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Monday 1 April 2013 20 Jumada I 1434 - Volume 18 Number 5656 Price: QR2

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Business | 17 Sport | 28

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Relatives of New airport opening Qatari held in postponed DOHA: The opening of Hamad International Airport (HIA), which was UAE in despair scheduled for 12.20am today, has been cancelled. The last- minute cancellation of the much-publicised event fol- A month on, no contact with family lowed a directive from the Civil Defence Department. DOHA: The family of a supposed to be left the airport, In a late-night announce- 52-year-old Qatari medical doc- we were concerned…We called the ment Abdulaziz Al Noaimi, the tor who was arrested at Dubai office of Qatar Airways to know Chairman of the New Doha airport on his way to Doha from the reason. They told us that my International Airport (NDIA) Bangkok late last February is father did not board the flight Steering Committee said yes- in deep agony as he remains from Dubai.” terday they were forced to put untraced even a month after his “We tried to call him on his off the April 1 inauguration as detention. mobile phone but that was the airport did not meet the The family’s agony is deepen- switched off. When we called the newly introduced safety and ing as it has no clue as to why Qatari Consulate in Dubai they security requirements man- its lone bread-winner was taken informed us that our father had dated by the Civil Defence into custody. been detained at Dubai Airport Department. Dr Mahmoud Abdurrahman and was taken to Abu Dhabi The inauguration of the Al Jaida, who works in the state airport.” new airport will be held on energy sector here, was taken Abdurrahman said they another date. The date will be into custody at Dubai airport approached the authorities announced shortly, Al Noaimi when he was heading to Doha concerned in Doha pleading for said in a brief statement. from Bangkok. help. “They told us our father “The NDIA Steering He has eight children, besides would be back within three Committee commends the his wife, and one of his sons told days so there was no need to The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani with Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai in Doha yesterday. efforts of the Ministry of Al Sharq they were having a har- worry.” Talks were held at the Emiri Diwan and the Emir hosted a luncheon banquet in honour of Karzai. Interior represented by the rowing time since there was no According to him, three days Department of Civil Defence clue about their father even as lapsed and yet there was no trace for their commitment to more than a month had lapsed of their father. Afghan minerals worth up to $13trn raising standards of safety since he was arrested at Dubai “We contacted the authorities and security in Qatar. The airport on February 26. again and they told us that he Hamad International Airport “Our father had travelled to was under custody and was under DOHA: The US Geological lucrative investment opportuni- “Afghanistan is ready to project has been completed Thailand to see his brother who investigation but they claimed Survey believes that ties in different sectors, promi- welcome you with open arms. by a number of international was under medical treatment they did not know why he was Afghanistan sits over mineral nent among them being mining Investment in any sector will give contractors who have super- there. When he was return- detained,” said Abdurrahman. resources and gold deposits and quarrying, power generation, you good returns,” said the presi- vised the system readiness of ing from Bangkok to Qatar he Since he was arrested on worth $3trn to $13trn, accord- cement production, housing and dent, albeit adding that power the airport and have already was arrested at Dubai airport,” February 26, Mahmoud called his ing to the country’s visiting hospitality industries as well as generation and housing were issued international certifi- Mahmoud’s son, Abdurrahman Al family only once. President Hamid Karzai. aviation. the two key areas that promised cates in the domain of safety Jaida, aid. He talked to his wife on the Unbelievably, vast treasures of A number of Qatari business- instant returns. and security”, he added. He said they were in fact phone barely for three min- oil and gas, gold, precious stones men showed a keen interest in China was the first country to As per the original sched- waiting for their father at the utes. He hasn’t called back — including ruby — and other investing in the mining sector invest in Afghanistan — in copper ule, the national carrier Qatar Doha International Airport on after that. valuable minerals remain buried of Afghanistan, particularly, but mining with their stake totalling Airways was supposed to February 26 and when he did not “We are in deep agony. We under the rugged terrains of the expressed concern over the secu- a massive $4.5bn. arrive at the HIA at 12.20am arrive, they made an enquiry with don’t even know why he has been war-ravaged country. rity situation there. Karzai, how- But India surpassed China in the wee hours of today. Qatar Airways. arrested and when he would be Addressing elite Qatari busi- ever, told them his country was with a total investment of $11bn, THE PENINSULA “When every passenger of the back with us,” said the son. nessmen here on Saturday, Karzai safe and secure and there was no Karzai added. THE PENINSULA Continued on page 7 flight in which my father was THE PENINSULA said his country offered huge and need for concern. See also page 17

Morocco protest Nine arrested Qatar budgets QR200bn for doctoring expiry dates for public spending DOHA: Nine persons were DOHA: Qatar hopes to ear- growth of the non-energy sector arrested on charges of altering mark more than QR200bn and create a balance in the state’s expiry dates on large stocks of (about $55bn) for public spend- revenue sources. consumer and beauty products. ing in its budgetary estimates Increased spending on infra- It is suspected that the Asian for the current fiscal year (2013- structure development in every and Arab expats were doctoring 14) that begins from today and budget year after year reflects a the expiry dates of the items that lasts until March 31, 2014. welcome shift in Qatar’s economic included foodstuff, for sale. The budgetary outlay for spend- policy and will make the economy The arrests were made from ing in the previous budget (2012- more reliant on the non-hydro- the premises of a private com- 13) was QR178bn ($48.76bn). carbons sector. pany. Acting on a tip-off, the The current budget is to be It will eventually lead to a fair police caught them red-handed, based on an oil price of $65 per reduction in Qatar’s depend- a news item posted on the website barrel — unchanged from the pre- ence on oil and gas and bol- of the Ministry of Interior says. vious financial year. ster the non-energy sector, Al The police, after being tipped The conservative crude price of Ibrahim said. “We are making off, confirmed whether the infor- $65 per barrel is to make sure that the change…The impact of such mation was authentic. the budgetary outlay in the cur- spending will be visible over the Once the information was con- rent budget for spending on infra- long-term…You will see the ben- firmed, the police sought permis- structure development projects is efits in future,” he added when told sion from the Public Prosecution covered. Dr Ibrahim Al Ibrahim, that the private sector had been to conduct a raid on the premises. Economic Advisor at the Emiri complaining that there was so The facility was raided Diwan, told local Arabic daily much talk of mega projects being together with inspectors from the Al Arab that increased allocations launched but nothing was being felt Consumer Protection Department for public spending in successive on the ground. THE PENINSULA (CPD) of the Ministry of Business Protesters shout slogans at a demonstration for “rights and liberties” and to denounce the government’s annual budgets were to ensure the Continued on page 2 and Trade, the state-run con- policy in Rabat, Morocco, yesterday. sumer rights watchdog. Police recovered huge quan- tities of expired goods and arrested nine individuals who Fierce fighting in Aleppo Five kids killed in fire Pope prays for Syria peace Egyptian satirist freed were printing new expiry dates on the products. BEIRUT: Fierce fighting between Syrian LILLE, France: Five children between VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis prayed CAIRO: Egyptian satirist Bassem The goods were to be sold to rebels and regime forces has sparked the ages of two and 10 died when a for a “political solution” in Syria and for Youssef was released on bail yesterday shopping centres. an exodus of residents from the Sheikh fire ravaged their home in northern “reconciliation” on the Korean penin- after nearly five hours of questioning over The police also seized several Maqsud district of the northern city of France overnight while staying with sula in his first Easter Sunday message alleged insults to the president and reli- stamps and other equipment Aleppo, a watchdog group said yesterday. their divorced father who was seriously in front of a crowd in St Peter’s Square. gion, highlighting concerns over freedom being used to print new expiry “The Sheikh Maqsud neighbourhood has burned trying to save them, officials said Latin America’s first pontiff also con- of expression in post-revolt Egypt. On dates on the products. seen a major exodus,” Syrian Observatory yesterday. demned human trafficking. Twitter, Youssef confirmed the bail condi- THE PENINSULA for Human Rights said. Full report on page 10 Full report on page 11 Full report on page 11 tions. Full report on page 10 MONDAY 1 APRIL 2013 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME 15,000 Nato troops to stay: Karzai Afghan president concludes two-day visit to Qatar; talks on Taliban office held DOHA: Over 15,000 Nato- He assured security of invest- led US and allied troops in ments and said since troops are Afghanistan will continue to going to stay in the country even remain in five bases in the after 2014, there will be no prob- country even after 2014 troop lem of security or instability. withdrawal, Afghanistan’s “We are negotiating with the President, Hamid Karzai, said US and Nato. With the US we yesterday. have our direct negotiations, and The Afghan government is with all other 10 countries, Nato negotiating with Washington and is representing them and talk- other 10 Nato members, Karzai ing to us. told reporters. “So the future of the coun- Karzai, who was on a two- try is guaranteed. And we have day visit to Qatar to discuss the equally good relations with Taliban office in Doha, said: “The India, China and Russia,” Karzai US and Europe are negotiating added. with us. He highlighted some of the “After 2014, they will stay; achievements his government they are not leaving. They want has made over the last 10 years by at least five bases in different quoting statistics related to econ- parts of Afghanistan, from the omy and human development. north to the western part of the He said the number of school country.” students had risen from 500,000 The president said that right to 20 million during the last 10 now there are 150,000 Nato-led years, and more than 100,000 troops in Afghanistan, and after students had graduated this 2014, there will be nearly 15,000 year to enrol in more than 20 of them staying in five stations in universities. the country. “Over the last 10 years the The president was speaking at country has been witnessing tre- a meeting hosted by the Qatari mendous growth in all sectors of Businessmen’s Association (QBA) the economy. to attract Qatari investment in “Ten years ago there were the resource- and mineral-rich no mobile phone users in Afghanistan. Afghanistan, but today, we have Replying to concerns about the four mobile phone service provid- security situation in Afghanistan, ing companies with over 19 mil- the president said: lion subscribers,” said Karzai. “The country is very safe On the income and output of and secure. We have the largest the country, he said 10 years ago Dr Sheikh Khalid bin Thani Al Thani, Second Deputy Chairman of Qatari Businessmen’s Association, welcomes Afghan President Dr Hamid Karzai. investments from India, China Afghanistan’s gross domestic and Japan, and over the last 10 product was only $2bn, which has The meeting was attended Ali bin Abdullah bin Thani Second Deputy Chairman of QBA, Chamber of Qatar and other dis- years no investment has suffered now grown to $22bn, taking the by Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Al Thani, member, Dr Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Towar tinguished guests. at all.” per capita income to $1,000. Thani, Chairman of QBA, Sheikh Khalid bin Thani Al Thani, Al Kuwari, Vice Chairman of the THE PENINSULA

International carpet exhibition from today LNG output increase Continued from page 1

DOHA: More than 55 of the larg- leading producers of handmade Qatari market with regard to the art and other things of value. Asked if the projects for the coveted FIFA 2022 World est manufacturers and distribu- carpets. There is also a huge pres- carpet industry. A highlight of the seven-day exhi- Cup could be financed with the revenues during the cur- tors of carpets in the Middle East ence of carpet manufacturers from “QCarpet is the only exhibition in bition is live demonstrations by some rent fiscal year, the Adviser said revenues generated from are showcasing their products other countries including Turkey, Qatar dedicated to the carpet indus- companies on the intricate process the energy and industry sectors should suffice to implement at the week-long third Qatar Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Egypt try offering various types of carpets of carpet weaving. Qatar Chamber those ventures. International Carpet Exhibition and Syria, among others. across all levels. With the high turn- Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim About the existing moratorium on gas production, he said (QCarpet 2013) which opens today Jaber AI Mansouri, Chief out of exhibitors, the third edition bin Mohammed Al Thani will offi- feasibility studies were being conducted and a decision about at the Doha Exhibition Centre. Executive Officer of Maraya Public maintains its standards buoyed by cially launch the exhibition today. whether to increase the production (of liquefied natural Occupying an area of 5,000sqm, Relations, organizer of the exhibi- the country’s strong market and QCarpet 2013 is open to the public gas—LNG) or not will be taken only in 2015. the exhibition features the big- tion, said the huge turnout of par- people’s passion to buy carpets,” said until Sunday from 10am to 10pm at As for crude production, Al Ibrahim said that could be gest carpet companies, more than ticipants on this year’s edition of the Al Mansouri, adding Qataris have the Doha Exhibition Centre. raised as and when it is felt necessary. half of which are from Iran, the event reflects the strength of the superior taste for carpets, antiques, THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA UCQ students promote helmet safety awareness

VCU-Q folk tales project wins third place in research contest DOHA: Virginia Commonwealth University in its ability to make a substantial contribution to the Qatar’s (VCUQ) research project ‘Orality to development of research in Qatar and beyond,” said Image: Traditional Qatari Narratives and Visual Paine Gibbons, Professor of English and Assistant Media’, funded through the Undergraduate Director of Liberal Arts and Sciences, on receiv- Research Experience Program (UREP) grant by ing the award. Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) came in The tales were collected, transcribed into Arabic Students use egg to explain helmet safety. third at QNRF’s fifth UREP Competition. and translated in English by QU students. The The project, awarded the grant in 2011, aimed to tales were then illustrated by VCU-Q students. The DOHA: A survey that produced states Paul Al Nuaimi one of six Hamad EMS personnel, preserve and re-present traditional Qatari culture illustrated stories were collected in a 260-page book grim results led to a helmet UCQ students that organised the Aspire Sports Academy staff by adapting cross-generational oral narratives (folk for readers interested in Qatari culture in general safety awareness campaign by campaign. and a Skate Shack a helmet tales) into text and graphic form. and young adult readers in particular. University of Calgary — Qatar Linda Oliver, DeBakey Principal supplier also participated in the It was inter-institutionally collaborative, involv- The book was published by Berkshire Academic (UCQ) students. The campaign applauded the UCQ students for campaign. ing faculty and students from Qatar University Press, and released earlier this year. UREP had 88 was staged at DeBakey High organising the event. “I know for “I think this is such a wonderful (QU) and VCUQ, and inter-disciplinary, encom- projects from post-secondary institutions across School for Health Professions a fact, there are so many head opportunity for our students, with passing humanities and the arts. Qatar, nominated for the contest, and ‘Orality to – Qatar. injuries, trauma cases, students the University of Calgary — Qatar “We’re incredibly honoured to receive this rec- Image’ was among the five projects selected to “We surveyed 60 students at falling off their bikes without pro- putting on this program with the ognition. The book, The Donkey Lady and Other be presented to a panel of judges at the QNRF DeBakey, asking whether anyone tection. These are injuries that help of Aspire, and Hamad EMS; Tales from the Arabian Gulf, that resulted from Event Hall in Tornado Tower. VCU-Q students Al had educated them about helmet are going to change their lives we have had such good, informa- this project, represents the hard work and creativ- Hussein Wanas and Felicity Ulmer presented the safety, 50 students said no. Many forever. So, the students need tive group of nurses providing this ity of the entire VCU-Q community. It also high- project at the contest. of them were also not aware to know how important it is to service to our students,” Oliver lights the importance of the arts and design, and THE PENINSULA that there was a helmet law in protect themselves, while they’re added. Qatar that carries a QR300 fine,” having fun.” THE PENINSULA MONDAY 1 APRIL 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Aljazeera festival to showcase 205 films Ninth edition opens on April 18 at Sheraton Doha Hotel

DOHA: A total of 205 films Award will receive QR15,000, from 33 countries will vie for while the runner-up will receive top awards at the ninth Aljazeera QR10,000. International Documentary Film “The Aljazeera Documentary Festival from April 18 to 21 at Channel, the Public Liberties Sheraton Doha Hotel. and Human Rights Section and Entries include 23 long, 82 the Aljazeera Children’s Channel medium and 53 short films, 36 will offer prizes to all categories new horizon films and 11 promis- as follows: QR40,000 for the win- ing films which will be viewed and ning film in the long category, evaluated by a 15-member panel QR30,000 in the medium cat- of judges from Arab and non-Arab egory and QR20,000 in the short countries. category,” said Festival Director They include Ana Maria Abbas Aranaout. Leyaristi (Spain), Chao Gan The festival has received 1,392 (China), Dr Amal El Gamal entry forms from 90 countries of (Egypt), Dr Kahlid Hroub (the which 33 will be participating. UK), Dr Marzook Bashir Ben The participating coun- Marzook (Qatar), Giulia Amati tries include Qatar, Jordan, (France), Gulbara Tolomushova Austria, Bangladesh, Bosnia (Kyrgyzstan), Dr Habib Nasry and Herzegovina, Canada, Cuba, (Morocco), Hady Zaccak Egypt, France, Holland, India, (Lebanon), Sergio Trefaut Indonesia, Iran, Bolivia, Italy, Festival Director Abbas Aranaout (Portugal) and Dr Yusuf Kaplan Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, Norway, (Turkey) and others. Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, Organised under the aus- Switzerland, Turkey, the United pices of Sheikh Hamad bin categories, with cash prizes Kingdom, the United States, Thamer Al Thani, Chairman of of QR50,000, QR40,000 and Yemen and Latvia. Aljazeera Board, this year’s fes- QR30,000. Mozambique and Cyprus are tival under the theme ‘Windows’ Jury Award winners will receive participating for the first time. will open with the Chinese film QR25,000 for long, QR20,000 for China has a distinguished pres- Appointment. medium and QR15,000 for short ence with 33 films in all categories The festival chooses win- films. of the competition. ners in long, medium and short The winner of the New Horizon THE PENINSULA

Interior Ministry wins Golden Order of Merit DOHA: The Ministry of of appreciation were received the society, including citizens and Interior has won the Golden by Colonel Abdullah Khalifa Al residents, and in particular, peo- Order of Merit in the field of Muftah, Director at the ministry, ple with special needs. social responsibility for 2013. in Dubai. Colonel Al Muftah stressed It was presented by the The award is in recognition of that the award will serve as a Academy of Excellence Awards the ministry’s efforts to promote catalyst for exerting more efforts in the Arab region. social responsibility and commu- in the area. The medal and a certificate nication in various categories of QNA MONDAY 1 APRIL 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Girls like to play football, but parents discourage Qatar has lots of talented girls, says German coach of the national women team

BY AZMAT HAROON The former German football man- ager has won four German champion- DOHA: An increasing number of ships and five German cups, in addition Qatari girls want to take up football to the 2002 Union of European Football as a sport but a major challenge lying Association (UEFA) Cup as head coach ahead of them is the lack of support of FFC Frankfurt. from their parents. Stabb, the UEFA Pro-License coach, Qatar’s women football squad cur- noted that Qatar is the only country in rently has some 50 girls in training, the region that plays proper women’s 30 of whom were selected over the league matches every week. last two weeks for the Asian Football The Qatar Women’s League (QWL) Confederation (AFC) Under-14 Girls comprises seven teams, including Regional Championship, which takes Lekhwiya, Al Kharaitiyat, Al Arabi, Qatar off tomorrow at the Al Arabi Sports Sports Club, Al Rayyan, Al Khor and Al Club. Sadd. This figure could have been larger The league holds matches every had it not been for the discouragement Tuesday and Wednesday. The clubs are of Qatari parents, according to Monica required to have 50 percent of Qatari Stabb, the national women’s football players. coach. She pointed out that during the selec- “Over the past two weeks, we went to tion process many girls were in tears all the local schools for selection of girls. because their mother or father did not We had a lot of talented girls but unfor- allow them to play. tunately, many parents did not allow “It’s sad because I feel we take away their girls to play the game,” Stabb told something from the girls. Football gives reporters at a press conference during you motivation. It can change you as a the launch of the AFC U-14 Regional person,” Stabb, who joined FIFA as an Championship here yesterday. adviser for women’s football in 2006, said.

Jordan’s coach and team captain during the press conference at the Holiday Villa, yesterday. SHAIVAL DALAL

Despite the labeling of football as a of women are playing it all over the world. the team is very young at this stage. sport too ‘rough’ for girls, some 30 million “Some people used to complain that “The (Qatar) national team was you’re not covered when playing football formed in 2009, which means they’re but nowadays girls cover themselves a very young squad compared to men. and still play the game,” Stabb argued. There are some 160 years of football and She plans to start the U-12 and U-14 we only have four years of experience,” matches at the club level to give girls Stabb explained. as well as their parents the feel of the “I’m looking at a five to seven years sport at an early stage. program where the Under 17 team will “We want to start with young girls. be in a position to compete in the AFC They can play in a league among them- championship. I think it’s a good target,” selves. This is my idea, I don’t know if she added. we’ll be able to do it next year,” she said, The national team will attend training adding that initially the league can be camps this summer in Germany, followed with eight players. by a tournament which will be played in Speaking about the strength of Geneva, Switzerland. Qatar’s national team, Stabb said that THE PENINSULA

DCMF plans cartoon contest to mark World Press Freedom Day DOHA: To mark the World Press Freedom Day on May 3, Doha Centre for Media Freedom (DCMF) will organise its inaugural DCMF World Press Freedom Cartoon Contest. The centre is looking forward to receiving cartoons from artists from all over the world, depicting the theme of Media Freedom. May 3 was declared World Press Freedom Day by the UN General Assembly In 1993, and each year it serves as a reminder of the difficulties faced by journalists and members of the media around the world. Cartoons can often express stories, news and opinions more clearly than words, and at times of conflict, car- toonists and artists are regularly among the first to be silenced. For World Press Freedom Day in 2013, Doha Centre for Media Freedom would like to honor the brav- ery and creativity of courageous cartoonists and journal- ists who use their work to battle against restrictions imposed on the media and society in general. To this end, DCMF has launched its inaugural DCMF World Press Freedom Cartoon Competition, and looks forward to seeing how cartoonists around the world depict issues related to media freedom. The criteria refers to the theme, which is Media Freedom, so the cartoons must capture any major events related to media freedom in 2012-2013. This compe- tition is open to cartoon- ists from all over the world but participants must be aged 18 and over. Each participant can contribute only one car- toon to the competition and any text written on the cartoon should be translated into English or Arabic. Cartoons can be either black and white or in colour and only original work will be accepted. All submissions must include the name, email address, telephone number and a brief biography of the cartoonist and only still cartoons will be accepted, among other criteria marked by DCMF. A jury of five members, including award-winning cartoonists, will be pre- sided over by the Director of Doha Centre for Media Freedom, Jan Keulen. Cash prizes of $1,500, $1,000 and $800 will be awarded to the three top-placed car- toons on May 3. Selected cartoons will be exhibited during the World Press Freedom Day celebrations. THE PENINSULA

MONDAY 1 APRIL 2013 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Khalid Abdullah Al Sulaiteen, Co-Chairman of the Steering Committee of Qatar Career Fair (QCF); and Abdullah Ahmed Al Mansoori, Director, at the press meet to announce the results and successes of QCF 2012. RIGHT: Preparations in progress for the career fair. SALIM MATRAMKOT Nine firms excluded from career fair Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani inaugurates the fair at QNCC today

BY FAZEENA SALEEM conference held to announce results terms of the number and cal- sector, with 44 percent. with varying experiences, from 9pm today. On all other days of QCF 2012, at Qatar National iber of companies participat- The fair will feature over 145 entry-level graduates to quali- until Saturday, it will be open DOHA: The Heir Apparent H Convention Centre. ing across the key sectors”, he public and private institutions, fied and experienced profes- between 9am and 9pm. A special H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Through Qatar Career Fair 2012, a added. which will offer extensive train- sionals. Younger applicants are day for women only will be held Thani will inaugurate Qatar Career total of 9,290 opportunities were ful- Qatar Career Fair 2012 has ing and recruitment opportuni- encouraged to apply for intern- on Thursday from 9am to 4pm. Fair 2013 at the Qatar National filled across the education, employ- also provided 142 education, ties to Qataris to improve their ships and entry-level positions Qatar Career Fair is sponsored Convention Centre (QNCC) today. ment, training and development employment, training and devel- skills and help the country to develop necessary expertise by Qatar Foundation, the Amiri The six-day recruitment event categories in the key sectors and 47 opment opportunities for people achieve its development goals. for the jobs market. Diwan, Qatar Petroleum, Qatar exclusively for Qataris will run percent were employment opportu- with special needs, with a high- Employment opportuni- The fair will open its doors University and the Ministry of until April 6. nities in the government sector. In est number in the government ties will be open to nationals to the public from 12 noon to Labour. THE PENINSULA The annual event has excluded 2011 only 5,560 job opportunities were nine companies this year which given by all sectors. failed to disclose results of their According to 2012 results the previous year’s participation. Government sector has given 3,645 The event implemented strict opportunities for Qataris. This was More companies announce opportunities rules for exhibitors to submit details closely followed by the Education, about their recruitments, training Health and Sports sectors, which DOHA: As Qatar Career Fair nationals. The national airline and make better informed in the industry. and development programmes and offered 3,465 opportunities. 2013 opens its doors today at said it was offering positions career choices. Fawzi Al Ajji, Head of allowed exhibitors to register only The Energy and Industry sector Qatar National Convention across the business including DFI will be rolling out Qatarization at Maersk Oil if they had disclosed results of their has recruited 1,550 Qataris, while Centre, many government its subsidiaries and the country’s three internship programmes, Qatar commented, “Careers last year’s participation. the Business and Finance sector has and private institutions have new aviation gateway — Hamad Dedicated Internships, in this field are highly reward- A total of 127 companies out of 136 hired 605 people. announced the opportuni- International Airport. Rotational Internships and ing and provide wonder- companies, approximately 93 percent “Although this points towards a ties which they have for young A three-fold increase on last Shadowing, which will be avail- ful long-term opportunities. that participated in last year’s fair, general upward trend in terms of Qataris. Rashid Al Naimi, year’s offering, the new positions able to all students across a Nevertheless, there remains a has disclosed their results. year on year growth, these findings Qatar Foundation’s Vice are available in different fields wide range of disciplines and shortage of Qatari graduates “Nine companies were excluded are based solely on the number of President of Administration including commercial, finance, interests including Marketing, choosing and succeeding in this year, seven of them did not companies that have accurately sub- said, “Qatar Foundation’s par- operations, administration, Communications, Information this career path due to a lack of even apply to participate in the fair mitted their results, which vary each ticipation in Qatar Career human resources, marketing, Technology, Event Production, technical or industrial knowl- and two applications were rejected,” year,” said Al Mansoori. Fair is the greatest proof of information technology, corpo- Finance, Programming, New edge; we want to help change said Abdullah Ahmed Al Mansoori, Nevertheless overall key perform- our belief in the importance of rate planning and ground serv- Media/Content, Production, this. So in 2012 we developed Director, Qatar Career Fair, yes- ance indicators suggest that QCF reaching out to young promis- ices. The recruitment includes Sponsorship, Editorial and a graduate programme which terday speaking during a press has gained momentum each year in ing Qataris and attracting tal- jobs for fresh graduates to join Translation, Design, Human has been tailored to attract and ented nationals.” “This year’s a 22-month rotation programme Resources, Community retain Qatar’s brightest and fair will include 140 institu- between departments and an Outreach and Legal. most ambitious young people tions from the public and pri- aviation management scheme The Dedicated Internships to our industry by providing vate sectors. The diverse range for those already in employment will run between 12-24 weeks a development path for non- of organisations will help us yet with no industry experience with the objective to provide technical graduates, similar to provide wider opportunities for but looking for a career change individuals with the opportu- the structured path offered to job seekers and recent gradu- into the sector. nity to work alongside talented our engineers.” The two-year ates, so they can find the most DFI staff and gain hands- programme consists of sev- suitable place to launch their QATAR TOURISM on-experience understand- eral rotations within selected careers,” he added. AUTHORITY ing the chosen department’s departments – helping par- Qatar Tourism Authority operations. The Rotational ticipants to understand the HMC (QTA) will unveil new career Internships will run between business value chain. It pro- Hamad Medical Corporation and training opportunities in four and six weeks in the Spring vides them with the necessary (HMC) is seeking to recruit the tourism industry. and Summer terms (January knowledge, skills and key com- top Qatari talent with 1000 Issa Al Mohannadi, till June) and interns will have petencies to help them both opportunities on offer in areas Chairman of QTA, said, “At the opportunity to spend time develop and grow personally, including medical, nursing, the Fair we will be connecting in two or four departments at while also maximising their allied health and other sup- with young Qataris, graduates DFI, depending on the dura- contribution to the company. port and administrative posi- and students to present new tion of the selected programme. tions. “At the Qatar Career Fair opportunities for a rewarding It will also provide candidates INTERNATIONAL HMC is highlighting the career career in the tourism indus- with a brief yet informative ISLAMIC opportunities available to Qatari try. Our booth at the event will insight into the daily activities As an institution that has nationals, specifically students reflect how we want to promote of each department helping played a pioneering and key and undergraduates as well as Qatar through a new tourism to gain a broad understand- role in the nationalisation pro- those seeking roles in the medi- strategy that seeks to encour- ing of the specified disciplines gramme, International Islamic cal and allied health areas,” said age enterprise in the industry as across the organisation. The is a Gold Sponsor of the Qatar Fatima Haidar, Acting Executive well as offer jobs and training in Rotational Internships can also Career Fair. International Director of Human Resources at hospitality and tourism studies. be credited if the department Islamic CEO Abdulbasit A Al- HMC. Haidar said HMC is com- Above all we want to ensure that in question is relevant to the Shaibei said, “Our active par- mitted to providing competitive young people are equipped with intern’s educational degree. ticipation and support of the benefits and salaries to attract the training they need to build Qatar Career Fair shows our top professionals and to retain successful careers as profession- MAERSK OIL commitment to the community, them, to enable the Corporation als in our industry.” Maersk Oil Qatar, the coun- our young people in particular. to grow to meet the healthcare try’s largest offshore operator We have realised the significance needs of the nation. DFI has developed a tailor-made of the Qatar Career Fair, which Doha Film Institute (DFI) Qatari Graduate Development attracts young Qataris and QATAR AIRWAYS will provide an opportunity to Programme (QGDP), aimed at helps them follow the employ- Qatar Airways has apply for an invaluable intern- providing development oppor- ment opportunities available in announced that over 100 new ship, helping them get a first tunities for non-engineering the country’s private and public positions will be open for hand experience of the industry students who want to succeed sectors.” THE PENINSULA Awakenings Ensemble to perform at Katara DOHA: The Awakenings electronics, Yassine Ayari on each member to transform their Doha-based sound artists, musi- Ensemble, a Doha-based ney and atmospherics, and role with the other musicians cians, and producers a platform three-piece group that com- James Beard on bass guitar and and develop a style of perform- to perform and present their bines jazz, Arabic, and elec- loops, the group’s original mate- ance that blends traditional original work to an audience of tronic influences is set to rial style blends improvisation, technique and a technological active listeners. enthrall music lovers at technique, moody atmosphere. approach. “Experimentation, improvisa- Offbeat, a night of music per- The musicians will be show- KAC team member and tion, and pushing the creative formance and sound art at the casing their new approach to Offbeat coordinator Karim envelope with music is a part Katara Art Center (KAC) on live performance, incorporating Sultan will be performing a set of contemporary art practice Saturday. a focus on new music technol- of compositions for oud and and is a natural extension of Featuring Mike Pignéguy ogy. Each performer will uti- computer. Offbeat was launched our growing program,” explains on keyboards, percussion, and lise a sound station that allows with the intention of giving Sultan. THE PENINSULA MONDAY 1 APRIL 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 HMC promotes careers in healthcare sector Three-day health, well-being expo attracts students

DOHA: A Hamad Medical Fruitful Future Investment,’ the PHCC provided health services Corporation (HMC) initia- team from HMC also focuses on such as measuring blood pressure, tive is using the promotion of familiarising the students with and informed about the benefits a healthy lifestyle to encourage the different services and special- of a healthy lifestyle to improve Qatar’s school students to con- ties provided by the Corporation’s the quality of life of individuals, sider a career in the healthcare eight hospitals and scholarships families and the community. industry. and employment opportunities “School health education pro- By showing the positive effects in the medical, nursing or allied grammes can reduce youth health of leading a healthy lifestyle health fields. risk behaviours such as poor through eating well and exercis- Khazraji said the event at nutrition and lack of physical ing, HMC’s Health Professions Ruqaya was part of HMC’s com- activity which contribute to some Awareness Programme (HPAP) munity outreach and said that diseases. Health Exhibition builds is encouraging students to think a number of HMC departments students’ knowledge, skills, and about a future in the industry. participated in this exhibition, positive attitudes about health, The HPAP team, led by Balqees in addition to other participants and teaches about physical, men- Al Khazraji, Director of Health from both public and private sec- tal, emotional and social health. Professions Awareness and tors in the health and wellbeing It motivates students to improve Volunteering Programmes at industry. and maintain their health, pre- HMC, and Dr Khalid Abdulnoor, Around 15 students from each vent disease, and reduce risky Director of Hamad International of the 40 government schools behaviors,” said Bagadi. Training Center (HITC) and visited Primary Health Care Principal of Ruqaya Students visiting the pavilion of Primary Health Care Corporation, at the Ruqaya Preparatory School for Girls. Head of the “Kulluna” safety Corporation (PHCC) pavilion at Preparatory for Girls, Maryam Al campaign, recently held a three the Ruqaya Preparatory School Emadi, explained it’s a great ini- “We need to teach day health and wellbeing expo at for Girls. tiative to gather specialists from health education from kin- the Ruqaya Preparatory School PHCC Health Promotion the healthcare sector of Qatar dergarten and continuing for Girls. Manager Yousra Bagadi explained and let students know about the through secondary school, The three-day expo, which that the initative aims to offer benefits of having a good lifestyle. it provides an introduction has toured several schools in students the knowledge and skills “The middle years of childhood to the human body and to Qatar already, uses informa- they need to become successful are extremely sensitive for a factors that prevent illness tion and activities about healthy learners, healthy and productive number of health issues, espe- and promote or damage lifestyles to promote careers in adults and to provide education cially when it comes to adopting health”, Al Emadi con- the healthcare profession. Using on key health problems young habits that can have lifelong con- cluded. the theme’Students’ Health - a people face. sequences”, she added. THE PENINSULA

Hamad International Airport Airport delay Continued from page 1

The steering commit- tee of the new airport had made elaborate arrange- ments for the soft-launch of the new facility. On Saturday, the media who had received the invi- tation to cover the inaugu- ral event were advised by the airport steering com- mittee to report at the airport at 10.30pm to cover the scheduled 12.20 arrival of the inaugural flight. Many of them turned up to the airport to hear that the event stood cancelled. The airport steering committee had stocked a An exterior view of the main terminal of the Hamad International Airport. BELOW: An interior view of the airport. huge number of specially- designed gift packets to welcome the arriving and departing passengers on the inaugural day. THE PENINSULA MONDAY 1 APRIL 2013 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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RENCH President Francois Hollande, who is less than a year into the job, could have done better. At least he could have made it seem he has done Beware the lure of Mark Fhis best because it’s not good for a leader to fall so deeply in opinion polls in such a short time. Hollande went on national television on Thursday for more than an hour in what French commentators called Zuckerberg’s cool capitalism an assessment of his performance. The president is said to have made little news as he was not inspiring, convincing, BY NICK COHEN punitive measures to deter them. As In particular, the high-tech, border- and didn’t have anything new to offer. In the interview, he the Guardian reported last week, min- less future Zuckerberg promises seems discussed everything from a troop withdrawal timetable in YBERSPACE is turning into isters, including the supposed Liberal of no use to the majority of people. Mali to a new effort to impose a 75 percent tax on annual a political programme. Mark Democrat David Laws, considered ban- Unlike previous technological revolu- incomes of more than one million euros. Such a long lecture CZuckerberg of Facebook is pump- ning the children of illegal immigrants tions, the web destroys old jobs – most ing tens of millions of dollars into “a from schools. They were not restrained notably the jobs of retailers, brokers, should have boosted public confidence. But it didn’t. The social welfare group” – a lobby com- by any moral consideration. They did lawyers, journalists and other classic reactions were mixed and he was widely mocked for saying pany in all but name – to tell politi- not say to themselves that no civilised middlemen – without adding enough that “all the tools are on the table to fix the economy.” cians how they should reorder society. nation should want to punish children new ones. Secure well-paid jobs are The French are looking for drastic, effective measures to He assumes that what is good for Silicon for their parents’ decisions. going, and we strain our eyes to see revitalise their stagnant economy, fight record and rising Valley is good for everyone else. And if To the politicians’ disappointment, where the replacements will come from. you don’t ask too many questions, it is they discovered they could not play Such complaints are normally dis- unemployment and launch measures to stem a general easy to agree, and find his programme the hardman because their bleeding missed as “Luddism”. But just because public unhappiness about the state of the country. Economy surprisingly liberal. heart predecessors in the 20th century the 19th-century Luddites were wrong is the most crucial, where Hollande hasn’t been able to Contrary to the demands of the Tea had signed the UN convention on the about the original industrial revolution produce results. On Friday, the government announced Party, Zuckerberg wants to ease immi- rights of the child, which compelled destroying jobs and living standards that it has missed the deficit target for 2012 of 4.5 percent gration controls. If bright foreign engi- Britain to educate all children regard- does not mean that their successors of gross domestic product, neers want to move to California and less of their background. Undeterred, must always be wrong. Sensible econo- work for him, he can see no good reason Nick Clegg began talking as if he were mists worry about automated manu- hitting 4.8 percent. Worse, the why Congress should stop them. Not a medieval monarch demanding hos- facturing replacing factory workers, Less than a total government debt rose to just Zuckerberg tages to ensure a baron’s good behav- Google’s autonomous cars replacing year into the 90 percent of GDP from 85.8 but Eric Schmidt iour. Swarthy-skinned characters from lorry and taxi drivers, and automatic percent in 2011, which is a huge of Google and vir- dubious destinations must pay a bond online writing and translation services job, French jump. The president had vowed tually every other before they arrive, he has decided, and taking on tasks that only humans have to cut the deficit this year to tech magnate only collect it when they leave. To top been able to perform since the invention The high-tech, wants Congress it all, David Cameron makes great play of literacy. You may hope that human- President three percent of GDP. to welcome entre- of his plans to stop migrants claiming ity will use new technologies to reduce Hollande can take comfort borderless future preneurs and benefits, and never bothers to tell the poverty and the drudgery of menial Hollande has from the fact that he remains envisaged by the young profes- public that migrants are far less likely labour. But if you look at how hierar- scored poor securely in power, with four Facebook boss is sionals. They sup- to claim benefits than the rest of us. chical and unequal western societies are years to go in his term and an port the modishly Convinced we are doing the world a presently, you might reasonably suspect not a future many titled Startup Act favour by allowing foreigners to visit us, that Zuckerberg and his contemporar- marks. effective majority in parliament. people can live in. 2.0, which would Britain is retreating into a siege mental- ies will just widen the already dizzying But the mood is already glum. let in foreigners ity. We are becoming a declining, resent- chasm between the rich and the rest. A continuation of the current with enough pri- ful country on the edge of a declining You can see the dilemma most clearly lacklustre performance will be harmful for him and his vate capital to put and resentful continent. in the tech companies’ much-trumpeted party. And for the country too, because it needs bold, Americans to work. And yet there are good reasons demand for online freedom of speech. effective measures to emerge from the current economic Before Zuckerberg’s lobbying ini- why about two-thirds of people ignore Very necessary it sounds, especially in tiative, his Facebook behemoth, along those who say that we would all ben- Britain, where elements on the right morass and public lethargy. with Amazon, Google and 14 other tech efit if more migrants arrived, and tell would close down the BBC if they could, Hollande will be squandering a golden opportunity if conglomerates, formed the Internet the opinion pollsters they would prefer elements of the liberal left would do the he fails to improve his performance. He has the majority Association to protect another appar- to stop them at the borders. Liberals same to the tabloids, and politicians to take bold decisions and the party is solidly behind him. ently worthy cause: freedom of speech think the argument about immigration from all sides would regulate news- The current feeling of dissatisfaction with his performance online. Meanwhile, Zuckerberg himself is about economics instead of culture. papers and websites. The tech com- is likely to morph into action in the future, like street has devoted a small part of his fortune They do not accept that few countries panies’ main concern in recent years to improving education and would like can take mass immigration on the scale has not been, however, promoting free protests and strikes. The president also needs to rethink the US government to follow suit. Britain has experienced in the past 20 speech either in military dictatorships his 75 percent tax on the rich, which has been criticised American capitalism looks cool years and maintain a collective identity. or authoritarian democracies. Google, as obscenely high. Film star Gerard Depardieu, no longer and compassionate, particularly when It’s no good supporters of open borders Wikipedia and their competitors have living in France, is among a number of prominent figures viewed from Britain where every party saying immigrants do not lower wages. been most agitated by Congress’s pro- who have condemned the tax. is the Tea Party now. Labour, the Liberal They need to convince the public that posed Stop Online Piracy Act, which Democrats and the Conservatives out- they will raise them substantially before would have forced internet service pro- As the criticism of the president increases, former do themselves in their competition hostility to one of the most radical viders to block access to blacklisted sites president Nicolas Sarkozy is thinking of a political to tell the biggest lies about immi- changes in national identity in British providing stolen music, films, books etc. comeback • grants and come up with the most history will pass. THE GUARDIAN The other side Quote of Vision for saving water the day AVING and protecting water contaminated water resources; most systems into the old water facilities. water facilities, which should be a pri- resources and promoting of the cities have groundwater pollu- As a result, the efficient use of sew- ority in urban planning. ecological protection were tion to different degrees. The recent age treatment facilities and the reason- It may be costly to include water Sthe themes of this year’s China heavy metal pollution of rice in Hunan able and adequate utilization of treated conservation, the protection of drink- The king (King Water Week, which ended on Thursday. province was caused by polluted water. water remain a hard nut to crack since ing water sources, the effective treat- China faces a daunting water situ- Apart from the deficiency of water very few cities have pipes installed ment of sewage and efficient use of of Jordan) is the ation, since its per capita fresh water resources, a lack of vision many years for all families to use treated water to treated water as well as the collection custodian of holy sites resources are only about one-fourth ago is also to blame for the increasingly flush their toilets and even for watering of rainwater in urban planning, but it will of the world’s average and its usable serious water shortage and pollution, plants. And a lack of rainwater collec- be even more costly when we realize in Jerusalem and that water resources per capita are only 900 as not enough thought was given to tion facilities allows precious rainwater a decade later that the lack of water he has the right to cubic meters. water conservation, sewage treatment, to flow away. threatens our existence and we have More than 400 cities have a defi- the collection of rainwater and forest The central authorities have desig- to make up for what we failed to do 10 exert all legal efforts ciency of water and more than 110 coverage. Despite the building of sew- nated urbanization as a major engine of years earlier. of them face serious water short- age treatment plants in many cities in economic growth in the years to come, Policymakers and urban planners to preserve them, ages. What makes the situation even recent years, it is difficult and costly but they need to ensure that enough need a vision for the future on this especially Al Aqsa worse is the heavy pollution that has to incorporate new sewage treatment attention is paid to the planning of issue. China Daily Mahmoud Abbas Mosque. Palestinian President MONDAY 1 APRIL 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 A French lesson for Ed Miliband head, the Frenchman had then he rather pretended to the French The plunging gone on to take power by evict- that he and they wouldn’t have to ing a showboating conservative. make any difficult choices. He gave popularity of Rather like Ed hopes to do. He the impression that the mere act also won big. The parliamentary of electing him would make things elections that followed the presi- better. While his prospectus did Francois Hollande dential one handed him control of acknowledge that the deficit would both houses. Ed hailed it as a new have to be tackled, he campaigned and his socialists dawn for socialism (I paraphrase, on a theme of ending austerity. but not unfairly), which would set He was generally mute about the an example for Europe and break hard spending choices implied by is a severe and the grip of austerity politics. Very his promise to sort out France’s soon after his hero moved into the finances. They are, incidentally, not timely warning to Élysée Palace, Ed made a pilgrim- as bad as ours. He spoke volubly age to Paris, where he was greeted about raiding the rich and bashing with the warmth and ceremony the banks, implying to the squeezed the Labour leader that is usually bestowed only on middle of France — what you might heads of government. call le moyen pressuré — that they BY ANDREW RAWNSLEY In contrast to the younger would be unscathed. Miliband’s eagerness to associ- The most important French his is not going to be ate himself with Hollande-style lesson for Labour is that things another Cain and Abel socialism, the elder Miliband was will very quickly unravel if you commentary about the leery of it. So were most of the don’t come to power with a solid TMilibands. Which will more New Labourish people this project for government which has probably be a mighty relief to both side of the channel. Though he been sold to the voters in advance. you and them. But I will begin by largely kept this to himself, David I would say there are at least four touching on them briefly. It was not believed that the Frenchman was key aspects to such a project in only over which Miliband should leading his party in a direction Ed Miliband (left), with Francois Hollande. an age of austerity. One: a plau- be leading the Labour party that which was potentially disastrous. sible plan for how you are going they disagreed. A more subtle and He privately predicted that the high and public pessimism about each passing week. First, he broke by him, more because they were to nurture future prosperity. never explicitly vocalised differ- wheels would start coming off France’s economic prospects close a speed record by becoming more thoroughly fed up with Sarkozy. Two: a clear idea of what you will ence, which is illustrative of an Monsieur Hollande once he had to to a record low. The initial sup- unpopular more quickly than In a similar fashion, Labour’s cur- prioritise for investment. Three: unresolved debate about where the start making some tough choices. port for the military intervention any previous French president. rent opinion poll lead of around worked-out reforms for maxim- Labour party should be orientated, On this one, Ed’s admiration in Mali has faded fast. According to polling conducted 10 points seems a bit unearned – ising the performance of public concerned François Hollande. for the French socialist now It is a slim consolation for the last week, he has now also broken that is certainly the feeling among services. Four: acknowledging in The socialist’s election as presi- looks badly mistaken and David’s French socialists that their con- the depth record by becoming the some in the shadow cabinet – a way which is at least reasonably dent of France just under a year concerns have been confirmed. servative counterparts are also in most unpopular French president because it seems to be mostly candid where you will have to cut. ago enthused a lot of the Labour The only respect in which the a mess. The rightwing UMP party in 30 years. indicative of disenchantment with Hollande’s administration seems party. For Ed, especially, it was Hollande-sceptics have been has been rancorously divided by Some of his travails are rather the coalition rather than surg- absent of ideas about how to make an inspiration. The Frenchman proved wrong is that calamity the battle to succeed Nicolas particular to his personality, his ing enthusiasm for Labour. That France more competitive. His eco- had beaten off other contenders and unpopularity have struck the Sarkozy. This fuelled talk of a country and his party, and it leaves the lead potentially vulner- nomic policy is muddled. His min- who were initially more fancied French socialists even faster than comeback by him, only for the would not be sensible to search able to an upturn in the economy isters have just been told to find to become his party’s candidate. the doubters anticipated. former president to come under for too much read-across to this or an improved performance by an extra €5bn in cuts next year Rather like Ed had done when It is just 10 months since judicial investigation for alleged side of the Channel. For instance, the government. It is also pos- and are talking about things such he beat both his brother and Ed Monsieur Hollande moved into illegal campaign financing. With British politicians don’t tend to sible to envisage a scenario in as means-testing family benefits. Balls to the leadership of the the Élysée and in that short time the conservatives riven and the become the subject of judicial which Labour retains enough of Because this was not spelled out Labour party. The Frenchman almost anything that could go government disliked, the gainers investigations with such regular- an advantage to secure power at by Hollande before he took office, had rejected the idea that the wrong has gone wrong. His per- are the extremes, the commu- ity as their French counterparts. the next election in much the he cannot claim a mandate and only way to be a successful pro- sonal life has received more lurid nist Left Front and the far-right But his fundamental political same way as the French social- his victory looks dishonest to an gressive in this era is to model publicity than that which swirled Front National of Marine Le Pen. problems are directly relevant to ists did: not on their own merits, increasing number of voters. That your politics along the lines of about his predecessor. His budget In a recent byelection in Oise, where the Labour party is cur- but largely because of disenchant- has made him spectacularly unpop- Tony Blair and Bill Clinton. He minister, one of the heavyweight north of Paris, Hollande’s can- rently positioned and flag up some ment with the incumbents. As ular left, right and centre, with dis- had, instead, taken his party back figures of his government, has just didate was pushed out of the top very important warnings to its Hollande has discovered, that illusioned erstwhile supporters on to a more retro type of squeeze- resigned after becoming embroiled two by the Front National, which leader. One source of his troubles leaves you with nothing solid to the left the angriest of all and cry- the-rich socialism and repudiated in a tax fraud investigation. The then came within a whisker of is how Hollande got elected in the fall back on when you stop being ing betrayal. Ed Miliband should New Labour-style politics. Rather French economy is teetering on taking the seat. first place. He was handed the the critic and start having to contemplate the fate of Monsieur like Ed tends to do. Despite an the edge of another recession. Monsieur Hollande breaks new keys to the Élysée not because the make the tough decisions yourself. Hollande and beware. image as an uncharismatic pointy Unemployment is now at a 16-year records of the wrong kind with French were terribly enthused Another of his problems is that THE GUARDIAN Velayati may run for president Italian president BY LADANE NASSERI communications between the regional rivals, according to US at centre of storm li Akbar Velayati was diplomatic cables published by addressing the United Wikileaks. In January, Velayati BY JAMES MACKENZIE Nations as Iran’s foreign put an end to weeks of rumors Aminister when a dissi- by denying that he had held talks taly’s 87-year-old President Giorgio Napolitano will face the great- dent rushed onstage, snatched his with the US in Oman. est test of his career during his final weeks in office as he tries speech and tore it up. As security Velayati hasn’t announced his to end the standoff preventing a new government being formed wrestled the man away, Velayati presidential candidacy, though he Imore than a month after elections. waited calmly with his hands in has set up a coalition with two Following widespread reports he may resign to open the way for a his pockets. political allies: Tehran Mayor new vote, Napolitano pledged to remain in office at the Quirinale pal- “A member of our delegation Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and ace until his term ends on May 15, averting the immediate threat of had a copy of the text, which he Gholam Ali Haddad Adel, a further turmoil. He named 10 “wise men” including European Affairs immediately brought to me,” said former Parliament speaker who’s Minister Enzo Moavero and senior politicians from the main centre- Velayati, recalling the early 1980s related to Khamenei. They have left and centre-right blocs to propose a series of urgent measures that episode for Iran’s state televi- all promised to endorse which- could be backed by all parties. sion. “I flipped to Page 10, where ever of the trio is seen as the Details will be announced tomorrow but are expected to include cutting I remember having left off, and most promising candidate by the the cost of the bloated political system and replacing the widely criticised continued.” clerics. electoral law to avoid a repeat of the deadlock in future elections. “It would That low-key style and readi- Ali Larijani, the parliament be a disaster to go back to an election without have reformed the electoral ness to stay on-message may speaker and another loyalist cited law,” Valerio Onida, former head of the Constitutional court who is part make Velayati a candidate when as a possible candidate, apolo- of the advisory group, told La Repubblica newspaper. Iranians vote in June for a succes- Ali Akbar Velayati gised to the supreme leader after With financial markets already concerned about instability in the sor to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in a public row with Ahmadinejad. euro zone’s third-largest economy, the prospect of Napolitano leaving some ways his stylistic opposite. as we know Ahmadinejad gave major policy changes, Alem said. Khamenei may prefer Velayati raised alarm and moves to escape the impasse received a cautious wel- The outgoing president’s fiery him,” Majd said in an interview. “Because tone matters in diplo- as a less outspoken and ambi- come from commentators yesterday. “It was the right decision, it will rhetoric against Israel and in Velayati has “probably been a macy, a less bellicose rhetoric tious figure, Majd said. Others avoid sending a dangerous signal to the markets and will show Italian support of nuclear development more loyal soldier for the supreme could lead to a more constructive who have announced bids include institutions are solid and functioning,” Enrico Letta, deputy head of has added to Iran’s isolation as leader than any of the other con- dialogue.” another former foreign minister, the centre-left Democratic Party said. However, there were few illu- sanctions squeeze the economy servatives. He has never spoken Candidates in the June 14 elec- Manouchehr Mottaki, and Ali sions that summoning the “wise men”, in line with a long tradition in and the United States and Israel out of turn. Ever.” Iran’s ministry tion won’t register until May, Fallahian, who was intelligence Italian politics, offered more than a slim hope of overcoming the deep threaten military strikes. of culture, which approves media and must be screened for their minister in the 1990s. divisions that have prevented the parties from coming to an agreement. With inflation surging and oil access to officials, didn’t immedi- qualifications and loyalty to the The qualities that appeal to “Political history shows, alas, that whenever someone wants not output at the lowest levels since ately respond to a request for an Islamic Republic. Ahmadinejad Khamenei may not strike a to decide something, what happens? They set up a nice commission,” the 1980s, the tensions have interview with Velayati. isn’t eligible to run after serving chord with voters, though. Unlike Daniela Santanche, a member of parliament close to former prime sparked unusually public quar- Most recent Iranian elec- two terms. Larijani or Qalibaf, Velayati has minister Silvio Berlusconi, told La Stampa. rels among Iran’s elite, mostly tions have involved competition Velayati was born in Shemiran, never run for office. And the rul- She said there was no alternative to Berlusconi’s demand to share featuring Ahmadinejad. Supreme between conservative defenders of in the foothills of the Alborz ing clerics, while concerned to power in a coalition with the centre-left formation led by Pier Luigi Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Islamic republic’s record and mountains north of Tehran, and avert a repeat of the opposition Bersani, which has repeatedly said it cannot deal with the scandal- the Islamic republic’s highest politicians seeking change in some trained as a physician. He gained surge in 2009, would like evi- plagued billionaire. “Otherwise we go to elections, which we’re sure of authority, has rebuked politi- areas, such as a freer media, more a degree in pediatrics from the dence of public engagement in the winning. There won’t be any strange third ways,” she said. cians for squabbles that weaken social liberties or more engage- University of Tehran and stud- campaign to validate the system, Napolitano, member of a student anti-fascist group during World the country. ment with the West. The last one ied infectious diseases at Johns Majd said. “The supreme leader War Two and a former communist, won wide respect in Italy and Meanwhile Velayati, 67, who has in 2009, led to mass protests by Hopkins University in the 1970s, wants these elections to be excit- Europe for his handling of the 2011 political and financial market crisis been largely out of the public eye opposition supporters alleging according to Iranian Diplomacy, a ing, wants people to participate which brought down the last Berlusconi government. since he quit the Foreign Ministry vote-rigging, which were violently website run by former diplomats. and the press to see that this is a Newspapers reported yesterday that European Central Bank in 1997 and became an adviser to suppressed. As foreign minister from 1981, functioning democracy,” he said. President Mario Draghi called Napolitano to express concern his Khamenei, is suddenly prominent Such sharp differences are two years after the Islamic revo- “Velayati doesn’t have that cha- resignation would leave Italy without leadership at a time of mounting again in local media, which have unlikely to be allowed this year, lution, Velayati recalled negotia- risma, to get the excitement going tension in financial markets. However, Napolitano has acknowledged quoted him on a range of issues. when the vote is set to be a “bat- tions to end the eight-year war around him.” he has only limited power to force the parties to find a way out of The veteran bureaucrat may be tle among conservative candidates with Iraq as the toughest time of The former minister could political situation he said was “frozen between irreconcilable positions”. the kind of politician Khamenei with narrow ideological confines,” his career, according to an inter- address that problem by turning The three main blocs in parliament — Bersani’s centre-left, would favour as an antidote after said Yasmin Alem an independ- view with Mehr news agency pub- his campaign into a team effort, Berlusconi’s centre-right alliance and Beppe Grillo’s anti-establishment Ahmadinejad, to ease tensions ent Iran analyst and the author lished on February 6. said Ali Vaez, senior Iran analyst 5-Star Movement — have all clung to demands that have prevented and help Iran present a united of Duality by Design: The Iranian There’s evidence that at the International Crisis Group. any government being formed. front, said Hooman Majd, author Electoral System. Khamenei has made use of “With a young and energetic team Bersani, who won control of the lower house but fell short of the of The Ayatollahs’ Democracy: An Still, the election of a “sea- Velayati’s diplomatic skills since of possible future ministers, he Senate majority that would allow him to govern, rules out a “grand Iranian Challenge. soned politician” such as Velayati he left the ministry. He was sent will be able to increase his elec- coalition” with Berlusconi while Grillo refuses a pact with parties he Khamenei wants “a president may help thaw Iran’s ties with to Saudi Arabia in the mid-2000s toral appeal,” Vaez said. blames for Italy’s social and economic crisis. who doesn’t give him heart-burn, the West, even in the absence of to establish a back-channel for WP-BLOOMBERG REUTERS MONDAY 1 APRIL 2013 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Residents flee BRIEFLY fierce clashes in Aleppo Kuwaiti opposition Three oil wells set on fire in Deir Ezzor tweeter jailed KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait’s BEIRUT: Fierce fighting Elsewhere, Sana said “armed lower court yesterday sen- between Syrian rebels and terrorists groups” has “set fire tenced opposition tweeter regime forces has sparked an to three oil wells in the province Hamed Al Khaledi to two exodus of residents from the of Deir Ezzor, after a dispute years in jail on charges of Sheikh Maqsud district of between them on sharing stolen insulting the state’s ruler, a the northern city of Aleppo, a oil.” rights activist said. watchdog group said yesterday. The agency also reported “Khaledi has been sen- “The Sheikh Maqsud neigh- claims that rebels forces were tenced to two years in jail with bourhood has seen a major exo- responsible for a “massacre” of immediate effect,” the direc- dus after shells hit the area, at least 10 people in the town of tor of the Kuwait Society for destroying several homes,” Syrian Tal Kalakh in southern Syria, an Human Rights, Mohammad Al Observatory for Human Rights accusation denied by opposition Humaidi, said on his Twitter director Rami Abdel Rahman activists. account. said. “Last night, terrorists com- Khaledi was charged with “Hundreds of cars carrying mitted a new massacre against writing remarks on his Twitter families were seen leaving the peaceful citizens in the city of Tal account deemed offensive to neighbourhood.” Kalakh in the Homs countryside, Emir H H Sheikh Sabah Al Battles have been raging in the storming the Burj neighbourhood Ahmad Al Sabah. The verdict strategic, predominantly Kurdish and killing a number of citizens, Egypt’s popular TV satirist Bassem Youssef surrounded by media and activists as he arrives at a court in Cairo is not final, but his jailing was neighbourhood since Friday, as including women and children,” yesterday. immediate pending the appeals regime troops try to prevent rebels Sana reported. process. from advancing into the district. Activists pointed the finger of His lawyer Jasser Al Jadaei Sheikh Maqsud sits atop a hill, blame at government forces. said he will file an appeal later with vantage points over all of “The bodies of 11 people, includ- Egypt satirist freed on bail on Sunday against the verdict Aleppo. Its capture would be a ing eight women, were recovered and seek an early hearing. key victory for the rebels, allow- after they were executed during a ing them to target districts still raid by regime forces in the Burj CAIRO: Egyptian satirist authorities even as he arrived at material used on the show. Attacks on Iraq in regime hands. neighbourhood of Tal Kalakh Bassem Youssef was released the prosecutor’s office. He is accused of offending Since fighting erupted in the today, according to activists in on bail yesterday after nearly He made his way through a Islam through “making fun of security forces kill 3 neighbourhood, 43 people have the area,” the Observatory said. five hours of questioning over throng of cameras and support- the prayer ritual” and of insult- BAGHDAD: Attacks mostly been killed in fighting, including In Damascus province, a car alleged insults to the president ers, to pose with an enormous ing Mursi by “making fun of his targeting security forces in 15 civilians and five soldiers, the bomb exploded at a rebel check- and religion, highlighting con- version of a hat worn by President international standing.” and around Baghdad and in Observatory said. point, killing at least five rebel cerns over freedom of expres- Mohammed Mursi earlier this Dubbed the Egyptian answer northern Iraq, one of them a On Saturday, the Observatory fighters, the group added. sion in post-revolt Egypt. month when he received an hon- to American television’s Jon suicide bombing, killed three and Syrian state media reported At least 53 people were killed Youssef, whose weekly pro- orary doctorate from a university Stewart, Youssef has repeatedly people yesterday, the latest that rebels had killed a pro-regime in violence across the country on gramme Albernameg (The Show) in Pakistan. poked fun at those in power and in a spike in unrest ahead of Sunni cleric in Sheikh Maqsud, Sunday, according to a prelimi- has pushed the boundaries of Youssef had worn the hat on his became a household name in elections. dragging his body through the nary toll from the Observatory. local television with its merciless show a week earlier. the Arab world’s most populous The suicide bomber blew up streets afterwards. Speaking in front of some critique of those in power, was The heart surgeon turned country. a car at a military checkpoint Sheikh Hassan Seifeddin “was 250,000 people from around ordered to pay 15,000 Egyptian comedian took to Twitter during He now joins the ranks of in Abu Ghraib, just west of the killed overnight on Friday by rebel the world in the Vatican, Pope pounds (around $2,200) pending his questioning, at one point say- several colleagues in the media capital, killing one person and fighters in the east of the area and Francis prayed for “dear Syria, investigation into the complaints, ing: “The officers and the prosecu- who face charges of insulting the wounding seven, including at his body was dragged through the for its people torn by conflict and judicial sources said. tion lawyers want to have their president. least three soldiers, a security streets,” the Observatory said. for the many refugees who await On Twitter, Youssef confirmed photo taken with me. Maybe that’s The soaring number of legal official and a medical source State news agency Sana help and comfort. the bail conditions, saying they the reason for my summons?” complaints against journalists said. reported that Seifeddin was “How much blood has been were for three lawsuits. He said The public prosecutor on has cast doubt on Morsi’s com- And on the capital’s north- “assassinated by terrorists who shed! And how much suffering no date has yet been set for Saturday issued an arrest war- mitment to freedom of expression ern outskirts, a magnetic mutilated his body afterwards,” must there still be before a politi- questioning into a fourth legal rant for Youssef, who has more — a key demand of the popu- “sticky bomb” attached to a car while official television station cal solution to the crisis will be complaint. than 1.2 million Twitter follow- lar uprising that toppled Hosni detonated near a checkpoint, Al Ikhbariya said he had been found?” he asked. Yesterday morning, Youssef ers, following several legal com- Mubarak in 2011. killing the vehicle’s driver. “slaughtered” and beheaded. AFP continued to challenge the plaints against him relating to the AFP Five shootings and bomb- ings in Kirkuk and Mosul, both northern cities, killed one person and wounded six. All of the injured were policemen or soldiers. Algeria sanctions imam union to stem Salafist influence Thousands stage

ALGIERS: Algerian authori- religious ideas, Salafist or other,” Sheikh Hadjimi has said that in 1999, the Algerian league of “Algerians observe the Malekite protest in Rabat ties have given the all-clear for its Secretary-General Sheikh the bulk of the union’s work must imams and ulamas, but we did doctrine. The imam must conform RABAT: Thousands of peo- a union of imams to protect the Djelloul Hadjimi said. be focused on Algiers, “where a not get approval,” said Hadjimi. to it. He does not have the right ple marched through the country’s traditionally mod- The preacher of El Ouarthilani large majority of the mosques are The authorities at the time to propagate ideas coming from Moroccan capital yesterday erate form of Islam from the mosque, in the Telemly district hostage to Salafist imams.” feared the mosques would become elsewhere, Salafist, Wahhabi or to protest against unemploy- teachings of hardline Salafists of the capital Algiers, welcomes Algeria is no stranger to radi- political forums, as they did in Shia,” he insisted. ment and the cost of living, whose influence is on the rise in his followers over tea and dates, cal Muslim trends, having bat- the early 1990s when they fell The hardline Wahhabi strain of ahead of plans by the Islamist- north Africa. some of them seeking a fatwa, or tled Islamist insurgents since its under the control of the Islamic Sunni Islam from which Salafist led government to push for The move comes two months religious edict, others asking for devastating civil war in the 1990s, Salvation Front (FIS), which won ideas originated is practised in social and economic reforms. after an Al Qaeda-linked attack advice or material assistance. some of whom formed Al Qaeda’s Algeria’s first democratic elec- Saudi Arabia, while Shia Islam is Protesters marched for on a desert gas plant, where 37 He says he is used to receiv- regional franchise in 2007, after tions in 1991. prevalent in Iran and Iraq. “our rights and freedoms” in foreign hostages were killed dur- ing people suffering from psycho- the conflict formally ended. The army’s decision to cancel But most of Muslim north an action called by two trade ing a siege and army rescue oper- logical afflictions, including young But while it has attracted less the elections sparked a civil war Africa observes the moderate unions, chanting slogans ation, and amid fears of jihadist people who have tried to commit media attention, the spread of with Islamist militants that cost Sunni Malekite form of the reli- against government policies, groups gaining ground in neigh- suicide. extremist ideology has also been up to 200,000 lives. gion, although hardline Islamists corruption and the high cost bouring Tunisia. But since the union was offi- a cause of concern, with up to “We waited until 2012 and have become increasingly asser- of living, a photographer said. The union’s “mission will be to cially announced in mid-March, 80 percent of Algerian mosques decided to create a union affili- tive since Arab Spring upris- “Morocco is witnessing social defend the material and moral he has struggled to cope with his prey to Salafist-style teachings, ated to the national Algerian ings toppled dictators across the regression,” chanted protest- rights of the imams and to act daily agenda and the phone hasn’t according to some estimates. General Workers Union (UGTA),” region. ers, including activists from the as a bulwark against imported stopped ringing. “We first created a union Hadjimi said. AFP February 20 pro-reform move- ment, which was born of the Arab Spring protests sweeping the region in 2011. Oman Air to launch Abbas confirms Jordan budget airline MUSCAT: State-owned Oman Air, the sultan- custodian of holy sites ate’s national carrier, plans to launch a budget air- AMMAN: Palestinian The agreement confirms “Jordan’s line to handle regional and President Mahmoud Abbas role since the era of the late King domestic flights as a meas- signed a deal with King Hussein,” Abbas was quoted as ure to expand its business, Abdullah II yesterday confirm- saying in the statement. “It con- Chairman Darwish Ismail Al ing Jordan’s historic role as solidates what the two sides Balushi said yesterday. custodian of the holy sites in (Jordanians and Palestinians) “We are working hard on a Jerusalem, the palace said. have established decades ago.” feasibility study for the low- Outlining their coordina- Al Aqsa compound, known to cost airline and expect to get tion, the two sides stressed their Muslims as Al Haram Al Sharif, government approval soon “common goal to defending” is Islam’s third holiest site and it after,” Balushi said, without Jerusalem and its sacred sites houses the Dome of the Rock and elaborating on the plan. against attempts to Judaise the Al Aqsa mosques. Oman Air said its revenues Holy City, particularly the flash- But it is also Judaism’s most jumped 21 percent to RO347m point Al Aqsa Mosque compound. sacred place of worship, vener- ($901m) in 2012 on the back of “In this historic agreement, ated by Jews as Temple Mount. rising traffic through the coun- Abbas reiterated that the king “Jerusalem is currently facing try’s main airport. The carri- is the custodian of holy sites in major challenges and attempts er’s operating loss narrowed 11 Jerusalem and that he has the right to change its Arab, Muslim and percent to RO97.5m last year. to exert all legal efforts to preserve Christian identity,” the palace “The loss is mainly attrib- them, especially Al Aqsa Mosque,” said. uted to the purchase of new the palace said in a statement. Israel captured the mostly Arab aircraft because we have “It is also emphasising the his- eastern sector of the city from recently increased our destina- torical principles agreed by Jordan Jordan in the 1967 Six-Day War tions,” said Balushi, who is also and Palestine to exert joint efforts and later annexed it in a move the minister of finance. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (left) and King Abdullah II of Jordan sign an agreement at the Royal Palace to protect the city and holy sites never recognised internationally. AGENCIES in Amman yesterday. from Israeli Judaisation attempts.” AFP MONDAY 1 APRIL 2013 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

Queen greeted 10 ‘wise men’ BRIEFLY to break Italy deadlock Four killed in Timbuktu clashes President faces biggest test of career BAMAKO: Malian troops backed by French forces ROME: Italy’s 87-year-old However, there were few illu- yesterday clashed with President Giorgio Napolitano sions that summoning the “wise Islamist fighters who had will face the greatest test of his men”, in line with a long tradition infiltrated the northern city career during his final weeks in Italian politics, offered more of Timbuktu, leaving three in office as he tries to end the than a slim hope of overcoming jihadists and one Malian sol- standoff preventing a new gov- the deep divisions that have pre- dier dead, an army officer ernment being formed more vented the parties from coming said. than a month after elections. to an agreement. “Jihadists have infiltrated Following widespread reports “Political history shows, alas, the centre of Timbuktu... Our he may resign to open the way for that whenever someone wants men are currently fighting a new vote, Napolitano pledged to not to decide something, what them with the support of a remain in office at the Quirinale happens? They set up a nice com- Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh (right) looks on as Queen Elizabeth receives flowers from children as she unit of our French partners,” palace until his term ends on May mission,” Daniela Santanche, a leaves The Deanery at St Georges Chapel in Windsor Castle after the Easter service yesterday. the Malian officer said. 15, averting the immediate threat member of parliament close to According to provisional of further turmoil. former prime minister Silvio information, three Malian sol- He named 10 “wise men” includ- Berlusconi, told La Stampa. diers were also wounded in the ing European Affairs Minister She said there was no alterna- fighting that was still continu- Enzo Moavero and senior politi- tive to Berlusconi’s demand to ing into the late afternoon. cians from the main centre-left share power in a coalition with the Five children under 10 die The Islamist fighters who and centre-right blocs to propose centre-left formation led by Pier had controlled the fabled a series of urgent measures that Luigi Bersani, which has repeat- Saharan city before French could be backed by all parties. edly said it cannot deal with the and Malian soldiers recaptured Details will be announced scandal-plagued billionaire. in French house blaze it in January have been able to tomorrow but are expected to “Otherwise we go to elections, blend into the population to include cutting the cost of the which we’re sure of winning. launch attacks, infiltrating it bloated political system and There won’t be any strange third LILLE, France: Five children the “violence” of the flames and insalubrious seven-storey build- by foot or bicycle. replacing the widely criticised ways,” she said. between the ages of two and 10 the “nearly complete collapse of ing housing squatters in the Paris electoral law to avoid a repeat of Napolitano, member of a died when a fire ravaged their the first floor”, said firefighter suburb of Aubervilliers. Ex-British minister the deadlock in future elections. student anti-fascist group dur- home in northern France over- Lieutenant Thierry Oberlin. One person died after jumping “It would be a disaster to go ing the Second World War and night while staying with their Masses of smoke also “seriously out the window, another burnt files complaint back to an election without have a former communist, won wide divorced father who was seri- complicated the work of the fire- to death on the third floor and LONDON: Former British reformed the electoral law,” respect in Italy and Europe for ously burned trying to save fighters” who found the five bodies a third died in hospital, officials cabinet minister Andrew Valerio Onida, former head of his handling of the 2011 political them, officials said yesterday. of the children, “dead from asphyx- said, adding that at least 13 people Mitchell has made a for- the Constitutional court who is and financial market crisis which In Saint-Quentin, a town iation”, said town official Jean- were injured. mal complaint to a police part of the advisory group, told brought down the last Berlusconi about 130km northeast of Paris, Jacques Boyer. Autopsies will be A resident told journalists watchdog over the apparent La Repubblica newspaper. government. a father who had his children for carried out on the children today. the blaze erupted when some- leaking of the findings of a With financial markets already Newspapers reported yester- the weekend jumped out of a first- Investigators were yesterday one threw a petrol bomb during police probe into allegations concerned about instability in the day that European Central Bank floor window to go to get help as following the assumption that the a brawl between occupants, but he called officers “plebs”, it euro zone’s third-largest economy, President Mario Draghi called flames engulfed his house. fire was accidental, but its exact investigators could not immedi- emerged yesterday. the prospect of Napolitano leaving Napolitano to express concern The father in his forties origin had not yet been confirmed. ately confirm the fire was criminal. Mitchell was forced to resign raised alarm and moves to escape his resignation would leave Italy attempted to go back into the The father, whose name was Housing Minister Cecile Duflot, in October as chief whip after the impasse received a cautious without leadership at a time of house with a neighbour but the not released, was in hospital with who went to the scene, said police claimed he verbally welcome from commentators mounting tension in financial two were helpless in the face of serious burns and was only told authorities had not been aware abused an officer who stopped yesterday. markets. the massive flames. “He never yesterday morning by a psycholo- of any “particular warning signs” him cycling out of the main “It was the right decision, it However, Napolitano has thought of himself. He tried to gist that his children had died. at the 1920s-era building. gates of Prime Minister David will avoid sending a dangerous acknowledged he has only limited go get help. He burned himself The children’s mother arrived But Evelyne Yonnet, deputy Cameron’s offices in Downing signal to the markets and will power to force the parties to find trying to save his son,” said the yesterday and was in the care of mayor for housing in the suburb Street. show Italian institutions are solid a way out of political situation he neighbour Olivier Hubeaux. doctors after receiving the news. north of the French capital, said the Mitchell, a former inter- and functioning,” Enrico Letta, said was “frozen between irrecon- Around 50 firefighters were Another deadly fire that building was “very badly managed” national development and aid deputy head of the centre-left cilable positions”. dispatched to the fire, but strug- killed three people broke out and had been inhabited by squatters. minister, has always denied he Democratic Party told Reuters. REUTERS gled to get in the building due to on Saturday evening in an AFP used the word and insists the police have mounted a cam- paign to destroy his career. North Korea vows to Dar es Salaam strengthen nukes Pope prays for peace in Syria and Korea SEOUL: North Korea vowed building yesterday to strengthen its VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis people torn by conflict and for the “popemobile” — kissing babies the needy. The Catholic Church nuclear weapons, a day after prayed for a “political solution” many refugees who await help and and waving to cheering crowds is struggling in the face of rising announcing it is in a “state of collapse toll in Syria and for “reconciliation” comfort. who held up flags from around secularism, particularly in Europe war” with South Korea, and on the Korean peninsula in his “How much blood has been the world including his native where attendances at Mass are said it would never trade its first Easter Sunday message in shed! And how much suffering Argentina. falling sharply. atomic deterrent for aid. hits 25 front of a crowd in St Peter’s must there still be before a politi- Easter is the holiest day in the Yesterday, Francis prayed God’s Tensions have risen sharply DAR ES SALAAM: The death Square. cal solution to the crisis will be Christian calendar and celebrates message would reach “every house since the United Nations tight- toll from a building which col- Latin America’s first pontiff found?” he said. the belief in Jesus Christ’s death and every family, especially where ened sanctions in response to lapsed in Tanzania’s economic also issued an appeal for hostages “On the Korean peninsula, may and resurrection. It is the culmi- the suffering is greatest, in hospi- the North’s nuclear and mis- capital Dar es Salaam reached held by militants in Nigeria and disagreements be overcome and nation of weeks of intense prayer tals, in prisons.” sile tests, and since the United 25 yesterday, officials said as condemned human trafficking as a renewed spirit of reconciliation for Christians. “How many deserts, even today, States and South Korea hope faded of finding those “the most extensive form of slav- grow,” he said, a day after North At an Easter Vigil in St Peter’s do human beings need to cross! launched military drills south missing two days after the ery in this 21st century”. Korea declared it was in a “state Basilica on Saturday, the first Above all, the desert within, when of the border. accident. The pope delivered his “Urbi et of war” with South Korea. pontiff from outside Europe in we have no love for God or neigh- On Saturday the North “Six bodies were found between Orbi” blessing to Rome and the Francis also prayed for Nigeria nearly 1,300 years of Church his- bour,” he said. declared it was in a “state Saturday night and this (Sunday) world from the same balcony of St “where great numbers of people, tory reached out to non-believers On Holy Thursday, Francis cel- of war” with the South and afternoon. This brings the total Peter’s Basilica where he made his including children, are held hos- and lapsed Catholics, urging them ebrated an unprecedented Mass warned Seoul and Washington number confirmed dead to 25,” Dar first appearance after his momen- tage by terrorist groups” — an to “step forward” to God. in a youth prison in Rome in that any provocation would es Salaam Regional Commissioner tous election to the papacy this apparent reference to a French “He will receive you with open which he washed the feet of 12 swiftly escalate into an all-out Saidi Mecky Sadicky said, updat- month. family kidnapped in Cameroon arms,” said the 76-year-old, for- inmates including two girls and nuclear conflict. ing an earlier toll of 19. Speaking in front of some and believed held by the Nigerian merly Buenos Aires archbishop two Muslims — a ritual seen as a “The rescue exercise is still 250,000 people from around the group Boko Haram. Jorge Bergoglio, who has called gesture of humility towards the 12 Mandela spends going on slowly. It is complicated world in the Vatican, Francis The pope also toured St for the Roman Catholic Church to apostles attributed to Jesus. and there is rain, but they will prayed for “dear Syria, for its Peter’s Square in his open-top be closer to ordinary people and AFP fourth day in hospital continue working there until JOHANNESBURG: Nelson every point is sifted,” he added. Mandela remained in hospi- Several dozen people are still tal for a fourth day yesterday missing around the site, which Kite flying championship after South African officials was littered with huge chunks of said he was making steady concrete, and Sadicky said ear- Maduro vows progress following treatment lier there was “little hope to find for a recurrence of pneumonia. anyone alive”. probe into The frail 94-year-old, one of It has been more than 48 hours the towering figures of modern since the last of 18 survivors were Chavez’s death history, was admitted late on pulled from the remains of the Wednesday for his third hospi- 16-storey building. talisation in four months. Hundreds of rescuers have BARINAS, Venezuela: Doctors drained a build- worked non-stop in search of Venezuela’s Acting President up of fluid, known as a pleu- those believed to be still trapped Nicolas Maduro said yester- ral effusion or “water on the in the rubble from the shell of the day that his mentor Hugo lungs”, that had developed tower, which was being built near Chavez had fought for his life from the lung infection. a mosque in the Kisutu area of “until the last second” and “This has resulted in him the coastal city. called for a probe into the now being able to breathe with- Sadicky said between 60 and leader’s death. out difficulty,” President Jacob 70 people were reported to have “Until the last second of his life Zuma’s office said in a state- been at or near the construction he believed that he would live and ment on Saturday. site Friday morning when the he wanted to live,” Maduro said in Yesterday morning, Zuma’s building collapsed, meaning that an interview. spokesman said he didnt have between 17 and 27 people could Maduro recalled how he had another update on the anti- still be trapped. visited Chavez in the military apartheid icon’s health, as he Hundreds of people, includ- hospital on March 5 intending to awaited a report from the doc- ing residents and army rescuers, discuss matters of state. tors. “I have said he is responding clawed through piles of rubble in “He always wanted to live. He (to treatment), making steady the hunt for survivors, alongside Kite boarders and kite skiers compete during an amateur regional championship on the frozen Yenisei River had this gigantic optimism and progress,” said Mac Maharaj. earthmovers and excavators. faith in life,” Maduro said. AGENCIES AFP in the Taiga district some 52km south of Russia’s Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, yesterday. AFP MONDAY 1 APRIL 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES MNLF warns of ‘long war’ with Malaysia Rights abuse to be taken up with OIC

MANILA: The Moro National think-tank Center for Strategic Liberation Front (MNLF) yes- and International Studies (CSIS) terday warned of a “long, pro- said that the relations between tracted war” against Malaysia the Philippines and Malaysia if the country will not heed the would remain strong despite the call of the United Nations for a Sabah crisis. peaceful resolution of the ongo- But CSIS also noted that the ing Sabah crisis. Sabah conflict is taking its toll MNLF spokesman Emmanuel on people-to-people relations Fontanilla said that the royal army between the two Southeast Asian of the sultanate of Sulu and thou- countries due to rising nationalist sands of Tausugs in Sabah are now sentiments. waging a guerrilla war against the “Malaysia and Philippines are Malaysian forces over their claim close partners on economic and to the disputed territory, and “if security issues and the relation- Malaysia will not sit on the nego- ship between the two govern- tiating table and continue its bar- ments appears largely unaffected baric all-out war, it will be facing by the conflict,” said Gregory a long protracted war against the Polling of CSIS. Tausug people in Sabah.” But the fighting between the Fontanilla also said the MNLF sultanate’s forces and Malaysian would report cases of human security forces is hurting peo- rights violations allegedly com- ple-to-people relations between mitted by Malaysian forces Filipinos and Malaysians, as the Supporters of former Philippine president Joseph Estrada hold up banners with his image during a local election campaign in Manila yesterday. against Filipino Muslims in Sabah crisis continues to spawn nation- to the Organisation of Islamic alistic sentiments on both sides Cooperation (OIC) next week. towards the issue. He said the MNLF central Polling also said both the Filipino ‘Last hurrah’ in politics for Estrada committee is drafting a peti- and Malaysian publics have been tion, and that the elevation of critical of their government’s han- the Sabah conflict to the OIC is dling of the conflict and disapprove MANILA: In typically colour- “But this is my last hurrah in returning the favour.” in 2010, coming in second behind MNLF’s top priority because the of the escalating violence. ful fashion, graft-tainted former politics. I just want to clean up If he won, Estrada said he would Benigno Aquino in a field of 10 can- group has a permanent observer “Many groups in the Philippines Philippine president Joseph Manila and put its affairs in order continue his programmes for the didates — proving that he remains status representing Filipino sympathise with Sultan Kiram’s Estrada launched his campaign before retiring,” he said. poor that were halted when an among the country’s most popular Muslims in the council. cause and believe that he has for mayor of Manila yesterday Estrada said his first priority was uprising ousted him as president politicians despite his conviction. Fontanilla also condemned been wronged by history. Many in what he described as his “last to bring urban renewal in the capi- in 2001, halfway through his six- But his return to politics could the alleged support of President are concerned about the 800,000 hurrah” in politics. tal city of 1.6 million people, many year term. be thwarted by an equally col- Aquino for the Malaysian govern- Filipinos living in Sabah, many The one-time movie actor, of whom live in slums plagued by Following a marathon trial, he ourful opponent, Alfredo Lim. ment in quashing Sultan Jamalul of them poor and undocumented, who turns 76 on April 19, said he petty crime. He said he also planned was convicted in 2007 of corrup- The incumbent mayor, known as Kiram III and his royal army, who who could be targeted in the wanted to end his political career to fight rising criminality and end tion for plunder and taking kick- “Dirty Harry”, led a high-profile are now the subject of a massive assault or deported,” Polling said. as the mayor of a city where he alleged corruption at city hall. backs worth tens of millions of campaign to shut down Manila’s military operation in Sabah. He also said the public mood was born and in whose sprawling He said he could “still jog a kil- dollars while president. He was strip bars in the 1990s. “Instead of working for worsened when President Aquino slums he remains hugely popular. ometre thrice a week” and was however quickly pardoned by his The rivalry is one of the closely Malaysia, the president should urged the sultanate fighters to “I was born in Manila, I first healthy enough for the day-to successor Gloria Arroyo. watched in the May elections, have remained neutral and pur- surrender. If the conflict in Sabah became a famous actor in Manila, day-rigours of running one of the Estrada consistently main- when the Philippines elects can- sued the promotion and protection further worsens, speculations are so my career has come full cir- country’s busiest city halls. tained that his ousting was a con- didates for more than 18,000 of rights of the Filipinos in Sabah also high that Malaysian leader- cle,” Estrada said in an interview “My public service to the peo- spiracy involving the influential posts, from mayors and gover- in accordance with International ship will use this as a ground to before addressing thousands of ple has no boundary,” he said. Catholic church and the elite who nors to members of the House of laws,” Fontanilla said. postpone the elections. supporters donning shirts in his “The poor did not leave me and feared his populist ideas. Representatives and the Senate. Meanwhile, US-based THE PHILIPPINE STAR trademark orange. supported me all the way. I am He ran again for the presidency AFP

Philippines Religious ‘radicals’ driving Myanmar unrest: Experts presses for BANGKOK: Two years after of Muslims,” said Jim Della- by Buddhists, identified by stick- leaders are calling for the country Buddhist-Muslim clashes in the a repressive junta ceded power, Giacoma, a Myanmar expert with ers showing the number “969”, to defuse violence that has cast western state of Rakhine last year payment over Myanmar is grappling with a the International Crisis Group which has become a symbol of a shadow over the Buddhist- that left at least 180 people dead, surge in religious extremism think-tank. their campaign. majority nation’s political reforms. mostly minority Muslim Rohingya that experts trace to anti-Mus- “Also, the systematic and “When the profit goes to the “We need to fight this incite- who are viewed by many Burmese damaged reef lim “provocateurs” including methodical way in which Muslim enemy’s hand, our nationality, ment by a group of bad people,” as illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. radical Buddhist monks. neighbourhoods were razed to language and religion are all said Thet Swe Win, a human rights A wave of hate has swept across MANILA: The Philippines yes- At least 43 people have been the ground is highly suggestive of harmed,” said Wirathu, a monk activist who co-organised a recent social media websites targeting terday welcomed the removal killed while mosques and Muslim some degree of advance planning from Mandalay whose anti-Mus- “Pray for Myanmar” peace event in the Rohingya, who have long been of a US minesweeper that had homes have been destroyed over by radical elements,” he added. lim remarks have come under Yangon. “We must prevent racial denied citizenship by Myanmar’s been stuck on a protected coral the past fortnight in central Monks — once at the forefront recent scrutiny. and religious disputes,” he added. government, which — like many reef for 10 weeks, but stressed Myanmar, in a wave of violence of the pro-democracy movement “They will take girls with this The apparent spark for the Burmese — refers to them as that compensation must be paid that witnesses say seems to have and viewed with reverence in this money. They will force them to recent violence was an argument “Bengalis”. for the environmental damage. been well organised. devout Buddhist-majority nation convert religion. All children born in a gold shop in the town of Recently, however, the violence Salvage crews contracted “It is clear that there are — have been linked to the unrest. to them will be a danger to the Meiktila on March 20 that esca- has also targeted Muslims with by the US Navy on Saturday some agents provocateurs with Some members of the clergy country. They will destroy the lated into a full-scale riot. Myanmar citizenship, some of extracted the last remaining piece radical anti-Muslim agendas at have been involved in the violence, language as well as the religion,” Since then armed gangs have whose families came to the coun- of the USS Guardian from the work in the country — includ- while others are spearheading a he said in a speech put online. roamed from town to town in try more than a century ago from Tubbataha reef, a Unesco World ing influential Buddhist monks move to shun shops owned by More moderate voices among central Myanmar razing mosques India, Bangladesh or China. Heritage site in a remote area of preaching intolerance and hatred Muslims and only visit stores run civil society activists and religious and Muslim homes. It follows AFP the Sulu Sea. “We maintain there must be accountability and we will enforce our existing laws,” said Police victim Herminio Coloma, a spokesman for President Benigno Aquino. Mob attacks Sri Lanka “We will adopt needed meas- ures to prevent a repetition (of the incident),” he said. Initial investigation showed Tamil party meeting that the ship had damaged about 4,000sqm of the reef, famous for COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s main country emerging from nearly its rich marine life that divers say Tamil party yesterday accused a four decades of ethnic war. rivals that of Australia’s Great pro-government mob of attack- Military spokesman Ruwan Barrier Reef. ing them in the island’s north Wanigasooriya denied security Tubbataha is a protected as racial tensions rose after forces were involved in the attack marine park under Philippine Buddhist extremists smashed a and said police “successfully dis- law, and is off limits to any vessel Muslim-owned business. persed the crowd within about an unless permission is granted by The opposition Tamil National hour, thus preventing the situa- park authorities. Alliance (TNA) said their meet- tion from escalating”. Fines can reach up to $585 for ing in the town of Kilinochchi on The attack at Kilinochchi, 330km every square metre that has been Saturday was disrupted by a stone- north of Colombo, came despite damaged, officials said. throwing mob which had also increased security after Thursday’s While only a small portion of attacked their vehicles and damaged violence. The main Muslim party in the marine park has been dam- a building while police looked on. the ruling coalition said the unpro- aged, the incident has stoked “Although there were police voked attack was a “sequel” to an nationalist sentiment and revived officers at that place... they took ongoing hate campaign against debate about a controversial no effort to quell this attack,” minority Muslims and other reli- agreement that allows a US mili- the TNA said in a statement. gious minorities. tary presence in the country. TNA legislators have been pro- Muslims, who constitute about 10 The US has repeatedly apolo- vided with policemen as their percent of the country’s 20 million gised for the incident, but has not bodyguards. population, are the second largest clearly explained why a naval ves- The latest violence came two minority after the mainly Hindu sel with state-of-the-art equip- Sub-Inspector Mokbul Hossain is carried to a helicopter after his wrists were blown off during a clash with days after a mob targeted a ethnic Tamils. Seventy percent of ment ran aground in an area that activists of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in Rajshahi yesterday. Police said the wrists of Hossain were blown Muslim-owned clothing store and the population are Sinhalese, most local officials said was clearly vis- off when Jamaat-e-Islami activists and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir threw a bomb. warehouse just outside Colombo, of whom are Buddhists. ible in any map. raising religious tensions in a AFP AFP MONDAY 1 APRIL 2013 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13

Afghanistan to Poll campaign destroy 15,000 hectares of heats up poppy: Officials

KABUL: Afghanistan plans to destroy 15,000 hectares of despite attacks poppy fields this year in its lat- est efforts to control the heroin trade that fuels endemic vio- lence and corruption, officials Two killed in Bannu bomb blast said yesterday. Poppy crops will be ploughed up ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Pakistan says more than 35,000 by tractor or flattened by teams political parties organised huge people have been killed as a result of men wielding sticks as part of rallies yesterday but campaign- of terrorism in the country since the programme starting in the ing for historic general elections the 9/11 attacks on the US. southern and western provinces in May was marred by a bomb Authorities in the eastern of Kandahar, Helmand, Farah and attack which killed two people city of Lahore, meanwhile, shut Nimroz. in the country’s northwest. down mobile phone networks as The target is 50 percent The Pakistani Taliban have a security precaution ahead of a higher than 2012 but already 24 issued threats against the three huge rally organised by Islamist police officers and seven soldiers main secular parties that made up party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl have died in this year’s eradica- the outgoing government and who (JUI-F) headed by cleric Fazlur tion campaign, the ministry of backed army operations against Rehman. counter-narcotics said in a press the Islamist militants. Despite their pro-militant conference. But that did not deter politi- views, Pakistan’s Islamist parties Many of those killed have been cians from holding processions have also come under attack by blown up by mines planted in on Sunday to attract voters on the Taliban who reject democracy fields or shot by insurgents keen to May 11, an election which stands and seek to govern the country protect the lucrative crop, which to mark the country’s first demo- according to their brand of is grown in some of Afghanistan’s cratic transition to power. Shariah law. most violent regions. A roadside bomb attack killed In the port city of Karachi, the “Our goal is to destroy 15,000 two and injured six others includ- Muttahida Qaumi Movement hectares of poppy fields this ing a candidate in the town of (MQM), a political party which year,” ministry spokesman Abdul Bannu, marring an election rally dominates the metropolis of 21 Qayum Saamer told reporters as by the liberal Awami National million people also organised a the annual poppy harvest begins. Party, which has borne the brunt public rally, as did the Jamaat-i- “Last year 10,000 hectares were of Taliban attacks in the restive Islami (JI) Islamic party. destroyed successfully.” northwest. Last week, the frontrun- Saamer said the overall area of Elsewhere in the region, ex- ner in Pakistan’s election race, poppy cultivation was up slightly cricketer Imran Khan, who heads opposition leader Nawaz Sharif, on last year and only 10 percent of the Movement for Justice party, attracted tens of thousands to the total crop would be destroyed drew an impressive crowd in a rally in northwestern town by the programme. Mingora, home to teenage rights of Mansehra where he prom- Afghanistan produces about 90 activist Malala Yousafzai who was ised development and economic percent of the world’s opium and shot in the head by the Taliban success. in 2012 the United Nations Office last October. Pakistani media reported hun- on Drugs and Crime warned that “It is a matter of only six weeks, dreds of candidates and their opium cultivation in the country prepare yourselves for elections, supporters were seen gather- had increased by 18 percent. we will establish a new Pakistan,” ing outside election commission “Since the campaign started a Khan told his supporters, while offices across the country after month ago, around 3,400 hectares vowing to bring peace to the trou- authorities extended a deadline of poppy lands have been already bled border areas where Islamists for the submission of nomination destroyed,” said Hamayun Faizad, a have in recent years waged an papers to midnight. Adnan Wazir, a leader of Awami National Party, who was injured in the bomb blast during his election campaign, provincial counter-narcotics official. insurgency. AFP flashes a victory sign at a hospital in Bannu, yesterday. AFP

Govt releases over $1bn for Musharraf feels insulted, humiliated in court ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s If I was to be very frank with you yourself got involved,” said and there’s nothing against me. supporters. I think later on I was development former president Pervez you on my feelings, if you want to the former military ruler. When From any point of view, there is told that the man was really over- Musharraf has said he felt “a little know my feelings, the first feel- asked if he trusted the judicial nothing against me. So therefore, powered and he got a thorough projects insulted and humiliated” stand- ing when I stand up for the judge system, Musharraf said one has with that conviction, I’ll face the beating or something. But I don’t ing before a judge in a Karachi when he entered which was the to face all the consequences. courts,” he said. know who threw what. I didn’t KARACHI: The government of court, where he appeared to seek norm — the norm which I had to “I know, my conviction is that Musharraf said at no point he know at all,” he said. Pakistan has released Rs141.1bn extension of his pre-arrest bail follow, I did feel somehow a lit- there is nothing against me. And was in danger when a shoe was Advocate Tajammul Lodhi ($1.43bn) in the first nine in a series of cases. tle insulted, a little humiliated,” there were arrest warrants that thrown at him in the Karachi hurled a shoe at Musharraf on months of current fiscal year to Musharraf, 69, who ruled the Musharraf told CNN. were issued, for my non-appear- court room. “I didn’t even see it. Friday in the Sindh High Court various ministries and divisions country for about a decade, fol- “But then I started thinking ance in the court,” he said. “Now There was nothing that hit me. corridor but it did not hit him. for development projects under lowing a military coup in which to myself that I have been say- when I appeared on the cases in Later on, I was told that somebody Musharraf was required to the public sector development he overthrew Nawaz Sharif, ing that everyone is equal in the the court, there shouldn’t be a hurled something. But nothing of appear in person in the court to programme (PSDP) against appeared in a court in Karachi for eyes of law. So I thought to myself, reason for my arrest. that sort was visible,” he said. extend the bail allowance. The the total annual allocation of the first time in his life. “This is well, I have been saying this. The “And we should proceed with “But later on they told me, court extended by 15 days his pre- Rs233bn ($2.38bn). the first time, that I ever entered law applies to me also. So may be, the cases. As far as the cases are those around me, there were arrest bail period. According to official figures a courtroom in my life. would be upset for other — that concerned, they are politicised hundreds of people who are my INTERNEWS released by Planning Commission, out of total Rs141.1bn, Rs74.9bn was released for infrastructure projects, Rs61.5bn for social sector Swapping weapons for peace projects and Rs1.9bn for projects in other sectors under PSDP 2012-13 as on March 30, 2013. Schoolbooks get The PSDP envisaged 345 infra- structure development projects, 694 social sector development projects and 74 projects in other dearer by 35pc sectors. It may be noted that the total PSDP size is Rs360bn, KARACHI: With new aca- on copies and registers since including foreign aid component demic session in most of the there are no price tags attached of Rs100bn and Rs27bn for special schools starting from today to these. programmes. in Pakistan, the prices of They said that the price of Cabinet/finance division is course books of all grades have books (Sindh Text Book Board) releasing funds for special pro- increased by 30 to 35 percent has also become dearer by at least grammes. Foreign aid disburse- over the last year with parents five to 10 per cent. ment amount is received in the swarming bookstalls and sta- There is also a big price differ- economic affairs division. tionery outlets in huge numbers. ence between copies available in The commission is to disburse Shopkeepers said that the pri- the market and those being pro- 20 per cent of funds in the first vate publishers, for the last two vided with courses at designated quarter (July-September), 20 years, hiking book prices, some shops of schools with the name of percent in the second quarter even increased the cost thrice in school printed on copies. (October-December), 25 percent a year. “If we charge a copy contain- in the third quarter (January- “There seems to be no govern- ing 160 pages for Rs35-40 then March) and 35 percent in the ment oversight on the sector that the same is available for Rs50- fourth quarter (April-June). Former Taliban fighters carry their weapons as they join a government peace and reconciliation process at a is said to be enormously huge.” 60 when buying the course from INTERNEWS ceremony in Jalalabad, capital of Nangarhar province of Afghanistan. Four former Taliban fighters from Koz Besides books, manufacturers of specific outlets with school’s name Kunar district handed over their weapons as part of the reconciliation programme. copies have also raised the cost of printed on it,” shopkeepers said. their items. Some market sources An owner of a bookstall at the said that many in copies manufac- Urdu Bazar Nazimabad, Babar turing businesses were cheating Shaikh said that around 15 to 20 their clients. “Those who opted not parents had pleaded with him, to raise the price to beat the com- either to provide textbook courses Ex-ministers asked to return govt items petition have actually reduced the of their wards on installments or number of pages,” an insider said. wait for a few months for pay- ISLAMABAD: The tough pos- The ministry has forwarded a has sent a letter to former prime ex-minister for water and power’. Traders said the price of copies ments in full. ture adopted by the Election complaint to the Chief Election minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, ask- Another letter by the minis- has risen by merely one rupee over He said that there was price Commission of Pakistan and Commissioner (CEC) against two ing him to return a photocopy try has been sent to Syed Naveed the last year but the number of difference in books depending on the Supreme Court regarding former ministers and a special machine provided to him when Qamar who succeeded Ashraf as papers reduced considerably. For the standard of a school. Students scrutiny of particulars of elec- assistant to the prime minister he was federal minister for water the federal minister for water and example, they said a copy of 160 of grade 1 to 5 at a particular tion candidates has apparently who, according to the ministry, and power. power, asking him to return offi- pages, actually contains only 144 school may be paying between encouraged the water and power have not returned some items The letter which has also been cial items in his possession — one pages. Rs850-1000 while the course of ministry to press for the recov- provided to them for official forwarded to the ECP is titled computer (P-IV), one HP Printer Same tactics are used in mak- same grades at other schools may ery of its official items from purposes. ‘Return of Photostat machine 1102, and one fax machine. ing registers, also. However, cost parents Rs1,800-2,300. three former federal ministers. A section officer in the ministry Konica Minolta 7145 from issue to INTERNEWS retailers usually make windfalls IANS MONDAY 1 APRIL 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Star power Modi in policy wing after BJP reshuffle Party leadership eyeing national role for Modi

NEW DELHI: Giving a clear message of the bigger role Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi would play in the BJP’s preparations for the coming Lok Sabha polls, party chief Rajnath Singh yester- day reinducted him into its top decision-making group, the par- liamentary board. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief also sought to rein- vigorate his team of office bearers by promoting some young faces and articulate parliamentarians. The rejig by Rajnath Singh also saw Modi’s controversial aide Amit Shah and Pilibhit MP Varun Gandhi being made general secretaries and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Uma Bharti a vice president. Modi, the only chief minister in the parliamentary board, has also been made member of the central BJP President Rajnath Singh (right) has elevated Narendra Modi to the Film star Amitabh Bachchan arrives for a promotional event in Mumbai late on Saturday. election committee and will have party’s parliamentary board. a role in candidate selection. He comes back to the parlia- vice presidents, 10 general secre- Gehlot, former party secretary mentary board after about six taries, 15 secretaries and seven Murlidhar Rao, former Himachal years but in changed circum- spokespersons. Pradesh minister J P Nadda and stances — amid demands from A BJP leader told IANS that former MP Tapir Gaon. Ram SC to rule on landmark some sections that he be declared the overhaul was “major” with “80 Lal will be general secretary the prime ministerial candidate. percent of appointees under 60 (organisation). There are also indications that years of age and nearly 70 percent Party veterans Yashwant Sinha he would head the party’s cam- faces in the team being new”. and Jaswant Singh have not found paign committee for the Lok “Like Kamraj plan of Congress, a place in Rajnath’s team, while drug patent case today Sabha polls. it was the Rajnath plan of BJP,” Najma Heptulla, Hema Malini Shah’s induction as general he said. and Shanta Kumar have also been NEW DELHI: The Supreme pharmaceutical firms — involves — often hailed as a “silver bullet” secretary is being seen in party According to party sources, the dropped as vice presidents and Court is set to rule today on a an updated version of Novartis’ for its breakthrough in treating a circles as Modi’s influence. An BJP was keen to connect with Ravi Shankar Prasad, the party’s patent challenge by Swiss phar- blockbuster cancer drug Glivec, deadly form of leukaemia — as “an accused in the Soharabuddin the aspiring class and deflate deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, maceutical giant Novartis that for which the company is seeking obvious, routine modification”. Sheikh and Tulsi Prajapati Congress campaign under its as chief spokesman. activists say threatens access to patent protection. A Novartis win would alleged staged shootout cases, he young vice president Rahul The new spokespersons cheap generic versions of life- India’s patent office has refused “set a dangerous precedent, is a legislator from Naranpura in Gandhi. include former MP Bizay Sonkar saving drugs in poor nations. protection, asserting that the severely weakening India’s legal Gujarat. The new vice-presidents — five Shastri, Rajnath Singh’s political Generic drug firms in India amended form of Glivec was not norms against ‘evergreening’,” Gandhi, 33, is the youngest gen- of them women — include former aide Sudhanshu Trivedi, lawyer — long known as the “pharmacy vastly different from the earlier Menghaney said. eral secretary. His appointment Karnataka chief minister D V Meenakshi Lekhi and former to the developing world” — have version. “You could have drug companies drew a sarcastic comment from Sadananda Gowda, former MPs party secretary Capt Abhimanyu, been a major supplier of copycat The challenge strikes at the claiming one new drug and then party veteran Vinay Katiyar, who S S Ahluwalia, Satpal Malik and while Prakash Javadekar, medicines to treat diseases such heart of India’s patent act, patenting it over and over again said: “Gandhi surname gets prior- Kiran Maheshwari, MPs Smriti Shahnawaz Hussain and Nirmala as cancer, TB and AIDS for those which restricts pharmaceutical for routine improvements,” she told ity whether it is Congress or BJP.” Irani, Balbir Punj, Mukhtar Sitharaman will continue. who cannot afford expensive companies from seeking fresh AFP. The Novartis case is the most Congress leaders took a dig Abbas Naqvi and Prabhat Jha, Poonam Mahajan, daugh- branded versions. patents for making only small high-profile of several drug patent at BJP’s decision to induct Modi former Punjab minister Laxmi ter of late party leader Pramod A Novartis win in the Supreme modifications to existing drugs battles being waged in the country and Shah in the team of party’s Kanta Chawla and tribal leader Mahajan, has been made a sec- Court would “be dire for people in — an industry practice known as and is seen as having far-reaching central office-bearers and said Jual Oram. retary. The 12-member Central the developing world who depend “evergreening”. Novartis says the implications in defining the extent Karnataka will be the “first Bangalore South MP Ananth Parliamentary Board, headed on generic drugs made in this updated form of Glivec merits a of patent protection in India. test” of the opposition party’s Kumar and party leader from by Rajnath Singh, includes Atal country. It could seriously curb patent, arguing that it is a sig- It is being watched closely by new team. Odisha Dharamendra Pradhan Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani, access”, said Leena Menghaney, nificant improvement from the other global drug firms hoping The new team, which will take have been retained as general Murli Manohar Joshi, M Venkaiah a lawyer with medical charity earlier version because it is more to sell branded medicines in the BJP through preparations of secretaries though there was Naidu, Nitin Gadkari, Sushma Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). easily absorbed by the body. country of 1.2 billion, whose grow- crucial assembly polls this year speculation about their continu- Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Ananth The landmark challenge But critics such as MSF ing affluence has created a highly to five states and Lok Sabha ation. Others include party MPs Kumar, Gehlot and Ram Lal, — watched closely by global describe the changes in Glivec lucrative market. AFP polls due next year, includes 13 Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Thawarchand apart from Modi. IANS Train fare increase comes into effect today

NEW DELHI: Travelling in “The revision will come into 30 percent of basic fare for all and Rs.400), executive class — trains will become costlier effect on tickets issued on and other AC classes. Rs300 and Rs400. from today as the hike in res- after April 1, 2013,” a ministry In the reserved second class A revision in clerkage and ervation, tatkal, cancellation release said. sitting, the minimum tatkal minimum cancellation charges fees and some other charges The supplementary charges charges will be Rs10 and maxi- will also come into effect from announced in the rail budget for superfast trains have been mum will be Rs15. today. will come into effect. increased by Rs5 for second Corresponding tatkal charges Clerkage charge for cancel- According to railway min- class and Rs10 for sleeper class. for sleeper class will be Rs90 lation of waiting list and RAC istry, reservation fee for AC In different AC classes, the hike (minimum) and Rs175 (maxi- tickets will be dearer by Rs5 to classes will go up by Rs15 to 25 is in between Rs15 and Rs25. mum). For other classes, they Rs10. Cancellation charges have per ticket while reservation fee Tatkal charges have been will be: AC chair car — Rs100 been increased by Rs10 per con- for second and sleeper class will increased by 10 percent of the and Rs200, AC-3 tier — Rs250 firmed ticket in second class to remain unchanged. basic fare for second class and and Rs350), AC -2 tier — Rs300 Rs50 in AC classes. IANS

Tamil Nadu film Anna begins tour from Amritsar fraternity to AMRITSAR: Launching his He also offered prayers at the fast over Lanka ‘Janatantra Yatra’ (tour for Hindu shrine Durgiana Mandir democracy) from the historic here before starting his cam- Jallianwala Bagh here in this paign from Jallianwala Bagh. CHENNAI: For a second time Sikh holy city yesterday, anti- Hundreds of innocent and within two weeks, the Tamil corruption crusader Anna unarmed men, women and film industry will join hands to Hazare (pictured) said only children were massacred at observe a day-long fast tomor- a mass movement could bring the Jallianwala Bagh on April row against the reported geno- about a change in India. 13, 1919, by British forces led cide of Tamils in Sri Lanka. “I will continue this crusade by Brigadier General Reginald The first fast was observed on (against corruption) as long as Dyer. March 19 here. I have life in me,” Hazare, 75, The victims had no escape While the Tamil Nadu Film said addressing his supporters route when they were fired Directors Association (TANTIS) here. upon, as the only narrow and Film Employees’ Federation Flanked by former Indian entrance to the park was of South India (FEFSI) spear- Army chief Gen V K Singh, move through Punjab for five blocked by armed troops. headed the earlier fast, the Hazare started his year-long, days. Hazare, who arrived here Colonial-era records put the “Nadigar Sangam” — also known all-India tour from the city’s on Saturday, will address eight deaths at around 400, while as South Indian Film Artistes’ historic Jallianwala Bagh. rallies in the state. leaders of the country’s free- Association (SIFAA) — will fast People jostled in the con- “The country is headed dom movement claimed over in support of Sri Lankan Tamils gested area near Jallianwala towards disaster. We want to 1,000 people had died. April 2. “We received an over- Bagh in the walled city to catch bring about change,” Hazare After Punjab, Hazare will whelming response for our token a glimpse of the anti-corruption told supporters as he embarked enter Haryana and then move fast in March. However, every- activist. on his tour. on to Uttarakhand. body from the industry couldn’t The tour is part of Hazare’s Hazare and his support- After a short break, the sec- participate because of tight campaign for a stronger Lokpal ers earlier offered prayers at ond leg of the tour will cover schedules. This time, we are hope- bill and electoral reforms, Harmandar Sahib, popularly Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh ful of a bigger turnout,” a SIFAA among other demands. known as the Golden Temple, and Jharkhand. member told IANS. IANS The ‘Janatantra Yatra’ will the holiest of Sikh shrines. IANS

MONDAY 1 APRIL 2013 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Monday 1 April 2013 20 Jumada I 1434 Volume 18 Number 5656 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Qatari businessmen keen to invest in Afghanistan

advised potential investors not development over the last 10 years, Karzai outlines economic assets and investment potential in his country to pay heed to the media reports raising the per capita income from about the security situation in the $180 in 2002 to $1,000 in 2012. BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB country saying, “When I am in Qatari businessmen expressed the US and watch CNN, I am also keen interest to invest in DOHA: Afghanistan is esti- scary, but when I am back home, I Afghanistan’s various sectors, gold mated to be one of the richest find the picture more rosy.” mining and housing sector in par- countries in the world. It has Karzai noted that Afghanistan ticular. In addition, Sheikh Ali and underground assets worth up to and Qatar were very close to each Sheikh Khalid suggested forming a $13 trillion including gold, pre- other not only in terms of geo- delegation of Qatari businessmen cious stones, rubies, minerals, graphical location but also in other to visit Afghanistan and look out and oil and gas, visiting Afghan ways. “Since you are brothers, and for opportunities and then send a President Hamid Karzai said. we both are friendly nations with group of experts to study the busi- “Afghanistan is not only one America, I will share things that I ness and begin implementing the of the fastest growing economies do not tell in other countries.” proposed projects. in the world, we are the richest On the current level of invest- Karzai, on his part, agreed to country as well. The country has ment, he said that the Chinese send his Minister for Mines and about $3 trillion-13 trillion worth were the first to enter Afghanistan Minister of Economy to Qatar to of underground assets, accord- investing $4.5bn in copper mining. provide a detailed account about ing to estimates made by the US Later, India surpassed China with business opportunities. Geological Survey,” Karzai said $11bn investment. Turkey, Kuwait in a meeting organised by Qatari and the United Arab Emirates Emirates to fly from June Businessmen’s Association (QBA) QBA Chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani (second left) shaking hands with Afghan President Hamid Karzai have shown interest in the coun- Emirates Airlines will begin on Saturday to discuss avenues of in Doha. QBA Second Deputy Chairman Dr Sheikh Khalid bin Thani Al Thani (left) and QBA member Sheikh Ali bin try’s Western oil fields. flying to Afghanistan from June investment in Afghanistan. Abdullah bin Thani Al Thani (second right) are also seen. Karzai, while inviting Qatari this year, Karzai said. “Yesterday QBA Chairman Sheikh Faisal investors, expressed his generos- (Friday), the Emirates CEO came bin Qassim Al Thani welcomed Dr Sheikh Khalid bin Thani of the economy; be it is mining, give good returns. Especially, ity for the state, and said: “Any to see me as our Ministry of Karzai and the delegation accom- Al Thani, Qatar Chamber Vice quarrying, power generation, investment in power generation economic activity, in any part of Transport was stopping them fly- panying him and discussed ways Chairman Mohammed bin Ahmed cement industry, housing, retail, and housing construction will see the country that you find inter- ing to Afghanistan. The Ministry to boost trade and investment bin Towar Al Kuwari, Eid Charity banking, civil aviation and hospi- immediate returns.” esting is open for you… you come, did not want more competition between the businessmen in Chairman Dr Sheikh Mohammed tality industry, all the sectors will Karzai said the banking sector have a site seeing, and chose the for local airlines. But I overruled either countries. Also present bin Eid Al Thani, and dignitaries. give good returns. “Afghanistan has grown too. “A country that area, its all yours.” it to allow them (Emirates) to fly were QBA member Sheikh Ali Karzai said that his country is ready to welcome you with had almost no banking at all 10 He said his country is open to to Afghanistan from June this bin Abdullah bin Thani Al Thani, has tremendous business oppor- open arms and a happy heart. years ago, today it has deposits all Arab countries and stressed year,” Karzai said on Saturday. QBA Second Deputy Chairman tunities. Investment in any sector Investment in any sector will of nearly $4.5bn in banks.” He Afghanistan witnessed great THE PENINSULA

Ooredoo Chairman Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani (centre), Deputy Chairman Ali Shareef Al Emadi (right) and CEO Dr Nasser Marafih at the AGM yesterday. SALIM MATRAMKOT Ooredoo to launch ultrafast 4G LTE network in two weeks DOHA: Ooredoo is set to launch to QR33.7bn, with more revenue services, with more than 36,000 the ultrafast 4G Long-Term coming from mobile data and customers for the Ooredoo Fibre Evolution (LTE) mobile broad- business communication services. home broadband network and band network in the next couple Net profit attributable to share- 131,000 homes passed for later of weeks. The programme will holders also grew from QR2.6bn activation, by the end of 2012. The deliver the fastest and largest to QR2.9bn during the same time company’s Mobile Money service net work in the country, to sup- period. The EBITDA increased has also recently reached the mile- port the national plan to boost by 5.1 percent from QR14.8bn to stone of 100,000 registered users. the knowledge-based economy. QR15.5bn, with EBITDA margin Group CEO Dr Nasser Marafih Talking on the sidelines of posting a solid 46 percent. noted the flagship operator Ooredoo Annual General Meeting Reaching more customers than Ooredoo Qatar exceeded QR6bn in (AGM), Ooredoo Chairman ever before, Ooredoo’s consolidated revenue for the first time in com- Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed customer base grew from 83.4m by pany history. ”Our operator with bin Saud Al Thani said the launch the end of 2011 to 92.9m by the end the largest customer base, Indosat of the 4G LTE mobile broadband of 2012. Ooredoo also continued to in Indonesia, increased its consoli- network would be the centre of invest in key operations, increasing dated customers to 58.6m and full- Ooredoo Qatar’s strategic growth ownership in Kuwait’s Wataniya year revenue to QR8.8bn. Asiacell plans in the year ahead. The and its operations from 52.5 per- in Iraq crossed 10m consolidated cutting-edge facility would be cent to 92.1 percent, and Wataniya customer milestone.” launched in Ooredoo’s interna- and Ooredoo’s stake in Tunisia’s tional subsidiaries and associates Tunisiana was increasing from 75 NOD TO NAME CHANGE at later stage, he said. percent to 90 percent. The AGM yesterday gave its Earlier, the AGM approved Ooredoo increased its stake in approval for changing the name recommendation of the Board of Iraq’s Asiacell from 30 percent from Qatar Telecom (Qtel) to Directors to distribute a cash div- to 64.1 percent, as of 4 February Ooredoo QSC. The Ooredoo idend of 50 percent of the nominal 2013. In addition, Asiacell’s IPO chairman said the renaming was share value (QR5 per share). in February 2013 was successfully part of the company’s intentions Sheikh Abdullah said in total, completed. to grow global. “The name reflects 81.6 percent of Ooredoo’s rev- The company has also seen the aspirations of our customers… enue comes from outside Qatar, strong response to its life- I want you, our shareholders; to be with healthy increases in revenue enhancing services that have as excited about this transforma- from operating companies in Iraq, been making a difference every tion…We are changing our com- Algeria and Indonesia supporting day. Ooredoo provides small busi- pany for the better, taking us to a record-setting performance in nesses in Qatar with cutting-edge a whole new level. Everybody has its home nation. Cloud solutions, empowers women the aspiration to grow, develop The year 2012 was a remark- in Iraq with special tailored- and live better lives. We want able year for the company and services, and enables customers to deploy our resources to help Ooredoo’s market capitalisation to send money using their mobile people to reach their aspirations.. has reached a high QR33.31bn. phones in Qatar and Tunisia. That is why we have chosen to Ooredoo’s revenue increased by In Qatar, Ooredoo has contin- become Ooredoo,” he said. 6.2 percent from QR31.8bn in 2011 ued to deliver leading products and THE PENINSULA MONDAY 1 APRIL 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Qatar’s pharmaceutical market to remain import-dependent

DOHA: Qatar’s pharmaceuti- industry Outlook released by comparison to the imports. pharmaceutical industry will ben- SALES OF OTC cal market is likely to remain Alpen Capital noted. Qatar Pharma, which began efit from the forthcoming imple- PRODUCTS GROW highly import-dependent, pro- Although multinational phar- production in 2009, is presumably mentation of the national health The growing incidence of life- viding significant opportuni- maceutical companies have been the only locally-manufacturing insurance programme, which style-related chronic diseases has ties for multinational branded successful in the Qatari market pharmaceutical company which envisions covering all the resi- boosted demand for high-value drug makers through the trade due to high brand consciousness operates at a reasonable scale. dents and visitors in the country prescription medication in Qatar. route. of the people for both prescrip- However, domestic drug produc- under the scheme. The country’s population is also Despite recent surge in activity, tion and OTC (over-the-coun- tion is gradually gaining momen- Further, potential singing of becoming increasingly aware about Qatar’s domestic manufacturing ter) medicines, the small market tum in the country. a free trade agreement between personal healthcare. This has segment sees only a restricted size has discouraged manufac- The report said Qatari gov- the GCC and India, thus paving boosted sales of OTC products such progress in the future. The high tures from setting up plants ernment favours increasing local the way for cheaper imports of as analgesics, cold and flu medica- share of imported and branded within the country. Instead, production and pharmaceutical generics, can alter structure of tion, digestives, pseudo-pharma- products has inflated healthcare exporting from facilities in the prices in the country. To fuel the pharmaceutical industry in ceuticals, and topical creams. spending of the Qatari govern- Mena and Asian countries is growth of generic drugs in the the country. However, regulations on adver- ment, the main buyer of medi- seen as a preferable route. market, SCH stipulates all doc- “The GCC pharmaceutical tising and retail sales through cines, and the consumers. According to Alpen Capital, tors to prescribe medicines only industry is expected to experi- licensed pharmacies only have This has prompted the coun- Qatar imported $280.2m worth by their generic names, thus leav- ence sustainable growth in the partially stunted the growth of try’s Supreme Council of Health of pharmaceutical products in ing the final choice of generic or medium to long term. Increased OTC segment. Under Qatari laws, (SCH) to take several measures 2010, translating into an annual branded drugs to the patients. domestic production, foreign some typically OTC drugs are such as eliminating controls on average of 16.3 percent from However, it remains to be seen investments, and consumption of categorized as prescription medi- pricing of pharmaceuticals and 2008. Although pharmaceuti- whether generic drugs are able to generics are likely to support the cines, while some drugs generally Sameena Ahmad, Managing abolishing monopoly of a few cal exports have multiplied 10 penetrate an affluent and brand market’s evolution”, said Sameena available under prescription only Director, Alpen Capital companies on drug imports, a times between 2008 and 2011, conscious consumer base. Ahmad, Managing Director at are dispensed OTC. latest GCC pharmaceutical the export figure is negligible in The report expects Qatari Alpen Capital. THE PENINSULA Milaha to give dividend from Apr 7 UK gas stocks swell on Extraordinary General Assembly meeting on Wednesday supplies from Qatar DUBAI: UK stocks of lique- But with plentiful supplies BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB fied natural gas have swollen coming in by pipeline, Britain’s over the last week, data from three large LNG import termi- DOHA: Qatar Navigation National Grid shows, after nals only made small contribu- (Milaha) QSC in its Ordinary three big Qatari deliveries tions to UK gas supply over the General Assembly yesterday helped replenish low heating weekend, despite large deliveries approved the company’s audited fuel supplies during the coldest to two of them over the last week. financial results for the year March in over half a century. The terminals — two in south ended December 31, 2012, one of Britain’s relatively small gas Wales and one near London — the items on its agenda. stocks fell to just 2,594 gigawatt each have several large storage The General Assembly rati- hours (about 225 million cubic tanks, some the size of London’s fied all the remaining items on metres) on Saturday, according Albert Hall, where they keep the its agenda including the proposal to the latest data from National gas super-chilled in its liquid state by the Board of Directors (BoD) Grid, as prolonged cold weather before warming it back into gase- to distribute a cash dividend of kept heating demand well above ous form when needed. 37.5 percent of the nominal share seasonal norms. The three deliveries from value (equivalent to QR3.75 per But three large deliveries from Qatar, the world’s largest LNG share). The General Assembly Qatar of super-cooled gas over exporter, have swollen Britain’s also approved the appointment of the last week, with the latest LNG stocks from around 30 per- Ernst & Young as external audi- unloading in Wales on Saturday, cent full last Sunday to over 40 tors for the year 2013. have swelled additional stocks percent full ahead of the working Due to lack of quorum, of liquefied natural gas held at week - a time when gas demand the Extraordinary General import terminals to 6,219 GWh, from industry rises. Assembly meeting of Milaha or around 540 mcm, up from 358 Another LNG tanker is on will be held on Wednesday, at mcm last Sunday. course to deliver a cargo from the W Hotel, the Great Room, Despite gas demand expected Trinidad today, according to ship at 4:30 pm. to be around 303 mcm yesterday, tracking data on Reuters, which Dividend distribution will about 20 percent above normal should boost UK gas stocks by commence starting on April 7, Sheikh Ali bin Jassim bin Mohammad Al Thani, Chairman and Managing Director of Milaha, at the Annual General for the time of year, National Grid about another 80 mcm. According through all of Qatar National Meeting at the W Hotel yesterday. QASSIM RAHMATULLAH expects supplies coming from to Reuters analysis of AIS data Bank (QNB) branches. QNB has Norway, continental Europe and transmitted by the world’s fleet been appointed official Dividend Directors, presented an overview our journey along a transforma- However, the challenges faced by the UK’s own North Sea gas fields of LNG tankers on Sunday, there Distribution Agent and will pro- of the company’s activities and tive path, making significant the global shipping industry con- to exceed demand. were no other ships indicating vide dividend distribution, divi- financial results for 2012 along changes in the way we operate, tinued to make themselves felt in Britain’s Met office said on that they are heading to Britain. dend account administration and with highlights of business plans while acquiring and developing some of our core sectors.” Thursday that March looked set There were three Qatari LNG other administrative support for the year 2013. new capabilities that are critical The company’s net profit for to be the coldest since 1962, with a tankers heading north through services to ensure shareholders The Chairman said: “2012 was to realise our long term vision.” 2012 reached QR835m, a 17 per- mean UK temperature of just 2.5 the Red Sea yesterday, any of have easier and more efficient another exciting and challenging Sheikh Ali added: “The com- cent increase over 2011. During degrees Celsius between March 1 which might be destined for the access to their earned dividends. year for Milaha, one in which we bination of a dynamic Qatari the meeting, the Chairman pro- and March 26. The prolonged cold UK. Qatari LNG tankers typically During the General Assembly showed strongly improved finan- economy and our own signifi- vided shareholders with detailed weather has drained UK stocks do not specify their final desti- meeting, Sheikh Ali bin Jassim cial performance while continuing cant, internal efforts to optimize answers with regards to all ques- held in traditional storage sites in nations until they have emerged bin Mohammad Al Thani, to keep one eye on our long term productivity within Milaha con- tions raised. gaseous form to around 5 percent from the Suez Canal. Chairman of Milaha’s Board of strategic goals. We continued tributed to a strong year overall. THE PENINSULA of capacity on Saturday. REUTERS

Emerging markets dumping Ukraine’s gas euro reserves, says report buys from Europe fraudulent, LONDON: The euro’s challenge currency’s founders — slips to the international status of away, the newspaper said. says Gazprom the US dollar has been set back “It’ll be the number two inter- a generation as new data show national currency, but I wouldn’t MOSCOW: Ukraine is using a developing countries dumping say there are any prospects of “fraudulent scheme” to carry out the European currency from it challenging the dollar,” said reverse shipments of Russian their official reserves. Jeffrey Frankel, professor of eco- gas from the European market, Central banks in developing nomics at Harvard’s Kennedy Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller countries sold ¤45bn in 2012, School of Government. said, further raising tensions in a according to data compiled by The choice of where to hold price dispute with Kiev. the International Monetary reserves sends a clear signal of Ukraine, a transit route for more Fund, cutting their holdings which currencies developing than half of Russian gas shipped to of the currency by 8 percent, countries regard as the most sta- the European Union, wants to pay reported the Financial Times ble, safe and liquid. less for gas from Russia because it yesterday. Euros now make up only 24 says a 2009 deal with Moscow set This highlights the damage percent of their reserves, the an exorbitant price, and aims to Europe’s sovereign debt crisis lowest since 2002, and down buy more gas from Europe. has done to its standing in the from a peak of 31 percent as The two ex-Soviet neighbours international financial system recently as 2009. The dollar has have a record of pricing disputes as the chance of rivalling the held steady at about 60 percent. which have resulted in interrup- dollar — one dream of the single QNA tions of Russian gas supplies to Europe. “There are no de facto and physical reverse supplies planned, but what is planned is to use Gazprom’s gas through some virtual reverse,” the monopoly’s head told Rossiya-24 • Bullion - Mumbai state-run TV. Spokespersons for Ukraine’s Gold (10 gm) Standard Rs. 29605 deputy prime minister on energy Silver (1 kg) Rs. 54565 issues Yuri Boiko and Fuel • Indian Rupees QR1 = 14.77 Minister Eduard Stavitsky were • Sensex not available for comment. Miller BSE 18835.77 said the scheme was enforced NSE 5682.55 using technical manipulations at gas-measuring stations. • Short-term investment plan from LIC International upto 6.4 percent return Reiterating Gazprom’s position, p.a. (in dollar) he said buying gas from Europe at • Housing loan from HDFC LTD spot prices will not be economically • Mutual Fund: Buy & Sell: SBI MF, HDFC MF, UTI MF, Birla Sun Life MF, viable for Ukraine, which currently Tata MF, Reliance MF etc. buys Russian gas at a fixed price of Contact: Investec, Tel: 44325060/44365060 email: [email protected] $430 per 1,000 cubic metres. AFP MONDAY 1 APRIL 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 Qatar Exchange down a tad; Egypt falls to 16-week low DOHA/DUBAI: Qatar Exchange was country’s economic situation worsens, tax on capital gains made from selling In Saudi Arabia, the index slipped respectively. Selling pressure on stocks down 8.54 points or 0.10 percent to while Gulf markets were mixed. shares to Qatar National Bank. 0.5 percent, extending declines from a also eased as many companies filed earn- 8,577.72 points yesterday from the pre- Egypt’s government has hit a breaking The exchange executed the sale of 10-month high as investors booked gains ings on the final day of the reporting vious closing of 8,586.26 points. Among point in its ability to pay for imports of NSGB shares to QNB, representing a in large-cap stocks. Saudi Basic Industries period. Shares in firms that failed to do the top losers were Masraf Al Rayan oil, wheat and other basic commodities, 97.1 percent stake in the Egyptian lender. Corp lost 1 percent, dragging the petro- so will be suspended from trading today. whose share dropped 0.56 percent to forcing it to call in diplomatic favours. NSGB will be delisted from the bourse chemical sector down by 0.8 percent. The Logistics operator Agility rose 1.7 percent QR24.75, Vodafone Qatar lost 1.24 per- Most stocks declined. Orascom on April 7 QNB bought a 77.2 percent banking index shed 0.5 percent. to a three-year high. cent to QR8.74, Gulf International fell Construction Industries and Commercial stake from NSGB’s parent firm Societe In Kuwait, investors bought stocks to Elsewhere, UAE markets were mixed 0.14 percent to QR35 and Al Meera International Bank lost 2.5 and 3 percent Generale, and acquired the rest from the boost share prices at the end of the first with Dubai’s bourse falling 0.9 percent to was down 0.69 percent to QR130. The respectively. Non-Arab foreigners were market at 38.65 pounds per share. quarter but the index was little changed. a fresh two-month low as investors booked banking and financial sector fell 0.22 net sellers, according to bourse data. Cairo’s bourse fell 1.6 percent to 5,099 This trading tactic, known by many bro- profits from an early-year surge. Emaar points, the insurance sector added 0.31 Shares in National Societe Generale points, its lowest close since December 11. kers as “window dressing”, is especially Properties and Air Arabia declined 1.7 points and the services sector gained Bank declined 1.9 percent to 30.10 “The market broke the support at 5,100 rife in Kuwait, with investors seeking to and 3.1 percent respectively. Abu Dhabi’s 0.65 points. Egyptian pounds ($4.42) — its lowest on low volumes and the next support temporarily bolster portfolio performance. benchmark gained 0.3 percent. Shares Meanwhile, selling pressure from for- since August 2012. The stock has fallen is near 4,900 points” said Mohabeldeen Small-caps dominated trade. Gulf in Ras Al Khaimah Ceramics surge 14.7 eign investors dragged Egypt’s bourse for four sessions since the Egyptian gov- Agena, head of technical analysis at Investment House and Investors Holding percent after the company proposed a 20 down to a near 16-week low as the ernment said it would levy a 10 percent Cairo’s Beltone Financial. Group climbed 5.5 and 2.2 percent percent cash dividend. QNA/REUTERS Egyptian pound slips on the black market CAIRO: The Egyptian pound has fallen sharply against the dollar on the black market in the last few days, market participants said yesterday, citing dwin- dling supply of the US currency. They forecast a further decline unless more hard currency enters the market. Egypt, which has suffered political and economic instability since president Hosni Mubarak was ousted, is struggling to curb a run on the pound, which at official rates has fallen 9 percent against the dollar this year. The currency’s value on the black market has dropped even further and faster. Five market participants said dollars were being offered at rate of 7.55 pounds yesterday, compared to 7.45 pounds just a few days ago. The official interbank rate is 6.80 pounds to the dollar. One foreign exchange dealer attributed the recent fall to increased demand from importers as they seek to meet their dollar needs for second-quarter imports. “For amounts of $10,000 or above the rate is 7.55 pounds to the dollar. Lower amounts are at 7.50 pounds. It’s been like that for two days because supply (of dollars) is scarce,” one dealer in the parallel market said. “The supply will be even lower within two or three days because there is lots of demand. If they don’t add to the foreign reserves then the price of the dollar will go up.” Egypt’s foreign reserves dropped to a critical level of $13.5bn at the end of February, barely enough to cover three months of imports, from $13.6bn the month before. Reserves before the uprising in 2011 stood at $36bn. The central bank, which is due to announce its foreign reserve level this week, said that levels have not declined significantly in March even though it used $1.3bn for imports including essential commodities and oil. In order to control the decline in the local currency the central bank introduced weekly dollar auctions in December. At Thursday’s auction the bank sold $38.4m to banks at a cut-off price of 6.7931 pounds to the dollar. Through the auctions the government is rationing its supply of dollars and giving priority to importers of essential goods, leaving other importers to meet their hard currency needs via the parallel market. Dollars are available but at rising prices, said one executive at an Egyptian company that imports goods from abroad. The recent jump in prices is an indication of a black market that is drying up due to higher demand than supply, one banker said. To draw in more investors, the central bank reopened a scheme this month that guaran- tees foreign investors in Egyptian stocks and government bonds will be able to recover their hard currency when they sell despite the shortages in the country. Egypt is trying to cut its budget deficit in order to secure a $4.8bn International Monetary Fund loan to help its ailing economy and address its foreign exchange crisis. A technical team from the Fund is due to visit Cairo on Wednesday to discuss the deal. REUTERS

Dana Gas collects $73.7m from Egypt and Kurdistan

DUBAI: Dana Gas has collected a total of $73.7m in receivables from its operations in Egypt and the Kurdistan region of Iraq in 2013, the United Arab Emirates-based company said yesterday. Delays getting paid for supplies of natural gas to Egypt and Kurdistan forced the company to restructure its debt late last year, after it failed to pay a $920m Islamic bond on maturity in October. The overdue payments collected so far this year are equal to about 12.5 percent of the $589m total outstanding receivables still owed to Dana at the end of 2012. “We are pleased to see that our strategy and efforts for address- ing our receivables position in Egypt and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq is yielding results,” Rashid Al Jarwan, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Dana Gas, said. Dana collected around $163m receivables from Egypt last year. But receivables from gas supplied in Egypt still rose from $228m at the end of 2011 to around $236m at the end of 2012, according to Dana’s latest results. Egypt paid Dana $41.3m in January for gas supplied but not paid for, largely due to political upheaval in the North African country since 2011. Talks with Egyptian authorities for the swift repayment of the rest are ongoing, Dana said in the statement to the Abu Dhabi stock exchange. Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) debts to Dana for fuel supplied stood at around $353m at the end of 2012, up from around $240m at the end of 2011. Dana collected $32.4m of that in January, following a $48m payment by the KRG to Dana in December 2012, it said. The Sharjah-based energy firm said yesterday that it was on track to complete the refinancing of the sukuk in the second quarter of 2013. It postponed a shareholder vote on restructuring the sukuk to April 23, after a meet- ing on March 24 failed to meet the required quorum. The company also said it was on track with its Zora gas project, which is 33km off the coast of Sharjah, and would begin drilling in the third quarter. Zora is expected to be fully operational in 2014 and produce around 60 million cubic feet per day. REUTERS MONDAY 1 APRIL 2013 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Qatargas delivers first cargo of LNG WTO gears to Singapore

DOHA: Qatargas has delivered its first ever cargo of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Singapore. The cargo was delivered on up to elect board the Q-Max LNG carrier “Umm Slal” to Singapore LNG Corporation Pte Ltd’s (SLNG) first LNG receiving terminal at Jurong Island. Qatargas Chief Executive Officer Khalid bin Khalifa Al new chief Thani said: “Qatari LNG con- tinues to have a key role to play Nine candidates vie for top job in helping countries around the world improve the diversity of GENEVA: The World Trade the global campaign trail. The their energy supplies. We are Organisation is bracing for the current chairman of the general pleased with this development start of the race to lead the council, Pakistan’s ambassador which will help to meet the body that polices the rules of Shahid Bashir, will on Tuesday growing demand for energy in global commerce, a unique con- begin a week of meetings with Singapore and help us build our The Q-Max LNG carrier ‘Umm Slal’. test in the often-opaque sphere representatives of all the mem- relationship with a new cus- of international diplomacy. ber states to gauge their capitals’ tomer. Qatargas is at the fore- in helping governments around meters of LNG onboard and on procure commissioning cargo From Tuesday, the 158 WTO views. front of commissioning new LNG the world improve the diversity of March 27, she safely berthed and from Qatargas. In June 2011, member states will start cutting a He will work in a trio with his Terminals and is confident of its their energy supplies. The start- commenced discharging her cargo Qatargas delivered a commission- field of nine candidates for the post Canadian counterpart Jonathan continuing ability to maintain up of SLNG’s first LNG terminal, at Jurong Island LNG terminal, ing cargo to Thailand’s Map Ta of director-general, whose main Fried, who heads the WTO’s safe, long-term reliable supplies located in the heart of South East marking the first delivery of LNG Phut LNG Terminal. Qatargas task is to revive long-stalled talks disputes settlement body, and of clean LNG energy to countries Asia, is a significant milestone from Qatargas to Singapore. This has developed considerable exper- on boosting international trade. Sweden’s Joakim Reiter, in charge where it is needed the most.” meeting the growing demand for delivery will further strengthen the tise in supporting the commis- After two four-year terms for of its trade policy review division. He said: “Under the guidance energy in Singapore and we at relationship between Qatar and sioning of new LNG Terminals Frenchman Pascal Lamy — a The goal is to establish which of H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Qatargas are very proud to have Singapore as well as between the globally. To date, the company former European Union trade candidates have the widest sup- Al Sada, Minister of Energy and played a contributing role.” two companies over the long-term. has provided commissioning car- chief — emerging nations aim to port, in an attempt to reduce the Industry and Chairman of the The Umm Slal began her voyage The Singapore LNG goes to nine LNG terminals, with stake their claim on the top job field from nine, a record number Board of Directors at Qatargas, from Ras Laffan Port on 17 March Terminal is the second LNG Singapore being the tenth such which is vacant on September 1. for a WTO leadership race. Qatari LNG has a key role to play with approximately 200,000 cubic terminal in South East Asia to arrangement. THE PENINSULA Roberto Azevedo, currently The four least-popular candi- Brazil’s ambassador to the WTO, dates will be expected to withdraw is seen as a favourite in diplomatic by April 9, after which Bashir’s circles. But another strong chal- team is set to meet again to assess lenger is Indonesia’s former trade who is in and out of favour, paving minister Mari Pangestu, whose the way for three more to pull out. country is due to host the WTO’s That will lead to a head-to-head Almuftah Group in deal with Alkhorayef next summit at the end of this contest, which Bashir says he year — and who is one of three expects to be complete by May 31. DOHA: Almuftah Group has signed an success in the future. “We are delighted over women in the race, a first for the Created in 1995, the WTO aims agreement with Saudi Arabian industrial the founding of Almuftah Technology and organisation. to advance global trade negotia- firm Alkhorayef Group to be the exclusive expect it to benefit the burgeoning commer- The others are: Mexico’s tions in a drive to spur growth importer and distributor of the latter’s pro- cial and industrial activities in this country. Herminio Blanco Mendoza, by opening markets and remov- prietary heavy duty generator sets into the “We really do appreciate this partnership Anabel Gonzalez of Costa Rica, ing trade barriers, including Qatari market. with Alkhorayef Group. Their philosophy of South Korean Taeho Bark, subsidies, excessive taxes and The signing of the agreement also marked providing quality and reliable solutions to Tim Groser of New Zealand, regulations. the founding of Almuftah Group’s new divi- their customers is in line with our own busi- Jordan’s Ahmad Hindawi, Alan Its so-called Doha Round of sion, Almuftah Technology, which will special- ness objectives. We believe that this partner- Kyerematen of Ghana and talks was launched in 2001, with ize in delivering these efficient and reliable ship can help further the sales progress that Kenya’s Amina Mohamed. the stated goal of harnessing glo- power solutions to customers in Qatar. Almuftah Group has built for itself over the Unlike similar organisations bal commerce to development in The generator sets — marketed in Saudi past 50 years,” he said. such as the various arms of the poorer nations, but has faltered Arabia under the brand name Gulf Power — Almuftah Technology Division Manager United Nations, whose chiefs are in the face of obstacles set in par- combine the outstanding performance of indus- Mohammad Ibrahim expressed high hopes for nominated, the WTO elects its ticular by China, the EU, India try-leading diesel engines from John Deere and the deal. “This business agreement offers a leader based on a consensus sys- and the United States. Volvo Penta with the superior efficiency of alter- unique opportunity for the two corporate groups tem, meaning any member can The momentum has moved to nators from Stamford. They are assembled by to leverage their combined technical capabilities block the process. regional and bilateral deals, such as Alkhorayef Industries in its state-of-the-art to expand their operations. We look forward In January the candidates set a planned trans-Atlantic trade pact manufacturing facility in Riyadh city. to actively working with Alkhorayef Group out their stall at the WTO’s gen- between the US and EU, or the Almuftah Group Managing Director beginning today and in the years to come,” he eral council, which groups the Trans-Pacific Partnership being Almuftah Group Managing Director Ibrahim Ibrahim Almuftah welcomed the establish- said. The Gulf Power generator sets will be member states, making 10-minute negotiated by players including Almuftah and Alkhorayef Group Commercial ment of Almuftah Technology and hailed the available in Qatar on April 15, when Almuftah presentations before being quizzed the US, Canada, Chile, Australia, Manager Mohamed Alkhorayef exchanging partnership forged between Almuftah Group Technology’s showroom in Barwa Village, Al by delegations. Malaysia and Singapore. documents recently. and Alkhorayef Group as an excellent platform Wakra, opens its doors to the public. Since then, they have been on AFP upon which both companies can build further THE PENINSULA

All eyes on ECB to calm markets after Green-tinted SUVs at Seoul Motor Show India’s car market tanks GOYANG, SOUTH KOREA: crossover — a downsized mix of of its Chevrolet Spark, herald- Cyprus bailout Gas-guzzling SUVs, eco-friendly SUV and passenger car — at an ing it as a “new benchmark” for despite huge discounts electric cars and the odd brave elaborate celebration event. urban electric vehicles. FRANKFURT: The European attempt to marry the selling The colourful orange vehi- Production of the electrically- Central Bank will hold off from points of both are taking cen- cle, first unveiled at the recent powered hatchback began at the NEW DELHI: Indian car buy- the two billion-plus population cutting rates or announcing any tre stage at the biennial Seoul Geneva Motor Show, will hit firm’s plant in the southern city of ers are being bombarded with nations. other policy moves at its meeting Motor Show. the market in the second half of Changwon earlier in March. “buy now, pay later” offers after China “keeps running out of next week so as to keep up pres- Carmakers including Hyundai, this year, said Francois Provost, The car’s 20-kWh lithium- once-booming sales skidded to (manufacturing) capacity in con- sure on governments to solve the Toyota, GM, BMW, Volkswagen chief executive of Renault’s South ion battery can be recharged to a 12-year low, highlighting the trast to India where manufactur- eurozone’s crisis, analysts said. and Ford are taking part in the Korean unit. 80 percent of its capacity in 20 struggle to stimulate consumer ers right now are facing an excess The ECB has never hesitated 10-day event, with nine mod- Renault Samsung Motors is minutes, and its electric motor is demand in a sagging economy. capacity situation,” said Deepesh to act as firefighter in the long- els making their global debut hoping the model will mark a capable of powering the car from “Go ahead, pinch yourself,” Rathore, India managing direc- running crisis, which seemed to as Seoul seeks to catch up with “new beginning” for the firm, 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in says an ad for German giant tor of industry forecaster IHS have abated until political grid- better-known Asian auto shows which has struggled with sagging about 9.0 seconds. Volkswagen’s $13,400 Vento sedan, Automotive. lock in Italy and the crisis in in Tokyo and Beijing. sales in recent years, Provost said. Hyundai Motor showed off giving buyers a chance to trade in India’s car numbers are a Cyprus sent shockwaves through Sports utility vehicles, includ- The company also flagged plans its hydro fuel-cell Tucson SUV their old car, make a Re1 down sharp turnaround from scorch- financial markets once again. ing Toyota’s fourth-generation to start production of its electric model which started production payment and start paying for the ing growth in years up to 2010- Throughout the crisis, the RAV4, are still the fore, despite sedan, SM3 Z.E., at its plant in the in February at its plant in the new one a year later. 11 when sales expanded by 20-30 central bank has slashed its key their heavy frames and high fuel southern city of Busan this year. southern city of Ulsan. The car, Other offers dangled include percent annually, prompting for- interest rates, pumped more than consumption—long seen as chal- The SM3 Z.E. covers around which generates electricity using interest-free repayments and up eign automakers to drive into ¤1 trillion into the banking sys- lenges to luring drivers in Asia’s 120km on a single charge with hydrogen and oxygen from the air, to 20 percent discounts to lure the nation to offset weakness in tem to avert a credit crunch and congested cities. a top speed of 135km per hour. can travel much longer distances buyers back into showrooms and developed markets. sought to tame borrowing costs in French carmaker Renault gave General Motors gave an Asian than battery-powered vehicles. reduce unsold vehicle pile-ups in They poured billions of dollars worst-hit countries by buying up an Asian debut to its new QM3 premier to the all-electric version AFP Asia’s third-largest car market. into plant investment but now their sovereign bonds. “The slowdown has forced are seeing the market shrink at The moves appeared to pay off, automakers to cut prices and a time when European sales have allowing the markets to enjoy an offer massive discounts to move been dramatically contracting due extended period of calm, at least the metal,” Ammar Master, India to the eurozone crisis. until recently when elections in manager at global industry fore- Ford, which has been bet- Italy ended in a political stalemate caster LMC Automotive, said. ting big on India, reported its and Cyprus’s parliament rejected Passenger car sales fell 26 February Indian sales slid by 44 the terms of a tough bailout deal percent from a year earlier in percent to 4,490 units, citing a with its international creditors. February alone, the worst per- “tough” market. GM’s domestic But while all eyes will be on formance since 2000, and are sales fell 20 percent to 7,106 units ECB chief Mario Draghi to calm projected to record their first full- while Volkswagen’s sales were the markets once again when he year dive in the financial year to down eight percent. holds his regular monthly news March 31 in a decade, according to But India’s largest domes- conference on Thursday, ECB the Society of Indian Automobile tic vehicle maker Tata Motors, watchers say the central bank Manufacturers (SIAM). part of the Tata steel-to-tea looks likely to keep its gunpowder Sugato Sen, SIAM deputy conglomerate and maker of the dry for the time being. director general, blames India’s world’s cheapest car, the Nano, “The ball remains in the court sharp economic slowdown in suffered most, announcing pas- of national governments and par- which growth is expected to be senger car sales down 70 percent liaments,” said Berenberg Bank just five percent this year — the in February. economist Christian Schulz. weakest in 10 years. “If people R C Bhargava, Chairman of “The failure in Italy to form a don’t have to buy a car, they aren’t Japanese-controlled carmaker government, but also the poten- buying, they’re holding back on Maruti Suzuki, which sells around tially dangerous precedents discretionary spending,” he said. one out of every two cars in India, enforced by creditor countries in The downturn in India’s car said last week he did not want Cyprus are mostly to blame for market comes as sales in China, to fan “any optimism” and fore- the increased downside risks to the world’s biggest market, have cast next year would not be “any the economy,” he argued. been gaining traction—high- different”. A model posing beside the BMW i8 Concept at the Seoul Motor Show in Goyang. AFP lighting the divergence between AFP MONDAY 1 APRIL 2013 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

QE Indices Summary QE Index 8,577.72 0.10 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 12,142.66 0.10 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 2,577.71 0.28 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,163.47 0.15 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,039.29 0.22 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 4979.868 -27.179 -0.54 5174.4 4664.6 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 5,190.47 0.65 % QR187.9046 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 3719.21 7.57 0.2 3871.58 3600.81 UK ...... QR 5.4763 QR 5.5527 QE All Share Industrials 3,003.28 0.00 % SILVER QE All Share Insurance 1,989.96 0.31 % Dj Indu Average 14526.16 -33.49 -0.23 14563.8 12035.1 QR 3.3578 Euro ...... QR 4.6387 QR 4.7038 QE All Share Real Estate 1,525.06 0.11 % CA$ ...... QR 3.5521 QR 3.6220 Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Telecoms 1,159.55 0.18 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.8017 QR 3.8563 QE All Share Transportation 1,448.65 0.20 % Hang Seng Inde/D 22299.63 -165.19 -0.74 23944.74 21975.9 Yen ...... QR 0.0383 QR 0.0390 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.7584 QR 3.8331 Iseq Overall/D 3944.82 31.7 0.81 3993.49 3396.67 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0665 QR 0.0678 31-03-2013 28-03-2013 Karachi 100 In/D 17947.76 49.86 0.28 18312.65 16036.31 Index 8,577.72 8,586.26 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0367 QR 0.0375 Change 8.54 20.41 Nikkei 225 Index 12335.96 -157.83 -1.26 12650.26 10398.61 Peso ...... QR 0.0883 QR 0.0902 % 0.10 0.24 $110.32 SL Re ...... QR 0.0285 QR 0.0290 YTD% 2.62 2.72 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1564.91 1266.74 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0462 QR 0.0471 Volume 2,198,117 6,211,869 Straits Times/D 3308.1 -4.93 -0.15 3319.19 3160.83 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0416 QR 0.0424 Value (QAR) 197,800,993.09 292,322,624.54 $109.54 Trades 1,639 3,114 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3906 QR 0.3985 Straits Times/D 2989.31 24.69 0.83 3035.78 2657.77 Up 08 | Down 23 | Unchanged 06

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 31-03-2013

Cyprus contagion fears loom over European markets

HE Euro fell against its of 1.5096-1.5267, the Pound closed Pending US Final GDP to sharp declines in new orders also a bit more downbeat about American counterpart, as for the week at 1.5205. Home Sales The US and production. New orders their future earnings. TInvestors feared the deal in The Japanese Yen maintained Index, based on Commerce fell sharply after three months German Unemployment Cyprus, which caused big losses its longest streak of monthly number of con- Department of solid gains while production German unemployment unex- for depositors above EUR 100,000 losses in more than 12 years, on tracts signed last announced last was at its slowest pace since pectedly climbed in March, but instead of taxpayers, could be a prospects that Bank of Japan month, dropped Weekly Money Market Review week that the September 2009. the jobless rate remained close blueprint for future bank bailouts Governor would boost stimulus 0.4 percent to Gross Domestic Europe to a post-reunification low. The for other Eurozone countries. On measures at a policy meeting 104.8 in February from a down- Product expanded at a 0.4 per- Italian 5-year Bond Auction number of people out of a job Thursday, Cyprus banks reopened on the 4th of April, in order to wardly revised 105.2 in January, cent annual rate in the last The Italian government paid its increased by 13,000 to 2.935 mil- after closing for nearly two weeks combat deflation. The Yen traded but remained nearly at its three- three months of 2012, as better highest yield since October 2012 lion in March although the con- but with tight capital controls in within a tight range last week year high. Economist attributed gains in business investment to sell a new five-year bond at an sensus forecast by economists had order to avert a bank run. On with a high of 94.96 and a low of the drop in the number of con- and improved exports of serv- auction last week, as worries over been for unemployment to fall by Friday, the President of Cyprus 93.53. tracts to buy previously owned US ices led the government to push the country’s political stalemate 4,000. The unemployment rate said, “the risk of bankruptcy US Monthly Core Durable homes on the lack of homes avail- up its previous growth estimate. weighed on investors’ sentiment. held steady at 6.9 percent, where was over and the country did Goods Orders able for sale, but there is little to The growth rate, which was the The five-year treasury bills sold it has stood since October 2012. not intend to leave the European Durable goods orders ral- suggest that the housing market’s slowest since the first quarter of EUR 3.91 billion of the new bond M3 Money Supply Union.” lied 5.7 percent in February as recovery is stalling. 2011 is well below the level that maturing June 2018 at a rate of The rate of growth in M3 money The Euro currency endured demand for transportation equip- US Unemployment Claims is needed to improve the unem- 3.65 percent, up from 3.59 percent supply, which the ECB uses as a a volatile week. Euro opened ment improved, the Commerce The number of Americans fil- ployment rate. Much of the weak- it paid on similar paper at a sale gauge of future inflation, fell to the week at 1.2971, only to rally Department said. The rise in ing new claims for unemployment ness came from a sharp drop in last month. 3.1 percent in February from 3.5 toward 1.3048 where it found orders reversed January’s 4.3 per- benefits rose last week, but not the real federal government con- GfK German Consumer percent in January, as the lending resistance. The Euro later lost cent drop and beat economists’ enough to suggest the momentum sumption expenditures and a drop Climate to companies and home owners its steam and fell to a 4-month expectations of a 3.8 percent rise. in the labor market recovery was in the national defense as they Germany’s consumer senti- in the Euro Zone contracted for low of 1.2750 as jitters overs the Although orders for core capital slowing down. Jobless claims rose decreased 14.8 percent and 22.1 ment was stable heading into a 10th month in February. The Cyprus bailout plan loomed across goods, excluding aircraft, a closely more than expected last week, percent respectively as a result April but developments in the European Central Bank said that Europe, the Euro closed the week watched alternative for business increasing by 16,000 to a season- of the sequester. Cyprus financial crisis may dam- while Germany, the region’s larg- at 1.2818. spending activities, posted their ally adjusted 357,000. The one US Chicago PMI Report age consumer trust and become a est economy, is showing signs that The Sterling Pound had its big- largest decline since last July. month moving average for new The Chicago Purchasing burden on the consumer climate. it is returning to growth, France gest quarterly drop against the Economist did not read much claims, a better measure of labor Managers Index reported the The consumer sentiment indica- is stagnating and Italy remains dollar in more than four years as into this data, as the latest drop market trends increased by 2,250 Chicago Business Barometer tor, held stable at 5.9 last month hindered in recession, damping economic contraction fueled con- was a partial retracement of the to 343,000. For many economists, turned downward, falling 4.4 supported by an improvement in demand for credit in the 17-mem- cerns on an unprecedented triple- unsustainable big gains the month a trend reading below the 350,000 points to 52.4 in March. After economic expectations, although ber currency area. dip recession, last week the Pound before. level, signals to a firm pace of hir- a strong start to the year, the consumers became slightly less THE PENINSULA traded quietly with a tight range US New Home Sales ing in March. business barometer dropped due willing to spend more and were MONDAY 1 APRIL 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23

NHL: Penguins extend win Mavericks edge past Bulls streak to 15 Bryant passes Chamberlain for fourth on scoring list; Rockets win PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania: The Pittsburgh Penguins took another step toward history DALLAS, Texas: Dirk three, 56-53. Deng and Robinson yesterday in Jarome Iginla’s Nowitzki scored the go-ahead combined on a 22-10 run to open debut despite an injury to three pointer with 2.9 seconds the fourth that gave the Bulls a National Hockey League scor- remaining to lift the Dallas 12-point lead with just over four ing leader Sidney Crosby. Mavericks to a 100-98 victory minutes left. Penguins captain Crosby was over the Chicago Bulls yesterday. But the Mavs fought back and hit in the face with the puck and Germany’s Nowitzki scored a Nowitzki drained a fadeaway was taken to hospital for repairs season-high 35 points on 14-of- jumper from the baseline to cut in the first period but his team- 17 shooting from the field for the the margin to 98-97 with 27 sec- mates stepped up to beat the New Mavericks, who closed the match onds left in the fourth. York Islanders 2-0 and extend on a 15-1 run. Jimmy Butler then missed their win streak to 15 games. Nowitzki, who shot five-of- two free throws with 16 seconds After being hit in the face by six from beyond the arc, scored remaining and Nowitzki hit a a shot from teammate Brooks Dallas’ final eight points. three pointer from the top of the Orpik just 1:28 into the game “We came back from dou- key with just under three seconds Crosby was able to leave the ice ble-digit deficits three times,” remaining to give Dallas the lead. under his own power before being Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle Robinson’s three point attempt taken to hospital for emergency said. “This is a special group of from the right side missed and dental repairs. guys even though our year has the Mavericks celebrated the “Sidney Crosby took a puck to been a rough year. We’re going victory. the teeth, and lost a few of those,” to keep battling and I believe in Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant head coach Dan Bylsma said. “He them.” passed Wilt Chamberlain for had to have oral surgery. We’ll Veteran Vince Carter had fourth on the NBA’s all-time continue to evaluate and moni- 17 points off the bench for the scoring list yesterday to help the tor that. That’s the report on Sid, Mavericks, who won their fourth Los Angeles Lakers to a much- going to the hospital and losing game in their last five to remain needed 103-98 victory over the teeth.” in contention for the final playoff Sacramento Kings. Crosby leads the NHL with 15 spot in the Western Conference. Bryant’s jump shot with 7:54 goals and 41 assists this season. Brandan Wright also finished to play in the first half gave him Pittsburgh’s 15-game streak with 17 points and 13 rebounds 31,421 career points, taking him matched the Islanders’ run from in the win. past Chamberlain’s total of 31,419. January 21- February 20, 1982 as Carlos Boozer had 25 points Bryant, who went into the the second-longest in league his- and 11 rebounds, while Luol Deng game trailing Chamberlain tory.The Penguins set the NHL and Nate Robinson scored 25 by four points, is behind only record with 17 consecutive wins points apiece for the Bulls, who Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387), Houston Rockets Francisco Garcia (32) and Jeremy Lin (centre) defend Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul during the 1992-93 season. had their modest three game win Karl Malone (36,928) and Michael as he drives to the basket during the second half of their NBA game in Houston, yesterday. Goaltender Tomas Vokoun streak halted. Jordan (32,292). stopped all 35 shots he faced for There were 16 lead changes Bryant had passed former the third straight shutout by a and six ties in a first half that team-mate Shaquille O’Neal for Sacramento, the final stop in a skid against the Clippers. The Division-leading Clippers, who Pittsburgh netminder. ended with Chicago ahead by fifth place on the list. But Bryant four-game road trip, with Bryant all-around offensive effort saw are assured of a playoff spot. “It’s nice come up with the said passing Chamberlain, an fighting pain from a bone spur in the Rockets overcome the absence The Rockets led 55-50 at half- shutout, but to preserve the win NBA icon with Philadelphia ties his left foot, an injury that appar- of Harden, who sat out the con- time, and pulled away from the streak, it’s even better,” Vokoun NBA Results like himself, was special. ently is not related to his sprained test with soreness in his right Clippers as they out-scored Los said. Dallas 100 Chicago 98 “He was such a warm-hearted left ankle. The Houston Rockets foot, which has bothered him Angeles 30-13 in the third quarter. “We have a lot of fun with gentleman, I have nothing but shrugged off the absence of lead- intermittently for several weeks. Chris Paul led the Clippers with it and it’s been great.” Czech Atlanta 97 Orlando 88 praise for him. To pass him up ing scorer James Harden to post Carlos Delfino added 11 points 19 points. Jamal Crawford added Vokoun combined with Marc- Philadelphia 100 Charlotte 92 is a huge honor to say the least,” a 98-81 NBA victory over the Los for the Rockets, who insured the 15 and Blake Griffin scored 12 in Andre Fleury for 37 saves in a Houston 98 LA Clippers 81 Bryant said. Angeles Clippers on Saturday. Clippers would wait at least one the setback. The Rockets, seventh 1-0 decision over Montreal on Memphis 99 Minnesota 86 Bryant has insisted he’s more Omer Asik had a double-double more game for a club-record 50th in the Western Conference and Tuesday, then stopped 20 shots Oklahoma City 109 Milwaukee 99 concerned with gaining a sixth with 13 points and 12 rebounds win of the season. determined to strengthen their during Thursday’s 4-0 win over Utah 116 Brooklyn 107 NBA title, and the 34-year-old with point guard Jeremy Lin, The Rockets, seventh in the hold on a playoff spot, were in Winnipeg. Golden State 125 Portland 98 has a battle on his hands with forward Chandler Parsons and Western Conference and deter- control throughout against the Iginla played his first game as a the Lakers struggling to make reserve guard Francisco Garcia mined to strengthen their hold Pacific Division-leading Clippers, Penguin after being acquired from Indiana 112 Phoenix 104 the playoffs this season. chipping in 15 points apiece as on a playoff spot, were in control who are assured of a playoff spot. the Calgary Flames on Thursday. LA Lakers 103 Sacramento 98 The Lakers limped into Houston snapped a five-game throughout against the Pacific AGENCIES He played on a line with Crosby during the Olympic hockey tour- nament at the 2010 Vancouver Games but Crosby’s injury meant Iginla never got a chance to reu- nite on the ice with his fellow Cancellara wins Canadian yesterday. Yankees draw inspiration Iginla, who spent all his 17 pre- vious seasons in Calgary, didn’t score any points but he did finish Tour of Flanders with three shots on goal in 17:30 minutes of ice time. AFP from West Point visit AUDENARDE, Belgium: with sour memories of last year’s Swiss ace Fabian Cancellara race where he crashed and frac- WEST POINT, New York: won the one day classic Tour tured his collarbone in four places. NHL Results Sapped of firepower due to a of Flanders for the second time Cancellara and Sagan, the other Philadelphia 3 Boston 1 spate of injuries, the New York here yesterday. favourite for the race, had fought Pittsburgh 2 NY Islanders 0 Yankees found inspiration in a The 32-year-old 2008 Olympic out a thrilling duel once they Carolina 3 Winnipeg 1 visit to the US Military Academy time-trial champion - nicknamed joined Roelandts at the front with yesterday for their last practice ‘Spartacus’ - came home clear at 16km to go. Both of them fought Colorado 1 Nashville 0 game before Opening Day. the end of the 256km ride from for supremacy over the last two Washington 4 Buffalo 3 Before taking on the Army Bruges ahead of Slovakian Peter climbs of the race. Whilst Sagan Montreal 3 NY Rangers 0 team on Doubleday Field, named Sagan while Jurgen Roelandts of was able to stay on Cancellara’s Toronto 4 Ottawa 0 after West Point graduate and Belgium was third. wheel on the Quaremont he was Florida 3 New Jersey 2 Army General Abner Doubleday, Cancellara, also a four-time unable to stay with the merciless Minnesota 4 Los Angeles 3 the Yankees were given a tour world time-trial champion, won pace of the Swiss rider on the San Jose 3 Phoenix 2 of the impressive campus on the his previous Tour of Flanders in Paterberg, 13km from the finish. banks of the Hudson. 2010 but returned for this edition AFP Edmonton 4 Vancouver 0 They saw the Battle Monument to the US Civil War and Trophy Point, a majestic overlook of the river decorated with cannons Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha - Ladies Scramble and guns seized by US troops in campaigns dating back to the Revolutionary War. “Our adversity is miniscule to when they go through adversity, because their adversity can be much more costly than what ours is, obviously,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said before New York’s 10-5 win over the Army team. New York Yankees’ pitcher Hiroki Kuroda throws in the bullpen before “The stakes are much higher. their exhibition baseball against the Army Black Knights at the US “Coming here keeps life in Military Academy in West Point, New York, yesterday. perspective.” Yankees players and coaches were taken into Washington Hall, his last season, was stopped on visiting Boston Red Sox due to a wondrous mess hall of five-story his way into the dining hall by a injury. The Yankees themselves high beamed ceilings with arched cadet. still have their sights on a cham- lead glass windows, sharing tables “I just told him he has repre- pionship, though they may have with the cadets for chat sessions sented Panama really well,” said to rely more on their arms, with before taking the field. Mario Cortizo, a fellow-Panama- a pitching staff that could poten- Many of the cadets were in awe nian who gave Rivera a decorative tially carry them. of the major league players, and mug native to their country. “We “I’m motivated coming into the Yankees were also impressed all love him.” this season to win a champion- by what they experienced less Rivera said Cortizo, a senior, ship and that starts with winning than 50 miles north of their invited him to his graduation. the division,” said hard-throwing Bronx home. “I was proud of him. Knowing left-hander CC Sabathia. “It’s good to be able to sit down that he comes from Panama,” said Pettitte said he had not paid and meet some of these kids,” said the closer. attention to coverage of the team Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte. “This is an amazing, beautiful but recently realized “there was Chom Rum Sariowan, Joyce Krijn and Rosaleen Garvey, first place winners at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha “It’s just cool to see the discipline place. First class.” a whole lot of people doubting we - Ladies Scramble, held at the Doha Golf Club pose for a picture along with Ian Lille, Director of Sales and they’re teaching these kids and Oddsmakers have lowered were going to win any ball games Leslie Weddle, Marketing & Public Relations Manager, both of The Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha. Laudick, Chom that they carry. their expectations for the this year. Rum Sariowan, Joyce Krijn and Rosaleen Garvey emerged in the first place with 67 points on countback. Eva “These kids know exactly what 2013 Yankees, who have Mark “I think we’re going to win our Boeglin, Can Xian Ye, Marie Crook and Lesley Looker finished second. Kathleen Goodwin, Sylvia White, Ki they want to do.” Teixeira, Curtis Granderson, division. I expect us to be in the Sook Chung and Mary Jensen took the third spot with 69 points. Susan Fryer won the prize for the Longest Mariano Rivera, Major League Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter World Series, bottom line. We’ve Drive, while Chom Rum Sariowan bagged the award for Nearest to the Pin. The event was attended by 50 of Baseball’s all-time saves leader among those missing the season got the pitching, we’ve got the Doha Golf Club’s female members. who has announced this will be opener on Monday against the bullpen to do that.” AFP MONDAY 1 APRIL 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Squash: Tamimi wins Qatar Close Top seed brushes aside the challenge of Al Malki; Mehawesh clinches Under-17 title

DOHA: Abdulla Al Tamimi emerged on top at the Qatar Close championship to win the men’s title in the Qatar Squash Federation (QSF) organ- ised tournament at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex here yesterday. Abdulrahman Salem Al Malki finished second in the tournament which was played on a round- robin basis. For Al Tamimi, it was the third title he has won this month. In the first week of March, he won the Under-19 titles at the Qatar Junior Open and Doha Junior Open. Al Tamimi is 134 according to the PSA rankings in the senior category, while in the junior he is the world No.1 player. Sadam Mehawesh won the Under-17 title while Abdulwahab Al Ishaq finished runner-up. In the Under-13 section, Abdulaziz Al Ishaq took the top prize and was followed by Rashid Al Harib. In the Under-11, Ahmad Alobaidli clinched the top spot followed by Ali Al Qahtani. Jassim Sorour won the Under-9 category, while Salem Al Malki bagged the second place in the Abdulla Al Tamimi (left) and Abdulrahman Salem Al Malki in action at the Qatar Close championship to win the men’s title in the Qatar Squash Federation (QSF) organised tournament at championship which was held Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex here yesterday. RIGHT: Al Tamimi poses for a picture along with Talal Ali Abdullah Al Mawlawi, Assistant Secretary General of QSF, yesterday. over a period of five days. PICTURES BY: IBRAHIM KUTTY THE PENINSULA Qatar Hockey League South Africa win Tokyo Sevens

TOKYO: South Africa cap- break trailing 12-0, but rallied Kong, to bounce back and give a Defending Tokyo Sevens cham- begins on April 5 tured their second title of the early in the second half. performance like that, it is not pions Australia, who lost to New season yesterday when they Branco du Preez scored nine every day you beat New Zealand Zealand 35-17 in the semi-finals, DOHA: The Qatar National Gateway Hockey Club won the stunned World Series leaders points from three conversions twice in the final. It is good finished in third place beating Hockey League will begin from title last year to end Wanderers New Zealand 24-19 in the final and a penalty, while Cecil Afrika, momentum going into the Rugby France 31-7 in a play-off. April 5, the Qatar Hockey reign of three years. to win the Tokyo Sevens. Seabelo Senatla and Cornal World Cup Sevens in Moscow,” In the overall standings after Association (QHA) announced This year’s edition of the tour- It was a repeat performance Hendricks scored a try each. he added. the seventh leg of the nine-round here yesterday. nament will be played on a single- for South Africa, following their “It is unbelievable,” said South Earlier in the day, South Africa series, New Zealand kept the Three matches will be played leg round-robin basis with the top 40-21 victory over New Zealand Africa coach Paul Treu. took a 19-12 quarter-finals win lead on 132 points, while South on the opening day of the champi- team qualifying for the May 24 in the fifth round of the HSBC “For us we have been so against Samoa -- who are close Africa moved up to second on onship which is contested byseven final.On the same day the play-off Sevens World Series in the United unlucky throughout the year. rivals in the overall standings -- 100 points. Fiji were third on 98 clubs namely: Shabab Qatar, for the third place will take place States last month. To come back again after a dis- and went on to beat France 14-12 points and Samoa fourth on 94 Mesaieed Hockey Club, Doha said QHA. South Africa went into the appointing tournament in Hong in the semi-finals. points. AFP Hockey Club 1, Doha Hockey All the matches of the league Club 2, Wanderers Hockey will be played on Friday’s at Al Qatar, United Hockey Qatar and Rayyan Stadium. Gateway Hockey Club. THE PENINSULA Qatar National Hockey league April 5 Shabab Qatar vs Mesaieed Hockey Club 3:00pm Doha Hockey Club 1 vs Doha Hockey Club 2 5:00pm Wanderers Hockey Qatar vs United Hockey Qatar 7:00pm April 12 Doha Hockey Club 1 vs United Hockey Qatar 3:00pm South Africa’s cap- tain Frankie Horne Gateway Hockey Club vs Mesaieed Hockey Club 5:00pm (third left) joins his Shabab Qatar vs Doha Hockey Club 2 7:00pm team-mates as they April 19 Gateway Hockey Club Doha Hockey Club 2 3:00pm celebrate their victory Shabab Qatar vs United Hockey Qatar 5:00pm on the podium after Doha Hockey Club 1 vs Wanderers Hockey Qatar 7:00pm the final in the rugby April 26 Doha Hockey Club 2 vs Mesaieed Hockey Club 3:00pm union Tokyo Sevens Shabab Qatar vs Wanderers Hockey Qatar 5:00pm 2013 tournament in Gateway Hockey Club vs United Hockey Qatar 7:00pm Tokyo, yesterday. May 3 United Hockey Qatar vs Doha Hockey Club 2 3:00pm South Africa beat Gateway Hockey Club vs United Hockey Qatar 5:00pm New Zealand in the Wanderers Hockey Qatar vs Mesaieed Hockey Club 7:00pm final 24-19 to win the May 10 Wanderers Hockey Qatar vs Doha Hockey Club 2 3:00pm tournament. Gateway Hockey Club vs Shabab Qatar 5:00pm Doha Hockey Club 1 vs Mesaieed Hockey Club 7:00pm May 17 Shabab Qatar vs Doha Hockey Club 1 3:00pm United Hockey Qatar vs Mesaieed Hockey Club 5:00pm Gateway Hockey Club vs Wanderers Hockey Qatar 7:00pm May 24 3rd/4th Play off 3.30pm Final 6.00pm Al Sadd trounce Al Ahli in Emir Cup basketball

BY DANOTZKI SANTOS blazing in the third and got a 12-6 onslaught going that sliced DOHA: Al Sadd trounced Al the lead to 11 at 44-55 with two Ahli 89-66 at the Emir Cup bas- minutes left. ketball preliminaries at the Al Michael Benjamin Southall and Gharafa Indoor Arena. Chris dela Rosa then strung up The Qatar Men’s league cham- six points for Al Sadd for a 61-44 pions stormed to a 10-4 advan- count to start the final period. tage behind Rashad Anderson’s Al Sadd poured in 27 big points five out of five field goal shooting in the final canto to subdue Al early in the match. Ahli’s late attempt come back. Al Sadd would then pad the Meanwhile, Ali Turki had an lead to 26-15 by the end of the explosive game, scoring 32 points period as the rest of the squad in the first three quarters that simply outplayed their counter- gave Eljaish a comfortable 62-44 parts on both ends of the floor. margin going into the final stage Al Ahli had no answer to the of their match against Al Shamal. black shirts’ suffocating inside With their 73-59 win, Army defense and could only manage improved to 1-1 and have their a pair of baskets to get stuck to eyes set on their all-important a 19-33 deficit in the early part final outing which will be against of the second period, and which Al Sadd next Wednesday. Al Ahli player Bradford Cory tries to score while being challenged by Al Sadd’s Salman Khalid during the Emir Cup basketball match at Al Gharafa worsened to a 30-49 disaster at In today’s first game, Al Indoor Arena yesterday. RIGHT: Al Shamal player Crawford Chaz (right) vie for the ball possession with Eljaish’s Ndoye Alioune. PICTURES BY: KAMMUTTY VP halftime. Gharafa clash with Al Wakra at The white shirts came out 5:00 pm. THE PENINSULA MONDAY 1 APRIL 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Hend comes Cink, Haas share from behind to win at lead in Houston Chiangmai BANGKOK: Australia’s Scott Hend came from six-shots Former world No.1 McIlroy struggles behind to win the inaugural Chiangmai Golf Classic by three strokes yesterday, carding a HOUSTON, Texas: Rory said. “It’s the best I’ve hit it on the final-round eight-under-par 64. McIlroy struggled again yes- Houston Open golf course this week. So I take a Hend earned his third Asian terday, his chance to win and lot of positives from it. Tour title at the Alpine Golf overtake Tiger Woods for World Scores “Obviously the finish wasn’t Resort-Chiangmai, taking No. 1 dwindling as Americans what I wanted. Just some silly home the winner’s cheque of HOUSTON, Texas: Leading Stewart Cink and Bill Haas mistakes from rustiness, I guess. US$135,000 with his four-day scores yesterday after the shared the PGA Houston Open I think with a little more com- total of 20-under-par 268. third round of the $6.2m PGA lead. petitive play, I’ll eradicate that.” South African newcomer Bryce Houston Open (USA unless Haas fired a five-under par 67 McIlroy has made sure he’ll get Easton, playing in his first Asian noted, par-72): while Cink, who has not won since more play before the Masters by Tour event, also shot a 64 to take defeating Tom Watson in a playoff 205 Stewart Cink 71-66-68, Bill Haas 68- adding next week’s Texas Open in second place overnight leader at the 2009 British Open, shot a 70-67 San Antonio to his schedule. He Prayad Marksaeng of Thailand, 68 to stand atop the leaderboard 206 Ben Crane 69-70-67, DA Points 64- committed to the tournament on settled for third on 272 after hit- on 11-under 205, both nine strokes 71-71, Steve Wheatcroft 67-67-72, Friday afternoon. ting a poor 74. ahead of World No. 2 McIlroy. Jason Kokrak 66-69-71 “I think it’s a good decision, and China’s Hu Mu continued his Woods, a 14-time major 207 Bud Cauley 68-74-65, Louis I’m obviously looking forward to good progress, finishing fourth champion chasing the all-time Oosthuizen (RSA) 70-72-65, Lee getting a few more rounds under with a 68, while Thailand’s record of 18 majors won by Jack Westwood (ENG) 68-72-67, Billy our belt going into Augusta,” he Thongchai Jaidee, who needed to Nicklaus, won his third event of Horschel 68-72-67, Kevin Chappell added. win to have a chance of qualifying the year last week at Bay Hill to 70-70-67, Keegan Bradley 70-70- Haas did make a move, shrug- for the Masters Tournament in pass McIlroy and take the top 67, Henrik Stenson (SWE) 69-70- ging off a bogey at the third with two weeks, settled tied 10th. spot in the rankings for the fist 68, Angel Cabrera (ARG) 66-72-69, a run of three birdies in a row “To be honest, I didn’t think I time since 2010. Cameron Tringale 65-73-69 ending at the eighth followed by had a chance to win,” Hend, 40, McIlroy, who has played only 208 Brian Davis (ENG) 67-70-71 a birdie-birdie start to the back said according to a statement 11 competitive rounds this year, 209 Greg Owen (ENG) 68-73-68, John nine. released by organisers. could reclaim the top spot with Merrick 68-72-69, Charley Hoffman After a bogey at 13, Haas “I was just looking for a solid a victory this week but he only 68-71-70, Dustin Johnson 69-70-70 responded with birdies at the top-five finish. Obviously it all fell made the cut on the number and par-3 14th and 16th holes. together and I played quite well. 210 Phil Mickelson 72-71-67, Chez Reavie stumbled late on his way to a 71 Cink had back-to-back bird- Unfortunately for the other guys, 72-70-68, Graham DeLaet (CAN) 71- on Saturday. ies at the seventh and eighth and they didn’t quite keep the pace 71-68, Josh Teater 74-67-69, Scott The Northern Irish standout, again at the 11th and 12th holes going which was good for me,” he Verplank 72-68-70, John Rollins 65- Stewart Cink watches his tee shot on the 13th hole during the third a two-time major winner, birdied and answered his lone stumble added. 74-71 round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Golf Club in Humble, the par-4 second, the par-3 sev- of the round, a bogey at the 14th, Texas, yesterday. It was a disappointing tourna- enth and par-5 eighth. Another with a birdie at the 15th. ment for four-time major winner birdie at the 12th had him lurking astonishing climb it would take The US veteran expected to Ernie Els, who switched to his within reach of the lead pack. for victory on Sunday. feel a few butterflies as he tries behavior and I’m looking forward on 206. A pack of nine on 207 favoured belly putter after three But McIlroy followed with Even though he made little to get back to the winner’s circle. to it,” Cink said. “To get back in included England’s Lee Westwood, days with the short stick, and bogeys at the par-5 13th and par-3 headway on the leaderboard, “I’ll be nervous and I definitely the hunt is what you play golf for.” South African Louis Oosthuizen, finished tied 14th in the $750,000 14th and closed with another McIlroy was pleased with his will not be ignoring the fact that Americans Ben Crane, D.A. Sweden’s Henrik Stenson, Asian Tour tournament. bogey to finish in a share of 48th, round. I’ll feel a little bit nervous tomor- Points, Steve Wheatcroft and Argentina’s Angel Cabrera and But the British Open cham- showing no sign of making the “I hit the ball really well,” he row, but that’s just natural human Jason Kokrak shared third American Keegan Bradley. AFP pion, who is the process of phas- ing out his belly putter owing to an impending ban on anchored putting, insisted he was in good shape for the upcoming Master’s Choi wins in Jakarta tournament. AFP Choi Ho-sung of South JAKARTA: South Korea’s place. “I can’t believe it,” the long- and ice, and I used an umbrella Korea holding Choi Ho-sung survived a nerv- haired Choi said after clinching around the course.” up the win- ous three-hour storm delay on the $1m tournament in Jakarta, Trailing overnight leader Chiangmai Golf ner’s trophy his last hole before winning the co-sanctioned by OneAsia and the Yokoo by a shot, Choi grabbed after his vic- Indonesia PGA Championship Japan Golf Tour. the lead with an eagle on the Classic Scores tory in the final by two strokes yesterday. “I thought we might not be opening hole but came under Top scores after round 4 of the round of the The 40-year-old, who was one able to finish. I really didn’t want pressure after dropping a shot Chiangmai Golf Classic (par 72): Indonesia PGA shot behind the overnight leader, to have to do it all over again on the 15th. 268 Scott Hend (AUS) 68-69-67-64. Championship returned to the Emeralda Golf tomorrow.” But two successive birdies on 271 Bryce Easton (RSA) 68-67-72-64. at the Club course after the long wait Excessive heat and humidity the last two holes ensured he 272 Prayad Marksaeng (THA) 65-67-66-74. Emeralda and birdied the last for a round had forced Choi to pull out of this picked up the winner’s cheque of Golf Club of five-under-par 67 and a 72-hole month’s Thailand Open after the $180,000. 273 Hu Mu (CHN) 66-69-70-68. in Jakarta, total of 19-under 269. first round but he adapted much Reigning Asian Tour Order yesterday. Juvic Pagunsan (66) of better to the similar taxing condi- of Merit winner Thaworn 274 Jbe Kruger (RSA) 71-69-70-64, Philippines, Kaname Yokoo (70) tions in Jakarta. Wiratchant of Thailand finished Baek Seuk-hyun (KOR) 69-69-68-68, of Japan and South Korean “I was better prepared,” he with a four-under-par 68 for a Siddikur (BAN) 69-67-69-69, Kiradech Song Young-han (68) finished on said. share of the seventh place. Aphibarnrat (THA) 71-67-66-70, 17-under 271, tied for the second “This time I had enough towels REUTERS Matthew Stieger (AUS) 68-67-68-71 Top riders dazzle at CHI Al Shaqab equestrian event

DOHA: A rare opportunity After an impressive win in for Qatar to showcase its long Friday’s dressage competition, history in equestrian excel- Nathalie Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein of lence, the Concours Hippique Denmark was thrilled to secure International (CHI) Al Shaqab first place yet another time. wrapped up its final competi- “I am very pleased today with tions on Saturday. my win. The horse today was very Over the course of four days, nice to ride. He was great and the the global equestrian event show was great, everything was included endurance, show jump- just fantastic,” explained Nathalie. ing and dressage contests. “My music was based on Having the chance to watch French songs and had been some of the best horses and tailor-made for the Olympics. riders in the world, spectators I can still feel that the routine were delighted to attend CHI Al is not perfect and I will have to Shaqab. run through it a series of times Gabriela Prades, a Spanish fan before I really know it. I have at the event, explained her enthu- only ridden it four times and I siasm: “I love horse riding, so I still feel like there is room for decided to come to the event. I improvement, but my horse and just watched the dressage and it I did really well.” was a great show. We don’t often In between the dressage and get to go to these types of tour- show jumping competitions, naments because they are diffi- equestrian enthusiasts and cult to get tickets to, especially onlookers alike had the rare in Europe. I am from Spain and I opportunity to witness a purebred never get to go to these.” Arabian horse show. Hosting an international eques- While fans had the chance to trian competition for the first cheer on riders from all over the time in Qatar gave riders from all world throughout the four-day corners of the globe a chance to event, thispresentation of rare experience the nation’s rich cul- horses helped to foster Qatar’s ture and tradition in equine sport. rich equine culture and tradition. A participant at the CHI Al Shaqab celebrates at the end of the event at Al Shaqab on Saturday. Endurance, Show Jumping and Dressage contests were To kick off the afternoon on the To wrap up the evening, 41 rid- held over the course of four days at the global equestrian event which concluded on Saturday. RIGHT: A participant clears a hurdle during the event. last day of the event, a dressage ers competed in the Show Jumping and show jumping competition CSI5* - Grand Prix 5*. Gerco were held in Al Shaqab’s main Schroder of the Netherlands and my life to have ridden some very competition, will strengthen of equestrian excellence. We are events, we are thrilled by the fact arenas. his horse London won first prize, good horses, but this is definitely Qatar’s global reputation as a hub delighted by what a huge success that both horses and riders alike Made open to the public and with Dennis Lynch of Ireland and the best one I have ever had. I got for equine culture and sport. CHI Al Shaqab has been for us,” have had the chance to experience offering a family-friendly specta- horse All Star 5 securing a close him when he was five years old “Having been hosted in the said Omar Al Mannai, CHI Al all that we can offer. We hope to tor’s zone, 14 riders battled for second place. and I am very happy with him. Middle East and Asia for the first Shaqab 2013 Event Director. continue to host more interna- first place in theDressage CDI4* “My experience here at CHI It’s really been an incredible show time, this was a great opportu- “With Al Shaqab on its way to tional sporting competitions in Al Shaqab Grand Prix Freestyle Al Shaqab was very special and here,” explained Gerco. nity for us as a nation to honour become a top sporting destination the future.” event. I have been very lucky so far in CHI Al Shaqab, a world-class Qatar’s centuries-old tradition for world-renowned equestrian THE PENINSULA MONDAY 1 APRIL 2013 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Bolt coasts to win in Rio Antiguan sprinter Bailey finishes second; Brazilian Lins comes third

RIO DE JANEIRO: Jamaica’s was and asked for a replacement. champion sprinter Usain Bolt had earlier played down fears Bolt cruised to victory in a over the Joao Havelange stadium, 150-metres race held on Rio’s home to the Botafogo football club Copacabana beach yesterday, and due to host the track and timing 14.42 seconds. field competition during the 2016 The 26-year-old Bolt -- who Games. won the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m The stadium was indefinitely relay in both the 2008 Beijing closed last week because of roof Olympics and the 2012 London problems. Games, fell short of improving “The Olympic Games are on his own 150m world record in three years. That gives you -- 14.35 seconds in Manchester, enough time to solve everything. England, in 2009. This type of problem happens Antiguan sprinter Daniel the world over,” Bolt said last Bailey came in second yester- week. Serena Williams of the USA day at 14.88 seconds, followed Turning to his goals for the poses with the winner’s trophy at by Brazilian Bruno Lins at 14.91 2016 Games, Bolt ruled out partic- Crandon Park beach after defeat- and Ecuadoran Alex Quinonez at ipating in the long jump -- saying ing Maria Sharapova of Russia 15.90. “I’m very big and it could hurt my after the Womens Final match Bolt said he was happy with knees” -- while saying he would of the Sony Open on Day 13 at the result, calling it a “good aim to compete in the 100m, 200m Crandon Park Tennis Center in start” to the season and saying and 4x100m relay. Key Biscayne, Florida on Saturday. he looked forward to returning While organizers laid on a to Brazil for the 2016 Summer daytime trip to a Brazilian favela Olympics. (slum) for Bolt to meet disadvan- Some 3,000 spectators attended taged children, the Jamaican’s Sharapova, the event, at a track set up on plans for his time in Rio lay a beach popular with tourists, elsewhere. eager to watch Bolt and the other “I know a lot of things about Serena gear sprinters compete in the rarely- Brazil, but the thing I know most raced distance. about are the beaches and the up for French After crossing the finish line, girls on the beaches,” he said last Bolt took off his shoes and hurled week. Jamaican athlete Usain Bolt celebrates after winning the “Desafio Mano a Mano” racing competition, an exhibi- one of them into the stands. “But I’ve never had the time to tion event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, yesterday. Bolt, world record holder at 100 and 200 meters, won by 14.42 Open He later regretted the move go there, and I also want to go to seconds during the 150 meters track competition built specifically on Copacabana beach, the most famous of when he felt how hot the track a nightclub.” AFP the Brazilian city, but did not achieve its purpose of overcoming his own record (14.35). MIAMI: Maria Sharapova is pleased with the state of her game as she prepares to begin her clay-court preparations for defending the French Open QFA holds Extraordinary General Assembly meeting title, even though the Russian star still has no title at Miami. Murray wins World No. 2 Sharapova led by a set and a break before world No. 1 Serena Williams battled back, capturing the final 10 games on her way to a 4-6, 6-3, 6-0 victory Miami Masters in Saturday’s WTA Miami hard- court final. MIAMI: British second seed ranked in the world’s top four. Williams won her sixth Miami Andy Murray won the ATP “I am tired. It was a very long crown and denied Sharapova her Miami Masters title yesterday, match,” Ferrer said. “Andy had first Miami title, dropping the saving a match point in the more at the end. Congratulations Russian to 0-5 in Miami finals. penultimate game in defeat- to him.” Ferrer, who fell to 21-5 Williams has beaten Sharapova ing Spanish third seed David on the season, apologized to sup- 11 times in a row and leads their Ferrer 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/1). porters in the crowd he compared overall rivalry 12-2. Murray captured his 26th to those in his homeland for their But after running off 11 match career tour title, and second passion, saying, “I’m sorry. I’m so wins in a row overall before the of the year having taken the sorry. One point. Next time.” loss, including a victory at Indian Brisbane crown, after a grueling Ferrer and Murray exchanged Wells without Williams in the two hours and 45 minutes. breaks over the first six games of field, Sharapova has greater “Both of us fought hard,” the third set, then each held serve confidence in her game and her Murray said. “Both of us were once before Murray broke Ferrer chances to defend at Roland struggling physically at the end. for a 5-4 edge when the Spaniard Garros. I was lucky to come through.” netted a forehand. “When you experience such a It was the second Miami title Murray served for the match nice moment in your career, to for Murray, who won the title in but surrendered a break instead, be able to come back there and 2009 but lost last year’s final to Ferrer pulling level and then to play on that court again where Novak Djokovic. holding serve for a 6-5 advan- you lifted the trophy, won the Qatar Football Association (QFA) Extraordinary General Assembly Meeting (from left): Ahmed Albuainain, Murray will rise to World No. 2, tage, both games decided when match point, it’s always special Treasurer of QFA, Saoud Al Mohannadi, General Secretary of QFA, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al bumping his way ahead of Roger the Briton netted a forehand. and meaningful,” Sharapova said. Thani, President of QFA, Ali Al Naimi, Assistant Secretary of QFA and Mohammed Mubarak Al Mohanadi, Federer, while Ferrer will move Ferrer reached match point in “I’ll treat it as any other title Board Member. past Rafael Nadal to become the 12th game on Murray’s serve that maybe I haven’t won and fourth in the rankings, both men but stopped play on the key point really want to win because I matching the best position of their to challenge on a Murray fore- would love to win it again.” careers with the improvement. hand that was ruled on the base- She had hoped to collect a first Nadal and Federer skipped line, setting the stage for Murray Miami crown but was pleased that this year’s edition of the $8.5m to hold and force the tie-breaker. she took a set off Williams for the hardcourt event in Miami, which “That’s the beauty of the chal- first time since the 2008 quarter- also included a WTA event won lenge system,” Murray said. “Some finals on clay in Charleston, South by Serena Williams, while World matches that would have been Carolina. No. 1 Djokovic was ousted in the over. Luckily it just dropped in.” “It’s tough to lose in the final fourth round. Murray, who owns Murray roared ahead 4-0 in the stage because you’ve worked so a home 10 minutes from the sta- tie-breaker and Ferrer collapsed hard to get there, no doubt about dium, beat Ferrer, who turns 31 on to the court with a leg cramp that,” Sharapova said. Tuesday, for the seventh time in after falling behind 5-1. He rose “But it is a really nice stage to 12 career meetings. Ferrer’s only but was finished two points later be at. It’s a nice opportunity that win over Murray off clay was at by the Scot on a backhand win- you’re giving yourself. The more the 2011 ATP World Tour Finals. ner, Murray improving to 14-2 in that I give myself this opportu- Ferrer, who has won this year the year. nity, the better chance that I have The Extraordinary General Assembly meeting of the QFA chaired by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al at Auckland and Buenos Aires, “He’s one of the best players in of winning. That’s what I have to Thani, President of QFA, Saoud Al Mohannadi, General Secretary of QFA, Ali Al Naimi, Assistant Secretary, failed in his bid to win his first the world,” Murray said of Ferrer. think about. Ahmed Albuainain, Treasurer of QFA, and Mohammed Mubarak Al Mohanadi, Board Member was held at the US title and become the first “Every time I play him people “Within a tournament there Diplomatic Club yesterday. The meeting reviewed proposed amendments to the QFA Electoral Code. Spaniard to win the Miami title. expect me to win. He’s a great are a lot of ups and downs and He is 0-12 in finals against players player. AFP I’m really happy with what I have been able to achieve in the last month.” Williams praised Sharapova’s effort even as she avoided losing France victorious at QSL Nations Cup to the Russian for the first time since 2004. DOHA: The inaugural QSL after Lekhwiya defeated Al Arabi “We have delivered a high- “Maria played really the best Nations Cup came to a dra- 4-1 at their new state-of-the-art quality football tournament to a I have seen her play,” Williams matic climax at the weekend as stadium. Earlier in the evening wide variety of communities in said. “She was moving unbeliev- France overcame Sudan to be Spain defeated Tunisia 3-2 in the Qatar. The level of participation able and she was hitting winners crowned champions. 3rd Vs 4th play-off match. confirms there is real passion for from everywhere. Launched to encourage key Dignitaries and ambassadors the sport in our country. “I feel like she lifted her level.” communities to get more involved representing the different coun- “It was my pleasure to be in Sharapova, however, saw in football, the tournament tries involved throughout the attendance at the final and watch Williams stretch her game when brought hundreds of players from competition attended the final France record victory over Sudan faced with the possibility of defeat. all over Qatar together as they as a demonstration of the bond in what was a very entertaining “That’s why she’s No. 1 in the went head-to-head for glory. forged between the QSL and its and competitive match. world. She’s really capable of The competition was organised communities. “The QSL has a social respon- doing that,” Sharapova said. “I and executed in partnership with Hani Ballan, deputy CEO of the sibility to people. We believe in was controlling a lot of the points recreation and events experts Qatar Stars League, presented the power of football to enhance in the first set and the beginning QSports Leagues. Sixteen teams the trophy and winners’ med- and improve the lives of people of the second. Then toward the started out hoping to finish as als to France on Saturday, while who live here. One of the main end, I wasn’t there. winners – but it was France who offering sincere commiserations aims of this tournament was to “I was losing a little bit of pace secured the honour with a 2-1 win to runners-up Sudan. strengthen the bond between the on my ball, which hurt me, and over Sudan at Lekhwiya Stadium He said: “The QSL Nations Cup QSL and the people in our com- The players and officials of France, winners of QSL Nations Cup are against a player like Serena, you on Saturday. has been, in my view, an over- munities. I believe we have done seen along with officials of Qatar Stars League. can’t really do that.” Both teams played immediately whelming success. this.” THE PENINSULA AFP MONDAY 1 APRIL 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Pakistan drop Younis from Celta Vigo hold Barcelona Champions Messi notches up another record; scores for the 19th straight game Trophy squad KARACHI: Pakistan yester- MADRID, Spain: Lionel Messi (Madrid) win tomorrow, they will day omitted out-of-form Younis notched up another goal-scor- La Liga go one point ahead and this is the Khan from a 30-man initial ing record Saturday night - Yesterday’s results most important thing.” squad for the eight-nation but Barcelona’s cruise towards Espanyol 2 Real Sociedad 2 The Portuguese also stressed Champions Trophy after the a 22nd title was halted when Real Mallorca 2 Deportivo Coruna 3 that his side’s league form middle order batsman flopped in Borja Oubina hit a late equal- should not affect their return recent one-day matches. Real Valladolid 1 Osasuna 3 iser which handed Celta Vigo a to Champions League action on The 35-year-old Younis man- deserved 2-2 draw. Results on Saturday Wednesday. aged just 116 runs in the series The visitors were without a Celta Vigo 2 Barcelona 2 “This result will not affect us. against South Africa earlier this number of first-team regulars and Levante 1 Sevilla 0 Our objectives are the final of the month which Pakistan lost 3-2 were punished for a slow start Rayo Vallecano 1 Malaga 3 cup and the Champions League. and has not managed to score a when Natxo Insa prodded home Real Zaragoza 1 Real Madrid 1 “In the league we have already century since November 2008. from close range to put Celta in achieved finishing amongst the Pakistan is in group B of the front seven minutes before half- bit which was to score. In the final top three and our objective is to event to be held in England from time. The lead only lasted five few minutes we lacked the col- finish second and win every game. June 3-23. The other teams in minutes though as Messi released lective intensity needed and they It will not have any influence their group are arch-rivals India, Cristian Tello to curl home a have equalised.” looking ahead to Wednesday.” the West Indies and South Africa. fine equaliser and the roles were Despite his disappointment at With the return to Champions Defending champions Australia, reversed 18 minutes from time the outcome though, Roura did League action against Galatasary New Zealand, Sri Lanka and when Tello cut the ball back for take time to laud another incred- in mind, Mourinho rested the England form group A. Messi to drill low into the net. ible individual achievement by midfield quartet of Xabi Alonso, All teams had April 6 as the cut The goal was Messi’s 43rd Messi. “It is a unheard of record Sami Khedira, Mesut Ozil and off date to announce their initial league goal of the campaign and that no one has ever achieved. Angel Di Maria from the start squad to be trimmed to 15 in May. also secured another record for This shows how great this player and the visitors were made to Chief selector Iqbal Qasim said the World Player of the Year. is. With time, what this player is suffer by an energetic Zaragoza the Pakistani squad was a “mix of By scoring for the 19th straight doing will be valued even more.” side early on. youth and experience”. game, he became the first player Second-placed Real Madrid Rodri fired the hosts into the “Younis’s name was not con- to score against every other side failed to take advantage of Barca’s lead after Apono pounced on a sidered after he did not show the in the Spanish league in consecu- slip-up as they could only manage loose ball in midfield and set the form in the last few matches,” he tive matches. However, Celta gave a 1-1 draw with Real Zaragoza. former Barcelona man free in said. their chances of survival a huge Rodri put the hosts in front behind the Madrid defence where Pakistani media reported last boost as Oubina headed home after just five minutes before he finished calmly beyond Lopez. week that Younis was contem- Fabian Orellana’s cross at the Cristiano Ronaldo equalised seven However, Madrid then began plating retirement from one-day back post two minutes from time. minutes before half-time. to take a hold on the game and cricket after giving up Twenty20 And Barca assistant manager However, manager Jose after Glenn Loovens’ clearance following the team’s 2009 World Jordi Roura admitted that his Mourinho dismissed suggestions off his own line had denied Pepe, Twenty20 victory in England side lacked the concentration that his side had missed an oppor- Ronaldo registered his 28th under his captaincy. required to see the game out. tunity to get back into the title league goal of the campaign with a But sources close to Younis “I don’t want to point out indi- race. “For some time our ambi- powerful left-footed shot. Earlier denied he was retiring from one- vidual errors,” said Roura, whose tion has not been to win the title in the day Malaga moved level day cricket. He was also dropped team are still 13 points ahead again,” he told a press conference. with Real Sociedad in fourth as from the team for a series against at the top of La Liga after Real “We already knew that it is a a goal and two assists on his first Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (left) vies with Celta’s Australia in the United Arab Madrid were held 1-1 by Real question of points, not of win- league start with the club from Argentinian defender Gustavo Cabral during the Spanish league football Emirates last August before he Zaragoza. ning it. With the draw today we Pedro Morales guided them to a match at the Balaidos Stadium in Vigo on Saturday. The match ended in regained his place against India “We had done the most difficult have lost second place. If Atletico 3-1 win over Rayo Vallecano. AFP a 2-2 draw. in December. Younis has so far scored 7014 runs in 253 one-day internation- Rangers in als after making his debut 13 years ago. small step back Contentious penalty helps St Also overlooked was allrounder Abdul Razzaq, who hasn’t played to big time a one-day since November 2011. Pakistan face the West Indies in their opening match on June 7 GLASGOW: Rangers com- Mirren to hold Celtic in SPL before clashing with South Africa pleted the first part of their (June 10) and arch-rivals India long journey back to the top GLASGOW: A controver- appeared to be Mirren into but referee Bobby Madden disal- on June 15. of Scottish football as they sial Paul McGowan penalty 10 outside the box. Scottish Premier action with lowed the goal for a soft foul on Probables: Nasir Jamshed, clinched the Third Division title. minutes from time helped St McGowan John McGinn the keeper by Dummett. Mohammad Hafeez, Imran The fallen Glasgow giants were Mirren claim a 1-1 draw against drilled the ball League Results releasing Paul Goalscorer Commons fired over Farhat, Ahmed Shehzad, Misbah- held to a drab goalless draw away ten men Celtic yesterday. past Forster to Dummett from 20 before the Scotland inter- ul-Haq, Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq, at Montrose, but Queen’s Park’s Kris Commons had headed the continue the St Mirren 1 (McGowan 81-pen) Celtic 1 down the left national was stretchered off on Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Umer 1-0 defeat to Elgin City later in Hoops into a sixth minute lead party atmosphere (Commons 6) and the on- the stroke of half time as a result Amin, Sohail Tanvir, Hammad the day allowed Rangers to clinch but St Mirren responded brightly for St Mirren, Playing Monday loan Newcastle of his own team-mate Kayal land- Azam, Azhar Ali, Shahid Afridi, the championship. and had an effort from Gary Teale who are still cel- St Johnstone vs Dundee Utd (1900GMT) United player’s ing on his ankle. Asad Ali, Anwar Ali, Junaid Second-placed Queen’s Park disallowed in the 27th minute for ebrating their Played Saturday shot clipped The half ended in controversy Khan, Mohammad Irfan, Wahab are now 22 points behind with a foul on keeper Fraser Forster. League Cup win, Aberdeen 2 (McGinn 10, 55) Hearts 0 the out rushing as the home fans were scream- Riaz, Umar Gul, Rahat Ali, Ehsan seven matches left to play as The home side then felt they as Celtic failed Fraser Forster ing for a penalty when Samaras Adil, Imran Khan, Aizaz Cheema, Dundee 0 Motherwell 3 (Higdon 9, Law Ally McCoist secured his first should have had a penalty in first to secure a win on its way by the appeared to control a Teale Yasir Arafat, Saeed Ajmal, Abdul 63, 79) piece of silverware as Rangers half stoppage time when Georgios for their third post. corner with his upper arm. St Rehman, Zulfiqar Babar, Kamran manager. Samaras appeared to use his arm straight away Hibernian 1 (Griffiths 59) Inverness CT 2 Beram Kayal Mirren players immediately sur- Akmal, Mohammad Rizwan. McCoist was manager when to control Teale’s corner in the match. (Draper 48, Shinnie 65) then nod- rounded ref Madden but he waved AFP the then reigning Scottish box. Celtic could Ross County 0 Kilmarnock 1 (Fowler 2) ded a Marc away their protests. In the 55th Premier League champions Celtic lost goalscorer Commons still clinch the McAusland minute Wanyama, who was just Rangers entered administration to injury before they were reduced Scottish Premier League title header off the line after he con- back from suspension, was shown Elissalde senior in February 2012 over an unpaid to ten-men in the 55th minute next Saturday with a win at home nected with a Gary Teale corner. a straight red card after a clumsy tax bill. when Kenyan international to Hibernian if Motherwell lose Steven Thompson then missed challenge on Paul McGowan. With admits to A consortium headed by former Victor Wanyama saw a straight their match against St Mirren. a great opportunity to haul St time running out St Mirren were Sheffield United chief executive red for a clumsy high challenge The Hoops took an early Mirren level when he got across awarded a controversial penalty doping Charles Green bought the club’s on McGowan. lead with a superb header from Kelvin Wilson to meet a Teale as Goncalves went down under a assets and following heated dis- Time looked to be running out Commons. Efe Ambrose swung cross from the right but the challenge from Izaguirre on the cussions their fellow SPL clubs for St Mirren, who hadn’t scored a ball in from the right and striker could only glance his edge of the box. McGowan con- PARIS: Former France inter- voted 10 to 1 against allowing against the Hoops in the league in Commons, one of the smallest header wide. verted the spot kick as St Mirren national scrum-half Jean- Rangers newco’s application to over 13 hours of play, before they men on the pitch, rose above In the 27th minute St Mirren managed to avoid defeat against Pierre Elissalde admitted join the league, forcing them to were awarded an 81st minute pen- Teale to bullet a header past Craig had the ball in the net when a the Hoops in a league match for yesterday to having doped dur- start life in the country’s bottom alty although Emilio Izaguirre’s Samson from 10 yards. cross from Teale floated into the the first time since March 2010. ing his career. tier. AFP challenge on Esmael Goncalves The goal seemed to spur St top corner past Fraser Forster AFP The 59-year-old, whose son Jean-Baptiste also played scrum- half for his country and is pres- ently backs coach at Toulouse, said that there had been nothing United, Chelsea clash in FA Cup today out of the ordinary in taking dop- ing products at the time. LONDON: Manchester United (Saturday). We will probably go title now appears a formality. “In the 1970s and 1980s and Chelsea face a challeng- back and get a good recovery ses- Life is not quite so rosy for amphetamines were widely ing 48-hour turnaround ahead sion in and make sure we have Ferguson’s opposite number, taken,” Elissalde told French of their FA Cup quarter-final done everything we can physically Chelsea interim manager Rafael radio station Radio Bleu here replay at Stamford Bridge today. to make sure we are right for the Benitez. yesterday. Both sides were in Premier game on Monday.” Last season’s European cham- “It was taken by cyclists, by League action on Saturday, giv- Ferguson is desperate to see pions remain in contention for footballers, and obviously by rugby ing them little time to prepare for United end their nine-year wait honours in both the FA Cup and Sunderland’s players. an encounter that carries with it for FA Cup glory, having seen the Europa League, but Saturday’s “I personally took ampheta- Adam Johnson the tantalising prize of a semi- his side beaten 1-0 by Chelsea in 2-1 loss at Southampton jeopard- mines twice, there is nothing (right) tackles final date with Manchester City 2007 in their last appearance in ised their chances of qualifying for extraordinary in that and after- at Wembley Stadium. the final. next season’s Champions League. Manchester wards there were other forms United manager Alex Ferguson The Scot will also be keenly Benitez defended his decision to United’s Alex of doping, notably in order to be made several changes for his aware that, with four FA Cup leave Eden Hazard, Ashley Cole Buttner during able to work harder and to put side’s 1-0 win at Sunderland, with triumphs in the last six sea- and David Luiz on the bench at their English on muscle.” Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand sons, Chelsea are intruding upon St Mary’s. Premiership Elissalde, a former coach of and Ryan Giggs among the United’s territory as the most “We had to manage the squad,” league match the Japanese national side, also players omitted from the squad successful side in the history of he said. “We don’t have too many at the Stadium pointed the finger at the players altogether. the game’s oldest cup competition. options in some positions, so we of Light in who had come to France from the Despite United’s reputation for However, his decision to shuffle had to use the players we had. Sunderland, Southern Hemisphere without endurance in the major competi- his pack against Sunderland owed “It would have been different if Britain on citing specific examples. tions, centre-back Jonny Evans as much to his team’s dominant we’d done better in the first half, Saturday. Elissalde, who also coached admits it is something of a novelty position in the Premier League because in the second we had the French club sides La Rochelle, to play two games in such quick table as it did to his desire to add chances to win.” Beziers and Bayonne, said that succession. a sixth FA Cup winner’s medal to Benitez also rejected sugges- there was no organised dop- “I have never really been in this his collection. tions he had purposefully rested ing and that it was down to the situation before, so it will be new United’s win at the Stadium of Gary Cahill and Juan Mata. individual. to probably most of us,” said the Light enabled them to preserve “Cahill and Mata couldn’t play. “To my knowledge as a coach I Northern Ireland international. their 15-point lead at the top of I wasn’t ‘resting’ them,” he said. never came across organised dop- “It’s just all about tonight the standings and a 20th English AFP ing,” he said. 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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Perera stars Liverpool increase Aston in Sri Lanka T20 victory

PALLEKELE, Sri Lanka: Kusal Perera smashed a brisk 64 to set up Sri Lanka’s 17-run Villa’s relegation worries victory over Bangladesh in a one-off Twenty20 international in Pallekele yesterday. The opener hit four sixes and EPL: Henderson and Gerrard strike in second half for the winners five fours in his 44-ball knock as Sri Lanka posted a chal- BIRMINGHAM, United a point-blank save to thwart lenging 198-5 before restricting Kingdom: Liverpool came from English Premier Gabriel Agbonlahor. Bangladesh to 181-7. behind to win 2-1 at Aston Villa It was Liverpool, though, who Mohammad Ashraful top- yesterday in an entertaining League Results made most of the early running. scored for Bangladesh with a game that kept Paul Lambert’s Glen Johnson saw a deflected 27-ball 43 while seamers Angelo side entrenched in the Premier Aston Villa 1 (Benteke 31) Liverpool 2 shot gathered by Villa goalkeeper Mathews and Thisara Perera each League relegation zone. (Henderson 47, Gerrard 60-pen) Brad Guzan, while Luis Suarez bagged two wickets for Sri Lanka. Christian Benteke put Villa Playing today (1900GMT) poked a shot over, dragged an Bangladesh suffered a setback ahead with a crisp strike in the Fulham vs QPR effort wide, and had two attempts after reaching 68-2 in the eighth first half but Jordan Henderson Played Saturday at goal repelled by Guzan. over as Ashraful was given out equalised early in the second Arsenal 4 (Gervinho 11, Cazorla 48, Giroud Villa’s opener, in the 31st leg-before. He hit seamer Thisara period before Steven Gerrard 67, Arteta 77-pen) Reading 1 (Robson-Kanu minute, came against the run Perera for two successive sixes claimed Liverpool’s winner from 68) of play.After Ashley Westwood’s and then a four in the same over. the penalty spot. Everton 1 (Mirallas 28) Stoke 0 searching ball towards the Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim (39) Defeat left Villa third from bot- Liverpool box was knocked and Mohammad Mahmudullah Manchester City 4 (Tevez 41, Silva 45, tom in the English top flight, but down by Agbonlahor, Benteke (31) kept Bangladesh’s hopes alive Kompany 56, Perch 69-og) Newcastle 0 although they only trail fourth- dispatched a meaty strike that with a 50-run stand for the fifth bottom Wigan Athletic on goal Southampton 2 (Rodriguez 23, Lambert 35) brushed Reina’s right glove en wicket before both fell in the 15th difference, Roberto Martinez’s Chelsea 1 (Terry 33) route to the bottom-left corner. over to leave their team strug- side have a game in hand. Sunderland 0 Manchester Utd 1 (Bramble Liverpool were quickly back on gling at 137-6. Villa had been bidding for a 27-og) the attack and Guzan twice came Bangladesh were let down by third successive win, but instead Swansea 1 (Michu 71) Tottenham 2 to the hosts’ rescue in the minutes their bowling in the later stages their momentum deserted them (Vertonghen 7, Bale 21) leading up to half-time. of the innings as they gave away ahead of a run of games that West Ham 3 (Carroll 16, 80, O’Neil 28) West The American blocked a meek 75 in the last five overs. They also includes daunting trips to Stoke Brom 1 (Dorrans 88-pen) shot from Suarez after Barry conceded 19 runs in wides. City and leaders Manchester Wigan 1 (Kone 81) Norwich 0 Bannan had inadvertently given Sri Lanka’s Jeevan Mendis and United. the Uruguayan a clear run on goal, Angelo Mathews put on 66 for the “Everybody who was here today half. “In the second half we upped before pushing away a swerving fifth wicket off just 5.5 overs to would say we were playing well the tempo in our game, we were strike from Gerrard. help their side set a stiff target. enough and don’t look like a team excellent going forward, and Villa have been dogged by an Mendis hit three sixes, includ- down at the bottom,” Villa man- defensively we were very solid. inability to protect leads in the ing two in an over from left- ager Lambert told Sky Sports. It’s a terrific win for us.” league this season and their arm spinner Abdur Razzak, “If we keep going like we’re Rodgers made four changes fragility cost them once again and two fours in his 17-ball 37 going, we’ll win more games than to the team beaten 3-1 by as Liverpool turned the game while Mathews contributed an we don’t.” Southampton in Liverpool’s pre- around within 15 minutes of kick- unbeaten 30 off 27 deliveries. Liverpool, meanwhile, closed to vious outing, with Jose Reina, off in the second half. The visi- Sri Lanka plundered 32 off the within five points of the European Jamie Carragher, Lucas Leiva and tors needed just two minutes to last 13 balls, with Thisara Perera places, although the three teams Henderson coming into the side. draw level, as Philippe Coutinho making a seven-ball 22 not out immediately above them - Joe Bennett was the only new released Henderson with a beau- with two sixes and as many fours. Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton - all face in the Villa line-up, but the tifully judged pass and the former The hosts made a brisk start have a game in hand. left-back nearly crafted the open- Sunderland player deftly chipped after being put in to bat as they “Our character was outstand- ing goal in the fourth minute at the advancing Guzan.Coutinho raced to 52 in the opening five ing today,” said Liverpool manager Villa Park with an inviting centre rolled a shot inches wide from overs, with Kusal Perera playing Brendan Rodgers. that narrowly eluded Benteke. Suarez’s pass and Johnson struck Aston Villa’s Belgian striker Christian Benteke reacts after missing a attacking shots against both pace “We played reasonably well in Another cross from a Villa full- the post before Gerrard levelled chance during the English Premier League match against Liverpool at and spin. the first half, but we made a mis- back, this time Matthew Lowton, on the hour with an inch-perfect Villa Park in Birmingham, West Midlands, England, yesterday. Liverpool Perera hit seamer Shahadat take and got punished by Benteke. almost yielded a goal in the 16th penalty after Nathan Baker slid won the game 2-1. Hossain for two fours and a six We created chances in the first minute, but Reina produced in on Suarez. AFP in the first over of the match before smashing two more sixes, one each off spinners Sohag Gazi and Razzak. He completed his maiden T20 half-century in the eighth over with two runs to mid-wicket off AFC U-14 girls’ championship begins today Mahmudullah. AFP DOHA: Qatar is set to Scoreboard play its part in hosting the first ever Asian Football SRI LANKA Confederation (AFC) U-14s K Perera c Rahim b Mahmudullah ...... 64 girls’ championship. D Munaweera b Gazi ...... 5 The inaugural competition has D Chandimal c Jahurul b Razzak ...... 9 been launched by the AFC to pro- L Thirimanne (run out) ...... 5 mote grassroots football with girls A Mathews (not out) ...... 30 throughout the region. J Mendis b Rubel ...... 37 Doha will play host to Group B, T Perera (not out) ...... 22 with Groups A, C and D taking Extras (LB-7, W-19) ...... 26 place in other member countries Total (for 5 wkts in 20 overs) ...... 198 of the AFC. Fall of wickets: 1-32, 2-77, 3-86, 4-100, Qatar will take on Bahrain, 5-166. Jordan, Palestine and the United Bowling: Shahadat 4-0-54-0 (w1); Rubel Arab Emirates to compete for a 4-0-40-1 (w8); Gazi 4-0-30-1 (w2); Razzak place in the knock-out stages. 4-0-39-1 (w6); Mahmudullah 4-0-28-1 (w2). Two matches every day will be BANGLADESH played at Al Arabi Sports Club Mohd Ashraful lbw T Perera ...... 43 from April 1 until April 5. S Rahman lbw Mathews ...... 0 This is an opportunity for Jahurul Islam b Mathews ...... 11 local football fans to gauge how M Rahim c Eranga b Senanayake ...... 39 women’s football is developing Eugenie Buckley, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-14 girls’ Championship Match Commisioner, and Ahlam Al Mana, President of Qatar N Hossain c A Perera b T Perera ...... 8 in the region with a tournament Women’s Sports Committee and Chairman of Local Organising Committee during a press conference in Doha, yesterday. RIGHT: Qatar’s coach and Mohd Mahmudullah (run out) ...... 31 designed to give the most promis- team captain during the press conference yesterday. PICTURES BY: SHAIVAL DALAL M Haque (not out) ...... 26 ing talent the platform to shine. S Gazi c Mathews b Malinga ...... 9 For Monica Stabb, German A Razzak (not out) ...... 6 coach of the Qatar U-14s, the fact “I understand this is something team are very young, which is Extras (LB-3, W-5) ...... 8 she even has a squad is something new for the girls to be involved in why this tournament is going to AFC U-14 girls’ championship Total (for 7 wkts in 20 overs) ...... 181 to be proud of considering how but I would like to highlight what be a challenge for them. April 1 Jordan vs Bahrain (4:00pm), UAE vs Palestine (6.30pm) Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-27, 3-68, 4-85, threadbare her squad was less a wonderful opportunity it is for “Many girls age between 9 and April 2 Palestine vs Qatar (4:00pm), UAE vs Jordan (6.30pm) 5-135, 6-137, 7-156. than a month ago. them. We really want to encour- 11. So we have a very young team Bowling: Mathews 4-0-37-2; Eranga 4-0- “Three weeks ago we had only age these girls to take part in the and it’s going to be a challenge for April 3 Qatar vs UAE (4:00pm), Bahrain vs Palestine (6:30pm) 37-0 (w2); Malinga 4-0-27-1; Senanayake had two girls who were training tournament. It is a chance for them. You will see the girls strug- April 4 Bahrain vs UAE (4:00), Jordan vs Qatar (6.30pm) 4-0-29-1; T Perera 2-0-25-2 (w3); Mendis with us,” Stabb explained. them to make friends and get to gling on the field but they’ve great April 5 Palestine vs Jordan (4:00), Qatar vs Bahrain (6.30pm) 1-0-6-0; A Perera 1-0-17-0. “They were all the players we see new places.” team spirit,” Stabb said. Result: Sri Lanka win by 17 runs. had.” Majority of girls in Qatar’s THE PENINSULA *All matches will be played at Al Arabi Sports Club