremony at the bring us freedom and hope.” Pentagon, Ghani said “thank you” After thanking US troops, dip- several times, saying his country lomats and even the “American will always appreciate the contri- taxpayer,” Ghani pledged that “we butions of the more than 850,000 are not going to be a burden.” troops who have deployed to “We do not now ask what the Afghanistan since the attacks of United States can do for us,” he September 11, 2001. said, turning around a famous Ghani, who left the Pentagon phrase by former president John for wide-ranging talks at the F Kennedy. “We want to say what presidential retreat of Camp Afghanistan will do for itself and David with Secretary of State for the world. And that means we John Kerry and other top offi- are going to put our house in order.” Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussein (centre) inspects the troops during a Republic Day Parade in Islamabad yesterday. cials, promised that his govern- For most of the past 14 years, ment would not “be a burden” and while US blood has spilled in the would put its “house in order.” deserts of southern Afghanistan Pakistan holds national day parade after 7 years Obama will host Ghani today at and the craggy mountain passes the White House and is expected in the country’s east, Washington to announce plans to slow down has been fighting a parallel battle ISLAMABAD: Pakistan held ruled Pakistan for more than half foothills of the Himalayas. “...It is my firm conviction that all the pace of a scheduled with- with Kabul’s leaders. its first Republic Day parade its history, says the militants have The show of military might has outstanding issues can be resolved drawal of the 10,000-strong US There was relief when Ghani in seven years yesterday, full been on the run since the army traditionally also sent a message through bilateral dialogue in an force in Afghanistan, officials said. — a 15-year World Bank veteran of flag-waving pomp and aerial launched an operation last year to rival India. The two nuclear- atmosphere free from terror and The move is partly a result of who arrived in the United States military expertise, a symbolic to dislodge insurgents from the armed neighbours have fought violence.” Ghani taking office last year, as on Sunday — and Chief Executive show of strength in the war northwestern regions of Khyber three wars since their independ- Pakistani troops have boasted US officials see him as a breath Abdullah Abdullah took office in against the Taliban months and North Waziristan, on the bor- ence from Britain in 1947 and recent successes against the of fresh air compared with his 2014 despite seemingly intermi- after a militant attack on a der with Afghanistan. continuing mistrust is a factor Taliban, who aim to establish predecessor Hamid Karzai, who nable power sharing negotiations. school killed 132 children. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, behind conflict in various parts of strict Islamic rule. often clashed with Washington US officials say Ghani appears The Pakistan Day parade, com- who attended the parade, issued the region, including Afghanistan. The country is still in mourn- and castigated US military and willing to carry out security and plete with a 31-gun dawn salute, a statement warning of the threat Relations between the two ing after December’s attack on diplomatic efforts. economic reforms that will put was held amid tight security. from anti-state elements. nosedived after deadly attacks the army-run high school in the The Obama administration has Afghanistan on a path to even- Cellular phone networks were “Pakistan is resolved to redeem on Mumbai in 2008, which India northwestern city of Peshawar. made it no secret that it prefers tual self-reliance, one that does blocked as a precaution to thwart its pledge given to its founding has always blamed on Pakistan- Six gunmen believed linked to the Ghani to the mercurial Karzai. not require endless US funding militants, who have often used fathers that it will protect the based militants, and have not Taliban killed 153 people, 132 of The US commander in and indefinite large-scale troop mobile phone signals to trigger homeland,” Sharif said. fully recovered. A dispute over them children. Pakistan Day com- Afghanistan, General John deployments. bombs. Military jets looped the loop Kashmir periodically flares into memorates March 23, 1940, when Campbell, has described the dif- That sits well with Obama, who No parades had been held since over the picturesque, low-rise violence. the Muslim League demanded the ference between Ghani and Karzai has promised to pull out troops 2008, following an escalation in city in the spring sunshine, with “I have written to Pakistan PM establishment of separate nations as “night and day.” from Afghanistan by 2017, when the military’s conflict with the a sky-diving team showing off Mr Nawaz Sharif, conveying my to protect Muslims in the then The event in the Pentagon’s he leaves office. Pakistani Taliban. its skills against the backdrop of greetings,” Indian Prime Minister British colony of India. courtyard, in which Ghani directly AFP But the military, which has the Margalla Hills, the forested Narendra Modi said in a Tweet. REUTERS

Sharif to meet Three drafts on judicial panel sent to parliament leaders Modi at NAM ISLAMABAD: Government an informed source said. It appears from the reading of these polls, notwithstanding any- election petition relating to the chief negotiator and Finance It is clear from the PML-N the PTI and PML-N drafts for thing contained in the new law. polls and appeals thereon. Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and PML-N drafts that they a while as if they were prepared It was on Ishaq Dar’s insistence However, instead of being spe- summit in has sent to top parliamentary were prepared on December 31 by their negotiators by sitting that the words “systematic effort cific, the PML-N proposal, which leaders copies of three drafts — last year. However, they kept dis- with each other at one place as or by design by one” was made to said that the commission may, if Indonesia one prepared by the Pakistan cussing them in a bid to reach a the documents have remarkably manipulate or influence the elec- it considers appropriate, exam- Muslim League-Nawaz (PML- consensus. similar language, words, phrases tions were added to the consensus ine and consider any document, ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime N), the other by the Pakistan In his letter, forwarding the and meanings to a great extent. draft and the lingering issue stood material, or evidence relating to Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the three drafts to the parliamen- A perusal of the three drafts resolved. the elections, was mutually agreed Indian counterpart Narendra third agreed one — to constitute tary heads, Dar wrote that the makes it clear that there was one The source said that Prime upon. Modi will have a meeting in a judicial commission to carry political leadership was apprised only one sticking point - whether Minister Nawaz Sharif would hold The first clause of the agree- Indonesian historic city of out an inquiry into any deliber- in a meeting held in the Prime the commission will have the a meeting with parliamentary ment says the judicial commis- Bandung next month when the ate systematic manipulation in Minister House on December 31, scope to inquire into general or leaders on Tuesday to thank them sion will inquire and determine two will be together there to the 2013 general elections. 2014 about the status of negotia- systematic manipulation and for their contributions for the whether or not the 2013 elections participate in 60th anniversary In his capacity of the PML-N tions with the PTI. influencing of the elections. PTI-PML-N accord and discuss were organized and conducted of first Bandung Conference Election Cell Chairman, he took He reminded them that a tabu- The read-through of the pro- subsequent issuance of a presi- impartially, honestly, fairly, justly, that led to the establishment the parliamentary leaders into lated statement containing out- posed presidential ordinance dential ordinance any time after and in accordance with law. of Non-Aligned Movement confidence and also delivered the standing issues and the positions shows that the relevant laws, that session, during the week. Interestingly, similar words (NAM) during cold-war era three drafts so that they were in of the PML-N and PTI thereon the Constitution, and the rules The PTI draft wanted the occur in clause 3 of article 218 Interestingly it will also be anni- full picture about the landmark was also shared. He formally under which the 2013 elections commission to also examine and of the Constitution (Election versary of first formal contact development that happened informed them that an agreement were conducted shall continue to consider any document, material Commission of Pakistan or ECP). between Pakistan and China at because of their consistent input, was arrived at on March 20. determine, interpret, and govern or evidence submitted with any INTERNEWS the same rendezvous where then Pakistan’s late Prime Minister Muhammad Ali Bogra had meeting with his Chinese coun- terpart Zahu En Lai in 1955. The meeting was sought by Lynched Afghan woman Pakistan and the foundation of friendship between Pakistan and China was laid down. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was innocent: Minister and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang will also have meeting to KABUL: An Afghan woman before burning her body, then recall the day when their elders who was beaten to death and dumping it into the Kabul river. had met for the first time in the set on fire by a mob for alleg- In a statement on Sunday the same building that has been con- edly burning a copy of the Holy interior ministry said 13 police verted into a museum of NAM. Quran was innocent, the inte- officers had been suspended, Highly placed diplomatic sources rior minister said yesterday. including the police chief respon- said that Pakistan hasn’t sought The woman named Farkhunda sible for the area. More than a meeting between Nawaz and Modi was lynched on Thursday by an dozen other people were arrested but they will meet on the brinks of angry crowd in central Kabul for over the incident. the anniversary’s events. allegedly burning a copy of the Scores of people protested Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Islamic holy book. against the lynching in Kabul on while availing the opportunity will “The accusation against her is Monday, demanding the govern- have meetings with some other completely invalid. Farkhunda was ment bring the killers to justice. world leaders present in Indonesia a religious girl, she was not involved The protesters marched in front including Iran’s President Dr (in burning the Holy Quran), she of the mosque and along the river Hasan Rowhani. The leaders will was innocent,” Interior Minister near where Farkhunda was beaten first gather in Jakarta for two- Noorulhaq Ulumi told MPs during to death. “We ask the government day on April 22 and 23 and then questioning in parliament. “It is to detain and bring to justice every in Bandung on April 24. The very painful that we were not able individual who was involved in the sources pointed out that China to protect a pious young person. murder of Farkhunda,” protester was taking keen interest in the We hope this will not be repeated Maliha Akhawan said. Bandung commemorations as it again.” Many women in the crowd had expressed hope that com- Footage of the attack on social wore masks bearing an image of memoration of the 60th anniver- media shows several uniformed Farkhunda’s bloodied face that has sary of the Bandung Conference Afghan civil society activists shout slogans during a protest against the killing of Afghan woman Farkhanda in police watching as the crowd beat been circulated on social media. would be successful. Kabul yesterday. 27-year-old Farkhunda to death AFP INTERNEWS TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 No third-party intervention in Kashmir: Govt Separatist Hurriyat Conference leaders attend Pakistan Day celebrations; Indian minister is chief guest NEW DELHI: Leaders of Conference leader Mirwaiz Omar the Hurriyat Conference and Farooq. other separatist outfits yester- The Pakistani envoy earlier in day attended the Pakistan Day the month met hardline sepa- function here, even as India ratist leader Syed Ali Geelani made it clear that there was no and updated him about the talks place for any third party while between Jaishankar and Pakistani dealing with Kashmir and other Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad issues with Islamabad. Chaudhry in Islamabad. The function, held under the As Basit apparently suggested glare of the media at the Pakistan yesterday that India had no High Commission here, was objection to his meetings with attended by Minister of State Hurriyat leaders, the Indian gov- for External Affairs Gen (retd) ernment made it clear that there V K Singh. was no place for any third party Congress leader and former while dealing with issues with union minister Mani Shankar Islamabad. Aiyar was also present. External Affairs Ministry There was more than usual spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin media interest in this year’s said the only way forward vis-a- function as the Narendra Modi vis Pakistan was a peaceful bilat- government had, in August last eral dialogue. year, called off foreign secretary- He said there should be no level talks with Pakistan after the scope of misunderstanding about country’s envoy met Kashmiri India’s stance on resolving out- separatist leaders, ignoring India’s standing issues with Pakistan. request not to do so. “Having repeated it on so However, official-level engage- many occasions, there should be ment has since resumed, no scope for misunderstanding with Foreign Secretary S or misrepresenting India’s posi- Jaishankar visiting Pakistan tion on the role of the so-called earlier this month as part of the Hurriyat,” Akbaruddin said. SAARC yatra. He said there were only two Former Indian Army chief parties on India-Pakistan issues V K Singh, who was wearing a and there was no place for a third green jacket, spent about 10 min- party. utes at the function and sat with “The only way forward to Pakistan’s High Commissioner proceed on all outstanding Abdul Basit. issues is a peaceful bilateral dia- Shiv Sena activists shout slogans while burning an effigy of Jammu and Kashmir separatist leaders during a protest outside the Pakistan High Commission The envoy, in his brief speech, logue within the framework of in New Delhi yesterday. introduced V K Singh as the Simla Agreement and Lahore “chief guest”. Declaration,” he said. “azadi” and “state terrorism” in Geelani said the Indian gov- political prisoners. Kashmir Liberation Front chief “We owe to our future gen- Home Minister Rajnath Singh Jammu and Kashmir. ernment should accept Kashmir Apart from Umer Farooq and Yasin Malik. erations to give them a peace- told the media that Pakistan He also emphasised on five con- as disputed territory, withdraw other members of his faction of Aiyar told the media later that ful atmosphere and not conflict,” can call whoever it wants on its ditions set by his group in 2010 its forces and “black laws”, pun- Hurriyat Conference, which is India and Pakistan should show Basit later told IANS. national day. Coming out of the for any result-oriented talks with ish those involved in the killing regarded as moderate, the func- maturity for “uninterrupted Basit on Sunday met Hurriyat function, Geelani talked about Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. of 128 people in 2010, and release tion was attended by Jammu and dialogue”. IANS Modi says coal scam much bigger Feel safe in India,

HUSSAINIWALA (PUNJAB): Prime Minister says Jeffrey Archer Narendra Modi yesterday said the coal blocks allocation scam during the previous UPA gov- KOLKATA: No alien to contro- 74-year-old conceded that British ernment was much bigger than versies, British author Jeffrey novelist and screenwriter Ian the figure of Rs1.76 lakh crore Archer says he’s not a provoca- McEwan and British-Indian pointed out by the Comptroller tive writer and “feels very safe” author Salman Rushdie are supe- and Auditor General (CAG) in in India when it comes to cen- rior writers. his report. sorship issues. “I see differences in the sense Addressing a martyrs’ rally “I don’t try to provoke. I am that I see Ian McEwan as a far after paying homage to Bhagat a simple storyteller. I feel safe better writer. I think Salman Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev at in India, very safe,” he said. In Rushdie is also a far better writer, their memorial in Hussainiwala contrast, he said, he had to go but it was the London Times and in Punjab’s frontier district of through a lot of trouble in South your Times (Times of India) that Ferozepur, the prime minister Africa years ago because of his said (I was) probably the greatest made a direct attack on the then views. “I went on television and storyteller in the world. Congress-led government over defended (former South African He also likes it when peo- the coal scam. President) Nelson Mandela and ple compare him to Alexandre “The coal scam was thought to criticised the apartheid system Dumas, one of the most widely- be Rs1.76 lakh crore as per the and they threw me out. But I felt read 19th century French writers. CAG report. Some people said the very strongly about it,” Archer “You feel (good) when you see amount was exaggerated. It has told IANS in an interview here. that from the Times of London turned out to be much bigger than The best-selling author of over and from the Indian times. And that figure. Only 20 coal blocks 35 books was in India to launch his then The Washington Post came out of 204 have been auctioned by book “Mightier Than The Sword”, out after my ‘Prisoner of Birth’ our government so far and over the fifth in the seven-part Clifton and said the English had found Rs2 lakh crore has already been Chronicle series brought out by Pan Dumas. “So you do sit back and collected. Rest of the coal blocks Macmillan. The next book in the think about it,” Archer mused. are yet to be auctioned. Imagine saga will have eight chapters set in On his 11th visit to India, how much more money will come Prime Minister Narendra Modi (centre) with Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal (second right) during a Mumbai. “I think there is a genuine Archer interacted with audi- for the development of the coun- visit to the Golden Temple in Amritsar yesterday. affection here. I have met Indian ences, particularly wannabe writ- try,” Modi said. cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, ers, in Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, “Corruption has ruined our V V S Laxman and Rahul Dravid Bengaluru and Kolkata, hosted by country,” he lamented, adding corruption everywhere.” Modi languish in slums in Delhi and farmers of Punjab,” Modi said, and I never sensed that they don’t the Crossword bookstores. that martyrs like Bhagat Singh assured farmers that the federal Mumbai,” he said. adding that Punjab should lead like the English. They are friendly During his whirlwind tour, the had not sacrificed their lives to and state governments would do Modi told farmers, particularly the way in arresting the misuse straightway and warm. One doesn’t author met Indian entertainment see the country in this condition. everything to help them at a time in Punjab, not to over-use fertilis- of fertilisers. get that if someone doesn’t like entrepreneur Ronnie Screwvala Highlighting another scan- when untimely rains have dam- ers for greater crop output. Modi arrived here yesterday your country,” said the former to seek advice on a possible Indian dal related to the purchase of aged crops extensively. “Farmers are doing things afternoon and paid homage to politician. partner for the television series LED bulbs by the UPA govern- He said the federal government like using chemical fertilisers freedom struggle martyrs Bhagat Published in 97 countries, on ‘The Clifton Chronicles’. ment, Modi said: “The previous has come up with various schemes for more output. This is wrong. Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev. The in more than 37 languages, the IANS government bought LED bulbs for the benefit of farmers. We are ruining our land and prime minister placed a wreath at at Rs300 per bulb in 2014. We “Farmers want jobs for at least crops by using so much fertilis- the martyrs’ memorial and bowed have bought the same for Rs80 one of their children. We don’t ers. India lives on the foodgrains with folded hands. a piece. There was rampant want that children of farmers provided by the hard working IANS Subrata Roy gets last chance to raise $1.6bn for bail NEW DELHI: India’s top do this, we will be left with no court yesterday gave jailed option but to appoint a receiver Security a challenge, says army chief tycoon Subrata Roy a last to sell Sahara properties,” he chance to raise the $1.6bn he said. needs to secure bail, including Roy’s Sahara media-to- SECUNDERABAD: Army tendencies which can debilitate making. Colonel Saurabh Sharma May 26, 2014, with 150 selected by selling three of his luxury finance empire has made sev- chief General Dalbir Singh yes- the nation,” he said. was awarded the Chief of Army participants of the rank of colo- hotels. eral failed attempts to come up terday said the national secu- According to a statement, the Staff trophy for the best all-round nel and equivalent from the three The supreme court gave with the bail money since he was rity environment has become a army chief said “our adversaries performance in the course. services. It was also attended the flamboyant businessman jailed a year ago. big challenging task due to its can threaten national security Captain Devanshu Rastogi of by officers from Afghanistan, another three months to come Roy was taken into custody complexity and unpredictability. even without physically violating the Indian Navy was awarded Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar up with a final proposal to after he failed to comply with He was speaking at the val- national boundaries with the help Chief of Naval Staff trophy and Sri Lanka. raise the bail money, warning a court order to repay Rs200bn edictory function of the Higher of non-state actors”. for standing first in Master in On successful completion of that failure would result in the ($3.2bn) to millions of small sav- Defence Management Course-10 General Dalbir Singh also Management Studies (MMS) the course, participants were appointment of a receiver. ers through a bond scheme that at the College of Defence expressed concern over growing exam. The most promising foreign also awarded degree of MMS by “We give you a last oppor- regulators had declared illegal. Management in Secunderabad, cyber and social media threats student trophy for HDMC-10 was Osmania University and a cer- tunity to dispose of properties Sahara has always insisted the twin city of Hyderabad. and cautioned all to be careful. awarded to Colonel S M Qamrul tificate of Advanced Course in and raise money for bail,” said it was only helping poor and “Internally, our social and eth- He highlighted the need to opti- Hassan Bulbul of the Bangladesh Management by the All India Justice T S Thakur. mainly rural investors. nic diversity makes us vulner- mise the resources and harness Army. Management Association. “In case you are unable to AFP able to stocking of fissiparous techniques for speedy decision The HMDC-10 commenced on IANS TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA

Border talks Six men arrested SC notice to govt for attacking cathedral in in Essar graft case Madhya Pradesh NEW DELHI: Police said yes- terday they have arrested six Whistleblower being threatened, says lawyer people after Hindu fundamen- talists were shown vandalising NEW DELHI: The Supreme court enquired from CPIL coun- without consideration, or for a a cathedral in central India, Court yesterday issued notice to sel Prashant Bhushan about the consideration which he knows to the latest attack on Christian the federal government, the CBI source of his information. be inadequate, he shall be pun- establishments in the Hindu- and Essar on a PIL seeking a As Bhushan described the ishable with imprisonment for a majority country. court-monitored probe into the source as a whistleblower, the term which shall be not less than CCTV footage showed a group politician-bureaucrat-corporate court asked him if he could dis- six months but which may extend of men smashing plant pots, nexus exposed in email leaks close the source to the court in a to five years and shall also be lia- breaking down doors and shat- that showed a company alleg- sealed cover. ble to fine.” tering windows in the grounds of edly granted gifts and favours Bhushan told the court that He told the court that the cathedral in Madhya Pradesh to ministers and bureaucrats the whistleblower, a former Essar Sriprakash Jaiswal was the coal state late Friday. for promoting its business. employee, was already being minister when he sought employ- The right-wing Hindu Dharma A bench of Justice T S Thakur, threatened and police had visited ment for the people recommended Sena group had accused the Justice Kurian Joseph and Justice him without any reason. by him. church of converting around 200 R Banumathi issued notice on Bhushan told the court that He said that as coal minister, people from local tribal groups to the plea by NGO Centre for the whistleblower was receiving Jaiswal gave coal blocks to Essar, Christianity, although it denies Public Interest Litigation (CPIL) threats that his activities could which has multiple businesses like causing any damage to church seeking a probe by a Special have consequences for his family. steel and oil. property. Investigation Team (SIT) or the “He (whistleblower) has Referring to one of the emails, “We arrested six men last night Central Bureau of Investigation already been threatened. I have Bhushan said the corporate had in connection with the vandal- (CBI) into the nexus. Essar alleg- told the lawyers of the company earmarked 200 jobs to accommo- ism. We are trying to identify edly gave gifts and extended other that if anything happens to him, date people recommended by the more people... there may be more favours to promote its business I will hold a press conference and power centres. arrests,” HC Mishra, a senior interests. expose everything,” Bhushan told He said three out of 10 recom- state police official, told AFP by The notice is returnable in six the court. mended by the power centre were telephone. weeks. The CPIL in its petition Asked if there was corela- accommodated by Essar. Religious conversions are sought a court-monitored inves- tion between the people who got The court enquired what highly controversial in India, a tigation by an SIT or the CBI the gifts and discharge of their would happen if they (those secular country where religious into the “high level of political- duties, Bhushan said that was named) come forward and said freedom is considered a funda- bureaucratic-corporate nexus not required as under Section 11 that the emails were fabri- mental right. wherein corporates use their of the Prevention of Corruption cated, to which Bhushan said Critics say Hindu hardline money power to change public Act, 1988, a mere act of receiv- that was why he made Essar a groups have become embold- policies, plant questions in par- ing favours was enough to attract party and he was only asking for ened since the Hindu national- liament, get access to internal punishment. investigation. ist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government documents/cabinet Bhushan said Section 11 of the Comparing the leaks with the won power in India last year. papers, grant favours to politi- act says: “Whoever, being a pub- tapes of former corporate lobbyist The latest attack comes at a cians and bureaucrats for receiv- lic servant, accepts or obtains Neera Radia, Bhushan said it was time of heightened sensitivity ing benefits in return, and plant or agrees to accept or attempts a sophisticated way of influence National Security Adviser Ajit Doval (right) with State Councilor and over religious freedom in India, stories in news media”. to obtain for himself, or for any peddling. Chinese Special Representative on India-China Boundary Question where churches and a Christian Before issuing the notice, the other person, any valuable thing IANS Yang Jiechi in New Delhi yesterday. Jiechi is on a three day official visit school have been attacked in to the country. recent months. Masked men on Saturday attacked a church in Mumbai, capital of western Maharashtra Two engineering state, which like Madhya Pradesh Police action sought against Shivraj Chouhan is ruled by the BJP. Earlier this month, an eld- students held for erly nun was raped at a convent NEW DELHI: The Congress recruitment in services for medi- Minister Narendra Modi last here. Failing to initiate action school in the eastern state of molesting junior yesterday demanded police cal officers, constables, teachers, week to seek his intervention in would mean implicit encourage- West Bengal, triggering protests action against Madhya Pradesh forest guards, and auditors for the matter, Digvijaya Singh once ment to corruption, he added. across the country. KOLKATA: Two engineering Chief Minister Shivraj Singh government departments. again demanded that Modi prove The Congress claimed that India’s Prime Minister students of Jadavpur University Chouhan for allegedly tamper- The Special Task Force (STF) his “claimed” intolerance for cor- the STF investigation is “faulty”, Narendra Modi last month were arrested yesterday for ing with evidence to absolve probing the matter has so far ruption and initiate appropriate alleging that “the evidence has pledged to crack down on reli- allegedly molesting a first-year himself in the Vyapam scam. arrested 1,700 people, including action against the BJP chief min- been tampered with in conniv- gious violence and ensure freedom student, police said. “Our only request is that an several students and parents who ister in the state. ance with the state government”. of worship for all faiths. The arrests came on a day FIR be lodged against the chief allegedly bribed government offi- “Before the Lok Sabha polls, The STF is providing a “cover He had been criticised for not West Bengal Governor and uni- minister and police officers who cials for ensuring their names in Modi claimed that neither will up” to Chouhan by “falsely” impli- speaking out earlier. versity Chancellor Keshari Nath tampered with the evidence” in the list of those who cleared the he engage in corruption nor allow cating Governor Ramnaresh India is 80 percent Hindu Tripathi questioned the silence the scam in the Madhya Pradesh test without even appearing for anybody to do it. If the prime min- Yadav in this matter, Singh said. while Muslims make up 13.4 of students who had participated Professional Examination Board the exam. About 700 more arrests ister wants to honestly check cor- In February, the STF named percent of the 1.2 billion popu- in a major agitation against the or Vyapam, Congress leader are expected soon. ruption in the country, he should Yadav in an FIR for taking money lation. Christians, Buddhists, university authorities in a similar Digvijaya Singh said. Referring to a Congress del- take action against Chouhan,” from applicants for the position of Sikhs and other religions account molestation case last year. The board holds exams for egation’s meeting with Prime Digvijaya Singh told the media Forest Guards in 2013. IANS for the rest. AFP “We have arrested one third- year and one fourth-year student of the engineering department in connection with the alleged Tree-top talk molestation of a first-year student of the Sanskrit Department on March 20,” Deputy Commissioner Top cinema award of Police Santosh Pandey said. The student had filed a police complaint on Saturday alleg- ing that she was assaulted and for Sashi Kapoor molested by three seniors after she refused to allow her bag to NEW DELHI: Just days after be checked while entering a fes- Shashi Kapoor turned 77, tival organised by the Faculty of news emerged yesterday that Engineering Technology Students’ Bollywood’s evergreen charmer Union at the campus. will be conferred the Dadasaheb Earlier yesterday, two of the Phalke award. Congratulations three accused issued an open let- poured in for the actor, whose ter stating that they were will- now frail frame, wrinkled face ing to court arrest to ensure a and silver locks fail to erase thorough investigation into the the image of his good looks and case and said they were ready smile off his fans’ memory. to “extend all possible help” to Best known for his nuanced ensure “complete justice” to performance in memorable films Shashi Kapoor has been chosen for the complainant. like “Deewar”, “Satyam Shivam the Dadasaheb Phalke award. A similar molestation case in Sundaram”, “Trishul”, “Kabhi the university last year had snow- Kabhie”, “Vijeta” and “Kalyug”, in our family. I am very thank- balled into a major controversy Shashi captivated Hindi movie ful and extremely happy,” Kunal when vice chancellor Abhijit buffs for several years. told IANS. Chakrabarti called for a police The veteran actor-producer, Minister for Information and crackdown on students agitating who turned 77 on March 18, is Broadcasting Arun Jaitley also for an independent probe into the 46th winner of the honour, conveyed his congratulations the incident. IANS A toddy tapper on top of a palm tree to collect sap, talks on his mobile phone at Bibi Nagar, some 40km from conferred by the government on the occasion, while Minister Hyderabad, yesterday. for outstanding contribution to of State for Information and the growth and development of Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Indian Cinema. Rathore, congratulating Shashi His family is joyous about the Kapoor on the award, said in a news. tweet that “his sensitive portrayal “Yessssssss! Shashi Kapoor to of human emotions has touched Kerala assembly adjourned indefinitely get the prestigious Dada Saheb many a heart”. Phalke award for contribution Present-day filmmak- THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The against treasury bench legislators who alleg- everyone has seen what happened that day to Indian Cinema. Well deserved ers Prakash Jha and Madhur Kerala assembly was adjourned sine die yes- edly misbehaved with five women legislators (March 13) on the floor of the house and it uncle. God Bless,” his nephew, Bhandarkar also lauded the gov- terday amid a ruckus by Left members, with on March 13 when Finance Minister K M was shameful. actor Rishi Kapoor, tweeted soon ernment’s decision to honour Leader of Opposition V S Achuthanandan Mani presented the budget. “Do not expect us to take action against after the news broke. Kapoor. “TRULY DELIGHTED demanding action against legislators who, When Sakthan took his seat and announced innocent people. We request you, we will “Third Padma Bhushan and that one of my favourite actors, according to him, misbehaved with women the start of the question hour, Achuthanandan sit together and see visuals of that day and third Phalke award in the family. the legendary Shashi Kapoorji has legislators on March 13. said immediate action should be taken against decide,” said Chandy. Prithviraj Kapoor and Raj Kapoor been honoured with Dadasaheb Speaker N Sakthan adjourned the house the treasury bench legislators who attacked Chandy said the house was lenient that only being the other recipients,” he Phalke Award! Many congrats,” sine die following disturbances by the some women legislators. five Left legislators were suspended. added. Kunal, one of Shashi’s Bhandarkar tweeted. opposition. “The state budget should be re-presented... “It was not just these five who created three children — others being son Jha posted: “True recognition The session began yesterday after a four- We should discuss the budget once it is re- ruckus that day (March 13). We limited the Karan and daughter Sanjana — #DadaSahebPhalke to a brilliant day recess and was scheduled to last till April presented. There cannot be one set of rules for disciplinary action against just five. There are shared that it is a proud moment. actor and passionate producer, 9. Achuthanandan walked into the house with the treasury bench and another for opposition 100 cameras in the house and we have not yet “I’m very proud and thankful who gave so much to Cinema! other legislators shouting slogans and carry- legislators,” said Achuthanandan. come across any wrongdoings by our legisla- to the government for recognising Love you Shashi Kapoor Sir.” ing banners and placards demanding action Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said tors so far,” said Chandy. IANS his work. This is the third award IANS

TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Dinosaur exhibition ‘Made in China’ tops EU list of Fajr (Dawn) 4:19 unsafe products Shorook (Sunrise) 5:35 BRUSSELS: From toy-shaped Zuhr (Noon) 11:41 cigarette lighters to a short- circuiting plush rabbit that Asr (Afternoon) 3:08 catches fire, a European safety Maghrib (Sunset) 5:47 watchdog warned yesterday of Isha (Night) 7:17 a growing number of danger- ous products for sale, with most coming from China. The watchdog said it had issued 2,435 notifications of unsafe prod- WEATHER ucts ranging from children’s play- things to clothing and appliances Today Wednesday Thursday Weather in 2014, which was three percent Conditions: more than in 2013. Scattered Mostly sunny Mostly sunny showers Sixty-four percent of the dan- Partly cloudy gerous goods were made in China, to cloudy with including Hong Kong, the same figure as 2013, said the Rapid High: 23° High: 25° High: 26° scattered rain, Low: 20° Low: 18° Low: 19° may be thundery Alert System, which includes the at first becomes 28 EU states as well as Norway, slightly dusty later. Iceland and Liechtenstein. Toys topped the list of prod- ucts stopped before they entered European markets or were seized DOHA - SUN & SEA afterwards, at 28 percent, fol- lowed by clothing (23 percent), SUN TIDE SEA electrical appliances (nine per- SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND A worker pulls the lower jaw of a life-sized dinosaur in Wustermark, Germany, yesterday. About 40 primeval cent) and motor vehicles (eight percent). 05:35 17:47 06:45 & 19:30 00:45 & 12:45 18-25/33 KT giants will be put on display in a special exhibition on the grounds of the nature reserve Doeberitzer Heide. The exhibition will open on March 31. They included soft toys with THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW stuffing that could come loose and choke a child or those with HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER detachable pieces that could be swallowed by them. In particular MUSCAT 31/24 Mostly sunny 32/24 Mostly sunny there were lighters that resem- MAKKAH 34/23 Mostly sunny 32/25 Scattered T-storms Book-making machines star at French fair bled toys such as model bicycles KUWAIT 22/10 Sunny 23/13 Partly cloudy and basketballs. Shoes and leather BAHRAIN 22/18 Cloudy 22/18 Sunny PARIS: Chose a PDF file on was displaying the Espresso Book inexorable march towards smaller articles for example may be SANAA 23/11 Scattered T-storms 22/11 Scattered T-storms the screen and five minutes Machine made by US group Xerox and cheaper technology that will tainted with allergenic Chromium RIYADH 23/10 Sunny 24/10 Mostly sunny later a book, printed and bound and running a French bit of soft- soon make such devices an obvi- VI, while fashion jewellery may DUBAI 29/18 Mostly sunny 29/18 Partly cloudy with a proper cover, spits out. ware, Ireneo. ous boon for booksellers. contain harmful heavy metals. BAGHDAD 19/08 Sunny 21/09 Cloudy It used to be science fiction, but La Martiniere showed a smaller In the meantime, vendors of Just 14 percent of the danger- machines that do this are here rival apparatus made by Japan’s the printed word can rent a Ricoh ous products came from European THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW now and increasingly grabbing Ricoh, and operated by a French book-maker for ¤250 a month, countries, seven percent from the attention of publishers and firm called Orsery. said Osery head Christian Vie. unknown origins and two per- HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER the public. Such machines have been In doing so, “they will pocket cent from Turkey, according to ATHENS 16/11 Showers 17/11 Mostly sunny Two such machines proved big around for a while. Xerox’s, for 33 percent of the cover price of the watchdog. AFP WASHINGTON 09/00 Mostly sunny 09/02 Mostly sunny attractions at the Paris Book Fair instance, came out a decade ago. a book,” a margin slightly higher over the weekend, with French So why haven’t they yet revo- than through traditionally printed- SYDNEY 24/16 Scattered T-storms 23/16 Partly cloudy publishing companies PUF (the lutionised the industry? Part of and-delivered books, Vie said. LONDON 12/03 Mostly cloudy 11/01 Scattered showers University Presses of France) and the reason is the high cost of each PUF, meanwhile, believes an PARIS 14/04 Mostly sunny 09/02 Showers La Martiniere showing how easy unit — around ¤80,000 ($90,000). interim solution could see booksell- ISTANBUL 11/05 Cloudy 11/04 Partly cloudy it can be to print books on site Another is the size: As big as two ers within a network sharing an MANILA 32/22 Partly cloudy 32/23 Mostly sunny without cumbersome transport book display tables in a store — a Espresso Book Machine, avoiding DHAKA 36/23 Sunny 33/23 Scattered T-storms and distribution worries. prohibitive space-stealer for small hosting the unit on their premises DELHI 34/19 Sunny 34/21 Mostly sunny “It’s a big opportunity for eve- book outlets. but still allowing them to have ISLAMABAD 31/17 Partly cloudy 30/17 Sunny ryone,” said PUF chief executive But the French companies pro- books delivered within hours. Frederic Meriot, whose company moting them have faith in the AFP Tuesday 24 March 2015 4 Jumada II 1436 Volume 20 Number 6379 Price: QR2

IMF welcomes China’s new bank

Business | 20

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Qatar main hub of Islamic finance QIA to join travel retailer Dufry Country’s Islamic finance fastest in bid for WDF DOHA/MILAN: Qatar Investment growing: QCB head Authority (QIA) and Swiss travel retailer Dufry are teaming up to bid for Italian travel DOHA: H E Sheikh Abdullah bin retailer World Duty Free (WDF), which Saud Al Thani, Governor of Qatar belongs to the Benetton family, two sources Central Bank, said yesterday that familiar with the matter said yesterday. Islamic financial institutions enjoy a “QIA and Dufry have a joint bid for WDF,” high pedigree in Qatar, making the said a senior banker in Doha familiar with the country one of the world’s main hubs matter. for Islamic financial institutions. A second source confirmed the joint bid and He cited Standard & Poor’s (S&P) said the deadline was now expected to be March report in 2013 confirming that Qatar’s 31, after a delay due to rival bidders — South Islamic finance sector was the fastest Korea’s Lotte Group and China’s Sunrise Duty growing in the world. Free — asking for more time. Speaking at the opening of the 10th QIA did not respond to calls seeking com- International Conference on Islamic ment. It is estimated to have about $256bn Economics and Finance, he said that under management, according to the Sovereign Qatari Islamic banks have a 25 percent Wealth Fund Institute. Dufry and World Duty of all the equity of Qatari banks. Free also declined to comment. Additionally, Islamic banks play The Benetton family, which owns 50.1 percent a crucial role in financing different of WDF via its holding company Edizione, is developmental projects. Despite that, H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Saud Al Thani, Governor of Qatar Central Bank, addressing the conference yesterday. BAHER AMIN willing to give up control and favours a merger the Governor said that Islamic Banks that would help the company cope with the face many challenges starting with World Bank’s 2013 report. Their assets institutions grew at an annual rate of According to S&P’s Islamic Finance rising costs of airport concessions, and also maintaining its current growth levels are worth $1.8 trillion in 2013 and the 17 percent worldwide and assets are Outlook report, released early this year, give the retailer more bargaining power with and managing risks. GCC has a third of the assets of those expected to reach $4.2 trillion by 2020. total balance sheet of Qatar’s Islamic suppliers. He added that to combat those 800 institutions. Ali said that the world has become banks was $54bn as of year-end 2012. WDF said in January it expected sales to be challenges, QCB has dedicated an The two-day conference, which more keen on Islamic finance and that Qatari Islamic banks’ market share between €2.63bn and €2.67bn ($2.84-2.88bn) entire section to Islamic Financial began yesterday, is being held at reflected on its growth. in domestic credit increased from 13 this year, while adjusted earnings before inter- Institutions in its new law which was Hamad Bin Khalifa University Student He stated that the World Bank and percent in 2006, to 25 percent at the est, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation were issued in 2012. Center. International Monetary Funds are now end of 2012, while the share in resident expected at €279m and €294m. It reported sales On the international stage, he noted President of the Islamic Development more interested in Islamic Finance, deposits increased from 13 percent to of €2.4bn and adjusted EBITDA of €289.7m last there were 800 Islamic financial insti- Bank (IDB) Dr Ahmed Mohammed due to the role the latter can play in 28 percent in the same period. year. REUTERS tutions in the world according to the Ali said that assets of Islamic financial global monetary stability. THE PENINSULA Vodafone Qatar shares soar after becoming Sharia’h compliant

DOHA: Vodafone Qatar’s shares switched all its financial activity for over a year, Reuters reported its investments, current debts, taking the plunge is still small — That appeared to happen with saw a huge jump after the com- to Islamic transaction. Its shares yesterday. secured agreements and cash a handful in the past six months Vodafone Qatar. The company’s pany became fully Sharia’h com- surged 18.99 percent at the end of In February Vodafone Qatar transactions; other agreements — but they underline the growing new policy included refinancing pliant. The telecom operator’s the month compared to the pre- announced it had successfully and contracts including rent, depth and cost-effectiveness of $330m worth of debt and the deci- shares jumped 18.99 percent on vious month. Total value of the refinanced its conventional oversight bodies, service fran- Islamic finance after several years sion is a long-term commitment month-on-month in February shares jumped to QR1.49bn from interest-bearing borrowings with chises and other commercial mat- of rapid growth in the industry. by the firm, chief financial officer 2015, after it announced it had January’s QR270m. Total traded a Sharia’h-compliant ‘wakala’ ters. Across the Gulf, companies Reuters report said companies Steve Walters told Reuters. switched its financial activity to volume in February soared to 85 investment agreement in that have traditionally used con- can face a range of incentives “The move is permanent. Islamic transactions since early million shares from the previous December 2014. The transition ventional finance are consider- and pressures to adopt Islamic Vodafone Qatar intends to amend February. month’s 17 million shares. was completed in accordance with ing whether to “go Islamic”, by finance. In some stock markets its bylaws to include its adherence Vodafone Qatar’s shares were In the following eight trading the current, effective laws that do conforming to Sharia’h principles such as Qatar, Islamic investors to Sharia’h standards. This will down 9.42 percent at the end after Vodafone Qatar announced not contradict Sharia’h rules. such as bans on interest payments with few options to choose from affect all future commercial and of January. On February 1, 2015 its switch, its shares jumped 22 Vodafone Qatar’s Sharia’h- and monetary speculation. can reward Sharia’h-compliant financial activities.” Vodafone Qatar announced it had percent in the heaviest turnover compliance review included The number of major firms firms by piling into their shares. THE PENINSULA

Fed expected to hike rates this QPMC, Rent-A-Port sign MoU to develop quarries in Oman BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB Astrid of Belgium, representa- year: Fischer tive of The King of Belgium, and DOHA: Qatar Primary Qatar’s Ambassador to Belgium, NEW YORK: The Federal Materials Company (QPMC), Sheikh Ali bin Jassim Al Thani, Reserve is “widely expected” as part of efforts to meeting the alongside a high level Belgian busi- to begin raising interest rates growing demands of construc- ness delegation. this year though the policy path tion raw materials in the coun- The agreement entails submit- remains uncertain, the central try, has singed a memorandum ting a technical, financial and bank’s second-in-command said of understanding (MoU) with a operational feasibility study in yesterday, appearing to lay the Belgian engineering consultant, addition to an integrated mining groundwork for a less predict- ‘Rent-A-Port’, to initiate works operational plan. Phase II and III able future. on limestone and gabbro quar- encompass the design and tender- Fed Vice Chair Stanley Fischer ries in Oman. ing for design and build contracts said the stronger dollar and weak The initiative is in light of and the supervision during the oil play a role in US policymaking, the two licences QPMC recently execution of these contracts and but he stressed that the central acquired to set up mining opera- commissioning of the facilities. bank is “trying to look through tions in the Khatmat Malaha area Al Hammadi said: “Works on those phenomena.” in the Sultanate. the project will begin within a Much of his speech to the Once the project is fully com- month, and the whole project is Economic Club of New York plete, the facility will have a 1km expected to take about 20 months. focused on the period after rates long jetty to quarry and transport If everything goes according to the rise from near zero, which Fischer over three million tonnes of gabbro plan, the project will commence QPMC CEO Eisa Al Hammadi (right) and Marc Stordiau (left), Managing Director of Rent-A-Port with Princess said could be “June or September and marketable primary materi- operation by 2017.” Astrid (third right) and other officials at the signing ceremony in Doha. ABDUL BASIT or some later date or some date als every year by barges to Qatar. “The aim of the project is to in between.” Afterward, he said, The MoU has signed by QPMC enhancing the supplies of gab- not only to maximise output from “QPMC aims at ensuring that also of the new Lusail jetty, cement the Fed would tighten or even CEO Eisa Al Hammadi and Marc bro and limestone, which will be Khatmat Malaha quarries and there is enough strategic stockpile silo and conveyor stacker project loosen on a meeting-by-meeting Stordiau, Managing Director of increased by three million tonnes ensure most efficient operations of the primary construction mate- in Qatar. basis based on economic data and Rent-A-Port, for the commis- annually,” he told reporters on the at controlled costs, but to also rial to deal with emergency situ- “We believe that between our unexpected geo-political risks. sioning of the port and logistical sidelines of the signing ceremony. achieve a solid leap in the bilat- ations. We have already achieved professional services and long Explicit policy promises, he operator to consult and manage He also said: “We are working to eral relations between Qatar and the target of 10 million tonnes this expertise and QPMC’s dedication said, would play less of a role. the project and related opera- ensure supplies of building materi- Belgium as two friendly countries.” year,” Al Hammadi said. and financial robustness, QPMC is “Whatever the state of the econ- tions at Khatmat Malaha. It also als in support of the booming con- He said that once the project Stordiau added: “We at Rent- becoming a partner of choice for omy, the federal funds rate will announced the beginning of Phase struction industry in Qatar. QPMC is operational, QPMC will start A-Port take great pride in asso- foreign companies looking to facil- be set at each FOMC meeting,” I expected to be completed in four is bound to constantly explore importing gabbro in collaboration ciating ourselves with QPMC by itate Qatar’s thriving construction Fischer said of the policy-making months. new mines in search of primary with the private sector companies providing services to QPMC in the sector ahead of the Qatar 2022 Federal Open Market Committee. The signing ceremony, held on materials, and with Rent-A-Port in sufficient quantities meeting the design and feasibility of the said World Cup and beyond.” REUTERS Sunday, was graced by Princess as an expert consultant, we hope local requirements of the material. Khatmat Malaha quarry and jetty, THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Lusail City company in Belgian team signs MoUs with Qafco DOHA: The visiting high-level Belgian delegation signed vari- ous MoUs with Qafco on Sunday. Jean-Claude Marcourt, Deputy QR6.2bn contract deal Prime Minister and Minister for Economy, SME’s, Foreign Trade and New Technologies of the LCRDC committed to encouraging Qatari companies Walloon Government and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for DOHA: Qatar’s largest QR.4.12bn estimated project will Company told Al Arab:” These Higher Education of the French Greenfield developer Lusail be linked with internal roads con- three projects represent the Community Government, lead a City Real Estate Development nected to trams and underground major development at the heart 15-member high level business del- Company (LCRDC) has rails. The project work includes of Lusail City, where the comple- egation comprising of officials from announced QR6.2bn worth con- a multi-storey parking facility tion of the infrastructure work we the Belgian Government, media tract works in the LCRDC. where 3,200 cars can be parked at have accomplished a very impor- and University of Leige to Qafco. The various construction pack- a time. The 39,309 sqm project is tant step in this huge project.” Khalifa A Al Sowaidi, CEO ages include Lusail Plaza, develop- expected to be completed in 2018. The LCRDC is committed to Qafco, received the delegation ment of Commercial Street and a The joint venture WCT encourage Qatari companies in alli- at the Qafco’s Al-Banush Club unique Crescent-shaped Street. and Al Ahli has bagged the ance with international companies Mesaieed. He was accompanied The development projects will QR1.21bn worth contract for for the implementation of Lusail key officials from Qafco. Qafco CEO Khalifa A Al Sowaidi with the Belgian delegation. be located within the Central the Commercial Street project. City project, “Thus we help local The delegation signed Zone of the 38sqkm Lusail City. The 1.8km long shopping street companies improve their capac- Memorandum of Understanding The Central Zone, also known as will be the first of its kind in the ity and experience in carrying out with Qafco to further the research deliver stocks either for indoor or agreements such as DarziAlhazm the heart of Lusail City, include GCC. The 94 metre wide four- mega projects which are often com- initiatives that were taken with outdoor (sea) purposes which will & American Outfitters; Techno Q the Commercial Waterfront lane street will start from Al plex in terms of design and imple- University of Liege earlier. contribute to maintain the stock and Brandfirst; Qatar International District that forms the silhouette Khor road linking Lusail Plaza. mentation... We want to enhance The MoUs aim at cooperation biomass of many Qatari species. Center for Conciliation and of Lusail City’s marina design, the Equipped with four underground the capabilities of local companies in research related to the use of The MoU also intends to cooper- Arbitration and CEPANI (the Lusail Towers District and Plaza parking areas, the facility will be in executing mega projects,” he said. urea as an essential component ate on research on cross breeding Belgian Centre for Arbitration and that together form the face of able to accommodate 4,000 vehi- Khalid Ibrahim Al of healthy poultry feed to prevent lamb varieties to enhance Arab or Mediation); Ahmed Fakhroo and Lusail City as the financial centre, cles at a time. It will also have Hammadi, Executive Director, the use of antibiotics in agricul- local species for meat purposes. It Chassis G. Hanin; Germin MED and the Commercial Boulevard four stations for trams. Infrastructure, LCRDC, noted ture and livestock. Depending on will include study on genetic sta- & KitoZyme; Al Abdulla Group that runs through Qatar’s biggest The third package Crescent- the developers will be providing the results, Qafco and University bility and recurrence for a local Enterprise and Orient Drink; real estate undertaking to date. shaped Street includes the devel- state-of-the-art infrastructure of Leige will cooperate in develop- production and farming. Gulf Organisation for Research & The Qatari Diar-Bin Laden opment of 3 km-long stretch for facilities within the Lusail City. ing a pilot plant for producing the Meanwhile, the two days of Development and VITO (Flemish Construction joint venture is the an estimated QR918m. Once completed, the project will healthy feed and pro-biotic. meetings and discussions between Institute for Technology); Qatar contractor of Lusail Plaza. The Commenting on the deal, Issa offer a unique experience to the The MoU will also look at the Qatar and Belgium ended on University and VITO and Weil Lusail Plaza is one of the big- Mohammed Ali Galadari, CEO of residents as well as visitors. enhancing the fish biodiversity of a more encouraging note yester- Cornell Medical College-Qatar and gest projects of Lusail City. The Lusail Real Estate Development THE PENINSULA Qatar using local hatcheries to day with the signing of a series of VITO. THE PENINSULA

Belgium honours Saudi urges non-Opec chairman of Salam members to cooperate International to boost oil prices DOHA: Issa Abdul Salam Abu Issa, Chairman and CEO of Salam International Investment Ltd received the honorary title RIYADH: Oil producers outside of “Commander in the Order of Leopold Opec must cooperate to boost II” at a special ceremony in the Gate Mall. falling crude prices as the car- Oil rises more The award was bestowed upon by Princess tel refuses to take responsibility Astrid on behalf of King of the Belgium. alone, Saudi Arabia’s oil minis- than 1pc The award recognises his significant con- ter has said. tribution to the Belgian presence and activi- “We refuse to take responsibil- NEW YORK: US crude ties in Qatar strengthening the cooperation ity alone because (Opec) produces futures settled more than between the two countries. The ceremony was 30 percent of market output and 1 percent higher yesterday, held on the occasion of the Belgian Economic 70 percent comes from outside,” boosted by a falling dollar that Mission to Qatar and was attended by high Ali al-Naimi said in remarks car- outweighed pressure on prices ranking officials, including Pieter De Crem; ried yesterday by the Saudi Press from a global supply glut. Ambassador of Qatar in Belgium and Sheikh Agency (SPA). US crude futures settled 88 Ali bin Jassim Al Thani; Ambassador of Princess Astrid (second left) and Issa Abdul Salam Abu Issa (second right), with other officials at the Crude prices slumped by about cents up at $47.45, a 1.9 per- Belgium in Qatar. 60 percent between June and cent climb. The price of Brent ceremony yesterday. KAMMUTTY VP As Chairman and CEO of Salam February, weighed down by a glut rose more than 1 percent to International, Abu Issa has been instrumen- of global supplies and concerns settle up 60 cents at $55.92 per tal in diversifying the family business port- installations of BARCO products in the coun- Commenting on the award, Issa Abdul about stalling demand. barrel. folio by establishing strategic partnerships try, with over 1,000 users per day, resulting in Salam Abu Issa said, “I am greatly humbled The slide was exacerbated in Oil got a boost as the US with several reputable international firms. an annual revenue generation of $5m. by this honourable felicitation. I would like November when the Organisation dollar fell further, adding to One of the strongest and most successful col- Salam International has also been working to express my sincere gratitude to Princess of the Petroleum Exporting its steepest weekly drop in laboration has been with BARCO — a display closely with other Belgium-based companies Astrid and His Majesty Philippe, King of the Countries (Opec) refused to cut 3-1/2 years. Market watchers hardware and software manufacturer founded across a variety of sectors including: LUCIAD Belgians, for recognising Salam International’s production to rescue falling prices, have been unwinding long dol- in Belgium. Salam Technology, one of Salam (Technology), Harco Group (Technology), role in fortifying ties between Belgium and the saying it wanted to maintain its lar positions since the Federal International’s business units, has over 80 KCC (Entertainment) and STOLZ (Interior). State of Qatar.” THE PENINSULA market share. Reserve indicated last week The 12-member group, led by that a US interest rate hike top producer Saudi Arabia, pumps is likely to come later rather around a third of the world’s oil than sooner. but other major producers, such Barclays analysts forecast as Russia, are not tied by its that if Opec production holds decisions. near current levels of almost Schlumberger sees prudence as new normal Asked whether Opec would be 30 million bpd, the market willing to work with non-mem- surplus would expand from bers, Naimi pointed to the crash 900,000 bpd to 1.3 million bpd. NEW YORK: Prudence will percent since June to around $46 and gas industry’s international oilfield services, from drilling to of 1998 when the cartel cooperated REUTERS be the new normal for the per barrel as Saudi Arabia and spending on exploration and pro- fracking, Kibsgaard said. with other producers to cut output US shale oil industry, which Opec try to push higher cost pro- duction to drop by 10 to 15 per- He emphasised that and support oil prices. several countries have in the past has quickly abandoned its ducers out of the market. cent in 2015, continuing a trend Schlumberger has been gen- “Today, the situation is difficult. turned down invitations to become heavy-spending ways in the At the time of $100 oil, some seen last year. erating more free cashflow We tried, met with them but did members of the cartel. face of sliding crude prices, US highly-leveraged US players That means, he said, “the glo- than its two main competi- not succeed because they insisted The Saudi minister also Schlumberger Ltd, the world’s were known for their intensive bal oil market is clearly heading tors, Halliburton Co and Baker that Opec should take the respon- defended the oil policy of gulf No.1 oilfield services provider, capex budgets. That may change for a tightening ... in the second Hughes Inc, which are in the sibility alone,” said Naimi, in ref- states, saying they were taking said yesterday. forever. half of this year.” process of merging. erence to talks with non-Opec measures to stabilise the market. Spending cuts already “Going forward, we believe The rebalancing would come But he also acknowledged that producers ahead of the cartel’s “We are not against anyone. We announced by producers — to financial prudence, where invest- in part from less supply but also the industry is going through an meeting in November. “All must are with all to support stability in the tune of 25 to 60 percent ments are limited to the cash flow stronger demand in a market rocky downturn. contribute if we want to improve the market and to support a bal- have dropped the rig count by generated by production, will be currently oversupplied by about “In the short term, activity prices because it is in the interest ance between supply and demand,” 45 percent since late 2014, and the new normal for US tight-oil 1 million barrels per day. visibility still remains limited of all,” the Saudi minister said. Naimi said. output will soon decline or flat- developments,” he said at the Schlumberger, which has seen as many of our customers are Naimi said the kingdom had the Saudi Arabia and its Gulf part- ten out so prices can recover, Scotia Howard Weil Energy con- its share price fall by about a making drastic and sometimes capacity to supply any new client ners have been criticised for alleg- Schlumberger’s Chief Executive ference in New Orleans. third since July, would be posi- unpredictable cuts to protect with crude. Saudi Arabia had no edly using oil as a political weapon Paal Kibsgaard said. Outside of North America, tioned to take advantage of any margins and cash flow,” he said. objection to new oil producers against countries within and out- US oil prices have fallen by 50 Schlumberger expects the oil uptick in demand for its range of REUTERS joining Opec, he said, adding that side Opec. AFP

ChemChina to buy into Italian tyre maker Pirelli in $7.7bn deal

MILAN: China National 15 euros per share, valuing the another of Italy’s industrial icons, The deal will give state-owned Chemical Corp (ChemChina) is Italian company at €7.1bn exclud- after a string of deals in recent ChemChina, led by acquisitive to buy into Pirelli, the world’s ing net debt of almost €1bn at years in sectors from fashion to Chairman Ren Jianxin, access fifth-largest tyre maker, in a the end of 2014. ChemChina’s food to engineering to energy, to technology to make premium €7.1bn ($7.7bn) deal that will tyre making division envisages as decades of stagnation have tyres which can be sold at higher put the 143-year-old Italian taking Pirelli private. eroded the country’s economic margins and give the Italian company in Chinese hands. Shares in Pirelli, which hit base. firm a boost in the huge Chinese The deal, agreed with Pirelli’s a 25-year high last week, rose “The sale of a prized piece of market. top shareholders on Sunday, is 5 percent above the offer price our industrial system like Pirelli The bid for Pirelli marks a the latest in a series of takeo- yesterday on expectations of a to foreign buyers would not be return of China’s state-owned vers in Italy by cash-rich Chinese dividend payout before the deal a drama in itself if Italian capi- enterprises to global dealmak- buyers taking advantage of a is closed. If successful, the deal talism were able to face up to ing, following a hiatus caused by weak euro just as Europe is will create a global leader with international competition and President Xi Jinping’s anti-graft slowly emerging from economic a market share of 10 percent, the government had an industrial crackdown that targeted several Pirelli tyres on display. stagnation. according to Swiss bank UBS. policy,” the head of Italy’s biggest current and former senior officials The offer will be launched at It also represents the sale of union, Susanna Camusso said. at state companies. REUTERS TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 Citi confirms China to reap Alibaba tax windfall Argentina bonds Lock-up on 437 million shares over exit after two

HONG KONG: China could figure is unknown, but the tax is more payments make billions of dollars from expected to reach billions of dollars taxing gains made by employees for China’s State Administration of e-commerce giant Alibaba of Taxation (SAT). NEW YORK: Citibank NA Group who are free to sell their While tax on employee com- confirmed yesterday that it shares for the first time since pensation is withheld by employ- would pull out of its Argentina its IPO, as the country tightens ers, tax on share sales must be custody business after being up its leaky mechanisms for tax declared by employees, mean- permitted by a US court to collection. ing it’s typically harder for the process two more payments On Wednesday, a six-month authorities to track. on Argentine law exchange lock-up period for the recently It is not uncommon for employ- bonds. New York-listed stock expired, ees participating in Chinese com- The Citigroup unit said that allowing insiders who bought pany stock incentive schemes a New York judge’s ruling on 437 million shares prior to the to transfer their shares to off- Friday that it could handle IPO to sell their stock, though shore trusts in the Cayman or two more payments on the 100 million of them are subject British Virgin Islands to avoid bonds, under its contract with to trading restrictions that apply tax, according to a person who Buenos Aires, would give it to employees until the company helps create such structures. But time to arrange the sale or clo- reports results in May. Alibaba’s newly minted million- sure of the custody business to The total lock-up represents aires won’t escape the gaze of the avoid conflicts between US and roughly 18 percent of Alibaba’s tax inspector, said a Beijing-based Argentine laws. shares, which if sold would fetch accountant. “Because it was such “The custody business just over $37bn at Friday’s clos- a large IPO, the tax bureau will accounts for approximately two ing price. Although Alibaba did for sure be monitoring that.” percent of Citi Argentina’s net not disclose the identity of the Jacky Chu, a partner in the Employees play foosball at Alibaba Group’s headquarters on the outskirts of Hangzhou. income and, by its very nature, shareholders subject to the lock- China tax practice at PwC, said is largely unconnected to the up, many will be taxable in China, the SAT was very familiar with rest of Citi Argentina’s bank- where most of its 22,000 peo- this kind of stock option arrange- how much money goes in and out is tiny relative to China’s total and legal sanctions and may also ing activities,” the bank said in ple are employed, and its share ment and would be poised to act. of China. It added that Alibaba fiscal revenue of 14 trillion yuan limit the ability to make payment a statement. scheme is subject to a number “The tax officials are smart “withholds capital gain tax from ($2.26 trillion) last year, it reflects under our equity incentive plans “Citi has been an important of controls that will help ensure enough to know that there should proceeds of share sales that can the government’s more rigorous or receive dividends or sales pro- contributor to the Argentine China gets its tax. be money coming in, and over the be repatriated back to China” stance on tax. ceeds,” the document said. economy for more than 100 Current and former employees last few years the SAT has been through a channel stipulated by According to US securities SAFE did not respond to years and looks forward to con- hold around 26.7 percent of the targeting equity income,” he said. SAFE. filings, Alibaba employees who requests for comment. The SAT tinuing to play this vital role in company, having built up holdings A spokesman for Alibaba Although the United States participated in the company’s would not comment on Alibaba the decades to come,” the bank through stock options and other said employees were respon- does not generally tax non-res- stock incentive schemes and who but confirmed overseas gains by said in a statement yesterday. incentives since 1999, according sible for reporting share sale ident foreigners on profits from are Chinese citizens or year- Chinese residents are subject to On March 12, New York to a report from June using IPO gains to the tax authorities, but the sale of US-listed shares, long residents were required to 20 percent tax. Judge Thomas Griesa prohib- securities filings. Those subject the company had registered its China taxes Chinese residents 20 register with SAFE once the A larger lock-up of more than ited Citibank from handling to the expiring lock-up will have stock incentive plan with the percent on capital gains, wher- company went public. “Failure a billion shares held by insiders payments on Argentine bonds obtained their shares at differ- State Administration of Foreign ever made. to complete the SAFE registra- including founder Jack Ma and issued under Argentine law on ent times and costs, so the gains Exchange (SAFE), which controls While the potential tax windfall tions may subject them to fines Yahoo! Inc. REUTERS Thursday, adding a new chal- lenge in the country’s bitter debt fight with US hedge funds. However, Argentina, which had argued that Griesa’s court had no jurisdiction over the US dollar bonds issued in Bundesbank sees German businessmen challenge Argentina, insisted Citi was bound by Argentine law to continue processing the ‘strong’ German payments. ECB’s bond purchase programme Citi then said that to avoid clashing jurisdictions it would FRANKFURT: Three German The same was true of QE, opinion that the OMT programme pull out of the custody business growth in first half businessmen are seeking to block Degenhart argued. “QE is a quantum was “in principle” in accordance with altogether in Argentina. But the European Central Bank’s con- leap, which essentially means coun- European law. on Friday President Cristina FRANKFURT: The German economy, Europe’s big- troversial bond purchase pro- tries’ debt is being financed via the Even if the European Court of Kirchner warned that banks gest, will notch up “strong” growth in the first half of gramme, arguing it oversteps the printing press,” he said. Justice does give Outright Monetary operating in Argentina “must 2015, driven by robust exports and buoyant consumer bank’s mandate, their legal expert On January 22, the ECB announced Transactions the go-ahead, the obey Argentine laws, just like spending, the German central bank or Bundesbank said yesterday. a massive €1.14-trillion bond purchase German Constitutional Court is not in every country.” said yesterday. Christoph Degenhart, a profes- programme, which will see €60bn in obliged to follow its argument and Griesa’s ban on Citibank’s “The German economy, following surprisingly strong sor in constitutional law at Leipzig bonds per month bought for at least could still rule that the programme processing of Argentine law growth at the end of 2014, should have continued to grow University, said that entrepreneurs 18 months. does not comply with the German debt tightened the avenues by strongly in the first quarter of 2015,” the Bundesbank Heinrich Weiss, Patrick Adenauer The aim is to pump liquidity into constitution. “Our aim is that the which Buenos Aires can keep wrote in its latest monthly report. and Juergen Heraeus are seeking the financial system so as to kick- Bundesbank (or German central most of its creditors satis- “For the second quarter, too, the robust economic to challenge the ECB’s so-called start lending and push up inflation, bank) cannot participate in the fied while it battles with two uptrend will continue. The main driving forces are for- Quantitative Easing or QE pro- currently below zero. scheme. It’s about ensuring that the hedge funds and other small eign demand, private consumption and, to a lesser extent, gramme in the Germany’s highest In the case of Outright Monetary legal foundations of European Union “holdout” creditors who refused residential construction,” the report said. court, the Constitutional Court. Transactions, the Constitutional are adhered to. It is about ascertain- to join the 2005 and 2010 There were also signs of a pick-up in company invest- Degenhart has already taken the Court partially agreed with the plain- ing how far the ECB’s mandate can restructuring of the country’s ment, the Bundesbank said. Consumer spending, which ECB to court over previous uncon- tiffs, ruling last year that “there are be extended,” Degenhart said. defaulted debt. was already robust thanks to favourable labour market ventional policy measures such as important reasons to suggest that He insisted there was no sign The holdouts, led by hedge developments and strong wage increases, had received an the Outright Monetary Transactions it goes beyond the ECB’s monetary of deflation in the euro area — the funds NML Capital and additional boost in purchasing power from falling energy (OMT) programme, which similarly policy mandate and infringes on the ECB’s main reasoning behind the Aurelius Capital Management, prices, it argued. has the central bank purchase bonds, powers of the member states and con- programme. want full payment on the bonds Furthermore, households had also increased their sav- but in this case to help eurozone travenes the ban on monetary deficit Deflation is a dangerous downward they hold, while most of the ings ratio “so that the additional real room for spending members forced to pay high rates to financing.” spiral of falling prices, which leads country’s creditors accepted a hasn’t been fully utilised,” the Bundesbank continued. borrow in the markets. But the Constitutional Court consumers and businesses to post- huge writedown of their bonds The German economy grew by a stronger-than- “Our argument is that, like in the referred the case to the European pone purchases. That in turns chokes after Buenos Aires defaulted on expected 0.7 percent in the fourth quarter of last year, case of OMT, the ECB is overstepping Court of Justice (ECJ) in Luxembourg demand, throttles output, leading to $100bn in 2001. shrugging off the temporary lull in the preceding quarters. its mandate,” Degenhart said. before issuing its final ruling. job cuts. “The current low level of Griesa has consistently sup- The 0.7-percent expansion in gross domestic product A group of eurosceptic politicians The European Court of Justice is inflation is due to falling oil prices,” ported the hedge funds’ case, (GDP) in the final quarter of 2014 lifted growth for the and academics in Germany argue that expected to publish its own judgement Degenhart said. which Argentina has argued whole year to 1.6 percent. The national statistics office the OMT programme is tantamount later this year. But in January, one of “Nobody is putting off buying a new could undermine the restruc- Destatis will publish a preliminary estimate of first-quar- to printing money to pay off govern- its senior advisors, Advocate General car in the hope that the oil price will turing agreements achieved for ter GDP growth on May 13. AFP ment debt in crisis-hit countries. Pedro Cruz Villalon, said in a legal fall still further,” he argued. AFP the bulk of its debt. AFP

Ifo index this week

A VW Golf VII car (right) and a VW Passat are loaded in a delivery tower at the plant of German car- maker Volkswagen in Wolfsburg. The German Ifo index of business confidence is expected to be pub- lished this week. TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS IMF head welcomes China-backed bank Move to include yuan in reserve currencies hailed

BEIJING: International through the newly established Monetary Fund head Christine Asian Infrastructure Investment Lagarde said she welcomed Bank,” she said. Beijing’s creation of a new infra- Lagarde said on Sunday that structure bank — an institution the IMF would be “delighted” that has drawn support from to cooperate with the new bank, Europe and scepticism from according to China’s official Washington. Xinhua news agency. World Bank Lagarde made the comments Managing Director Sri Mulyani as she wrapped up a five-day Indrawati has also hailed the visit to China and after a host of AIIB, telling Xinhua: “Any new European countries announced initiative that will mobilise fund- their intention to sign up for the ing in order to fill the infrastruc- China-led Asian Infrastructure ture gap is certainly welcome”. Investment Bank (AIIB). China has embraced the The moves by Britain, Germany, European eagerness to take France, Italy and others have part in the new body, with state caused consternation in the media claiming that the US risks United States and Japan, which being sidelined. Beijing touts the lead the World Bank and the $50bn institution as a tool to help Manila-based Asian Development meet gaps in financing needs for Bank respectively. regional development in Asia. Some view the new bank as a But US officials have expressed competitor to the two institutions. caution amid worries the institu- Mark Fields (left), President & CEO of Ford Motor Company, talks with Virginia M Rometty, Chairman, President & In a statement issued after tion could undermine the World CEO of IBM Corporation at the China development forum 2015 at Diaoyutai in Beijing city yesterday. she met Premier Li Keqiang, Bank. Lagarde also said the IMF Lagarde hailed Beijing’s “impres- welcomed Beijing’s longstanding sive efforts” to reform in areas drive to include its yuan in the growth in the world’s second- model, a stage they have branded “This should lead to slower, including combating corruption, IMF’s basket of reserve curren- largest economy. as the “new normal”. safer, and more sustainable controlling pollution and “clear- cies, adding: “We will work closely Top Chinese leaders have Lagarde referenced the phrase growth — with a focus on inno- ing the path to even more engage- (IMF head Christine Lagarde at the with the Chinese authorities in said the economy is in a deli- and offered praise for the struc- vation and entrepreneurship — ment with the world”. Great Hall of the People in Beijing, this regard.” cate transition from decades of tural reforms pledged by the rul- which will be good for China and “I welcomed China’s various yesterday. Lagarde’s visit comes amid double-digit annual growth to a ing Communist Party at its top its people, and good for the world,” initiatives in this area, including mounting concern over slowing new, slower and more sustainable meeting in late 2013. Lagarde said. AFP

Russia to shore up car Turkey expects new delays US existing industry as VW cuts jobs in Airbus A400M delivery home sales MOSCOW: Russia yesterday as Volkswagen said it would cut ISTANBUL: Turkey is pre- tick up in said it would pump around around 150 temporary staff and paring for further delays in the $425m into fuelling its crisis- reduce the number of shifts at its delivery of two A400M military Markets steady as growth hit automobile industry as Kaluga plant in western Russia. transport aircraft it ordered Volkswagen became the latest “In the first months of 2015, from Airbus Group, according concerns balance ratings relief February manufacturer to cut back oper- the Russian automotive market to defence officials in Ankara. ations in the country. continued to feel the effects of a It signed a deal for 10 of the ISTANBUL: Turkish assets were little changed yesterday, as WASHINGTON: US home Prime Minister Dmitry weak economy, significant price heavy cargo and troop carriers in concerns about weaker growth and policy uncertainty tempered resales rebounded modestly in Medvedev announced the plan rises and high interest rates. We 2003 as part of a group of seven relief at Fitch’s decision late on Friday to affirm Turkey’s invest- February as a persistent short- to boost the beleaguered sector do not expect to see a change European NATO nations, expect- ment-grade rating and stable outlook. age of properties on the market that has seen sales plummet on in these factors within the next ing its part of the order to be ful- Investors had expected a change in the rating outlook to “nega- spurred the biggest price jump the back of economic turmoil in months,” the German auto giant filled by 2018. tive”. The credit rating agency warned that policy coherence and in a year, a trend that could Russia caused by falling oil prices said in a statement. After four years of delays in credibility were weaker than in similarly rated peers, however, cit- undermine the spring selling and Western sanctions over The cuts follow the decision last Europe’s largest defence project, ing recent political demands for sharp interest rate cuts. As June season. Ukraine. week by US titan General Motors Turkey received two of the air- parliamentary elections approach, President Tayyip Erdogan has The National Association of The funds — some 25bn rou- to withdraw its Opel brand from craft in 2014 and was due to called for lower rates, fuelling perceptions that the independent Realtors said that existing home bles or €390m — will go towards the country and close its factory receive two more this year. But central bank is subject to political meddling. REUTERS sales rose 1.2 percent to an annual cutting credit costs for cars and in Russia’s second city of Saint officials said that the latest deliv- rate of 4.88 million units. That the purchase of new vehicles by Petersburg. eries are now likely to be late. Airbus Military is in the proc- communicate further on that left the bulk of January’s 4.9 per- government bodies, Medvedev The Russian market — which Airbus will have to pay a pen- ess of negotiating a new delivery when the discussions are com- cent plunge intact. was quoted as saying by Russian rose to become Europe’s second alty or offer services for the new schedule for the A400M but has plete,” an Airbus Military spokes- “Insufficient supply appears to news agencies. biggest in 2012 — has crashed delays, they said, without giving a not so far published a timetable. man said. be hampering prospective buy- “If there are no support meas- headlong into crisis, with the col- new timeline. However, industry sources say its Airbus clashed publicly with ers in several areas of the coun- ures taken the market will fall lapse of the ruble hitting consum- “The penalty will depend on base production plan of 14 air- Turkey over the A400M last try and is hiking prices to near by 50 percent,” industry minister ers hard as prices soared. the number of days the deliveries craft for this year includes two year, saying it was Ankara that unsuitable levels,” NAR chief Denis Manturov warned. Sales for February were down are delayed, so the figure is not for Turkey. was delaying taking delivery of economist Lawrence Yun told The announcement of the gov- 38 percent compared with figures clear yet. Receiving products and “We are currently discuss- the first aircraft as a “bargain- reporters. ernment’s intervention to bolster from a year earlier, the industry services from the company is also ing A400M production with ing” move. Economists had forecast home the stalled auto industry came says. AFP possible,” one of the officials said. all the customers and we will REUTERS resales rising to a 4.90 million- unit pace last month. Sluggish home sales are yet another sign that economic Thai economy to grow 3pc activity slowed sharply in the first quarter, which could fur- Emirates sets Arabtec seeks to sell ther diminish expectations that the Federal Reserve will increase interest rates in June. guidance for The dollar fell against a basket four units in Saudi of currencies, while prices for US UK-guaranteed Treasury debt were little changed. The US housing index rose 0.33 DUBAI: Dubai’s Arabtec plans may make sense, especially after percent, in line with a slightly $913m sukuk to sell four of its five Saudi its board “expressed dissatisfac- firmer stock market. Shares Arabian units, the builder’s tion” with surging general and in the largest homebuilder, DR DUBAI: Emirates, the Dubai- annual results show despite also administration expenses, which Horton, gained 0.25 percent. based airline, has set initial stating that one of its main aims jumped 75 percent in 2014 to Lennar Corp rose 0.83 percent, price thoughts for a $913m this year is to expand its activi- Dh749.9m ($204.2m). while Pulte Group advanced 0.45 sukuk issue that will be guaran- ties in the kingdom. The four Arabtec units’ gross percent. teed by Britain’s export credit The board of Arabtec, which is profit margin was 11.7 percent, Tight inventories are hurting agency and may price as early 36 percent owned by Abu Dhabi higher than Arabtec’s other opera- sales by limiting the selection as Wednesday, a document state fund Aabar Investments and tions, Naeem Brokerage wrote in of houses available to potential from lead arrangers showed. reported a surprise fourth-quarter a note. “We are yet to hear from buyers. The lack of supply is also The initial guidance for the loss on Sunday, has approved dis- management on the reasoning keeping house prices high, helping senior unsecured ten-year sukuk posing of Arabtec Saudi Arabia, behind the (proposed sale) and to sideline first-time buyers. issue is at around 100 basis points Arabtec Construction Machinery, whether this would imply an antic- Last month, the inventory of over midswaps, the document Saudi Austrian Arabian Ready Mix ipated spin-off situation,” Naeem unsold homes on the market rose showed. The average life of the Co and EFECO Saudi. added. 1.6 percent to 1.89 million units. bond — the average time before Arabtec owns stakes of between The four units’ combined prof- Supply was, however, down 0.5 the principal is expected to be 45 and 62 percent of these firms its fell by more than half last year percent from a year ago. repaid — is 5.37 years. and has control over all of them. to Dh120.3m. Arabtec, which was Inventory growth should be Funds will be used partly to Selling the quartet would leave the not immediately available for com- averaging roughly 5.6 percent at pre-fund the acquisition of four builder with a solitary Saudi sub- ment, values their net assets after this time of the year, when the new Airbus A380-800 aircraft sidiary — Saudi Target Engineering liabilities at Dh860.5m, according market gets ready for the spring which are expected to be delivered Construction Co, although it also to its financial statements. selling season, according to the in 2015, the document showed. It owns 24 percent of a Riyadh resi- Arabtec swung to a net loss of Realtors association. is the first time that the British dential project. Dh94.4m ($25.7m) in the fourth The spring selling season, the export credit agency has guar- The proposed sale comes despite quarter of last year, missing busiest time of the year for hous- anteed a sukuk issue. London is a company press release accom- analysts’ estimates as high costs ing, runs from April through seeking to boost its position as a panying its results stating: “The weighed on its bottom line. The August. centre for Islamic finance. company’s plan (is) to continue builder reported a net profit attrib- Realtors and economists say Emirates has picked Citigroup, expansion in attractive markets, utable to shareholders of Dh214.6m insufficient equity and uncer- HSBC, JP Morgan and National mainly the Gulf region; in par- for full-year 2014 versus Dh377.8m tainty about the economy’s Bank of Abu Dhabi as the joint ticular the Saudi market, and to in 2013. It did not provide quar- strength were forcing potential structuring agents, with Abu study the expansion opportuni- terly figures in the statement, but Workers decorate a luxury shop ahead of its opening at a shop- sellers to stay in their homes. A Dhabi Islamic Bank, Dubai ties in other markets, taking into calculations based on its previous ping centre in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. The Thai economy was recent survey by the Realtors Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD and account the importance of the financial statements showed the expected to grow more than three percent in the first quarter of 2015, association showed homeowners Standard Chartered also acting Egyptian market.” company swung to a fourth-quar- boosted by a recovering tourism sector, increased private consump- on average staying in their homes as joint lead managers, the docu- Streamlining Arabtec’s Saudi ter loss from a Dh122.1m profit in tion and accelerated government spending. for 10 years instead of the typical ment showed. REUTERS operations into a single business the prior-year period. REUTERS seven years. REUTERS TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

US faces little options for East’s bid to control Libya more Russia energy curbs BY TIMOTHY GARDNER oil wealth likely to fail HE United States will struggle to follow through on threats to impose deeper sanctions on the Russian energy sector, BY ULF LAESSING importers who feed Libya’s 6 million people. Both main sides say they are commit- as European fears over collateral economic damage leave The bank is one of the last institutions ted to ensuring that Libya exports oil only TUS President Barack Obama’s administration with dimin- IBYA’S official government, largely left untouched by the power struggle, through lawful channels, and that rogue ished options. Energy is the economic lifeblood of Russia, which vies operating out of hotels in the paying public salaries across the country, armed groups must not be able to arrange with the United States and Saudi Arabia to be the world’s top oil east after being driven from the including those of the armed groups on the their own unofficial sales. A UN panel rec- producer, and the sector is the main target of Western sanctions capital, is unlikely to succeed in state payroll who are fighting on both sides ommended in February that an international over Moscow’s role in the conflict in Ukraine. plans announced last week to in the civil war. monitoring force be established to prevent But current sanctions have already hit the easiest targets in divert the country’s oil export Libya has slid into chaos four years after unauthorised exports. Russia’s high-tech exploration projects in the Arctic, Siberian shale, Lincome away from Tripoli. the war that ousted Gaddafi. Various rebel By unveiling a mechanism for the east to and deep-sea. That leaves the United States with less palatable Control over oil is at the heart of a strug- groups that opposed the dictator were put assert control over all oil sales, Thinni may options, such as trying to target the country’s oil exports, as it gle between two rival governments who are on the public payroll after his downfall and be trying to persuade rogue commanders in has done with Iran. Even though global oil prices have dropped fighting for territory in the North African have refused to disarm. They have divided the east not to go it alone. Ibrahim Jathran, by roughly half since last year, the United States’ European allies Opec state four years after the ousting of into two main factions, which have battled commander of an armed force who controls remain skittish over any damaging repercussions on energy supplies. Muammar Gaddafi. for control of the capital and state institu- four eastern ports, tried last year to sell oil Russia could respond by squeezing the gas exports on which Both sides field armies of fighters whose tions. Islamist fighters, some proclaiming on his own, but now proclaims at least nomi- Europe relies heavily. “If you start playing around with oil prices, salaries are paid with export revenues col- allegiance to Islamic State, have also taken nal loyalty to Thinni’s government. Russia is going to play around with gas, and there’s no way Europe lected by the National Oil Company (NOC), root in some areas during the ensuing chaos. Citing ship tracking data, oil traders said a is going to go along with it,” said Carlos Pascual, who until last which continues to operate out of Tripoli and Doubts about ownership of oil and insecu- tanker appeared to have tried to lift crude at August was the top energy diplomat at the US State Department. sell oil abroad even though the capital is in rity in ports have crippled Libya’s exports, one of the eastern ports under Jathran’s con- The current top US diplomat on energy issues, Amos Hochstein, the hands of a faction whose legitimacy is which have shrunk to less than 500,000 bar- trol this month. Jathran denies this. He has says Washington has not exhausted its sanctions toolkit should not recognised by the international buyers. rels per day, a third of pre-2011 levels, hurt- threatened to call for secession for the east Russian President Vladimir Putin expand the war in Ukraine. Last week, the internationally recognised ing both sides, which depend overwhelmingly should the faction now controlling Tripoli And Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said last week that the admin- government, which runs an eastern rump on state revenues. win international recognition. Toaldo said istration is ready to “increase the costs” on Russia if it breaks the state since fleeing the capital last year, said it Although Prime Minister Abdullah Al attempts by armed groups to sell oil were terms of a ceasefire. wanted all oil exports to be paid for through Thinni, now operating in the east, claims the unlikely to succeed as long as the European Hochstein, the State Department’s special envoy and coordinator a new state oil firm it is setting up in the east. authority to assert control over oil exports, Union, the biggest buyer of Libyan oil, as for international affairs, told Reuters it was unlikely Washington But analysts, oil insiders and Libyan busi- those involved in the trade say it would be well as the United States have pledged not to would put sanctions on Russia’s current oil production, though he nessmen said the eastern firm — also called all but impossible for him to do so. recognise “parallel institutions” offering oil. stopped short of ruling it out. “We’d want to look at what affects NOC — is unlikely to persuade buyers that it Thousands of documents, contracts, maps Thinni is also unlikely try in earnest to Russia, the assessment today versus a year ago is different, because is the legitimate owner of Africa’s largest oil and geological sheets are stored in Tripoli at convince oil buyers to sign new contracts, the oil markets today are different than they were then,” Hochstein reserves, as long as the original NOC is still headquarters of the NOC and its subsidiar- which might scare them away, hurting both said. “Russia can and should be a market participant, but it has to operating in the capital. “Oil contracts... are ies, where hundreds of employees work. sides in the conflict. Any further reduction play by the rules of the game.” signed with the (Tripoli) NOC and paid into Thinni has appointed a new head for his in Libya’s oil exports would seriously worsen central bank accounts,” said Mattia Toaldo, new NOC in the east. But no proper build- a public finance crisis, said Husni Bey, head CRACKS policy fellow at the European Council on ing exists yet to house it in Benghazi, the of HB group, one of the largest private firms Cracks are showing in European support for more sanctions. Foreign Relations. main eastern city which is now a war zone in Libya doing business on territory control- Going alone on sanctions is not a realistic option for Washington Introducing a new payment system would between Islamist militants and his forces. led by both sides. The central bank has been since it would block US energy companies from collaborating with mean breaking up the central bank, which His cabinet has been working out of hotels burning through its dollar reserves to keep Russia and let European ones in. has processed oil exports though accounts in Bayda, a town 1,200km east of Tripoli. the state afloat and fund annual imports Western sanctions imposed late last year forced US oil company used by buyers for decades, and which is They produce documents but have little worth $30bn. The Libyan currency has fallen ExxonMobil out of Russia’s Arctic and ended its collaboration with the only source of hard currency for the control over ministry staff based in Tripoli. by a third since last year. REUTERS Russian state oil company Rosneft, with which it signed a $3.2 bil- lion deal in 2011 to develop the region. European Council President Donald Tusk said on Friday it was increasingly hard to maintain a united position on sanctions in the 28-country bloc. EU officials speaking on condition of anonymity said that half or more of the bloc’s countries would like to see easing of the measures. So far, Western sanctions have blocked investments and technol- ogy transfers in the frontier oil drilling projects, targeted capital flows into Russia and slapped Putin’s inner circle with asset freezes and travel bans. Combined with the drop in oil prices, the sanctions have ham- mered the Russian economy, with the rouble down 40 percent against the dollar since mid-2014, driving it toward recession. But none of this has loosened Putin’s grip on Crimea since Russia annexed it a year ago, even though Russia agreed last month in Minsk to a cease-fire with Ukraine. Putin’s domestic popularity has risen since the imposition of sanctions. The West could take further steps to halt investment in Russian shale oil drilling, which Moscow is counting on to offset eventual declines in output from traditional oil fields. But more sanctions on shale drilling would be slow to do further damage to the Russian economy because that resource is three to 10 years from significant production. That underlines how the West lacks obvious options to hit Russia’s energy business in the short-term and influence its Ukraine strategy, experts said. “These tools may hurt and bite over time, but the inherent fragil- ity of the Ukraine is so high it is working against the ability of the West to achieve its goals,” said Andrew Weiss, a Russia expert in two previous administrations. The bluntest sanctions tool available would be to block Russia access to the SWIFT global electronic banking system, as the West did with Iran. Russian bankers and officials have described this as a nuclear option that would lead to full economic warfare. And beyond energy technology, the United States and Europe simply do not have much that Russia needs, experts say. “Apart from capital, technology, and certain market access, some of which has been targeted by previous sanctions, there are not that many things Russia wants from the West,” said Marik String, a sanctions lawyer at WilmerHale and former counsel on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. REUTERS Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

Lockheed opens a new battleground: Green energy

BY CHRISTIAN DAVENPORT friendly way to farm fish in a cage be a long time in coming, if at all. technology holds out the hope of renewable energy. One company, a growth opportunity. She men- and AMRITA JAYAKUMAR that drifts off the Hawaiian shore. Other defenve contractors have solving global problems of energy Virginia-based Leidos, operates a tioned climate change five times Chief Executive Marillyn Hewson tried to break into energy fields, supply, with almost no harm to the biomass plant in Connecticut that in the speech as she highlighted HE head of one of the touts the ventures as growth but some quickly admitted defeat, environment. turns discarded wood into energy. building alternative-energy solu- world’s most innova- opportunities, a calculated effort saying they should stick to what Last year, Lockheed announced But the plant has suffered power tions along with progress in the tive fish farms sports a to go green at a time when defence they know best. a breakthrough — a design for a outages and hasn’t met its energy- F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. scruffy beard and talks spending is shrinking after more “Defence firms look outside compact fusion reactor that the production goals, costing the com- “Population growth, resource about saving the planet than 14 years of sustained warfare. their core areas of expertise dur- company said it could produce in pany $40m in losses last year. scarcity and climate change are Tby moving “toward a culture of The move comes as the ing spending downturns, but these 10 years. But being able to create At a time of rock-bottom fuel reinforcing each other,” she said. nurture.” His office is a trailer near Pentagon has classified climate forays rarely stick when spending a reactor so small within a decade prices, renewable energy is diffi- Although seabed mining and the beach, where the views are of change as a significant threat, say- returns,” said Roman Schweizer, is still more ambition than reality, cult to make economical without water purification may not dolphins, the mission is progressive ing natural disasters and scarcity a defence policy analyst with several sceptical scientists said. government subsidies, Jim Moos, sound as if they fit neatly into and the dress code is loose. of food and water could create Guggenheim Securities. Although the fate of its fusion president of Leidos’s engineering the defence contractor’s portfo- All of which makes Neil Sims’s widespread instability requiring Among the reasons critics have project may still be years away, solutions group, said. lio, she noted that climate change partnership with Lockheed military intervention. That’s why been quick to doubt Lockheed’s another attempt to unlock a clean A top executive of United has been classified as a threat to Martin a most unusual corpo- Lockheed, employer to thousands forays into alternative energy are source of energy — the power of Technologies was especially can- national security by the Pentagon. rate alliance. The world’s larg- of scientists and engineers, is mar- that the early results have been ocean waves — sank quickly. After did when the conglomerate, which “As we consume more than ever, est defence contractor is best shalling its forces in what many spotty, and some of the science Lockheed partnered with Ocean makes fighter jet engines and mili- climate change is accelerating as known for making the weapons consider the unlikely new fields sounds more like science fiction. Power Technologies to build tary helicopters, decided in 2012 to well,” Hewson said in her speech. that unleash cataclysmic fury on of energy and the environment. One of Lockheed’s most ambi- what it called “the world’s larg- unload the wind power company “In fact, we know that 2014 was America’s enemies, whether in But Lockheed’s efforts have tious efforts has been years in est energy wave project” off the it had acquired a couple of years the hottest year in human history. Iraq, Afghanistan or Syria. But been met with scepticism from the making, a headline-grabbing Australian coast, the project failed before. “We all make mistakes,” he These pressures combine to create lately, it has set its sights on a dif- some analysts who say the com- attempt to build a nuclear fusion within six months. Corporate fil- said in a mea culpa to investors. real threats to security and stabil- ferent threat to national security: pany is moving too far from the reactor small enough to fit in the ings declared the venture “no But Lockheed is charging ity around the world.” Climate change. fighter planes, combat ships and back of a truck. Fusion — the longer commercially viable,” and ahead, confident that the techni- The company won’t provide In the past few years, Bethesda, guided missiles that have made forced collision of two atoms form- Lockheed’s partner dismissed its cal expertise that went into build- details about the size of its energy Maryland-based Lockheed has it a powerful force in the defence ing a single nuclei — produces the chief executive and got mired in ing weapons can also translate to portfolio, but Dan Heller, Lockheed’s launched a series of new initiatives industry and a safe investment. same nuclear energy that heats legal battles with investors. commercial industries. vice president of new ventures, said — harnessing energy from tides, It’s an effort that is unlikely to the sun without the nuclear Several other defence contrac- In a recent state-of-the-com- the company sees his unit “as a great purifying water, nuclear fusion, benefit shareholders, they say, waste caused by fission, which tors have struggled when they pany speech, Hewson highlighted potential growth engine”. and, yes, a new, environmentally because any returns are likely to fuels existing nuclear plants. The ventured into unproven areas of the foray into energy markets as WP-BLOOMBERG TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 11,521.29 0.03 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 17,776.28 0.03 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,194.68 0.16 % RATE QE All Share Index 3,074.96 0.01 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 3,116.57 0.05 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5807.985 -2.968 -0.05 5962 5248.5 QE All Share Industrials 3,736.37 0.29 % QR136.4525 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 2,415.02 1.02 % Cac 40 Index/D 5023.61 -5.32 -0.11 5074.83 4076.16 QE All Share Real Estate 2,371.38 0.01 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.4109 QR 5.4900 QE All Share Insurance 4,149.95 1.20 % Dj Indu Average 17849.08 0 0 18288.6 15855.12 QR 1.8649 Euro ...... QR 3.9047 QR 3.9837 QE All Share Telecoms 1,312.75 0.52 % CA$ ...... QR 2.8714 QR 2.9368 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 6,836.09 0.30 % Hang Seng Inde/D 24120.08 218.59 0.91 25101.96 23312.5 Services Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.6876 QR 3.7810 QE Market Summary Comparison Iseq Overall/D 6035.74 39.95 0.67 6212.11 5072.7 Yen ...... QR 0.0299 QR 0.0308 Aus$ ...... QR 2.8173 QR 2.8888 Today Previous day Karachi 100 In/D 31524.98 -817.28 -2.53 35055.94 32104.5 CRUDE OIL 23-03-2015 22-03-2015 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0575 QR 0.0588 Index 11,521.29 11,517.48 Nikkei 225 Index 19544.48 107.48 0.55 19479.89 16592.57 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0354 QR 0.0359 Change 3.81 6.29 BRENT Peso ...... QR 0.0798 QR 0.0823 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2119.59 1814.36 % 0.03 0.05 $ 54.42 SL Re ...... QR 0.0271 QR 0.0279 YTD% 6.22 6.25 Straits Times/D 3361.75 -8.2 -0.24 3458.14 3267.89 Taka ...... QR 0.0463 QR 0.0471 Volume 7,647,841 4,876,984 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0360 QR 0.0371 Value (QAR) 360,722,722.58 214,474,373.21 Straits Times/D 3290.99 -1.82 -0.06 3387.84 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.2947 QR 0.3006 Trades 5,039 3,633 $ 52.18 Up 20 | Down 16 | Unchanged 03 Straits Times/D 3274.06 -8.82 -0.27 3291.83 2953.01

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 23-03-2015

Book tickets to Europe now because dollar’s surge may be over

BY MATT O’BRIEN as soon as June — but also, in so Everyone who’d been rates at its June meeting, down trap from not keeping rates low many words, that rates would betting that the euro from 18 percent just a few days ago. for long enough. OR the last six probably be lower at the end of was taking a one-way Reality, in other words, is If the recovery is so fragile months, it seemed the year than it had thought trip down suddenly had catching up to the dollar. The that just talking about raising like the dollar could before. to buy euros to make irony is that the dollar had been rates makes it harder to actu- only go up. But if the In other words, it wasn’t prom- sure they didn’t lose too going up because the recovery ally raise them, as appears to be Federal Reserve has ising to keep rates at zero for much money now that had sped up enough that it the case, then it’s not hard to Fits way, that might be over now. much longer, but it was predict- it’s coming back up. looked like the Fed would have to imagine this turning into a game It was a simple story. The US ing that rates would stay near And that only made start normalising policy sooner of waiting for Godot’s rate hike. economy was doing well enough zero for longer than previously it rise even more, rather than later. First, the Fed thinks it will come that it looked like it would start expected. Why? Well, a big part which made them buy But now the stronger dollar in the summer of 2015, then the raising interest rates soon, and of it was how much the dollar even more, and so on, has hurt the recovery enough fall, then the winter, then, well, the rest of the world was slowing has gone up already. That makes and so on. That’s called that it looks like the Fed will who knows when. down enough that it was cutting it harder for US companies to a 12-year low of $1.05, because a short squeeze, and it’s have to stick with the new nor- So even though the Fed really, them. That meant investors could sell exports overseas or compete the European Central Bank was why the euro shot up 4 percent in mal of zero interest rates for at really wants to raise rates — make more money here than any- against imports at home, both of starting to buy bonds with newly a single night. But what one over- least a little, and maybe a lot, which it’s told us that it does — where else, so that’s where they which hurt growth. printed money and the Fed looked reaction gives, another one takes longer. So the expectation of it’s really, really hard to justify moved it, and, in the process, So, reading between the lines, like it was about to start raising away. By the morning, this panic higher interest rates has slowed that now. There’s no inflation, no pushed up the value of the dollar the Fed was saying that the dol- rates. euro buying had given way to not- the economy down so much that bubbly behaviour, just no reason — 14 percent since last summer. lar had gone up about as much It seemed like a sure thing — quite-as-panicked selling that interest rates won’t, in fact, be to increase rates anytime soon. But now the Fed is saying it as it wanted it to right now. It’s and, who knows, it still might be left the dollar right where it was higher now — and the question And that would mean there isn’t might not hike rates as early — or, not going to raise rates until the — that looser money in Europe before the Fed said it might keep is when will they be. any more reason for the dollar to more importantly, as often — as greenback cools off and the econ- and tighter money in the US the punchbowl out awhile longer. Chicago Fed President Charles go up. Markets already know that markets had assumed. And sud- omy heats up again. would keep sending the euro down But then the cycle continued. Evans, for one, has argued that rates are going to be super-low, denly what seemed like a one-way Markets listened. OK, that and the dollar up. Deutsche Bank Upon further, or maybe actual, the Fed should wait to hike rates negative even, in Europe, but if bet on an even stronger dollar is might be a generous way of went so far as to forecast that the consideration, markets decided until there isn’t anything even they’re not going to be higher in unravelling a little. putting it. A more accurate one euro would fall to $0.90 by the end that even though the Fed really resembling a doubt that the the U.S., then half the story about Now the Fed sent a slightly would be that markets freaked of 2016. But that’s become much does want to raise rates, it really recovery could handle it. That’s why the dollar should continue confusing message at its meet- out, then reversed themselves, less of a thing, let alone a sure one, won’t — so the dollar dove again because the risk of higher infla- rising against the euro would dis- ing last week. It said it wouldn’t then reversed a lot of that, too. after the Fed said that, on second against the euro. Indeed, markets tion from keeping rates too low appear. Bad news for your travel be “patient” about raising rates The euro had been falling, fall- thought, it probably wouldn’t raise think there’s only an 11 percent for too long isn’t as bad as the risk plans is good news for the economy. anymore — meaning it could start ing, falling, all the way down to rates all that much anytime soon. chance now that the Fed hikes of getting stuck in a low-growth WP-BLOOMBERG TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Halep storms back to win thrilling final

INDIAN WELLS, California: of nerves when she had the title Simona Halep won the BNP within her grasp in the second set Paribas title with a 2-6, 7-5, and tired badly in the third. Novak 6-4 victory over former world Halep had a bye before the final Djokovic number one Jelena Jankovic in after world number one Serena of Serbia a pulsating final at Indian Wells Williams withdrew from their poses with on Sunday. semi-final with injury but the the winner’s Serbian Jankovic was serving Romanian initially struggled. trophy after for the title at 5-4 in the second Jankovic, who won at Indian defeating set but world number three Halep Wells in 2010, dominated the first Roger Federer won the next three games and set, playing with freedom and fire of Switzerland battled back for the biggest title but became tense within reach of in the final of her career. victory. “I don’t know how I won today She broke to 3-1 and 5-4 to of the BNP because I didn’t play my best,” serve for the match but was Paribas Halep said. “I didn’t play good broken back on both occasions, Open in tennis, but I just wanted to fight the Romanian fighting for every Indian Wells, till the end. point before finally closing out the California, on “I just had the confidence that I 63-minute set. Sunday. have my chance here in this tour- Both players struggled on serve nament, and I just did everything in the third but Halep catured the to get it. I got it, and I’m really decisive break at 5-4 to secure her happy.” 11th WTA title. The tense encounter had both “I think at the end of the sec- players making plenty of mistakes ond set I got a little bit nervous,” but 23-year-old Halep displayed Jankovic said. “I got a little bit determination to secure her tentative, and that was my big third title of the year following mistake. I let her come back into Shenzhen and Dubai. the match. The 30-year-old Jankovic, “I kind of let those nerves take who had a testy exchange with the best out of me. That shouldn’t Djokovic fells Federer to her coach, showed clear signs happen.” REUTERS keep Indian Wells title World No. 1 also celebrates his 50th tournament victory

INDIAN WELLS, California: Open triumph, Djokovic thrashed set that had looked an unlikely Djokovic’s win moved him above World number one Novak semi-finalist Andy Murray, the prospect. coach Boris Becker in terms of Djokovic fought off a deter- man he beat at Melbourne Park, World number one Djokovic career ATP Tour wins and said mined challenge from Swiss and showed the same ruthless stole an early break and looked the milestone had given him an great Roger Federer on Sunday efficiency in the opening set back in command at 2-0, but extra push. to claim back-to-back titles at against Federer. Federer rallied again to break “It’s a great milestone. I don’t Indian Wells and celebrate his The Serb broke in the fifth back. take anything for granted. I 50th tournament win on the game and with his powerful, deep Ultimately it was double-faults believe that I have to earn every- ATP Tour. returns caused constant problems from the Swiss that proved costly, thing that I do. The Serb made hard work of for his opponent. allowing Djokovic to break again “I always try to look for addi- his 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-2 victory in the He dropped just four points on and then hold firm for victory. tional motivation, because that’s BNP Paribas Open final, giving up serve and after taking the open- “I thought overall it was a something that is necessary, the second set after serving three ing set, it was hard to see how the great match from my side, very especially if you’re playing on the double-faults, but he recovered to 33-year-old Swiss could recover. solid, great intensity, great com- highest level.” clinch a fourth trophy at Indian But Federer, trailing 4-3, lifted mitment to hit every ball,” said Federer paid tribute to his Wells following victories in 2008, his game to break Djokovic, bring- Djokovic. opponent’s staying power. 2011 and 2014. ing the Californian crowd to their “Credit to Roger for fighting “Novak did well to obviously Djokovic joins Federer as the feet. through. Showed again why he’s a sustain the lead for most of the only other man to win the tourna- Djokovic served for the cham- competitor and champion, some- match,” he said. Simona Halep of Romania holds the winner’s trophy after defeating Jelena ment four times. pionship at 5-4 in the tiebreak body that never gives up. When “I think he found an extra gear Jankovic of Serbia in the women’s final of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Enjoying a fine season that but gave up two double-faults, we got to the third set obviously in the end. It was tough,” the Wells, California, on Sunday. started with a fifth Australian allowing Federer to force a third it was anybody’s game.” Swiss great added. REUTERS My Russian heritage is non-negotiable, says Sharapova

LONDON: Maria Sharapova’s Yet, Sharapova baulks at the She said her Russian heritage according to rankings she will (pictured) life-changing move idea that she would want to moulded her instincts. play nemesis Serena Williams in from Siberia to Florida as a trade her Russian passport for an “It is about the family environ- the final. seven-year-old propelled her on American one, as former Czech ment, it is about the rich culture,” She beat the American in the a path to fame and fortune but Martina Navratilova did early in the 27-year-old said. 2004 Wimbledon final and again a she says she would never turn her glittering career. “Just life experiences that I few months later but lost the next her back on her mother country. “I would have if I wanted to look back to and I know that for 16, most recently in this year’s It is sometimes easy to for- (change citizenships) but it’s so many years I was shaped into Australian Open final. get that five-time Grand Slam never been actually a question the individual I was from those But Sharapova said their champion Sharapova, the world’s in my family or in my team experiences. rivalry still burned strong. highest-paid female athlete, is whether I wanted to change citi- “And not necessarily simply the “She’s at the peak of her career. actually Russian until you witness zenships,” the Russian told CNBC country, but the people, the men- I am now number two in the her conduct a post-match press in an interview to be screened tality and the toughness and that world,” she said. “I feel like we’re conference in her native tongue. tomorrow. never giving up attitude.” still driven and hungry to be the With $32m in prize money Sharapova, who won the World number two Sharapova best tennis players. alone, a string of lucrative Wimbledon title aged 17, still will not have to venture too far “I don’t think anyone in the endorsements, her own candy gives her all for Russia in the from her adopted home at the tennis world believed that, in business and even a famous boy- Fed Cup and was a torch bearer Miami Open which starts this 10 years’ time, we would still be friend she is the living embodi- at the Sochi Winter Olympics a week. rivals. I think it’s an incredible ment of the American dream. year ago. Should the tournament go story.” REUTERS LeBron powers Cavs to win at Milwaukee Rangers win to go to

MILWAUKEE: LeBron James by Irving to pull close. James scored 28 points, pulled down 10 scored six points in a row late in top of NHL standings rebounds, passed out six assists the quarter and Iman Shumpert’s and made five steals on Sunday jumper put Cleveland ahead 75-73 NEW YORK: The New York Lightning center Steven to spark the Cleveland Cavaliers entering the fourth quarter. Rangers went to the top of the Stamkos received a five-minute to a 108-90 NBA victory at James scored seven points in overall NHL standings when major penalty after trading blows Milwaukee. a run of 10 in a row by the Cavs they thumped the Anaheim with Brad Marchand during the J.R. Smith added 23 points and to seize an 87-76 edge to seal Ducks 7-2. first period. Within a minute Kyrie Irving contributed 20 points Milwaukee’s fate. AFP Defenseman Keith Yandle and without their star, Tampa Bay and seven assists for the Cavaliers, center Derek scored twice, just who won their third game in a NBA Results Stepan each NHL Results 15 seconds apart. row and seventh in eight starts to LA Lakers 101 Philadelphia 87 recorded three Red Wings 2, NY Rangers 7 Anaheim 2 stand 46-26 on the season, second Minnesota 98 Charlotte 109 points for the Blues 1 (OT) in the Eastern Conference. Rangers (46-18- Arizona 1 Vancouver 3 Left Phoenix 98 Dallas 92 Michael Carter-Williams 7), whose seven- Tampa Bay 5 Boston 3 winger Justin Boston 97 Detroit 105 scored a team-high 19 points for goal outburst was Detroit 2 St Louis 1 Abdelkader’s Milwaukee, but the Bucks slid to Orlando 100 Denver 119 a season high. power-play goal 34-36 with their sixth loss in a Toronto 106 New York 89 Right winger Corey Perry 24 seconds onto overtime gave row. Sacramento 109 Washington 86 scored twice for the Ducks the Detroit Red Wings a 2-1 win Khris Middleton and Giannis Atlanta 95 San Antonio 114 (46-21-7). against the St. Louis Blues. Antetokounmpo each had 15 Lightning 5, Bruins 3 It was a welcome win for Red Milwaukee 90 Cleveland 108 Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James grabs a rebound against the points for the Bucks. The Tampa Bay Lightning beat Wings, helping them stay clear of Oklahoma City 93 Miami 75 Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of an NBA game at the BMO Down 53-44 at half-time, the Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Sunday night. Boston 5-3 for their first victory division rivals Boston and Ottawa Cavaliers made a 14-6 run sparked LA Clippers 107 New Orleans 100 against the Bruins since 2012. in the playoff race. REUTERS TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

FACTBOX New Zealand vs South Africa South AUCKLAND: Factbox on the Africa’s cricket World Cup semi-final captain AB between New Zealand and de Villiers South Africa at Eden Park, speaks to Auckland. the media at NEW ZEALAND Eden Park Captain: Brendon McCullum in Auckland Coach: Mike Hesson yesterday. RIGHT: New Squad: McCullum, Martin Guptill, Kane Zealand’s Williamson, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Grant Elliott, Corey Anderson, Daniel Vettori, Luke captain Ronchi, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Tim Brendon Southee, Adam Milne, Trent Boult, Mitchell McCullum McClenaghan. addresses Results so far at 2015 World Cup: (Played a news 7: Won 7) conference at Eden Park Pool matches: Beat Sri Lanka by 98 yesterday. runs. (A solid batting performance from the batsmen saw New Zealand post 331-6, which the bowling attack easily defended by bundling out Sri Lanka for 233.); beat Scotland by three wickets (New Zealand skittled Scotland for 142 but then lost seven wickets in a nervous chase to win by three wickets); beat England by eight wickets (Tim Southee picked up seven wickets for 33 as England were all out for 123. Brendon McCullum then blasted 77 in 25 balls as the co-hosts reached their target in 12.2 overs); beat Australia by one wicket (New Zealand held their nerve to beat Kiwis, Proteas bid to cast trans-Tasman rivals Australia by one wicket in a low-scoring thriller. Boult took five wickets for New Zealand while Starc did the damage for Australia with six wickets); beat Afghanistan by six wickets (Daniel Vettori stifled Afghanistan with four wickets for just 18 runs off his 10 overs and then McCullum off semi-final shackles hit 42 off 19 balls as New Zealand chased down the 187-run target with six wickets in hand); beat Bangladesh by three wickets (Mahmudullah’s 128 took Bangladesh to It will be a great spectacle, says New Zealand’s skipper McCullum 288-7 but it was not enough as Martin Guptill scored 105 to help his team to victory after early hiccups). AUCKLAND: The cricket heavyweights, rather than merely for Sunday’s final at the 100,000- In the four other pool games Selectors will need to World Cup semi-final between the team that punches above its seat Melbourne Cricket Ground, they batted first and scored more decide whether to go with Henry Quarter-final: Beat West Indies by 143 runs New Zealand and South Africa weight. the end-point of a tournament than 330 runs each time, while in a ‘like for like’ selection or (Martin Guptill scored a World Cup record at Eden Park today has more at The game will be New Zealand’s that has seen the four best sides twice passing 400. choose from original squad 237 not out to help New Zealand reach 393- stake than a first final for the seventh appearance in the semi- make the semi-finals. De Villiers and South Africa members Kyle Mills or Mitchell 6. West Indies could only muster 250 in reply winner. finals at the World Cup, and third Australia and India clash in fans may well sweat on the toss. McClenaghan in their pace despite a rapid 61 from Chris Gayle). Both teams will hope to banish in succession, while it is South the second semi-final in Sydney De Villiers said he would have attack. Top performers: Guptill (498 runs): With some unwanted baggage from the Africa’s fourth since their re- on Thursday. 15 fit players to choose from, with Captain Brendon McCullum two hundreds, including an unbeaten double- global showpiece that has dogged integration into global sporting South Africa entered the swing bowler Vernon Philander was confident whoever selected century, Guptill has been the ideal opening them for years. competition following the end of World Cup with the two best having trained for the last two would slot into a side that has had partner for the aggressive McCullum. He has The Proteas have long worn the the apartheid era. one-day batsmen in the world in days at ‘100 percent’. contributors across the board in carried on when the captain has departed tag of cricket’s ultimate chokers Lose and the stain of failure De Villiers and Hashim Amla, a “It’s a difficult selection for us,” their seven victories. early. for repeated failures in the tour- remains — as was plainly spelled potent pace bowling attack, a wily De Villiers said. “There are a few “Whoever gets the nod, we’ve Boult (19 wickets): The left-arm paceman nament’s knock-out rounds. out for AB de Villiers’ team by legspinner in Imran Tahir and a boys who have put up their hands got full confidence they will be has been unplayable on occasions with the Their breakthrough quarter- the country’s sports minis- destructive middle order laden in the World Cup. able to go out there and perform new ball and his partnership with Southee final win over Sri Lanka, a first ter Fikile Mbalula before the with all-rounders. “It’s really difficult, especially their skills and fit into the game at the start has been very fruitful for New win in a knock-out match at the tournament. Pre-tournament, South Africa after a win like that last one plan appropriately,” McCullum Zealand. World Cup, will quickly be forgot- “We don’t want you in the vyed with Australia as bookmak- (against Sri Lanka).” said. Key to beating South Africa: If New ten if defeated in Auckland. World Cup to add numbers and ers’ favourites to win, but slipped New Zealand have been forced “I think tomorrow will be a Zealand’s batsmen make a strong start Like their opponents, New just become a bunch of losers,” up twice in pool play, losing to into at least one change, with great spectacle and I expect the they have shown they have the firepower to Zealand have never been fur- Mbalula said at the team’s fare- India and Pakistan. fast bowler Adam Milne ruled team that is able to handle the make huge totals. But against Australia, they ther than the penultimate hur- well function. Tellingly, both losses came after out with a heel injury and Matt crunch situations the best will showed their middle-order is vulnerable to dle and want to prove themselves Win and anything is possible chasing totals. Henry brought into the squad. come out on top.” REUTERS pressure. SOUTH AFRICA Captain: AB de Villiers No need for big motivation Both sides rule out Coach: Russell Domingo Squad: AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Kyle Abbott, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de speech, says De Villiers Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, sledging in semi-final David Miller, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander, Rilee AUCKLAND: South Africa to know those little things going AUCKLAND: Four years say enough by the way I go about Rossouw, Dale Steyn. captain AB de Villiers doubts into a semi-final and how to go after New Zealand beat South my business as a person and a Results so far at 2015 World Cup: (Played he will need to say too much about it, not to panic when you Africa in a spiteful World Cup player and I am expecting the 7: Won 5, lost 2): to motivate his team mates for lose a couple of wickets early. clash, rival captains Brendon team to be the same.” their cricket World Cup semi- “You can always find your way McCullum and AB de Villiers McCullum claimed New Pool matches: Beat Zimbabwe by 62 runs. final against New Zealand as he back on this field and keep fight- were pledging nothing but Zealand were not interested in (David Miller and JP Duminy starred in a feels they are already in a “good ing because you are never out of niceness on the eve of a crucial stirring up ill-feeling on the field. record 256-run fifth wicket stand to sink space”. it.” semi-final. “We obviously had a bit of a Zimbabwe); lost to India by 130 runs. (Could South Africa enter today’s De Villiers said his side was In the 2011 edition, their quar- stoush with them four years ago. not contain India’s top order and imploded clash at Eden Park slight favour- confident of putting up a good ter-final in Dhaka erupted as the I think both teams have grown while chasing); beat West Indies by 257 ites after demolishing Sri Lanka show. New Zealanders, who made 222, up immensely since that time runs. (De Villiers blasted a 66-ball 162 not by nine wickets, their first World “We have a lot of confidence sprayed the South Africans with and we’re different teams and out and they shot out West Indies in 34th Cup knockout win since their re- behind us. If we play to our full a verbal barrage as they lost five play the game in different spirit,” over); beat Ireland by 201 runs. (Centuries by integration after apartheid. potential, no one is going to stop for 25 on their way to a 49-run he said. Amla and Du Plessis set the tone for another “I know the guys are up for it us in this tournament,” de Villiers defeat. “I would expect us to go out huge win); lost to Pakistan by 29 runs (D/L ... I feel the team is in a really said. There were ugly scenes after there and focus purely on dis- method). (Bowled out Pakistan in 47th over good space at a really good time,” The semi-final may be a high- de Villiers was run out leading to playing our skills, trying to be as but faltered in chase); beat UAE by 146 runs. De Villiers told reporters at Eden stakes game, and New Zealand Kyle Mills, Dan Vettori and Faf good as we can with ball, bat and (Solid middle order batting laid foundation for Park yesterday. have talked about the hours spent du Plessis being fined for their in the field and leaving nothing easy win). “I will have a look at how the analysing the South Africans, but roles in the incident. out there in terms of heart and Quarter-finals: Beat Sri Lanka by nine feelings are when we get to the de Villiers was not concerned Ahead of this World Cup, du our soul and in trying to be as wickets. Imran Tahir took four wickets and ground. You normally get an indi- about the New Zealanders nor the Plessis was quoted as saying if desperate as we can. JP Duminy a hat-trick as South Africa bowled cation during the warm-up. injury that has ruled out speed- the two teams met again in a “Verbals are not how we want Sri Lanka out for just 133. The run-chase “It’s pretty easy to pick up ster Adam Milne. knockout match “this time it will to play the game. Other teams was a formality with the Proteas reaching when you have spent a few years “I think it is a big loss for them. be the other way around. We’ll like that sort of thing but for us their target in 18 overs. with the guys. I know each player They will deal with it in their own be the team that’s on top, and we we’re not good enough to have Best performances: AB de Villiers (417 individually pretty well. way. But I can’t go into it in too can do the same to them”. that as our focus.” runs): Enhanced his 360-degree batting “I know what makes them tick much detail because I can hon- But de Villiers attempted In recent matches, South reputation with scintillating shot-making. and what irritates them, too. estly tell you that we have been to smooth the way yesterday, Africa comfortably won two Fourth in the run-getters’ list with a 144- Sometimes it’s important to irri- focussing on our performance,” ahead of the clash that will pro- games last October before New plus strike rate. tate them to get the best out of he said. pel either South Africa or New Zealand rebounded with a World Imran Tahir (15 wickets): Journeyman them. “It would be silly to focus too Zealand into a World Cup final cup warm-up win in the lead-up. legspinner who has excelled at the World “It’s really about just reading much on the cricket they have for the first time. “They came over here, they Cup on turning wickets, taking five wickets the situation and trust your gut. played, because they have played If New Zealand started any touched us up a little bit in the against west Indies and four against Sri But I don’t think I will need to really well. But not only that, I trouble, he expected his side to opening couple of games we had Lanka. trust my gut too much tomorrow personally don’t like to focus too ignore it, he said. in our home summer and then because the guys are up for it.” much on the opposition. “New Zealand is normally a we obviously had a good win Key to beating New Zealand: Need to South Africa lost two of their “I know that if we rock up on gentleman-like team to play against them in a warm-up game contain New Zealand’s batsmen on the small pool games, including a 29-run the day and play a good game against but sometimes they do down in Christchurch,” he said. Eden Park pitch where they lost to Pakistan defeat by Pakistan at Eden Park. of cricket we will come out on go out and go for what they want. “(But) I think the warm-up and to control their nerves if chasing. De “We definitely learned some top.” We are expecting that. game doesn’t have a great deal Villiers is the key. valuable lessons in that game,” But de Villiers was pleased “I don’t think there will be of relevance because times have New Zealand v South Africa: De Villiers said. “It was good to with the intelligence learned too much tomorrow, but we will changed since then.” Total played: 61 get used to the angles of the field. from having played at Eden Park New Zealand’s Martin Guptill take whatever comes our way. I I don’t think much separates New Zealand won 20, South Africa won 36, “To have a look back now on when losing a World Cup thriller attends a training session at Eden personally don’t like to get too the teams and it will come down no result 5 reflection, I don’t think anything to Pakistan where South Africa Park in Auckland yesterday, ahead involved. to a pretty small margin,” the At Eden Park over 230 has ever been chased were dismissed for 202 when of his side’s World Cup semi-final “It’s all about the confidence New Zealand captain said. down here in an ODI. chasing a revised target of 232 in against South Africa today. and the body language. I think I AGENCIES Played 6: New Zealand won 3, South Africa “So it’s maybe not a bad thing 47 overs. AGENCIES won 3. TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

SCG set to turn Indian Australia, India brace for for Australia semi-final

SYDNEY: India fans are likely to outnumber their Australian verbal onslaught at SCG counterparts when the two teams clash in the World Cup semi-final in Sydney on Dhoni, Clarke have hands full trying to keep frayed tempers in check Thursday — much to the annoy- ance of the home captain. Australia skipper Michael SYDNEY: Rival captains Clarke and team-mate David Mahendra Singh Dhoni of India Warner sent out identical tweets, and Michael Clarke of Australia saying: “I call on all Australian may have their hands full try- cricket lovers to paint the SCG ing to keep frayed tempers gold on Thursday. We need your in check during a potentially support. #goldout” explosive World Cup semi-final The hashtag, referring to the on Thursday. Australian team colours, has The two teams have shared a ironically caught the fancy of tumultuous relationship both on more Indian Twitter users than and off the field in recent years Australian. and another flare-up cannot be Organisers believe that 70 per ruled out in front of a packed cent of tickets at the sold-out Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). 42,000-capacity Sydney Cricket It was at the same venue in 2008 Ground have been bought by where the infamous ‘Monkeygate’ India fans, threatening to create incident involving Australian all- an environment reminiscent of rounder Andrew Symonds and the frenzied atmosphere of Eden Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh Gardens in Kolkata. took place and almost saw a Test If the pitch suits spinners, as series being called off. has been the case at the SCG in Harbhajan was suspended for the past, co-hosts Australia may three matches for allegedly call- well feel as though they have been ing Symonds a “monkey”, but the kicked out of their own party. ban was overturned when India Kartik Ayyalasomayajula, threatened to walk out of the one of the founders of the tour, claiming the off-spinner was Swami Army — India’s version wrongly accused. of England’s Barmy Army sup- The bad blood continued dur- porters group — forecast the ing India’s Test and one-day Australian team would be in for a series in Australia prior to the hard time from fans on Thursday. World Cup when heated on-field “It will be very loud, very intim- exchanges led to several players idating,” Kartik told the Sydney- being penalised. based Daily Telegraph newspaper. Three Indian players, Virat “It will feel like an away game for Kohli, Ishant Sharma and Shikhar them. Dhawan, and Australian left- “The drummers will be going arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc Indian cricketers warm up during a training session at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday, ahead of their World Cup semi-final match on Thursday. around the ground and people will were charged for a breach of the be dancing, singing and cheer- International Cricket Council’s sledging will be fast and furious batsman “to speak English”, will would come down hard on mis- “Personally, I get along with ing every run India score, every Code of Conduct. at the SCG. not get into trouble again. behaviour on the field and repeat them really well,” he said. “Playing wicket they take. People will be Australian opener David “There are going to be words “He is fine,” the all-rounder offenders will be hit with bans. in the IPL, you get to know a lot going nuts.” Warner was the worst offender, said and it’s going to be a really said. “He does not say much But Maxwell is confident the of them, spend time with them, Kartik, a Melbourne-based IT having been reported both in tough contest,” Faulkner told — anymore.” involvement of Australian play- go to dinners with them and you professional, said the tweets by the Test and one-day series, and reporters yesterday. Allrounder Shane Watson will ers in the Indian Premier League start to develop real friendships Clarke and Warner pleading for was publicly told off by Cricket “I think there is always sledg- be another one under the radar of will help to keep the lid on — even and you stay in touch with them Australian support at the match Australia boss James Sutherland ing in the game. If there is not, Sri Lankan match referee Ranjan though that was not seen in the as well. It makes it hard when you indicated how much the home to “stop looking for trouble.” you’ve got problems. It’s the Madugalle, who fined him 15 per- preceding bilateral matches. play against them because you’ve team were worried. Warner risks missing the nature of the game. It’s a semi- cent of his match fees for a heated The belligerent batsman, who got to still have that fine line of “I think those tweets definitely World Cup final should Australia final. Cut throat. Neither team exchange with Pakistan’s Wahab has turned out for Mumbai keeping it competitive on the field say they’re going to be outnum- qualify if he is found guilty of will be backing down.” Riaz during tense moments of Indians, Delhi Daredevils and but they’re also your mates. bered,” he said. a third breach of the Code of Australian team-mate Glenn Friday’s quarter-final in Adelaide. Kings XI Punjab in the IPL, said “So you’ve got to continue try- “I would have thought that Conduct on Thursday. Maxwell is certain that Warner, ICC chief executive David the glitzy Twenty20 tournament ing to play as if you’re playing would be a standard expectation Australian all-rounder James who squared up to Rohit Sharma Richardson said before the tour- helped him get closer to Indian your worst enemy every time.” for the Aussie fans without their Faulkner predicted that the during the Test series telling the nament that match referees players. AFP heroes going on Twitter to plead with them. “They’re really scraping the barrel there. I think it’s a mes- I’ll pay Wahab Off-spinner Ashwin content sage in itself. “India versus Australia in a World Cup semi-final, it doesn’t get much bigger than that.” Riaz’s fine: Lara playing second fiddle to pacers Australian all-rounder James Faulkner said the team was pre- SYDNEY: Cricket legend Brian obscene language, while Watson SYDNEY: Ravichandran them out the game is going to go pared for a hostile response from Lara (pictured) said on Sunday was accused of conduct contrary Ashwin (pictured) may not be your way.” Indian fans. that ICC’s decision to fine fast to the spirit of the game when the India’s highest wicket-taker in Temperament-wise a pace Asked if the match will feel bowler Wahab Riaz following two faced each other. the World Cup but the lanky bowler in a spinner’s disguise, like an away fixture, Faulkner Pakistan’s defeat to Australia on “The incident happened in off-spinner is not complaining. Ashwin’s control of his craft has said: “We were talking about it Friday was “uncalled for”, while the 33rd over of Australia’s Fast bowlers Mohammad been astounding, something he last night at dinner, the last game offering to pay for it himself. innings when Watson ignored Shami (17 wickets) and Umesh underlined with three maiden we played here it definitely felt Pakistan’s clash with Australia the umpires’ instructions and Yadav (14 wickets) have more overs in India’s high-pressure like that. at the World Cup quarter-final verbally engaged with Wahab, dismissals to their name than tournament opener against arch- “The passion the Indian fans was significant for who, at the end of the Ashwin as holders India, tradi- rivals Pakistan. show towards their cricket team more than one aspect over, followed through tional spin powerhouses, have Ashwin has controlled his is sensational, so we’re definitely but it was Riaz’s 30 towards the batsman focused their attack on pace. turn, stuck to an off-stump line expecting that. minute spell with and used aggressive In five of their six group and varied flight and pace to “The last game we played Shane Watson that and abusive language,” matches, the quick men ensured force batsmen into committing against India here (a tri-series was the highlight of said an International the longest India had to wait for mistakes — a recipe his team match) was a washout and the the match. Cricket Council their first wicket was the fifth would expect him to repeat on fans were unbelievable in the way “I don’t know what statement. over, allowing Ashwin and his fel- bowling to the best batsmen in Thursday against Australia. they supported.” the ICC is thinking. “It was above board low spinners the luxury of domi- the tournament, particularly in “Ashwin is someone I have Swami Army’s Kartik said It’s just uncalled for. as far as I’m con- nating the middle overs. the powerplays. always loved to have in my side,” those Australians who turned up We need this in a cerned and I can’t “As far as the spinner is con- “I think the batting power- captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni at the SCG on Thursday would sport that people are wait to meet him. I cerned, when I come in, I’ve got play is a very good time to attack said after the win over Ireland. get another taste of what cricket running away from, want to meet with that little bit more freedom,” because you don’t give a lot of “I have always pushed him means in South Asia. especially 50-over [this] Riaz guy. I’ll Ashwin told reporters ahead of singles and it is pretty much to bowl in the powerplays and “This country won’t have seen cricket. I loved the pay the fine,” Lara the semi-final against Australia. about boundaries and wickets,” difficult situations. He is really this level of support or atmos- exchange,” the former West Indies told NDTV. In claiming 12 wickets, Ashwin he said. confident about his bowling. He phere for cricket games,” he said. batsman said. “It’s ridiculous what the end has proved more economical than “I like to throw myself in the understands his bowling well. “You have to go to the sub-con- The bowling ace was fined half result is. We are all entertainers. the pacemen, no mean feat for middle and try and see how much “The good thing with him is he tinent to get that kind of feel, so of his match fee for mocking the That to me was one of the high- a spinner in a format in which of an impact I can make in a keeps improving himself. Every we are effectively bringing that batsman and sending a ‘kiss’ in lights of the World Cup. A guy rules and conditions favour bats- game against Chris Gayle or AB time he is part of the series, he atmosphere to Sydney. It’s going the air. Conversely, Watson was running in bowling at 150km/h men so heavily. de Villiers. sees the challenges and accord- to be a spectacle.” fined only a meager 15 percent of plus and Watson looked like he The 28-year-old from Chennai “I look to get them out in the ingly improves,” Dhoni added. Kartik said fans were still look- his match fee. was at school,” he added. has also relished the challenge of middle because once you get REUTERS ing for tickets as they looked to Wahab was charged with using AGENCIES cheer on the defending champions. “It’s pretty much name your price kind of thing,” he said. “It’s the hottest ticket in town at the Faulkner confident Australia can finish off India moment.” AFP

SYDNEY: James Faulkner has Australians have made it through the nets now, I feel like I’m ready including the vital scalp of Kumar have been playing each other all built a reputation as Australia’s to the semi-finals without too to go,” he told a news conference Sangakkara, and knows bowling summer, with the World Cup fol- best finisher, the man who can much fuss, but the hard work has at the Sydney Cricket ground could prove decisive on a pitch lowing on from their four-match always be relied on to get the only just begun. yesterday. that has produced high scores all Test series and the subsequent team across the line in a tight Australia’s next opponent is “As a batting group, we’re play- summer. tri-nation ODI tournament. finish. India, the defending world cham- ing quite nicely at the moment.” “I’m expecting a lot of runs,” The Australians have domi- Faulkner hasn’t done that so pions. It is a match too close to But Faulkner’s most impor- he said. nated so far but Faulkner said far in the World Cup. Injured just call and Faulkner could be the tant role may not be with the “If you look at the past, between the prospect of making a World before the tournament started, key. bat but with the ball. One of the India and Australia, whether we Cup final would leave both teams he missed Australia’s first three Despite his lack of time at the three left-arm fast bowlers in the played them over there or in a little jittery. “I think everyone’s matches and has been slowly crease, the 24-year-old is confi- Australian team, he played a piv- Australia, you’ve seen a lot of runs going to be nervous in their own Organisers say 70 per cent of working his way back to full dent he can pick up where he left otal role in Australia’s pool win and I think that will happen come little way and it’s up to them tickets at the SCG have been fitness. off and start scoring runs again. over Sri Lanka at the SCG. game day.” how they want to deal with it,” bought by Indian fans So far, it hasn’t mattered. The “I’ve spent a fair bit of time in He bagged three wickets, The Australians and Indians Faulkner said. REUTERS TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Gymnasts arrive in Doha for three-day Gymnasts go through paces during their first tournament official training sessions at Aspire DOHA: The participating ath- Academy in Doha letes and delegations in the 2015 yesterday. The FIG Artistic Gymnastics World participating Challenge Cup began arriving in delegations in the Doha earlier this week. 2015 FIG Artistic The event will be held at Aspire Gymnastics World Academy of Sports Excellence from 25th to 27th of March 2015. Challenge Cup The delegations of Japan, began arriving in Croatia, and South Africa arrived Doha earlier this in Doha yesterday and began week. The three- their training session at Aspire day event starts Academy immediately after arriv- tomorrow. ing in Doha. The gymnasts of Indonesia, Turkey France and Philippines also arrived in Doha as the arrival of the participating delegations will be completed today as the event will begin tomorrow. The tournament will feature the participation of 33 countries to be represented by 80 gymnasts in Men’s competitions, 43 gym- nasts in women’s competitions and 49 umpires. The FIG Artistic Gymnastics Challenge Cup Series is held in 7 countries including the state of Qatar. The tour began last week American star ‘Jake’ eyes in Germany, and then the second round will be staged in Doha later this month. The list of the other hosting nations includes Slovenia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Portugal and Croatia. The FIG Challenge Cup will be Olympic Games glory concluded before the beginning of the World Championship to be held in October 2015. Ali Al Himi, President of the The 23-year-old gymnast finds Aspire Academy ‘pretty amazing’ Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF), and Chairman of the event’s organizing committee BY RIZWAN REHMAT said that Doha is ready to host the world event to begin on DOHA: For American artistic Wednesday. gymnast Jacob ‘Jake’ Dalton, Al Hitmi stressed that the finishing his career with an event will be of the highest Olympic gold medal would be standard. the ‘ultimate’ achievement. “It is our pride that we The 23-year-old, nicknamed have earned the trust of the ‘Jake’, missed out on a gold medal International Gymnastics with the American squad at the Federation to host such an impor- 2012 Olympic Games in London. tant event in Qatar. We have the “We were close on a medal in best possible facilities and infra- London but we had a few issues. structure to host any world class I am definitely looking at a lot of event,” Al Hitmi said redemption,” Jake said yesterday “Gymnasts like to come here as at Aspire Academy where he will we provide them the world class be seen in action at the three-day facilities. They appreciate the World Challenge Cup FIG ART high quality of event and hospital- Gymnastics. ity, which they experience here,” “I think we all (team members) added Al Hitmi. are (eyeing a medal). We have the Two days before the tourna- team to do it, to win a medal. But ment, the QGF President Ali Al other countries are very strong. Himi met with the Qatari gym- We have a lot of work to do. I’d nasts to participate in the event. love to finish my career with an Al Himi argued the Qatari player Olympic medal,” the American LEFT and ABOVE: to live up the expectations of the said. “If we can reach the podium, American gymnast Qatari fans and show the level that would be the way to go out Jacob ‘Jake’ Dalton is that reflects a positive image for (smiles). That would be the ulti- seen during a training the Qatari gymnastics. mate thing to do,” he added. The Qatari squad includes session at Aspire Excerpts from a chat with the Mahmoud Al Saadi, Ahmad Academy in Doha Nevada-based gymnast: Al Dayani and Farah Tariq Question: Tell us something yesterday. Mahmoud. about your form and fitness? For her part, the QGF Answer: I feel pretty good. It’s Assistant Secretary General and not like preparations for world Question: What are your Championships take place mid- clean. At least whenever I do the moment. I haven’t had many the Tournament Director Abeer championships where you have goals the rest of the season? August. It’s a good break. I have preparation, everything goes well. surgeries. When I was younger I Al Boanain was delighted by the months of preparation. I feel Answer: After this it goes been preparing from end of Obviously it is very hard to do all had a knee surgery. I was like 14 level of the Qatari preparations pretty good. The last event for down. I will take a break for a December (2014) and until now. this in the beginning but you start then. In 2013, I broke my thumb. for the world event. me was in February which went while. It will be nice to prepare for It has been a while so I am defi- to do better and better. And once That was just before worlds, so I The QGF Assistant Secretary pretty decent. Then I got sick so I the US National Championships. nitely looking for bit of a break. you get into world championships, was able to compete in floor and General stressed that the par- went down a little bit. I am kinda Hopefully I can make the World I might take a couple of weeks you are really in good shape. You vault there. ticipation of three Qatari play- on the upswing now. I feel okay. Championships team again. I want vacation and then come back. are consistent and you are ready Question: How’s the sport ers in the World Challenge Cup I am just ready to compete now. to go to Glasgow with the team. The US Championships will be to go. That’s what I really look back home in the US in terms reflects the development of the Question: Are you looking at Hopefully we can jump higher in my main event. I won’t be com- at it and that’s the way I want of popularity? Gymnastics in the state of Qatar. medals this week? the team competition. We were peting anywhere else. I just got to compete - the way I train. I Answer: It is popular during On the other hand, the organiz- Answer: This week I am just third last year and definitely we the Pan-Am Games before the just trust what I have done up to the Olympics year. It’s not very ing committee of the FIG Artistic trying to get into right rhythm. want to step up a little bit more US Championships. I don’t like to that point. popular other than that. I think Gymnastics World Challenge I am trying not to focus where I this year. So that’s the goals for travel when I am getting ready to Question: What are you long- people really enjoy the sport on Cup will hold a press conference would like to place myself. I just this season. But obviously the compete in major events. I didn’t term goals? television but they don’t get to see today at Aspire Academy of Sport want to know if I could do my individual goals come after that. want to go anywhere. I just want Answer: We have the Olympics it often unless it’s the Olympics or Excellence, to present the star sets. I will be happy if I can hit Right now we are focusing on the to eat well and train well before next year so that’s obviously is the something. I try to work on that gymnasts to participate in the the sets that I want to hit. I think team events. the US Championships. big one. We were close on a medal - trying to help grow the audi- world cup. it will put me in the top but that’s Question: When do the US Question: How did you get in London but we had a few issues. ence on gymnastics. I show people The press conference will be my main focus: to hit clean and be Championships take place? into gymnastics? Why not any I am definitely looking at a lot of how fun it is to watch this sport. attended by the officials of the consistent overall. Answer: The US other sport? redemption. I think we all (team Sometimes it is hard for them to organizing committee in addi- Answer: Actually I was doing members) are (eyeing a medal). understand the sport - things like tion to a great number of the star Qatari other sports (smiles). I was doing We have the team to do it, to win the scores. Some of the people I gymnasts to compete in Men’s gymnast soccer and baseball. Baseball was a medal. But other countries are talked to love it but it’s not on and Women’s events. my main sport and I had a coach very strong. We have a lot of work TV that much. It’s not like NFL The media committee of the Ahmad Al tell me ‘to do gymnastics because to do. I’d love to finish my career or soccer back. It’s definitely on event prepared a world-class Dayani poses it would be good for my pitching with an Olympic medal. If we can that level but I would love to see media center that befits the repu- with his coach arm’ (laughs). I started getting reach the podium, that would be it at that level. tation of such a world event which yesterday. on gymnastics teams, started the way to go out (smiles). That Question: What do you think is expected be covered by repre- competing and I had to pick one would be the ultimate thing to do. about the Aspire Academy? sentatives of the international over the other and I opted for Question: Rio Games is a Answer: This is my first time. news agencies. gymnastics. target but if you miss out on a It is pretty amazing. I was talking The organising committee will Question: How do you medal there, then what will be about it as we were walking into also publish the updates and the prepare yourself before your new goals like? this place. It reminds of world data of the tournament at its offi- competitions? Answer: I would like to championships. Podiums and eve- cial website www.dohagym.com. Answer: Lets’ say for this one stretch (my career). I am just rything else is huge. It is spread The website provides its visitors (the event in Doha), I just wanted 23. I will be 25 or so in Rio. So out. There is plenty of space. It with all necessary information to come out and be consistent. I definitely I’ll be getting older by is really cool. The equipment was about the tournament including hate falling. I know every gym- 2020 Olympic Games. I hope my great. I am really looking forward the competition schedule and nast probably does. I just want body can hold up, then I will keep to competing here. I feel ready.” practice schedule. to go out there and hit my sets going. It doesn’t hurt too bad at THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

MotoGP Calendar for 2015 DOHA: Calendar for the 2015 Marquez the man to beat MotoGP championship start- ing in Qatar on Sunday: March 29: Qatar, Losail International Circuit. April 12: GP of the Americas in Austin, Texas. in new MotoGP season April 19: Argentina, Termas de Rio Hondo circuit. May 3: Spain, Jerez The Spanish rider aiming to complete hat-trick of world titles in 2015 May 17: France, Le Mans May 31: Italy, Mugello DOHA: Honda were way off the June 14: Catalunya, Barcelona pace on their return to Formula June 27: Netherlands, Assen One with McLaren but they July 12: Germany, Sachsenring are sure to be on it in MotoGP Aug 9: Indianapolis GP, when Marc Marquez starts his Aug 16: Czech Republic, Brno bid for a third successive crown with Sunday’s season-opener in Aug 30: Britain, Silverstone Qatar. Sept 13: San Marino, Misano The 22-year-old Spaniard Sept 27: Aragon, Spain will be favourite again in a gang Oct 11: Japan, Motegi of four main title contenders Oct 18: Phillip Island, Australia that includes compatriots Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa as Oct 25: Malaysia, Sepang well as 36-year-old Italian great Nov 8: Valencia, Spain Valentino Rossi. But the landscape looks differ- ent to last year, when Marquez LEFT: MotoGP World Champion chalked up a record 13 wins for Marc Marquez of Spain is seen his Repsol Honda team, with the in action during one of the field looking closer and Ducati races last season. Marquez, 22, making a strong comeback. will be aiming to complete a At last week’s final test at hat-trick of MotoGP titles when Qatar’s floodlit Losail circuit, the he launches the 2015 season at top 14 riders were separated by Losail International Circuit on less than one second. March 28. Marquez spent three While Lorenzo’s Yamaha team days at the same venue during are looking to mount more of a challenge, Ducati have impressed what was the final pre-season with a Desmosedici GP15 bike testing last week. that looks set to end the Italian manufacturer’s five-year winless streak. clear that our rivals are the and who I have to keep a close Marquez since the younger to last year and we gained some- as a star of the future, will be Because of their lack of recent Yamaha riders and Dani -- they eye on.” Spaniard’s sensational debut and thing with the new gearbox... we a youngster to watch at Honda success, and decision to switch are our rivals for the champion- Ducati’s Italian Andrea will want to show that Honda think we have a big margin to LCR as he follows in the tracks of from factory to open category, ship,” Marquez, last year’s win- Dovizioso and team-mate Andrea were right to renew his contract improve while developing.” now-retired champion compatriot Ducati have a range of allow- ner in Qatar, told the motogp.com Iannone reckon they still have the for two more years. Aprilia and Suzuki, the lat- Casey Stoner. ances including a softer tyre website. equipment to make life difficult Double champion Lorenzo has ter returning after a three-year While Formula One was option than the works Honda and “At some specific point, the for Marquez. trained hard after a disappointing MotoGP absence with rising left with a shrunken starting Yamaha teams. Ducati will be there at the front “We go to Qatar to get on 2014 and was more comfortable Spanish prospect Maverick grid of 15 cars at its Australian However they will lose those but they have this ‘handicap’ of the podium,” Dovizioso told the on the Yamaha in testing. Vinales making his debut, are opener only two weeks ago, the once they have chalked up three losing some of their advantages Gazzetta dello Sport. “Overall the pre-season was back with works teams. number of riders entered in the wins in a season. if they get good results. Injury-prone Pedrosa, 29, has good for us,” he said. “We have Australian Jack Miller, arriv- MotoGP class has now risen to 25. “At the end of the day, it’s “So I know who my rivals are been eclipsed by team-mate a good bike, especially compared ing direct from Moto3 and billed REUTERS All eyes on Rabat to defend title in Moto2 class; young Fabio QMMF Racing Team ready for season as Moto3 riders eye DOHA: After the recent weather-affected final preseason test in Jerez, it is hard to pre- title glory dict any favourites for the 2015 QMMF Racing Moto2 title as riders prepare to Team riders DOHA: The Moto3 class has do battle under the lights at the Anthony West always been a platform for the Losail International Circuit in (right) and best young riders in the world Qatar. to showcase their talent, and Julian Simon Tito Rabat becomes the first for 2015 this is no different with (extreme ever Moto2 World Champion only four riders competing in since the class began to attempt left) are seen the Championship over the age to defend his title on the Estrella with QMMF of 21. Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS Racing President Frenchman Fabio Quartararo Kalex, with previous Champions Nasser will be the youngest rider to ever having decided to move up to the bin Khalifa to compete in a full season in MotoGP class. Al Attiyah Moto3, at just 15 years and 343 Rabat is joined in 2015 by two of during the days, with the organisers having the top three Moto3 riders from 2015 World changed the rules this year to last season as well as 14 of the top Motocross allow someone under the age of 15 riders in the Moto2 standings Championship 16 to take part in a race. from 2014, with only Maverick opener Quartararo was the CEV Vinales having left the class to at Losail Repsol Moto3 Champion from join the factory Suzuki Ecstar International 2014, and has already impressed team in MotoGP. Circuit last a number of people with his pace Speed Up Racing’s Sam Lowes month. during pre-season, having joined will hope to continue his presea- the Estrella Galicia 0,0 Team for son form during 2015 as he begins 2015. his second season in the class, There are a number of new while last years Moto2 runner-up faces that will line up on the grid Mika Kallio has made the switch in 2015, including last years Red this year to the Italtrans Racing and Rabat’s new team-mate, the QMMF Racing Team rid- Spain, with strong lap times and feeling for the latest version of the Bull Rookies Cup Champion Jorge Team. 2014 Moto3 World Champion ers Anthony West and Julian valuable set-up conclusions in Speed Up prototype straight away Martin, who will be joined by With serial contenders like Alex Marquez, also lining up on Simón completed their first pre- mid-February. and clocked 12th and 13th fastest Juanfran Guevara and Francesco Johann Zarco, Luis Salom, Axel the grid, it is shaping up to be an season test for this year’s Moto2 With new WP suspension sys- on the first day of testing. Bagnaia on the on the Mapfre Pons, Simone Corsi, Thomas Luthi incredibly competitive season. world championship in Valencia, tems, both riders had the right When rain set in for the Mahindra Team. second and third day, the Quartararo is joined in the 33-year-old Australian and his Estrella Galicia 0,0 Team by the QMMF Racing 27-year-old Spanish team-mate man who finished runner-up to Team rider continued their work despite him last year, Jorge Navarro, Anthony West cold and treacherous conditions, while Gabriel Rodrigo will be the is seen in establishing a solid set-up base for first ever Argentinian to compete action during possible wet races to come. in Moto3, for the RBA Racing Simon was as high up as third Team. one of the and West as high up as eighth Maria Herrera will be the sec- pres-season in some of the wet sessions in ond female to compete full-time tests in Jerez, February, confirming the team’s in the Moto3 class alongside Ana Spain. high potential for the 2015 season. Carrasco, as she becomes team- “We are feeling good at the mates with Isaac Vinales in the moment,” West said last month. Husqvarna Factory Laglisse “I think we can launch a serious Racing Team. season of success if we start well,” A total of 14 nationalities will the Australian added. be represented on the grid when The final three-day test also the lights go out in Qatar, and took place at Jerez, Spain last with less than 0.6s separating the week. The Commercial Bank first six across the line last year, Grand Prix of Qatar starts on it once again promises to be an Thursday with two practice days exciting start to the 2015 Moto3 for the riders, before qualifying World Championship. Teams on Saturday, with the Moto2 race have an extra day of practice at due to take place at 7:20pm local the Losail International Circuit time on Sunday night. to prepare for the season opener. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA Tuesday 24 March 2015 4 Jumada II 1436 Volume 20 Number 6379 Sport Price: QR2 Djokovic Marquez the defends Indian man to beat in

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Laos defeat Qatar Barcelona’s Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez celebrates after in seesaw clash scoring a goal against Real Madrid during Beach Soccer World Cup qualifiers begin the El Clasico La Liga match at the Camp DOHA: The highly-anticipated Yesterday’s Results continued and Qatar came to the Nou Stadium in FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup party, scoring left and right as the UAE 7-5 Iraq (Group C) Barcelona on 2015 — AFC Qualifier Qatar Maroons turned their 3-1 deficit Sunday night. kicked off at Katara beach here Oman 3-2 Bahrain (Group A) into a 5-3 advantage going into yesterday with teams vying for China 5(3)-5(2) (pso) Vietnam (Group B) the final period. the three places available at the Japan 5-3 Kuwait (Group B) However, Laos regained their FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Qatar 5-6 Laos (Group A) composure scored two fantastic that will be held in Portugal this Iran 3-2 Lebanon (Group D) goals to tie the score midway summer. Today’s Matches through the frame. Hosts Qatar narrowly lost to The hosts turned up the inten- 12.30pm: Uzbekistan vs UAE (Group C) Laos 6-5 in a Group A encounter sity but were unable to get their yesterday. 3pm: Laos vs Oman (Group A) sixth goal as the game went into The match was a tale of two 4.15pm: Kuwait vs China (Group B) the final minutes. El Clasico: Suarez hails halves. The hosts lost their com- 5.30pm: Vietnam vs Japan (Group B) Laos finally found the back of posure in the opening frame and 6.45pm: Bahrain vs Qatar (Group A) the net when N. Chiu scored his some of the second period and 8pm: Thailand vs Lebanon (Group D) third of the day and the guests were trailing 3-1. But Qatar ral- held on for a hard-fought victory. lied in the middle period to seize on their approach in the open- Beach Soccer Worldwide ‘most important goal’ the lead. ing minutes, there was no way of Executive Vice-president and However, that would prove telling that. They scored first but FIFA Beach Soccer Committee BARCELONA: Luis Suarez That is why we signed him. We the first-half, but had far more inadequate as the guests the hosts soon equalised through Member Joan Cusco encour- lauded his El Clasico winner as valued him because he is a player control once he had fired them in rebounded again and held on for Al Sharqi, who slotted home with aged supporters to come to the his biggest goal since moving that makes the difference,” said front for a second time. the three points. a header. venue and accompanying fan to Barcelona, as the Catalan Enrique. “We fell into the trap of playing The win put Laos in a good posi- The Laotians scored the next zone, organised by the Supreme giants moved four points clear “Ever since he arrived we have an end-to-end game which they tion in their group and another goal, taking a 2-1 advantage into Committee for Delivery and of Real Madrid with a 2-1 win been very happy with his per- like and we weren’t in control of win (against Oman) today will the middle frame. Early in the Legacy (SC), to catch some of on Sunday. formances, his commitment and the game like we normally are. help further their cause. second period, the teams were at the exciting action and try out Suarez controlled Dani Alves’s everything he does for the team.” We played very direct and Madrid Qatar were fiercely competi- a stalemate with both defences the accompanying activities for ball over the top and fired past A third defeat in four games are very good at pressing. tive and could have very well and goalkeepers at the top of their kids and families. Iker Casillas just before the hour was another huge blow for “We didn’t have the ball in the come out victors if the rub of the games. “If you come, we will not dis- mark to hand Barca a huge win. Madrid, who led the league by first half, but we wanted to do green went a little more in their The Laotians were the first to appoint you,” Cusco said with a “It is my most important goal four points just three weeks ago. better in the second and that’s favour. They will now desperately break the deadlock, scoring the smile. “You will like what you see. for Barca so far, it has an extra Coach Carlo Ancelotti was con- how it went.” be looking for a win when they third and taking their lead to two This is a new, modern, fast sport meaning given the opponents that soled by his side’s much improved Suarez, though, insisted Barca take on Bahrain today. goals going into the heart of the with lots of goals. It is very ener- it was against,” said Suarez. display in the first hour of the can’t take their foot of the gas Laos had never participated in match. The scrappiness of the getic, there is music and people The former Liverpool star’s game compared to their wretched having seen Madrid blow the a FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup match continued and the Qataris will love it and will have fun.” strike came at a crucial juncture form in recent weeks. same advantage in recent weeks. — AFC Qualifier before but, based scored again. The comeback THE PENINSULA in the game as Madrid looked However, he admitted his side “There is a long way to go and the more likely to go ahead after wilted under the pressure of chas- the league is very difficult,” he Cristiano Ronaldo had cancelled ing an equaliser for the second said. out Jeremy Mathieu’s early time after the break. “We need to take advantage of opener for Barca. “I think it was a mental prob- the gap we have against a very A moment from “I tried to take advantage of lem not a physical one. We started strong opponent in Madrid. Like yesterday’s the space between the defend- looking for more difficult passes in all leagues, you don’t know match between ers as quickly as possible to not and that is why the last half-hour what can happen if you relax a Qatar and Laos, give them time to react. Luckily didn’t go like the first-half. little.” it went in,” added Suarez. “We are disappointed, but it is And Ancelotti said his side at Katara beach Barca boss Luis Enrique lauded better to have better feeling in the wouldn’t give up the chase in in Doha. The the Uruguayan’s quality and said way we played. We can have more the remaining 10 games of the FIFA Beach that is why the club splashed out a confidence in the future games season. Soccer World club record fee for the 28-year-old in the league and the Champions “At the moment the league isn’t Cup 2015 — despite his chequered past. League.” finished. Barca have an advantage, AFC Qualifier “It is clear the goal is some- Suarez admitted that Barca like we had before. In football Qatar kicked thing very few players can do. had played a dangerous game in anything can happen.” AFP off in Doha yesterday. BELOW: A Chinese player European leagues alone in tries a bicycle kick during their match against Vietnam. opposing 2022 Cup timing: UEFA PICTURES: SALIM MATRAMKOT VIENNA: The association would have preferred to play in which represents European January because it would have soccer’s professional leagues is had less of an impact. alone in its opposition to the “But it is still seven-and-a- settlement reached last week half years away and everyone can over the timing of the 2022 plan their competitions around World Cup in Qatar, UEFA said it. As our President (Michel yesterday. Platini) said, it’s not the end of FIFA confirmed on Thursday the world if once every 150 years, that the tournament would be you change the way competitions held in November and December, are played.” forcing the European club season EPFL chairman Frederic to take a break. Thiriez said its suggestion for Soccer’s governing body also a May World Cup had not agreed to make a threefold UEFA General Secretary Gianni been examined and that the increase in the amount it makes Infantino addresses a news November/December timing in so-called collaboration costs conference following the UEFA would cause serious financial to all clubs who release players Executive Committee meeting in damage. for the tournament, a move wel- Vienna yesterday. European clubs will share comed by the European Clubs’ $209m for releasing their play- Association (ECA). pretty much divided,” Gianni ers for each of the 2018 and However, the European Infantino, secretary general of 2022 World Cups, compared to Professional Football Leagues European soccer’s governing body $70m in 2014, an increase which (EPFL) association main- UEFA, told reporters. Infantino said was reasonable. tained its opposition and said “I think we all have to come a “$209m when you have reve- on Saturday it would back any little bit back down to earth and nues of $5bn is not a huge amount legal action against FIFA regard- not overplay the things we are and clubs need to participate in ing the scheduling of the tourna- speaking about here,” he added. the benefits of the World Cup,” he ment, traditionally held in June “In our view, the World Cup said. “In Euro 2016, we expect to and July. has to be played in the best pos- generate something around $2bn “I think they are pretty sible conditions. It is, of course, and we distribute to the clubs much alone in this stance, even not an ideal situation to play in $450m, so the percentage is much amongst themselves they are November and December and we higher for the Euro.” REUTERS