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GWC’s full year Nishikori puts net profit grows friendship asidee to 32% to QR185m post win

THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 • 11 Rabia II 1437 • Volume 20 • Number 6682 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar Emir returns Sheikha Moza from Russia laments poor QNA DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani returned to Doha yesterday after wrapping up Arabic standards an official visit to Russia. The Emir left Moscow on Tues- day evening. He sent a cable to Russian President Vladimir Putin development of language education thanking him for the warm hos- and we left our children to use other pitality accorded to him and his Children spoke better languages even while communicat- delegation. Arabic decades ago, ing with their parents,” said Sheikha The Emir expressed pleasure Moza. She expressed sadness over over the meeting with Russian Pres- says QF Chairperson the fact that decades ago Arab chil- ident and exchange of viewpoints on dren spoke better Arabic than today matters of mutual interest and the and urged the audience to explore review of close relations and coop- the reasons. eration between the two countries The Peninsula A lack of interest of families in in the interest of their peoples. The Arabic language, weak curriculum Emir wished the Russian President and poor teaching methodology have good health and happiness and the DOHA: H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, made the situation worse, she added. Russian people further progress H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser inaugurating the second edition of the Forum for the Renaissance of Arabic Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF), “Children are reluctant to read and prosperity. has lamented the damage done by children’s literature because of the language, which is entitled ‘Linguistic Upbringing of The Arab Child — The Reality and Prospects for the Future.’ Pic: AR Al-Baker / HHOPL misuse of modern communication craze for electronic games and modern technology to Arabic language, say- entertainment, which we have failed ing it has exposed Arab children and to produce locally and introduce in Mexican President youth to electronic linguistic jargons. Arabic language,” said Sheikha Moza. She was addressing the second She added that the Arab world arrives in Doha edition of the Renaissance of Arabic is facing a cultural divide between Language Forum, which opened at standard Arabic and colloquial dia- Shop rents frozen for a year the Qatar National Convention Center lects. Speaking in standard Arabic by DOHA: Mexican President Enrique (QNCC) yesterday. The two-day forum Arab natives has become like speak- The Peninsula of commercial complexes. at its routine weekly meeting yes- Pena Nieto arrived yesterday in Doha has been organised by QF member ing in a foreign language. The decision to freeze shop terday, reports QNA. on a two-day official visit. World Organization for Renaissance Writers, intellectuals and artists rents for a year, until the middle of The Draft Decision pertains only Upon his arrival at Hamad of Arabic Language (WORAL) under now speak to media outlets in their DOHA: Shopowners cannot increase February 2017, has been taken to to shop rents and excludes office International Airport along with the theme, “Linguistic Upbringing of dialects, Sheikha Moza said, adding the rent for a year as the government check rent increases in view of a space, clarified prominent lawyer, a delegation, Pena Nieto was wel- The Arab Child — The Reality and that such a dilemma calls for research has extended the validity of tenancy severe shortage of shops. The Cabi- Yusuf Al Zaman. He added that the comed by Minister of Energy and Prospects for the Future.” and serious work to simplify the Ara- contracts of all kinds of shops until net yesterday approved its own Draft Draft Decision approved by the Cab- Industry, H E Dr Mohammed bin “We in the Arab world did not bic language curriculum and force mid-February next year. Decision to extend the validity for a inet yesterday covers only shop rents Saleh Al Sada, Qatar’s Ambassador invest in the extraordinary scien- television programmes to use stand- The shops include all inde- year of leases of premises or parts a they have literally been soaring. to Mexico, Ahmed Abdulla Ahmed tific advancements, particularly in ard language. pendent ones as well as those in of premises for non-residential pur- Al Kuwari and Mexican Ambas- the fields of education, information, the various malls and other types poses. The Cabinet gave the approval → Continued on page 3 sador to Doha, Francisco Javier communications and media and the → Continued on page 2 Nambro Cibrian. Huge demand for land development

By Mohammad Shoeb 3,000 but we could not accommo- the provision of world-class infra- The Peninsula date them all,” Fahad Rashid Al Kaabi, structure within strategically placed CEO of Manateq told The Peninsula zones. recently on the sidelines of an event. “Manateq is part of the massive Al Kaabi added: “But hopefully the development process currently going DOHA: Qatar’s Economic Zones Com- remaining developers will be accom- on in the country. We are trying to pany (Manateq), which is responsible modated in other areas in keeping build all the needed infrastructure to for overseeing the development of with their requirements.” support the growth and development several economic zones across the Projects in ‘Southern Region’ are of a vibrant and sustainable private country, received over 3,000 appli- comprised of three commercial parks sector,” he said. cations from approved developers for — Al Wakra, Birka Al Wamer, and Aba Since inception, the company various projects in the south, includ- Saleel — containing 1,583 plots across has been working with potential and ing Al Wakra, said a senior official of an area of 6,330,907 square metres for existing local and foreign investors, the state-backed company. developing warehouses, workshops providing an international gateway “There was a huge demand for plots and service hubs. for the swift set-up and successful of land in Al Wakra and other areas Established in 2011, Manateq is a growth of businesses in the country. where we have developed some 1,200 national initiative as part of Qatar’s plots, but the demand was more than efforts to diversify its economy through → Continued on page 4

Love of dad Attack on Pakistan university kills 21

AFP

CHARSADDA: At least 21 people died when gunmen attacked a uni- versity in Pakistan yesterday, where two large explosions were reported as security forces moved in under dense fog to halt the bloodshed. The assault was initially claimed by a Taliban faction, but later branded “un-Islamic” by the group’s leadership in Pakistan, who vowed to hunt down those responsible. The number of dead rose rap- idly after armed men stormed the Bacha Khan university in Char- The wife of Palestinian journalist Mohammed Al Qeq, 33, who has sadda, about 50km from the city been on a hunger strike in an Israeli jail for 57 days, holds her son of Peshawar, in the latest outrage as he kisses his father’s picture during a TV interview with Reuters, to hit the militant-infested region. in the West Bank town of Dura, yesterday. → See also page 14 02 THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 HOME

H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser tours an exhibition featuring various entities that promote the advancement of the Arabic language, as part of the second edition of the Forum on the Renaissance of Arabic language, entitled ‘Linguistic Upbringing of The Arab Child - The Reality and Prospects for the Future’. Pic: AR Al-Baker Sheikha Moza stresses need to protect Arabic language

Continued from page 1 towards violence. its balanced, interactive and refur- During such a time of fragmen- bished speech. If the retreat of children from Ara- tation and division, nothing is left to He highlighted the important bic continues, the language would find shelter in except the Arabic lan- role being played by WORAL despite become a stranger. Nations protect guage so as to “safeguard national the presence of numerous language their identity through their language, and cultural identity and not to feel organisations and centres in all Arab Sheikha Moza said. strange in our civilisation.” countries. “If we diagnose the problem more In the era of globalisation, nations The forum has brought together accurately, then the treatment will not are left with two options -- either be more than 300 professors, researchers be difficult,” she said, stressing the part of globalisation in the way the and teachers from around the region. need for boosting willingness among globalising forces want or to co-exist It seeks to raise awareness and elites and the public at legislative, edu- with globalisation maintaining our promote children’s acquisition of Ara- cational, cultural and media levels to identity and language, she added. bic language and explore the factors protect the Arabic language. In his opening address, Dr affecting their linguistic learning Sheikha Moza said cultural and Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Turki Al abilities. linguistic self-harmony makes a per- Subaie, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Discussions will focus on the need son normal and productive, but if that World Organisation for Renaissance to promote Arabic media content on the harmony is missing, identity disorders of Arabic Language (WORAL), said the proper use of the language and engage will reflect negatively on patterns of Arabic language remains an integral parents as active agents in their chil- behaviour and stimulate a tendency part of the world civilisation through dren’s education and development. HOME THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 03

Premier meets French official

Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani yesterday met French National Gendarmerie Director-General Denis Favier and his delegation. Talks dealt with cooperation between the two countries and means of enhancing them, especially in the security field.

Rent freeze draft decision applies 12,000 cans of baby to deals expiring next month milk for Syrians

Continued from page 1 to QC to buy basic food items, espe- cially large quantities of baby milk and The rent law was enforced in Qatar Charity and other essentials for Madaya residents. February 2008 (Law No. 4 of 2008) Al Asmakh Charity The cans of baby milk will be dis- and a Cabinet decision later allowed tributed to 6,000 children. There is a the owners of shops to increase rent Foundation sign two severe shortage of basic food items annually by a fixed percentage based deals to provide aid due to the blockade imposed by the on slabs. Syrian regime. Commodities available As the validity of the Cabinet in Madaya in the local market are very expensive decision expires by the middle of and out of reach of the common man. next month, the Advisory Council QC is taking special care of the took up the issue of rising shop rents The Peninsula Syrians having a tough time in their and made recommendations that own country, said Yusuf bin Ahmad the rents should be frozen. Al Kuwari, CEO of the charity. A key panel of the council stud- The agreements will help pro- ied the rent situation and noted that DOHA: Two local charity organisa- vide basic food items to thousands of there was the need to check the rent tions have joined hands to provide Syrian families facing the risk of star- rise, especially of shops. 12,000 cans of baby milk and other vation and malnutrition, he added. QNA said the Cabinet’s draft basic food items at a cost of QR2m to “We will keep supplying humani- decision to freeze shop rents applies the starving people in Madaya, the tarian aid to our brothers in Syria until only to those rent/lease contracts besieged city of Syria. the end of the crisis,” Al Kuwari added. whose validity expires next month. Qatar Charity (QC) and Al Asmakh A similar agreement was inked These contracts will automat- Charity Foundation have signed two in the past between both organisa- ically have their validity extended agreements to provide aid to over tions to provide humanitarian aid to for a year. 40,000 inhabitants of Madaya, are Yemeni people at a cost of QR1.5m. Leases for longer periods are suffering due to severe starvation. Some 29,000 people benefitted excluded from the draft decision. The foundation will give QR2m from the deal. 04 THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 HOME

Azerbaijan mission Kidnappers of Qataris have not made any demands: FM commemorates January 20 tragedy The Peninsula told Russia’s popular TV channel, Rus- reports of the kidnapping came in, of our people who were kidnapped. To questions on Syria, the Foreign sia Today in an interview. Qatar News Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad “We talked to many friends to see Minister said as for who the terror- Agency carried a gist of it yesterday. Al Thani ordered that a Qatari team if they knew who the kidnappers were. ists were should be decided based on Dr Al Attiyah said Qatar has an be there in Baghdad. “We have an idea about the kid- the international blacklist of terror- The Peninsula DOHA: Foreign Minister H E Dr Kha- idea who the kidnappers are but is The kidnapping took place on a nappers but to ensure the safety of our ists, which is with the United Nations lid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah has said waiting for the response of the Iraqi Wednesday morning and by noon, the people, we cannot disclose their iden- Security Council. that those who have kidnapped fel- government about the safety of the team was in the Iraqi capital. tity,” Dr Al Attiyah reiterated. “So we decided that there is the DOHA: The Azerbaijan embassy low Qataris in Iraq have not come out abducted citizens and their release Qataris love Iraq and Iraqis and for “We are Arabs. Arabs are very gen- need to talk to moderate elements in commemorated the 26th anniver- in the open and made any demands. and safe return to Doha. them, there can’t be any alternative for erous hosts. It is beyond our imagination the Syrian opposition.” sary of the tragedy of January 20. They haven’t contacted anyone so The fellow Qataris were the guests a fellow Arab country. The abducted that an Arab would kidnap someone There are many points with regard On this day of 1990, under far, he said, adding usually kidnappers of the governor of Al Muthanna province Qataris used to visit Iraq every year. who is his guest.” to the Syrian issue on which Qatar and orders from then Soviet Union show the courage and disclose their (of Iraq) and had gone there with special “They weren’t there for the first time,” Asked if Iran’s help was being Russia has an agreement, he said. leader Mikhail Gorbachev, tanks identity and make some demand to permission from the Iraqi embassy in said the Minister. sought to seek their release, Dr Al Atti- “We can convey the viewpoint only and a large contingent of Soviet release of their captives. Doha and after their safety was guar- “We immediately got in touch with yah said since Qatar had mediated in of those Syrians who trust us and who Army units, interior troops and But in the case of fellow Qataris, that anteed by Al Muthanna’s governor. the Iraqi government and asked them the release of some Iranian soldiers, expect that we can protect their inter- special destination detachments has not happened so far, Dr Al Attiyah Dr Al Attiyah said the moment to take responsibility about the safety “we can expect Tehran to help”. est,” he added. entered Baku city and other regions of Azerbaijan and opened fire on civilians. With the invasion and violence, the leadership in the erstwhile USSR Manateq to develop over 4,000 was trying to maintain the Com- Qatar China 2016 Year of munist regime in Azerbaijan and strangle the national liberation million square metres of area movement. At the end of 1980s, Arme- Continued from page 1 nians increased their claims on Culture launch on Sunday Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountain- ous region inside Azerbaijan, and Al Kaabi said Manateq has been forced Azerbaijanis to flee from Yer- mandated to develop more than By Raynald C Rivera evan and other regions of Armenia. 4,000 million square metres, which The Peninsula Azerbaijanis were beaten, killed and include special economic zones, driven from their homes. The people industrial and logistics parks — Ras protested injustice and began their Bufontas, Um Alhoul, Al Karaana struggle to protect their rights and and Jery Al Samur expected to be DOHA: The Qatar China 2016 Year of preserve their territorial integrity. developed in a phased manner. Culture will be launched on Sunday The failure of the USSR gov- Ras Bufontas is dedicated to the at Katara Drama Theatre, with enter- ernment to prevent increasing development of industrial clusters, tainment and performances organised Armenian claims on Azerbaijan’s including healthcare and medical in cooperation with China’s Ministry territory and separatist activities in devices, automotive and aero- of Culture. Nagorno-Karabakh caused concern Fahad Rashid Al Kaabi, CEO, space, logistics, electronics, fashion, Mohammed Al Othman, Director, of Azerbaijanis and reinforced the advanced technology and other Manateq Public and International Relations, people’s national liberation spirit. business services. Qatar Museums (QM), announced this Chinese Ambassador Li Chen (right) with Mohammed Al Othman, In 1988, mass demonstrations of It is located adjacent to Hamad at a press conference at Shangri-La Director, Public and International Relations, Qatar Museums, at the Azerbaijan people started and International Airport, an ideal northern side of the country such Hotel Doha yesterday, jointly held by press conference in Doha yesterday. Pic: Abdul Basit / The Peninsula developed into a national libera- location for businesses that need as Al Khor and Ruwais, where we Chinese Ambassador Li Chen. tion movement. The aggression on international connectivity. are developing infrastructure for He said activities and events have January 20 killed 137 civil citizens The industries related to alu- projects related to logistics sector,” been lined up year round in both different places with different cul- Chen said: “Holding the Year of and injured over 700 in Baku, while minium and other metal processing, Al Kaabi added. countries, including world-class tures, we share in common the fact Culture is an important step in promot- some 800 were arrested. Soldiers heavy machinery, marine, construc- He said Manateq is also work- art exhibitions, sporting activities, that we are civilisations striving to ing development of bilateral relations destructed and burnt homes, apart- tion, downstream petrochemicals ing to develop infrastructure in Al a photography journey exchange, balance progress and heritage in the and I’m sure that by holding the Year ments, automobile shops. and food and beverage that require Karana (near the Saudi Arabia bor- Chinese film screenings and an open- context of the modern world,” said of Culture, the mutual understand- Azerbaijani people united in sea transport will be accommo- der) in an area of 50,000sqm. air Chinese Festival featuring music, Al Othman. ing between our two peoples will be their effort to continue their struggle. dated in Um Alhoul zone near the Al Karana Zone, suitable for performances, crafts and food from He stressed common values shared enhanced greatly.” Azerbaijan’s national leader Heydar Hamad Port. sectors like constriction, building different regions of China. by both countries “based on respect He said as relations between China Aliyev, who lived in retirement in “Manateq is developing Um materials, metals, chemicals and Two major exhibitions will open for family, education, hospitality and and Qatar expand, more and more Moscow at that time, strongly con- Alhoul City on a area of 43 square plastics, will provide access to over in March -- ‘What About the Art?’, a cultural curiosity. There are also strong Chinese people are coming to Qatar. demned the Soviet leadership for kilometres, which will have clusters. 100 million customers in GCC and showcase of contemporary Chinese economic ties and positive diplomatic “In November 2014, Emir H H the invasion at a press conference We are focusing more on logistics global markets. artists at Al Riwaq Gallery and ‘Silks relations that date back to the 1980s. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Moscow on January 21, 1990 and projects in different cities in addition Jery Al Samur, adjacent to the from the Silk Road - Chinese Silk Art’ “It is our firm belief that the year visited China and our two leaders soon after that he resigned from to other projects to meet the gov- planned truck route between Al exhibition at QM Gallery at Katara. will help show Qatar is open to the signed an agreement to establish a the Communist Party. ernment’s requirements,” Al Kaabi Rayyan and Lusail, will become an ‘What About Art’ will be curated by world, demonstrating our appeal as strategic partnership that will con- The January 20 tragedy became added. “Manateq is the base for all important warehousing and distri- internationally acclaimed New York- a cultural destination; promote China tinue to promote bilateral relations, a turning point for Azerbaijan, developers. We have projects and bution centre for sectors related to based Chinese artist Cai Guo Qiang in Qatar; and promote improved which are comprehensive -- not only strengthening the will of the peo- each are in different stages of devel- food and beverage, auto tools and who held a solo show in at Mathaf intercultural dialogue and mutual politically and economically strong ple to build their own independent opment depending on demand in machinery, construction materi- Arab Museum of Modern Art in 2011. understanding between the two his- but also we expanded to culture, edu- country and in 1991, Azerbaijan the market. We are focusing on the als and others. “While Qatar and China are toric cultures,” added Al Othman. cation and other aspects,” Chen said. became independent state. Homecare Service for patients improves

The Peninsula patient services. We have started work on a compre- hensive plan to improve services provided to patients at their homes,” he said. Dr Al Sulaiti said collaboration between Homecare DOHA: Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Service and HMC’s Mobile Doctor Service, comprising Homecare Service is undergoing a transfor- some 50 consultants led by Ambulance Service team, mation with a multidisciplinary approach has also contributed to improvements in patient care. to care benefiting patients, according to Dr “This cooperation has ensured the delivery of rapid Essa Mubarak Al Sulaiti (pictured), Medical care by Ambulance Service physicians to our patients Director, Homecare Service Department. in need of urgent care at home and has reduced the Around 1,000 elderly patients and 70 chil- number of hospital admissions,” he added. dren are being cared for under the service. He said the plan would see new Qatari physicians “Each patient under our services is vis- on board and increase the number of doctors serving ited at home once a month by a team of in different specialities in the department, including three to five professionals, including nurses, general and geriatric and family medicine, to meet the a physician, a dietician and a physiother- Homecare Service was initially based on increasing demand for homecare services. apist, if needed. Normally, the visit lasts nursing care with doctors providing sup- Dr Al Sulaiti described Homecare Service as a model between 45 minutes to one hour for sta- port to follow up on cases. “Now doctors of delivering care to patients who do not require acute ble patients. Visits can be more frequent if contribute to the development of homecare care, such as those suffering from pressure ulcers, out- patients’ health conditions require,” said Dr policies and decision-making, which has side the hospital setting. Homecare Service is available Al Sulaiti. The internationally-accredited enhanced the quality of care and improved daily from 7am to 3pm for elderly patients (aged 60 and above) and children with chronic diseases and disabilities. “Homecare Service has witnessed tremendous devel- opments since its launch in 2003, as we strive to provide our services in accordance with the highest international standards,” he said. “This has enabled us to achieve Joint Commission International accreditation in 2009 and 2012, and we are working on delivering more improve- ments to patient care services,” Dr Al Sulaiti added.

Honda models recalled

The Peninsula

DOHA: The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Doha Marketing and Services Company (Domasco), dealer of Honda vehicles, has announced the recall of Honda CRV model of 2007, Civic models of 2006-2007, Jazz mod- els of 2004-2007 and City models of 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007 over a defect in the driver air bags. The ministry said the recall is within the frame- work of its efforts to protect consumers and ensure dealers follow up on vehicles’ defects and repairs. HOME THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 05

Katara to launch Bedaya Center opens exhibition at HIA new initiative

Fatma Al Sulaiti, owner and founder of KAFEE, the 100% Qatari to preserve QA and HIA chocolatier, said: “The idea of our support the project is to create the first luxury Qatari heritage Qatari chocolate brand. We started exhibition of local in 2011 as exhibitors and we have entrepreneurial our own store and three chocolate talent and products manufacturing workshops and soon The Peninsula we’ll launch our second store and first chocolate factory in Qatar. We would like to thank everyone who The Peninsula keeps on supporting us.” DOHA: Cultural Village Foundation-Katara will Exhibitors will use the unique launch ‘The Revival of Qatar’s Musical Heritage marketing channel provided by and Qatari Folk Singing Programme’ in line with the airport display space to further its efforts to preserve the Qatari heritage. DOHA: Qatar Airways’ Al Darb develop their businesses. Thousands Qatari heritage festivities will be held at Katara Nationalisation Programme, Hamad of passengers travelling through every Thursday and Friday from February 4 until International Airport and Bedaya HIA daily will create the oppor- May 27. The first performance will be on Janu- Center opened an exhibition of local tunity to receive feedback directly ary 29 and 30. entrepreneurial talent and products from the public. This was announced by Katara General Man- at HIA’s arrival terminal this week. Nabeela Fakhri, Senior Vice- ager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti at a press Officials inaugurating the exhibition at the arrival terminal at HIA. The joint effort aims to sup- President, Human Resources, Qatar conference at Katara yesterday. Salma Al Naimi, port young Qatari entrepreneurs Airways, said: “QA is proud to sup- expert in cultural affairs and chairman of pro- by showcasing their ideas and plans port such initiatives to support the entrepreneurs. HIA is the gateway Reem Al Suwaidi, General Man- QA’s Al Darb Nationalisation gramme; Khalifa Al Yafei, representative of the to transform them into products development of Qataris not just in to Qatar and the rest of the world ager, Bedaya Center, said: “We are Programme supports over 30 Department of Student Activities at Qatar Univer- like clothing, accessories, tradi- QA but also elsewhere and to be and the exhibition provides us with excited to have such an exhibition majors and provides nine train- sity; Salman Al Marri, representative of Youth Arts tional perfumes, homeware and an active contributor of the devel- another avenue to showcase Qatar’s at HIA where products made by our ing programmes across a range of Centre, and folklore lovers and media were present. other items reflecting traditional opment of the country in tandem culture, creativity and talent to our talented entrepreneurs will have a career choices within the award Dr Al Sulaiti stressed that Katara is focusing aspects of Qatari culture. Products with Qatar National Vision 2030.” passengers from around the world.” huge exposure to thousands of pas- winning airline, and recently the its efforts on supporting every initiative to docu- will be displayed during the exhi- Badr Al Meer, Chief Operating Bedaya is an entrepreneurial sengers arriving in Doha from all airline welcomed over 200 join- ment the legacy of Qatar’s ancestors to continue bition and passengers at Gate 4 of Officer, HIA, said: “HIA is happy and career development centre over the world. It will also be a won- ers to its training programmes, serving as a bridge between the past and succes- the arrivals terminal will have the to be given the opportunity to host that assists all Qataris who wish derful experience for passengers including engineers, cadet pilots, sive generations. opportunity to explore the unique, Bedaya Center’s exhibition and play to start their business through dif- to have a taste of the Qatari cul- graduate developees, sponsored “Different forms of folk art are like a mirror 100% Qatari-designed collections. a role in developing budding Qatari ferent initiatives. ture as soon as they land in Doha.” students and direct hires. that reflects the culture of the community and the lifestyle of its members through every stage of its development. Folk art shapes the behaviour and patterns of social interaction on various occasions which occur in everyday social life and related HMC team visits Gaza to prepare for opening of Hamad Hospital traditions that distinguish the cultural heritage of the community. Folk dances, poems and songs in Qatar focus on the originality of our society, illus- trating the extent of Qatari pride and close links The Peninsula of the Gaza Strip. The delegation was supported with medical equip- gave the visitors an overview of the of Specialised Medical Studies for within our history. This historic form of music comprised Dr Wafa Al Yazeedi, ment and consumables by QRCS. department’s achievements since Palestinian Physicians in Qatar. also depicts our strong relationship with other Chairperson, Physical Medicine The guests watched the process 2008, showing major challenges It is an annual medical educa- nations through the blending of the country’s folk and Rehabilitation Department, of treatment of minor and moderate faced by his staff, such as recur- tion that provides internship for 10 arts with those in the Gulf and the Arab world and DOHA: Qatar Red Crescent Soci- Dr Khaled Abdel Hadi, Head, Audi- cases and spoke with several patients rent outages and fuel scarcity, which Palestinian physicians in Qatar hos- with other forms of art that have arrived through ety (QRCS) office in Gaza received ology and Balance Unit, and Dr who were gradually improving. They delays surgical operations. pitals. Following four to six years of overseas travel and trade,” he added. a medical delegation from Hamad Amer Hawafzeh, Prosthetic Limb also visited European Gaza Hospi- Dr Akram Nassar, Head, QRCS practice, interns are awarded certif- Launching a national programme to promote Medical Corporation (HMC). Supervisor. tal, where they were received by Dr office, met the delegation and dis- icates from the Arab Board of Health folk art and properly expose the culture to the com- The delegation was in Gaza QRCS officials accompanied Nidal Abo Hadrous, Head, Neurol- cussed partnership proposals Specialisations in the specialities munity has become increasingly imperative. In to prepare for the inauguration of the delegation to Al Amal Hospi- ogy Department — a graduate of the between QRCS and HMC in Gaza most needed by Palestinians. It is cooperation with stakeholders in the community, Hamad Hospital for Rehabilitation tal of the Palestinian Red Crescent medical training programme con- to maximise the outcomes in rela- mandatory for the graduates to work Katara aims to encourage a generation capable of and Prosthetic Limbs in the city, Society in Khan Younes, southern ducted by QRCS and HMC. QRCS tion to patient rehabilitation and at Palestinian health facilities for a preserving the culture of folk singing so that they established by the Qatari National Gaza, to see the work of its Physical also supported this hospital with social integration. QRCS and HMC minimum period equal to the dura- are able to maintain the legacy of their nation and Committee for the Reconstruction Rehabilitation Department, which medical equipment. Dr Abo Hadrous are conducting the Prince’s Grant tion of internship. the Arab identity. 06 THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 HOME

Police move in for workers’ safety

Dr Ahmad Hasnah, President, HBKU, honours Dr Aisha Al Mannai, Director, Muhammad Bin Hamad Al Thani Center for Muslim Contribution to Civilisation.

As a thick layer of fog engulfed parts of the country yesterday, police intervened and stopped a group of workers from moving in a bus to Messaieed, their workplace, to prevent any untoward incident. The weather bureau has forecast foggy conditions HBKU honours official for her this morning as well. Pic: Salim / The Peninsula contribution to Qatari society

The Peninsula winners recognised at the 1st GCC Excel- lence Awards last December. The awards QTA hosts Marketing Summit were presented to people who have made contribution to science, medicine, industry, DOHA: Hamad Bin Khalifa University literature, politics and diplomacy, econom- “To maximise the positive impact of Qatar’s (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation, ics, and philanthropy. marketing efforts and resources, it is vital that honoured Dr Aisha Al Mannai, Director, “It is my pleasure to stand before you Heads of QTA all parties focus on promoting the key attrac- Muhammad Bin Hamad Al Thani Center to honour Dr Al Mannai, a dear member representative offices tions that give Qatar its distinctive cultural for Muslim Contribution to Civilisation. of our HBKU family, for her achievements abroad and members of edge. It is a question of synergy,” said Rashed The appreciation event took place at locally, regionally and globally,” Dr Ahmad Al Qurese (pictured), Chief Marketing and Pro- the HBKU Student Centre and served to Hasnah, President, HBKU, told the honour- the sector in Qatar present motion Officer, QTA. “We continue to avoid any celebrate Dr Al Mannai’s contribution to ing ceremony, attended by guests, including plans for the year dissipation or fragmentation of Qatar’s mes- Qatari society. senior representatives from HBKU colleges sage, and ensure we create a strong and positive She recently received two awards relat- and research institutes. Qatar brand positioning that continues to res- ing to her humanitarian and community “At the personal, academic and societal onate in our key overseas markets.” work --- the International Federation of levels, we look to her as being someone who The Peninsula Tourism is expected to play an important Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Henry sets an example for all of us to follow and we role in the global economy this year, with drop- Davison Award in recognition to her out- wish her every future success,” he added. ping fuel prices rendering it cheaper to travel. standing commitment to humanitarianism. Dr Al Mannai was presented with a gift According to UNWTO’s recently released 2015 The award highlights her role in building a in appreciation of her continued contri- DOHA: Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) hosted report, tourism showed resilience as it grew culture of charitable and voluntary work bution to HBKU through her work within its Quarterly Framework Marketing Summit by 4.4 percent in the past year, despite global among members of the Qatari community. the centre, which is part of the universi- for the first quarter of 2016, where heads of to familiarise them with the destination. The security challenges. Dr Al Mannai was also one of the Qatari ty’s Faculty of Islamic Studies. QTA representative offices abroad and mem- number of tour operators selling trips to Qatar Marketing Qatar internationally involves bers of the sector in Qatar presented their plans increased to 188, while over 2,200 independ- collaboration between the public and private for the year. ent travel agents registered for QTA’s online sectors, as hotels and other tourist facilities and The overseas offices, covering the GCC, the TAWASH programme, which helps them develop services form key factors in the selection of the UK, France, Germany, Southeast Asia and Italy expertise on Qatar and its tourism offering. tourism products QTA promotes worldwide. Professional associations meet presented their qualitative and quantitative Over 1,200 graduated. The summit provided networking oppor- reports reflecting their 2015 achievements, and Last year also saw the launch of the new tunities for QTA marketing personnel to meet targets and strategies for 2016. Qatar destination brand, which will form the private sector representatives. It also allowed The Peninsula Qatar Association of Certified Account- Last year, QTA’s representative office organ- core of QTA’s marketing and promotion efforts QTA’s overseas office representatives to interact ants, Qatari Association of Classical Cars, ised trips to Qatar for 120 representatives of this year and build on Qatar’s presence in inter- with their counterparts in Qatar and to familiar- Mental Health Friends Society and Asso- international trade media and 172 travel agents national travel and trade shows. ise themselves with Qatar’s latest developments. ciation (Al Balagh) to serve Islam Online, DOHA: Qatar Society of Petroleum Engi- among others. neers hosted the first meeting of the The meeting aimed to coordinate efforts representatives of professional and private of the private and professional associa- associations at Qatar Science & Technology tions and promote their roles and activates Josoor begins another block of programmes Park (QSTP), which is part of Qatar Founda- at national level. It discussed cooperation tion Research and Development (QF R&D). in human resources development. The meeting was attended by Naji Al Faisal bin Fahad Al Thani, Chairman, A’ji, Director, Private Associations and Insti- Board of Qatar Society of Petroleum Engi- tution, the Ministry of Labour and Social neers, praised the initiative and the role Affairs, and members of Qatari Society of played by the professional association in Engineers, Qatari Lawyers Association, the country.

Officials at the event.

DOHA: Josoor Institute, a centre of excel- of its ‘Major Events Management’ and ‘Foot- sustainable sport and events industries in Qatar and lence for sports and events industries, ball and Sports Management’ certificate the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) by develop- inspired and developed by the Supreme and diploma programmes. ing a highly skilled human capital. Over the past two Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), has The programmes are part of the insti- years, it has made significant progress towards achiev- started 2016 by completing the third block tute’s long-term commitment to build ing the goal by hosting 25 educational programmes and outreach activities, delivered by 189 speakers, which reached almost 1,600 delegates from 70 nationalities. Mushtaq Al Waeli, Executive Director (acting) of the institute, said: “For 2016, we have set our eyes on higher goals. We will strive to get closer to bridging the knowledge gap between where we are now as a region and where we want to be. We plan to cover a wider variety of topics for our delegates and expand our reach to other countries in the region such as Oman and Saudi Arabia. The Year 2016 is also the time when the institute will celebrate having the inaugural batch of graduates for the certificate and diploma programmes. We have great hopes for our delegates and look for- ward to seeing them become the future leaders for sport and events industries in Qatar and the region.” The 18-month certificate and diploma programmes are organised with international academic partners such as Georgetown University, University of Liver- pool and Leeds Beckett University. The third block trained delegates in topics such as the management of human resources for mega events, consumer behaviour, and media and communications for sporting events, including media planning and crisis management. The delegates from the ‘Football and Sports Management’ were taken on a tour of Al Kass TV broadcast facility and had the opportunity to engage in practical learning activities and meet key individuals from the media sport production teams to better understand their operations. HOME THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 07 Ezdan customer service centre dealt with 300,000 calls last year

The Peninsula customers. The centre has a sizable data- Ali Al Obaidli, CEO of the Group, base of customers and tenants in the said the substantial increase in calls Group’s villages and buildings. It allows last year is due to many reasons, most access to tenants’ records of previ- DOHA: Ezdan Customer Service Call notably the expansion in the scope of ous requests and tracks requests or Centre, which operates under the services for tenants and the applica- complaints through registered phone umbrella of Ezdan Real Estate Com- tion of the Group’s plans to develop the numbers to ensure prompt response pany, one of Ezdan Holding Group compounds, villages and buildings. and prevent recurrences. subsidiaries, has attained record He said the number of dwellers The centre interacts with clients in achievement in terms of interaction in Ezdan Villages in Al Wakrah and Arabic and English, offering them three with customer requests and inquiries. Al Wukair exceeded 70,000, trans- options: General services and leas- The centre responded to over forming the region into a vital spot, in ing inquiries; maintenance requests; 300,000 of tenants’ calls last year, addition to the increase in the number and talking with the Customer Care with an average of up to 800 daily of tenants in Ezdan units in Doha, Centre agent. and 25,000 monthly, varying from bringing the number to over 15,000. Ezdan Real Estate Company, which Officials outlining the upcoming event. maintenance and inquiries about res- Al Obaidli said extending services manages the real estate assets of the idential services provided by Ezdan aims to provide ideal and competitive Group, has launched Customer Care Real Estate Company, among other housing to make of Ezdan Villages an Centre (Ezdan Plus) as part of its inte- services. attractive and leading destination able grated services and life amenities it The centre works 24/7, with 20 to compete in the real estate market. offers to tenants. employees in shift for eight hours daily. He stressed that the Group aims This centre offers services, mainly CMU-Q to host regional It receives maintenance requests, to achieve objectives while contin- house and furniture cleaning, car wash, responds to inquiries relating to res- uing to introduce new solutions and training and development, transpor- idential units owned by the Group, provide innovative services to sim- tation, and Ezdan discount cards that and provides services to tenants and plify and facilitate tenants’ daily lives. offer many advantages to their holders. 24-hour hackathon

This year students from the wider Qatar, said, “We’re helping CMU-Q Students from the region will participate for the first time. discover talented innovators, design- Sponsored by Ooredoo, the hack- ers and developers in the region and wider region will athon is organised by CarnegieApps, hope to support the development of participate for the a student-led club at CMU-Q. something truly innovative in Qatar. “We’re excited to host students “This is a chance for students to first time from Qatar and the region for the first learn new skills, meet and work with regional CarnegieApps Hackathon. new people and have their solutions It aims to promote interdisciplinary judged by industry leaders,” Al Kubaisi collaboration and creative thinking added. The Peninsula within a fun and intense competitive Participants will be judged in the environment. categories of best technicality, best “It is an opportunity for students overall app and best design, along to put skills they are learning to the with the best rookie award. DOHA: Carnegie Mellon University test,” said Farjana Salahuddin, infor- Khalifa Saleh Al Haroon, Founder, in Qatar (CMU-Q) will host its first mation systems student at CMU-Q and ‘I Love Qatar’ and CEO, Haroon United regional 24-hour hackathon from member of the CarnegieApps organ- Group; Ahmed Elmagarmid, Executive Friday at the university’s campus in ising committee. Director, Qatar Computing Research Education City. The hackathon is part of CMU-Q’s Institute (QCRI); Indica Amarasinghe, The CarnegieApps Hackathon is contribution to the computer sci- Head, Digital Incubation Centre, ictQa- an annual programming competi- ence industry in the country and the tar; and Francisco Guzman, Computer tion for university students, where region to promote an interdisciplinary Scientist, QCRI, will join the judging individuals and teams compete in a approach to developing innovative panel. For details about the hacka- 24-hour race to build mobile and web technological applications. thon, visit www.carnegieapps.com Ezdan Customer Service Call Centre works in three shifts round the clock. applications or games. Yousuf Al Kubaisi, COO, Ooredoo or follow #CMUQHacks. 08 THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 HOME / MIDDLE EAST Saudi-Iran flare-up won’t escalate into war: Expert

tension. None of the two countries or other regional or international powers are willing or With the removal of have interest in a war between the two coun- Saddam Hussein’s regime tries because everyone will be affected by the the balance of power in direct conflict, said Fraihat. However, wars happen either by political the region significantly decision such as George W Bush’s decision to shifted that prompted invade Iraq in 2003. Or sometimes war-related decisions come from the bottom-up where things Iran to interfere in Iraq’s on the ground dictate a war or confrontation internal affairs and in giving vivid examples like the Iranian plane prevented from landing in Sana’a by two Saudi other countries like Syria, war planes, and Iranian ship denied entry at Lebanon and Yemen Hudaida port. Fraihat stressed that “even if the Iranian plane hit accidentally we can imag- ine how this will be reported to Tehran and By Mohamed Osman the public pressure on the leadership to react”. The Peninsula Speaking about the role of the US in the crisis, Fraihat pointed out that despite the symp- toms of direct conflict and the deep mistrust Ibrahim Fraihat, a senior foreign policy fellow at the Brookings Doha Centre, speaking at the ‘American Chamber Qatar Distinguished between the parties, the US has the leverage DOHA: A foreign policy analyst at the coveted Speaker Series’ at Sheraton Hotel yesterday. Pic: Kammutty V P/The Peninsula to impact the crisis as a strong ally of Saudi Brookings Doha Centre sees no possibility of Arabia and the security provider in the region. open hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Iran Iran after the nuclear deal is seeking despite deep mistrust and lack of communi- The US has the leverage, he said, to impact With the removal of Saddam Hussein’s Saudi Arabia got directly involved in the war acceptance in the international community cation between the two Middle Eastern giants. the crisis as a strong ally of the Saudis and a regime the balance of power in the region sig- against one of Iran’s allies in Yemen, the Houthis, and looking for foreign investments, therefore “There is a lack of political will on the part security provider in the region, said Fraihat. nificantly shifted and prompted Iran to interfere through the ‘Operation Decisive Storm’ and Iran there is need for some sort of crisis management, of both, Riyadh and Tehran, to go to war,” says Tracing the history of the crisis between in Iraq’s internal affairs and in other countries was already involved heavily in the war in Syria. he said. Fraihat emphasised that to de-escalate Ibrahim Fraihat. the two countries, he said it goes back to 2003 like Syria, Lebanon and Yemen. “What we are seeing today is the symptoms of the tension and solve the crisis there is the need A senior foreign policy fellow at the Brook- when the US invaded Iraq and the crisis has The escalation of tension continued until direct confrontation, such as the attack on the for political will, and a kind of crisis manage- ings Doha Centre, Fraihat was giving a lecture since then passed through several stages. 2011 when Arab Spring started to witness proxy Saudi diplomatic mission in Iran after the exe- ment system at official and experts levels, in on the issue of the much-talked-about bitter- The invasion of 2003 changed the order wars in different places because Saudi Arabia cution of Nimr Al Nimr, which was only a trigger addition to activating the role of mediation ness in the relations between Saudi Arabia and and the scenario in the region with the social and Iran supported different groups in coun- to a very tense situation between the two coun- by several countries like Qatar, Turkey, Paki- Iran as part of the “American Chamber Qatar balance gone in Iraq as the US was supporting tries in Syria, Yemen and Iraq. Friahat pointed tries, which finally led to end of ties. stan and Germany. Furthermore, there is the Distinguished Speaker Series January 2016” the sectarian government in Baghdad, mar- out that after four years of proxy wars, in 2015, No war is expected between the two coun- need for a new narrative of the crisis in which here yesterday. ginalising the Sunnis, said Fraihat. “we started to see a new form of conflict emerg- ties in 2016, but there are very scary symptoms academics and media can play a pivotal role There is, though, an unprecedented level Fraihat was speaking on the “Diplomatic ing in the third phase of this crisis between the he said. Since 2003 the escalation of tension along with the role of civil society and galva- of polarisation as for Saudi Arabia and Iran Crisis between Saudi Arabia and Iran: Causes, two countries, where the two primary powers has continued until today without de-escala- nizing the role of Arab Shias to de-escalation are concerned, he added. Prospects and what role for the US”. entered in direct confrontation”. tion but there are efforts going on to calm the the tension.

Over 1,000 Air strikes hit food factory dead in Russia’s US and Russia fail Syria strikes to bridge Syria gap Agencies threatening talks BEIRUT: Russian air strikes in Syria have killed more than 1,000 civil- ians since they were launched nearly four months ago, a monitor said Bloomberg stronghold, also near Turkey. yesterday. UN spokesman Farhan Haq said on The raids, which started on Monday that the world body will only September 30, have killed 1,015 go ahead with issuing invitations for civilians, including more than 200 ZURICH: The top US and Russian the Geneva talks scheduled for Jan- children, the Britain-based Syrian diplomats failed yesterday to bridge uary 25 once major powers come to Observatory for Human Rights said. divisions over which belligerents in an agreement on which rebel groups The group, which relies on a Syria’s five-year civil war should be should attend. “When this process network of sources on the ground labelled “terrorist,” an issue that is starts, we can talk about a cease-fire, for its reports, said the strikes holding up the start of peace talks. except for terrorist groups,” Lavrov had also killed 893 Islamic State John Kerry and Sergei Lavrov said. “We hope the political process group jihadists and 1,141 other couldn’t agree during three hours will start in the nearest future.” opposition militants, including of discussions on who’s allowed a Kerry and Lavrov agreed on “the Workers inspect damage at a snack food factory hit by coalition air strikes in Yemen’s capital Sana’a members of Al Qaeda affiliate seat at the table at United Nations- importance of maintaining progress yesterday. Al Nusra Front. sponsored talks between the Syrian toward a diplomatic solution to the crisis The total toll of 3,049 represents government and opposition, a con- in Syria,” State Department spokes- an increase of nearly 700 deaths dition for the negotiations to start on man John Kirby said in an e-mailed in just three weeks. schedule next week. Even so, Lavrov statement. Kerry pressed Russia to use Russia is a staunch ally of the said the US and Russia hope the talks its influence with the Assad regime to Christian tie-up not enough to secure Syrian government and has coor- can begin by the end of the month. ensure “immediate, unimpeded and dinated its strikes with Damascus, Lavrov said Russia still considers sustained humanitarian access to all saying it is targeting IS and other two radical Islamist militias backed Syrians in need,” Kirby said. presidency: Lebanon Speaker “terrorist” groups. by Gulf states and Turkey — Ahrar The US, Russia and other nations as-Sham and Army of Islam — as have fixed a timetable to form a tran- terrorist groups that can’t be part sitional government in Syria within Reuters dominated by the Iranian-backed Shia president unless all the main sectar- Millions in of the Syrian negotiations. The six months and hold elections within Hezbollah. Geagea is part of the March ian parties attend. Syrian opposition has included a a year and a half. Russia has made 14 alliance led by Sunni politician Saad That means Aoun must win Sunni ‘Daesh cash’ representative of Army of Islam in its progress in weakening US opposition Al Hariri, who is in turn backed by backing in addition to the strong Shia delegation and is resisting Russian to Assad standing for re- election, BEIRUT: The influential speaker of Saudi Arabia. support he enjoys from Hezbollah. destroyed pressure to include Moscow-friendly according to Russian and Western Lebanon’s parliament has cast doubt “The rivalry between the two Assafir newspaper said Berri would groups in the talks. diplomats. While the US still says on whether the reconciliation of the was the toughest and hardest (in the call on his own grouping, the Amal WASHINGTON: The US-led effort More than three months of Russian Assad can’t lead Syria over the long- country’s rival Christian leaders will country) hence what happened is an Movement, to discus its position when to fight Islamic State (IS) militants airstrikes in support of Syrian Presi- term, the Obama administration has help the country install a new president advanced step for the Lebanese and a “he has enough elements to take the in Iraq and Syria has a new focus: dent Bashar Al Assad have turned the backed away from insisting that he after nearly two years with the post empty. positive thing on the Christian front in appropriate decision”. bomb the “Daesh cash.” tide of the conflict, which has killed go at the start of a transition process. In a surprise move, Christian poli- particular but this step is not enough Lebanon has been without a Daesh —a widely used Arabic 250,000 people and triggered Europe’s The IS has claimed responsibil- tician Samir Geagea declared support presidentially,” speaker Nabih Berri president for nearly two years. The abbreviation for the IS group -- have worst refugee crisis since World War II. ity for attacks in Paris and Beirut in for 80-year-old rival Michel Aoun for was quoted as saying in Assafir news- parliament, which elects the pres- been hoarding millions of dollars Assad’s forces, once near defeat, seized November, and the downing of a Rus- presidency on Monday, edging him paper. Berri, a powerful Shia politician, ident, has convened for at least 30 in local currency and greenbacks a strategic town on the Turkish border sian passenger plane over Egypt in closer to the position. is also part of March 8, and has said times without being able to agree on across Iraq and Syria, much of it last week and are closing in on an IS October. Aoun is part of the March 8 alliance he will not call parliament to elect a a candidate. derived from illicit oil sales. Colonel Steve Warren, a Bagh- dad-based spokesman for the US-led coalition that has been fighting the IS group since August 2014, said nine strikes in Iraq and Israel plans to confiscate West Bank farmland Syria in recent months have led to the destruction of “tens of millions” of dollars of this money. “Striking these cash collection Reuters Radio said would be announced shortly such a flagrant and grave aggression a major obstacle to the creation of a Hagit Ofran, a member of the anti- points hurts this enemy,” Warren but was not immediately confirmed which kills all chances of peace.” viable Palestinian state. settlement group Peace Now, said that told Pentagon reporters in a video by the Israeli Defence Ministry which The report said Israeli Prime Min- Palestinians want to form an inde- unlike previous Israeli governments call Wednesday. administers the West Bank, comes at ister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence pendent state in the West Bank and Gaza that largely avoided land seizures, “They operate on cash; there is JERUSALEM: Israel plans to appro- a time of increased international con- Minister Moshe Yaalon had already Strip, with East Jerusalem as the cap- Netanyahu has carried out several no credit in ISIL,” he added, using priate a large tract of agricultural land demnation of settlement policy. signed off on the appropriation and that ital. The last talks between Israel and approprations during his time in office. another alternative name for the in the occupied West Bank, Israel’s Hanan Ashrawi, a senior official technical details were being finalised the Palestinians on a so-called “two- “Since 2011, moves of this sort by jihadist group that seized huge Army Radio said yesterday, a move in the Palestine Liberation Organiza- ahead of a declaration expected soon. state solution” broke down in April Netanyahu have only drawn greater regions in Syria and Iraq in 2014 that has angered Palestinians and is tion, described Israel’s reported move The Defence Ministry declined to 2014. On Tuesday, US State Depart- international criticism from Israel’s and 2015. almost certain to draw international as a violation of international law. She comment. The land, already partly ment spokesman John Kirby reiterated closest allies,” she told Reuters, describ- The US military has released criticism. challenged the international commu- farmed by Jewish settlers in an area the United States’ opposition to Isra- ing it as a “diplomatic catastrophe”. videos of air strikes on what it says The report said the land, cover- nity to hold Israel to account. under Israeli civilian and military con- el’s settlement building, which usually In August 2014, soon after Hamas are cash-collection facilities. In a ing 154 hectares (380 acres), was in “Israel is stealing land specially in trol, is situated near the northern tip begins with land seizures. militants kidnapped and killed three video of an attack on a building the fertile Jordan Valley close to Jeri- the Jordan Valley under the pretext of the Dead Sea. “We remain deeply concerned Jewish teenagers, Israel appropriated in Mosul earlier this month, vast cho, an area where Israel already has it wants to annex it,” she told Reu- For years, Israel has drawn intense about Israel’s current policy on set- some 400 hectares (988 acres) in the plumes of what appears to be money many settlement farms built on land ters. “This should be a reason for a criticism for its settlement activities. tlements, including construction, Etzion settlement bloc near Bethle- can be seen fluttering into the sky Palestinians seek for their own state. real and effective intervention by Most countries regard the policy as planning, and retroactive legalisa- hem, a move Peace Now said was the following a huge blast. The appropriation, which Army the international community to end illegal under international law and tions,” he said. biggest in 30 years. MIDEAST THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 09 Khamenei condemns Saudi embassy attack

reports say as many as 140 people have deal with the West was struck, to boost Iran Supreme been arrested — led to Riyadh quickly Iran’s clout in international diplomacy, severing diplomatic ties with Tehran. particularly in peace talks on Syria. leader’s remarks The incident occurred late at night In the weeks since tensions have underscored that after Saudi Arabia executed Shia only risen between Iran, the region’s cleric and activist Nimr Al Nimr, a main Shia power and Saudi Arabia, the embassy attack force behind 2011 anti-government its Sunni rival, with each accusing the had no sympathy protests in the eastern province, for other of damaging the Middle East. crimes against the kingdom. On top of the ongoing wars in Syria from within the However, his remarks, in a speech and Yemen, the execution of Nimr, a Islamic republic’s to electoral officials ahead of the Saudi Shia who spent more than a decade country’s parliamentary polls on studying theology at Iran’s seminaries, establishment February 26, underscored that the set Tehran and Riyadh at odds. embassy attack had no sympathy Khamenei also spoke for the first from within the Islamic republic’s time about the brief detention by Iran’s AFP establishment. Iran’s President Hassan Revolutionary Guards’ naval force of Rowhani at the time said the violence 10 US Navy personnel who strayed was committed by “rogue elements” into Iranian waters in the Gulf. acting against the country’s interests. “This move by our dear youth.. TEHRAN: Iran’s supreme leader The embassy vandals took selfies against the enemies’ aggression in our Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly con- and smartphone video footage where waters, they showed power,” Khamenei demned yesterday for the first time they were seen holding items stolen said. “I didn’t have an opportunity to the January 2 attack on Saudi Ara- from inside the building, causing deep thank them. I really thank them. It was bia’s embassy in Tehran as “a very embarrassment in Tehran. Rowhani a very appropriate action,” he added. bad and wrong incident”. and other officials condemned the The arrests of the American sailors “Like the British embassy attack arson and looting — seen by millions on January 13 came just days before before it, this was against the coun- worldwide via social media — and he Iran was due to implement its nuclear try (Iran) and Islam, and I didn’t like has urged speedy prosecutions. deal with world powers, including the it,” he added. Iranian authorities have said that United States. Britain’s embassy in Tehran was those detained included the assault’s A dramatic series of events started stormed and ransacked by a mob in ringleader but no charges have been with the sailors — nine men and a 2011. announced. The cutting of relations woman — being taken into custody The arson attack on Saudi Ara- set back efforts made by Rowhani’s after their two patrol boats drifted bia’s embassy — for which local media government since July, when a nuclear into Iranian territory.

Teargas fired as thousands demand jobs in Tunisia

Reuters Large crowds burned tyres and struggling young market vendor com- chanted “Work, freedom, dignity” mitted suicide, unleashing a wave of during a second day of demonstra- anger that forced longtime leader Zine KASSERINE, TUNISIA: Police fired tions that erupted in the central city El Abidine Ben Ali to flee and inspired tear gas and clashed with protesters after an unemployed man killed him- mass protests across the Arab world. demanding jobs in the impoverished self, apparently after he was rejected Police fired clouds of tear gas after pro- Tunisian city of Kasserine yesterday, for a job. testers tried to storm a police station as smaller demonstrations broke out The death and protests evoked in Kasserine, a witness said. Burning in the capital and at least eight other memories of Tunisia’s 2011 “Arab tyres blocked streets as police chased towns, residents said. Spring” uprising that broke out when a down groups of protesters. 10 THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 VIEWS

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL

Another attack Fevered anticipation over

he Pakistani Taliban have once again proved that they haven’t US deportation case been weakened and have the ability to launch massive attacks. In an assault that shook the nation, the militants yesterday Tstormed the Bacha Khan University in Charsadda in Khyber tremendous public attention. between different courts of Clinton has suggested she As a professor of appeals or state supreme would do. In that scenario, the Pakhtunkhwa province in the volatile northwestern Pakistan, Ordinarily, the killing at least 19 people and wounding dozens. The attack comes when constitutional law who also courts on questions of legal court would have little choice memories are still fresh about the massacre of 134 students at a school Supreme Court writes about the court in this importance. but to take the case. The upshot column, I can hardly complain. The nationwide nature of would’ve been a six- month in the same region after which the government had launched a massive doesn’t see the It’s all good for business. But it’s the 5th Circuit’s injunction does delay. By taking the case now, country-wide crackdown on terrorists, especially in their strongholds correction of error worth pausing with a moment’s create some reason to hear the the court might be producing a along the lawless border with Afghanistan. There was some relief that this nostalgia for the days when case. If followed scrupulously, it decision that would have effect crackdown had to some extent destroyed the terrorist network but the by the lower courts many Supreme Court terms could’ve created the possibility for just six months. That’s not latest incident proves the opposite. The death toll is expected to rise and as sufficient reason were in fact very boring, with that other appeal courts the end of the world, taken on according to a security official, could rise to as high as 40. Four gunmen to hear a case, even almost no cases decided that couldn’t have gotten cases its own terms. But the court’s would interest the public. My before them that would allow decision is guaranteed to be were also killed. A senior Pakistani Taliban commander involved in the if that error affects proposed moment of silence alternative rulings to emerge. announced in the heat of a December 2014 attack on the army school in Peshawar children, like those for the boring court term has But the Obama highly contentious presidential claimed responsibility for the university assault. a point. It should lead us to administration didn’t make campaign in which immigration Terrorist attacks are nothing new in Pakistan, but recently the Taliban who would be ask whether the Supreme the scope of the injunction one is already a major topic. Even have adopted the hideous method of targeting educational institutions. allowed to stay in Court was correct to take of the questions it presented though the court’s decision will According to a report, since 2011, there the country under the immigration case, as the in its petition to the Supreme be framed as an analysis of the have been 29 attacks on schools and Obama administration urged Court. It didn’t concede that relationship between executive Obama’s announced it to do. the policy couldn’t go forward power and the power of universities in Pakistan. Nobel prize My instinctive answer is or be challenged elsewhere. Congress to make immigration The attack on winner Malala Yousafzai herself was policy. that the court shouldn’t have Instead it complained that law, it’ll be widely and popularly a university in shot by Taliban for her support to granted certiorari. This was “the nationwide injunction has understood in the light of the northwestern girls education. The militants abhor a missed opportunity for the far-reaching and irreparable political debate. education. Yesterday’s attack was By Noah Feldman court to employ what the late, humanitarian impact.” That’s bad for the court — Pakistan shows especially barbaric for the day it was Bloomberg great constitutional scholar In essence, the Obama and could be bad for the law Alexander Bickel called the administration was arguing of executive power. Imagine the Taliban are chosen. The university was set to “passive virtues” — deciding not that the court should take the the pressures on Justice increasingly host a poetry recital in afternoon to to decide, and thus preserving case because it’s so important. Anthony Kennedy, who might targeting commemorate the death anniversary e now have the the institutional legitimacy of Unspoken but implicit is the fact well be the swing vote again. of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, a popular major US Supreme the court. that the president’s executive Supporting executive power educational ethnic Pashtun independence leader Court story of the On the surface, this must action on immigration is meant might be misread as support institutions. after whom the university is named. year: The justices seem like a hard choice to to be one of the signature for the Democratic candidate, willW review the constitutionality make. In its petition to the accomplishments of his which Kennedy would abhor. Abdul Ghaffar Khan, called Bacha of President Barack Obama’s Supreme Court, the solicitor administration. Or holding against the Obama Khan, was among the triumvirate of plan to defer deportations, general’s office said that the The solicitor general’s office administration might be seen heroes Malala mentioned in a speech stalled by the US Court of Court of Appeals “committed was more or less saying that as supporting the Republican to the United Nations, alongside Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela. That Appeals for the 5th Circuit. The manifold and significant errors this case falls under a newish candidate, which Kennedy, to the Taliban unleashed their attack on this great leader’s death anniversary court’s decision to take the case, in affirming the unprecedented category of cert grants. his credit, would abhor equally. shows their contempt towards great ideals and icons. United States vs Texas, ensures nationwide injunction barring What would’ve happened The justices are capable of Pakistan has a long way to go to defeat terrorism. The government major drama around the oral implementation of an important if the court hadn’t taken trying to keep politics out of argument in April, and fevered federal policy affecting … the case? In the roughly six their decisions. of Nawaz Sheriff has been determined in its resolve to crush the Taliban, anticipation in the run-up to the parents and children.” months between the end of But the public isn’t capable and despite all the setbacks, it is expected to continue its efforts. “We are announcement of the court’s But ordinarily, the Supreme June when the case will be of ripping judicial decisions determined and resolved in our commitment to wipe out the menace of decision sometime in late June. Court doesn’t see the correction decided and the end of January out of their electoral context. terrorism from our homeland,” Nawaz Sharif said in a statement. The dramatic pattern of error by the lower courts when Obama leaves office, A decision during the next The government must launch a fresh crackdown which must continue produced by the hearing of as sufficient reason to hear a the executive action would’ve presidential term would’ve until the Taliban are crippled, and reevaluate its strategy to make the a hugely significant case is case, even if that error affects remained frozen. Then, either come under far less intense offensive more effective. Protection for schools and universities must be starting to seem normal for the children, like those who a Republican president would political pressure. court. The Affordable Care Act, would be allowed to stay in reverse the action, meaning Sure, justice delayed is increased and security guards at these institutions must be given enough the Voting Rights Act, queer the country under Obama’s that nothing would change, or sometimes justice denied. But training to handle terrorists. marriage and now immigration announced policy. Typically, a Democratic president would not always, at least not in the have each guaranteed the court wants to see a split renew the plan, as Hillary case of the Supreme Court.

Quote of the day ‘Natural born citizen’ and other idiocies

I’ve spent a lot of my life By Jonathan Bernstein the electors. Each state’s electoral votes should — probably 18- year terms, staggered so that writing about the United Bloomberg automatically be cast for the candidate who one opening comes up every two years. I can wins them according to the laws of that state. see arguments for and against — but if we States and Iran, and I never I’d include wording to make it clear that the did it, the amendment should formally set imagined — and never wanted state must hold an election and apportion the the nine-justice limit, ending the possibil- exas Governor Greg Abbott, Republican, is electoral votes based on whatever the rules ity of future court-packing (currently there’s — to become a part of the pushing nine constitutional amendments, were going in. no constitutional provision specifying the story, particularly at such an Tand Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Republican, 4. Eliminate the “natural born citizen” court’s size). wants one setting term limits for the Supreme requirement for presidents. Any citizen should 2. Public financing of elections. Don’t require extraordinary moment. Court and Congress, so I figured out a wish list. be eligible; I trust voters. it, but make it clear it’s allowed. I oppose amend- 1. The right to vote: It doesn’t appear in the 5. Remove the minimum age requirements ments to restrict private money to candidates Jason Rezaian Constitution. It should. for federal office. I don’t worry that voters would and parties, or to restrict what parties can do Freed Iranian-American 2. Statehood for the District of Columbia. elect a 15- year-old president, but citizenship with their money, but I support partial public There’s no legitimate justification for disen- means the opportunity to govern as well as to financing — and fear the court may rule against journalist franchising citizens in the US capital. be governed. it in the future. 3. As long as we have the Electoral College, Two more to think about: Jonathan Bernstein is a Bloomberg View get rid of the loopholes, mainly by getting rid of 1. Term limits for Supreme Court justices columnist covering US politics.

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By Liz Sly figures who have remained loyal to Assad. The Washington Post UN spokesman Farhan Haq told report- ers in New York on Monday that the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, would not issue invitations to the talks until Russia and the United States agree on who ussia’s military intervention in should represent the opposition. He did not Syria is finally generating gains rule out that there could be “slippage” on on the ground for Syrian govern- the January 25 date. ment forces, tilting the battlefield US Secretary of State John F Kerry and in favour of President Bashar Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are RAl Assad to such an extent that the Obama expected to try to hammer out the differ- administration’s quest for a negotiated set- ences at a meeting in Zurich, five days before tlement to the war suddenly looks a lot less the scheduled start of the talks. likely to succeed. Even if the guest list is agreed upon, The gains are small-scale, hard-won however, it is far from clear whether the and in terms of territory overall don’t add opposition will attend without some gesture up to much, in keeping with the incremen- on the part of Russia and Syria to demon- tal nature of war. strate that they are negotiating in good faith. But after three-and-half months of A group of 33 rebel groups issued a state- relentless air strikes that have mostly tar- ment last week saying they would not join geted the Western-backed opposition to the talks unless Russian and Syrian war- Assad’s rule, they have proved sufficient planes stop striking civilian targets, release to push beyond doubt any likelihood that political prisoners and send humanitar- Assad will be removed from power by the ian aid to besieged towns such as Madaya, nearly five-year-old revolt against his rule. where people have been dying of starvation. The gains on the ground are also calling into The opposition is also seeking clarity question whether there can be meaningful on the agenda of the talks, which are offi- negotiations to end a conflict Assad and his cially supposed to conform to a formula allies now seem convinced they can win. drawn up by Russia and the United States “The situation on the ground in Syria in Geneva in 2012, at a time when the rebels File picture of a Syrian man riding his motorbike past a damaged building covered with snow, in the central Syrian is definitely not conducive to negotiations appeared to be winning, and were more town of Talbisseh in Homs province. right now,” said Lina Khatib of the Paris- recently endorsed by a gathering of world based Arab Reform Initiative think-tank. powers in Vienna late last year. Peace talks scheduled to start in Geneva The Geneva process never clearly stip- the Obama administration’s top priorities. to weapons as well as food and human- next week are already in doubt because of ulated that Assad should relinquish power, US officials say they recognise that other itarian supplies, according to the rebels. disputes between Russia and the United but the opposition and the United States said foreign policy goals, including the defeat At the same time, Syrian troops have States, their chief sponsors, over who should they thought that was the intended goal. of the Islamic State and halting the flow advanced on several key fronts. After driving be invited. Nearly four years later, with Syrian troops of refugees from Syria, cannot be fulfilled the rebels out of a string of villages near the Russia and the Syrian government are and their allies gaining ground on multiple without ending the war, which is thought Turkish border in northern Latakia prov- objecting to a US-backed list of opposition fronts in the north, the south and the centre to have claimed in excess of 250,000 lives ince, last week they recaptured the town delegates drawn up in the Saudi Arabian of the country with the support of Russian and displaced more than 11 million peo- of Salma, which had been in rebel hands capital of Riyadh last month that includes air strikes, there is no longer any reason for ple so far. for nearly three years. Syrian troops have The supply of the representatives of some of the main rebel Assad to feel pressure to step down, and Instead, it seems likely that the killing been making advances in and around the missiles has since groups, saying that they won’t negotiate the United States has pulled back from its will continue, with pro-government forces key city of Aleppo and have begun to pres- with people they term “terrorists.” Rus- insistence that he do so. seeking to capitalise on the steady weak- sure the rebels in some of their strongholds slowed down, sia is pushing instead for the inclusion of a Nor is there any reason to think that ening of rebel forces. in southern Syria. rebel fighters say, group of government-approved opposition either the government or the Russians will The Russian intervention got off to a Even if the talks do take place, it is hard as the intensity of be willing to make concessions, whether rocky start last October, with initial attempts to see how they could progress towards a before or during negotiations, analysts say. by Syrian government forces to advance meaningful solution when the balance of the airstrikes has Rather, Khatib said, it appears that both under Russian air cover stalled by an power on the ground and in the diplomatic steadily increased. the Russians and the Syrian government onslaught of dozens of anti-tank missiles arena has shifted so decisively in favour of If the talks don’t take place anytime are intent on buying time in order to con- that had been supplied to US-vetted groups Assad and his allies, said Jeff White, a mil- The targeting by tinue to grind down the opposition. by the United States and its Arab allies. itary analyst at the Washington Institute of Russian warplanes soon, it will be a serious setback “Russia’s strategy is to weaken the Syr- The intervention came after gains by Near East Policy. for a key goal of the Obama ian opposition to the point of elimination, rebel forces had called into question Assad’s “Under the current military circum- of supply lines from administration’s foreign policy. so that in the future Russia may well be ability to survive, and seemed intended stances, there is no reason for the strong Turkey has impeded able to argue that there is no one to nego- to reinforce his increasingly shaky hold alliance to go and negotiate a win-win solu- With the Iran nuclear deal now in tiate with,” she said. on power. tion. The stronger alliance is going to go into access to weapons the implementation phase, putting If the talks don’t take place anytime To that extent, the air strikes have the negotiations and dictate terms,” he said. as well as food soon, it will be a serious setback for a key worked. The supply of the missiles has since “Either the negotiations will fail because and humanitarian an end to the bloodshed in Syria goal of the Obama administration’s foreign slowed down, rebel fighters say, as the inten- the opposition forces that are there will refuse has emerged as one of the Obama policy. With the Iran nuclear deal now in the sity of the airstrikes has steadily increased. to become part of a surrender-type solu- supplies, according administration’s top priorities implementation phase, putting an end to the The targeting by Russian warplanes of sup- tion, or the people on the ground will just to the rebels bloodshed in Syria has emerged as one of ply lines from Turkey has impeded access say, fine, and continue to fight,” he added. Trump and Palin: Just deserts for the right-wing racket

By Jennifer Rubin 2008 election was in the rear-view mir- The Washington Post ror, was still heralded by the far-right as the warrior against the liberal elites more generally. She was the queen bee at gatherings like CPAC. Her admirers arah Palin, in a zany, rambling insisted she, not Republican lawmak- endorsement announcement ers trying to govern, had the pulse of filled with garbled syntax and the public. malapropisms, endorsed pres- Then along comes Donald Trump. Sidential front-runner Donald Trump Many (but not the more ideologically on Tuesday in Iowa. pristine Beltway groups) rushed to The Washington Post reported, his side as well. He was right — they “’No more pussyfootin’ around. Our insisted! — about Muslims, immi- troops deserve the best! You deserve gration and foreign policy (a weird the best,’ she told the crowd. ‘. . . I’m brew of isolationism, bombast and here to support the next president of infatuation with dictators). Once the United States: Donald Trump!’” It again he was slaying inside-the- seems a match made in heaven between Beltway Republicans, whom the the two celebrities, although Trump far-right was convinced were indis- seemed miffed she spoke for so long. tinguishable from Democrats. So So how did we get to this point? what if he embraced protectionism In some ways the Donald Trump- and disdain for civil liberties? His Sarah Palin team is the perfect past Democratic dalliances were of comeuppance to the far-right — includ- no consequence. ing the loudest talk show hosts, the But then — oops! — Trump not anti-immigrant propagandists, the only caught on, but also turned inside-the-Beltway groups that make around to destroy their favourite money from political chaos and the ideological purist, Cruz. Cruz could pols who take advantage of all of sputter that Trump embraced cro- those voices, politicians like Senator nyism and was not loyal to the GOP Ted Cruz, R-Texas. or conservative ideas. But heck, talk The far-right did all in their power radio had been defending Trump to undermine compromise, to promote for months. Trump is an ignoramus US Republican presidential know-nothingism on immigration and on foreign policy, Cruz’s backers many establishment politicians did: He own creations in the persons of Trump that Trump was right on China, the to root for government failure (as in insisted. Well, Cruz had turned his underestimated Trump and instead and Palin and in voters and listeners Iraq War and so much more? Oh my, candidate Donald Trump (right) the 2013 shutdown). Beltway groups, own foreign policy into mush try- of under-cutting him from the start, so unmoored to reality and inured to what talk radio hysterics have wrought! and former Alaska Governor armed with score cards and vitriol, ing to play to supporters of Trump, helped defend him and perpetuate the reason that Cruz’s attempt to dissect While that faction of the GOP is Sarah Palin at a rally at Iowa demeaned anyone but those like the Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky, and the media hoopla. Now it’s hard to take Trump’s proposals falls on deaf ears. figuring out its standard bearer, the State University on Tuesday. Freedom Caucus, those who had no increasingly isolationist talk radio. Cruz’s complaints about the real estate So which is it — is Palin a rest of the party had better figure out responsibility for governance and no So what’s his beef with Trump? After mogul seriously. know-nothing nut with no grasp of its strongest horse sooner rather than risk of electoral defeat. They even took perfecting the art of personal insult It seems the far-right noise machine, conservative principles or the Joan of later. Once they rally around a viable, to savaging Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis. and resentment, Cruz devotees are which lacks a conservative temper- Arc of the right wing? How can Cruz responsible figure they can go about Palin, long after she revealed her- now hobbled in attacking Trump. ament and adherence to thoughtful be preferable to Trump if so many of the business of defeating the winner self to be an unserious populist and the Cruz, it seems, made the same error positions, has met its enemies — its these voices had argued for months of the Cruz-Trump scrum.

All thoughts and views expressed in these columns are those of the writers, not of the newspaper. All correspondence regarding Views and Opinion pages should be mailed to the Editor-in-Chief. 12 THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 ASIA / PHILIPPINES

Concern over Protest against EDCA in Manila China’s detention of EU citizens

state security”. It is rare for China to accuse for- Peter Dahlin’s eigners of national security offences, detention comes as which can carry heavy penalties, China considers a although some have been accused of spying. The EU was “deeply con- new law to control cerned” about cases such as Dahlin’s, the activities of the grouping’s ambassador to China Hans-Dietmar Schweisgut told report- foreign NGOs, ers. “We do hope it’s not representing which has raised the new normal yet, but we do see an extremely worrying trend,” he said. widespread concern Overseas organisations ranging among overseas from human rights groups to busi- group ness councils have strongly criticised China’s proposed legislation on for- eign NGOs, fearing it will effectively make it impossible for them to work in the country. AFP “We are concerned that this could have an impact on overall eco- nomic, business relations or academic exchanges”, Schweisgut said, add- BEIJING: The European Union’s ing that it “goes much further than ambassador to China said yester- human rights”. “This is a serious and day that it was “deeply concerned” big issue”, he said. As China tightened about Beijing’s detention of EU citi- social controls in recent years, it has Anti-riot police use their shields to push back activists during a demonstration denouncing the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement zens, hours after state media broadcast sought to blame “foreign forces” for the purported confession of a Swed- domestic woes, ranging from under- (EDCA) in front of the US embassy in Manila yesterday. Protesters marched to the US Embassy after the Supreme Court on January 21 ish activist held by authorities. mining Chinese values to a recent allowed an increased US military presence in its former colony as tensions rise in the South China Sea. Peter Dahlin, who worked for explosion in labour protests. the Chinese Urgent Action Working As the NGO law moves towards Group, disappeared earlier this month being passed, “foreign funders will be as he prepared to board a flight to increasingly portrayed as the ‘black Thailand, and appears to have been hands’ behind China’s rights activ- S Korean academic caught up in a crackdown on human ists”, Maya Wang, a campaigner at rights lawyers. Human Rights Watch, said. Thai man jailed for six years pleads not guilty His detention comes as China Airing Dahlin’s confession—in considers a new law to control the which he admitted funding Chinese to defaming activities of foreign non-governmen- lawyers—probably had two “benefits” tal organisations (NGOs), which has for the government, she said: “Smear- over Facebook royal ‘slur’ ‘comfort women’ raised widespread concern among ing and building a fake criminal case” overseas groups. Dahlin’s group has against detained rights lawyers and said it offered training to lawyers who “scaring donors away from China’s have tried to use China’s tightly-con- human rights activists”. AFP with messages in 2013 that risked shielded from any debate and criti- AFP trolled judiciary to redress apparent Authorities launched a sweeping making the public “disrespectful or cism by one of the world’s harshest government abuses. crackdown on human rights attorneys unfaithful” to the monarchy. royal defamation laws. Late on Tuesday, state broadcaster in July, detaining more than 130 legal “The judge sentenced him to nine Anyone convicted of insulting the SEOUL: A South Korean academic China Central Television showed a staff across the country. This month BANGKOK: A Thai man was sentenced years but he has given useful testimony king, queen, heir or regent, can face accused of writing a book that video of the Swede confessing that at least 10 were formally arrested yesterday to six years in jail for two during the investigation so the court up to 15 years in jail on each count. defamed wartime ‘comfort women’ he had “violated Chinese law through on charges related to “state subver- Facebook posts about the king that commuted one third of that sentence Bhumibol remains widely revered denied the charge in court yester- my activities here”. “I have hurt the sion” after being held in secret for were deemed in breach of the coun- to six years imprisonment,” the court in Thailand but has spent much of the day, insisting her work was in the feelings of the Chinese people,” he six months. try’s draconian royal defamation law. said in its verdict. last two years in hospital and is rarely public interest. declared in stilted tones. “I apologise “Whatever Peter Dahlin did or The conviction is the latest jail term The court did not provide details seen in public. Park Yu-Ha, a professor at sincerely for this.” “I have no com- didn’t say can’t be verified in full as handed down in an unprecedented lese on the content of the posts, as is com- Thailand’s military styles itself Seoul’s Sejong University, was for- plaints to make,” he added. “I think long as he is held in residential surveil- majeste crackdown launched since monplace in lese majeste convictions. as the champion of the monarchy mally charged by prosecutors last my treatment has been fair.” lance”, Michael Caster, a spokesman arch-royalist generals seized power Even when details are known, and army-chief turned Prime Min- November following an investiga- Two purported Chinese col- for China Action, said on Twitter. in a May 2014 coup. media must heavily self censor when ister General Prayut Chan-O-Cha has tion prompted by complaints from a leagues of Dahlin were also shown Dahlin’s case followed the dis- Convictions have sky rocketed reporting on such cases to avoid fall- vowed to root out all criticism of the group of so-called “comfort women”. declaring their guilt. The official appearance of two Hong Kong since the takeover with record break- ing foul of the same law. Thai Lawyers royal family. Mainstream historians say up Xinhua news agency said Dahlin’s booksellers with European citizen- ing jail sentences, many for social for Human Rights described Piya as Analysts say uncertainty as the to 200,000 women, mostly from group was “encouraging the masses ship—one from the former British media posts, as authorities broaden a former stockbroker who was first king’s reign enters its twilight years Korea but also other parts of Asia to oppose the government”. Foreign colony and the other from Thailand. their interpretation of the law. arrested in December 2014 and has is a major factor in the political chaos including China, were forced to work ministry spokesman Hong Lei said They reappeared in China, raising Bangkok Criminal Court said been in custody ever since. that has beset Thailand for much of in Japanese military brothels dur- Wednesday the Swede “took part in fears of Chinese authorities extend- 46-year-old Piya Julkittiphan was King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the the last decade, as competing elites ing World War II. activities in China which threatened ing their reach internationally. convicted for posting two pictures world’s longest-serving monarch, is jostle for influence. In The Comfort Women of the Empire published in 2013, Park chal- lenged the dominant narrative in South Korea that all comfort women were dragged from their homes by Fire hits residential area in Quezon City Myanmar ethnic minority Japanese soldiers. Park suggested the reality was more complex, with some of the women volunteering — MPs receive Suu Kyi boost though without necessarily knowing what their eventual fate would be. The book also suggested some women forged an emotional bond AFP MPs — Win Khaing Than, an ethnic with the soldiers they served, spark- Karen, and spokesman U Win Myint— ing an angry reaction from some for upper and lower house speaker, surviving comfort women. party spokesperson Nyan Win said. “Park provided a different YANGON: Aung San Suu Kyi’s victori- The other nominations for dep- approach to explore this issue that ous opposition party nominated three uty speakers are an ethnic Rahkine had remained unresolved for so ethnic minority politicians yesterday from the Arakan National Party, and long,” her lawyer said in court. “She for prominent roles in the country’s an ethnic Kachin from the incum- wrote the book only for interest of new parliament, a boost to a demo- bent military-backed party, he added. the public,” the lawyer was quoted a graphic who have long complained All of the candidates will need saying by the Yonhap news agency. of exclusion. to be approved in a parliamentary As the result of a separate civil Suu Kyi’s National League for vote after both houses convene on suit, Park was ordered by a court last Democracy (NLD) swept up nearly February 1. week to pay nine former sex slaves 80 percent of the seats in elections But given the NLD’s landslide suc- a total of $74,000 in damages. She last November, beating out many eth- cess at the polls it is likely the four has appealed the decision. On Tues- nic minority parties who had been nominations will be approved. day, Park said she would release the expected to do well on their home The move comes after the military full text of her book online for free. turf in the country’s restive border released the names of 166 unelected The book blames the plight of regions. But her party nominated four military officers who will serve as the comfort women on the entire MPs for speaker positions in the two parliamentarians. “patriarchal social system” in both parliamentary houses that will con- The powerful military are guaran- Japan and South Korea that exploited vene next month, NLD spokesperson teed a quarter of seats under a clause poor, uneducated women. Nyan Win said , including three eth- in a constitution penned by the former The hugely emotional com- nic minority MPs. junta, a provision which gives them fort women issue has marred ties The country’s hotchpotch of a de facto veto on any constitutional between Seoul and Tokyo for dec- minorities, many of whom have fought changes. ades. The two neighbours reached decades long civil wars with the cen- It’s still unknown who will be cho- an agreement last month to resolve tral government, have often chafed at sen as a candidate for president, a post the issue, with Tokyo offering an their treatment by the Bamar major- 70-year-old Suu Kyi is constitution- apology and a 1bn yen ($8.5m) pay- ity who form much of the military, ally barred from taking under a clause ment to South Korean survivors. economic and political elite. banning those with close foreign rel- Both governments described In recent weeks Suu Kyi, an eth- atives from top political office. Her the agreement as “final and irre- nic Bamar herself, has emphasised sons and late husband are British. versible”, but it has been criticised her commitment to making minor- She has however indicated that by surviving comfort women and Filipinos rest in a street with their belongings during a fire in Quezon City, northeast of Manila, ity aspirations a central pillar of her she will pick a president and rule their supporters in South Korea for Philippines, yesterday. The fire left around 60 families homeless, local reports said. administration. The nominated can- “above” them, without explaining Japan’s refusal to accept formal legal didates include two of the party’s own how this will work. responsibility. ASIA / AFRICA THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 13 Balance of Asia-Pacific military power shifting against US

ity of US security commitments and to commission an independent assess- China formally announced at the policy priorities, but other interna- a long-term bipartisan agreement to the Pentagon faces spending limits, ment of US strategy in the Asia Pacific. end of last year that it was building a tional crises, including conflict in the fund defence at the higher levels for China’s will have so according to a study. It concluded that Obama’s rebalance second aircraft carrier, but is expected Middle East and the rise of the Islamic which there is a broad consensus.” many aircraft carriers Researchers at the Centre for Stra- needed more attention and resources, to build more in the years ahead. State, as well tension with Russia, have It also complained that there was by 2030 that the tegic and International Studies, which especially as China has accelerated the “For rival claimants in the South sucked up much of the administra- confusion throughout Washington conducted the study for the US Depart- pace of “coercive activities” and island- China Sea, this is a game changer,” the tion’s attention. and across the Asia-Pacific about the South China will be ment of Defence, were left “concerned” building in the South China Sea and report said. “There will almost always This report may fuel criticism that rebalance, as well as concern about its “virtually a Chinese that President Barack Obama’s “rebal- East China Sea, and North Korea has be a Chinese CSG (carrier strike group) he has neglected the threats posed by implementation, partly because there ance” of US interests toward Asia might continued to develop its nuclear and floating in contested waters, or within China’s rise and North Korea’s bellig- has been no central statement explain- lake”, the CSIS study not be sufficient to secure US interests ballistic missile capabilities. a half-day’s steaming time.” erence. CSIS identified three main US ing the strategy. warned in the region. “Chinese and North Korean actions Whether China has seized terri- goals in the region — protecting US cit- “Addressing this confusion will China’s will have so many aircraft are routinely challenging the credibil- tory or negotiated a resource-sharing izens and allies, promoting trade and require the executive branch develop carriers by 2030 that the South China ity of US security commitments, and scheme with other claimants, “the South economic opportunity, and promot- a clear and coherent strategy, and dis- will be “virtually a Chinese lake”, the at the current rate of US capability, China Sea will be virtually a Chinese ing universal democratic norms — but cuss that strategy with Congress as well Reuters & Washington Post study warned. the balance of military power in the lake, as the Caribbean or the Gulf of expressed concern that the rebalance as with US allies and partners across The CSIS study said the United region is shifting against the United Mexico is for the United States today,” “may be insufficient to secure those the world,” the report recommended. States should sustain and expand its States,” it said. It argued that China CSIS said. interests”. But the United States should also military presence in the Asia Pacific, would have multiple aircraft carriers That will also make US naval oper- It argued that capping military build up the ability of its allies and WASHINGTON: The balance of mili- and also accelerate efforts to strengthen in the region by 2030, allowing it to ations in the South China Sea a risky resources at budget levels set by the partners in the region to respond to tary power in the Asia-Pacific is shifting the capabilities of its allies and partners. overawe other nations, without nec- proposition, other than through US Budget Control Act would “severely rising threats. “Securities challenges against the United States, as China and The CSIS study was carried out essarily having to behave in a directly submarines. The rebalance was sup- constrain implementation of the rebal- are increasingly outpacing the capabil- North Korea challenge the credibil- after Congress required the Pentagon menacing fashion. posed to be one of Obama’s top foreign ance,” arguing for Congress “to forge ities of frontline regional states,” it said.

Singapore deports Plane on a field 26 Bangladeshis for terror links

AFP members. Of the 27 Bangladeshis arrested, one was not deported and is serving a jail sentence for attempting to flee Singapore after learning about SINGAPORE: Singapore disclosed the arrests of the group’s members. yesterday that it arrested 27 Bangla- He will be repatriated to Bangla- deshi construction workers late last desh after he completes his sentence. year for supporting “the armed jihad The man was said not to have been a ideology” of militants like the Islamic member of the group but was “in the State group, and deported 26 of them. process of being radicalised”. The workers were being groomed According to the ministry’s state- to return to their home country to ment, the group’s members were wage holy war and had studied book- encouraged to return to Bangladesh lets on assassination techniques, the and “wage armed jihad” against the Ministry of Home Affairs said. government there, while some had “They were plotting nefarious sent money to terror-linked entities activities in Bangladesh and other in their country. countries, and not in Singapore. But The ministry said they possessed they were still a serious threat to us,” radical and jihadi-related materials, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said including footage of children under- in a Facebook post late Wednesday. going training in what appeared to “We are tightening up our secu- be militant camps. rity, and acting to protect our racial Excerpts from a video released and religious harmony. Radicalisa- by the ministry showed young boys tion and terrorism must never take dressed in black and wearing white root in Singapore.” caps firing pistols and automatic Home Affairs Minister K Shanmu- rifles during training. There was also gam said in an earlier Facebook post a document entitled “Techniques of that the workers “could have easily Silent Killing” that contained graphic changed their minds and attacked Sin- images and instructions on how to Traffic along a rural road going past a decommissioned Boeing 747 passenger aircraft sitting on a field in Nakhon Pathom provincest we gapore”. Several members of the group carry out assassinations, using dif- of Bangkok, on Tuesday. also contemplated joining “armed ferent methods and weapon. jihad” with the IS group in Iraq and The announcement of the arrests Syria, according to the MHA. came less than a week after militants “They supported the armed jihad mounted attacks in the Indonesian ideology of terrorist groups like Al- capital Jakarta, leaving at least eight Rapper Mos Def to Qaeda and the Islamic State in Iraq people dead, including four suspected Outpouring of grief after Vietnam’s and Syria,” the ministry said in the attackers. The IS group claimed respon- stand trial in statement. sibility for the coordinated assault on The 27 men, aged between 25 and a central thoroughfare in the capital. South Africa over 40, were arrested between Novem- Kumar Ramakrishna, a counter- beloved sacred giant turtle dies ber 16 and December 1 last year under terrorism analyst at Singapore’s S. ‘world passport’ Singapore’s Internal Security Act. Rajaratnam School of International They all worked in construction Studies, said the arrests would likely AFP could have helped conserve the spe- vanquished Chinese invaders. in Singapore, where large numbers be “disconcerting” to the public as cies, he added. Although officially an atheist of labourers mostly from South Asia foreign workers have become part of AFP The turtle’s demise was widely country, many Vietnamese are deeply live in often cramped dormitories. Singapore’s social landscape. mourned on Vietnamese-language superstitious. “I feel empty. My chil- “The group members took “It drives home the point that ter- HANOI: A sacred giant turtle venerated blogs and social media, with many dren, grandchildren will only know measures to avoid detection by the rorists can be amongst us and not far JOHANNESBURG: American rap- as a symbol of Vietnam’s independence warning it was a bad omen for upcom- the turtle from legend,” online com- authorities. They shared jihadi-related away,” he said. per Mos Def will be tried in a South struggle has died, state media said, ing changes in the ruling Communist mentator Duong Nguyen wrote on the material discreetly among themselves, Singaporean officials have said African court in March after being prompting an outpouring of grief and Party, which begins its five-yearly con- popular VNExpress site. and held weekly meetings and gath- that the city-state remains a target by arrested for presenting a “world fears the death bodes ill for an upcom- gress today. “This is bad news for many Reports about the turtle’s death erings where they discussed armed militants because of the presence of passport” when trying to fly out of ing communist leadership handover. people in Hanoi,” said the Thanh Nien first appeared in state media late jihad and conflicts that involved Mus- a large number of multinational cor- the country, officials said yesterday. The reptile, a critically endangered newspaper. Tuesday, but some were taken down lims,” the ministry said, adding that porations and its status as a regional The 42-year-old hip hop art- swinhoe softshell turtle, occupies a Vietnam’s authoritarian rul- apparently under pressure from com- the group was also actively recruiting financial centre. ist, actor and activist, whose real key mythological role in Vietnam — in ers will choose a new party leader, munist authorities. name is Dante Terrel Smith, was the past the turtle generally surfaced president and prime minister at the The turtle’s body is being kept arrested in Cape Town last week only rarely, with its sightings deemed party congress. In a story taught to at a temple on a small island in the while attempting to board a flight auspicious. all Vietnamese schoolchildren, the lake pending an official decision on to Ethiopia. Experts say it was one of only four sacred turtle of Hoan Kiem is the how to proceed, state media said, Painted fan He was later released on bail of turtles — better known as Yangtze custodian of the magic sword of Le adding that embalming was being 5,000 rand (about $300). giant softshells — in existence. Two Loi, a 15th century rebel leader who considered. The Department of Home Affairs are in a zoo China and the other lives said the actor had entered South in a different lake in Hanoi. Africa with a legitimate US pass- It was found dead in Hoan Kiem port in November, and had a visitor’s lake in central Hanoi late Tuesday, the visa valid until February. state-run Tuoi Tre newspaper said. “The major problem why he The turtle, which weighed about could not get on the Ethiopian 200kg, was said to be anywhere flight was the document he pro- between 80 and more than 100 years duced at the immigration counter, old. It was “possibly the rarest species the World Passport, which South on the planet and definitely the rar- Africa does not recognise,” home est turtle species ... It’s a great blow,” affairs director general Mkuseli to have lost it, Tim McCormack of the Apleni told reporters. Asian Turtle Programme, said. “Immigration officers had also “It was clearly an ancient animal, detected that his spouse and minor I would say easily over 100 years old, child had overstayed their visit to the and so its death does not come as any Republic. “Mister Smith will appear real great surprise,” he said. for trial on March 8 to answer the Because of the cultural signif- immigration charges.” icance of the turtle, which many A file picture dated April 3, 2011 shows conservation workers watching An Australian Open Tennis fan walks with her face painted during Smith attempted to leave the Vietnamese considered “almost the second round at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis country using a “World Govern- sacred”, it has not been possible to the turtle named Cu Rua swimming after it was captured at Hoan Kiem tournament in Melbourne yesterday. ment of World Citizens” passport, include the Hoan Kiem animal in lake in Hanoi, Vietnam. The death of a popular turtle in Hanoi led to Apleni said. any breeding programmes which a national outpouring of sentiment yesterday. 14 THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 PAKISTAN Students among 21 dead in attack on university

of the university yesterday morning Death toll could rise before entering buildings and open- ing fire on students and teachers in to 40, fear officials. classrooms and hostels, police said. Army concludes Students told media they saw several young men wielding AK-47 operation killing four guns storming the university housing gunmen where many students were sleeping. “They came from behind and there was a big commotion,” an unnamed male student told a news channel from Reuters a hospital bed in Charsadda’s District Hospital. “We were told by teachers to leave immediately. Some people hid in bathrooms.” CHARSADDA: Armed militants Thirty five of the wounded remain stormed a university in volatile north- in hospital, a local police official said western Pakistan yesterday, killing late yesterday. The gunmen attacked at least 21 people and wounding doz- as the university prepared to host a ens a little more than a year after the poetry recital on Wednesday after- massacre of 134 students at a school noon to commemorate the death in the area, officials said. anniversary of Khan Abdul Ghaf- A senior Pakistani Taliban com- far Khan, a popular ethnic Pashtun People and security forces outside the hospital where victims of the gun attack were admitted in Charsadda yesterday. mander claimed responsibility for independence activist after whom the assault in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the university is named. province, but an official spokesman Vice Chancellor Fazal Rahim said later denied involvement, calling the the university teaches over 3,000 stu- Chemistry teacher defies Taliban attack attack “un-Islamic”. dents and was hosting an additional The violence nevertheless shows 600 visitors for the poetry recital. that militants retain the ability to Umar Mansoor, a senior Pakistani AFP ‘Allah is great!’ and rushing towards paid tribute to the slain academic yes- tell us stories about his hunting trips,” launch attacks, despite a country- Taliban commander involved in the the stairs of our department,” one man terday, saying he had been nicknamed Shazeb said. Husain also never missed wide anti-terrorism crackdown and December 2014 attack on the army told reporters. “One student jumped “The Protector” even before his death. a game of cricket with the students, he a military campaign against their school in Peshawar, claimed respon- out of the classroom through the win- “He would always help the stu- said, adding: “When someone would go strongholds along the lawless bor- sibility for the Charsadda assault and CHARSADDA: A chemistry teacher dow. We never saw him get up.” dents and he was the one who knew to bowl to him, he would joke: ‘Remem- der with Afghanistan. said it involved four of his men. who tried to shield his students by open- He described seeing Husain hold- all their secrets because they would ber kiddo, I have a pistol’”. A security official said the death He told reporters the univer- ing fire on Taliban militants during a ing a pistol and firing at the attackers. share all their problems with him,” Tributes were also paid online to toll could rise to as high as 40 at Bacha sity was targeted because it was a deadly attack at a Pakistani univer- “Then we saw him fall down and 22-year-old geology student Waqar the slain teacher, whose funeral was Khan University in the city of Char- government institution that sup- sity was known as “The Protector” as the terrorists entered the (regis- Ali said. “He was referred to by stu- held in his home village of Swabi yes- sadda. The army said it had concluded ported the army. However, later in even before his death in a hail of bul- trar) office we ran away.” dents as ‘The Protector’.” terday evening. operations to clear the campus six the day, official Taliban spokes- lets yesterday. Geology student Zahoor Ahmed Husain had been the father of a “Martyr of #education: Prof hours after the attack began, and that man Muhammad Khorasani issued Lecturer Syed Hamid Husain, a said Husain had warned him not to three-year-old boy and a daughter Hamid who was killed by terrorists four gunmen were dead. a written statement disassociating 32-year-old assistant professor of leave the building after the first shots who had recently celebrated her first in #BachaKhanUniversity#Pakistan,” A spokesman for rescue workers, the militants from the attack, call- chemistry at the Bacha Khan university were fired.“He was holding a pistol in birthday, a university administration tweeted journalist and academic Raza Bilal Ahmad Faizi, said 20 bodies had ing it un-Islamic. in Charsadda, ordered his students to his hand,” he said. “Then I saw a bul- official told reporters. Ahmad Rumi. been recovered including students, “Youth who are studying in non- stay inside as Taliban gunmen stormed let hit him. I saw two militants were He had spent three years studying Pakistan’s President Mamnoon guards, policemen and at least one military institutions, we consider them the school near the city of Peshawar firing. I ran inside and then managed in the UK for his PhD, the official said. Hussain expressed his grief and con- teacher, named by media as chem- as builders of the future nation and yesterday. to flee by jumping over the back wall.” Mohammad Shazeb, a 24-year- dolences to the man’s family. istry professor Syed Hamid Husain. we consider their safety and protec- Students told of how the father-of- “They fired directly at” the pro- old computer science student, said Teachers in northwest Pakistan were Many of the dead were apparently tion our duty,” the statement said. two opened fire on assailants as they fessor, sociology student Muhammad that Husain was fond of gardening given permission to carry firearms in shot in the head execution-style, TV The reason for the conflicting rampaged across campus, giving the Daud told reporters, describing and used to joke with the students that the classroom after Taliban militants footage showed. claims was not immediately clear. young people time to flee before he Husain as “a real gentleman and a they should learn gardening for when massacred more than 150 people, the The militants, using the cover of While the Taliban leadership is was cut down by gunfire. respectable teacher”. they are unemployed. majority of them children, at a school thick, wintry fog, scaled the walls fractured. “We saw three terrorists shouting, Students and university officials “He had a 9mm pistol and used to in the city of Peshawar in 2014. Bomber kills 7 Afghan Ombudsman TV station staff stresses police station reforms AFP burning inside the vehicle, another employee said, adding that the bus was mostly filled with behind-the- Internews scenes workers from the channel’s KABUL: Seven people were killed graphics and dubbing departments. yesterday when a suicide bomber The loud explosion sent a plume struck a minibus carrying employ- of smoke rising in the sky, with ambu- ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Federal ees of popular Afghan TV channel lances and firefighters rushing to the Ombudsman M Salman Faruqi yes- TOLO, just months after the Taliban scene which was littered with charred terdya said that no step would be declared the network a legitimate debris. The interior ministry said the left unturned to reform thaana cul- “military target”. attack left seven people dead and 24 ture, in line with directions from The bombing near the Russian others wounded. the Supreme Court. embassy in downtown Kabul also left The Taliban in October declared He was chairing a high level 24 people wounded, in the latest in a TOLO and 1TV, both privately run news meeting on police station reforms wave of attacks despite an interna- stations as legitimate “military targets”. to be established based on orders tional push to jumpstart Taliban peace The group said the move was in response from the Supreme Court. talks. No group has so far claimed to their reports claiming that Taliban According to an official responsibility for the bombing, which fighters assaulted women at a female statement, the wafaqi mohtasib marks the first major attack on a media hostel in Kunduz, after the group briefly maintained that court’s orders organisation in Afghanistan. captured the northern city in late Sep- would be implemented to bring “Our office bus taking TOLO tember last year. The Taliban rejected doable reforms to ‘police culture’. staff home came under attack,” an the reports as fabrications, saying He said that without bringing employee at the channel said. The they were examples of propaganda positive change to police sta- Afghan soldiers inspect the site of a suicide bomb blast near Russian embassy in Kabul yesterday. bombing left some staff members by the “satanic networks”. tions, citizens’ issues would not be resolved. “We are committed to enhanc- ing the capacity building of police officers so they can perform their Pakistan varsity helps women put brake on mobility barriers professional duties without fear or pressure at their respective police stations,” Faruqi said. Internews another 250 bicycles to students in brought that up to 150 female fac- confidence to travel freely, “like men drive her to classes. “It was hard for The wafaqi mohtasib was of the next three months. ulty members,” Khan said. do”. There was a time when women them to manage their schedules around the view that the FIR registra- “Travelling between departments The gender ratio of students in were just not supposed to ride vehi- mine and being dependent on them tion procedure was in dire need across campus is a tedious task for the postgraduate programme is 50 cles, she says. “There’s no stopping us this way was embarrassing for me.” of improvement, and would cur- ISLAMABAD: Women riding bicycles many girls,” Khan says. percent at present. Similarly, he said, now now we drive car and bicycles this Rehman says she had decided one day tail the cumbersome process of anywhere in the world could be the UAF students are required to travel the university has added a day care is an indicator of our presence in the that enough was enough and gone and investigation. most commonplace sight but here in extensively between classrooms and centre, a hostel for working women, public sphere and a growing role in got a bicycle. He said it was the police’s prime Pakistan, it is likely to raise eyebrows. agricultural labs and fields for prac- a counselling centre, a career devel- the country’s economic sector.” “No one harasses us and this has responsibility to establish cordial This taboo is becoming increasingly tical work, he says. opment centre, a financial aid office Riding her bicycle, Ayesha Liaquat removed a load of pressure off I move and friendly relations with citi- redundant in the 21st century. This initiative was a part of sev- and a quality enhancement cell to cater waves from afar. “This has helped freely all over campus and do not have zens so they feel free to cooperate That is one of the reasons why the eral efforts the university has made to women. change my perceptions of men and to feel guilty about inconveniencing with them. University of Agriculture Faisalabad’s to narrow the gender gap, Khan says. It is quite the norm to see female women I used to mull over what made male members of my family.” He said that reforms to thaana administration felt it was important to “We have to empower female students students whizz past on the UAF campus us different and why we are treated Chief Hall Warden Prof Dr Amjad culture would remain a dream if encourage its female students to ride and prepare them to tackle challenges and in the fields and markets surround- differently.” She said the UAF’s initia- Aulakh says rather than creating any educated, trained and reputable bicycles and overcome their mobil- of the modern world.” ing the university. tives to bridge the gap between genders problems, the initiative has actually police officials are not recruited. ity issues, UAF Vice Chancellor Iqrar He says the university has also Nageen Farooq, one of the few stu- have been fundamental in answering helped allay fears. “Our female students He told the meeting that a Ahmad Khan says. provided improved sports and rec- dents who received a bicycle from the a lot her questions. “We are at par with are not dependent on male members detailed report would be formu- Last year, the UAF gave 100 bicy- reational facilities for women. university, says riding a bicycle has men in every sphere of life.” of their families or their friends they lated and feasible reforms for police cles to girls studying at the UAF. The A few years ago the UAF had only not only helped her overcome mobil- Samia Rehman said she was sick have the confidence to take the wheel stations would be suggested and administration is planning to give 40 female faculty members. “We ity issues but has also given her the of asking her father and brother to and pedal to wherever they need to be.” submitted to the court. INDIA THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 15

Kejriwal seeks Nomadic life Cabinet nod answers from PMO over raid

IANS for new power

NEW DELHI: Hours after a Delhi court ordered the CBI to return the tariff policy documents it seized from Delhi Sec- retariat in December, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal yesterday sought an “explanation” from the Prime policy also proposes to strengthen the Minister’s Office (PMO) over the regulatory mechanism so that discoms CBI’s raid. To promote become more efficient in serving their “After today’s CBI court order renewable energy consumers. directing release of documents) and energy security, Highlighting India’s international seized from the Chief Minister’s obligations towards reversing climate office, PMO owes an explanation 8% of electricity change under the COP 21 declarations, to the nation since the CBI reports consumption Goyal said the new tariff policy seeks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” to boost renewable energy generation. he tweeted. excluding hydro “In order to promote renewable A court yesterday directed the power, shall be from energy and energy security, 8 percent Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of electricity consumption excluding to release documents seized from A nomadic shepherd from Rajasthan herds sheep at a camp on the outskirts of New Delhi yesterday. solar energy by hydro power, shall be from solar energy the office of the principal secre- Shepherds still cling on to pastoral nomadic life, trekking long distances in search of pasture for their March 2022 by March 2022, as part of the revised tary to Kejriwal, Rajendra Kumar, sheep. Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO),” and wondered how a regular case the minister said. was registered against the official “We have also introduced a Renew- on the basis of oral information. IANS able Generation Obligation, whereby Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister new thermal plants have to have a Manish Sisodia called the CBI raid New navigation satellite launched renewable component to their gen- of December 16 “politically moti- eration,” he added. vated” and sought an apology from NEW DELHI: The federal cabinet Goyal said the new tariff policy had the prime minister for it, saying it yesterday approved a new power tar- special provisions to promote the phi- was directed at Kejriwal’s office. as India moves closer to own GPS iff policy designed to promote clean losophy of “waste-to-wealth”. “Modi should now appologise” energy, better regulation of distribu- “To release clean drinking water and admit the raid was wrong, Siso- tion companies (discoms), and ease of for cities and reduce pollution of riv- dia said. the process of doing business in the ers, thermal plants within a 50 km of He said the court had categori- Agencies Indian Space Research Organisation said in a statement. Two more satel- sector. “For the first time, a holistic radius of sewage treatment facilities cally observed that it was improper (Isro)said. lites are planned to be launched over view of the power sector has been will use treated sewage water,” Goyal to seize files not related to Rajen- The American GPS, Russia’s Glo- the next several months, it said. India’s taken and comprehensive amend- said, adding that Nagpur municipal- dra Kumar and also the “in” and nass and Europe’s Galileo have dozens regional navigation system will pro- ments have been made in the tariff ity, in his home state of Maharashtra, is “out” register of the chief minis- NEW DELHI: India successfully of satellites to provide information vide open navigational information policy 2006,” Power Minister Piyush already implementing such a project. ter’s office. launched the fifth of a constellation across the globe. China is also build- to all users but also restricted serv- Goyal told reporters. The new policy will also allow dis- Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party of navigation satellites yesterday, as ing its own global positioning system, ices to the military. “The amendments are also aimed at tribution companies to buy any quantum (AAP) said the court order exposed part of a programme that will reduce known as Beidou or COMPASS. President Pranab Mukherjee and achieving the objectives of Uday (Ujwal of power produced from waste. For the Modi government’s blatant mis- dependency on the United States’ Glo- The satellite IRNSS-1E was Prime Minister Narendra Modi con- Discom Assurance Yojana) with a focus promotion of hydro projects, Goyal said use of the CBI as Kejriwal was the bal Positioning System (GPS) and other launched into orbit by a locally devel- gratulated the ISRO scientists on the on 4 Es.. electricity for all, efficiency to these will be allowed to charge tariffs target of the raid, not his princi- networks. oped spacecraft from the Sriharikota successful launch. ensure affordable tariffs, environment, on a cost-plus basis through long term pal secretary. India’s plan is to have seven sat- space centre in southern India. Over “Heartiest congratulations to the and ease of doing business to attract power purchase agreements (PPAs), AAP Delhi unit convenor Dilip ellites that will provide navigational the next few days, scientists will carry ISRO team on the successful launch investments to the sector and ensure and will be exempt from competitive Pandey said the raid was a ploy to information over the country and orbital manoeuvres to place the satel- of navigation satellite IRNSS-1E,” the financial viability,” he said. The new bidding till August 15, 2022. unsettle the AAP government. upto 1,500km around the mainland, lite into a geosynchronous orbit, Isro president said in his message.

Greenpeace India appoints Protests continue over varsity student’s death new chief amid legal battles IANS attempt to project the issue as a caste continued their protest on the campus, suspend any student. He said he merely He called the probe ordered by battle. The truth is that, it is not,” Irani condemned Irani and accused her of forwarded two representations he got the ministry an eyewash, saying a told the media in New Delhi, in her first trying to twist the facts. from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi judicial or CBI investigation should reaction to the raging row. The Joint Action Committee (JAC) Parishad (ABVP) to the human resource be ordered. AFP HYDERABAD/NEW DELHI: As pro- She said the case was being for social justice, an umbrella of stu- development ministry. When Republican Party of India tests continued for the fourth day at “misrepresented”. dent groups, continue its protest at the Dattatreya extended his heartfelt leader Ramdas Athawale came to the University of Hyderabad over a Dalit “It’s not a Dalit versus non-Dalit university that remained shut. The condolences to Rohith’s family. Politi- campus, he had to face the ire of stu- research scholar’s suicide, the central confrontation,” she said, adding there protesters have vowed not to allow cians meanwhile continued to swarm dents who asked him to first withdraw NEW DELHI: Greenpeace India government said yesterday that this had been media debates suggesting classes till Vice Chancellor Appa the campus for the second day. Yester- support to the BJP-led NDA govern- said yesterday it had appointed was not a “Dalit versus non-Dalit issue”. that Vemula mentioned the names of Rao resigns and justice is done to day, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram ment. Police escorted him out. a new director to steer the group Human Resource Development people and organisations who forced Rohith’s family. Yechury sought President Pranab YSR Congress party chief Y.S. Jag- forward amid ongoing legal bat- Minister Smriti Irani said there was him to commit suicide. A two-member committee sent Mukherjee’s intervention. anmohan Reddy also met the students tles with Prime Minister Narendra a “malicious attempt to project it as a She flashed a letter, saying it was by the human resource development The president is Visitor of the and demanded action against the guilty. Modi’s government. caste battle”. Another central minis- the only document police got while ministry continued its probe for a sec- university. Trinamool Congress MPs Derek The campaign group said Ravi ter, Bandaru Dattatreya, insisted he did investigating the case. She also read ond consecutive day. Addressing the students, Yechury O’Brien and Pratima Mondal also met Chellam, an environmentalist who not influence the university to suspend out a few lines from the letter, suggest- Minister of State for Labour Dat- demanded the sacking of central min- the students. has worked with the United Nations Rohith Vemula - who killed himself - ing what was being widely projected tareya, who represents Secunderabad isters Irani and Dattatreya and also Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejri- Development Programme and wild- and four other students. was not the truth. in the Lok Sabha, clarified that he did the vice chancellor, saying all three wal will visit Hyderabad today to meet life organisations, assumed his role “There has been a malicious The other suspended students, who not put pressure on the university to were part of a criminal conspiracy. the family of Rohith, an official said. as executive director earlier this month. His predecessor Samit Aich resigned last June together with programme director Divya Rag- Missiles display Two dead in Kashmir clashes hunandan over their handling of sexual harassment complaints and Agencies a rape allegation, although nei- ther was directly implicated in the cases. SRINAGAR: A civilian protester and a suspected militant were killed “Ravi will anchor the NGO, in clashes with government forces yesterday in Kashmir, police said. which has been facing a series of After receiving a tip-off about suspected rebels in Naina, some challenges from a variety of gov- 35km south of the main city of Srinagar, soldiers cordoned off the vil- ernment agencies, and renew the lage Tuesday night, triggering a gun battle. “One militant was killed organisation’s focus on campaigns,” during the overnight encounter,” Nitish Kumar, deputy inspector gen- the group said in a statement. eral of police said. Greenpeace, which has been Hundreds of villagers angry at the killing of the suspected rebel in India for 15 years, has been threw rocks at police who fired back using tear gas and bullets, kill- embroiled in legal battles with ing one protester and injuring two others, Kumar said. The protesters, the Modi-led government over chanting “We want freedom” and “Go India, go back” also torched its funding and local operations, an armoured police vehicle that was sent to help soldiers withdraw although it has managed success- from the area after the gun battle ended. Kashmir has been divided fully to defend itself. between South Asian rivals India and Pakistan since the end of Brit- In the most recent case, the ish colonial rule in 1947. Madras High Court in November temporarily halted a government order cancelling the group’s licence Over 800 jaundice cases in Shimla in the country, allowing it to con- tinue operating. Earlier in 2015 New SHIMLA: More than 800 cases of jaundice have been reported so far Delhi suspended Greenpeace’s for- in Shimla, prompting Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Kaul Singh eign funding licence and froze its to review yesterday the steps taken to tackle the disease. domestic bank accounts for alleged An official statement quoting the minister said effective steps have rule violations. been taken by the departments concerned and the Shimla Municipal The environmental group later Corporation to check further spread of the disease. succeeded in removing those legal It said 817 cases of jaundice were reported in the town and one blocks. “Over the last year, Green- man lost his life due to the water-borne disease. peace India has had to defend itself Kaul Singh said priority has been given by the government to supply against a barrage of charges, but clean and safe drinking water to people. All major water storage tanks has drawn strength from... the have been cleaned and water is being chlorinated on a regular basis. judiciary which has upheld our Municipal corporation commissioner Pankaj Rai said action has been An army officer stands on a vehicle displaying missiles during the rehearsal for the Republic Day parade position time and time again,” the initiated against 107 households for not discharging sewage properly. group’s new head Chellam said in in New Delhi yesterday. India will celebrate Republic Day on Tuesday. The civic authorities suspect that mixing of sewage with potable the statement. water has caused the spread of the water-borne disease. 16 THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 EUROPE

Red doors make EU border closures to cost €3bn a year asylum seekers targets in UK day, seeking to reinforce a message that said, warning of the threat to the euro. find jobs and said that the euro “made Those movements have made a impulsive measures to curb migrant Juncker, whose EU executive is no sense” in a Europe where people nonsense of EU rules, known as the European Commission flows would hurt the economy. working on revising the bloc’s asylum could no longer move freely. Dublin system, under which people AFP President With some 1.7 million workers and migration policy, said he decided Merkel has called Europe “vul- must claim asylum and be accom- crossing EU internal borders every to stress the economic impact because nerable” and that the fate of the euro modated in the first EU state they Jean-Claude Juncker day and with 57 million journeys of EU governments’ “cavalier” attitude is “directly linked” to resolving the enter. In effect, most of last year’s LONDON: Britain’s interior min- said every hour made across those frontiers every to the Schengen zone of passport-free migration crisis. arrivals ended up in Germany. Since istry said yesterday it will probe of waiting time at year, European Commission President travel. Juncker cited the European Com- last year, the Commission has been asylum seeker housing in north- Jean-Claude Juncker said every hour Though €3bn is a relatively mod- mission’s own data of the €3bn annual working on reforms to be proposed by east England over complaints that borders had a cost of waiting time at borders had a cost. est amount in terms of annual trade cost, also saying that according to inde- March to spread responsibility more the properties’ red doors identify “One after another, we close the in goods among the 28 EU member pendent estimates, the closure of the evenly, rather than leave Greece and them as targets for abuse. borders and once they are all closed states that is worth some €2,800bon bridge between Denmark and Swe- Italy with the notional legal obligation The announcement follows an we will see that the economic cost is euros, Juncker and German Chancel- den could cost €300m a year in lost to accommodate nearly every asylum investigation by the Times newspa- Reuters huge,” Juncker told the European Par- lor Angela Merkel have both linked the business. seeker in Europe. per into properties run by Jomast, liament in Strasbourg. future of EU’s single currency to bor- Several national governments One idea, favoured by Germany a subcontractor for security giant “If we close the borders, if the inter- der closures in recent weeks. have used emergency powers under but which faces fierce resistance G4S, which provides asylum accom- nal market begins to suffer ... then one In an apparent shock tactic to com- the Schengen treaty to reinstate border from many member states not yet modation in the northeastern town BRUSSELS: Adding border checks to day we will be wondering whether or bat strong nationalistic reactions to checks with EU neighbours in response affected by the crisis, is to relocate of Middlesborough. Europe’s passport-free area would cost not we really need a common currency migration, Juncker warned last week to chaotic treks by about 1 million peo- people around the bloc according to Local asylum seekers told €3bn ($3.3bn) a year in lost business, if there is no single market, no free in his first news conference of 2016 ple seeking asylum last year, most of a quota system based on population the Times they had been verbally the bloc’s chief executive said yester- movement of workers any more,” he that citizens would find it harder to whom landed in Greece. and national wealth. abused, had their properties van- dalised and had the sign of the far-right National Front carved on their front doors. Nato mulls first “I am deeply concerned by this Marking San Sebastian Day issue and I have commissioned Home Office officials to conduct talks with Russia an urgent audit of asylum seeker housing in the north-east,” said since 2014 immigration minister James Bro- kenshire. “If we find any evidence of discrimination against asylum AFP seekers it will be dealt with imme- diately as any such behaviour will not be tolerated.” BRUSSELS: Nato is discussing The Times identified 168 prop- whether to invite Russia to their first erties run by Jomast, 155 of which formal talks since 2014, aiming to had red front doors. The newspa- put ties damaged by the Ukraine per contacted the residents of 66 crisis back on an even keel, diplo- properties, 62 of whom were asy- matic sources said yesterday. lum seekers. Despite their differences both “When people see them (the red sides recognised the need for “trans- doors), everyone knows it means parency”, the sources said, against a asylum seekers,” said one man backdrop of a series of crises includ- whose house was vandalised. ing Ukraine and the war in Syria. G4S said there was “categori- “The meeting will not take place cally no... policy to house asylum before the Nato defence ministers seekers behind red doors” and that meeting (on February 10-11) but it it had ordered Jomast to repaint is likely at the end of February or some of the doors. early March,” one of the sources said. Local resident Suzanne Fletcher “We still have to talk to Russia said the issue had been raised for about it and what the agenda might four years. “In September 2012 we be. Ukraine of course will be on the asked G4S if they would do some- list but we will have to see what else thing about the red doors and they there is,” the source said, asking not replied that they had no intention of to be identified. The US-led alliance doing anything about it,” she said.. suspended all practical cooperation “The police have done every- with Russia after its intervention in thing that they can do but because Ukraine and 2014 annexation of Cri- asylum seekers are so vulnerable, mea, but decided to leave what is Children in historic garb take part in the ‘Tamborrada’ (dum parade) in the northern Spanish Basque city of San Sebastian yesterday to they are frightened of jeopardising known as the Nato-Russia Council mark San Sebastian Day. their case, things haven’t always (NRC) in place. The NRC groups all been reported,” she added. 28 Nato member states, usually at ambassador level with their Russian counterpart, to manage ties but it has been in limbo since a last, frosty meeting in June 2014. Germany has UK Labour MPs launch referendum campaign to leave EU pressed for an opening to Moscow as the West looks to Russia for help on key issues such as Syria and the AFP John Mills, the party’s biggest indi- establishment actually leading on concessions on issues such as Labour voters wanted a serious rene- threat from the Islamic State group. vidual donor in recent years. this and the people rebelling and the level of benefit payments to gotiation of the terms of Britain’s The aim now was to hold a series While Labour leader Jeremy Cor- that’s what we’ll be working for,” EU migrants coming to Britain, membership of the EU, adding Cam- of NRC meetings in the run-up to a byn was anti-EU before being elected she said. although members of his party have eron had asked for “very little”. Nato leaders summit in Warsaw in LONDON: Members of Britain’s main to the top job last year, he now says the Two main movements have already said they will campaign against Mills said that most people in Brit- July which will endorse the broad opposition Labour Party launched party will campaign for Britain to stay been established to campaign for Brit- EU membership regardless. ain wanted free trade with Europe but readiness upgrade they approved a campaign yesterday to leave the in the EU in a referendum expected to ain to leave the EU —Vote Leave and Officials say it is possible he without being involved in the “politi- to counter a more assertive Russia. European Union (EU) at an upcom- be held this year. Leave EU. could agree a package of meas- cal superstructure” there. Resuming contact with Russia ing referendum, the latest initiative Kate Hoey, one of the Labour MPs But organisers expect all of them ures with European partners at a A Survation opinion poll for this in the NRC was not meant to sig- as the debate over Britain’s EU mem- launching the Labour Leave campaign, will work together closely as the ref- Brussels summit next month, which week’s Mail on Sunday newspaper nal any softening in Nato’s stance bership heats up. called the EU “anti-democratic, anti- erendum approaches. could then pave the way for a ref- indicated that 53 percent of people but rather to better manage what is The Labour Leave campaign is socialist, unaccountable”. Prime Minister David Cam- erendum in June. wanted Britain to leave the EU, com- likely to be a difficult relationship fronted by four veteran MPs and “I think this is going to end up eron wants Britain to stay in the Another anti-EU Labour MP, Gra- pared to 47 in favour of remaining, for years to come. backed by millionaire businessman in a situation where we have the bloc assuming he can secure ham Stringer, claimed 55 percent of without counting undecided voters.

On the toes Thousands back ex-Dutch soldier who fought jihadists

fought alongside the Kurdish People’s “Sign the petition to show your Protection Units (YPG) in Syria last support for Jitse Akse and demand More than 61,000 year, appeared before a Rotterdam that he is not punished.” people sign an online court on Friday and was released on Prosecutors said that a police petition in support of bail on condition he surrendered his investigation is being carried passport. out, after which it will be decided Jitse Akse, who was “Dutch law —apart from in excep- whether to bring charges against arrested by Dutch tional circumstances like self-defence Akse. —does not give citizens the right to “Fighting terrorism is not a crime,” police last week use force and particularly not deadly says the Facebook page “Justice for force,” the prosecution service said in Jitse” which by yesterday had received a statement. more than 23,000 likes in the past “Killing an IS fighter therefore few days. AFP could mean being prosecuted for “He’s a hero!” wrote one supporter murder,” the statement said. on the page, while another said “this But furious supporters have flocked man really deserves a medal.” to his defence, with the launch on Fri- Akse himself, who left for Syria THE HAGUE: Thousands of people day of a Facebook page “Justice for in 2015, had defended his actions on have rallied behind a Dutch ex-sol- Jitse” and an online petition. his Facebook page saying he felt he dier suspected of killing Islamic State Akse had joined “the global bat- “had the chance to make a difference”. group jihadists in Syria, hailing him tle against humanity’s number one He had used his military skills of as a hero and demanding he should enemy,” the petition says. “flexibility, improvisation” to help the not be prosecuted in the Netherlands. It recalls that even Dutch Prime Kurdish people. By yesterday more than 61,000 Minister Mark Rutte has said “we are “When you see what they’ve done... people had signed an online petition in at war” against the Islamic State group by killing a member of IS I have prob- French Legionnaires patrol along the Promenade Des Anglais as part of France’s Vigipirate national support of Jitse Akse, who was arrested which has captured a swathe of Iraq ably saved dozens of lives,” he told a security alert system ‘Sentinelle’ after deadly attacks in Paris, in Nice, France, yesterday. by Dutch police last week. and Syria as it seeks to set up an Islamic local newspaper from his northern Akse, 47, who is alleged to have caliphate across the Middle East. Dutch village. EUROPE THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 17 Defence ministers vow to destroy IS power centres

in Iraq and tighten the noose around “We don’t have a basis for broader Ministers from US, the head of the snake in Syria.” cooperation (with Russia),” Carter said. But the coalition must also face In contrast, Lavrov said Russia Australia, Britain, up to the spread of IS around the was willing to “more closely coordi- France, Germany, world, notably in Libya where polit- nate our actions” with the coalition ical chaos has allowed the group to to facilitate aid deliveries in Syria. Dutch and Italy meet build a 3,000-strong force. Carter announced an unprec- in Paris to review The French and US defence min- edented meeting of 26 defence isters, Jean-Yves Le Drian and Ashton ministers in the anti-IS coalition, plus strategy to fight Carter, hosted the meeting attended by Iraq, to be held in Brussels in three against IS their Australian, British, Dutch, Ger- weeks and warned that he would man and Italian counterparts. demand increased efforts. Speaking after talks in Paris, US “Every nation must come prepared AFP Defence Secretary Ashton Carter said to discuss further contributions to the the coalition’s main aim was to crush fight and I will not hesitate to engage what he called the IS “tumour” in Iraq and challenge current and prospec- and Syria by “collapsing its two power tive members of the coalition as we PARIS: Defence ministers from seven centres in Raqa and Mosul.” go forward,” he said. countries fighting the Islamic State The second aim, said Carter, was Carter has repeatedly urged group vowed yesterday to step up their “to combat the metastasis of the ISIL other countries in the approximately US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter (left) and French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian address a joint operations and destroy the jihadists’ tumour worldwide,” using an alter- 60-member coalition to step up their press conference after a working meeting on the battle against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria, at “power centres” in Iraq and Syria. native name for IS. participation in the military effort, Defence ministers of seven Russia —a staunch ally of Syrian particularly Arab and Gulf countries the Defence Ministry in Paris, yesterday. countries leading the battle against President Bashar al-Assad —was not that are more focused on fighting Iran- the Islamic State group met in Paris invited to the Paris meeting, where backed forces in Yemen. told an audience at the World Economic But the coalition faces major chal- explosive devices (IEDs) and vehicle yesterday to review strategy as the hosts France and the United States The ministers were keen to tout Forum in the Swiss resort of Davos. lenges, particularly the lack of ground suicide attacks that are the IS weap- jihadists spread their influence around demanded it stop bombing Syrian progress in their campaign. IS has suffered some setbacks, losing forces willing to fight IS in Syria, since ons of choice. the globe. The French and US defence opposition forces fighting IS. “Daesh is retreating, it is time to around a quarter of its self-proclaimed most groups are focused on toppling But Western forces remain reluc- ministers, Jean-Yves Le Drian and Ash- But in Zurich, Russian Foreign Min- increase our joint efforts by imple- caliphate, including the Iraqi city of Assad. In a rare admission, the French tant to get too deeply involved, fearing ton Carter, hosted the meeting attended ister Sergei Lavrov said Syria peace menting a coherent military strategy,” Ramadi to US-backed local forces last army’s operations chief, General Didier a repeat of the quagmire of previous by their Australian, British, Dutch, Ger- talks would start “in the next few days” French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le month. Castre, recently acknowledged the coa- campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. man and Italian counterparts. after a meeting with US counterpart Drian told reporters. Washington this week claimed to have lition’s military strategy was having Australia has ruled out any increase British Defence Secretary Michael John Kerry. Iranian Foreign Minister Moham- leaked IS documents showing the group trouble “producing speedy results”. to its military contribution, and Canada Fallon said it would look at ways to “The Russians are on the wrong mad Javad Zarif stressed there could had halved fighters’ pay since the coalition US, Australian and French instruc- was absent from Wednesday’s meeting “capitalise on the setbacks that Daesh track strategically and also in some be “no military solution” to the war. stepped up bombing of oil production, a tors have already trained 15,000 Iraqi after its new government said it would (an alternative name for IS) has suffered cases tactically,” Carter said. “We need a political solution,” Zarif key source of revenue for the group. soldiers, notably against improvised pull out of the bombing campaign.

German court Testing the suit Netherlands concerned over begins trial of IS Belgium’s nuclear plants ‘storm trooper’ AFP Doel plant near the Dutch border. AFP “The incidents have not caused any risk to the nuclear site. Now it’s not a nuclear incident but maybe tomorrow BERLIN: A German court yesterday DOEL: The Netherlands has “serious” it is. These worries are serious and this began the trial of an Islamic State concerns about neighbouring Belgium’s is why we are here, to give maximum ‘storm trooper’ who allegedly helped ageing nuclear reactors, the Dutch envi- transparency, to show them what it track down deserters for the jihad- ronment minister said yesterday during is really about,” she said. ist group in Syria. a joint inspection of one plant with her Belgian Interior Minister Jan Jam- Nils D, a 25-year-old German Belgian counterpart. bon told the same press conference national, had travelled to Syria in Belgium has recently opened up that Belgium’s seven reactors —at Doel October 2013, where he “took on sev- its two nuclear plants to inspections and at Tihange were all safe despite eral tasks within the Islamic State by ministers from Germany, Luxem- the recent problems. “The guideline organisation,” prosecutor Carola bourg and the Netherlands after a of the Belgian government is that we Bitter said. They include assisting in series of problems including shut- don’t give one milimetre on security, interrogations, prison guard duty, as downs, leaks and cracks. not one milimetre,” he said. well as participation in the jihad- “There are concerns because of The concerns have emerged since ist group’s “storm troops,” a special the age of the nuclear plant and the the Belgian government’s decision in assault team. Aeronautics and space engineer at France’s Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises Arnaud Prost (centre) incidents that have been occurring,” December to extend lives of 40-year- As a member of this unit, D. meets a jogger as he tests on the ground the ‘Gandolfi 2’ an underwater training suit for spacewalk Dutch environment minister Mela- old reactors Doel 1 and Doel 2 until 2025 allegedly took part in between 10 in the calanques region of Marseille, yesterday. nie Schultz van Haegen told a press under a deal to preserve jobs and invest and 15 missions, in which, masked conference after an inspection at the in the transition to cleaner energy. and armed with a Kalashnikov, he helped to track down IS deserters —fully knowing that those caught could be tortured to death, Bitter told British vets warn the court. Although he did not fight Moldovan parliament appoints new PM on the front lines, he looked on as executions were carried out by the against throwing IS group, and was trained to handle Reuters government, followed the rejection and the subsequent political crisis. A small rowdy group of demon- weapons and make explosives, she of two previous candidates. A sharp downtown in neighbour- strators later forced their way into the sticks for dogs added. According to a Spiegel Online The small ex-Soviet state, Europe’s ing Russia and drought have added parliament building after the vote. report, he left Syria after changing his poorest country, has been without a to Moldova’s economic woes. Under- Moldova’s ruling elite has been mind about the IS, and managed to CHISINAU: Moldovan lawmakers proper government since a no-con- scoring the scale of the challenge Filip the target of mass protests over the AFP escape after telling the jihadists that appointed the country’s third prime fidence vote toppled the previous faces, the IMF in a report yesterday pre- banking fraud, which saw the equiv- he was heading back to Germany to minister in less than a year yesterday, administration in October, after the dicted the economy will have shrunk alent of one-eighth of Moldova’s bring his daughter to Syria. backing a man chosen by the presi- fraudulent disappearance of $1bn from by 1.75 percent last year, although it gross domestic product disappear LONDON: British vets yesterday Taking the stand at a court in dent as a compromise candidate in the banking system. did forecast a modest recovery in 2016. overseas. warned against throwing sticks for Duesseldorf, western Germany, D. the hopes of ending months of polit- With a new government in place, “The people of Moldova don’t need Despite being touted as a compro- dogs to chase, saying that thousands recounted his troubled teenage days, ical deadlock. Moldova will hope to unlock fur- a government that says pleasant things, mise figure, opposition lawmakers of pets every year impale them- when he admitted he was a “pothead” The appointment of Pavel Filip, ther funding from overseas lenders, but a government that solves their prob- resisted Filip’s appointment. He has selves or get dangerous infections before converting to Islam in August a member of the main pro-Euro- including the International Mone- lems,” Filip said after the vote, as around close ties to Vladimir Plahotniuc, one of from biting into the wood. 2011. “I practically slipped directly pean coalition and a former IT and tary Fund, that had been withheld 2,000 protesters stood outside parlia- Moldova’s richest but most unpopular “Our message is that these inju- into radicalism,” he said. communications minister in the last in the wake of the banking scandal ment still demanding snap elections. men, who was a target of the protests. ries are severe and are preventable simply by using dog-safe toys as alternatives to sticks,” said Sean Wensley, president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA). Google unveils tour of Novel tribute The warnings came after a report in The Times newspaper about a collie in Scotland named Buckingham Palace Maya, who suffered a punctured tongue and damaged larynx from getting a stick stuck in her throat. “Stick injuries may not be AFP Visitors are welcomed by a vir- initially obvious and may cause tual Master of the Household and then long-term problems,” Sarah Ste- guided by curator Anna Reynolds venson of Bishopbriggs Veterinary through lavish chambers including Centre in Glasgow, which treated LONDON: Web surfers will be able to the Throne Room. Maya, was quoted as saying. peek into the gilded interiors of Queen At the end of the video, which lasts “For these reasons, we are warn- Elizabeth II’s home in a new virtual around 10 minutes, virtual visitors ing pet owners against throwing or reality tour launched by Google. are also shown a secret door through encouraging their dog to play with Buckingham Palace, the queen’s which the queen arrives at receptions. or chase sticks,” she added. primary residence, has opened its The programme is intended for Grace Webster, president of the doors to the tech giant for 360-degree schoolchildren and was created under BVA in Scotland, echoed the con- photos of some of its richly-decorated Google’s Expedition programme. cerns, telling The Times: “Throwing rooms. The tour can be viewed on a “For schoolchildren, Buckingham sticks for your dog can be danger- computer or in 3D on a mobile phone Palace is one of the magical build- ous.” Wensley said that, on average, through the official British Monarchy ings in the world,” said Jemima Rellie, one dog a month is treated for an YouTube channel —one of several dig- director of content at the Royal Col- People walk past the title of the track Let’s Dance carved on the ice of a pond as a tributes to the late injury from a piece of wood in each ital initiatives adopted by the royal lection Trust which worked together British music icon David Bowie near his former home in Berlin’s Schoeneberg neighbourhood, yesterday. of the more than 5,000 veterinary household in recent years. with Google. practices in Britain. 18 THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 AMERICAS

NY policeman Sarah Palin endorses Trump for president to stand trial for shooting she said. “He knows how to lead the charge. So troops, hang in there because unarmed man The coveted help’s on the way.” endorsement of Using rhetoric that has helped her rally supporters on the campaign trail, AFP Trump comes just 13 Palin drew huge cheers — and smiles days before votes from Trump — when she blasted Presi- dent Barack Obama as a “weak-kneed NEW YORK: A trial opened yes- are cast in Iowa, capitulator in chief” who leads from terday of a New York police officer the debut contest behind, particularly when it comes to accused of manslaughter over the in the presidential battling so-called Islamic State extrem- death of an unarmed black man, ists. “Are you ready for a commander whose shooting fueled nationwide primary race, and it in chief who will let our warriors do protests against US police tactics. could give a welcome their job and go kick ISIS?” she asked. Rookie officer Peter Liang, 28, The endorsement came as news stood on trial for manslaughter in boost to Trump, the emerged that Palin’s son Track, 26, was the second degree, criminally negli- current Republican arrested on domestic violence charges gent homicide, assault in the second on Monday after an armed altercation degree, reckless endangerment and frontrunner with his girlfriend, according to court two counts of official misconduct. documents filed. Akai Gurley was 28 years old During the drunken fight at his when he was fatally shot in a dimly mother’s house in Wasilla, Alaska, lit stairwell of a Brooklyn hous- AFP Track Palin allegedly brandished a ing project on November 20, 2014. rifle and threatened to shoot himself, Gurley’s death was one of a according to the documents filed in string of shootings by police of black WASHINGTON: Former vice presi- court and posted online. men under questionable circum- dential nominee Sarah Palin endorsed Palin repeatedly knocked the stances, which sparked angry and at Republican billionaire Donald Trump Republican establishment for seek- times violent protests across Amer- yesterday , saying the real estate mogul ing to derail Trump, warning that they ica in 2014 and 2015. would “lead the charge” as America’s have been “wearing this political cor- Liang faces up to 15 years in next president. rectness kind of like a suicide vest.” prison if convicted. He was on the job Palin, who flirted with her own And she used her trademark on- just 18 months before the shooting. White House run, emerged as a stage drama to mock reporters she says The trial opened at the Kings Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump holds a copy of a magazine cover as he greets supporters conservative icon and political pow- have criticised her for years. “Media County Supreme Court in Brook- erbroker following her failed 2008 heads are spinning,” she snickered. during a campaign appearance at the John Wayne Museum in Winterset, Iowa. lyn with jury selection. Opening vice presidential bid. “This is going to be so much fun.” statements are expected on Monday. Since then she has endorsed sev- Trump said he was honoured to figure of the actor served as a backdrop. the former governor of Florida, the son on all imports from China. Brooklyn district attorney Ken eral far-right candidates who went on receive Palin’s endorsement. “She is a Wayne made his mark in a Holly- and brother of two former presidents, “There’s the lack of seriousness at Thompson opened an investigation to win seats in Congress. friend and a high-quality person whom wood career that stretched from the told an audience at the Council on For- least by the frontrunning candidate into Gurley’s death within hours As the former Alaska governor and I have great respect for. I am proud to 1930s to the 1970s, mainly portray- eign Relations in New York. “Because that I wouldn’t know what his poli- of the shooting, interviewing doz- gun-enthusiast jumped back into the have her support,” he said. ing tough cowboys. people are anxious about their future cies are, but when he doesn’t know ens of witnesses and inspecting the political limelight, it emerged that her Palin’s Trump nod is seen as a snub Meanwhile it was more bad news they’ve latched onto the large person- what the nuclear triad is, that’s cause staircase multiple times. son had been arrested on domestic to conservative Senator Ted Cruz, who for Democrat Hillary Clinton’s cam- ality on the stage, but the reality is for pause, I think,” Bush said. A grand jury’s subsequent deci- violence charges after a fight involv- is neck and neck with Trump in Iowa paign, when CNN released a new poll he’s not a serious candidate and he’ll “That’s not laughable. Someone who sion to indict Liang came in stark ing a rifle. and running second to him nationally. showing her main rival, Senator Bernie get wiped out in the general election.” proposes a 45 percent tariff across the contrast to decisions by other grand On the political front, the coveted She campaigned for Cruz during Sanders, holding a whopping 27-point He made the remarks while dis- board on China—that is not a serious juries in similar cases, particularly endorsement of Trump comes just 13 his Senate race in Texas, and Cruz, lead over her in New Hampshire, the cussing foreign policy challenges at proposal, it’s basically the advocacy the death of 18-year-old Michael days before votes are cast in Iowa, the perhaps getting out front of the Trump state which votes second in the nom- the Council’s imposing Manhattan of a global depression that will wipe Brown in Missouri and father of six debut contest in the presidential pri- endorsement, tweeted his apprecia- ination race. premises, less than a mile from Trump’s out the middle class in this country Eric Garner in New York. mary race, and it could give a welcome tion for Palin on Tuesday. Support for Sanders has surged business headquarters on Fifth Ave- and see retaliation that will wreak Gurley, the father of a young boost to Trump, the current Republi- “Without her support, I wouldn’t be by 10 points since the previous CNN/ nue in New York. havoc,” he added. daughter, was shot in the chest after can frontrunner. “No more running in the Senate,” he wrote. “Regardless WMUR poll, with 60 percent of likely Bush launched his bid for the White “The first objective of the presi- he and his girlfriend opted to take around!” boomed Palin as she stood of what she does in 2016, I will always voters backing him, compared with 33 House as presumed Republican favorite dent of the United States needs to be the stairs when the elevator took alongside Trump at his campaign rally be a big fan.” Trump began the day by percent supporting Clinton. but has seen his poll numbers sink to to keep us safe and you can’t keep us too long to arrive. New York police in Ames, Iowa. receiving an endorsement from the Meanwhile, languishing Republican single digits as the bombastic Trump has safe by talking trash without backing immediately declared his death a “The president has to keep us safe daughter of iconic US actor John Wayne. presidential candidate Jeb Bush took sucked the oxygen out of his campaign. it up with serious plans.” Bush con- “tragedy”. Liang, an Asian-Amer- economically and militarily,” stressed “He represented strength, he rep- a swipe at Trump in the billionaire’s Bush, who has often clashed with cluded his hour-long appearance by ican officer, and his partner were Palin, who rocketed to political star- resented power,” qualities “missing” home town, accusing him of “talking Trump at debates, took his rival to task quipping, “I didn’t insult anybody,” conducting a routine patrol of the dom when John McCain plucked her from today’s president, Trump said at trash” and saying he would be demol- for appearing confused when asked in another swipe at Trump’s pen- Louis H Pink Houses complex, which from obscurity to be his running mate. the John Wayne Birthplace Museum in ished in a general election. last month about US nuclear capabil- chant for making personal attacks had been the scene of two murders Trump is a “master” dealmaker, Winterset, Iowa, where a life-size wax “I’m the only guy confronting this,” ity and for favouring a 45 percent tax on his rivals. in one year. Colombian govt US President faces and FARC rebels ask UN to immigration hurdles monitor peace Reuters in June 2012, it took two months to put in place. After that, there were AFP almost 408,000 applications in the first six months of the programme, WASHINGTON: If the US Supreme according to government numbers. By HAVANA: Colombia’s government Court endorses a key immigration January 2013, only 154,000 applica- and FARC rebels said late on Tues- initiative of President Barack Obama tions had been approved. More than day that they have asked the United protecting more than 4 million ille- 700,000 people have since benefited Nations to monitor the eventual end gal immigrants from deportation, his from the programme. of their five-decade conflict, raising administration could face a surge of The government has been able to hopes they are close to a peace deal. applicants and little time to process do nothing to prepare while Obama’s Negotiators from both sides them before he leaves office in Jan- executive action has been on hold. In said they had asked the UN Secu- uary 2017. the injunction that halted the plan, rity Council to send an unarmed Obama announced the action in US District Judge Andrew Hanen spe- observer mission to Colombia for November 2014 but it has never gone cifically said the administration was 12 months to oversee the disarma- into effect, being put on hold by a fed- barred from “implementing any and all ment of the Marxist guerrilla group eral judge in Texas in February 2015. aspects or phases” of the programme. A file picture dated February 18, 2015 shows Dina D’Angelo touching up Oscar statues as preparations for and the end of the conflict. The plan was designed to help ille- A Department of Homeland Secu- the 87th annual Academy Awards ceremony get under way in Hollywood, California, USA. They said the “political mission” gal immigrant parents of children rity spokeswoman said the federal would work alongside the FARC and who are US citizens or lawful per- government is complying with the the government in a tripartite body manent residents. It would protect injunction. Immigration advocates over which the UN observers will them from deportation and give them said they are preparing for a new Clooney says Oscars moving preside, overseeing a ceasefire, work authorisation. effort to educate potential applicants settling disputes, making recom- The Supreme Court on Tuesday about the program. They forecast mendations and issuing reports. said it would decide whether Obama much higher numbers than those “This entity will begin work acted lawfully in creating the program who applied to the earlier 2012 pro- backwards on diversity once the accord is signed,” said gov- by executive order, bypassing a grid- gramme, largely because many more ernment and rebel negotiators in a locked Congress. If Obama wins when are eligible. joint statement in Havana, where the court rules by the end of June, his “There is no way the administra- AFP Americans were nominated,” Clooney a sudden, you feel like we’re moving in they have been holding peace talks administration would have just seven tion can process the projected volume said in comments published on Tues- the wrong direction. There were nomi- since November 2012. The mission months to implement the program. of people that would be eligible,” said day. “I would also make the argument, I nations left off the table,” Clooney said. will comprise observers from the Obama’s victory could be short- Gregory Chen, director of advocacy don’t think it’s a problem of who you’re He cited four films with black stars Community of Latin American lived because the next president, set to for the American Immigration Law- LOS ANGELES: Oscar-winning actor picking as much as it is: How many that he felt deserved more recognition: and Caribbean States, a 33-nation be elected in November, would have yers Association. George Clooney has weighed in on the options are available to minorities in boxing drama Creed, NFL drama Con- regional group. The government’s the final say on whether to keep the The new programme is likely to swirling controversy over the all-white film, particularly in quality films?” cussion, starring Will Smith, Beasts of chief negotiator, Humberto de la program in place. present additional bureaucratic prob- roster of acting nominations for this Last week, the Academy of Motion No Nation with Britain’s Idris Elba and Calle, called it a “particularly sig- Democrats including presiden- lems, legal experts say, in part due to year’s Academy Awards, saying the Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton. nificant step” toward peace. tial front-runner Hillary Clinton have the larger pool of eligible people but industry is moving backwards and list of actors and films nominated for He also highlighted last year’s President Juan Manuel Santos embraced Obama’s plan. Republi- also because of the specific nature needs to do better. this year’s Oscars, to be handed out on snub of black female director Ava made it clear that the UN “blue hel- can presidential candidates including of the applicants. Both programmes Clooney, one of Hollywood’s big- February 28. For the second year in a DuVernay’s Selma — nominated for met” peacekeepers will not be needed. businessman Donald Trump and Texas require proof of continued residency gest and most politically active stars, row, all 20 acting nominations went to best picture but not for best director, “This has to do with unarmed observ- Senator Ted Cruz have assailed it. in the United States. also said in an interview with indus- white actors and actresses. The hash- saying: “I think that it’s just ridicu- ers, not a blue helmet peacekeeping Cruz said on Tuesday if elected he For younger people, this is eas- try magazine Variety that beyond tag #OscarsSoWhite reappeared, and lous not to nominate her.” operation,” Santos said. The two sides would rescind Obama’s order on the ier to prove as usually they can cite nominating actors of color, filmmak- director Spike Lee — the recipient of an “I think that African Americans have made several key advances in first day of his presidency. school records, immigration experts ers need to provide better roles and honorary Oscar last year — announced have a real fair point that the industry recent months, notably in September, An earlier immigration program say. For older people, who often do opportunities for black actors. he would boycott the event. isn’t representing them well enough. I when they signed a deal on post-con- that gave similar relief to children of not speak English, it can be harder “If you think back 10 years ago, “I think around 2004, certainly think that’s absolutely true,” Clooney flict justice, and Santos and FARC chief illegal immigrants who grew up in the to provide necessary documentation. the Academy was doing a better job. there were black nominees — like Don said, adding: “For Hispanics, it’s even Timoleon Jimenez vowed to conclude United States showed that such poli- Women who do not work could find Think about how many more African Cheadle, Morgan Freeman. And all of worse. We need to get better at this.” a peace accord within six months. cies take time to implement. Launched it especially difficult. AMERICAS THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 1917 AG defends executive actions on guns as legal

“The department is on notice,” Senator Richard Shelby, chairman of Obama’s actions the subcommittee, told Lynch. “This include guidance on subcommittee will have no part in who the government undermining the Constitution and the rights that it protects.” will consider “in the Some GOP senators on the panel business” of selling mixed distaste for Obama’s unilateral moves with an openness to some of firearms — a phrase the details. That included his proposal used to describe to boost the number of FBI person- nel who process background checks which dealers must so the system can operate 24 hours obtain federal daily instead of its current 17 hours. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, in licences and conduct whose state the background check sys- background checks tem is based, said some of Obama’s on buyers proposals were “political messaging” but expressed support for buttressing the “overstressed” system. Backed by the National Rifle Asso- ciation, the GOP-led Congress is all but AP certain to take no action curbing fire- arms this year. But the gulf between Lynch and Shelby underscored that the issue will be part of the presidential WASHINGTON: Attorney General and congressional campaigns. Loretta Lynch defended President Already, Democratic presidential Barack Obama’s executive actions curb- candidates have backed Obama’s moves ing guns before Congress yesterday, while GOP contenders have lambasted telling lawmakers that the president them as wilting gun rights and abusing took lawful steps to stem firearms his presidential powers. House Repub- violence that kills and injures tens of licans have said they will create a task thousands of Americans yearly. force to study “executive overreach” “I have complete confidence that by Obama and other presidents. the common sense steps announced by Shelby, who faces a conservative the president are lawful,” Lynch told challenger in his March 1 Senate GOP the Senate Appropriations Committee primary, criticised Obama’s response Jen O’Hara from Girls with Guns Clothing tries out a rifle at the Ruger booth at the 2016 National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Shooting, Hunting, panel that oversees the Justice Depart- to recent mass shootings, including ment. Early in an election year in which last month’s killing of 14 people in San Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Las Vegas, Nevada, yesterday. The SHOT Show, the world’s largest both parties seem ready to make guns Bernardino, California, by a Muslim annual trade show for shooting, hunting and law enforcement professionals, runs until January 23. a political issue, Lynch called Obama’s couple that authorities say had been moves “well-reasoned measures, well radicalised. Shelby said that instead and this administration is committed “in the business” of selling firearms — a Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explo- Bernardino killings. Obama failed to within existing legal authorities, built of tightening screening for potentially to doing our part,” she said. phrase used to describe which deal- sives; boosting federal research on gun push gun curbs through Congress in on work that’s already underway.” violent immigrants or addressing “our Maryland Senator Barbara Mikul- ers must obtain federal licenses and safety technology and asking Congress the months following the 2012 kill- The modest steps Obama law enforcement’s failures,” Obama ski, top Democrat on the Appropriations conduct background checks on buyers. for $500m to improve mental health ings of 20 children and six educators announced two weeks ago were imme- has instead resorted to “grandstanding Committee, backed Lynch’s remarks, Even those selling a few guns online programmes. in Newtown, Connecticut, and despite diately attacked by a top Republican, and engaging in anti-gun theatrics.” saying, “We do need to change our or at gun shows can be required to Lynch said Obama’s 2017 budget, periodic mass shootings the GOP-led who said the measures were the latest Lynch said the actions were appro- nation’s culture of violence. We do get licences and perform background to be released in February, will seek House and Senate remain opposed to of the president’s actions infringing on priate. “As the list of tragedies involving need to stop guns from getting into checks, the administration said. $80m for his gun proposals, largely restricting firearms. Government statis- the constitutional right to own guns firearms has grown, so has the Amer- the wrong hands.” Other steps include hiring 230 for the additional FBI and ATF agents. tics show that over 30,000 Americans and exceeding his executive branch ican people’s belief that we must do Obama’s actions include guidance more FBI background check examin- Gun violence has flared anew die from firearms wounds yearly, two- powers. more to stem the tide of gun violence, on who the government will consider ers; adding 200 agents to the Bureau of as a political issue following the San thirds of which are suicides.

MansionAyyayayayayayayyyy demolished ‘Ninth planet’ may exist in Actress who met Guzman solar system: US scientists to testify in LA

AFP “Like a parent maintaining the Reuters arc of a child on a swing with peri- odic pushes, Planet Nine nudges the orbits of distant Kuiper Belt objects MEXICO CITY: Actress Kate del MIAMI: A previously unknown giant such that their configuration with Castillo, at the centre of a Mexi- planet may have been discovered lurk- relation to the planet is preserved,” can probe into money laundering ing in the outer reaches of our solar explained CalTech in a statement. after she helped Hollywood star system, US scientists announced yes- The planet could have been cast Sean Penn conduct an interview terday. off during the early formation of the with drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Nicknamed Planet Nine, the object solar system, when four major cores Guzman, will give evidence in Los “has a mass about 10 times that of grabbed up the gas around them and Angeles, according to her father. Earth” and follows a “bizarre, highly formed Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Mexican Attorney General elongated orbit in the distant solar sys- Neptune. Arely Gomez said in an interview tem,” said a statement by researchers Perhaps Planet Nine represented in the newspaper El Universal that at the California Institute of Technol- a fifth core, that may have gotten too there were “indications” the Mexi- ogy (Caltech). close to Jupiter or Saturn and been can actress may have used money “In fact, it would take this new ejected into its current, distant orbit, from Guzman to help finance her planet between 10,000 and 20,000 said Brown. A host of powerful tele- tequila business. “She wants to coop- A wrecking crew demolishes the mansion once owned by Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar in Miami years to make just one full orbit around scopes are currently hunting for Planet erate because she has nothing to hide,” Beach, Florida, yesterday. The waterfront mansion was owned by Escobar in the early 1980’s before the Sun.” The report was published Nine, including the twin 10-metre local newspaper Reforma quoted her it was seized by the US government in 1987. The current owner, Christian de Berdouare, bought the in the Astronomical Journal. telescopes at the W M Keck Observ- father, Eric del Castillo. “She will present house in 2014 and is planning to build a new home on the site. Researchers Konstantin Baty- atory and the Subaru Telescope on herself at the consulate in Los Angeles. gin and Mike Brown say have not yet Maunakea in Hawaii. She has proof ... she is clean.” observed the object directly. “Although we were initially quite There was not yet a date set for Rather, they found it through skeptical that this planet could exist, her to appear at the consulate, he mathematical modeling and com- as we continued to investigate its orbit added. An official at the attorney puter simulations. and what it would mean for the outer general’s office said she would be Amidst drop in oil prices, US Navy The presumed planet has about solar system, we’ve become increas- questioned by authorities next week. 5,000 times the mass of Pluto, and sci- ingly convinced that it is out there,” The Mexican government has entists believe its gravity has affected said Batygin, an assistant professor said a meeting between the actress, deploys ‘Great Green Fleet’ the motion of dwarf planets in the of planetary science. who played a drug boss in the tel- outer solar system, essentially per- “For the first time in over 150 evision series “La Reina del Sur”, turbing celestial bodies in the field of years, there is solid evidence that Oscar-winning actor Penn and Guz- Reuters gives us an edge strategically,” Mabus The Defence Department uses icy objects and debris beyond Nep- the solar system’s planetary census man was essential to the kingpin’s said. “It keeps fuel from being used about 14 million gallons of fuel a day, tune known as the Kuiper Belt. is incomplete.” recapture earlier this month. as a weapon against us.” with the Navy responsible for about a Mabus and US Agriculture Secre- quarter of that, according to figures WASHINGTON: The US Navy will tary Tom Vilsack will be on hand in from the Defence Logistics Agency. formally deploy its so-called “Great San Diego for the formal deployment When the Navy first tested biofuel Green Fleet” , sending warships to of the Great Green Fleet, when diesel versions of marine diesel and jet fuel Three Zika virus cases in Florida sea on biofuels even though oil prices ships in a carrier strike group led by in 2012, it spent eye-popping sums for have dropped 70 percent since con- the nuclear-powered USS John C Sten- small amounts. gressional Republicans first criticised nis refuel with a diesel-biofuel blend. In one case it paid $424 a gallon the high cost of alternative fuels. Mark Cancian, an analyst at the for 20,055 gallons of biofuel based on AFP No cases have yet been confirmed of infections con- Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said the Center for Strategic and International algae oil. In another it spent nearly $27 tracted in the United States, though the virus has quickly deployment is the next step in a fleet- Studies and former White House budget per gallon for 450,000 gallons of bio- spread across South America and the Caribbean in recent wide effort that has seen the Navy cut official, said the initiative is as much fuel, later mixed into a 50-50 blend. The weeks. The Zika virus, which is transmitted by mosqui- its oil consumption by 15 percent since about environmental symbolism as $15-per gallon-cost was four times the MIAMI: Three cases of Zika virus, Florida’s first, were toes, cannot spread between humans. he took charge in 2009 and the Marine cost savings or tactical advantage. price of conventional fuel at the time. recorded in people who had recently travelled in Latin But for pregnant women, the virus can be transmitted Corps curb its use by 60 percent. Many congressional Republi- The fuel being used for the Great America, health authorities said yesterday. to the fetus, triggering brain damage like microcephaly A focus on energy and energy- cans objected three years ago when Green Fleet deployment is a com- The first two cases were found in Miami-Dade County, in which the brain and skull are abnormally small. The saving technology gives the US Navy the Navy sought and won support for petitively priced blend of 90 percent in people who visited Colombia in December. The third virus often produces flu-like symptoms (fever, headaches a military advantage, Mabus said. An defense subsidies to help three private diesel and 10 percent biofuel based case, in Hillsborough County, involved a person who trav- and joint pain) as well as skin rashes and conjunctivitis. amphibious assault ship like the USS firms build biofuel refineries. With on a beef tallow feedstock, Navy offi- elled to Venezuela last month, Florida Health Department Those symptoms appear within three to 12 days of the Makin Island, which uses a dual elec- oil now selling around $30 a barrel, cials said. spokeswoman Mara Gambineri said. mosquito bite. In 80 percent of cases, the infection goes tric-diesel propulsion system, can stay that skepticism remains. “They have A California firm, AltAir Fuels, is “We encourage Florida residents and visitors to protect unnoticed, and it is very rarely fatal. on station three times longer than a not changed their position, which is contracted to supply 77 million gal- themselves from all mosquito-borne illnesses by drain- Last week, the United States warned pregnant women conventionally powered vessel, he said. that these are too expensive and not lons of the fuel between October 1, ing standing water, covering their skin with repellent and to avoid travel to 14 countries and territories in the Carib- “It gives us an edge tactically, it needed,” Cancian said. 2015, and September 30, 2016. clothing, covering windows with screens,” Gambineri said. bean and Latin America because of the virus.

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER Minimum: 17o C Maximum: 24o C

FAJR 05.01 am ZUHR 11.45 am MAGHRIB 05.12 pm HIGH TIDE 03:30 - 14:00 Hazy with some clouds. SHOROOK 06.21 am ASR 02.49 pm ISHA 06.42 pm LOW TIDE 10:30 - 14:00

20 THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 MORNING BREAK

ONLINE CHART BUST Sea beauty Last year was the hottest www.thepeninsulaqatar.com AFP MOST READ MIAMI: Blistering heat blanketed Support for Merkel dips further on Ger- the Earth last year like never before, 1 man refugee fears making 2015 by far the hottest year in modern times and raising new Saudi central bank warns banks concerns about the accelerating 2 against riyal speculation pace of climate change. Not only was 2015 the warmest Don’t use hazard worldwide since 1880, it shattered the 3 lights in fog or rain previous record held in 2014 by the widest margin ever observed, said the report by the National Oceanic TWEET OF THE DAY and Atmospheric Administration. “During 2015, the average temper- ature across global land and ocean surfaces was 0.90 Celsius above the 20th century average,” said the NOAA report. “This was the highest among all years in the 1880-2015 record.” A flock of birds flying over the sea as a channel ferry sails towards the United Kingdom from Compared to 2014, last year was France, yesterday. 0.13 Celsius warmer, the “largest margin by which the annual global temperature record has been broken.” Provocative mix of movies at Sundance fest

AFP see that in three ways: depth of sto- deal with timely issues such as gun Another documentary about rytelling, thorough understanding of violence in the United States, abor- US journalist James Foley, who was craft, and experimenting in genre,” said tion and the rise of the Islamic State beheaded by the Islamic State group, festival director John Cooper. extremist group. will make its debut at Sundance. INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY LOS ANGELES: The Sundance Film “We also know that there’s a strong One documentary attracting a lot Two separate films about the 1974 Festival opens in the mountains of Utah audience for independent films,” he of festival buzz is “Newtown,” which on-air suicide of a news reporter in today with a provocative mix of movies added. “I think these adventurous audi- explores the aftermath of the 2012 mas- Florida will also be featured, as will a focused on topical and timely issues, as ences are really going to be excited by sacre that left 26 people dead, including quirky documentary entitled “Nuts,” Garden workers at well as the usual selection of quirkier the energy, creativity, and fresh per- 20 school children, in Connecticut. about a small-town doctor in Depres- work on a foggy fare. The annual gathering, founded in spectives in these films.” “I felt like every time one of these sion-era Kansas who made a fortune morning near the 1985 by iconic actor Robert Redford, The event — known for showcas- incidents happen, we become more claiming he could cure impotent men by Pearl Round About in will shine the spotlight on some 120 ing films that go on to receive critical and more desensitised and wanted to transplanting goat testicles into them. Al Wakrah. independent features, many by new- acclaim and Hollywood awards season sort of pierce through that desensiti- Other entries deal with hot-button Picture by comers trying to make their mark. glory — features both documenta- zation by doing something that was issues including Jewish settlers in the Salim Matramkot “We sense that an independent ries and scripted dramas. This year’s way more experiential,” filmmaker West Bank, child brides in Afghanistan, film evolution is happening, and we lineup offers an array of films that Kim Snyder said. online bullying and college hazing. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

PAGE | 22 QE 8,689.37 -297.13 PTS PAGE | 23 Indian regulator DOW 15,534.86 -481.16 PTS Refugees to provide slams Facebook in FTSE100 5,673.58 -203.22 PTS economic boost to free Internet row BRENT $27.64 -$1.12 Europe: IMF study

THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 • 11 Rabia II 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

GWC’s full year net profit Prime Minister meets Occidental Petroleum head grows 32% to QR185m

offering two new distribution cent- Total revenues ers, accommodation buildings, and a mosque to be launched in Q2, 2016. increase 20 percent The company has also dedicated to touch QR787.9m at itself to rapidly develop the GWC Bu Sulba Warehousing Park, supported the end of 2015 by Manateq, and is well on schedule to deliver the facility in Q1 2017, with leveling and compacting operations completed, and construction of the The Peninsula infrastructure and superstructures underway. The company’s various service offerings meanwhile ensured relia- DOHA: GWC, Qatar’s leading logistics ble revenues throughout the year, with provider, concluded the year 2015 with GWC’s contract logistics, freight for- a strong and stable rate of growth of warding, RMS and IMRS particularly 32 percent in its net profits, achiev- capturing the majority of the market Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani with Stephen ing QR185m compared to QR140m by share in Qatar, scoring key contracts I Chazen, the President and CEO of Occidental Petroleum, yesterday in Doha. the end of 2014. in a variety of industries in both the The company’s revenue streams public and private sectors. had an equally consistent rise, with human capital, the company stands The company’s other offerings also total revenues peaking at QR787.9m strong today,” stated GWC Chairman performed strongly, with GWC Sports at the end of 2015, a solid 20 percent Sheikh Abdulla bin Fahad bin Jassem delivering the logistical requirements increase from QR656.9m in 2014. Earn- bin Jabor Al Thani (pictured). “Our for nearly all the major sporting events Price fails to deter oil exporters ings per share rose to QR3.89 by the commitment to the tenets of the Qatar in Doha during 2015, as well as the end of 2015, shaping an increase of National Vision 2030 provides us with newly added GWC Equestrian solu- 32 percent compared with the 2014 the direction needed to achieve our tions. The addition of courier services By Sachin Kumar according to the Joint Organisations Canada increased oil export by 2 results of QR2.95. purpose; remaining the provider of run by UPS in Qatar has been achiev- The Peninsula Data Initiative data. percent during last year. It exported GWC Board of Directors has rec- choice for logistics services in Qatar, ing its targets. Another major exporter, Iraq 2.36 million barrels per day in Novem- ommended a 15 percent dividend be and thereby ensuring the best pos- Further contributing to Qatari soci- exported about 33 percent more oil ber compared to 2.31 million barrels distributed to the shareholders, which sible returns for our shareholders.” ety, GWC participated in a number of in November than it did at the start of per day. will be presented for approval during The company’s asset base grew charity and volunteering events both DOHA: Despite sharp decline in crude year. It exported around 3.4 million Increased oil export from major the company’s Ordinary Assembly steadily throughout 2015. The com- locally and internationally, relying on oil prices, most of the major oil export- barrels per day in November, much producers has led to oversupply in General Meeting to be held onFeb- pany reported an annual growth rate strategic partnerships with specific ing countries have not cut their exports. higher than 2.5 million barrels per global oil market that has led to sharp ruary 14. The board also approved of 42 percent in total assets, rising to social responsibility organisations. Instead, they increased oil exports day in January last year. decline in oil prices. Brent crude futures a recommendation to increase the QR2.980bn in 2015 in comparison with “As a Qatari shareholding com- during 11 months of last year. Russian Federation exported yesterday fell by 81 cents to $27.95 a company foreign ownership limit to QR2.102bn in 2014, where the RLIC pany, and a corporate citizen, we Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest around 4.96 million barrels per day barrel, after trading as low as $27.70, 49 percent from the current level of 25 West Side Service Area (WSSA) facility work hard to ensure that the com- oil exporter, exported about 7.72 mil- in October which was 7 percent higher close to the 12-year low of $27.67 hit percent, which shall also be presented is nearly complete, and is on schedule pany moves in line with the direction lion barrels a day in November which than 4.65 million barrels per day in on Monday. for approval during the Extraordinary to be operational in Q1, 2016, offering taken by the rest of the nation,” said was around 3 percent more than it January. The global oil surplus will per- Assembly General Meeting to be held 15,000 sqm warehouse with special- Sheikh Abdulla. “We will work dil- exported in January 2015. Export figures for the United Arab sist at least until late 2016 as demand on the date above. ized HAZMAT logistics specifications, igently to find all opportunities for Interestingly, Saudi Arabia’s ship- Emirates were not available for Novem- growth slows and the Organisation of “Thanks to the business strate- in addition to open yard, bulk, and development and growth within the ments in November were the highest ber. Its export of oil in January stood the Petroleum Exporting Countries gies we have developed, as well as ISO Tank storage in the remainder current economic climate, thereby since April last year. at 2.96 million barrels per day lower (Opec) shows “renewed determination” the strong foundations formed by of the facility. The Phase V develop- recompensing our stakeholder’s invest- It exported about 7.47 million than 2.44 million barrels per day in to maximise output, the International our robust infrastructure and our ment at the LVQ is also well under way, ment and trust in us.” barrels per day in January last year, June last year. Energy Agency said last month. QInvest reports record year, recommends doubling dividends Oil extends

The Peninsula All our three revenue generating divi- which was oversubscribed by more currently being offered for co-invest- drop from sions are delivering robust growth and than four times, Albaraka Turk’s $250m ment to clients, and is in advanced are backed by a solid balance sheet. Tier II sukuk and Qatar Islamic Bank’s discussions on a new serviced apart- 12-year low Our debut $200m long-term syndicated $750m senior sukuk and QR 2bn Tier ment project in the UK, which will also DOHA: QInvest, Qatar’s leading invest- facility, arranged by our key regional I sukuk. be available for co-investment to cli- ment group yesterday announced and international relationship banks, The Mergers and Acquisitions team ents. The team has concluded additional LONDON: Oil extended its another year of robust growth record- strengthens further our capital base.” remained active on a number of high mezzanine transactions in the USA and decline from the lowest close ing its highest revenue since inception Al Kawari Added: “We are enter- profile transactions, most notably the continues to search for value additive in more than 12 years ahead of QR393m ($108m) and net profit of ing the New Year launching the next acquisition of a Turkish retail group and residential development opportu- of weekly US government QR154m ($42m). phase of our strategy, which is cen- by a Qatari client. nities in London and other geographies data that’s forecast to show QInvest generated consistent per- tred on the execution of high quality The team is involved in a number on a co-investment basis. Moreover, an expansion in crude stock- formance throughout 2015 despite international and regional transac- of buy-side and sell-side mandates they have provided financings of almost piles, exacerbating a global challenging global economic conditions tions and the provision of innovative across multiple industries and geog- $100m to real estate corporate clients glut. and regional volatility, culminating and value enhancing products to both raphies for both family offices and and deployed more than $ 135m in real West Texas Intermediate in an increase in both revenues and shareholders and our expanding client institutional investors. Despite equity estate equity investments. for February delivery, which net profit of 32 percent and 76 percent base. Looking ahead, we expect the capital markets being more subdued QInvest made a select number of expired yesterday, fell $1.49, or respectively. The bank recommends global economy to continue to be chal- in 2015, the team is currently man- equity investments, deploying approx- 5.2 percent, to $26.97 a bar- doubling the dividend to sharehold- lenging but we will remain focused on dated on a number of potential IPOs. imately $50m in various transactions. rel at 11:18 am on the New ers for financial year 2015. transactions that fit within the bank’s Principal Investments generated During 2015, the division generated York Mercantile Exchange. Tamim Hamad Al Kawari (pic- overall risk-return profile coupled with to various institutional investors. The robust performance in 2015. In the real strong Assets under Management It touched $26.81, the lowest tured), Chief Executive Officer of prudent monitoring of our existing Debt Capital Markets franchise contin- estate sector, the business is at various growth of 75 percent year-on-year, since September 2003. QInvest, said: “2015 was a record year investments.” ued to strengthen and despite volatile stages of execution and completion reflecting its robust investment proc- Brent for March settlement for QInvest and the culmination of the The Investment Banking divi- market conditions was active on a on income generating transactions in ess and track record. slipped $1.12, or 3.9 percent, strategy we set three years ago. The sion had a busy and successful year. number of mandates for sovereigns, London, elsewhere in Western Europe The growth was underpinned by to $27.64 a barrel on the Lon- bank has achieved every one of its The financing business completed a financial institutions and corporates. and in the USA. the continued expansion of QMAP, QIn- don-based ICE Futures Europe objectives, not only in terms of financial wide range of corporate transactions, Notably, the team acted as joint lead Most notably, QInvest completed vest’s pioneering open architecture exchange. performance but also in terms of creat- deploying approximately $300m, part manager and book runner on Noor its investment in a portfolio of 16 retail sharia’a compliant managed account ing value for clients and shareholders. of which were successfully syndicated Bank’s debut $500m senior sukuk, properties across Germany, which is platform. 22 THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 BUSINESS QU and Qapco renew deal for polymer research

In particular, Dr Krupa and his team development of advanced technology, The Chair focuses on pursue research on polyolefin process- skilled jobs from the laboratory to the ing and advanced characterisation. classroom. As we advance towards our research activities They also work closely with Qapco vision of prosperity through innovation, on material science R&D team to explore the development we leverage our expertise in polymer of novel applications related to biode- science to support programs that deliver and engineering, gradable plastics and polymer based direct value to Qatar through support polyolefins composite materials. of the QNV 2030. Through our effec- QU President Dr Hassan Rashid tive and prolific collaboration with and polymer Al Derham highlighted the impor- Qatar University and CAM, our teams nanotechnology tance of collaboration between QU advance material science knowledge and involving and Qapco, which is a main partner transfer and education and encourage to the university, saying that “the col- sustainable, made-in-Qatar ground- polyethylene laboration between both institutions breaking discoveries.” for the renewal of the Qapco Poly- In her comments, Prof Mariam Al Ali mer Chair at QU Centre for Advanced Al Maadeed, Director of CAM, appreci- Materials will contribute to developing ated Qapco for the renewed sponsorship The Peninsula research activities in materials sci- of the Polymer Chair which she said ence and engineering, and will ensure has led to the setting up of a number the exchange of scientific and practi- of teaching and research activities cal knowledge between students and focusing on various aspects of material DOHA: Qatar University (QU) and Qatar researchers. It will also provide faculty science, engineering and nanotech- Petrochemical Company (Qapco), one and students at QU with the oppor- nology, resulting in many published of the leading petrochemical power- tunity to develop their abilities and papers, patent application and projects. houses in the region, announce the skills in this scientific field, and will A number of applied research renewal of the Qapco Polymer Chair encourage the establishment of new projects have resulted from the Qapco at Qatar University. research programmes which will facil- Polymer Chair and several research Based in QU’s Centre for Advanced itate research processes in the future.” papers co-authored by CAM and Qapco Officials at the event. Materials (CAM) and chaired by Prof Igor Commenting on the renewal of R&D teams have been published in Krupa, the Chair focuses on research the agreement, Dr Mohammed Yousef international scientific journals. Patent bioclimatic buildings; and the devel- two institutions. CAM and Dr Igor Krupa, Qapco Poly- activities revolving around material Al Mulla, Qapco’s MD & CEO, stated, applications are also being considered opment of plasma and other surface The event was attended by several mer Chair, From Qapco, Yousuf Abdulla science and engineering, polyolefins “Polymer research and innovation is as a part of the research collaboration treatment methods to improve adhe- representatives from Qatar Univer- Rebeeh – COO, Eng Abdulla Ahmed and polymer nanotechnology and a strategic priority for Qapco because outcome. In particular the develop- sion of polyethylene packaging resins sity, including Dr Darwish Al Emadi, Naji, Learning and Development Man- involving Qapco’s main product, poly- it creates new applications for poly- ment of Polyolefin based plastic heat are evidence of the successes of the QU Vice-President for Research, Dr ager and Dr Mabrouk Ouederni, Head ethylene, along with other by-products. ethylene products and stimulates the absorbers for energy management in research collaboration between the Mariam Al Ali Al Maadeed, Director of of R&D were present at the event.

Ooredoo showcases business Microsoft Qatar Motor Show donates cloud announces jam-packed solutions at QBX Exhibition computing ‘worth $1bn’ line up of exhibitors

SAN FRANCISCO: Microsoft said it will put a billion dol- The Peninsula Hamad Al Abdan, Director of Exhi- lars’ worth of cloud computing bitions, at Qatar Tourism Authority, power in the hands of non- said; “We are thrilled with the devel- profit groups and university opment of this year’s show and how researchers free of charge. DOHA: The Qatar Motor Show 2016, we are continuing to add further value A philanthropic arm of being held under the patronage of and experiences for visitors. Qatar the US software colossus Prime Minister and Interior Minister Motor Show is the perfect landscapeto will make the donation dur- H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin highlight the world-classfacilities and ing the coming three years Khalifa Al Thani, has announced to attractions that make Qatar a leading to 70,000 non-profit groups offer jam-packed line up of exhibi- choice for business events.” and researchers, chief execu- tors and new experiences for visitors. As the largest and most excit- tive Satya Nadella said while Visitors and car lovers can enjoy ing annual automotive event in the attending the World Economic the top sports, luxury and mid-range region, QMS 2016 will offer outdoor Forum in Davos, Switzerland. brands at this year’s Qatar Motor Show and indoor activities in the heart Cloud computing lets peo- under the theme of ‘Explore the World of West Bay at the Doha Exhibition ple use the Internet to tap into of Motion,’ as 40 exhibitors take part and Convention Center (DECC). Dur- processing or data storage in its sixth edition. Entry is free to ing the 5-day show the city will also capacity at huge data centres. the public and pre-registration will get to experience a daily parade of “Among the questions open on January 24. Pre-registered unique and exciting cars that will being asked in Davos are visitors will be given priority access. travel around West Bay, from off- these: If cloud computing This year offers a larger automo- road motors and classic cars to the is one of the most impor- tive experience with 18 percent more dynamic sports models. tant transformations of our brands including two surprise exhib- In addition to the traditional show- time, how do we ensure that itor reveals when the show opens. room experience, this year the event Participants at the exhibition. its benefits are universally Exhibitors include Audi, BMW, Bosch, will allow visitors additional activi- accessible?” Nadella said in Cadillac, Castrol, Chrysler, Conti- ties in the ‘fanzone’ — an interactive The Peninsula event enabled the company to dem- state-of-the-art booth, which show- an online post. “What if only nental, Dodge, Ducati, Ferrari, Ford, and experiential outdoor area at the onstrate the full range of business cased some of its most popular new wealthy societies have access GMC, Harley-Davidson, Infinity, Jag- DECC for all ages to enjoy that will solutions offered by the company, and solutions including the Cloud Voice and to the data, intelligence, ana- uar, Jeep, KTM, Land Rover, Lexus, include family friendly activities and in particular to highlight new serv- Collaboration Suite, a fully-managed lytics and insights that come Maserati, Maxus, Mercedes Benz, exciting test drive experiencesfrom DOHA: Ooredoo is continuing to build ices to safeguard data, connect remote Cloud solution to enhance the busi- from the power of mobile and Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Piaggio, leading automotive brands. a leadership position in the fields of offices and benefit from the scalabil- ness communication, and Office 365, cloud computing?” Porsche, RAM, Renault, Rolls Royce, Hosted by Qatar Tourism Authority collaborative solutions, cyber-security ity and versatility of cloud solutions. Microsoft’s Cloud-based office solu- “Last fall, world leaders Sand X, Titanium, Toyota, Triumph, as part of the long-term Qatar National and managed services, showcasing its Yousuf Abdulla Al Kubaisi, Chief tion that enables employees to work at the United Nations adopted VW andZiebart. Tourism Sector Strategy 2030 vision, updated portfolio of solutions at the Operating Officer, Ooredoo Qatar, anywhere, on any device. 17 sustainable development For the first time in Qatar, visitors Qatar Motor Show has become one International Exhibition for Support said: “The QBX Expo provided a great In addition, experts at the event goals to tackle some of the will ‘Explore the World of Motion’with of the most anticipated regional con- Services and Business Solutions in opportunity for us to demonstrate our presented Ooredoo’s Smart VSAT, toughest global problems by a variety of exciting featurs, includ- sumer and trade shows on Qatar’s Qatar (QBX) earlier this month. business portfolio to local, regional, which is a cost-effective solution for 2030, including poverty, hun- ing a Formula 1 driving simulator by annual events calendar. Hosted under the patronage of the and international businesses.” delivering Internet access to remote ger, health and education,” Evotek Engineering. Devilray by Car- Key partners at this year’s event Ministry of Economy and Commerce, “Ooredoo is building a diverse locations, and M2M Solutions, such Nadella said. bondrone will also be on display at include Commercial Bank as Official and held at the Doha Exhibition and portfolio of business solutions and as Smart Fleet Management, which “A careful read of those the show as a new addition. Carbon- Bank Sponsor and Marriott Marquis Convention Centre, the QBX event services, deploying the power of the enable companies to track and man- goals reveals the central role drone is the realisation of a dream for City Center Doha as the Official Hotel. brought together start-ups and Ooredoo Supernet and the robust age fleets of vehicles. that data and cloud comput- a group of experienced industry pro- Nans Company, Oryx Advertising, Sur enterprises to showcase a range of capacity of Ooredoo Data Centres Ooredoo also hosted a seminar ing must play for analysis and fessionals who come from the world La Terre, Volante, Layalina Magazine distinctive solutions, support services across the country,” he said. during QBX that focused on how ICT action.” of MotoGP and Formula 1, which will are also the lifestyle media partners, and investment opportunities in Qatar. As part of Ooredoo’s presence services can contribute to the devel- be demonstrated at this year’s Qatar alongside Arab Motors Magazines and Ooredoo’s participation in the at the event, the company had a opment of companies. Motor Show. Auto Dalil. Indian regulator slams Facebook in free Internet row

AFP its lobbying effort, entitled Save Free It asked for public submissions on “shutting down Free Basics would hurt Basics. Facebook has met a fierce back- whether, in general, telecom opera- our country’s most vulnerable people”. lash in India over Free Basics, which tors should be allowed to offer some In the letter to Facebook’s public allows people who cannot afford the data for free — which would include policy director for India, Ankhi Das, the NEW DELHI: India’s telecom regu- Internet to access selected websites Reliance Communications, Facebook’s watchdog said it had “deep misgivings” lator has attacked Facebook over an for free via a mobile phone. mobile partner for Free Basics. over the way the social network had aggressive campaign to drum up sup- Critics including some of India’s The regulator said the vast number solicited the responses. “Your urging has port for its controversial free Internet leading tech entrepreneurs say the of responses it received — 16 million, the flavour of reducing this meaningful project after being deluged with mil- service violates net neutrality — the according to Facebook — were largely consultative exercise designed to pro- lions of comments asking it not to ban principle that the entire Internet should irrelevant after the social network asked duce informed decisions in a transparent the service. be available to everyone on equal terms. people to send automated pleas beg- manner into a crudely majoritarian and In a letter dated January 18, the While not ruling explicitly on net ging it to keep the service alive. orchestrated opinion poll,” it said. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India neutrality, TRAI has halted Free Basics The template responses, sent by The nature of the campaign “if Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer Facebook, speaks during a (TRAI) accused the social media giant temporarily and could ban it altogether clicking a button online or leaving a accepted, has dangerous ramifica- of carrying out a “crudely majoritar- through an ongoing consultation on missed call, implored TRAI to “sup- tions for policy-making in India,” it panel session on the first day of the 46th Annual Meeting of the World ian and orchestrated opinion poll” in “differential pricing for data usage”. port digital equality for India” and said continued. Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland, yesterday. BUSINESS THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 23

Amwal is fund Record-setting 2015 for cross-border M&As manager for Al Beit Al Mali Fund cross-border transactions, a global number, size and complexity of cross- at Baker & McKenzie Habib Al Mulla, targetting the region totalled 80 deals trend reflected in the Middle East. border deals, stands at 331 for Q4, 2015, based in the UAE. “Looking ahead to valued at $9.73bn in 2015, with the Cross-regional deals Overall M&A in 2015 reached well ahead of the prior quarter’s 254. 2016 and beyond, notwithstanding UAE featuring as the target coun- targetting Middle East $$4.28 trillion, of which 39 percent The Index also surged past the prior low oil prices and macroeconomic try for three out of the top five M&A The Peninsula were cross-border in nature at $1.66 record set in Q2, 2014 at 278, as it has uncertainty, we expect our clients to be deals into the region. The top coun- totalled 80 valued trillion on 5,441 deals, up 17 percent on crossed 300 for the first time ever opportunistic, particularly in relation tries by value driving investment into at $9.73bn value over the prior year and enough in its six year history. The Index has to cross-border deals, and for contin- the region were the US, China and the to set a new post-crisis record. Full remained above 200 since Q1 2014. ued deal activity in the UAE.” Netherlands, with acquisitions valued DOHA: Amwal LLC, Qatar’s lead- year cross-border deals included $1.06 The value of cross-regional deals “The past year has been remark- at $3.21bn,$1.75bn and $1.57bn respec- ing independent asset management trillion in cross-regional deals, up 7 targeting the Middle East increased sig- able for M&A in the Middle East, with tively. The US was also the top bidder firm, has been appointed Fund Man- The Peninsula percent, and $595 bn in intra-regional nificantly over the last year, and the currency appreciation across a vari- country by volume with 39 deals, fol- ager for the Al-Beit Al Mali Fund deals, up 40 percent. Deals between region experienced record levels in the ety of regions bolstering companies to lowed by the UK and China with 10 founded by Investment House for the EU and North America account for value of cross-border deals. The Mid- fund acquisitions,” added George Sayen, and six deals respectively. investing in listed equities in Qatar, 76 percent of all cross-regional activ- dle East Index for Q4, 2015 is 546.5, a Head of Corporate Practice Group at The Computer Software sector was in line with the Islamic principles. DOHA: The year 2015 has established ity by value. massive increase on Q4, 2014’s 154.1, Baker & McKenzie’s associated firm the top target industry in the Middle Regulated by the Qatar Cen- itself as a record-breaking year for While the Industrials sector led by and far exceeding the previous record in Riyadh. “Liberal regulatory efforts, East by both volume and value, with tral Bank, the fund’s objective is cross-border M&A post-financial crisis, volume with 195 cross-border deals of 344.9 set in Q3 2012. especially in countries like Saudi Ara- 23 deals exceeding $2bn in value. to achieve capital appreciation for according to a Cross-Border M&A Index globally, the Healthcare and Consumer “2015 has seen record-breaking bia and the UAE, should incentivise On the outbound, cross-regional its investors by investing in Sharia- by global law firm Baker & McKenzie. sectors were in a class of their own by cross-border deals by value in the deal making and support cross-bor- deals fuelled by the Middle East totalled compliant companies listed on the With corporate deal-making activ- value, with $219.2bn and $152.8bn in Middle East, despite a backdrop of polit- der activity.” 105 deals valued at $76.35bn, with the Qatar Exchange. The Al-Beit Al ity at record highs, those companies deals, respectively. ical and economic change,” said Will On the inbound Middle East deals, UAE driving two of the top five out- Mali fund is open only to private are also executing record levels of The Index, which analyses the Seivewright, Corporate/M&A partner the report noted cross-regional deals bound deals. and institutional investors, and will offer the prospect of strong growth and long term investment returns through investing in equi- ties in Qatar. Refugees to provide Since its inception in 2006, the Fund delivered a total return of 106.8 percent. In 2015, Al Beit Al Mali Fund was economic boost to ranked 1st in Qatar for Qatari regu- lated funds investing in Qatari listed equities and was ranked third in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Europe: IMF study among top 20 GCC Islamic Equity funds, according to Marmore Mena Intelligence. Fahmi Alghussein, CEO of Bloomberg surges tend to be short-lived and tem- Amwal, said, “Amwal is commit- porary,” the IMF’s Enrica Detragiache, ted to providing our clients with the one of the report’s authors, said in a most lucrative investment options conference call. A positive impact available within Qatar and the BRUSSELS: European economic “should be quite immediate” thanks region. The global Islamic finance growth will see an immediate boost to the “fiscal expansion that’s being industry has witnessed a remark- as a result of the unprecedented influx carried out to provide for the refu- able growth trajectory in the past of refugees, according to an Interna- gees,” Detragiache said. decade and is estimated to grow by tional Monetary Fund study, handing a The aggregate GDP across the an average of 19 percent per year silver lining to leaders including Chan- 28-nation EU will rise by 0.13 per- till 2018. Islamic economic prin- cellor Angela Merkel as they attempt cent in 2017 relative to the baseline ciples play a growing significance to untangle the crisis. scenario because of the migration in today’s global business environ- Gross domestic product in Ger- trends, according to the report. ment, and we believe that it can many alone, which has received about With the German chancellor’s pop- IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde at a session entitled “Global Solutions to Global Migration” at the offer more long-term solutions to 1 million refugees including many flee- ularity at its lowest level since 2011 World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, yesterday. drive both growth and sustaina- ing war in Syria and Afghanistan, could and European politicians warning of bility. We have the resources and expand by as much as 0.3 percent in threats to the region’s social struc- requires a global effort,” IMF Manag- largest number of refugees last year as 1.1 percent higher than the baseline expertise in sharia-compliant serv- 2017, according to the IMF report pub- ture and passport-free travel, the IMF ing Director Christine Lagarde said on will increase in 2017 — by 0.3 percent in the three main destination coun- ices, and look forward to working lished yesterday. Beyond 2017, the study shows it’s crucial for govern- Twitter before a panel debate on the in Germany, 0.4 percent in Sweden tries by 2020, the study showed. with Investment House to further advantages will continue as long as ments to get migrants into jobs to reap topic at the World Economic Forum and 0.5 percent in Austria relative to “There will be a huge challenge support the development of a much Merkel and her fellow European Union the economic benefits from the larg- in Davos, Switzerland. the baseline scenario. to try to bring the skills the refugees stronger platform for Islamic finance leaders can get migrants into jobs by est influx of refugees to Europe since According to the IMF’s simula- If governments can ensure migrants can bring to the labor market in line in Qatar.” improving labour-market flexibility. World War II. tion, gross domestic product in the successfully integrate into the jobs mar- with the demands of industry,” Detra- Hashem Al Aqeel, CEO of Invest- “The negative effects of immigrant “Migration is a global challenge that three countries that welcomed the ket the level of GDP could be as much giache said. ment House, said, “Islamic finance has growing demand in Qatar and the region, and Qatar was one of the first countries in the world to identify the significance of Islamic Ex-Goldman Director Rajat Gupta back home after prison term banking. The country has a best-in-class sharia- compliant regulatory frame- work in place to build a global centre Bloomberg New York area which is overseeing Gupta. McFar- Christian Saint-Vil, a spokesman for Man- to leave for doctors’ and lawyers’ appointments, for Islamic economy, and main- land declined to provide more details. hattan US Attorney Preet Bharara declined to but must get prior approval from prison officials. tain the growth momentum of the According to a person familiar with the matter, comment on Gupta’s early release. Gupta was found “The idea of our facilities is to assist inmates industry. who asked not to be named because the informa- guilty in 2012 of passing illegal tips to Rajarat- with transitioning from incarceration to full Despite the declining current oil NEW YORK: Former Goldman Sachs Group Inc tion isn’t public, Gupta was released on January nam, a co-founder of the Galleon Group LLC release,” McFarland said in a telephone inter- prices, we believe that the macro director Rajat Gupta is a free man after serving 5 and has been living at his Manhattan home. hedge fund. He told Rajaratnam about Berkshire view Tuesday. He supervises the programme economic outlook for Qatar on 19 months in federal prison for leaking tips to He’s allowed to go to an office during weekdays, Hathaway Inc.’s $5bn investment in Goldman for inmates who win early release from federal the medium and long term is pos- hedge fund billionaire Raj Rajaratnam. the person said. Sachs and the bank’s financial results for two prison in cases handled by US prosecutors in the itive and promising, with planned Jailed in June 2014 in Devens, Massachu- A former McKinsey & Co managing partner, quarters in 2008. Southern and Eastern Districts of New York as investments across diverse business setts, Gupta was freed after receiving credit for Gupta is the highest-profile executive convicted Under a US Bureau of Prisons programme well as New Jersey. The Bureau of Prisons will sectors. We are delighted to have good behaviour against his 30-month sentence, in a US crackdown on insider trading at hedge called Residential Reentry Management, Gupta continue to oversee Gupta until March 13, when Amwal on board as Fund Managers according to Patrick McFarland, a manager for funds. Since August 2009, federal prosecutors must spend his evenings at home, the person his case will be transferred to federal Probation and are confident their firm under- the Federal Bureau of Prisons programme in the in New York won 80 convictions. familiar with his case said. He’s also permitted Department officials, McFarland said. standing of the market. Qatar’s banking sector to be challenging: Doha Bank CEO

The Peninsula he said: “In the near term, Qatar bank- by close to 3 percent in 2015. The decline ing sector will be challenging. However, in growth reflects a further slowdown Doha Bank will be cautiously optimistic in emerging markets, partially off- with focus on Balance Sheet optimisa- set by a modest pickup in activity in DOHA: The GCC economies are tion, Cost optimisation and repricing advanced economies. expected to witness current account of assets. Doha Bank believes in sus- US economy rate hike has begun and fiscal deficit this year. Qatar’s tainable performance as reflected in last December however economic 2016 growth is expected to be 4.3 its performance ratios such as ROAA recovery is uneven. Japan and Eurozone percent. Qatar has budgeted for rev- and ROAE. With liquidity continuing may still need more easing. Chinese enues of QR156bn and expenditures of to be challenging we will focus on economy grew by 6.9 percent in 2015. QR202.5bn in 2016, said Dr R Seethar- low cost deposit mobilization. Doha Chinese slowdown a cause of con- aman, Doha Bank’s Group CEO, while Bank is a consistent performer despite cern to global economies. Brazil and providing an insight on GCC econo- the volatile market conditions. Doha Russia are also struggling, with India mies to students at the College of the Bank is an innovative Bank and pro- only showing growth. Global slowdown North Atlantic – Qatar (CNA-Q). vides innovative solutions leveraging on account of struggle to accelerate He said health, education and infra- on technology for the benefit of the in emerging economies and advanced structure accounted for the largest customer.” economies not recovering soon. share of the 2016 budget. The fiscal def- The lecture was hosted as part of There are concerns among mar- icit is expected to be covered by local the Bank’s ongoing efforts to engage ket participants both in advanced and and international debt issues. Qatar’s Qatari students in dynamic discussions emerging economies on the level of strong investable surplus will enable that enhance their understanding of market liquidity. The prospect of ris- Dr R Seetharaman, Doha Bank’s Group CEO, speaking at the College of the North Atlantic – Qatar. it to withstand adverse conditions. economic and financial issues, with ing interest rates in the United States Dr Seetharaman was delivering a a view to develop the next generation and an economic slowdown in China in Global financial markets, he said: Oil prices below $30 per barrel has moving towards safe haven such as Jap- lecture on the topic “The Changing Eco- of Qatari leaders in banking. were contributing to uncertainty and “Since the beginning of this year we raised concerns of deflation and slow- anese Yen and US treasuries. The risk nomic Landscape and Opportunities On the outlook of the global econ- a higher risk of economic vulnerabil- have seen the global capital markets down in global growth. The Currency of currency war has also emerged on in the Banking Sector” at the CAN-Q. omy Dr Seetharaman said: “The ity worldwide. fall significantly on account of Chinse markets have also witnessed signif- account of Yuan devaluation by Chi- Speaking on Qatar’s banking sector, Global economy is expected to grow Highlighting the current trends yuan devaluation and fall in oil prices. icant volatility. We are seeing funds nese Central Bank.” 24 THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 BUSINESS Oil slump sends Russian rouble to all-time low

exacerbated by western sanctions The regulator next meets on mon- The previous all- over the Ukraine crisis. etary policy on Jan. 29, and market Unlike during the prior crisis, expectations have recently shifted time low was 80.10 there was no sign of panic dollar buy- towards a “hold” decision. roubles per dollar, ing on Moscow streets on yesterday. The deep pessimism on Russian Many Russian consumers, having markets mirrored falls in Asian and reached in December spent months already watching the European stocks, as well as declines 2014 when Russia value of the roubles in their pockets in emerging-market currencies such fall against the dollar, have adopted as the Turkish lira. was in the grips of a fatalistic approach to the rouble’s Almost $6 trillion has been wiped a financial crisis decline. off the value of global stock mar- The slide in the currency made it kets since the start of the year, and exacerbated by more likely the central bank would worries over the health of the glo- Western sanctions have to postpone interest rate cuts bal economy are growing. over the Ukraine badly needed to breathe new life into For Russia, the roughly 25 per- the economy. cent fall in Brent crude oil prices crisis In a country where many con- since the start of the year is partic- sumer goods are imported, the ularly painful, since oil is the key rouble’s drop will also push up infla- Russian export. tion, testing the so-far robust public The rouble, by comparison with Reuters support for President Vladimir Putin the oil price, is down by a less severe in a year when Russia holds a par- 9 percent against the dollar since the liamentary election. start of 2016, in part as it had fallen Analysts said the rouble is likely so steeply since late 2014. MOSCOW: Russia’s rouble struck a to remain on the ropes. “There’s not a Brent was trading 3.3 percent new record low yesterday after fresh positive catalyst in sight for Russian weaker at $27.8 a barrel at 1210 GMT, falls in world oil prices deepened assets,” said Nicholas Spiro, man- not far from its weakest since 2003. investors’ worries that the slowdown aging director of Spiro Sovereign Other Russian assets were also in the commodity—dependent Rus- Strategy in London. affected. The dollar-denominated sian economy still has further to run. “With high inflation, the rouble RTS share index was down 4.6 percent The rouble set a low of 80.92 tanking and sentiment extremely to 629 points, while the rouble-based to the dollar before trading down volatile, rate cuts are off the table for MICEX was 1.8 percent lower at 1,616 2.8 percent by 1210 GMT at 80.85. the central bank,” Spiro said. points. Shares in Sberbank, the coun- It had lost 2.8 percent to 88.18 ver- The central bank cut rates aggres- try’s largest bank and a bellwether for sus the euro. sively in early 2015 to ease the impact the economy, were down 4.2 percent. The previous all—time low was of an economic recession but has Bonds also lost ground on yes- 80.10 roubles per dollar, reached in been forced to leave them on hold terday. The yield on the 2042 dollar A woman walks past a board showing currency exchange rates of the US dollar and euro against the rouble December 2014 when Russia was since July, despite the prospects for bond rose by 7 basis points to 6.51 in the grips of a financial crisis the economy remaining grim. percent, reflecting a fall in price. in Moscow. China money rate jumps to 9-month high on outflows Banks & insurers could lose $150bn

Bloomberg tightening interbank liquidity.” The to startups, says overnight repurchase rate, a gauge of funding availability in the financial Oliver Wyman system, rose six basis points to 2.06 SHANGHAI: China’s overnight percent as of 10:07am in Shanghai, money—market rate rose to a nine- according to a weighted average price Bloomberg month high as capital outflows and from the National Interbank Fund- cash hoarding in the run-up to the ing Centre. It surged to 2.18 percent Lunar New Year holidays outweighed earlier, the highest since April 2015. central bank injections. Tuesday’s MLF injections to 22 LONDON: The world’s largest The nation’s foreign-exchange financial institutions came after 100 banks and insurers could lose reserves dropped by a record last billion yuan of such three-month loans as much as $150 bn of revenue month, as the People’s Bank of China granted on Jan 15, and compare with to financial-technology startups, sold an unprecedented amount of for- 250 billion yuan of the credit that in a shift that could force lend- eign currency in an effort to stem a matured earlier this month. The ers to freeze dividend payments slide in the yuan. loans will play a similar role to a for up to three years, according The monetary authority provided reserve-requirement ratio cut, Ma to Oliver Wyman. 410 billion yuan ($62 billion) to com- Jun, chief economist at the PBOC’s The cost of upgrading IT mercial lenders via its Medium-term research bureau, said in an inter- systems to adapt to growing Lending Facility on Tuesday and low- view with China Central Television competition could exceed $4 ered the interest rates on the loans. on Wednesday. billion at each bank, compared It plans to inject more than 600 bil- The cost of one-year interest-rate with the $1.7 bn average dividend lion yuan into the financial system swaps, the fixed payment to receive payout of the 100 largest lenders, to meet demand before the week- the floating seven-day repo rate, according to a report by the long Chinese New Year holidays that increased four basis points to 2.31 consulting firm. start February 8. percent, data compiled by Bloomb- Potential cost savings from “The market is still tight, despite erg show. Sovereign bonds fell for a such investment across the the injections,” said Yan Yan, a Shang- third day, pushing the yield on the industry could total $340 billion. hai-based analyst at China Guangfa notes due October 2025 up three basis Financial technology startups Bank Co. “All the seasonal factors, plus points to 2.83 percent, according to are seeking to win a slice of the Pedestrians walk past an electronic board displaying the Hang Seng Index in Central district of Hong Kong the capital outflows and currency National Interbank Funding Centre $5.7 trillion global banking and yesterday. market-related liquidity drain, are prices. insurance market from firms, under pressure to upgrade computer systems in the wake of tougher regulatory scrutiny and increasing cyber-security threats. Sumitomo bond risk jumps to 4-year high Companies such as LendingClub Corp. and Funding Circle Ltd. are bypassing banks to directly match borrowers Bloomberg but also the impact of commodity “Investors in the corporate bonds with individuals who want to and energy prices,” said Yasuhiro are basically Japanese, whereas those fund them, providing so-called Matsumoto, a senior expert for the for CDS are foreigners,” said ABeam’s peer-to- peer loans. industrial finance sector at ABeam Matsumoto. “Corporate bond investors “The way customers buy TOKYO: Sumitomo Corp.’s bond risk Consulting Ltd. “Sumitomo should still think the company will maintain prof- financial services and how jumped to a four- year high as a col- be able to earn a profit even if impair- its in spite of the impairment losses, firms deliver them is going to be lapse in nickel prices put it at risk of ment losses increase, but how much and those losses will be limited in transformed,” Ted Moynihan, a credit downgrade. further commodity prices have to fall any case.” Oliver Wyman’s managing partner The cost to insure the Japanese is a destabilizing factor.” Sumitomo reported a 73.2 billion for financial services said in a trading company’s debt against non- Tokyo-based Sumitomo, one of yen loss last financial year, its worst statement. payment surged 43 basis points this Japan’s big-five trading houses, had result since 1997, on asset writedowns, The banking and insurance month to 132.5 basis points on Tues- expected net income of 230 billion including U.S. oil and Brazilian iron industries are becoming day, the highest since January 2012, yen in the year to March and said it ore projects. Moody’s Investors Serv- “modular,” whereby companies according to data provider CMA. Sum- will issue new earnings guidance at ice has a stable outlook on its A3 grade employ more third-party suppliers itomo withdrew its earnings forecasts its third-quarter earnings on Febru- the nation’s corporate credit- default making it worth considering sell- for the company, the same level as and customers use multiple last week because of a 77 billion yen ary 5. CFO Inohara said the company swaps during the period, while Maru- ing the contracts to earn a premium, S&P, while Japan’s Rating & Invest- product providers, according to ($657 million) charge on its Ambatovy wants to secure a profit of at least 100 beni Corp. saw a gain of 53, the second according to Eri Iwata, a credit analyst ment Information Inc. has it at A+, two the report. nickel project in Madagascar. billion yen for the year. most. Sumitomo’s CDS increase was the at SMBC Nikko Securities Inc. steps higher. The study didn’t identify Standard & Poor’s cut the outlook The trading house’s writedowns third sharpest, according to CMA data. “There’s a big tendency for the mar- “They were quite late to the party individual companies. on the trading company’s A- rating to this fiscal year due to the resource The Bloomberg Commodity Index, ket to overshoot without reflecting the and they bought a lot of things when Wall Street’s future will be negative from stable as a prolonged market rout may come to 120 billion which measures returns on 22 raw company’s real creditworthiness, at prices were kind of bubblish and that dominated by firms that embrace slump in resource prices worsens yen to 200 billion yen including the materials, dropped to the lowest level a time when people are concerned is the reason they are taking the hit technology from electronic fixed- earnings and capital ratios. Sumito- Ambatovy charge, according to Junki this month in data going back to 1991. about how Chinese risks will affect now,” said Thanh Ha Pham, an ana- income trading to blockchain and mo’s Chief Financial Officer Hiroyuki Ojima, a credit analyst at Mizuho Secu- The price of nickel, used to make stain- the market,” Iwata said. lyst at Jefferies Group LLC, who covers predictive algorithms, reducing the Inohara said last week investments in rities Co. less steel, sank to the lowest since 2003 Moves in Sumitomo’s corporate Japan’s trading houses. need to employ as many people, oil, coal, iron ore and copper could Sumitomo isn’t the only Japa- on Jan. 12 after falling more than 40 bonds have been muted compared with “The credit rating is a huge deal according to McKinsey & Co. be vulnerable to writedowns as Chi- nese trading company that’s suffering percent last year. CDS. The extra yield on the company’s for these guys. They do a lot of busi- Investment banks that na’s economy slows more swiftly than because of the raw materials slump. Sumitomo spokesmen weren’t 0.769 percent notes due in April 2024 ness overseas so if their credit rating is successfully adopt automated anticipated. The bond risk of Toyota Tsusho Corp. immediately available to comment. was 43.5 basis points more than sov- downgraded, it impacts the business trading and other measures can “The CDS are really feeling the has climbed 75 basis points in the past The company’s credit-default ereign debt, a gain of one basis point in general because they are procuring increase profit by 30 percent, the effects not only of Sumitomo’s earnings month, the biggest increase among swaps may have risen excessively, from the end of last year. cheap funds to buy assets.” consulting firm has said. BUSINESS THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 25 Dollar’s 2-year rally runs out of steam Philippines plans to restrict access to cash-mopping dollar has rallied against all 16 of its major peers during the past two years In an earlier post, he on speculation that the Fed would boost Bloomberg central bank uses to control liquidity, challenged claims borrowing costs in contrast to other totalled about $16.8bn as of December major central banks that were easing 29. The central bank is preparing to that the US waged a policy, including the European Central shift to an interest-rate corridor by “currency war” after Bank and Bank of Japan. Greenback MANILA: The Philippines plans to the second quarter, a move intended strength became one of the Fed’s main close a loophole in regulation of trust to strengthen its policy tools. the 2008 financial preoccupations in the run-up to its funds, by restricting those overseen Limiting fund managers’ access crisis by using December rate increase, the first in by banks from parking short-term to SDAs will make it a purely cash- almost a decade. cash at the central bank. mopping tool, said Eugenia Victorino, monetary policy to The central bank’s trade-weighted Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is an economist at Australia & New weaken the dollar measure of the dollar rose to 125.6 considering limiting lenders’ trust Zealand Banking Group Ltd. in on January 15, the highest since units from placing funds in its short- Singapore. 2002, while its inflation-adjusted term deposit facility, monetary board In line with plans to shift to an gauge advanced to an 11-year peak member Felipe Medalla said on interest-rate corridor system, “the Bloomberg in December. Tuesday. Policy makers are reviewing central bank may be thinking of Ben S Bernanke with media persons in New York yesterday. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index access to its liquidity- mopping tools making SDAs a liquidity- management closed at 1,250.70 on Tuesday in New “under the overall framework” of tool that should not be thought of as York, and has gained 22 percent since on January 26-27 in Washington. The “exorbitant privilege” that the US gains its interest-rate corridor, Governor an investment vehicle.” NEW YORK: Ben S Bernanke says the the start of 2014. Hedge funds and other probability that the central bank will from the dollar’s status as a global Amando Tetangco said yesterday. At present, the central bank pays greenback may have peaked. large speculators have pared futures increase rates is about zero this month reserve currency has been eroded Banks’ trust units have undue 2.5 percent for funds placed at SDAs, “Much of the appreciation in the wagers on a stronger dollar. and 31 percent in March, based on the by competition from other tenders, advantage over non-bank trust groups compared with its benchmark rate dollar may have already happened - Bullish positions on the greenback assumption that the effective fed funds including the euro and yen, as well that aren’t allowed to put money in the of 4 percent. The 91-day Treasury we may not see much more,” the former against eight major currencies rate will trade at the middle of the new as America’s shrinking share of the central bank’s special deposit account bill fetched 1.684 percent at the most Federal Reserve Chairman said Tues- outweighed bearish bets by 303,113 target range after the next increase. world economy. He challenged claims or SDA facility, and also over lenders recent auction. day at the Asian Financial Forum in as of January 12, the least since Bernanke has written about the that the US waged a “currency war” themselves that must comply with BSP has tools to ensure liquidity Hong Kong. November, according to Commodity role of the dollar twice this month after the 2008 financial crisis by using the reserve requirement, Medalla growth is healthy and is seeking Further gains depend on the pace of Futures Trading Commission data.The in a series of blog posts for the monetary policy to weaken the dollar said in an interview. Placements in comments on the proposal, Medalla the Fed’s tightening cycle, he said. The Fed’s next policy-setting meeting is Brookings Institution. He argued the and gain advantage in global trade. the so-called SDA facility, which the said.

MetLife forms Kazakh banks face double bind on deposit rule $1.4bn real

Bloomberg the central bank’s move. Under the estate venture new deposit rule, that puts Kaspi Bank and others in a pickle. The rule introduced by the Kazakh with NY Fund ALMATY: Kazakhstan’s Kaspi Bank, central bank on January 1 redefines which counts Goldman Sachs Group regulatory capital. A lender must now Bloomberg Inc among its shareholders, may be too subtract balance-sheet equity, multi- popular with savers for its own good. plied by 5.5, from total retail deposits. If With 600bn tenge ($1.6bn) of the result is a positive number, it must deposits from individuals and 108 in turn be subtracted from the bank’s NEW YORK: MetLife Inc, the larg- bn tenge of equity as of December 1, Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital to arrive at est US life insurer, formed a real according to central bank data, the the new regulatory capital number. estate venture with the New York Almaty-based lender may already On December 1, Kaspi Bank had State Common Retirement Fund, be pushing the limits of a new rule 193 bntenge of regulatory capital, including an initial investment port- that foresees a capital hit for banks according to central bank data. That’s folio valued at more than $1.4bn. whose deposits exceed 5.5 times well above the 10bn tenge minimum The insurer, which is seeking to equity. Some other banks, such as for banks, but the lender may need to expand in asset management, sold Centercredit Bank, are approach- seek alternative sources of funding a 49.9 percent stake in the proper- ing that level. to avoid a run-in with the regulators. ties to the pension fund, the New And the banks’ situation grows The new rule could have further York-based company said Tuesday more precarious every time the tenge implications if the central bank aban- in a statement. The portfolio, which falls, driving up the value —reported dons its recommended interest rates will be overseen by MetLife’s asset in tenge — of deposits denominated for banks’ retail deposits -- 10 percent manager, includes seven proper- in dollars, euros and other major cur- for tenge-denominated accounts. The ties and represents about 3.7 million rencies. In Kazakhstan, 78 percent of International Monetary Fund called square feet (340,000 square meters), deposits are held in foreign curren- for the removal of the “current cap on primarily office space in major US cies, according to central bank data for the commercial banks’ deposit rates markets. November. That means banks could on individual accounts.” Chief Investment Officer Steven wind up exceeding the level even if That would leave Kaspi Bank and Goulart has been bolstering asset- they accept no new deposits. others with a difficult choice: raise management operations, which are Regulators in oil-rich central Asian rates to compete with the biggest banks generally less capital intensive than country, where lenders have restruc- for deposits, further exceeding the life insurance products and help tured about $20bn of debt since the deposit-to-equity limit, or risk los- generate fee income. financial crisis, are trying to prevent ing depositors. MetLife Investment Manage- some banks from becoming too big A spokesperson for Kaspi Bank ment, which has about $20 bnof to fail. said the goal of all rules in this “dif- commitments from third-party Their task is complicated by the ficult time for the country and the investors, has been seeking to plight of the tenge, which has plum- economy” was to bolster the stability expand its offerings, pushing into meted against the dollar since the of the financial system. Kaspi Bank structured finance and high-yield central bank shifted to a floating has “one of the highest ratings of cap- debt to attract clients such as pen- exchange rate in August 2015, as tum- ital adequacy,” the spokesperson said. sions, sovereign wealth funds and bling crude prices and devaluations by Centercredit Bank Managing other insurers. neighboring Russia and China boosted Director Jinhwan Yang said the lender The New York fund and the the cost of defending the currency. is following all central bank rules, insurer “share a strategy of invest- To shore up the value of their sav- and will “continue to take all neces- ing for the long term,” Robert Merck, ings, many depositors switched their sary steps to fulfil the demands of senior managing director and head Men walk past a branch of Kapsi Bank in Kazakhstan, yesterday. money into major currencies before the regulator.” of global real estate for MetLife, said . Traders in Brazil rethink rate wagers Mitsubishi supports American LNG link with gas marketer purchase Bloomberg the economy, said Flavio Serrano, a senior economist at investment bank Bloomberg of the prospective US LNG import Haitong. terminals into export projects. “Cima “Political demands on the cen- will play a key role in assisting feed BRAZIL: Brazil’s Central Bank sent a tral bank are rising,” he said. “That gas procurement as well as the trans- none-too-subtle reminder to traders can only cause them trouble and lead TOKYO: Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp portation and delivery of natural gas who were expecting policy makers to some to think their decisions are based bolstered access to natural gas sup- to Mitsubishi Corp’s LNG projects,” ramp up their fight against inflation: on something other than technical plies for its North American export the Japanese company said in a state- Don’t forget the recession. considerations.” projects by taking full ownership of ment. The purchase “is expected to It came in the form of a surprise Many analysts, including Serrano, oil and gas marketer Cima Energy strengthen Mitsubishi Corp’s LNG statement on yesterday, which said the say there’s good reason to raise the Ltd. value chain.” Central Bank would take into account benchmark rate, which has remain Mitsubishi, which already held Mitsubishi’s move comes as LNG the International Monetary Fund’s new unchanged at 14.25 percent since July People in Brazil protest against the crisis and also urge the government 34 percent of Cima, took control prices are pacing a collapse in oil forecasts for Brazil, which point to the last year. Analysts surveyed by the to find solution for the mess. of the Houston-based company, it amid a global supply glut and tepid longest and deepest downturn in over central bank are concerned consumer said yesterday, without providing demand from utilities amid cheaper a century. Traders immediately began prices will continue to surge, and fore- January. But Tuesday’s statement that late last month in the form of the rul- a value for the transaction. alternative fuels. dialing back wagers on an interest- cast inflation will remain above the 4.5 IMF estimates “will be considered in the ing Workers’ Party, whose leader Rui Mitsubishi will use Cima to New LNG projects coming online rate increase at this month’s two-day percent target this year and next after decisions of the board” caused swaps Falcao said that lifting interest rates secure supplies for liquefied natural in the US and Australia, the gradual meeting, which ends after 6pm local ending 2015 at 10.67 percent. to fall, with the majority of traders now would do more to hurt investment than gas export projects it holds stakes restart of nuclear reactors in Japan, time yesterday. Since its last meeting in Novem- betting on a quarter-point increase. it would to contain inflation. in, which include Cameron LNG in the world’s biggest buyer, and low For almost half a year, central bank ber, the central bank also indicated The emphasis on the recession, One of the country’s leading news- Louisiana and LNG Canada in Brit- coal prices are driving prices lower, officials have stayed on hold as they that it had motivations to boost bor- which the IMF forecasts will deepen papers, Estado de S Paulo, reported ish Columbia. Cima trades about 1 analysts at Citigroup Inc said in a struggle between competing demands rowing costs. this year before the economy stag- over the weekend that the party would bn cubic feet of gas a day, accord- report Tuesday. to combat inflation and help revive It wrote in an open letter to the nates in 2017, was a reminder of the continue to push central bank chief ing to Mitsubishi. The spot price for LNG shipped growth. While comments in recent finance minister early this month that it pressure placed on the central bank Alexandre Tombini for lower borrow- Mitsubishi originally bought a to northeast Asia has tumbled to weeks signaled the bank was ready would “adopt the measures needed” to to prevent the downturn from wors- ing costs. piece of Cima in 2008to market nat- $6.45, matching the lowest in data to start raising rates again, its note on bring inflation to target, sending swap ening, said John Welch, a strategist at The central bank press office ural gas supplied from LNG imports. going back to 2010, according to the IMF suggests it may bow to politi- rates higher on bets it would raise the CIBC World Markets and long-time declined to comment about reports The subsequent US shale boom New York-based Energy Intelli- cal pressures by focusing instead on key rate by a half-percentage point in Brazil watcher. That pressure came of political demands. upended those plans, turning many gence Group. 26 THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 BUSINESS

QE INDICES SUMMARY QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE QE Index 8,689.37 3.31 % QE Total Return Index 13,506.38 3.31 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,081.46 4.18 % QE All Share Index 2,312.6 3.01 % QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,362.02 1.98 % QE All Share Industrials 2,581.18 3.86 % QE All Share Transportation 2,073.49 2.85 % QE All Share Real Estate 1,874.11 6.06 % QE All Share Insurance 3,613.87 0.72 % QE All Share Telecoms 923.88 0.58 % QE All Share Consumer Goods & Services 4,687.85 3.47 %

QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON 20-01-2016 Today 19-01-2016 Previous day Index 8,689.37 8,986.50 Change 297.13 469.68 % 3.31 5.51 YTD% 16.68 13.83 Volume 7,805,697 14,008,809 Value (QAR) 290,732,893.09 367,336,763.12 Trades 5,374 6,881 Up 08 | Down 33 | Unchanged 01

WORLD STOCK INDICES Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low All Ordinaries 4896.909 -58.187 -1.17 5379.6 4857.9 Cac 40 Index/D 4120.47 -151.79 -3.55 4586.11 4161.37 Dj Indu Average 16016.02 27.94 0.17 18351.4 15370.3 Hang Seng Inde/D 18886.3 -749.51 -3.82 21794.84 19195.56 Iseq Overall/D 6198.95 -167.38 -2.63 6791.68 6249.54 Karachi 100 In/D 30766.01 -326.6 -1.05 33304.4 29785 Nikkei 225 Index 16416.19 -632.18 -3.71 18951.12 16665.05 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2134.72 1857.83

EXCHANGE RATE Currency Buying Selling US$ QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 UK QR 5.1266 QR 5.1993 INTERNATIONAL MARKETS - A LIST OF SHARES FROM THE WORLD Euro QR 3.9454 QR 4.0041 COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME CA$ QR 2.4627 QR 2.5111 NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED Swiss Fr QR 3.6052 QR 3.6587 Yen QR 0.0309 QR 0.0315 A B G Infra-Xc/D 134.9 -9.4 3865 Escorts-A/D 127.35 -5.8 96467 Kalpat Power-B/D 191.95 -4.05 106966 Til Ltd.-T/D 370 -0.25 1431 Aus$ QR 2.4743 QR 2.5226 A C C-A/D 1215.1 -22.65 25559 Essar Oil-T/D 259.1 -0.2 14588 Kalyani Stel-T/D 143 -4.6 54233 Timexgroup-T/D 28.2 -0.65 31385 Aarti Drugs-B/D 501.05 3.75 3425 Eveready Indu-/D 252.15 -7.25 63816 Kanoria Chem-B/D 56.95 -2.95 22699 Tinplate-B/D 65.55 -2.6 57651 Ind Re QR 0.0531 QR 0.0541 Aban Offs-A/D 182.35 -9.7 313977 F D C-B/D 192 -3.05 10979 Kg Denim-B/D 46.1 -4.25 19011 Tinplate-B/D 65.55 -2.6 57651 Pak Re QR 0.0344 QR 0.0351 Aegis Logis-B/D 92.05 -0.15 72838 Federal Bank-A/D 47.8 -0.8 149368 Kilburnengg-Xd/D 65.65 -3.65 10986 Ucal Fuel-B/D 104.9 -6 13131 Peso QR 0.0754 QR 0.0769 Alembic-B/D 38.4 -1.8 156907 Ferro Alloys-B/D 5.16 -0.34 38890 Kinetic Eng-B/D 83 -3.9 3992 Ucal Fuel-B/D 104.9 -6 13131 Alkyl Amines-B/D 314 2.3 3095 Fgp Ltd-B/D 3.83 0 10846 Kopran-B/D 53.3 -1.85 301429 Ultramarine-B/D 102 -2 11149 SL Re QR 0.0250 QR 0.0256 Alok Indus-A/D 5.22 -0.26 1429044 Finolex-A/D 264.95 -7.95 16753 Lgb Broth-B/D 453 -11.25 1222 Unitech P -A/D 5.55 -0.18 6854405 Taka QR 0.0458 QR 0.0469 Apollo Tyre-A/D 134.85 2.5 361866 Gail-A/D 339.5 -2.6 70189 Lloyd Metal-B/D 8.58 -1.01 4924 Univcable-T/D 70.05 -3.65 5228 Nep Re QR 0.0333 QR 0.0340 Asahi I Glass-/D 146.85 -6.2 16794 Galada Power-B/D 16.95 0.55 1219 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 6.6 -0.31 29705 Uppergsugar-T/D 76.6 3.65 18680 Ashok Leyland-/D 83.6 -3.25 916943 Gammon India-T/D 15.4 -0.3 94969 Lumax Ind-B/D 393 -7.7 1252 SA Rand QR 0.2152 QR 0.2195 Ballarpur In-B/D 16 -0.2 466394 Gangotri Tex-T/D 2.09 -0.1 21010 Lupin-A/D 1693.95 -5.8 25792 Bannari Aman-B/D 1058.5 -41.5 7418 Garden P -B/D 23.4 -1.75 31452 Lyka Labs-T/D 83 -4.9 102703 LONDON Bata India-A/D 452.45 -12.45 35042 Godfrey Phil-B/D 1172.4 113.15 169069 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 289.8 -1.3 6194 GOLD AND SILVER Beml Ltd-A/D 1094.65 -20.9 26040 Goodricke-B/D 166 -11.5 64027 Mah.Seamless-B/D 143 -3.2 2466 3I Group/D 422.4 -8.8 528616 Bh Electronic-/D 1218 -41.2 35225 Goodyear I -B/D 485.5 1.75 2131 Mangalam Cem-B/D 174 -8 3033 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 2933.4 -75 207642 GOLD QR128.9213 per gramme Bhansali Eng-T/D 19.15 -1.3 151284 Hcl Infosys-B/D 45.35 -2.6 589730 Maral Overs-B/D 30.85 -0.85 4246 Barclays/D 182.15 -7.75 18823697 SILVER QR1.6583 per gramme Bharat Bijle-B/D 828.25 17.25 107455 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 19.8 -0.1 7354453 Mastek-B/D 131.1 -7.8 59243 Bg Group/D 915.1 -24.8 6911264 Bharatgears-B/D 76.45 -1.2 3237 Himat Seide-B/D 200.8 -4.95 116428 Max India L-A/D 447.15 -10.4 31169 Bp/D 331.85 -10.6 18373241 Bhartiya Int-B/D 496.5 -16.5 13288 Hind Motors-T/D 6.27 -0.34 79873 Mrpl-A/D 62.85 -2 78414 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3554.5 -92.5 837521 Bhel-A/D 142.65 -1.55 651278 Hind Org Chem-/D 14.45 -0.7 41442 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 30.5 -1.55 2839 Bt Group/D 453.728 -14 5301474 Bom.Burmah-B/D 396.55 -19.4 48243 Hind Unilever-/D 796.5 -14.85 95651 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 30.5 -1.55 2839 Centrica/D 205.1563 -4.2 5035009 Bombay Dyeing-/D 51.9 -2.9 159775 Hind.Petrol-A/D 806.6 -18.65 99195 Nahar Spg.-B/D 99.4 -1.6 16594 Gkn/D 275.825 -10.9 1814522 Camph.& All-B/D 438 -44 10253 Hindalco-A/D 67.7 -4.1 1603987 Nation Alum -A/D 34.45 -0.3 207037 Hsbc Holdings/D 466.3 -22.35 14698972 Gold benefits from Canfin Homes-B/D 890 16.2 4364 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1135.2 -17.4 226756 Navneet Edu-B/D 81.7 -3.2 15837 Imperial Tobac/D 3467 -92.5 512010 Caprihans-Xc/D 84.75 -5.6 14786 I F C I-A/D 21.5 -1 1596911 Nepc India-T/D 2.24 -0.11 10420 Kingfisher/D 324.1 -9.5 2455413 Castrol India-/D 409.35 -9.2 33330 Idbi-A/D 55.3 -2.7 1718526 Neuland Lab-B/D 680 -22 5235 Land Secs Grou/D 1057 -24 558523 equities’ retreat, Century Enka-B/D 166.2 -4.5 12973 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 419.95 -3.25 1223 Nrb Bearings-B/D 126.7 -3.3 9489 Legal & Genera/D 234.5379 -9.9 9022046 Century Text-A/D 502.7 -15.15 148936 India Cement-A/D 80.35 -3.45 601920 O N G C-A/D 213.1 -4.9 723090 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 63.72 -2.06 58992576 Chambal Fert-B/D 57.95 -0.4 110642 India Glycol-B/D 80.8 -3.4 6912 Ocl India-B/D 492.9 -9.95 1879 Marks & Sp./D 412 -9.7 1697421 lower dollar Chola Invest-A/D 594.8 -14.7 3006 Indian Card-B/D 234.9 -11.7 2187 Oil Country-B/D 26.6 -1 2350 Next/D 6525 -160 214849 Chowgule St-T/D 17.75 -0.85 18276 Indian Hotel-A/D 109.05 1.75 63050 Onward Tech-B/D 74.3 -6.5 7686 Pearson/D 661 -23.5 2374470 Cimmco-B/D 73.5 -5.2 18520 Indo-Tcount-T/D 1015 -51.3 10261 Orchid Pharm-B/D 43.5 -3.7 455879 Prudential/D 1316 -76.5 4016840 Reuters Cipla-A/D 593.5 -3.6 69725 Indusind-A/D 867 -29 422366 Orient Hotel-T/D 23.4 -1.5 11641 Rank Group/D 279.5 -2.2 55515 City Union Bk-/D 79 -1.75 811065 J.B.Chemical-B/D 237 -11 23194 Orient.Carb.-T/D 503 -19 5917 Rentokil Initi/D 149.4 -2.9 892710 Colgate-A/D 915.55 1.5 43660 Jagatjit Ind-X/D 61.75 -3.25 4563 Orient.Carb.-T/D 503 -19 5917 Rolls Royce Pl/D 536 -14 2657104 Container Cor-/D 1209.45 27.2 16601 Jagson Phar-B/D 36.6 -3.2 45544 Oudh Sugar-B/D 40.65 0.8 8650 Rsa Insrance G/D 391.2 -16.6 1300794 Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 315 -13.9 16688 Jamnaauto-B/D 135.1 1.6 366710 Patspin India-/D 8.91 -0.46 78393 Sainsbury(J)/D 232.9 -6.1 3100204 LONDON: Gold climbed yesterday, benefiting from a Dcm Financia-T/D 1.36 -0.07 5302 Jbf Indu-B/D 203.8 -7.75 19428 Punjab Chem.-B/D 140 -8.4 7893 Schroders/D 2491 -99 123329 weaker dollar and ailing European shares, which slid Dcm Shram Ind-/D 88 -4 4601 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.38 -0.02 47110 Radico Khait-B/D 107 -0.45 178193 Severn Trent/D 2078 -39 214910 to their lowest since October 2014 as oil prices contin- Dhampur Sugar-/D 61.85 -3.4 120372 Jct Ltd-B/D 6.72 -0.21 852901 Rallis India-A/D 143.85 -5.7 34361 Smith&Nephew/D 1077 -30 704908 ued their relentless slump. Dr. Reddy-A/D 2868.3 -48.05 24325 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 8.92 0 34768 Rallis India-A/D 143.85 -5.7 34361 Smiths Group/D 862.5 -27 350671 However, slow physical demand from Asia kept the E I H-B/D 116.55 -0.05 22075 Jik Indust-T/D 0.99 0.01 1110 Reliance Indus/D 350.5 -15.75 129831 Standrd Chart /D 466.55 -24.45 3512173 metal well below this month’s peak, traders said. E.I.D Parry-A/D 179.35 -4.4 51793 Jindal Drill-B/D 114 -6.2 3364 Ruchi Soya-B/D 24 -2.25 87190 Tate & Lyle/D 589.08 -1 584301 Eicher Motor-A/D 15551.5 -242.5 5123 Jktyre&Ind-A/D 85.9 -2.3 202596 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 471 -1.75 2618 Tesco/D 153.85 -5.25 8387639 Spot gold climbed to a session high of $1,102.90 an Eimco Elecon-T/D 464 22 2753 Jmc Projects-T/D 214 2.2 4227 Saur.Cem-B/D 53.5 -0.65 145538 Unilever/D 2858.5 -75.5 1364748 ounce and was up 1.3 percent at $1,100.51 an ounce by Electrosteel-B/D 20.4 -1.25 146424 Kabra Extr-B/D 86.5 -1.9 1928 Tanfac Indust-/D 31 -3.25 9372 United Util Gr/D 905 -15.5 372083 1443 GMT. US gold for February delivery gained 1.1 per- Emco-B/D 25.65 -1.05 29225 Kajaria Cer-A/D 916 -2.35 47436 Tanfac Indust-/D 31 -3.25 9372 Vodafone Group/D 211.55 -5.25 25112183 cent to $1,100.80 an ounce. Escorts Fin-B/D 4.4 -0.22 47009 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 131 -1.1 9166 Thirumalai-B/D 171.2 -7.8 4166 Whitbread/D 3861 -91 213134 “The price action has been quite healthy over the past three or four sessions ... the concern now is where do you put your money, it’s about capital preservation rather than capital gain,” said MKS SA senior vice pres- ident Bernard Sin. Risk appetite soured as fresh 12-year lows in Brent Global stocks on brink of bear market as oil slides crude prices raised worries about the global economy. Asian stocks slid to a four-year trough and European mining and energy share indices touched their lowest level in more than 12 years. Gold, often seen as an alter- Street yesterday, led by energy sending MSCI Inc’s gauge of glo- erased from the value of global 12.7 percent this year, the worst native investment during times of financial uncertainty, stocks, as crude oil prices fell to bal equities to the brink of a bear equities in the period, according start since records began in 1988. benefited from the risk-averse sentiment in markets along MSCI All-Country new lows and on deepening fears market. Russia’s rouble and Mexi- to data compiled by Bloomberg. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng China with other safe-haven assets such as the Japanese yen. World Index of slowing global growth. co’s peso fell to records, while bets Shell slid 5.5 percent and BHP Enterprises Index tumbled 4.2 per- “The ongoing weakness in Chinese growth could retreated 1.3 The selloff was broad: All 30 mounted on an end to Hong Kong’s Billiton Ltd dragged commodity cent as oil producers plummeted (help send) the metal above the $1,100 mark,” said Naeem Dow components were lower and dollar peg. Yields on 10-year Treas- producers lower, falling 6.9 per- and a drop in the city’s dollar Aslam, chief market percent, extending all the 10 major S&P sectors were uries dropped below 2 percent and cent after trimming its full-year spurred concern over capital out- analyst at AvaTrade. its drop from a May also in the red. The beaten-down the yen jumped to a one-year high. iron ore output forecast. Zurich flows. The Shanghai Composite The International S&P energy sector’s 2.27 percent fall “It’s back to oil and that’s what Insurance Group AG declined 8.7 Index slipped 1 percent. Monetary Fund cut its high to 18.7% led the declines. Chevron dropped is driving everything,” said Barra percent after forecasting a second Russia’s Micex Index slid 1.7 global growth fore- Slow physical 4.6 percent and Exxon 2.8 percent. Sheridan, a rates trader at Bank straight quarterly loss for its biggest percent and the Bloomberg GCC casts for the third demand from At 9:37 am ET (1437 GMT), the Dow of Montreal in London. “We can unit. Standard & Poor’s 500 Index 200 Index of equities in Gulf mar- time in less than a Jones industrial average was down easily run more because it’s pure futures slid 1.9 percent. As well as kets lost 3.2 percent. Saudi Arabia’s year after China’s Asia kept the Agencies 278.17 points, or 1.74 percent, at fear. I don’t know what we need data on housing starts and con- Tadawul All Share Index declined economy grew at metal well below 15,737.85. to change this sentiment.” sumer prices, investors will look to 4.5 percent and Dubai shares sank its slowest rate in The S&P 500 was down 29.41 The Stoxx Europe 600 Index earnings reports from companies 4.6 percent. Egypt’s benchmark a quarter of a cen- month’s peak points, or 1.56 percent, at 1,851.92 tumbled 3.1 percent at 7:09 am in including Goldman Sachs Group slid 4.5 percent. tury in 2015. Gold NEW YORK/LONDON: Turmoil and the Nasdaq Composite index New York, with all industry groups Inc. for indications of the health Russia’s rouble weakened as had scaled a two- returned to global markets as oil was down 67.53 points, or 1.51 per- declining. The MSCI All-Country of the world’s biggest economy. much as 2 percent to a record month high of $1,112 plunged and global stocks sank cent, at 4,409.42. World Index retreated 1.3 percent, The MSCI Emerging Markets 80.1790 against the dollar. The Mex- an ounce on January to the lowest levels in 13 months, The S&P 500 has fallen 8 per- extending its drop from a May high Index dropped the most in two ican peso fell to a record 18.4775 8, as investors wor- fueling a rush into haven assets. cent so far this year, losing more to 18.7 percent, nearing the 20 per- weeks, sinking 2.9 percent to the per dollar and is down 6.5 percent ried about how Chinese authorities would manage a In the US, the selloff since the than $1.4 trillion in value. cent threshold for a bear market. lowest on a closing basis since May this year, making it Latin America’s slowdown in economic growth. start of the year continued on Wall Earnings exacerbated the rout, More than $15 trillion has been 2009. The gauge is down more than worst performing major currency. BUSINESS VIEWS THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 27

Hart who betted on Oil fans wipeout fears subprime crisis calls for 50% yuan drop among shale survivors

By Saijel Kishan Bank of China spent more than Bloomberg $100bn supporting the yuan in onshore and offshore markets dur- ing the first 12 days of January. “If China were to devalue to a level ark Hart, the hedge fund that wasn’t actually a true equilib- manager whose bets rium they will get run over pretty Magainst US subprime mort- quickly, they will blow through FX gages and European sovereign debt reserves, and then they will lose proved prescient, said China should face because they’ll be forced to weaken its currency by more than devalue.” 50 percent this year. While a one-off drop in the A one-off devaluation would yuan could ease selling pressure on allow policy makers to “draw a line the currency and support exports, in the sand” at a more appropriate it would also entail risks for China level for the yuan, easing pres- and the rest of the world. Chinese sure on China’s foreign-exchange borrowers have amassed $1.5 reserves and removing an incentive trillion of foreign-currency debt, for capital outflows, according to according to an official estimate at Hart, who’s been betting against the the end of September, which would currency since at least 2011. China become instantly harder to repay should devalue before its $3.3 tril- after a sharp decline in the yuan. lion hoard of reserves shrinks much A devaluation could also fan further, he said, because the coun- fears of a global currency war — a try can still convince markets it’s risk that Mexico’s finance minister acting from a position of strength. cited earlier this month — and spur “There wouldn’t be anything the US Federal Reserve to back- underhanded about a sharp deval- track on plans to raise interest rates, uation,” Hart, who runs Corriente according to Hart. Advisors from Fort Worth, Texas, Chinese policy makers have said in an interview on Real Vision, signalled there are no plans for a a subscription video service target- big drop in the yuan. Premier Li ing Wall Street. “Why should China Keqiang on Friday pledged a “sta- An oil refinery is lit up in the night yesterday in Big Spring, Texas. be forced to suffer deflationary ble” exchange rate and said the effects of defending its currency nation has no intention of stimulat- when everyone else isn’t?” ing exports through a competitive Hart, whose prescription devaluation. Bets against the cur- By Terry Wade and Anna Driver downturn of the pre-shale era lasted five clashes with consensus forecasts rency will fail and calls for a large Reuters years and it took two decades for prices to for the yuan and recent comments depreciation are “ridiculous” as fully recover. from senior government officials, policy makers are determined to In the heart of the Eagle Ford formation said China would be justified in ensure stability, Han Jun, the dep- cross oil fields from Texas to North in south Texas, where the fracking boom weakening the currency after cen- uty director of China’s office of the Dakota fears are growing that unlocked vast supplies, contributing to the tral banks in Europe and Japan central leading group for finan- crude’s plunge below $30 a bar- global abundance that is now sinking prices, fuelled declines in their exchange cial and economic affairs, said last rel is more than just another market some say the latest plunge may be just too A longer spell of $30 rates to stoke economic growth in week in New York. milestone and marks a countdown much. “We’re going to reach a breaking point oil will confront firms recent years. Such a move would China’s currency, which traded Ato an endgame for many shale producers that here,” said Jill Potts, an owner of Summit Oil- likely come as a surprise to global at 6.5793 in the onshore market at so far have braved the 18-month downturn. field Supply in Cuero, Texas. Her business sells with stark choices: investors, who were rattled by a the 10:43 am in Hong Kong, will end Oil prices tumbled by more than a fifth valves, fittings, hoses and other equipment bankruptcy, debt drop of less than 3 percent in the the year at 6.7 per dollar, according this month to 12-year lows 70 percent below to shale companies and so is exposed to the writedowns in return yuan last August. to the median estimate in a Bloomb- mid-2014 levels and traders brace for more industry’s ups and downs. “If anybody says China’s current approach to erg survey of analysts. Rabobank, declines as world production keeps outpac- they are making money in the oilfield they for deep concessions to managing the currency’s decline which has the most bearish fore- ing demand. are lying,” Potts said. creditors or fire sales of has been costly. cast in the survey, predicts a 13 Yet many of around 50 listed US inde- The once crowded trailer parks housing Foreign-exchange reserves percent drop to 7.6. pendent oil producers and scores of smaller workers are nearly deserted, stacks of drill assets at a time when dropped by a record $513bn last There is a precedent for a ones need $40-$60 a barrel to break even, pipes rust and idled rigs spread over acres potential buyers are year as the central bank inter- sharp devaluation. The currency according to several analyst. A longer spell of lay down on their sides. Since the downturn vened to ease the currency’s slide, slid 33 percent at the start of 1994 $30 oil will confront them with stark choices: started, agile independents have slashed skittish while an estimated $843bn of cap- as authorities unified official and bankruptcy, debt writedowns in return for spending 50-70 percent, steered drilling ital flowed out of China in the 11 market exchange rates, and the deep concessions to creditors or fire sales rigs to sweet spots and fracked wells more months through November as some yuan has stayed stronger than that of assets at a time when potential buyers intensely to lift output. Barclays estimates cuts investors sought to get in front of level ever since March of that year. are skittish. will reach $73bn by the end of 2016 and most already boosting provisions for troubled further yuan weakness. That decision was a “wild success,” “There’s no place to make cuts anymore. producers by now have run out of levers to energy loans. Aside from intervention, pol- helping to set the stage for years There’s not much else you can do now. Com- pull while hopes for a near-term recovery are “There will be more moves to tell bor- icy makers have moved to curb of economic growth and foreign- panies are losing money on a monthly basis. all but vanishing. “Folks who never thought rowers to bring assets to the marketplace,” bearish bets against the yuan and exchange inflows, said Hart, who It’s bad every- about bankruptcy or a Plan B, are starting one energy lender at a regional bank said. tighten restrictions on the flow of founded his hedge fund in 2001. where,” said to,” said Charles Beckham, a restructuring Falling prices force producers to write money across the country’s borders. While a devaluation this year Raymond law partner at Haynes & Boone in Houston, down the value of their main assets — oil Those measures have fuelled doubts would be “jarring” and may ini- Lasseigne, noting a recent uptick in business. and gas reserves — that serve as a basis for among global investors about the tially accelerate capital outflows, president of For many the crunch time may come in lending and company valuations. ruling Communist Party’s com- it would ultimately put China in a privately-held April during the semi-annual reviews of banks’ For example, Devon Energy Corp has mitment to give markets a central stronger position, according to Hart. TMR Explora- lending to the energy sector. Last October, over the past year taken $15.5bn in non- role in the world’s second-largest He said the country could explain tion in Bossier many lenders mostly maintained their credit cash charges. Investment bankers say the economy and make the yuan an the move by saying it would put the Around 50 listed US City, Louisiana. lines because oil futures at the time signalled equity and bond markets have already shut international currency. yuan at a level more reflective of “I went through prices would recover this year. for all but few issuers, such as Pioneer Nat- “They’re trying to drive a car market forces and allow the cur- independent oil producers the bust in the In the last few weeks, however, US bench- ural Resources, which sold $1.4bn worth of with one foot on the brake,” said rency to catch up with declines in and scores of smaller ones 1980s and it’s mark futures CLc1 have tumbled to average shares this month. Hedges, which shielded Hart, who estimates the People’s international peers. beginning to around $33 a barrel for this year, nearly a producers from the worst of the slump last need $40-$60 a barrel to feel like that third below the $47 a barrel 2016 forecast year, are expiring and a depressed outlook break even again.” banks had several months ago, suggest- means companies have a harder time lock- The deepest ing a credit pullback. Major US banks are ing in higher prices for future production. Robot revolution: Davos bosses brace for big tech shocks

By Ben Hirschler trust between corporations and populations. emerging markets have had in the form of John Maynard Keynes famously cried wolf Reuters “There is an economic surplus that is going low-cost labor,” said Lutfey Siddiqi, global in 1931, by issuing a warning of widespread to be created as a result of this fourth industrial head of emerging markets for FX, rates and “technological unemployment”. revolution,” Satya Nadella, chief executive of credit at UBS. “It is likely, I would think, that The question is whether this time will be Microsoft, told the WEF’s annual meeting in it will exacerbate inequality if policy meas- different, given the speed to change and the mplantable mobile phones. 3D-printed Davos yesterday. “The question is how evenly ures are not taken.” fact that machines now offer brain as well as organs for transplant. Clothes and read- will it be spread between countries, between An analysis of major economies by the brawn, threatening professions previously ing-glasses connected to the Internet. people in different economic strata and also Swiss bank concludes that Switzerland is the seen as immune, such as entry-level journal- Such things may be science fiction different parts of the economy.” country best-placed to adapt to the new robot ism or routine financial analysis. Itoday but they will be scientific fact by 2025 Robots are already on the march, moving world, while Argentina ranks bottom. Pessimists fear this will hollow out middle- as the world enters an era of advanced robot- from factories into homes, hospitals, shops, res- There will be winners and losers among income, middle-class jobs on an unprecedented ics, artificial intelligence and gene editing, taurants and even war zones, while advances companies, too, as new players move into scale, with the WEF itself predicting that more according to executives surveyed by the World in areas like artificial neural networks are established industries with disruptive new than 5 million jobs could be lost in 15 major Economic Forum (WEF). starting to blur the barriers between man and technologies. economies by 2020. But ManpowerGroup CEO Nearly half of those questioned also expect machine. One of the most in-demand partici- That is something uppermost in the minds Jonas Prising is more upbeat for the long term. an artificial intelligence machine to be sitting pants in Davos this year is not a central banker, of Davos attendees such as General Motors CEO “If history is any indicator, we’ll have more on a corporate board of directors within the CEO or politician but a prize-winning South Mary Barra, who is confronting the threat of jobs being created in the end than are going next decade. Korean robot called HUBO, which is strutting driverless cars — another science fiction that to be destroyed,” he said. Welcome to the next industrial revolution. its stuff amid a crowd of smartphone-clicking has become science fact — or bank boss Jamie However, beyond the Davos talking-shop Innovations, coupled After steam, mass production and infor- delegates. But there are deep worries, as well Dimon at JPMorgan Chase, facing competi- there are doubts about how well business lead- with the rise of robots mation technology, the so-called “fourth as awe, at what technology can do. tion from digital “fintech” start-ups. ers will actually plan for the future. industrial revolution” will bring ever faster A new report from UBS released in Davos Such innovations, coupled with the rise of “When you have these very big levels of dis- in both the manufacturing cycles of innovation, posing huge challenges to predicts that extreme levels of automation robots in both the manufacturing and serv- ruptive change you need some pretty serious and service sectors, companies, workers, governments and soci- and connectivity will worsen already deep- ice sectors, could automate vast numbers of thinking and action,” said Ian Goldin, pro- could automate vast eties alike. The promise is cheaper goods and ening inequalities by widening the wealth gap jobs. Oxford University researchers predicted fessor of globalisation and development at services, driving a new wave of economic between developed and developing economies. in 2013, for example, that 47 percent of US Oxford University. “But the CEO who really numbers of jobs growth. The threat is mass unemployment “The fourth industrial revolution has poten- jobs were at risk. Such fears about technology looks years ahead and looks at broader social and a further breakdown of already strained tially inverted the competitive advantage that destroying jobs are not new. The economist issues is rare, even in Davos.” 28 THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 BUSINESS BACK TO BUSINESS

Luxury watch market sight sees shift in strategy EU-US dispute

Bloomberg nears end as key date looms igh-end watchmakers have signalled a shift in strategy with an obligation kicks in -- will also expanded range of more Bloomberg have eventually to be cleared, affordable products meaning firms are already plan- Hto counter the most severe downturn ning how deals will be conducted. the industry has faced since the 2008- The lack of an equivalence 09 financial crisis, executives at a LONDON: European Union and finding threatens the ability of watch fair in Geneva said. US regulators are nearing a deal U.S. clearing companies to com- The industry is having to adapt to on oversight of the $553 trillion pete with European rivals for the a market with fewer Russian, Middle global derivatives markets that interest-rate swap business start- Eastern and Chinese buyers than a would prevent a hike in EU cap- ing in February, according to John year ago, executives said, feeling the ital requirements from hitting Gulliver, research director at the combined effects of record low oil banks this year. Cambridge, Massachusetts-based prices and signs of economic weak- Jonathan Hill, the EU’s finan- Committee on Capital Markets ness in China. cial-services chief, said an Regulation. Cartier, Richemont’s leading brand agreement is expected shortly “As soon as February 21, US and main sourceof profit, is present- and that progress has been clearinghouses will be largely ing a higher than usual number of made in negotiations with the shut out of the most liquid OTC models atmore accessible prices at US Commodity Futures Trading derivative market in the world this week’s Salon International de Commission on supervision of - - interest rate swaps,” Gulliver laHaute Horlogerie (SIHH), the indus- clearinghouses such as those said by e-mail. The committee try’s first event of the year. operated by CME Group Inc. and includes executives at banks, Among them is Cartier’s new Drive LCH.Clearnet Group Ltd. that are hedge funds and asset manag- model, a steel-cased men’swatch at the center of the market. ers, according to its website. priced at a little more than 5,000 “I think the parameters of how At issue in the EU-US talks are euros ($5,430). we can resolve this look clearer differences on collateral policies Previously, Cartier would only than they were,” Hill said in an for clearinghouses. After the 2008 offer new models in gold andleather, ostentatious spending bycivil servants. Europe, the traditional home market interview in his Brussels office financial crisis, regulators in the with prices starting at more than Meanwhile, Hong Kong and the for high-end watches and jewellery. last week. “I think that both we US, EU and elsewhere sought to 10,000 euros, beforeoffering them United States, two of the world’s big- In recent months, several watch and the CFTC hope that we will curb risks building up directly in more affordable versions. gest luxury markets, have been hit makers have cut jobs, such as Ker- be able to resolve this soon.” between traders by requiring Sister brand Piaget, the time- by a sharp drop in Chinese tourist ing’s recently acquired Ulysse Nardin The downturn has After more than two years greater use of clearinghouses pieces of which generally startno spending and privately-owned Parimigiani and of regulatory wrangling and that stand between buyers and lower than 10,000 euros, re-launched There has been a gradual erosion Christophe Claret. been less painful industry lobbying, EU and U.S. sellers and receive collateral from a women’s line startingat just over in the industry’s global growth since Piaget closed a boutique in Shang- than in 2008 authorities are moving more both sides. 7,000 euros. Richemont stablemate a peak reached at the end of 2012. hai last month whileParmigiani said urgently to reach an agreement, The two sides have been dis- Montblanc,meanwhile, has invested in Swiss watch exports dropped 3.3 it would cut its number of sales points and 2009, when with European requirements for cussing policy changes that would a wide range of lower-priced models. percent in the 11 months to last Novem- globally to about 250 from around 300 the Swiss watch more trades to be settled at the enable European authorities to “There is a different price aware- ber after two years of modest growth by the end of the year, includingout- clearinghouses starting to come make a key finding that US rules ness among customers now.. and less of close to 2percent. lets in Russia and Turkey. industry lost more into force in June and phasing in are equivalent to their own and price elasticity than there used to The downturn has been less pain- Van Cleef & Arpels, one of the than 5,000 jobs, over two-and-a-half years. strong enough that extra cap- be,” Piaget Chief Executive Philippe ful than in 2008 and 2009, when fastest-growing jewellery and watch said Jean-Daniel Hill said he and CFTC Chair- ital isn’t necessary to protect Leopold-Metzger told Reuters at the the Swiss watch industry lost more brands within the Richemont group, man Timothy Massad are “keen” against losses. Under Euro- fair.“Times are difficult. The mar- than 5,000 jobs, said.Jean-Daniel said it had also felt a slowdown in Pasche, president to resolve the issue, because “this pean rules, derivatives settled ket has changed and, in terms of Pasche, president of the Federation Hong Kong, Macao and the United of the Federation degree of uncertainty isn’t good at clearinghouses that meet EU pricing, it has become much more of the Swiss Watch Industry, though States. “We have been impacted like for the participants” in the mar- standards are cheaper, requir- competitive.” he acknowledged the danger that mar- everybody else as the feeling of con- of the Swiss Watch ket. “My priority is to get it sorted,” ing less capital than those deals Russian and Middle Eastern cus- ket conditions could worsen. fidence has been shaken,” Van Cleef Industry, though he he said. Steve Adamske, a CFTC done at clearinghouses that fail tomers’ purchasing power hasbeen “Looking at this year, much will & Arpels Chief Executive Nicolas Bos spokesman, declined to comment to pass the test. The European dented by the slide in oil prices. In depend on how the geopolitical sit- told Reuters. acknowledged the on the talks. Commission has already granted China, the luxurysector’s biggest uation evolves,” Pasche said. Van Cleef & Arpels is examining danger that market Under the rules, certain trades equivalence to clearing rules in growth engine, demand has slowed The luxury goods sector is very new growth opportunities in coun- done before or after February. 21 countries including Australia, down partlybecause of a drop in the much tied to tourist flows, but the tries such as Thailand, where it just conditions could -- but before the relevant clearing Japan and Singapore. pace of economic growth and a gov- deadly attacks in Paris last November opened a shop, as well as in Australia worsen ernment crackdown on gift-giving and have deterred many from travelling to and Canada.

There are a lot of things behind the selloff. You have Capital slowing of the US...You’ve got energy going down.. You’ve got China as an issue which is is probably Steven Schwarzman, Comment overdone CEO, Blackstone Group

TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS Market Talk GE looks to expand Financial Times @ Wealth Adviser FinancialTimes despite oil gloom Capital flight from NAME IN THE MARKET: TIME SPENT ON MEDIA China worse than NEW YORK: General Electric Co. month. GE has also explored bids estimated Big brokerages are will weigh acquisitions to bol- for other assets that may be sold ster its oil and gas business as the in the deal, the people said. wrestling with a threat to industrial giant looks to expand The global energy indus- their client assets: their own amid the rout in crude prices. try slashed more than $100bn IMF @IMFNews “We’re still relatively small in in spending and 250,000 jobs brokers. Many stockbrokers the space, so we’ve got an oppor- last year to keep pace with oil Obstfeld: Slower will turn free agents this tunity to gain share,” Lorenzo price decline. Brent, the global growth in China could Simonelli, chief executive officer benchmark for crude, has fallen affect trade partners, year as their long-running of GE Oil & Gas, said Wednesday 76 percent over the past 18 months disturbing foreign retention deals expire in an interview with Bloomberg to under $30 a barrel, the lowest exchange & financial TV in Davos, Switzerland. “From level since 2003. mkts worldwide an inorganic perspective, we’ll Explorers and producers are be opportunistic.” expected to cut spending another IRENA @IRENA Expanding the division is cen- 15 percent this year, a Barclays FT Alphaville tral to CEO Jeffrey Immelt’s plan Plc analyst said last week in an to reshape GE around industrial investor note. ‘There is ample capi- manufacturing and deepens the While the industry upheaval tal that wants to make company’s bet on energy. GE is may lead to declines of as much its way to renewable exiting other markets with more as 15 percent this year in organic energy’ Kyung-Ah Park One reason for the recent than $100 billion of finance-asset revenue and profit for GE’s oil @GoldmanSachs poor market performance is sales in the past year and a recent unit, the company’s total sales deal to unload the home-appli- and earnings are forecast to rise, that corporate buybacks are Wall Street Journal @WSJ ances unit. GE said last month. precluded during the month The company has held talks GE Oil & Gas also is looking Investors Fled Emerg- to buy the drill-bits and drilling- to expand organically in part by ing Markets at a Record before earnings are released. services operations of Halliburton enhancing its product lineup, Pace in 2015 Co., which is divesting assets to Simonelli said. The effort is part win antitrust approval for its take- of a broader push across the com- over of Baker Hughes Inc., people pany to marry data analytics with familiar with the matter said last heavy-duty machinery. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 30 PAGE | 31 Clinical Celtic Pacquiao eyes fondd please manager farewell, looks Deila forward to politics

THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 • 11 Rabia II 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar Al Sadd, Lekhwiya eye Cup glory today

Coach Jesualdo Ferreira aims to collect his first trophy with Al Sadd at the Sheikh Jassim Cup today

Qatar players celebrate after scoring a goal against Syria during the AFC U23 Championship match in Doha The Peninsula on Monday. Qatar clash with DPR Korea in the quarter-finals on Friday.

DOHA: Al Sadd will aim to retain the Sheikh Jassim Cup when they take on Youth development programmes Lekhwiya in the one-off match at the recently-renovated Hamad bin Kha- lifa Stadium here today. The clash to be played at the home taking Qatar forward: Al Ansari ground of Al Ahli Club will kick off at 6pm. The Sheikh Jassim Cup is an annual cup competition in Qatar held between By Rizwan Rehmat the winners of the Qatar Stars League The Peninsula (QSL) which is Lekhwiya and the Emir Cup champions which is Al Sadd. For Al Sadd coach Jesualdo Fer- DOHA: World Cup hosts Qatar are reira, who joined the club midway confident their plans to harness home- Jesualdo Ferreira, coach of Al Sadd speaking on the eve of the Sheikh into the season, a win today will give grown young talent will drive its him a chance to lay hands on his first Jassim Cup match against Lekhwiya. Al Sadd take on Lekhwiya at ambition of producing ‘strong national trophy in Qatar. Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium of Al Ahli Club today at 6.00pm. sides’ in the future, a top football offi- The Portuguese joined the club in cial said yesterday. November and is delighted that his adequate bench strength. “It is good Belmadi said. The Lekhwiya trainer Qatar’s Olympic side on Monday club will playing in what he termed both ways and a proud moment for favoured the Cup to be played at the beat Syria 4-2 to reach the quarter- as an ‘unique’ match. us, we are happy to have five play- start of the season:. finals of the AFC U-23 Championship. “I am happy the match is going ers in the national team,” he added. “The Cup could have been at the It was the home team’s third con- to be played at this time because at Ferreira added that the match will beginning of the season. secutive win after Qatar - coached the beginning of the season I wasn’t in no way have an effect on the Qatar “The match is taking place at a time by Felix Sanchez -beat China 3-1 and the coach of the team,” Ferreira, said Stars League positions. when fans are attending the AFC U23 Iran 2-1 in the opening two games. while talking to reporters on the eve Currently Al Sadd are in fourth Championship but it doesn’t affect us,” Around 15 months ago, more or of the match. place while Lekhwiya are in third spot Belmadi said in response to another less the same bunch won the AFC U-19 Mansoor Al Ansari, Secretary General of Qatar Football Association. Ferreira said as a trainer he favours after Round 15 matches. question. crown by beating North Korea in the the idea of his team playing continu- Lekhwiya, will be looking for “The break in the (QSL) League final at an event in Myanmar in Octo- ously and is against any breaks. revenge having lost in the final last year. has no bearing in the performance ber 2014. “So they are sent into a program nutritionists etc. You name it and the “We have not played a compet- Al Sadd regained the Sheikh Jassim of my team,” he added. The Asian title allowed the Qatar that sees them go to Europe and com- list goes on. itive match since January 3,” added Cup last year defeating Lekhwiya 3-2. Khalid Muftah, Lekhwiya cap- side qualify for the 2015 FIFA U-20 pete at two different teams in Belgium “So there is a huge collaboration the 69-year old trainer. Coach Djmel Belmadi side will tain opined that the ongoing AFC U23 World Cup in New Zealand. Sanchez, and Spain. This gives them the oppor- between QFA and Aspetar. I have only “For me football is for playing and miss two players Ahmed Yasser and Championship will attract fans to the the former Barcelona youth coach, tunity they are looking for. They want highlighted one aspect. Then there is not resting, my player’s morale is high Mohammed Muntari, who are with stadium. has managed the three sides. to play and they do that at a high level Aspire Academy. You have perform- and we are confident of winning on the Qatar U23 national team taking He said officials and players of the A few years ago, the Qatari young- (in Belgium and Spain),” he said. ance coordinators. QSL, QFA and Aspire Thursday.” part in the AFC U23 Championship. U23 teams, who are in Qatar will be sters were thrust into the national “It’s massive work,” Al Ansari said Academy work together and share the Ferreira said the absence of five Belmadi said his team had played interested to attend the game. spotlight at Aspire Academy and then when asked about the project. relevant data. players currently doing duty for many matches without them in the past. “When there are lots of fans one purposefully asked to appear at Bel- “The whole football industry has “So we know exactly a player is Qatar in the AFC U23 Championship “We will miss them, we have played may play better and the level of per- gian side KAS Eupen and Spanish team been developed so that we have strong doing matches, training and or while will not be felt much as his team has many games with or with them,” formance are higher,” Khalid said. Cultural Deportiva Leonesa. national teams (at senior and junior conducting gym sessions,” Al Ansari “We have had this (QFA and Aspire levels). Everybody at QFA will confirm said. Academy) project for the past five-six what I just said,” Al Ansari explained. “We share the (acquired) infor- years,” Mansoor Al Ansari, Secretary “Aspetar, in my opinion, was devel- mation with the coaches so that they General, QFA, said yesterday. oped to support medically all sports know how to utilise that during games “We won the AFC U-19 finals and initiatives and football is the biggest or camps. The football calendar - let’s then we reached the 2015 FIFA U-20 sport in Qatar. Aspetar has the National call it our competition structure - is World Cup,” Al Ansari said. Sports Medicine Program (NSMP). That built around our national team games “We are continuing the develop provides medical units to every sin- and camps. these players because we realise that gle football club in Qatar. “So when the national team has there is a gap when the players grad- “Above that, we have a unit that is a game, we get the players released uate from Aspire - they don’t get the dedicated to the national teams. It is a week before. There is collabora- opportunity to be part of the playing XI a unit that has five doctors and 10-15 tion between the league (QSL) and at the Qatar Stars League (QSL) clubs. phyisos, 10-15 message therapists and us (QFA). Everybody tries to ensure that the club players are playing at a Qatar captain very high level. Abdelkarim Hassan “All of that put together is what celebrates after makes the national where it is today. I scoring a goal keep emphasizing on this - the reward against Syria. of having a strong national team is the result of so many people carrying out so many roles. It is a lot of work, exhausting work. “Everything we do, will have a legacy. It is not as if will conduct the 2022 FIFA World Cup and then football stops in Qatar. No, the work contin- ues. Football will continue. You will always build on what you have. “Having such a program has been Lekhwiya coach Djmel Belmadi (centre) and Khalid Muftah (right), Lekhwiya captain during a press hugely beneficial. This whole idea is to continue on this development,” Al conference in Doha yesterday. Ansari said. 30 THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 SPORT

Ibrahimovic keeps Aston Villa set up FA Cup date with City PSG on treble track Agencies RESULTS Late goals by Clark 3rd-round replays PARIS: A late and controversial and Gueye give Aston Villa 2 (Clark 75, Gueye 90) Wy- penalty converted by Zlatan Ibra- Premier League combe 0 himovic sealed a 2-1 come from strugglers 2-0 win Bolton 3 (Madine 39, Moxey 43, Pratley 58) behind win as Paris Saint-Germain Eastleigh 2 (Partington 11, Mohamed edged past Toulouse in the French over fourth-tier 45+2) Cup on Tuesday. Wycombe Wanderers Francois Moubandje had given Bradford 0 Bury 0 - aet Toulouse an 11th minute lead over a Bury win 4-2 on penalties PSG missing several injured stars, Bristol City 0 West Brom 1 (Rondon 52) but a David Luiz header from a corner on 54minutes and Ibra- AFP Milton Keynes Dons 3 (Reeves 53-pen, Murphy himovic’s 21st goal of the season 61, Church 89-pen) Northampton 0 two minutes from time kept Paris Portsmouth 2 (Roberts 32-pen, McNulty 37) on course to defend their domes- Ipswich 1 (Maitland-Niles 60) tic treble. LONDON: Late goals by Ciaran Clark But the big Swede’s penalty was Reading 5 (Piazon 29, Vydra 57, 61, 90, and Idrissa Gueye gave Premier League highly controversial as Leyvin Kur- strugglers Aston Villa a 2-0 win over Alex 90+3) Huddersfield 2 (Paterson 8, zawa threw himself theatrically to fourth-tier Wycombe Wanderers in Smith 15) the ground in the box under mini- their FA Cup third-round replay on Yeovil 1 (Compton 31) Carlisle 1 mal contact. Tuesday. Bottom of the Premier League (Sweeney 77) - aet However, Ibrahimovic was and seemingly destined for relegation Carlisle win 5-4 on penalties emphatic with his spot-kick and to the Championship, Villa had only Toulouse’s hopes were dashed. managed a 1-1 draw with Wycombe “If that happened at the other -- currently seventh in League Two Aston Villa’s English-born Irish defender Ciaran Clark (second right) heads the opening goal of the English end, it wouldn’t have been whistled,” -- when the two teams first met 10 FA Cup third round replay match against Wycombe Wanderers at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England in last season’s League Cup -- set up a moaned Toulouse coach Domin- days previously. on Tuesday. home tie with Premier League champi- ique Arribage. The reunion at Villa Park proved a ons Chelsea after beating Northampton “It’s difficult, when you referee similarly close-fought affair, but Clark’s FOOTBALL: FA CUP Dawson’s cross and slotting home, to Partington in the 11th minute and Town 3-0 in their replay. Portsmouth, Paris, to make the right decisions. 75th-minute header and a last-minute earn West Brom a home tie with third- pulled it back to 2-2 after falling 2-1 FA Cup winners in 2008 but now in I don’t blame the referee.” Gueye strike earned Villa a fourth- division Peterborough United. down, only for Darren Pratley to net a League Two, face a south-coast derby round tie at home to Manchester City. good for momentum.” Villa’s fellow Fifth-tier Eastleigh, the lowest- 58th-minute winner for Bolton. against top-flight Bournemouth after “The most important thing was to Premier League side West Bromwich ranked team to make round three, were Financially stricken Bolton, who upsetting second-tier Ipswich 2-1 at FRENCH CUP RESULTS win and go through,” Villa manager Albion also secured a narrow victory, eliminated following a lively 3-2 defeat avoided being liquidated at Britain’s Fratton Park. Last 32 Remi Garde told BBC radio. winning 1-0 at second-tier Bristol City. at Championship bottom club Bolton High Court on Monday, will host Leeds The third-round replays conclude “We’ve been professional. It was not Venezuelan striker Salomon Ron- Wanderers. United in the next round. with Liverpool’s home game against Angers 1 (Ketkeophomphone 69) Bordeaux always easy. That is the fourth game in don scored the game’s only goal in the Eastleigh, of the Football Con- Second-tier Milton Keynes Dons -- fourth-tier Exeter City and Tottenham 2 (Jussie 45+1, Crivelli 58) a row we are not losing, which is very 52nd minute, chesting down Craig ference, went in front through Joe 4-0 winners against Manchester United Hotspur’s trip to Leicester City. Bastia 1 (Kamano 36) Sochaux 2 (Teikeu 27, Caceres 90+1) Gazelec Ajaccio 3 Inter Milan recover (Boutaib 4, 21, 48) Guingamp 0 Paris Saint-Germain 2 Clinical Celtic please manager Deila form to stun Napoli (Luiz 54, Ibrahimovic 88-pen) Toulouse 1 (Moubandje 11) Rennes 1 (Moreira 21) Bourg-Peronnas 3 (Begue 49, Boussaha 81, Sane 90+2) AFP goals and could have scored more,” AFP Celtic’s Callum the Norwegian manager said. “I am Sarre-Union 1 (Schermann 90) Niort 0 very pleased with the performance McGregor Played on Saturday celebrates scoring and the boys. ROME: Inter Milan brushed off their St Malo 1 (Lahaye 72) their eighth goal GLASGOW: Celtic manager Ronny “It’s always hard to keep up the poor league form to stun Serie A Mont de Marsans 0 Deila said it was pleasing to see his tempo and the intensity when you are in the Scottish leaders Napoli 2-0 in the Italian side get the goals their dominance 3-0 up after 10 minutes but we did Premier League Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday night. deserved as the Hoops routed Ham- that very well. match against Two defeats and just four points FA CUP DRAW Hamilton on ilton 8-1 to move six points clear at “Today we deserved it and we could from their last four league matches West Brom vs Peterborough the top of the Scottish Premiership. have had much more as we had so Tuesday. have seen Inter lose command of The Hoops humiliated hapless many chances. Serie A and drop to third, four points Bolton vs Leeds Hamilton as goals from Mikel Lustig, “You always want to get games behind Napoli. Arsenal vs Burnley Nir Bitton and Australian international like this and I’m very pleased today. But goals from Stevan Jovetic Tom Rogic saw Celtic race into a 3-0 “First of all you want to get the three and Adem Ljajic at the San Paolo Derby vs Manchester United lead after just 10 minutes, with Leigh points and then you want to score as stadium in Naples saw Inter through Reading vs Walsall Griffiths adding another double before many as possible and we have to be to the semi-finals, where they will Exeter/Liverpool vs West Ham the break. happy with eight.” face the winners of the last quarter- Substitute James Forrest added a Celtic’s involvement in European final between Lazio and champions Aston Villa vs Manchester City sixth before Griffiths completed his qualifiers meant a short summer break Juventus. Inter’s city rivals AC Milan Shrewsbury vs Sheffield Wednesday hat-trick. Eamonn Brophy grabbed a and a congested fixture list in the open- kind of tempo we can play when we and I see smiles and people are look- will play third division Alessandria scant consolation for Hamilton before ing half of the season. play at our best. ing forward to games and that’s very in the last four. Nottingham Forest vs Watford Callum McGregor completed the scor- However, their exit from Europe “I think we played so many games important.” The minnows won 2-1 at second Carlisle vs Everton ing late on. and a couple of postponed fixtures before Christmas with some happy Celtic could extend their lead to tier Spezia on Monday night while Crystal Palace vs Stoke Celtic have come in for criticism have allowed the Celtic players some days and bad days. nine points when they host St John- Milan defeated Carpi last week by for their profligacy in front of goal but much-needed rest and Deila said “We’ve kept on going since June stone on Saturday. the same score. Oxford vs Blackburn Deila was delighted with a clinical there was a renewed freshness in 20 without a long break. Now after “We need to know why we were Tuesday’s match was a tight Portsmouth vs Bournemouth performance from his players as he the squad. “We were dangerous today Christmas we’ve had some weeks train- good today and put out the same per- affair, in part due to Napoli coach savoured the biggest win of his man- and we see more energy in the team. ing and some players have rested and formance on Saturday as that’s going Maurizio Sarri leaving top scorer Colchester vs Tottenham/Leicester agerial career. “I’ve seen it in training in the last you can see more energy in the whole to be a tough game as well,” Deila said. Gonzalo Higuain on the bench. The Bury vs Hull “It was a fantastic night and a very few weeks that we’ve looked better team I think. “But when you play at this level it semi-finals will be played over two Milton Keynes Dons vs Chelsea good performance. We scored a lot of and better. Today you could see what “I feel a freshness in the group is tough to beat us.” legs on January 27 and March 2. Al Rayyan edge Al Gharafa as Al Wakrah beat Al Ahli

The Peninsula QATAR BASKETBALL LEAGUE DOHA: Basketball giants Al Rayyan edged arch-rivals Al Gharafa 70-69 in their Qatar National League game (14) was the only other Al Wakrah yesterday. player to reach double figures in the Al Gharafa’s driving force was one-side Qatar National League clash. Davon James Dominic (21 points and Soliman Abdelrahman Osama 5 assists) while veteran Musa Yas- (8) and Abdullah Mohammed Sel- seen Ismail chipped in with 18 points eem (6) also played their parts and 1 assist. well. Immanuel Alexander Quintin (12 Harold managed an astonishing 9 points) and Ngombo Tanguy Alban (10 assists while Adamu had 4 assists as points and 3 assists) also played with Al Wakrah picked up early momen- intensity at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. tum to sail through the game. For Al Gharafa, Adako Emmanuel For Al Ahli, Joyner Jr Terrence Lav- Osaro (19 points and 1 assist) waged alle (36 points and 2 assists) struggled a lone battle in consistency. all alone as Al Wakrah maintained Saad Abdulrahman Mohamed (15 their iron-like grip. points and 2 assists) played a capa- Seydou Ndoye Elhadj (11 points ble hand as did Ndoye Hassino who and 1 assist) was the only other Al Ahli also managed a tally of 15 points and player to reach doubles digits. Elsadiq 2 assists. Mustafa and Mahmoud Ahmad man- Galloway Kevin Dwayne (9 and aged 6 points each. 13 assists), provided slick support in On Tuesday, Al Sadd and El Jaish the middle of the court. posted contrasting victories. In the first game of the night, Al Sadd had to battle for their Saaka Adamu yesterday produced win over Al Shamal, whereas, El a stunning tally of 31 points while team Jaish showed no mercy to Qatar SC Al Rayyan player tries to score a point against Al Gharafa during mate Ndour Mame Souleye chipped in two games at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. in with 22 to help Al Wakrah mus- On Saturday, El Jaish meet Al their Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) League at Al Gharafa Indoor cle past Al Ahli 89-66 at Al Gharafa Arabi and in the second match, Al Stadium yesterday. Right: Action from the match between Al Wakra Indoor Hall. Watson Boney Harold Khor take on Al Sadd. and Al Ahli. Pictures by: Abdul/The Peninsula SPORT THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 31 Pacquiao eyes fond farewell, looks forward to politics

AFP BOXING: PACQUIAO VS BRADLEY

BEVERLY HILLS, US: Manny Pac- quiao said he is looking forward to swapping the boxing ring for the title will be on the line in the April political arena on Tuesday as the 9 bout at Las Vegas’s MGM Grand countdown began towards his fare- in what is the third meeting of the well fight with long-time American two fighters. rival Timothy Bradley in April. Bradley, (33-1-1, 13 KOs), won Pacquiao, whose last bout was a highly controversial split deci- the money-spinning ‘Fight of the sion against Pacquiao in their first Century’ with Floyd Mayweather meeting in 2012. last May, insisted he will hang up Pacquiao then won their 2014 his gloves for good after the third rematch in Las Vegas with a com- and final instalment of his rivalry fortable unanimous decision to end with Bradley. Bradley’s undefeated record. The 37-year-old eight-division The Filipino slugger (57-6-2, world champion is planning to run 38 KOs) said he is anticipating a for a seat in the Philippines senate sterner challenge from Bradley in later this year after already serv- their decisive bout. ing as a representative in the Asian “I chose Bradley again because country’s congress. he’s different from before,” Pac- “I’m so happy to be hanging up quiao said. my gloves after this fight,” Pacquiao “He’s improved a lot.” told a press conference at the lux- Bradley meanwhile also warned ury Beverly Hills Hotel. fans to expect a different fight to “I’m sure I will feel sad but that’s the previous two bouts. life. You can’t keep on fighting all “I’ve heard that Manny Pacquiao the time. But it’s time I think. chose me because he knows me,” “I started out in boxing because Bradley said. I wanted to help my family, my “I think it’s different now. I mother. Now I’m ending my box- honestly do. “I think this will be ing career because I want to help a different fight than the first two my countrymen, the Filipino peo- altercations. That’s all I can tell you. ple. I’m ending because I want to It’s going to be a great fight -- he Manny Pacquiao (left) faces Timothy Bradley during a press conference announcing their upcoming 12-round World Welterweight Championship at serve the people.” wants it really badly and so do I,” Bradley’s WBO welterweight he added. the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on Tuesday.

McIlroy excited Spieth hungry for more success ahead of season opener in Abu

GOLF: ABU DHABI Dhabi I want my name to go CHAMPIONSHIP down in history for AFP as many things as it can, says World No. 1 Or two, you can look at what these ABU DHABI: Former world number golfer guys who you’ve looked up to your one Rory McIlroy said he was excited whole life have accomplished, which to start his new season in the com- is more than you have. pany of the reigning world number “So look at Tiger (Woods), Phil one Jordan Spieth. (Mickelson)... this is still our genera- Five-time major champion McIl- AFP tion, Tiger, Phil, Rory, these guys that roy, and the current Masters and have done more in the game of golf US Open champion Spieth have than I have, and I want to strive to get been paired together for the first to what they have done. two rounds of the $2.7m Abu Dhabi ABU DHABI: Now that Jordan Spieth “I want my name to go down in HSBC Golf Championship, the first has won two majors, the world number history for as many things as it can. event of the European Tour’s Desert one golfer said he is desperate to add That’s where my mind is. I’m less sat- Swing. to that tally in order to ensure that his isfied with what’s happened and more The third player in the group name goes down prominently in the hungry to try and keep it going.” is world number six Rickie Fowler. history books. Spieth, who has been drawn with McIlroy is playing his first The 22-year-old American, winner world number three Rory McIlroy and tournament of 2016 - after a gap of the Masters and the US Open last world number six Rickie Fowler in the of almost two months since winning year, is in the UAE capital this week for first two rounds, said it would be impos- USA’s Jordan Spieth tees off at the the DP World Tour Championship in the $2.7m Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Cham- sible to match his winning score of 3rd hole during the Pro-Am at Abu Dubai in November - and he was rel- pionship, his second start of 2016 after 30-under par in Kapalua, Hawaii, but Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship at ishing the prospects of being pushed emphatically winning the PGA Tour’s he felt good about his chances. into a pitched battle straightaway. Abu Dhabi Golf Club yesterday. Hyundai Tournament of Champions by “I feel great. I came home from “On Thursday (today) morn- eight shots in Hawaii two weeks ago. Hawaii, took a couple days off, went ing, it’s my first competitive shot It will be a busy year for Spieth, who and saw my instructor, and I actually in a couple of months. To tee up is determined to win an Olympic gold feel better about the way I’m striking alongside those guys - it’s excite- medal and help America win the Ryder my irons coming into this week than ment. There’s a buzz about it,” said Cup later in September in Hazeltine, I did going into Hawaii,” said Spieth, and I scored incredibly well. “But if I so yesterday I was on the course when pretty bad, so that should help us out McIlroy. apart from winning a few more tour- who is playing in Singapore next week. can drive the ball in the places that I I found out and I was very excited,” within our group.” “It was sort of the same last year naments. Asked if there was anything “Trying to maintain my putting was driving it in Kapalua and keep it said Spieth. The European Tour event has in Abu Dhabi with Rickie and the different in his thought process now and maintain my short game statis- in the short grass here, I feel very con- “It’s a tremendous opportunity for attracted a quality field once again, previous couple of years it was that he is already a major champion, tics, and the way I drove the ball. I’m fident about my chances.” us three. We very rarely get this pair- with Spieth leading a list of four play- with Tiger. Spieth said: “I think there’s two ways not going to shoot 30-under this week. Spieth said he was excited about ing and very rarely will going forward. ers in the field who are ranked inside “You’re teeing off the first round of going forward with that. I don’t think that’s possible on this golf the pairing with McIlroy and Fowler. So, we will take advantage and try and the top-six of the world. McIlroy is of your season and it feels like you’re “One is you can be satisfied and course. That was a dream come true “I’m very excited about the pairing, really feed off of each other. world number three, Henrik Stenson right into the thick of things at the think about all the stuff you’ve done. week for me, everything came together yeah. I figured that we’d all be split up, “We all want to beat each other is number five and Fowler number six. start. “It’s a real competitive start to the year, and I feel like Abu Dhabi has really helped me start the year quickly and well over the past few McCarthy takes win, overall lead years, and hopefully that’s the same case this year.” McIlroy was confident that the extended break, and the laser sur- AFP inner-city Adelaide suburb of Unley, gery of his eyes, is going to help him CYCLING: TOUR DOWN saw Lotto-Soudal’s Adam Hansen on the golf course in what is shap- UNDER break away and get his lead out to ing up to be an exceptionally busy two minutes on the first of five undu- year with the Olympics and Ryder ADELAIDE: Australia’s Jay McCa- lating 21-kilometre circuits around Cup on the card. rthy claimed his biggest win as a Stirling in the Adelaide Hills. “It’s been great. It was a nice professional when he took a thrill- moments after he put himself in a per- But he was reeled in with 19 kil- break over Christmas and new year,” ing second stage of the Tour Down fect position to take the stage victory ometres to go and the peloton stayed said the 26-year-old McIlroy. Under in the South Australian town in the tour. together until close to the eight-kilo- “I felt like I needed it mentally of Stirling yesterday. But there were no such worries metre uphill run to the finish. and physically a little bit. So it was McCarthy, from the Tinkoff team, for McCarthy, who avoided the trou- Team Sky attacked first trying to nice to take that extended break and beat Italian Diego Ulissi (Lampre Mer- ble then surged inside the 300 metres. put Welshman Geraint Thomas into come back feeling really refreshed ida) by a matter of centimetres as both Ulissi, who won the Stirling stage prime position but they went too early and excited to go. lunged for the line at the end of the in 2014, came hard at McCarthy but and couldn’t maintain the pace. “I feel like the surgery has defi- 132-kilometre stage, finishing in 3hr the Australian dug deep and just man- Movistar and Cannondale also nitely made things just that little bit 26min 40sec. The 23-year-old Queens- aged to hold on. tried to bring their riders forward sharper, maybe within 50 metres lander will wear the ochre leader’s “I’ve been eyeing off this stage for but the pace set by Sky had taken its or so. “I’ve obviously practised now jersey in today’s third stage, taking a few years now and before the start I toll and the peloton was strung out for the last couple of weeks and I’ve it from sprinter Caleb Ewan, who fell was hoping I’d get my chance,” McCa- with two kilometres to go. practised pretty well. I feel like I’ve off the back of the peloton towards rthy said. “The team sat down before Gerrans said later that he and always been a decent green reader, the finish. the race and said they would support team-mate Daryl Impey were unin- but maybe not quite as good as I Australian rider Jay McCarthy (right) of team Tinkoff edges Italian Diego Race favourite Simon Gerrans me today and I’m just glad I could do jured despite being caught up in the fall. could be. So that was one of the Ulissi of team Lampre Merida to win stage two of the Tour Down Under (Orica GreenEdge) was caught up in it for them.” “We were perfectly placed, that’s reasons why I took this step to have in Stirling, near Adelaide, Australia, yesterday. a crash inside the final kilometre just The race, which began in the just so unlucky,” Gerrans said. the eye surgery.” 32 THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 SPORT

Serena feels Serbia’s Novak Djokovic stretches to hit a shot Venus will during his second- round match against be back in France’s Quentin Halys at the Australian Open Melbourne at Melbourne Park, Australia, yesterday. next year Reuters

MELBOURNE: Serena Williams expects her sister Venus to be back at Melbourne Park next year for a 17th crack at winning the Australian Open, the American world number one said yesterday. Venus, 35, was fined $5,000 for not talking to the media after her surprise first round loss to Britain’s Johanna Konta on Tuesday. Serena, who cruised past Hsieh Su-wei into the third round on day three, said she had been watching Djokovic, Williams storm television when her sister lost but had no reason to believe it would be the seven-time grand slam cham- pion’s Melbourne farewell. “From what I assume, yeah, but I don’t really know,” said the defending champion when asked through in Melbourne heat if her sister would be back. “I would assume. She’s never mentioned anything about not being here, not competing.” unstuck in the third round last year, Six-times Melbourne Park Veteran players when he was shocked by Andreas Seppi, champion Serena, who is also play- and he is wary of another upset with ing her 16th Australian Open, said advance in Melbourne Grigor “Baby Fed” Dimitrov up next. having family around on the tour but Agnieszka “It’s the least I expect to be in the was a real bonus. Radwanska breaks third round of a Slam, obviously, so “Having someone there that I’m pumped up, playing well, feeling understands the joy, the highs, the Canadian hearts with good,” Federer said. lows, the pain, is unique,” she added. straight-set win over “But there’s always a danger, you “It’s not often in sport, but when know. Like last year the third round it does happen, it is really some- Eugene Bouchard was the end for me, so I hope to go thing special.” further this time.” Serena said she would be tap- Later Djokovic was no match for ping up her sister for information Halys, 19, who had a net cord to thank about her next opponent, world AFP as he broke the Serb in the third set, number 69 Daria Kasatkina. which went to a tie-break. The Russian teenager, playing Separately a senior anti-corrup- as a wildcard, upset Venus in three MELBOURNE: Defending champions tion official said that match-fixing was sets in the opening round of the Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams commonplace in tennis’s lower levels Auckland Classic warm-up tour- stormed into the Australian Open third and criticised the “opaque and secre- nament two weeks ago. round yesterday as tennis authorities tive” Tennis Integrity Unit, which is “I don’t think it’s gonna be easy,” came under fire over their efforts to tasked with finding cheats. she said. “Any time someone is beat- fight match-fixing. Chris Eaton, director of integrity ing Venus they are more than likely Djokovic had a third-set tussle with at the International Centre for Sport playing really good. French teenager Quentin Halys before Security in Doha, was speaking after “So I definitely will be ready winning their night match 6-1, 6-2, a report claimed several players sus- for that. I obviously will ask Venus 7-6 (7/3), joining Williams and Roger pected of being serial match-fixers what she thought of the match, and Federer in the next stage. had never been punished. I’m sure (coach) Patrick (Moura- As a match-fixing controversy con- “Integrity is by definition open and toglou) will know everything about tinued to reverberate at Melbourne transparent. The TIU is neither... by her match and stuff. He’s really good Park, Williams swatted Hsieh Su-Wei operating in the shadows they fail to at studying.” 6-1, 6-2 to reach the third round as practice what they preach,” he said, she seeks a record-equalling 22nd calling for a “new independent and major title. integrated integrity model”. Kyrgios beats Williams eased lingering concerns The controversy is just the latest to over the state of her injured knee as she hit the tainted sports world after claims Cuevas to set up obliterated the Taiwanese, even pulling of a doping cover-up shook athletics off possibly her first ever round-the- and multiple scandals engulfed foot- Berdych clash net shot for good measure. ball’s governing body, FIFA. “It’s always cool to do something Petra Kvitova became the latest fresh and new. I don’t know if I have women’s top-10 player to fall, joining AFP done that,” said the American world Simona Halep and Venus Williams on Switzerland’s Roger Federer plays a forehand return during his match against Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov number one, who showed no signs dis- the sidelines when she was shocked on day three of the 2016 Australian Open in Melbourne yesterday. comfort from her knee. 6-4, 6-4 by Australian giant-killer MELBOURNE: Rising star Nick “I moved much better, so slowly Daria Gavrilova. the pockets on his first pair weren’t Grand Slam champion Maria Sharap- Irina Falconi to move towards a poten- Kyrgios overcame a mix-up with but surely feeling a little bit better,” In a positive evening for the hosts, deep enough to hold balls when he ova, who had little difficulty dispatching tial semi-final rematch with Williams his shorts to beat Pablo Cuevas in she added. the combustible Nick Kyrgios over- was serving. 105th-ranked Aliaksandra Sasnov- -- whom she stunned in the US Open straight sets and set up an Austral- Federer, who is trying to extend his came a mix-up with his shorts to beat Agnieszka Radwanska’s sky-high ich 6-2, 6-1. last four, ending her bid for a rare cal- ian Open showdown with Tomas record number of Grand Slam crowns Pablo Cuevas and set up a showdown confidence took another leap upwards Japanese seventh seed Kei Nishikori endar-year Grand Slam. Berdych yesterday. to 18, then dismantled his 35th-ranked with world number six Tomas Berdych. when she halted Eugenie Bouchard, beat his close friend Austin Krajicek “Yeah, I watch it every day,” dead- Despite needing to change his practice partner Alexandr Dolgopolov “Just a bit of a mix-up before the back in form after suffering concus- 6-3, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 as he pressed his bid panned Williams, when asked if she shorts midway, the exciting 20-year- 6-3, 7-5, 6-1. game,” shrugged Kyrgios, who had sion at the US Open, 6-4, 6-2. for a first Grand Slam title. had seen a recording of the match. old Australian beat the 41st-ranked The all-time Grand Slam king came to change his shorts midway after On court earlier was five-time And Italy’s Roberta Vinci overcame “Every night to get ready.” Cuevas 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (7/2) in almost two hours before a partisan home crowd on Hisense Arena. Krygios, whose first pair of shorts apparently didn’t have pockets deep enough to hold balls while he was serving, Nishikori puts friendship aside to post win smashed 50 winners as he broke the Uruguayan’s serve four times. “Just a bit of a mix-up before the game. I guess it will be fixed AFP DAY THREE AT THE set when it was 5-4 but he started play- by the next round,” shrugged the AUSTRALIAN OPEN ing better and it was a tight tiebreak. 29th seed, whose next opponent, Once I got the tiebreak I was better.” Berdych, has reached the last two MELBOURNE: Japanese hope Kei Nishikori breezed through the semi-finals at Melbourne Park. Nishikori (pictured right) came out opening set in 25 minutes following “I’ve played him a couple times. on top of an awkward match with his a service break in the fourth game. He’s going to be wanting to win as American close friend and practice But Krajicek raised his level while much as I’m going to be wanting to partner Austin Krajicek to reach the Nishikori had a stutter in an hour-long win, so it’s going to be tough,” Kyr- third round at the Australian Open second-set struggle. gios said of the world number six. yesterday. The Japanese player was broken “The crowd’s going to be crazy. The seventh seed advanced but not serving for the second set when he They all love Berdych. He has a mas- before a second-set struggle, winning double-faulted and he was far from sive fan base. He’s one of the greatest 6-3, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 in one hour, 53 min- convincing in the tiebreaker, before players right now. It’s going to be a utes on Margaret Court Arena with the finally sealing it when the American’s really good match.” roof closed after morning rain. forehand went wide. Kyrgios, who made the quar- Nishikori, who has yet to pass the Nishikori stepped it up in the final ter-finals last year where he lost to quarter-final stage at Melbourne Park, set with an early break to ease to victory. Andy Murray, said Cuevas played will next play either Spain’s 26th seed “I think mostly I was controlling at “a pretty high level.” Guillermo Garcia-Lopez or German the points. I was trying to play quick, “I thought the first set was really qualifier Daniel Brands. because he can be really danger- key, had to get the first set,” he said. Nishikori and Krajicek grew up ous, especially with the roof closed,” “I thought he was pretty high level. training together at the Bollettieri Ten- Nishikori said. We both played well from the back. nis Academy in Florida, and they were “He has a great serve, and the last He served really well. facing each other in a match for the time we played he was much more Krygios’s combustible tempera- second time after the Japanese star aggressive. He came to the net little ment was evident again on court at won in three sets in Memphis last year. were like 15, 16,” Nishikori said. “So it’s more. But what I did well today, was times, despite his $3,000 fine for an France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga assists a ball girl off the court after “I tried to forget in the match. But not easy, but on the court I try to con- to hit deep a lot of times to stop him audible obscenity in his first round accidentally hitting her with a shot during his second-round match it’s never easy to play with good friends centrate on whoever is over the net. coming in. I served really well today,” win over Spaniard Pablo Carreno against Australia’s Omar Jasika in Melbourne Park yesterday. and especially I know him when we “I should have closed out the second he said. Busta on Monday. SPORT THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 33 ‘Heavy fixing’ in lower tiers: Official

levels, manipulation indicators are The Australian Open heavy and regularly occurring,” the still trying to recover former FIFA security chief said via email.“We are not the only sport integ- after explosive news rity organisation to observe this.” reports on Monday Eaton’s comments follow the BBC and BuzzFeed report that said 16 play- claimed match-fixing ers who had reached the top 50 over was common-place in the past decade had repeatedly been suspected of fixing matches, but never the tennis world punished. Three matches at Wimbledon had fallen under suspicion and at least eight of the “core group” of players on the fix- AFP ing radar were at the Australian Open Grand Slam tournament, which began on Monday, it said. MELBOURNE: Match-fixing is com- Tennis authorities rejected any sug- monplace in tennis’s lower levels and gestion that evidence was suppressed efforts to fight it are inadequate, a sen- and defended the workings of the Ten- ior anti-corruption official said after nis Integrity Unit, which was set up in cheating claims rocked the sport dur- 2008 and has landed 18 convictions, ing the Australian Open. including six life bans. After an explosive report claimed The BBC and BuzzFeed report’s match-fixing was repeatedly going claims are backed up by anecdotal unpunished, Chris Eaton of the Interna- evidence including from Serbian world tional Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) number one Novak Djokovic, who said criticised tennis’s “opaque and secre- he was once offered $200,000 to fix tive” anti-corruption body. a match in Russia. The controversy is just the latest to Retired American player Andy Rod- hit the tainted sports world after claims dick said a fellow former professional and cricket, for betting worldwide “and Eaton also hit out at the “poor choice integrated integrity model. “If not, then of a doping cover-up shook athletics had told him he could probably name ANDY RODDICK ALSO as a direct consequence it is third in of structure and process” for the Ten- tennis will continue to be targeted at its and multiple scandals engulfed foot- “at least 8-9” of the 16 suspected of REVEALS FIXING CLAIMS the magnitude of identified suspicious nis Integrity Unit, saying it needs to most vulnerable levels, and as intim- ball’s governing body, FIFA. repeatedly fixing matches. matches”. be more open and relies too much idated or compromised players and Eaton, directory of integrity at the Eaton said hundreds of thousands matches -- something which is partic- “Tennis is not as lucrative for fix- on betting analysis, rather than field others advance they bring that vul- ICSS, said professional betting analysis of dollars can be made by gamblers ularly easy to do in tennis, which has ing as football or cricket. But it takes investigations. nerability with them.” showed “nil manipulation” of matches using accumulators to bet on the out- many poorly paid players and where less corruptive effort to fix individual “Integrity is by definition open and His comments chime with top play- at the top levels of tennis, where play- comes of multiple matches, a practice it only takes one bribe to secure the outcomes in a tennis match, so the fre- transparent. The TIU is neither... by ers Roger Federer and Andy Murray, ers are highly paid and less susceptible that is especially popular in eastern desired outcome. quency of winning on a single match operating in the shadows they fail to who both said they were glad to see to bribery. Europe and Russia. Eaton said tennis was the third can be vastly higher than in cricket practice what they preach,” he said, the issue of match-fixing brought to “However in the second and lower It creates a powerful incentive to fix most popular sport, behind football and football,” he said. calling for a “new independent and light and would like to see more details. Aussie giant-killer sends Kvitova Corruption concerns mount after reports packing on day three in Melbourne Reuters

SYDNEY: The rise of mobile betting is transforming global sports wagering Afp Sharapova eyes faster than regulators can react, flooding the industry with cash and poten- tially contributing to corruption scandals like the one roiling world tennis, Games gold again experts and insiders say. MELBOURNE: Double Wimbledon Allegations this week that tennis authorities failed to deal with wide- winner Petra Kvitova was sent crashing AFP spread match-fixing has rocked the game, following similar allegations that out of the Australian Open yesterday by have blighted cricket, football and other sports. local hope Daria Gavrilova, becoming The ubiquity of mobile phones and tablets has helped transformed book- the third top-10 women’s player who MELBOURNE: Maria Sharapova yes- makers from operators of dingy, smoke-filled betting shops into multi-billion has flopped in Melbourne. terday recalled being overwhelmed at dollar de facto tech firms, pouring resources into developing apps and com- The out-of-sorts Czech sixth the London Olympics as she looked plex algorithms and marketing to younger and broader demographics. seed had no answers to the confident forward to an attempt to claim gold “We’re no longer restricted by geography or the limited choices of one Gavrilova, who raced into a Grand Slam for Russia at this year’s Games in Rio. betting company. And we have wall-to-wall sport every day of the week from third round for the first time, winning The Russian picked up the wom- across the globe beamed into our lounge rooms, on our smartphones,” said 6-4, 6-4 on Margaret Court Arena. en’s singles silver medal four years Scott Ferguson, a wagering industry consultant. “Technology is everything.” Kvitova joined second seed Simona ago, thrashed by arch-rival Serena The greatest danger for mobile gambling to intersect with corruption Halep and eighth seed Venus Williams Williams in the final, but it was the lies in the ease of fixing a one-on-one sport like tennis, darts or snooker, on an early plane home after they were experience of mingling with fellow according to experts and professional gamblers. beaten in the first round. Former world athletes that left a lasting impression. Mobile apps that allow in-game betting on individual points or games number one Caroline Wozniacki was “I think going into it, of course, allow athletes to stealthily manipulate the results and may strike some of also an early casualty. you always think of the highest prize them as less unethical as throwing an entire match, said Sally Gainsbury, a “It was unreal. I was so nervous and the best prize you can get at an senior lecturer at Southern Cross University who at the end. I’m just really proud,” said event,” she said of the Olympics after has written a book on the subject. the Russian-born Australian, who only making the third round of the Aus- Most major bookmakers operate from small switched nationality in December. “I’m tralian Open. offshore jurisdictions, making accurate predic- just really happy.” “But the experience of being an tions of industry worth extremely difficult, said The 89-minute win ranks as one of Olympian is so fulfilling.” Gainsbury. Gavrilova’s best, perhaps behind only The 28-year-old, born in Siberia but “There’s a large grey sort of offshore market ... a defeat of then-world world number based in Florida since she was young, in every country, where it’s actually just not possi- two Maria Sharapova in Miami last year. said she was “so overwhelmed just by ble for the government to regulate these sites that The giant-killing world number the experience of being around other are based in all these tiny remote jurisdictions,” 39 now plays France’s Kristina Mlad- athletes and just really respected”. she told Reuters. enovic tomorrow for a place in the “Getting a chance to go into the “So it’s difficult to get a really accurate size of fourth round. Olympic village before the opening how much people are betting because a lot of it Czech Kvitova, a semi-finalist at ceremonies and spending a few hours is actually illegal.” Melbourne Park in 2012, had the worst there and seeing all the different ath- Patrick Jay, a betting consultant and former possible build-up with a gastro prob- letes,” said the five-time Grand Slam head of trading at Betfair, estimates the global sports lem forcing her out of the Shenzhen champion, one of the world’s richest betting market is likely worth about $1tn a year, having doubled in size in the Open and Sydney International, where athletes. “Some were actually working last five years. He expects it to double again in the next five. she was defending champion. Australia’s Daria Gavrilova celebrates during her second-round match out in the garden; some boxers were The Australian government, citing a 2015 United Nations conference at While the aggressive baseliner against Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova at the Australian Open at shadow boxing. It was just really spe- which Jay was a speaker, put that figure as high as $3tn, of which 90 per- recovered to comfortably survive the Melbourne Park, Australia, yesterday. cial to see, and you felt a unity. You felt cent was “illegal” or in contravention of laws regulating gambling in which first round, it all went wrong against these tremendous athletes maybe had the bet was placed. Gavrilova, who partnered Nick Kyr- games to take the first set 6-4 against breaking Gavrilova to claw back to 4-5. never met or seen each other in per- That range of figures, which includes betting on sports from soccer, gios to win the mixed-team Hopman the stunned Kvitova. But it was too little too late with son before, but we all really respected cricket and tennis to much less widely followed sports like snooker, darts Cup in Perth this month. Kvitova worked hard to recover the Australian leaping for joy after the each other. and table tennis but excludes racing, illustrates the difficulty in accurately The Aussie, who beat three top-10 in the second set but quickly fell 2-5 Czech sent a forehand long to hand The Rio Olympics run from August valuing the overall market. players in 2015, won four of the last five behind, saving one match point before her victory. 5-21. “It has grown because of mobile technology. It allows people to place bets anywhere, anytime,” Jay said. “People are also dealing in credit, and therefore accounts are being run all over the world. It has created a perfect combination.” AFP he’s not especially keen to see his children become Leading bookmakers including Betfair Group PLC, Ladbrokes PLC, Paddy QUOTES OF THE DAY FROM THE tennis players. Power PLC and William Hill PLC did not respond to requests for comment. AUSTRALIAN OPEN There have not been any allegations of wrongdoing by the bookmakers in “Oh, I don’t do those. I’m not good at those. I did when “I tried to forget in the match. But it’s never easy to the World Tennis scandal. I was younger, and I was terrible at it. I know what I’m play with good friends, and especially since I know him Worried about the boom in sports betting and incidents of match fixing, good at, and I know things I’m not gonna excel at. I’m when we were like 15, 16.” countries like Australia and across the European Union are in the process definitely not gonna excel at that shot.” “It was his birthday yesterday. Congratulated him for - Japan’s Kei Nishikori on having to face friend and of reviewing laws that experts like Gainsbury say are “hopelessly outdated”. - Serena Williams when asked if she might consider that. Hopefully we can speak next few days and see how practice partner Austin Krajicek in the second round. In Australia, for example, 2001 laws regulating Internet sport betting playing a “tweener”, or between-the-legs shot. he’s doing. Of course I miss him. It’s normal. He was a bar anyone from placing a bet on a sporting event online once it has begun, great asset on the team. Nicest guy ever.” “I don’t know. Time will tell. I think a lot of retired play- despite allowing live betting over the phone or at retail bookmakers. “I met Michael Jordan many years back and it was a very - Roger Federer on his former coach Stefan Edberg. ers could still be at this level, too. They just choose William Hill, an official partner of the Australian Open, has a new “Bet-in- random occasion, but it was one of the times I was a not to do it anymore. So it’s all in the mind, the body, Play” feature for its Australian customers that requires access to a smartphone’s bit star-struck. You feel his presence there.” “I’d rather support them in another sport. Go see them family, traveling, so many things that are a part of this microphone while the bet is placed to comply with such laws. - Maria Sharapova on memorable meetings with fel- be a super skier. That would be exciting.” whole thing.” “There’s been a lot of stagnation where a lot of countries originally said, low athletes. - Grand Slam star Roger Federer of Switzerland says - Roger Federer answers question on his retirement. ‘Well this is illegal, we won’t let them do this’, but of course with the internet you can’t make things illegal and stop people going online,” Gainsbury said. 34 THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 SPORT

Gayle fires Big Bash parting shot at critics

AFP

SYDNEY: Controversial West Indian batsman Chris Gayle has hit back at critics of his allegedly ‘outrageous’ behaviour. His Twenty20 team Melbourne Australia bring Renegades fined the star opener US$7,000 two weeks ago after an in novice swing attempt to flirt with a female pre- senter on live TV was condemned as duo for NZ series “completely out of line” by Cricket Australia. Gayle told the Renegades’ web- Reuters site after his final game that he would like to return for next sea- son’s Big Bash League, where he has SYDNEY: Australia played to the been one of the top scorers. conditions yesterday by selecting “Definitely -- always got a soft the novice swing bowling duo of spot for Australia,” he said. Chadd Sayers and Jackson Bird in “And the fans here have been their squad for the two-match Test very supportive. They have been series in New Zealand. really, really tremendous. Bird, who played the last of “Hopefully I get a chance to Australia’s David Warner hits a boundary during the fourth One Day International against India at Manuka Oval in Canberra yesterday. his three Tests in England in 2013, entertain you guys again.” and uncapped Sayers are part of a However, he also unleashed a 14-man squad that will be aiming rant against “haters” on Instagram for a series win across the Tasman late Tuesday amid questions over Sea next month to take them back to whether has played his last innings the top of the world Test rankings. in Australia. Sayers claimed 145 wickets at “I think a lot of past and present India collapse as Australia an average of 24.82 in the Shef- cricketers who smile in front my face field Shield this season and his could’ve have there (sic) say In the ability to move the ball could be a public when my so call issue was key factor in matches in Welling- going on, but y’all don’t have the ton and Christchurch, which are BALLs to stand firm when it mat- expected to be played on grassy, ters,” the post said. clinch fourth straight win seaming pitches. “But yet when u see me you’re “We are delighted to welcome like, Chris that’s BS against you, it Chadd Sayers into the squad for the was blown out of proportion. Kohli (106) put on 212 for the second first time and his inclusion is thor- “The past cricketer who say I Visitors lose their last wicket to reach 277 for one, smash- oughly deserved,” national selector make myself look like a chop, the ing the attack all over the Manuka Rod Marsh said in a statement. other who claim I was no good to 9 wickets for just 46 Oval venue. “Both he and Jackson Bird can the youngsters while playing for the runs as Aussies win Neither batsman was in any trou- swing the ball and operate at a lively thunder, the next one who said he ble on a lifeless pitch and none of the pace and we believe both will be expect that sort of behavior from high-scoring fourth Australian bowlers were spared. well suited to the conditions we are Chris.” ODI in Canberra But once Dhawan fell cutting John likely to encounter in New Zealand.” The former cricketer was ex- Hastings to George Bailey at point, The duo replace Steve O’Keefe England captain and television the Indian wickets began falling reg- and Scott Boland in a pace attack commentator Andrew Flintoff who ularly and the Australians began to that has some injury doubts ahead tweeted, “Big fan of @henrygayle assert control. of the first Test in Wellington on AFP but he made himself look like a bit Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni February 12, with James Pattin- of a chop there.” fell for a duck before Kohli hit a catch son (shin) and Peter Siddle (ankle) Former Australia opener Chris to Australian captain Steve Smith at both carrying lingering ailments. Rogers accused Gayle of setting a CANBERRA: A spectacular Indian bat- mid-off, his only false shot in a mag- “We are hopeful James Pattin- poor example for young players ting collapse gave Australia a 25-run nificent 92-ball innings. son will be able to overcome the while all-rounder Shane Watson victory in the One Day International in With four wickets down and shin soreness he has been suffer- said asking a TV reporter out for Canberra yesterday, their fourth suc- in-form batsman Ajinkya Rahane ham- ing..., while Peter Siddle is on the a drink in a live interview was the cessive victory in the five-match series. pered by split webbing on his hand, verge of playing again following the sort of behaviour to be expected After winning the toss and choos- the Indians began to panic as they lost ankle injury he suffered during the from Gayle. ing to bat, Australian openers Aaron Gurkeerat Singh (5), Rahane (2) and West Indies series,” Marsh added. On the field, Gayle went out in a Finch and David Warner both posted Rishi Dhawan (9) in quick succession. “Our fast bowling depth is cer- blaze of glory, smashing 50 off just big scores to take the home side to a The tailenders put up little resist- tainly being Tested because of injury 12 balls to equal the fastest half- massive 348 for eight. ance and Australia took the last nine and retirement but the positive part century in T20 history, although The Indians looked well on target wickets for just 46 runs to wrap up an of that is it means there are oppor- Australia’s Aaron Finch celebrates his century against India at Manuka the Renegades failed to make the when Shikhar Dhawan (126) and Virat unlikely victory. tunities for other players to stand Oval in Canberra, yesterday. weekend’s finals. up in domestic cricket and stake “When I’m on a momentum, their claims.” when I’m on a roll, it’s gonna be SCOREBOARD “It’s a funny game isn’t it?” said a There were no changes to the difficult for bowlers out there to delighted Smith. “It looked like they CRICKET: INDIA IN batting contingent which per- actually try and contain me, it AUSTRALIA INDIA were cruising for a while there, but a AUSTRALIA formed strongly against a feeble doesn’t matter who you are,” he said D Warner b I Sharma 93 R Sharma c Wade b Richardson 41 couple of wickets always changes the West Indies attack in the recent 2-0 in a post-season interview with the A Finch c I Sharma b Yadav 107 S Dhawan c Bailey b Hastings 126 swing of things. home series win. That victory, cou- club, predicting further records. “We had a never say die attitude 93 in a huge opening stand of 187. Smith pled with South Africa’s home series M Marsh c Kohli b Yadav 33 V Kohli c Smith b Richardson 106 tonight, which is something I want to then smashed 51 off only 29 balls and loss to England, sets up Steve Smith S Smith c Singh b I Sharma 51 M S Dhoni c Wade b Hastings 0 instil in these guys. Glenn Maxwell 41 from 20 in a display (pictured) team’s bid to become G Maxwell c (sub-Pandey) b I Sharma 41 G Singh c (sub-S Marsh) b Lyon 5 “We worked incredibly hard to get of powerful shotmaking. No.1 again. G Bailey c R Sharma b I Sharma 10 R Jadeja (not out) 24 back into that game and when we got Warner brought up his 50 from “The fact that we can move back J Faulkner b Yadav 0 A Rahane c Smith b Richardson 2 a sniff we ran with it.” 46 balls with eight fours and one six. to the top of the ICC Rankings if we Dhoni said he took responsibility Finch was more sedate than his win the series is an added incentive M Wade (run out) 0 R Dhawan c Warner b Richardson 9

for the loss after failing to capitalise on partner, taking 61 balls for his half for us but the players will be hungry J Hastings (not out) 0 B Kumar c Smith b Richardson 2 the good start to the run chase. century, but began to pick up the pace to do well and we are anticipating Extras (LB-7 W-6) 13 U Yadav c Bailey b Marsh 2 “That’s what my job in the team soon afterwards. a tough but also, hopefully, a suc- Total (for 8 wkts in 50 overs) 348 I Sharma c Wade b Marsh 0 is, to finish off the games from that His innings was especially damag- cessful series,” Marsh said. Fall of wickets: 1-187, 2-221, 3-288, 4-298, Extras (W-5 NB-1) 6 type of position, but unfortunately I ing to umpire Richard Kettleborough, got out,” he said. who was hit on the shin by a power- 5-319, 6-319, 7-321, 8-348. Total (all out in 49.2 overs) 323 “There was a bit of pressure on the ful on-drive and had to be replaced AUSTRALIAN SQUAD Did not bat: K Richardson, N Lyon Fall of wickets: 1-65, 2-277, 3-277, 4-278, youngsters but I think certainly we in the middle by Paul Wilson. Bowling: Yadav 10-1-67-3 (2w); Kumar 8-0- 5-286, 6-294, 7-308, 8-311, 9-315, 10-323. should have done much better. After breaking the opening stand Steve Smith (capt) David Warner (vice- 69-0; I Sharma 10-0-77-4 (2w); Singh 3-0- Bowling: Lyon 10-0-76-1; Richardson 10-1- “The way we started was what we India took regular wickets to slow the capt), Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, 24-0; R Dhawan 9-0-53-0 (1w); Jadeja 10-0- 68-5; Hastings 10-0-50-2 (1w 1nb); Faulkner needed and the partnership between scoring down until Maxwell let rip in Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter 7-0-48-0 (1w); Marsh 9.2-0-55-2 (2w); Max- Nevill, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, 51-0 (1w). Shikhar and Virat was magnificent,” the last two overs to post a target that well 1-0-10-0 (1w); Smith 2-0-16-0. he said. eventually proved too much for the Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Chris Gayle Earlier, Finch made 107 and Warner visiting team. Bird, Shaun Marsh, Chadd Sayers. England aim to complete 3-0 triumph over SA

Reuters match-winning brilliance for Eng- runs in their second innings in Johan- CRICKET: ENGLAND IN land in this series. “The future of this nesburg to be beaten inside three days. SOUTH AFRICA team could turn into something spe- The obvious lack of confidence is cial,” said coach Trevor Bayliss in the exacerbated by uncertainty over De PRETORIA: England, with a series wake of the seven-wicket win at the Villiers’ own future in the Test arena win already secured, can complete Council rankings to India, are in a state Wanderers. as he seeks to lessen his workload to South Africa’s ignominious fall from of disarray, having switched captains A shell-shocked South Africa are set continue playing all formats of the the top of the rankings when the final mid-series and extended a winless to hand a debut to 33-year-old opener international game. Test of the four-match series starts at streak to nine Tests. Stephen Cook as they attempt to solve South Africa can only point to past Centurion Park in Pretoria tomorrow. The absence of injured key fast one of several problems in a side that statistics for a glimmer of sunshine. Dominant England went 2-0 up bowler Dale Steyn has not helped and last won a Test more than a year ago. Centurion Park has been their most after fast bowler Stuart Broad’s ven- he will again not play in the fourth Test, New captain AB de Villiers had successful home venue since it hosted emous spell set the platform for an having only contributed for just a sin- promised an aggressive and “in your its first Test 20 years ago. South Africa emphatic win in the third Test in gle innings at the start of the series in face” approach for his first game in have won 15 times, drawn three and England’s Stuart Broad (right) celebrates with Jos Buttler after the Johannesburg. Durban last month. charge after replacing Hashim Amla lost only to England in 2000 and Aus- In contrast their hosts, about to lose The likes of Broad, Joe Root but watched his team meekly fold as tralia in 2014 in 20 previous Tests at dismissal of Steven Smith of Australia during the fourth day of their top place in the International Cricket and Ben Stokes have all displayed they were skittled out for a paltry 83 the ground. first Ashes Test in Cardiff in this July 2015 file photo. SPORT THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 35

Chicago trounce Predators Durant shines as Thunder pip to make it a flawless dozen

Agencies Nuggets for fifth straight win NHL ROUND-UP

NEW YORK: Patrick Kane (pictured) Bruins 4, Canadiens 1 had a goal and an assist as Chicago Boston winger David Pastrnak Westbrook also stars notched their 12th straight win with had a goal and an assist to lift the a 4-1 victory over the Nashville Pred- Bruins to a 4-1 win over the Mon- as Kanter scores ators at Bridgestone Arena. treal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. season-high 25 points Goalie Corey Crawford bagged 38 Goaltender Tuukka Rask stopped saves for the Blackhawks (32-13-4), 38 shots for the Bruins (24-16-5), who in 110-104 victory in who won 11 in a row from February have now won three straight for the Denver 15 to March 6, 2013. In beating Nash- first time since mid-December. ville for the third time this season, Crawford came up with 16 stops in Lightning 6, Oilers 4 a busy third period. The Tampa Bay Lightning extended their season-high winning Agencies Rangers 3, Canucks 2 (overtime) streak to six games on Tuesday, get- JT Miller scored with 1:06 remain- ting a short-handed goal from Brian ing in overtime to give the New York Boyle in the third period on the way Rangers a come-from-behind 3-2 to beating the Edmonton Oilers 6-4 NEW YORK: Kevin Durant and Russell win over the Vancouver Canucks at at Amalie Arena. Westbrook each had a double-double, Madison Square Garden. Miller col- The Lightning (25-17-4) saw a while Enes Kanter scored a season-high lected his own rebound, swooped two-goal lead disappear in the third 25 points and grabbed eight rebounds, behind the net and beat Canucks goal- period, only to get it back on Boyle’s as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat tender Ryan Miller on a wraparound goal with 12:18 remaining. the Denver Nuggets 110-104. for the winner. “Enes did a really good job tonight,” Kings 3, Stars 2 Thunder coach Billy Donovan said of Capitals 6, Blue Jackets 3 Milan Lucic scored the go-ahead the centre. “He was really active on the The Washington Capitals scored goal early in the third period as the glass, he got a lot of offensive rebounds, four goals on their first nine shots and Los Angeles Kings defeated the Dal- he kept possessions alive, he scored, roared to a 6-3 victory over the woe- las Stars 3-2 at Staples Center. he did a lot of really good things.” ful Columbus Blue Jackets. Westbrook finished with 27 points Nicklas Backstrom scored two and 12 assists but fell short of his third goals, while Alex Ovechkin, Jason Chi- straight triple-double. The guard has mera, Marcus Johansson and Andre five this season and 24 in his career. Burakovsky also scored for the Cap- “They just wanted it more than itals, who have earned points in 17 of us,” Nuggets guard Will Barton said. their last 19 games (16-2-1). “They beat us on the offensive glass Kevin Durant (centre) of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates with his team-mates after scoring a point and were really being aggressive.” against the Denver Nuggets during their NBA game at Pepsi Center in Denver on Tuesday. Devils 4, Flames 2 Durant had 30 points and 12 Reid Boucher scored a goal and rebounds to help Oklahoma City win added an assist as the New Jersey their fifth straight. The Thunder won Durant and Westbrook had dou- 2-on-1s, stuff we can control, but for Devils beat the Calgary Flames 4-2 for the 20th time in 24 games despite ble-doubles before the end of the third NBA: THUNDER the most part we did a great job defen- at the Prudential Center. Adam Lars- shooting just 21 percent from three- quarter. The Thunder (31-12) trailed by CONTINUE FINE RUN sively,” Durant said. “We had 30 assists, son, Lee Stempniak and Andy Greene point range. five midway through the period but we rebounded the ball well.” scored for New Jersey, who improved Danilo Gallinari led Denver (16- led 84-79 entering the fourth. Durant had 16 points and seven to 23-19-5 with their second straight 26) with 27 points and Kenneth Faried The Thunder tried to pull away helping my team mates, get them open rebounds in the first half. win. had 17 and 15 rebounds but could not early in the fourth but Denver got within shots and fight for offensive rebounds,” Before the game, the Nuggets overcome Kanter’s big night. three and had a chance to cut the def- he said. announced they had signed general Maple Leafs 3, Flyers 2 NHL RESULTS “That guy gets 25 and eight icit to one but Kanter hit a fast-break The Nuggets cut the lead to five manager Tim Connelly and assistant The slumping Toronto Maple Leafs New Jersey 4 Calgary 2 (rebounds), four offensive rebounds dunk and a layup to make it 90-83. but a three-pointer by Durant and a GM Arturas Karnisovas to multi-year stunned the surging Philadelphia Fly- and some key plays and he does it Denver did close within three on driving dunk from Westbrook made contract extensions. ers by scoring with 7.5 seconds left in NY Rangers 3 Vancouver 2 on 10 of 14 shooting,” Nuggets coach two free throws by Will Barton but a it 104-95 with 1:58 left. Connelly, who also serves as the regulation to grab a 3-2 win at Wells Toronto 3 Philadelphia 2 Michael Malone said. free throw by Kanter, a three-point Denver had a chance to make it team’s executive vice president for bas- Fargo Center. Matt Hunwick whipped Washington 6 Columbus 3 “You know that Durant and West- play from Durant and a layup by Kanter a one-possession game in the final ketball operations, said the team “has a slap shot high past goaltender Steve Boston 4 Montreal 1 brook are going to get theirs, but when made it 96-97 with 5:08 left. Kanter minute but Westbrook stole a pass turned a corner” after a disappoint- Mason to win it as the Maple Leafs Tampa Bay 6 Edmonton 4 you allow a third scorer to get in the had two of his four offensive rebounds underneath and Kanter hit two free ing two years. (17-20-7), who entered with the NHL’s game, it makes it nearly impossible in the fourth. throws to stretch the lead to six. “There’s a bright light at the end fewest wins, halted a five-game los- Chicago 4 Nashville 1 to beat that team.” “My job is just going out there and “We made some plays, gave up of the tunnel,” he said. ing streak. Los Angeles 3 Dallas 2 Middleton boosts Bucks past Miami Heat

Agencies “I don’t like it,” Wade said of play- Things got even better for Milwau- ing the point. “Tyler is doing the best he NBA: MIAMI HEAT BITE kee in the third quarter as the Bucks can, but he is not a typical point guard. THE DUST went on an 18-2 run. Milwaukee led “At the right times, I’m cool with 75-57 after three quarters. NEW YORK: Milwaukee’s Khris Mid- playing the one (point) as long as we run Miami failed to challenge in the dleton scored 22 points – 20 more than the offense and the ball finds me back fourth quarter, falling to 8-10 in their Dwyane Wade – in the Bucks’ 91-79 somewhere. But it’s frustrating when rebounds, but the Heat are 6-8 at home past 18 games. victory over Miami on Tuesday at Amer- the ball doesn’t move back around.” against Eastern Conference teams this “We saw the same thing you saw ican Airlines Arena. Middleton praised the Bucks’ season. -- a pretty flat performance,” Spoel- Middleton’s presence helped defense, which held Miami to 36.5 Wade, playing with two sore shoul- stra said. Greg Monroe, who had 15 points and percent shooting from the floor. ders, scored two points one one-of-6 Bosh said the Heat took too many 10 rebounds, and forward Giannis “We challenged every shot,” Mid- shooting. Johnson scored three points quick shots. Antetokounmpo (14 points). dleton said. “We tried to make it difficult on 0-of-6 shooting. The two combined “We didn’t work their defense,” The Bucks have won five straight on them. Once we did that, we were for eight turnovers and minus-33. Bosh said. “It’s disappointing not liv- against the Heat, sweeping all four dangerous on the other end.” “We don’t want to make excuses,” ing up to our standards. games last season. There is no doubt Milwaukee (19-25) are 6-4 in Jan- Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said of “With young guys at the guard the Bucks’ height advantage -- they uary after winning their third straight the injuries. “That’s not even in our position, they have to learn. We have start a 6 feet, 6 inch point guard, two game, following losing months in mindset.” to toughen up. It’s not going to come 6-8 wings and two 6-11 players -- gives November (7-9) and December (6-10). Another injured Heat player was from an outside source.” Miami trouble. Miami (23-19), led by forward Gerald Green, who played despite right Meanwhile, Monta Ellis scored 20 “Khris is able to impact the game Chris Bosh’s 23 points, lost their sec- knee tendinitis. Green was held to six points, Paul George added 19 and the Khris Middleton in several ways,” Bucks interim coach ond straight game. points on two-of-10 shooting. Indiana Pacers snapped a three-game of the Milwaukee Joe Prunty said. Miami center Hassan Whiteside This was Miami’s first home game losing streak by outlasting the injury- Bucks drives “He is able to score and create shots added 23 points and a game-high 18 after a 2-4 road trip. After Tuesday, ravaged Phoenix Suns 97-94. during an NBA for others, making passes out of the the Heat leave again, this time for a Myles Turner contributed 15 points game against the double team.” NBA RESULTS five-game trip, and do not play in the and guard Joe Young had 11 off the Miami Heat at Miami were without their top two same city in consecutive games dur- bench for the Pacers, who hadn’t won Milwaukee 91 Miami 79 American Airlines point guards because of injuries -- ing a month-plus span. since beating the Suns 116-97 in Indi- Arena in Miami on Goran Dragic and Beno Udrih. That New Orleans 114 Minnesota 99 Perhaps that strain was felt in the ana on January 12. forced Wade to play more point guard first half as Miami trailed early. Mil- In other game, New Orleans Pel- Tuesday. Oklahoma City 110 Denver 104 along with emergency starter Tyler waukee led 19-18 after the first quarter icans beat Minnesota Timberwolves Indiana 97 Phoenix 94 Johnson. and 49-39 at halftime. with a 114-99 score-line. Rangers’ Yu Darvish under MLB investigation after brother’s arrest

Reuters best pitcher in Japanese baseball when 2015 season, said through the Wasser- North America and Japan. The report Investigations that examines any he dazzled North American fans with he signed with Texas in the year 2012, man Media Group. also said Osaka police have not accused issue related to the integrity of the his wide array of pitches, and quickly has denied any wrongdoing and said “I will not comment on this mat- the Japanese ace of any wrongdoing game and last November partnered became the ace of the Rangers staff, he has never been involved with gam- ter again out of respect for Major and that it is unclear whether any of with Sport Integrity Monitor, which posting a 39-25 record over three sea- NEW YORK: Major League Baseball bling activities. League Baseball’s investigation and I the bets were taken on games involv- monitors wagering-related data and sons before requiring elbow surgery said on Tuesday it is aware of the arrest “While I understand that Major am focused on preparing for the upcom- ing the Rangers. statistics on the league’s behalf. that scuttled his 2015 campaign. of Texas Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish’s League Baseball must conduct an ing season.” The news comes a day after the Darvish, 29, joined the Rangers in The Rangers did not have any com- brother over running an illegal gam- investigation, I am certain that they According to a report in The Japan tennis world was rocked following 2012 after six years with the Hokkaido ment on the Darvish matter but a report bling ring and has launched a probe will find that I had no involvement in Times, Darvish was being investigated reports that authorities had failed to Fighters, where he won the 2007 Eiji in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram said to see if there is any connection with this matter whatsoever,” Darvish, who in the wake of his brother Sho being deal with widespread match-fixing Sawamura Award as the best starting the team are not concerned that he its league. was the Rangers’ top pitcher until an charged last year for allegedly accepting in the sport. pitcher in Japanese baseball. is facing any punishment that would Darvish, who was considered the injury forced him to miss the entire bets on nearly 2,000 baseball games in MLB has a Department of After moving to the United States affect his availability in 2016. THURSDAY 21 JANUARY 2016 36 Jordan hold Australia, qualify for quarters

AFC U23 CHAMPIONSHIP FOOTBALL: AFC U23 Rajaei Ayed Fadel Hasan (left) of Jordan and Mustafa United Arab Emirates QUARTER-FINALS: CHAMPIONSHIP Amini of Australia vie for ball possession during their AFC and Jordan seal FIXTURES U23 Group D match at the Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha yesterday. Picture by: Salim/The Peninsula first and second January 22 Brilliante was reduced to trying places from Group Japan vs Iran - his luck from long range in the 34th Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium minute, only to see his shot go well D of the AFC U23 Qatar vs DPR Korea - over the bar. Championship Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Jordan upped the tempo as the January 23 end of the half drew near, with Baha Korea Republic vs Jordan - Faisal seeing his effort deflected wide Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium off Burgess while Lennox dropped to The Peninsula save Omar Maanasrah’s attempt in the United Arab Emirates vs Iraq - Grand Hamad Stadium final minute of play. The Jordanians had a more lively start to the second half, with Ahmad DOHA: Jordan will meet Korea Repub- Mahmoud Al Mardi took Saleh Rat- Hisham forcing Lennox to push his lic in the quarter-finals of the AFC U23 ib’s place. shot from range around the post in the Championship after a 0-0 draw with Australia, meanwhile, switched 50th minute and, eight minutes later, Australia yesterday evening took Jamal four from the team that handed Viet- Eshan Haddad tried to flick the ball Ahmad’s side into the last eight at the nam a 2-0 defeat on Match day Two, towards goal, only to see his unorthodox expense of the Olyroos. with Cameron Burgess, Joshua Bril- attempt go straight to the goalkeeper. The draw means Jordan finish in liante, goalkeeper Aaron Lennox and Second half substitute Hoole was second place in Group D behind the Stefan Mauk coming in at the expense frustrated when his 66th minute United Arab Emirates, who took top of Jack Duncan, Thomas Deng, Ryan attempt was blocked inside the area spot thanks to a 3-2 win over Viet- Edwards and Andrew Hoole. as the Australians failed to break down nam in the other game in the group. With a draw good enough to take the Jordan defence at a succession of Saleh Ibrahim should have won the the crossbar and Jordan took the point in Group D yesterday, the quarter-final Jordan coach Jamal Ahmad made them through to the quarter-finals, set-pieces. game for Jordan, only to shoot wide required to advance at the expense of line-up for the AFC U23 Championship two changes to the team that drew 0-0 the Jordanians sought to strangle the Rajaei Ayed pulled the trigger on his with just Lennox to beat. Vidmar’s team and keep the country’s Qatar 2016 is now known the quali- with the United Arab Emirates in their life out of the game from the very first long-range attempt in the 73rd minute, Jamie MacLaren almost won the Olympic dream alive. fied teams are: Qatar, Iran, Japan, DPR previous game, replacing Yousef Raed whistle and it was a tactic that limited only for the shot to go over the bar game right at the end for Australia, With the United Arab Emirates and Korea, Korea Republic, Iraq, United with Mohannad Al Souliman while Australia’s goal scoring opportunities. while four minutes into injury time but his looping effort came back off Jordan sealing first and second places Arab Emirates and Jordan. Qatar promises fight in Friendly Marmi festival sees Cup series against Saudi Arabia huge visitors turnout The Peninsula The festival goers appreciated the preparation and the warm hospital- By Fawad Hussain ity of the organisers. The Peninsula DOHA: Amid significant turnout of They said that competitors per- nationals, expatriates and tourists, formed well and we enjoyed these the activities of seventh International activities. Thay visit to this festival DOHA: Qatari cricket teams have Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi comes with memorable moments promised a feisty performance as Festival) continues at Sealine Sab- of thrill and enthusiasm for this they host Saudi Arabia in the three- khat al Marmi. renowned sport and they had the match Friendly Cup at the Asian Town The Seventh Qatar Interna- opportunity to get to know the culture Cricket Stadium in Doha. tional Falcons and Hunting festival, and traditions of the Qatari society. The Saudi Arabian team arrives launched under the patronage of On the side of the festival, there this morning for the event featuring H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin was a cultural aspect that was man- two Twenty20 and a one-day match. Khalifa Al Thani will continue till ifested in handicrafts, hunting gear, The series starts today, QCA Secre- the end of this month. camping, and traditional erected tents. tary General Manzoor Ahmed said. Sabkhat al Marmi of Sealine, has These items reflected the older The Friendly Cup starts with a been the favourite destination for vis- lifestyle of Qataris along with dates twenty20 game this evening followed itors From all regions of the country and Arab coffee with its aromatic by a one-day game (tomorrow) with the during the weekend since the activ- ingredients for which Arabia is known. last Twenty20 to be played on Saturday. ities of falcon festival have started The festival activities will continue “It’s a great initiative by the Qatar earlier this month. till January end. Cricket Association (QCA) as it will boost the game in both the countries,” Qatar’s one-day captain Inam-ul Haq said on the eve of the start of Friendly Cup. “Teams from both the countries have been craving for high-class cricket since a long while and it’s an oppor- tunity for both the sides to show the mettle.” A view of the Asian Town Cricket Stadium which will host the Friendly Cup between Qatar and Saudi The one-day captain said his team would go all out for victory against Arabia starting today. the visitors. “We have a balanced side. The play- ers are in good form and eager to do for the game in the region. These coun- expect loads of sixes and bounda- entrance in the stadium during the well against Saudi Arabia,” said Haq, tries have huge talent and if this idea ries during these matches. Friendly Cup matches. an experienced first-class cricketer. materialises, it would showcase the “We have been practising well “The QCA took a good step by “We are looking to improve in talent, present in the GCC countries,” for these two matches. Most of our making free entry for the fans. These the ICC (International Cricket Coun- he added. batsmen have a very good potential matches will be fun-filled and the fans cil) rankings and taking this event as Meanwhile, Qatari Twenty20 in hitting,” he said. must attend all the games,” said Malik. a first step towards our progress.” captain Awais Malik vowed an action- “We have not played Saudi Arabia The match today starts at 6:00pm Haq also lauded the QCA’s pro- packed Twenty20 games during the before but all the players are upbeat while tomorrow’s match will start at posal to initiate cricket Gulf Cup for Friendly Cup. about the victory.” 2:00pm. Spectators watching the seventh International Falcons and Hunting the GCC countries. “This format is about the crash, Malik added that cricket fans The final game on Saturday will “It would be a huge breakthrough bang and wallop and the fans can should avail the opportunity of free start at 9:00am. Festival (Marmi Festival) at the Sealine Sabkhat al Marmi. EurAsia Cup stars set for Commercial Bank Qatar Masters

DOHA: Former champion Chris Wood global headlines when he finished because I had to miss it last year season-ending DP World Tour Cham- above ninth for once! I started to is among six of Europe’s victorious fifth at the 2008 Open Champion- because of my wrist injury. I’ve pionship, Dubai. play better at the end of last year, so EurAsia Cup team confirmed to com- ship as a 20-year-old amateur before been playing well since returning Dubuisson, 25, will return to I want to continue this way in Doha,” pete in the $2.5m Commercial Bank underlining his huge potential by fin- from injury and I was really happy Doha with confidence, having tied Dubuisson said. Qatar Masters, which will be held at ishing joint third the following year. In to win in Austria, which showed me for ninth for three straight years, from Hassan Al Nuaimi, President of Doha Golf Club from January 27 to 30. January 2013, his victory at the Com- that I could win again,” Wood said. 2011 to 2013. The French star is the the Qatar Golf Association, said: “We Wood, 28, and fellow Englishman mercial Bank Qatar Masters prompted “I’ve played really consistently only European player to have played are always proud to welcome back Matt Fitzpatrick, 21, will be joined in an emotional reaction as he celebrated since then and was proud to earn my in both EurAsia Cups, while he also former champions to the Commer- Doha by EurAsia Cup team-mates his first European Tour title. place on the EurAsia Cup team. Now played in the victorious 2014 Ryder cial Bank Qatar Masters and Chris Victor Dubuisson of France, Bernd After a winless 2014 season that I’m looking forward to going back to Cup campaign. Wood is a particular favourite after Wiesberger of Austria, Søren Kjeldsen ended prematurely in November due Doha, as it’s a course I can do well on Dubuisson underlined his reputa- winning in such dramatic style three of Denmark and Kristoffer Broberg to a wrist injury, Wood bounced back and I’m playing well enough to have tion as one of the continent’s leading years ago. He also remains the only of Sweden. last year. He secured his second title another run at the trophy. Winning lights with his victory at November’s English winner of the event. Previous winners Henrik Sten- in Austria in June and had seven other there remains one of the highlights Turkish Airlines Open, which helped “We are delighted to welcome son (2006), Sergio Garcia (2014) and top-10 finishes on The European Tour of my career.” him finish 11th on The Race to Dubai Chris and five of his EurAsia Cup Branden Grace (2015), 2010 Open – including four in a row from early Fitzpatrick will also be one to and boosted his confidence for the teammates, especially as many of Champion Louis Oosthuizen and October – to finish 17th on The Race watch after a stunning European new season. these players are aiming to qualify reigning US Amateur champion Bry- to Dubai and secure a place in Darren Tour rookie campaign that featured “I am glad to be returning to the for the Ryder Cup later this year, so Former Qatar Masters champion Chris son DeChambeau have already been Clarke’s EurAsia Cup team. a memorable win at October’s British Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, it’s a chance for our fans to see gen- announced. “I’m really happy to return to the Masters, one runner-up, four thirds as I’ve been very consistent here, uine rising stars at the beginning of Wood with the trophy in this file picture. The towering Wood first made Commercial Bank Qatar Masters and a tie for fourth at November’s although it would be nice to finish an exciting season.”