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30 November 2013 26 Moharram 1435 - Volume 18 Number 5899 Price: QR2 ON SATURDAY

Sheikh Joaan starts UK racing venture LONDON: Al Shaqab Racing launched its UK operation in London yesterday. Leading British turf figure Harry Herbert, the racing manager of the successful Highclere syndicate, has been appointed as a full-time racing advisor to H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani’s new venture. “Our goals and objectives are to be the best racing operation in the world,” Sheikh Joaan’s media manager, Sherida Al Kaabi, told a press conference in London. “We want the best horses, the best trainers and the best people and the appointment of Harry is to help secure our future. “He is one of the most high-profile figures in European racing and has enjoyed great success with his syndicate ownership company.” See also page 20 Fog, poor visibility forecast for today DOHA: It’s going to be foggy this morning with low visibility, weather forecasters said yesterday, asking motorists, particularly those driving on the highways, to exercise caution. Dust would hang in the air until at least 6am, with scattered clouds. The mist and fog would later give way to haze with visibility being a kilometre and less in the beginning and then improving to three to seven kilometres. Day temperatures could go up to 27 degrees Celsius in places like Doha, while Dukhan and Abu Samra could witness up to 25 degrees C. Al Khor would be colder at night with the mercury dropping to 15 degrees C. The minimum tem- perature in Doha was forecast at 18 degrees C. BOLD Iran nuclear freeze to start by January VIENNA: Iran’s six-month freeze of its nuclear programme agreed with world pow- ers in Geneva will start by early January, Tehran’s envoy to the UN atomic watchdog indicated yesterday. CARTOONS “We expect that either at the end of December or the beginning of January we should start implementing the measures agreed by both sides,” Reza Najafi, envoy to the International THE ISSUE Atomic Energy Agency, told reporters. The freeze is meant to make it more difficult for Iran to develop a nuclear weapon and to Generally speaking, says famous columnist Faisal Al Marzouqi. People enjoy it,” the columnist said. build confidence while Tehran and the P5+1 “They do the balancing act in order to toe According to prominent caricaturist hammer out a long-term accord. caricaturists whose works are the official line. Most of the time they give Salman Al Malek, Qatari cartoonists enjoyed See also page 8 featured in Qatari newspapers the justification that there is a foreign con- official patronage and freedom through the seem to be enjoying more spiracy (targeting Qatar) so we should not 1980s and 1990s, so local talent has boomed. give them a chance to take undue advantage.” In caricaturist Abdulaziz Al Sadiq’s view freedom in the practice of their “But how long can we continue to use such Qatari cartoonists have played a prominent Syria PM in Tehran profession than columnists. excuses and justifications? This must end role in the Qatari press. Both Al Sadiq and at some point because at the end of the day Al Malek believe that cartoonists have played ahead of Geneva meet the editor and the columnist are working a bigger role in the local press because of the towards the same goal.” freedom they enjoy. TEHRAN: Syria’s prime minister arrived in ith a stroke of his brush a car- Cartoonists enjoy much more freedom. “The way they caricature ministers and Tehran yesterday for talks with the leaders toonist can depict in his work, They poke fun at people and situations and senior government officials has over the years of close ally Iran ahead of a peace conference though in a humorous way, as make people laugh with their satire, said Al come to be accepted by the people and offi- aimed at ending his country’s civil war, the Wserious an issue as corruption Marzouqi. cialdom,” says Al Malek. state broadcaster reported. or a sensitive social issue that is a taboo. “Sometimes they are more critical than a But celebrated cartoonist Ghanem Al During his three-day stay, Wael Al Halqi But columnists do not usually take such columnist. They poke fun and the way they Sulaiti differs, and says he doesn’t see news- will meet President Hassan Rowhani, Foreign liberties and are more reserved and cautious criticise is humorous but it has a powerful paper cartoonists adding anything new to Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and National in their writings and discuss an issue they message.” what has already been done. Supreme Security Council chief Ali Shamkhani, PAGEthink is sensitive in6 a roundabout manner. The way they present their work makes “What we see today is just an artistic vari- the report said. On arrival, Halqi said he would “I think, as far as the written word is even top officials laugh. “Their work is ation and nothing new and creative,” says discuss the Syrian crisis and bilateral issues, concerned, one of the main reasons is self- accepted. They address even serious issues Al Sulaiti. such as cooperation in the fields of energy, elec- censorship by newspaper editors-in-chief,” in a satirical yet entertaining and lovely way. See also page 2 tricity, oil exports, infrastructure and health. THE PENINSULA & AGENCIES

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Images win where words fail Many think Qatari cartoonists are bold in addressing local issues compared to journalists

ompared to the Qatari Arab world, although it could the ‘dummy’ paper, banning and press, the Qatari art of be in future as it has all the permitting things at will, accord- caricature has shown necessary human and material ing to Malek. Cmore courage and matu- potential.” “The first thing he would ask rity. The space occupied by edi- While some Qatari caricatur- about was the political cartoon. I torial cartoons has become vital ists believe they have enough free- used to think of endless ways to Hey kids, this is the Qatari for putting across a message. This dom, others disagree. Satirical deceive him and wiggle my draw- has been the case because Qatari artist Ghanem Al Sulaiti believes ing through. When all schemes national dress, which has been cartoonists are talented. that caricature as a satirical jour- would fail, and the censor would disappearing during the According to some prominent nalistic act needs more freedom ban the cartoon, I would hang it millennium. Qatari caricaturists, editorial than is currently accorded to the in my office. I called them the cartoons are more powerful than press. The cartoonist remains tied hangings.” the written word. Qatari car- up with the press. He said that with the new toonists, with their distinct lines, “In Qatar, I don’t really see the climate of freedom ushered in affable characters, use of slang editorial cartoon as adding any- by Sheikh Hamad, he published and stinging comments, are now thing new; it is only an artistic more critical cartoons. in demand. They have become a variation on the written article, Sadek also said that journal- daily nuisance and a source of only another colourful artistic ism in Qatar had developed a headaches for many officials and façade. All that is said about great deal in its design, the level government bodies. education and traffic jams in the of freedom and the absence of They sour the mood of officials, written press is being reiterated censorship. who open the day’s papers in the in editorial cartoons.” “In the last few years the car- morning to find veiled criticism of “Not much difference, really, toonist has had no censor. He had their failure to fulfil their duties which is a serious flaw in the to rely on his maturity. When New generation Qatari kids and live up to the standards and Qatari art of caricature. It does there was a censor, I enjoyed expectations of the Qatari people. not have an independent charac- tricking and eluding him. He was Abdul Aziz Al Sadek says gov- ter of its own. Most Qatari edito- the one responsible before the ernment officials fear cartoons, rial cartoonists have no identity, law. Now I’m directly involved. I not articles or columns, because no signature, no character. It is am the one responsible before a environment, the better could the conditions to accommodate the Arab media about. The Arab they carry an overdose of criti- a highly derivative art, with very judge and, of course, responsibility artist express its hopes and con- and cope with. He has to adapt press has never really played cism, whether in content or form. rare exceptions,” Sulaiti added. requires a higher degree of matu- cerns and reach out to the public. himself to the social norms of the role of the fourth estate. Salman Al Malek says editorial rity,” said Malek. Ordinary citizens are more the community he lives in, taking Whether we like it or not, this cartoons have become a common According Hajaj, the variety of inclined to read what Qatari into good account what is and is is the truth,” said Sulaiti. feature of a typical Qatari daily More freedom, issues in Qatar provides fertile journalists write, because they not acceptable. “What I’d like to point out or weekly. “People may read only ground to cartoonists. The issues are closer to them socially and Speaking about the different here is that regrettably, the what concerns them in the news- more powerful include population density, lim- temperamentally. This is even social norms, Hajaj said he once Qatari press cannot function paper, but the cartoon is read by cartoons ited geographic space, and the more so with editorial cartoons, did a cartoon of Lakhdar Brahimi within the present levels and all. It is the star of the paper.” pressures of daily life. which use local Qatari characters hanging upside down that was parameters of freedom. The “Qatar is unique among the Qatari society has always been Sadek said some cartoonists and a distinctly local dialect. accepted. press magnates are far more Gulf countries because of the used to satire. “A Qatari man is a portrayed administrative mis- The cartoonist can convey “This is normal. He’s a world governmental and authoritarian number and good quality of its critic by nature. Caricature was, management and corruption; his message to the reader more figure, a figurehead, rather, an than the government itself,” he cartoonists. You don’t find this in fact, common in the traditional others politics, sports or social quickly and more easily, said institution. Now you can’t draw added. anywhere else in the Gulf. It’s Qatari Majales a long time ago, concerns. Some focus on specific Hajaj. a local Qatari official in the same He said there were many a unique Qatari phenomenon,” always sarcastic and criticising topics that become a sort of obses- “Cartoons spread faster, too. farcical way. Not all societies, Qataris, including him, who Malek added. prevalent social conditions,” said sion. “I, for instance, am always Because, in journalism, there’s even Arab societies, are the same. believed that the Qatari press Many believe that the art of Malek. fixated on the traffic and traffic always a time lag between A satirical cartoon of a local had more freedom during the caricature in Qatar is success- “Among the many factors that jams,” he said. reading an article and thoroughly official can be acceptable in some time of the censor than it has ful because it is practised by contributed to the flourishing of There are also seasonal car- understanding its meaning and Arab societies but not in others. today. native Qataris who carry within caricature in Qatar was the era toons, such as those that appear coming to terms with all its wider The social norms differ, which is “I have referred to this in one them the spirit and the soul of of freedom of speech and expres- during Eid and other holidays. implications. But there are only not a fatal flaw really, and can of my dramatic works, Fayez Al the local community. The print sion in which we have lived since a few seconds between reading be an advantage sometimes for Toush 2000. The editor in chief media is mostly in the hands of the nineties, when Father Emir and understanding a political cartoonists. It sharpens their used to go to the print room and non-Qataris, which is why it is H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Between caricature cartoon,” he said. eyes and gives them perspective.” read every word in the paper removed from issues that concern Al Thani took over. He was even Local artists also said that himself before it was published the man on the street, from the called ‘the freedom of expression and the print media caricaturists had helped solve because he was responsible. Now local environment and the hearts prince,’ Malek added. “Until now, Qatar does not have a number of issues, or at least A different viewpoint censorship comes from within.” and minds of the local community. He said freedom of expression professional local journalists who brought them to public attention Artist Ghanem Al Sulaiti Al Sulaiti said there was a Fares Al Hajaj said that provided cartoonists an opportu- can shoulder the burden of the with their satirical drawings. argues that cartoons abide by the missing chain in the Qatari press although Qatari artists were tal- nity and many Qatari caricatur- job. As for columnists, they only This underscores the reformist level of freedom accorded to the scene today. ented, they had not yet got the ists were born then. practise what is called luxury or spirit behind the criticism and print media. “Most of the people working in chance to reach out to the masses. In the 1980s, Qatar had an offi- bourgeois writing,” Malek said. cynicism, they said. This is in so far as the Qatari papers today are brother “As you know, the Qatari press is cial body for censoring publica- Editorial cartoonist Hajaj said For Malek, the Qatari media content is concerned. As for Arabs and resident journalists not widespread, not even in the tions. The censor would go over the more rooted he was in his scene will remain lacking and professionalism, artistic talent who came over here to make a deficient so long as there are no and the necessary tools and living. They are not professional satirical Qatari journalists. skills, Qatari caricaturists are in enough or courageous enough “I wish we could have satirical no way below their world-class to enter the debate about the Qatari writers like Mahmud Al counterparts, he said. pressing social issues of this Sa’dani and others. We need that “Arab journalism is still in community. You simply cannot kind of people and that kind of the hands of despotic regimes ask a person in shackles to be, or journalism.” and governments, which fund, to help others be, free.” Every cartoonist has work support, censor, direct, and boss THE PENINSULA Performance of the Government Early retirement

Qataris The future Competencies

Qataris

I hope you will focus on combating corruption in government institutions. Home NOVEMBER 30, 2013 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 ON SATURDAY Otaku Cosplay brings anime characters alive for fans Philippine School student ‘Best Female’ in Ajyal festival contest BY RAYNALD C RIVERA

DOHA: Hundreds of anime fans gathered at the Katara Esplanade yesterday to see their favourite anime and film characters in flesh at the Otaku Cosplay competition, the highlight of the inaugural Ajyal Youth Film Festival’s ‘Family Week-End’. Thirty-one cosplay fanatics dressed up as their favourite characters from manga, anime, films and video games to compete in www.swiss-belhotel.com categories, including Best Male, Best Female, Tel Best Group, Best Skit, and Open Category. Unique Canonicato, a senior student Fax at Philippine School Doha, impressed the judges with her costume and performance as Hanji Zoe in Attack on Titans. She received a perfect 10 score from all Tel four judges to win the Best Female category. Fax “This is the first time that I have joined a competition like this. Cosplay is part of my fascination with anime, so I joined this contest,” she said. Two weeks of tedious preparation to cre- Tel ate her costume with the help of her father Fax paid off for the young anime fan, who has been in Qatar for nine years. Not only young citizens and residents joined the contest but also cosplay fanatics Tollfree from neighbouring countries like Saad from Saudi Arabia. Fax “I have joined contests like this before, mostly in Bahrain and the UAE,” he said, adding he had limited time to prepare. Tel “I only had only three days to prepare Fax for this so I used my old cosplay which was Shanks.” The winners of the Otaku Cosplay com- petition, who dressed up as their favourite Tel anime character from a movie or cartoon, Fax were judged based on craftsmanship, origi- nality and choreography and will be officially announced at the closing ceremony tonight. Awards include Best Male, Best Female, Unique Canonicato, dressed up as Hanji Zoe in Attack on Titans, at the Otaku Cosplay competition Tel Best Group, Best Skit, and Open Category yesterday. Fax (open to all other costumes styles). They will receive a voucher courtesy of The ‘Family Week-End’ continues today Sony Tent and the ‘The Sandbox’ designed www.doha.hilton.com Fifty One East for the much-anticipated from 2pm to 8pm at the Katara Esplanade. to familarise audiences with filmmaking by Sony PlayStation 4 being launched next Activities for the whole family include the providing them with entertaining behind- Tel +974 44233333 month. Ajyal Studio, the Hataraky Workshop, the the-scenes insights. THE PENINSULA Fax +974 44233000 Awards, Japan animes to end youth fest

DOHA: The Ajyal Youth Film four features and eight short Festival concludes tonight Festival schedule at Katara today films in the Bader segment with a glittering awards cer- evaluated by jurors aged 18 to emony and the screening of DOHA: The final day of the festival will feature the screen- 21 and seven short films in the two award-winning Japanese ings of award-winning films that present uplifting tales of Mohaq segment for jurors aged Tel animes. youth, as well as movies for children from the age of four. eight to 12. Fax Winners of Doha Film Eleven films under Bariq, aimed at young audiences, will be The winners in the in-com- Experience, evaluated by hun- screened at 3pm at Katara 12 Theatre A. petition segment will receive a dreds of young jurors aged eight They include Big Mouth, The Candy Tree, Daddy ABC, Marcopolis, development award through the to 21, will be announced at the Edwina, The Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She was Extinct, Notebook Ajyal Film Fund. awards during the closing cer- Babies: Smile, Recently in the Woods, Shame and Glasses, Snap, Prizes in the short film Tel emony at 8pm at the Katara Two and Yum Yum Yummy. competition include the $5,000 Fax Sony Open-Air Cinema. Among other key screenings is Flying Paper (US-Palestine, Best Filmmaker Award in the Over the past days, Ajyal’s 2013), the winner of the Award of Excellence for Best Mohaq, Hilal and Bader seg- jurors have watched and cri- Documentary Feature at the International Film Festival for ments. Feature film competi- tiqued 42 films the in-compe- Peace, Inspiration and Equality and Kauwboy (The Netherlands, tion prizes include the $15,000 Tel tition and out-of-competition 2012), a coming-of-age drama and an emotional character study Best Feature Filmmaker Fax segments under four categories: about a boy, who lives with his emotionally detached father. Award in the Hilal and Bader Bariq (the out-of-competition A discussion on ‘Media Violence & Our Children: How Much categories. segment for families with kids is Too Much?’ will be held at 1.45pm at Katara Drama Theatre. The closing gala starts at aged between four and seven Several experts will present views on how content can be 8.45pm at Katara Drama years) and the in-competi- controlled and rules of access applied more effectively. Theatre, with the screening of Tel tion Mohaq, Hilal, and Bader Makoto Shinkai films Garden Fax segments. the in-competition segment films in the Hilal category for of Words and Voices of a Distant Vying for top honours in are four features and six short youngsters aged 13 to 17 years; Star. THE PENINSULA

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The Harley Owners Group Doha organised a Local Custom Motorcycle Show at Gate Mall yesterday. Around 20 custom-made bikes were on display. SHAIVAL DALAL NOVEMBER 30, 2013 ON SATURDAY 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Home

Salim Matramkot

A sparkling line-up

Local, regional and international figures from the film industry added sparkle to the opening night of the first Ajyal Youth Film Festival, organised by Doha Film Institute (DFI). Among the leading regional cinema figures who graced the red carpet on Tuesday were Abdulrahman Alaqel, Ali Al Rayes, Haya Al Shuaibi, Huda Hussain, Tareq Al Ali, Sultan Al Ali and Abdulnasser Al Zayer. Sixty- five films from 30 countries, an extensive programme of industry and community events, and five days of film, art, and cultural activities took centre stage at the festival, which marked the culmination of year- round initiatives by DFI aimed at teaching better appreciation of films to audiences of all ages. NOVEMBER 30, 2013 Home www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 ON SATURDAY

Indian Cultural Festival

Scores of people thronged the Indian Cultural Festival organised in the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park yesterday. ABDUL BASIT QOC Winter Camp opens MERS: Ministry slammed for not at Sealine

DOHA: The Seventh Winter Camp of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) under the checking imported camels theme ‘El Inah’ opened with a series of activities at Sealine, near government services com- plex yesterday. Owners call for medical tests at entry point, mobile clinics to vaccinate animals at farms This year, QOC has included multiple activities, events and DOHA: Camel owners are arrangements to ensure check- programmes in its weekly sched- critical of the Ministry of ups at the entry point. ules to suit all age groups. Environment and say it doesn’t “We need mobile veterinary Officials in charge of the camp carry out medical check-ups on clinics that could regularly visit said some weeks are allocated the animals imported from a camel breeding farms and vacci- for domestic sport federations to neighbouring country. nate the animals.” stage activities to promote sports Owners claim that when it According to another owner, by involving the general public. was earlier announced that the Mohamed Al Shahwani, the min- Media and cultural symposi- dreaded Middle East Respiratory istry asks owners to take their ums, contests, and football and Syndrome (MERS) virus spread camels to veterinary clinics for volleyball tournaments are among from camels in Saudi Arabia, check-ups instead of providing the activities. the animals brought from there that facility at farms. Faisal Saleh Al Mansouri, should be checked. “It not practical for an owner Director of Public Relations and One owner said he suspected to take so many animals to the Marketing at QOC, said ‘El Inah’ that camels could also contract clinic,” he said, adding this was is an ideal environment for all age the virus through fodder and yet discouraging owners. groups as a wide range of events, the fodder isn’t tested. Yet another owner, Abdul Hadi activities and programmes have A camel owner, Musfir Al Faisal, said it was important to been lined up for all. Marri, told the local Arabic daily test fodder as well since that Cultural and social programmes Al Raya that in recent years cam- could have been be the cause of along with sport activities and els were being ignored by authori- the spread of the virus among the tournaments aim at meeting fam- ties. “Not enough attention is three camels. ily needs and providing entertain- being paid to the animal wealth The daily said ministry officials ment games for kids, he said. of the country although their col- refused to comment, saying a The football and volleyball tour- lective value could be billions of press conference will be held soon. naments will offer QR90,000 in riyals.” It said samples taken from the prize money. The camp also fea- According to Al Marri, after three inflicted camels tested neg- tures electronic games, Brazilian three camels have been detected ative in Qatar but tested positive tournament, golden throw con- with the virus, there is panic Authorities are not giving enough attention to the animal wealth worth billions of riyals, according to camel owners. when they were sent overseas. test, photographing and drawing among camel owners. This raises doubts about the contests, telematch games, table “Owners fear that not only accuracy of laboratory tests on tennis and Islamic Triathlon their camels but also people could Al Marri. But no medical check- entering the country, he said, add- at the border check-point. such samples in Qatar, said the Tournament. QNA be inflected with the virus,” said ups are conducted on camels ing there were no testing facilities “The ministry should make daily. THE PENINSULA YGT auditions attract 120 participants

DOHA: More than 120 youth are show- casing their talents at Youth Got Talent 2013 (YGT) auditions at Youth Hub Qatar. The three-day auditions end today. The YGT competition is one of the most anticipated segments of the annual Run The World Festival organised by The Youth Company (TYC) in partnership with Qatar Museums Authority and Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum. For the third year running, TYC is host- ing auditions, inviting participants to show- case talents in music, dance and more to the judges panel as solo performers, bands and crews, to be selected as contestants for the YGT finale during the Run The World Festival (RTWF) 2013 from December 19 to 21 at Katara Beach. As the first youth-oriented talent show in Qatar, the YGT contest defines the ele- ment of entertainment in RTWF 2013, and presents youth to display talents before thousands of spectators online and on stage. Participants undergo three stages. The first is the auditions, after which vot- ing will take place online via RTWF’s pri- mary social media channels from December 3 onwards. The second stage is semi-finals at Virgin Megastores. Auditions welcome solo performers between 14 and 17 years. Participants are judged by artists and experts, including international beatboxing champion, Ahmad Abazaid, and artist Radi El Zouhby. “Auditions are not a boring process for the youth to impress the judges,” said Abazaid. One of the participants at the event. “Each day of auditions serve as a fun and exciting event that involves the audience shows to come, he said. to who’s going to make it to the big stage cheering on the performers, comic moments “These make up the whole journey of YGT this year,” said Abazaid. and memories, and a preview of the amazing and RTWF 2013 and we’re looking forward THE PENINSULA NOVEMBER 30, 2013 ON SATURDAY 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Views

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Rise in optimism Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

FTER a period of skepticism and doubts, Indian economy is showing signs of a rebound. And it’s surprising that the change in economy can Ahappen so fast. In September, India’s growth rate A think tank on BBC? You had slowed to its lowest in a decade, inflation was high, and the rupee had plunged as one of the worst-performing currencies in Asia. Also, serious doubts were expressed about the country’s ability to emerge from this lull as serious, haven’t heard the whole story unpopular decisions were seen unlikely from the side of BY GEORGE MONBIOT the government as the country is preparing for parliament Yet, as you can see from its lists, the that of the public health minister ...” elections. But the mood has changed a lot after a change in institute’s spokespeople appear all over Yes, it is one view. The view of some- the economic figures. India has posted surprisingly strong O THE BBC’s editorial guide- the media, arguing against any regu- one being paid by big tobacco. Should quarterly economic growth of 4.8 percent, on the back of lines count for anything? I ask lations tobacco companies don’t like, we not have known that? robust farm output. The data for the second financial quarter Dbecause it disregards them every without ever being obliged to reveal that Here’s what the BBC’s editorial day, by failing to reveal the commercial tobacco companies help pay their wages. guidelines say about such matters: to September beat market forecasts of 4.6 percent annual interests of its contributors. Most of the so-called think tanks 3.4.7: “We should make checks to growth and topped the 4.4 percent expansion India logged in Let me give you an example. On flatly refuse to reveal their interests. I establish the credentials of our con- the previous three months. Growth has fallen from nearly Thursday the Today programmecov- see the IEA, the Adam Smith Institute tributors and to avoid being ‘hoaxed’.” double-digit expansion just two years ago, a level economists ered the plain packaging of cigarettes. and other “think tanks” which refuse to 3.4.12: “We should normally identify say India must reach again to generate jobs for its vast young It interviewed Mark Littlewood, direc- to say who funds them as indistinguish- on-air and online sources of informa- population. The figures provided huge relief for the scandal- tor-general of the Institute of Economic able from corporate lobbyists. I see them tion and significant contributors, and Affairs, an organisation that calls itself as doing the dirty work of corporations provide their credentials, so that our tarred Congress party-led government which is desperate to a thinktank. Mishal Husain introduced which won’t put their own heads above audiences can judge their status.” revive the economy before elections due by May. Mark Littlewood as “the director of the the parapet because of the likely repu- 4.4.14: “We should not automatically But it’s also interesting to note that there is some artificial Institute of Economic Affairs, and a tational damage. assume that contributors from other optimistic mood in India about the smoker himself”. I’m not the only one who sees them organisations (such as academics, jour- economy which is not supported Fine. But should we not also have in this light. David Frum was formerly nalists, researchers and representatives been informed that the Institute of a fellow at the American Enterprise of charities) are unbiased, and we may Latest data by figures. The news media is full Economic Affairs Institute, a rightwing pro-business need to make it clear to the audience show Indian of confidence that the economy receives fund- thinktank. Drawing on his own expe- when contributors are associated with has turned the corner. The stock ing from tobacco rience, he explained that such groups a particular viewpoint, if it is not appar- growth is market rose more than nine percent companies? It’s “increasingly function as public-rela- ent from their contribution or from the picking up, but last month, to an all-time high. A When the BBC bad enough when tions agencies”. context in which their contribution is few weeks ago, Finance Minister P the BBC inter- The veteran corporate lobbyist Jeff made.” much of the interviews views people Judson explained why think tanks are so Every day people from think tanks Chidambaram said he saw many signs about issues of useful to corporations: “Lobbyists often are interviewed by the BBC’s news and optimism in of “green shoots” in the economy. someone about great financial work for specific clients who operate at current affairs programmes without any the country is At the same time, looking at the smoking, it’s importance to the mercy of a regulator or lawmaker, such safeguards being applied. There ground, and at facts, one would find supposed to certain corpora- making them vulnerable to retribu- is no effort to establish their creden- not grounded that this optimism is not hundred tions when it has tion for daring to criticise or speak tials, in order to avoid being hoaxed into reveal if the think no idea whether out. Think tanks are virtually immune promoting corporate lobbyists as inde- in facts. percent justified. Objectively, not tank they work for or not these peo- to retribution … Donors are confiden- pendent thinkers. There is no effort to much has changed. Growth remains ple are funded tial. The identity of donors to think identify on whose behalf they are speak- slow, deficits remain at levels which are difficult to sustain receives funding by those corpo- tanks is protected from involuntary ing, “so that our audiences can judge and inflation is rising despite high interest rates that are from tobacco rations – and disclosure.”(Judson’s confessions used their status.” There is no attempt to actually reducing growth. The current government and the makes no effort to be available here. They have since make it clear to the audience that con- government that will be installed after the elections will have companies. to find out. It’s been removed.) tributors are funded by the companies even worse when Here’s what Mark Littlewood said on whose products they are discussing. to work hard and make tough decisions to make the economy those interests the Today programme: “The evidence I would have no problem with the as vibrant as it was a few years ago. India was one of the have already been exposed, yet the BBC out of Australia, who, in their extreme BBC interviewing people from these world’s fastest-growing economies, and was compared with still fails to mention them. unwisdom in my view, have offered to think tanks if their interests were dis- China, with a few experts even predicting that the country Both the Institute of Economic be the guinea pigs for planet earth on closed. If these organisations refuse to could even overtake Beijing in some aspects due to the fact Affairs and the Adam Smith Institute whether this policy works, having had say who funds them, they should not it’s a democratic state. This was the time India was called an have been funded by tobacco firms for plain packaging or standardised pack- be allowed on air. Their financial inter- years. The former has been funded by aging in place for a year over there, the ests in the issue under discussion should emerging superpower and ‘emerging tiger’. But since then, British American Tobacco since 1963, early evidence suggests no change at be mentioned by the presenter when these hopes have been dashed. China is continuing its march, and has also been paid by Philip Morris all on smoking prevalence. And, lo and they are introduced. I’ve been banging leaving India far behind. and Japan Tobacco International. It has behold, the black market in cigarettes on about this for years, with no result New Delhi needs to further liberalise its economy and fight never come clean about this funding, has jumped markedly.” at all. It seems that the only thing the corruption. Both are equally important• and still refuses to say which other cor- Mishal Husain then remarked, “Well BBC responds to is formal complaints. porations sponsor it. that’s one view, in a moment we’ll hear So please complain. THE GUARDIAN The other side Quote of Syrian peace talks, but at what price? the day OW many more Syrians that there could be no role for Assad disputes inside the Coalition will mean the Palestinian Authority ever show any will die between today and his people in the transitional period. that any delegation that does go to sign of progress, the Netanyahu gov- and January 22, when the Given that Damascus is presenting Geneva in January will lack a full man- ernment will be able to claim that the Hso-called Geneva II peace itself as a willing participant in the talks, date. It will indeed very probably actu- divided Palestinians are not capable of talks are due to get under way? Indeed, but also as a sovereign power “with ally be condemned by some elements delivering on a deal. given the uncompromising noises only its people to protect from foreign nominally within the Coalition, who There were reports that both Turkey coming out of Damascus, is there any terrorists”, it is clear that the National will refuse to abide by any agreement and Iran had combined to call for a chance that the talks, some two long Coalition has already been presented emerging from the talks, in the highly cease-fire. Such an agreement has to The EU door will months from now, will actually take with a serious challenge. Long riven by unlikely event that any deal is made. be looked at carefully. It seems to indi- place at all? rivalries that threaten its cohesion with Damascus will therefore be able to cate a key shifting of ground by both always remain open Assad’s Foreign Ministry has issued a virtually every statement that it issues, claim, once more, that there is no real Ankara and Tehran. Turkey’s opposi- for Ukrainians should statement saying that it will be attending the Coalition will be under huge pres- opposition to negotiate with. It is a tactic tion to the Assad government, its sup- but that it has no intention of negotiat- sure to boycott the talks, unless the eerily reminiscent of that used by Israel port for the rebels and its housing of they wish it. ing a handover of power. This month principle of regime change is on the in its divide and rule campaign against refugees have been key in maintaining the rebel National Coalition announced table. By putting in its acceptance first, the Palestinians. Israel provoked and the battle by the Free Syrian Army to that it would be going to Geneva to Damascus has outmaneuvered the still nurtures the split between Fatah break Assad’s stranglehold on his own Francois Hollande talk about a political settlement, but opposition. It doubtless expects that and Hamas. Thus if peace talks with people. French President NOVEMBER 30, 2013 Views www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 ON SATURDAY Karzai’s dangerous gamble with security While Afghan president claims to be concerned about issues already settled, observers see it as a Machiavellian ploy to maximise influence over the elections.

BY JOHN PODESTA, TOM Delaying the security agreement will PERRIELLO and CAROLINE have real consequences for the Afghan WADHAMS people, introducing greater uncertainty into an already volatile political environ- fter more than a decade of ment. Delay makes it considerably more conflict and political set- difficult for US forces to prepare for a backs in Afghanistan, it has smaller presence after 2014 and increases been hard for observers to the likelihood that a frustrated US gov- be hopeful about its future. ernment will decide to pull out of the ABut following a recent trip, where we met country entirely. with civil society leaders, public officials, Delay also prevents Nato countries tribal elders, youth and women’s groups, from signing a status-of-forces agree- we found ourselves cautiously optimistic ment, which could prompt them to with- about the country’s trajectory. draw their forces and cut their assistance. Afghans were preparing for the presi- We believe that the proposed agree- dential and provincial elections in April. ment is the best way to maintain both They anticipated that a bilateral security US and Afghan security interests. Afghan President Hamid Karzai (centre left) with US National Security Adviser Susan Rice in Kabul on Monday. agreement under discussion between the It defines the parameters for a small US and Afghan governments would soon US force dedicated to advising and a trump card that will make both the that deserves to be sustained. It has would create a humanitarian disaster, be signed, creating the security umbrella training Afghan security forces while international community and Afghans achieved significant development, broad- place enormous pressure on Pakistan essential for a stable state. giving the US flexibility to conduct tar- less likely to impede any efforts he might ening access to health care and educa- and other neighbours and allow militant President Hamid Karzai has threat- geted counterterrorism operations in make to manipulate the outcome, con- tion, expanding the formal economy, and, groups to flourish. ened to derail this positive trajectory, Afghanistan. duct or timing of the elections. The fact though still a daily struggle, increas- The failure to reach an agreement however, by stating that he intends to If Karzai isn’t willing to act in good is, the Afghan people know they need this ing opportunities for women. Across with Karzai would not be ideal, but the delay signing the security agreement faith and sign the pact by the end of this agreement with the US. the country, US and Nato troops have US has other means to protect itself. It until after the elections. While Karzai year, the US must be prepared to sus- Without it, international funding for moved into the background while Afghan is the Afghan people who would be left claims to be concerned about issues pend all negotiations, begin planning for Afghanistan, especially for its security security forces are taking the lead. The vulnerable. Karzai’s recklessness may already settled, Afghan observers see withdrawal of all US forces by the end forces, will be at risk — and the state Afghan government is taking on more undermine Afghanistan’s political tran- it as a Machiavellian play to maximise of 2014 and await the election of a new cannot come close to funding its operat- development responsibilities. sition, which has long been cited as the influence over the elections. president to determine whether the deal ing expenses. The very nature of the conversation primary determinant of a peaceful future The agreement, crafted through can be finalised. While progress has been made in build- in Afghanistan has changed, focusing on for Afghans. We hope he will listen to his months of high-level negotiations, defines Karzai is making a self-serving and ing a stable state, and the Afghan people how to change the government and make own loya jirga and sign the security pact a long-term partnership between the dangerous gamble, and Afghan lives are acknowledge that they want a sovereign it function better, instead of opining on by year’s end. countries after the scheduled withdrawal on the line. He has agreed to step down state and a reduced foreign presence, it what the international community can If he does not, the US must look past of US troops in 2014; it was endorsed next spring, as the Afghan constitu- was clear on our recent trip that a wide do about Afghan problems. him and see whether a new partnership Sunday by approximately 2,500 Afghans tion requires, but he appears desperate swath of Afghans believes that a security US negotiators know that the agree- can be salvaged in time with his elected in a loya jirga, or council of elders, packed to retain power until the last possible agreement with the US is essential. The ment is both critical to preventing successor. At that point, those who care with Karzai loyalists. moment. loya jirga corroborated the sentiments Afghanistan from collapsing again and a about Afghanistan can only hope that an But this may be one manufactured By holding off on finalising the secu- we heard. vital security interest for the US. agreement will still be possible. crisis too many for US policymakers. rity deal, Karzai likely believes he holds Afghanistan has made real progress A return to civil war in Afghanistan WP-BLOOMBERG Déjà vu as Yingluck faces down protesters Unfortunately, US won’t

specific (security) issue rather coming out to leave Middle East alone Thai premier says side with anti-government forces to overthrow the Yingluck government.” BY SEUMAS MILNE she will not dissolve Retired farmer Satien and other protest- ers have called for King Bhumibol to appoint emember how we got here. Three months ago, the US, Britain an interim government to replace Yingluck’s. and France were poised to launch yet another attack on an parliament and call a But the aging and widely revered monarch Arab and Muslim country, this time war-wracked Syria. has not commented on the current unrest. RAn unexpected, and unprecedented, vote by British MPs snap election. He is at his seaside palace in Hua Hin, about halted the bid to escalate the war. That stiffened resistance in the 190km south of Bangkok, after a long spell US Congress. BY ANDREW R C MARSHALL in hospital in the capital. His son, Crown As Obama struggled to win support, Russia seized the chance to press Prince Vajiralongkorn, expressed concern on for the UN-supervised destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons. A deal he French have the best phrase for Sunday about the political unrest and urged was reached and the threat of attack abandoned. A couple of months Thailand’s turbulent politics: déjà vu. people to settle their differences peacefully. on and Iran, Syria’s closest ally, has now signed an agreement with the Five years ago, a Thai govern- The appeal was issued through Bangkok police big powers to limit its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions Tment led by Somchai Wongsawat, chief Kamronwit Thoopkrachang, a staunch relief — and Syrian peace talks are back on the agenda for the new the brother-in-law of ousted prime minister Thaksin ally. Yingluck has also been careful to year. The west’s August attempt to confront the Iranian-Syrian “axis Thaksin Shinawatra, was besieged by ultraroy- maintain relations with the palace. In a highly of resistance” has been turned on its head. Russia has been bolstered alist street protesters bent on overthrowing symbolic meeting in August, Yingluck visited without lifting a finger. The closest US allies in the Middle East, Israel what they saw as a corrupt and illegitimate the Bangkok residence of retired General and Saudi Arabia, are crying betrayal and demanding their supporters regime. Prem Tinsulanonda on his 94th birthday. sabotage the deal in Congress. Today, another Thaksin relative, his sister Prem, the president of the king’s Privy In fact, both agreements simply reflect a recognition of reality after Yingluck Shinawatra, is prime minister, and Council, is accused by many Thaksin loyalists 12 years of failed wars of intervention across the Middle East. In the Bangkok’s streets are again overrun by thou- of masterminding the 2006 coup. Afterwards case of Syria, despite covert intervention by western and Gulf states, sands of Thais proclaiming their hatred of Prem urged the armed forces to support the Assad regime has been gaining ground as the rebel camp slips Thaksin and their love for the long-reigning Yingluck. The Democrats are regarded as the further into the grip of Al Qaeda-linked sectarian jihadists. King Bhumibol Adulyadej. But déjà vu has its Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra royalist party, but Yingluck’s Puea Thai Party Whether the nuclear agreement lasts or goes further, Geneva is limits. The hapless Somchai spent less than has strived “to create the image as a protec- a measure of realism in a region turned upside down by increas- three months in office. But Yingluck, while trademark composure and seems determined tor of the palace”, said David Streckfuss, an ingly bizarre alliances. Take Israel, the secular Jewish state, and Saudi facing the biggest threat yet to her adminis- to outlast the protests. independent scholar of Thailand. It has done Arabia, the Sunni sectarian autocracy. They are now not only work- tration, is proving much harder to dislodge. Yingluck’s confidence could derive in part this by “aggressively” pursuing those deemed ing hand in glove against Iran, but both strongly backed the abortive The campaign against Yingluck began in from assiduously cultivated relations with to have insulted the monarchy under strict attack on Syria and championed July’s military coup against the elected earnest after her ruling Puea Thai Party tried the monarchy and the military, which, along lese majeste laws. Islamist president in Egypt. to pass an amnesty bill that critics said would with the courts, have intervened to break past More likely than a royal or military inter- The chaos and cross-currents are a product of the war on terror have nullified the graft conviction of her bil- political deadlocks. The military has staged vention is a legal challenge. Past decisions by and the Arab uprisings that flowed out of it nearly three years ago. lionaire brother Thaksin, who was deposed in at least 18 coups in modern times, not all of Thailand’s courts have ended the rule of two The campaign that began in Afghanistan, and passed through the a 2006 military coup. At least 100,000 people them successful. Thaksin-backed prime ministers and dissolved destruction of Iraq via drone wars against the terror groups it fuelled, gathered in old Bangkok on Sunday to demand “If there is no other choice, if we can’t do two previous incarnations of the Puea Thai reached its last phase in the attempts to hijack or crush the popular Yingluck’s overthrow. Tens of thousands have this peacefully, I welcome military interven- Party. On November 20, the Constitutional revolts across the Arab world. since fanned out across the capital, occupying tion,” said retired farmer Satien Piankird, 65, Court ruled that government efforts to amend At every point, the war has failed in its stated aim of fighting terror the Finance Ministry and laying siege to other one of thousands of protesters outside a gov- the constitution were illegal but stopped short and left a trail of destruction, death and sectarian conflict in its wake, ministries and government offices. Thousands ernment complex in northern Bangkok. of dissolving Puea Thai. But Yingluck and her from Pakistan to Libya. It has also revealed the limits, rather than the more have massed at city halls in dozens of In 2008, Thailand’s top brass made little party still face a threat from Thailand’s usu- extent of US and western power to impose its will by military force. provinces. attempt to stay out of politics. “If I were prime ally slow-moving National Anti-Corruption And it’s that strategic defeat and overreach — paid for at such great On Thursday, protesters cut power to the minister, I would have resigned,” army chief Commission (NACC). It is considering a peti- human cost — that has been reflected in the deals made with Iran and national police headquarters in Bangkok in a Anupong Paochinda publicly declared in the tion from protesters to investigate 312 MPs Syria this autumn. tense stand-off that seemed designed to pro- wake of violent clashes between police and and senators for backing a constitutional The US administration has now signalled it wants a more modest voke a heavy-handed response from Yingluck. protesters in October that year. Two years amendment that would have changed the engagement in the Middle East, focused on Iran, Syria and the Israel- So far, however, she has not obliged. With later, troops launched a bloody crackdown on make-up of the Senate. Palestine conflict, as it “pivots” towards Asia and the rising power of the number of protesters apparently dwin- red-shirted Thaksin loyalists across Bangkok The Constitutional Court said on November China. “We’ve got interests and opportunities in that whole world,” dling, she easily survived a no-confidence vote in which scores of people were killed. This 20 that government plans to change the con- as Obama’s national security adviser, Susan Rice, puts it. That’s been in parliament on Thursday, before appealing to year, however, the military has remained aloof stitution were illegal, paving the way for the interpreted by some as the prelude to a US withdrawal from the most protesters to halt their action and enter talks and shown no sign of wanting to leave bar- NACC to suspend 312 politicians and evis- directly western-dominated region in the world, encouraged by declin- with the government. Suthep Thaungsuban, racks, even after 1,000 protesters broke into cerate Puea Thai. Some observers expect a ing US dependence on Middle East oil. That would be too much to hope the firebrand politician who resigned from its Bangkok headquarters yesterday. decision after the king’s birthday celebrations for. The US has been boosting its military presence and archipelago of the opposition Democrat Party to lead the “The army wishes all sides to solve the prob- on December 5. But any NACC decision to bases in the Gulf, and the Middle East will continue to be crucial to protests, has rejected talks and vowed to con- lem with the country’s best interests in mind,” disband Yingluck’s party could spark a con- the global energy market. But the failure of the war on terror and US tinue his campaign to “uproot Thaksinism.” said deputy army spokesman Colonel Winthai frontation with pro-Thaksin red shirts, tens of decline means it is likely to try to use a reduction of tension with Iran But his hardline tactics could be alienating Suvaree. thousands of whom are gathering at a stadium to streamline and scale back its military involvement. moderate supporters, while his quirky politi- The military might act if there is bloodshed in eastern Bangkok. Despite such support, and Which would, of course, be welcome for the people of a region trying cal vision perplexes even his natural allies in between protesters and police, or if protesters her commanding majority in parliament, the to carve out their own future. The west’s baleful terror war will carry the Democrat Party. Yingluck says she will cause widespread damage to property, says protests represent a “real threat” to her gov- on across the Arab and Muslim world in the form of drone attacks not dissolve parliament and call a snap elec- Pavin Chachavalpongpun of Kyoto University’s ernment, says scholar Pavin. and special forces operations. But the appetite for full-scale air and tion. While she appeared fraught at the end Centre for Southeast Asian Studies. “To say that Yingluck is confident is a little land campaigns seems to have exhausted itself. That can only be good of the two-day confidence debate, the former “But it would be a limited intervention,” he bit surreal,” he says. for all of us. business executive has since regained her says. “The military would be dealing with a REUTERS THE GUARDIAN NOVEMBER 30, 2013 ON SATURDAY 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Middle East Iran nuclear freeze to start by January Tehran begins preliminary discussions with IAEA

VIENNA: Iran’s six-month set to hammer out the details. freeze of its nuclear programme “We have had preliminary dis- agreed with world powers in cussions with the agency with Geneva will start by early regard to the nuclear-related January, Tehran’s envoy to measures ... to be verified by the the UN atomic watchdog said agency,” Najafi said. “We are going yesterday. to continue those discussions.” “We expect that either at the The IAEA already keeps close end of December or the beginning tabs on Iran’s nuclear work, with of January we should start imple- personnel almost constantly in menting the measures agreed by the country inspecting machinery both sides,” Reza Najafi, envoy to and measuring stockpiles. the International Atomic Energy But under Sunday’s deal this A child reacts as he holds his father’s hand after hearing what activists said was shelling by forces loyal to Syria’s Agency, told reporters. will go further, with daily IAEA President Bashar Al Assad, in Aleppo, yesterday. The breakthrough accord visits to enrichment sites and struck last weekend between access to centrifuge assembly sites, Iran and the United States, uranium mines, and more frequent China, Russia, Britain, France trips to Arak — in addition to veri- UN report spotlights trauma and Germany — the P5+1 — fore- fying the enrichment freeze. sees Iran rolling back some of its Iran will also have to provide Iran’s envoy to the International nuclear programme temporarily information on plans for new Atomic Energy Agency Reza Najafi in exchange for sanctions relief. nuclear facilities, descriptions of of Syrian refugee children The six-month freeze is meant speaking at a press conference in every building at nuclear sites to make it more difficult for Iran Vienna, yesterday. and updated design information GENEVA: Syrian refugee chil- Lebanon were interviewed for a about,” he said. Children make to develop a nuclear weapon and on the Arak reactor, according to dren are paying a cruel price 60-page UNHCR report, starkly up around half of the more than to build confidence while Tehran the Arak heavy water reactor, the text of Sunday’s deal. as civil war rips their coun- laying out the trauma of young 2.2 million Syrians who have fled and the P5+1 hammer out a long- which could provide Iran with This will mean an increased try apart, the United Nations exiles from a conflict that has their homeland, according to UN term accord. weapons-grade plutonium once workload for the IAEA and its warned yesterday in a report killed over 120,000 people. numbers of registered refugees. Iran has pledged to limit ura- operating. The Islamic repub- Japanese chief Yukiya Amano, with heart-rending testimony The children’s last names were Syria’s neighbours meanwhile nium enrichment to low fis- lic, subject to painful UN and who said Thursday that “some from youngsters driven from not revealed, to protect them and estimate some three million sile purities. It will also lower Western sanctions, will continue time” — and more money — would their homes. their families. Syrians have already left the war- the purity of its stockpile of enriching uranium to low levels be needed to work out how to ver- “This is impossible to forget. “It is important that this ravaged country, which means medium-enriched material, which and it will retain its stockpile of ify the deal. It’s like someone has stabbed me human face of the refugee crisis around 1.5 million Syrian children is relatively easy to convert to low-enriched material. “This requires a significant with a knife when I remember,” is not forgotten,” Volker Turk, are living as refugees. weapons-grade, or convert it to It has been unclear since amount of money and man- 15-year-old Taha, who saw seven UNHCR head of international “Looking back over the last another form. Geneva, when the accord was due power.... The IAEA’s budget is corpses near his house in Syria, protection, told journalists in 20 years, the Syria refugee crisis Iran also committed for six to take effect, with technical dis- very, very tight. I don’t think we told interviewers with the UN Geneva. for us is unparallelled since the months “not to make further cussions between Iran, the powers can cover everything from our refugee agency (UNHCR). “And if you look at what chil- Rwanda crisis,” Turk said, refer- advances” at its Fordo and Natanz and the IAEA, whose job verifying own budget,” Amano told report- He and scores of other Syrian dren face, they illustrate very ring to the 1994 genocide in the uranium enrichment sites and at Tehran’s compliance will be key, ers. AFP refugee children in Jordan and strongly what this crisis is all African nation. AFP

Iran admits close intelligence links More protests in Egypt as Islamists defy new law with Turkey CAIRO: Police fired tear gas hundreds of Mursi’s supporters warned against “demonstra- against Mursi’s turbulent single about to hand myself in to the yesterday at Islamists who dem- who protested in front of a presi- tions that break the law without year in power. authorities again on Saturday,” ANKARA: The Iranian ambas- onstrated in Egypt, defying a dential palace in Cairo, a reporter obtaining prior permission from Abdel Fattah wrote on Facebook sador to Ankara acknowledged new law banning unauthorised said, adding that he also heard security forces” and said “it will MOUNTING CRITICISMS in response to the arrest warrant. yesterday that Tehran enjoys protests that has also angered gunshots. deal with these illegal activities Pro-democracy groups have Abdel Fattah was detained close ties with Turkey’s intelli- activists following the arrest of Tear gas was also fired on firmly and decisively.” been particularly incensed by the under Mubarak, under the mili- gence services, a sign of warm- a prominent blogger. dozens of Islamists in Cairo’s Interim president Adly arrest of Abdel Fatah, a promi- tary junta that ousted him, and ing relations between the two The Muslim Brotherhood had Mohandessin district and on a Mansour issued the demonstra- nent Mursi opponent. again under Mursi. regional powers. vowed to go ahead regardless with key road leading to the pyramids. tion ban last Sunday and police He was detained at his home Yesterday, Maher tweeted: “our The comments by Alireza the weekly protests it has organ- Protesters retaliated by throw- have since enforced it, sometimes in a western district of Cairo, dream was to live with dignity Bikdeli come just weeks after US ised after noon prayers ever since ing stones and burning tyres in bloodily. said his wife, Manal Hassan, but the army, Mubarak’s corrupt newspaper claims — hotly denied Islamist president Mohamed Mohandessin, officials said, add- On Thursday, an engineer- who tweeted that she had been regime and their allies ... are by Ankara — that Turkey blew Mursi was overthrown in a July ing that similar protests were ing student was killed during an “beaten” during his arrest. fighting it with the arrests and an Israeli-Iranian spy ring to the 3 military coup. also dispersed in the cities of Islamist demonstration at Cairo Judicial sources say Abdel crackdowns”. authorities in Tehran. Late Thursday the interior Alexandria, Suez, Mahallah and university, health officials said. Fattah is accused of holding an Human rights groups too have Bikdeli told reporters in ministry warned against unau- Qena. Egypt’s army-installed To the anger of secular sup- unauthorised demonstration, lashed out at arrests of protesters Ankara that there was “improved thorised protests, after police government say the new law porters of Mursi’s overthrow, inciting people to riot, cutting opposing the disputed law. cooperation” between the Iranian detained prominent blogger Alaa requires protest organisers to police have taken action against roads, beating a police officer and “In the past few days, FIDH intelligence and security services Abdel Fattah, in a stark declara- give three days’ written notice to all demonstrations, not just those stealing his walkie-talkie. has documented several cases of and Turkey’s National Intelligence tion of intent reminiscent of the the authorities before holding any organised by the ousted presi- Prosecutors had issued war- arrests, detention and beating of Organisation (MIT). autocratic rule of veteran strong- demonstration. dent’s Islamist backers. rants on Wednesday for the arrest protesters as well as cases of sex- And he said there were “no man Hosni Mubarak, ousted in In addition, it also bans demon- Activists say the ban is hypo- of Abdel Fatah and fellow activist ual harassment towards both men grounds” for allegations that a popular uprising nearly three strations in places of worship or critical as the army justified its Ahmed Maher, for taking part in and women,” said International Shiite Iran was spying on Turkey, years ago. starting from such places. “coup” as a response to mass dem- an unauthorised demonstration Federation for Human Rights in a predominantly Sunni Muslim Police used tear gas against The interior ministry Thursday onstrations across the country the previous day. “Deja vu, I’m a statement. AFP country. Jordan couple in Clashes UAE is new victims Toll from wave of Hamas cancels of Mers virus anniversary events due to fuel crisis ABU DHABI: Two new cases of violence in Iraq hits 52 the potentially deadly Mers res- GAZA CITY: The Islamist piratory virus, including a heav- BAGHDAD: A wave of vio- But the most troubling of the movement Hamas, which rules ily pregnant woman, have been lence yesterday killed 52 people bloodshed came early Friday the Gaza Strip, announced yes- reported in the United Arab in Iraq, most of whom were kid- morning, when authorities dis- terday it has called off events in Emirates, media yesterday cited napped and shot dead with their covered the bodies of 18 men, December to mark its 26th anni- health authorities as saying. corpses abandoned, in scenes including two tribal chiefs, four versary because of the Palestinian A 38-year-old Jordanian harking back to Iraq’s sectarian policemen and an army major, territory’s fuel crisis. “Given the resident was hospitalised with war. dumped in farmland near the siege conditions, Hamas has breathing problems and diag- The killings come amid a Sunni Arab town of Tarmiyah, decided to call off festivities for nosed to be a carrier of Mers, surge in violence that has left just north of Baghdad. its 26th anniversary and to use the Middle East Respiratory more than 600 people dead this All of them had been shot in the funds instead for services to Syndrome Coronavirus. month, including several who the head and chest, police and a ease people’s hardships,” a state- His wife, who is eight months were snatched from their homes, medical source said. ment said. A Hamas spokesman, pregnant, was also hospitalised only for their bodies to be found The kidnappers, wearing mili- Ashraf Abu Zayed, said some after being diagnosed as suffering later, fuelling fears Iraq is slipping tary uniform and travelling in small-scale activities would be from the disease, health authori- back into the communal blood- what appeared to be army vehi- held in Gaza on the December 14 ties in Abu Dhabi said. shed that plagued it from 2005 cles, abducted the men early yes- anniversary. In July, the authorities reported to 2007. terday, telling their families the that there had been seven Mers More than 6,000 people have men were suspects in various Opposition’s office cases in the oil-rich Gulf fed- been killed this year, forcing cases and were being taken for eration in which foreign resi- Baghdad to appeal for interna- questioning. in Tunis attacked dents comprise 80 percent of the tional help in battling militancy Their bodies were found hours population. just months before a general later, the sources said. TUNIS: “A gang” of around 60 The World Health Organisation election, as official concern There was another such inci- people attacked the headquar- says it has been informed of 160 focuses on a resurgent Al Qaeda dent in Salaheddin province, ters of a coalition of political par- laboratory-confirmed cases emboldened by the war in neigh- north of Baghdad. Seven men ties opposed to Tunisia’s ruling of infection worldwide since bouring Syria. — all maintenance workers and Islamists in Tunis overnight on September last year, including 68 Violence yesterday struck in labourers at a local football field Thursday, the opposition group deaths. Saudi Arabia is the worst Baghdad and mostly Sunni Arab — were found dead, their throats announced. “A paid gang tried affected country, accounting for A Palestinian young man, wearing a mask of Spiderman, throws back parts of the north and west, with cut. A police officer said he had to attack the headquarters of 55 deaths out of 130 confirmed a tear gas canister during clashes with Israeli soldiers in the centre of shootings and bombings targeting felt physically sick upon seeing the Popular Front. There was no cases. the West Bank city of Hebron, yesterday. civilians, local officials, security the mutilated corpses. damage and our colleagues are AGENCIES forces and even a brothel. AFP fine,” the group said. AFP NOVEMBER 30, 2013 International www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 ON SATURDAY

Obama predicts Protests mount US will see woman president in Kiev; riot ‘very soon’ WASHINGTON: A woman in the White House? President Barack Obama says that will police deployed happen “very soon,” according to remarks released yesterday. “We have some amazing female (public) servants all across the Yanukovych fails to salvage EU deal country and there is no doubt that sometime very soon, we’re KIEV: Ukrainian authorities Earlier yesterday, thousands going to have a female presi- yesterday deployed hundreds of Ukrainians locked hands in a dent,” he said in an interview with of riot police to central Kiev symbolic chain linking their ex- broadcaster ABC. where thousands of protesters Soviet country to the European What’s more, “I’m confident gathered after President Viktor Union. that she will do a great job,” he Yanukovych failed to salvage Draped in star-studded blue told veteran journalist Barbara a key deal with the European EU flags and chanting “Ukraine Walters. Union. is Europe”, protesters formed a ABC, which released extracts In a tense atmosphere in the human chain that began in the of the interview on its website heart of the capital, some 5,000- Independence Square and ran before it airs later yesterday, 6,000 demonstrators turned up in along the main Kreshchatyk thor- did not specify whether Obama the central Independence Square, oughfare and other streets. mentioned Hillary Clinton in this some chanting “Revolution.” In the fiercely pro-EU city of context. Opposition leaders including Lviv in western Ukraine, some There is much buzz that world boxing champion Vitali 20,000 locked hands. the former secretary of state, Klitschko were expected to “This means that the majority who unsuccessfully ran against return from a regional summit of Ukraine’s population wants to Obama in a bid to snag the 2008 in Lithuania to address the rally be in Europe,” Andrii Grytsiuk, a Riot police block supporters of EU integration in Kiev yesterday. Democratic presidential nomi- on a sixth day of pro EU-protests. Lviv student, said. nation, might be considering Many feared the authori- Some 100 people even crossed to sign a landmark political and standards and conduct,” he told demonstrations since the pro- another run. ties may resort to force and the Ukrainian-Polish border to free trade deal with Brussels that reporters. democracy Orange Revolution in The former first lady and New provocations to disperse the extend the chain to the European would have symbolised a historic Jailed opposition leader Yulia 2004. “Thanks to you a true mira- York senator leads polls on who demonstration. Union, organisers said. break from Moscow. Tymoshenko, who had hoped to cle is now happening in Ukraine,” should become her party’s pick for One of the rally’s organisers, “Tens of thousands of people The opposition slammed the walk out of prison as a result of Tymoshenko said. the 2016 race for the White House. speaking from the roof of a bus, locked hands in all the cities from president’s unwillingness to the deal, called on students to Thousands in eastern and cen- Clinton holds a lead of at least called on the police not to inter- Kiev to the western border,” said rescue the deal at the two-day keep the protest alive and pres- tral Ukraine have opposed the EU nine points against other poten- fere with the protest. one of the organisers, Oleksandr summit in Vilnius, accusing sure Yanukovych into signing the agreement, but their protests have tial Republican rivals, including “The authorities are direct- Pakhalchuk. Yanukovych of betraying national agreement. been outnumbered by the pro-EU Rand Paul and Ted Cruz, both ing all their energy into settling Historic and linguistic fault interests. “At stake is our life together,” rallies in the rest of the country. senators, and Congressman Paul the score with the opposition lines have traditionally divided “Today Yanukovych disgraced Tymoshenko said in a statement. Some 3,000 pro-Yanukovych sup- Ryan. and strangling a peaceful dem- Ukraine into the Kremlin- Ukraine in front of the entire “Just try to defend it like adults porters massed in Kiev yesterday. onstration,” Klitschko’s said in friendly Russian-speaking east world,” Klitschko said on the side- through all the means possible.” At the Vilnius summit on Italy premier comments released by his party and the pro-European Ukrainian- lines of the summit in Lithuania. A week before the summit the Friday, Yanukovych said Ukraine UDAR (Punch). speaking west. “The Vilnius summit showed Ukrainian government suddenly wanted to sign the pact “in the to call new “And to that end they are using The pro-EU demonstrators, up Yanukovych’s complete halted all preparations for the near future” but needed economic not only police and special forces many of them youths, took to the incompatibility with European deal, prompting thousands to and financial aid. but also provocateurs.” streets after Yanukovyvch refused leaders when it comes to values, take to the streets in the largest AFP confidence vote

ROME: Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta said yesterday he would call a new confidence vote in parliament to con- Men tried to behead soldier on London street, Court hears firm his government’s majority after the withdrawal of Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia party LONDON: Two men tried to murder” by knocking Rigby down added. The jury of eight women Earlier, the court was shown using considerable force, bringing from the ruling coalition. behead a British soldier in a with a car as he crossed a street and four men was told Adebolajo CCTV footage of Rigby, who held his hand into the air each time Letta’s comment came days “barbarous” killing on a London in Woolwich, southeast London, had bought a set of five knives a recruiting post and sometimes before he struck.” after his government won a con- street, hacking at his body “like on the afternoon of May 22 before and a sharpener the day before. worked at the Tower of London, Bailey saw him hack nine times fidence vote on the 2014 budget a butcher attacking a joint of setting upon his unconscious body Whittam said it appeared he had walking through Woolwich where at Rigby’s neck, Whittam said. in the Senate comfortably by 171 meat” after running him over, a with a meat cleaver and knives. picked up Adebowale, who had his barracks was based. Witnesses Gary Perkins and Gill votes to 135, despite Forza Italia court was told yesterday. “He was repeatedly stabbed converted to Islam at 17, on the Whittam told the court Hucks called it an “horrific fren- formalising its move to the opposi- Michael Adebolajo, 28, and and it appears it was Michael morning of the killing. Amanda Bailey had witnessed the zied attack”, he added. tion by voting against the coalition. Michael Adebowale, 22, dragged Adebolajo who made a serious The court fell silent as the car accelerate into Rigby before “He (Perkins) saw Michael Speaking on the sidelines of the lifeless body of Fusilier Lee and almost successful attempt to jury were shown closed-circuit carrying him down the road and Adebolajo sawing at the neck a European Union summit in Rigby, a veteran of the Afghan decapitate Lee Rigby with multi- television (CCTV) footage of the crashing into a road sign. The of Lee Rigby with a machete Lithuania, Letta said the vote War, into the middle of the street ple blows to his neck made with moment the Vauxhall Tigra car driver then got out carrying the and the other man trying to would be held after his centre- so horrified members of the pub- the meat cleaver,” Whittam said. drove at Rigby. cleaver. cut bits of the body by hacking left Democratic Party elects a lic could see what they had done, “They had committed a cow- There were gasps in the court- “He knelt down by Lee Rigby away at it,” Whittam said. “He new leader on December 8 and prosecutor Richard Whittam said ardly and callous murder by delib- room as his body was thrown onto and took hold of his hair. He then described the actions as being would be based on a new agenda at the start of the men’s trial. erately attacking an unarmed man the car’s windscreen. Rigby’s fam- repeatedly hacked at the right like a butcher attacking a joint for 2014 which would be discussed They deny what Whittam in civilian clothes from behind ily were among those watching, side of his neck just below the of meat.” with coalition partners. called a “cowardly and callous using a vehicle as a weapon,” he some close to tears. jawline,” Whittam said. “He was REUTERS AGENCIES

Back to school UK burned, dumped ‘embarrassing’ Britain denies seeking colonial documents energy price freeze LONDON: British officials burned and dumped at sea doc- LONDON: British Prime attention away from the return uments from colonies that were Minister David Cameron of economic growth onto a fall in about to become independent in pledged yesterday to cut energy their real incomes. a systematic effort to hide their bills by reducing green levies Details of a review of green “dirty” secrets, newly released but denied a BBC report that levies will be unveiled by finance files showed yesterday. he had asked the country’s big- minister George Osborne in his Under “Operation Legacy”, offi- gest gas and energy companies December 5 Autumn Statement, a cials in Kenya, Uganda, Malaysia, to hold prices steady until the government spokesman said. Tanzania, Jamaica and other 2015 election. “I want to help households former British colonial territories In an unusually sharp rep- and families by getting sustain- were briefed on how to dispose of rimand for the publicly funded ably low energy prices,” Cameron documents that “might embarrass British Broadcasting Corporation, told reporters on the sidelines Her Majesty’s government”. a spokesman for Cameron’s office of a European Union summit in The newly declassified Foreign said the report which cited uni- Lithuania yesterday. Office files reveal how the “splen- dentified industry sources was “The only way you can do that did incinerator” at the Royal utterly misleading. is by increasing competition and Navy base in Singapore was used The cost of everything from rolling back the costs of some to destroy lorry loads of files from heating to rail tickets is the of the levies on people’s bills,” the region. central focus of British domes- Cameron said. “That is what we Other officials wrote of docu- tic politics after the opposition are going to do.” ments being dumped “in deep and Britain’s Prince William sits with children from Chandos primary school as he visits Birmingham library in Labour party tried to shift voters’ REUTERS current-free water at the maxi- Birmingham, yesterday. mum practicable distance from shore”, according to the docu- ments in the National Archives. One dispatch from Kenya in 1961 mentions the formation of Nine-year sentence sought against Bolshoi acid attacker a committee dealing with “’dirty’ aspects of protective security” which would “clean” Kenyan MOSCOW: Russian pros- captivated the ballet world and Andrei Lipatov, who is accused of now requires constant assistance Dmitrichenko, known for danc- intelligence files, according to The ecutors yesterday demanded revealed deep fissures at the leg- driving Zarutsky to the artistic and cannot be fully engaged as a ing dark characters like Ivan the Times newspaper. a nine-year jail sentence for a endary theatre. director’s home. parent. Terrible, has pleaded not guilty, The British government agreed Bolshoi ballet dancer accused of The prosecution also asked the Moscow’s Meshchansky The trio had been held in pre- but said Friday that he would earlier this year to pay £14m masterminding an acid attack court to sentence Dmitrichenko’s District Court is expected to issue trial detention since March and admit his guilt of a lesser charge. ($23m) in compensation to more that nearly blinded the troupe’s suspected associate Yury Zarutsky its verdict on Tuesday. appear in court sitting in a cage. “I was not opposed to the idea than 5,200 elderly Kenyans who artistic director, Sergei Filin. to 10 years for flinging the sulphu- “The accused are all guilty Earlier this month they faced of (Filin) getting beaten up, in were tortured and abused dur- The long prison term sought for ric acid in the face of Filin outside and deserve no leniency,” RIA Filin, who said in highly emo- fact I wanted it. So I am ready to ing the 1950s Mau Mau uprising former soloist Pavel Dmitrichenko his Moscow apartment building Novosti quoted Filin’s lawyer tional testimony that he would answer to the charge of beating,” against colonial rule. marks the latest twist in a on January 17. Tatyana Stukalova as telling never forgive the culprits of rob- he was quoted as saying. AFP headline-grabbing case that has It sought a further six years for the court, adding that her client bing him of eyesight. AFP NOVEMBER 30, 2013 ON SATURDAY 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Asia / Philippines China deploys jets to monitor zone Japan, S Korea, US aircraft spark Chinese response

BEIJING: Tensions have risen airspace to identify themselves, Japan and increase the pressure further over China’s declaration and China has said it created the on Tokyo regarding the disputed of an air defence zone in dis- area to defend its national secu- islands,” he said. puted regions of the East China rity. But its zone is controversial Japan does not acknowledge Sea after it sent fighter jets and because it includes the skies over that the ownership of the islands an early warning aircraft to islands known as the Senkaku in is disputed. The US does not take patrol the area. Japan and Diaoyu in China, which a view on sovereignty but recog- The state news agency Xinhua are the subject of a long-running nises Japan’s administrative con- announced the patrols after territorial dispute, and overlaps trol and has said the joint security Japan, South Korea and the US zones established by Japan and pact covers the islands. all sent military aircraft through South Korea. Many analysts think China is the zone in a clear challenge to Taylor Fravel, an expert laying down a long-term marker, the Chinese measure. Beijing had on regional security at the but did not anticipate the forceful previously responded only by say- Massachusetts Institute of response it has received from the ing it had monitored the flights. Technology, said establishment US as well as Japan. Shen Jinke, a spokesman for of the zone increased the poten- “I think the logic is that incre- the Chinese air force, described tial for an incident in the air that mentally it will make other US Navy FA-18 Hornets on the flight deck of the USS George Washington during the Annual Exercise 2013 with Thursday’s dispatch of aircraft as could spark a larger crisis. But he countries accustomed to China Japan, in waters near Okinawa on Thursday. “a defensive measure and in line said tensions might ease if China exerting an enhanced degree with international common prac- continued to clarify the nature of of authority in that space,” said tices” in the Xinhua report. the zone and how it intended to Rory Medcalf of Australia’s Lowy announcement is that it empow- media commentator, wrote on at Japanese prime minister “China’s air force is on high deal with unidentified aircraft, Institute. ers the People’s Liberation Army, his Weibo microblog: “The war of Shinzo Abe’s determination to alert and will take measures to especially those flying through China is now seeking to maritime agencies and netizens public opinion is more interesting strengthen his country’s forces, deal with diverse air threats to the zone but not heading toward dampen the international push- [internet users] to hold the gov- than diplomatic war.” and questions about the US pres- firmly protect the security of the China. back without appearing weak to ernment to account,” she said. Other users wrote scathingly ence in and commitment to the country’s airspace,” he said. “China has always chafed at other nations or its own people. “Now people are transgress- about China’s muted response to region. A previous patrol took place Japan’s ADIZ, which at some Stephanie Kleine-Ahlbrandt, ing the zone, they have to make foreign military flights into the The US vice-president, Joe on Saturday, when the zone was points is less than 150km from Asia-Pacific director at the it look to the domestic audience zone, describing the government Biden, will visit Beijing, Tokyo declared. China and has been used by Japan US Institute of Peace, said the like they are serious. They have as a paper tiger. and Seoul on a trip beginning this Many countries have simi- to report intrusions into Japan’s creation of its zone had its own given birth to internal pressures.” Behind the immediate issues lie Sunday which is likely to be domi- lar zones, requiring aircraft airspace. China probably wants momentum. Dai Xu, a famously hawkish regional concerns about China’s nated by discussions of the zone. approaching their territorial to level the playing field with “The danger in the air force colonel and high profile growing strength, Beijing’s unease THE GUARDIAN

Lanka counts 87 people injured in Hong Kong high-speed ferry mishap war dead COLOMBO: Sri Lanka HONG KONG: A high-speed double-deck hydrofoil “Madeira” bang. The ferry was thrown “I could hear the sound ‘Bang’,” behalf of the family members of began counting the dead ferry travelling from Hong carrying 105 passengers and 10 upwards. Then many passen- he said. those killed in last year’s crash from its 26-year civil war Kong to Macau collided with an crew hit “an unidentifiable object” gers were thrown out from their Hong Kong’s waters are noto- near Lamma, said that there are on Thursday, less than two “unidentified object” yesterday, around 1:15am (1720GMT) near seats,” one passenger identified as riously crowded. Hundreds of growing concerns over safety weeks after it came under injuring 87 people and raising one of Hong Kong’s small outlying Mr Wong was quoted as saying by vessels, from rickety wooden standards for vessels travelling international pressure to new concerns over maritime islands, boat operator TurboJet Hong Kong’s Apple Daily. sampans to enormous container in Hong Kong waters. investigate allegations of war safety a year after a ferry crash said. Multiple passengers were ships, ply the shipping routes that “What I am concerned (about) is crimes during the climax of claimed 39 lives. “We know 87 people were stretchered into ambulances by crisscross the territory every day. the safety of vessels and the system the conflict. Some 16,000 offi- Last month the city marked injured, three of whom are in a emergency services staff, some Ferries are a vital part of the that operates them,” he said. cials will spread out across the one-year anniversary of the serious condition,” a Hong Kong wrapped in neck braces and transport network, connecting A former high-speed ferry the country in a major opera- fatal ferry collision off Lamma government spokeswoman said. breathing through oxygen masks. the main urban areas to Hong captain said that the city’s tion that the government said island, Hong Kong’s worst mari- It was not clear what the object Some of the injured limped away Kong’s numerous outlying islands, waters were often littered with would take six months to time disaster for over 40 years was but passengers described in bandages after treatment at the Chinese mainland and Macau. debris -- ranging from wheels to complete. More than 100,000 that sparked widespread shock in being hurled out of their seats the scene. But a spate of recent crashes refrigerators to even double beds people are believed to have a city usually proud of its safety by the force of the nighttime One passenger told Hong Kong has caused alarm. -- possibly discarded by passing died during the 1983-2009 record. collision. television the crash felt like a James To, a Democratic Party cargo or tourist vessels. war between Tamil Tiger sep- In the latest accident, the “There was suddenly a loud “very big bang.” lawmaker who has lobbied on AFP aratists concentrated in the north and government forces. Aquino ally in graft case Thai protesters target army, MANILA: Philippine inves- tigators recommended criminal charges yesterday against the country’s cus- premier’s party headquarters toms chief, the first politi- cal ally of President Benigno BANGKOK: Defiant Thai Thaksin Shinawatra. The contro- presumably hoping that the mili- Aquino to be implicated in opposition protesters stormed versial former telecoms tycoon tary will have to intervene and a widening corruption scan- the army headquarters was ousted in a military coup in take power from the government,” dal. Customs Commissioner and besieged PM Yingluck 2006 and lives in self-imposed said Thailand expert Andrew Rozzano Biazon and seven Shinawatra’s party offices yes- exile, but he is widely believed Walker. fellow former members of terday, intensifying their fight to be the real power behind the In the latest provocative move the House of Representatives to bring down her government. embattled government of his targeting a symbol of state were accused of taking part Demonstrators have targeted younger sister Yingluck. power, demonstrators forced in a complex scam lasting key government buildings in Protesters are demanding the open the gates of the compound many years to syphon off Bangkok in the biggest street end of the “Thaksin regime” and of the army headquarters in P10bn ($230m) in govern- protests since mass rallies in 2010 want to replace the government Bangkok and occupied the lawn ment funds. The National degenerated into the kingdom’s with an unelected “people’s coun- inside for several hours, calling Bureau of Investigation worst civil strife in decades. cil.” “The basic desire of the pro- on the military to support their accused Biazon of taking The protesters are united by testers and the protest leaders is fight to bring down the govern- P1.95m in kickbacks to allow their loathing of former premier to create chaos and destruction, ment. AFP the diversion of money from the Priority Development Assistance Fund, intended for infrastructure projects in the legislators’ districts. Bangladesh workers set garment Abe appoints female aide factory on fire in Konabari TOKYO: Japan’s Shinzo Abe yesterday named the DHAKA: A devastating fire and industry officials said yes- Garments are a vital sector for country’s first female aide ripped through a Bangladesh terday, in a blaze set by work- the South Asian nation, whose to the prime minister, weeks garment factory supplying ers angered over rumours of a low wages and duty-free access after Caroline Kennedy major Western retailers, police colleague’s death in police firing. to Western markets have helped arrived as the first woman make it the world’s largest apparel US Ambassador to Japan. exporter after China. But a series Makiko Yamada, a 53-year- of deadly incidents, including a old internal ministry vet- building collapse that killed more eran, will advise Abe on than 1,100 people in April, has policies affecting women, sparked global concern over weak said Chief Cabinet Secretary safety standards in the country’s Yoshihide Suga. “The gov- $22bn garment industry. ernment regards promotion There were no reports of casual- of women in society as a key ties in yesterday’s fire, which gutted pillar for our growth poli- a ten-storey building at Gazipur, cies. The prime minister had 40km north of capital Dhaka. But been thinking about naming firefighters were battling to douse a woman a prime ministerial the blaze in four buildings, more aide. Now that Ambassador than 15 hours after it had begun Kennedy has arrived, it seems People take photos of the fire at a garment building complex of Standard around midnight on Thursday, things have come together.” Group in Konabari, Gazipur, yesterday. after workers finished for the day. AGENCIES REUTERS NOVEMBER 30, 2013 Pakistan/Afghanistan www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 ON SATURDAY Drone strike kills two in North Waziristan Nato apologises to Afghanistan president for air raid that killed two-year-old boy in Helmand MIRANSHAH: A US drone strike official said. The identities of those killed as acrimony deepened over a deal to allow Dunford told Karzai he was committed to launched from an unmanned drone and targeting a militant compound killed were not immediately known but they US troops to stay in the country after a joint investigation into the attack, which hit the village of Faqiran on Thursday at least two suspected insurgents in appeared to be of Central Asian origin, 2014. Karzai warned that the latest inci- ISAF said targeted a Taliban commander morning, the statement said. ISAF said a restive Pakistani tribal region near the official said. dent threatened the proposed bilateral involved in operations against Afghan the strike targeted an insurgent riding the Afghan border yesterday, officials Another security official in Miranshah security agreement with Washington. security forces in the southern province a motorbike but did not confirm that a said. said two Taliban fighters were wounded An official from Nato’s International of Helmand. drone was involved. The strike took place in the Anghar and identified as “Punjabi Taliban” from Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said Karzai “strongly condemns the air Karzai’s spokesman Aimal Faizi fur- area, 10km south of Miranshah, the main Pakistan’s central Punjab province. “One Commander General Joseph Dunford strike by Nato forces on a house which ther stoked tensions by saying President town of North Waziristan tribal region, of them, Aslam alias Yaseen, is linked “quickly called President Karzai and killed one child and wounded two women,” Barack Obama had broken a recent a stronghold for Taliban and Al Qaeda with attacks on Pakistan army head- expressed deep regrets for the incident”. a statement from his office said. “This promise “to respect the sanctity and linked militants. quarters in Rawalpindi and another “We did not target or strike a house. attack shows American forces are not dignity” of Afghan civilians in the same “A US drone fired two missiles on a attack on (the) naval base in Karachi.” The information that we have shows that respecting Afghan lives... As long as uni- manner as US citizens. “That is how the militant compound, killing two sus- In Kabul, US-led Nato apologised for the air strike hit the road,” the official lateral acts and atrocities continue by US respects the sanctity and dignity of pected militants and wounding two oth- an air strike that President Hamid Karzai said. “Unfortunately, the civilian vic- American forces on our people, we won’t homes in the US, bombing a residence ers on early Thursday,” a senior security said killed a two-year-old boy, Rafiullah, tims were in the vicinity of the strike.” sign this the agreement.” The strike was for an individual?” Faizi said. AGENCIES General Sharif takes command

RAWALPINDI: General military circles before his promo- government to another at May’s Raheel Sharif yesterday for- tion to army chief, but analysts general election. When he con- mally took over as the head say he is a dedicated soldier with firmed his retirement last month of Pakistan’s army, the most little interest in politics. he stressed that the armed powerful position in the trou- Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif forces “fully support and want to bled military-dominated nation passed over two more senior gen- strengthen” democracy. which is battling a homegrown erals to appoint his namesake, Under Kayani’s command the Taliban insurgency. who is no relation, and will be army mounted successful offen- Sharif, named chief of the army hoping to avoid a repeat of events sives to wrest control of Swat staff on Wednesday, took charge the last time he named an army district, in northwestern Khyber from predecessor General Ashfaq chief -- General Pervez Musharraf Pakhtunkhwa province, and South Kayani at a ceremony at military overthrew him in a coup in 1999. Waziristan tribal district from headquarters in Rawalpindi. He Pakistan has seen three coups militants. Kayani told the audi- takes over as head of the nuclear- and been ruled for more than half ence of troops and dignitaries in armed state’s 600,000-strong its 66-year history by the military. Rawalpindi that he had “kept the army with a daunting array of The armed forces still retain a interests of the army, the country challenges ahead of him. powerful influence. and the nation above everything” The country is struggling with Departing commander Kayani in his command. An editorial in the Taliban campaign which has has served as army chief since the liberal English-language daily claimed thousands of lives, vexed 2007 and has been given much Express Tribune said: “He stands relations with India and the wind- credit for resisting the tempta- out as the army chief who... firmly ing-down of the 12-year Nato mis- tion to meddle overtly in politics. kept his promise of focusing on Pakistan’s outgoing army chief General Ashfaq Kayani (centre) inspects a guard of honour before handing over sion in neighbouring Afghanistan. His command saw Pakistan’s promoting military profession- the command to his successor Raheel Sharif in Rawalpindi yesterday. Sharif, a veteran infantry com- first ever transition of power alism, rather than straying into mander, was little known outside from one democratically elected other domains.” AFP

US to withdraw CIA station chief Nawaz Sharif’s party finds mechanism to win local polls ISLAMABAD: The United LAHORE: Official quarters of seats. The Punjab government province is being considered an figured out by the official quarters, and the political parties. States is likely to withdraw the in Punjab have, after minutely had initially provided a section for impossible task by all the major might resolve this issue. “The PML-N will most likely current CIA station chief in perusing the Local Government non-party elections in the local parties because of the lack of politi- There are around 52,000 seats of back chairmen and vice-chairmen Islamabad after his cover was Act 2013, reportedly found an government law but was forced to cal network at the grassroots level. councillors on general and reserved of union councils and the council- blown when Pakistan Tehreek- easy mechanism to ensure the delete it under direction from the Even the majority party, the seats and chairmen and vice-chair- lors of the municipal committees. e-Insaf (PTI) named him in a victory of the ruling Pakistan Lahore High Court. The law now PML-N, is reportedly finding the men of union councils (UCs). Other political parties which first information report regis- Muslim League-Nawaz in the does not restrict political parties task of fielding candidates on all But the main attraction of the seem to have less string roots tered against the recent drone local government elections to contest the election. seats like cleaning the Augean election will be only the seats of or the privilege of running the strike in Hangu district. which are being considered diffi- However, awarding tickets to stables. However, insiders said chairmen or the vice-chairmen, province may also follow suit,” an As part of its understanding cult because of the huge number over 50,000 candidates in the yesterday that the mechanism, both for the prospective candidates insider said. INTERNEWS with Pakistan, the CIA station chief works undercover. Although it was not possible to verify PTI’s claim, sources said that the US is increasingly wor- ried about the new development Pakistan stops sending cops on UN task and is considering recalling its top spy from the country. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has conditions for lasting peace. dollars in reward of services This is the second time a CIA stopped sending its police per- Interior ministry spokes- annually. India is the second station chief’s identity has been sonnel on the United Nations person Omar Hameed Khan largest country with 7,864 given away. peacekeeping operations, confirmed the development by peacekeepers for UN operations However, a Pakistani security putting home security on her saying that the decision was while Nigeria ranks third with official insisted that the agency priority list, it was learnt taken ‘because of internal secu- 4,000 of its troops forming part had nothing to do with the latest yesterday. rity situation.’ of 98,311 peacekeepers. move by PTI. If Islamabad continues ban on Currently, Pakistan is at Despite resistance from “The ISI and CIA have been sending peacekeepers on United top of the list of states with several senior officers of the cooperating with each other Nations Missions by March 8,285 civilian, police and mili- departments concerned, inte- under well-defined standard 2014, Pakistan will slip to sec- tary personnel serving for rior minister stopped sending operating procedures,” added the ond position from first in list UN maintaining peace in some 232 policemen who were official, who requested anonymity of 117 states which offer their various countries, official data waiting for their postings since as he was not authorised to speak services to UN to help coun- revealed. 2011. to the media. INTERNEWS tries torn by conflict create the It earns tens of millions of INTERNEWS

Afghan MP injured by turban bomber KABUL: A suicide bomber wounded an Afghan lawmaker yesterday by detonating explosives hidden in his turban, officials said, in an attack that echoed the 2011 murder of former president Burhanuddin Rabbani. Hamidullah Tokhi, a lawmaker from Zabul province who previously served as the province’s governor, was injured when the man entered his house in the capital Kabul and detonated the bomb. “A man with explosives hidden in his turban deto- nated himself while greeting MP Hamidullah Tokhi in the Kart-e-Parwan district of Kabul,” deputy interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said. Eye-witnesses said at least two other people were injured in the attack. “The MP is slightly wounded and he was taken to hospital. We have started our investigation.” Rabbani, who was the head of Afghanistan’s High Peace Council, was assassinated in 2011 by a bomber with explosives packed in his turban who was posing as a Taliban peace envoy. Last year Asadullah Khalid, chief of the National Directorate of Security spy agency, was badly injured Security forces stand guard at the site of a suicide bomb attack which wounded anti- by a suicide bomber who had explosives hidden in his Taliban Afghan MP Hamidullah Tokhi yesterday. underwear. AFP NOVEMBER 30, 2013 ON SATURDAY 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com India Panel names India opens visa service in Ramallah judge accused of sexual Palestinian nationals will be issued visas within 2-3 working days, says minister harassment NEW DELHI: India yes- working days,” he said. annually $1m to the UN Relief Ki-moon, in his message read occupied territories was “not terday reiterated its support Stressing that “Indians have and Works Agency for Palestinian out by Peter E Kenmore, FAO viable for peace” due to Israel’s NEW DELHI: A three-mem- to the Palestinian cause and always placed Palestine close to Refugees in the Near East Representative in India, called settlement activity, and the gap ber panel that probed the announced that it has begun a their hearts”, Ahamed said since (UNRWA). With Brazil and upon the international commu- between Palestine and Israel charge of sexual harassment of direct visa issuance system from the opening of its representative South Africa as partners in nity to support the endeavour of “was widening due to the blatant a young lawyer by a Supreme its office in Ramallah that is office in Palestine India has been the IBSA (India, Brazil, South the Palestinian and Israeli nego- violation of international law by Court judge has submitted its expected to further strengthen extending technical and eco- Africa) bloc, India is also imple- tiators to work together for a Israel”. report, identifying the judge as people-to-people contacts nomic assistance to the Palestine menting developmental projects comprehensive settlement of the Mazin Al Masoudi, in charge A K Ganguly, court sources said between the two countries. National Authority in the form of in Palestine, Ahamed said at the issue. He voiced concern over of the League of Arab States yesterday. Minister of State for External development projects, setting up event organised by the Indian Israel’s settlement activity in the Mission, said they were appre- The report was submitted on Affairs E Ahamed, on the educational institutions, humani- Council of World Affairs (ICWA) Occupied Palestinian Territory. ciative of India’s significant con- Thursday after the committee of International Day of Solidarity tarian relief etc. here. Adli Hassan Shaban Sadeq, tribution to the Palestine cause. three judges met six times. It is with the Palestinian People, said During President Mahmoud India will continue to support Palestine ambassador to India, Rajiv K Bhatia, ICWA director the first the alleged perpetrator India is perhaps the first country Abbas’s visit last year, India Palestine’s bid for full and equal said his country looks forward general, said there is “pressing has been named. in the region to launch a visa issu- pledged $10m as budgetary sup- membership of the UN, the min- to a stronger role from the coun- need for crafting and promoting The report, submitted to Chief ing system from Ramallah. port and is also helping construct ister said, and added that India tries of NAM and BRICS (Brazil, consensus within peoples, states, Justice P Sathasivam, also car- The facility was launched in schools, setting up an IT centre welcomes the efforts by Palestine Russia, India, China and South the region, and among the major ries the statements of the victim, September this year. “With this and a vocational training centre and Israel for resumption of Africa) “with India in the fore- international players who have a a young lawyer who had interned facility, Palestinian nationals in Palestine, he said. direct peace talks. front” of the Palestinian cause. direct stake in West Asia. under the Supreme Court judge, will be issued visas within 2-3 Besides, India contributes UN Secretary General Ban He said the situation in the IANS and that of the now retired Justice Ganguly, the sources said. The graduate of Kolkata-based National University of Judicial Sciences (NUJS) had alleged sex- ual harassment by a (now) retired apex court judge while she was Tejpal lands in Goa interning with him in December 2012. The committee, which held six sittings on November 13, 19, 21, 26, and 27, submitted its report amid drama, gets to Chief Justice Sathasivam. The young lawyer appeared before the committee on November 19 and was expected bail till morning to re-appear on 21 but chose to stay away. PANAJI: Accused of rape known for sting operations. and of dodging the Goa Police, He was escorted out of the Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun airport through a less conspicu- Tejpal finally arrived here yes- ous exit. Tejpal was taken to the No bail for BSP terday and got interim bail till Crime Branch office where he was 10 am today after high voltage questioned by the investigating MP linked to courtroom drama. officer, Inspector Sunita Sawant. Tejpal’s arrival in Panaji came His legal team was present all maid death on a day of rapid developments through the session. across New Delhi and Goa, packed About 35km away in Panaji, NEW DELHI: A court yester- with action, suspense and legal while granting interim bail day rejected the bail plea of BSP battles. to Tejpal, North Goa District MP Dhananjay Singh, accused An elusive Tejpal kept both the and Sessions Judge Anuja of destroying evidence to shield media and police in Goa and Delhi Prabhudessai heard the anticipa- his wife who has been arrested guessing for most of the morning tory bail plea for nearly an hour for torturing her maid who died. before surfacing at Delhi’s Indira and a half, listening to arguments Additional Sessions Judge Gandhi International airport put forth by the prosecution and Dharmesh Sharma said that if around noon to board an Indigo defence lawyers. the MP was given bail, he could airline flight. While the prosecution pressed influence the witnesses. A pale-looking Tejpal, wearing for custodial interrogation, the “Having regard to the profile a black shirt and his trademark defence raised a spectrum of of the applicant (BSP MP) who pony tail, was accompanied by his points ranging from Tejpal’s Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal shows his identity card to an official as he enters the airport in New Delhi, has been involved in as many 31 wife Geetan, sister Neena, brother alleged political victimisation to ahead of travelling to the western city of Goa, yesterday. heinous crimes including murder, Minty and others. He made a accusing the victim of fabricat- kidnapping and dacoity, it is not short but agitated statement to ing the rape case, even calling the hanging out at the resort’s bar woman judge asked. Tejpal’s legal She said she was “deeply con- difficult to assume that if he is the media. new anti-rape law “draconian”. and even strolling on the beach team also accused the Goa Police cerned” and “very disturbed” enlarged on bail, he can influ- “I got the summons yesterday. I Tejpal’s counsel Geeta Luthra with friends after the “incident”. of pandering to their “political about suggestions that her com- ences the witnesses and thereby said I am going to Goa. And I am told the court that the first email “If she was so devastated and masters”, who they claimed were plaint against Tejpal was a part hamper the course of justice,” the going to Goa,” Tejpal said, before sent by the victim complaining of in trouble, why was she behaving victimising Tejpal. of “a pre-election political con- court said. boarding at 2.30 pm a flight also the sexual assault in a Goa hotel normally after the incident which “The BJP is responsible for this spiracy”. “I categorically refute Judge Sharma also took note ferrying media crew and Goa this month was an “afterthought” she claims happened?” entire conspiracy. The police here such insinuations,” she said, add- of prosecution’s submission that Police officials. and done with “vested interests”. During the proceedings, the are subservient to their political ing that her case was a “litmus there was delay in lodging a first When he landed in Goa, it was The defence counsel accused judge blasted the defence counsel masters,” Luthra said. test” for the new rape law. information report (FIR) after to a chorus of protests orches- the victim of fabricating the com- for reading out the name of the Earlier, the victim accused The woman journalist quit the maid died. This, the prosecu- trated by Bharatiya Janata Yuva plaint. “Journalists can write well victim from the FIR. “Are you Tejpal of rape in her most hard Tehelka after accusing Tejpal of tion said, helped the accused to Morcha activists who raised slo- with embellishments,” the defence trying to malign the victim? Is she hitting statement since the scan- sexually molesting her twice. tamper with the CCTV footage. gans against the veteran journalist argued, claiming the victim was the accused or the victim?” the dal broke out 11 days back. IANS IANS Focus on Iranian port project Toddler with swollen head

NEW DELHI: undergoes more surgery India is send- to fast-track the long-running abroad and offering engineering ing a team to Iran to speed up port project. “For us, Chabahar is and financial assistance in a race work on a port that will provide a strategic necessity, otherwise we that extends from Africa to Latin NEW DELHI: Doctors con- access to resource-rich Central don’t have access to Afghanistan America. ducted reconstructive surgery Asia and Afghanistan, officials and central Asia,” a foreign min- Chabahar is the first foreign yesterday on a two-year-old said, moving quickly to take istry official said. port that India is directly involved Indian girl to correct a rare advantage of a thaw in Iran’s Pakistan, loath to see growing in developing. India is struggling disorder that caused her head relations with the West. Indian influence in Afghanistan, to modernise its own congested to balloon to twice its normal The port of Chabahar in south- does not allow India to send ports. China, on the other hand size, a neurosurgeon said. east Iran is central to India’s goods through its territory to has helped build a string of ports Roona Begum, whose plight efforts to circumvent Pakistan Afghanistan and has only recently in foreign countries, includ- attracted international sympa- and open up a route to landlocked begun to allow a trickle of Afghan ing Gwadar and Sri Lanka’s thy, underwent several rounds Afghanistan where it has devel- exports to cross through to India. Hambantota port. of surgery in May and June oped close security ties and eco- The Indian ministry official “Chabahar is going to see more when doctors drained excess nomic interests. said while India’s involvement Indian attention over the next few fluid from her head and dra- The port, which India is partly in the port development was not months,” said Shashank Joshi, matically reduced the size of financing, will also be another strictly under the international who specialises in the Middle East her skull. gateway to Iran itself for Indian sanctions that had been imposed and South Asia at the London- But she returned to the same commerce. on Iran, any improvement in based Royal United Services hospital near New Delhi ear- Work has been slow on expand- Iran’s ties with the West would Institute. “India was caught by lier this month for what doc- ing berthing facilities and con- build confidence in the project. surprise over the nuclear deal, tors hope will be a final round tainer terminals, partly because “The Geneva agreement cer- and it does not want to be caught of surgery which will see some Twenty-two-month-old patient Roona Begum is comforted by her India has been reluctant to tainly opens up the space to pur- sleeping if a US-Iran thaw devel- of the bone removed from father Abdul Rahman before she undergoes surgery at a hospital in press ahead too enthusiastically sue this at greater pace.” ops quickly.” her skull which will then be Gurgaon, on the outskirts of New Delhi, yesterday. for fear of upsetting the United India has committed $100 mil- A team from the state-run rebuilt. States, keen to isolate Iran over lion to upgrading facilities at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust “We are trying to reduce build up on the brain. She was first admitted to its nuclear ambitions. port after spending $100 million which manages India’s largest the bulk and the weight of the Her condition caused her the hospital in April where she On Monday, just after Iran on building a 220-km (140-mile) container port near Mumbai and head so her neck muscles can head to swell to a circumference spent 105 days before being dis- sealed an initial accord with six road in a dangerous stretch of the Kandla Port Trust will travel become stronger,” neurosurgeon of 94 centimetres (37 inches), charged in August. powers including the United western Afghanistan to link up to Chabahar in the next few weeks Sandeep Vaishya told AFP after putting pressure on her brain She will undergo another States to limit its nuclear pro- with Chabahar. and stay a month for a technical completing the latest surgery at and making it impossible for procedure early next month to gramme in exchange for the eas- The port on the Gulf of Oman and commercial assessment. the Fortis Memorial Research her to sit upright. compress her head further. ing of some sanctions, Indian is 72km from Pakistan’s deep- “We have an opportunity here, Institute. Publication of pictures Although Roona’s skull is Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh water Gwadar port, which China the port has a strategic location,” Roona, who lives with her taken by an AFP photographer likely to remain large, she has a met Iranian Deputy Foreign has built as part of a plan to open said an official at the Jawaharlal impoverished parents in a vil- prompted the hospital to treat good chance of developing nor- Minister Ebrahim Rahimpour to up an energy and trade corridor Nehru Port Trust. “But we also lage in India’s remote northeast, Roona for free, and the sur- mally, provided her neck mus- discuss economic opportunities. from the Gulf, across Pakistan to need to see the viability. There are was born with hydrocephalus, a geries which followed saw her cles can grow strong enough to The Iranian official was in New western China. Both India and not many ships going there at the potentially fatal condition that head circumference shrink to support her head, doctors have Delhi on a pre-arranged visit but China have been trying to secure moment. We have to make pro- causes cerebrospinal fluid to 58 centimetres. said. AFP as news of the deal in Geneva energy supplies for their growing jections about traffic, revenue.” broke, the talks turned to ways economies, investing in projects REUTERS NOVEMBER 30, 2013 Business www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 ON SATURDAY

Turkey and Iraqi Zimbabwe platinum mining Kurdistan sign energy deal Move likely to anger Baghdad

ANKARA: Turkey and Iraqi minister’s office nor the energy Kurdistan signed a multi-bil- ministry confirmed the signatures lion-dollar energy package this following Wednesday’s meeting. week that will help transform On Friday, the energy ministry the semi-autonomous region declined to comment. into an oil and gas powerhouse Officials in the office of Iraq’s but infuriate a central Baghdad deputy prime minister for energy, government wary of increasing Hussain Al Shahristani, were not Kurdish autonomy. immediately available for comment. The move follows months of Sources say neither the Turks nor negotiations and was cited by the Kurds wanted to celebrate sources close to the deal yester- openly while efforts to get the Iraqi day after being kept secret for central government on board con- two days, apparently because of tinue, even though Baghdad can do its sensitivity. Baghdad says any nothing to stop the process. independent Kurdish oil exports Baghdad has long claimed the are illegal and that it has the sole sole authority to manage Iraqi oil authority to manage Iraqi oil. and says Kurdish efforts towards For energy-hungry Turkey, oil independence could lead to the dependent on imports for almost break-up of Iraq. Turkey’s court- all of its needs, exploiting Iraqi ship of Kurds has also raised con- Employees walk under a concentrator at Ngezi platinum processing plant near Harare yesterday. Zimbabwe is willing to let foreign-owned platinum Kurdistan’s rich hydrocarbon cern in Washington. mining firms own majority shares in their local operations if they build a refinery in the country, the mines minister said. resources will help diversify its But Turkey has repeatedly energy supplies and reduce the coun- said it respects Iraq’s sensitivi- try’s ballooning $60bn energy bill. ties over territorial integrity and Ankara’s relations with the that increasing oil revenues will Kurds of northern Iraq were long help the whole of Iraq. Rasameel sees strong corporate sukuk market encumbered by Turkey’s battle Oil exports from the Kurdish with Kurdish separatists on its region via an Iraq-Turkey pipe- own soil. But in recent years trade line had dried up due to a row DUBAI: Kuwait-based expect to see more corporates of 2014, a $250 to $300m deal with with a tenor of 18 to 24 months, and political relations have flour- over the sharing of oil revenues. Rasameel Structured Finance come to market,” said Issam Al a tenor of at least five years, he he said. ished, both sides benefiting from The deal between Turkey and the Co expects a flurry of Islamic Tawari, Rasameel’s chairman and added. He did not name the issuer. While corporates increasingly commerce across the frontier. Kurds also offers a solution to the financing activity in the Gulf managing director. “We are also looking to do a test the market, there is still a The energy deal came in the early payment problems. next year, in particular from “We want to provide solutions sukuk issue out of the UAE for crucial role for sovereign issu- hours of a frosty Wednesday morn- Crude flow in the KRG’s new corporations looking to tap the that will accommodate certain a company that owns schools to ance in addressing a lack of longer ing in Ankara, and was signed dur- pipeline is to start soon, and will market for Islamic bonds, its requirements from clients that finance tuition.” tenors to help in price discovery, ing a three-hour meeting between link with the 40-inch-wide exist- chief executive said. are not necessarily covered by the Rasameel is working on a Tawari said. Kurdistan Regional Government ing Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline to be The sukuk market in the Gulf banking sector.” sukuk from Kuwaiti conglomer- “What is more important is to (KRG) Prime Minister Nechirvan exported to world markets. is dominated by large sovereign The firm is working on cor- ate Alghanim Industries, worth see government issues at vary- Barzani and Turkish Prime As part of the deal, state- and quasi-sovereign issuers, but porate deals mainly in Kuwait $50m, which is expected to close ing maturities so that we can Minister Tayyip Erdogan. backed Turkish Energy Company some local investment firms and Dubai, including a sukuk early next year. “We do this in two have a clear yield curve of local “This is the most comprehen- (TEC), which Ankara set up to are doing deals which are often for a healthcare company in the phases; we do a warehousing line currencies. That is not happen- sive energy deal in Turkey’s his- work in northern Iraq, has signed overlooked by larger investment United Arab Emirates that will and then six months later we do ing yet. tory,” a source close to the matter a contract to operate in 13 explo- banks. fund the completion of hospitals a sukuk on the back of it.” “Basically we are missing said. “But due to political sensi- ration blocks. In about half of “There is an increase in activ- and a research center, Tawari said A similar deal is being devel- the 10-, 15- and 20-year bonds tivities, both sides are taking their those, it is teaming up with US ity, Dubai in particular and in in an interview. oped with an IT services firm in because that will set the pace for time to announce it.” oil giant ExxonMobil. the region in general, so we see a The sukuk would be listed and Kuwait, which Rasameel hopes to longer maturity sukuk.” Neither the Turkish prime REUTERS recovery coming up and I would issued around the second quarter structure in Dubai, a $90m sukuk REUTERS

Oil rises above S&P removes Dutch from triple A; lifts outlook for Spain $111, set for AMSTERDAM/MADRID: Finland as the only members of sinners” which run large deficits. for the cost of financing the coun- peers at similarly high levels of Standard & Poor’s agency cut the 17-nation eurozone with the Now, S&P has stripped the try’s debt. economic development,” S&P said biggest monthly the Netherlands’ credit rating top rating from all three leading Netherlands of its coveted top “The Netherlands is at the top in a statement, while affirming yesterday, reducing the euro credit agencies. long-term rating to reflect its of the world when it comes to the Netherlands’ short-term debt zone club of full triple-A nations However, it raised the outlook bleak economic growth prospects, financing itself. We pay very low rating at A-1+. gain since Aug to just three, while rewarding for Spanish debt to stable from while Spain appears to be finally interest rates, and there are very A crisis in Italy and Spain has Spain for efforts to reform its negative and upgraded bailed- emerging from the depths of eco- few countries that have a higher eased over the past six months but LONDON: Brent crude oil public finances. out Cyprus, highlighting diverg- nomic despair, albeit slowly. rating than we do,” he told RTL Europe is still struggling to achieve firmed slightly yesterday and S&P lowered the Netherlands, ing fortunes within the common Dutch Finance Minister Jeroen TV. the economic growth it needs to looked set to post the biggest which is suffering from an anae- currency bloc. Dijsselbloem, who heads the S&P said the Dutch deci- bring down unemployment and monthly gain since August as mic economy, slumping house The fiscally conservative Dutch Eurogroup of eurozone finance sion was due to a worsening of deal with debt burdens that in prolonged unrest in Libya kept prices and falling consumer confi- government has long been an ally ministers, said he was disap- growth prospects. “The real GDP some countries are above 100 per- supply disruptions in focus. dence, to “AA+” from “AAA”. This of Germany in taking a tough pointed by S&P’s decision but per capita trend growth rate is cent of annual national output. More than 40 people were left Germany, Luxembourg and line on the euro zone’s “budget there would be few consequences persistently lower than that of REUTERS killed in an explosion at an army depot in southern Libya after locals tried to steal ammunition, the latest in a series of clashes Shanghai Free Trade Zone highlighting the government’s inability to restore order. Gold set for biggest But progress in settling the dispute over Iran’s nuclear pro- gramme has kept gains in check. Brent was up 23 cents at loss in five months $111.09 a barrel by 1335 GMT. US oil rose 36 cents to $92.66. There LONDON: Gold rose yester- low of $1,227.34 on Monday. US was no settlement because of day as the dollar declined but gold futures rose 1.2 percent to the Thanksgiving holiday in the was still headed for its biggest $1,252.50 an ounce. United States. monthly drop in five months on The dollar fell 0.2 percent against Libya’s oil exports are down signs that recovery in the US a basket of currencies, while US to a fraction of capacity due to economy could lead to the curb- Treasury yields steadied above 2.7 seizures of oil fields and ports by ing of easy central bank money. percent, and world shares rose. militias, tribesmen and civil serv- Gold has shed more than five “We are probably going to see ants demanding more political percent in November and has lost gold coming back off again, as we rights or higher pay. around a quarter of its value so far have real yields in the US mov- “In Libya, ongoing turmoil in this year, which puts it on track to ing up a little bit ... and equity the east of the country under- post its first annual loss in 13 years. markets stronger,” Deutsche Bank scores the difficulties facing the It has stayed below $1,300 for analyst Michael Lewis said. North African country in bring- the past three weeks and has Traders see the next resistance ing barrels back to the market,” been largely range-bound in the levels at $1,255 and $1,290, while JBC Energy said. last few sessions due to thin trad- support stands in the $1,220 area. Overall, however, supplies are ing around the US Thanksgiving Solid US data over the past adequate partly because a surge holiday on Thursday. few weeks could bolster the case in US crude production is reduc- A man walks in front of the entrance of the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone at the Pudong international airport Spot gold rose 0.7 percent to for the US central bank curbing ing the top oil consumer’s reliance in Shanghai yesterday. The free-trade zone officially opened for business on September 29. $1,252.15 an ounce by 1500 GMT. stimulus soon. on imports. It had fallen to a 4-1/2 month REUTERS REUTERS NOVEMBER 30, 2013 ON SATURDAY 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Business

Black Friday shopping UK sells off Improved jobs ‘ghost’ London tube station in offer modest austerity drive LONDON: The British gov- ernment has sold off a disused London underground station EU respite used as a secret wartime com- mand centre, as part of its drive to repair battered public finances. Britain’s economy is growing Deflation risks persist: Analyst again after three years of stagna- tion but national debt is at 75 per- BRUSSELS: Improved euro- Earlier this month, the cent of GDP, and the government zone jobs and inflation data yes- European Commission revised up says it wants to try to reduce that terday are welcome but offer its 2014 unemployment estimate by cutting costs and disposing of only modest respite as the bloc to 12.2 percent from 12.1 percent unwanted assets. struggles to get back on track and cut its growth forecast to 1.1 The disused station, Brompton after a record recession, ana- percent from 1.2 percent. Road, closed in 1934 due to a lack lysts said. It put 2014 inflation at 1.5 of passengers, is one of many “The uptick in inflation will percent. abandoned “ghost” stations that ease concerns about deflationary The debt crisis has savaged lie beneath the British capital. risks,” said Martin van Vliet of growth and jobs, with government Latterly used for training by Global Economics ING. austerity policies also sucking Shoppers walk with a cart full of purchases from Walmart in Westbury, New York, yesterday. Black Friday, the air force cadets, it is in South “But with high unemployment demand out of the economy. day following Thanksgiving Day holiday, has traditionally been the busiest shopping day in the US. Kensington, one of the most keeping wage growth down, dis- Inflation has fallen steadily as expensive parts of London, and inflationary pressures ... remain a result — it ran at 2.2 percent in contains old lift shafts which have firmly in place,” Van Vliet said. November 2012 — putting even been converted into rooms. Tube The jobless rate in the 17-nation more pressure on the European trains still rumble underneath. eurozone dropped to 12.1 percent Central Bank to do more to sup- India posts surprise 4.8pc growth The Ministry of Defence, which in October from a record 12.2 per- port the economy. owns the site, said it has already cent in September, the Eurostat The ECB bases its monetary exchanged contracts with a buyer. statistics agency said. policy on keeping inflation at near NEW DELHI: India posted growth has been below five percent from a year earlier. The deal is expected to be com- The total out of work fell 61,000 to two percent and earlier this faster-than-expected quarterly percent. But India’s rural hinterland pleted within two months. to 19.3 million. month cut its benchmark interest economic growth of 4.8 percent Expansion has fallen sharply accounts for just one-third of “As far as we’re concerned the Meanwhile, inflation rose to 0.9 rate to a record low 0.25 percent yesterday, boosted by robust from the heady nearly double- gross domestic product and is place has been sold and bought,” percent in November from a four- from 0.50 percent. farm output, spurring hopes digit growth that the country insufficient to pull the nation’s a spokesman said, declining to year low of 0.7 percent in October The eurozone escaped a record that an end to the country’s enjoyed just two years ago. economy out of its rut on its own, name the buyer or the purchase which had stoked concerns the 18-month recession in the second prolonged downturn may be in Still, the figures were a wel- economists said. price because of confidentiality bloc risked a damaging cycle of quarter this year with growth sight. come respite for the scandal- Manufacturing output agreements. falling prices. of 0.3 percent but that slowed The official data for the second tarred Congress party-led expanded by a tepid one percent, Estate agents said the area The jobs report “is a modest alarmingly to just 0.1 percent in financial quarter to September government, which is desperate but better than the April-June was popular with wealthy buy- pleasant surprise but does not the third. beat market forecasts of 4.6 per- to nurse the economy back to quarter when it shrank by 1.2 ers from the Middle East and change the picture of a very weak Disinflation describes slowing cent growth and topped the 4.4 health before general elections percent. Eastern Europe and that the labour market,” said Johnathan price rises which remain in posi- percent expansion India logged in due by May. Hopes of a big increase in pro- station, which was likely to have Loynes of Capital Economics. tive territory but reflect a stag- the previous three months. Finance Minister P duction for India’s religious fes- been sold for tens of millions of “Growth is nowhere near nating economy in which growth “Indian GDP growth appears Chidambaram said India’s econ- tival season in October, when it pounds, would be turned into lux- strong enough to make serious and jobs are elusive. to be bottoming out,” said omy is going through a “period of is considered auspicious to buy ury housing. It has the potential inroads into the jobless totals,” The risk is that disinflation Miguel Chanco, Asia econo- stress” but “we are confident of everything from cars to gold to for a helipad and a roof garden. Loynes said, noting that while becomes deflation, or falling prices mist for research house Capital coming out of it and returning to appliances, failed to materialise Local media said the station inflation was above his 0.8 percent in real terms, which encourages Economics. the high growth path”. this year. had been sold for £50m ($80m) forecast, “there are good reasons consumers to put off buying goods But “India’s road to recovery He forecast India’s economic Growth fell to a decade-low of to a Ukrainian billionaire. to expect it to fall further.” in the expectation that if they will be slow and bumpy,” he said. growth would rebound to six per- five percent in the fiscal year to The Ministry of Defence and “In short, unemployment is still wait, they will get them cheaper. The figure marked the fourth cent next year and seven percent March 2013. the estate agent handling the deal high and deflation risks persist.” AFP quarter in a row that India’s the following year. The government has forecast declined to comment. Economists credited the around 5.0-5.5 percent expansion The British government says it improved July-to-September this financial year. has sold off more than 700 buildings quarterly performance to higher But most private economists or land plots since 2010, cutting the farm output from the best mon- believe India’s growth may be size of the government’s property soon in half a dozen years. below five percent for the first portfolio by at least 15 percent and Agriculture output climbed time since 2003. raising over a billion pounds. in the quarter by a robust 4.6 AFP REUTERS

QATARI MARKET Alitalia yet to Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 101.63 0.46% Aa2 AA raise enough Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 105.00 1.48% Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 119.88 2.55% Aa2 AA in emergency Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 112.75 2.96% Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 107.00 3.50% Aa2 AA cash call Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 153.75 4.95% Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 115.00 5.33% Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 106.00 5.34% Aa2 AA MILAN: Loss-making Alitalia Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 104.25 0.87% Aa2 AA has yet to raise all of the ¤300m ($407m) it was seeking in an Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 110.38 3.25% Aa2 AA emergency cash call, piling Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 103.88 0.92% A1 A- more pressure on the Italian Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 103.75 2.21% A1 A- airline to find a strategic inves- QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.25 1.51% NR NR tor to keep it flying. QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.63 1.24% Aa3 A+ Alitalia said on Thursday it had received ¤173m by a deadline for QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 104.00 2.08% Aa3 A+ existing shareholders to subscribe Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 103.88 2.27% A2 A- to its cash call via pledges and Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.25 1.49% A2 A bank guarantees and expected Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 124.38 3.04% A2 A to raise the rest from the state- Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 106.25 3.75% A2 A owned postal service and other investors. Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 101.25 4.86% A2 A Top shareholder Air France- Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 103.88 0.76% Aa3 A KLM, with a 25 percent stake, Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 107.00 3.22% Aa3 A refused to take up its share of Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 107.75 3.99% Aa3 A the cash call, saying Alitalia’s new business plan pledging severe cost SOVEREIGNS cuts was not enough to save the Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P stricken Italian carrier without Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 101.88 0.05% Aa2 AA its creditors writing off some of Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 123.63 2.06% Aa2 AA its huge debts. The Franco-Dutch group has so far been seen as the Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 108.63 1.90% NR NR most suitable carrier to come to Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 107.13 2.70% NR NR Alitalia’s rescue. Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 120.25 4.30% NR NR The emergency cash, part of a Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 111.50 4.77% NR NR bigger rescue package engineered Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 103.63 0.77% Aa2 AA by the government to keep Alitalia’s aircraft in the air, is seen as a stop- Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 113.38 3.33% NR BBB gap measure giving the airline a Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 103.13 4.92% NR BBB few more months to find a part- Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 93.50 7.03% Caa1 B- ner to help revamp the group. But Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 102.25 4.11% NR BBB- with ¤700,000 of daily losses and *Periodic Distribution Amount net debt of ¤800m Alitalia could IMPORTANT NOTE: soon have to ground its planes. Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which The failure to fully cover the is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services capital increase illustrates that Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary data some of Alitalia’s existing inves- and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising out of tors have doubts that the carrier, the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not take into which has made a profit only spo- account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant liquidity radically in its 67-year history, or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not a reliable can be turned around. indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and consult your “Not even Alitalia’s own share- financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. holders believe that the company can be rescued,” said Andrea Giuricin, a transport analyst at Milan’s Bicocca University, who has written a book on the airline. REUTERS

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[email protected] NOVEMBER 30, 2013 ON SATURDAY 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Sport

Rory backs Scott leads McIlroy by two new Open Championship The Australian battles tough weather conditions to hang onto top spot qualifying

SYDNEY: Overnight leader “It was going to be a day for Adam Scott battled through hanging in. I made lots of bird- Australian Open series the Sydney wind and rain for ies but bogeys were easy to come a mixed bag of a round of two- by if you were just slightly off Scores SYDNEY: Double Major win- under-par 70 to take a two- and probably most scorecards SYDNEY: Leading scores after the second ning Rory McIlroy may have no stroke lead over Rory McIlroy would have looked similar this round of the Emirates Australian Open at concern for some time in being at the halfway stage of the afternoon.” Royal Sydney Golf Club (par 72) yesterday. exempt into golf’s oldest major Australian Open yesterday. World number six McIlroy’s but it has not stopped him McIlroy, growing in confidence growing confidence at the tail-end 132 Adam Scott (AUS) 62 70 lending his support to the new by the round, benefited from of a difficult season was clearly Open Championship qualifying easier early conditions to post a evident in his second round at 134 Rory McIlroy (NIR) 69 65 series. nine-birdie 65 and join the world the Royal Sydney, where he tight- 135 Richard Green (AUS) 69 66 The R & A has abandoned a number two at the top of the lea- ened up the putting that had left series of 36-hole International derboard on 10-under before the him seven shots behind Scott 136 Matthew Jones (AUS) 68 68 Final Qualifiers around the globe Australian had even teed off. overnight. and instead selected four national The US Masters champion lit “As seven-unders go, I think 138 Alistair Presnell (AUS)67 71, open’s (Australian, Irish, French up the Royal Sydney Golf Club it was a pretty comfortable one. Josh Younger(AUS) 69 69, Leigh and Scottish) plus a number of with a course record 10-under 62 I don’t think I did anything McKechnie (AUS) 73 65, Brady other events including two on in bright sunshine on Thursday really spectacular out there,” the Watt (AUS) 68 70 the PGA Tour where players can and initially continued in the Northern Irishman said. 139 Aron Price (AUS) 70 69, Max now gain entry into the Open same vein by picking up shots at “It feels good, I played well, McCardle 68 71 Championship through a 72-hole two of his first three holes. putted much better today than I tournament. The stiffening wind and driving did yesterday too, so that was a 140 Scott Arnold (AUS) 70 70, Jamie “It’s a great new idea and a rain took their toll, though, and big positive. I’m in a great position Arnold (AUS) 72 68, Ryan Yip (CAN) much better opportunity for five further birdies, three bogeys going into the weekend.” 65 75 players to try and qualify for and one double bogey later, Scott If McIlroy’s snaking 14-footer the Open. Staging a 36-hole was signing for his second round for a birdie at the sixth was the 141 Bryden Macpherson (AUS) 71 70, qualifier, as the R & A has been with the same two-shot cushion. putt of the day, Richard Green John Senden (AUS) 73 68, Geoff doing for a few years now, on the “It was a tough afternoon, took the iron shot honours for Ogilvy (AUS) 75 66, Rhein Gibson Monday ahead of a regular tour- plenty of good stuff in there but his hole-in-one at the same (AUS) 71 70, Nathan Holman 69 72, nament is not the ideal prepara- made a few mistakes in the tricky par-three. Aaron Baddeley (AUS) 67 74, Adam tion heading into a tournament Bland (AUS) 69 72, Jason Scrivener Adam Scott of Australia plays a tee shot during round two of the conditions,” Scott told reporters. The 42-year-old also hit six like the Irish Open, so to merge “At times, it was extremely dif- birdies with two bogeys in his (AUS) 67 74, Cameron Percy (AUS) qualifying into a 72-hole event Australian Open in Sydney, yesterday. INSET: Northern Irish golfer 71 70, David McKenzie (AUS) 66 75, Rory McIlroy tees off during the second round. ficult and I think I held it together round of 66 to claim third place a makes more sense,” said McIlroy pretty well. shot behind McIlroy . REUTERS James Nitties (AUS) 70 71 yesterday. AFP

Collated Europa League Results PARIS: Europa League results on Thursday: United veteran Giggs reaches Group A At Krasnodar, Russia Kuban Krasnodar (RUS) St Gallen (SUI) 0 At Swansea, United Kingdom 40 and still going strong Swansea City (ENG) 0 Valencia (ESP) 1 Group B LONDON: Ryan Giggs myself and try to train every At Odessa, Ukraine was the first graduate day in order to make myself Chornomorets Odessa (UKR) 2 Dinamo of the so-called ‘Class of available for selection. Zagreb (CRO) 1 ‘92’ to make his mark at “I enjoy it as much as I can Manchester United and and, of course, try to con- At Sofia on the day he turned 40 tribute to the team. I don’t Ludogorets Razgrad (BUL) 2 PSV Eindhoven he was preparing for the know what the younger lads (NED) 0 weekend the same way he think of me. When I was 17 Group C has for most of his life. and 18, I thought 31 was At Boras, Sweden The mercurial Welshman ancient. And here I am at Elfsborg (SWE) 0 Salzburg (AUT) 1 has out-lasted David 40!” At Esbjerg, Denmark Beckham, Paul Scholes, Having spent the first Esbjerg (DEN) 2 Standard Liege (BEL) 1 Nicky Butt and Gary and half of his career rampaging Group D Phil Neville, who came off up the left wing, Giggs has the same United academy evolved into the complete At Kazan, Russia conveyor belt, and it is not midfielder and with United Rubin Kazan (RUS) 1 Maribor (SLO) 1 beyond credibility that he lacking in the creativity At Wigan, United Kingdom could rack up 1,000 games department, still offers the Wigan Athletic (ENG) 1 (Barnett 7) Zulte for the club. kind of guile and intelligence Waregem (BEL) 2 (Hazard 37, Malanda 88) United’s record appear- that money cannot buy. Group E ance maker was one of the Giggs was magnificent At Guimaraes, Portugal side’s best players in the 5-0 against Leverkusen and Manchester United’s Alexander Pacos Ferreira (POR) 0 Fiorentina (ITA) 0 Champions League hammer- team-mate Wayne Rooney Buttner and Ryan Giggs (right) At Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine ing of Bayer Leverkusen on could not praise him highly celebrate after defeating Bayer Dnipro (UKR) 4 Wednesday, his 953rd match enough. Leverkusen in their Champions for the club, and he will be “Their centre half was Pandurii (ROM) 1 League match at the BayArena in in the squad for tomorrow’s asking how is he still play- Leverkusen on Wednesday. Group F trip to Tottenham Hotspur. ing at that age,” Rooney said. At Bordeaux, France With 13 Premier league “His composure on the Bordeaux (FRA) 0 Eintracht Frankfurt (GER) 1 titles, four FA Cups, two ball is fantastic. Ryan has At Nicosia Champions Leagues, four done it for years and I’ve run ended his career last season, seventh player to appear in APOEL (CYP) 0 Maccabi Tel-Aviv (ISR) 0 League Cups and, surpris- out of things to say about said in an interview on the the Premier League past the Group G ingly only one PFA Player him. I don’t know how he is BBC. age of 40, is out of contract At Genk, Belgium of the Year award, Giggs has still doing it.” “His performance the at the end of the season and achieved everything possible Beckham, 38, who has other night in the Champions manager David Moyes said Genk (BEL) 3 in his club career, but still been busy promoting the League was amazing but it there would be “no quick Dynamo Kiev (UKR) 1 appears hungry for more. ‘Class of ‘92’ film that will doesn’t surprise me. It’s an decision” on whether he At Vienna “I’m lucky that I have be hitting the big screen in incredible achievement. I’m would get an extension. Rapid Vienna (AUT) 2 FC Thun (SUI) 1 been at one club, where I am December and will chronicle proud of what he’s achieved.” “To be playing so well at Group H surrounded by good players the rise of United’s golden Beckham said Giggs’ his age is terrific and he is a At Liberec, Czech Republic and a good manager,” Giggs generation, said Giggs breakthrough into the first great example to the younger Slovan Liberec (CZE) 1 (Rybalka 81) said in an interview with the “makes him feel old”. team paved the way for his players,” Moyes said. Freiburg (GER) 2 BBC that will be screened “I’m not surprised he’s still own career to take off. “When you get to this At Seville, Spain today. playing because of the talent “He was someone we stage, you always make a “I still want to do well he is and how driven he still looked up to and aspired to, decision at the end of the Sevilla (ESP) 1 Estoril (POR) 1 in every game, want to win is and how he’s looked after he gave the other ones in the season. There will be no Group I trophies and my focus needs himself over the years really youth team hope.” quick decision.” At Lyon, France to be on that. I look after is incredible,” Beckham, who Giggs, set to be the THE PENINSULA Olympique Lyonnais (FRA) 1 Real Betis (ESP) 0 At Rijeka, Croatia Rijeka (CRO) 0 Vitoria Guimaraes (POR) 0 Group J Two in court in English fixing probe At Trabzon, Turkey LONDON: Trabzonspor (TUR) 4 Apollon Limassol (CYP) 2 Two men with accused of conspiring to defraud book- the alleged plot in England after a sus- Singaporean nationality suspected of makers by influencing the course of foot- pect named him as his “boss”, a report At Warsaw fixing matches in lower-league English ball matches and placing bets on them said Friday. Legia Warsaw (POL) 0 Lazio (ITA) 2 football were remanded in custody by between November 1 and November 26 Wilson Raj Perumal, a convicted Group K magistrates yesterday. this year. fixer who is under police protection in At Ramenskoye, Russia The men, alleged to be members of The maximum sentence for this Hungary, told Singapore’s New Paper he Anzhi Makhachkala (RUS) 1 Sheriff Tiraspol a Singapore-based betting syndicate, offence is 10 years’ imprisonment. played no part in the scam -- although (MDA) 1 were among seven people arrested this The NCA said their investigation was he admitted he had full knowledge of it. At Tromso, Norway week in an investigation by the recently- ongoing. In the videotaped Daily Telegraph sting Tromso (NOR) 0 Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) 2 formed National Crime Agency (NCA). Thursday’s Daily Telegraph newspaper a Singaporean suspect says he is working Group L Chann Sankaran, a 33-year-old said an undercover investigation by its for Perumal. Singapore national, and Krishna Sanjey reporters had triggered the probe by the But Perumal, a self-confessed arch- At Alkmaar, Netherlands Ganeshan, a 43-year-old with dual NCA, Britain’s equivalent of the FBI. fixer who says he used to collaborate AZ Alkmaar (NED) 2 Maccabi Haifa British and Singapore nationality, were No teams in England’s lucrative with alleged Singaporean mastermind (ISR) 0 remanded in custody until December Premier League are believed to be Dan Tan, insisted he was not involved. At Astana 13 by magistrates in Cannock, central involved in the probe. “He (the suspect) was acting on his Shakhter Karagandy (KAZ) 0 PAOK England. Meanwhile a notorious Singaporean own. He was set up,” he told the New (GRE) 2 Sankaran and Ganeshan have been football match-fixer denied any links to Paper via email. AFP NOVEMBER 30, 2013 Sport www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 ON SATURDAY

Redmond England’s Ballance stakes back for New Zealand after five-year claim for Ashes berth Test wait WELLINGTON: Top-order The left-hander hits 55 as the visitors declare 212/7 in tour match batsman Aaron Redmond has earned a New Zealand Test recall, five years after he last ALICE SPRINGS, Australia: Zimbabwe, finally showed some stumps at 16 without loss heading played the longest form of the Gary Ballance boosted his form on the Australian tour after into today’s final day. game, for the series against chances of playing in next previous scores of 0, 0 and 4 to Sent in to bat by Chairman’s XI West Indies that starts next week’s second Ashes Test with put his hand up for a Test spot captain Michael Beer, the tourists week. England’s a half-century while others against the Australians. had slumped to 149 for six before The 34-year-old has been bats- failed on a sweltering first day “It would be a great feeling but Bairstow and Graeme Swann (29) named in a 13-man squad for the man Gary for England in their tour match I don’t really want to look too far added 49 for the seventh wicket. three-match series that starts at Ballance yesterday. ahead,” Ballance said. With temperatures in the mid- the University Oval in Dunedin celebrates The Yorkshire left-hander, pro- “After those few low scores at 30s Celsius yesterday and a high on December 3 ostensibly to pro- his half- moted to number three, scored 55 the beginning of the tour, I’ve of 39C (102 Fahrenheit) forecast vide cover for the injured Kane centry off 134 balls as the tourists could worked hard in the nets and if for today it was a trying day for Williamson who broke his thumb during a only muster 212 for seven before that chance does come up ... I the tourists. last month. two-day declaring against the Cricket think I’ll be ready.” A slow pitch and outfield ham- Redmond, who last played a match Australia Chairman’s XI in Alice England are looking for a new pered scoring and Ballance began Test against Australia in 2008, against Springs. batsman following the shock his innings when conditions were has been in good form in Plunket Australia’s It was Ballance, bidding with departure of number three Trott toughest, albeit against an attack Shield first-class cricket for Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes from the rest of the Ashes series which collectively equated to a the past two seasons and bat- Chairman’s to replace Jonathan Trott in the with a stress-related illness. Sheffield Shield second string. ted well in a warm-up match in XI at second Adelaide Test, who com- “I’d like to think so. To be able Stokes played fluently in his Christchurch. Traeger piled his maiden half-century to get a 50 today ... I’ve given 54-ball knock and Bairstow “Aaron has made a good start Park in for England to hold the innings myself a bit of confidence so if I appeared to have the measure to the Plunket Shield to date and Alice together. do get picked I think I’ll be ready,” with 31 off 77 balls. on top of the 67 he scored yes- Springs, Stokes and Bairstow chipped Ballance said of his Test chances. Ballance’s innings ended in terday for the New Zealand XI yesterday. in with 28 and an unbeaten 31 Local openers Marcus Harris anti-climax when driving leg- we felt he was the best top order respectively on a day of sapping (10) and Steve Cazzulino further spinner James Muirhead to mid- batting cover,” selection manager heat when the batsmen struggled frustrated England’s efforts at a on and barely getting past his Bruce Edgar said yesterday. to convert starts. quick couple of wickets after their partner Ian Bell before the throw Williamson broke his thumb on Ballance, originally from innings declaration by reaching came in to run him out. AFP the tour of Bangladesh and medi- cal staff had thought his injury may take up to six weeks to heal. He will undergo a fitness check Siddle sympathises with Trott Warner’s Trott before the team is finalised. Squad: Brendon McCullum (captain), Corey Anderson, MELBOURNE: Australia reporters by the Dennis Lillee Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, seamer Peter Siddle (pictured) statue at the Melbourne Cricket comments ‘out of Peter Fulton, Aaron Redmond, sympathises with England bats- Ground. Hamish Rutherford, Ish Sodhi, man Jonathan Trott, who left “That’ll be no different here. Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil the Ashes tour to deal with a We’ve just got to try to keep work- Wagner, BJ Watling, Kane stress-related illness, but said ing them over, keep the pressure order’, says Waugh Williamson. REUTERS his team’s focus was squarely on on them, keep building, hopefully winning and that they would not keep the success going.” SYDNEY: Former Australia Test captain Steve Waugh (pic- be dialling down the intensity. On Adelaide Oval’s new drop- tured) says cricketer David Warner’s comments about England Afghanistan England’s number three bats- in pitch, Australia’s pacemen are batsman Jonathan Trott were “out of man left the tour this week after unlikely to enjoy the bounce that order” and had crossed the line. reach World T20 failing twice with the bat during troubled England’s batsmen at the Trott made a shock departure from his team’s 381-run loss in the first Gabba, and are expected to need the Ashes tour earlier this week after qualifier final Test in Brisbane. to bowl bigger workloads. the England and Wales Cricket Board Australia batsman David The quick turnaround between (ECB) revealed that he was suffering Warner was condemned by Adelaide and the third Test in from a stress-related illness. DUBAI: Afghanistan booked England captain Alastair Cook Perth has prompted media spec- Australia’s Warner has attracted criti- their berth in a third consecu- and team director Andy Flower ulation that the selectors might cism for comments he made during the tive ICC World Twenty20 quali- for publicly criticising Trott’s Australia’s determination to be elect to rest injury-prone seamer first Brisbane Test in which he described fier final after defeating Nepal by batting, and England paceman aggressive in deed and word out Ryan Harris to keep him fresh Trott as “poor and weak”. seven wickets in the first semi- Stuart Broad expressed his hopes in the middle. for Perth. Trott had a difficult time playing teara- final at Zayed Cricket Stadium that the hosts would not use the Australia coach Darren Siddle, along with fellow way Australia speedster Mitchell Johnson in Abu Dhabi yesterday. batsman’s travails as a weapon. Lehmann rejected any sugges- quick Ben Hilfenhaus, was and was dismissed for 10 and nine in the In today’s final, Afghanistan When asked whether Trott was tion that he and Flower ought rested for Australia’s third and first Test. Waugh, who was regarded as a will play the winner of the second an “out-of-bounds” topic in on- to meet before the second Test final Test against South Africa hard-bitten and competitive Test captain, semi-final featuring Ireland and field banter, Siddle said yesterday: in Adelaide to work out ground in Perth last year after being was critical of Warner’s comments made at a post-stumps media con- the United Arab Emirates. “Another thing there is it’s a rules on sledging and said he was forced to bowl a huge workload ference during the Brisbane Test, which Australia won by 381 runs. Man-of-the-Match Samiullah battle out on the field and we’ll go content so long as his players con- in the preceding drawn Test in “I think Dave Warner’s comments were out of order. I don’t believe Shenwari helped Afghanistan about it how we think it will work. fined it to the field. Adelaide after paceman James you should comment on someone else personally on the opposition,” chase down a modest 90-run tar- “We’ll just keep playing hard Siddle also ratcheted up the Pattinson was injured during the Waugh said on the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust website. get inside 15 overs, bagging three cricket. We’ll keep putting the tension by suggesting Australia’s match. “He can make a generic comment, but I think when you get per- wickets and then scoring 24 not pressure on them. We’ll keep bowlers had the measure of Cook South Africa went on to thrash sonal like that, you cross the line on how players treat each other, out. going from there. and England’s aggressive number Australia to seal the three-Test and the respect they should have. “It is very exciting especially “It’s disappointing for him to four batsman Kevin Pietersen. series 1-0. “So I didn’t agree with Dave’s comments, having said that, he for me and my team-mates; we’re be going home, I wish him all the After scoring 13 in the first Siddle did not think he would probably did smell a bit of fear in the England opposition players. in the final for a third time, so best, but we’re going out there innings at the Gabba, Cook hit have any problems backing up for “Unfortunately for Jonathan Trott, it was a personal issue, and we’re all happy,” said Shenwari, trying to win Test matches and England’s top score of 65 in the both Tests against England. you don’t want to keep going on about that. who claimed three wickets for 19 however we do that we’ll play second, while Pietersen was dis- “That would be the plan,” he “You just want him to get better and get well. So I think that runs and featured in a run out as hard, aggressive cricket and hope- missed for 18 and 26. said. “Obviously, I couldn’t last hopefully has been put behind in that last Test match, and won’t Nepal were restricted to 90 for fully get the win at the end of the “I think the biggest danger time but we had a big workload be brought up again.” eight.” day.” is Alastair Cook at the top and earlier on. Waugh added that Australia probably needed to be a little cleverer He added: “I think we have Trott’s departure after a pro- Kevin Pietersen. They’re the two “This time, it’s obviously been in how they went about things. been doing well in all the depart- longed struggle for form prompted we’ve probably targeted the most a lot lighter. “They’re playing well, so they don’t need to do so much talking ments. I am happy and lucky an outpouring of sympathy from in the last couple of series and “We’ve just got to play it by out there now,” he said. AFP to be part of the Afghanistan former players but has not curbed sort of got on top of,” Siddle told ear.” REUTERS team.” AFP

Maldonado confirmed QMMF President attends FIM General Assembly Bahrain GP to be raced at as Lotus driver for 2014 night in 2014 PARIS: Venezuelan Pastor who focused his efforts on Lotus Maldonado (pictured) has been since the season-ending Brazilian PARIS: The 2014 Bahrain named as Lotus’ driver for the Grand Prix. Grand Prix, which will be held 2014 season alongside France’s “It’s no secret that I have on April 6 at the Sakhir Circuit Romain Grosjean, the wanted a change of scene near Manama, will be staged team officially confirmed to help push on with my at night, organisers announced yesterday. Formula 1 career and yesterday. Maldonado has spent Lotus F1 Team offered Floodlighting has been three seasons with the very best opportunity installed and will be tested Williams, winning the for me to be competitive out at this weekend’s final Spanish Grand Prix in next season. round of the World Endurance 2012, but only notched up “The regulations and Championship. one point this season with cars will change signifi- The move to a night race in his 10th place in Hungary. cantly so it is a very good the Gulf state will mark the 10th The 28-year-old, sup- time for a fresh start. I anniversary of the first Bahrain ported by state-owned Venezuelan can’t wait to be racing in black Grand Prix, won by Michael oil and gas giant PDVSA, and gold.” Schumacher in a Ferrari in 2004, announced at the start of the The Venezuelan should bring and will also be welcomed by driv- month he was quitting the team, €35m euros ($47.7m) annual ers, given the high daytime tem- leading to talks with Lotus and sponsorship from PDVSA to Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) President Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah (front row, third left) peratures in spring. Sauber. the financially struggling Lotus is seen with FIM Board of Directors at the FIM General Assembly in Monte Carlo. Delegates from 108 national Bahrain will be Formula One’s “It is a fantastic opportunity team, who failed to pay Finn Kimi federations are attending the Assembly which takes place today. Tomorrow, the FIM Gala will take place, second night race - Singapore for me to join Lotus F1 Team Raikkonen part of his salary this where the achievements of the motorcyling’s fast and finest riders will be recognised. has been held after dark since its for 2014,” said the Venezuelan, season. AFP inception in 2008. AFP NOVEMBER 30, 2013 ON SATURDAY 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Sport Sheikh Joaan launches UK operation in bid for global supremacy We want the best horses, the best trainers and the best people: Sherida Al Kaabi

LONDON: Sheikh Joann Bin company.” Al Shaqab Racing has south-west of London, last month. Hamed Al Thani’s desire to pre- around 110 racehorses in train- Sheikh Joaan has signed argu- Sheikh Joaan bin side over the “best racing opera- ing split between England and ably the world’s most famous Hamad Al Thani tion in the world” saw his Al France. jockey in British-based Frankie is seen with Shaqab Racing launch its UK But their ambitions extend Dettori as his retained rider. winning horse operation in London yesterday. beyond Europe, with the organi- He has also tried to secure the Treve clinched Leading British turf figure sation set to have a handful of future of his operation by spend- the Qatar Prix Harry Herbert, the racing man- horses next season in the US with ing a world record five million de L’Arc de ager of the successful Highclere leading trainer Todd Pletcher. guineas (£5.05m, $8.25m, 6.07m Triomphe at the syndicate, has been appointed as “Sheikh Joaan has ambitious euros) at the Tattersalls year- Longchamp a full-time racing adviser to the plans for Al Shaqab Racing and ling sales in Newmarket, eastern racetrack near new Qatari outfit. the exciting thing for me is to England, last month with a view Paris last month. Sheikh Joaan’s horses have have an opportunity to be involved to bolstering his breeding opera- Treve, owned by raced at the highest level inter- at the highest level and be part of tion at his stud in Normandy, Sheikh Joaan nationally in 2013, with Treve’s a team that is very serious about northern France, where he stands and ridden by victory in France’s Prix de l’Arc their aspirations,” Herbert said former racehorses Planteur and France’s Thierry de Triomphe -- Europe’s premier yesterday. Style Vendome. all-age flat race -- last month the It has been a meteoric rise “Racehorses are just the first Jarnet, emulated most high-profile of four elite within ‘the sport of kings’ for plan of our objective, which will Zarkava in Group One wins. Sheikh Joaan. be followed by our breeding pro- landing the “Our goals and objectives are The 28-year-old had not seen gramme,” said Al Kaabi. French Oaks, Prix to be the best racing operation in a thoroughbred racehorse win in “We are looking at studs in Vermeille and the world,” Sheikh Joaan’s media his grey and maroon silks until Britain and Ireland, also,” he Arc in the same manager, Sherida Al Kaabi, told August last year. added in what seemed a direct season. a press conference at London’s But as well as Treve, this sea- challenge to such racing power- Dorchester hotel yesterday. son saw Toronado triumph at houses as the Godolphin opera- “We want the best horses, the Group One level with victory in tion run by Dubai ruler Sheikh The formation of Al Shaqab Qatari presence in major sports deal worth up to €200m a year best trainers and the best people the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, Mohammed and the Ireland- racing follows the investment in worldwide that saw the non-profit with Paris St Germain, the French and the appointment of Harry is southern England, in July. based Coolmore. British racing by Sheikh Fahad Qatar Foundation sign a world- Ligue 1 football club acquired to help secure our future. Olympic Glory, who handed Al Shaqab is named after a Al Thani, Sheikh Joaan’s cousin, record €150m shirt sponsorship by Qatar Sports Investment in “He is one of the most high- Sheikh Joaan his first win at the breeding operation in Qatar which falls under the umbrella deal with Spanish football giants May 2011, where global soccer profile figures in European rac- highest level last year in Paris, established in 1992 by Father of the Qipco British Champions Barcelona in 2010. star and former England captain ing and has enjoyed great success then triumphed in the Queen Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Series. Last month Qatar Tourism David Beckham ended his playing with his syndicate ownership Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot, Al Thani. It is also part of a growing Authority signed a sponsorship career. REUTERS

Tour of Al Zubarah Qatar Cycling Federation gets set for Schedule December 4: Prologue Lekhwiya Stadium - 3kms December 5: Barzan Towers - inaugural edition of Tour of Al Zubarah Al Zubarah 123.8kms December 6: Al Thakira - BY RIZWAN REHMAT Madinat Al Shamal 120kms A pack of riders cycles past the Al Zubarah Fort during the fourth December 7: Mesaieed - Mesaieed 120.7kms DOHA: With an eye on pro- stage of the 169 km race from Al Zubarah to Doha at the Tour of viding homegrown talent with Qatar cycling race in this February 3, 2005, file photo. QCF will Total distance: 377.5kms more opportunities to race at stage the inaugural edition of Tour of Al Zubarah from December The Participating high profile events, the Qatar 4 to 7. PICTURES: SALIM SAMTRAMKOT Cycling Federation (QCF) has Teams laid out a demanding route for Qatar national team the inaugural edition of Tour of Al Zubarah set to be held in the Doha Team first week of December. Bahrain national team QCF Secretary-General Magid Adria Mobil Al Naimi said the four-stage event Cycling Team Amsterdam will be held from December 4 to UAE national team 7 with the opening stage planned at the imposing Lekhwiya Sports Al Nasr Club (UAE) Club. Uzbekistan national team Al Naimi said earlier this year CCN Metalac Serbia the Tour of Al Zubarah was dis- Al Ahli Club (USE) cussed in detail during UCI meet- OCBC Team Singaprie ings attended by Sheikh Khalid QCF Secretary-General bin Ali Al Thani, President of Magid Al Naimi Kuwait/Kazma QCF. He said 14 teams from Saudi Arabia national team Europe, Asia and the Middle East will feature in the four-day event. said. “The moment we confirmed they featured in the Tour of “Next year we would be in a featured in the Arab Cycling When asked about the deci- “This will be a new event in the Tour of Zubarah, we were Sharjah. He said QCF has had better position to work on this Championship which was held sion to choose Al Zubarah as the which national teams from the inundated with requests from informal discussions to stage project. Year by year we should in Bahrain last month, Al Naimi Tour’s focal point, Al Naimi said: region and elsewhere will com- many countries who wanted to the Tour of Sharjah and Tour of get bigger teams, more riders for said. “We chose Zubarah because it is pete over four days. Qatari riders send their riders for this event,” Zubarah within a couple of weeks both events,” he added. “We have grown immensely in a World Heritage Site. This race will also be part of the event. This Al Naimi said. to allow teams and cyclists get- Al Naimi said Qatari cyclists the last few years. If we compare will be an annual event. When event will give them yet another Zubarah - also called Al ting to ride in the UAE and Qatar trained in Italy for a period of QCF to other cycling bodies in teams and riders come and take opportunity to scale new heights Zubarah or Az Zubarah - is a without having to break a bank. three months and took part in the region, we are very young. part in our event, they will take as riders,” Al Naimi said. ruined and deserted town located “We could develop both Tours various races before the start of We just started in 2002 and look back memories of Al Zubarah “This would be a great event for on the north western coast of the - the one in Sharjah and this one. the new season. He said Qatar how quickly we have improved the with them. Visitors to Qatar will the riders from this region. The Qatar, about 105kms from Doha. We have had informal discussions team did well in Tour of Sharjah overall structure of cycling. We pass on the word and we expect more races our riders do, the bet- Al Naimi said Qatari riders about this during last week’s Tour which was held from November have riders who have done well at more people to see this place.” ter it will be for them,” Al Naimi returned from the UAE where of Sharha,” Al Naimi said. 22 to 25. The Qatar squad also the regional level,” Al Naimi said. THE PENINSULA Qatar’s Al Attiyah leads Dubai International Rally

DUBAI: Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, fascinating tussle between Al Attiyah and the Middle East champion, is firmly in the Leading five positions Sheikh Khalid, and this was confirmed on the driving seat as he tries to win the final day’s first stage which the Qatari edged by just round of the Dubai International Rally for a after stage one: 0.1 seconds from the UAE driver. seventh consecutive year. 1 Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah/Giovanni (QAT/ITA)/ Over the next stage, however, Al Qassimi Home driver Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi is Ford Fiesta RRC 59:30.5 grabbed the initiative, powering his Abu Dhabi battling the odds to give the UAE its first vic- 2 Khalid Al Qassimi/Scott Martin (UAE/UK)/ Citroën into a 4.9 seconds advantage, before tory in the event for seven years. At the end Citroen DS3 RRC 1:00:02.2 an incident on the next stage saw his lead of yesterday’s first leg, the Emirati driver was reduced to 2.1 seconds. 3 Yazeed Al Rajhi/Michael Orr (KSA/UK) 29.7 seconds adrift of Al Attiyah. As the Citroën mechanics repaired damage Ford Fiesta RRC 1:02:23.1 Al Qassimi’s second successive Dubai to his car’s front right side, Al Qassmi said: 4 Misfer Al Marri/Nicola Arena (QAT/ITA)/ International win in 2006 was the last by a “On the last stage I was pushing a bit more Ford Fiesta RRC 1:02:31.0 UAE driver, and he must find a way past Al and slid into a bush, then hit some rocks and Attiyah and co-driver Giovanni Bernacchini 5 Abdulla Al Qassimi/Steve Lancaster (UAE/UK)/ came back onto the road. I lost about five sec- in their Ford Fiesta RRC to break the Qatari’s Ford Fiesta RRC 1:02:32.8 onds. It’s good to have the lead, but things are dominance of the event. is endorsed by the office of H H Sheikh very tight.” On completion of the first leg’s six special Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and held The first stage of the afternoon saw Al stages, Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi was in under the patronage of H H Sheikh Majid Attiyah reclaim the lead by 7.8 seconds, third place, with the UAE’s Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, increasing his advantage to 22.6 seconds on Al Qassimi, Qatar’s Misfer Al Marri and Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts stage five after Al Qassimi collected a ten Jordan’s Alaa Rasheed, all driving Ford Fiesta Authority. seconds penalty for a jump start, before the Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah and co-driver Giovanni Bernacchini drive their RRC’s, completing the top six. The traditional last round of the Middle Qatari extended his advantage on the last Ford Fiesta RRC during stage one of the Dubai International Rally. The 35th Dubai International Rally East series had been expected to produce a stage. THE PENINSULA NOVEMBER 30, 2013 Sport www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21 ON SATURDAY Bahrain crowned Gulf champions GCC Volleyball Championship: Hosts Qatar lose 3-2 in the final; Kuwait finish third

DOHA: Bahrain beat hosts Qatar 3-2 in a thrilling final A B to clinch the GCC Volleyball Championship title yesterday. Coached by Nezar Chikil, Bahrain came from 6-3 down in the decider to claim their fourth title with a 19-25, 31-29, 25-21, 13-25, 15-11 scoreline at Al Arabi Stadium in Doha yesterday. Qatar drew first blood in the final, winning the first set 25-19. Backed by a strong support inside the stadium, Qatar had a lead of 16-12 in the second set, but Bahrain fought back to make it 28-all. C The visitors levelled the score 1-1, after winning the second set 31-29. After winning the second set, Bahrain went 2-1 up, claiming the third 25-21. Watched by Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Secretary General Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Qatar A) Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Secretary General Volleyball Association (QVA) Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani (centre) and President Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi, Qatar Volleyball Association (QVA) President Khalid Qatar made sure the final went Ali Al Mawlawi (left) watch the GCC Volleyball final into a decider, as they went on to between Qatar and Bahrain at Al Arabi Stadium in claim the fourth set 25-13. Doha, yesterday. B) Bahrain players Bahrain later grabbed the celebrate on the podium. C) A Qatari player attempts decider winning 15-11. to spike during the match. Earlier, Kuwait finished third after beating Oman 3-1 (21-23-25, 25-11, 26-24). THE PENINSULA

Qatar Team’s Alex League leaders Eljaish Carella in action at the Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi yes- terday. Carella battle past Al Gharafa finished third with team-mate Shaun DOHA: Torrente in fifth posi- A brace from Wagner tion. Both drivers Ribeiro helped Eljaish go six points clear at the top of Qatar Players of have a chance of Stars League (QSL) after a Al Khor and clinching the cham- 2-1 victory over Al Gharafa, Al Ahli vie pionship in the last yesterday. for the ball race in Sharjah on The striker found the net in during the December 13. the 45th and 62nd minute as the Qatar Stars home side went 2-0 up. League Al Gharafa pulled one back (QSL) match through Miku (75), but Zico’s at Al Arabi side pressed on for the equaliser Stadium in but could not find the net again, Doha, yes- as they remain in fifth spot with terday. 14 points. Qatar’s Carella, Torrente In other matches yesterday, Al Ahli, who stunned two-time PICTURE BY: champions Lekhwiya 1-0 last MOHAMMED week, were held to a 2-2 draw by FARAJ Al Khor. keep title hopes alive Also playing yesterday, Umm Salal and Al Kharaitiyat played ABU DHABI: Qatar Team’s Szymura finished third and that out a goalless 0-0 draw. Alex Carella and Shaun UIM F1 H20 was enough for the German In a match that had few first- Torrente set up a thrilling Standings to clinch the 2013 Drivers’ half opportunities for both teams, Your TV guide for showdown for the UIM F1 H2O Championship with two races Eljaish seized the initiative when 1 Sami Selio (FIN) Mad-Croc Baba World Championship by tak- remaining. Qatari newcomer Wagner gave the QSL leaders a Racing Team 64 pts ing third and fifth positions in Mohammed Al Obaidly was 1-0 lead in the 45th minute. live matches today yesterday’s Grand Prix of Abu 2 Shaun Torrente (QAT) Qatar Team eighth. The striker doubled his goal Dhabi. 62 pts In the Grand Prix race, the tally when he converted a penalty Event Competition Time Channel 3 Alex Carella (QAT) Qatar Team 60 The race was yellow-flagged on engine woes forced Torrente to just after the half-hour mark. Bournemouth vs Brighton English Championship 15:15 HD6 the run out to the first turn buoy pts start the 39-lap race from 11th Al Gharafa, who had crushed when both Team Abu Dhabi boats 4 Phillipe Chiappe (FRA) CTIC China position on the grid, as Carella Umm Salal 6-2 last week, got the Falkirk vs Rangers Scottish Cup 15:15 +3 collided. Finland’s Sami Selio, who Team 54 pts slotted into third behind Selio third goal of the match through Al Sadd vs Muaither Qatar Stars League 15:30 Global had qualified on pole, led from 5 Jonas Andersson (SWE) Team and Chiappe. summer signing Miku in the 75th Al Arabi vs Al Wakra Qatar Stars League 16:00 2 the restart to secure his second Azerbaijan 27 pts Duarte Benavente was side- minute. win in Abu Dhabi to take a two- 6 Yousef Al-Rubayan (KWT) F1 lined before the start with boat Zico’s Al Gharafa pushed on for Al Sailiya vs Qatar SC Qatar Stars League 16:00 1 point lead in the championship Atlantic Team 26 pts de-lamination. the equaliser but missed oppor- Mazembe vs Sfaxien CAF Champions League 16:00 +1 to the final round in Sharjah on 7 Thani Al-Qamzi (UAE) Team Abu Selio made a storming start tunities and brave defending by Elche vs Atletico La Liga 17:30 HD2 December 13. Dhabi 22 pts into the first turn buoy, but the Eljaish, saw the league leaders Frenchman Phillipe Chiappe race was dramatically yellow claim all three points and regis- 8 Marit Stromoy (NOR) Team Nautica Cardiff vs Arsenal Barclays Premier League 17:30 HD6 started second and held off the flagged when Team Abu Dhabi ter their seventh victory of the 18 pts challenge from Carella to secure team-mates Al Qamzi and Al campaign this season. Huddersfield vs Burnley English Championship 18:00 HD4 9 Francesco Cantando (ITA) Singha F1 the runner-up spot to keep his Hameli collided and were forced THE PENINSULA Al Rayyan vs Lekhwiya Qatar Stars League 18:30 Global Racing Team 12 pts title hopes alive. “Today was into retirement. Monaco vs Rennes Ligue 1 18:30 HD5 important for everybody, I needed 10 Filip Roms (FIN) Mad-Croc Baba The green flag was raised on to get back into the champion- Racing Team 10 pts lap four and Selio maintained his Qatar Stars League Celta Vigo vs Almeria La Liga 20:00 HD4 ship,” said Carella. lead from Chiappe, Carella, Yousef Parma vs Bologna Serie A 20:00 .TV Torrente started the race from “Both our drivers scored points Al Rubayan, Marti Stromoy and a Results and 11th and climbed through the field on a difficult weekend. It means flying Torrente. The Qatar Team Newcastle vs West Brom Barclays Premier League 20:30 HD6 to shadow an impressive Marit that we go to Sharjah knowing driver passed Al Rubayan and Fixtures PEC Zwolle vs RKC Eredivisie 20:45 .TV Stromoy to the finish in fifth that one of our drivers has to climbed to fifth on lap six and the Al Ahli 2 Al Khor 2 Valenciennes vs Lille Ligue 1 21:30 HD5 place. He now trails Selio by two beat Sami Selio and they will be Qatar duo maintained third and points with Carella a further two World Champion. Whoever wins fifth through lap 10. Umm Salal 0 Al Kharaitiyat 0 Real Madrid vs Valladolid La Liga 21:30 +3 points adrift. the race will win the title!” By lap 15, Selio led Chiappe Eljaish 2 Al Gharafa 1 NAC vs Groningen Eredivisie 21:45 .TV “The plan was to go really Qatar’s Khalid Abdullah Al by 3.72 seconds and Carella was hard, really fast from the start. Kuwari qualified in sixth posi- 6.83 seconds adrift. Torrente con- Today Heerenveen vs Go Ahead Eagles Eredivisie 21:45 .TV But then it was a case of easing tion for the second of the F-4S tinued to pressure Stromoy for Al Sadd vs Muaither, 4.00pm at Al Sadd Lorient vs Nice Ligue 1 22:00 +2 off near the finish to conserve the races for the Eurofin Trophy on fourth, but the race was yellow- Stadium St Etienne vs Reims Ligue 1 22:00 +4 points we had,” said Torrente. day three of the Abu Dhabi Water flagged for a second time on lap “I am actually quite happy Festival and he reached the cheq- 18 when Xiong Ziwei flipped his Al Sailiyah vs Qatar SC, 4.00pm at Al Guingamp vs Nantes Ligue 1 22:00 HD4 Rayyan Stadium with the result,” said Khalid bin uered flag in fourth place in a race boat at turn four. Toulouse vs Sochaux Ligue 1 22:00 +1 Arhama Al Kuwari, head of for- that developed into a procession Action restarted on lap 22. Al Rayyan vs Lekhwiya, 6.30pm at Al Heracles vs Utrecht Eredivisie 22:45 .TV mula racing at the Qatar Marine after the opening lap. Selio maintained his advantage Rayyan Stadium Sports Federation (QMSF), Victory fell to Latvia’s Nikita and he reached the chequered Genoa vs Torino Serie A 22:45 .TV which runs under Sheikh Hassan Lijcs by 4.73 seconds from flag in front of Chiappe. Carella Al Arabi vs Al Wakra, Al Arabi Stadium, Academica vs Porto Portuguese League 23:15 .TV bin Jabor Al Thani. Sweden’s Nicklas Friberg. Mike and Torrente. THE PENINSULA 6.30pm NOVEMBER 30, 2013 ON SATURDAY 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Break Time

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Bullet Raja (2D/Hindi) – 7.15pm SPIRITUAL 6:00- A time of reflection, a deeper 1 HOUR 7:00 AM understanding of the teachings of Islam. Parkland (2D/Mystery) – 9.45pm RISE 7:00– Is a lighthearted 10-minute fashion bulletin 13:00 English Premier 14:00 Dance India 9:00AM from red carpets and popular brands around The Frozen Ground (2D/Crime) – 11.30pm the world. League; Dance Season 4 Saturday Club 17:00 Fear Files INTERNATIO- 1:00 PM The latest news and events from around Wadjda (2D/Arabic) – 3.00 & 7.00pm NAL NEWS the world. 14:30 English Premier 18:00 Zee Connect.. MALL League Preview Are You 2 Carrie (2D/Horror) – 5.00, 9.15 & 11.15pm DRIVE 3:00 – Our newest offering! Drive is a daily 15:15 English Connected 4:00 PM afternoon show broadcast at peak travel Championship; Season 3 time. This Monday Nabil zeroes in on Delivery Man (2D/Comedy) Sports with Amir Madjer from Fast Track Afc Bournemouth 18:30 Bh Se Bhade – 2.30, 8.30 & 11.00pm sports agency. V Brighton 20:00 Dance India FASHION 6:00 – Fashion, a LIVE 1-hour weekly show 17:30 English Premier Dance Season 4 7:00 PM hosted and produced by Laura Finnerty. League; Cardiff 21:00 Qubool Hai 3 The Frozen Ground (2D/Crime) – 4.30pm The show brings together the latest fashion trends along with exciting V Arsenal And 21:30 Khelti Hai interviews with local and international Newcastle V Zindagi Aankh Parkland (2D/Mystery) – 6.30pm designers. West Brom Micholi Bullet Raja (2D/Hindi) – 2.30pm REPEAT SHOW/S 23:00 English Premier 22:00 Punar Vivah INNOVATIONS 12:00 – A weekly show hosted and produced by League; Everton 22:30 Do Dil Bandhe 1:00 PM Scott Boyes. The show talks about all the V Stoke Ek Dori Se Geethaanjali (2D/Malayalam) – 5.15 & 8.00pm newest and exciting advancements in the 1 world of science and technology. The Frozen Ground (2D/Crime) – 11.00pm LEGENDARY 7:00 – The show tells the story of a celebrity ARTISTS 8:00 PM artist that has reached unprecedented fame. Throughout the episode the artists’ Wadjda (2D/Arabic) – 2.30 & 4.30pm memorable performances/songs will be played to put listeners in the mood. 2 Carrie (2D/Horror) – 6.30, 8.30 & 11.00pm MUSIC & Listen in the whole day as we offer a wide 13:15 Super Buddies 13:00 A.N.T. Farm LANDMARK INFORMATION array of music from Pop, to Classical, Reggae, Jazz, Funk, World/Ethnic and 14:45 Gaturro 15:00 Disney Mickey Delivery Man (2D/Comedy) more! Also loads of information through 16:15 Gabe The Mouse Shorts QF Radio’s Factoid Series aside from our Cupid Dog Meet The – 3.00, 9.15 & 11.15pm daily program offerings. 15:05 18:00 Brave Robinsons 3 Ongbak 3 (2D/Action) – 5.00pm 20:00 Gnomeo & 18:10 Dog With A Blog Juliet 18:30 Jessie Parkland (2D/Mystery) – 7.00pm 22:00 Gaturro 20:05 Shake It Up 23:30 Gabe The 20:30 Jessie Bullet Raja (2D/Hindi) – 2.30pm 08:00 News 13:15 Fifa Word Cup Cupid Dog 20:50 Suite Life On 09:00 Witness Magazine 01:15 Eleanor’s Deck Wadjda (2D/Arabic) – 5.00pm 10:00 News 14:15 Football’s Greatest Secret 22:00 Good Luck 10:30 Inside Story Teams: Santos 02:45 Gaturro Charlie Geethaanjali (2D/Malayalam) – 7.00pm 11:00 News 14:45 Uefa Champions’ 22:25 A.N.T. Farm 1 11:30 Listening Post League Magazine 23:10 Wizards Of Carrie (2D/Horror) – 9.45pm 12:00 News 15:15 Scottish Cup; Falkirk Waverly Place 12:30 Counting the Cost V Rangers The Frozen Ground (2D/Crime) – 11.30pm 13:00 NEWSHOUR 17:15 Transworld Sport 14:00 News 18:15 Rugby; Aviva Wadjda (2D/Arabic) – 2.30pm 14:30 Inside Story Premiership, Bath V ROYAL 15:00 7Up South Africa Exeter Geethaanjali (2D/Malayalam) – 4.30pm 12:00 Adventures In 12:00 Most Extreme 16:00 NEWSHOUR 20:30 European Tour Babysitting 12:55 Wild France 2 17:00 News Weekly 14:00 New Year’s Eve 13:50 My Cat From Hell PLAZA Carrie (2D/Horror) – 7.15 & 11.15pm 17:30 South2North 21:00 Football’s Greatest 16:00 I Don’t Know 19:20 Monster Bug Wars 18:00 NEWSHOUR Teams: Santos The Frozen Ground (2D/Crime) How She Does It 20:15 Buggin’ With – 9.15pm 19:00 News 21:30 Spanish League; 18:00 This Means War Ruud 19:30 People & Power Real Madrid V Ongbak 3 (2D/Action) 20:00 Casino Jack 21:10 Gator Boys – 3.00pm 20:00 News Valladolid 22:00 What’s Your 22:05 How Not To 20:30 Inside Syria 00:30 Scottish Cup; Falkirk Delivery Man (2D/Comedy) Number? Become Shark 21:00 NEWSHOUR V Rangers 00:00 How To Make Bait 3 – 5.00, 9.15 & 11.15pm 22:00 News 02:15 Rugby; Aviva Love To A 23:00 America’s 22:30 Listening Post Premiership, Bath V Woman Cutest Pet Parkland (2D/Mystery) – 7.00pm 23:00 Al Jazeera World Exeter 02:00 Casino Jack 23:55 Too Cute!

HYPER C RSO S W O RD

1234 56789 10111213 5 Seiji ___, 38 White-tailed longtime Boston raptor Symphony 14 15 16 39 Game similar to maestro bridge 17 18 19 6 Dead letters? 41 Many a C.E.O. 7 Tight-lipped sort has one 20 21 22 8 Court 42 Did perfectly proceedings 47 Batman 23 24 25 9 Hoax portrayer Kilmer 10 Chargers in 49 Desert stop-off 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 “The Charge 50 A ring bearer of the Light 51 Loud, as a 34 35 36 37 38 39 Brigade” crowd 11 Japanese 53 Poker player’s 40 41 42 Yesterday’s answer cartoon art “Uncle” 12 Connector of 43 44 45 55 Melville captain How to play Hyper Sudoku: stories A Hyper Sudoku Puzzle is solved by filling the numbers from 1 to 9 into the blank cells. A Hyper 56 “99 Luftballons” 13 Fictional Marner Sudoku has unlike Sudoku 13 regions (four regions overlap with the nine standard regions). In all 46 47 48 singer regions the numbers from 1 to 9 can appear only once. Otherwise, a Hyper Sudoku is solved like 18 Actress Pia 57 “Lohengrin” a normal Sudoku. 49 50 51 52 53 22 Daisy ___ heroine 24 Realm 59 Tedious learning How to play Kakuro: 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 26 Mideast oil port method The kakuro grid, unlike in sudoku, can be of any 27 Hardly 60 Many a YouTube size. It has rows and columns, and dark cells 63 64 65 aerodynamic upload like in a crossword. And, just like in a crossword, 28 Formerly 61 Gymnast Korbut some of the dark cells will contain numbers. Some 66 67 68 cells will contain two numbers. 29 Watt’s equivalent 62 Meg of However, in a crossword the numbers reference 31 Allow to attack “Sleepless in 69 70 71 clues. In a kakuro, the numbers are all you get! 32 Silent film effect Seattle” They denote the total of the digits in the row or 65 Big name in column referenced by the number. 33 Letters on ACROSS 45 Blue Cross competitor jeans Within each brandy 1 Wines said to go well with meat 46 *1972 Jack Lemmon film collection of cells 37 Textile factory - called a run - any 5 White-bellied whales 48 Atlas blowup containers of the numbers 1 10 Musical Mama 49 Harvard Law Review editor who to 9 may be used went on to become president but, like sudoku, 14 Each each number may 15 Bubkes 52 Bubkes IMP I DLES DADAS only be used once. 16 Voting nay 54 *1980 Robert Hays film NOR L EEZA ERUPT 17 *1952 Marlon Brando film 58 Intense passion Yesterday’s FUELLEVEL CAMPO answer 19 It might hold the solution 63 Tart fruit ENTO MI KEHAMMER 64 *1969 Barbra Streisand film 20 Arctic fishing tool STEUBEN SID YAM 21 *2008 Meryl Streep film 66 Letter-shaped support T I ERED PERUSE 23 Parent who can pass on an X or Y 67 Lensman Adams Baby Blues By Jerry Scott and Rick Kirkman chromosome 68 Common feature in Roman SENAT SL I P OPED 25 Orioles and Blue Jays, informally statuary WHATATOOL 26 From the start 69 Achy ARAL SUBS BLOKE 30 *1968 Mark Lester film 70 Emulated a lamb L ETSON CLONES 34 Name on a plaque, maybe 71 Former New York archbishop ABE RAE I HAVE I T 35 French seas MODELPLANE ELLE 36 Part of fashion’s YSL DOWN OXIDE FIREDRILL 1 Shankar at Woodstock 40 It follows the answer to each DERNS I DEST NOL starred clue 2 Like some fails, in modern slang ESTAS NAMES ERE 43 Medvedev’s denial 3 Bird of peace 44 Skew 4 Baden-Baden and others ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE

NOVEMBER 30, 2013 ON SATURDAY 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Morning Break

PRAYER TIME Christmas market

Fajr (Dawn) 4:41 Shorook (Sunrise) 6:01 Zuhr (Noon) 11:22 Asr (Afternoon) 2:23 Maghrib (Sunset) 4:44 Isha (Night) 6:14

WEATHER

Today Sunday Weather Monday Conditions: Partly cloudy Clear Clear Hazy to misty at first and High: 27° High: 28° High: 27° partly cloudy. Low: 19° Low: 17° Low: 20°

DOHA - SUN & SEA

SUN TIDE SEA

SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 06:01 16:44 03:15 & 13:45 09:00 & 20:45 05-15 KT

THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW

HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER

MUSCAT 27/21 Partly cloudy 28/20 Partly cloudy KUWAIT 27/17 Partly cloudy 25/14 Clear BAHRAIN 25/20 Partly cloudy 25/19 Partly cloudy SANAA 22/05 Clear 23/05 Chance of rain People walk past a giant Christmas tree in Strasbourg, eastern France, yesterday on the opening day of the city’s Christmas market, the largest RIYADH 27/15 Clear 28/15 Clear and one of the eldest French Christmas markets. With over 300 chalets, Strasbourg attracts over two million visitors during the Christmas season. DUBAI 29/20 Partly cloudy 29/19 Partly cloudy BAGHDAD 21/10 Chance of rain 19/10 Mostly cloudy

THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER Droids dance, humanoids Astrophysicists ATHENS 16/14 Chance of Rain 19/15 Chance of Rain snap, map 44 WASHINGTON 04/-1 Partly cloudy 09/00 Partly cloudy SYDNEY 21/14 Scattered clouds 24/13 Chance of rain million stars LONDON 09/04 Mostly cloudy 09/05 Partly cloudy speak at robot museum SYDNEY: Astrophysicists PARIS 10/08 Chance of rain 09/06 Partly cloudy have snapped and mapped ISTANBUL 11/08 Clear 13/10 Cloudy 44 million stars in one of MANILA 29/24 Chance of rain 30/23 Thunderstorm MADRID: A white the most comprehensive DHAKA 27/18 Partly cloudy 27/18 Clear robotic beagle sits and accurate surveys ever DELHI 27/11 Clear 26/11 Clear wagging its tail and undertaken. ISLAMABAD 25/08 Clear 25/09 Clear nuzzling anyone This finding provides two who pets it, while six important breakthroughs. pint-sized robots, First, it gives far more accu- flashing blue, pump rate measurements of the Expensive trumpet their fists as they brightness of each individual dance to the pop hit star than had ever previously “Gangnam Style”. been possible. They are the stars Second, by comparing two of a new museum photographs of each star launched in Madrid taken up to 60 years apart, it this month, show- becomes easy to identify stars casing what its whose brightness has slowly owners say is one changed, The Astrophysical of the world’s top Journal Supplement Series collections of robot reports. dogs and other pet Bryan Gaensler and Greg automatons. Madsen took up this chal- “As far as we know lenge by combining photo- this is the biggest col- graphic and digital data from lection of robots in two major astronomical sur- Europe, and in par- veys, separated by 60 years, ticular of Aibo robotic according to a University of dogs,” sold by Sony Robotic dogs at “The Robot Museum” in the Spanish capital Madrid. Syndey release. from 1999 to 2006, said Gaensler, professor at the the Robot Museum’s ARC Centre of Excellence manager Daniel Bayon, 39.“They are a very important in 1977. Since opening nearly two weeks ago, tickets for All-sky Astrophysics, part of the museum. They are the most advanced robot for guided visits to the small museum underneath University of Syndey, and dogs that have ever existed,” he said. the Juegetronica games store in central Madrid have Madsen from the University This pack of Aibos is the biggest in the world sold out several times, Bayon said. of Cambridge, began by re- outside their native Japan, he added. The owner of the collection, local technology examining a collection of The museum houses some 140 exhibits dating from enthusiast Pablo Medrano, said most of the models 7,400 old photographic plates. the 1980s to the present. Among them is Nao, a on display are no longer for sale in shops. They had previously been walking, talking miniature humanoid developed by The museum is “perhaps the only dedicated robot combined by the US Naval the French robotics company Aldebaran as an edu- museum in Europe outside of universities and train- Observatory into a cata- cational aid. “I am a very special robot. I can simu- ing centres where we can see this technology of the logue of more than one bil- A Christie’s employee holds a trumpet once owned by US trumpeter late real-life behaviour,” it said, in a high-pitched future,” Medrano, 39, said. lion stars and galaxies. The and singer Louis Armstrong during a Pop Culture Sale at Christie’s mechanical voice, during a recent demonstration. “I want robots to be able to help us, just as house- scientists then painstakingly auction house in London, yesterday. The K-Modified Selmer trumpet “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll make myself a bit more hold appliances and computers are helping us, which matched all the objects in this is estimated to fetch $9,000 to 12,000 at Christie’s online auction till comfortable,” it added, sitting down on its bottom. years ago was unthinkable. I hope that in a few years catalogue with more mod- December 5. Nearby stood a model of R2-D2, the classic bleep- robots will meet our daily needs, particularly those ern measurements from the ing droid first seen on movie screens in “Star Wars” of old people.” AFP Sloan Digital Sky Survey. IANS Hollywood film-shoots boost struggling Spanish islands

PLAYA DE SANTIAGO, better-known faces of the project. —saw in these beaches an ideal Chinea, 51, was among various weeks in Andalucia, the southern- Spain. Foreign filmmakers can SPAIN: Barefoot young men They arrived a few days ago, but setting for his current film, “In carpenters hired to help build most region of the Spanish main- “dynamise the Spanish econ- in ragged clothes disembark the first of the filmmakers came the Heart of the Sea”. the set. land and another place hard hit omy” and hold “intrinsic value as from a 19th century-style whal- three months ago and the bars, It is the true story of a crew He helped erect the old palm by the crisis. an external projector of Brand ing ship bobbing in the bay off restaurants, hotels and houses who descend into killing and can- trees on the beach, and painted There, where unemployment Spain”, according to the text of the Spanish island of Gomera. in this town of 2,000 people have nibalism after being shipwrecked their parched leaves green. has topped 36 percent, locals the proposal. Despite their shipwrecked filled up. “This is fantastic. If only by a charge from a sperm whale in “I was unemployed for three queued up to earn ¤80 ($109) a day “The cuts to industry and the appearance, they are here on they could film all year round,” 1820 — the same tale that inspired years and at my age that’s usu- as extras when Scott was shoot- abusive sales tax are choking us,” business. said Sandra Lorenzo, 36, owner Herman Melville’s classic novel ally permanent. Now look at me ing there in August in a desert said Fernando Sanchez, 32, owner They are here to shoot a of a local restaurant, Los Chicos. “Moby Dick”. — I’m working in Hollywood, and zone near the town of Almeria. of a local catering firm in Playa Hollywood movie on this Atlantic “They have been ordering lots of Wicker huts dot the black vol- so is my son,” he said. The coming of Hollywood offers de Santiago. island, giving hope to local work- meals.” canic sand of the beach at Playa On the neighbouring Canary a lifeline to a Spanish production “It is very good that the big ers and businesses stricken by five Spain’s Canary Islands are suf- de Santiago, a tiny port by the island of Fuerteventura, another industry suffering from a fall in US producers are looking to the years of on-off recession. fering more than most regions town of Alajero. film shoot is under way. consumption, subsidy cuts and a Canaries and the south of Spain.” Smiling for photographs with from the country’s five years of The reproduction whaler sits British director Ridley Scott rise in tax on tickets imposed in Chinea the carpenter added local girls, Australian actor economic crisis, with an unem- at anchor nearby, surrounded by arrived there on Monday with a the crisis. however: “It is a shame that they Chris Hemsworth, 30 -- known ployment rate over 35 percent. canoes and modern vessels for crew of 400 to shoot part of his A parliamentary commission will be leaving soon. There’s no as the big-screen superhero But US filmmaker Ron Howard ferrying actors and crew to and film “Exodus” — based on the on Tuesday approved a proposal other money coming into my “Thor” — and his British co- — director of blockbuster pictures from the sailboat. Biblical story. to support film producers and household at the moment.” star Tom Holland are among the such as “The Da Vinci Code” Local carpenter Jose Maria Scott previously spent several promote international shoots in AFP