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QIIB expects Stellar line-up Morocco JV set for IDL approval by Q3 Doha 2016

WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 • 21 Jumada II 1437 • Volume 21 • Number 6751 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Emir receives message from Emir inaugurates fifth Dimdex Niger President

been witnessing an increase in the number of exhibitors and DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim Qatar and France participants. bin Hamad Al Thani received a strike deal worth This year, the coveted event written message from the Pres- witnessed a significant rise in the ident of Niger, Mahamadou €6.7bn (over number of exhibitors and par- Issoufou, dealing with bilateral QR27.53bn) for 24 ticipating countries, which has relations and ways of enhancing Rafale fighter jets. reached over 58, and it covers them. Foreign Minister’s Assist- a larger area — 25, 000 square ant for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan metres. bin Saad Al Muraikhi received the After the Navy chief’s speech message during a meeting yester- By Sidi Mohamed a documentary film showing the day with Niger’s Ambassador to The Peninsula latest equipment and technolog- Qatar Mubarak Hassan Boubacar. ical developments in the field of maritime defence was screened. Following this, the Emir toured the Ministry forces car DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim exhibition where he was briefed bin Hamad Al Thani opened the 5th about some of the latest technol- dealer to replace edition of the Doha International ogies and equipment from the Maritime Defence Exhibition and maritime field on display. Conference (Dimdex 2016), at the The exhibition covers a wide defective vehicle Qatar National Convention Center range of maritime defence sectors, (QNCC) here yesterday. including anti-piracy equipment, The inaugural ceremony was diving and underwater operations By Mobin Pandit attended by Defence Ministers and vehicles; maritime domain The Peninsula and Chiefs of Staff from several awareness and technology and countries, as well as a number of naval aviation. On the sidelines of ambassadors accredited to the the exhibition, which will continue DOHA: In yet another consumer- state, members of the Qatari Armed until tomorrow, Qatar and France friendly move, the Ministry of Forces and other dignitaries and struck a deal worth €6.7bn (a lit- Economy and Commerce forced a guests. tle over QR27.53bn) for 24 Rafale car dealer to provide a new vehicle In his speech on the occasion, fighter jets. to a customer in place of a defec- Qatar Emiri Naval Staff Chief, On behalf of Qatar, H E Dr tive one. Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the 5th Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Major-General (sea), Mohamed bin Khalid bin Mohamed Al Atti- The service centre of the Conference (Dimdex 2016) at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) in Doha yesterday. Nasser Al Mohannadi, said Dim- yah, Minister of State for Defence dealer failed to repair recurring dex reflects Qatar’s position as a Affairs, signed the agreement, faults in the car following which regional hub for business, indus- while the French Defence Min- statement that the drone production would see a Qatari drone in Doha skies. latest and modern techniques in the the Ministry intervened, and com- try and modern technology, reports ister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, put project, carried by Qatar in collab- “The development of the Qatari Armed military field,” said Al Attiyah. pelled it to replace the car. QNA. his signature on behalf of his oration with Germany, had reached Forces will not stop, and Dimdex is an The Ministry said in a state- Over the years, Dimdex has country. Al Attiyah said in a press advanced stage, and by next year one opportunity to get acquainted with the → Continued on page 2 ment yesterday that it received complaints from several vehicle owners regarding manufacturing defects. Following this, the Ministry deputed its inspectors to verify if EgyptAir drama ends after hijacker surrenders the complaints were genuine by making investigations. And later, a car dealer was AFP released after it had landed but said he has children. Cypriot woman, Anastasiades laughed the diversion. Egyptian civil aviation notified about the need to replace some escaped only minutes before She was brought to the airport and said: “Always there is a woman.” officials said there were 21 foreigners a defective car with a new one the hijacker surrendered, including and spoke to the man, Kasoulides After searching the hijacker and among the passengers and that the in accordance with Article 10 of LARNACA: An Egyptian man who one man who climbed out a cockpit said, without providing further sending sniffer dogs into the plane, hijacker had demanded the plane land the Consumer Protection law (no hijacked an EgyptAir passen- window. details. Cypriot police said no bombs had in either Turkey or Cyprus. 8 of 2008). The law, the Ministry ger plane and forced it to divert to “From the beginning it was deter- He also delivered a rambling let- been found. Officials had said seven peo- said, stipulates that consumers Cyprus demanding to see his ex- mined that this was not a case of ter in Arabic to authorities making Kasoulides said the man had also ple, including three passengers, had are entitled to choose whether to wife surrendered yesterday after terrorism,” Foreign Minister Ioannis a number of demands, including to threatened to blow himself up if the remained on board until shortly get repaired, return or exchange a six-hour airport standoff ended Kasoulides told reporters, adding meet with a European Union rep- plane was not refuelled and allowed before the man surrendered. defective products. The move peacefully. that the man was “psychologically resentative and for the release of to depart for Istanbul. Kasoulides said the last two passen- comes as part of the Ministry’s The hijacker, described by offi- unstable”. women prisoners in Egypt. “We examined the alleged explo- gers on the plane had been British. efforts to protect consumers and cials as “unstable”, had claimed to be The Egyptian Interior Minis- “There was no logical consist- sives that were found on him. They The remaining passengers and ensure car dealers follow up on wearing a bomb belt but no explo- try identified the man as Seif Al Din ency for the demands to be taken were not explosives but phone covers crew were later seen exiting the air- vehicle defects and repairs. sives were discovered after he gave Mohamed Mostafa. A police official seriously,” Kasoulides said. made up to give the impression they craft, with several descending the The Ministry reiterated that it himself up at Larnaca airport and said he was 58 and had previously Cyprus President Nicos Anasta- were explosives,” he said. steps from the plane and one clam- will continue with its crackdowns was arrested. served time in prison. siades had earlier told reporters “the The EgyptAir plane landed in Lar- bering out of a cockpit window and in the market to check violations Most of the 55 passengers on the Kasoulides said the man hijacking is not terrorism-related”. naca at 8.50am (0550 GMT), after the dropping to the ground. of the provisions of the above law plane — originally travelling from demanded to deliver a letter to his Asked about reports that the hijacker had contacted the control and intensify its inspection drives Alexandria to Cairo — were quickly Cypriot ex-wife, with whom officials hijacker had demanded to see a tower 20 minutes earlier to demand → See also page 11 to combat fraud. The Ministry said it will refer violators to competent authorities for action to protect consumers’ Al Rayyan win Qatar Cup HMC clinics for rights.

Article of Mevlüt the elderly soon Çavuşoğlu, Foreign Minister of Turkey, regarding the By Fazeena Saleem patients including osteoporosis and World Humanitarian The Peninsula parkinson’s,” Dr Hanadi Al Hamad, Summit which will be Acting Chair of Elderly Geriatrics at organised on May 23-24, HMC told this newspaper. DOHA: Hamad Medical Corporation The Geriatrics Department at 2016 in Istanbul. →Page 12 (HMC) is preparing to open several HMC operates across multiple sites new outpatient clinics for health and hospitals and the range of serv- conditions which affect old people, ices and specialties is broad and as part of expanding services at its inclusive, she added. Geriatrics Department, says a sen- “We are providing new and ior official. At present, the Geriatrics innovative services like a memory Department at HMC has eight differ- clinic and a falls prevention clinic. SPECIAL SUPPLLEMENT WEDNESDAYW 30 MARCH 2016 ent outpatient clinics and the new The memory clinic is the only one in ones will treat osteoporosis and par- the region and we are seeing great evving up sales to younger luxur kinson’s disease. demand for its innovative approach,” “We are always looking at ways she added. The Geriatrics depart- Today’s edition to improve the lives of our patients. ment also provides HMC’s Home As we do across the board at HMC, Health Care Services which enable includes an 8-page Al Rayyan basketball players and team officials celebrate winning the Qatar Cup at Al Gharafa Indoor we are looking to add services and more than 1000 patients to be vis- special supplement on clinics in areas of need. We are ited in their homes. Hall. Al Rayyan beat Al Gharafa in the final. Pic: Hussein Sayed → More pictures and story on page 33 preparing to open new clinics for a Automobiles. range of conditions that affect our → Continued on page 2 02 WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 HOME Dimdex ‘chance to enhance our defence with partners’

Continued from page 1 defence, and this is one of the reasons behind the huge success of Dimdex An exhibition like Dimdex provides and its advancement over the years. an opportunity to see latest technol- Dimdex is a leading and ogies in the field of defence, and “it is specialized naval defence and also a chance for us to enhance our maritime security exhibition in the defence with our partners to face any MENA region as it attracts the biggest challenges”, he added. defence and security companies Al Attiyah also expressed his to Qatar to showcase the latest happiness at the number of partici- technologies in the area of maritime pating countries and the number of security of the 21st century. the exhibitors, and even the way they Among the activities on the are organizing and displaying the first day of the event was a visiting equipment. warships’ official opening ceremony at All this amply demonstrates that Doha Port, in addition to a gala dinner the importance of this event has been for senior industry professionals and growing year after year since it was VIPs to meet and to do networking in launched in 2008, he added. an informal setting. The Chief of Staff the Qatari Over 58 countries from around Armed Forces Major General Pilot the world are participating in the Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanem said exhibition, and over 9000 maritime, that number of participating countries security and defence industry – in Dimdex 20016 has increased. “So related visitors, in addition to 180 Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday met Ministers of Defence and Chiefs-of-Staff of the Armed Forces of brotherly and friendly many defence ministers, chiefs of Staff international and local companies, and naval commanders from different among them are 20 percent Qatari countries participating in the 5th Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (Dimdex 2016) at Qatar National Convention countries attended it,” he said in a companies. Centre. They reviewed matters of common concern. press statement. Among the biggest displays equip- Al Ghanem said the exhibition ment in the exhibition are Troop gives a chance to the participants and carriers and Armoured vehicles shown Qatar is among the 13 countries in The combat-proven Patriot GCC Secretary-General Dr Abdul- conference and exhibition, which is visitors to exchange their experiences by Turkish companies, in addition to the world which owns Patriot mis- system, upgraded with a suite of latif bin Rashid Al Zayani praised the one of the most important interna- and to see what new technology has Patriot (White Sands Missile Range) sile. It has the missile since 2014, said improvements is collectively known event. He also praised the invitation tional events in the field of maritime come on the market about naval displays by the American company. an official at that pavilion. as post-deployment build 8 (PDB-8). to him by Dr Al Attiyah to attend the defence and security. Medical visits to homes help elderly retain independence UK-Qatar team’s City of Play project

Continued from page 1 Enaya Specialized Care Centre world. We use a patient-centred care wins Unlimited Doha Design Prize operates a long-term care complex approach with each patient having an Home visits and emergency visits for patients who require round-the- individualized care plan,” said Dr Al by a multi-disciplinary team enable clock monitoring and treatment from Hamadi. “Patients are referred to the The Peninsula elderly patients to retain their inde- specialist nurses and doctors. The Enaya Specialized Care Centre from pendence. “We also provide geriatric centre has two buildings, connected a variety of sources. They could be care and consultations for old people with a bridge. It has four floors con- in need of geriatric services or are who are hospitalized and have spe- nected at the second level and has a long term ventilated patients. Our DOHA: City of Play, a project pre- cial needs,” said Dr Al Hamadi. capacity of 158 patients. The centre physicians work within a multi-disci- pared by UK-Qatar team, has won The department provides its currently has 148 patients, three of plinary team which includes physical the Unlimited Doha Design Prize services at Hamad General Hospi- them in isolation rooms. therapists, occupational therapists, 2016, which had the participants on tal (HGH), Rumailah Hospital and “Enaya Specialized Care Centre is speech therapists, dieticians and a week-long stay here. The winning the Enaya Specialised Care Centre, the only one of its type in the coun- other allied health care profession- entry has offered a profound insight opened last year. try and one of the first in the Arab als,” said Dr Al Hamadi. into the past and future of urban communities in Doha. The team comprised Alex Scott- Whitby, Ming Teong, Omer Can Aksoy, Gizem Kahraman and Deena Al Terawi. The winning team gets a grant of £15,000 to further develop the project proposal. The contest was organised by British Council under the patron- age of H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, in partnership with the Supreme Com- mittee for Delivery and Legacy. The winners pose for a group photo. The winning project proposed a chain of street transformations in the form of new play spaces to human- visited Msheireb Downtown Doha (a with our vision for the 2022 FIFA ise and revitalise the historic fabric, 31-hectare site which has been rede- World Cup as we look at the award thus achieving an inclusive, acces- veloped), Msheireb Museums, and as an opportunity to motivate devel- sible and deliverable proposal and Msheireb Arts Centre (MAC) amongst opment and build capacities,” said a sign-post towards the re-birth of others. Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary Gen- living urban heritage in this much- “We congratulate the win- eral of the Supreme Committee for loved part of Doha. ning team for its exceptional work Delivery &Legacy. A total of 21 finalists from the UK, in developing the theme ‘The Open “The projects submitted exceeded Qatar and other GCC states took part City’. The winning team is getting a our expectations, and we congratu- in the final stage over a week-long grant of £15,000 to further develop late the winning team. Needless to stay in Qatar. Drawing attention from the project proposal, and will gain say that all participants are already Qatari, regional, and UK architects, further prominence in leading winners for being on this prestigious the event was wrapped up with a international events,” said Frank stage, and lending a hand to shaping presentation of the final proposals Fitzpatrick, Director British Coun- a better future for the city of Doha,” at the Doha Fire Station, followed by cil Qatar at the gala dinner. emphasized Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al the selection of the winning team. “Such initiatives are in line with Mahmoud, Chief Executive Officer of The announcement followed our vision to boost urban develop- Qatar Museums. a gala dinner to felicitate the win- ment in a prosperous modern city “The last 10 days have been an ners and participants, and applaud that is committed to clean and safe incredible experience. Being in Doha the efforts of partners and support- environment. We saw very innovative with such a diverse group has meant ers. The participants formed teams ideas presented by young architects that the conversations, arguments and developed ideas for a project from the GCC and the UK, and were and ideas have been not only fruit- based around the theme of ‘The Open inspired by their approach to develop ful but inspiring. I’ve had a brilliant City’. They focussed on themes such the concept of ‘The Open City’,” said time, made some really amazing as mobility, and movement through Mohamed Ahmed Al Sayed, Director friends and am very excited to con- space and accessibility. of Doha Municipality. tinue working on the “City of Play” They focussed their research on “This initiative promotes spirit with my team and the stakeholders the areas of Al Doha Al Jadeed and of creativity and encourages inno- in Doha,” said Ming Teong, member Al Ghanem Street. To provide con- vative practical solutions in raising of Scott Whitby Studio on behalf of text and insight into the areas, they the quality of life. This comes in line the winning team. Free access for Ooredoo tv customers to top fights

The Peninsula (Pacquiao vs Bradley) and April 23 Ooredoo tv also offers a multi- (Donaire & Bedak) will be live. screen service so customers can use Existing Mozaic TV customers their Ooredoo Broadband Wi-Fi to can view the matches but will have enjoy the best drama, comedy, doc- DOHA: Ooredoo has announced that to access the action via the TFC Pay- umentaries and hit shows on their its Ooredoo tv service will provide Per-View service on channel 510 on smartphones and tablets, while other free coverage of two highly antic- Mozaic TV. The bundle price for both users enjoy the boxing. ipated fights this April, delighting matches will be QR109. Both live events are brought by boxing fans in Qatar. Mozaic TV and Ooredoo Broad- ABS-CBN Middle East (The Filipino Manny Pacquiao vs Timothy Bra- band customers can access the fights Channel) in the Middle East. dley for the WBO World Welterweight for free by using Ooredoo tv’s ‘Col- Ooredoo tv is available via Oore- Championship; and Nonito Donaire lect & Go’ service, meaning they can doo shops, Starlink, TechnoBlue vs Zsolt Bedak for the WBO World visit any Ooredoo shop and collect and Jumbo outlets. The service has Super Bantamweight Championship, the new Ooredoo tv box to take home. no upfront charges, no equipment will be available for Ooredoo tv cus- Installation is simple, and can be costs and no ongoing contracts. Visit tomers on channel 426. done instantly by customers at their ooredoo.qa/portal/OoredooQatar/ The fights to be aired on April 10 homes. ooredoo-tv_2 for more.

04 WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 HOME

Car insurance premium linked to driving PM meets UK Defence Secretary

The Peninsula not increase. This has a positive side ‘How Is My Driving’ app in partnership — additional discount,” said Frederik with QMIC, which allows motorists Bisbjerg, Executive Vice-President, to share how safely they drive and Mena Retail. In a statement yester- compete with one another and on DOHA: A motor insurance product is day, he said: “We are ready to take Facebook. “Since its launch in Decem- now available which allows a motor- the experiences from the users to the ber, we are delighted with users and ist to pay the premium based on how next level and begin pricing our com- downloads, which are several thou- safely he or she drives. prehensive insurances after how safe sands,” Bisbjerg said. QIC Insured has come out with people drive.” This is the first time in the Middle the novel scheme to further contrib- Salem Al Mannai, Deputy Group East that a car insurance premium is ute its bit to efforts being made to help President and CEO, QIC-Mena Region, directly related to the actual driving improve road safety in Qatar. said: “Supporting road safety is a key behaviour and the app and premium The product ‘Pay How You Drive’ element for QIC Insured and Qatar structure are being monitored to fur- (PHYD) is based on a platform devel- Insurance Group, so we see the ini- ther refine the products and scoring. oped together with Qatar Mobility tiative as a natural extension of our The next step is to expand the Innovations Centre (QMIC). current road safety initiatives.” offering to other phone systems rather It is a mobile solution for the Abdulaziz Ahmad Al Khal, Chief than the iPhone. Instructions on how iPhon/iOS platform and soon an Commercial Officer (Deputy CEO), to download, register and use the app Android platform would likely be QMIC, said: “We are pleased to partner can be found on www.safedriver.qic- available. The platform registers the with QIC on this first-in-the-Middle insured.com driving behaviour of the motorist and East-PHYD initiative and provide the To support road safety campaigns, rates his or her driving skills on a scale technology enablement through our QIC Insured has launched a monthly Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani yesterday met of 0 to 100. applications, competition with grand prizes for To get cheaper car insurance, the “The launch of PHYD is a major three safest drivers. “We believe that UK Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon taking part in the 5th Doha International Maritime motorist has to demonstrate an over- milestone for our joint efforts to we as a leading national insurer play a Defence Exhibition and Conference (Dimdex 2016). The Premier also met separately India’s Western all driving score of over 94 percent. offer Qatar innovative solutions for vital role in making the roads safer by Naval Command Commander Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba and Georgia’s Agriculture Minister Otar Daniela “There is no downside to this. If improving road safety in line with our awarding safe drivers with discounts and his delegation. The meetings discussed Qatar’s relations with their countries, ways of developing you are not able to achieve 94 per- strategy Roadmap to Zero.” on their car insurance premiums,” them and matters of common concern. cent, your car insurance premium will Last year, the company introduced said Al Mannai. Professional trust in teachers stressed

The Peninsula primary and secondary school systems. It also marked the release of the revised WISE-RSA DOHA: The need for increased report ‘Creative Public Lead- professional trust to support ership: How School System teachers in the global educa- Leaders Can Create the Con- tion community was discussed ditions for System-wide at a meeting in London, co- Innovation’. hosted by World Innovation The event was chaired Summit for Education (WISE) by Stavros Yiannouka, CEO, and Royal Society for the WISE. According to him, encouragement of Arts, Manu- “unprecedented challenges” factures and Commerce (RSA). were becoming “more diverse, The gathering discussed more complex, less sustaina- the necessity of professional ble, and less equal,” making confidence to support the reforms to the international inclusion of innovative and education system more crucial. effective teaching methods in He emphasised the

Stavros Yiannouka, CEO, WISE, speaking at the event.

updated report’s focus on “how to create public edu- cation systems that are conducive to widespread innovation and possess the capacities to adopt and scale innovations that are shown to work”. The main authors of the report, Joe Hallgarten, Director, Creative Learning and Development, RSA, and Valerie Hannon, Director and Co-Founder, Innova- tion Unit, attended the event and spoke on their findings. Hallgarten said the current reform models undervalue teacher pro- fessionalism and that international aid to devel- oping countries has become linked to those countries’ ability to “successfully adopt the features of more Westernised schooling paradigms”. He called for change to be “built on teacher empowerment” that “val- ues the broader outcomes of creativity, agency and well- being and works deeply with civil society as part- ners in learning”. A panel of experts considered challenges of leading impactful research for concrete action and change and discussed ways to more effectively communicate and interact with policymakers, school leaders, educators and communities. The discussion featured authors of three reports in the WISE Research Series — David Whitebread, Uni- versity of Cambridge, lead author of Early Childhood Education; Janet Looney, Director, European Institute for Education and Social Policy, co-author of Learn- ing and Well-being; and Asmaa Al Fadala, author of K-12 Reform in the GGG, and Director of Research, WISE. Martin Bayliss, Prin- cipal, Holyhead School, Birmingham, UK, also participated. HOME WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 05

Qatar and Kiribati establish HMC holds workshop for diabetes educators diplomatic ties ty’s (QU) Public Health Department, Thirty educators organised a workshop for health edu- The Peninsula & QNA cators. Thirty educators from Hamad from Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) hospi- Medical Corporation tals and diabetes educators from the Primary Health Care Corporation NEW YORK: Qatar and Kiribati hospitals and and Qatar Diabetes Association par- have signed an statement to estab- diabetes educators ticipated. Organised under the theme lish diplomatic relations. from the Primary ‘Behaviour Change — Theories and The statement was signed by Application in the Health Education Qatar’s Permanent Representative Health Care of Diabetics’, the workshop aimed to to the United Nations Ambassa- Corporation and strengthen health educators’ aca- dor Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin Saif demic knowledge. Al Thani and her Kiribati counter- Qatar Diabetes It featured presentations on latest part Ambassador Makurita Baaro. Association theories and models on behavioural The statement is part of both interventions to support diabetics. countries’ keenness to strengthen participated. Manal Musallam, Director, Dia- and develop friendship and coop- betes Education at the centre, said eration in political, economic, the workshop was a follow-up on trade, scientific, technological The Peninsula the First Qatar International Endo- and cultural fields and establish crinology Conference and reiterated Some of the participants at the event. relations in accordance with the the importance of the partnership principles of the UN Charter and between HMC and QU. based on peaceful coexistence, DOHA: The National Diabetes Cen- Dr Ghadeer Al Jayousi, Public to theories being used to change dia- of behavioural interventions using a importance of behavioural theories equality, mutual respect for sov- tre at Hamad General Hospital (HGH), Health Professor from QU’s Faculty betics’ behaviours in Kuwait. film showing patients’ experiences. in understanding the factors affect- ereignty and territorial integrity of in collaboration with Qatar Universi- of Sciences, introduced participants He demonstrated the effectiveness Dr Al Jayousi stressed the ing patients’ health. each country and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. The ceremony was held at Qatar’s Per- manent Mission in New York. QC completes 4,750 income-generating projects in 62 countries Chevrolet Silverado models recalled The Peninsula who supports his family. of beneficiaries of QC’s income-gen- QC in Gaza has funded Ahmed to erating projects in Gaza has reached DOHA: The Ministry of Economy open a small perfume shop. Ahmad, about 1,000. and Commerce, in collaboration while reviewing perfume bottles on The projects range from provid- with Jaidah automotive, dealer of DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC) has com- shelves, said establishing the project ing transportation or cows, goats and Chevrolet vehicles, has announced pleted 4,750 income-generating was like a dream for him and that he reclamation of agricultural land, or the recall of Chevrolet Silverado projects in over 62 countries around had been trying hard previously to opening shops, among others. models of 2015 and 2016 to re- the world. open it but he couldn’t due to the dif- Mohamed Abu Haloub, Director, install the brake pedal position. The projects aim to make a dif- ficult financial circumstances. QC office in Gaza, congratulated the The ministry said the recall is ference in the lives of poor families However, the dream came true owners of the small projects. part of its efforts to protect con- to enable them to become self-reli- after he applied for support through He said the projects aim to help sumers and ensure dealers follow ant and preserve their dignity. one of the charities in Gaza — Wafa open small income-generating up on vehicle defects and repairs. The projects generate success Association, which applied to QC for sources to contribute to the reduction It urged customers to report stories and act as a starting point support and fund for the project. of unemployment, raising the income any violations to its Consumer to improve the conditions of the “I saved my family from hun- of beneficiaries and increasing pro- Protection and Anti-Commer- families. ger. QC supported me with QR4,382 duction capacity of the national cial Fraud Department through One of the success stories QC to help me hire the shop and pur- economy. hotline: 16001; email: info@mec. has made through these projects is chase incense and aromatic oils,” He stressed the importance of gov.qa; Twitter: @MEC_Qatar; of a young man, Ahmed Rebhi Tatar, said Ahmad. strengthening self-confidence of the Instagram: MEC_Qatar; and the from the besieged Gaza Strip, who He said his daily income aver- young people through projects that ministry’s mobile app for Android has been changed from an unem- ages QR40 which is sufficient to ensure good use of their energy and Ahmed Rebhi Tatar at his shop in Gaza. and IOS: MEC_Qatar ployed youth to a productive man cover his family’s needs. The number direct it towards production. 06 WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 HOME QU and Maersk centre sign deal

College of Engineering and Maersk Oil Research and Technology Centre will study advanced application of sand plugging to isolate and stimulate Students Sarah Abdollah Ahmadi and Buthaina Saleh Elgihani at the Sixth Annual Vis Commercial Arbitration Competition Middle East specific zones in Premoot in Bahrain. hydrocarbon wells.

QU law students win The Peninsula Qatar University and Maersk Oil Research and Technology Centre officials at the agreement signing ceremony. particles through a nozzle in an inner said: “The agreement emphasizes our cooperation with academia to pipe. The learnings can be applied to QU’s continued determination to develop innovative technology and Best Respondent DOHA: A collaborative agreement support reservoir management. find solutions to the challenges applicable solutions to industry was signed yesterday between the The agreement was signed by Prof facing society. Through this we seek challenges and deliver the greatest Department of Mechanical and Indus- Mariam Ali Al Maadeed, Vice-Presi- to promote common relationship possible value to Qatar from its trial Engineering at Qatar University dent, Research and Graduate Studies, with the centre and expand ways of natural resources.” Memorandum Award College of Engineering and Maersk QU, and Abdulrahman Al Emadi, cooperation in scientific research and Dr Al Khalifa said: “The agree- Oil Research and Technology Centre Head of the centre, in the presence development. This would serve the ment will result in observable benefits to study the advanced application of of QU President Dr Hassan Rashid Al domestic industry, particularly the oil to QU in particular and Qatar in gen- sand plugging to isolate and stimulate Derham, College Dean Dr Khalifa Al and gas industry, in line with national eral, and contribute to strengthening The Peninsula experience. I learnt a lot about specific zones in hydrocarbon wells. Khalifa, officials from both institu- priorities towards the achievement of collaboration between the two parties how to present my oral arguments, The project will use computa- tions and college faculty and staff. a knowledge-based economy.” towards sustainable and long-term from appearance and style to being tional simulation and experimental Researchers from the centre will Al Emadi said: “Maersk Oil is solutions in line with the objectives persuasive. investigation to visualise and test how work with QU students and faculty proud to be expanding its long- of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the DOHA: Qatar University College of “I also learnt to think on my feet sand dunes and plugs are formed in on the project, which is expected standing partnership with QU. national research and development Law (LAWC) students have won the and answer questions from judges. an annulus when deploying sand to last one year. Prof Al Maadeed This project is another example of strategies.” award for Best Respondent Mem- It was great to make so many new orandum at the Sixth Annual Vis friends from different countries.” Commercial Arbitration Competi- Elgihani said: “I am so pleased tion Middle East Premoot in Bahrain. that I got the chance to be part of this Hatim Jamal Nasser Al Wahaibi; experience, even though we faced RAF launches guide on donations for charity projects Sarah Abdollah Ahmadi; Buthaina challenges during our preparations. Saleh Elgihani; Fajr Fareed A M “I recommend that all law stu- Al Emadi; Fedaa Alsadah; and dents participate in the next years’ The Peninsula Mohamed Elohafiy competed among competitions.” 17 teams from academic institutions Dr Aaron Richard Harmon, Clini- in the Middle East. cal Assistant Professor at the college, They presented a client file, said “The competition provides our DOHA: Sheikh Thani Bin Abdullah Foundation including court documents and students with an opportunity to for Humanitarian Services (RAF) has launched reports related to a commercial experience commercial arbitration a guide on how to raise donations for char- dispute to a panel of judges and and hear arguments from other ity projects. attorneys from common law and sides. The guide was released during a semi- civil law backgrounds. “They gain confidence in arguing nar yesterday. Leading up to the pre-moot, the in front of experts and against coun- RAF also announced an annual forum to students researched legal issues, terparts from institutions around the provide a platform to the public and private read English-language legal cases world. sectors to share ideas with charity organisa- RAF officials with other dignitaries at the forum at Hilton Hotel yesterday. Pic: Baher / The Peninsula and commentaries, wrote over 100 “This adds value to their legal tions and finance projects to serve the local pages of arguments, and practiced education and prepares them for community. arguing for one side and the other. their careers as legal profession- The guide ‘Muzn-2016’ (clouds) is meant to people in fragile countries. “Muzn means named after it because both said Dr Ayed Al Qahtani. Al Wahaibi said: “It was a great als,” Dr Harmon added. implement development projects for the needy clouds carrying rains, the guide has been are useful and needed for The forum will be a plat- human beings,” said Dr Ayed form to bring together people bin Dabssan Al Qahtani, from different backgrounds Chairman, Board of Trustees to discuss issues related to and General Director, RAF. sustainable development. The event was attended by It will also help establish Sheikh Abdullah bin Thani relations between develop- Al Thani, Deputy Chairman, ment and innovation, said Board of Directors, RAF, rep- Al Qahtani. “I hope that the resentatives of ministries, forum would come out with other government organisa- recommendations on strate- tions and private companies. gic projects to supports Qatar RAF has also launched and its people,” he said. an annual forum RAF Tab- Participants were asked takir Min Liajle Qatar (RAF to give ideas and sugges- innovates for Qatar) to dis- tions to launch innovative cuss innovative ideas to projects to serve the local serve the local communities, community. Six times more data is back with Vodafone

The Peninsula through a Scratch & Win option with Monthly Inter- net Card 100. With Vodafone’s net- DOHA: Vodafone’s six times work modernisation, never more data promotion is back before has browsing the for another three days, offer- Internet, social networking, ing customers increased watching videos and mak- Internet allowance and an ing downloads on mobile unbeatable offer. been so fast, seamless and Running until tomorrow, enjoyable wherever Voda- the offer on Internet Cards fone customers may be. With gives power to customers the promotion, customers by allowing them to enjoy will get to enjoy considera- a great Internet experience ble data over our super-fast over Vodafone’s super-fast network. network. Customers will also Vodafone Qatar said: be able to carry over unused “Vodafone is all about giving data. power to our customers and With the promotion, cus- enabling them to be confi- tomers can take the Monthly dently connected at all times. Internet Card 20 to 500 MB, “Our promotion was twice the initial allowance; received with success when the Monthly Internet Card 60 we launched it last month to 3GB, the Monthly Internet and decided to renew it. It Card 80 to 12 GB; the Mobile is a testament to Vodafone’s Monthly Internet Card 100 commitment to offer best to 30 GB; and the Mobile value products and serv- Monthly Internet Card 200 ices, supported by our new to 72 GB. The data is valid for network which makes for an 30 days. ultra-fast data experience for Vodafone is also reward- customers in Qatar.” ing customers with the For more information, chance to win QR10,000 visit: www.vodafone.qa

08 WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 HOME Trump recruiting sergeant for ISIL: Former CIA chief

The Peninsula replied: “Yes”. Michael Hayden tells The retired US general, who ran NSA and then CIA under then presi- Al Jazeera English’s dent George W Bush, also referred to DOHA: Michael Hayden, former head ‘UpFront’ that Trump Ted Cruz’s recent proposal “to patrol of the US National Security Agency and secure Muslim neighbourhoods” (NSA) and Central Intelligence Agency has “already made as “very dangerous”. (CIA), has accused the controversial Americans less safe” “We don’t have radicalised Republican candidate Donald Trump communities in the United States,” of having “already made Americans with his anti-Islam Hayden explained. less safe” with his anti-Islam rhetoric. rhetoric. “We have some radicalised In an interview with Al Jazeera individuals, but we have it fully English’s ‘UpFront’, Hayden within our ability to create radical- said,“When Mr. Trump says some of ised communities, and that kind of the things that he has said — they all undying enmity.” rhetoric [by Cruz]… actually bends hate us, we shouldn’t let any of those Asked by ‘UpFront’ host Mehdi you in the direction of radicalising people in our country — what he does Hasan if Trump could be described communities.” is underscore and underpin the fun- “as a recruiting sergeant” for groups On the Hillary Clinton email con- damentals of [the ISIL] narrative of such as ISIL and Al Qaeda, Hayden troversy, the former NSA director Officials tour the event. said “what she did was wrong”, her “explanations… are incoherent” and “it was a terrible mistake”. However, he added, “Whether or not it represents a crime, I’ll let the Ministry’s free medical camp benefits 500 American justice system decide”. Asked by Hasan if he believed foreign intelligence agencies had The Peninsula Dr Sheikh Mohammad Al Thani, on social and educational purposes been hacked into and taken pos- Director of Public Health at the min- in Qatar. session of Clinton’s private emails, istry said, “it is a great pleasure and Dr Salah Abdulla Alyafei, Head of Hayden replied: “Yeah. And by the privilege to participate in the inau- Health Education Programs section way, I would move heaven and earth DOHA: More than 500 low-income gural function of the awareness and at the ministry, said, “It takes a lot of as the director of NSA to get the expatriate workers benefited from free medical camp, We believe that preparation, effort and team work to unclassified emails of several for- the free medical check-ups, aware- knowledge lights the path to elimi- put together a camp of this type. More eign ministers.” ness campaign and other services nate wrong practices. In the coming than 30 doctors and over 20 physio- Hayden said he “would lose organised by Ministry of Public years, I am expecting that through therapists from various specialities respect for scores of intelligence Health in Measieed recently. such medical camps we can spread were part of the consultation team organisations around the planet The event was part of the min- the knowledge on healthy lifestyle at the Boom Construction camp in if they weren’t already thumbing istry program “Health promoting among the working population in Measieed.” through the emails”. workplaces” and was organized in Qatar and help them achieve good The camp offered complete med- Preview clip: http:// collaboration with Ministry of Inte- living standards.” ical check-up by specialist doctors www.aljazeera.com/pro- rior, Hamad Medical Corporation He praised the role of private from Ophthalmology, ENT, Der- Michael Hayden, former head of US National Security Agency and grammes/upfront/2016/03/ (HMC), V care Qatar, Indian Doc- organizations saying he expects matology and Dental departments, Central Intelligence Agency, speaking to Al Jazeera English’s ‘UpFront’ cia-director-trump-recruiting-ser- tors club (IDC), Well care group and more support from them in organiz- physiotherapists from various spe- host Mehdi Hasan. geant-isil-160329144150950.html Indian Physiotherapy Forum (IPFQ). ing events which have a greater focus cialties and nurses. Traffic diversion at Al Thumama Qatar ‘key regional strategic Junction in eight phases partner for Britain’ QNA

The Peninsula carried out during the following seven weekends, each from Thursday midnight to 5am on Saturday. DOHA: British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said It is anticipated that the last phase will Qatar is an important regional strategic partner for DOHA: To complete Al Thumama Junc- be completed by May 21. Britain in all fields, especially in military and defence tion, which is part of the E-Ring and Najma During each phase, only part of the relations, expressing happiness to visit Qatar and roads development project, and lay the final junction will be closed and signage will attend the Fifth Doha International Maritime Defence asphalt layer, the Public Works Authority be installed to indicate the closed and the Exhibition and Conference (Dimdex). (Ashghal) will implement a temporary traf- open parts of the road as shown in the map. Fallon told a press conference yesterday that last fic diversion at Al Thumama Junction. The exception will be the last phase, week witnessed the signing of a new defence coop- The diversion will be implemented in which will require the full closure of the eration arrangement between Qatar and the UK in eight phases to minimise the impact on junction for two days. London to enable closer coordination on training and traffic in the area. Ashghal will install signs to advise exercises until 2026. The first phase starts tomorrow after motorists of the diversion and has urged Fallon confirmed that his visit to Doha expressed midnight and lasts until 5am on Saturday. road users to abide by speed limits and fol- the extent of the UK’s commitment to work with Qatar The remaining seven phases will be low signs for their and others’ safety. and its allies to enhance stability as we need to main- tain security of the Gulf and Europe. He described relations between both countries as strong and grow- ing in the field of security and defence and said such relations include defence exports and coordination on organising the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. On the Syrian crisis, Fallon stressed encourage- ment to a new peaceful settlement in which there should be no place for Assad. We should all work for bringing an end to the civil war in Syria which caused death to thousands of people and made others home- less and pave the way for elections and the formation of a new national government that brings together all parties, he said, calling for continuation and intensi- fication of pressure on ISIS. On attacks on the Belgian capital Brussels last week, he said these warned us all of the need to coop- erate to defeat violence and the barbaric ideology adopted by ISIS.

Winter markets

Promotion of local agricultural products in winter markets being held in Al Mazrouah, Al Wakrah and Al Khor will continue until May- end, said Engineer Yousef Khalid Al Khulaifi, Director, Agricultural Affairs at the Ministry of Municipal and Environment. The markets will continue receiving visitors on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. HOME WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 09 Regency Shopping Complex opens in Umm Salal Ali today

The Peninsula ground floor is our supermarket and find their way through the floors fresh food section. easily. There are checkout counters on Soon we will have Ooredoo coun- the two floors for the ease of custom- ter and ATM facility on the ground DOHA: Several surprises await ers. They will never have to wait in floor to serve thousands of bachelors customers when Regency Shopping long queues to exit. Our fast billing and family living in the area. Complex opens its doors to the pub- system will reduce the billing time A wide array of products awaits lic in Al Wusayl Street in Umm Salal and help you check out with less wait. customers on the first floor — rang- Ali today at 5pm. We have the most beautiful veg- ing from readymade garments for We are all set for the grand open- etable and fruits arrangement with infants to kids to grown-ups, gifts, ing,” said Ameerudheen, General a wide variety of choices. We have toys and games, stationery, footwear, Manager of the complex. “We are also made sure that customers do not perfumes, bath and linen to home London’s Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Matthew Pencharz with other officials during the visit. proud to provide real products at spend much time in queue for pricing appliances to electronics and much real prices and shopping at the com- and weighing their baskets. more. The first floor also houses our plex will be a unique and enjoying We have recreated the real mar- home furnishing section, outdoor experience to all as our products are ket experience when you shop at and camping equipment, furniture, London’s Deputy Mayor visits Sheikh Faisal Museum displayed and arranged to ensure a our fish and meat section. Again, we mobile shops, Arabic ethnic per- pleasant shopping.” guarantee you the widest choice and fumes, and jewellery store, while A wide range of food products, the best price and not to forget the food court and gents saloon are The Peninsula demonstrates deep partnership and to build on these through visits multiple choices for garment col- market feel. The most beautiful and opening shortly. friendship between the two coun- such as this one. Many Qataris have lection, ample car parking and well-stocked roastry section will cer- Ali Ahmed Ali Rabea Al Kuwari, tries,” said Sheikh Mohammed. invested in the UK and I hope they wonderful home furnishing are some tainly tempt any customer to enter Chairman of the complex, hopes that Sheikh Turki said, “To expand will continue to do so.” Pencharz said: of the salient features of the shop- there and grab a handful. the new venture will help customers DOHA: London’s Deputy Mayor for and develop businesses in diverse “Collaboration between London and ping complex. We have a floor area We have well differentiated the in and around Umm Salal Ali to get Environment and Energy Matthew sectors, we are honoured to receive Qatar-based institutions and individ- of more than 1,500 square metres of food and non-food sections in our things of their choice without much Pencharz and representatives from this high-level delegation. We are uals continues to grow and we are shopping area across two floors. The layout so that customers can easily difficulty. the British embassy visited Sheikh looking forward to building strong keen to build on that relationship to Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum. trade ties and creating a closer work- forge more partnerships. Qatar is Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal ing relationship with the UK.” witnessing a rapid surge in sectors Al Thani, Vice Chairman, Al Faisal British Ambassador Ajay Sharma such as education, energy, tourism, Holding Company, and Sheikh Turki said: “This is my first visit to the manufacturing and logistics services, bin Faisal Al Thani, Chairman, Al museum and I hope it won’t be my making this an ideal time for Lon- Sawari Holding, welcomed them. last. The collection is spectacu- don firms to establish a foothold in “It is an honour to host such a lar, and I valued the time given by the Qatari market.” The visit aimed delegation from the UK. We are Sheikh Mohammad and Sheikh Turki to acquaint the delegation with the delighted that such admirable arte- to the visit. As they say, links between collection of Qatari heritage, Islamic facts can be viewed by local and Qatar and the UK are strong, and I art and classic cars, including rare international visitors. The visit am delighted that we are continuing pieces from all continents. Qatar praised for humanitarian role

QNA of humanitarian work around the march in the field of humanitar- world. He said Qatar has clear and ian work for 36 years, has found honourable attitude to help the poor support and assistance from the and afflicted people all over the Qatari government and people KHARTOUM: Field Marshal Abdel world, particularly in Africa. which was reflected positively on Rahman Swar Al Dahab, Chair- He was speaking at the 26th its humanitarian projects to provide man, Board of Trustees, Islamic meeting of the board in Khar- educational, health and economic Dawa Organisation, praised the toum. He said in a statement that services to the poor, orphans and The Regency Shopping Complex building. role played by Qatar in the field Islamic Dawa Organisation via its afflicted people. 10 WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 MIDDLE EAST

UN chief urges Biden to host swift handover of power in Libya

Erdogan as AFP

TUNIS: UN chief Ban Ki-moon pleaded yesterday for Libya’s unity government to relations fray be allowed to start work quickly and called for anyone obstructing the peace process to be held accountable. Ban, speaking in Tunisia, called for a summit was planned, although he UN-backed presidential council to be per- said he did not know how long it mitted to work towards “the immediate Turkish President would last. peaceful and orderly handover of power to leaves for US to Biden’s office later said the government of national accord.” the vice- president would host He also urged Libya’s internationally attend nuclear Erdogan for a meeting tomorrow in recognised parliament, based in the coun- summit. Washington. try’s east, “to uphold its responsibilities” in A senior US administration offi- implementing a UN-brokered power-shar- cial said Obama and Erdogan “will ing deal announced in December. have the opportunity to talk at the “Those obstructing the political proc- summit” but did not have any sched- ess should be held accountable. The Libyan Reuters uling updates. people deserve peace, security and pros- “We’ve got a lot of important perity under a strong, united government,” United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (left) and his wife Yoo Soon-Taek (centre) dines with business with the Turks to do, and he said. The power-sharing deal aims to ISTANBUL/WASHINGTON: Turkish we’ve made important progress 2015 Nobel Peace Prize laureates of the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet, including the President end years of political turmoil in the North President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will through that diplomacy,” White of the Tunisian employers union (UTICA) Wided Bouchamaoui, yesterday in La Marsa, an eastern African state that has been exploited by have a bilateral meeting with US Vice House spokesman Josh Earnest coastal suburb of Tunis. jihadists and people-smugglers. President Joe Biden during a visit to said on Monday, when asked about Washington this week, but a senior reports that a request from Erdogan US official declined to say whether to meet with Obama had been formal talks with President Barack rejected. Obama were planned. “I would anticipate that that US orders diplomats’ families out of south Turkey Erdogan will be among more diplomacy will continue when Presi- than 50 world leaders attending a dent Erdogan visits the United States Nuclear Security Summit in Wash- to attend a Nuclear Security Summit AP The so-called “ordered departure” of family members from these areas security concerns throughout Tur- ington tomorrow and on Friday. later this week,” he said. notice means the relocation costs will due to continued security concerns key due to the ongoing fight against There has been intense spec- Nato member Turkey is part of be covered by the government. in the region.” The orders cover the Islamic State militants in neigh- ulation in the Turkish media as to the US-led coalition fighting Islamic WASHINGTON: The State Depart- Pentagon press secretary Peter Adana consulate, US military depend- bouring Syria and Iraq and was whether he would meet Obama, with State in Syria and Iraq, but Washing- ment and Pentagon ordered the Cook said no specific threat triggered ents in Incirlik, Ismir and Mugla as accompanied by an updated travel some suggesting a failure to do so ton and Ankara are sharply divided families of United States diplomats the order, but said it was done “out well as family of US government civil- warning advising US citizens of an would be a deliberate US snub amid over a Kurdish militia in northern and military personnel yesterday to of an abundance of caution” for the ians at Ismir and Mugla. increased threat of attacks. differences over Syria and US con- Syria. The militia has enjoyed US leave posts in southern Turkey due safety of the families in that region. The State Department also It also comes as Turkey’s pres- cerns over the direction of Turkey’s military support, but Turkey sees to “increased threats from terrorist He said he was not aware of a dead- restricted official travel to that which ident is set to arrive in Washington domestic policies. it as a threat to its own national groups” in the country. line for the families to leave, but said it considers “mission critical.” to attend President Barack Obama’s At a press conference in Istanbul security. The two agencies said dependents “this will move very quickly.” Cook said that the order does not nuclear security summit. before leaving for the United States Washington has also grown of American staffers at the US con- In a statement, the military’s affect about 100 family members who Incirlik is a critical base in the earlier yesterday, Erdogan said a increasingly critical of Turkey’s sulate in Adana, the Incirlik air base European Command said the step are based in Istanbul and Ankara. fight by the US-led coalition against meeting with Obama at the nuclear record on freedom of expression. and two other locations must leave. “allows for the deliberate, safe return The move comes amid heightened the Islamic State group. Iran’s Rowhani Sudan troops and rebels clash in Kordofan after months calls off AFP recent months the two states had been Karkaraya but said its soldiers had casualties of its own. Khartoum lim- western Darfur region — the site of a Austria visit quiet compared with previous years. repulsed an SPLM-N column that its press access to the war-hit border separate insurgency — late last year “The SPLM-N confirms that there attacked from the nearby rebel-held regions, making it nearly impossi- and extended it by a month at the KHARTOUM: Sudanese troops have are ongoing battles” around the town of Um Serdiba. ble to verify the often contradicting beginning of the year. at last minute clashed with rebels in South Kordo- Karkaraya and Agab areas of South Early yesterday, “a large force of reports from the military and the Despite both sides accusing the fan after months of calm in the state, Kordofan, rebel spokesman Arnu Lodi rebels came out of the town of Um SPLM-N. other of continuing attacks, South the two sides said yesterday, with said in a statement late yesterday. Serdiba and attacked the area of The rebels in the two southern Kordofan had been relatively peace- Reuters both giving differing accounts of the Lodi said the rebels were in “full Karkaraya that we recaptured” the states mounted an insurgency against ful until this week’s fighting. fighting. control of the situation” and were lay- day before, army spokesman Brig- Bashir’s Arab-dominated Khartoum A government delegation travelled President Omar Hassan Al ing siege to government positions, adier Ahmed Khalifa Al Shami said government in 2011, and neither side to Addis Ababa for an African Union- VIENNA: Iranian President Has- Bashir’s forces have been battling the having suffered no casualties of their by phone. has decisively gained the upper hand mediated meeting with the rebels and san Rowhani postponed a two-day Sudan People’s Liberation Movement- own in the operations. The military said it had destroyed in the fighting. opposition parties, although the talks visit to Austria indefinitely for North (SPLM-N) in the South Kordofan The military confirmed there a number of SPLM-N vehicles Bashir announced a ceasefire in ended on March 21 without a conclu- security reasons yesterday, the and Blue Nile areas since 2011 but in had been heavy fighting around and killed 55 rebels, suffering no South Kordofan, Blue Nile and the sive result. evening he was supposed to arrive in Vienna, his Austrian counter- part’s office said. It was not clear what the secu- Islamic State rity reasons were, a spokeswoman Fire put out for Austrian President Heinz Fischer’s office said. claims Baghdad A planned Rowhani visit to at UAE tower Baghdad immediately before bombing the Austrian trip had, however, also been postponed for security complex reasons, Fischer’s office and an Reuters Iranian official said. “We were working (on prep- AP arations) until 5, 5.30pm,” the spokeswoman said, underlining BAGHDAD: The hardline mili- the short notice as Rowhani had AJMAN: Firefighters extinguished a blaze yesterday tant group Islamic State claimed originally been expected to arrive that burned up the side of several towers in the United responsibility for a suicide bomb- around 7.30pm local time. Arab Emirates city of Ajman, the latest in a series of ing yesterday morning in central The visit was due to be Rowha- skyscraper infernos in this nation home to the world’s Baghdad that police said killed ni’s second to the European Union tallest building. three people and wounded 27. since international sanctions Civil defence workers sprayed water to cool down The blast occurred near a against his country were lifted in any remaining embers at the Ajman One development gathering of workers in Tayaran January under a landmark nuclear in Ajman, a city that’s home to many commuters who Square, about a kilometre from a deal with major powers that was work in the Gulf commercial hub of Dubai, further to sit-in held by supporters of influ- negotiated in the Austrian capital the south. ential Shia cleric Moqtada Al Sadr last year. The complex, developed for an estimated $720m by to demand political reforms. The Austrian Chamber of Aqaar, is home to 12 residential towers. Two sustained Islamic State, which claimed Commerce had said ¤1bn to 2bn severe damage to their exteriors, while others appeared responsibility in an online state- of business deals would be signed, to have light damage. ment, also claimed a suicide a sum dwarfed by Rowhani’s visits The cause for the blaze, which began Monday night, bombing last Friday that killed 26 in January to Italy and France but wasn’t immediately clear. Civil defence officials declined people at an amateur soccer game still significant for much smaller to immediately comment, while telephone numbers for in Iskandariya, south of Baghdad. Austria. Aqaar rang unanswered yesterday. At least 60 people were killed Rowhani, the chief architect of The state-run WAM news agency said Ajman’s ruler, earlier this month in an attack the nuclear deal and keen to open Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, visited the com- further south, in Hilla, when an Iran’s economy to the world, had plex yesterday and praised firefighters’ efforts to put out explosives-laden fuel tanker been due to meet Fischer and other the fire. He also ordered authorities to accommodate slammed into an Iraqi security officials today and tomorrow. those affected until they find housing, WAM reported. checkpoint. An apparent escala- Fischer issued a statement The blaze comes less than three months after a tion of bombings targeting areas expressing regret and understand- massive fire raced up the exterior of the 63-story The outside Islamic State’s primary ing at Rowhani’s move, without Address Downtown Dubai, one of Dubai’s most promi- control in northern and western explaining it. nent hotels. It is situated next to Dubai’s biggest mall and Iraq suggests that Iraqi govern- “Of course, it goes without the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper. ment forces may be stretched saying that each state must make Similar fires have struck other high-rises built since thin after recent gains against the its own decisions about security the turn of this century in Dubai and Sharjah, which sits group. Analysts in Europe have and the head of state’s security,” between Dubai and Ajman. interpreted recent attacks there Fischer said. Building and safety experts have attributed the as a sign that Islamic State was “The quality of relations with Fire engulfs a tower at a residential cluster in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, late on spate of fires to a material commonly used to cover expanding its field of action in Iran will not be affected by this the buildings known as aluminum composite panel response to setbacks in Iraq and Monday. postponement.” cladding. Syria. MIDDLE EAST WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 11 Army raises EgyptAir hijacking fits post-Sept 11 pattern heat on IS in Bloomberg LARNACA: The casualty-free conclu- sion to the hijacking of an EgyptAir jetliner yesterday is typical of such incidents since security was tight- central Syria ened after the 9/11 attacks on the US, with most would-be hostage takers now proving to be unarmed. No civilians have died in the dozen or so hijackings to occur since stunning temples, was seen as the the 2001 outrages saw almost 3,000 Boosted by Palmyra biggest blow so far in the war against killed when terrorists crashed planes IS in Syria. they’d taken over into the World Trade victory, regime Syria’s government has hailed Center and Pentagon, with most inci- troops capture the victory as proof of its creden- dents involving mentally unstable tials in the anti-IS fight. individuals or bids for political asylum. strategic hilltops. Yesterday, Defence Minister Faced with body scans, shoe Fahed Jassem Al Freij said the armed checks and bans on everything forces would push their offensive from liquids to nail clippers, as well against IS to secure a “final vic- as reinforced cockpit doors and the AFP tory” over the jihadists, the SANA deployment of so-called sky marshals, state news agency reported. terrorist groups for which hijackings “Bringing security and stabil- were once the ultimate generators of ity to Palmyra is an essential step publicity have largely shifted their BEIRUT: Regime troops were locked towards a final victory over takfiri attention to softer targets. A man believed to be the hijacker of the EgyptAir Airbus A-320, which was diverted to Cyprus, leaves the in heavy fighting yesterday with the (extremist Sunni Muslim) terrorism,” “Before 9/11 there were lots of Islamic State group in central Syria, Freij told his Iranian counterpart political hijackings,” said Paul Hayes, plane before surrendering to security forces at Larnaca airport, yesterday. where they dealt the jihadists a Hossein Dehghan. safety director at London-based avia- major blow by seizing the ancient Syria’s armed forces have tion consultancy Ascend Worldwide. — to minimise the threat to people had taken his claims at face value in a Russian Metrojet plane crashed in city of Palmyra. pledged to strengthen their hold on “There was almost a shuttle service on the ground, since 2001 attackers diverting the Alexandria-Cairo serv- Sinai last year, killing 224 people. Just two days after seizing Palmyra and press on towards IS’s of people demanding to go to Cuba, also face the prospect of being shot ice to Cyprus. Investigators say it was most likely Palmyra from IS, pro-government northern bastion in Raqa as well as which they viewed as a Marxist par- down by fighter aircraft should they Most passengers were released downed by a bomb, calling into ques- fighters advanced southwest towards the oil-rich province of Deir Ezzor adise, and a number of criminal be deemed to pose a risk to cities. from the aircraft before a stand- tion the safety of flights from the the jihadist-held town of Al Qary- to the east. hijackings accompanied by demands In the case of EgyptAir Flight 181, off between the man and its last few resort of Sharm El Sheikh. David Lear- atain, the Syrian Observatory for The jihadists swept into Palmyra, for money, as well as pro-Palestine the assailant claimed to be wearing occupants. Cypriot and Egyptian mount, consulting air-safety editor Human Rights said. a Unesco-listed World Heritage Site, and anti-Israel incidents.” an explosive belt but was later found authorities later said the hijacking at Flightglobal, said the incident may They captured a series of stra- in May 2015 and began a campaign While hijacked aircraft have to be unarmed, according to Sherif was over and that the motives were have been on mind of Flight MS181’s tegic hilltops overlooking the to destroy tombs and shrines it con- long been diverted to smaller air- Fathy, Egypt’s Aviation Minister, who unclear. Security at Egyptian air- pilot when he chose to divert rather town, said the Britain-based siders idolatrous. ports — such as London Stansted said the Airbus Group SE jet’s crew ports has been under scrutiny since than order crew to tackle the hijacker. monitor, backed by “intense” air The extremist group demol- strikes by both Syrian and Russian ished the 2,000-year-old temple warplanes. of Bel and also blew up the Arch of State news agency SANA said Triumph. the army, backed by pro-govern- IS also used Palmyra’s ancient Turkey arrests 20 in crackdown on people traffickers ment militia, had also seized rural theatre as a venue for public exe- farmland south of Al Qaryatain as cutions and murdered the city’s they closed in on the town. 82-year-old former antiquities chief, AFP the Black Sea following a three month included lists of migrants, money Under a landmark deal thrashed IS had seized the strategic town Khaled Al Assaad. investigation, the Dogan news agency counting machines and hard cur- out between the EU and Ankara ear- in August 2015, kidnapping at least Syria’s head of antiquities, said. rency, Turkish media reports said. lier this month, all migrants arriving 230 people, including dozens of Maamoun Abdulkarim, told AFP that ISTANBUL: Turkish police yester- It said that the suspected traffick- Turkey has over the last year on the Greek islands are now desig- Christians, and razing its famed Mar 80 percent of the site was still “in day detained at least 20 people in ers, who are citizens of Turkey, Syria emerged as the major hub for ref- nated for return to Turkey. Elian monastery. good shape” and the ancient ruins a nationwide operation aimed at and Iraq, were believed to have smug- ugees and migrants from Syria, The numbers of people reaching The town lies on a key road could be restored in five years with cracking down on the trafficking of gled migrants from Turkey’s coast Iraq, Afghanistan, Eritrea and other Greece from Turkey have declined linking Palmyra with the Qalamun Unesco’s help. migrants seeking to reach the Euro- across the Aegean Sea in exchange troubled states trying to reach the sharply since the EU-Turkey deal region of Damascus province to the But UN expert Annie Sartre- pean Union, reports said. for money. European Union via the Greek islands. went into effect on March 20. west. Fauriat, who belongs to a group of The suspects were detained in With the operation ongoing, the Around one million migrants But several EU leaders had also Sunday’s capture of Palmyra, experts on Syrian heritage set up by morning raids in five regions, from number of those detained could rise, crossed the Aegean to Greece in 2015, underlined it was essential for Turkey known as the “Pearl of the Desert” Unesco in 2013, said she was “very Izmir on the Aegean to Sanliurfa close it added. prompting rattled EU leaders to seek to crack down on the people smug- for its colonnaded alleyways and doubtful” that would be possible. to the Syrian border and Samsun on Materials seized in the raids Turkey’s help for a solution. gling business.

Israeli soldier Destruction in Yemen who shot dead UN to spare no effort to restore injured Palestinian Western Sahara mission appears in court AP the vast mineral-rich territory “He has not and will not until the UN brokered a cease- take sides on the issue of West- AFP fire in 1991. The Security Council ern Sahara,” the spokesman UNITED NATIONS: Secretary- authorised the UN peacekeeping said. “We seek to encourage General Ban Ki-moon and his mission, known as MINURSO, to the parties to negotiate without BAR-LEV MILITARY BASE: An envoys are ready “to spare no monitor the ceasefire and help precondition and in good faith Israeli soldier caught on video effort” to restore the UN peace- organise the referendum, but it to find ‘a mutually acceptable shooting a wounded Palestinian keeping mission in the disputed has never taken place because political solution which will pro- assailant in the head as he lay on Western Sahara to its full oper- of disputes over voter lists and vide for the self-determination the ground appeared in a military ation and end the controversy Morocco’s insistence that auton- of the people of Western Sahara’ court yesterday as dozens of his with Morocco — as called for omy is the only option. which is as the Security Council supporters protested outside. by the UN Security Council, the Morocco has been press- has requested.” Prosecutors were seeking United Nations has said. ing for an apology from the Dujarric reminded Morocco to extend the remand of the sol- UN spokesman Stephane secretary-general over the that it is required under the UN dier until April 7 in a case that has Dujarric said part of the next “occupation” comment. Dujar- Charter to carry out Security gripped the country and sparked steps to achieve this was his reit- ric’s statement Monday wasn’t an Council decisions. political tensions. eration that Ban Ki-moon’s trip apology, but it did express regret. What is important now, he The 19-year-old soldier’s iden- to the region in early March was He stressed that the sec- said, is to overcome “the cur- tity has been kept secret under a not meant “to offend or express retary-general used the word rent difficulties” and enable gag order, granted at the request hostility” towards Morocco, “occupation” once as “a spon- the peacekeeping mission to of his lawyers. which annexed Western Sahara taneous personal reaction” to resume full operation — in “a The protesters called for the in 1975 and considers it as its his sadness at the harsh con- constructive, cooperative and soldier’s release despite video “southern provinces.” ditions that the refugees he comprehensive manner” as the footage shared widely online Morocco expelled almost all visited in Algeria have endured Security Council requested last showing him shoot the Palestinian of the UN mission’s civilian staff for decades. Thursday, Dujarric said. in the head without any apparent after the secretary-general used “We regret the misunder- But Morocco’s Foreign Min- provocation. the word “occupation” follow- standings and consequences ister Salaheddine Mezouar said Military top brass have ing a visit to a camp for Western that this personal expression of earlier that day that the deci- strongly condemned his behav- Sahara refugees in Algeria, who solicitude provoked, especially sion to expel the 73 civilian staff iour and Defence Minister Moshe have spent decades waiting for a since the main purpose of the members is “irreversible.” Yaalon has pledged that the inci- UN referendum on the future of secretary-general’s trip was to And the Polisario Front’s UN The destroyed Al Saqr Sports Club in the southwestern city of Taiz after clashes dent will be treated with “utmost the vast mineral-rich territory. focus on a mutually acceptable representative, Ahmed Boukhari, severity”. between Houthis and fighters from the Popular Resistance Committees, Many support the Polisario Front way forward that would, among warned again that “the shortest But far-right politicians have supporting forces loyal to Yemen’s Saudi-backed president, yesterday. independence movement which other things, end the tribulations way towards a war is the dis- defended the soldier, and members fought Morocco after it annexed of the refugees,” Dujarric said. mantling of MINURSO.” of his family said he was being publicly “lynched” and would not receive a fair trial. Ex-foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman, currently a member Beirut airport needs new perimeter wall: Transport Minister of the opposition, was among those in court in support of the soldier. Around a dozen of the soldiers’ Reuters Building a new perimeter wall — fully would cost up to $54m, he said. for the new wall he would directly Tripoli since Syria’s conflict began, family members were also in the which will cost $1.4m — is the most Zeaiter implied security and instruct the contractor to begin work. killed at least 43 people four months public gallery, some of them in urgent priority, he told journalists safety improvements had not been Lebanon’s security concerns have ago in southern Beirut, where the air- tears. Video of Thursday’s incident BEIRUT: Beirut airport needs at at the airport while authorities in undertaken because financing escalated since the outbreak of war port named after the assassinated in the flashpoint West Bank city of least $24m to address pressing gaps Cyprus, 200km away, negotiated a approvals have been delayed. in neighbouring Syria, which has Prime Minister Rafik Hariri is located. Hebron spread widely online and in security, including a new wall and safe end to the hijacking of an Egypt “Today we need rapidly to decide heightened already strained sectar- Interior Minister Nohad Mach- threatened to further inflame ten- baggage inspection equipment, Public Air flight. Beirut airport’s decaying sea the financing for the airport,” he said, ian relations in the country. nouk has said he is concerned about sions amid a wave of violence that Works and Transport Minister Ghazi wall, protecting the western runway, adding that if a cabinet meeting on A suicide bomb attack, one of inadequate safety procedures at the erupted in October. Zeaiter said yesterday. is also a key concern and repairing it Thursday did not authorise financing many attacks to have hit Beirut and airport. 12 WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 OPINION

Humanistanbul: World

ESTABLISHED IN 1996 humanitarian summit CHAIRMAN Nowhere is this more apparent than today is responding to all man- to recurrent/protracted crises SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI in Syria, where a mass murderer ner of humanitarian crises from and waves of displacement, other has, with outside help, targeted his Haiti to Nepal, Guinea to Somalia pressing issues such as ensuring ACTING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF own people indiscriminately and and the Sahel to Indonesia. Our sustainable, reliable and predict- with impunity. humanitarian efforts seek, not only able humanitarian financing will DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI Beyond Syria, whether in the to relieve symptoms but also to treat be examined. [email protected] Middle East, Asia, Africa or else- the disease. This holistic approach Other questions such as, what where, humanitarian crises are covers humanitarian and develop- innovative methods could be transcending borders. Today, ment assistance, but also seeks to used, or how to promote localised ACTING MANAGING EDITOR 125 million people are in need of address the root causes and push humanitarian responses through humanitarian assistance around factors of humanitarian crises. This more tailor-made and user-friendly HUSSAIN AHMAD By Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu the globe. The number of displaced approach is demand-driven and approaches, as well as the question [email protected] persons, 60 million, has almost dou- can best be seen in the countries of dignity and safety in humani- bled in just a decade. These numbers of the Sahel or in Somalia, where tarian action, will be addressed at stand as testament to the human Turkey has pursued an integrated the Summit. espite worldwide shock suffering caused by the growing policy conducted with a multi-stake The World Humanitarian Sum- and indignation, it looks complexity of humanitarian cri- holder approach. mit will be an occasion for all the like little Aylan Kurdi’s ses, our inability and unwillingness It has combined official aid nations of the world and their EDITORIAL tragic death last sum- to tackle them, and the widening with the active involvement of the leaders to take action while mil- Dmer changed little. This is a sad financial gap between increasing business sector and civil society, lions stand on the brink of life and – but brutal – comment on our needs and limited resources. and has managed to dramatically death. As I remember first seeing collective humanity, if such a thing Something has to be done and improve countless lives. Aylan’s image, I recall the over- Diminishing hopes still exists. Turkey is leading the way, not only While individual efforts like whelming grief that came over The power of images and social in terms of setting an example, but these of Turkey are crucial, the me thinking about how alone and ime has come for the international community to media, so effective for celebrity pur- also in working to galvanise the international humanitarian sys- without protection he was as an poses, seems to have fallen flat on international community towards tem is being deprived of available innocent toddler. I would like to act fast on Syria because President Bashar Al Assad its face in mobilising assistance to action. funds and the clock is ticking for believe that we learnt something is moving adamantly towards the final solution he those less fortunate. Indeed, since Today, while a major humani- those affected by the many crises from that image and that we do wants – which is to keep himself in power forever. Aylan’s death six months ago, count- tarian donor, Turkey also hosts the we are witnessing globally. There not need more images like this to In an act of defiance, he said yesterday that Syrian less more innocents – men, women largest refugee population – more are simply too many lives at stake, compel us into action. Tarmy’s successes will help accelerate a political settlement and children – have died completely than 3 million – in the world. This and inaction is not an option. We are all responsible for what to the country’s civil war. He is foreseeing the complete preventable deaths. is largely due to the war in Syria. At this critical juncture, Istan- happens next to those vulnerable defeat of rebels and an end to the support they are receiving It is true that we are faced with Providing shelter and vital services bul will host the first ever UN World persons looking to us for help. Istan- major humanitarian crises, unlike such as free health care, schooling Humanitarian Summit on 23-24 bul is an opportunity to step up from abroad. A continuation in power by Assad after the anything since the last World War. and vocational training for these May 2016. The choice of Turkey and shoulder that responsibility. massacre of hundreds of thousands of people under him will But, there can be no excuse for the refugees is a major financial bur- as host was hardly coincidental. It We are calling on all leaders of the be something unprecedented in history and can earn him a global indifference on display. den that Turkey has had to assume constitutes a timely recognition of world to come to Istanbul for the UN position among the great dictators of the world who have been While major natural disasters largely on its own. the successful humanitarian diplo- Humanitarian Summit and to work accused of genocide. continue to be a significant cause But our humanitarian diplo- macy that we have been conducting. with us to find solutions for those Assad made his intentions clear in an interview with of death and displacement, what macy is not limited to our The World Humanitarian Sum- who desperately need humanitar- is most alarming today is that a immediate region. Having received mit will provide a vital platform to ian assistance. Russia’s RIA news agency. He said his victories will have an great majority of humanitarian vulnerable persons, irrespective of address the challenges burdening impact on the forces and nations which are supporting the crises are conflict-related and of race, religion or ethnicity as far back the humanitarian system. In addi- The writer is Foreign Minister of opposition and who demand his ouster, and even said his a recurrent or protracted nature. as in the late 15th century, Turkey tion to such issues as responding Turkey. government would “continue to be flexible” in its approach to talks aimed at ending the war -- a clear statement of the upper hand he has gained in the war. Western and Arab countries which have been demanding that Assad must resign to pave the way for a solution to the conflict now have little time to formulate a strategy. What is Britain’s future is in Europe needed a clear plan of action which is easier said than done and time is running out. If Assad continues his victories, he will be has, so far, been entirely based Since the collapse of the Soviet foreign policies still adds a veneer able to capture all of Syria and install on nostalgia. These emotions are Union, Britain’s only visible for- of prestige to American interven- completely irrelevant. Sovereignty eign policy has been to support US tion.Thus, it is not unrealistic to himself in power forever. As Bashar is being wrongfully exploited to foreign policy. In the Middle East, assume that at some time American The capture of Palmyra has undermine British and EU inter- in particular, the US continue to interests may become incompati- Al Assad emboldened Assad. Government est and national security. practice hostile foreign policy of ble with those of the British. expands forces backed by intense Russian air Britain today faces different destabilization of the region through In today’s global political envi- his gains, power drove Islamic State militants challenges to those faced during the intervention and regime change ronment, the only sound case to out of Palmyra, delivering one of the first and second world wars. Ter- in pursuit of its objectives to cre- protect Britain’s interests and Western biggest setbacks rorism, the radicalization of young ate New World Order, as part of national security, is that Europe people turning to Al-Qaeda and the project for the New American needs Britain as much as Brit- and Arab to the jihadist group since it religious extremist groups such as Century. ain needs Europe. At a time when By Dr Burhan M Al-Chalabi countries declared a caliphate in Syria and ISIS, are the pressing 21st Century As well as being detrimental to Europe is facing mammoth polit- are forced Iraq in 2014. Government forces challenges. Also, the influx of ref- Arab interests and national secu- ical and economic difficulties, the are now feeling confident and ugees from North Africa and the rity, US foreign policy has left the idea of one of the most success- to watch Russia is always there to provide the n the 23rd of June 2016, Middle East. These challenges can Middle East weak, divided by sec- ful economies leaving Europe will helplessly. necessary support, despite Moscow’s the British public are being only be successfully confronted tarianism and in danger of losing politically be judged as dishonour- asked, in the forthcom- collectively with Britain as an inte- its Arabic identity. It has also cre- able as well as being economically announcement that it is withdrawing O ing referendum, ‘To stay in or to gral part of Europe. ated a neo-con political platform disastrous for all concerned. its troops from Syria. leave Europe?’ This is a wrongly In this context, there is a strong to relentlessly demonize Islam and Liberated from its moral com- Peace talks too are unlikely to phrased question, as debating case to coin the phrase “Britain’s associate the faith with terrorism. In mitment to blindly supporting US give any solution as Assad will be membership of the EU reinforces Special Relationship with Europe”. all of this, Britain has been a com- foreign policy, Britain in Europe will unwilling to cede ground. Indirect peace talks at the United a perceived disadvantage to Britain This does not have to be at the plicit and unquestioning partner. have the opportunity to promote Nations in Geneva adjourned on Thursday after making little as by the Euro-sceptics. The right expense of Britain’s so-called Whilst Britain might benefit a common policy of politicalsta- progress. Its only positive fallout was the ceasefire sponsored question should have been, ‘Does special relationship with the US, from privileged access to US intel- bility and trade. Europe need Britain?’ This ques- particularly as the rise of these ligence and to US weapons - it is A policy based on the exchange by the United States and Russia, which took effect last month. tion embraces the economic and threats have been caused by the a privilege that has certainly cost of Energy-For-Technology for the UN envoy Staffan de Mistura says he wants the negotiations to security advantages to all European consequences of the American Britain much in terms of independ- mutual benefit of Europe as well address political transition, which he called the “mother of all countries in the single market union. policy of military intervention ence in foreign and defence policy. as its rear neighbours Middle East- issues”. But before the talks started, the Syrian government said To date, no valid economic case, and regime change in Iraq, Libya Many suspect it has meant that ern countries. the issue of the presidency was a red line. This shows the talks supported by facts and figures, has and currently in Syria. The US has Britain has failed to pursue its own Europe was once united under will end in a stalemate, and progress will be extremely difficult. been made by Euro-sceptics to jus- been publically extremely support- interests effectively because of its the Roman Empire. It was very suc- tify exiting from Europe. Current ive of Britain remaining as part of allegiance to the US. In adhering to cessful, with Northern Africa being British exports to the EU are worth Europe. The US see no imminent US policies around the globe Brit- part of the Empire, albeit ruled by £187billion per year. Therefore, threats to its relationship with Brit- ain has forsaken old friends and non-democratic leadership. Per- some 3 million jobs are depend- ain as a member of the EU, and it old relationships. haps this idea may, once again, serve ent on the EU. This export could continues to participate in NATO. Therefore, at some stage Britain Europe well in the future so that rise to £277billion by 2030. Euro- The conflicts of the 20th Cen- needs to assess the cost of main- the Arabs and Europeans will live pean markets for transport, energy tury led Britain to cultivate a special taining such a relationship. There in peace and harmony. and digital services combined with relationship with the US -- a rela- must be a threshold beyond which The undoubted political and Quote of the day global trade deals, could add £58bil- tionship centred on shared histories Britain cannot continue to sacrifice economic advantages of Britain lion a year. An increase of 2.8% to and values as well as common its national interest in pursuit of this remaining in Europe also ensures GDP. This increase in the GDP could ancestral and religious roots- special relationship. The choice that Messianic, crusader fantasists The Ebola outbreak in deliver 300,000 additional jobs by one that after two world wars has becomes harder when an alter- will never again be able to wreak 2020, rising to 790,000 by 2030**. become the cornerstone of British native option of being European death and destruction on innocent West Africa no longer The current security of employ- foreign policy. But this relationship will offer the same political and people in the name of the British constitutes a public ment and the potential for job is fundamentally flawed,and it does economic attractions. people. growth cannot be replaced over- not really serve Britain’s interests This status quo is borne out health emergency of night with trade deals with other as it once did. Britain continues to in the Middle East where Britain international concern. nations.There is no political or losepolitical credibility from being has, in its uncritical deference to **Source: Centre for Economic and economic justification for it. Also, known in the councils of the world the US, sacrificed British trading, Business Study titled ‘The Impact neither Britain nor Europe has a as Washington’s Poodle. Therefore,if commercial and diplomatic bene- of the UK Being in the Single Margaret Chan coherent economic plan B for the Britain reaffirms its European cre- fits with countries like Libya, Iran, Market’, October 2015 WHO Chief partial or total break-up of the Euro- dentials, it would gain from a little Iraq, Sudan and Afghanistan. Britain pean Union. more independence of mind and a is not at war with these countries; The writer is Fellow of Royal Soci- The case to leave Europe pro- greater readiness to “play its poli- and none have any quarrel with ety of Arts and Publisher of The moted by the European sceptics tics” as part of Europe. Britain. Yet Britain’s support of US London Magazine

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

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Trained elephants Editor of China Heist: Part of daily resigns over increased media control stolen funds AFP

BEIJING: An editor at one of Chi- na’s more intrepid newspapers published a resignation letter still in Manila denouncing increased controls on media under Xi Jinping, according to a cached version of his online Asian country to close loopholes in post. its financial system. Yu Shaolei, culture editor of the The $81m was Wong volunteered to return Southern Metropolis Daily, posted remitted by two $4.63m dollars that remains in a a photo of his resignation letter on junket account in Solaire Resort his Weibo social media account casino junket agents and Casino, and another $863,000 Monday night. and gamblers still in Midas Hotel casino under Yu had spent nearly 16 years the account of his company, East- at the Guangzhou-based news- including a Beijing ern Hawaii Leisure Co. paper, which earned a reputation resident named Gao Silverio Benny Tan, corpo- for testing the limits of what could Shuhua whom he rate secretary of Solaire’s operator be reported in China. The image Bloomberry Resorts Corp., told the showed a signed resignation form has known for eight hearing the casino has frozen with Yu’s reason for quitting given 108.67m pesos worth of chips and in large Chinese characters as: “I years and a Macau A mahout gets an elephant out of the cargo truck after being transported from the Saree Elephant money in different denominations cannot bear your surname.” resident named Ding confiscated from the gamblers when Training Centre to the Sarah Deu Conservation Response Unit (CRU) in Sampoiniet, Aceh Jaya District, The comment was a refer- Zhize he just met in the bank heist issue came to light. Sumatra, Indonesia, yesterday. The purpose of the Sarah Deu CRU is to reduce the conflicts between ence to Xi declaring after a visit Wong alleged $17m is still with wild animals and humans. to official media organs in Febru- February: Witness remittance company Philrem, which ary that all outlets in the country the company owners denied during must “take the Communist Party’s the hearing. Wong said Gao also paid surname”. Yu’s post was deleted him $9.71m for a loan that covered by censors, but was seen by AFP AP Gao’s losses in an earlier gambling in cached form on the FreeWeibo spree in the country. He said if com- website, which preserves posts pelled to do so, he can also return Ten sailors from Indonesia abducted censored in China. that money. Casino operators and “I’m getting old, and have MANILA: About $6.9m out of $81m government regulators said it may been kneeling so long I can’t bear stolen from Bangladesh’s central be difficult to account for the rest of AFP have abducted the sailors Saturday. their most recent high-profile kid- it. Now I’d like to try to change bank and sent to fake bank accounts the money, which was used at gam- The vessels’ owners received a ran- napping was of two Canadians and a posture,” he wrote in the post in the Philippines remain in local bling tables. Wong said $370,000 in som call from someone claiming to be Norwegian from yachts at a marina in accompanying the photo. casinos and may still be recovered, cash was withdrawn by the casino from the Abu Sayyaf militant group September, with the militants setting “Whoever’s responsible for the Philippine Senate heard in tes- junket agents in violation of their JAKARTA: Ten Indonesian sailors the same day. The Philippine military an April deadline for a huge ran- staring at my Weibo and notify- timony yesterday. agreement that all the money would have been kidnapped in waters of said initial information indicated the som to be paid. Indonesian Foreign ing superiors what to make me Kam Sin Wong, a Chinese junket remain in the casino accounts. the conflict-wracked southern Philip- sailors may have been taken by an Minister Retno Marsudi said the kid- delete, you can breathe a sigh of operator known in the Philippines The $81m was remitted to five pines by Islamist militants who have Abu Sayyaf faction to Sulu, a remote nappers of the Indonesian sailors had relief. Sorry if I’ve made you anx- as Kim Wong, told the hearing accounts created with fictitious demanded a ransom for their release, southern island that is a hideout of also sought a ransom, but refused to ious the last few years, I wish that the $81m was remitted by two names at a branch of the Rizal authorities said yesterday. the militant outfit, but added they say how much was demanded. wholeheartedly your work takes casino junket agents and gamblers Commercial Banking Corpora- The crew were travelling on a were still seeking confirmation. “Our priority is the safety of the a new direction.” The letter is the including a Beijing resident named tion, consolidated then remitted to tugboat pulling a barge from Bor- Abu Sayyaf is a Philippines-based 10 Indonesians who are being held latest rebellion against a chilling of Gao Shuhua whom he has known the casinos and junket operators neo island to the Philippines when Islamist group notorious for bomb- hostage, we will keep working hard to China’s media environment, with for eight years and a Macau resi- through Philrem. Wong said Gao told they were hijacked, Indonesian and ings and kidnappings, which has save them,” the minister told report- even loyal Communist Party mem- dent named Ding Zhize he just met him that he and Ding would close Philippine officials said. Hijackers on pledged allegiance to the Islamic ers, adding she had been in touch bers such as outspoken property in February. The laundering of the their casino in Macau and invest the a wooden motor boat are thought to State group. Before the latest case, with her Philippine counterpart. tycoon Ren Zhiqiang. stolen money in the Philippines has money in Manila. Gao also said he added pressure on the Southeast had money from the sale of his land . N Korea fires short-range projectile: South

AP officials said. It was unclear whether nuclear strikes on Washington and Seoul and its surrounding metropol- the projectile was a ballistic missile Seoul since the start on March 7 of itan area, where nearly half of the 50 or an artillery shell, said a Joint Chiefs the annual springtime war games million South Koreans live. of Staff official who didn’t want to be between the United States and South North Korea routinely tests short- SEOUL: North Korea fired a short- identified, citing office rules. Korea. range missiles and artillery systems range projectile from an area near It was too early to tell whether North Korea also launched a but tends to do more launches in its eastern coast yesterday, South North Korea used a land target to test medium-range ballistic missile into times of tension with the outside Korean officials said, in what appears the accuracy and range of its weapons waters off its east coast for the first world. It condemns the annual mili- to be another weapons test seen as a or experienced problems after plan- time since 2014 and touted a new tary drills between Washington and response to ongoing military drills ning a launch into the sea, said an artillery system it says could turn the Seoul as a rehearsal for an invasion. between Washington and Seoul. official from Seoul’s Defense Minis- South Korean capital of Seoul into a Tensions are particularly high this The projectile was fired near the try, who also didn’t want to be named “sea of flames.” year because the drills are the largest North Korean port city of Wonsan and because of department rules. Experts say the North’s new ever and follow a recent North Korean flew about 200 kilometers (125 miles) North Korea has fired a slew of artillery launchers can fire 300-mil- nuclear test and a long-range rocket Lorenzo Tan, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp President, gives his before crashing into land northeast of short-range missiles and artillery limeter shells up to 200 kilometers launch. Washington and Seoul say the statement during a senate hearing in Manila, yesterday. the launch site, South Korean military shells into the sea and has threatened (125 miles), theoretically reaching drills are defensive in nature.

Thailand unveils latest charter Three killed in Thailand bomb attack perpetuating army’s power

AFP elections, street protests and coups. expense of democracy,” he told AFP. But critics say it is aimed squarely “Because of the transition period at breaking the Shinawatras’ elec- outlined in the new charter, military toral stranglehold on the country. rule in Thailand could well extend to BANGKOK: A panel appointed by “We don’t see it as intentionally eight years: 2014-2017 of direct mili- Thailand’s military junta yesterday trying to dilute one party or to create tary rule; 2017-2022 of military veto unveiled a draft constitution touted as a coalition government,” Consitu- power” through the Senate, he added. a solution to the kingdom’s decade- tional Drafting Commitee spokesman In the run-up to its unveiling the long political crisis, but derided by Norachit Sinhaseni told reporters. charter has been criticised by both critics as undemocratic and divisive. “We see it as a return to a period sides of the political divide, even Thailand has been controlled by where you don’t have people con- those who cheered the toppling of Locals gather and watch as Thai rangers inspect the site of a roadside bomb attack targeting a car the army since a 2014 coup over- fronting each other on the streets. Yingluck’s government. threw the elected government of That is what the majority of Thais A senior figure within the Shina- carrying patroling police officers at Rangae district in Thailand’s restive southern province of Narathiwat, Yingluck Shinawtra, whose billion- want.” watras’ Pheu Thai party told AFP yesterday. Three police officers were killed and six others wounded in the attack. aire family have swept the last three The document is set to go to the recently it was “highly likely” they elections but are hated by the Bang- public in a referendum on August 7. would tell supporters to vote against kok elite. However the junta has warned it the charter in the referendum. If the charter is ratified, it will will not tolerate criticism of the char- Pheu Thai’s bitter rival the Dem- perpetuate the military’s influence. A ter in the run-up to the vote, making ocrat Party has yet to say what it will Forest fire breaks out in Philippines junta-appointed senate would check debate all but impossible. advise voters. But earlier this month the powers of lawmakers for a five- Two opposition politicians were its leader, former Prime Minister year transitional period following detained by the military this week Abhisit Vejjajiva, publicly hit out at elections. for voicing criticism of the document the document as lacking in “demo- QNA Apo, said Joey Recimilla of the tour- meters, the densely forested Mount It also enshrines a proportional and the junta. cratic standards”. ism office of Kidapawan City, 955km Apo is home to many rare plants and voting system, a move that would Paul Chambers a Thailand- Thailand is no stranger to consti- south of Manila, a town near the base hundreds of species of bird, including likely reduce the majority of any based academic, said the document tutional rewrites, which have done MANILA: A forest fire broke out in of the mountain. the critically endangered Philippine government once Thais regain the would in effect prolong army rule and little to end the kingdom’s turbulent the Philippines’ highest peak, dam- At least 700 hikers, including Eagle and largest member of the right to vote. establish a “frail democracy” easily politics. The general public often aging more than 100 hectares, an eight foreigners, were evacuated eagle family. The drafters insist their new con- controlled by a junta-stacked senate. shrugs off the passage of a document official said on Sunday. from the popular trails on Mount The mount is a potentially active stitution -- the kingdom’s 20th in less “It is a charter which expands seen as heavily biased and liable to The fire started on Saturday from Apo as firefighters battled the blaze, volcano but there is very little data on than a century -- will end the cycle of military and judicial power at the change with the political winds. a campsite near the summit of Mount Recimilla said. Rising nearly 3,000 past eruptions. 14 WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 ASIA / AFRICA Japan PM defends new defence laws

Legislators in September passed that about 2,000 people rallied out- the bills into law, a shift that could side parliament nearby in a show of The approval was a see Japanese troops fight abroad for opposition to the laws that opponents milestone in Japan, the first time since the end of World fear could fundamentally reshape the War II. The approval was a mile- proudly pacifist nation. where a constitution stone in Japan, where a constitution Fumiko Yamaguchi said she imposed by the imposed by the United States after survived devastating US air raids United States after Japan’s defeat renounces its sover- on Tokyo as a child even as an aunt eign right to wage war. was killed. Abe says that the new Japan’s defeat That clause, known as Article 9, laws are part of a normalisation of renounces its is unchanged, but staunch nationalist Japan’s military policy, which had Abe wants to revise the constitu- been restricted to self-defence and sovereign right to tion to throw off what he and many aid missions by the constitution. wage war. conservatives see as outdated for- The changes, which would allow eign-imposed constraints that hinder Japanese troops to fight in defence Japan from playing a more robust role of allies, drew tens of thousands of in regional and global affairs. protesters onto the streets outside AFP “The security environment sur- parliament or the prime minister’s rounding our country is becoming office in the runup to their passage more severe,” Abe told a nationally in September. An aerial view of a bleached coral reef located between Cairns, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. televised news conference, citing Opponents argue they go against TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister threats including from nearby North both the constitution and the national Shinzo Abe said that new security Korea, which this year has carried psyche, and could see Japan dragged laws that took effect yesterday will out fresh nuclear and ballistic rocket into far-flung US wars. Washington strengthen Tokyo’s ability to defend launches. “No country in the world has backed the changes, but regional Worst bleaching on record for itself amid increasing threats as can protect itself alone,” he added. rivals China and South Korea have opponents took to the streets to say As Abe spoke at his official expressed concern at any expansion they risk hurling the country into war. office, an AFP journalist estimated of Japanese military scope. Great Barrier Reef: Scientists

AFP Bleaching occurs when abnor- percent of the coral was bleached. mal environmental conditions, such The researchers said it was too as warmer sea temperatures, cause early to know exactly how many cor- corals to expel tiny photosynthetic als would die, given that they can SYDNEY: Aerial surveys of Austral- algae, draining them of their colour. recover if the water temperature ia’s Great Barrier Reef have revealed Hughes, convener of Australia’s drops and the algae are able to rec- the worst bleaching on record in the National Coral Bleaching Taskforce, olonise them. icon’s pristine north, scientists said agreed in a statement that the south- But Kerry said abnormally high yesterday, with few corals escaping ern reef had “dodged a bullet due to temperatures were expected to con- damage. cloudy weather that cooled the water tinue in the northern reaches of the Researchers said the view was temperatures down”. reef for another week. devastating after surveying some But he said in the far north -- The Great Barrier Reef -- the 520 reefs via plane and helicopter the most remote and pristine areas world’s biggest coral reef ecosystem between Cairns and the Torres Strait -- almost without exception, every -- is under pressure from the threat in the north of Queensland state. reef showed consistently high levels of climate change, as well as farming “This will change the Great Bar- of bleaching. run-off, development and the coral- rier Reef forever,” Terry Hughes, an “We flew for 4,000 kilometres in eating crown-of-thorns starfish. expert on coral reefs from James the most pristine parts of the Great It narrowly avoided being put on Cook University, told the Australian Barrier Reef and saw only four reefs the UN World Heritage in danger list Broadcasting Corporation. that had no bleaching,” he said. last year with Canberra working to “We’re seeing huge levels of “The severity is much greater improve the reef’s health over suc- bleaching in the northern thousand than in earlier bleaching events in cessive decades. kilometre stretch of the Great Bar- 2002 or 1998.” Conservationists put the bleach- rier Reef.” Fellow James Cook University ing squarely at the feet of climate Just over a week ago, the Austral- expert James Kerry said more sur- change. “When you look at those ian government revealed bleaching veys were to follow, but the damage stark, white photos, you’re looking at the World Heritage-listed site was seen from the air in the north was at the face of climate change,” WWF- Soldiers of Japan’s Self Defence Force stand at attention with a flag of the Yonaguni observation unit during “severe” but noted that the southern severe, often falling into the highest Australia spokesperson Nick Heath the opening ceremony of a military base on the island of Yonaguni in the Okinawa prefecture, yesterday. area had escaped the worst. category of level four, meaning 60 said. Cameroon doubts bomb girl’s China commemorates key victory claim to be Chibok abductee Reuters Taiwan president-elect Tsai Ing-wen, as being too distant to protect from Presidential whose Democratic Progressive Party Taiwan, some were taken by force AFP likely a minor, between ages nine to espouses formal independence for by the Communists, including the challenger gets 12 years,” the statement added. the self-ruled island. Tsai has pledged Yijiangshan Islands, which fell in 1955 The “Bring Back Our Girls” advo- BEIJING: As Taiwan prepares to to maintain peace with China. in a crucial psychological defeat for bail in Niger cacy group said that the youngest usher in a new president in May, Chi- Beijing has never renounced the the Nationalists. YAOUNDÉ: Authorities in Cameroon of those kidnapped in 2014 was 16 nese sailors this week threw flowers use of force to bring under control China’s defence ministry showed NIAMEY: A Niger court yesterday poured doubt on a would- years old at the time. into the sea to mark a key but little- what it considers a wayward prov- pictures of sailors throwing flow- yesterday granted bail to be suicide bomber’s claim that she is The Nigerian presidency contin- known victory against Nationalist ince, and in the 1950s, in particular, ers into the sea near the islands and presidential challenger one of the 276 Nigerian school girls ued: “Considering the well-known forces, who fled to the island after a the threat of a Chinese invasion of bowing their heads in memory on Hama Amadou, who was kidnapped by Boko Haram jihad- guidelines regarding the publication civil war defeat by the Communists Taiwan was very real. the deck of a warship, ahead of next detained in November on ists in 2014. of photography of minors, we have in 1949. After 1949, the Nationalists week’s traditional tomb-sweeping baby trafficking charges “We don’t think that she was decided to forward the pictures of China’s military periodically likes retained control of several small holiday. “The naval ship Dabieshan but is currently in France one of the girls (kidnapped) from the suspected bomber to the Murtala to remind Taiwan it still considers the island groups along the coast of east- carried out a solemn ceremony to for medical treatment, his Chibok,” an administration official Muhammed Foundation (a non- island one of its strategic priorities, ern China, from where they launched remember the martyrs who glori- lawyer said. who requested anonymity said, cit- profit) for verification by interested and in September held three days of guerrilla raids into China and har- ously sacrificed themselves in the President Mahamadou ing inconsistencies over her apparent Chibok community stakeholders.” live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait. assed Chinese shipping. battle for the Yijiangshan Islands,” Issoufou was re-elected age. Boko Haram has carried out China is deeply suspicious of While most were later abandoned the ministry said. with 92 percent of the The girl in question is one of two suicide bombings often using girls vote in a March 20 run- would-be suicide bombers arrested as part of its armed campaign to off for which Amadou had in northern Cameroon on Friday establish an Islamic state in north- campaigned behind bars wearing 12kg of explosives belts. ern Nigeria. and which the opposition Less than a month before the Midjiyawa Bakari, governor Planting mangroves had boycotted. second anniversary of the bra- of Cameroon’s North Region had zen kidnapping which shook the already on Saturday voiced doubts world, 219 students from the north- about the claim by one of the two UN alarm at ern Nigerian town of Chibok remain girls arrested that she had been part missing and there are few signs that of the mass kidnapping. Mali insecurity the government is making progress “We are treating this statement on finding and securing their release. with caution,” he said, adding that UNITED NATIONS: Insecu- Nigeria is planning to send a such would-be attackers “are often rity is spreading in Mali, delegation, including Chibok par- drugged and can say anything”. UN Secretary-General ents, to Cameroon to meet the girl, Nigerian President Muhammadu Ban Ki-moon has warned, and the presidency said late Mon- Buhari’s spokesman Garba Shehu on expressing alarm at the day that people from the town were Sunday echoed those doubts, noting myriad challenges fac- being shown her photograph to see that the girl appeared too young to ing the UN peacekeeping if they recognised her. be one of the kidnapped girls. force in large parts of the “The girl was found to be heavily The Nigerian presidency said African country. drugged and bore several injuries on Monday that the girl’s accomplice “The northern and her body. The girl’s health condition appeared to be in her thirties, after central parts of Mali had delayed her movement to the earlier reports that the other bomber remain under the threat of far north regional capital of Cam- was also aged around ten. Both criminal, violent extrem- eroon, Maroua, as earlier planned,” spoke the local Kanuri language. ist and terrorist groups,” the presidency said. Boko Haram has suffered sub- Ban said. Ban raised fears Students are joined by soldiers as they plant mangrove trees during a state-sponsored event in “Pictures of the arrested sus- stantial setbacks in recent months about “persistent opera- pected bomber obtained by Nigerian in the face of a counteroffensive by Thailand’s restive southern province of Narathiwat, yesterday. tional difficulties” in Mali. officials indicated that the girl was national armies from the region. PAKISTAN WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 15

Pakistani Taliban taunts A towering symbol PM after Lahore attack

Sanaullah said police, paramil- accustomed to atrocities, and will Nawaz Sharif and itary troops and intelligence agents further fray inter-religious ties. had launched 56 intelligence opera- Christians make up an esti- his powerful military tions in the last 24 hours in Punjab. mated 1.6 percent of Pakistan’s 200 chief have both More were being undertaken in million people and have long faced all districts of the province “against discrimination. vowed to bring those sectarian militants and extremists”, Twin suicide attacks against behind the attack to he said. churches in Lahore killed 17 people Yesterday the death toll climbed in March last year, sparking two days justice. to 73 after a 16-year-old boy suc- of rioting by thousands of Christians. cumbed to his injuries, doctors said. A military operation target- “The boy had lost his father and ing insurgents was stepped up in sister in the blast while his mother is response. Last year the death toll AFP being treated for critical injuries,” Dr from militant attacks was the low- Tariq Mohsin said. est since the TTP umbrella grouping Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was formed in 2007. But analysts and his powerful military chief have have warned the group is still able A replica of the Eiffel Tower is seen on a hill in an area being developed in Bahria town on the outskirts LAHORE: Pakistan has detained both vowed to bring those behind the to carry out major attacks. more than 200 people since the attack to justice. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s first of Islamabad yesterday. Lahore Park bombing on Sunday “Terrorists cannot dent our Academy award winner, director which killed 73 people including resolve. Our struggle will continue Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, has paid many children, officials said yester- until the complete elimination of the tribute to victims of the bombing day, as the militants behind the attack menace of terrorism,” the premier with a short film posted to her Face- taunted the prime minister. said Monday after visiting victims in book page. Sharif replaces attorney general The raids across the eastern the provincial capital, a stronghold of The 1.5-minute film titled “An province of Punjab were announced his ruling Pakistan Muslim League. Ode to Lahore, the Beautiful City” as parks reopened under tight secu- But yesterday Ehansullah Ehsan, opens with a shot of the famous Bad- rity in the teeming provincial capital spokesman for the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar shahi mosque before showing images over Musharraf’s removal from ECL Lahore. faction, derided the prime minister from the popular park where a Tali- But Gulshan-i-Iqbal, where on Twitter. “After the Lahore attack, ban suicide bomber blew himself up explosives packed with ball bear- Nawaz Sharif repeated old words to in the attack. Internews premier. He returned the favour by Sheikh, Shahid Hamid and Mustafa ings ripped through crowds near a give himself false assurances,” he Chinoy, a journalist, filmmaker providing relief to the federal gov- Ramday were present in Courtroom children’s play area, remained closed. wrote. and activist, has won two Academy ernment in a number of cases. No-1 of the Supreme Court, when Hundreds were injured in the “Nawaz Sharif should know that Awards for the documentaries Sav- In some instances, instead of the larger bench dismissed the fed- suicide bombing claimed by the war has reached his doorstep, and ing Face (2012) and A Girl in the River: ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz engaging local counsel, Butt him- eral government’s plea against Sindh Jamaat-ul-Ahrar faction of the Paki- God willing the mujahideen will be The Price of Forgiveness (2015). Sharif showed the door to the feder- self represented the government of High Court order to remove Mushar- stani Taliban, whose official name is the winners in this war.” Her video, posted on Monday, ation’s top law officer Salman Aslam Pakistan before international courts. raf’s name from the Exit Control List. the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Kashir Nawab, a 32-year-old showed old images of the play area Butt yesterday because he lost the Legal experts were quick to brand Butt lost the case and the govern- A spokesman for the group said Christian from the Youhanabad dis- before Sunday’s devastation, as well case related to the removal of former him as the ‘most successful AGP’ of ment simply allowed the ex-dictator it had targeted Christians, a minority trict of Lahore, said a “pall of gloom” as footage from a candle-lit vigil that President Pervez Musharraf’s name the decade. to fly off to Dubai. A senior PML-N community in overwhelmingly Mus- hung over the area as mourners vis- took place for the victims in Lahore. from the no-fly list. But he met his Waterloo in the leader claims AGP Butt was much lim Pakistan. ited the homes of those lost in the “Lahore used to teach you to Sharif approved the resigna- Musharraf case, earning him the closer to the defence and therefore, “More than 5,000 people were blast. Nawab said he was working make bridges in order to reach each tion of AGP Salman Aslam Butt and wrath of the top legal eagles of he was shown the door. Despite sev- searched and interrogated and to help arrange funeral services. other,” a female voiceover says in replaced him with Ashter Ausaf, who Pakistan Muslim League — Nawaz eral attempts, Butt was unavailable most of them were allowed to go, but “Everybody is frightened and the Urdu as the images flit by. was working as a special assistant to (PML-N) who were unhappy with for comment about his sudden resig- some 216 have been apprehended for Christians particularly feel unpro- “We were liberal people, we were the PM on legal affairs. Butt’s conduct and called for his nation. However, another law officer, further investigations,” Punjab pro- tected,” he said. tolerant, we wanted to live with each Butt was appointed as the top law replacement. On March 16, an impor- who talked with the former AGP said vincial law minister Rana Sanaullah The attack was the worst so other, we had the freedom to speak officer in January 2014, reportedly, tant day in Pakistan’s legal history, that Butt resigned because his per- told reporters yesterday. far this year in a country grimly our minds.” due to his close association with the Khawaja Muhammad Haris, Akram sonal practice was suffering. US appreciates Pakistan’s nuclear safety measures

Internews “Without question, Pakistan takes well. “As a consequence of the Summit Programmes who also appreciated part of the process and part of the dis- Kabul blast kills 1 very seriously its responsibility to pro- process as well as our bilateral coop- Pakistan’s commitment in keeping cussions on securing nuclear material. vide security for both nuclear material eration, they (Pakistan) have taken watch on nuclear threats and efforts We know that they take the issue seri- and injures nine and nuclear weapons,” said Thomas important steps forward in provid- to prevent nuclear terrorism. ously.” Earlier Jenkins visited Centre of ISLAMABAD: Two days ahead of the Countryman, Assistant Secretary of ing that security,” he said. Thomas Pakistan has been part of the Excellence in Islamabad, and had sev- KABUL: A bomb has Nuclear Security Summit, the United State for International Security and Countryman was briefing the foreign Nuclear Summit from the very eral meetings with Pakistani officials. exploded under a bridge States has forcefully reiterated that Nonproliferation. He further said media yesterday. He was accompa- beginning, Ambassador Jekins The event was hosted by the Interna- in Kabul killing one per- Pakistan’s nuclear responsibility has Pakistan and the US have had con- nied by Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins, acknowledged adding, “we are very tional Atomic Energy Agency for a son and wounding nine been up to the mark. tinued discussions on the subject as Coordinator for Threat Reduction happy that they (Pakistan) have been nuclear security support network. others. The Interior Min- istry says five police officers, including a dis- trict police chief, have been suspended over Ultimatum issued to Qadri’s yesterday’s blast in Kabul and are under investiga- tion for neglecting their protesters in Islamabad duties. No one has claimed responsibility for the AFP “An operation will be conducted blast. Roadside bomb- if the participants of dharna (sit-in) ings are a major threat for do not disperse in a few hours,” a both security forces and security source said. civilians across Afghan- ISLAMABAD: Pakistan deployed “Leaders of the protesters have istan, where the Taliban thousands of police and paramilitary been given a notice in this regard,” have been waging a forces after giving Islamist protest- he said, adding that they had been 15-year war against the ers two hours to disperse a days-long given two hours to disperse. If government and foreign sit-in on the streets of the capital, they do not, he said, “law enforce- troops. sources said yesterday. ment agencies shall take action” by Several thousand demonstrators removing them. Ban on tobacco have been camped at Islamabad’s A legal notice issued to the pro- main Constitution Avenue close to testers accusing them of attempting ads upheld key government buildings, includ- “to frustrate the government’s drive ing the presidency and parliament, against terrorism”. More than 5,000 ISLAMABAD: The High since late Sunday. security forces would be deployed, Court of Sindh has upheld Supporters of Mumtaz Qadri, said a source. ban on tobacco adver- who was hanged on February 29 for Army troops are already stand- tisements throughout the killing Punjab governor over his call ing guard at government buildings country. The legislation on for blasphemy law reform, have sub- near the protest site. ban on advertisements Islamist activists chant slogans during a sit in protest against the execution of Mumtaz Qadri in front of the mitted a list of demands including Qadri’s hanging was a “key of tobacco products was Parliament building in Islamabad. the execution of a female Christian moment” in Pakistan’s long battle challenged in Sindh High blasphemy convict. against religious extremism. Court by M/s Philip Mor- ris (Pakistan), a major tobacco manufacturer. However, last week, the Sindh High Court dis- UNHCR conducting survey of Afghan refugees in Peshawar posed of the petition challenging ban on adver- tisements of tobacco products in print, elec- Internews support from the United Nations High The director added he could not refugees in schools, colleges and uni- three camps of Haripur, among other tronic an outdoor media. Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). share the data as of now, but only versities in Peshawar,” he said. districts. The divisional bench Afghan Refugees Repatriation Cell after the survey was completed. He said the status of all refugees However, according to a UNHCR of Sindh High Court com- Director Fazal Rabi said that CAR is “It clearly differentiates between whose Proof of Registration (PoR) report issued in February, a total of prising Justice Munib PESHAWAR: The Commissionerate conducting a door-to-door survey on registered and unregistered Afghan expired would be considered “illegal”. 976,303 individual Afghan refugees Akhtar and Justice Abdul Afghan Refugees (CAR) in Paki- the population of Afghan refugees refugees,” Rabi added, saying initially, According to a report released are living in K-P in which 55 per cent Malik Gaddi allowed a stan’s northwest province of Khyber who have been living in Hayatabad the survey was limited to Hayatabad, by CAR in October 2015, there were are living in host communities while request by Abdul Sattar Pakhtunkhwa, is collecting data on for years. “The aim is to collect data but now it will be extended to other over 148,225 Afghan refugee families 45 per cent are living in camps. Pirzada advocate, counsel refugees residing in metropolitan on documented and undocumented parts of the province. residing in 43 camps across the prov- The report showed that in 2016, for the petitioner to with- Peshawar. refugees living in the city,” he said. “This survey will help us under- ince. In these camps, 31,662 families 371 refugees repatriated of which 192 draw the petition. This is the first time CAR is con- The survey started in January and is stand the needs of refugees. We will were living in seven camps in Pesha- were from camps and 179 from host ducting such a survey with financial in its final stages, he said. be able to ask for seats for Afghan war district and 14,773 families in communities. 16 WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 INDIA

Counter-terrorism starting point of Modi’s engagements abroad

IANS “We stand shoulder to shoulder At a pre-departure media brief- and high technology partnership with trading partner in the European Union Parliament (MEPs), Indologists, Bel- with them in the wake of the horrific ing, Nandini Singla, joint secretary this important EU member.” (EU). Modi would also interact with gian CEOs as well as a cross section of attacks in Brussels and share the grief (Europe West) in the external affairs Modi and Michel will also remote members of the Indian community the Indian diaspora in Belgium. of those who lost their loved ones.” ministry, said that the issue of terror- activate the India-Belgium ARIES in Belgium. There are around 20,000 “I would also interact with the NEW DELHI: Counter-terrorism At least 35 people, including an ism will be the starting point of the (Aryabhatta Research Institute for Indians in Belgium. Board Members of the Association of cooperation in the wake of the March Indian national, were killed in twin India-Belgium bilateral summit. Observational Sciences) telescope at Last evening, Modi will attend Diamond Traders in Belgium,” he said. 22 terror attacks in Brussels will be explosions at Zaventem airport and “The recent attacks in Brussels Devasthal near Nainital. the 13th India-EU Summit. Modi, in After Belgium, Modi will be in the starting point of Prime Minister one at a metro station in the Belgian will of course be a very important Singla said that during the bilat- his statement, said the EU was a vital Washington DC on March 31 to par- Narendra Modi’s engagements abroad capital on March 22. part of the discussions. They will be eral summit meeting, India and trading partner and the biggest export ticipate in the two-day Fourth Nuclear as he departs yesterday night to visit During his stay in Brussels on the starting point of the engagement,” Belgium would discuss cooperation destination for India. Security Summit, being hosted by US Belgium, the US and Saudi Arabia. Wednesday, Modi will attend a bilat- she said. Modi said that within the EU, in renewable energy, biotechnol- “This summit will advance our President Barack Obama. On his way “No words are enough to salute eral summit with Belgian Prime Belgium was India’s second largest ogy, shipping, and information and multifaceted engagement across a back, Modi will visit Saudi Arabia the resilience and spirit of the people Minister Charles Michel and also trading partner. communication technology (ICT) and whole range of domains,” he said. on April 2 and 3 at the invitation of of Belgium,” Modi said in a pre-depar- the 13th India-European Union (EU) “My meeting with the prime min- taxation. While in Brussels, Modi would Custodian of Two Holy Shrines King ture statement. Summit. ister aims to expand trade, investment Belgium is India’s second largest also meet members of the European Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Govt dismisses Pakistan probe team faces protests alleged spy’s confession in driven around the places through The five-member which the terrorists came. At most places, they did not get out of their Pakistan Joint Investigation vehicle,” a Punjab Police officer Team reached the air accompanying the team said. IANS Protests by Congress and Aam base yesterday amid Aadmi Party activists erupted near vociferous protests the front gate of the Pathankot base NEW DELHI: India yesterday dis- as the Pakistan team headed towards missed, as baseless, remarks made by activists of the it. But the demonstrators were about by an alleged Indian spy in a video Congress, AAP and three kilometres from the area the JIT released by Pakistan in which he Shiv Sena. visited. The protestors carried black “confessed” New Delhi’s alleged flags and banners and shouted “Go involvement in terrorist activities Back” slogans. in Balochistan. “How can the ISI, which is “We have seen a video accused of sponsoring terrorism in released by Pakistani authorities IANS India, be allowed to investigate a of a former Indian naval officer, major terrorist strike on a defence doing business in Iran, who is in establishment here?” AAP leader San- Pakistani custody under unex- jay Singh asked. The Pakistani officers plained circumstances,” the PATHANKOT: A Pakistani team were kept away from the media. external affairs ministry said in a probing the terror attack on the IAF The JIT members, who arrived in statement. base in Punjab in January ended its New Delhi on Sunday and had meet- “The video has this individual day-long visit to the frontier base and ings with National Investigation making statements which have no nearby areas in the border belt amid Agency (NIA) officers, left for Amrit- basis in fact. That the individual vocal protests by opposition parties. sar on Tuesday morning en route to claims to make the statements of It is the first time a Pakistan probe Pathankot. “We have, physically and his own free will not only chal- panel, which included an officer of Members of a Pakistani Joint Investigation Team are accompanied by Indian officials as they inspect the visually, barricaded the airbase. Tent lenges credulity but clearly the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) crime spot on the back side of the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot, yesterday. walls were erected around the crime indicates tutoring,” it said. agency, was allowed any access to scene (gunbattle site) and nothing else Kulbushan Yadav says in the a high-value Indian defence facility. the central government of playing a guarded them. various locations in the border belt will be visible to the JIT members,” an video that he had been directing The Indian Air Force base was “double game” — accusing the ISI of The Pakistani officials entered of Pathankot district to retrace the IAF officer said. various activities in Karachi and attacked on January 2, leading to the sponsoring terrorism in India and through a specially created entrance movement of the terrorists. The JIT was not allowed to inter- Balochistan “at the behest of RAW”, death of seven Indian security per- then letting an ISI official to visit the in the peripheral wall of the air base They were shown the places act with IAF or other defence and the Indian intelligence agency, and sonnel and all the attackers after an IAF base. and were taken to specific areas in where Punjab Police officer Salwinder security officials and personnel that he was still with the Indian 80-hour gun battle. The team, which landed at the complex. They spent a few min- Singh’s vehicle was hijacked by the involved in the operation against the Navy. The video was released at The five-member Pakistani Joint Amritsar last morning, was driven utes at the base. terrorists and then abandoned near terrorists. a press conference attended by Investigation Team (JIT) reached the in a bullet-proof SUV to Pathankot, They were kept away from the the base, the place where taxi driver Defence Minister Manohar Par- Pakistan Army spokesman, Lt.Gen. air base yesterday amid vociferous escorted to the rear side of the technical area and shown only those Ikagar Singh was murdered and the rikar had said on Monday that the Asim Bajwa and Information Min- protests by activists of the Congress, sprawling IAF base in a mini bus areas where security forces had route taken by the terrorists while Pakistani team would not have access ister Pervez Rashid. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Shiv Sena. accompanied by NIA officials. Pun- engaged the Pakistani terrorists. reaching the IAF base. to the operational area of the base but The external affairs minis- Those opposing the visit accused jab’s Police’s elite SWAT commandos The team later visited “The Pakistani team was mostly only the isolated “crime scene”. try statement said that it was also relevant to note that despite its request, consular access has not been given to an Indian national under detention in a foreign Sell Sahara properties 10 guilty in Mumbai triple blasts case country, as was the accepted inter- national practice. “We are naturally concerned to repay investors: SC about his well-being in these cir- IANS Those convicted include a former Mosque in Ayodhya in 1992 and the cumstances,” it said. general secretary of the banned out- communal riots in Gujarat in 2002. “The government categori- fit, Students Islamic Movement of Convicted former SIMI gen- cally rejects allegations that this MUMBAI: A Special POTA Court India (SIMI). The first blast occurred eral secretary Saquib Nachan was individual was involved in subver- IANS No property shall be sold below yesterday held 10 people guilty in near McDonald’s eatery in Mumbai described by police as the “master- sive activities in Pakistan at our 90 percent of its prevailing circle connection with the triple bomb Central Terminus on December 6, mind” of the triple blasts. Haroon behest. Our enquiries reveal that rates, the bench said. Also, no dead- blasts in Mumbai between December 2002, another in a Vile Parle mar- Lohar, Nadeem Paloba and Adnan he apparently was being harassed line has been fixed to complete the 2002 and March 2003 that killed at ket on January 27, 2003, and the third Mulla were acquitted by the court for while operating a legitimate busi- NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court process. Sahara has already fur- least 12 people and injured 139 others. in a crowded ladies first class com- lack of evidence against them. ness from Iran.” The statement said yesterday paved the way for the nished the title deeds of the 86 Acquitting three other accused, partment of a suburban train near Meanwhile, the Jamiat Ulema- that while India probed this aspect markets regulator SEBI to sell some properties to facilitate the sale. POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) Mulund on March 13, 2003. e-Hind (JUeM) Maharashtra, which further, Yadav’s presence now in 86 properties of Subrata Roy-led Noting that the market regulator Special Judge P R Deshmukh posted The prosecution said the accused, provided legal aid to the accused, Pakistan raised questions, includ- Sahara group, worth an estimated had 20 unencumbered title deeds the pronouncement of the quantum mostly members of SIMI, wanted said it would challenge the judgment ing the possibility of his abduction Rs40,000crore, giving hope to tens thus far worth Rs 20,000crore, the of sentence for the convicts today. to avenge the razing of the Babri in the Bombay High Court. from Iran. of thousands of investors who put court asked the Sahara group to fur- their money in its various schemes. nish other unencumbered title deeds The directions from the bench of of another Rs20,000crore. Chief Justice T S Thakur, Justice Anil The step is being taken to recover Army returns for R Dave and Justice A K Sikri came money that Sahara’s two firms Relatives of Brussels attack victim mourn after it found that Sahara group was had collected from the public by Everest expedition yet to mobilise the Rs 10,000crore way of optionally fully convertible towards the bail amount to secure debentures. the release of Subrata Roy, who is The SEBI has been directed to IANS lodged in Tihar Jail since March 2014. appoint an agency to decide the “Start working on that. You are mechanism for the sale of properties. now free to go ahead,” the bench told The two companies are: Sahara NEW DELHI: The Indian Army the watchdog, the Securities and India Real Estate and Sahara Hous- team that was at the Mt Ever- Exchange Board of India (SEBI). As ing Investment Corp. est base camp last year when a regards Roy, the bench firmly said: During the hearing, Kapil Sibal, massive earthquake hit Nepal is “The only way he can come out is by representing Sahara, said: “Nowhere returning to the world’s highest complying with our orders.” in the world does this type of case mountain, with the expedition Two other directors of Sahara — happen. There is no jurisdiction in being flagged off yesterday. Ravi Shankar Dubey and Ashok Roy the world that allows a person to be The 30-member Everest Mas- Choudhary — are also in jail. inside jail for two years without any sif Expedition to scale Mt Everest The Sahara group is said to orig- charge.” and Mt Lhotse, was flagged off by inally owe around Rs24,000crore The judges did not take kindly Lt Gen M M S Rai, the vice chief of to investors. to the retort. “Don’t lecture us. Don’t the army. The apex court by its August 31, give us a speech. Nowhere in the This is the same team which 2012, order had directed Sahara to world does a person say that I have was at the Everest base camp when return the money with 15 percent assets worth Rs187,000crore. I can the 7.9-magnitude earthquake interest. Counsel for the watchdog pay anytime. But is not paying even struck Nepal on April 25, 2015. had estimated the dues to be worth Rs10,000 crore.” The team of five officers, four around Rs36,000crore last month. When Sibal urged the court to junior commissioned officers and The apex court said the entire extend communication and other 21 of other ranks, will attempt to process of sale of Sahara properties facilities to Subrata Roy, the court summit Mt Everest, and Mt Lhotse, will be overseen by former Supreme asked him what did he do with those the fourth highest peak, and is Court judge Justice B N Agarwala and facilities that were extended earlier being led by Lt Col R S Jamwal, Relatives console the father of the Indian victim of the Brussels terrorist attack Raghavendra Ganesh that the Sahara group will be kept to negotiate the sale of three over- a reputed climber who was also informed on the steps being taken seas hotels and other assets to raise the leader during last year’s as his body is brought back to his residence in Chennai yesterday. for the disposal of the properties. money — but in vain. expedition. INDIA WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 17

Tulip Garden in Srinagar BJP chief dares Rawat asked to Mamata to seek CBI probe in prove majority sting operation in Uttarakhand ians

KOLKATA/NAYAGRAM: Charging Congress rebels who were disquali- the Trinamool Congress govern- Sacked chief minister fied by the speaker will be allowed to ment with bringing only “fear, take part in the vote. It said the result hunger and corruption” to West Harish Rawat alleged of the voting should be presented Bengal, BJP president Amit Shah that Prime Minister to the court on Friday. It ordered yesterday dared Chief Minister the Registrar General of the court Mamata Banerjee to seek a CBI and BJP president to be present as an observer in the inquiry into the sting operation to wanted to topple his assembly. let the truth come out. government ‘at any An elated Rawat said he was Addressing the media in Kolk- confident of proving his major- ata and holding public rallies in cost’ even to ‘the ity in the state assembly. “We shall Kashmiri college students visit the Tulip Garden in Srinagar yesterday. The Asia’s largest garden spread Nayagram in West Midnapore extent of murdering prove our majority on the floor on over 12 hectares contains some 1.2 million tulip bulbs. The garden was first opened for tourists in district and Raghunathpur of March 31,” he said, castigating the 2008 and stays open for over a month every spring. Purulia district, Shah also chal- democracy’. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led cen- lenged Banerjee to throw out her tral government. party leaders caught in the sting He alleged that Prime Minister operation “taking bribe”. Narendra Modi and BJP president “If you feel your people are IANS Amit Shah wanted to “topple” innocent, then you should imme- his government “at any cost” Poll panel seeks report from Bengal diately send in a request to the even to “the extent of murdering central government for a CBI democracy”. inquiry into the Narada sting DEHRADUN/NEW DELHI: Ousted Congress spokesperson and about ‘sting operation’ on BJP leader operation. Congress government in Uttara- advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi “If Mamata di places a request, khand got a major reprieve yesterday said the court ruling followed two within 36 hours we will ensure after the state high court allowed it days of extensive arguments. IANS He also said Sinha demanded a the city police. ‘doodh ka doodh aur pani ka pani’ to prove its majority in the assembly “The high court accepts the point Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) “We demand a CBI probe. It (the truth will come out),” Shah tomorrow despite President’s Rule in that despite President’s Rule there is probe on the alleged sting operation was a conspiracy. Had it not been said in Kolkata. the hill state. enough scope for judicial review to and sought action against city police a conspiracy they would have been Rubbishing the CPI-M and the A stunned central government, allow a floor test to take place,” Sing- KOLKATA: The Election Commis- commissioner Rajeev Kumar. arrested,” he told the media at the Congress’s charges of a “match- which in a dramatic turn of events hvi told the media. sion yesterday sought a detailed Prior to Sinha’s representa- EC office. fixing” between the BJP and the on Sunday dismissed the Congress He said that the charges against report, within 24 hours, from the tion, the commission wrote to the He alleged the attempt was Trinamool to cover up the sting government and imposed Presi- the Rawat government do not justify West Bengal home secretary on a state home department on Tues- intended to malign the BJP and issue, Shah defended the home dent’s Rule in the hill state citing the invocation of the much con- specific complaint from BJP leader day morning asking for a report on deflect people’s attention from the ministry move for a forensic test breakdown of governance, said it tested Article 356 that empowers Rahul Sinha on police having been the same issue after the Bharatiya Narada sting operation. of the footage of a sting opera- was mulling to challenge the Utta- the central government to impose used to carry out a sting operation on Janata Party moved the commission Sinha said Kumar acted as per tion accusing Uttarakhand Chief rakhand court order because the President’s Rule in a state. him, a poll panel official said. on Monday. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Minister Harish Rawat of indulg- validity of a presidential proclama- “Mere horse-trading allegations “BJP’s Rahul Sinha today (Tues- “We are expecting a reply to instructions. ing in horse-trading to save his tion cannot be reviewed judicially. will not justify President’s Rule and day) gave a presentation before us our first letter by this evening,” said “We have learnt from the sources government. Hearing a petition by sacked stop floor test,” he added. Sing- and on the basis of that, the Com- Sarkar. that Kolkata police commissioner “In Uttarakhand, the governor chief minister Harish Rawat, the hvi said the court has allowed the mission has asked for a detailed Sinha, a BJP national secretary, had drawn up the entire plan of the had sent a CD of the sting along Uttarakhand High Court, however, disqualified Congress legislators factual report from the home secre- alleged that the police were trying to sting operation following the instruc- with a report to the union home allowed President’s Rule in the hill to take part in the voting but their tary within 24 hours,” said additional “cover up the issue” by announcing a tion from chief minister. We have ministry. But here if Mamata didi state to continue till the floor test. vote would be taken into consider- chief electoral officer Dibyendu mere departmental probe against the demanded suspension of the police makes such a request, immediately The court also said that all nine ation separately. Sarkar. accused Special Branch personnel of commissioner” said Sinha. a CBI probe will be initiated,” said Shah. Asked why wasn’t the CBI taking suo motu cognizance, Shah replied: “Are you not aware about the federal structure, or else, let ‘International Will end fast if AFSPA repealed: Irom Sharmila to court Mamata say that you don’t have to care about the federal struc- ture and send the CBI.” court didn’t IANS call off the fast if the Act is repealed. contended. “Mahatma Gandhi, the fast “for more impact” in her demand Earlier this month, the Narada Sharmila appeared before Judge father of the nation, had resorted to for repealing the AFSPA. News portal uploaded on its declare Bose H Singh at the Patiala House Court in fasts while making certain demands,” “I am fed up by trials on the same website video footage of what it a case of attempt to commit suicide she told the court. The district and charge again and again,” she said. claimed was a sting operation in IMPHAL/NEW DELHI: Rights activ- during her fast at Jantar Mantar on sessions court in Imphal had earlier “Since there is no meaning of true which several top-notch Trinamool war criminal’ ist Irom Sharmila, who has been on October 6-7, 2006 soon after being found her not guilty of the charge of democracy in the country, human leaders, including former central a fast unto death since November 4, released in Imphal. She told the court attempting to commit suicide.How- rights activists should join hands. The ministers, incumbent state minis- 2000 demanding repeal of the Armed room that she loves her life and was ever she was rearrested within a few matter should be brought to the atten- ters and MPs were seen allegedly IANS Forces (Special Powers) Act, yesterday merely using her fast as a weapon to days as she continued the fast. tion of the Human Rights Council of accepting bribe in return for assured a court in Delhi that she shall achieve her goal.“It is no crime,” she Sharmila said she was using the the United Nations,” she said. favouring a fictitious company.

NEW DELHI: The government in 1964 could not confirm reports which alleged that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was declared a war Field work Maharashtra farmers hit criminal by an international court in Tokyo after World War II, it was revealed yesterday. hard by cattle sale ban A man named C C Chatterji of Lucknow had written a letter to the ministry of external affairs Reuters no longer feed or water. (MEA) on January 2, 1964 that a “I wonder what the government committee of eminent jurists be wants - our survival or the cat- appointed to go into all the aspects tle’s?” said farmer Revaji Choudhary, of the judgment that had allegedly BELHE: A ban on the sale of cat- standing next to a pair of bulls he has declared Netaji a war criminal tle for slaughter in Maharashtra been trying to sell for weeks in a cat- in Tokyo. The MEA referred the is threatening to push millions of tle market in Maharashtra. matter to the defence ministry farmers into penury, deepening dis- Traditionally, farmers have sold and the law ministry seeking rel- tress in the countryside and fanning cattle in a drought year to butchers, evant information in this regard, resentment against Prime Minister mostly Muslims, and bought new said one of the files in a set of 50 Narendra Modi’s ruling party. ones when their earnings rise after files released by the Narendra Modi Slaughter of cows, considered monsoon showers. government yesterday. sacred in Hinduism, has historically That cycle has been broken and The then government had also been banned in most states but was could leave farmers with little money asked the Indian embassy in Tokyo rarely enforced in India, the world’s to buy seeds or fertiliser ahead of the to find out the same. largest exporter of beef. next sowing season, starting in June. “We have made inquiries with But over the past year, states Farmer suicides have nearly dou- the Japanese Foreign Offices and ruled by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata bled in the drought-hit Marathwada academic circles here who have Party (BJP), such as Maharashtra, region of Maharashtra. given a tentative confirmation have broadened the ban to include Their predicament is causing that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose other types of cattle, like bulls and concern within the BJP, which has was not declared a war crimi- bullocks, and Hindu vigilantes have been trying to bolster its credentials A farmer standing on a plastic drum winnows wheat in a field on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, yesterday. nal. The question does not arise stepped up attacks on traders to in the countryside, where most of because he was never captured enforce the prohibition. India’s 1.3 billion people live. by the allies,” the embassy said in The stricter rules come as Modi Rural distress contributed to an a written response to the MEA. “It and the nationalist BJP lay greater embarrassing defeat for the party is presumed that the reference to stress on Hindu faith, to which the last year in a state election, and more the judgment of the International majority of the population belongs. state polls are due over the com- Court in Tokyo is a reference to the Hyderabad varsity protesters freed from jail Minority groups, including around ing year. In the federal budget last judgment of International Military 180 million Muslims, have expressed month, Modi’s government pledged Tribunal of the Far East delivered concern over the implications. nearly $13bn on rural development, on November 4, 1948. IANS by a city court, the students and two 22 had arrested the students and fac- The impact of the beef ban has aiming to double farmer’s incomes “There does not appear to have teachers walked out of Cherlapally ulty members during the crackdown been significant. Prices of cat- by 2022. Maharashtra BJP legislator any direct connection between the Jail. It took entire day for the fami- on protest against the return of Vice tle have fallen across the country, Bhimrao Dhonde said the govern- work of United Nations War Crime lies and friends of those arrested to Chancellor P Appa Rao. Appa Rao, India’s meat exports fell 13 percent ment’s priority should be to support Commission and the work of this HYDERABAD: All 25 students and complete the bail formalities. who had gone on leave in January in the April-December period and farmers, and they should be allowed tribunal. From the judgment of two faculty members of University The court, while granting bail, following suicide of Dalit research rival beef supplier Brazil is gain- to sell their cattle to whomever they the tribunal, it does not appear of Hyderabad were released from jail had directed them to arrange a scholar Rohith Vemula, resumed ing from India’s loss. It has also left want. “It is time to withdraw the that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s last night, nearly a week after they surety of Rs5,000each. They were charge last week, sparking protest millions of farmers, already reeling ban,” Dhonde said. Madhu Chavan, name figured in that list of person were arrested during a police crack- also directed to appear before the by a section of students who hold from bad harvests due to back-to- a spokesman for the BJP in Mahar- tried,” India’s permanent mission down on the campus. police station till the framing of him responsible for what they call back droughts and unseasonal rains, ashtra, said Dhonde’s view did not to UN said. A day after they were granted bail charges in the case. Police on March the “institutional murder” of Rohith. struggling to sell animals they can reflect that of the party. 18 WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 EUROPE / UK

EU puts Britons at risk from dangerous criminals: ‘Out’ campaigners

Reuters Polls show that concerns about EU laws meant states within the “Free movement of people has “The truth is that the UK already national health service. migration and border controls are bloc did not have to inform British created free movement of criminals has the best of both worlds. We main- Education Secretary Nicky Mor- likely to play a big role in how Brit- authorities on a systematic basis about making the UK less safe and less tain all the benefits of EU membership gan said young people could become ons will vote in a referendum on June the criminal backgrounds of their secure.” whilst opting out of the passport-free a “lost generation” if Britain left and LONDON: The European Union puts 23 on Britain’s EU membership. nationals allowing free movement Lucy Thomas, deputy director of Schengen area and maintaining our firms were suspending hiring deci- British families at risk by allowing the The Vote Leave campaign, one of for dangerous individuals, it said. the Britain Stronger In Europe group, border at Calais (in France) rather sions or advertising jobs. free movement of dangerous crimi- the groups pushing for an exit, com- “EU membership means we have described the argument as “scare- than at Dover.” Vote Leave said EU was bad for nals, campaigners who want Britain piled a dossier listing people who it lost control of our borders and have mongering of the worst kind.” Campaigners on both sides have the young by driving up costs and to leave the bloc said on Tuesday, described as the 50 most dangerous been unable to prevent dangerous “It is a mix of chaos and confu- traded claims and counter-claims forcing down wages. “In” campaigners an argument dismissed as “scare- citizens from EU countries in Britain individuals from walking into the UK,” sion,” said Conservative lawmaker about whether a British exit from the are keen to mobilise younger voters mongering of the worst kind” by EU and who committed offences includ- Vote Leave Chief Executive Matthew Damian Green, a former interior min- EU would be damaging for Britain on who surveys show are overwhelm- supporters. ing murder and rape in the country. Elliott said. ister who backs staying in the EU. issues ranging from security to the ingly pro-EU.

Polish leader Under-fire Belgian cops on toes again goes to US but no talks planned fled after his bomb did not detonate. With his release on Monday, the with Obama The authorities hunt was back on for the so-called again revised lower “man in the hat” seen in CCTV footage next to the two Islamic State suicide the death toll from bombers at Zaventem airport. AP suicide attacks to The airport, closed since the blasts wrecked the departure hall, 32, just a day after was readying to stage a test run Tues- WARSAW: Poland’s president is they had raised the day involving hundreds of volunteer traveling to Washington for a secu- number of dead staff to determine if it was ready to rity summit but has no meeting resume flights, albeit in a very lim- scheduled with President Barack to 35. ited capacity, on Wednesday. Obama. Observers in Poland say A temporary check-in facility has controversial government policies been set up and passengers will be may be the reason. subject to extra security checks. President Andrzej Duda’s AFP Brussels Airport chief executive schedule, released yesterday, Arnaud Feist told L’Echo daily it could includes no meetings with Obama take “months” for the airport to be or any key US politicians. fully operational again. Poland’s top security official, BRUSSELS: Under-fire Belgian A total of 35 people died in the Pawel Soloch, said that Duda is authorities hunted a fugitive bomber attacks at the airport and Maalbeek “essentially” prepared for a meet- yesterday, a week after the attacks, as metro station and 340 were injured, ing with Obama, but that it would the city’s airport warned it could take 96 of whom remain in hospital. be up to the US side to organise it. months to fully reopen despite hold- Many foreign nationals were “Barack Obama’s rejection of ing a drill for partial restart. among the victims, testament to the Andrzej Duda’s request for a meet- Meanwhile, the authorities yester- cosmopolitan nature of a city that is ing is the biggest failure of Polish day again revised lower the death toll home to both the European Union and diplomacy” under the conservative Police forces check vehicles at the entry to Brussels Zaventem airport in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday. from suicide attacks to 32 after “thor- Nato. Nearly all the fatalities have now ruling party, commentator Jedrzej ough verification”, just a day after they been identified. The Indian govern- Bielecki wrote in Rzeczpospolita, had raised the number of dead to 35. ment yesterday confirmed that a Adding to the recriminations, didn’t want to cross that line.” missed clues in keeping tabs on crim- a major daily newspaper based in As Brussels struggled to get back 31-year-old Indian man was on the Brussels mayor Yvan Mayeur said The man’s lawyer Olivier Martins inals linked to jihadist networks, the Warsaw. on its feet, criticism of Belgium’s han- metro train blown up by a suicide he regretted the release of the man said that his client was let go because Belgian government has admitted But Poland’s leader isn’t alone. dling of the case mounted after the bomber. identified by Belgian media as Faycal he had an alibi. mistakes were made. Among dozens of world lead- sole suspect to be charged over the While Belgian authorities were Cheffou, who claimed to be a free- “He gave an alibi based on tel- In the most glaring such example, ers expected to attend, the White metro and airport attacks was freed quick to identify all three bombers, lance journalist. ephone analysis which showed Turkey accused Belgium last week of House so far has announced only for lack of evidence. the inquiry is dogged by accusations Hinting at suspicions that the that he was at home at the time of ignoring a clear and present danger three will have one-on-one meet- Prosecutors had charged the sus- that Belgium missed a series of leads man was a jihadist recruiter, he said the attacks,” Martins was quoted as after revealing it had deported airport ings with Obama: the leaders of pect Faycal C, with “terrorist murder” in cracking down on a jihadist net- “There is a thin line between an agi- saying. suicide bomber Ibrahim El Bakraoui China, Japan and of South Korea. and were investigating whether he work linked to Brussels attacks as tated radical and a radical recruiter, Under pressure at home and as a “terrorist fighter” last year after Before he attends the Nuclear was the third airport attacker who well as November 13 Paris attack. . and in this case the judge probably abroad for an apparent series of arresting him near the Syrian border. Security Summit to be held tomor- row and Friday, Duda is to meet with US media to defend Polish government policies which have sparked street protests and drawn Thousands sign censure from European Union Migrant protests intensify at Greek border leaders and institutions, as well petition to scrap as from some U.S. senators and media. They say that Poland’s UK foreign aid Agencies remain closed to all migrants at least fewer than 600 people arrived over Libyan coast intensifies. democracy and rule of law are until the end of the year. the four-day weekend from Friday. The “Diciotti” vessel came to the threatened. Some 12,000 people remain Under an EU-Turkey agreement, rescue of four inflatable dinghies and Vowing “good change,” the target camped out in harsh conditions near Ankara is supposed to stop migrants a boat, bringing a total of 774 people Law and Justice party is imple- THESSALONIKI, GREECE: Police the border village of Idomeni, despite arriving in Europe and take back all to safety, including 125 women and menting sweeping social and clashed with some 300 migrants at daily calls by the government to move people from Greece who do not qual- five children, the coast guard said in political changes, including wider Reuters the Greek border with Macedonia, to nearby shelters built by the army. ify for asylum. a statement. surveillance powers for the police as protests intensified and thousands The European Union, mean- For the returns to Turkey to hap- Meanwhile, three Italian navy and new legislation that has para- ignored government instructions to while, said yesterday that number of pen, Greece must change its laws and ships rescued over 660 migrants in lysed the country’s top court, the move to organised shelters. migrants leaving Turkey for Greece declare Turkey a “safe country” for various operations while a German Constitutional Tribunal. LONDON: An online petition call- Youths threw rocks at riot police in Europe has dropped sharply over the migrants. Athens agreed to do that military ship picked up another 105. A staunch US ally that has ing on the British government to who withdrew from the area with- the last week. by March 28, but drafting of the bill Close to 1,500 people were res- contributed troops to Iraq and scrap its target of spending 0.7 out making any arrests, authorities EU Commission spokeswoman has taken longer than expected. cued in the Mediterranean over the Afghanistan, Poland is counting on percent of national income on said yesterday. Natasha Bertaud said that “less than Meanwhile, in Italy the Italy’s weekend, adding to fears that calmer Washington’s understanding, espe- development aid has been signed The protesters have blocked 1,000 people arrived last week, com- coast guard said yesterday that 1,569 seas at the onset of spring is encour- cially ahead of the Nato summit to by more than 140,000 people, freight rail tracks for the past eight pared to average arrivals of 2,000 a migrants had been rescued in 11 sep- aging greater numbers of migrants to be held in Warsaw in July, where meaning there may be a parlia- days, demanding that the border reo- day in previous weeks.” arate operations in the Strait of Sicily, attempt the perilous crossing after a Poland wants to obtain greater mentary debate on the issue. pen. Macedonia says the border will Commission figures show that as a wave of boats departing from the winter lull. security guarantees for the region. The petition, which says UK aid money should be allocated on a case-by-case basis, was launched by the right-wing Mail on Sunday newspaper, after what it said was Damage in London being assessed William and Kate to visit an investigation into how Britain spent its overseas aid. Any online petition that gath- ers more than 100,000 signatures Taj Mahal next month has to be considered for a debate in parliament. The newspaper said its investigation had shown that UK Reuters Mahal on subsequent visits to India, aid money had funded Palestin- but William, the Duke of Cambridge, ian “terrorists”, English lessons for and Kate “cannot wait to see it” North Korean officials, a radio pro- during their official six-day tour to gramme with tips for Somalis on LONDON: More than two decades India and Bhutan starting on April how to migrate to Europe, and had after Britain’s Princess Diana was 10, said a spokesman for William helped to build a palace. pictured forlornly alone at the Taj yesterday. UK overseas development aid, Mahal, her son Prince William and “The Duke of Cambridge is of which was $16.8bn in 2014, should his wife Kate will visit the Indian course aware of the huge esteem his be spent in Britain instead of being landmark next month, evoking mother, the late Princess of Wales is “squandered” on such projects, the memories of his mother’s infamous held in in India and he appreciates Mail on Sunday said. 1992 trip. the iconic status of the images that The Department for Inter- The image of Diana sitting on exist of the princess at the Taj,” the national Development (DFID), a bench during a solitary sight- spokesman said. “He feels incredibly the ministry that manages over- seeing trip to the Taj Mahal, a lucky to visit a place where his seas aid, rejected the accusations, monument to love, made front page mother’s memory is kept alive by saying they misrepresented or news worldwide and was widely so many who travel there,” he added. inaccurately portrayed projects interpreted as symbolising the “Twenty-four years on from it supported, including some that irreparable state of her marriage to her visit to the Taj, the duke and were no longer funded. heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles. the duchess are looking forward “UK aid is spent where it is The couple divorced in 1996 after to seeing this beautiful place for most needed and is subject to rig- 15 years of marriage, a year before themselves and creating some new orous internal and external checks Members of the London fire brigade assess the damage at The Duchess public house after Storm Diana was killed in a car crash in memories as they say ‘thank you’ to and scrutiny at all stages,” DFID Katie’s high winds brought down part of the building’s roof support in London. Paris. the people of India at the conclusion said in a statement on its website. Charles has avoided the Taj of this tour.” EUROPE WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 19

Yugoslav court China’s Xi inks strategic pact in Prague refuses bid to amend detention Chinese investors would pour 95 bil- lion koruna (€3.5bn, $3.93bn) into the of ex-ICT official The visit by the Czech Republic in 2016 alone. Chinese President But the announcement failed to silence China’s critics. AFP to the Czech “I have never come across such Republic has been bootlicking as I can see now,” former overshadowed by foreign minister Karel Schwarzenberg THE HAGUE: The Yugoslav war said, criticising the warm welcome crimes court has rejected a plea protests by human Zeman has offered his Chinese to improve the conditions under rights groups and counterpart. which it is holding Florence Hart- To show its disapproval mann, the former spokeswoman opposition politicians Schwarzenberg’s conservative TOP 09 for the chief prosecutor, her law- critical of China’s party, which accuses Xi of oversee- yer said yesterday. ing mass executions and other serious French national Hartmann, 53, policy in Tibet. rights abuses, hung two Tibetan flags who was sentenced on appeal to from parliament’s windows yesterday. seven days in prison after writing a Several dozen protesters from book containing confidential court China’s banned Falun Gong religious details, was dramatically grabbed AFP movement demonstrated outside on Thursday at tribunal’s entrance Prague Castle as Xi arrived for talks as she tried to attend the landmark with Zeman, who welcomed the Chi- verdict against former Bosnian nese leader with full military honours. Serb leader Radovan Karadzic. PRAGUE: Chinese President Xi Jin- including a 21-gun salute. Her lawyer Guenael Mettraux ping signed a landmark strategic Police arrested 12 people on Mon- filed a series of applications to partnership with his Czech counter- day after pro-Tibetan demonstrators International Criminal Tribunal part in Prague yesterday amid a fresh scuffled with crowds who had turned for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in wave of protests in the Czech capi- out to welcome the Chinese leader. Chinese President Xi Jinping (second left) and Czech President Milos Zeman sign a bilateral treaty of The Hague to “modify” the circum- tal against Beijing’s policies on Tibet. Chinese flags hung on Prague’s partnership at Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic, yesterday. stances under which she is held, The first visit by a Chinese head of streets were defaced, and a huge bill- describing it as “suicide watch con- state to the Czech Republic has been board of Tibetan spiritual leader, the ditions.” He had also called for her overshadowed by protests by human Dalai Lama, meeting with the late during Havel’s presidency between has won a global following through Pro-European opposition politi- early release. “They’ve refused rights groups and opposition politi- Czech president Vaclav Havel was 1989 and 2003. his spiritual teachings, but China has cians like Schwarzenberg accuse him to modify the conditions of her cians critical of China’s policy in Tibet. erected on the road leading from the China, which has ruled Tibet since tried to ostracise anyone who deals of excessive servility vis-a-vis Xi. detention in a decision which for Czech President Milos Zeman, airport to the city. 1951, accuses the Dalai Lama of sup- with the monk. On Monday, Zeman hosted the strange reasons they haven’t made who billed the visit as a chance to “These gentlemen are at home porting separatism and violence in The Prague protests underscore Chinese president at his official public,” Mettraux said. boost trade with world’s second- here”, the billboard read, recalling the the region. the controversy around President residence, where the two were pho- “I have asked for the reasons biggest economy, announced that Dalai Lama’s frequent visits to Prague The Nobel Peace Prize winner Zeman’s staunchly pro-China policy. tographed planting a ginkgo tree. to be made public and that the public be informed about what they are doing to Florence,” he said. Hartmann, a former Bal- Paris to revamp kans correspondent for the French Kremlin backs Chechen strongman for stability daily Le Monde, was grabbed by UN guards in front of the ICTY main squares to where she once worked as the AFP alleged involvement of his circle in Moscow, Kadyrov has built a system at least respect him.” spokeswoman for former pros- make way for the murder of Kremlin critic Boris that has brought Chechnya under his Columnist Maria Zheleznova of ecutor Carla Del Ponte between Nemtsov in February 2015 stirred thumb at the expense of human rights Vedomosti business daily argued 2000-2006. Hartmann was talk that Moscow’s loyal vassal had and freedom of expression. that replacing Kadyrov would be prosecuted in 2007 for revealing pedestrians MOSCOW: Moscow’s endorsement of gone rogue and could be dismissed. Authorities in Moscow have done “too costly” for the Kremlin, which details of two confidential appeals Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov for But in a televised meeting with little to confront violations perpe- is counting on him to smother chamber decisions in her book another term is a bid to ensure sta- Kadyrov, Putin ended speculation trated in the region, including recent extremism in the region and ensure published that year. The data, AFP bility in the crucial region, in a move by praising the 39-year former attacks against rights activists and it remains loyal to Moscow. which emerged during the trial of analysts said turns a blind eye to the rebel fighter for having “trans- journalists, knowing that dismissing Though he praised Kadyrov as a late Serbian strongman Slobodan strongman’s faults. formed” the region, ravaged by or simply rebuking Kadyrov could “good manager”, Putin advised him to Milosevic, allegedly implicated PARIS: Paris authorities yester- Russian President Vladimir Putin two separatist wars in the 1990s destabilise the region. act in “closer coordination with fed- the Serbian state in the 1995 mas- day approved a plan to give seven on Friday said Kadyrov, in power and early 2000s. “The Kremlin understands that if eral organs of power” and “observe sacre of some 8,000 Muslim men major squares in the French cap- since 2007, would continue as acting “There were simply no other can- Ramzan Kadyrov wasn’t there, unpre- Russian law in all spheres of life”. and boys in Srebrenica, Bosnia. ital a massive makeover to make leader until elections in September didates for the position,” said Alexei dictable things could happen in the Putin’s recommendations come as In 2009, Hartmann was way for pedestrians, cyclists and after long remaining silent on the fate Malashenko, an analyst. . “There region,” including internal fight- concern grows within the federal initially fined $7,800 for con- more greenery. of the Chechen leader, who has faced is nothing surprising in Putin’s ing that could fuel armed conflict, security forces that Chechenya— tempt for disclosing confidential Paris boasts numerous vast mounting criticism from opponents. decision.” Malashenko said. whose police force answers to information in her book “Paix squares, with beautiful structures Kadyrov’s call to eliminate Rus- With unlimited funds from the “He keeps the situation under Kadyrov—is increasingly beyond the et Chatiment” (Peace and in their centre, like July Column on sia’s “enemy” opposition and the Kremlin in exchange for loyalty to control and those who don’t like him state’s control. Punishment). the Place de la Bastille—a symbol of the French Revolution—the Pan- theon mausoleum or Madeleine church. However, pedestrians often have to get through several Major fire in Germany Turkey protests to Germany lanes of snarled traffic, while a lack of cycling lanes makes cross- ing the squares a nightmare for over video on Erdogan those on bikes. Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s plan aims to make “cyclists and AP among other things to imprisonment pedestrians the priority”, with 50 of opposition journalists, authorities’ percent more space dedicated to heavy-handed response to protesters those not behind a steering wheel. and allegations that Turkey prefers Drinking fountains and more ANKARA, TURKEY: The German to take action against Kurdish rebels greenery are also in store for the ambassador to Turkey has been rather than the IS group. It features a revamped squares—an election summoned to the foreign minis- clip of Erdogan falling off a horse. Its promise made by the Socialist try over the broadcast by German lyrics include the line: “a journalist mayor. The mayor has taken sev- television of a song that pokes fun who writes something that doesn’t eral initiatives to green up the at Turkish President Recep Tayyip suit Erdogan will be in the slammer French capital, where pollution Erdogan, an official said yesterday. tomorrow.” has become a major problem. Turkey condemned the satir- The broadcaster that made the Last March, authorities briefly ical video to Ambassador Martin video noted that political satire is forced half the cars off the roads Erdmann during a meeting last allowed in Germany. of Paris under an even-and-odd week and demanded that the pub- “That the Turkish government licence plate scheme. lic broadcaster that aired it March apparently has taken diplomatic Hidalgo announced in January 17 cease showing it, according to a action ... is not compatible with that the famed Champs-Elysees ministry official who spoke on con- our understanding of freedom of avenue would from April be closed dition of anonymity. the press and opinion,” Andreas to traffic one Sunday a month and Firefighters extinguishing a blaze on the grounds of poultry producer Wiesenhof in Lohne, Germany. The German-language song, Cichowicz, the chief editor of NDR one in two Parisian parks would be The fire caused damage of more than €10m. which on broadcaster ARD’s web- television, the ARD regional broad- open 24 hours a day. site and on social media, alludes caster that produced the song, said. Ukraine’s parliament sacks corruption-tainted prosecutor

AFP Viktor Shokin from the post he has funds by the deposed Russian-backed who had called for his boss’s dismissal. The president’s party has already a deal has been done to move Yat- held since February 2015. leadership and of blocking probes into Shokin said he was removing nominated parliament speaker Volo- senyuk aside” and possibly give him “Hallelujah! Finally!” Ukraine’s prosecutors who were fired after being Sakvarelidze “for grave violations of dymyr Groysman to head the future Groysman’s current post. acting Economy Minister Aivaras Abro- discovered hoarding cash and dia- prosecutors’ ethics and interference cabinet. Nomura International strat- The chamber’s largest factions KIEV: Ukraine’s parliament yesterday mavicius tweeted after the vote. monds in their homes. in the work of another prosecutor in egist Timothy Ash said Groysman held separate consultations yester- sacked the country’s chief prosecutor The respected economy chief Shokin has also purportedly cov- ways not stipulated by legislation.” “did a reasonable job as speaker of day about what they intended to do over his alleged attempts to stall high- submitted a letter of resignation last ered up the corrupt dealings of people Yatsenyuk’s decision to cling on to parliament and has obviously built about Yatsenyuk and whether to keep profile corruption investigations and month due to the government’s per- close to the ruling regime. his premiership post has created a new cross-party relations therein.” the pro-Western ruling coalition intact. cover up state graft. ceived refusal to fight graft. Parliament Poroshenko asked Shokin—viewed wave of uncertainty over the politi- But Ash added in an editorial pub- The parliamentary majority’s The decision should cheer West- has yet to decide whether to approve as one of his closer allies—to quit in cal stability of a nation that is already lished in the Kyiv Post on Thursday breakup would give the president ern allies who expressed increasing his departure. the face of mounting pressure during a suffering from a nearly two-year con- that he was “not sure that Groysman right to call snap elections within a concern about the ex-Soviet country Shokin was ensnared in a web rowdy February 16 parliament session flict in the pro-Russian separatist east. is an improvement on Yatsenyuk in month -- something Poroshenko has reverting to a culture of sleaze since it of ugly charges that also cast a cloud that saw Prime Minister Arseniy Yat- Poroshenko last week again called terms of being able to build and sell a said he would prefer not to do. But ousted the disdained Russian-backed over Ukrainian President Petro Poro- senyuk survive a no-confidence vote. on Yatsenyuk—a fierce Russian crit- reform agenda.” one member of the president’s party president and chose an alliance with shenko’s commitment to the policy of Shokin submitted his letter of res- ics whose rumoured ties to powerful This political speculation assumes sounded gloomy heading into the coa- Europe in a historic 2014 revolt. clean hands that he promised to cham- ignation but did not go out without a tycoons have seen his approval plum- that Yatsenyuk will eventually agree to lition talks. “Whether we want them Lawmakers voted by an over- pion when elected in May 2014. fight. One of his final acts in office yes- met—to finally step down and for resign. Parliament cannot try to oust or not, snap parliamentary elections whelming 289 votes to six to accept His critics accused Shokin of failing terday was to fire his reformist deputy parliament to pick his successor dur- the prime minister twice in the same are moving ever closer,” Sergiy Lesh- the resignation of Prosecutor General to look into the reported theft of state Davit Sakvarelidze—a top Shokin critic ing yesterday session. session and Ash said that “presumably chenko wrote on Facebook. 20 WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 AMERICAS

Sanders team Police arrest pushes Hillary for Donald Trump’s New York debate AFP

WASHINGTON: Bernie Sanders’ cam- campaign aide paign team called on Hillary Clinton to relent and agree to hold a debate between the Democratic presidential hopefuls in New York before the state of Michelle Fields, then a reporter primary on April 19. for the conservative news outlet Sanders, a self-described demo- Corey Lewandowski Breitbart, when she tried to ques- cratic socialist, is hanging on in the was charged tion Trump at an event on March 8. race for the party ticket and trounced with intentionally “Mr. Lewandowski is absolutely frontrunner Clinton at the weekend in innocent of this charge,” Trump’s three western states. grabbing and campaign said in a statement. “He He will need to replicate that bruising arm of will enter a plea of not guilty and stunning success in the remaining looks forward to his day in court. states with the three largest delegate Michelle Fields, then He is completely confident that he allocations—California, New York and a reporter for the will be exonerated.” A file photo of Corey Lewandowski speaking to media at an event in Palm Beach, Florida. Pennsylvania—if he is to stand any Police released a video of the hope of pulling off a shock and beat- conservative news incident showing Fields walk- ing the former secretary of state to the outlet Breitbart, at ing alongside Trump and trying John Kasich in polls and in the number then go on and defeat Hillary Clinton this person was on our campaign he party nomination. an event on March 8. to question him. Lewandowski is of delegates to the nominating conven- in the fall this year,” Walker said, refer- would have been fired long ago.” The last debate was in Miami on seen grabbing her arm and pull- tion, despite a concerted effort by the ring to the Democratic front-runner. Trump defended Lewandowski March 9 and two more are theoreti- ing her backward. Previous videos Republican establishment to stop him Walker joins a number of other after he was charged. “Look at tapes cally planned for April and May, with of the incident had been obscured out of fear he will lead the party to more mainstream Republicans who - nothing there!” Trump said, calling dates and venues undecided. Sanders by people in the crowd. At the time, defeat in November. have backed Cruz as the best alterna- Lewandowski “a very decent man.” is pushing for New York to be one of Reuters Lewandowski called Fields “delu- Cruz picked up an endorsement tive to Trump, who racked up a strong Trump spokeswoman Katrina Pier- the venues. Opinion polls show Clin- sional” and said he never touched her. yesterday from Wisconsin Governor delegate lead but alienated many party son said that Lewandowski would ton well ahead in the state. Campaign rallies for Trump Scott Walker ahead of the state’s pri- leaders with his harsh views on immi- “absolutely” stay on the job. Lewand- “It has been disappointing that have been marked by rowdiness mary next week. Walker, who dropped gration, Muslims and women. owski was charged with simple battery, there seems to be some hedging on WASHINGTON/NEW YORK: US and occasional clashes between out of the presidential race last year, Cruz told reporters while cam- defined under Florida law as inten- the part of the Clinton campaign,” Republican presidential front-runner protesters and supporters or secu- said he backed Cruz because he was a paigning in Wisconsin that the charges tionally touching or striking a person said Sanders’s campaign manager Jeff Donald Trump’s campaign manager, rity personnel. principled constitutional conservative. reflected the “abusive” culture of the against their will. For a first offence, it Weaver in a call to reporters. Corey Lewandowski, was arrested His pugnacious campaign style, “To me, I’m all in,” Walker said in a Trump campaign. is a misdemeanor in the first degree, “To deny the people of New York and charged with misdemeanor bat- which includes personal insults radio interview on WTMJ radio in Mil- “When you have a campaign that which carries a maximum sentence of the opportunity to see a debate, when tery in Florida yesterday, the latest directed at rivals and scathing waukee, adding he was not endorsing built on personal insults, attacks and one year in prison or a fine of $1,000. it’s a state where the secretary repre- chapter in a raucous White House criticism of protesters, has been Cruz in an attempt to stop Trump. now physical violence, that has no A court date was set for May 4, sented them, was elected twice to the race marked by threats, insults and criticised for encouraging physical “I just fundamentally believe if place in our campaign, it has no place according to the police report. Jupiter Senate, has her national headquar- physical confrontations. altercations at his rallies. you look at the facts, if you look at the in our democracy,” Cruz said. police said Lewandowski turned him- ters in Brooklyn, to then say you’re Police in Jupiter, Florida, charged The real estate mogul leads numbers, that Ted Cruz is in the best Kasich’s senior adviser, John self in to police, and he was issued a not willing to debate Bernie Sanders Lewandowski, 42, with intention- remaining rivals Ted Cruz, a Sena- position by far to both win the nomi- Weaver, said that “campaigns reflect notice requiring him to appear in court in New York, I think is just not going to ally grabbing and bruising the arm tor from Texas, and Ohio Governor nation of the Republican Party and to the character of the candidate and if and then released. be acceptable to voters in New York.” Journalists partly to blame for tone of presidential race: Obama

Reuters In a speech to a journalism getting as I travel around the world completely crazy politics,” he said. campaign in 2008, when “there was Voters “would be better served if awards dinner, Obama urged jour- or talk to world leaders right now “When our elected officials and a price if you said one thing and then billions of dollars in free media came nalists to ask tougher questions of the is, ‘What is happening in America?’ our political campaigns become did something completely different. with serious accountability, when candidates vying to be president. He about our politics,” Obama said, entirely untethered to reason and “The question is, in the current politicians issue unworkable plans,” WASHINGTON: President Barack voiced dismay over the vulgar rheto- describing international alarm over facts and analysis, when it doesn’t media environment, is that still true? Obama said. Obama laid some of the blame for ric, violence at rallies and unrealistic whether the United States will con- matter what’s true and what’s not, Does that still hold?” he said. The New York Times earlier this the tone of the presidential cam- campaign pledges that have contin- tinue to function effectively. that makes it all but impossible for He said news organisations have month reported Trump has earned paign on political journalism that has ually grabbed headlines, in a thinly “It’s not because around the world us to make good decisions on behalf a responsibility to dig deeper despite almost $1.9bn worth media coverage, been pinched by shrinking newsroom veiled reference to Republican front- people have not seen crazy politics. of future generations,” Obama said. the faster pace of “this smartphone compared with $313m for Republi- budgets and cheapened by a focus on runner Donald Trump. It is that they understand America He said the media landscape has age” and steep financial pressures in can challenger Ted Cruz of Texas, and retweets and likes on social media. “The number one question I’m is the place where you can’t afford changed since his first presidential the news business. $746m for Hillary Clinton.

Obama heads for Atlanta Johnson named interim Haiti’s interim leadership swears Chicago police chief in new cabinet

told a news conference. “He has the command, the character and the AFP AFP capabilities to lead the department at this critical junction.” With more than a quarter of a PORT-AU-PRINCE: Haiti’s interim century of experience, Johnson— leader, Jocelerme Privert, officially WASHINGTON: Chicago’s mayor the force’s chief of patrol—enjoys swore in his cabinet, promising appointed a veteran African-American the support of blacks and Hispan- an urgent push forward to get the police officer as the US city’s interim ics in Chicago. But he has a large task Caribbean nation’s electoral proc- top cop tasked with restoring confi- ahead of him as he works to restore ess back on track. dence in the scandal-plagued force. the reputation of the police force, “You will not have the luxury Eddie Johnson replaces Interim which is the target of a federal civil of any grace period: It is already Superintendent John Escalante, who rights probe prompted by McDon- time to get to work” he told cabinet took over after Superintendent Garry ald’s death. ministers at the National Palace. McCarthy was fired late last year McDonald, who was holding a Haiti has been fighting to following the release of video show- knife when he was shot, was gunned emerge from a political crisis ing a white officer fatally shooting down in the middle of the street by since a runoff presidential elec- a black teenager, Laquan McDon- police officer Jason Van Dyke who tion in January was suspended ald, in 2014. continued shooting after the 17-year- amid allegations of fraud on the “I’ve worked with Eddie John- old fell to the ground. part of the government. son over the past five years and I Emanuel, who has ties to Presi- Privert, 62, was named act- US President Barack Obama boards Air Force One prior to departing from Andrews Air Force Base in believe he is the right person at the dent Barack Obama, faced protests ing president to replace outgoing Maryland for Atlanta, yesterday. right time to serve as interim super- and calls to resign over McDonald’s Michel Martelly and appointed a intendent,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel death. prime minister in late February— former central bank governor Fritz-Alphonse Jean. But law- makers rejected his programme to form a government, so Jean could not serve. Capitol returns to normal a day after intruder is shot Privert, whose mandate began February 14 and is to last 120 days, went back to the drawing board AP hospital and underwent surgery. Late With last week’s suicide attacks in marred as police investigated a pair suffered minor injuries. Later spokes- and named Enex Jean-Charles as on Monday, police said he was in sta- Brussels, Belgium, that killed 35 peo- of suspicious packages at the Capitol’s woman Susan Griffiths of George prime minister. The 55-year-old ble but critical condition. ple fresh on people’s minds, Capitol East Front and Library of Congress Washington University Hospital said civil servant has previously served Dawson disrupted a House ses- Police Chief Matthew R Verderosa Jefferson Building. By mid-morning, that hospital was about to release a as an adviser to several presidents. WASHINGTON: The US Capitol com- sion last October by yelling he was held a brief news conference at which both packages had been declared patient it had treated for minor inju- The 15-member cabinet proposed plex reopened amid visibly higher a “Prophet of God.” He was issued a he said terrorism seemed unlikely. harmless and road closures just out- ries and whom it did not identify. by Jean-Charles was approved in security yesterday, a day after police “stay away order” by the District of “We believe this is an act of a sin- side those buildings were lifted. Bill Miller, a spokesman for the both the senate and the lower say officers shot and wounded a man Columbia Superior Court that same gle person who has frequented the Verderosa said he did not know US Attorney’s Office for the District chamber. who pulled a weapon at a security month that required him to avoid the Capitol grounds before and there is how many officers had fired at the of Columbia, said that after Dawson’s Privert’s main job going for- checkpoint as he entered the under- Capitol grounds, court documents no reason to believe that this is more suspect in Monday’s incident. He said October arrest, he did not appear in ward will be to steer the electoral ground Capitol Visitor Center. show. than a criminal act,” Verderosa said. no officers were injured. court as scheduled the following process back on track and hold the Capitol Police identified the The incident, in which a bystander There appeared to be more police Verderosa said a weapon had month. postponed runoff vote. man as 66-year-old Larry R Daw- was slightly wounded, occurred at the officers than usual at some posts out- been recovered at the scene and the Miller said a bench warrant was In October Martelly’s favored son of Tennessee. He was charged tourists’ entry point to a building that side the buildings as the Capitol and suspect’s vehicle had been found on issued for his arrest and in January. candidate, Jovenel Moise, won the with assault with a deadly weapon had heightened security even before its surrounding buildings resumed the Capitol grounds and would be Dawson wrote the court a letter in first round of presidential voting 33 and assault on a police officer while the terrorist attacks of September 11, business yesterday. seized. which he claimed to be exempt from percent to 25 percent over runner- armed. Dawson was taken to a local 2001, and has had periodic scares. Even so, the reopening was He also said a female bystander laws because he is a prophet of God. up Jude Celestin. AMERICAS WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 21 Action against Apple dropped as iPhone unlocked

Reuters will undermine security for everyone. In a two-page court filing, the Jus- on our data become more frequent and pending cases where law enforce- Government officials are equally tice Department said the government more sophisticated,” Apple said. ment officials are asking for access The abrupt end to a insistent that all manner of criminal had “successfully accessed the data Tech industry leaders including to iPhones. It is not clear if they will confrontation that investigations will be crippled with- stored on Farook’s iPhone and there- Google, Facebook and Microsoft and have access to the break-in technique. SAN FRANCISCO: The US Justice out access to phone data. fore no longer requires the assistance more than two dozen other com- In one New York case, Justice Department said it had succeeded had transfixed the At issue in the case was a county- from Apple.” panies filed legal briefs supporting Department officials have to respond in unlocking an iPhone used by one tech industry was a owned iPhone used by Rizwan It asked a federal magistrate in Apple. The Justice Department to an Apple request to delay the pro- of the San Bernardino shooters and Farook, one of the husband-and-wife Riverside, California, to withdraw received support from law enforce- ceedings. That could provide clues dropped its legal case against Apple, victory for Apple. shooters in the December rampage the order compelling Apple to assist. ment groups and six relatives of San as to how the government intends to ending a high-stakes legal battle but in San Bernardino, California, in Apple had argued that the gov- Bernardino victims. deal with other iPhone cases. leaving the broader struggle over which 14 people were killed and 22 ernment request and resulting court The Justice Department’s apparent A senior law enforcement official encryption unresolved. wounded. The couple died in a shoot- order were a massive overreach that discovery of an iPhone hacking tech- said it was too soon to say whether the The abrupt end to a confrontation set a dangerous precedent,” Apple said out with police after the attack. would give courts unlimited authority nique presents thorny questions about government’s technique would work that had transfixed the tech indus- in a statement. “As a result of the gov- After saying for weeks in court to force private companies to work as how that knowledge will be shared. on other iPhones, or if it would share try was a victory for Apple, which ernment’s dismissal, neither of these filings and congressional testimony their agents. It argued that Congress If the government tells Apple information with Apple or other law vehemently opposed a court order occurred. This case should never have that Apple possessed the “exclusive had declined to give government such about the details, the company would enforcement agencies. obtained by the Justice Department been brought.” technical means” to unlock Farook’s powers when it comes to electronic presumably fix whatever vulnerability The FBI said it would not com- that would have required it to write But the larger fight over law phone, the Justice Department unex- surveillance and data collection. was used and thus render the method ment on the technical steps taken new software to get into the iPhone. enforcement access to encrypted pectedly announced on the eve of a “We will continue to help law ineffective. If the government with- to access the phone’s data.“The full “From the beginning, we objected information is by no means over. The court hearing last week that an uni- enforcement with their investigations, holds the information, Apple could exploitation of the phone and inves- to the FBI’s demand that Apple build technology industry is adamant that dentified outside party had presented as we have done all along, and we will face a public perception problem tigative steps are continuing,” David a back door into the iPhone because anything that helps authorities bypass it with a technique that might open continue to increase the security of about the security of its phones. Bowdich, Assistant Director in Charge we believed it was wrong and would the security features of tech products the phone without help from Apple. our products as the threats and attacks There are also a number of of FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, said.

Drugs cache in Bolivia Man gets 10-year North Korea to top jail for crash that Nuclear Security killed 3 children TORONTO: A member of one of Canada’s wealthiest families has been sentenced to 10 years after Summit agenda pleading guilty to six charges in a crash that killed three young chil- dren and their grandfather. Reuters Obama to resume talks on the North Marco Muzzo pleaded guilty Korean nuclear issue. Their meet- earlier this year to charges of ing could also touch on US concerns impaired driving causing death about Chinese computer hacking and and impaired driving causing bod- WASHINGTON: US President Beijing’s assertive pursuit of territory ily harm. A judge handed down the Barack Obama will meet with in the South China Sea. sentence Tuesday and also pro- South Korean President Park Geun- Obama, Park and Abe last met hibited Muzzo from driving for 12 hye and Japanese Prime Minister trilaterally on the sidelines of the years. Shinzo Abe tomorrow to discuss previous Nuclear Security Summit The 29-year-old had faced a North Korea’s nuclear programme, in The Hague in 2014, but only at the dozen counts of impaired driving the White House said. cajoling of the US President. and six charges of dangerous oper- The meeting on the sidelines Last November, Abe and Park ation of a motor vehicle related to of the Nuclear Security Summit in held their first formal bilateral talks the September crash. Washington will take place the same since taking office and the follow- In Canadian Business Mag- day Obama talks with Chinese Pres- ing month Japan and South Korea azine’s ranking of the top 100 ident Xi Jinping. reached a landmark agreement wealthiest Canadians, the Muzzo “This meeting will be an oppor- to resolve their long-running dis- estate ranks 52nd, worth more Members of the Bolivian anti-drug force stand guard next to confiscated packets of cocaine in La tunity for the three leaders to pute over women forced to work in than $1.7-billion. The family is in Paz, Bolivia discuss common responses to the Japan’s wartime brothels. the construction business. threat posed by North Korea and Military officials and defence to advance areas of trilateral secu- officials said after the North Korean rity cooperation in the region and nuclear test in January that shared globally,” the White House said in concerns about North Korea could a statement. cement the reconciliation and open Venezuela oil company says it’s victim of smear campaign Relations between Park and Abe the way for increased military cooper- have been frosty in the past, but the ation between Japan and South Korea. two have been brought together in Washington is relying increas- Reuters The former officials at Petroleos men “are not PDVSA workers, they Shiera Bastidas, who were charged recent months by shared concerns ingly on its Asian allies to work de Venezuela SA (PDVSA) pleaded had temporary, low-level jobs in the in December with violating the For- about North Korea, which conducted together and says trilateral defence guilty under seal in December to con- organisational structure of PDVSA eign Corrupt Practices Act. a fourth nuclear bomb test on Jan- cooperation is critical to maintain- spiracy to commit money laundering. Services Inc and were removed before PDVSA had at the time also uary 6. The United States has been ing regional security. China has CARACAS: Venezuela’s state-owned Their pleas were unsealed by a fed- these accusations became public.” denounced what it called an inter- keen to encourage better relations signed up for tough new UN sanc- oil company PDVSA said it was tar- eral judge in Houston last week. Further information on the three national campaign to discredit it. between Seoul and Japan, its two tions against North Korea but it has get of a smear campaign after the US The three are Jose Luis Ramos was not immediately available. The company said internal audits biggest allies in Asia, given concerns said repeatedly sanctions are not the Justice Department said three of the Castillo, 38, Christian Javier Maldo- The US Justice Department said of domestic and international pro- not only about North Korea but also answer and that only a resumption firm’s former employees had pleaded nado Barillas, 39, and Alfonzo Eliezer each had admitted to accepting bribes curement led by international forensic an increasingly assertive China. of talks can resolve the dispute over guilty to charges over a scheme to Gravina Munoz, 53. from two Venezuelan businessmen, experts were underway to determine Beijing has said Xi will push North Korea’s weapons programme. corruptly secure energy contracts. In a statement, PDVSA said the Roberto Rincon and Abraham Jose if any illicit acts had been committed.

Visit to museum Letter reveals Harper Lee hated Trump’s Taj Mahal resort

AFP

LOS ANGELES: Harper Lee, one of America’s most celebrated novel- ists who died in February, thought Donald Trump’s infamous Taj Mahal casino was hell on Earth, a stash of her private correspondence revealed. The “To Kill a Mockingbird” author, whose masterpiece about racial injustice was read by millions, slammed the billionaire presidential hopeful’s boardwalk resort in New Jersey in a letter to a friend in 1990. “The worst punishment God can devise for this sinner is to make her spirit reside eternally at the Trump People walk around the Getty Center art museum and tourist landmark in Los Angeles, California. Taj Mahal in Atlantic City,” Lee wrote in the missive, recovered along with Some of the 29 personal correspondences by author Harper Lee are several others from her New York displayed in Los Angeles, California. apartment. Lee, who was apparently enter- the hammer at the Nate D. Sand- in 1965 became the first black grad- taining visitors, stayed at the $1 ers auction house Los Angeles uate from the University of Alabama. Teenager wounded in gunfire billion gambling spot a few months on Wednesday, and had already “I shall treasure (the autograph) after its April 1990 inauguration. attracted an online bid of $1,209 always. Looking back, it’s incredible The resort is now owned by bil- shortly after being offered online. what people had to endure just for Reuters was shot in the back by a stray bullet violence and homicides. lionaire Carl Icahn, who took over Most of the letters are typed their basic rights,” she wrote. near his home on Chicago’s West Side, “I don’t want to live around in my in February after Trump Entertain- correspondence between Lee and “Today’s young haven’t a clue police and local media said. community where I got to keep on ment Resorts came out of bankruptcy, Leapard, and Leapard’s husband, Bill, what their parents went through; they Zarriel Trotter, 13, who police hearing and hearing people keep on though it still bears the Republican and all have a starting price of $750. seem bored to hear about it.” CHICAGO: A Chicago teenager who said was shot, appears in a YouTube getting shot, people keep on getting frontrunner’s name. In another letter to Leapard, In another letter to the Leapards, appeared in an award-winning video with several third-through sev- killed,” the seventh-grader said in the The note, written to her friend dated January 29, 1999, Lee thanks dated January 1993, Lee complains anti-violence video was in criti- enth-grade African-American boys public service announcement, titled Doris Leapard in Tuscaloosa, Ala- her friend for getting her the auto- about fans invading her privacy in cal condition in a hospital after he discussing their feelings toward gun Black is Human. bama, is one of 29 going under graph of Vivian Malone Jones, who her home town of Monroeville. 22 WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 AMERICAS US top court hands win to unions; splits 4-4 without Scalia

Reuters 13 death of Scalia, the long-serving “The US Supreme Court today It is the second case in which mandatory fees for collective bar- in 2013 asked the justices to over- conservative justice who almost cer- rejected a political ploy to silence the court has split 4-4 since Scalia gaining. The non-union teachers’ turn the 1977 Abood v. Detroit Board tainly would have cast a decisive vote public employees like teachers, school died, with more likely in the com- lawyers said they plan to ask the of Education Supreme Court ruling against the unions. But by virtue of bus drivers, cafeteria workers, higher ing months, perhaps including major court to rehear case. “With the death that allowed laws that permitted pub- WASHINGTON: Public sector unions splitting 4-4, the justices affirmed a education faculty and other educa- cases on abortion, voting rights and of Justice Scalia, this outcome was not lic sector unions to collect fees from triumphed before the US Supreme 2014 lower-court ruling that allowed tors to work together to shape their contraception insurance coverage. unexpected,” said Terry Pell, president workers who were not members as Court yesterday when the justices California to compel non-union work- profession,” said Lily Eskelsen Garcia, It remains unclear when Scalia of the Center for Individual Rights. long as the money was not spent on preserved a vital source of cash for ers to pay the fees. president of the National Education will be replaced. Senate Republicans The split decision means there is political activities. organised labour, splitting 4-4 on “The death of Justice Scalia has Association teachers union. have vowed to block confirmation of “ongoing doubt about the constitution- Agency fees are already banned a conservative challenge that had proved a disaster for public sector The case reached the high court President Barack Obama’s nominee to ality of its forcible collection of millions in 25 states that have so-called right- seemed destined for success until Jus- workers who have their paychecks after a Washington-based conserva- replace Scalia, centrist appellate judge of dollars in dues,” Pell added. About to-work laws. In those states, unions tice Antonin Scalia’s death last month. raided by unions,” said Iain Mur- tive group, the Center for Individual Merrick Garland. Republicans fear Gar- 5 million public sector employees are still represent workers but member- The case brought by non-union ray, vice president for strategy at Rights, sued on behalf of lead plain- land’s confirmation would tilt the court subject to union contracts that include ship rates are lower. Federal employee public school teachers in California the Competitive Enterprise Insti- tiff Rebecca Friedrichs, an elementary to the left for the first time in decades. mandatory fee provisions, according unions also cannot collect such fees. had targeted fees that many states tute, a conservative think tank in school teacher in Anaheim, and nine At issue in the case decided on to the National Right to Work Legal The ruling comes as a relief to force such workers to pay unions in Washington. other teachers. They argued the fees Tuesday were so-called agency fees Defense Foundation, which backed organised labour because union- lieu of dues to fund collective bar- The court, evenly divided infringed upon the free-speech rights equivalent to union dues, currently the non-union teachers. ized civil servants in states without gaining and other activities. A loss in with four liberals and four con- of non-union workers under the US mandatory for non-union workers Organised labour had expressed right-to-work laws comprise its main this case would have deprived unions servatives, left intact a 1977 legal Constitution. under laws in about half the states worries that a ruling throwing out power base. The court last week also representing teachers, police, tran- precedent that allowed such fees, During the January 11 oral argu- including California. The decision the fees would give employees split 4-4 split in a loan discrimina- sit workers, firefighters and other which conservatives have long ments in the case, Scalia was still on means the status quo remains, with less incentive to join public-sector tion case. Last month, Dow Chemical government employees of millions abhorred. Conservatives for years the bench, giving the court a majority the unions able to collect fees from unions because they would get all Co opted to settle a class action case of dollars annually and diminished have tried to curb the influence of of five conservatives. The conserv- non-union workers. the benefits of collective bargaining pending before the court for $835m, their political clout. public sector unions, which typically ative justices during the arguments California’s non-union teachers undertaken by unions without hav- citing Scalia’s death as a reason. Scalia The outcome illustrated the back the Democratic Party and lib- voiced support for the non-union pay the union, which has 325,000 ing to pay for it. was seen as a reliable vote for class impact on the court of the February eral causes. teachers. members, around $600 annually in The teachers who filed the lawsuit action defendants.

Seattle’s ‘man in tree’ Brazilian president’s coalition collapses is charged “Dilma’s government is finished.” “The exit of the PMDB is the last nail in the The PMDB, the coffin,” he said. AP country’s largest Rousseff, who is fighting reces- sion, street protests, a mammoth party, voted to end corruption scandal, and the push in SEATTLE: A man who refused for its alliance with Congress for her impeachment, had more than 24 hours to come down met PMDB ministers Monday to try to from a giant sequoia tree in down- Rousseff’s leftist convince them to stay. But already on town Seattle has been ordered to Workers’ Party, or Monday, Tourism Minister Henrique have no contact with the tree in the PT, with immediate Alves resigned, saying time had “run case he makes his $50,000 bail, out” on the president. according to court documents. effect. The mostly centrist PMDB has Cody Lee Miller was formally long been an awkward partner for charged on Monday with mali- the Workers’ Party. But its votes in cious mischief and assault after he Congress, where it has 69 of the 513 climbed to the top of the 90-foot AFP lower house seats, would have been (27.5-metre) tree on March 22 and important to Rousseff in her bid to remained there for about 25 hours, avoid impeachment, which requires ignoring police efforts to coax him two thirds of the votes in the lower down and throwing apples and BRASÍLIA: Brazilian President Dilma house to pass. branches at responders. Rousseff’s ruling coalition collapsed Rousseff also fears that the The drama sparked intense yesterday when her main partner PMDB’s exit will encourage other interest on social media, with new went into opposition, leaving the coalition partners to jump ship. Twitter accounts and the hashtag embattled president increasingly Lawmakers from both the center- #ManInTree trending. helpless in her fight against impeach- right Progressive Party, which has 49 About $8,000 in damage was ment. deputies, and the center-left Social done to the tree, court documents The PMDB, the country’s largest Democratic Party, which has 32, said say. If Miller makes his $50,000 party, voted to end its alliance with their parties would meet this week on bail, he is ordered to have no con- Rousseff’s leftist Workers’ Party, or PT, a possible split. If she is forced out, tact with the tree. with immediate effect. “From today, PMDB leader Michel Temer — who Brazil’s PMDB party lawmakers Eduardo Cunha (left), president of the lower chamber, senators Romero Miller’s mother, Lisa Gossett at this historic meeting of the PMDB, despite the rupture stays on as Rous- Juca (centre) and former civil aviation minister Eliseu Padilha, vote for leaving the government coalition, of Wasilla, Alaska, told The Seat- the PMDB withdraws from the gov- seff’s vice president — would become tle Times that the family has tried ernment of President Rousseff,” said interim president in her place. at the PMDB’s headquarters in Brasilia yesterday. numerous times to get him help for Senator Romero Juca, the party vice Rousseff faces impeachment on mental illness but was told there president. charges that she illegally borrowed was nothing anyone could do The meeting, broadcast live on money to boost public spending and Although still vice president, that he could stiffen resolve in the forcefully denied this and the word- unless he posed a danger to him- national television, was the cul- mask the severity of the recession. A Temer, 75, increasingly resembles a ranks and put his negotiating skills ing of the conversation is ambiguous. self or others. Gossett said she had mination of a long divorce with congressional committee is currently politician preparing for power. He to use. But the move prompted a swift The full Supreme Court is not talked to her son for about five Rousseff that leaves Brazil’s first tasked with making a recommenda- met on Monday with Neves. backlash from opponents who see expected to issue a definitive rul- years when a friend called saying female president grasping at straws tion to the full lower house, which The growing instability has the appointment as a bid to give ing on whether Lula can take up his he was on the news. “There are as she tries to stay in power. The vote would then vote. spilled onto the streets with millions Lula ministerial immunity and pro- appointment in the coming days. all these people out there worried and announcement took no more than The Brazilian bar association of Brazilians marching against Rous- tect him from corruption allegations The endgame in this shifting of about the tree, but they’re not wor- three minutes and was accompanied filed a new impeachment peti- seff and smaller, but still vigorous, related to the Petrobras probe. alliances is the impeachment bat- ried about him, the human,” she by singing of the national anthem and tion Monday, seeking to expand rallies held in her defense. Another The judge leading the probe con- tle, where opponents must reach said. “He’s obviously sick.” shouts of “PT out!” the accusations to include allega- round of pro-Rousseff protests was troversially released a wire-tapped two-thirds of the lower house vote He didn’t get any help even Senator Aecio Neves, who heads tions of involvement by Rousseff in planned for this Thursday. phone conversation between Rous- — 342 deputies —to open a full trial after he assaulted a police officer the PSDB opposition party and who the multi-billion-dollar corruption Rousseff has called on her men- seff and Lula that was interpreted in the Senate. In the Senate, another in Oregon, Gossett said. The Seat- narrowly lost to Rousseff when she scandal centered on state oil com- tor, former president Luiz Inacio Lula as showing her giving him the post two-thirds vote would force her from tle incident drew more than 70 won re-election in 2014, commented: pany Petrobras. da Silva, to become chief of staff so in order to shield him. Lula has office. police officers, negotiators, cri- sis response teams and four fire engine companies, a prosecutor wrote in court documents. Efforts to find an attorney for Protest against tax increases ‘American Idol’ vows Miller were not immediately suc- cessful yesterday. He is scheduled to be arraigned April 11. spectacular finale Actress Patty AP finalists MacKenzie Bourg, 23, of Duke dies at 69 Lafayette, Louisiana; Trent Harmon, 24, of Amory, Mississippi; La’Porsha LOS ANGELES: Actress and singer Renae, 22, of McComb, Mississippi; Patty Duke, who won an Oscar at LOS ANGELES: “American Idol,” and Dalton Rapattoni, 19, of Dallas. age 16 for her portrayal of deaf- which gave the world Kelly Clark- The field will have been trimmed blind political activist Helen Keller son, Carrie Underwood and Jennifer to three for the final competition epi- in “The Miracle Worker,” died yes- Hudson, has one more chance to sode, 8-9pm EDT Wednesday, April terday. She was 69. mint a star before it fades into TV 6, with the winner announced the “This morning, our beloved and music history. next night on Thursday, April 7. wife, mother, grandmother, Whether viewers choose a Clarkson, the inaugural “Idol,” is matriarch and the exquisite art- future chart-topper or trivia ques- set to perform, as are Underwood and ist, humanitarian, and champion tion remains to be seen. But executive the other winners including Ruben for mental health Anna Patty Duke producer Nigel Lythgoe, who helped Studdard, Fantasia, Jordin Sparks Pearce closed her eyes, quieted translate Britain’s “Pop Idol” into the and Scotty McCreery. Among the her pain and ascended to a beau- Fox version that debuted in 2002, many contestants taking part: Clay tiful place,” her son, the actor and said the farewell episode will be Aiken, Chris Daughtry, Katharine director Sean Astin, said. memorable. “It’s going to be a rather McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Elliott Yamin Astin did not give the cause spectacular show,” Lythgoe promised, and LaToya London. of death but her manager said with all the former winners on hand Past “Idol” finales became known she developed sepsis from a rup- along with past contestants and “other for flaunting superstars, perhaps none tured intestine, according to media surprises” in the two-hour finale. more important than Prince. His per- reports. Duke, who lived in New “It’s about the American idols, about formance in the 2006 season-ender Inflatable dolls in the shape of ducks are seen in front of the National Congress during a protest against York, shot to fame with a best sup- reminding people of 15 seasons,” he signaled that the show had tran- porting actress Academy Award for tax increases in Brasilia, yesterday. The campaign “I will not pay the Duck” is organised by the Federation said, as well as giving the final win- scended its image as overblown her role as Keller in Arthur Penn’s of Industries of Sao Paulo and uses the duck symbol in reference to industries that pay high taxes. ner his or her share of the spotlight. karaoke and become a respectable 1962 biopic The Miracle Worker. The contenders for the title are showcase for established artists.

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER Minimum: 23o C Maximum: 28o C

FAJR 04.11 am ZUHR 11.39 am MAGHRIB 05.51 pm HIGH TIDE 08:00 - 22:00 Strong wind and high seas with isolated thun- SHOROOK 05.28 am ASR 03.07 pm ISHA 07.21 pm LOW TIDE 03:45 - 14:15 derstorm. Partly cloudy to cloudy with chance of scattered rain, maybe thundery at times.

24 WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 MORNING BREAK

ONLINE CHART BUST DiCaprio visits www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Indonesian MOST READ jungle

Kuwait says agrees with Saudi to resume Khafji AFP 1 oilfield operations EgyptAir passenger plane hijacked, 2 forced to Cyprus JAKARTA: Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio has visited the Indonesian jun- Qatar, France sign €6.7 billion con- gle to help protect a biodiverse area from 3 tract for 24 Rafale fighter jets deforestation. Fresh from clinching his long-awaited first Oscar last month, DiCaprio spent the weekend in the Leuser ecosystem, TWEET OF THE DAY on Indonesia’s main western island of Sumatra. The actor, an ardent supporter of environmental causes, was pictured accompanied by local environmentalists and flanked by two critically endangered Sumatran elephants. The elephants are among a dizzying array of rare animals who live in Leuser’s dense rainforests. DiCaprio said on his Instagram account that his foundation, which sup- ports numerous environmental projects, was backing local groups to establish a “mega-fauna sanctuary” in the area. He described the area as “the last place on Earth where Sumatran orangu- tans, tigers, rhinos and elephants coexist in the wild”. Local green activist Farwiza Fahan, who met DiCaprio on his visit, said the sanctuary was aimed at giving more pro- INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY tection to the area, but the plan was still This handout picture released by Guinness World Records, yesterday, shows the 10-year-old female in the early stages. Like much of Indonesia’s rainforests, Japanese beagle, named Purin, performing her skills balancing on a yoga ball in Tokyo. the area is under threat from the aggres- sive expansion of palm oil and pulp and paper plantations, while endangered ani- The Lords of Grav- mals are targeted by poachers and locals Japan dog sets Guinness record ity International group who view them as pests. But the area faces performing during the an additional threat after authorities in ‘’Aspire Jan’’ street bas- the province of Aceh -- which includes ketball tournament at much of the Leuser ecosystem -- pushed AFP steering an inflatable training ball on a Swiss ball?" Purin made "Belie- Aspire park. through a plan to open up new swathes of over a distance of 10 metres in just bers" of the doubters in September by Photo by Kammutty VP virgin forest for commercial exploitation 10.39 seconds to become a double saving 14 mini footballs in a minute and lay roads. world record holder. by standing on her hind legs and TOKYO: A floppy-eared Japanese Purin, who lives with her owner catching them with her paws. beagle with paw-fect yoga skills has Makoto Kumagai in Tokyo, broke her The fluffy keeper expertly scampered into the record books latest mark in some style, first pro- brought the ball into her chest in text- Cafe Society to open Cannes film festival after setting the world mark for the duced her record-breaking balancing book fashion -- doubtless to avoid "fastest 10 metres travelled on a ball act on March 23 -- when dog-lovers "ruff" tactics from opposing strikers. by a dog." around the world celebrated National The multi-talented beagle can Reuters Eisenberg and “Twilight” actress Kristen Stewart, will Ten-year-old female Purin -- Puppy Day -- clocking 11.9 seconds. also skateboard, walk on two legs screen out of competition on May 11. the Japanese for "pudding" -- shot Ever the perfectionist, she went and skip with a rope, helped by The movie is the 14th out of competition screening at to fame last year when footage of out and shattered that mark on Sun- Kumagai. LONDON: Woody Allen’s “Cafe Society” will kick off this Cannes for Allen, according to festival organisers. the fluffy pooch breaking the Guin- day. "Purin is a superstar in her own Japan owns some of the strang- year’s Cannes film festival, organisers said yesterday, the The film tells the story of a young man who arrives in ness World Record for the "most balls right now, having achieved double- est Guinness records, including the third time the acclaimed American writer and director Hollywood during the 1930s hoping to work in the film caught by a dog with the paws in one record status with her latest exploits," world's heaviest strawberry, tip- has opened the event with one of his movies. industry, falls in love, and finds himself swept up in the minute" went viral. said Guinness World Records editor- ping the scales at a whopping 250 Allen has previously opened the prestigious annual cafe society that defined the spirit of the age, they said in Not content with putting Japan's in-chief Craig Glenday. grammes (8.82 ounces), and the big- festival, held in the south of France, with “Hollywood a statement. The 69th Cannes film festival will run from J-League goalkeepers to shame, "Justin Bieber is the youngest art- gest-ever baby crawling contest, set Ending” in 2002 and “Midnight in Paris” in 2011. “Cafe May 11-22. “Mad Max” director George Miller will head Purin will have yoga fanatics sob- ist ever to achieve five number one by 601 bawling toddlers in Yokohama Society”, which stars “The Social Network” actor Jesse the competition jury. bing into their yoghurt after nimbly albums -- but can he run 10 metres last November. Weight loss Japan’s ‘Masked Girls’ seek fame Batman v Superman hits box more important office with $166m debut than diet: Study Reuters AFP anticipated among the legion of fans QNA of the superhero genre. TOKYO: Standing out from Japan’s They poured into cinemas for the myriad of girl bands can be a Easter weekend, according to fig- WASHINGTON: Researchers daunting task, but one group, the LOS ANGELES: Two iconic super- ures from industry tracker Exhibitor striving to break the link between “Kamen Joshi”, or “Masked Girls” heroes zapped the opposition as Relations. obesity and cancer have found in in Japanese, has found the answer "Batman v Superman”: Dawn of The initial success of "Batman a new preclinical study that sig- by hiding behind masks. Justice" leapt to the top of the North v Superman," which comes despite nificant weight loss through As many as 15,000 people American box office in its opening some decidedly negative reviews, calorie restriction, but not mod- flocked to a concert by the band weekend with $166m, industry data easily relegated the animated Dis- erate weight loss through a low-fat late last year, showing how its fan showed Monday. ney film "Zootopia" into second in diet, was linked to reduced breast base has grown in the three years That mammoth haul made it the box office standings. cancer growth. since it first started, when it strug- the best March and Easter weekend The movie, about an intrepid Researchers examined gled to fill a 400-seat theatre. launch ever and the seventh-biggest rabbit police officer who works with whether weight loss via four dif- One of its first breakthrough domestic opening weekend of all- a fox to solve a crime in the Zooto- ferent diets was linked to reduced songs, “Genkidane”, hit the top of time, industry journal Variety said. pia animal kingdom, pulled in $24m tumor growth in laboratory models the charts in January 2015, with Starring Ben Affleck as Bat- from Friday to Sunday for a total of of breast cancer. While tumor size more than 200,000 records sold man and Henry Cavill in the role of $241.4m in its four weeks at cinemas. did not differ between obese mice in the first week of release, said Superman. Third was another new entry, and obese mice that returned to a music company Oricon Style, set- The characters' first big-screen the comedy sequel "My Big Fat Greek Members of Japanese idol group Kamen Joshi (Masked Girls) pose normal weight on a low-fat diet, ting a record for a female indie pairing sets up the coming "Jus- Wedding 2," with $17.9m on its debut they did find that obese mice that band in Japan. for a photo after a rehearsal for a concert at their theatre in Tokyo's tice League" and "Wonder Woman" weekend. lost significant amounts of weight The band, made up of 18 mem- Akihabara district, Japan, yesterday. movies. Looking to build on the success on three calorie-restricted diets bers in three separate groups, is A stellar cast for the Warner Bros of the original film in 2002, the fol- had smaller tumors. based in Tokyo and performs blockbuster also features former low-up brings the Portokalos family Based on the results, it appears across Japan and in some Asian cit- they are idols, they perform while faces hidden. “We are happier if we Miss Israel Gal Gadot as Wonder back for -- yes, you guessed it -- an that the degree of calorie restric- ies. The masks enhance the band’s hiding their faces with masks,” said are asked to perform a live session Woman, Jesse Eisenberg as the even bigger wedding. tion, and hence the amount of appeal, said fans who attended a one spectator, Akihiro Kuji. with our masks on, rather than asked eccentric villain Lex Luthor and Amy The feel-good "Miracles from weight lost, matters more than recent concert in the Japanese Not all of the band’s songs are to take it off,” said a band member Adams as Superman's love interest Heaven" came in fourth with $9.7m, the specific dietary changes used capital. performed in masks, but band mem- who uses the stage name Nodoka Lois Lane. nudging ahead of "The Divergent to generate the weight loss. “It is unique that even though bers say they prefer to keep their Sakura. The movie had been eagerly Series: Allegiant," which took $9.4m. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

PAGE | 27 QE 10,316.67 +171.28 PTS PAGE | 28 Google CEO paid DOW 17,621.10 +85.71 PTS Kuwait and Saudidi $100.5m for first FTSE100 6,105.90 -0.58 PTS to resume outputut year at the helm BRENT $38.38 -$1.01 at disputed oilfieldeld

WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 • 21 Jumada II 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Georgia invites Qatari investments

The Peninsula meeting with the Qatar Cham- opportunities available in both ber officials, the visiting Minister countries. invited Qatari businessmen to visit The Georgian Minister welcomed his country and explore the trade Qatari investments, and made a DOHA: The Minister of Economy and investment opportunities avail- presentation on the most important and Commerce H E Sheikh Ahmed able in Georgia. sectors in which business owners can bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani The QC board member Qatari investment such as transport, met with Minister of Agriculture Mohamed Ahmed Al Obaidly and tourism, food security, and especially of Georgia Otar Daniela and his Georgia’s Ambassador to Qatar agriculture, which constitutes 10 per- accompanying delegation yesterday. Ekaterine Meiering-Mikadze cent of the total Gross Domestic Product During the meeting, they dis- attended the meeting. (GDP) of the country. cussed bilateral relations and The meeting dealt with ways Mohamed Al Obaidly said Qatari ways of developing them as well of strengthening economic and investors are looking to explore as aspects of joint cooperation, trade relations between the Qatari opportunities in the areas of agricul- especially in economic, trade and businessmen and their Georgia coun- ture and real estate, as well as other Minister of Economy and Commerce H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani with Minister of investment fields. In a separate terparts in addition to the investment sectors in Georgia. Agriculture of Georgia, Otar Daniela, yesterday . QIIB expects Morocco JV approval by third quarter

The AGM approved the Board of Directors’ proposal to distribute 40% cash dividends of the nominal value per share which is equivalent to QR4 per share.

By Sachin Kumar The Peninsula Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani, Chairman and Managing Director, QIIB (sixth left), Abdulbasit Ahmed A Al Shaibei, Chief Executive Officer, QIIB (seventh left) along with board members and senior officials at bank’s AGM in Doha, yesterday. Pic: Baher A/The Peninsula

Chairman said QIIB will be able to year. Under the agreement, QIIB will per share which is equivalent to QR4 of our business during the previ- He added that the board also DOHA: Qatar’s leading Islamic lender preserve its leading position by tak- have 40% stake in the proposed bank. per share. ous years. makes continuous efforts to meet all QIIB achieved significant increase and ing required procedures and making “We are waiting for final approval Sheikh Dr Khalid said that the Talking about bank’s strategic relevant governance and sound man- growth in its various banking activ- necessary plans to implement inter- from authorities in Morocco and we bank took important steps, previ- plan, he said that the Board of Direc- agement requirements whose final ities over the past year. The bank’s national financial standards and use are expecting to get approval before ous year, towards rationalising the tors continuously updates its strategic form shall be clarified following solid performance was reflected in the latest banking systems and soft- the end of third quarter this year. The management and expanding its plan based on current information to the amendment of the articles of positive reaction of clients and share- ware. company is already established,” said customers’ base by increasing the keep up with the latest developments association as suggested by the holders as well as their confidence in The bank is expecting approval Abdulbasit Ahmed A Al Shaibei, Chief quality of its services and its local and requirements of control and super- extraordinary general assembly. the bank’s ability, status and strong from authorities in Morocco for its Executive Officer, QIIB speaking to presence along with introducing a visory authorities. The board reviewed This is further shown in the gov- financial position, said Sheikh Dr joint venture by the end of third quar- media persons on the sidelines of number of expansion projects out- and updated all policies and procedures ernance annual report presented Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah Al ter this year. The lender had signed Annual General Meeting (AGM) held side Qatar which make us look so as to comply with the governance to the shareholders and produced Thani, Chairman and Managing a joint venture agreement with CIH at Ezdan Towers. towards the year 2016 with more and sound management policy in by the Bank’s Governance Unit that Director, QIIB. Bank (Credit Immobilier et Hotelier), a The AGM approved the Board of positivity in terms of providing more accordance with the requirements of operates independently under the Addressing bank’s Annual Gen- Moroccan bank, for the establishment Directors’ proposal to distribute 40% work tools and success opportunities Qatar Central Bank and Qatar Finan- direct supervision of the Board of eral Meeting (AGM) yesterday, the of a bank in Morocco in December last cash dividends of the nominal value that have always been in the core cial Markets Authority. Directors. FTSE Russell reconfirms Qatar QCB’s directives to insurance sector Exchange’s September upgrade The Peninsula higher than the figure set by the yesterday, are the first of its kind Central Bank or the risk-based which aimed at regulating the capital. According to the fresh insurance industry in the state directives, branches of insur- comprehensively, QCB said in Satish Kanady FTSE announced its decision to status. The FTSE Country Classification DOHA: The Governor of Qatar ance companies must deposit a statement. The instructions The Peninsula upgrade Qatar for the first time in Sep- interim review is conducted every March Central Bank (QCB) H E Sheikh QR35m. have been issued in accord- tember 2015. It said the upgrade will be to keep investors fully informed on the Abdullah bin Saud Al Thani The law defines the business ance with the basic principles of implemented over two equal tranches in markets which have been placed on the yesterday issued a set of key controls for insurance compa- insurance issued by the Interna- September 2016 and March 2017 Watch List, in the previous September, instructions to the insurance nies and other issues, including tional Association of Insurance DOHA: Global Index provider FTSE Rus- Equity markets in FTSE’s Global as part of the Annual Review. In order to sector related to the indus- the notifications and precaution- Supervisors, and the leading sell yesterday re-confirmed that Qatar Equity Index Series fall into one of four ensure that the potential, as well as the try’s licensing, regulations, risk ary reports to the Central Bank, regional and global circuits. will be upgraded from the Frontier to categories: Developed, Advanced Emerg- confirmed, movement of markets between management accounting and as well as issues related to senior The new instructions will go Secondary Emerging market. Announc- ing, Secondary Emerging and Frontier. categories is completely transparent for actuaries norms. owners and changes in ownership into force as of April 2016. All ing the results of its March 2016 country In September 2013 Qatar was added to investors, FTSE Russell maintains a Watch The new regulations stip- in insurance companies, super- insurance, reinsurance, takaful classification interim review, the Index a FTSE’s ‘Watch List’ for possible pro- List of countries that are being considered ulates that listed insurance vision of the group, converting and retakaful companies as well provider stated “effective from Septem- motion and then in March this year the for promotion or demotion between the companies must have a capital business, stop insurance business, as branches of foreign compa- ber 2016, Qatar will be promoted from index provider cited Qatar as having now various market classifications. above QR100m or a risk-based and the transition period for the nies in the country are required Frontier to Secondary Emerging. Latvia passed its key liquidity criteria for Sec- According to the latest country capital. Unlisted insurance overall application. to adjust their positions accord- and Palestine, previously ‘unclassified’, ondary Emerging Market inclusion. In review, China ‘A’ Share, Kazakhstan, companies must have a capital The directives issued by QCB ing to the decision. will be designated as eligible Frontier September 2015 announcement FTSE Kuwait, Mangolia, Poland and Saudi Ara- markets within the FTSE Country clas- confirmed Qatar had met all the crite- bia markets will remain included on the sification scheme.” ria required to attain Emerging Market watch List. 26 WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS Qatar stocks jump 1.69%; Saudi falls after weak data

The Peninsula & Reuters each. CBQ was 0.2% higher and Qatar an uptrend since mid-February may or 30 percent of its capital at 64 riy- that the economy is slowing sharply by other companies in recent weeks, Navigation went up 1.2 5%. Qatar have ended. Trading turnover shrank, als per share. because of low oil prices. have created concern about the mar- Electricity & Water gained 2% and a sign that investors were pulling out It had originally intended to Dubai’s stock index rose 0.3% to ket’s ability to absorb the cash calls at Qatar Insurance was 0.6% higher. Al of the market. complete its initial public offer in 3,275 points, holding technical sup- a time of slowing economic growth in DOHA: Qatar stocks closed 1.69 Meera declined 3.3% and Qatar Fuel Petrochemical heavyweight Saudi early February but rescheduled port on its mid-March low of 3,253 the region. percent up and finished at 10,316.67 decreased 0.6%. Nationals were net Basic Industries tumbled 3.0 percent the offer to March after the market points. But trading volume shrank to Abu Dhabi’s index climbed 0.9 yesterday with most sectors ending sellers. after the price of Brent crude oil fell plunged. Saudi IPOs are customarily modest levels. percent as telecommunications firm in the green. Saudi Arabia’s stock market fell back below $40 a barrel. priced attractively for retail inves- Dubai Parks & Resorts, the most Etisalat rose 2.5%. Aldar Properties QNB gained 2.6 % and Ezdan sharply yesterday as petrochemical Alinma Bank, the most heavily tors, and the stocks often rise their heavily traded stock, rebounded rose 1.1% after telling local media that Real Estate advanced 3.94%. Barwa stocks sagged and the central bank traded stock, tumbled 4.8 percent as 10 percent limits for several days after 3.3% after tumbling more than 10% it planned to launch a “major devel- Real Estate, the most heavily traded reported weak economic data, but it went ex-dividend. listing. over the past two days after propos- opment” on Yas Island. Details would stock, gained 3.99% as Ooredoo went most major markets in the region Hospital operator Middle East Central bank data released on ing to boost its capital by Dh1.68bn be announced later, it said. up 3.5 %. gained. Healthcare jumped its 10 percent daily Tuesday showed Saudi Arabia’s M3 ($458m) through a rights issue to Egypt’s index rose 1.0% as the Industries Qatar (IQ) increased The Saudi index fell 1.5% to 6,177 limit to 70.25 riyals as it listed on the money supply shrank from a year finance development of a Six Flags most heavily traded stock, Egyptian 0.8% and Doha Bank was up 0.7%. points, closing below its mid-March market, after raising 1.77 billion riyals earlier in February for the first time theme park. billionaire Naguib Sawiris’s Orascom QIB and Al Rayan ended 0.4% higher low of 6,202 points, which suggested ($471m) by selling 27.61 million shares in more than a decade - a fresh sign Its rights issue, and similar moves Telecom Media, added 2.6%. Philippine Airlines’ direct Doha-Manila services soon

direct flights from Doha to Manila and restaurants across the country to once we improve and build up pas- attract more tourists from the Arab Philippines Airlines senger loads to the route,” David and Muslim world, including Qatar. (PAL) has launched Lim, Senior Vice President (Com- The five times weekly service mercial Group)at PAL told The (except Wednesday and Sunday) to five weekly services Peninsula on the sidelines of a press Qatar’s capital city will utilise one of to Doha from Manila conference held to mark the inau- PAL’s newest aircraft, the Airbus 330. gural flight to Doha which started The aircraft offers economy and via Abu Dhabi from from March 28. premium economy products, the Monday. David, who was here with the whole cabin comes with free Wi-Fi inaugural flight to Doha leading a del- for 30 minutes and 15 megabytes of egation of senior executives of PAL video streaming using the passen- along with the members of the local gers’ personal devices through the app FROM LEFT: Ismael Augusto Gozon, SVP-Operations, David A Lim, SVP-Commercial Group, and Ryan Uy, media, added: “We are very happy to myPAL player which can be down- By Mohammad Shoeb launch the new service. And given the loaded through iTunes or Google store. VP- Sales, during a press conference at Sharq Village and Spa yesterday. Pic: Kammutty V P/The Peninsula The Peninsula big size of the Philippine community With the opening of Doha service, in Qatar, we have great expectations the airline will now be flying to seven much closer to home,” said PAL Pres- international destinations. The airline, and 30 domestic destinations. In the about the growth prospects.” destinations across the GCC region, ident Jaime J Bautista. which marked its 75th anniversary past we launched regular services to He said that in addition to the Fil- including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuwait, The new service will allow the two weeks ago, witnessed double- Jinjiang (China) Cairns (Australia), DOHA: Philippine Airlines (PAL), after ipino compatriots in Qatar, the airline Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam. 200,000 Filipinos living and work- digit growth over the last few years. Auckland (New Zealand), and a new the recent opening of five weekly reg- is also targeting Qatari citizens and “Following the successful launch ing in Qatar a convenient route to In 2014 and 2015 it carried some route from Cebu in central Philip- ular services to Doha from Manila (via residents to travel to the Philippines, to Jeddah and Kuwait last January, and from their motherland. Like- 10 million and 12 million passen- pines to Los Angeles non-stop. Tickets Abu Dhabi), is planning to start direct the archipelago consisting of over PAL continues to grow its routes in the wise, Qataris can now enjoy an easy gers, respectively, and expecting the for the Manila-Doha route starts at flights in the Doha-Manila sector, a 7,000 beautiful islands. Middle East by opening a new route to route to discover the wonders of the number to grow to about 14 million in $665 (one way), and $760 (roundtrip). top official of the carrier said yester- The Philippines biggest and the Doha. Our overseas Filipino workers Philippines and Philippine Airlines 22016, David added. The Doha-Manila tickets, mean- day. oldest carrier is also planning to urge in Qatar can now enjoy that distinct through convenient connections “Today, we operate 75 modern while, starts at QR980 (one way) and “We are planning to commence its government to promote Halal food Filipino service that will bring them to any of PAL’s 30 domestic and 43 jets to 43 international destinations QR1,400 (round trip). Turkish Airlines to introduce wide body aircraft in Qatar route

By Sachin Kumar and it will boost country’s aviation The Peninsula sector once it is operational. Istan- bul’s third international airport is designed to accommodate more than 150 million passengers annually and DOHA: Turkish Airlines, Turkey’s will have six runways, four terminals national carrier, is planning to and 396 aircraft park positions. increase seat capacity by around 20% Turkish Airlines reported a 2015 this year between Turkey and Qatar. net profit of $1.69bn, up from $845m The winners with their awards during the closing ceremony of Qatar Foundation’s Annual Research The carrier will introduce wide body for the previous year and surpass- Conference (ARC) 2016 at the Qatar National Convention Centre. aircraft with more seating capacity ing a billion dollar level for the first compared to the existing narrow time in its history. The carrier trans- body aircraft. ported 61.2 million passengers on its “Initially for the summer one of 453,000 flights, creating a load fac- GWSC wins award at QF’s the flights will be upgraded to wide tor of 78 percent in 2015. body. Capacity for narrow body, the Turkish Airlines was selected the one which we operate as of now, body aircraft instead of narrow body “Best Airline in Europe” for the fifth Annual Research Conference is about 180 seats. The capacity of aircraft, which is the most reasona- time in a row, said Taskent. The air- wide body will be above 250 seats. ble step,” said Taskent. lines currently flies to 49 domestic So we are increasing the capacity by Currently, the airline files two and 235 international destinations, a The Peninsula sustainable manner. The project was Produced/Process Water from Gas- almost 20% between the two coun- daily (14 weekly) services of A320 air- total of 287 destinations in 113 coun- funded by Qatar National Research Field Operations”. In order to be tries,” Ziya Taskent (pictured), Senior craft to Istanbul from Doha and about tries including routes inaugurated in Fund and led by GWSC in collabo- eligible for IPTC Young Professional Vice President, Sales (Region 1) told two-thirds of all Turkish Airlines pas- 2015 such as San Francisco, Miami, ration with Nanyang Technological contest, applicants must have less The Peninsula. sengers from Doha use Istanbul as Maputo, Taipei and Manila. DOHA: ConocoPhillips Global University in Singapore. The research than 10 years industry experience or He added that enhancing the connection point. One of the young- Providing close to 47 thousand Water Sustainability Center (GWSC) was evaluated along with more than be aged 36 and below. Minier-Matar capacity is more reasonable step est airline fleets in the world Turkish jobs together with its subsidiaries received a prestigious award in the 1000 other scientific abstracts from was one of seven participants from than increasing the flight frequency. Airlines now operates 304 aircraft Turkish Airlines is considered the Energy & Environment Category around the world, which is a testa- leading companies across Qatar to “There is enough capacity for all the comprising 75 wide body, 219 narrow biggest exporter of Turkey generat- during closing ceremony of Qatar ment to the quality and relevance of enter this competition. demand between the two countries. body and 10 cargo aircraft. ing over $7bn of exports with more Foundation’s Annual Research their work. “With these awards, our indus- The next step for Turkish Airlines is Taskent said that construction of than 70% of its ticket sales being Conference (ARC) 2016 at the Qatar Moving forward, the GWSC try peers have recognised the leading enhancing the capacity by using wide Istanbul’s new airport is in progress made abroad. National Convention Centre (QNCC) research team is planning to evaluate edge research contributions of GWSC on March 23. the process in the field to validate the and affirmed the significant potential The Award was for GWSC’s process stability and to assess alter- of our proposed process in reducing research project on osmotic con- native pretreatment options. This the injection volumes of gas processing centration to reduce the volume of research programme will look to by-product wastewater in Qatar, espe- Qatar Chamber to participate in Al Ahsa produced and process water sent to engage Qatari governmental organi- cially the North Field,” said Dr Samer injection wells at the North Field, Qatar. sations as well as to collaborate with Adham, Managing Director of GWSC. The Award was presented to Dr Samer academic institutions to support At ConocoPhillips GWSC, Min- Investment Forum in Saudi Arabia Adham, Director of the GWSC and capacity building. ier-Matar along with a team of Principal Investigator of the Project by The research team included Joel engineers and scientists evaluate Nabil Salem, Chairman of ARC’16, and Minier-Matar, Research Engineer at emerging technologies for treatment The Peninsula and investment, health, education Ahsa interface from the investment in the presence of Faisal Al Suwaidi, GWSC, who was also awarded first of produced water from the oil & gas and housing sectors as well as real aspect through providing the invest- President of QF-R&D. place in the Young Professional con- operations and desalination of sea- estate financing, among others. ment opportunities in both public and The application of osmotic con- test: “Today’s Young Professionals… water. Specific technologies include The Qatari businessmen del- private sectors and shedding the light centration for produced and process Tomorrow’s Global Leaders”. This reverse osmosis, membrane distilla- DOHA: Qatar Chamber (QC) is par- egation will be headed by QC on the comparative features and their water treatment using thermal brine contest took place in conjunction tion, forward osmosis and membrane ticipating in Al Ahsa Investment Vice-Chairman Muhammed bin most important elements. as draw solution is considered novel with the 9th IPTC held in December bioreactors. The GWSC also features Forum which kicks off today in Saudi Ahmed bin Towar Al Kuwari, who Through the forum, various and the results concluded that 2015 in Doha. Minier-Matar received a “Water Visitor Center” with inter- Arabia, aims at reviewing investment is also vice president of the Qatari worksheets and discussions will be osmotic concentration can reduce the prestigious accolade for his tech- active exhibits and displays that opportunities in the public and pri- side in the Qatari- Saudi joint busi- presented about the main topics of produced and process water vol- nical presentation on “Advances in help visitors learn about methods to vate sectors, and addressing several ness council, reports QNA. the forum and will pose a compre- umes from Qatari gas fields in a Application of Forward Osmosis conserve water in and around their topics, including issues relating to The two-day event is consid- hensive overview for the subjects cost-efficient and environmentally Technology for Volume Reduction of homes. energy and manufacturing industry ered as a platform for enhancing Al related to investment. BUSINESS WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 27

Qatar-based banks top Bourbon unveils future perspectives in assets growth in GCC

percent) and Kuwait (-5.1 percent). and Saudi (-0.9 percent) reported Total assets of GCC However UAE witnessed a sequen- decline in non-interest income. tial profit growth of 2.8 percent. The In Qatar, Qatar Islamic Bank banks expanded 7.4% aggregate quarterly decline in profit (QIB) reported 16.2 percent YoY to $1.3 trillion in 4Q, can be ascribed to higher provisions. growth in non-financing income, The collective loans disbursed while other banks reported a fall in 2015. Qatar-based by GCC banks (under our coverage) their non-interest income. banks witnessed the increased by 9.1 percent y-o-y to Total assets of GCC banks under $793bnn in Q4, 15, with Qatar lead- the coverage expanded 7.4 percent strongest growth in ing (16.2 percent), followed by UAE YoY to $1.3 trillion in 4Q15. Qatar- total assets (11.9%), (8.1 percent), Saudi (6.5 percent) and based banks witnessed the strongest Kuwait (6.2 percent). The net inter- growth in total assets (11.9 percent followed by banks in est income of leading GCC banks YoY), followed by banks in UAE (9.8 the UAE, Saudi and increased 5.0 percent in the quarter’ percent YoY), Saudi (3.4 percent) and Kuwait. However, margins remained under Kuwait (2.4 percent). pressure on YoY basis. The NII of The GCC banks’ operating banks in Saudi Arabia grew the most expenses increased on YoY and QoQ (8.1 percent YoY), followed by Kuwait basis. During Q4, 15, the operating (3.9 percent), Qatar (3.1 percent) and expenses of global Research’s com- By Satish Kanady UAE (2.8 percent). bined coverage grew 5.7 percent YoY The Peninsula Qatar-based banks’ lending to $3.6bn, primarily driven by Qatar growth as driven by an increase in (9.5 percent), followed by Kuwait public sector spending backed by (6.4 percent), Saudi (2.8 percent) and several initiatives taken by the gov- UAE(2.7 percent). In Qatar, operat- DOHA: Net earnings of GCC’s leading ernment in the run up to FIFA World ing expenses of Masraf Al Rayan rose Chairman of the Board of Directors of French marine, subsea and offshore oil industry services group banks increased 4.7 percent year-on- Cup 2020. Among Qatar-based (52.5 percent YoY), followed by Qatar year to $5.3bn in Q4, 2015. Net profits banks, Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), Islamic Bank (18.0 percent) and Com- Bourbon, Jacques de Chateauvieux, presents the group’s future perspectives in Paris, yesterday. of top banks in the UAE increased the Doha Bank and QNB registered mercial Bank of Qatar (17.2 percent). most (11.8 percent), followed by Saudi higher growth in lending of 46.1 per- Provision expenses of all the coun- Arabia (3.7 percent) and Kuwait (1.1 cent, 14.5 percent and 14.8 percent tries, except Qatar increased in Q4, 15, percent); however, net profit of Qatar YoY, respectively. led by Saudi (22.8 percent YoY), Kuwait declined 2.1 percent year-on-year. Non-interest income of GCC (4.8 percent) and UAE (3.9 percent). The Global Research, which cov- banks fell by 6.2 percent YoY dur- Qatar (-11.8 percent YoY) on the other QDB showcases local construction ered 17 leading banks in the GCC, ing the quarter led by 1.1 percent hand, reported a fall in its provision including three in Qatar, noted net YoY decline in fee income and lower expenses. Among Qatar-based banks, profit of the GCC aggregate declined investment gains. UAE (7.5 percent) Commercial Bank of Qatar reported expertise at ‘Big Five Saudi’ expo 5.9 percent on quarter-on-quarter recorded a positive change in non- 66.3 percent YoY fall in its provision basis with Qatar leading the fall (-16.3 interest income, while Qatar (-22.5 expenses, leading to overall fall in the percent), followed by Saudi (-6.0 percent YoY), Kuwait (-16.2 percent) country’s total provisions. The Peninsula three day event at the Qatari Pavil- encourages Qatar’s private sec- ion hosted by QDB and its export arm tor and help develop international “TASDEER.” Attendance at the show export and import leads. “TASDEER” allowed local businesses to generate has the important role of promot- Head of Spain’s Telefonica steps down DOHA: Qatar Development Bank sales leads and grow business within ing local companies at international (QDB) concluded its success- Saudi Arabia’s booming construction events and gives them access to world ful participation at the “Big Five industry. markets to showcase quality Qatari AFP the world’s largest telephone com- the company’s board. The former Saudi” Exhibition held in Jeddah, Hassan Al Mansoori, the Execu- products.” panies, will step down after nearly financial analyst took over as Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), tive Director of TASDEER, said: “TASDEER” provides financial 16 years at the helm. chairman of Telefonica in 2000 from March 7 to March 10, said a “Big Five Saudi” is one of the solutions, credit insurances and Alierta, 70, proposed the com- having previously overseen the statement yesterday. largest exhibitions for building and advisory services for Qatari export- MADRID: Spanish telecoms giant pany’s chief operating officer Jose transformation of Spain’s state This year’s exhibition attracted construction in KSA. It provides a ers. It further supports businesses Telefonica yesterday announced its Maria Alvarez-Pallete, 52, as his tobacco company Tabacalera 11,453 visitors from around the world respected industry platform for mar- in developing their export capabili- chief executive Cesar Alierta, who replacement, Telefonica said in a SA, now a subsidiary of Imperial that were able to review 27 Qatari keting products and building business ties through export development and oversaw its expansion into one of statement. Alierta will remain on Tobacco, into a private company. private sector companies at the relationships. QDB’s participation promotion.

Pacific Controls launches Middle Shrinking Saudi money supply points to slowing economy East’s first Digital Reuters M1 and M2 also shrank. M1, which gap, hitting consumer spending and economic pain is expected in coming of assets suggests Riyadh could con- Business Hub includes currency in circulation and companies’ willingness to invest. months because, in a fresh austerity tinue spending at its present pace for demand deposits but excludes less liq- Money supply figures are often step, the government ordered min- several years. uid assets such as savings and time volatile, and the February data con- istries in mid-March to cut their However, Jackson said the AP DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s money supply deposits, contracted a hefty 5.1%. tained some moderately positive spending on contracts by at least 5%. country was in for a lengthy fiscal shrank in February for the first time “This is part of a trend. It’s con- factors - bank lending to the private Jackson said Riyadh’s massive fis- squeeze that would push economic in more than a decade, central bank cerning in that it reflects the size of sector expanded 10.0% from a year cal reserves meant it could probably growth down to 1.5% this year and data showed yesterday, in a fresh sign banks’ balance sheets ... The figures earlier. manage the spending cuts to avoid 1.0% next year from an estimated DUBAI: Pacific Controls, a lead- the economy of the world’s largest oil are generally an indicator of domes- But cash withdrawals from auto- an economic recession. Net foreign 3.4% in 2015. ing provider of Internet of Things exporter is slowing sharply because tic demand,” said William Jackson, mated teller machines, one indicator assets at the central bank, which acts Because of the austerity meas- (IoT) managed services solutions of depressed oil prices. senior emerging markets economist of consumer spending, sank 13 % from as the kingdom’s sovereign wealth ures, inflation has risen sharply, globally and Middle East’s largest The broadest measure of money at London’s Capital Economics. a year ago in February. fund, totalled $584bn in February, which is expected to deter consum- Tier 3 secure data center / cloud supply published by the central bank, Low oil prices pushed the budget The year-earlier total was inflated the data showed. ers. Annual consumer price inflation services provider, has collaborated M3, dropped 0.9% from a year ear- into a deficit of nearly $100bn by a two-month salary bonus for That marked a 17.3% drop from jumped to 4.3% in January, the high- with , creator of a ground break- lier last month, its first annual decline last year and the government has public employees to mark the acces- a year earlier, as the central bank est in over three years, from 2.3% in ing digital enablement platform, since at least 2004. embarked since late 2015 on spend- sion of King Salman; such largesse liquidated reserves to pay the gov- December after the government cut to launch Middle East’s first Digital Narrower money supply measures ing cuts and tax rises to narrow the looks unlikely to be repeated. More ernment’s bills, but the current level fuel subsidies and hiked utility fees. Business Hub. The Digital Business Hub provides “API as a Service” and is designed to enable enter- prises and Telecommunications companies (MNOs) to transform Madrid stock market Google CEO paid $100.5m the way they engage and partner in the digital ecosystem. The Digital Business Hub will also contribute for first year at the helm towards the acceleration of the on- going transformation of Dubai into the world’s most advanced and Bloomberg connected Digital Marketplace. The launch of the Digital Busi- nessHub follows successful WSO2. Telco hub deployments in Singa- WASHINGTON: Google Inc.Chief pore and Indiawhich currently Executive Officer Sundar Pichai serve a combined total of over 1 (pictured), received a $100.5m pay billion mobile subscribers. The package in 2015, according to a filing Digital Business Hub in Dubai from parent company Alphabet Inc. will be jointly owned by PCS and yesterday. Pichai received $99.8m in WSO2.Telco and will be hosted in restricted stock that will vest in full PCS’ state-of-the-art Jabel Ali Data by 2017. He also received a $652,500 center. The Digital Business Hub salary. The stock award hasn’t previ- incorporates features similar to the ously been disclosed in filings. other two hubs, and further pro- The former deputy of co- He also holds unvested stock options vides the ability to connect with founder Larry Page was named to valued at $11.6 million. the other hubs, making it part of run the search engine unit follow- Alphabet typically grants equity a global ecosystem. Notable fea- ing the reorganization into a holding awards to executives once every two tures of the hub are built–in APIs company last year. Following that years, a strategy it has said “encour- for operator network services, promotion, Alphabet in February ages executives to take a long-term monetisation, and a powerful iden- awarded him restricted shares val- view of the business.” tity gateway which is GSMA mobile ued at $199m, the largest grant ever Executive Chairman Eric connect compliant. given to a Google executive officer Schmidt received $8.04m for 2015, The Digital Business Hub will whose pay has to be reported in including a $1.25m salary and $6 enable MNOs and enterprises in the filings. million cash bonus. Chief Financial Middle East to streamline the way they The two grants have brought Officer Ruth Porat was awarded partner and do business by removing Pichai’s holding of unvested $31m, including $25.1m in restricted many of the barriers that have made A view of the stock market in Madrid, Spain, yesterday. The IBEX35 rose 1.07% at the start of the restricted shares to $635m as of stock. An Alphabet spokesman didn’t provisioning of digital services a slow trading day up to 8,883.10 points. Monday’s close in New York, accord- immediately respond to a request for and expensive process. ing to data compiled by Bloomberg. comment. 28 WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS

Kuwait and Saudi to resume Transporting steel output at disputed oilfield

Production at Khafji oilfield, which pumped over 300,000 barrels per day and was jointly operated by the two countries, was halted in October 2014. Riyadh cited environmental issues for the shutdown. Trucks loaded with steel are parked on a street next to the Baosteel Group Corporation plant in Shanghai, China, yesterday.

AFP

Kuwait’s Acting Oil Minister Anas Al Selah, addresses the parliament in BAE Systems to refurbish 262 KUWAIT CITY: Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have reached a deal to Kuwait City, yesterday. Saleh, who is also finance minister, said that the resume production at the dis- production from Khafji oilfield will increase gradually after resolving puted Khafji offshore oilfield, environmental issues. combat vehicles for Sweden Kuwait’s acting oil minister said yesterday. day and was jointly operated by the Khafji is jointly operated by “An agreement has been reached two countries, was halted in Octo- Kuwait Gulf Oil Co. (KGOC) and Saudi AP lifespan in support of Swedish Army value and capability over the years,” with the Saudi side at Aramco to ber 2014. Riyadh cited environmental Aramco Gulf Operations, while Wafra capabilities. (Photo: BAE Systems) said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, pres- resume production at Khafji field in issues for the shutdown. is operated by KGOC and Saudi Ara- “This is a very important pro- ident of BAE Systems Hägglunds AB small quantities,” Anas Al Saleh told Khafji is part of the neutral zone bian Chevron. gram for BAE Systems and the Swedish in Örnsköldsvik. “CV90 is already in parliament during a debate. which is operated jointly by the Industry sources say Kuwaiti KARLSKOGA, SWEDEN: The Army,” said Lena Gillström, manag- service in seven countries and now, Saleh, who is also the finance two Arab nations and production is authorities were unhappy with Saudi Swedish government has awarded ing director of BAE Systems Weapons with this refurbishment program, minister, said the quantities will divided equally. Arabia for renewing an operating BAE Systems a contract to refurbish Systems in Karlskoga, which builds the we’ll further extend the CV90’s con- increase “gradually” after resolving The other field is Wafra where agreement for the Wafra field with 262 Combat Vehicles 90 (CV90) for turrets. “With this refurbishment and tribution to Sweden’s defence.” environmental issues over which the production was also halted in May Saudi Arabian Chevron for 30 years the Swedish Army. The company’s the introduction of the new Battlefield CV90 is a family of Swedish field was shut down. last year. Wafra pumped around in 2009 without consulting them. work will include refurbishing the Management System, these vehicles tracked combat vehicles designed A number of maintenance 200,000 bpd. In response, it stopped issuing or chassis and upgrading the vehicle’s will take a step into the era of digitized by FMV, BAE Systems Hägglunds, contracts have been signed in Kuwait had initially said that renewing visas for Chevron foreign survivability and turrets, as well as defense to strengthen the Army’s capa- and BAE Systems Weapons Sys- preparation for the resumption Saudi Arabia unilaterally stopped employees. enhancing combat system perform- bility to meet future threats.” tems, with more than 4 million of production, the minister said production due to pollution con- The dispute has been a blow to ance. Together, these efforts will help BAE Systems will work closely engineering hours contributing to without saying when production cerns even though it was entitled Kuwait which, unlike its much larger increase the vehicles’ lifespan in sup- with the customer throughout the the development of this advanced will resume or how much oil will to five years’ notice under the joint neighbour, has little spare output port of Army capabilities. program. Work starts immediately Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). The be pumped. agreement. capacity to compensate for drops BAE Systems will refurbish 262 with deliveries beginning in 2018 Swedish version of the IFV is outfit- Production at Khafji, which The two Gulf neighbours began in production. Kuwait is pumping CV90s under a new contract for Swe- and running through 2020. “For the ted with a turret equipped with a 40 pumped over 300,000 barrels per talks in June to resolve the dispute. around 3.0 million b/d. den, helping to increase the vehicles’ Swedish Army, CV90 has proven its mm autocannon.

Qube and Sinopec profit beats estimates as refining buffers oil drop Brookfield raising $753m loan for Bloomberg “It’s got a defensive downstream feedstock costs supported gasoline compared with a 0.1 percent gain in million barrels. China’s oil out- business model, so the company and diesel margins. the city’s Hang Seng Index. put in 2016 will decline between Asciano’s ports actually benefited from the decline Operating income from refining at Sinopec reported in January that 3 percent and 5 percent from last of oil prices,” Gordon Kwan, head of the Beijing-based company, known oil and gas output fell for the first time year’s record 4.3 million barrels BEIJING: China Petroleum & Chemical Asia oil and gas research at Nomura as Sinopec, rose to 20.96 billion in 16 years as a slump in domestic a day, according to estimates last Reuters Corp.earnings beat analyst estimates as Holdings Inc. in Hong Hong, said by yuan, flipping from a loss of 1.95bn crude production outweighed record month from Nomura Holdings profit from turning crude oil into fuels phone. “If you compare earnings with yuan the previous year. Chemicals volumes of natural gas. The company Inc. and Sanford C. Bernstein & offset the plunge in energy prices and PetroChina and Cnooc, Sinopec has gained 19.68bn yuan from a loss of is reducing costs by closing high-cost Co. That would be the first drop in more than $1 billion in writedowns by done the best and will remain to be 2.18bn yuan. Petroleum explora- oilfields. Sinopec Shengli Oilfield, a pro- seven years, and the biggest in records SYDNEY: Australia’s Qube Hold- Asia’s biggest refiner. the most defensive oil stock.” tion and production lost 17.42 billion duction arm, shut down four oilfields for going back to 1990. ings Ltd and Canada’s Brookfield Net income last year fell 30 per- While the collapse in prices has yuan, from a 47.06bnlion yuan gain the first time in the unit’s 50-year his- Sinopec and its state-owned par- Asset Management Inc are raising a cent to 32.4bn yuan ($5bn) from 46.5 hammered producers — the glo- the year before. tory to cut losses amid the price plunge. ent China Petrochemical Corp. faced A$1bn ($753m) loan to help pay for billion yuan, according to a statement bal benchmark Brent dropped to an Refining helped cushion Sinopec The cuts helped rival Cnooc “unprecedented pressure” on oper- the ports business of Asciano Ltd, to the Shanghai stock exchange. That average of about $54 a barrel last year from the profit tumbles felt by its overtake Sinopec as the country’s ations from falling oil prices, the in a carve-up of Australia’s larg- compares with a 29.97 billion yuan from $99 the year before -- refin- state-owned rivals, PetroChina second-biggest oil and gas producer. company said in November. The com- est ports and rail operator, people mean of 19 analyst estimates com- ers have benefited as cheaper crude Co.and Cnooc Ltd., which both saw Sinopec produced almost 472 million pany’s refining margin may receive a familiar with the transaction said piled by Bloomberg. The company boosted profit margins. India’s Reli- net income drop by at least 66 per- barrels of oil equivalent, down 1.7 per- boost this year after China effectively on Tuesday. reported impairments of 8.8 billion ance Industries Ltd.’s earnings surged cent. The company slipped 1.5 percent cent, while Cnooc pumped roughly created a price floor saying in January Five banks — Australia & New yuan. Sales dropped 29 percent to to the highest in eight years in the to close at HK$4.72 in Hong Kong 496m, jumping nearly 15 percent. Pet- it wouldn’t adjust retail fuel prices as Zealand Banking Group, Com- 2.02 trillion yuan. quarter ended December as lower before the earnings were released, roChina remains the largest at 1.49 long as crude is below $40 a barrel. monwealth Bank of Australia, Citigroup, National Australia Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp - are providing financing on a club basis, said the people, who Yahoo sets deadline for buyers Samsung Pay launched declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter. The loan will be split into to present preliminary bids three- and five-year tranches and is expected to yield less than 200 basis points, based on the invest- ment-grade credit profile of the AFP Ironically, Mayer joined Yahoo as chief ports business, the people said. executive from Google a result of a proxy war The loan is in addition to launched by an activist investor group. A$800m of equity Qube is raising While Mayer has injected some energy and to pay for its share of the acquisi- SAN FRANCISCO: Yahoo Inc. has given glamour into the company, Yahoo’s finances tion. Qube and Brookfield, which prospective buyers until April to present pre- have failed to improve and its core operations were bidding against each other for liminary offers for some of its assets, the Wall are valued in the market as worthless, with the Asciano assets for seven months, Street Journal reported. company’s valuation propped up by its stakes unveiled a A$9.1 billion plan ear- In letters to potential suitors, the troubled in Alibaba and Yahoo Japan. lier this month to split up the ports Internet company asked them what assets they In February, Yahoo said it was cutting 15 % and rail giant into two units. were interested in, how they would finance of its workforce and narrowing its focus as it Brookfield and its consortium such acquisitions and what terms would have to explores “strategic alternatives.” partners — Singapore sovereign be met on their end, the newspaper said, quot- The announcement, coming with the wealth fund GIC Pte Ltd, British ing people familiar with the matter. release of a big quarterly loss, offered the first Columbia Investment Management The paper said some buyers might be inter- sign that Yahoo may be open to a sale or merger Corp and the Qatar Investment ested in Yahoo’s core web business or parts of after years of struggling to regain its former Authority - will jointly own 50% it, while others might bid for stakes in Alibaba glory. of the ports business, while Qube or Yahoo Japan. The California company reported a loss of will own the other half. Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer, who took over $4.43bn in the final three months of last year, Canada Pension Plan Invest- in 2012 with the mission of boosting growth, is due mostly to lowering the value of its US, Can- ment Board, US investor Global in an increasingly difficult position as she has ada, Europe, Latin America and Tumblr units. Infrastructure Partners and sover- failed to show concrete progress. The Journal said some 40 companies eign wealth fund China Investment Although Yahoo is one of the best-known potentially interested in Yahoo have signed Vice-President for Samsung Electronics Company’s mobile business division Lee Corp would buy Asciano’s railways names on the Internet and is used by around non-disclosure agreements in recent weeks In-jong speaking during a launching ceremony of the company’s mobile payment business. Separate debt financing one billion people, it has fallen behind Google but Yahoo wants to narrow the field. tool, Samsung Pay, in Beijing, China, yesterday. The launch is part of Samsung’s for the acquisition of the rail busi- in Internet searches and has been steadily los- Yahoo had no immediate comment to the efforts to expand the scope of its flagship mobile payment platform. ness is also under consideration, ing ground in online advertising. Journal report. the people said. BUSINESS WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 29 Asian upstarts eye global aircraft market

Reuters infrastructure development often lags N219 is similar to the Airbus CASA seat aircraft. HAL and NAL declined November 2015 was more than three demand. Runways at many smaller CN212 that PTDI manufactured under to comment. years behind schedule. Its first deliv- While countries airports are not always long enough license in the 2000s. Industry executives said both are eries have been delayed by more than see the launch of a to accommodate larger planes like the PTDI says it has 150 commitments waiting for the Indian government to four years to mid-2018. SINGAPORE: Indonesia is about to A320 and 737. from small Indonesian regional carri- clarify its aerospace policy, especially Embraer has since unveiled an roll out its first passenger plane, one commercial aircraft But while countries see the ers. It is just the start of the company’s on the taxation of aircraft and aircraft upgraded version of its regional of several smaller, homegrown air- as an important launch of a commercial aircraft aerospace ambitions, said Wayhuna. parts and the opening of smaller air- jets, giving it an order backlog of 513 craft being studied in Asia, designed as an important economic mile- PTDI is also studying a 50-passen- ports in secondary cities. planes across its line-up. The MRJ gar- especially for short hops across the economic milestone, stone, designing an aerorplane from ger plane. China and Japan’s experience with nered just 233 firm orders. region’s emerging markets, where air designing an scratch is also an expensive gamble. For its part, Korea Aerospace homegrown craft, however, under- Industry analysts expect Mitsubi- travel is booming. Both China and Japan have struggled Industries, which develops and lines the costly challenge ahead. shi may only supply a quarter of the State-owned aerospace firm PT aerorplane from to create jets that sell. license-produces fighter jets and The MA60 turboprop, China’s first roughly 4,000 regional jets that will Dirgantara Indonesia’s 19-seat N219, scratch is also an Asian markets are a testbed for helicopters, has been studying a 100- passenger aircraft - developed by be needed in the 20 years to 2013. which cost $400m and took just over smaller aircraft. The International Air seat passenger aircraft for more than state-owned Aviation Industry Corp Embraer, by contrast, would control five years to make, is scheduled to expensive gamble. Transport Association (IATA), which a year, said an industry executive of China (AVIC) and delivered from 60 percent of the market, they say. make its first flight in June and start Both China and represents airlines, expects Indonesia familiar with KAI’s plans. KAI would 2000 - has been involved in 11 major “We are very confident of get- deliveries in 2018. South Korea is Japan have struggled will be one of the five fastest grow- prefer to work with established West- incidents. This includes four in which ting a good share in this market,” mulling a 100-seat aircraft, and India ing markets over the next 20 years. ern aerospace firms if it goes ahead, the plane was completely written off Yugo Fukuhara, vice president and has considered a 70-90 seater. to create jets that But the country also has many low- this person added. and one that resulted in 25 deaths. general manager of sales and mar- Novices in a highly competitive sell. density cities where poor airport “We will initially start with mid- In August 2013, the New Zealand keting for the MRJ, said. Analysts say industry, these largely state-owned infrastructure has been a drag on sized passenger aircrafts or business government warned tourists not to the newcomers should learn from the manufacturers are betting on growing strong demand for air travel. jets, instead of taking on Boeing fly on a Tongan airline’s MA60, cit- Chinese experience of putting a state- passenger numbers and an increase in produced by Brazil’s Embraer, Can- Other emerging markets face a directly with large-sized jets,” said ing the incidents. Another Chinese owned firm in-charge of a aircraft short flights operated by small, effi- ada’s Bombardier, and European firm similar challenge, Ade Yuyu Wah- a KAI spokesman, who added these plane, Commercial Aircraft Corp of programmes and trying to source cient craft. The planned craft would ATR, a joint venture between Airbus yuna, vice-president of business remain mid to-long term plans. China’s long-delayed ARJ-21 regional everything at home. be smaller than the Airbus 320 or and Finmeccanica. development and marketing at PT Indian state-owned aerospace jet, has not received US certification They will also need to master the Boeing 737, which seat between about Many of these could suit some Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), said. firm Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) after seven years of testing. complexity of a large supply chain, 150 and 190 passengers. markets in Asia, South America Powered by two turboprop and research agency National Aero- In Japan, Mitsubishi Heavy pass the rigorous certification proc- Instead, they aim to be cost-effec- and Africa, executives say, where engines from Pratt & Whitney, a unit space Laboratories (NAL) have both Industries’ MRJ regional jet has also ess, and establish an after-sales tive, nimble alternatives to planes demand for air travel is growing but of United Technologies, Indonesia’s studied separate projects for a 70-90 struggled. The jet’s first flight in support network.

Kia SUV Niro unveiled UBS and Credit Iraq could secure Suisse keen to advise Russia 3-year standby on privatisation deal by June: IMF Reuters MOSCOW: Swiss banks UBS and Credit Suisse are interested in advising the Russian government Reuters envisaging that Iraq would get at on several privatisations as long least $5bn this year and the remain- as the deals do not violate sanc- der by the end of the arrangement. tions, three banking sources said. Iraq could get as much as $3.9bn The banks responded to a AMMAN: The International Mone- from the IMF over the course of three request for proposals that the tary Fund could approve as early as years, with $1.9bn disbursed in 2016, Russian Economy Ministry sent June a standby arrangement (SBA) based on preliminary estimates, Josz to Russian and foreign banks this with Iraq unlocking $15bn in inter- said. Quarterly tranches of around month for advisory roles in the national assistance over the next $600m would be contingent on Iraq planned sales of a 50.08 percent three years, the head of the IMF’s meeting the SBA performance crite- stake in oil firm Bashneft and 10.9 Iraq mission said yesterday. ria, he added. percent stakes in both diamond Christian Josz said the package of Josz said the main challenge of miner Alrosa and lender VTB. assistance, nearly one third of it from the SBA would be gradually to bring Bankers have previously told Models pose for photograph with Kia Motors’ hybrid subcompact SUV Niro during its unveiling ceremony the IMF and the rest from international spending into line with revenues so Reuters that Western investments groups and donor countries, would that Iraq could stabilise debt at 75 in Seoul, South Korea, yesterday. banks with Russian operations be in line for approval by the board percent of gross domestic product by are reluctant to advise Moscow on if talks with Iraq next month go well. 2020. Debt as a percentage of GDP hit planned privatisations as they are Josz said at the end of a round 53 percent last year and will reach 77 worried about the consequences of talks with Iraqi Finance Minis- percent this year, he added. “The deal of violating Western sanctions ter Hoshiyar Zebari in Jordan that will bring debt sustainability. They imposed on Russia over the con- the structure of the deal itself was have a large deficit - debt is rising very Asia buys less LNG for first time flict in Ukraine. now in place. “If we conclude the fast. It’s inevitable that debt is increas- However, three bankers told discussions in April in Washington ing (because) the fall of oil prices was Reuters that UBS and Credit Suisse I think we could present an agree- so sharp,” the IMF official said. Bloomberg Jordan and new importer Egypt. Spot Global LNG trade increased to were among banks that responded ment of the standby arrangement for The IMF deal is contingent on and short-term supply remained sta- 245.2 million tonnes last year, as 14.4 to the request. A fourth banking the approval of the board of the IMF progress in meeting five main tar- ble at 28 percent of total volumes, million tonnes of new capacity was source said that Italy’s UniCredit had in June,” he said, adding that good gets related to the budget deficit, its which rose 2.5 percent after Aus- added, according to GIIGNL. A fur- also answered the RFP. “I heard that progress had been made in talks financing by the central bank, keep- TOKYO: Asian liquefied natural gas tralia and Indonesia started new ther 42 million tonnes is expected to the Swiss were saying that they will since November. ing sufficient reserves, targeting purchases last year fell for the first plants. The start of a wave of main- come online this year, it said. take part if no sanctions are broken,” Zebari said Iraq must push faster social spending and avoiding accu- time since the 2009 financial crisis land US exports in February, which While Chinese demand rose a senior Western banker said. The with fiscal reforms to overcome a mulating arrears to international as the Middle East, North Africa and unlike most long-termsupply isn’t 5.5 percent to 20 million tonnes, banker and other banking sources financial crisis prompted by the fall companies, Josz said. Europe helped absorb rising global limited in destination or tied to oil cementing its role as the third-largest said no US bank has responded to in oil prices, the mainstay of the coun- Iraq will also have to take meas- output. prices, will see it “challenge Qatar as imports, that failed to offset a drop in the RFP. try’s income. “We cannot continue as ures to alleviate a massive wage bill Japan, the world’s largest LNG the world’s leading supplier of flexi- Asian imports to 177 million tonnes, Spokeswomen for Credit we used to in the past. The country for more than 3.5 million civil serv- consumer, cut imports by 4.7 percent ble LNG,” GIIGNL said. or 72 percent of global imports from Suisse and UBS and a spokesman must succeed and not become bank- ants and six million pensioners and while shipments to South Korea, the “In a global context of lower 75 percent a year earlier. for UniCredit all declined to com- rupt,” Zebari said. Financial assistance find new sources of taxation and second-largest buyer, fell 11 percent energy prices and sluggish economic Total spot and short-term trad- ment. US banks Goldman Sachs, for the debt-ridden country could revenue. “They have accumulated because of slow economic growth, growth, the LNG industry is holding ing of less than four years was 68.4 JP Morgan, Bank of America Mer- come from several sources including arrears vis-a-vis oil companies mild weather and increased use of its breath for the impact of an export million tonnes, little changed from rill Lynch, Citi and Morgan Stanley the IMF, the World Bank, Gulf states, and they are supposed to pay them alternative fuels, according to the wave from the US,” Domenico Dis- 69.6 million a year earlier, as prices were among Western banks that the United States and other G7 coun- within a quarter and now they have International group of LNG import- penza, president of GIIGNL, said in declined. “True spot” trade, for car- received RFPs, along with Euro- tries, Josz said. payment delays that are closer to ers, a Paris-based lobby group. the report. “In the longer-term, the goes within 90 days, accounted for pean peers including Deutsche “If they adjust their spending six months, so they have to clean Shipments to the Middle East future of LNG imports looks positive” 15 percent of the global total. LNG Bank, Barclays, Royal Bank of we see they have a financing need up before we come to a standby and North Africa jumped 140 per- as China and India are expected to for northeast Asia slid 30 percent Scotland, BNP Paribas, Societe of $15bn over three years,” he said, arrangement,” he added. cent thanks to demand from Dubai, boost demand over the next decade. last year. Generale and Raiffeisen. Russian Economy Minister Alexei Ulyukayev said last week that three banks should lead the privatisation process set for later this year, with one or two more Ikea’s enigmatic founder Ingvar Kamprad turns 90 banks helping to run the deals. He said that Western banks had responded to the RFPs but did not AFP spirit — Kamprad’s ascent to wealth model — which would cut transport power of the emerging middle class in name them. A spokeswoman for began at the tender age of 17. and storage costs — was conceived countries like post-Cold War Russia. the economy ministry declined to Backed with modest financial in 1956 after an employee suggested Despite his enormous success and name the banks. support from his father, Kamprad table legs be removed during freight wealth, Kamprad’s modest spending Though Switzerland is not a STOCKHOLM: Ikea founder Ing- began selling pens, picture frames, so the package would fit into a car. habits bordered on obsessive. In 1973 member of the European Union, var Kamprad (pictured), who built typewriters and other goods, deliv- Two years later Kamprad opened he fled Sweden’s higher tax structure it joined EU sanctions imposed a global business empire with rev- ering orders on his bicycle. His early Ikea’s first store in Almhult, south of for Denmark, before seeking even on Russia over Moscow’s role in olutionary flat-pack furniture and success arose from squeezing his his hometown. He was proud of the lower taxes in Switzerland. Ever fru- the Ukraine crisis. Nevertheless, dallied with Nazism in his youth, prices to undercut more established egalitarian spirit that his company gal, Kamprad reportedly drove an Switzerland was excluded from turns 90 today. competitors. He christened the fledg- promoted, telling Sydsvenskan news- ageing Volvo, and regularly used his counter-sanctions imposed by Creator of the Swedish furniture ling business Ikea, stringing together paper in 2008, “I belong to the people supermarket loyalty card. Russia on imports of food products empire famous for its thrift, style his initials and those of the Elmtaryd on the (shop) floor”. “The greatest Reflecting Kamprad’s dislike of from Europe. As a result, the only and convenience, Kamprad is also penny-pincher despite being one of farm where he grew up in the town intelligence within Ikea is on our taxes, the International Consortium Western European cheese on sale known for alleged tax avoidance. the world’s richest people. of Agunnaryd. floors. If I want to know something I of Investigative Journalists in 2014 in Moscow supermarket shelves is The contrasts at Ikea — an everyman’s He created a modern, visionary In 1947 the young Kamprad don’t approach a top manager, I talk cited leaked tax files from Luxem- Swiss cheese. furniture store yet global behemoth — business model but never escaped the started selling furniture made by local to ten sales people,” he added. bourg in identifying Ikea as one of The EU financial sanctions do illuminates his conflicting character. taint of his support for Sweden’s fascists, artisans, and four years later began But he had a tough side that helped the giant multinationals fingered for not explicitly prevent European An admirer of the humble despite dismissing the episode as “a publishing the first of his mail order him conquer the world. From 1970 corporate tax avoidance by shuffling firms from advising on most Rus- classes who bent over backwards folly of youth.” Born in 1926 to a farmer catalogues — now printed in 200 mil- on, Ikea conquered major markets in money from high taxation countries sian transactions. But some of the to avoid paying taxes, Kamprad in Smaland — a poor region in southern lion copies and 33 languages annually. Europe, North America, Asia and the to tax havens, minimising his com- measures include grey areas that has been described as an obsessive Sweden known for its entrepreneurial Ikea’s revolutionary self-assembly Middle East, thriving on the spending pany’s bill. are open to interpretation. 30 WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS

QE INDICES SUMMARY QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE QE Index 10,316.67 1.69 % QE Total Return Index 16,599.58 1.73 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,042.32 1.83 % QE All Share Index 2,864.29 1.63 % QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,798.26 1.24 % QE All Share Industrials 3,167.18 1.39 % QE All Share Transportation 2,547.87 1.19 % QE All Share Real Estate 2,527.25 3.52 % QE All Share Insurance 4,412.26 0.56 % QE All Share Telecoms 1,132.91 2.98 % QE All Share Consumer Goods & Services 6,598.3 0.05 %

QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON 29-03-2016 Today 28-03-2016 Previous day Index 10,316.67 10,145.39 Change 171.28 83.63 % 1.69 0.82 YTD% 1.08 2.72 Volume 10,733,815 10,189,517 Value (QAR) 393,295,206.70 370,786,003.69 Trades 5,690 4,638 Up 27 | Down 10 | Unchanged 02

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

EXCHANGE RATE Currency Buying Selling US$ QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 UK QR 5.1555 QR 5.2309 Euro QR 4.0419 QR 4.1237 CA$ QR 2.7353 QR 2.7976 Profit booking dents India’s equity markets Swiss Fr QR 3.7013 QR 3.7951 Yen QR 0.0317 QR 0.0325 Aus$ QR 2.7246 QR 2.7938 IANS The speech assumes significance as Ind Re QR 0.0538 QR 0.0551 it can give cues on a likely US rate hike Pak Re QR 0.0349 QR 0.0348 next month. Recent US economic growth Peso QR 0.0772 QR 0.0797 data has increased chances of a rate hike. SL Re QR 0.0245 QR 0.0253 MUMBAI: Profit booking, unwinding A hike in the US interest rates is expected to of long positions ahead of derivatives lead away Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) Taka QR 0.0467 QR 0.0459 expiry and caution over a likely US rate from emerging markets such as India. Nep Re QR 0.0348 QR 0.0343 hike dragged the key equity markets lower Besides, upcoming US economic data SA Rand QR 0.2362 QR 0.2408 yesterday. such as ADP employment report figures Consequently, the barometer 30-scrip and non-farm payroll numbers deterred Sensitive Index (Sensex) of the Bombay investors from chasing prices higher. GOLD AND SILVER Stock Exchange (BSE) closed the day’s trade However, some value buying, positive in the red. Similarly, the wider 50-scrip opening of the European markets and GOLD QR144.3135 per gramme Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) healthy foreign funds inflow briefly sup- SILVER QR1.8191 per gramme ended in the negative territory. It dropped ported prices and led key indices to pare by 18 points or 0.24 percent, to 7,597 points. their initial losses. The Sensex, which opened at 24,957.24 Further, a stable rupee gave a boost to points, closed at 24,900.46 points — down investors’ sentiments. The rupee ended the 65.94 points or 0.26 percent from the day’s trade at 66.54 to a US dollar from its previous day’s close at 24,966.40 points. previous close of 66.56-57 to a greenback. Dollar slides after During the intra-day trade, the Sensex “Profit booking and unwinding of touched a high of 25,079.35 points and a long positions ahead of F&O (futures and Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen’s augmented by 156.19 points, followed by low of 24,835.56 points. options) expiry dented sentiments. Caution speech today and F&O expiry,” Agarwal the banking index which increased by Yellen’s speech; Dow The BSE market breadth favoured also prevailed ahead of the US Fed Chair noted. “However, with expectations of a 69.96 points and the metal index rose by the bears — with 1,718 declines and 928 Janet Yellen’s speech and upcoming ADP rate cut, we expect the selling pressure to 29.39 points. The S&P BSE healthcare index advances. The barometer index had jobs data tomorrow and non-farm payroll reduce going forward. Investors would also receded by 391.63 points, followed by cap- and Nasdaq rise plunged by 371 points or 1.46 percent on data on Friday,” Anand James, chief mar- keenly watch out for US jobs data for fur- ital goods index which declined by 125.23 Monday. ket strategist, Geojit BNP Paribas Financial ther cues on the rate hike.” points and the IT index fell by 45.73 points. Reuters Initially, both the key indices of the Services, said. Furthermore, foreign institutional Major Sensex gainers during yester- Indian equity markets opened on a flat “However, markets were able to pare investors (FIIs) were net buyers during the day’s trade were Tata Motors, up 2.63 note, following their Asian peers. Even some of their losses due to value buy- day’s trade, while the domestic institutional percent at Rs372.80; Maruti Suzuki, up 2.55 NEW YORK: The US dollar dropped sharply and stocks commodities like gold, oil and copper ing and positive opening of the European investors (DIIs) sold stocks. The data with percent at Rs3,730.85; Axis Bank, up 1.55 on Wall Street moved higher after Federal Reserve Chair were at standstill at the beginning of the markets.” stock exchanges showed that FIIs invested percent at Rs429.35; Reliance Industries, up Janet Yellen said the Fed should proceed “cautiously” day’s trade. According to Vaibhav Agarwal, vice Rs513.45 crore, while the DIIs sold stocks 1.46 percent at Rs1,035.40; and Tata Steel, when it raises interest rates. Market observers cited that profit president and research head at Angel worth Rs556.69 crore. up 1.28 percent at Rs303.90. Crude oil prices cut losses but later succumbed to booking, and unwinding of long positions Broking, equity markets traded in a nar- Sector-wise, healthy buying was wit- Major Sensex losers were Lupin, down oversupply pressure. “Given the risks to the outlook, I ahead of the derivatives expiry dented row range throughout the day’s trade and nessed in automobile, banking and metal 6.27 percent at Rs1,401.45; Cipla, down 3.83 consider it appropriate for the Committee to proceed investors’ sentiments. In addition, caution closed in the red led by a correction in stocks, whereas scrip of healthcare, cap- percent at Rs504.35; Dr. Reddy’s Lab, down cautiously in adjusting policy,” Yellen said in remarks prevailed ahead of the US Federal Reserve pharma, IT (information technology) com- ital goods and IT industries came under 2.98 percent at Rs2,945.15; Gail, down 2.88 to the Economic Club of New York. chairman Janet Yellen’s speech at the Eco- panies and index heavyweight HDFC. selling pressure. percent at Rs347.30; and Sun Pharma, Yellen’s comments, her first since the press con- nomic Club of New York later in the day. “Traders remain cautious ahead of The S&P BSE automobile index down 2.10 percent at Rs794.05. ference after Fed held rates steady two weeks ago, appeared to contradict more recent hawkish comments from several of her colleagues. The dollar fell sharply against a basket of curren- cies in reaction to Yellen and dollar-priced commodities BoE warns on Brexit and tightens buy-to-let mortgages pared losses. The Thomson Reuters Core Commodity index was down 0.7 percent after earlier having fallen as much as 1.4 percent. “It pretty much follows the script we saw coming Bloomberg sterling and affect the cost ... of financing As a result, the BoE has recommended BoE more fine-grained powers over out of the (Fed’s) March meeting and reconfirms (Yellen) for a broad range of UK borrowers.” banks ensure they take new tax rules into buy-to-let mortgage terms, similar to is still in the dovish camp,” said John Augustine, chief Sterling has fallen to a seven-year low account when assessing loan applica- powers it has already used on residen- investment officer at Huntington National Bank. “Yellen against the dollar since the start of the year tions, check landlords’ incomes properly tial mortgages. took the dovish side in the great Fed debate and mar- LONDON: Britain’s European Union ref- and markets price in extra volatility for and ensure rental income will be enough The BoE also said it would start to kets are reacting uniformly to her comments.” erendum could push up credit costs and around the date of the referendum. to cover a mortgage rate of at least 5.5 raise the new cyclical element of its capi- On Wall Street, technology shares led gains in major weaken sterling more, the Bank of England While much of the BoE’s concern about percent. tal framework, which rises and falls as the indexes while energy shares, which had been the larg- warned yesterday, as it moved to bolster Brexit was familiar, less expected was its The Bank of England said most risk of imprudent lending changes over the est weight on the S&P 500 with a 1.7 percent decline, banks’ risk buffers and slow a boom in decision to tighten credit checks on land- lenders already had similar rules, but business cycle, after policymakers failed were down 0.8 percent. The Dow Jones industrial aver- lending to landlords. lords and move ahead with a disputed plan that it expected enforcing the rules to reach agreement in December. age rose 44.07 points, or 0.25 percent, to 17,579.46, the The central bank said the outlook for to vary the size of banks’ risk buffers over universally would reduce the number This new buffer sits on top of the min- S&P 500 gained 7.53 points, or 0.37 percent, to 2,044.58 financial stability had worsened since its the economic cycle. of mortgage approvals in three years’ imum and is built up in good times to stop and the Nasdaq Composite added 47.91 points, or 1.01 last report in November, saying a rebound The immediate impact of both meas- time by 10-20 percent compared with credit supply becoming too frothy, and percent, to 4,814.70. in Chinese lending was “concerning” and ures is likely to be modest, but they doing nothing. tapped when the economy weakens and The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 stock index that June 23’s vote on leaving the EU was indicate a policy direction and may have “It’s timid,” Capital Economics’s Paul some loans turn sour. ended up 0.5 percent, before Yellen’s remarks. MSCI’s now the biggest domestic risk. a greater effect over time if the Bank Hollingsworth said, adding much of the Banks will have to hold a 0.5 percent index of shares in major world markets rose 0.4 percent. Bank of England Governor Mark expands them. gross lending growth was existing land- counter-cyclical buffer by the end of March The euro hit its highest in six days versus the dollar at Carney came under fire from some pro- Buy-to-let lending has boomed in lords switching mortgages rather than 2017. That is equivalent to a relatively mod- $1.1272 and the dollar index fell 0.6 percent, the most since Brexit lawmakers earlier this month for Britain in recent years, and is now worth new lending. est 5 billion pounds for the banking system March 17. “It was definitely dovish,” said Richard Scalone, exaggerating the dangers of leaving the £200bn ($286bn). “They are doing a lot of red flag wav- as a whole and halfway towards its neu- co-head of foreign exchange at TJM Brokerage in Chicago, EU, though the central bank does not However, Prime Minister David Cam- ing rather than taking some serious action.” tral level of 1 percent. in reference to Yellen’s speech. “This is another push in the have an official position on whether Brit- eron’s government has been keen to boost The Council for Mortgage Lenders said the Moreover, for larger banks the bulk of direction of fewer interest rate increases.” ain should remain. individual home ownership and is raising measures did not appear to curtail exist- the increase to 0.5 percent will be canceled Brent crude oil fell 3.1 percent to $39.04 a barrel The BoE’s Financial Policy Committee, taxes on the sector, leading the BoE to fear ing market practices. out by a cut in another capital require- and US crude lost 3.2 percent to $38.15. Both cut the which Carney chairs, said yesterday that that banks’ plans to raise gross lending to Tougher rules may come later, how- ment. “While a big symbolic step, there is decline to near 2 percent shortly after Yellen’s prepared “heightened and prolonged uncertainty landlords by 20 percent a year might come ever, if finance minister George Osborne unlikely to be a large impact,” HSBC econ- remarks hit the wires. ... could lead to a further depreciation of at the cost of credit standards. follows through with plans to give the omist Simon Wells said. BUSINESS VIEWS WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 31

Hedge funds establish Flood of Central Bank moves can’t near-record bullish get world economy out of rut bet on rising oil prices

By John Kemp sharp short-covering rally. Reuters But the current short-cover- ing rally now appears over with hedge funds now fully exited from the record short position estab- edge funds and other lished since October 2015. money managers have With the hedge funds Hamassed a near-record switched from a record short posi- number of bullish bets on increas- tion to a near-record long one, the ing oil prices, helping push the balance of risks in the market has main international benchmark shifted to the downside. well above $40 per barrel. Instead of a short-covering By the close of business on rally, the main risk in the short March 22, money managers held term is now long liquidation if a net long position equivalent to funds try to take some of their almost 579 million barrels in the profits following the rise in prices. three largest crude oil futures and The current hedge fund long options contracts. positioning puts the market at risk Hedge funds have more than from a sharp drop in prices such doubled their net long position as occurred after June 2014, May from just 242 million barrels at 2015 and October 2015. the end of last year, according to There seems to be some an analysis of data published by awareness of the shifting balance regulators and exchanges. of threats. In the last three weeks, The net long position has oil prices have risen by less than passed the previous peak of 572 expected given the large reduc- million barrels, set in May 2015, tion in hedge fund short positions. and is closing in on the record The rally in WTI has stalled of 626 million, set in June 2014, at or just below $40, while the The headquarters of the European Central Bank (ECB) is illuminated with a giant euro sign at an event in Frankfurt, Germany. when Islamic State fighters were liquidation of hedge fund short racing across northern Iraq. positions implied it should have Hedge funds have established risen closer to $50 per barrel. a record net long position in Brent Hedge funds are betting grow- By Rich Miller Co., which oversees $1.43 trillion in assets. York. “The risks are shifting from down- crude futures and options traded ing consumption and shrinking Bloomberg The lackluster world economy is side surprises on inflation to watching out on ICE Futures Europe equivalent oil output will swiftly rebalance expected to top the agenda when central for upside surprises.” to 364 million barrels of oil. the oil market. bankers and finance ministers gather in He sees the US, particularly American At the same time, hedge fund Like the optimistic Professor Washington next month for the spring meet- consumers, leading the way for an even- managers have largely closed out Pangloss in Voltaire’s “Candide”, entral bankers have managed to ings of the International Monetary Fund and tual improvement in global growth. US their previous record short posi- hedge funds have established a steer the world economy clear of World Bank, with Group of 20 officials also households are benefiting from a tight- tion in US oil futures and options near-record long position on the a recession while leaving it stuck holding talks. IMF officials have said they ening jobs market that is starting to push and started to accumulate long assumption the oil market will in the same rut that led to its expect to downgrade their assessment of this up wages of some workers. positions instead. be in the best of possible worlds troubles in the first place. year’s outlook and have urged policy mak- Risks remain, though—some of offi- Combined WTI short posi- in 2016. CA torrent of monetary stimulus in recent ers to do whatever they can to spur growth. cials’ own making. China has been tions on the New York Mercantile The newfound bullishness weeks helped spark a turnaround in finan- Still, muddling through looks pretty good propping up a yuan that IHS Inc. chief Exchange and ICE Futures Europe has been based in part on the cial markets by assuaging investors’ fears compared with the nasty combination of economist Nariman Behravesh estimates have been cut from 261 million view that oil prices have already of an impending global downturn. Yet it did events that investors dreaded was in store is 15 to 20 percent overvalued, meaning barrels at the start of February to fallen so far (probably too far) that little to lift hopes among economists of a earlier this year: A Chinese hard landing and that dangers of a devaluation haven’t 112 million barrels. The net long they must increase again in the stronger pickup that would put growth on steep currency devaluation, a US recession disappeared. The country’s short-term position in WTI has surged from medium term. a more solid footing. and a global downturn comparable to 2008 efforts are contributing little to tackling just 60 million barrels in early Few analysts, traders and “The global economy will continue to and 2009. its long-run problem of too much lever- February to 215 million barrels investors think that oil prices muddle along,” said Charles Collyns, chief While many economists thought such age. Moody’s Investors Service highlighted on March 22. could be sustainable at $30 in economist for the Institute of International fears wildly exaggerated—“all that was crazy China’s surging debt burden in lowering The accumulation of a near- the medium and long-term so a Finance in Washington and a former US stuff,” former IMF chief economist Olivier the nation’s credit-rating outlook to neg- record net long position has correction was inevitable at some Treasury official. He sees growth this year Blanchard said—they were worried that the ative from stable earlier this month. coincided with a sharp rise in oil point. Hedge funds have turned of about 2.5 percent—the same as in 2015 pessimism could feed back into the econ- In the US, the Fed’s move to roll back prices, with US crude up from $26 very bullish about the outlook and well short of the 3.7 percent average omy by turning consumers and companies its planned rate increases could mean that per barrel to more than $41, and for oil prices based on indicators over the five years leading up to the global more cautious with their cash. it will have to speed them up later if infla- Brent up from $30 to $42. showing that gasoline demand in financial crisis. Central bankers have managed to short- tion picks up faster than the central bank The closing out of the previ- the United States and India. The concern is circuit that feedback loop, at least for now. expects, said Peter Hooper, chief econo- ous record short position in US Investors appear more hope- that policy makers are China denied it planned a big yuan mist for Deutsche Bank Securities in New crude futures and options has ful the US and global economies mainly putting off the devaluation and pledged to do more to boost York. That risks sparking renewed turmoil been accompanied by a predict- will avoid a return to recession in pain for now while its economy. European Central Bank Presi- in financial markets by highlighting the able short-covering rally. There 2016, ensuring that oil consump- adding to the difficul- dent Mario Draghi rolled out a multi-pronged Fed’s policy divergence with the ultra- has been a close correspondence tion keeps increasing. US shale ties they’ll face later. stimulus package that helped restore some easy stances of the ECB and Bank of Japan. between hedge fund positions and production appears to be falling What’s more, the meager investor faith in policy makers’ powers after Investors got a taste of that in recent the movement of oil prices since swiftly based on state production growth they’ve gener- a botched attempt by Bank of Japan Gov- days after a series of Fed presidents early 2014. Just as record shorting data and the wholesale idling of ated means a downside ernor Haruhiko Kuroda called them into stressed the need for the central bank to of US crude futures and options drilling rigs, which should grad- shock still threatens question. And Federal Reserve Chair Janet press ahead with interest-rate increases, helped push oil prices to multi- ually help tighten the oil market. A torrent of monetary to sink the world into Yellen and her colleagues did their part by knocking stock prices off their highs for year lows below $30 per barrel Sentiment about possible pro- recession, with central scaling back the number of rate increases the year in the process. Yellen can clar- in January and February, so the duction restraint from members stimulus in recent bankers already press- they expect to carry out this year, pointing ify the outlook in a speech scheduled for unwinding of those positions has of the Organisation of the Petro- weeks helped spark a ing against the limits of to the risks posed by “global economic and Tuesday. sent prices sharply higher. leum Exporting Countries has also their powers. financial developments.” The commodity “What happened in the first quarter is This is the third time that improved. Opec members appear turnaround in financial “The returns to mon- markets also cooperated, as a rebound in essentially a microcosm of what we expect hedge funds have established to be inching towards agreement markets by assuaging etary easing are still oil prices helped allay concerns that world to play out in markets over the next six a large short position and then on a standstill production agree- positive, but they’re demand for crude—and for everything else— to nine months,” said Ajay Rajadhyaksha, unwound it since the start of 2015 ment in cooperation with key investors’ fears of diminishing,” said was collapsing. head of macro research in New York for and each cycle has ended with a non-Opec countries. an impending global Joachim Fels, global eco- “We are at an inflection point on infla- Barclays Plc’s investment-banking unit, nomic adviser for Pacific tion,” said Allen Sinai, chief executive referring to the wild price swings in the downturn. Investment Management officer of Decision Economics Inc. in New early months of 2015. South Korea’s biggest family firms set for record IPO year

By Elzio Barreto “We have to pay attention to these list- biggest IPO venue. 2014, it has been reshuffling its sprawling Reuters ings because they are large-cap deals,” said But compared with the $3.5bn raised in array of listed assets to cement the position Park Sung-jin, a fund manager at Woori Asset South Korean IPOs last year, 2016’s potential of Jay Y. Lee, vice chairman of tech giant Sam- Management in Seoul. “Benchmark funds, growth points to determination among the sung Electronics and heir-apparent to ailing iding a Seoul stocks revival, some of such as those for (Korea’s) National Pension “chaebols” to take action. As well as IPOs, sec- patriarch Lee Kun-hee. South Korea’s biggest family firms Service, cannot pass them by,” he said, refer- ondary issuance is being lined up in already Those moves triggered an acrimonious Rare set to clean house this year with ring to the world’s third-largest pension fund listed businesses like insurer Samsung Life spat with minority investor Elliott Manage- multi-billion dollar initial public offerings with about $81bn invested in South Korean Co Ltd and steelmaker POSCO, bankers say. ment last year that saw the hedge fund air that will fire the country to a record year for stocks at end-2015. “Stars are aligning so that a lot of those complaints alleging Samsung disregard for new listings. IPOs expected this year include Hotel corporates need to do something, hence the shareholders in Seoul courtrooms. Elliott lost Family-run conglomerates, or “chaebols”, Lotte Co, potentially the country’s biggest ever resulting rise in activities,” said a Seoul-based its case and ultimately sold its shares - but like Samsung, Doosan and Lotte are listing at up to $5bn, drugmaker Samsung Biologics equity capital markets banker, who couldn’t not before casting the spotlight on Samsung’s assets to streamline structures, smooth paths and construction equipment maker Doosan be named because details of the deals have approach to corporate governance. toward management succession or ease debt Bobcat Inc, the latter two seen worth $2bn not been made public. Whatever the issues at Lotte and Sam- burdens. Added to other deals in the pipeline, and $1bn respectively. Still, investors may have just cause for a sung last year, bankers expect strong interest IPOs planned by these three will take pro- Hotel Lotte’s listing is expected in the pause to consider exactly what they’re get- in deals in 2016. Family-run conglomerates, ceeds this year to at least $10bon, bankers second half of June while Doosan Bobcat’s ting into. Before the major IPOs kick off, South or “chaebols”, like say, eclipsing 2010’s high of $8.5bn. is due in the fourth quarter of 2016, Thomson The Lotte Group plan to list one of the Korea has already racked up $2.7bn worth Coming on the back of a near-10 per- Reuters publication IFR reported. Samsung jewels in a consumer goods to leisure business of deals, and bankers expect secondary offer- Samsung, Doosan and cent rally in Seoul’s benchmark share index Biologics hasn’t disclosed a timeline for its empire comes after a bitter succession feud ings this year from firms like Samsung Life, Lotte are listing assets since mid-February, the sales will test deal. Amid the resurgence in Seoul’s IPO between sons of company founder Shin Kyuk- steelmaker POSCO and Doosan Co Ltd. All international investor appetite for minority interest, newer firms are also set to pile in, ho flared into public view last year. Bankers three firms declined to comment. to streamline structures, holdings in firms dominated by some of the including top mobile game maker Netmarble say the sale is nonetheless being primed to “South Korea has been very resilient smooth paths toward best-known names in South Korean busi- Games with a projected $1.7bn listing. beat South Korea’s existing IPO record, set in despite all the stress and worries in the rest of management succession ness. But the scale of the IPOs and relative The expected surge in activity would still 2010 when Samsung Life Insurance raised Asia,” said a senior Hong Kong-based equity stability of the domestic market compared to leave Seoul firmly in the shadow of Hong $4.4bn. capital market banker working on several or ease debt burdens. jitters over prospects in China this year make Kong, where IPOs at the local exchange tally Meanwhile Samsung Group is immersed Seoul deals, who could not be named dis- them a magnet for Korean investors at least. totaled $23.7bn last year, making it the world’s in its own succession preparations. Since cussing the matter. 32 WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS

BACK TO BUSINESS sight Newspapers gobble each other Barclays joins Morgan Stanley in predicting up to survive digital apocalypse more pain for rupee

By Gerry Smith it is decreasing, said industry ana- By Kartik Goyal currency strategists. “The scope Bloomberg lyst Ken Doctor. Bloomberg for rupee appreciation is very lim- For some, the best strategy is ited as we expect the Reserve to get bought by a billionaire will- Bank of India will probably limit ing to give the newsroom time and any gains to protect exports and EWSPAPERS have set- resources to try new things. Under ARCLAYS Plc is pre- will look to accumulate reserves.” tled on a strategy to owner Jeff Bezos, the founder of dicting more losses for Barclays’ strategists see the stop withering away: Amazon.com Inc, the Washing- India’s rupee, Asia’s rupee ending 2016 at 71.50 a dol- feast on each other ton Post has widened its focus on worst performer this lar, compared with an earlier for survival. For the national and international coverage Byear, as the dollar strengthens projection of 70.50, according owners of big-city and added 70 employees to the news- and policy makers try to arrest to Sanyal. The currency is fore- Ndailies like the Chicago Tribune and room, including about 50 reporters a slump in exports. cast to weaken to 70.50 by Sept. Denver Post, buying smaller publica- and editors, lifting the headcount to The London-based bank has 30, down from an earlier esti- tions and slashing costs has become about 700. Those moves have helped lowered its year-end and Septem- mate of 69.50. a way to buy time while figuring out the paper keep pace with the New ber-end forecasts for the Indian Morgan Stanley slashed its how to make more money online. York Times in unique US Web visitors. currency, which it estimates year-end rupee forecast to 73 That was the logic behind the recent As newspaper chains buy smaller will drop to an unprecedented a dollar from 70 earlier this failed attempt by Tribune Publish- papers and merge them, some worry 69 a dollar by June 30, accord- month. The rupee “is likely ing Co, owner of the Los Angeles that coverage of local news will wither ing to Siddhartha Sanyal, chief to underperform in a risk- Times, to buy two Southern Califor- further. Yet for many owners, the strat- India economist in Mumbai. The averse environment that we nia newspapers. egy has been to “maintain profitability rupee is down 0.6 percent in 2016 expect will continue to domi- Last year, the industry saw the by continually diminishing the product even after rallying 2.8 percent nate fundamentals over the next most deals for the largest amount of ways that newspapers are reposi- To that end, Gannett last week and charging more for it,” Doctor said. this month as India’s govern- few quarters,” Morgan Stanley money since the 2008 financial cri- tioning themselves against the digital acquired a minority stake in a star- One newspaper owner that is ment stuck to its fiscal goals in currency strategists led by Lon- sis, with 70 daily newspapers being competition.” tup called Spirited Media. The New acquiring and combining newspapers February’s budget and investor don-based Hans Redeker wrote sold for a combined $827m, accord- Some major newspapers can York Times, meanwhile, has gener- is privately held Digital First Media sentiment toward emerging mar- in a report dated March 13. ing to mergers-and-acquisitions afford to remain solo, especially if ated more than 1 million paid online Inc, which is controlled by the hedge kets improved. The rupee rose 0.1 percent to adviser Dirks, Van Essen & Murray. they’re fortunate enough to have a subscribers. And Boston Globe Media’s fund Alden Global Capital. Last week A recovery in crude oil prices close at 66.54 a dollar in Mum- Gannett Co bought 15 dailies, includ- national brand like the New York new startup, Stat, is trying to reach a the company, which owns about 80 and the willingness of central bai yesterday, according to prices ing the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel; Times or to be owned by a billion- global audience interested in health, daily newspapers including the Den- banks to support global growth from local banks compiled by Tribune snapped up the San Diego aire, such as the Washington Post. medicine and science. ver Post, bought the Orange County has calmed markets and boosted Bloomberg. The currency fell Union-Tribune; and Warren Buf- But the rest of America’s newspa- Yet for many of those ideas to be Register and Riverside Press-Enter- demand for developing-nation last month to the brink of an all- fett’s newspaper chain acquired the pers — many of which are the sole fruitful, they need investment and prise in bankruptcy court after a assets following a volatile first six time low of 68.845 seen in August Free Lance–Star in Fredericksburg, source of professional journalism in time — two things in short supply federal judged blocked Tribune from weeks of 2016. Even so, investor 2013. A gauge of the greenback Virginia. their communities — are hanging on at many newspapers as the once- acquiring them on antitrust concerns. confidence remains fragile with has dropped 0.3 percent in the Even after last year’s surge of by a thread, 20 years after the Inter- lucrative print audience disappears. This month, Digital First Media concern over China’s economic past two days after climbing 1.3 activity, more deals may be com- net first became a competitive threat Advertising revenue at US newspapers said it plans to combine six news- slowdown and the global oil sup- percent last week in its biggest ing. The pressure to combine is only by siphoning off classified advertising. has plunged to $12bn this year from papers covering the Bay Area into ply glut lingering. The rupee’s rally gain since November. expected to grow because several Not everything in the Fourth $50bn in 2000, according to Bloomb- two and cut 20 percent of the staff, this month follows a 0.9 percent Exports from India declined media companies have spun off their Estate is grim. Newsrooms continue erg Intelligence. Print circulation has according to the San Francisco decline in February and a 2.4 per- 5.7 percent in February, a 15th lucrative TV stations, leaving newspa- to experiment with strategies to draw dropped by half on average since Chronicle. After the cuts, the com- cent slide in January. straight month of contraction. pers to fend for themselves. In the past readers and convince advertisers of 2005, according to industry analyst pany will have 160 people covering “There is a clear trend of dol- The current-account deficit in few years, Tribune, Gannett and News their value. Newspaper publishers say Alan Mutter. 160 towns across 5,000 square miles, lar strengthening and we think Asia’s third-largest economy in Corp. have been decoupled from their they’re making progress with niche While online readers are grow- according to Mutter. that will lead to some weaken- the quarter through December broadcast and TV operations. websites that may have national or ing, most digital advertising is going The company’s strategy is to ing of the rupee along with other was $7.1bn, wider than the median “The case for consolidation has global appeal. They’ve also gotten to Google, Facebook and other pop- squeeze out profits by attracting emerging-market currencies,” $3bn in a Bloomberg survey of gotten stronger than ever,” said Rick new sources of revenue from dig- ular websites that don’t produce local advertising while scaling back Sanyal said, citing the change economists, as overseas earn- Edmonds, a media business analyst ital subscribers, sponsored events, local news. Newspapers are “way on local news reporting, Doctor said. in rupee forecasts by the bank’s ings from services slowed. for the Poynter Institute, a nonprofit newsletters and acquisitions of digital behind” the overall growth rate of Digital First Media didn’t return a journalism school. “It is one of the startups that have found an audience. digital advertising and their share of request for comment.

Investors have been attracted to commodities as one of Capital the best performing assets so far in 2016. However, in the absence of any fundamental improvements, those returns Kevin Norrish, Comment are unlikely to be repeated in the second quarter. Barclays Plc

TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS EM March inflows rise Market Talk to 21-month highs: IIF Dealogic @Dealogic MoneyBeat

Q1 2016 is the 4th Reuters valuations and rising hopes for quarter in a row to NAME IN THE MARKET: Q1, 16 INVESTMENT BANK REVENUE political change”. But the inflow hit the $100bn mark for global Tech M&A Investment banks’ fees are surge may have ground to a halt, ($107bn), its longest down 36% from last year, the group said, predicting that streak ever LONDON: Foreigners are esti- going could get tougher in com- hurt by market volatility and mated to have pumped $36.8bn ing weeks as expectations again Argaam Plus @ a lack of IPOs. Investors see into emerging market stocks grow for the US Fed to raise inter- and bonds in March, the high- est rates a couple of times in 2016. ArgaamPlus no spring thaw in the IPO est monthly inflow in nearly two “In the absence of much #Saudi #POS market, with listings on ice years, the Institute of Interna- improvement in the fundamen- transactions due to market and political tional Finance said yesterday. tal economic outlook for EMs, it down 9% in The Washington-based appears that March’s surge in February uncertainty. body, one of the most authori- flows to EMs was mainly due to tative trackers of foreign capital a global risk-on shift in inves- flows to and from the develop- tor behaviour and lower mature IMF @IMFNews ing world, said in a note that all market interest rates, supported Wealth Adviser four emerging market regions by surprisingly dovish signals had received inflows, with Asia from the (Fed) on March 16,” the Cheap oil has not topping the list with $20.6bn. note said. resulted in the shot in The inflow, the highest The IIF also revised data the arm for the global since June 2014, follows $5.4bn for previous months, and now economy received in February and is sub- estimates that emerging bonds Questions about below-zero stantially above the 2010-2014 saw outflows of $8.8bn in Jan- interest rates in Europe average of $22bn, the IIF said. uary rather than inflows of IIF @IIF Bonds took in $18.9bn and equi- $4.3bn. February debt inflows and Japan provide an ties $17.9bn, the data showed. were revised upwards to $5.2bn MARCH MADNESS: opportunity to review basic Latin America, which had from $0.9bn. Equity flow num- #EmergingMarkets been shunned by investors in bers were changed for February received portfolio investing principles. recent months, took in $13.4bn, to $0.2bn inflow from a $1.1bn inflows of $36.8 bn, the data showed, with equi- outflow, while January outflows about equally split ties in crisis-hit Brazil receiving stand at $7.5bn from the previ- btwn bonds & equities over $2bn “helped by attractive ous $6.9bn. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 34 PAGE | 37 Australia take 7th triple-doubleble another step for Westbrookk in towards Russia March

WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 • 21 Jumada II 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar Basketball: Al Rayyan win Qatar Cup in fine style

The Peninsula

DOHA: Basketball giants Al Rayyan yesterday crushed Al Gharafa 83-71 to bag Qatar Cup title at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. Abdulla Malek Salem scored 25 points while team-mate Davon James Dominic poured in 22 points as Al Rayyan retained lead in all the four quarters to claim their second suc- cessive trophy this season. Star James celebrated his brilliant performance with 9 assists. Earlier this month, Al Rayyan - Action from the 2018 World Cup qualifying match between Qatar and China in Xi’an, northwest China’s coached by Koufos Stergios - won the Action from the Qatar Cup match between Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa Shanxi province yesterday. Qatar Basketball League (QBL) title at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. Al Rayyan won 83-71. Pictures: Hussein Sayed for the second time in a row at the same venue. Galloway Kevin Dwayne was the by captain Yassen Musa who waved Ngombo Tanguy Alban scored 14 third Al Gharafa player to reach the the club flag as coach Stergios was points for Al Rayyan who were also double figures. Dwayne scored 12 seen ‘biting’ the gold medal at the served well by Hill Lawrence who points and had 7 assists. prize distribution ceremony. China ends Qatar’s managed a tally of 5 points and 7 Ndoye Hassino scored 7 points to Al Rayyan club’s Vice President assists in the hard-fought clash. go with his 3 assists. Rashid bin Nasser Al Khalifa said: Abdelhaleem Abdelrahman Al Rayyan closed the first quarter “Thank God for this honour. We scored 8 points while Mohamed at 25-18 followed by scores of 43-34 are proud of our team. They always Mohamed Hassan produced a tally in the second quarter. fight to the last. They always fight to of 6 points. In the third quarter, Al Rayyan win. They are not interest in finish- unbeaten run For Al Gharafa, coached by Kous- were leading 62-45 to suggest an easy ing second.” say Hatem - Saad Abdulrahman win but Al Gharafa fought well in the He added: “We were good in Mohamed emerged as the highest final to reduce the gap. attack and defense. Now we will scorer with a tally of 25 points. Qatar Basketball Federation turn our focus on the next tourna- Massey Jeremiah Timotheus also (QBF) President Sheikh Saoud bin ment which is the Emir Cup. This was Coach Hongbo’s side enjoyed a good performance, man- Abdulrehman Al Thani presented a memorable tournament for us. aging 23 points in what turned out the medals and the trophies to play- Al Khalifa said: “We played in the keeps alive their to be a losing cause. Timotheus had ers of the finalists. league also. Al Rayyan players look hopes of advancing 3 assists. Al Rayyan celebrations were led to dominate. This is our motto at the to the next round of club also. Whether it is a big match or a regular game, we look to put on the 2018 FIFA World a memorable performance.” Cup qualifiers Al Rayyan player Malek Salem said: “I want to congratulate Al Gharafa on a good performance but our team clearly presented a better The Peninsula show. Al Rayyan plays with confi- dence and thank God for the good players we have.” Salem added: “There have been XI’AN: China produced a brilliant good sides in the event. We didn’t performance yesterday to keep alive have any easy games. We are blessed their hopes of advancing to the next with a brilliant coach and backroom round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup set-up. We are confident of playing qualifiers after defeating Qatar 2-0. well in future also.” Action from the 2018 World Cup qualifying match between Qatar Following a goalless first half at Al Rayyan club manager said: the Shanxi Stadium, Huang Bowen and China yesterday. “This is the title we were after. I am fired the hosts ahead with a terrific glad we got there. Now we look for- effort before Wu Lei struck right at the back and were rarely troubled, We expected a tough fight, no doubt. ward. This a club that plays to win. the end to seal the victory for them. although their opponents were with- Now we have time to plan for the next We played all games in the tourna- However, the Chinese – who fin- out a handful of key players including stage.” ment to dominate. Al Rayyan is the ished second in Group C – will have Hassan Al Haydos and Sebastian Qatar remain at the top of Group top team in the country. Our style Action from the Qatar Cup match between Al Rayyan and Al Gharafa to wait to find out if the result was Soria. C with 21 points. Second-placed is hard to match. We like to lead enough to send them through to the And as the Qataris pushed more China have 17 points from eight at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall. always.” third round of the World Cup qual- and more men forward in the final matches. ifiers, as well as straight to the 2019 stages of the game, the hosts were Hosts China were thrilled with Asian Cup as one of the four best able to capitalise a minute from time their win over Qatar saying the team runners-up. when Wu Lei’s darting run into the ‘had achieved their target’ from the With the Qataris having already box was picked out by an incisive 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying wrapped up top spot before yester- pass from Hao Junmin. game. day’s clash, it was China who had Despite being closely followed by “We will celebrate this win,” more on the line but the opposi- a defender and facing a tight angle, Hongbo said yesterday. tion were also looking to maintain the Shanghai SIPG midfielder clin- “We have got three points from their perfect streak in the campaign ically fired a left-footed shot past this game. We have achieved our tar- by claiming an eighth consecutive Amine Lecomte to cap off a fine dis- get,” he said. victory. play by his team. “I will take this opportunity to This resulted in a keenly-con- Qatar coach Daniel Carreno said say that clubs helped us get the best tested opening 45 with both sides he will be looking at positives from players. The players did a good job,” being restricted to efforts from dis- his team’s 2-0 loss against hosts Hongbo said. tance, although it was arguably China. “The quality of play was reflected Gao Hongbo’s charges who were “We have observed the game on the field of play. We did not take more deserving of being in front at closely. There are negatives and pos- any silly risks in the 90 minutes of halftime. itives from this match. We will take the game,” he said. Nonetheless, their persistence the positives and work on our weak- “After the first half, my players paid off in the 57th minute when they nesses,” Carreno said. attacked well. We played an attack- finally took the lead after the visitors “We were expecting a tough ing game,” Hongbo said. failed to clear their lines, allowing game. I had said earlier anyone “Qatar team has quality players. Huang to pounce on a loose ball on from the group of 28 players could It has developed well over the years,” the edge of the box and drill a low be selected for this game,” he added. he said. shot into the bottom corner. “Despite the loss, we look at the The group winners and four Having fallen behind, Qatar positives. Every game offers some- best runners-up (total 12 teams) will did show more urgency in their bid thing and we have to be positive,” the advance to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup to find the equaliser but the Chi- Qatar coach said. finals and the final round of quali- Qatar Cup winners Al Rayyan celebrate with the trophy at the victory celebrations nese were impressively dominant at “China employed good tactics. fying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. 34 WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 SPORT

Four clubs fined for breaking Syrians advance despite defeat third-party rules

home and away games with Syria, Sin- Reuters Country locked in gapore, Afghanistan and Cambodia. But they struggled to stamp their violent conflict loses authority on a Syria team missing four ZURICH: Four clubs, including 5-0 to Japan but key players, axed by coach Fajr Ibra- former South American cham- him for breaking a team curfew after pions Santos and Europa League qualify to the next last week’s 6-0 win over Cambodia. holders Sevilla, have been fined for round as one of the And Japan survived a scare when breaking FIFA’s rules on third party Mahmoud Al Mawas smashed a long- influence, soccer’s governing body four best-performing range drive against the post, moments said yesterday. group runners-up before Kagawa’s volley on 66 minutes Santos, best known as the Bra- effectively put the game beyond Syr- zilian club where Pele spent nearly ia’s reach. all of his career, were fined 75,000 AFP Keisuke Honda headed Japan’s Swiss francs ($77,000) while Sevilla third with four minutes left but there were fined 55,000, by FIFA’s disci- was still time for Kagawa to stab home plinary committee. his second and for substitute Genki Brazilian media reported that SAITAMA, JAPAN: Japan thrashed Haraguchi to grab a stoppage-time Santos were investigated over the Syria 5-0 to finish top of their World fifth. transfer of Neymar to Barcelona Cup qualifying group yesterday but “We played a spectacular match,” in 2013, although FIFA could not they needed a flurry of late goals to Japan coach Vahid Halilhodzic told immediately be reached to con- give the scoreline a flattering com- reporters. “It will give us confidence firm this. plexion. and great strength to take into the final FIFA said Santos had failed to A freak own goal from Hamdi Al round of qualifiers.” declare “mandatory information” Masri after 17 minutes put Japan in Honda told Japan’s NHK Television: into its transfer database and failed front before Shinji Kagawa scored “It was a goal to go through qualify- to co-operate with an investigation. twice and Syria crumbled in the sec- ing with no goals against so that was The other clubs sanctioned Japan’s midfielder Keisuke Honda (left) and Syria’s defender Hamdi Al Massri fight for the ball during the ond half as the home side topped satisfying. were FC Twente from the Neth- Group E in the second round of qual- “But there are still some things we 2018 World Cup qualifier in Saitama yesterday. erlands, who were fined 185,000 ifying for the 2018 World Cup and 2019 need to work on. We got caught on the Swiss francs, and Belgium’s St Tru- Asian Cup. counter several times and stronger spark as Japan crushed Afghanistan spectacularly off-target just before estimated 250,000 lives, including iden, fined 60,000. Japan finished with 22 points from opponents will make us pay so we 5-0 last Thursday, was handed the the interval. several footballers. Sevilla were issued with a their eight games -- four more than need to be wary of that. captain’s armband on his 100th inter- Ibrahim’s decision to drop rebel But his players produced a cou- warning and the other three clubs Syria, who will also advance to the “We don’t want to be satisfied with national appearance. quartet Ahmad Al Saleh, Alaa Al She- rageous display nonetheless and with warnings and reprimands. next round as one of the four best- this. All the players need to step up But the Leicester City striker bli, Fahd Al Youssef and Sanharib Japan goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa In all cases, FIFA said that the performing group runners-up. and improve in order for us to keep failed to add to his tally of 48 inter- Melki was a tough one, given Syria’s needed to produce a string of top saves clubs were “found to be liable for The Blue Samurai scored 27 goals winning.” national goals, missing an open goal struggles amid their country’s vio- to preserve his clean sheet. entering into contracts that enabled and conceded none from their eight Shinji Okazaki, who provided the in the early salvos and volleying lent conflict, which has claimed an third parties to influence the club’s independence in employment and transfer-related matters.” FIFA introduced a ban on third- party influence over clubs in 2008. FIFA statutes state that no club Cahill brace as Australia take can enter into a contract which allows a third party to influence “in transfer-related matters its another step towards Russia independence, its policies or the performance of its teams.” In 2014, FIFA went further and announced that it would ban third- Reuters South Korea in securing places in the needed to find the net with a trade- party ownership (TPO), when the 12-team third qualifying phase, from mark leaping header from the middle transfer rights of players are wholly which four countries will earn tickets of the penalty box. or partially owned by a company to Russia in 2018. The 25,000 fans at the Sydney instead of the player’s club. SYDNEY:Tim Cahill scored twice as “It was good,” said Australia coach Football Stadium had to wait for eight The practice was widespread in Australia eased into the final round of Ange Postecoglou, whose side also minutes after the break until Rogic Brazil and Argentina and was also Asian qualifying for the 2018 World booked a spot at the 2019 Asian Cup. resumed the scoring and substitute present in some European coun- Cup with a convincing 5-1 victory over “Against a side everyone acknowl- Luongo lashed home the fifth 20 min- tries such as Spain and Portugal. Harry Redknapp’s Jordan yesterday. edged was a tough opponent, we were utes from time. The ban came into force on May Cahill’s 46th and 47th interna- dominant from start to finish. Former Tottenham Hotspur 1 last year. tional goals, combined with a first half “We probably should have scored manager Redknapp kept up his urg- effort from the excellent Aaron Mooy five or six more.” ing from the sidelines until the final and scores after the break from Tom With Cahill restored to lead the whistle but only a string of saves from German league’s Rogic and Massimo Luongo saw the line after missing last week’s 7-0 Amer Shafi, one to deprive Cahill of Asian champions comfortably secure thrashing of Tajikistan and Mooy and a hat-trick, prevented the scoreline record-holder top spot in Group B. Robbie Kruse irresistible in midfield, from blowing out further. Jordan, who had inflicted the only the match was as good as over as a Substitute striker Abadallah Deeb, defeat of the campaign on the Soc- contest by halftime. though, restored a modicum of pride Hildebrand retires ceroos, never looked like repeating Mooy and Kruse combined to give for the Jordanians with a superb the feat and were left relying on other Cahill a simple tap-in to open the shot into the top corner in the dying results to keep alive their slim hopes scoring in the 24th minute and the trio minutes. AFP of progressing as one of the four best were all involved again when Mooy “There was a gulf in class,” said runners-up. went through to double the lead with the 69-year-old Englishman. Australia’s victory sent Syria a fine finish 15 minutes later. “We stepped up a level tonight BERLIN: Timo Hildebrand, who through with one of the runners- Just before halftime, Mooy found and it was difficult, they were bet- holds the Bundesliga record for a Tim Cahill of Australia celebrates scoring his second goal against up spots and they both joined Saudi Kruse and the winger’s cross pro- ter than us.” goalkeeper of 885 minutes with- Arabia, Qatar, Japan, Thailand and vided Cahill with all the invitation he Jordan during the World Cup Asian qualifier in Sydney yesterday. out conceding a goal, confirmed yesterday he is retiring at the age of 36. “Every goodbye is difficult. With your support it will be eas- ier for me. I want to thank every Washington strikes against Slovenia as single fan, club and companion in my last 17 years as a professional footballer,” Hildebrand wrote on his Facebook page. The ex-Germany shot-stopper Northern Ireland set unbeaten record is without a club and has decided to hang up his gloves after a move to an MLS club in the United States fell through. Agencies made a goal out of nothing and it’s a great night “An important theme is whether the World Hildebrand set the German for him,” added O’Neill. Cup can be played in more than one country,” league record in nine games, “It would be unfair to say if he’s on the flight said Infantino. “FIFA has been very much against bridging the 2002/03 and 2003/04 to France. He’s done himself no harm at all, not a joint organisation. I personally support it. seasons. BELFAST: Northern Ireland set a record of 10 only in the performance, but how he’s fitted in “2030 is a very important year and history “This record was part of an games unbeaten with a 1-0 win over Slovenia with the group. It looks like he’s going to be an must be respected.” outstanding team performance. If after a goal by Conor Washington in a friendly asset to us.” Uruguay were awarded the first World Cup anyone manages to beat it, it will on Monday in the build-up to their first Euro- The Irish host Belarus and visit Slovakia in in 1930 and beat Argentina 4-2 in the final. They be Bayern and Manuel,” Hildebrand pean Championship. their last two friendlies before starting the Euro also won the World Cup in 1950, upsetting hosts told magazine Kicker. The victory at Windsor Park meant man- 2016 campaign against Poland and then facing Brazil in the deciding match. Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer ager Michael O’Neill eclipsed the achievement Ukraine and world champions Germany. Argentina staged and won the tournament came closest to beating Hilde- of Billy Bingham, whose Northern Ireland side Slovenia failed to qualify for the tourna- in 1978 and eight years later Diego Maradona brand’s figure in 2011 when he went twice went nine games undefeated in the 1980s. ment in France after losing a qualifying playoff led them to their second title in Mexico. 770 minutes unbeaten in the Ger- Man-of-the-match Washington struck after to Ukraine. The two countries have on various occa- man league. 41 minutes with his first international goal in his Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infan- sions over the past few years expressed Hildebrand won the last of his second appearance for the country to become tino gave tentative backing to a joint World Cup a wish at both Football Association and seven caps for Germany in 2007 the first Northern Ireland player to score on his bid by Argentina and Uruguay on Monday, sug- government level to stage the centennial and made 301 appearances in the home debut since George McCartney in 2001. Conor Washington celebrates with a gesting the history of the two South American tournament. Bundesliga for VfB Stuttgart, Hof- The Queens Park Rangers striker outmuscled team-mate after scoring the first goal for nations made them serious candidates to host CONMEBOL, which threw its support behind fenheim, Schalke 04 and Eintracht Miral Samardzic and then barged Nejc Skubic out Northern Ireland against Slovenia in an the tournament in 2030. Infantino ahead of the presidential election, Frankfurt. of the way before cutting inside Bostjan Cesar international friendly at Windsor Park, Infantino, elected to run soccer’s world gov- has been hard hit by the recent FIFA corrup- He also had spells at Valencia and firing a low shot past Jan Oblak. Belfast, Northern Ireland on Monday. erning body in February, was speaking during a tion scandal with its last three presidents and and Sporting Lisbon after winning Veteran keeper Roy Carroll, 38, preserved the visit to the South American Football Confeder- officials from all 10 member nations among the Bundesliga title with Stuttgart home side’s lead when he saved Milivoje Novako- The 23-year-old scorer Washington, who was ation’s (CONMEBOL) headquarters in Paraguay. those indicted. in the 2006/07 season. vic’s penalty in the 66th minute after Jonny Evans at non-league St Ives Town only five years ago, FIFA held one joint World Cup in Japan and A US investigation into more than $200 mil- He last played in Germany’s had hauled Samardzic to the ground. qualifies for Northern Ireland through his grand- South Korea in 2002 but has since come out lion in bribes and kickbacks sought and received top flight for Frankfurt in Decem- Asked about the unbeaten record, O’Neill mother but had never actually visited the country against future joint bids. by soccer officials for marketing and broad- ber 2014 and has decided to retire said: “It’s lovely to achieve something like that. until he was called up for this month’s friendlies. However, Infantino told CONMEBOL offi- cast rights to tournaments and matches has led after a long recovery period fol- It’s for the squad -- to go unbeaten for 10 games “He’s a raw striker. He’s come on the inter- cials that he was not against co-hosting the to more than 40 individuals and entities being lowing a hip operation in April is a great achievement.” national stage and showed what he can do. He tournament. charged. 2015. SPORT WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 35

McIlroy to Another blow for Belgian cycling skip Par 3 Contest to focus on 2011 Belgian junior champion Masters Myngheer dies from a heart attack after Demoitie’s death AFP

HOUSTON: Rory McIlroy revealed AFP on Monday that he will skip the Par 3 Contest on the eve of next week’s US Masters at Augusta to focus on his goal of winning the year’s first PARIS: Belgian cycling suffered a major. double blow in 24 hours with Daan “I’m not going to play the Par Myngheer’s death on Monday from a 3 Contest this year as it’s just too heart attack following that a day ear- much hassle and it’s a bit of a dis- lier of Antoine Demoitie, killed in an traction,” said the Northern Irish accident. golfer. “A very sad week for the world of The four-time major winner cycling,” said Swiss Fabian Cancellara will be making his eighth straight in an outpouring of emotion among appearance in the Masters and fellow riders. only once has he not played the Both riders were trained by the Par 3 Contest at Augusta National. same coach Kristof De Kegel, who That was five years ago in 2011 reacted with disbelief: “The cycling when he went into the final round gods are too hard! I’ve lost two great of his then third Masters leading talents but above all two very warm by four shots before the horrible people.” meltdown of recording a last day Myngheer, 22, the 2011 Belgian 80 to tumble to a share of 15th junior champion who only turned place behind South African Charl professional last year, suffered the Schwartzel. heart attack on Saturday after pulling “The year I had my best chance up in the first stage of the Criterium at Augusta, and that was in 2011 as International in Corsica. I didn’t play the Par 3 Contest so He passed away at 7:08 pm (1708 maybe the decision not to play it GMT) on Monday in a hospital in this year can work in my favour,” Belgium cyclist Antoine Demoitie in Benidorm, Spain, in this January 15, 2016 file picture. Demoitie died yesterday, aged 25 in a hospital in Lille, d’Ajaccio, on the island’s west, sur- explained McIlroy. rounded by his family and his partner France, of injuries sustained in an accident during the Gent-Wevelgem race. RIGHT: Belgian cyclist Daan Myngheer in action at an unspecified A year ago, McIlroy recorded Emely, his team Roubaix Metropole location in this file picture. Myngheer died on Sunday aged 22 at the Ajaccio hospital after suffering a heart attack during theiterium Cr International his best Augusta finish of fourth Lille said. cycling race near Porto-Vecchio, in Corsica, France. behind Jordan Spieth. “It’s with great emotion that we However in the past two years announce the death of Daan,” his there has been more than the nor- team said in a statement. “He lost his applied during the Belgian race, the determine if this delay may have con- was conscious when he got into the mal media interest in McIlroy’s last race after battling like a great SAD WEEK FOR CYCLING respect for safety distances. The colli- tributed to the cyclist’s death. ambulance,” said team manager Dan- choice for his Par 3 Contest caddy. champion.” sion did not take place at high speed,” Myngheer, who would have iel Verbrackel.He suffered the heart In 2014 then fiancee and “Rest in peace champion,” it public prosecutor Eric Fouard said. turned 23 on April 13, pulled up in dif- attack while in the ambulance, before Danish-born tennis ace Caro- added. His death was another ham- Wanty-Gobert fell around 150 kil- The motorcyclist was questioned by ficulty after just over an hour of racing being transferred by helicopter to hos- line Wozniacki arrived on the tee mer blow to Belgian cycling after ometres into the Gent-Wevelgem police in Dunkirk but later released. in the first stage of the race at Porto- pital in Ajaccio where he was put on having changed the colour of her 25-year-old Demoitie was killed in a race, in Sainte-Marie-Cappel. He According to the magistrate, Vecchio on Saturday. artificial respiration and fell into a hair to crimson while a year ago collision with a motorbike during the was then hit by a motorbike while emergency services were only called “Daan couldn’t breathe... he was coma. The young racer also had trou- younger Augusta fans were in a Gent-Wevelgem race through north- on the ground, before being trans- half an hour after the initial examina- perspiring a lot. The race doctors saw ble during an amateur race in 2014, frenzy when One Direction’s Niall ern France on Sunday. ported to a hospital in Lille where he tion by race doctors, and arrived 45 immediately that it was serious. We but doctors found no problems with Horan carried McIlroy’s clubs. The 25-year-old member of succumbed to his injuries. “Investiga- minutes after the accident. have to thank the organisers for the his heart when they examined him Not for a first time in his Belgian second-division team tions will be undertaken into the rules Investigators will have to speed with which they reacted. Daan immediately afterwards. career, McIlroy spoke openly of his emotions in remarking he was ‘cheesed off’ following his WGC - Dell Match Play semi-final defeat last week at the hands of eventual Improving safety a big ask in largely amateur sport of cycling champion Jason Day. And then after losing the third place shoot-out to Spain’s Rafa Cabrera-Bello it was clear McIlroy Reuters over by a race motorbike during the a race: some transport reporters and Despite the recent incidents, Some 70 motorbikes are on the could not leave the Austin Country Gent-Wevelgem classic - only the lat- photographers, others race stewards the UCI regulations only state that world’s biggest race, the Tour de Club course quick enough. Long- est in a string of incidents involving and the regulators who decide who “organisers shall demand that press France, although only about half time coach Michael Bannon has race vehicles over the last year. can overtake and when. vehicles be driven by experienced of them can regularly overtake the arrived from Belfast to Palm Beach PARIS: Cycling’s authorities are under Slovakia’s Peter Sagan and Por- “Must tragic circumstances be the drivers, familiar with cycle races and peloton. Gardens and will spend the week pressure to improve safety after Bel- tuguese Sergio Paulinho were sent marker for change?” Australian rider knowing how to manoeuvre. These Tour organisers Amaury Sport with McIlroy at the exclusive Bears gian rider Antoine Demoitie died crashing to the ground by motor- Michael Rogers asked recently. drivers must hold the licence of a Organisation (ASO) have imposed Club honing the game of the cur- following an accident involving a bikes during last year’s Vuelta, while After one his riders was knocked vehicle driver for a road event.” training courses on the motorbike rent world number three. motorbike on Sunday but it will be Belgian Greg van Avermaet, who was by a motorbike during the La Drome Getting the licence, however, is a riders after Dutchman Johnny Hoog- And while McIlroy heads to a tough task in a sport which is still soloing towards victory, was dis- Classic race last month, BMC man- mere formality. erland was sent flying into barbed Augusta not having tasted suc- largely amateur. mounted by a motorbike at the Clasica ager Jim Ochowicz wrote to the UCI While limiting the number of wire by a French TV car during the cess on the PGA Tour this year he While the International Cycling San Sebastian. demanding action. vehicles involved in a race would 2011 Tour de France. was upbeat about his chances of Union (UCI) expressed its sadness over At the Tour de France, a motorbike “This has got to stop before the certainly help, that in itself would “We have two mandatory courses not only being fitted with a Masters Demoitie’s death yesterday without collided with Jakob Fuglsang during headlines in the future are of a more not solve the problem. with the French gendarmerie in Fon- green jacket but also becoming a discussing the circumstances of the a mountain stage while Frenchman disturbing nature than what we have “Motos are a necessity in our sport tainebleau (in the Paris suburbs),” member of golf’s ultra-elite Grand accident, the riders’ association (CPA) Sebastien Chavanel and New Zea- seen in 2015 and now again in 2016,” for both security and media presence. Bruno Thibout, a former French Slam winners club. has demanded a probe and improved land’s Jesse Sergent were knocked he wrote. It’s their conduct and the direction professional cyclist who now rides “I was just so flat out there in safety measures. down by neutral service cars. Motor- “To the UCI, I am turning to you that needs governance,” said Irish a motorbike on ASO races, said my match with Rafa and I was Demoitie, 25, died after being run bikes have multiple functions during for answers and solutions.” rider Dan Martin. yesterday. hardly holing a putt out there, and really just wanted to get out of the place,” he said. “So I will get into Augusta on Sunday night and play Monday, Eubank, Blackwell fight should Tuesday and Wednesday morning. “As for my game, I do feel as though I am similar to where I was with my game last year as I have been stopped: Surgeon am very happy with my game as everything feels pretty good. “And I guess you can see it as a sign of my confidence that I am Reuters stopped. “It was clearly a one-sided avoid hitting Blackwell’s head at the not going to Augusta early as the fight by the seventh or eighth round end of round eight. course changes so much just from and it should have been stopped. He “If the referee doesn’t stop it, I Wednesday to Thursday. took too many uppercuts and he suf- don’t know what to tell you, but I will “So compared to a year ago fered a blitz,” Hamlyn told Britain’s tell you this, if he doesn’t stop it, and and all the hype of winning the LONDON: The British middleweight Telegraph newspaper. you keep beating him like this, one, Grand Slam, I already feel a lit- title fight between Chris Eubank Jnr “It seemed insane for it to go on, he’s getting hurt, two, if it goes to a tle more mellow and a lot more and Nick Blackwell which left the lat- because only one man was going to decision, why hasn’t he stopped the chilled. This year you have the ter fighter in an induced coma should win the fight.” fight?,” Eubank Snr. said. attention spread between Jordon have been stopped earlier, a leading The British Boxing Board of Con- Watson, 51, spent 40 days in (Spieth) going back to defend and neurosurgeon said. trol was satisfied with how the bout a coma and had six operations to Jason (Day) winning for a second Blackwell, 25, collapsed in the was handled. remove a blood clot, leaving him week in a row and also there’s ring after the fight was called off on “Every boxer who gets into a ring with brain damage and partially Adam (Scott) who has won at Saturday because of swelling over his know the risks,” BBBC general sec- paralysed. Augusta before and is coming off left eye in round 10. retary Robert Smith told BBC Radio Writing in the Telegraph, he said his back-to-back wins. He was found to have a bleed 5 live. Blackwell’s injury took him “down “So there’s a lot more going on the brain and was placed in an “We have everything in place as memory lane in many senses”. on around others competing in induced coma in hospital in London best we can. But we’re never going to “Chris and Nick were involved the Masters this year already than where he is still heavily sedated. make it 100 percent safe.” in a very tough fight, and it was a the spotlight I found myself in a Surgeon Peter Hamlyn, who The incident drew parallels with very sad thing to see Nick hurt at year ago.” operated on Michael Watson when he the world title fight in 1991 after the end and then to hear what has McIlroy spoke also of his suffered brain damage in a 1991 fight which Watson was left fighting for happened to him after the fight,” excitement in having arranged with Chris Eubank Snr., said medical his life. Watson wrote. an Augusta practice round with Andre Ward celebrates after he beat Sullivan Barrera in their IBF Light procedures were followed properly Eubank Snr., 49, was in his son’s “It was a real sense of deja vu as the British-born talented pair of but that the fight should have been corner on Saturday and urged him to the story unfolded.” Heavyweight bout at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California on Sunday. Andy Sullivan and Matt Fitzpatrick. 36 WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 SPORT

Hockey: US Kuznetsova advances with ease past Canada 3-1 for winning start big win; Dimitrov beats Andy KAMLOOPS, BRITISH COLUMBIA : The United States was once again too much for Canadian goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer. Hilary Knight had No Miami final for Murray two goals and Brianna Decker Unforced errors scored the winner to help the prove costly as title after Dimitrov upset US begin its title defense at the favourites Serena women’s world hockey cham- Reuters pionship with a 3-1 victory over Williams and Andy Canada on Monday night. Murray exit Miami Knight’s even-strength goal MIAMI: Andy Murray, accustomed to going deep into the Miami Open, was tied it 1-1 with 10:02 to play, and Open on day seven derailed in the third round on Monday, falling 6-7(1) 6-4 6-3 to Bulgarian Decker scored a power-play goal Grigor Dimitrov. about 4 minutes later. Knight The Scotsman might have sensed trouble was in the air at Crandon Park added an empty-netter with 20 after the opening two matches on Stadium court ended in shock results with seconds left. AFP women’s world number one Serena Williams and number two Agnieszka Rad- “It took a while for our wanska both upset victims. power play to get going,” Decker “To be honest, I just played better in the big moments today,” Dimitrov told said. “Obviously we had a lot of reporters. “I had quite a few opportunities and I used them. chances throughout the night. MIAMI: World number one and “Even though I lost the first set, I kept good composure. I had to stay in the “If you look at all the units, three-time defending champion match and I had to be really focused. I’m happy with all those things.” they all can capitalize whenever. Serena Williams and second-ranked After winning a tight opening set by breezing through a 7-1 tie-break, Mur- It’s nice to have four lines that Andy Murray both crashed out of the ray quickly found himself down a break 2-0 in the second and that was all the can be on the power play at any ATP and WTA Miami Open on a Mon- 26th-seeded Dimitrov needed to level the match. time. We use that depth to our day filled with upsets. Murray, a two-times Miami champion who had reached the final three advantage.” Russian 15th seed Svetlana times in the last four years, grabbed the initiative in the third set, breaking his Laura Fortino scored for Kuznetsova stunned 21-time Grand Russian opponent to nose ahead 3-1 but a determined Dimitrov broke right Canada 14 seconds into the third Slam champion Williams 6-7 (3/7), back to get the decisive set back on level terms. period. 6-1, 6-2 while British world number Service breaks continued with Dimitrov going on top again 4-3 and the Alex Rigsby stopped 22 shots two Murray dropped a third-round Bulgarian consolidated his advantage by holding serve for a 5-3 lead. for the Americans, and Mas- match to Bulgarian 26th seed Grigor With Murray serving to stay in the match Dimitrov broke yet again, closing chmeyer had 36 saves. Dimitrov 6-7 (1/7), 6-4, 6-3. out the rollercoaster contest on his first match point in two hours 25 minutes. It was the third straight solid Williams and Murray each made “(I made) a lot of unforced errors in the third set,” Murray said. “After win- start by Maschmeyer against 55 unforced errors, fading in the third ning a close first set you want to try and put your opponent under pressure. the US that ended in a Cana- set when it mattered most. “Credit to him. He was more solid than me.” dian defeat. The 21-year-old “A lot of unforced errors crept in Next up for Dimitrov will be Frenchman Gael Monfils, who hit 13 aces in stopped 30 shots in a 3-2 over- and he was a lot more solid than me,” a 6-3 6-4 win over Pablo Cuevas. Sixth seed Kei Nishikori of Japan eased into time loss to the US in the final said Murray, who had 22 unforced the fourth round past Ukraine’s Alexander Dolgopolov 6-2 6-2, while ninth- last year, and that followed a errors in the last set alone. seeded Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was shown the Crandon Park exit by 27-save performance in a 3-0 “I made many more mistakes Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut 2-6 6-3 7-6(3). loss in the preliminary round. than usual, especially in the third “It’s always disappointing set,” Murray said. getting a loss, especially against Williams’ struggles prompted the US,” Maschmeyer said. “It’s questions about her fitness and RESULTS frustrating, but we’re going movement, irking the 21-time Grand Miami: Scores on Monday from the seventh day of the ATP and WTA Miami Open to use this as momentum and Slam champion. (x denotes seeded player): we’re going to get them when it TOP: Svetlana Kuznetsova of “I don’t think it’s appropriate to MEN’S THIRD ROUND counts.” criticise my movement right now,” Russia celebrates a point against In other preliminary-round Williams said. Serena Williams during the Miami K Nishikori (JPN x6) bt Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR x27) 6-2, 6-2 games, Finland beat Russia 5-3, “I did the best I could. I can’t win Open at Crandon Park Tennis A Kuznetsov (RUS) bt Adrian Mannarino (FRA) 2-6, 7-5, 6-0 Switzerland beat Japan 4-2 and Centre in Key Biscayne, Florida. every match. These players come out Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x17) bt Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x9) 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) Sweden beat the Czech Repub- and give their best. RIGHT: A general view of Stadium lic 3-2. “I have to give 300 percent every Court during Day 8 of the Miami Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x26) bt Andy Murray (GBR x2) 6-7 (1/7), 6-4, 6-3 Canada faces Russia and the match.” Open presented by Itau. Nick Kyrgios (AUS x24) bt Tim Smyczek (USA) 6-4, 6-4 US takes on Finland on Tuesday. The 34-year-old American was Both countries went with Gael Monfils (FRA x16) bt Pablo Cuevas (URU x23) 6-3, 6-4 seeking her ninth Miami crown but their younger, less experienced instead matched her earliest-ever PRIZE MONEY AT Damir Dzumhur (BIH) bt Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 goaltenders in the opener. exit from 2000 with a fourth-round Milos Raonic (CAN x12) bt Jack Sock (USA x22) 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 Maschmeyer, 21, was given departure. MIAMI OPEN the nod over Charline Labonte WOMEN’S FOURTH ROUND “It’s obviously disappointing, but Men’s Singles for her third career start against I have won here a lot, so it’s OK,” Wil- Winner: $1,028,300 Simona Halep (ROM x5) bt Heather Watson (GBR) 6-3, 6-4 the Americans. Rigsby, 24, liams said. Runner-Up: $501,815 Timea Bacsinszky (SUI x19) bt Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x3) 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 started for the US ahead of Jes- Also ousted were world number sie Vetter. Semi-finalist: $251,500 two Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland, Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS x15) bt Serena Williams (USA x1) 6-7 (3/7), 6-1, 6-2 Decker banged in a rebound eliminated by 20th-ranked Swiss Quarter-finalist: $128,215 J Konta (GBR x24) bt Monica Niculescu (ROM x32) 6-2, 6-2 from the high slot after Mas- Women’s Singles Timea Bacsinszky 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, and Victoria Azarenka (BLR x13) bt Garbine Muguruza (ESP x4) 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/4) chmeyer’s initial save on Spanish fourth seed Garbine Mugu- Winner: $1,028,300 Monique Lamoureux’s blast Ekaterina Makarova (RUS x30) bt Elina Svitolina (UKR x12) 6-1, 6-4 ruza, who fell 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/4) to Runner-Up: $501,815 from the point. Knight pulled the 13th seed Victoria Azarenka of Bela- Semi-finalist: $251,500 Madison Keys (USA x22) bt Irina-Camelia Begu (ROM) 6-3, 6-1 U.S. even with a wrist shot that rus. Only two of the top 12 seeds Angelique Kerber (GER x2) bt Timea Babos (HUN) 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 deflected off Canadian defense- -- number two Angelique Kerber Quarter-finalist: $128,215 man Halli Krzyzaniak’s stick and and number five Simona Halep -- beat Maschmeyer low glove side. remain on the women’s side. After two scoreless peri- Top-ranked Novak Djokovic is Williams’ bid for ods and with the US holding a the last top-five man remaining and two-time Grand Slam champion 24-13 edge in shots, Fortino beat only three of the men’s top eight who lost eight of 10 prior matches ninth Miami title Rigsby high stick side from the made the last 16. to Williams, is starting to feel like high slot in front of a full house at Two-time Grand Slam cham- she did when she won the 2006 ends in defeat the 5,400-seat Sandman Centre. pion Murray failed in his bid for a Miami title. “There’s no medal being given third Miami trophy and fourth final “I have so many people saying, Reuters out tonight from that game, so in five seasons. ‘Congratulations,’ I feel like I’ve won we’ve got to keep going and focus The 28-year-old Scotsman the title already,” Kuznetsova said on the next game,” Canadian dominated the tie-breaker but fell after the match. MIAMI: Serena Williams’ bid for captain Marie-Philip Poulin said. behind 4-0 in the second set and Kuznetsova, seeded 15th, next a ninth Miami Open title came to a The US power play was 44 stumbled after leading 3-1 in the faces 30th-seeded compatriot shock end when the world number percent successful at last year’s third, swatting a forehand long on Ekaterina Makarova, who ousted one was beaten 6-7(3) 6-1 6-2 in the world championship in Malmo, match point to fall after two hours Ukraine’s 12th-seeded Elina Svi- fourth round by 15th-seeded Russian Sweden, where they scored three and 24 minutes. tolina 6-1, 6-4 Svetlana Kuznetsova on Monday. power-play goals in the final en “It’s the best result of the year Radwanska, the 2012 Miami The loss on the Miami hardcourts route to a 7-5 win over Canada. for me,” Dimitrov said. champion, faded in the second set was the first since 2012 for William, The Canadians had a pair of key “I just played better in the good as well to Bacsinszky, a 2015 French who had swept the last three titles in penalty kills in this one before moments. “That was it.” Open semi-finalist. her unofficial home tournament. giving up the winner during the Williams, who said she was Bacsinszky’s quarter-final foe “I’m really thrilled,” said Kuznets- third. Canada stopped the Amer- physically fine and not affected will be Romania’s Halep, who elimi- ova after registering her first win over icans on a two-man advantage by the heat and humidity, arrived nated 69th-ranked British wildcard Williams since 2009. early in the first period. Overlap- having lost back-to-back finals for Heather Watson 6-3, 6-4. “I’m sorry fans, who are disap- ping penalties to start the second the first time since 2004, falling to Next up for Azarenka is British pointed that Serena’s not going to had Canada short-handed for Germany’s Angelique Kerber at the 24th seed Johanna Konta. keep playing, but for sure she’ll be at almost 4 minutes. “You can’t Australian Open and Azarenka at And Australian Open cham- more events than here. ignore how good their power Indian Wells. pion Kerber of Germany will face “I’m really happy with my per- play is. I’m proud of our girls “She struggled a little bit losing US 22nd seed Madison Keys after formance. I tried to stay at a good how they performed on the kill,” the final of the Australian Open, but dispatching Hungary’s Timea Babos level the whole game. I think I did Canadian coach Laura Schuler she is still number one in the world,” 6-2, 3-6, 6-4. that pretty well and I’m happy with said. “We’ve just got to find a Kuznetsova said. Japanese sixth seed Kei the way I served today.” way of putting the puck in the “I don’t see much to be Nishikori cruised into the fourth It was a day of dramatic upsets at net more 5-on-5 and continue depressed about.” round by routing Ukraine’s 27th- Crandon Park, as Williams stepped to work on building momentum But intensity only increases as seeded Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-2, onto the Stadium court for her Round we generated off our kill.” Williams prepares to defend French 6-2. “I played a very solid match,” of 16 match immediately after third- The hosts generated the bulk Open and Wimbledon crowns in the Nishikori said. “It’s not easy when seeded world number two Agnieszka of their scoring chances in the next few months. you’re in the top 10 and everybody Radwanska of Poland was tripped up middle of the opening period. “There are expectations,” she is playing their best against you.” by 19th-seeded Swiss Timea Bacsin- Momentum swung to the US in said. “There are also the expecta- Nishikori, the top-ranked player szky 2-6 6-4 6-2. the final minutes, though, and the tions I put on myself. remaining in his half of the draw, Radwanska was the winner on the visitors headed to the dressing Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria celebrates his win over Andy Murray of “That’s pretty hard to live up to, plays for a quarter-final berth Miami hardcourts in 2012 before Ser- room up 12-6 in shots on goal. Great Britain during their Miami Open match at Crandon Park Tennis the expectations I put on myself,” against Spanish 17th seed Roberto ena Williams embarked on her three Kuznetsova said. Kuznetsova, a Bautista Agut. Centre in Key Biscayne, Florida. title run. SPORT WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 37

Thornton’s power-play 7th triple-double for Westbrook goal rescues Sharks

Agencies in March as OC beat Raptors NHL: HIGHLIGHTS OF MONDAY’S GAMES

SAN JOSE: Joe Thornton’s third- The Thunders star NBA RESULTS period, power-play goal broke a 2-2 NHL RESULTS tie and helped lift the Sharks past the matches legendary LA Clippers 114 Boston 90 Los Angeles Kings 5-2 as San Jose Detroit 3 Buffalo 2 Michael Jordan’s Miami 110 Brooklyn 99 finally clinched a playoff spot Mon- Tampa Bay 3 Toronto 0 Toronto 100 Oklahoma City 119 effort of seven in a day night at SAP Center at San Jose in Arizona 2 Calgary 5 Portland 105 Sacramento 93 California, USA. San Jose 5 Los Angeles 2 month and his 16 this Denver 88 Dallas 97 The Sharks (42-28-6) snapped a three-game losing streak -- all at Edmonton 1 Anaheim 2 season is the most Utah 123 LA Lakers 75 home -- and qualified for the Stanley Nashville 3 Colorado 4 Chicago 100 Atlanta 102 since Magic Johnson Cup playoffs for an 11th time in 12 Philadelphia 3 Winnipeg 2 Memphis 87 San Antonio 101 seasons on their fourth try in a week. had 17 in 1988-89 Washington 4 Columbus 1 Minnesota 121 Phoenix 116 Capitals 4, Blue Jackets 1 New Orleans 99 New York 91 Tom Wilson scored the go- ahead goal early in the third period, the Detroit Red Wings held on for a Braden Holtby stopped 21 shots and 3-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres AP the Washington Capitals defeated the Monday night. Columbus Blue Jackets 4-1 on Monday Glendening’s eighth goal of the night, clinching the Presidents Trophy season gave the Red Wings a 3-0 lead and home ice throughout the playoffs. and then they had to hold on to stay TORONTO: Oklahoma City’s Rus- Justin Williams, T J Oshie and tied with the Philadelphia Flyers for sell Westbrook recorded his seventh Nicklas Backstrom also scored for the second wild-card spot in the East- triple - double for March - the most Washington (54-16-5), which also ern Conference. in a month since Michael Jordan also equaled the franchise mark for reg- Avalanche 4, Predators 3 had seven in April, 1989 - and led the ular-season wins. Desperately needing two points, Thunder to a 119-100 win at Toronto Flyers 3, Jets 2 (overtime) the Colorado Avalanche started a on Monday, stretching the team’s win- Claude Giroux was lucky to even brutally tough week by bumping off ning streak to eight straight. be playing in Monday night’s game one of the NHL’s hottest teams. The Thunder has already clinched against the Winnipeg Jets at the Wells Jumping out to a 3-0 lead before the NBA’s Northwest Division, while Fargo Center. The Flyers’ captain took the first period was 12 minutes old, the Southwest has been secured by an ugly hit Saturday night in a loss to Colorado kept its slender Western San Antonio, which had the luxury of Arizona but was fit enough to play. Conference playoff hopes alive by resting its experienced star trio and And good thing for Philadelphia holding off the Nashville Predators for still won at Memphis. he did. With time winding down in a 4-3 verdict Monday night in Bridge- Among other key results in the overtime - just 13.6 seconds until a stone Arena. run toward the playoffs, the Los shootout to be exact -- Giroux beat Ducks 2, Oilers 1 Angeles Clippers cruised past Bos- Winnipeg goalie Ondrej Pavelec to Brandon Pirri scored the game ton and tightened their grip on fourth give the Flyers a much-needed, 3-2 winner as the Anaheim Ducks con- in the Western Conference, while win over the Jets. tinued their pursuit of the L.A. Kings Atlanta narrowly held off a fast-fin- Lightning 3, Maple Leafs 0 and first place in the NHL’s Pacific ishing Chicago and retained outright Preparing for the final four games Division with a 2-1 win over the top spot in the Southeast Division. of the regular season on the road, the Edmonton Oilers on Monday. Westbrook had 26 points, 12 Tampa Bay Lightning continue to Corey Perry also recorded a goal assists and 11 rebounds for the Thun- pile up points during their six-game for the Ducks (42-23-10), who won der and put himself up alongside two homestand, as was the case behind their second game in a row to move of the all-time greats. Not only did goalie Ben Bishop’s 34 saves in a 3-0 one point back of the Kings, who were he match Jordan’s effort of seven in win against the Toronto Maple Leafs facing San Jose later in the night. a month, but his 16 this season is the on Monday night at Amalie Arena. Flames 5, Coyotes 2 most since Magic Johnson had 17 in Bishop picked up his third shut- Expectations for the Calgary 1988-89. out in his last six games, helping the Flames may have been unrealistic Kevin Durant scored 34 points for Lightning kill off seven Toronto power after last season’s surprising play- Oklahoma City, which is on its long- Oklahoma City Thunder guard plays after jumping out to a 2-0 lead off berth and first-round series win est streak since winning ten straight Russell Westbrook (right) in the opening period. over Vancouver. The Flames won’t be in the 2013-14 season. drives to the net past Toronto Red Wings 3, Sabres 2 going to the postseason this year, but DeMar DeRozan had 19 points for Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan Luke Glendening’s empty-net their young guns were on display in a the Raptors, who lost at home for just during the first half during goal with three minutes remaining 5-2 win over the Arizona Coyotes on the fourth time in 2016. their NBA game played at turned out to be the game-winner as Monday at Gila River Arena. San Antonio was able to rest Tim Air Canada Centre in Ontario, Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Gino- Canada on Monday. bili and still win 101-87 at Memphis. LaMarcus Aldridge had 31 points and 13 rebounds, connecting on 11 of which completed a season sweep of eighth and last playoff spot in the 16 shots and going 9 of 11 from the NBA: HIGHLIGHTS OF the Bulls. Derrick Rose had 20 points West by winning 97-88 at Denver, foul line. MONDAY’S GAMES for Chicago. led by reserve J.J. Barea, who scored Patty Mills finished with 17 points Portland beat undermanned 18 points and had 11 assists. for the Spurs, who shot 51 percent Sacramento 105-93 to hold onto Miami’s Dwyane Wade had 30 from the field against 40 by the Griz- points, including two free throws sixth place in the West, 2-1/2 games points to lead the Heat to a 110-99 zlies. Vince Carter led Memphis with with just over six seconds to play behind fifth-ranked Memphis. win against Brooklyn, staying a game just 14 points, which secured a 102-100 win at Reserve Allen Crabbe scored behind Atlanta in the Southeast. That defeat meant the Grizzlies Chicago. It was the fourth straight 21 points and C.J. McCollum had 16 New Orleans beat New York were now 5-1/2 games behind the win for the Hawks. Though the Bulls points while sitting out the fourth 99-91, recording their first vic- Clippers — with just nine games left mounted a dramatic late comeback, quarter after the Blazers had gone tory this season when scoring in — in the fight for fourth in the West, they continued a late-season swoon, up by 28 points. double figures, having been 0-33 after Los Angeles beat Boston 114-90. losing their fourth straight. The Blazers have won 14 of their beforehand. DeAndre Jordan had 15 points The Bulls were down by 15 in the past 16 games at home, including five Utah handed the Los Angeles and 13 rebounds while Chris Paul second half, but stormed back in the straight. Seth Curry had a career- Lakers their equal heaviest defeat added 13 points and 14 assists for fourth quarter and were down three high 21 points in just his third start in history, winning 123-75 to inflict the Clippers, who shot 52 percent. with the ball with eight seconds of the season for the Kings, who have the most lopsided defeat ever on a Isaiah Thomas scored 24 points to play. Chicago’s Mike Dunleavy lost five straight to Portland and Lakers team featuring Kobe Bryant. for the Celtics, who shot just 35 per- missed a layup, though, and fouled rested many players, with playoff Minnesota’s Andrew Wiggins Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Braydon Coburn (left) defends cent and had a four-game winning Teague, whose free throws sealed it. hopes all but over. scored 32 points as the Timber- run snapped. Dennis Schroder and Al Horford Dallas moved into a virtual tie wolves hung on against a Phoenix Toronto Maple Leafs centre Zach Hyman (11) during their NHL game Atlanta’s Jeff Teague scored 26 each added 14 points for Atlanta, with state rival Houston for the comeback and won 121-116. played on Monday which Lightning won 3-0. Two Chinese swimmers ‘warned’ for clenbuterol use

Reuters Clenbuterol is a performance- Last week, the deputy director of enhancing substance sometimes the Chinese anti-doping agency (CHI- found in weight-loss pills that is NADA), Zhao Jian, told state media on the World Anti-Doping Agency that the agency would “release results BEIJING: The Chinese Swimming (WADA) banned list. and punishments in 20 days after the Association has announced it will The use of doping stimulants in relevant association makes its respec- be issuing a “warning penalty” to Chinese swimming caught world- tive punishments”. swimmers Wang Lizhuo and An Jia- wide attention last week when WADA Monday’s statement said Wang bao after they tested positive for the announced it was investigating claims and An’s coaches will each face fines banned substance clenbuterol. published by the Times newspaper equivalent to the cost of five stimulant According to a terse statement that Chinese sports authorities were detection tests, amounting to 5,000 posted online late on Monday, the suppressing five positive tests to yuan ($767.94). CSA said it would be also be warn- “avoid a storm”. The association also announced ing and fining Wang’s Chinese Navy The Chinese anti-doping agency that the unit overseeing athletes for team and An’s Tianjin club as well as (CHINADA) denied it was “covering the Navy’s Swimming and Diving fining their coaches. up” the tests, arguing that it was fol- team as well as the Tianjin Swimming Wang and An’s identities were lowing protocols by protecting the Association will each get a warning revealed when the CSA announced identities of the swimmers while test and a penalty equivalent to the cost last week that six Chinese swim- procedures and hearings were still of 10 doping tests. mers had failed doping tests during underway. The CSA’s decision were in the 2015-16 season. The CSA have announced that accordance with the anti-doping It identified a third swimming as three other Chinese swimmers tested rules of swimming’s world governing Wang Lizhuo in action during the men’s 100-metre breaststroke final at China’s 2015 National Championships Chinese Navy’s Zhao Ying, who also positive for the prohibited diuretic body FINA and doping management tested positive for Clenbuterol in an hydroclorothiazide in out-of-compe- regulations, the online statement said. in Huangshan, Anhui Province, China, in this September 6, 2015 file photo. The Chinese Swimming Association out-of-competition test but has not tition tests in January. The swimmers A Reuters call to the CSA was not yesterday announced it will be issuing a “warning penalty” to Lizhuo and An Jiabao after they were tested yet been punished. were not named. answered on Tuesday. positive for the banned substance clenbuterol. 38 WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 SPORT

England’s captain Eoin New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson (centre) Morgan bats in nets watches as Grant Elliott bowls in the nets during a during a training session training session at Feroz Shah Kotla cricket ground in on the eve of the first New Delhi yesterday, on the eve of their World T20 World T20 semi-final semi-final match against England. match against New Zealand at the Feroz Shah Kotla cricket ground in New Delhi yesterday.

Peaking England meet soaring Kiwis in Kotla

Reuters exposed their frailties against spin group games at different venues. ENGLAND VS NEW ZEALAND FIRST WORLD T20 SEMI-FINAL FACTBOX bowling. The trouble for England, how- They looked a significantly better ever, is that New Zealand won all Match starts at 13:30GMT side, however, in Saturday’s 10-run of them as the team, finalists in last World T20 head to head: Played: 4; England won: 2; New Zealand won: 2 NEW DELHI: England skipper Eoin win against champions Sri Lanka. year’s 50-over World Cup, strive to Morgan would like to believe his Jos Buttler underlined his limited shed the tag of being cricket’s per- team peaked at the right time at the overs worth with a belligerent fifty, ennial bridesmaid. ENGLAND NEW ZEALAND ongoing World Twenty20 while New the pacemen made regular inroads, Leading from the front, William- World ranking: Five World ranking: Two Zealand were slightly premature Ben Stokes delivered a tidy final son has also displayed the tactical Squad: Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Sam Squad: Kane Williamson (captain), Corey Ander- going into today’s semi-final at the over and the team held their nerve flexibility needed to win a tourna- Billings, Jos Buttler, Liam Dawson, Alex Hales, son, Trent Boult, Martin Guptill, Grant Elliot, Colin Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium. to secure a victory that seemed to ment like this. Chris Jordan, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Munroe, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kane Williamson and his Kiwi tick most of the boxes. New Zealand sprang a surprise Jason Ray, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, James vince, Adam Milne, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell team mates have not put a foot wrong “In these tight tournaments you in their tournament opener, picking David Willey Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor since landing in India, winning all can’t get through to the semis unless three spinners in a gutsy gamble and Coach: Trevor Bayliss Coach: Mike Hesson four group matches without really you are playing good cricket, and went on to beat India, renowned for Best overall performance: Champions (2010) Best overall performance: Semi-finals (2007) breaking a sweat to qualify for the that’s what we set out to do to give their batsmen’s comfort against the Road to semi-final: Road to semi-final: semi-finals as the tournament’s only ourselves a chance,” coach Trevor turning ball, in their own game. * Lost to West Indies by six wickets Beat India by 47 runs unbeaten team. Bayliss said. Williamson repeated the ploy * Beat South Africa by two wickets * Beat Australia by eight runs For a side boasting an explosive “But it’s about peaking at the right against Bangladesh in their final * Beat Afghanistan by 15 runs * Beat Pakistan by 22 runs batting order and a balanced attack time. I wouldn’t say we’ve played group match for a similar result, his * Beat Sri Lanka by 10 runs * Beat Bangladesh by 75 runs to go with, England’s passage proved the perfect game yet -- coaches are immaculate pitch assessment in stark Top scorer: Root (168 runs) Top scorer: Guptill (125 runs) bumpier. always looking for that absolutely contrast to most of the visiting cap- Top wicket-taker: Willey (six wickets) Top wicket-taker: Santner (nine wickets) Even before they could soak in perfect game, I don’t think it’s ever tains who struggled to read the track the atmosphere, England were blown been played -- but it’s what any team as if it was in Braille. away by a Chris Gayle century in is striving to do.” Left-arm spinner Mitchell Sant- England’s struggle against Afghani- lack firepower but what was more said after the victory against Bangla- their tournament opener against Having played their last two ner and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi have stan’s slow bowlers, the Kiwi captain heart-warming for the fans is how desh in their last group match. West Indies in Mumbai. games at Kotla, England would also already forged a formidable part- will be tempted to harness Nathan batsmen like Colin Munro have tem- “They have had to assess it... Joe Root sparked their recovery hope to cash in on their familiarity nership for the Kiwis, claiming McCullum’s control and accuracy in pered strokes according to situations. and have done a really good job of in the 230-run chase against South with the venue in contrast to their 17 wickets between them in four a three-pronged spin attack. “It hasn’t been the wham, bam... putting the runs on the board to give Africa but the narrow victory against opponents who were on a mini-tour matches. As demonstrated by Martin sort of way that T20 cricket has the bowlers something to work with,” Afghanistan’s modest resources of India playing each of their four And if Williamson has noticed Guptill, the Kiwi batting does not been,” batting coach Craig McMillan he added. Waqar apologises for early exit and offers to resign

AFP Lahore airport, who chanted He also echoed calls made “Shame! Shame!” last week for a revamp of the Addressing a press confer- country’s domestic structure, ence at the Pakistan Cricket and added that the malaise LAHORE: Pakistan’s head Board headquarters in Lahore stemmed from Pakistan’s coach Waqar Younis yesterday on Tuesday, Younis said: “I lack of home games since begged forgiveness from the place my hands together 2009 militant attacks on the Faf du Plessis nation and said he was pre- and beg forgiveness from the Sri Lankan team. pared to resign after his team nation.” “When there is no cricket was knocked out of the World The fast-bowling legend, at home then the foundation Twenty20 at the group stage. who was hired as head coach will for sure become weak,” Du Plessis The 2009 champions have for a second time in 2014 he said. been widely blasted by fans and whose contract is due to Pakistan’s early exit Qatar skipper Awais Malik and Singapore cricket captains with the two umpires before following a lacklustre per- expire in May, added that he prompted a wave of criticism fined for formance with just one victory was prepared to stand down in the cricket mad country, the start of the game at Kallang Cricket Ground in Singapore on Monday. against lowly ranked Bangla- if it was in the team’s best with veterans like Shahid dissent desh and big losses to India, interest, but stopped short of Afridi and Shoaib Malik sin- New Zealand and Australia. offering his resignation. gled out in particular. Team members were “If my leaving makes Afridi is expected to make Taimoor five-for guides AFP jeered on their return this things better, then I would do a decision about his future weekend by huge crowds at it without delay,” he said. very soon. NEW DELHI: South African Qatar to T20 victory skipper Faf du Plessis was fined yesterday by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for showing dissent during his side’s win over The Peninsula before reaching the target but runs kept com- Sri Lanka at the World Twenty20. ing for them. Faisal Khan led the chase with Du Plessis was fined 50 a 27-ball knock of 34 which included four percent of his match fee for “occu- boundaries and two sixes. Kamran Khan (21), pying the crease for a period of SINGAPORE: A magnificiant bowling spell of 5 Khurram (18) and Inam Ul Haq (16) played brief time” after being given out lbw, for 17 by Qatar’s Taimoor Sajjad paved the way but quite crucial knocks. before leaving the field while to a three-wicket victory win against Singa- Mujeeb Ur Rehman (10) and Sajjad (8) also shaking his head in Monday night’s pore in their first Twenty20 international match chipped in useful runs to help Qatar see off the match in New Delhi. played at Kallang Cricket Ground on Monday. Singapore challenge in the 19.4 overs. It was the captain’s second fine Monday’s three-wicket win also saw Qatar For Singapore, Dharmichand Mullewa (3 for for dissent in less than a year. He launching their Singapore trip on a positive 15) and Pramodh Raja (2 for 32) excelled with faces suspension if he commits a note. the ball while Kumar Selladore and Abhiraj third offence before October, 12 Batting first Singapore struggled to post a Singh picked one each. months since the first, the ICC said good total on the board with most of them fail- Sajjad was declared the Man of the Match in a statement yesterday. ing to read Taimoor’s spin. for his stellar performance. The 31-year-old, who has Surender Chandramohan and Chetan Singapore: 118 for 9 in 20 overs (Surender accepted the sanction, made 31 Suryawanshi applied themselves and batted Chandramohan 38, Chetan Suryawanshi before being trapped lbw during with responsibility, hitting 38 and 33 respec- 33,Shoaib Razzak 11; Awais Malik 1 for 12, She- South Africa’s consolation victory tively to lift the Singapore total. hab 1 wicket, Hafiz Nadeem 1 for 28, Tamoor over Sri Lanka in the group stages. The star of the match for the tourists, Tai- Sajjad 5 for 17. The Proteas had already failed moor dismissed half the home team as they Qatar: 119 for seven in 19.4 overs (Faisal A file photo of Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi (left) and head coach Waqar Younis talking to reach the semi-finals going into were restricted to just 118 for nine in 20 overs. Khan 34, Inam Ul Haq 16, Kamran Khan 21, Monday’s match, their hopes once during practice session. Younis yesterday begged forgiveness from the nation and said Awais Malik, Shehab and Hafiz Nadeem shared Khurram Shehzad 18, Mujeeb Ur Rehman 10, again dashed of winning a first he was prepared to resign after his team was knocked out of the World Twenty20 at three wickets. Pramodh Raja 2 for 32, Dharmichand Mulewa World T20 title. the group stage. Qatar overcame some anxious moments 3 for 15) SPORT WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 39 Khneisser looking for FIA T2 glory in Abu Dhabi

Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team’s Team Chief Toto Wolff (right ) talks to Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team’s Technical Chief Paddy Lowe during the Formula One Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 20. Bahrain qualifying will be another fail, says Wolff

Reuters phases of qualifying saw more Lebanese driver action, the final eight car session Emil Khneisser proved a flop with drivers watch- and his Russian ing from the garages as the clock co-driver Alexei LONDON: Formula One’s much- ticked away the closing minutes Kuzmich in action derided new qualifying format faces without anyone on track. in a Nissan Patrol more criticism in Bahrain this week- Wolff, whose team qualified first Y62 during the Ha’il end after a disappointing debut in and second with triple champion Australia, Mercedes motorsport Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, Nissan International director Toto Wolff said yesterday. had said in Melbourne that the new Rally in Saudi The Austrian warned also that format was ‘pretty rubbish’ and Arabia. the sport was ‘under scrutiny’ and needed changing. needed to think carefully to extricate However, a subsequent meet- itself from a self-imposed problem. ing of teams and F1 stakeholders “This weekend we will see the failed to find unanimity and decided East and Al Masaood Automobiles at the United Arab Emirates next week. At the Abu Dhabi Desert Chal- new qualifying system continue after to leave it in place for at least one next week’s punishing six-day Abu “Hero of all terrain is a well lenge, which is sponsored by Nissan a less-than-impressive debut in Aus- more race rather than be rushed into The Abu Dhabi-based Dhabi Desert Challenge. deserved name for our Nissan Patrol, and organised by the Automobile tralia,” Wolff said in a team preview a knee-jerk decision. Lebanese driver The traditional second round of especially after the Bajas in Europe and Touring Club of the United Arab for Sunday’s second race of the sea- “The sport is under scrutiny on the FIA Cross-Country Rally World last year, where we proved that our Emirates, Khneisser faces some of the son at the Sakhir circuit. this matter, so careful thought is is more confident Cup is one of the most demanding team was competitive against the world’s finest cross-country drivers “The teams were unanimous required in order to make coordi- than ever for the in the world motor sporting calen- European champions and their vehi- who have made a name for them- in their opinion of it on Sunday in nated, intelligent steps forward from Abu Dhabi Desert dar and there is no better way for cles,” said Khneisser. selves in both the Dakar Rally and Melbourne and it wasn’t a positive the position we are in right now,” Khneisser to put his Nissan Patrol “I am more confident than ever the FIA World Rally Championship. opinion. We haven’t found the right Wolff said yesterday. Challenge Y62 through its paces than against for the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. It The competition flags off with format with this change and it’s hard “The fans want close racing, the world’s finest drivers. is my home race and the place where a short super special stage at Yas to see how it might be more enter- in a format they can understand, Last year, Khneisser and his Nissan developed the Y62 and where Marina on Saturday, April 2, but the taining for the fans this weekend in between the best drivers and cars Russian co-driver Alexei Kuzmich I have fine-tuned it over two success- real meat of the off-road action takes Bahrain.” in the world -- in that order. We The Peninsula finished in the second spot at the ful years of racing.” place in Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter Teams had agreed unanimously should be capable of delivering that FIA World Cup’s T2 category for Khneisser got in some useful pre- over the subsequent five days and only weeks before the season started to the people in the grandstands and Series Production Cross-Country FIA World Cup testing at the recent five gruelling desert stages - pun- to change the qualifying format to watching around the world.” Vehicles, behind the Kazakh driver Ha’il Nissan International Rally in ishing heat, soft sand and tricky create more excitement in the Sat- Hamilton, who finished second ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi-based Leb- Denis Berezovskiy, but Khneisser has Saudi Arabia. He was holding an navigation adding to the perils for urday session, introducing instant to Rosberg in Australia, qualified on anese driver Emil Khneisser will get unfinished business and is hoping excellent fifth overall before a late the competitors. elimination of the slowest drivers at pole last year at Sakhir and will be his FIA World Cup programme under- for a good start to his championship transmission issue thwarted a final The event finishes at Yas Marina timed intervals. chasing his third successive Bahrain way with support from Nissan Middle challenge in the remote deserts of push for the podium. on Thursday, April 7th. While the first and second Grand Prix victory on Sunday.

New power unit Dreams of thunder for Pakistani seeking F1 glory to get Alonso AFP back on track in Bahrain ISLAMABAD: Saad Ali is in pole position to become Pakistan’s first Reuters Formula 1 driver, a seemingly impos- sible target in a country with no race tracks and where all sport sponsor- LONDON: McLaren’s Fern- ship money is poured into the national ando Alonso will use a spare obsession - cricket. chassis and new power unit The 28-year-old faces signifi- to compete in Sunday’s Bah- cant hurdles before he can become rain Grand Prix, after a crash one of 22 elite drivers at the pinna- in Formula One’s Austral- cle of motorsport, but a decade after ian season-opener wrecked his “clueless” beginning as a college his car. dropout hooked on racing, he is edg- Alonso was fortunate to ing towards his target. escape serious injury in Mel- “As a kid I was always interested bourne after colliding with in cars, but there was no racing in the Haas of Mexican Esteban Pakistan, it was not even on televi- Gutierrez in an accident that sion,” he says. halted the race. He competed in the Formula Gulf A three times winner in 1000 series in 2014, reaching the Bahrain, but unlikely to be podium to take third place twice in chasing much more than one weekend in Abu Dhabi. a top 10 finish this time as Describing that race as a “big McLaren battle back from stepping stone”, he adds it was “proof a dismal 2015 season, the to me that this is something that I Spanish driver said the This file photo taken on March 28, 2014 shows Pakistani race car driver Saad Ali posing with his awards at the Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit in could pursue and achieve”. team and Honda had made Now he must conquer the Formula Abu Dhabi, UAE. Saad Ali is in pole position in the race to become Pakistan’s first Formula 1 driver, a seemingly impossible goal in a country with a “massive effort” after the 3, GP3 and GP2 classes, seen as step- no training facilities and where most sponsorship money is poured into cricket. crash. ping stones on the road to Formula 1. “We’re still pushing to “Getting there is extremely tough, “For motorsports you need that need for speed underground. there would be an economic benefit. as a “pivotal” point in his life. bring upgrades to each race, extremely hard, extremely competi- expertise, you need those mechan- One 22-year-old racer who asked “Motorsports isn’t just a sport, it Sitting in a claustrophobic racing so providing we can get eve- tive,” he says. ics, you need facilities, infrastructure, to remain anonymous told AFP that is a massive capital generating pro- car for the first time nearly put the rything to the car in time It is also expensive. you need that architecture to actually races take place in Pakistan’s major gram as well,” he says. brakes on his F1 dream, he admits. we’ll be aiming to get as “I have been racing by myself for perform,” he says. cities in the dead of night despite acci- “Engineering development that “When you sit in a race car and much track time as possible the country without support, flying Right now, he has to make do dents and police chases. goes on in the car, the training of you put on the helmet, you can’t with the new chassis from the Pakistani Flag on circuits making with a simulator at his home, where “There have been accidents, some the driver, the staff and students, the breathe properly,” he says, adding the start of free practice,” he a name for racing (here)” says Ali, who he practises his manoeuvres. really bad in which people have died, product and the commercial develop- that with the seat belts so tight they said on Tuesday. last year was only able to compete in The odds of international suc- but this thing goes on as you cannot ment, it has a trickle down effect on left three inch marks branded on his Honda’s F1 head Yusuke go-karting’s 2F2F Endurance Grand cesses are against him. “There are restrict youth,” he says. local businesses who could develop shoulders, he could only get his lungs Hasegawa said the power Prix in Pakistan due to the sheer costs very few people in the world who “If there is a proper track, the risk and export parts from here.” about half full. unit had been recovered but of taking part in motorsport. make a living from driving racing cars of accidents would be minimised and Ali become interested in racing But he pushed through and has initial investigations showed Currently, he uses the money -- and even fewer in F1,” Matthew the passion of young people for racing when he was in college in Islamabad since been racing in the Formula the engine and surrounding earned from his job at information Marsh, a leading F1 TV commenta- could be groomed,” he argues. in 2006, adding: “I was absolutely BMW and Formula Renault circuits. parts were too badly dam- technology company Swiftclick, and tor and former racer says. Ali agrees, saying: “The first thing clueless as nobody in Pakistan had The scale of what he is trying to aged to be salvaged. his documentary-film work to fund The absence of any sort of offi- that we need in the country is a race done professional race car driving”. do has not escaped him. “If you go to “We will be replacing the his obsession. cial motor racing in Pakistan beyond track... People who are racing on the He dropped out and went to the Formula 1 that’s 22 of the best drivers complete power unit in Bah- He has more races later in 2016. go-karting means he is unlikely to roads, they will go to that particular Formula BMW Racing Center (FBRC) competing against each other.” rain,” he said. But estimates he will need around $2 find the deep wallets he needs there. facility and their need for speed and Bahrain, where aspiring drivers can But, Ali believes, if he was given Drivers are allowed five million in sponsorship over the next But Ali says building tracks everything can be brought out in a learn the art of racing. the opportunity, he would “definitely power units to last the com- three or four years to achieve his would not only boost the economy very, very safe manner”. “After three days of training I achieve a lot more....The thrust is plete 21 race season, with dream of racing alongside the likes but help save the lives of restless Baber Kaleem Khan, editor of the joined the racing school’s champion- there, the desire is there, the fire and penalties if they exceed the of Sebastien Vettel or Lewis Hamilton. young Pakistanis who take their Pakwheels.com motoring blog, says ship,” he says, describing the decision the hunger -- everything is there”. allocation. 40 WEDNESDAY 30 MARCH 2016 Stellar line-up set for IDL Doha 2016

3:26.69 in Monaco, the third best time QAF President Dahlan ever. The Kenyan also set the Doha meeting record of 3:29.18 in 2014. confirms more stars The 23-year-old Manangoi, whose for May 6 meet as personal best is 3:29.67, was surpris- ingly second behind Kiprop in Beijing, Qatari hero Barshim while Kiplagat, winner in Doha in seeks first win on 2012 and the fifth fastest ever with a time of 3:27.64, has not missed a home soil single final at the Olympics or World Championships since 2011. His best accolade is a silver medal from 2011 in Daegu. By Fawad Hussain The Kenyans’ fiercest rivals will The Peninsula undoubtedly be Ayanleh Suleiman and Aman Wote who both boast sub-3:30 personal bests. Suleiman, the 2014 world indoor champion in Sopot, is DOHA: The Qatar Athletics Federa- like Kiprop a keen 800m runner as tion (QAF) confirmed more athletes in well. the star-studded line-up for the sea- He proved his dual-specialty last son-opening 2016 IAAF Diamond year snatching bronze in Beijing. Ethi- League (IDL), which will see Olym- opian Wote is best known for finishing pic and world champions besides the second behind Suleiman in Sopot. Qatari heroes in action on May 6 in The 800m is not part of the Doha. Diamond Race schedule this year The IDL Doha which is being in Doha, but Beijing and Portland hosted by Qatar for the seventh time finalist Musaeb Abdulrahman Balla has been dubbed as one of the major enters the National race along with competitions ahead of Rio Olympics. Jamal Hairane and Abubaker Hay- Local heroes Mutaz Barshim and dar Abdalla who finished second and Abdalelah Haroun will face tough FROM LEFT: President of Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF), Dahlan Al Hamad, General-Secretary of QAF, Mohamed Jassim Al Kuwari and Chairman fourth respectively at the recent Asian opposition from some of world’s Indoor Championships. of Masters Committee, Olympian Talal Mansour at a press conference in Doha yesterday.Pic: Salim M/The Peninsula top athletes in the high jump and “I believe that all these early the 400m respectively at the Qatar announcements show that we want Sports Club. Championships 400m gold medal- high jump line-up. Qatar’s latest hot champion, has won each of the last let down the athletics fans and that Following the previous announce- list LaShawn Merritt, reigning 1500m QATAR SPORTS CLUB TO prospect, 19-year-old Haroun will three World Championships finals, the meeting will be once more of a ment of top triple jump champions world champion Asbel Kiprop and HOST IDL DOHA 2016 run his first scoring race in Doha, while last year he also produced very high calibre with top athletes earlier in March, QAF President Major Derek Drouin, the 2015 world cham- following his victory last year in a the fastest time in 14 years, clocking competing,” added Al Hamad. General Dahlan Al Hamad announced pion in the high jump. non-scoring 400m contest for Asian a new list of star athletes who have “The IAAF Diamond League has raised the awareness of our sport athletes only. agreed to open their outdoor cam- been held annually in Doha since 2010 and engaged, inspired and motivated In his debut he will face a line- paign in the Qatari capital, at a press and is well established as one of the a growing number of young athletes. up similar in depth and quality to a conference in Doha yesterday. series’ top meetings,” said Dahlan. Some of them have come of age and World Championships final. Half of The line-up includes the 2008 “All these years we brought to are now ready to compete against the Beijing finalists are expected to Olympic and 2011 & 2013 World Doha dozens of star athletes. We their idols. run against Haroun, who earned silver Qatar’s star high jumper “Most of the Qatar Olympic team at the recent World Indoor Champi- Mutaz Barshim will have members, along with a large number onships in Portland. to beat the world’s best of youngsters will make their outdoor The most distinguished mem- for victory at the 2016 IAAF debut, competing against the best, at ber of this formidable 400m squad Diamond League Doha on the top international meeting held is the former Olympic and two-time in Qatar, the IAAF Doha Diamond world champion LaShawn Merriitt, May 6. League.” who also finished second at the 2015 Barshim has competed at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing. Doha Diamond League event three Merritt set the current Doha times and has yet to notch a win. In meeting record of 44.19 in 2014. The search of his maiden home victory he American’s personal best of 43.65 may need to jump higher than he ever ranks him sixth on the all-time list, has on Qatari soil (current: 2.37) or one place above another Doha Dia- even a new meeting record (current: mond League entrant, Isaac Makwala 2.41 by Ivan Ukhov) to prevail. from Botswana. Three 2012 Olympic and two 2015 In 2015, Makwala, the former World Championships medallists will African record holder (43.72), was challenge Barshim in an event that fifth in Beijing and winner at the All- resembles an Olympic final: Drouin, Africa Games in Brazzaville. Canada’s reigning world champion Another athlete with a sub-44 cre- and Olympic bronze medallist; China’s dentials to his name is Youssef Ahmed Zhang Guowei, who was joint second Masrahi from Saudi Arabia, the fastest in Beijing; Erik Kynard, the American Asian 400m runner ever (43.93). Mas- Olympic silver medallist; and Rob- rahi was eighth in Beijing, one place bie Grabarz who shared bronze with behind Machel Cedenio from Trinidad Mutaz and Drouin in London. & Tobago, another IDL Doha starter. Former world champion Donald Middle distance enthusiasts will Thomas from Bahamas, Italy’s Marco be delighted to see a stellar line-up Fassinotti who improved to 2.35 in the 1500m, which features among Kenya’s middle-distance runner Asbil Kiprop, the Olympic gold medallist indoors this season and Qatari young- others Kenyans Asbel Kiprop, Elijah will be seen in action at Qatar Sports Club on May 6. sters Muamer Aissa Barshim and Motonei Manangoi and Silas Kiplagat. Hamdi Alamine complete a brilliant Kiprop, the 2008 Olympic Legendary Talal to head Dahlan hopes for ‘great things’ in Rio QAF’s Masters Committee The Peninsula race, during the global event in Portland. The Peninsula “ Haroun deserves all the credit as he emerged strong psychologi- DOHA: Praising the national ath- cally and physically, overcoming his letes for their brilliant show in the lack of experience at major events DOHA: The Qatar Athletics Feder- 2016 indoor season, the Qatar Ath- and fatigue caused by his two previ- ation (QAF), yesterday announced letics Federation (QAF) President ous demanding and challenging races the formation of Masters Committee, Major General Dahlan Al Hamad in qualifying rounds,” he said before which will be chaired by Olympian said clinching medals in this year’s hailing Mutaz Barshim’s show. Talal Mansour (pictured). Rio Olympics will be a realistic target. “ Barshim was in terrific form, “The purpose of the formation The indoor season culminated but unfortunately he suffered a minor of this committee inside QAF is to with the World Indoor Championships cramp at the most crucial moment tempt former Qatari athletes return in Portland earlier this month where of the final, which pushed him back to our sport and utilise their knowl- Qatari athletes put up an unprece- and forced him to pass a height and edge and expertise,” QAF President The Masters movement begin dented show. gamble instead of the following ini- Major General Dahlan Al Hamad said in 1968 with the objective to keep After topping the Asian Indoor tial plan,” the QAF chief said. yesterday. retired athletes active in athletics. Championships in Doha in February, Dahlan said the Qatari athletes “ I was always a strong sup- Eligible to compete in this cat- all the Qatari athletes finished inside were continuing their preparation for porter of the idea to take advantage egory are women over 35 and men top 5 in Portland, the best-ever show Rio Olympics overseas. of the knowledge and the experi- over 40. by the country since its made debut “ All our athletes form a team ence of former athletes possess and Dahlan said the QAF will soon in the event back in 1993. capable of delivering great things in I believe that now it’s the right time create a calendar of activities for “ Another glorious chapter in Rio. I am very optimistic about this to develop Master athletics in our Masters and will add it to federa- Qatar Athletics book with the fed- young squad and I believe a medal state,” he added. tion’s list of annual events. eration’s most illustrious moments or two along with finals seems like a Talal, who will head the body is Talal praised the QAF’s step say- FROM LEFT: Silver medallist Abdalelah Haroun of Qatar, gold medallist was written (in Portland),” the QFA realistic target. These athletes have one of Qatar’s top sprinter. ing it will help in promoting the sport Pavel Maslak of the Czech Republic and bronze medallist Lalonde President said at a press conference been seriously tested on numerous He clinched the first ever World in the country. yesterday. occasions over the last 4-5 years and Gordon of Trinidad and Tobago pose on the podium during the medal Indoor medal for Qatar (in the 60m) The legendary athlete also hoped Dahlan heaped special praise on have succeeded at global and con- ceremony for the men’s 400m at IAAF World Indoor Championships while the veteran also reached the for a successful stint for Qatari ath- the 19-year-old Abdalelah Haroun tinental competitions from youth to semi-finals in the 1992 Olympics. letes in Rio. in Portland, Oregon, in this March 19, 2016 file photo. who clinched silver medal in 400m senior,” the QAF chief said.