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Business | 18 Sport | 27

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Qatar Chamber, Over 208,000 Customs plan online clearance expats came to mechanism

DOHA: The Qatar Chamber, representative body of the Qatar in 2013 private sector, and the Customs Department have plans to jointly set up an electronic system whereby Women cross 500,000 mark the approvals needed from the various agencies for DOHA: More than 208,000 for- of all ages within the boundaries import and export will be eign workers, including family of the State of Qatar” as on that provided online. members of some, arrived in the date. The proposed system will country last year, beating all Qatari nationals as well as use the Enterprise Resource records, official figures show. expatriates with residency per- Planning (ERP) software to The figure should, in fact, be mits who were out of the country help communication between higher considering that last on December 31 (2013) are not the involved parties — the month some 23,000 people left included in the monthly popula- Customs Department, the the country, population data for tion census, said the Ministry. Qatar Chamber, importers 2013, released yesterday, suggest. Men continue to outnumber and exporters and embassies A vast majority of these peo- women by three to one. In other of the countries concerned ple might have travelled overseas words, of the 2.04 million people from where shipments are apparently holidaying during the in the country, 1.53 million were coming or being despatched. winter break, as over 18,500 of men. Currently, the approvals them were women. For the first time, the popula- are sought manually so the The country’s population was tion of women had crossed the Paris Saint-Germain players take part in a training session at the Aspire Academy of Sports Excellence in Doha. process is quite cumbersome 2.04 million until December 500,000-barrier, and peaked at and time-consuming. 31, 2013 as against 1.83 million 533,674 last November. It was The proposed ERP-based by 2012-end, data released by marginally down to 515,138 until online system would also the Ministry of Development December 31, apparently, as many All set for PSG-Real Madrid clash handle documents like certifi- Planning and Statistics reflect. families are out vacationing. cate of origin for imports and In 2012, new arrivals totalled In 2012, women totalled some exports as well as temporary only 129,000, some 28,000 of 472,613, while their number was DOHA: An exciting match is in which they prepare to defend rest of the Real squad on Tuesday imports and exports (goods them being women. Among those 436,562 the previous year, and on the cards as European giants their Ligue 1 title. after picking up the injury in that are brought here for who arrived here afresh in 2013, 409,000 in 2010. France’s Paris Saint-Germain PSG are top of Ligue 1, three training a fortnight ago. exhibitions and taken back, or women numbered a little over A look at the population figures (PSG) and Spain’s Real Madrid points ahead of Monaco, at the Bale — who moved to the goods that are taken out of the 36,000. of the last four years since Qatar clash here today at the Khalifa winter break with Real Madrid Bernabeu from Tottenham for country for expositions and The population growth last won the coveted 2022 bid reveals Stadium. third in La Liga, five points a world-record fee in the close- brought back. Such goods are year works out to more than 10 a stupendous growth. Resuming their rivalry in behind Barcelona. season — struggled with back and exempt from customs and tax percent. Qatar’s population had The population in 2010 (at the Doha will be two exciting strik- The Qatari-owned PSG are in thigh problems earlier in the sea- levies under a system called breached a record two million- fag-end of which the FIFA bid win ers. Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Doha for a five-day winter train- son, but has notched seven times Passport ATA Carnet). mark last September, when it came) was 1.63 million, up only Ibrahimovic will be turning out ing camp which will culminate in 10 La Liga appearances in a Senior officials of the suddenly swelled to 2.03 million, marginally, by about 6,000, over for their respective clubs in the with the high-profile exhibition promising start to his career in Customs Department yester- from 1.86 million the previous the previous year, 2009. sell-out match at the stadium match. For the Paris club, this Spain. Real returned to training day met with Rumy Rowhani, month. The following year, in 2011, with a capacity of 50,000. third successive year they are in on Sunday following time off for Director-General of the In the month of September, the more than 70,000 new arrivals The exhibition match is part of Doha for the camp, while for the the mid-season break, but Bale Chamber, and discussed the population had grown by more were recorded, taking the popu- the preparations, for both teams, El Blancos’ it is the first time they had to train alone. above proposal and various than 170,000. The population had lation to beyond 1.7 million. ahead of the second half of the will be in Qatar. Centre-back Raphael Varane other issues. The idea was to peaked at 2.06 million (2,068,050) It surged to 1.83 million in season. PSG coach Laurent Blanc Meanwhile, Gareth Bale has is also unavailable for selection improve coordination between last November. Talking of the 2012 and the rest is history, as insisted that his Qatari-backed been left out of Real Madrid’s today, with the Frenchman con- the Customs Department population until December 31, the evidenced from the latest figures. side would be using the game squad for their friendly with tinuing to suffer from a knee and the Qatar Chamber, Ministry, as usual, said: “The data THE PENINSULA merely as a training session ahead PSG due to a calf complaint. The injury. THE PENINSULA Qatar News Agency (QNA) represents the number of persons Continued on page 4 of a busy second half of the season Welshman did not train with the See also page 28 reported. THE PENINSULA

Obamacare takes off Palestine envoy Iran nuclear deal to to Prague killed in explosion take effect on Jan 20 TEHRAN: Experts from Iran be implemented in late January. PRAGUE: The Palestinian and the P5+1 group of world Experts from Iran and the so- ambassador to the Czech powers have chosen January called P5+1 — the United States, Republic died yesterday after 20 to begin implementing the Britain, France, Russia and China a blast at his Prague residence Geneva deal on Tehran’s nuclear plus Germany — have been hold- that police said was an accident. programme, IRNA news agency ing technical talks on imple- The blast was likely caused by said yesterday. menting an agreement reached an anti-theft system on the door “One of the main proposals is November 24 on Iran’s controver- of a safe that Jamal Al Jamal was to begin applying the agreement sial nuclear ambitions. opening at the time, Prague police from January 20,” the agency cited The interim deal requires that said. Hamid Baeedinejad as saying. Iran freeze or curb its nuclear The 56-year-old suffered “very “There is agreement in princi- activities for six months in serious injuries” in the blast and ple on this date, which has yet to exchange for some sanctions relief was taken to Prague’s military be approved by the politicians,” while the two sides try to reach a hospital in an artificial coma, said he said. Baeedinejad, who heads comprehensive agreement. Jirina Ernestova, spokeswoman the Iranian delegation of experts, On Tuesday, Tehran’s lead for the emergency services. A man looks over the Affordable Care Act (commonly known as Obamacare) signup page on the HealthCare. had already been reported on negotiator Abbas Araqchi Police later confirmed that he gov website in New York in this photo illustration. Hospitals and medical practices across the United States Tuesday by the ISNA news reported “good progress” in the had died. braced for confusion and administrative hassles as new insurance plans under President Barack Obama’s agency as saying the deal should technical talks. AFP “The evidence the police has healthcare law took effect yesterday. doesn’t suggest anything like a terror attack or that a specific person would set up a system with the intention to hurt or kill any- one,” police spokeswoman Andrea Zoulova told AFP. Malayalam papers outnumber other dailies in Qatar Daniel Langer, surgeon at the Prague military hospital to which DOHA: People from the tiny south- other dailies that already have Doha edi- The total circulation of their Doha edi- “The rise in shared accommodations in Jamal was taken, told Czech tel- ern Indian state of Kerala are among tions are Madhyamam, Chandrika, Thejas tions may not cross five digits, but the Qatar has boosted the readership of all evision the ambassador had suf- the largest and pioneering expatriate and Varthamanam, each having its own actual readership is much more, say media Malayalam dailies here, although their cir- fered devastating “head, belly communities in Qatar and can boast of committed readership. sources. culation has not increased in proportion to and chest injuries following an having a number of newspapers pub- Kerala, which is highly dependent on A large number of Keralites (commonly the rise in population,” says Harris Vallil, explosion.” Jamal, who took office lished from Doha in their native tongue, remittances from expatriates, has more known as Malayalees) here are skilled or marketing manager of Gulf Madhyamam. in October, had only recently Malayalam. than a dozen popular vernacular newspa- semi-skilled single workers living in labour Malayalees here, like Keralites back moved to the new residence on With the launch of the Doha edition of pers, with their readership running into camps or shared houses. With their paltry home are deeply split along political lines. the northern outskirts of Prague. Malayala Manorama, a century-old ver- many millions. salaries, many of them cannot afford to Most newspapers in Kerala have political Palestinian foreign minister nacular daily in Kerala, yesterday, five With the launch of Malayala Manorama, spend QR2 daily for a newspaper. So they leanings, appealing to their targeted read- Riyad Al Malki hailed him as “an Malayalam newspapers are being published Malayalam dailies now outnumber the local pool in money to buy newspaper(s) and ership. THE PENINSULA exemplary diplomat. AFP from Qatar and more are in the works. The Arabic (four) and English dailies (three). share it in their camp or villa. Continued on page 3 THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME 2,000 births at Al Wakrah Hospital in one year AWH department provides care for 26,000 women

DOHA: Over one year 2,000 problems related to fertility and and baby resuscitation room,” babies, including twins and other general health issues perti- Mustafa said. triplets, were born in the nent to the reproductive system,” “To address obstetric surgeries Obstetrics and Gynaecology said Ghadeer Mustafa, Director of such as caesarian delivery, post- Department at Hamad Medical Nursing at AWH. delivery complication or other Corporation’s Al Wakrah “Qualified specialists, consult- kinds of required surgery, we have Hospital (AWH). ants, midwives and staff nurses two operating theatres equipped Opened in December 2012, the are working round-the-clock to with the most advanced diagnosis department serves as a compre- offer maternity services to all and treatment devices.” hensive clinical section within women who come to us.” The department also offers the hospital and consists of six Maternity services are pro- patient and family counselling to specialised units to meet the vided at dedicated units within new parents, women with spe- individual medical requirements the department — the Inpatient cific conditions during pregnancy, of expectant women as well as Unit with 52 beds for obstet- and women suffering from other women with other gynaecology rics and gynaecology cases; the reproductive health illnesses and conditions. Outpatient Unit with 11 clinics conditions. Within a year, the Outpatient and eight beds at a sub-division On December 8, the depart- Unit has provided obstetric and Day Care Unit which receives ment introduced an improved gynaecology care to over 12,500 obstetrical and maternity cases; appointment system with the sup- women, the Inpatient Unit to the Emergency Unit with 11 beds port of HMC’s Center for Health 3,000 and the Emergency Unit to and the Neonatal Intensive Care Improvement to enhance the over 10,500 patients. Unit with 25 beds. appointment system for obstetrics “Our mission is to provide “We also have eight Labour and gynaecology services. the safest and the highest qual- and Delivery Rooms, each with “The new system aims at ity of care to not just pregnant one bed for the mother and one minimising the waiting time for women but all women who are for the baby in addition to an patients in the Outpatient unit,” The Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department aims at providing the safest and highest quality of care. experiencing any kind of medical induction room, recovery room, Mustafa said. THE PENINSULA

Vodafone holds fourth meet with retail resellers DOHA: In line with its commit- distributors as well as sales, mar- ment to build and strengthen keting, operations, networks and relationships with mass mar- channel teams from Vodafone, ket outlets, Vodafone Qatar who gave an overview of all held its fourth monthly Zone products launched in the last six Retailer Meet with retail resel- months. They also took an update lers in Muaither. The company on the performance of each prod- has so far met resellers from uct. The team also shared updates Al Wakrah, Al Najma, and Al on improvements in the network Khor. and trends on voice and data. It Vodafone Qatar is planning six discussed the latest barcoding more meetings this year for out- technology for recharge cards, lets in various areas. available with a QR Code, as a The meet was attended by first in the market. Officials and resellers at the fourth monthly Zone Retailer Meet. retailers from their zones and THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Ashghal closes two New system to monitor trucks, roads for new work DOHA: The Public Works Roundabout in the direction Authority — Ashghal — has towards Karwa City in the south. protect bridges and tunnels announced temporary closure Motorists have been advised to of one lane at Al Aqsa street follow traffic signs at the new in Al Qurtibi/Al Bidda (zone traffic control at Industrial Road First Over-Height Vehicle Detection System set up at Duhail intersection number 12) near the Ministry (Al Muntazah), and use Barwa of Interior building from today ring roads. for one month. The road will be closed from The road has been closed for January 5 until December 31. construction and development Motorists from the Industrial of the existing Doha and Rayyan Road and driving north will not Treated Sewerage Effluent Plant, be affected. Ashghal said yesterday, adding Those driving towards Karwa that work will be completed by City need to follow the new traf- early next month. fic control, and use the road adja- Ashghal also announced cent to the Industrial Road. temporary closure at Karwa THE PENINSULA Malayalam dailies popular despite online editions

Continued from page 1 channels and online media have “There is no dearth of political a major negative impact on the issues and controversies in Kerala readership of Malayalam news- and readers here are more inter- papers here. ested in them. This is one factor “The circulation of Malayalam behind the increasing popularity dailies in Qatar has come down of Malayalam dailies in the Gulf,” despite an increase in their says Ashraf Tooneri, Resident number, after the arrival of Editor of Middle East Chandrika. Malayalam TV channels. There is All these newspapers have their a small market in Qatar which is online editions, but the news-hun- getting shared by many,” he said. gry Malayalee would like to read He felt that the prospects of them in print, even if they have getting more advertisement rev- The OVDS is an integral part of the Intelligent Transportation Systems being introduced at several intersections in Qatar. access to the Internet, he said. enue from the booming Qatari “In some shared accom- market is the main factor DOHA: The first Over-Height putting the security and safety of All components of the system the control room will immediately modations, you would see all prompting more dailies to launch Vehicle Detection System road users at risk and damaging work together to detect trucks contact the Traffic Department Malayalam dailies published here. their Doha editions. (OVDS) in Qatar was launched the bridges. that violate the legal height. to take steps to prevent the vehi- Each Keralite would have his pre- “We have found that people at the Duhail intersection on The Road Operation and The system operates in such a cle from entering the interchange. ferred newspaper but he would from Kerala living abroad like to Tuesday. Maintenance Department at way that in the event of any over- The OVDS is implemented in also like to read other newspapers read Malayalam papers to know The new system will help Ashghal is studying the possibil- height vehicle trying to enter the cooperation with the concerned to understand the different angles about their native place and what impose greater control over trucks ity of introducing the OVDS at interchange, the system will alert departments of the ministry. (or versions) of a news,” Harris is happening there. Our Doha edi- and protect bridges and tun- more intersections across Doha. the vehicle through a siren audi- Ashghal is studying a number of added. This is how these newspa- tion will meet their expectations,” nels, the Public Works Authority The launch ceremony was ble at the site, followed by a multi- interchanges to install the system. pers have found a thriving market Anand Mathew, Senior General (Ashghal) said yesterday. attended by senior officials of lingual text message that appear The OVDS is an integral part in the Gulf, despite the prolifera- Manager for sales at Malayala The OVDS detects vehicles that Ashghal and the Ministry of on the electronic board at the site. of the Intelligent Transportation tion of Malayalam TV channels Manorama had told this daily on violate the maximum permitted Interior. The system is operated At the same time, the traffic Systems being introduced at sev- and the online media. Tuesday. height of 5.5m before entering and controlled by the Traffic signal at the approach will turn eral intersections in Qatar. It Ahmed Pathiripatta, a veteran The Doha edition of Manorama tunnels, or passing under bridges. Signal Control Room (TSCR) at red through the control room to has an added value because of its expatriate and correspondent is distinct with four editions rep- Any violation turns on the Ashghal. It comprises a sensor or prevent the vehicle from entering CCTV at the signalised intersec- of Mathrubhoomi, another lead- resenting the different regions of warning sirens to avoid the risk height detector, electronic board, the interchange. If the vehicle is tions, which are controlled by the ing Malayalam daily, believes TV Kerala. THE PENINSULA of trucks damaging tunnels’ roofs, and CCTV. not following the warning orders, TSCR. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Emir sends Shams W Qamar opens at Katara tomorrow condolence DOHA: Shams W Qamar (Sun minutes, tells the love story of and Moon), a new musical by Shams and Qamar and reflects cable to Putin famous composer and play- the concept of love and devotion. DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh wright Wajdi Shaya which It illustrates human struggles Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani opens tomorrow at Katara afflicted by politics, where the sent a cable of condolences to Opera House, also features segregation of the oppressed and Russian President, Vladimir Qatari actors. the free, terror and courage, pride Putin, over the victims of The Arabic musical has sev- and dignity are enhanced. two explosions in the city of eral Arab artistes, including Amid all the chaos stems a Volgograd. Assi El Hallani who plays Qamar love story between the two main and Nadine Al Rassi as Shams, FROM LEFT: Wajdi Shaya, Nasser Al Mumin and Adel Al Ansari addressing a press conference yesterday. characters. Emir, PM greet in addition to Faek Houmaissi, “Shams, the lead character in Jelibar Jalakh, Tony Aad and Ali “That’s why we are keen to cultural activities and artworks Qamar is a fitting way for Katara the play, faces a difficult situa- El Zein, among others. Qatari present successful local and and enriches the theatrical scene to start 2014. tion being torn between her love Sudan president artistes Nasser Al Mumin and international Arab theatrical in Qatar because theatre is one Al Mumin expressed happiness for her country and her people DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Abdelhamid Al Sharshany are masterpieces,” Adel Al Ansari, of the essential means to educate for playing a role and working and for Qamar. The presence of Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani also in the cast. Events and Festivals Chairman people and raise awareness any- alongside famous Arab artistes. famous Arab actors will contrib- sent a cable of congratulations “The event is a new addi- at Katara, told a press conference where in the world.” “This is a good opportunity ute a lot to the play,” said Shaya. to the Sudanese President, tion to Katara’s activities which last night at Katara. Al Ansari said Katara always for Qatari artists to gain experi- Shams W Qamar will be staged Omar Hassan Ahmad Al strive to bring Arab stars and Speaking in behalf of Katara seeks to host the most popular ence from renowned Arab stars, at the Katara Opera House start- Bashir, on his country’s Qatari artistes together to build General Manager, Dr Khalid bin and successful plays and appre- regardless how small the role they ing at 8pm from tomorrow until Independence Day. a foundation for cooperation and Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, he said hosting ciates the participation of Qatari play,” he said. Sunday. The Prime Minister and exchange of experience. plays of such calibre “encourages artistes and staging Shams W The play, which runs for 90 THE PENINSULA Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani sent a similar cable. Lulu Citrus Fest 2014 opens Cuban president congratulated DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of congratula- tions to the President of Cuba, Raúl Castro, on his country’s Independence Day. The Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani sent a similar cable. Minister meets German adviser DOHA: The Assistant Foreign Minister for Foreign Affairs H E Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi met German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Adviser for Foreign and Security Policy Lulu Hypermarket Group welcomed New Year with an innovative promotion ‘Citrus Fest 2014’. It Dr Christoph Heusgen. They was inaugurated by Shanavas P M, Regional Manager, Chacko K Samuel, Commercial Manager, and discussed relations and ways Mohamed Sainulabideen, General Manager, who cut a cake at Lulu Hypermarket, D-Ring Road, yesterday. of enhancing them in various Other Lulu officials and customers were present. The Citrus Fest 2014 runs until January 7. Sixty-nine fields. varieties of agricultural produce belonging to the Citrus family from various countries are on display. QNA Ethiopia ties reviewed ADDIS ABABA: The President of Ethiopia, Mulatu Teshome, met the Qatari Ambassador, Abdulaziz bin Sultan Al Rumaihi, and discussed relations. QNA Population growth rates jumping NDS target

Continued from page 1 It is interesting to note that population growth rates since 2012 have been far jumping the tar- get set by the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2011-16. The NDS projected the total population in 2012 at 1.76m, while in reality it soared to 1.83m, jumping the target. For 2013, the target was set at 1.78m, but by the end of the year the popu- lation exploded beyond the two-million-mark. Interestingly, the popu- lation growth target set by the NDS 2011-16 does not project more than 2m population until its end: In 2016, which is the last plan year for NDS, the popula- tion is projected at 1.86m. According to experts, what is worrisome is that a population growth which is not planned for can put sudden and unwanted pressure on public serv- ices, utilities, housing and basic food needs and trig- ger inflationary pressures, as was witnessed during 2006-08. Already, house rents have begun soaring due to rising demand and food inflation has been seen for a while. According to one observer who didn’t want his name in print, aside from escalating rentals, the chaotic scenes on the Doha road is just another example of unplanned pop- ulation growth — of both men and vehicles. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Rail works exempted from building rules Cabinet approves draft law on national project

DOHA: The Cabinet approved shall assume all power vested signing and endorsement of the yesterday a draft law exempting in the Ministry of Municipality statute of the Higher Arab Legacy works of the railways network and Urban Planning as per the Authority. project from the enforcement of Law No. 4 of 1985 with regard The authority is a non-gov- rules of Law No. 4 of 1985 on the to works, particularly the issu- ernmental organisation work- regulation of buildings. ance of licences for works and ing within the framework of the The weekly session chaired by its protected areas, identifying Arab League to establish a unified the Prime Minister and Interior conditions for their allocation structure to collect Arab ancient Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah and renewal, taking necessary and contemporary literary and bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani legal procedures, controlling and scientific works in the form of at the Emiri Diwan, decided to supervising them and the issu- a text data base and make it refer the draft law to the Advisory ance of regulations in coordina- available for concerned people, Council. tion with government bodies. researchers and students world- Following the meeting, the The Cabinet also approved wide through its website. Deputy Prime Minister and Qatar’s third and fourth reports The Cabinet reviewed a letter Minister of State for Cabinet on implementation of the from the Minister of Economy Affairs H E Ahmed bin Abdullah Convention on the Rights of the and Trade on the outcome of the Al Mahmoud said the exemption Child 2013, prepared by the com- 48th meeting of the GCC Trade was due to the special nature mittee set up by a Cabinet deci- Cooperation Committee in Riyadh and strategic importance of the sion under the Supreme Council in October 2013 and a letter from railways network as a national for Family Affairs. the Minister of Communications project. The session endorsed the host- on the outcome of the 26th session According to the draft law, the ing of the 12th annual meeting of of the Arab Transport Ministers network project include works in the Association of Tax Authorities Council in Alexandria in October the protected areas. of Islamic Countries in Doha in 2013 and took appropriate deci- Qatar Railways Company (Rail) 2015. It took measures for the sions. QNA CPD has not approved UK surgeons visiting HMC DOHA: Patients with orthopaedic problems will be any hike in milk prices able to consult experts from the UK from today until January 6 at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). DOHA: The Consumer Protection Two orthopaedic surgeons from the Royal National Department (CPD) at the Ministry of Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust will visit HMC Economy and Commerce has said that it had and patients are advised to contact the Outpatient not approved any new increase in the prices Department on 44384874 or 44384803 for appointments. of milk in the local market, except for a few Dr Hilali Noordeen, Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, will dairy products of Al Marai. have clinics today and January 5 at HMC’s Bone and The Al Marai products that saw a price hike Joint Institute, Orthopaedic Surgery Section. He will include the lifelong milk, cheese and some fla- conduct surgeries on Friday and Saturday. . voured milk, a local Arabic daily said yesterday. Professor Tim Briggs, an expert in bone and soft tis- In reply to a recent report by the daily about a sue sarcoma, will hold a clinic on January 5 and conduct major hike in the prices of imported milk, CPD surgery on January 6. said the prices remained unchanged except in Hosting visiting physicians and surgeons is part of the case Al Marai products. It said there was HMC’s continuing effort to enable patients to benefit no justification for a hike at the moment since from top specialist expertise locally instead of having the prices in the source countries remained to travel abroad for specialised care. Such visits also unchanged. THE PENINSULA promote an exchange of expertise and continuing edu- cation for medical residents. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST

Lebanon holds S Sudan govt, rebels Saudi militant over embassy set for ceasefire talks bombing BEIRUT: Lebanese intelligence Warring parties arrive in Ethiopian capital agents are interrogating the Saudi leader of a militant group ADDIS ABABA: South purge of his opponents. The International Committee that claimed a double suicide Sudan’s warring parties were The fighting has spread across of the Red Cross said residents attack on the Iranian embassy set to begin peace talks in Addis the country, with the rebels seiz- continue to pour by the thou- in Beirut last November, a Ababa aimed at bringing an end ing several areas in the oil-rich sand out of Jonglei and across the Lebanese security source said to a nearly three-week-old civil north. On Tuesday the rebels White Nile into Awerial county in yesterday. war that has already left thou- recaptured Bor, the capital of neighbouring Lakes state. US national security sources sands dead. Jonglei state and situated just “The road to the river is lined on Tuesday confirmed the deten- Government and rebel negoti- 200km north of the capital Juba, with thousands of people, with tion of Majid bin Muhammad ating teams both arrived in the and fighting was reportedly con- others waiting for boats to carry Al Majid, reported leader of the Ethiopian capital last evening, tinuing in the area yesterday. them across,” said Francois Abdullah Azzam Brigades, which a source close to the talks said Thousands of people are feared Moreillon, ICRC deputy head of operates throughout the Middle and diplomats said they expected dead, UN officials say, while close delegation. East and has links to Al Qaeda. formal discussions on a possible to 200,000 civilians have been The UN last week estimated The Lebanese source, who ceasefire to begin today. forced to flee their homes -- many that some 70,000 people had declined to be named, said Ethiopian government spokes- seeking refuge with badly over- already fled into Awerial. Majid had been arrested by the man Getachew Reda said the stretched UN peacekeepers. The conflict has also been Lebanese army together with talks would focus on “monitoring marked by an upsurge of eth- another Saudi militant, but did mechanisms for the ceasefire”. nic violence pitting members not say when they were captured “It’s positive that they are of Kiir’s Dinka tribe against or identify the second man. He sending delegations,” UN spe- Kiir declares Machar’s Nuer community, and said Majid had been living in the cial envoy Hilde Johnson said in the UN Mission in South Sudan city of Sidon. Juba, underscoring the dire need emergency in (UNMISS) said that “atrocities The Abdullah Azzam Brigades’ for “reconciliation and healing” are continuing to occur” across Twitter account, from which they at the talks, which are being bro- two states the country. claimed the attack on the Iranian kered by Ethiopia on behalf of “UNMISS is gravely concerned embassy, did not mention the IGAD, an East African regional NAIROBI: South Sudanese about mounting evidence of gross arrest. A civil war in neighbour- grouping. President Salva Kiir declared violations of international human ing Syria that pits majority Sunni “Negotiations also need to be a state of emergency in two rights law that have occurred in Muslim rebels against President accompanied by something else, states yesterday, the gov- South Sudan during the past Bashar Al Assad, who belongs to a deeper process that focuses on ernment said on its official 15 days,” it said in a statement, a sect close to Shi’ism, has deep- national reconciliation between Twitter account. reporting “extra-judicial killings ened sectarian resentment in the communities. We have seen “President Kiir has declared of civilians and captured soldiers” Lebanon, whose own 15-year civil terrible acts of violence in the a state of emergency for and the “discovery of large num- war ended in 1990. past two weeks... and as we know, Unity and Jonglei states bers of bodies” in Juba, Bor and Sunni hardline militant groups, if there is no one held account- #SouthSudan,” the statement Malakal, the main town in oil- including Al Qaeda affiliates, have able, there is a major risk that the on the @RepSouthSudan producing Upper Nile state. A wounded woman receives treatment at the Malakal Hospital in the Upper carried out attacks against the violence can continue,” she added. Twitter handle said. The UN mission also said it Nile State of South Sudan, yesterday. Lebanese Shia Hezbollah group, Fighting erupted in South The two regions have been was “actively collecting informa- an ally of Assad and of Iran. Sudan on December 15, when the focus of fighting against tion” on the atrocities to be used talks with Kiir, and that his forces Addis Ababa is going to discuss The Abdullah Azzam Brigades President Salva Kiir accused his rebel forces loyal to the former for future official investigations. were marching on the capital and to negotiate. I will follow have threatened more attacks former deputy Riek Machar of vice president that has killed On Tuesday, Machar said via Juba. later, once the negotiations have in Lebanon unless Iran pulls its attempting a coup. Machar has more that 1,000 people. satellite phone that he was not “There is no cessation of hos- resulted in a cessation of hostili- forces out of Syria, according to denied this, in turn accusing the REUTERS yet ready to agree to an immedi- tilities yet,” Machar said. “That ties. It depends on if and when tweets at the time of the embassy president of conducting a violent ate ceasefire nor hold face-to-face is what the delegation going to that is achieved.” AFP bombing. According to the Long War Journal, a respected counter-terrorism blog, Majid is among 85 individuals identi- fied on a Saudi government list Saudi morality police may relax rules on prayer times issued in 2009 as most wanted for their alleged involvement RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s a moderate appointed to the post improve the image of the moral- modest dress and restrained quoted as saying by Arab News. with al Qaeda. morality police may relax the a year ago, said he did not think ity police, officially known as the public behaviour. King Abdullah is praised by his The blog said that the Abdullah kingdom’s strict rules on clos- they needed to close for such a Commission for the Promotion In 2002 it triggered interna- supporters as having introduced Azzam Brigades, named after a ing shops and businesses for long period, in comments on tel- of Virtue and the Prevention of tional outrage when its officers cautious social and economic founder of Al Qaeda and associate prayer five times a day, the evision carried in the English- Vice. The Custodian of the Two prevented schoolgirls leaving a reforms designed to modernise of the late Osama bin Laden, were force’s head Sheikh Abdulatif language daily Arab News, which Holy Mosques King Abdullah burning building because they Saudi Arabia without causing formed sometime after 2005 as a Al Al Sheikh was quoted as is owned by a leading prince. bin Abdulaziz appointed him a were not wearing veils, leading social unrest. spin-off of Al Qaeda in Iraq. saying by local press yesterday. Al Al Sheikh added that year ago after a clip went viral to several deaths. Some of the monarch’s critics Street clashes and bomb attacks All shops in Saudi Arabia are Muslim shop staff could pray at on YouTube showing a morality Its officers have also been say these changes merely pro- have increased in Lebanon as supposed to shut for half an hour their places of work rather than police patrol harassing a family accused inside Saudi Arabia of vide an illusion of reform while Syria’s 2-1/2-year war has inten- during the daily Muslim prayers, having to spend time walking to in a shopping mall. taking the law into their own the political system in which the sified, the latest being a bomb which take place at dawn, mid- the mosque and back. The organisation enforces the hands. “I will continue with the ruling family shares power with attack on December 27 that killed day, mid afternoon, sunset and The comments are the latest kingdom’s Islamic law, includ- most moderate and tolerant view conservative clerics, remains six people including a Lebanese evening. However, Al Al Sheikh, sign of Al Al Sheikh’s attempts to ing strict gender segregation, to lead this organisation,” he was unaltered. REUTERS ex-minister who opposed Assad. REUTERS Israel lawmakers 8 killed in twin car bomb appeal to Obama for spy’s release attacks in Mogadishu JERUSALEM: Israeli MPs handed President Shimon Peres MOGADISHU: At least eight well-guarded gates of a target to a petition yesterday urging the people were killed when a let in a suicide commando and United States to release impris- car bomb rammed into one of sometimes another explosives- oned Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard, Mogadishu’s top hotels yes- laden vehicle. after reports Washington spied terday and a second vehicle The Shebab claimed responsi- on its own allies. exploded as the wounded were bility for a spectacular September “Pollard has served 29 years in being treated. onslaught on an upscale shopping prison for the severe offences he There was no immediate claim mall in Nairobi that left at least committed,” reads the petition, of responsibility but the attack, 67 people dead. which was signed by 106 of the 120 which also appeared to involve a The group said at the time the members of the Israeli parliament commando of gunmen, bore all attack was retaliation for Kenya’s and addressed to US President the hallmarks of Somalia’s Al military involvement in Somalia. Barack Obama. “The conditions Qaeda-linked Shebab group. The Shebab once controlled have ripened for his release.” “A booby-trapped car exploded most of southern and central The former US Navy analyst against hotel Jazeera,” near a Somalia but withdrew from was arrested in 1985 for giving United Nations complex, police fixed positions in Mogadishu two Israel thousands of secret docu- officer Muhidin Ahmed said. “It years ago. Free Syrian Army fighters prepare a locally made rocket launcher in Old Aleppo yesterday. ments about US espionage in the appears to be a suicide attack.” African Union troops —includ- Arab world. He was sentenced He was not immediately able to ing large contingents from to life in prison. A spokeswoman provide an accurate casualty toll Uganda, Kenya and Burundi — for Ayelet Shaked of the far-right for the first blast, but a witness have since recaptured every major Jewish Home party, one of the spoke of at least five dead. insurgent bastion and tried to Over 73,000 dead in Syria in authors of the petition, said the The second car bomb ripped prop up Somalia’s fledgling gov- initiative was motivated by the through the blast scene as ambu- ernment forces. recent revelations of US spying lances rushed in and Somali sol- But a string of devastating on Israeli leaders. diers were helping the wounded. Shebab attacks against foreign 2013, war’s bloodiest year The New York Times reported “Another car loaded with explo- and government targets have last month that between 2008 and sives went off as security forces shattered hopes of a rebirth for BEIRUT: More than 73,000 it had documented the deaths of chemical weapons programme 2011, US and British intelligence were trying to assist victims,” the war-ravaged capital and people were killed in Syria in 73,455 people between January “and neglected dozens of mas- agencies tapped the communi- police officer Mohamed Warsame demonstrated that the Islamist 2013, the bloodiest year yet in 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013, sacres that killed thousands of cations of then premier Ehud said. “I counted eight bodies, most outfit’s disruptive power was the brutal civil war that began including 22,436 civilians. Syrians”. Olmert, among other foreign of them soldiers,” said witness undiminished. in March 2011, an NGO said On Tuesday, the Observatory The loss of life continued on leaders, according to secret doc- Abdikarim Hassan. The group, which has become yesterday. released an updated toll for the Wednesday, with the Observatory uments revealed by intelligence The Jazeera hotel, near the a magnet for foreign jihadists, The tally from the Syrian entire war, saying more than reporting an ongoing regime cam- contractor Edward Snowden. international airport, is one of the has carried out an average of one Observatory for Human Rights 130,000 people had been killed paign of aerial bombardment in Yediot Aharonot reported that seaside capital’s most upmarket “complex attack” every six or came as renewed regime air since it began, the majority of northern Aleppo province. in 2007, when Ehud Barak was and its clientele includes Somali eight weeks over the past year. strikes in the northern city them fighters from both sides. It said five people were killed in defence minister, the US embassy politicians and visiting for- In 2013, devastating attacks of Aleppo killed at least five The group slammed the inter- air strikes on the Sukkari neigh- in Tel Aviv rented an apartment eign officials. Eyewitnesses also were carried out in Mogadishu people. national community yesterday, bourhood of Aleppo city, adding opposite his penthouse to spy on reported an intense exchange of against the main courthouse, a The group said it considered saying it “failed to take serious that raids also targeted nearby him. The petition said: “Senior offi- gunfire between assailants and UN compound, Turkish interests the international community action to stop the massacres that districts. cials in previous administrations, security officers between the and an ambush also targeted the “a partner in the shedding of have been committed and con- The group also raised to 17 the both in the security establishment back-to-back blasts. president’s convoy. the blood of the Syrian people” tinue to be committed”. toll in an incident in the Tarik al- and within the American intelli- The attack was similar to oth- Shebab insurgents also fought because it had failed to take “seri- Instead, it said, the inter- Bab neighbourhood of the city on gence community, have expressed ers carried out by the Shebab off a hostage-rescue attempt by ous action” to stop the war. national community had Tuesday, in which a regime tank their opinion that Pollard should in Mogadishu, with a first car French commandos a year ago. The Britain-based group said focused on dismantling Syria’s shell hit a bus. AFP be released.” AFP bomb smashing through the AFP THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Iraq gunmen free prisoners, burn stations Four police stations in Ramadi torched, 101 prisoners escape

RAMADI, IRAQ: Militants Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki leadership of Al Qaeda”. freed more than 100 prisoners, said on Tuesday that troops would But while its closure removed clashed with security forces pull out of cities in Anbar prov- a physical sign of deep-seated and burned police stations in ince, of which Ramadi is the capi- grievances among Sunni Arabs, cities west of the Iraqi capital tal, in a move apparently aimed at their complaints of being mar- yesterday. defusing tensions in the wake of ginalised by Shia-led authori- Gunmen attacked the head- the camp’s closure. ties and unfairly targeted quarters in the city of Fallujah The soldiers had moved to an by security forces remain but gave the police a chance to area west of Ramadi yesterday. unaddressed. leave, which they took, officers The withdrawal was one of the Protests broke out in Sunni said, after which the militants demands that 44 MPs made on Arab-majority areas of Iraq late freed 101 prisoners and stole Monday at a news conference last year after the arrest of guards weapons. during which they announced of then-finance minister Rafa al- In Ramadi, farther west, secu- they had submitted their Essawi, an influential Sunni Arab, rity forces clashed sporadically resignations. on terrorism charges. with militants, who burned four In another move apparently The arrests were seen by police stations in the city. aimed at placating Anbar resi- Sunnis as yet another example of The journalist saw four torched dents, the cabinet decided on the Shia-led government target- police stations in Ramadi, one of Tuesday to provide aid to the ing one of their leaders. which was still on fire, and said province. In the northern city of Mosul, a two military vehicles had also The oil, trade and health min- car bomb exploded near an army been burned. istries were to provide food, fuel checkpoint on Wednesday, killing Clashes erupted in the Ramadi and medical items, and other a civilian, four soldiers, among area on Monday as security forces ministries would also give “sup- them three officers, and wound- dismantled the country’s main port and necessary services to ing 11 people. Sunni Arab anti-government pro- Anbar province”, the cabinet Violence in Iraq has reached a test camp, which was located on said. level not seen since 2008, when a nearby highway. The removal of the camp was the country was just emerging At least 14 people, all but one of a victory of sorts for Maliki, who from a brutal period of sectarian them militants, died in violence in had long wanted it gone and had killings. Gunmen gesture during fighting in Ramadi yesterday. the area on Monday and Tuesday. termed it a “headquarters for the AFP

Police tear gas pro-Mursi Erdogan calls on Turks to students thwart ‘plot’ against nation CAIRO: Egyptian police yes- terday fired tear gas at student ISTANBUL: Prime Minister US-based Turkish cleric with promises to banish corrup- supporters of ousted presi- Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged strong influence in the police tion that his removal from dent Mohamed Mursi as they Turks to rally around him and judiciary, accused by power could prove traumatic protested near the defence in fighting what he termed a Erdogan’s backers of conniving for Turkey. He could yet call ministry against the new mili- dirty plot by foreign-backed at the investigation. The former early elections to demonstrate tary-installed authorities, state elements targeting “the bread ally, Fethullah Gulen, denies the his continued popularity and media reported. on your table, the money in allegation. increase his power to handle The protests by students your pocket, the sweat of your “Whichever party you sup- the accusations. from Cairo University came as a brow”. port, this plot targets all of you Erdogan also said the inves- Muslim Brotherhood-led Islamist “History will not forgive without exception, the bread on tigation aimed to undermine alliance backing Mursi called for those who have become mixed your table, the money in your “the picture of brotherhood” nationwide strike action. up in this game,” Erdogan pocket, the sweat of your brow,” in a fragile peace process with The Brotherhood, to which said in a televised end of year he said. Kurdish militants, launched Mursi belongs, was designated a address devoted almost entirely Erdogan, who has won three in 2012 and aimed at ending a “terrorist” group last week by the to a corruption investigation elections, casts the scandal as conflict which has killed 40,000 authorities, which accused it of a he says has been engineered in a campaign by domestic dark people. bombing north of the capital that police and judiciary to under- forces and foreign financial Erdogan said June anti- killed 15 people. mine his government and sap organisations, media and gov- government protests across The Islamist movement denied its influence in the Middle East ernments resentful of a for- Turkey, triggered by a heavy- the accusation. and beyond. eign policy more independent handed police crackdown on a Egypt’s state-run AlAhram Police raided offices and of Nato and the United States. demonstration against plans newspaper’s website reported homes and detained business- Foremost in his suspicions to redevelop Istanbul’s central that police used tear gas to dis- men close to the government is Gulen, who has no political Gezi Park, were part of the perse the protesting students and and the sons of three minis- party but great influence in key same conspiracy. arrested some of them. ters on December 17. Erdogan state institutions based widely “Just as the Gezi incidents Police also fired tear gas at a responded by purging some on his global network of pri- were dressed up in the cover pro-Mursi student protest in the 70 officers connected with the vate schools and media. Though of trees, parks and the envi- Nile Delta city of Zagazig, the inquiry and blocking a second their differences are not argued ronment, the December 17 deposed leader’s home town, secu- investigation into big infra- in public, the two have differed plot was hidden in the cover of rity officials said. structure projects promoted over foreign and domestic poli- corruption.” Pro-Mursi students have staged by Erdogan. cies and the fate of the schools He said it was no coincidence defiant demonstrations at univer- “I invite every one of our 76 which Erdogan recently moved that the attacks coincided with sities across Egypt, and earlier million people to stand up for to close down. what he called one of the most Wednesday the pro-Mursi Anti- themselves, to defend democ- “Circles uncomfortable with successful years in modern Coup Alliance called for more racy and to be as one against Turkey’s successes, its grow- Turkey’s 90-year history. The protests. these ugly attacks on our coun- ing economy, its active foreign year has seen record highs “As the students’ strikes suc- try,” he said. policy, its global-scale projects, in Turkish financial markets, ceed in shaking the corners The scandal poses the biggest implemented a new trap set credit rating upgrades and the of the coup regime, the coali- challenge to Erdogan in 11 years against Turkey,” Erdogan said, paying off of the country’s IMF tion of parties, movements and as leader, raising fears of a frac- sitting at a desk before the red debt. groups defending democracy in ture in his AK Party in the run- Turkish national flag. Erdogan’s supporters argue Egypt calls for a gradual, decisive up to elections and damage to So great has been Erdogan’s the graft accusations have so nationwide strike,” it said. strong economic growth. dominance since his AK Party far lacked any substance. AFP It also pitches him against a was first elected in 2002 on REUTERS Ex-Israel PM Sharon’s health worsens JERUSALEM: The health of former Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon, who has been in a coma for nearly eight years, worsened yes- terday, Israeli media reported. The 85-year- old, who is at the Tel Hashomer hospital in the city of Tel Aviv, was suffering from “serious kidney problems” after undergoing surgery, army radio said. News website Ynet quoted medical sources as saying Sharon was taken into intensive care a month ago. His health then stabi- lised but suffered a “signifi- cant deterioration” in the past few days. The long- time leader of the right- wing nationalist camp in Israeli politics suffered a massive stroke on January 4, 2006, slipping into a coma from which he has never recovered. AFP THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Musharraf’s woes Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

ORMER Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf must be ruing the day he decided to come back to Pakistan. That comeback was planned with great Scapegoating migrants for Fprecision; he had great hopes of rescuing his country from the morass it’s in, and the public was expected to be ecstatic about his return. But nothing of the sort happened and the 70-year-old former military ruler is now fighting a UK’s crisis will damage all fierce battle for his own survival, after being charged with high treason by the current government headed by his BY SEUMAS MILN former foe Nawaz Sherif. begged David Cameron to invoke an EU corporate globalisation that took hold in In a sign of his worsening problems, Musharraf failed to “safeguard clause” to keep the curbs on the past 30 years and widened inequality appear in court yesterday to face a formal indictment for the T’S the influx that never was. New Bulgarian and Romanian employment both within and between countries. It’s second time in two weeks, while a testy exchange between Year’s Day, we were told by rightwing in place, while Tory ministers claimed also been fuelled by 15 years of western Ipoliticians and press, would be the they were being blocked by the Liberal wars and intervention from Afghanistan his lawyers and a panel of judges added a new round of day the floodgates opened. Romanians Democrats. It was grandstanding non- to Somalia. And in eastern Europe, the drama to the closely watched case. The special tribunal has and Bulgarians, free at last to work sense, as the European commission exploitation and migration of low-waged ordered Musharraf to appear today, choosing to postpone the in Britain without restrictions, would would have had to agree to it. and skilled workers has been central to hearing just one more day instead of immediately the former come in their hordes. Beggars and bene- Cameron claimed he was going to the neoliberal model imposed after 1989. ruler and forcing him to attend the hearing. fit scroungers would be battering on our clamp down on “benefit tourism”, for It’s that model that crashed in 2008 doors. The country would be swamped. which the government conceded there after years of stagnating real wages had The whole drama shows that Musharraf is finding himself But when it came to it, there was was in fact no “quantitative evidence”. fuelled the rise of the populist right isolated. It’s also not clear what consequences a continuation no sign of them: no special coaches, no He then announced migrants would no across the continent. Public opposition of his trial would have, because he doesn’t enjoy enough temporary camps and plenty of spare longer be able to claim out-of-work ben- to immigration in Britain isn’t just a support among the public though there are doubts about seats on flights from Bucharest and efits for three months – which is effec- product of xenophobia or media mendac- the extent of support for him from the military. At a press Sofia. It’s not so hard to work out why. tively already the case. The depraved ity, as sometimes claimed, but people’s conference this week, Musharraf Romanians and Bulgarians have been nadir of this migrant-baiting Dutch response to its impact on a deregulated able to live and work throughout the auction was reached when Ukip’s leader, labour market, under-invested housing claimed he enjoys the sympathy of the European Union since 2007. There are Nigel Farage, made clear that his call and slashed public services. The former country’s large military establishment. already about for Syrian refugees to be allowed into In the past decade, European migra- But reports suggest the military is 150,000 in Britain, Britain would apply to Christians only. tion was used as a sort of 21st-century military ruler divided on the issue. Some groups are 2 million in Italy In reality, the politicians are pos- incomes policy in Britain as employers must be ruing said to have expressed sympathy for and Spain, and turing because they can’t control EU ruthlessly exploited migrant labour to Musharraf’s efforts as president and seven other EU migration, but need a scapegoat for hold down wages – which have since the day he The Tories and countries lifted falling living standards, shrinking pub- been cut in real terms for four years in disapproval of the current prosecution, working restric- lic services and the housing shortage. a row as a result of the crisis. decided to end while others are distancing themselves Ukip are vying tions yesterday, Faced with the electoral threat from The ready supply of low-cost migrant his exile. from his dictatorial actions, saying to terrify the including France Ukip, the Tories and their friends in the labour was only one factor in the ear- they undermined the country’s and Germany. media have reached for the tried and lier wage stagnation, which was driven democracy. And there has been no public about No doubt the tested alternative of blaming foreigners. by globalised trade, technology and the numbers will That will only strengthen Ukip’s decline of unions. But the determina- public comment from current military officials, which means Romanians and pick up, though appeal. But it will also degrade social tion to fight anti-migrant bigotry and the military doesn’t hold a single view on the goings-on. it won’t be on the life and undermine economic recovery, racism can lead some to romanticise Despite the claims and counterclaims, one question that Bulgarians. scale of the east as the government tries to restrict the deregulated migration as an undiluted could be asked is whether the current trial is impartial What’s needed European migra- right of British citizens to bring in a good on whatever scale. and uninfluenced by extraneous factors. Musharraf has an tion of the past non-European spouse to those earning That’s clearly not the case for either acrimonious relationship with the country’s judiciary, which is protection decade. But for over £18,600 a year and clamps down on source countries, which can be stripped months, we have non-EU students. After years in which of skilled workers and professionals by every Pakistani knows. For the same reason, the judiciary at work and a been subjected the explosive link between immigra- richer states, or migrants subject to will have to move cautiously. Any act that is seen as giving a crash housing to a drumbeat of tion and race has been partly defused, abuse and discrimination. Immigration vindictive nature to the trial can have adverse consequences. hysteria, as the expect abuse of Roma people, Europe’s rules for EU states, such as Britain, are The army too is unlikely to tolerate the victimization programme. Tories vied with most shamefully treated minority, to be incidentally heavily skewed in favour of of its former chief. Musharraf’s defense team has also the nationalist ratcheted up. white migrants. filed legal petitions arguing that the tribunal process is UK Independence That’s far easier for the government For host countries, the overall eco- party to terrify and its supporters than dealing with nomic impact of immigration may be unconstitutional and biased, and that because he was an the public about the coming onslaught the causes of the crisis through which positive, even if Britain’s growth was army general as well as president in 2007, he must be tried and promise ever more meaningless or people experience mass migration. As relatively sluggish before the crash. before a military court. A separate civilian court rejected toxic crackdowns, egged on by a xeno- Damian Dr ghici, Roma adviser to the And press and politicians’ claims that these petitions in mid-December, but the defense has since phobic media. Romanian prime minister, put it this migrants are a drain on the public appealed. Migrants will be charged for emer- week, Britain should be more worried finances is clearly nonsense. They are gency hospital treatment at their bed- about bankers “stealing billions” than far less likely to claim benefitsthan The coming weeks will be very crucial for Musharraf. But side, the government announced – but “Roma begging in the street”. those born in Britain and they make a the fact that the public is allowing the law to take its course that won’t apply to EU citizens. The The growth of large-scale migra- large net contribution in taxes. shows a maturing of its democracy • Daily Mail and 90 Conservative activists tion is after all part of the system of THE GUARDIAN The other side Quote of A more multipolar world the day

HE year 2013 has witnessed Now various countries and the United trend of globalization. Whether to con- Amid these trends, one tendency in positive developments in Nations are making moves to dispose tinue to dwell on the old geopolitical particular should make us alert. Some some hot spot regional issues, of Syria’s deadly weapons. In the eco- politics or adopt a broader vision to have tried to maintain their leading role Circles uncomfortable which is clear proof that major nomic sector, after marathon nego- realize global peace and stability is a in world affairs through reorganization T with Turkey’s powers in the world have enhanced tiations, the World Trade Organization question that should have only one of old powers in the name of equilib- their coordination and pragmatic finally achieved a breakthrough with a answer. rium of power, which will only trigger successes, its growing cooperation on international issues, package consisting of 10 documents But although some small- and an even more serious imbalance in said an opinion piece in People’s Daily in the areas of trade facilitation, agri- medium-sized countries have pursued world order. economy, its active on Monday. culture and development. a more balanced regional security How the system of international rela- foreign policy, its This summer, the chaotic situa- All these positive signs show coun- framework to sustain stable develop- tions can be adapted more smoothly tion in Syria almost went from bad tries around the world have recognized ment, some countries have tried to to the momentum of globalization and global-scale projects, to worse. Luckily, the United States the pressing need to resolve the major make rules in world economic coop- the trend toward a multipolar world is a and Russia reached an agreement on issues the world is facing today. eration frameworks to better suit their question for people around the world implemented a new Syria’s chemical weapons issue, and To a great extent, the future direc- national interests through adjustments to ponder in 2014 and beyond. trap set against the situation took a turn for the better. tion of the world order hinges on the in their political and economic policies. China Daily Recep Tayyip Erdogan Turkey. Turkish Prime Minister THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 QATAR PERSPECTIVE www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Stop tarnishing Qatar’s image MOHAMED SALAH AL MUSAFAR A team of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) and officials of Qatari nvious people and However, we enjoy a dignified Authority for Charitable Works sending “writers of crises” life, express our opinions freely relief to Sudan. across the Arab world and demand further reforms and are busy trying to participation without fear of any underestimate Qatar’s crackdown or harassment. There Eimportance on Arab and interna- could be some mistakes, but mere tional levels. They do everything individuals commit them, and possible to tarnish the country’s these mistakes don’t affect the image. freedom of citizens, their thoughts, These people fault our country properties, families and dignity. in being undemocratic. To them I These writers claim through say, if Iraq under Nouri Al Maliki the media that Qatar has rela- and his Shia party is a democratic tions with Israel, forgetting that state, then I have enough reasons the relationship deteriorated fol- to reject this type of democracy. lowing the Israeli aggression on I reject this model, which opened Gaza in late 2008 and early 2009, the door for killing more than one and the Palestinian ambassador in million Iraqis (men, women and Doha can confirm this. children) while more than three No single Palestinian has been millions have been displaced since killed on Qatari territory over the Al Maliki’s party came to power. years, but the “writers of crises” The same model opened the never talk about the number of door for looting public money Palestinians slaughtered by the and properties. This article is not Assad regime in Palestinian refu- enough to recount details. gee camps. Do these envious people want It is true that Palestinians had us in Qatar to have a democracy been treated as citizens in Syria like that in Syria under Bashar Al since the setback of 1948 before Assad? Assad’s father came to power, and Assad’s democracy has revolved this was because of the generosity around the concepts of “rejection” of the Syrian people. Israel and Egypt’s role in the siege Strip. The Palestinian Authority because of bad weather conditions society’s support reached QR4.2bn and “resistance”, and destroyed Palestinian refugees endured of Gaza with the sole aim of pleas- although receives money from the overwhelmed the Strip last month. during the same period. more than 50 percent of the coun- untold suffering at the Tel Al ing the Zionist entity. European Union to buy fuel. It offered all types of help despite The “writers of crises” say Qatar try and its infrastructures over the Zaatara and other refugee camps Qatar did not deny its economic Qatar established homes, reha- difficulties in delivering aid to the paid these amounts only to inter- past three years. in Lebanon in the mid-1990s. relations with Israel when Tel Aviv bilitated roads, schools and hospi- people of Gaza. Non-governmental vene in the internal affairs of these The regime also killed thousands They are still suffering in Syria vowed to adopt the Arab peace ini- tals in Gaza. Qatari aid, however, Qatari aid to Gaza over the past countries, including Egypt and of people and displaced millions and Lebanon where they have tiative. It is no secret that most faces difficulty in reaching Gaza two years has reached QR116.4m. Tunisia. By saying this, however, who sought refuge in neighbour- been deprived of as many as 90 Arab regimes have economic and through Egypt, the only neighbour. The government also offered they are undermining their coun- ing countries and crossed overseas professions. security relations with Israel, so According to Palestinian Prime QR159.5m in aid to Gaza during tries which are older and bigger for safety. So I do not support such Look at the condition of why Qatar is singled out then? Minister Rami Hamdallah, Qatar the same period. than Qatar in terms of population type of democracy. Palestinian refugees in Iraq after Let’s take a few examples has supported the Palestinian The Palestinian people viv- and area. Do the envious want us to take the emergence of the “democratic of Qatari contribution to the Authority with $150m aid last idly remember the scientific and As we bid farewell to 2013, I a leaf from the democracy of the rule” of Al Dawa party. No doubt, Palestinian people. December to revive its economy. humanitarian programme Salatek, invite all honest writers in the coup regime in Egypt? We do not it is worse. This month, Qatar offered Qatar previously launched under the direct supervision of H Arab world to dedicate their pen want it either. The “writers of crises” don’t $120m in aid to bring the neces- projects in Ramallah and the West H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, wife to the service of their countries Qatar has never claimed that it mention in their articles or TV sary fuel to Gaza’s power station, Bank similar to those in Gaza last of the Father Emir H H Sheikh and to defend their freedom and is democratic. The fact is that we interviews that Israel praises the which had stopped working for year, and the Jerusalem Fund is Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. dignity. have a hereditary rule, but fight Assad regime, which is killing its more than a month. aware of Qatar’s contribution. Millions of dollars have been ear- They do not need to use their corruption and nepotism. There own people using all kinds of weap- The Palestinian Authority in Qatar is always the first marked for the programme. pen to throw accusations at oth- are no prisoners of conscience in ons. The Israelis say their coun- Ramallah failed to offer help to the to bridge every deficit in the What about the rest of the Arab ers. They should not keep defend- our jails. try is safer as long as Assad is in people of Gaza, aiming to under- Palestinian budget. Qatar was the world? Qatar offered QR8.9bn to ing oppressive regimes that want We never say that our govern- power. These writers don’t talk mine the Hamas government and only Arab country to send aid to other Arab countries between 2006 to either rule their people or kill ment and leadership are ideal. about relations between Egypt and tightening the siege on the Gaza Gaza when flash floods and rains and 2012 and Qatari charities and them.

KHALED AL JABER Why govt paperwork in this digital era? The role of Arab e are living in a dig- Here is an example: ital era, with a digital DR ABDULLAH AL EMADI Let us assume that you are a Wculture, screen touch Qatari working in the private intellectuals and wireless Internet. These are sector, and want to move to the new cultural concepts, as they government sector. he Arab thinker, Edward Saeed, compares ‘real’ intel- pop up like a vigorous stream to You just need to realise the lectual to Robin Hood, who is competent to unify vul- the world, and we are part of this amount of paperwork you will be nerable people. Lebanese thinker Ghasan Salama says world; we get what others in the required to do to achieve what Tthe term ‘Arab intellectual’ is not clear because of two world get. you want. problems — the word ‘intellectual’ itself and the level of the use I cannot imagine, especially First, you have to get clearance of the word ‘Arab’. in the time of technological pre- from the Ministry of Interior to What role an Arab thinker plays in facilitating a suitable envi- dominance and electronic deal- prove that you are not working ronment for any change in society? ings in all fields, that there are for it. You need similar clearances Is the supposed pioneering role absent or made non-existent from the Army, the Ministry by others? of Labour, and the General And where they are in terms of the roles played by leaders Retirement and Social Insurance of enlightenment in the Western society, such as Jean-Jacques Authority. Rousseau (1712-1778), Montesquieu (1689-1755), Voltaire (1694- Having received all these 1778), d’Alembert (1717-1783), Diderot (1713-1784)? documents, you need to head All paved the way for the French Revolution in 1789, with to the Criminal Evidence and their views and opinions about freedom, equality, justice, toler- Information Department to get a ance, human rights, citizenship, law, constitution and separation By a simple conduct certificate. of powers. click of a Any employee at the Human All these views spread beyond the borders. In Germany, these Resources Department at the were espoused by Herder (1744-1803), Lessing (1729-1781) and Kant computer intended place would have just (1724-1804), and Italian intellectuals Mazzini (1805-1872), Locke sent emails to all these agencies (1632-1704) and Hume (1776-1711) in the UK. button, we can to get all information about the These intellectuals’ views, worn-out concepts and ideas have institutions and government has his/her national identification applicant, and the inquiry would changed and a new culture has been established. do more work agencies that will not give up number. just take minutes. It is said that Arab Spring has affected the political aspect, not paperwork, even as the Internet You have to carry a pack of Examples abound about the the cultural one. with less effort. has opened up a whole new world papers under your arms and total disconnect between what we It is clear that the role of intellectuals in the overall popular for them. struggle with traffic early in the do on a daily basis and the digital movement in Egypt, Libya, Syria and the Gulf was very marginal, Is it not worth a As a citizen, you cannot com- morning. You barely find a park- age we live in. By a simple click compared to that played by the new generation of youth. plete any paperwork electronically ing spot, and then reach your des- of a computer button, we can do The youth played a decisive role using latest technology, cell- thought? at any government institution tination and beat a maze of offices more work with less effort. Is it phones and social networking sites to raise slogans and address despite the fact that each citizen until you finish what you came for. not worth a thought? political issues and reforms, pushing towards transition to democ- racy, although results are disappointing. Spanish painter Picasso was criticised for his painting Guernica, because he depicted a village, shelled by Franco’s fascist regime. But the painter reacted by saying: How can an intellectual show no concern in others’ problems and keep himself away in his ivory tower and not take part in others’ existence. Independent services for citizens vital The dilemma is not in denying Arab intellectuals the role of “Robin Hood”, but it is difficult to understand or interpret the t is not new for our wise lead- serve public interests in all sectors collusion of a big number of those intellectuals with tyrant regimes ership to grant bonus to loyal RASHID AL OUDA AL FADHLI of the country. like Syria’s Bashar Al Assad and before him Egypt’s Mubarak, Ipeople to improve their living Citizens have the right to get Tunisia’s Ben Ali and Libya’s Gaddafi. standards and welfare. the required services in their Some of them also supported coups under the pretext of cor- The rulers of this country have It is known that our high com- technical inspection centre for country easily and conveniently. recting the deviant path. They promoted corrupt people and paved had this generosity from beginning. mand takes seriously propos- cars, OPD, health centres and This is not racism or prejudice. the way for them to regain control over various sections of the The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim als made through the media and others. It is important to note that based state. This is a new Arab cultural bullying tendency that appeared bin Hamad Al Thani, may Allah promises constructive decisions Separate counters will provide on the Emir’s directive, the State during Arab uprisings. protect him, has ordered free and measures. citizens with high quality services Cabinet has ordered all authorities American writer Marshall Berman compares third world intel- allocation of shares of Mesaieed To help citizens complete their in no time. They will also help concerned to provide quick services lectuals adopting avant-garde culture with Faust, the protagonist Petrochemical Holding Company paperwork at government offices reduce pressure on employees to citizens. of a classic German legend. for people with special needs and quickly, without having to wait for and conflicts between them and If some attention is paid to my They are like him because they suffer a severe division between those covered by the social security a long time in long queues outside visitors. suggestion and citizens have their the cultural model and the strong desire to develop and their social scheme. offices, I suggest the authori- Employees will not be able to own service centres, other things reality. This is the case of Arab intellectuals because they are still These are all graces Allah has ties concerned set up separate misuse powers and will become can follow. For example, we can living between the pre-Arab Spring and post-Arab Spring stages. bestowed on this country, so we counters for citizens in the Traffic more disciplined. also dedicate service centres to all must thank Him by word and Department, ministries and other The move will also help create citizens from other GCC countries deed. public organisations, including job opportunities for citizens and and people from other countries. THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL EU tries to Chugging into 2014 calm south exodus fears Romania, Bulgaria job curbs end

BRUSSELS: The European The dropping of the curbs was Union sought to calm fears in the lead story in nearly all British countries like Britain, France media yesterday, with reporters and Germany that they face a heading to airports to interview mass influx of Romanians and a trickle of people arriving on Bulgarians following the lift- flights from Bucharest or Sofia. ing of restrictions yesterday, British Prime Minister David a change that risks fuelling Cameron has rushed out regula- anti-immigrant sentiment in tions to stop migrants from the Europe. EU being able to claim welfare From January 1, seven years benefits straight away. Under after their countries joined the pressure from UKIP, he has said EU, Bulgarians and Romanians he wants eventually to restrict are free to live and work any- migrants from poorer EU states where in the 28-nation bloc with- relocating to richer ones. out applying for work permits. Bulgarian President Rosen The long-planned change has Plevneliev has attacked Cameron’s caused alarm in wealthier EU proposals, saying they will damage countries, where right-wing poli- London’s global standing for the ticians and media are telling peo- sake of short-term political gain. ple to brace for a flood of southern EU Commissioner Andor said Europeans who will take jobs from in November that Cameron’s sug- locals, strain public services and gestions risked “presenting the scrounge off the welfare state. UK as a kind of nasty country “Benefits Britain Here We in the European Union”, a com- Come! Fears as migrant flood ment that infuriated the prime Steam and traction engine enthusiasts take part in the New Year’s Day Parade in central London yesterday. begins,” said the tabloid Daily minister. Express in a front-page headline In yesterday’s statement, yesterday. Andor acknowledged that a sud- With continent-wide elections den large influx of people from to the European Parliament due other EU countries could strain in May, the scare about ‘benefit education, housing and social Christian-Muslim clashes kill 3 in CAR tourism’ provides ammunition for services in particular regions. right-wing parties like France’s But the solution was to “address BANGUI: Clashes between alight. Christian youths then that two other Muslims had been It was not clear if those killed National Front, the Dutch these specific problems, not to put Muslims and Christians in launched reprisal attacks, burn- killed there overnight. were the Muslims from the Freedom Party and Britain’s UK up barriers against these work- Central African Republic’s ing nearby Muslim homes. No peacekeepers were present, northern district. The previous Independence Party (UKIP). ers,” he said in a statement that (CAR) capital killed three yes- “The Muslims came and set although a French helicopter flew day a four-month-old baby died Seeking to calm the debate, did not single out any EU country terday as angry residents threw fire to the houses... Everyone was overhead, the Reuters witness from a gunshot wound, the char- EU Employment Commissioner for criticism. grenades and torched homes, affected,” said Aristide Yenga, res- said. The incidents occurred in the ity said in an earlier statement. Laszlo Andor said there were Andor said that, in hard times, witnesses said. ident of the Ngou Simon neigh- city’s fifth district which houses Aid workers say they are strug- already more than 3 million people who went to work in other French and African troops bourhood in the north of the both Muslims and Christians gling to provide for the country’s Bulgarians and Romanians living EU countries were “all too often deployed in the country have capital Bangui. and near where heavy artillery more than 800,000 displaced peo- in other EU states, and ending all an easy target”, accused of taking struggled to stop the tit-for-tat “This morning they began battles took place the previous ple, now living in crowded camps, restrictions was unlikely to lead jobs from local people or of abus- violence between Muslim Seleka shooting and when we heard that two nights. A doctor at medi- because ongoing violence is dis- to any major increase. ing social welfare. rebels, who seized power in we left for the larger (displaced cal charity MSF at a makeshift rupting supplies. “I firmly believe that restricting “In fact, studies have consist- March, and Christian self-defence persons’) camps.” camp at Bangui airport housing Central African Republic is one the free movement of European ently shown the benefits of free militia, clashes that killed more The body of a Seleka fighter over 100,000 displaced people said of Africa’s poorest states despite workers is not the answer to movement of workers for the than 1,000 people in December. with his left hand severed off yesterday it had received around abundant mineral resources. It is high unemployment or a solution economies of host countries. Residents of Bangui said that and missing lay in the middle 15 injured and two dead. also one of the least stable and to the crisis,” he said, referring Mobile workers complement Seleka forces wearing civil- of a large avenue following the “Among the two dead was an has seen five coups and several to the EU’s lingering economic host country workers by helping ian clothes threw grenades at attacks, a Reuters witness said. adolescent of 12 years with a gash rebellions since independence malaise in the wake of the 2008 to address skills gaps and labour Christian houses in a northern A resident of the neighbourhood on his skull,” said MSF’s Gaetan from France in 1960. global financial meltdown. shortages.” REUTERS district of the city, setting them who asked not to be named said Adouaka. REUTERS

Croatia arrests former spy Bill de Blasio takes chief wanted oath as NY mayor in Germany NEW YORK: Bill de Blasio, Diana Taylor. Then, the billion- an unabashed liberal Democrat aire, who has homes in Bermuda ZAGREB: Croatia arrested who campaigned to reduce the and London, has said he will focus yesterday a former intelli- gap between New York City’s on his charitable foundation, gence chief wanted in Germany, rich and poor, was formally Bloomberg Philanthropies, and responding to an extradition inaugurated yesterday as the remain active in public health, row that overshadowed the city’s 109th mayor at a cere- gun control and government Balkan state’s accession to the mony on the steps of City Hall. innovation. European Union last summer. Former US President Bill Running for office, de Blasio Josip Perkovic was one of 10 Clinton administered the oath of presented himself as an anti- people arrested, state news agency office using a Bible once used by Bloomberg candidate, decrying Hina reported, as an amended law Franklin Delano Roosevelt. the “tale of two cities” that he said took effect that brought the coun- De Blasio had been sworn has emerged as New York shed try’s extradition laws into line in earlier, just after midnight, its reputation, from the 1970s and with most of the rest of the bloc. at a ceremony at his home in 1980s, as a gritty and dangerous He is sought in connection with Brooklyn. place. After a resounding victory in the 1983 murder of a Yugoslav He succeeds Michael November with more than 70 per- dissident in Bavaria, allegedly Bloomberg, who led the city in cent of the vote, de Blasio pledged orchestrated by communist the aftermath of the attacks of to confront an affordability gap Yugoslavia’s secret services for Sept 11, 2001 and the recession six that has left those in the middle which he then worked. years later. Bloomberg’s policies and bottom rungs of the economic He has denied wrongdoing. His have been credited with making ladder struggling to pay for basic lawyer, Anto Nobilo, told state tel- the city safer, greener and more services such as housing and mass evision HRT that Perkovic would livable. transit. “When I said we would oppose extradition, saying he did Bloomberg, who is leaving City take dead aim at the tale of two not expect a fair trial in Germany Hall after 12 years, has said he cities, I meant it. And we will do and because he had already been plans to take a two-week vaca- it,” de Blasio said in excerpts of investigated and cleared of all Former US President Bill Clinton (left) introduces newly elected New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (centre) and tion in Hawaii and New Zealand his inaugural speech released charges in Croatia. Shortly before his wife Chirlane McCray at City Hall in New York yesterday. with his longtime girlfriend, beforehand. REUTERS joining the EU on July 1, Zagreb changed its laws to prevent the extradition of suspects in crimes committed before 2002, when new EU extradition rules had taken effect. The government said it Mexico rebel stronghold marks Zapatista anniversary wanted to protect veterans of Croatia’s 1991-95 independence war from facing potential prosecution OVENTIC, MEXICO: Army (EZLN) where people cel- The EZLN has since retreated government in their communities, levels.” Taking its name from 1910 elsewhere in the EU, and denied Thousands of people gathered ebrated with song and dance. into their mountain communi- which lacked these basic services revolution hero Emiliano Zapata, any connection to the Perkovic in a southern Mexico rebel bas- Led by the masked subcoman- ties where they formed their 20 years ago. the Zapatista National Liberation case. Some EU member states have tion yesterday to mark the 20th dante Marcos, the EZLN emerged own autonomous systems cover- “Our struggle has a just cause Army (EZLN) appeared the same the same 2002 time limit. anniversary of the Zapatista in the mountains of Chiapas state ing more than 30 towns, while and our weapons are resistance, day that the North America Free But the government removed movement’s New Year’s Day on January 1, 1994, sparking a Marcos has shunned the media. rebellion, truth, justice and rea- Trade Agreement (NAFTA) came the time restriction in August uprising. 12-day conflict with the federal Chiapas, meanwhile, remains son, which is on our side,” the into force. after the European Commission “It is time to strengthen and government that left dozens of Mexico’s poorest state, with pov- rebel leader said after the crowd Many in Mexico at the time warned it could face legal action, globalise the resistance and rebel- people dead. erty affecting three-quarters of sang the national anthem. desperately feared free trade including the possible loss of lion,” Comandante Hortensia told A peace pact was signed in the population. “But Zapatistas must work and with the United States would EU funds. The amended law took the crowd at a midnight cere- 1996 but the Zapatistas’ demand Commander Hortensia said organise ourselves more. It’s not crush traditional lifestyles and effect on January 1. mony in Oventic, a stronghold of of autonomy for their indigenous the EZLN is striving to improve just about resistance anymore, but farming. REUTERS the Zapatista National Liberation communities was never met. health care, education and organising the resistence at all AFP

THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES

Six killed as Kim hails execution of powerful uncle violence mars North Korean leader makes first public reference to execution of Jang Song Thaek Philippine SEOUL: North Korean leader Jang’s purge and execution was concerns over potential instability Kim Jong-Un called for unity staged in an extraordinarily pub- in the North, or military provoca- celebrations in a New Year message yester- lic and brutal fashion. tions such as an atomic test aimed day and hailed the execution A party statement denounced at rallying domestic unity. ZAMBOANGA: A sus- of his once-powerful uncle as him as “human scum” and a drug- The North staged nuclear tests pected bomb attack left six a resolute act to remove “fac- addicted womaniser who pocketed in 2006, 2009 and last February. dead while a separate grenade tionalist scum”. state money to support his deca- But Kim made no direct mention blast wounded five as violence “Our party took resolute action dent lifestyle. of the North’s nuclear weapons marred New Year celebrations to remove... factionalist scum Yang Moo-Jin, a professor programme. in the Philippines, authorities within the party last year,” Kim at Seoul’s University of North South Korea said the young said yesterday. said in his message broadcast on Korean Studies, said the speech leader had expressed a desire to A blast from what is believed state TV. underlined Kim’s desire to por- cement his leadership through to be an improvised bomb caused It was his first public com- tray himself as an unchallenged tight social discipline and order. the deaths in the town of Sumisip ment on the shock execution last and stable leader, two years after “It remains to be seen whether on the volatile southern island of month of Jang Song-Thaek, once he took power. North Korea will change its atti- Basilan two hours before mid- the country’s unofficial number “He is sending a message to its tude as it continues to criticise night on Tuesday, police said. two and Kim’s political mentor, people that, with Jang gone, now us,” the South’s unification min- Troops and police said the although the young leader did not let’s put the purge behind and istry, in charge of inter-Korean blast ripped through a party mention him by name. look to the future based on firm affairs, said in a statement. at the residence of Manuel “Our party’s timely, accurate unity among the party, military “Our military must maintain Cisneros, a pro-government vol- decision to purge the anti-party, and the government,” Yang said. full readiness and react merci- unteer militiaman and driver for anti-revolutionary and faction- Jang played a key role in lessly to any provocations by the a nearby Catholic church. alist elements helped greatly cementing the leadership of the enemy,” South Korean Defence Police said the motive for the cement unity of the party and the inexperienced Kim, who took over Minister Kim Kwan-Jin said in attack was not clear, although revolution and strengthened our after the death of his father and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivers a speech during his New Year his own New Year message. Cisneros had apparently been solidarity by 100 times,” Kim said. long-time ruler Kim Jong-Il in address yesterday. Kim Jong-Un also called for helping protect rubber plantation Kim’s tone was strong as he December 2011. “a decisive turn” in agricultural workers from extortion by armed called for nationwide ideological But analysts said Jang’s grow- national unity and reconciliation”. for a nuclear war against the output and vowed to rebuild the gangs including the Abu Sayyaf. education and political awareness ing political power and interven- “We will join hands with anyone nuclear-armed North and vowed crumbling economy with prior- “We suspect it was the Abu to eliminate “even the slightest tion in the lucrative coal trade was who opts to give priority to the to strengthen its military power. ity on infrastructure, agriculture Sayyaf,” provincial police chief phenomenon and element” under- resented by his young nephew. nation and wishes for its reuni- “If war breaks out again in this and energy. Senior Superintendent Mario mining unity. In his message, Kim struck a fication, regardless of his or her land, it will bring about a massive North Korea has suffered Dapilloza said over DZBB radio “It is necessary to establish rare relatively conciliatory note past, and continue to strive for nuclear disaster and the US will chronic food and energy shortages in Manila, describing the blast as stringent revolutionary discipline with South Korea, after extreme better inter-Korean relations,” also never be safe,” Kim said. under the ruling Kim dynasty. “very powerful”. and order in all domains of the tensions in the spring of last year. he said. “We are faced with a dangerous Despite a rise in staple food out- However, investigators were revolutionary struggle and con- He called for a “favourable climate” But Kim said North Korea situation in which a small, acci- put in recent years, daily life for also considering the possibility of struction work,” he said, pledging to improve relations, saying it was would not beg for peace. He dental military clash can lead to millions is an ongoing struggle an accidental explosion involving a crackdown on “any sort of alien “high time” for the two Koreas to accused the United States and all-out war.” with under-nutrition. a grenade carried around by the ideology and decadent lifestyle”. stop doing “anything detrimental to South Korea of manoeuvreing Jang’s execution raised AFP militiaman. Elsewhere in the south, five civilians were wounded when gun- men aboard a motorcycle lobbed Taiwan flag-raising ceremony a grenade outside a church in the town of Carmen on Mindanao China mulls revamping island. The victims were about to attend mass. Local mayor Rogelio Talino said it was not clear whether they were targeted or military regions: Report whether it was a random attack. AFP TOKYO: China is consider- pacifist Japan against attack. ing reorganising its seven mili- Under the proposed mili- tary regions into five in a bid to tary structure China aims to Man kills four, respond more swiftly to a cri- strengthen its attack capability sis, the Japanese daily Yomiuri to secure air and naval superior- self after family Shimbun reported yesterday. ity in the South China Sea and The news comes amid rising the East China Sea, the daily said. argument tensions over Beijing’s territorial The newspaper also reported claims in the region, with China that Japan plans to deploy its MANILA: A gun enthusiast and Japan squaring off over a first “Global Hawk” unmanned held hostage three members of chain of uninhabited islands in surveillance planes at an airbase his family and their maid for 10 the East China Sea. in Misawa, on the northern tip hours before killing them and Each of the new military of Japan’s main Honshu Island, committing suicide in the east- regions will create a joint opera- adjacent to a US airbase where ern Philippines, police said. tions command that controls the same type of aircraft will be Anthony Zepeda had argued the army, navy and air force as based later this year. with family members in their Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou (centre), Vice President Wu Den-yih (left) and Premier Jiang Yi-huah (right) wave well as a strategic missile unit, Japan’s defence ministry plans home in the town of Pili on Taiwan flags during a flag-raising ceremony at the Presidential Office Square in Taipei yesterday. Thousands the major daily said citing sen- to deploy three Global Hawk Tuesday, police said. of people attended the event to celebrate the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China. ior Chinese military officials and drones between April 2015 and The confrontation later culmi- other sources. March 2016, Yomiuri said. nated in Zepeda taking hostage The planned revamp would Misawa is located about 2,300km his father, brother, sister-in-law mark a shift from the current north of the Senkakus which and the maid, provincial police defence-oriented military that Chinese coastguard ships have chief Superintendent Romero Stage crash ends Sri Lanka hotel’s bash relies mainly on the army to one frequently approached, sometimes Bausa said. that ensures more mobile and moving into territorial waters, Bausa said police negotiators COLOMBO: Dozens of party- “We apologise for the incident crash while another showed a integrated management of the since Tokyo nationalised some of had tried to end the crisis peace- goers were hospitalised in and we are paying hospital bills worker trying to clear up broken army, navy, air force and strategic the islands in September 2012. fully, but Zepeda instead shot his Sri Lanka yesterday after a of the injured,” a spokesman for glass. The third showed people missile units, Yomiuri said. Equipped with sophisticated captives and later committed sui- stage collapsed at the five-star Cantaloupe Playground said. still milling around after the col- “It is a proactive measure sensors and radars, the Global cide. “The cadaver of the suspect Colombo Hilton hotel during “About 30 were hospitalised... lapse. Most people suffered head with eyes on counteracting the Hawk drone is capable of flying was also found at the ground floor. New Year celebrations, organis- We are refunding the ticket injuries, cuts, bruises, burns, con- Japan-US alliance,” the daily more than 30 hours non-stop and He has a bullet wound in the head ers of the festivities said. money.” Guests had paid $100 cussions and sprains, she said. quoted one of the officials as say- detecting the movements of ves- and there’s an indication that he At least 30 people were hospi- each to join the party. Party-goer Another wounded reveller, ing. Tokyo and Beijing are locked sels, aircraft and missiles within a shot himself,” Bausa said. talised with fractures, cuts and Nathashi Wijesundera said she Anisha Niyas, said the New Year’s in a simmering territorial row radius of 500km from an altitude The nature of the argument burns following the collapse of helped some of the victims before Eve was the “worst night of my over Tokyo-controlled Senkaku of 18,000 metres. It does not have that prompted the hostage tak- the outdoor stage, hurling some being told that she herself had life”. “There was blood and bro- Islands in the East China Sea attack capability. ing remained unknown, but initial 700 people to the floor a few feet multiple burns on her legs. ken glass everywhere. I spent the which China also claims and calls The defence ministry and the investigation showed that Zepeda below, sparking fires and smash- “I ended up treating people in first few minutes of 2014 on my the Diaoyus. US air force will jointly maintain had a history of drug abuse, police ing glasses, a spokesman said. the car park and going with one in hands and knees surrounded by The United States, while insist- the drones to ensure they operate said. Bausa said Zepeda was also There was no immediate com- the ambulance to Nawaloka (hos- glass and people crying in pain,” ing it does not take sides on sov- effectively, the report said. a known gun enthusiast as was ment from the hotel, but event pital),” Wijesundera said on her she wrote on her Facebook page. ereignty disputes, has said that In addition, information col- his father. “The assumption was... manager Cantaloupe Playground, Facebook page, where she posted “The worst possible party I the islands are under Tokyo’s lected by the Global Hawk will that he was fully armed,” he said, which arranged what was billed as three photographs of the chaos. have been to,” wrote another management and so come under be shared and jointly analysed, explaining why police did not the “wonderland new year’s eve” One showed empty couches party-goer Shenali Candappa. a security treaty in which it Yomiuri said. immediately assault the suspect’s party, apologised to the victims. strewn on the ground after the AFP is required to defend officially AFP home. AFP Indefinite blockade starts in Bangladesh

DHAKA: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party cancellation of the elections. Violent clashes the government to postpone the polls and give (BNP)-led opposition alliance yesterday and killings have claimed at least 122 lives in to their demand for a non-party poll-time enforced a countrywide indefinite blockade during the period. The government kept the government through the fresh programme. of road, rail and waterways to oppose parlia- capital cut off from the rest of the country to “The country is facing severe crisis. It is a mentary elections slated for January 5. foil the opposition’s march with the help of must to toughen the movement against the Calling the fresh protests in the capi- heavily reinforced security forces. one-sided election and to protect the country, tal, BNP chairperson’s adviser Khandaker BNP chief Khaleda Zia was confined to her democracy and people’s basic rights,” Alamgir Mahbub Hossain said the countrywide block- residence, which was cordoned off by police. added. He claimed that the prime minister ade would continue until the next announce- Police also sealed the party headquarters has become a “dictator”. ment, reported The Daily Star. at Nayapaltan and adjoining areas, strictly Awami League joint general secretary The opposition would stage demonstrations restricting people’s movement. Jahangir Kabir Nanak, however, said his party across the country to protest the government Police did not also allow BNP leaders to was not losing sleep over this agitation as its action against the opposition parties in the meet Zia. They detained BNP MP Rasheda supporters would be out on the streets to foil last two days, added Hossain, who is also vice- Begum Hira, former MP Halima Newaz and the blockade. chairman of Bangladesh Bar Council. party vice-chairperson Selima Rahman for The BNP leaders have called the polls “a Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will address two hours as they tried to enter Zia’s house. farce” as candidates in 153 constituencies won three rallies here as part of her election cam- The three leaders were released upon furnish- uncontested following the opposition’s boycott. paign amid the opposition’s threat to cripple ing bonds. “This elections has become a farce as inter- the country through the new round of block- BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul national organisations and Western countries ade, bdnews24.com reported. Islam Alamgir on Tuesday night urged the have decided not to send observers. This has Commuters wait for their train at a railway station during an ongoing The BNP-led 18-party alliance has enforced people to join the indefinite blockade to pre- guaranteed Awami League’s moral and politi- blockade organised by Bangladesh Nationalist Party activists and Islamist since November 26, last year, a nationwide vent the ‘one-sided’ polls. cal defeat,” Alamgir said. allies in Dhaka yesterday. blockade for 22 days in phases, demanding the Alamgir said they would be able to force IANS THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Musharraf skips court appearance Lawyers cite security threats; three-judge panel asks former military ruler to appear in person today

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s former mili- Another lawyer representing Musharraf is the first former army The allegations are the latest in a series tary ruler Pervez Musharraf (pictured) Musharraf, Anwar Mansoor Khan, told chief to go on trial in Pakistan, setting up of criminal cases faced by Musharraf failed to show up for a hearing in the the court he was attacked while travel- a potentially destabilising clash between since he returned to Pakistan in a treason case against him yesterday, with ling to Lahore following the last hearing the government — which brought the thwarted bid to run in May’s general elec- his lawyers citing security threats. in the case. “How are these proceedings charges — and the all-powerful military. tion. These include murder charges over The 70-year-old stands accused over continuing and why are these proceed- On Sunday, the retired general the assassination in late 2007 of former his imposition of emergency rule in ings continuing when the counsels and denounced the treason case as a “ven- prime minister Benazir Bhutto. November 2007, but he and his legal team respondents have been attacked?” Khan detta” against him and claimed he had The former commando’s lawyers have have dismissed the charge as politically argued in his opening statement. the backing of the military. “I would say dismissed the charges as an attempt by the motivated. “I was followed by a black Vigo (an the whole army is upset. I have led the government of Sharif, whom Musharraf Conviction could mean the death pen- SUV) with tinted windows and no army from the front,” he told reporters at ousted in a coup in 1999, to settle old scores alty or life imprisonment for the ex-dic- number plate. This vehicle hit my car his farmhouse. “I have no doubt with the through the courts. Musharraf spokesman tator, who has faced a series of criminal and destroyed it,” Khan said. feedback that I received that the whole Raza Bokhari said they have filed chal- cases since returning from self-imposed The Taliban have made repeated threats army is... totally with me on this issue.” lenges to the tribunal’s authority. exile last March. to kill Musharraf, who led Pakistan into There has been no public comment on “We demand that the unlawfully His defence team said he could not its alliance with Washington’s “war on the case from the army, but some observ- formed special treason court avoid the attend the special treason tribunal yes- terror”. He lives under heavy guard at ers say they are reluctant to have their label of being called a ‘kangaroo court’ terday because security was inadequate. his farmhouse on the edge of Islamabad. former chief suffer the indignity of trial and suspend its proceedings until the They also complained that lawyers in the Khan also questioned the legality of in a civilian court. challenges raised by General Musharraf case had been threatened and attacked. the court, alleging that Prime Minister The potential for the case to disrupt are heard and properly disposed by the The three-judge panel adjourned the Nawaz Sharif had overstepped his legal Pakistan’s delicate civilian-military bal- superior courts,” Bokhari said in a state- hearing to today, asking Musharraf again bounds in forming the special tribunal ance means it will be keenly watched by ment late on Tuesday. to appear in person. and that it was he and not Musharraf the US and Nato as they wind down their Musharraf’s lawyers have urged the The delay comes a week after a bomb who should face treason charges. On the last hearing on December 24, mission in neighbouring Afghanistan. United Nations to intervene in what they scare forced the case to be postponed. The ex-general’s defence team asked the case was adjourned after explosives Pakistan’s cooperation and access call a “stage-managed show trial” and “He is unable to appear before the court the court to summon Sharif on contempt were found along the route he was to through its territory is crucial as Nato have asked London and Washington to because of security hazards,” lawyer charges for commenting on Musharraf’s take to court. On Monday more explo- withdraws military equipment built up “repay their debt” for his support in the Ahmed Raza Kasuri told the tribunal. trial in the media. sives were discovered on the same road. over more than a decade of war. wake of the 9/11 attacks. AFP

Anti-terrorism march Suicide car bomb attack 11 scribes assassinated kills two in Pakistan last year near Quetta KARACHI: Eleven journalists fell Mohsin, was gunned down near his victim to terrorist incidents during house in New Karachi. On March QUETTA: A suicide car discharge of their responsibilities 1, armed men murdered Mehmood bomb attack targeting in the country in 2013, according Khan Afridi, correspondent of Intikhab, a passenger bus carry- to a report released by the Media when he was returning home. On April ing Shia pilgrims killed Monitoring Cell of the Council 17, Tariq Aslam, a sub-editor of daily two people and wounded of Pakistan Newspaper Editors Pakistan, was killed in a bomb blast at a at least 17 in southwest (CPNE). meeting of a political party in Peshawar. Pakistan yesterday, offi- Five journalists died during the cov- The Karachi correspondent of cials said. erage of bomb blasts and six others in Balochi language Tawwar, Abdul Razaq The attack took place in targeted killings. The CPNE called for Sarbazi, was kidnapped from Lyari in Akhtarabad, on the out- the arrest of the killers and compen- March. Forty-four days later, his body skirts of Quetta, the capi- sation for the families of the victims. bearing torture wounds was found in tal of Baluchistan province On January 11, Samaa TV reporter Surjani Town area of Karachi. which borders Iran and Saifur Rehman and cameraman On May 24, Ahmed Ali Joya Afghanistan. Imran Shaikh died while cover- of daily Express Tribune was shot “An explosive laden car ing a bomb blast in Alamdar Road dead in Bahawalnagar. In Khyber which was parked along in Quetta, when a second bomb Pakhtunkhwa, Ayub Khattak, corre- the roadside blew up as exploded. A photographer of NNI spondent of Karak Times, was gunned the bus passed by it, kill- news agency, Mohammad Iqbal, and down outside his house. A number of ing two people and wound- INP news agency’s photographer other incidents of harassment and Activists from the Working Women Development Foundation shout slogans during an anti-terrorism march ing 17 people,” Quetta city Mohammad Hussain also lost their revenge attacks also took place. APP in Lahore yesterday. police chief Abdul Razzaq lives in the same incident. chief reporter Khushnood Ali Shaikh Cheema said. The injured On February 27, Geo TV reporter was killed in a hit-and-run incident. included four policemen. Malik Mohammad Mumtaz was His family says he was murdered as Police officials who had shot dead by terrorists in North he had been receiving calls for extor- been escorting the bus res- Waziristan. In the same month, a tion after purchasing a house. cued passengers from the reporter of a local daily, Shaikh Ali INTERNEWS US opposes release of 88 Afghan wreckage before it caught fire, Cheema added. He said the bus was bringing back at least 46 pilgrims to prisoners, adding to strains Quetta from Iran. Senior local police official KABUL: The United States a presidential decree to com- forces, and 30 percent had partic- Muhammad Jaffer also con- wants Afghanistan to halt the plete investigations at the prison ipated in direct attacks that killed firmed the incident and cas- release of 88 prisoners from an and prosecute individuals when or wounded 60 US and coalition ualties. Local bomb disposal Afghan jail because they pose required. troops, a US official said. chief Commander Razzaq, a serious threat to security, US “The Afghan Review Board The head of the Afghan com- known by one name, said officials said yesterday, adding to has exceeded its mandate and mission charged with reviewing that the car had been blown strains between the two sides. ordered the release of a number the cases denied that the 88 posed up by somebody sitting in it. The United States only recently of dangerous individuals who are a threat. “In many cases, detain- Nobody has so far transferred the prison at Bagram legitimate threats and for whom ees were wrongly linked to certain claimed responsibility for to Afghan control after it had there is strong evidence sup- incidents they were not involved the attack but there has become a serious source of ten- porting prosecution or further in,” said Abdul Shakor Dadras. been a rise in sectarian sion with the government in investigation,” said Colonel Dave The planned release will how- violence in Pakistan after Afghanistan which is fighting a Lapan, a spokesman for US forces ever alarm many senior Afghan several deadly clashes Taliban-led insurgency. in Afghanistan. security sources, who often see between Sunni and Shia Relations with Afghanistan The US long resisted hand- released prisoners return to the groups near Islamabad in have grown particularly strained ing over the facility — because it battlefield. The bilateral secu- November last year. Shias over President Hamid Karzai’s feared individuals it considered rity deal has to be signed for the make up around 20 percent refusal to sign a bilateral secu- dangerous would be released — United States and its allies to pro- of Pakistan’s population. rity deal that would keep around but ultimately reached a deal with vide billions more dollars in aid. Baluchistan has been 8,000 US troops in the country the Afghan government in early Without a deal, the US could badly hit by Baluch separa- after 2014, when most foreign 2013. About 40 percent of the pull all of its troops out, the so- tist insurgency and sectar- forces are due to leave. prisoners were directly respon- called zero option, leaving Afghan ian violence, mainly targeting A US army official said the sible for wounding or killing 57 forces to battle the Taliban on Shias from the Hazara ethnic release of the 88 contravened Afghan civilians and security their own. REUTERS community. AFP Aid groups vow to stay in Afghanistan DARWAZAGI: As Nato forces pack up “We still do not have drinking water and recorded 164 attacks against NGOs world- and shift out of Afghanistan, aid groups irrigation for our fields is a major problem, wide, with 79 in Afghanistan, making it the are determined to avoid following them, so we still need help.” Among the aid groups world’s most dangerous country even in com- but they face rising militant attacks and to have stayed in Kapisa is MRCA (Medical parison to South Sudan, Syria and Somalia. uncertainty over funding. Refresher Courses for Afghans), a French Another major threat to NGO work is Projects working on everything from organisation established in 1985 that runs the failure of Afghanistan and US to sign clean water to skateboarding parks sprung health programmes in several provinces. a deal that would allow a residual force of up in Afghanistan after the Taliban were In Darwazagi village, MRCA’s Afghan US troops to stay after 2014 — a delay that ousted in 2001. staff distribute drugs to treat bronchitis could trigger a collapse in funding. Now, many Afghans fear that the end of as the bitter winter takes hold. Its chief of Donors at a conference in Tokyo in 2012 the Nato military mission next year will see mission in Afghanistan, Valerie Docher, said pledged $16bn in civilian aid until 2015 — a pullout of all but the most resilient pro- it was determined to keep helping some of but only on condition that corruption was grammes, putting at risk the fragile gains the country’s most vulnerable people. This tackled, rule of law strengthened and wom- of the last 12 years. year more than 30 aid workers have been en’s rights improved. “The international soldiers left here a killed, including six Afghan employees of the Half of the money is dispersed by the year ago,” said Noor Mohammed, an elderly aid group ACTED, who were shot dead last Afghan government, raising fears of lack of man in Kapisa province, north of Kabul. month while working on rural development transparency and threatening aid workers’ “Fortunately for us, the NGOs (non-gov- projects in the northern province of Faryab. independent from state authorities. ernmental organisations) have stayed so far. The Aid Workers Security Database AFP THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA AgustaWestland chopper deal scrapped Pranab gives assent to Delhi appoints former judge as arbitrator; Finmeccanica says to defend position Lokpal Bill NEW DELHI: India yesterday “In view of this, the MOD and alleged middlemen Guido in the deal and demanded that behaviour was ethically correct.” finally terminated the Rs3,600 (Ministry of Defence) sought Ralph Haschke, Karlo Valentino those who received payments Uday Bhaskar, a defence ana- NEW DELHI: The New crore (about $770m) contract afresh the opinion of the Attorney Ferdinando Gerosa, and Christian should be identified and punished. lyst at the Society for Policy Year’s day saw President with Britain’s AgustaWestland General. With a view to safeguard Michel. The party said that alleged Studies in New Delhi, said India’s Pranab Mukherjee giving for the purchase of 12 VVIP the interest of the government, Apart from 13 people, the FIR middlemen, including Haschke, participation in the arbitration assent to the anti-corruption choppers following allegations MOD has nominated Justice B P was also registered against four Gerosa and Michel, had received did not represent a climb-down. Lokpal Bill for setting up of of kickbacks paid to fix the deal. Jeevan Reddy as its arbitrator.” companies — Finmeccanica, money in the deal and part of it “Cancelling deals and saying that an ombudsman. The bill was Sources said that the order to Facing the threat of the AgustaWestland, Mohali-based had been sent to India through we will not acquire critically- passed by the Rajya Sabha cancel the contract was signed by agreement being cancelled, IDS Infotech Ltd (India), and circuitous channels. needed equipment, to my mind, on December 17 and the Lok Defence Minister A K Antony, AgustaWestland on November Chandigarh-based Aeromatrix The scrapping of the deal, which is not the answer,” Bhaskar said. Sabha the following day. It who earlier in the day met Prime 20 nominated retired Supreme India. will now go through a probably “But there’s no climb-down on was forwarded to Rashtrapati Minister Manmohan Singh. Court Judge B N Srikrishna on The FIR states that Haschke lengthy legal process, would be a this arbitration and as a matter Bhavan for President’s assent. The decision came nearly a its behalf for arbitration. and Gerosa managed to send fresh setback for Finmeccanica. of fact it might be the most viable The President has signed the month after AgustaWestland sub- The deal with AgustaWestland ¤5.6m through IDS Infotech Delays in selling some of via media (middle road).” Lokpal Bill, presidential house mitted its reply to the final show — the British subsidiary of Italian and Aeromatrix to India and its money-losing assets have Indian defence deals have been sources said. The Lok Sabha cause notice issued to it by the defence major Finmeccanica — was kept the remaining amount of prompted credit rating agencies hit by a number of corruption secretariat sent a copy of the government in February 2013. scrapped more than a year after about ¤24.30m received from to downgrade the company to allegations over the past two bill to the law ministry on A defence ministry state- reports claimed that two top offi- AgustaWestland with themselves junk. But it would offer an oppor- decades but a Defence Ministry Tuesday with the signature of ment said that the government cials of the company allegedly paid in the account of IDS Tunisia. tunity for rivals such as United spokesman said this was the first Speaker Meira Kumar. It was has “terminated with immedi- bribes to bag the contract for the The defence ministry Technologies Corp’s Sikorsky cancellation of a major deal. then forwarded to Rashtrapati ate effect” the agreement that chopper maker. AgustaWestland in February issued a show Aircraft, EADS unit Eurocopter Paying or accepting bribes is Bhavan for the President’s sig- was signed with AgustaWestland has already delivered three of the cause cancellation notice to and Lockheed Martin to get prohibited by India’s defence pro- nature. The movement for a International Ltd (AWIL) on choppers and India has made par- AgustaWestland and froze all a share of India’s burgeoning curement rules. The government Lokpal bill got steam after February 8, 2010, for supply of tial payments. further payments to the com- defence market. can cancel a contract if an integrity the agitation launched by 12 VVIP/VIP helicopters “on The Central Bureau of pany after Orsi was arrested in Finmeccanica spokesman pact in the rules is violated, and social activist Anna Hazare. grounds of breach of pre-contract Investigation is conducting Italy that month for allegedly Roberto Alatri, commenting on the seller has to forfeit any security Earlier, he had voiced disap- integrity pact and the agreement probe into the alleged kickbacks paying bribes of Rs360 crore to India’s decision, said the com- money it deposited as a bidder. proval over the initial draft. by AWIL”. and has registered an FIR which secure the deal. pany would defend its position. India’s federal auditor said in He gave his thumbs up to “Based on the opinion received names former IAF chief S P Tyagi Haschke was arrested in It invoked the arbitration, which August the ministry had initially the Lokpal bill during his earlier from the Attorney General among others as beneficiary. Switzerland in October on the would be conducted in India stipulated that the helicopters recent fast in Ralegan-Siddhi of India, it has been the view of Others named in the FIR request of Italian authorities prob- under the Indian Arbitration and should be able to fly to an alti- in Maharashtra. The ruling the government that integrity include Tyagi brothers — ing allegations of bribery in the Conciliation Act of 1996. tude of 19,685 feet, which meant Congress had made a fervent related issues are not subject to Julie, Docsa and Sandeep — contract for the VVIP helicopters. “We’ll do everything that would that AgustaWestland could not appeal to political parties to arbitrations. However, AWIL has Finmeccanica’s former CEO The opposition Bharatiya be necessary to defend the cor- compete since the AW101 was pass the bill during the winter since pressed for arbitration and Giuseppe Orsi, AgustaWestland’s Janata Party (BJP) had accused rectness of our position,” Alatri certified to fly only to 15,000 feet. session of parliament. appointed an arbiter from its side.” former CEO Bruno Spagnolini the government of delaying probe told Reuters. “We’re sure our IANS/REUTERS Non-subsidised LPG cylinder price hiked Laughing yoga NEW DELHI: The price of non-subsidised cooking gas Kejriwal, 69 others take (LPG) was hiked yesterday by Rs220 per cylinder on firming international rates, oath as Delhi legislators state-run oil marketing companies said. The 14.2kg cooking gas cylinder beyond NEW DELHI: Newly sworn- the backing of the eight legisla- the entitled nine at subsi- in Delhi Chief Minister Arvind tors of the Congress, which was dised rates, will now cost Kejriwal yesterday took oath voted out after 15 years of unin- Rs1,241, up from Rs1,021 in along with 69 others as mem- terrupted rule. Delhi. The new prices for the bers of the Delhi legislative The BJP, which despite being same cylinder in other met- assembly when the house met the single largest party refused ros are: Rs1,270 in Kolkata, for the first time after last to form a government, will be the Rs1,264.50 in Mumbai and month’s elections. main opposition with 31 members. Rs1,234 in Chennai, Indian Congress leader Mateen After taking charge as chief Oil Corp (IOC) announced. Ahmed, who was named pro- minister, Kejriwal has fulfilled two This is the third increase in tem speaker, administered the major election promises made by non-subsidised LPG rates in oath to Kejriwal. Ahmed’s name the AAP. He cut power tariff by the past month. Any require- came up after Bharatiya Janata half to benefit an estimated 28 ment above the limit of nine Party leader Jagdish Mukhi and lakh households and announced cylinders per household per Janata Dal-United’s Shoaib Iqbal that 667 litres of water would year, set by the government declined. be provided free of charge to all in January 2013, has to be Urban Development Minister households in the capital that purchased at market rates. Manish Sisodia took oath after have metered connections. Kejriwal. Both of them, however, The Aam Aadmi Party’s gov- Four SIMI members left the house soon after taking ernment lived up to its yet arrested in MP oath. The other five ministers — another big-ticket poll promise Rakhi Birla, Girish Soni, Satendra of getting the financials of power Policemen laugh as they participate in a ‘laughing yoga’ session in Jalandhar yesterday. The sessions have BHOPAL: The Anti- Jain, Saurabh Bharadwaj and distribution companies audited been introduced into the Punjab state police force as a stress management method for its servicemen. Terrorism Squad of Madhya Somnath Bharti — also took by the Comptroller and Auditor Pradesh Police arrested four oath. They were followed by other General (CAG) of India. members of the outlawed legislators. Audit of power distribution Students Islamic Movement The 28-member minority gov- companies was one of the major of India (SIMI) in Ujjain, an ernment of the AAP is to face the poll promises of the AAP. After official said. A large cache of confidence vote today. a long meeting with bureaucrats New land acquisition act takes effect ammunition was also recov- Congress legislators looked sub- and cabinet ministers, Kejriwal ered. Police arrested Javed dued while lawmakers from the said: “The audit will begin from NEW DELHI: The new land acquired,” he said at a press confer- Explaining the retrospective Nagori, Abdul Aziz, Mohd. Bharatiya Janata Party thumped tomorrow (Thursday).” acquisition law, enacted by par- ence here. The new law proposes provision in the new land act, he Abid and Mohd Wahid late on the tables whenever their legisla- He added Lt Governor Najeeb liament last year, which aims to that farmers and landowners be said the clause would be applica- Tuesday from the Mahidapur tors stood up to take oath. Jung has ordered the CAG to provide fair compensation, reha- paid up to four times the market ble only in circumstances where area in Ujjain district of Arvinder Singh Lovely of the start looking into the company bilitation and resettlement to value for land acquired in rural the acquisition has begun but Madhya Pradesh, about Congress was the lone legislator account books of discoms from farmers whose land is acquired areas and two times the market compensation amount has not 200km from the state capi- who took oath in English while today. The auditing of the three came into force from yesterday. value in urban areas. been announced. tal, on the basis of informa- Nand Kishore Garg and Naresh power distribution companies — The Right to Fair Compensation Another key feature of the The retrospective clause would tion provided by Abu Faisal. Gaur took oath in Sanskrit. Anil BSES Yamuna Power Ltd, BSES and Transparency in act is that the consent of 80 per also be applicable in cases where He was one of the seven SIMI Jha took oath in Maithili language. Rajdhani Power Ltd and Tata Rehabilitation and Resettlement cent of land owners is needed for land acquisition was begun under members who escaped from Aam Aadmi Party supporters Power Delhi Distribution Ltd — Act, 2013, replaces the earlier acquiring land for private projects the old law but five years have Khandwa Jail last October, gathered outside the main gate of was one of the major poll planks law which dates back to 1894. “It and of 70 per cent landowners for passed and compensation amount and was re-arrested on the Delhi Vidhan Sabha to watch of the AAP, which alleged fudg- is a historic law. The earlier law public-private projects. has not been announced or in December 25, 2013. their party leaders arrive for the ing of the account books by the was colonial and undemocratic,” Ramesh said for the proper cases where a majority of farmers first assembly session. companies to show losses as a said Rural Development Minister implementation of the law, 13 other have not been paid the compen- Chilli shop fire wells Kejriwal is leading a minor- pretext to hike tariff. “What the Jairam Ramesh. laws need to be amended within sation money. “This new law will ity government. The AAP won government could not achieve in “It (the old law) gave all pow- one year. These include laws per- benefit farmers, the landless and up eyes in Kolkata only 28 seats in the 70-member the past four years ... we did it in ers to the government and ignored taining to acquisition of land for tribals,” the minister said. KOLKATA: Residents of assembly — and will depend on four days,” Kejriwal said. IANS the farmers whose land was being coal mines and national highways. IANS Burrabazar, a wholesale mar- ket here, were suddenly in tears, and not out of sadness for a year that was pass- Demonstration ing!. Copious tears were shed because the burning stockpile Parliament to pass Telangana of red chilli at a shop spread fumes that struck at the peo- bill next month: Jaipal Reddy ple’s lachrymal glands in this crowded market. The blaze HYDERABAD/NEW DELHI: through such actions at the time occurred in a provisions- Union Science and Technology of separation. store on Monday, said Raju Minister S Jaipal Reddy yester- Talking to reporters in New Agarwal, owner of Hanuman day said that the bill for forma- Delhi, he said Andhra Pradesh Food Store on Kalakar Street. tion of a separate Telangana state Reorganisation Bill 2013 referred to The fire was noticed around will be passed by parliament in the state assembly by the president 10.45am when Agarwal’s staff the first week of February. under Article 3 of the constitution drew his attention to a peppery Reacting to Andhra Pradesh will be in the hands of Parliament smell and smoke wafting from Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar after January 23. “At midnight on the shop’s mezzanine floor. Reddy taking away legislative January 23, the bill will be out of the Agarwal said first smoke and affairs portfolio from D Sridhar hands of the state assembly and will then flames engulfed the shop. Babu, a minister from Telangana, come to parliament,” he said. Within minutes, a thick haze Jaipal Reddy said a conspiracy Kiran Reddy, who is against of spicy smoke enveloped the was hatched to stall the consti- bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, entire neighbourhood, leading tutional process. divested Sridhar Babu of the key to severe irritation in the eyes. The senior Congress leader portfolio and allotted the same A firefighter said the condi- Youth Congress and National Students Union of India activists struggle with police as they attempt to march from Telangana said divesting to S Sailajanath, a minister from ments kept in the store caught towards the official residence of BJP President Rajnath Singh in New Delhi yesterday. The activists were Sridhar Babu of the portfolio Seemandhra, two days before the fire and produced smoke that demonstrating over BJP’s decision to allow former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa to join the party. was an attempt to stop the inevi- assembly is scheduled to begin caused a burning sensation in table. He said it was not proper debate on the reorganisation bill. the eyes. IANS to whip up the regional feelings IANS THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Parties embrace social media with gusto Most of the limelight hogged by BJP, AAP; Congress for online campaigning; Trinamool Congress active on Facebook

NEW DELHI: With the Gupta, national convener of the and targeted messaging. Finally, In the BJP, several senior lead- Tewari, Ajay Maken, Digvijaya Kong and became a full-time changing politics of India, ways BJP’s IT, said. “Technology has we need to do a lot of resource ers — Sushma Swaraj, Rajnath Singh and Kapil Sibal. political activist with the AAP, of reaching out to a younger and been in BJP’s DNA. We have mobilisation.” Singh, Arun Jaitley, Narendra Another party which has a said all the party’s social media aspiration population too are always used technology very The Congress, India’s grand old Modi and some chief ministers — strong presence in the social activities are conducted by volun- changing. effectively, whether to give infor- party, realised the importance of are on Twitter. media is the Aam Aadmi Party teers. “We do everything through Political parties used to the old mation to supporters or to make the social medium much later, a Modi, the BJP’s prime minis- (AAP), whose Arvind Kejriwal crowd sourcing. We do not pay ways of campaigning are increas- information available faster.” party member associated with terial candidate for the general became Delhi’s chief minister anything to anybody. You cannot ingly embracing social media to Gupta, a doctorate in data online activities said on the con- elections, has his own team for his on Saturday. Kejriwal has over pump in patriotism into someone woo the people. It is a long leap analytics, has a team of 20 peo- dition of anonymity because he social media management. “Before 900,000 followers on Twitter. by paying.” from the times when politicians ple working in the party’s digital was not authorised to speak to the general elections the focus will The AAP, founded only a year He said the party tries to relied mainly on posters, card- operation centre. the media. be to engage more with the voters,” ago, also has an interactive website read the common people’s mind board cutouts, fliers, graffiti and “Everyone understands the “We gave a lot of importance B G Mahesh, founder and manag- with a provision for online dona- through the social media and act the tough house-to-house can- importance of this medium and to the traditional media. But ing director of Oneindia.in, who tions. AAP spokesperson Aswathi accordingly. “We analyse what vassing to win over voters. we are using it very effectively. it can be manipulated. Now we is mentoring Modi’s social media Muralidharan said: “Social media they say and try to speak what All of these are still in vogue. And that is the key. The young have realised that social media is management team, said. is one of the most important tools they want.” But increasingly, in urban India, and the educated India are all a much more direct connect with He said Modi has been using in our election campaign.” Though most of the limelight political parties are becoming online. The aspirational India is the common people,” he said. Twitter for more than three years Dilip Pandey, a strategist in is hogged by the BJP and the tech savvy, realizing this is the online. They all want to under- The member said the Congress now with the sole intention of com- the AAP’s social media cell, AAP in the social media space, only way to reach out to the artic- stand what is going on. It helps was now aggressive on the social municating with the citizens. He said that the company’s overall among the regional parties, the ulate young. us to directly keep in touch with media and was vigorously promot- has 3,078,832 followers on the site. philosophy to pitch before the Trinamool Congress is very active Among the major parties, the the voters. It is a two-way tool,” ing the achievements of the UPA In comparison, Congress lead- general elections would remain on Facebook. It even has sepa- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Gupta said. government. “We will do much ers’ presence on Twitter is seldom same as it was before the Delhi rate pages for the party’s sup- has the biggest presence in social Gupta outlined what needed more online campaigning now felt except for Shashi Tharoor Assembly elections. “We will do porters and fans. The supporters media. The BJP started using the to be done ahead of the Lok on,” he said. The Congress has so who has been a kind of pioneer positive and constructive pitching page regularly updates the party’s social medium even before the Sabha battle due by May. “A lot far conducted 40 workshops in among Indian politicians in this through social media like we have events and photos. Others like 2009 general election — which it of listening from the crowd is the states on social media. media and even got into trou- done before the Delhi Assembly the AIADMK, Assam’s All India lost. But in recent years, it has required. Feedback mechanisms Several telephone calls made ble over it when others had not elections. We do not do political United Democratic Front and the dug deeper. are required between now and the to Congress social media cell realised its power and reach. mudslinging.” Biju Janata Dal also have Facebook “We were the first party to elections. Second, we need to use head Deepender Singh Hooda Other Congress leaders regular Pandey, who left his multina- pages with various activities. launch a web site in 1998,” Arvind the net more for micro messaging remained unanswered. on Twitter are Hooda, Manish tional company’s IT job in Hong IANS

Cochin Carnival Winter brings cheer to the chaiwallah NEW DELHI: As citizens of A regular cup that is usually the capital and all over north sold for Rs5 is now selling for India shiver in the near-freezing Rs8. “In winter, everybody wants weather, there is one person on adrak (ginger) and elaichi (carda- the road who people look out for mom) chai... so the cost goes up,” and who makes hay — not in the said Prem Saran. proverbial sun, but in the cold. Saran, a 45-year-old, who has These are the chaiwallahs, the come from Mewat district in ubiquitous band of small entre- Haryana, moved to Noida five preneurs who dot every market years ago to sell tea. He sells 300 and every prominent street junc- cups of tea in a day. The increased tion as people flock to them for prices don’t deter consumers. the cuppa that cheers and warms. “It’s the perfect way to start “Winter is the best time for us the day,” said Kanhaiya, who to earn money. Though my work works as a sweeper at a gated almost triples during this time, neighbourhood in south Delhi. it makes us happy,” Ram Deen, a “I have to report to work at 6:30 young man who has been selling in the morning but before that, tea along with his father since he I warm myself at Raju’s tea stall can remember, said. just outside the gate and also Ram Deen and his father take munch some biscuits.” their tea cart to different areas The tea vendors, in fact, are of Paharganj in central Delhi — a great levellers. You’ll generally favourite with backpackers and find an eclectic bunch of people budget tourists - and serve hot at any given vend — this is one of cups of tea to the people. the few places where social dis- For Suresh Kumar too, who tinctions vanish because, after all, owns a small shop near the who doesn’t want a steaming cup Moolchand Metro station in south of tea on a cold day? Delhi, tea-making is a profitable “We hardly get any break dur- business during winter as he also ing the day and what better way offers light snacks. to spend this standing in the sun, “I start selling tea from early sipping hot tea, smoking a ciga- Kathakali dancers perform during the 30th Cochin Carnival at Fort Kochi yesterday. The carnival is held annually to welcome the start of the New Year. morning. On an average I make rette and chatting with friends,” Rs300 to Rs400 a day, but since said a middle-level executive at a last week I have been earning tea stall outside a swanky office almost Rs700 a day because it has building in Noida. become cold,” 32-year-old Kumar Asked how it felt to know that Kerala launches said, citing figures that many of BJP prime ministerial candidate Karnataka CM defends induction his ilk echoed. Narendra Modi sold tea in his “I also sell biscuits, namkeen, initial days, most vendors said lottery to fund maggi and bread omelette. People they were unaware of this. “I consume these things more dur- did not know that Modi too was of ‘tainted’ lawmakers in ministry ing winter and hence I make good a tea vendor. It’s good that once marriages of money by serving them along with a tea seller is the PM candidate BANGALORE: Karnataka’s and not under pressure from any Muslim and Tamil-speaking the tea,” he added. but how does that affect us,” Ram poor women Congress Chief Minister quarters”. population. With the inclusion of The capital and its suburbs Deen wondered. Siddaramaiah yesterday He defended the decision to Shivakumar, a prominent leader shivered through its coldest day “It isn’t that the police have THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: inducted party legislators D K include the two in the ministry of the Vokkaliga community, and on Monday, with the mercury dip- stopped bothering us or society’s As a New Year gift to poor Shivakumar and Roshan Baig now, saying there was only one Baig, the ministry strength goes ping to a bone-chilling 2.4 degrees attitude has changed towards women in Kerala, the state gov- to his ministry, ignoring cor- case against Shivakumar, which up to 31, leaving three vacancies. Celsius. With the demand for tea us just because Modi was a tea ernment yesterday launched a ruption charges against the two had been stayed by a court, while Karnataka can have a 34-mem- increasing, many vendors in the seller,” Saran said. special lottery where the revenue and sparking dissatisfaction Baig was facing a private com- ber ministry, including the chief city also hike their prices. IANS will go to a fund that will provide among many aspirants. plaint of land grab. minister. a marriage aid of Rs30,000 each Shivakumar, a six-time mem- Their inclusion comes just Though freedom fighter H S to families of weaker sections. ber of the Karnataka assembly, is over a month after mining Doreswamy, whom Siddaramaiah “This programme was facing illegal mining charges and baron and information minister holds in high esteem, and an NGO announced in the last state budget Baig, also a six-time lawmaker, Santosh Lad was forced to quit “Samaja Parivartana Samudaya” and the entire revenue generated is charged with land grab. Both on charges of illegal iron ore (Society for transformation) through the Mangalaya Lottery have denied the allegations and mining and export. fighting illegal mining and land would go to every women in the accused their opponents of “con- The Janata Dal-Secular grab cases have been oppos- below poverty line category when spiracy” to prevent them from spokesperson Y S V Datta and ing making the two ministers, she gets married,” Chief Minister becoming ministers. former Bharatiya Janata Party Siddaramaiah has gone ahead Oommen Chandy said. The pro- The two were administered chief minister Jagadish Shettar with their inclusion after the gramme would also cover families the oath of office and secrecy by slammed Siddaramaiah for mak- Congress high command gave its in the above poverty line category Governor H R Bhardwaj at his ing “tainted” legislators minis- nod to the move, apparently keep- but whose annual income does not official residence, Raj Bhavan in ters and said this was contrary ing in view Lok Sabha elections exceed Rs1 lakh. Bangalore city centre in the pres- to the stand the chief minister in April-May and the influence The government decided to go ence of Siddaramaiah, Karnataka had taken earlier. Shivakumar and Baig have in ahead with this new scheme after Pradesh Congress Committee Many Congress legislators, their communities. the success of a similar scheme president G Parameshwara and particularly from the north “Though there are several named Karunya Lottery launched several ministers. Karnataka region, like K B senior and well-deserving party in 2011 by the Chandy government. Siddaramaiah, who took over Koliwad, Basavraj Rayareddy legislators, the two were taken The Karunya Benevolent Fund has as chief minister on May 13, had and Malakayya Guttedar, told Wednesday to provide better so far funded the medical expenses till now resisted pressure from reporters that their claim to be representation in the minis- of around 22,000 patients to the Shivakumar and Baig and their in the ministry had been ignored, try to various communities,” extent of Rs286 crore. supporters to make the two though they were senior leaders Parameshwara told reporters The state-owned lottery in ministers as he was against hav- of the party and not facing cor- here earlier in the day. Kerala has never made a loss since ing any “tainted” person in the ruption charges. “Dissatisfaction in the party is its inception in 1967. The total sales ministry. Shivakumar represents natural, as there are many can- A boatman paddles through the partially-frozen surface of Dal Lake in of the lottery in the last fiscal stood The chief minister told report- Kanakapura in Ramanagaram didates in the party who deserve Srinagar yesterday. A cold wave further tightened its grip in Jammu and at Rs2,778.80 crore, with a profit of ers after the swearing-in func- district, about 55km from here, to become ministers,” the KPCC Kashmir with most places in the state recording sub-zero temperatures. Rs681.76 crore. tion that he inducted the two and Baig Bangalore’s Shivajinagar chief said. IANS into the ministry “on his own, constituency, which has a large IANS THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME US writer  News in Numbers    Danielle Steel CHART: 1 31 7 Fajr (Dawn) 4:58 3 Shorook (Sunrise) 6:20 gets France’s Zuhr (Noon) 11:38 Asr (Afternoon) 2:36 top honour Maghrib (Sunset) 4:57 Isha (Night) 6:27 PARIS: Bestselling US author Danielle Steel has been awarded France’s high- est honour, the government’s WEATHER official newsletter revealed yesterday, one of hundreds of Weather personalities to be given the Reinsurance terms and conditions Today Friday Saturday Conditions: Legion d’honneur on New Partly cloudy Clear Clear Year’s Day. Pics, VP Kammutty Partly cloudy Steel joins other foreigners to cloudy with such as singers Bono and Bob chance of Dylan or writer Philip Roth Some 59pc of executives polled consider overall reinsurance terms and conditions High: 23° High: 22° High: 22° awarded the “Ordre National Low: 17° Low: 14° Low: 14° scattered rain. in the MENA as average when compared with the past five years, up from 52pc in de la Legion d’honneur” in rec- ognition of service to France 2012. The share of those viewing terms and conditions as loose has declined from or work that is deemed to 48pc to 38pc. This change in assessment reflects both the impact of the Arab Spring uphold its ideals. France tra- and an increasing awareness of the region’s catastrophe exposure (which has driven DOHA - SUN & SEA ditionally announces the awards on January 1 every the introduction of event limits, for example). In addition, the market has witnessed SUN TIDE SEA year, as well as every Easter reduced commissions, the introduction of loss corridors, increased deductibles and SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND and July 14th, the country’s more exclusions (especially in the area of political risk). Last but not least, reinsurers national day. 06:20 16:57 05:45 & 16:45 13:00 & 23:00 05-15/18 KT Foreigners do not formally are showing less tolerance towards facultative inward business conducted by cedants become members of the order which they believe reduces market transparency and heightens the accumulation risk. THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW — founded by Napoleon in 1802 — but are decorated with the HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER legion’s insignia. Current reinsurance Outlook on reinsurance Steel — who was made a MUSCAT 24/17 Partly cloudy 25/17 Partly cloudy “Chevalier” (Knight) of the order, terms and conditions terms and conditions KUWAIT 20/11 Clear 16/08 Clear the lowest of five rankings — has BAHRAIN 19/15 Chance of rain 19/15 Clear sold 600 million copies of her SANAA 22/06 Chance of rain 23/06 Partly cloudy books, in 70 countries and in 43 RIYADH 24/09 Clear 23/10 Clear languages. DUBAI 23/16 Partly cloudy 23/16 Partly cloudy In 2002, she had already BAGHDAD 17/06 Clear 16/07 Partly cloudy been decorated as an Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters, Loosening Tight THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW France’s top cultural honour. 3pc 3pc HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER Those who have already Average Tightening become members of the Legion 59pc 58pc ATHENS 14/08 Rain 14/08 Partly cloudy d’honneur can be elevated to WASHINGTON 10/-6 Rain 01/-8 Partly cloudy higher ranks. Stable Loose SYDNEY 26/20 Chance of rain 25/19 Partly cloudy Among those promoted yes- 39pc 38pc LONDON 11/08 Partly cloudy 11/07 Mostly cloudy terday was 93-year-old French PARIS 13/09 Chance of rain 14/09 Chance of rain actress Michele Morgan, a leading ISTANBUL 11/07 Cloudy 13/06 Mostly cloudy lady for decades who was com- MANILA 31/23 Partly cloudy 31/24 Partly cloudy pared to a young Greta Garbo DHAKA 26/14 Clear 24/13 Clear in the early days of her career DELHI 17/06 Clear 17/07 Clear and once starred in a film with ISLAMABAD 19/03 Clear 19/02 Clear Humphrey Bogart. Source : http://www.qfc.com.qa AFP

Valentina Guazzolini, of Ravenna, Italy, plays in confetti which was scattered by a gust of wind into the air after New Year celebrations in Times Square, New York City, yesterday. Joy, confetti compete as NY celebrates New Year

NEW YORK: Times Square Rio de Janeiro. In New York an Miley Cyrus — wrapped in floor- erupted in joy and a shower of estimated million people, braving length white fur — and Melissa multi-coloured confetti as New freezing temperatures and some Etheridge, who sang a version of York City’s famed crystal ball camping out since morning for a John Lennon’s “Imagine.” eased down to mark the year’s good spot, joined in a chorus for “It’s really cold but there’s a lot final seconds and usher in 2014 the countdown to 2014. of entertainment. It’s fun!,” said yesterday. US Supreme Court Justice Sara, a New Jersey woman who A wave of spectacular firework Sonia Sotomayor — a native New arrived at seven in the morning displays boomed and glittered Yorker — activated the mecha- for a front row spot. around the globe to ring in the nism that sent the Big Apple’s Boisterous parties in other US New Year, from a record-shatter- famed 5,500 kilo flashy ball down cities followed as the start of the ing show in Dubai, to Sydney and a pole to signal the start of a new new year swept west. year. A jubilant crowd gathered in Loudspeakers boomed out Jackson Square in New Orleans, Frank Sinatra’s signature song and some 70,000 partied with “New York, New York” for the the veteran country music star first moments of 2014, and three Hank Williams, Jr in Nashville, astronauts from the International Tennessee. Space Station appeared on a giant Around the world, fireworks lit screen TV to wish the crowd a up the skies to welcome the New happy new year. Year. Europe joined the party with Live music helped keep the a giant fireworks salvo in London. revellers warm, from the likes of AFP Thursday 2 January 2014 29 Safar 1435 Volume 18 Number 5932 Price: QR2

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New Year Day shopping Chinese Qatar energy manufacturing index slips in management December

BEIJING: China’s manu- facturing growth slowed in December for the first time draws praise in six months, official figures showed yesterday, suggesting the world’s second-largest econ- One of the top countries in MGI index omy faced headwinds at the end of last year. DOHA: Qatar has been ranked wealth into broader economic The purchasing manag- as one of the top countries in the development. ers’ index (PMI) was at 51.0, world in effectively managing Under the “Economic develop- down from November’s 51.4, the its energy resources. The coun- ment” pillar Qatar that ranked National Bureau of Statistics said try has made rapid strides in second, after Norway and sev- on its website. A reading above 50 ‘building institutions’ and ‘bet- enth place in “Institutions and signals expansion while a figure ter governance’ of its extractive Governance, in addition to fea- below indicates contraction. industry, Global research firm turing in high slots under other It marked the 15th straight McKinsey Global Institute’s pillars. month of growth but it is the first (MGI) latest report on energy- Oman and UAE are among time the figure has dipped from driven countries noted. other GCC countries that have the previous month since June. Qatar made to the top charts of ranked top slots. “The Gulf coun- The result came in below the a set of criterion set by MGI for tries, including Qatar, have made median 51.2 forecast of eight effectively handling its resource progress on some of these met- economists by The Wall Street sector and contributing to the ris- rics, but they still have to improve Journal as reported by Dow Shoppers look at lucky bags on the first sale day of the year at a department store in Tokyo yesterday. Japan’s ing global economy. The country their competencies in spending Jones Newswires. “The fall in the ranked second among the top 10 the windfall, and fiscal policy core consumer prices rose 1.2 percent in November. weaker-than-expected official PMI countries in the world in terms of and competitiveness.”, the report reinforces our view that growth ‘economic development’. noted. It also warned that the top momentum entered a downtrend” The report “Reverse Curve: players cannot rest on their lau- in the fourth quarter from a peak Maximising the potential of rels and will need to move quickly Cameron trumpets UK recovery in the third, Nomura International resource-driven economies“takes to remain relevant in the new analysts said in a research note. a closer look at how the glo- global energy order. For exam- British bank HSBC last month bal energy resource-driven can ple, Qatar is the world’s largest LONDON: Prime Minister page. His remarks “will be widely downturn. “If you doubt how dis- said China’s manufacturing activ- handle them more effectively in producer of liquefied natural gas, David Cameron boasted yester- interpreted as an attack on Mr astrous a return to Labour-style ity in December expanded at its order to bolster the economic but by 2017 the country is facing day that Britain would become Hollande, who is under pressure economics would be, just look at slowest rate in three months, in development. MGI set six bench- big competition with Australia to a post-recession flagship in as France’s economy continues to countries that are currently fol- its preliminary PMI index. marks to indicate the elevation the title largest LNG producer. 2014, in what was reported as a struggle,” the daily said. lowing that approach,” he wrote. The bank’s final PMI reading of the economic performance On the importance of the size of swipe at France’s “disastrous” Cameron wrote: “2014 is when “They face increasing unem- for December is scheduled to of 81 resource-rich countries so a country and its relative impor- economic policies. we start to turn Britain into the ployment, industrial stagnation be released on Tuesday. China’s that they can continue to play a tance of the resource sectors, the Writing in The Times newspa- flagship post-great recession suc- and enterprise in free-fall. The economy, an important driver pivotal role in supplying natu- report noted in countries with per, Cameron said Britain was a cess story. “With record numbers opposite of what’s happening here. of regional and global growth, ral resources to a rising global relatively small populations, such country on the rise as he warned of new businesses, we can be the “Our recovery is real, but it’s expanded 7.8 percent from July economy. as Qatar, the extractive industry against “the great mistakes that enterprise capital of Europe. also fragile, and there are more to September, snapping two quar- The benchmark index included is far more important to economic led up to the great recession— “We must not resurrect the difficult decisions ahead. A return ters of slowing, but analysts warn Building the institutions and development than in larger coun- more borrowing, more spending dangerous thinking that got us to that economic madness would vulnerabilities remain. governance of the resources sec- tries that are likely to have more and more debt”. Though Cameron into the mess from which we are devastate this country.” The December PMI indicates tor; Developing infrastructure; diversified economy and larger did not name the “countries cur- now recovering,” the centre-right While Britain is predicting “that real activity could have Ensuring robust fiscal policy and domestic market. As a result, the rently following that approach”, Conservative leader warned. economic growth of 1.4 percent slowed in the month due to con- competitiveness; Supporting extractive industry is the subject The Times said it was a “swipe at Blaming the previous centre- in 2013 and 2.4 percent in 2014, tinued liquidity tightness”, ANZ local content; Deciding how to of much closer scrutiny by gov- France” and an “apparent gibe” left Labour government, which France’s national economics sta- bank economists Liu Li-Gang spend a resources windfall wisely; ernment in smaller countries. at President Francois Hollande. lost power in 2010, he said the tistics institute INSEE predicted and Zhou Hao wrote in a sepa- and Transforming resource THE PENINSULA “Cameron’s dig at France in British economy contracted by growth of 0.2 percent for 2013. rate note. warning over debt”, said the front 7.2 per cent during the economic AFP AFP

Al Khaliji offers 100pc Qatar’s foreign trade surplus falls 4.2 percent DOHA: Qatar’s foreign trade of goods, including exports of Minerals etc, excluding crude that the same month last year. of total imports, followed by China surplus fell 4.2 percent from domestic origin and re-exports, showed a rise of 10.1 percent com- The main countries of exports (9 percent), Germany and UAE (7 financing for a year earlier to QR30.9bn in amounted to QR 39.8bn, showing pared to November 2012. On the destination for Qatar were Japan percent each). November 2013, figures from a drop of 0.9 percent compared other hand, decreases occurred with a share of 29 percent of total Exports to South Korea, India MPHC IPO the Ministry of Development to the total exports of goods of mainly in Petroleum Oils & Oils exports, South Korea with 17 per- and China declined on year-on- Planning and Statistics (MDPS) the corresponding month of 2012. from Obtained bituminous miner- cent, and India with 9 percent of year. While exports to South DOHA: Al Khalij Commercial revealed yesterday. The major decrease in exports als (crude), and Petroleum Gases total exports. Korea and India dropped by 6.4 Bank (Al Khaliji) has announced In November 2013, the trade caused mainly because of the and Other Gaseous Hydrocarbons Motor cars & other passenger percent each, export to Singapore that it would provide up to 100 balance of goods, which repre- drop in petroleum gases and (LNG, Condensates, Propane, vehicles, aircraft spare parts, and declined by 2.6 in November 2013 percent finance of the sub- sents the difference between other gaseous hydrocarbons. The Butane, etc), by 3.2 percent and telephone sets and mobiles were compared to the same month scription amount for custom- exports and imports, showed a Ministry data shows that the 0.9 percent respectively. the main imported commodity in 2012. The imports from UAE ers who wish to subscribe the decrease of QR1.3bn compared major increase in exports was The total imports of November groups in November 2013. The declined by 5.1 percent during the Initial Public Offering (IPO) to the trade balance of goods of mainly from Petroleum Oils & 2013 amounted QR8.9bn, up 12.4 US was the leading country of period. of Mesaieed Petrochemical November 2012. The total exports Oils Obtained from Bituminous percent over the value recorded in origin with a share of 11 percent THE PENINSULA Holding Company (MPHC). The bank will offer this for rates as low as 3.5 percent, the bank said in a statement yesterday. Al Khaliji customers can apply for MPHC shares at Bin Omran China’s $3 trillion local government debt stirs alarm and C-Ring branches or by vis- iting the bank’s service centre located on the ground floor of its BEIJING: Calls for China to crisis — the figure is less than half paid for non-lucrative public pay for the building of some public because it includes money bor- headquarters in West Bay. accelerate financial reforms the debt burdens in Japan and infrastructure. works, allowing governments to rowed by more than 33,000 town- The bank said that Al Khaliji grew louder after figures Greece where public finances are The prospect of defaults have tap more financing sources, and ship governments. In all, the premium banking relationship showed its indebted local gov- strained — but warned the world’s raised fears that they could sad- pegging performances of govern- auditor reviewed the finances of managers will also assist cus- ernments owe nearly $3 trillion second-biggest economy needed to dle Chinese banks with a load of ments to total debt incurred. nearly 36,300 local governments tomers with the subscription and in a debt build-up that some urgently reduce debt if it wanted bad debt and destabilise China’s Monday’s results are a first to compile the latest figures. financing details. The 22-day IPO analysts called alarming. to safeguard growth and financial financial system. step in China’s latest efforts to Prior to Monday, the most pes- subscription period of the MPHC The National Audit Office, stability. “While China’s total govern- tidy its public finances. Beijing simistic market estimates of what will run until January 21, 2014. China’s state auditor, said in a This is especially because the ment debt remains low by the had ordered the audit in August, local governments owe have been MPHC, a wholly-owned sub- report local governments had long-awaited report showed some OECD standards, the pace of the the first of such since 2011, amid close to $4.1 trillion. “China’s govern- sidiary of Qatar Petroleum (QP), total outstanding debt of 17.9 governments were using new rise is still alarming,” ANZ econo- growing public scepticism about ment debt risks are in general under plans to raise QR3.23bn by offer- trillion yuan at the end of June, loans to repay more than a fifth mists Liu Li-Gang and Zhou Hao the accuracy of official debt data. control, but some areas have certain ing 323.19 million ordinary shares a sum that includes contingent of their debt, and that authorities said in a note. Despite reiterations from dangers,” the state auditor said. at QR10.2 per share (including liabilities and debt guarantees. still relied heavily on selling land “This national debt audit result Beijing that China’s local govern- It said risks include fast rising the listing fee of QR0.2) to the The debt load is in the middle to pay off old loans. could indicate that China’s local ment debt levels had stabilised in debt levels, with county govern- public, that represents a 26 per- of market forecasts and leaves China’s mountain of local gov- government debt almost doubled the past three years, Monday’s ments seeing the quickest increase cent stake in the company. The China with total government ernment debt is among the big- in about 2-1/2 years.” results showed debt incurred by in leverage, heavy debt burdens in minimum subscription for indi- debt of around 58 percent of gross gest threats to its economy as Beijing acknowledges the risks local authorities was up 67 per- some unnamed regions and sec- vidual investors is 50 shares with domestic product. investors worry a good part of and have promised to curtail fiscal cent compared to the 2011 audit. tors, and government dependence the maximum being one million. Analysts said this suggested it cannot be repaid since most dangers by revising policies. New However, the audit is more on land sales to repay loans. THE PENINSULA China is not on a verge of a fiscal of the money borrowed had policies include letting investors comprehensive than 2011’s REUTERS THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Dollar inches Qatar-India up vs euro after upbeat trade surges US data NEW YORK: The dollar inched up against the euro as it closed out 2013 on Tuesday, following encouraging US economic data on home prices and consumer to $16.3bn confidence. The euro fell to $1.3753 around 2200 GMT from $1.3800 at the India’s share declines to 4.2 percent same time on Monday. The dollar also rose against BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB economic relations more balanced the Japanese currency, buying over the coming years. 105.33 yen compared with 105.11 DOHA: Bilateral trade between “The trade growth is largely driven on Monday. Qatar and India has surged to by huge imports of hydrocarbons, The euro, which became the QR59.36bn ($16.3bn) in 2013 from fertilizers and petrochemicals from shared currency of 18 European a mere QR4.37bn ($1.2bn) in 2005 Qatar. In addition to 7.5mt of LNG nations yeterday when Latvia soaring by twelve times over the and other products, we also import joined the eurozone, fell to 144.89 last eight years, according to additional LNG and oil from Qatar yen from 145.05. an official source at the Indian to meet our energy requirements,” Market conditions were choppy Embassy here. said the source. due to light volumes ahead of The average annual growth of Asked if the trade gap is a cause the New Year’s Day holiday on trade between the two countries of concern for India, the source said: Wednesday, said Omer Esiner during the period was over 150 per- “Naturally, it would be a concern for of Commonwealth Foreign cent. But India’s share in the bilateral any country. We are striving to nar- FROM LEFT: Latvia’s central bank Governor Ilmars Rimsevics, Estonia’s Prime Minister Andrus Ansip, Exchange. trade has declined consistently, from row down the gap, which we believe Latvia’s Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis and Latvia’s Minister of Finance Andris Vilks, with euro banknotes The dollar’s gains came “thanks 31.7 percent in 2005 to about 4.2 per- is very much achievable, but we also during an official event in Riga yesterday. in part to an improving US econ- cent in 2013. know that it cannot be eliminated omy and the prospect of reduced India’s exports to Qatar in 2005 completely, given the nature of our monetary stimulus from the was $380m which has now grown to trade with Qatar. Latvia caps years of austerity Federal Reserve,” Esiner said. $687m in 2013, witnessing only 80 We are working to attract Qatari New data provided evidence of percent growth over the last eight investments, including sovereign momentum in the world’s larg- years, while Qatar’s exports during the funds to India, and also trying to pro- est economy. US consumer con- same period has surged from $820m to mote our exports to Qatar. For that with eurozone membership fidence rebounded in December $15.62bn, which has grown by 18 times we have identified some new sectors after slumping in the prior two compared to 2005 figure. When com- which can bridge the gap in future.” RIGA: Latvia joined the euro zone yesterday, expanding by 5.6 percent in 2012, after the gov- months. Home prices rose in pared with India’s 80 percent surge, India has sought investments banking on its experience of austerity to bring ernment slashed spending and wages and hiked October for the biggest annual Qatar’s growth is 22 times higher. from Qatar for the expansion of it prosperity in a currency union where other taxes in one of the harshest austerity programs gain since February 2006. The trade between the two coun- various projects, including power economies have floundered. in Europe. Analysts cautioned that the tries has always been lopsided in and crude oil expansion projects The Baltic country of just two million people Latvia’s efforts have won praise from EU pol- dollar could hit some bumps in favour of Qatar. But over the last sev- being developed by National Thermal became the bloc’s 18th member at midnight (2200 icymakers, who have pointed numerous times 2014 as Federal Reserve tapers its eral years, it has become more skewed Power Corporation and Indian Oil GMT), taking a step further out of the shadow to the Baltic state as an example that austerity asset-purchase program. than ever before due to huge imports Corporation, respectively. of neighbouring Russia a decade after joining the can work. “Thanks to these efforts ... Latvia will “The dollar may continue to of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and In addition, India has expressed its European Union and Nato. enter the euro area stronger than ever, send- give back the advance from back other products from Qatar. interest in setting up a petrochemical Latvia’s acting Prime Minister, Valdis ing an encouraging message to other countries in October as the dovish twist to “India has singed long-term agree- and a fertilizer plant in Qatar but the Dombrovskis, who led his country through its undergoing a difficult economic adjustment,” the Fed’s forward-guidance limits ment with Qatar to supply 7.5 million Gulf state has indicated that these worst economic crisis since it left the former European Commission President Jose Manuel the scope of seeing another taper at tonnes of LNG for 25 years. The full projects can only be considered after Soviet Union in the early 1990s, said euro adop- Barroso said on Tuesday. the January 29 meeting,” said David supplies have begun from January an embargo is lifted over further allo- tion was an opportunity, but not a guarantee of Still, a few concerns remain. The European Song, currency analyst at DailyFX. 2010, which is the main reason for cation of gas. wealth, and the country should not relax its fis- Central Bank has warned Latvia that the high Commonwealth’s Esiner noted India’s declining share in bilateral A large number of Indian compa- cal policy. level of foreign deposits, mostly from Russia, in that the 16-day US government trade,” said the source, who did not nies such as L&T, Dodsal, Punj Lloyd, “It’s not an excuse not to pursue a responsible Latvian banks, as in Cyprus, was a risk factor. shutdown in October had nega- wish to be named. Voltas, Simplex, Wipro, Aptech, fiscal and macroeconomic policy,” he said after Latvia also enters the euro zone without a per- tively impacted dollar sentiment, Apart from LNG, other major Satyam Mahendra, NIIT and others withdrawing the first euro banknote after mid- manent government after Dombrovskis resigned but that conditions appeared to items of Qatari exports to India have set up offices in Qatar and have night from a cash machine in Riga. in December, taking political responsibility over have improved in the fourth quar- inculde petrochemicals, fertilizers, secured major contracts. The size of The euro switchover ceremony took place at a supermarket collapse in Riga that killed 54 ter. “While year-end capital flows sulphur and iron pyrites. Where as the Indian community in Qatar is a site where Latvia’s crisis began - the former people. Latvia enters the euro zone as the single are likely skewing current valu- the items of Indian exports to Qatar estimated to be over 500,000 which headquarters of the collapsed Parex bank, now currency bloc marks its 15th anniversary, and ations, the prospect of continued include accessories, man-made yarn, remit over $1bn every year. headquarters of state-owned Citatele bank, which the euro is now used by 333 million Europeans. Fed tapering in 2014 remains a fabrics, made-ups, cotton yarn, fab- India is one of the largest trading emerged from Parex’s ruins. Even so, neighbouring Lithuania is the only broadly positive scenario for the ric made-ups, transport equipment, partners of Qatar after Japan, South Parex, the country’s second-biggest bank by remaining EU country showing much enthusi- greenback,” Esiner said. machinery and instruments, manu- Korea and Singapore. According to assets, went bust at end-2008, forcing the Baltic asm for euro admission after the temptations The dollar rose to 0.8922 Swiss facture of metals, meat and prepara- available data, Japan is the largest state to seek an international rescue to keep its and strains of sharing a currency forced Greece, franc from 0.8877 franc Monday. tions and other ores and minerals. trading partner of Qatar with bilat- currency, the lat, pegged to the euro at the same Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Cyprus to seek inter- But it fell against the pound, The high level of trade deficit has eral trade volume for 2012 soared to rate. national bailouts for their government finances which fetched $1.6570 compared put a lot of pressure on India to nar- about QR135bn ($37bn). Its economy shrank by a quarter during 2008- or their banks. with $1.6497 the prior day. row the gap making the bilateral THE PENINSULA 2010, but then grew at the fastest pace in the EU, REUTERS AFP NCC hosts Middle East Maztech 2013

DOHA: National Car Company (NCC), Technical Service & Training Manager, morale and give them a sense of pride.” the sole agent for Mazda in Qatar, in asso- Mazda Middle East & Africa, along with Mazda organizes the Maztech Middle ciation with Mazda Motor Corporation the officials from various distributors. The East periodically with the firm objective of organised the 4th Middle East Maztech - top two teams who won the contest will improving the knowledge, Mazda Technical Contest 2013. Selected attend the global contest which will be held Announcing the winners, Zameer technicians from six Mazda distribu- in Hiroshima, Japan. Ahmad said, “I am delighted at the success tors in the middle region participated in Sheikh Ahmad bin Nasser said: “It is of 4th Middle East Maztech 2013 which in the event which was held at the Mazda an exciting time of us and we are privi- the process benefits individuals, organisa- Technical Training Centre recently, leged to host this prestigious event in tions and finally customers. Keeping that a press release issued by NCC said the State of Qatar. We strongly believe in mind, I am confident the efforts that all yesterday. that Mazda Motor Corporation, with the of us have put in well reflect in improved An award ceremony was held at The committed support of all the regional customer satisfaction results and even- Torch, Doha which was attended by Sheikh distributors, is providing a great plat- tually growth of Mazda business in the Ahmad bin Nasser Al Thani, President form to the technicians to demonstrate region.” Director of NCC, and Zameer Ahmed, the skills, which in turn enhances their THE PENINSULA

Officials and attendees during the Mazda Technical Contest. THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 Boeing’s wing plant at risk in Washington Friday vote last chance for workers

OLYMPIA, Washington: without the wing factory, the Boeing Co will not build the state would fall behind in com- wing for its new 777X jetliner in posite technology and would lose Washington state if members of out in the future. its largest union reject its lat- Boeing spokesman Doug Alder est contract offer in a Friday declined to confirm what com- vote, company executives told pany officials said at the closed- Seattle-area elected officials. door meeting, but said by email But the company did not rule out that Friday’s union contract vote locating final assembly of the plane will be the last chance for workers or construction of its fuselage in to weigh a Boeing offer before the the Puget Sound area if members airplane maker decides where to of the 31,000-strong International locate work on the new aircraft. Association of Machinists and Snohomish County Executive Aerospace Workers District Lodge John Lovick described the hour-long 751 turn down the proposal, three meeting with company officials, led officials at the meeting said. by Boeing Commercial Airplanes “They made it very clear that if Chief Executive Ray Conner, as there is a ‘no’ vote on the contract, “very positive” and said the com- they will not build the composite pany appeared genuine in its desire wing here,” said Suzette Cooke, to build the 777X — the only jet it mayor of Kent, Washington. “It is likely to develop in the next 15 An engineer of Oil and Natural Gas Corp works inside the Kalol oilfield in Gujarat. left the other parts of the plane years — in Washington state. “They in question.” weren’t threatening us, just giving The location of the final assembly us information,” Lovick said. ONGC, Shell buys offshore block from Petrobras and wing fabrication is in question In November, machinist union because union members rejected members voted 2-to-1 against the Boeing’s contract offer, prompting company’s initial contract offer. RIO DE JANEIRO: Royal to sell its 35 percent stake to company is known, has been supply arm to lose money as fuel Boeing to look for other locations The eight-year contract exten- Dutch Shell Plc and India’s Oil China’s Sinochem for $1.56bn. Shell selling off assets in Brazil and imports rise. around the country, and prompting sion would have kept 777X pro- and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) and ONGC, though, exercised their abroad in an attempt to raise The BC-10 block is home to 22 bids from rival states. duction in Washington state. But purchased the remaining 35 right of first refusal. ONGC agreed cash to finance a $237 billion Shell and ONGC’s Parque das The new 777X jet programme, in exchange, management wanted percent of a Brazilian offshore to $529m for the 12 percent stake five-year investment plan, the Conchas, or “Shell Park” area. The an updated version of Boeing’s to replace the workers’ pension oil block from their partner, in October, valuing the entire sale world’s largest corporate spend- block, at the north end of Brazil’s best-selling wide-body plane, rep- plan with a 401(k)-style retire- Brazil’s state-run Petroleo about the same as the amount ing programme. Campos Basin, northeast of Rio resents a good slice of Washington ment savings account and raise Brasileiro SA, Shell said in a Sinochem agreed to pay. Petrobras’ need for cash has de Janeiro, is home to the Ostra, state’s aerospace future. Combined, their healthcare costs. statement. The additional share of oil risen as production from older Abalone, and Argonaut oilfields. the assembly line and wing factory Boeing later made a revised Under the accord, which the coming to Shell from BC-10 oil fields has stagnated and out- Shell is the operator of the area. would be worth thousands of jobs offer that included a larger sign- companies began negotiating in could see the company jump past put from new areas comes on Parque das Conchas, which began and billions of dollars to the region ing bonus and other conces- September, Shell will get an addi- China’s Sinochem to become line behind schedule, forcing the operating in 2009, produces about that lands them. sions, and asked union leaders tional 23 percent of BC-10, rais- Brazil’s No. 4 producer, behind company to boost debt to finance 50,000 barrels a day of oil. The com- Japan has bid for the wing to endorse it. But the local union ing its stake to 73 percent. ONGC Petrobras, Norway’s Statoil ASA investment. The government has pany approved a third phase of the work, too, building on its experi- leaders refused to endorse it or will get an additional 12 percent, and Britain’s BG Group Plc, based also forced the company to sell project in July which could add as ence making composite wings for put it up for a vote, saying the boosting its stake to 27 percent, on October figures from Brazil’s gasoline and diesel fuel at home much as 28,000 barrels a day of oil Boeing’s advanced 787 jet. Officials changes were insignificant. Shell said. petroleum regulator, the ANP. at prices below those on the world output to the project, Shell said. in Washington are concerned that REUTERS Petrobras had originally agreed Petrobras, as the Brazilian market, causing its refining and REUTERS India bonds see worst year since ’09

MUMBAI: Indian government year ahead. mid-January that could deter- bonds rallied for a second con- “Bond market players will mine whether the Reserve Bank secutive session yesterday, sig- surely hope for 2014 to be a year of India resumes raising interest nalling a better year could be in with lower volatility. Such high rates after staying on hold this store after investors this year level of volatility that we saw, and month. plodded through the worst falls the continued bearishness has led Investors are also keenly in debt prices since 2009. to a fall in market appetite and a watching how much the govern- Bond investors took a beating dry-up in volumes,” said Arvind ment will cut spending to meet its in 2013 as foreign funds fled mar- Chari, head of fixed income at fiscal deficit target of 4.8 percent kets after the central bank in July Quantum Asset Management. of gross domestic product for the unexpectedly raised short-term “There is a need for foreigners year ending in March. interest rates to prop up a rupee to step up and buy out some of India’s fiscal deficit touched that was slumping to record lows. the supply from the market. This 5.1 trillion rupees during April- Persistently high inflation then would steady the market and can November, or 93.9 percent of the forced the central bank to raise stem the rise in yields,” he added. full-year target, government data interest rates twice this year, even The benchmark 10-year bond showed on Tuesday. as economic growth continuing yield closed down 4 basis points Further out, investors are to languish near a decade-low, at 8.82 percent. bracing for critical elections due further hurting sentiment for For the year, the benchmark by May, as any new government domestic debt. yield rose 81 bps, its biggest annual will have to tackle structural However, traders expect 2014 rise since 2009, having moved in a challenges such as a persistently to be a relatively calmer year for wide range of 7.31 percent to 9.48 high current account deficit. bonds with the monetary tighten- percent during the year. In the overnight indexed swap ing cycle likely drawing to a close Foreign funds have been net market, the benchmark 5-year if inflation continues to show sellers of nearly $8 billion in OIS rate closed down 3 bps at 8.41 signs of easing. 2013, excluding the last two trad- percent while the 1-year rate fell Foreign funds have also started ing days of the year, after having 4 bps to 8.45 percent. buying in December, for a provi- bought $6.6 bn in 2012. For the year, the rates were up sional total of $936.90 million, Key events lurk ahead, start- 129 bps and 85 bps respectively. further raising hopes about the ing with inflation indicators in REUTERS

An employee with the bundles of rupee notes inside a bank in Agartala, the capital of India’s northeastern state of Tripura. THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Taiwanese Spanish crisis haunts Italian banks president calls Non-performing loans increase by 8pc; recession’s after-effects on SMEs underestimated for further

LONDON: The Italian bank- of “evergreening”, whereby they list of ailments and the problem Banca Carige are among the for other mid-tier banks to raise market opening ing sector is entering 2014 on keep rolling loans over so that is shifting from being a sovereign banks looking for capital but are capital.” shaky ground with concerns they don’t have to recognise a loss one to a banking one. being shunned. The chance of a domestic white TAIPEI: Taiwan must open growing that it will no longer and can effectively hide them,” “By definition, we don’t know Meanwhile, Moody’s took knight coming to the rescue of its markets wider to secure be able to hide from weak prof- said Maxime Alimi, economist what’s going on at a lot of these Mediocredito Trentino-Alto a failing bank also looks slim. free trade deals which are itability and rising bad loans euro area at AXA IM. institutions so while there is more Adige and Banca Sella deeper That’s partly because banks are badly needed in the face of stiff — the same flaws that brought “The Bank of Italy says it has to come out, how much is impos- into sub-investment grade terri- still deleveraging, but also because regional competition, President Spanish banks to their knees in been very defensive and conserva- sible to say,” said John Raymond, tory in the middle of December no-one wants to run the risk of Ma Ying-jeou said yesterday. the financial crisis. tive but the market has yet to be FIG analyst at CreditSights. to Ba3 and Ba2 respectively from bringing assets of dubious quality His appeal came as a con- The increased anxiety comes convinced.” Carlo Mareels, analyst at RBC, their standalone Ba1 ratings, cit- onto the balance sheet, he said. troversial services sector trade ahead of the European Central While the ECB health checks said that while banks had set ing deteriorating asset quality and Without a willing acquirer and agreement with China is stalled Bank’s asset-quality review will only look at 15 of Italy’s big- aside some provisioning for bad profitability. no other solutions, bondholders’ in parliament. (AQR), which some analysts gest banks, the concern is that loans and had extra collateral on This has eerie echoes with burden sharing could be on the In a New Year address, Ma fear will reveal a large capital this will only be scratching the these loans, the AQR and stress Spain where trouble was brewing cards in Italy. said regional and bilateral free hole at some of country’s second surface of a much bigger prob- tests could put an even lower val- for years in what were perceived When Spanish banks were trade agreements were now play- tier banks even though the Bank lem given the country’s 706 banks uation on the liabilities, thereby to be conservative institutions, taken over by the FROB, they had ing greater roles than the World of Italy has been pushing them which are generally unlisted and requiring banks to make more only to see the relatively unknown the flexibility to conduct liability Trade Organisation. to clean up their act in recent owned by foundations which are provisionings. Caja Castilla La Mancha being management exercises to create He said Taiwan had been slow months. not focused on profitability. “This is a preoccupation,” he bailed out in 2009. capital in the absence of a formal to follow the trend and could end Although an unprecedented Spanish banks were also widely said. “This is where you could “We saw in the case of Spain resolution framework. up marginalised and struggling to number are under special admin- suspected of using refinancing draw a parallel with what hap- that the failure of one small bank But in an effort to limit the compete with rivals such as South istration, the fear is that the and roll-overs to cover up non- pened in Spain and while we think can become a systemic issue if burden on taxpayers, this has all Korea and Japan. after-effect of a painful reces- performing loans, particularly the bigger banks have enough others follow. This could poten- changed and Italian banks are Ma, who initiated politi- sion, most acutely felt in the loans to small companies. capital, it is hard to anticipate tially be the case for Italy,” said unlikely to have as much leeway. cal detente with former bit- SME sector, is still being vastly Italian banks were shunned by what the AQR might bring up.” Alimi. “The fact that there will be a ter rival China, said regional underestimated. investors during the crisis because The big worry is that many Roberto Henriques, financials European-wide resolution frame- economic integration required The percentage of non-per- of the government’s poor financial smaller Italian banks, which are analyst at JP Morgan, agreed. work from January 2015 could be trade-offs. forming loans has been mount- management and dysfunctional already struggling to shore up “Even in a scenario where a an issue for bondholders,” said “We have to abide by the prin- ing — up nearly eight percent political system during the crisis. capital, will be unable to fix their small institution is resolved or Henriques. Having said that, some ciples of equality and reciprocity. since 2007 and rising according However, poor corporate balance sheets. has to undertake burden-sharing, analysts argue that Italy, unlike If we expect other countries to to a September IMF report — and governance, a lack of internal Banca Etruria, for example, is the resulting negative sentiment Spain, can rely more heavily on deregulate and open their mar- could be even higher. accountability, transparency and seeking to merge with another may become a negative overhang liquidity available from the ECB. kets to trade and investment from “Italian banks are suspected trust are now being added to the lender, while Banca Marche and and make it more challenging REUTERS Taiwan, we ourselves have to do the same,” he said. Ma said Taiwanese must not be “overly concerned” at trade deals, HP to slash 5,000 jobs noting that the agricultural sector survived the impact of market- Wells Fargo agrees to opening when the island joined the WTO in 2002. Under the service trade agree- ment signed in June, China will $541m loan settlement open 80 of its service sectors to Taiwanese companies, while NEW YORK: Wells Fargo a fitting conclusion to our year Taiwan will allow Chinese invest- & Co will pay a net $541m to of hard work to put legacy ment in 64 such sectors. Fannie Mae to settle claims issues in the rear view mir- The pact is a follow-up to a over defective home loans, ror and begin 2014 focused on sweeping Economic Cooperation completing the government- improving the future of housing Framework Agreement signed controlled mortgage company’s finance.” in 2010 to reduce trade barriers efforts to have banks buy back Wells Fargo agreed in between China and Taiwan. troubled loans made before the September to pay a net $780m Ma’s Kuomintang government financial crisis. to the smaller Freddie Mac to says the services pact will boost Fannie Mae said on Monday it resolve similar repurchase claims. the economy but the opposition has reached settlements worth It said it had set aside suffi- Democratic Progressive Party roughly $6.5bn over loan buybacks cient funds for the Fannie Mae says it will hurt smaller services with eight banks, including Wells settlement. companies. Fargo, the nation’s largest mort- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Ma said the trade pacts with gage lender and fourth-largest were directed by its regulator, the China are part of efforts to bolster bank by assets. Federal Housing Finance Agency the economy, and his administra- The settlements include a (FHFA), to reduce outstanding tion hopes to join proposed mul- $3.6bn accord in January with loan repurchase demands by tinational free trade blocs such Bank of America Corp over year end, and have been reaching as the Trans-Pacific Partnership loans from that bank and the many agreements with individual and the Regional Comprehensive former Countrywide Financial lenders. Economic Partnership. Corporporation. Banks can be forced to buy AFP A view of a Hewlett-Packard computer in Washington, DC. HP plans to slash 5,000 more jobs than previously Fannie Mae Chief Executive back home loans if representa- Timothy Mayopoulos was once tions and warranties concerning announced because of a difficult business environment. general counsel at Bank of the underwriting and whether America. borrowers could afford to make It also includes a $968m accord payments prove false. in July with Citigroup Inc. Freddie Mac did not imme- Delhi aims to relax foreign investment rules further In the Wells Fargo settlement, diately respond on Monday to a the San Francisco-based bank request for comment on its repur- will pay Fannie Mae $541m in chase efforts. NEW DELHI: India aims to “The government will continue investor mood on Asia’s third- the global community and we cash after adjusting for credits The FHFA is also pursuing throw open its doors wider to its endeavour for liberalising the largest economy. have seen results in the last few from prior repurchases. Before lawsuits against many banks overseas investors in coming FDI policy further in the coming But in a welcome vote of confi- months,” Sharma said in a New adjustments, the settlement over mortgage securities sold weeks, a minister said yester- weeks to ensure India retains its dence in the country’s long-term Year’s Day message. totaled $591m. to Fannie Mae and Freddie day, as it seeks to spur a weak leadership position for attracting potential, interest in India has But data showed that overall The accord resolves sub- Mac. economy before the general foreign investments,” Commerce shown signs of picking up lately. between April and October of this stantially all repurchase claims Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac election. Minister Anand Sharma said. Earlier this week the foreign financial year, India’s FDI fell 15 against Wells Fargo over loans own or guarantee two-thirds of The government has already India is struggling to increase investment regulator cleared percent to $12.6 billion from the sold to Fannie Mae that were US home loans. The government relaxed foreign direct investment its attractiveness to overseas plans by British retail Tesco and same period a year earlier. made before 2009. seized them on September 7, 2008 (FDI) rules in such sectors as civil business and to support growth Vodafone, the world’s largest Officials say the government “We have closed out our leg- and put them into a conservator- aviation, retail, telecommunica- with the election due by May. mobile phone operator, to invest is working to relax a ban on FDI acy repurchase reviews with this ship. As of last month, taxpayers tions, defence and state-owned Five percent annual growth — more than $1.5bn in India. in the cash-hungry colonial-built agreement,” Mayopoulos said in had nearly broken even on the oil refineries as it tries to loosen the slowest in a decade — a string “The bold decisions of the railways and improve dilapidated a statement. bailout. the shackles on the still mainly of graft scandals and project government (to liberalise the lines to ports and industrial hubs. “This agreement represents REUTERS inward-looking economy. approval delays have soured the economy) have resonated with AFP

Thousands protest price hike in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: government realises that the peo- continue to receive handouts to Thousands of demonstrators ple are angry and can listen to help them. clad in black flooded a square our demands — reduce the cost Petrol prices rose 10.5 percent in the centre of the Malaysian of living for the people,” Bukhairy when the government cut fuel capital late on Tuesday to pro- Sofian, chairman of youth group subsidies for the first time since test at increases in petrol and Student Solidarity Movement 2010 in September, while electric- other prices, putting pressure Malaysia, said after giving a ity tariffs have been increased by on a government struggling to speech together with other activ- some 15 percent. reduce debt. ists and opposition politicians. Malaysia has one of Asia’s high- Demonstrators gathered at “There is too much corrup- est debt-to-GDP ratios, and Fitch Kuala Lumpur’s Independence tion,” he said, adding there could ratings agency in July warned the Square in defiance of police warn- be more protests. country to get its financial house ings not to rally and caused a Prime Minister Najib Razak, in order or face a possible sover- New Year Eve’s performance held whose Barisan Nasional (National eign-debt downgrade. there by the city to be cut short. Front) coalition won May elec- Malaysian critics say the gov- The protest ended peacefully tions with its worst showing ernment has failed in its pledge to after midnight. Organisers said yet in its 56-year rule, has been fight endemic corruption. some 15,000 people attended the struggling to reduce the debt of Authorities had urged people rally, while police put the number Southeast Asia’s third largest not to gather, alleging protesters at 5,000. economy. In his New Year mes- would cause unrest, but hundreds Wearing black T-shirts and sage, Najib said cutting subsidies of police on stand-by allowed Guy Fawkes masks — a symbol of essentials, such as petrol and them to rally. of anti-establishment defiance sugar, which cost the government A 2012 electoral reform dem- worldwide — the protestors car- billions of dollars, and raising onstration at the square ended in ried posters that read “Drop other prices were “necessary”. violence when protesters broke prices” and “Defending our “We must accept that we have through a barricade and police rights” and chanted “Long live to make changes to keep our retaliated with tear gas, water P rotesters gathering in front of Independence Square during a demonstration against the rising cost of living in the people”. finances under control,” he said, cannon and mass arrests. Kuala Lumpur. “Today is a signal. We hope the adding low-income earners would AFP THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21 Mexican tax hike seen a boom on US border 16pc increase triggers protests

CHULA VISTA, California: but the impact is undeniable. Mexican licence plates are com- University of Arizona research- mon in parking lots of shopping ers concluded that Mexican shop- malls in US border cities. They pers accounted for 48.6 percent will be even more familiar after of taxable sales in Santa Cruz Mexico raises its federal sales County, Arizona, which includes tax in border regions to match Nogales, from July 2007 through the rest of the country, say mer- June 2008. chants and shoppers. Thomas Fullerton, an economics The increase to 16 percent from professor at University of Texas at 11 percent, which took effect yes- El Paso, estimates the tax hike will terday, has sparked large protests cause Mexican shoppers to spend on the Mexican side of the border. between five percent and 10 percent Facebook pages with secession- more on the US side of the border ist tones have generated about in 2014. Smaller cities like Douglas, 200,000 “likes.” Thousands have Arizona, and Calexico, California, signed petitions to challenge the are expected to feel it more than tax hike in court. San Diego and El Paso, which have The Mexican government says more diverse economies. the two-tiered tax structure, US businesses will benefit less which was introduced decades ago in later years as Mexicans adjust to make border cities competi- to higher taxes, said Fullerton, Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York City. tive, is no longer justified. Others who has studied how changes in say the increase may backfire by the Mexican economy affect retail driving more shoppers north of sales in El Paso. the border, harming the economy The tax increase, which the Wall Street ends best year since 1990 and raising less tax revenue than government of Mexican President anticipated. Enrique Pena Nieto estimates will NEW YORK: US stocks closed investors rode the Fed’s extraor- gain in October in more than climbed 10.7 percent. In December “We don’t compete against raise $1.15bn a year, is part of a out their best year in more dinary stimulus in a year that had seven years. alone, the Dow advanced 3 per- the rest of Mexico, we compete package of fiscal measures that than 15 on Tuesday, with major only the slightest of hiccups. Wall “There’s been a generally posi- cent, the S&P 500 rose 2.4 per- against the American economy,” also raises taxes on businesses indexes advancing throughout Street even weathered a partial tive trend to news, including the cent and the Nasdaq shot up 2.9 said Juan Manuel Hernandez, and top-end wage earners, ends 2013 on the back of the Federal shutdown of the US government, confidence report, which bodes percent. It was the fourth straight President of the Tijuana Business some deductions and introduces Reserve’s massive stimulus and as well as the recent announce- well for conditions next year and monthly rally for all three. Coordinating Council, an umbrella a tax on junk food. expectations for accelerating ment that the Fed would trim gives us really no reason to sell,” Gains in the year were led by group of business chambers. Pena Nieto’s administration growth going forward. its monthly bond purchases in said Carey, who helps oversee consumer discretionary stocks, US border regions like says border businesses haven’t Wall Street ended 2013 with response to an improving eco- $220 billion in assets. with the sector index up 40.4 California’s Imperial Valley shared savings from lower sales its positive momentum intact, nomic picture. About 63 percent of stocks percent. The sectors with the — which has three Wal-Mart taxes with consumers. It found advancing in its final trading day “This has been a terrific traded on the New York Stock slimmest gains of the year - tel- Supercenters and only 175,000 consumer goods were four per- of the year on the back of positive year, with all the concerns we Exchange closed higher for the ecom, which rose 6.6 percent, and residents — have long depended cent higher than in the rest of consumer confidence data. had in January (2013) prov- day, while 55 percent of the shares utilities, up 16.5 percent - are both on Mexican shoppers who buy the country and noted that other The S&P 500 rose 29.6 percent ing unfounded, and with cur- traded on the Nasdaq ended in considered defensive groups. everything from gasoline to gro- countries and states within the over the year, its best annual per- rent economic growth giving us positive territory. Among specific names, Netflix ceries. Brand-name clothing and US don’t allow lower sales taxes formance since 1997, while the a strong outlook for 2014,” said The Dow Jones industrial aver- Inc was the S&P 500’s biggest electronics are perennial draws for business on their borders. Dow climbed 26.5 percent in its John Carey, portfolio manager at age gained 72.37 points, or 0.44 gainer, soaring 295.6 percent. for Mexicans seeking products Hernandez and business lead- best year since 1995. The Nasdaq Pioneer Investment Management percent, to end at 16,576.66. The Newmont Mining was the index’s that are more expensive or hard ers from other border states jumped 38.3 percent, its best year in Boston. Standard & Poor’s 500 Index biggest loser, falling 50.6 percent to find south of the border. challenged those findings at a since 2009. Trading volume was once again advanced 7.29 points, or 0.40 in 2013. Only 38 stocks in the Mexican shoppers spend more meeting with Treasury Secretary Both the Dow and the S&P 500 light in US markets, which will percent, to finish at 1,848.36. The S&P 500 ended the year in the than $4.5bn a year in Texas Luis Videgaray in Mexico City in finished the final trading day of be closed Wednesday for the Nasdaq Composite Index rose red. border cities, according to the October, showing results of their 2013 at record closing highs. New Year’s holiday. Still, inves- 22.39 points, or 0.54 percent, to Few investors expect 2014 to Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. own survey of a basket of con- In a sign of improving senti- tors found reasons to buy after a close at 4,176.59. deliver the same scale of returns. Fed economists estimated in sumer goods that found prices ment, the CBOE Volatility Index read on consumer confidence rose The Dow also touched an all- According to the most recent March that Mexican border in San Diego were four percent or VIX fell 23.9 percent over the more than expected in December. time intraday high of 16,588.25 on Reuters equity poll, the S&P crossers account for 58 percent lower than Tijuana and 37 per- year, the biggest annual drop for The S&P/Case-Shiller compos- Tuesday, while the S&P 500 set a 500 is seen rising to 1,925 by the of retail sales in Laredo and 42 cent lower than Mexico City. the so-called “fear index” since ite index of home prices in 20 met- record intraday peak of 1,849.44. end of 2014, which represents an percent in McAllen. They offered studies predicting 2009. ropolitan areas gained 0.2 percent In the fourth quarter, the Dow upside of 4.1 percent from cur- Published research is more dire economic consequences. All 10 S&P 500 sector indexes in October from September, but rose 9.6 percent, the S&P 500 rent levels. dated for other border states, AP ended the year with gains as posted the strongest annualised gained 9.9 percent and the Nasdaq REUTERS

Sprucing up Hollande offers tax-cutting IBM’s sales slump turns stock ‘pact’ to into Dow’s lone loser of 2013 companies NEW YORK: IBM, the world’s services, the shift has spawned the equivalent of a sell rating this largest provider of comput- a new crop of competitors and year. “They need to start thinking PARIS: President Francois ing services, hasn’t convinced eroded demand for traditional about some serious reinvestments Hollande yesterday offered investors that it can pull out of hardware and services. and repositioning the company.” French companies what he a sales slump, sending the stock Still, the company remains on Half of the analysts who cov- called “a responsibility pact” to its first annual decline since target to reach $20 in adjusted ered IBM recommended buying to tackle unemployment under the financial crisis in 2008. earnings per share in 2015, up it at the beginning of this year, which they would reap the ben- Even as the company boosted from $15.25 last year. Cost reduc- according to data compiled by efit of lower labour taxes in its dividend and added about tions and a shift into more prof- Bloomberg. That has fallen to less return for hiring more workers. $20bn to its buyback plan, the itable businesses have helped than a third today. “It is based on a simple prin- stock became the only loser in maintain the growth. Rometty has identified the ciple: lower labour charges and the Dow Jones Industrial Average Michael Fay, an IBM spokes- nascent cloud industry as one of fewer restrictions on their activ- this year. The shares dropped 2.1 man, declined to comment on the IBM’s biggest growth opportuni- ity in return for more hires and percent this year, compared with stock trading. ties. In her biggest acquisition more dialogue with trade unions,” a 26 percent gain for the index. The company embarked on a since taking over as CEO at the Hollande said in a New Year’s Revenue has fallen for six restructuring program this year, beginning of 2012, IBM bought address broadcast on national straight quarters, dragged down cutting jobs globally. More than cloud-computing storage com- television. by sluggish demand for com- 3,300 workers were dismissed pany SoftLayer Technologies this Hollande did not specify how he puter hardware. That’s forced in the US and Canada alone, year — paying about $2bn. would go about reducing labour Chief Executive Officer Ginni according to Alliance@IBM, an IBM reported more than $1bn charges but it is a possibility that Rometty to rely on job cuts, tax employee group. Some US con- in sales from cloud services last has been mooted under a wide- gains and asset sales to keep tract workers also were ordered quarter, the first time it has dis- ranging reform of taxes already increasing earnings per share. to lessen their hours, according to closed revenue from that seg- promised by his Socialist govern- Technology investors would pre- a memo obtained by Bloomberg. ment. That wasn’t enough to ment for implementation during fer a company that’s growing, In the third quarter, a more keep total sales from falling for the remainder of his mandate said Todd Lowenstein, a portfolio favorable tax rate contributed 30 a sixth straight quarter, sending through to 2017. manager at HighMark Capital cents a share to earnings, said the stock sliding in October to French corporate margins Management. David Grossman, an analyst with a two-year low. IBM responded are among the lowest in Europe, “We don’t think investors are Stifel Nicolaus, in a note at the with another share buyback partly due to the high labour going to be paying up for finan- time. That helped the company increase, adding $15bn to the charges needed to fund its gen- cially engineered EPS,” said boost earnings to $3.99 a share, programme. erous welfare state. Lowenstein, who helps oversee excluding some items — three Competitors, meanwhile, have Unemployment is stuck at around $17 billion in assets. He no longer cents more than the average of been building their own cloud 11 percent, although Hollande — holds IBM shares. “In tech, estimates compiled by Bloomberg. offerings. Oracle has spent about whose popularity ratings are at most people want to see top-line Even as earnings per share $50 billion to acquire roughly 100 an all-time low for a president of growth, and IBM is just not part grew, the stock continued to fall, companies over the past decade, France’s 55-year-old Fifth Republic of that trend. IBM is part of the signalling that investors were helping it adjust to the changing - argues it has now hit a peak and cluster of old tech companies con- increasingly concerned that IBM’s industry. Amazon.com, which is set on a downward curve. sidered dinosaurs of yesteryear.” strategy was failing to produce Gartner Inc sees as the cloud “Of course the results are The technology giant, based in growth, said Kulbinder Garcha, leader, defeated IBM for a $600 taking a while to appear, but Armonk, New York, is coping with an analyst at Credit Suisse. million government cloud-com- they are there ... I tell you again an industrywide transition into “It’s now coming to a point puting contract this year. tonight: I have one priority, one the cloud era, where information where they are almost doing eve- Oracle shares have gained 15 goal, one commitment, and that Workers clean glass facades of a building in Guangzhou, Guangdong is stored online instead of onsite. rything they can to get to that percent this year, while Amazon’s is employment.” province, yesterday. While IBM is getting an increas- earnings number,” Garcha said. stock has surged 59 percent. REUTERS ing amount of revenue from cloud He downgraded IBM’s stock to WP-BLOOMBERG THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS VIEWS

Traders squeezed as Scarred US consumers a hard farmers gamble stockpile sell for traditional retail BY RAJENDRA JADHAV

ARMERS such as 68-year-old Ghanshyam Gokale are qui- BY STEVEN C JOHNSON found themselves on the wrong end of just apparel and maybe jewelry,” said Stuart etly shaking up agricultural commodity trading in India, trends for some time. According to data Hoffman, an economist at PNC Financial Fforcing the likes of top soybean processor Ruchi Soya to F THERE was one lesson from this compiled by Reuters, they now capture just Services Group in Pittsburgh. “But as shift its business model away from futures contracts and towards year’s holiday shopping season, it is $3.37 of every $100 of US retail spending, incomes rise over time, people spend more the “spot” market. that many traditional retailers are the lowest since records began in 1992, when on services — travel, entertainment.” Gokale, and other prosperous growers like him, has stopped having to work a lot harder to per- the number was nearly $9. As data from MasterCard showed last selling his crops immediately after harvesting. Instead, he has suade Americans to open their pocket- Some of that is explained by the rise of week, it took deep discounts and hefty pro- converted his old house into two warehouses, where he stores Ibooks. A lot of stores had to discount heavily Wal-Mart Stores Inc and other big box dis- motions to spur a 2.3 percent rise in holiday his produce and waits for prices to rise when supplies dwindle. to eke out a modest increase in sales, likely count retailers. But the pace of decline has sales between November 1 and December 24 Rising wealth due to a rally in agricultural crop prices, a jump squeezing profit margins in the process. picked up, with department stores losing compared with a year earlier. The figures in farm loan disbursement at more favourable interest rates and Some improvement in the US economy about 0.28 percentage points of market share include apparel, jewelry, electronics, luxury larger houses with space for storage are giving millions of farmers and declines in the jobless rate, plus gains in at an annualised rate between 2002 and 2011, goods and home furnishings. the freedom to decide when to sell their harvest. stock and home prices, are failing to reso- compared with 0.22 in the prior 10 years. “Given how promotional the season turned That is disrupting seasonal supply patterns and squeezing proc- nate with many Americans whose incomes The problem is two-fold. The middle class out to be, profits are likely to be flat because essors and exporters, who have been left unsure whether they will are struggling to catch up to where they consumers to whom the likes of JC Penney retailers had to provide quite a lot of dis- get enough supplies on time to fulfil their contracted obligations. were before the financial crisis. Co Inc and Kohl’s Corp cater have strug- counts to get those sales,” said Moody’s Tuhy. “Money gives you the power to hold crops,” said Gokale, who But to many retail experts and econo- gled with stagnant wages and a payroll tax And it’s not as if people aren’t doing some kept back his entire harvest of 350 quintals of soybeans from 30 mists there are other less cyclical factors rise, prompting them to reduce spending serious shopping. hectares. “Farmers are getting higher prices. They are becoming at play. Consumers are spending more. on apparel, said Scott Tuhy, a retail analyst US sales of big-ticket items such as autos rich.” Government figures show monthly personal at Moody’s Investors Service in New York. and home-related goods such as washing Soybean, rubber, rice and sugar cane prices have more than consumption has risen for seven straight People have also gravitated toward spend- machines, as well as purchases in home- doubled in five years, while wheat and corn prices have surged months, with November’s outlay marking ing on services such as travel — airline ticket improvement stores, surged in 2013, boost- more than 60 percent, boosting earnings of farmers. the fastest increase in five months. But they prices and hotel room rates are up — as well ing overall retail sales. Homes sales also “Usually small farmers rush to sell their crops in the first three- just are not spending in the shopping malls as movie downloads and other content for increased pretty steadily from mid-2012, four months after harvesting and prices fall,” said Gokale, who like they used to. their TVs, smart phones and tablets. Prices although a summer spike in mortgage rates plans to build a cold storage for potatoes at his farm in Piwdai And that means that, even if the econ- to attend live sports events, theme parks, cooled things off a bit this fall. village, near Indore, 600km north-east of Mumbai. omy picks up significantly, retailers of movies and rock concerts have also been ris- Some of the gains reflected a long-antic- “I started selling crops after six months. By that time supplies many products could still struggle. “We ing. In addition, increasing healthcare costs ipated release of pent-up demand as the fall and I garner higher prices.” are in a something of an evolutionary proc- have been eating up discretionary income, economic recovery has gained momentum, The number of farmers moving away from the traditional supply ess, said Bill Martin, founder of data firm with many employers seeking higher con- but it might also be partly a reflection of cycle is rising every year, forcing traders and exporters to adjust. ShopperTrak, which monitors foot traffic in tributions from their staff. changing attitudes, with the focus on more “We have changed our business model with more spot month about 60,000 retail stores. Americans are According to the Commerce Department, practical purchases. basis soymeal sales than longer term,” Nitesh Shahra, President spending more online and becoming more spending on services hit an annual rate of According to the National Association of of the refinery division at Ruchi Soya, said. “It is a step back careful about what they buy, he said. $7.1 trillion in November, by far the biggest Realtors, more than half of home buyers from what is happening in the world, but we have to live with Some of this has been unfolding over a slice of overall consumption between July 2012 and June 2013 made some the situation.” long period, although the changes might be “There was a day you bought your TV, sacrifices, such as reducing spending on Spot sales are conducted for immediate settlement, whereas picking up pace. refrigerator, furniture, everything in a luxury items, entertainment and clothing. futures contracts involve selling goods for delivery some months For example, department stores have department store, whereas today, it’s really REUTERS ahead. The shift does bring some advantages for Ruchi Soya, which crushes soybeans bought from farmers to produce oil and meal that it mainly exports. “Since now it is more spot-to-spot trade, you don’t need to keep inventory. So cost of inventory and risk of carrying inventory will go down ... hedging requirement is also going down,” Shahra said. In August and September oil mills aggressively struck deals to export soymeal as soybean prices were around 3,400 rupees per 100 kg, and were expected to fall with new season supply starting from October. But when the mills started to execute exports orders, soybean prices jumped above 3,900 rupees as farmers held back supplies. “Just to fulfil soymeal export obligations some oil mills bought soybean at a higher price, but they incurred losses from the deals,” said Rajesh Agrawal, coordinator of the Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA). India’s imports and exports of farm goods have become more volatile as a result of the shifting supply patterns. Soybean supplies in the first half of the 2012/13 marketing year ended on September 30 fell seven percent from a year ago in top producing Madhya Pradesh, while in the second half they jumped 85 percent. Consequently India’s soymeal exports in the first quarter of the year fell nearly 27 percent from a year ago, but in the last quarter of the year jumped 157 percent. India’s natural rubber imports in the September quarter more than doubled from a year ago due to a domestic supply crunch. “You don’t know when you will get nasty surprise,” said an offi- cial at the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association. “In July tyre companies were not getting enough rubber despite paying a nearly 10 percent premium over global prices. They were forced to increase rubber imports.” In September and October, farmers’ holding back of supplies of onions, a staple of many Indian dishes, forced the government to organise emergency supplies from China and Iran to calm record prices ahead of elections in five states. With the exception of highly perishable commodities such as some vegetables, farmers have started holding back almost every crop, from pulses to cotton to rubber, says Nitin Kalantri, a pulses miller based at Latur in Maharashtra. As a result, he struggles to operate his mills at full capacity. REUTERS Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

Sharing idle assets proliferates as economic impact weighs

BY AKI ITO and JEFF major cities, New York University closely held companies that don’t just the sale of assets” to more instead of a lot of junk that you automobile or postpone buying KEARNS Professor Arun Sundararajan sees release quarterly earnings. comprehensively monitor the never wear.” one, according to the research the makings of a new wave of pro- He’s also studying how rapidly health of industries, he said. Other consumers are not only of Susan Shaheen, co-director of AYSHAUNA Gray ductivity gains. consumers are switching to shar- Among early adopters is saving money but also earning a the Transportation Sustainability makes frequent “It allows you to get more out ing from more traditional forms Southport, Connecticut, resident little extra. Ben Palmer in Boston Research Center at the University trips around New of the same capital — or the same of consumption and the pace at Kathryn Queen, a vice president rents out his Lexus to RelayRides of California at Berkeley. England from her out of less capital, less input, less which new marketplaces are cre- at Bodnar Capital Management. Inc members on the occasional “This has all the hallmarks of a home in Cambridge, labor,” said Sundararajan, who ating jobs and encouraging entre- Queen rents clutches from Bag weekend, making about $100 to disruptive technology for a bunch RMassachusetts. The 27-year-old teaches at the Stern School of preneurship. He says he hopes to Borrow or Steal Inc’s inven- $200 a month for a vehicle that he of industries that have never had doesn’t own a car and says she Business and is among the first release his research in 2014. tory that she’ll need just once himself rarely drives. He says the to think about disruptive technol- can’t imagine ever wanting to. to begin studying the so-called More than 200 startups, backed — such as the black Valentino money that supplements his salary ogies,” said Nicholas Colas, chief It takes two minutes for her sharing economy. by a total of $2bn in funding, she recently borrowed at $150 a at the US Department of Housing market strategist at ConvergEx to type relayrides.com into her If he’s right, the sharing trend are now involved in the rent- month. She shipped the item back and Urban Development pays for Group, a trading services com- Internet browser and arrange might help reverse a slowdown in ing, reselling, giving or swapping to the service after she attended the car’s maintenance costs and pany in New York. He described to rent one of many vehicles sit- productivity that has prompted of goods and services, according the fundraiser that she needed it helps him justify keeping it. the change as potentially “cata- ting unused in her neighbours’ some economists to worry that to Altimeter Group, a research for, saving her most of the retail “I’ve invested so much into it strophic” for businesses reliant on garages. innovation driving the US econ- and advisory company in San value of the item, about $2,500, and it would feel like a loss if I had an ownership society. “It’s super easy,” said Gray, omy has stalled. A measure of Mateo, California,. Two-thirds in addition to space in her closet. to sell it,” said Palmer, 29. “In the near term GDP would a residential manager at productivity based on output gen- of the services act as third- At any time, 80 percent to 85 The downside to Palmer and take a hit,” he said. the Cambridge Institute of erated by a given amount of labour party matchmakers facilitating percent of Seattle-based BBOS’ Queen’s gains is the risk that Ian Hathaway, formerly an eco- International Education. “I get a and capital slowed in the US to an exchanges between consumers. rentable merchandise is out on these services lead to a society nomic analyst with the Federal car only when I need it, maybe annual 0.7 percent growth pace Others such as Zipcar Inc main- loan to its customers, according that needs fewer handbags and Reserve, said he is optimistic every month and a half or so.” in 2005-2011, compared with an tain their own fleets of items to to Chief Executive Officer Khaled automobiles. If that’s the case, it’s innovations such as sharing net- Emerging online services are average since 1985 of one per- offer to members. El-Marsafy. unclear if the smaller rental fees works will boost growth over connecting consumers such as cent, according to Organisation As this model becomes more “I used to buy cheaper bags, but collected in the sharing economy time. “Doing more with less is Gray to a previously untapped for Economic Cooperation and mainstream, consumer spending now I buy more expensive bags, will be able to offset a decline in how the economy grows sustain- universe of idle assets, enabling Development data. in the sharing economy will make and fewer of them,” said Queen, more expensive upfront purchases. ably over the long term,” said them to squeeze more value out First, Sundararajan is trying to up “at least a single-digit percent- 35, who has given away or sold One car-sharing vehicle takes Hathaway, now a San Francisco- of cars, designer dresses, baby get his arms around the size of age” of gross domestic product most of the lower-priced items about nine to 13 cars off the road, based research director at Engine, toys and bedrooms that belong the sharing economy. He is esti- in five years, Sundararajan esti- she owned. “I’m much happier, and two percent of bike-share a nonprofit research and policy to other people or businesses. In mating the current and future mates. Policy makers should start because the bags I do have are members reported the service group focused on technology this leaner, more efficient kind of share of money spent through thinking about creating “metrics all much nicer. It allows me to was somewhat or very impor- entrepreneurship. consumption, just taking hold in these services, most of which are that capture the use of assets, not have a closet of investment pieces tant to their decision to sell an WP-BLOOMBERG THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Welsh Blazers silence Thunder rugby row NBA: Alridge and Lillard shine in Portland’s win; Pacers rip Cavaliers rumbles on LONDON: The chaos within OKLAHOMA CITY: The Thunder’s Thabo Sefolosha Welsh rugby will continue into LaMarcus Aldridge scored 25 NBA Results made two free throws with 23.6 the New Year after the four points and grabbed 14 rebounds Atlanta 92 Boston 91 seconds remaining to pull the regions condemned the Welsh while Damian Lillard added 21 Indiana 91 Cleveland 76 hosts within 94-93. Rugby Union (WRU) for their points and 11 assists to power Golden State 94 Orlando 81 Portland’s Mo Williams missed failure to provide a financially Portland over Oklahoma City two free throws with 15.8 seconds viable playing structure and Sacramento 110 Houston 106 98-94 in a showdown of NBA remaining but Lopez grabbed the insisted they remain committed San Antonio 113 Brooklyn 92 powers yesterday. rebound for the Trail Blazers to to a breakaway European club Bouncing back after back-to- Portland 98 Oklahoma City 94 set up two Matthews free throws competition. back losses, the Trail Blazers beat Toronto 85 Chicago 79 that gave Portland a 96-93 edge The regions have been in dis- the Thunder for the second time Milwaukee 94 LA Lakers 79 with 9.2 seconds remaining. pute with the WRU over a host in as many meetings this season, Batum fouled Durant and of issues but failed to reach an improving to 25-7. physical in defending against him. Durant made his first free throw agreement by Tuesday’s deadline. “We had two tough losses. The “That might have worked six but missed the second. Durant They said it was impossible to guys could have just layed down years ago but now I’m much older, got the rebound but missed what plan for next season without the tonight but we kept fighting,” much stronger,” Aldridge said. “I would have been a tying jump shot financial and fixture guarantees Aldridge said. can take it.” and Portland’s Lillard sank two they need. “We worked hard all through The Thunder, who led by as free throws for the final margin The Welsh regions have pre- training camp for these moments. many as 16 points in the second with 2.1 seconds remaining. viously joined the French and We’re just a better team this half but suffered their biggest Meanwhile, Paul George scored English clubs in their plans for a year.” blown lead of the season, missed 21 points and Roy Hibbert added breakaway European club com- Oklahoma City fell to 25-6, still nine shots in a row in the fourth 19 to power Indiana over Cleveland petition, which has subsequently the best record in the Western quarter during a 14-2 Portland 91-76 on Tuesday, improving the been thrown into disarray by the Conference just ahead of Portland, run. Pacers’ NBA Eastern Conference- French clubs’ u-turn and decision but the loss left Indiana with the The Trail Blazers grabbed their leading record to 25-5. to stay with the Heineken Cup. NBA’s best record at 25-5. first lead of the second half at The Pacers, who have won Yesterday’s statement appears NBA scoring leader Kevin 87-86 on two LaMarcus Aldridge 15 of 16 home games so far this to now leave the Welsh regions Durant scored a game-high 37 free throws that capped that season, also had 13 points from and English clubs on their own, points, including 22 in the first spurt. George Hill and 12 off the bench however, the format and struc- half on 8-of-12 shooting from the Reggie Jackson lofted in a bas- from Danny Granger in stretch- ture for next season’s European floor, and grabbed 14 rebounds ket from the paint but Frenchman ing their overall winning streak competition is still unclear. and Spain’s Serge Ibaka added 17 Nicolas Batum sank a 3-pointer to five games. “RRW and the Regions re- points. But neither of them hit a for Portland to give the Trail George grabbed eight rebounds affirm their commitment to the shot from the floor in the fourth Blazers a 90-88 lead. and Luis Scola came off the Rugby Champions Cup under quarter when the Trail Blazers Wesley Matthews scored for bench to make nine rebounds for the aegis of Six Nations, which rallied to win. Portland to offset 1-of-2 free Indiana, who moved 1.5 games will generate a guaranteed £12m “In the first half we couldn’t throw efforts by Jackson and ahead of Miami (24-7) in the fight ($19.88m)additional funding stop him but we just kept going Ibaka. Then Robin Lopez added for the best record in the East, across the four regions over the at it,” Aldridge said of Durant. two free throws for the Trail where only three clubs have win- next three years and help reduce “We felt like if we just stayed Blazers for a 94-90 edge with just ning records. the funding gap compared to the course those guys would start under one minute remaining. Cleveland, which fell to 10-21, the French, English, Irish and missing shots and our offense Oklahoma City, the NBA’s lost for the 14th time in 16 road Toronto Raptors’ centre Jonas Valanciunas (17) rebounds over Chicago Scottish clubs,” Regional Rugby would come on.” most accurate free throw shoot- games this season and ended 2013 Bulls’ centre Joakim Noah (13) during the second half of their NBA game Wales (RRW)said in a statement Aldridge said he was able to ing squad, missed four key free on a six-game losing streak. at the United Center, yesterday. Toronto won 85-79. yesterday. score despite the Thunder getting throws in the final minutes. AGENCIES The Welsh regions have been struggling financially for many years and have seen many of their high profile players join English and French clubs - such as George North and Mike Phillips. Despite the national team’s suc- NHL: Soaring Ducks dominate Sharks cess in the Six Nations in recent seasons and Wales’ huge influence ANAHEIM, California: Ryan in club history with their 11th vic- the Shark Tank on Sunday that the second half of its schedule NHL Results in the British and Irish Lions’ Getzlaf and Jonas Hiller pro- tory in 12 games. Nick Bonino and snapped Anaheim’s franchise- and headed into the new year at New Jersey 2 Pittsburgh 1 series victory over Australia this pelled the Anaheim Ducks into Matt Beleskey each had a goal record winning streak. “We’re a a franchise-record 29-8-5. year, the clubs have struggled des- NY Rangers 2 Florida 1 the second half of their season and an assist, and Hiller made 33 good hockey club, and we know The Ducks lead San Jose by perately to make any impact in St Louis 2 Minnesota 1 with the NHL’s best record and saves in his ninth consecutive win it,” said Getzlaf. seven points in the Pacific and sit the Heineken Cup. NY Islanders 5 Boston 3 ample reason to think they could as Anaheim improved to 15-0-2 at “But we also know we’ve got to even with Chicago atop the over- “It is astonishing that they get even better in the new year. Honda Center, remaining the only get better. Games like this, when all NHL standings with 63 points. Carolina 5 Montreal 4 (WRU) have put the four busi- Getzlaf scored his 20th goal NHL team without a regulation you come out flat, teams will bury Anaheim coach Bruce Boudreau Winnipeg 3 Buffalo 0 nesses in this position as a result and added two assists, Francois loss at home. you.” has built one of the best teams in Dallas 3 Los Angeles 2 of failing to fulfil their obligations Beauchemin got his first goal of With another overpowering Andrew Cogliano scored a hockey, but the Ducks’ dissatis- Colorado 5 Columbus 3 under the agreement, despite the season, and the Ducks beat offensive performance despite short-handed goal while playing faction with their start against Anaheim 6 San Jose 3 having almost two years to resolve the San Jose Sharks 6-3 Tuesday a slow start, the Ducks also in his 500th consecutive game San Jose indicated a hunger to get Philadelphia 4 Calgary 1 the issues involved,” RRW added. night, closing the best December avenged San Jose’s 3-1 victory at for Anaheim, which kicked off better. AGENCIES Phoenix 4 Edmonton 3 AFP Sailing: Yasar of Turkey tops at Qatar Optimist Cup in Doha

Qatar Optimist Cup Standings DOHA: Rasim Yasar of Turkey set aside the Turkey came fourth. Among the boys, Nicolas Rasim Yasar (M) (TUR) 14pts challenge of Marsha Shahrin of Singapore Rolaz of Switzerland came fifth and Fares Marsha Shahrin (F) (SIN) 58 to emerge as overall champion in the Qatar Abdelfettah of Algeria finished sixth. Florine Bramervaer (F) (NED) 62 Optimist Cup here yesterday. The overall champion in both the boy’s and Okyanus Arikan (F) (TUR) 65 Nicolas Rolaz (M) (SUI) 70 Yasar finished with 14 points in the six-day girls section will get QR4000, while the runner- Fares Abdelfettah (M) (ALG) 70 event organised by Qatar Sailing and Rowing up will receive QR3000 and the third place fin- Mohammed Kebaili (M) (ALG) 74 Federation (QSRF). isher QR2000, in both the sections. Navyn Prabhakar (M) (IND) 86 The Turkish lad finished with the least number Around 51 sailors from 14 countries Algeria, Aniketh Rajaram (M) (IND) 90 of penalities to win the top prize in the boys sec- the Czech Republic, Egypt, Spain, Finland, Nouha El Alia Akil (F) (ALG) 96 tion. No other boy competitor could come close to Germany, India, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Walter Wahlroos (M) (FIN) 99 challenging Yasar dominance as the next three Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey, UAE, besides Luca Schaefer (M) (SUI) 101 Zakari Hichem Mokhtari (M) (ALG) 105 places in the overall standings were grabbed by Qatar took part in the championship. Can Ertürk (M) (TUR) 110 the girl sailors. Turkey won the Optimist Team Racing event Mathew Hardie (M) (GBR) 117 Two girl sailors, Shahrin and Florine and will be richer by QR2000,while the second Zofia Burska (F) (CZE) 122 Bramervaer of the Netherlands, finished in the place finishers will get QR1500 and the place Natalie Wahlroos (F) (FIN) 125 second and third position in the overall standings. winners QR1000. Richard C Falke (M) (GER) 128 Shahrin finished with 58 points and the Dutch Qatar fielded 14 sailors in the competition. Abdullah Al-Raeesi (M) (UAE) 146 Abdulaziz Al-Raeesi (M) (UAE) 176 girl on 59, while another girl Okyanus Arikan of THE PENINSULA Maissa Abdelfettah (F) (ALG) 193 Kheireddine Bouchema (M) (QAT) 209 Seifeldin Fahmy (M) (EGY) 215 Lara Cindoglu (F) (TUR) 219 Anis Messaoudene (M) (ALG) 229 Ghanim Al Sewaidi (M) (QAT) 230 Aly Nabil Badawi (M) (EGY) 232 Adham Ehab Fahmy (M) (EGY) 247 Saeed Almheiri (M) (UAE) 281 Rasim Yasar Mohamed Baio (M) (LBA) 286 of Turkey in Hussain Al-Burki (M) (LBA) 294 action at the Jassim Al-Mohannadi (M) (QAT) 301 Zaid Awamleh (M) (QAT) 301 Qatar Optimist Ali Benghazi (M) (LBA) 315 Cup. Yassar Mohamed Brico (M) (LBA) 379 finished on top Mohammed Jalil (M) (QAT) 397 at the end of the Mayed Rahimah (M) (UAE) 397 12-race compe- Jorge Gayoso (M) (ESP) 422 Zayed Rahimah (M) (UAE) 431 tition organised Yacine Benzarti (M) (QAT) 461 by Qatar Sailing Aaron Schlinck (M) (TUR) 465 and Rowing Melis Ertürk (F) (TUR) 471 Federation Isra Al Sulaiti (F) (QAT) 497 Rashed Telfat (M) (QAT) 510 (QSRF). Ali Al Sharshani (M) (QAT) 510 Ali Al Mahroon (M) (QAT) 510 Mohammad Al Ashrshani (M) (QAT) 510 Mohsen Al Sharshani (M) (QAT) 510 Abdullah Al Sharshani (M) (QAT) 510 Abdurahman Al Nasr (M) (QAT) 612 THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT McIlroy, Wozniacki are engaged Two-time major golf champion and tennis star make announcement via Twitter

WASHINGTON: Two-time had broken up in 2013. And both the WTA world rankings, tak- major golf champion Rory players struggled through a dif- ing her only title of 2013 with a McIlroy and former wom- ficult 2013 season. victory in the last week of the en’s tennis world number one McIlroy endured a winless US regular season at Luxenbourg. Caroline Wozniacki announced PGA season, his best showing a Her only other 2013 final was at their engagement yesterday in runner-up effort at the Texas Indian Wells, where she lost to postings on Twitter. Open last April just ahead of the Maria Sharapova. McIlroy, the 24-year-old former Masters. His best major showing She reached the fourth round world number one from Northern was a share of eighth in defending at the 2013 Australian Open and Ireland, posted pictures of him- the PGA Championship title. the third round at the US Open self and Wozniacki and a diamond The frustrating campaign but was ousted in her second ring on a woman’s left ring finger. brought critics, who questioned match at the French Open and “Happy New Year everyone! I McIlroy’s decision to switch to Wimbledon. have a feeling it’s going to be a new equipment in 2013. Some In the last days of 2012, great year!! My first victory of even questioned if he still had the Wozniacki appeared at the WTA 2014 #shesaidyes!!” passion for the sport. event in Brisbane with a large ring On her Twitter page, Wozniacki But McIlroy, now sixth in the on her left ring finger, sparking a posted the same pictures with the world rankings, ended a win flurry of engagement rumors. caption “Happy New Year every- drought of more than 12 months Last February at Kuala one! Rory and I started 2014 with at the Australian Open a month Lumpur before the Malaysian a bang! ... I said YES!!!!” ago and said in early December Open, Wozniacki said that Wozniacki, 23, withdrew from that he was pleased with how engagement was a question for a WTA event in Brisbane last many times he had put himself McIlroy to answer but added, “I weekend due to a shoulder injury in contention in a troubled season. enjoy everything that’s happen- but the Dane was looking forward “Did I need the win? Probably ing right now and how things are. to playing at Sydney in a tuneup not,” McIlroy said. “Was it nice Marriage? We’re still young and event for the Australian Open. to get the win? Of course. But I we have many years in front of us.” McIlroy captured his first felt like I saw enough good golf in But by October, with both mired major title at the 2011 US Open there to know that it was very in slumps as sports competitors, and added another at the 2012 close, and it wasn’t going to be there was talk of a romantic split. PGA Championship. long before I did win. That talk faded after Wozniacki Wozniacki still seeks her first “What I was happy with the won at Luxembourg to end her Grand Slam title, her deepest run most was the limited amount of own win drought of more than in a major event being to the 2009 times that I have gotten in con- a year, with McIlroy tweet- Golfer Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland high-fives his girlfriend, tennis player Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, US Open final. tention this year, I have played ing his congratulations saying after her match against Maria Sharapova of Russia in the BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden The romance has endured well. I have played well down the “#21 #luxembourg #mygirl @ in New York, in this March 5, 2012 file photo. McIlroy and Wozniacki started the New Year with a bang on through a whirlwind year with stretch. I’ve played well under CaroWozniacki” and Wozniacki January 1, 2014 by announcing their engagement on Twitter. rumors they were engaged a pressure.” using a picture of the couple on year ago, then speculation they Wozniacki has slid to 10th in her Twitter profile. AFP Ferrari will keep Raikkonen busy QBL: Al Gharafa, Al Sadd win

LONDON: Kimi Raikkonen its place. All drivers will have to (pictured) is no more a fan come to terms with the new tech- Schumacher’s of Formula One simulators nology, and different ways of rac- than Ferrari president Luca di ing, and have already been putting Montezemolo but the Finn can in the laps around familiar cir- condition expect to be spending a lot of cuits in their team simulators to time in one now he is back at get a taste of how the cars will ‘stable’ Maranello. handle. The start of a new year marks Raikkonen, who underwent GRENOBLE, France: both a new phase and a return back surgery in November and Formula One legend Michael for the ‘Iceman’, the 2007 world missed the last two races of the Schumacher remained “sta- champion who is back in the red 2013 season, is not big on them. ble” yesterday as he entered overalls of the Italian team he left This time last year, the Finn was the new year in hospital with in 2009 to make way for Fernando widely quoted as saying he felt severe brain injuries sus- Alonso. he could learn nothing in such a tained while skiing in the The 34-year-old has moved machine. French Alps. from Lotus to team up with In 2012, ahead of his first Indian The German racing great Spaniard Alonso in the sport’s Grand Prix in his comeback sea- remained in an induced coma only current line-up of champions son, he told reporters: “I’m not and a critical condition, with and has plenty of work to do with like other drivers, so I haven’t his wife Corinna, 16-year-old the first pre-season test in Jerez relying on virtual technology. driven the simulator to learn it.” daughter Gina-Maria and now only weeks away. Four two-day post-race tests in Raikkonen is expected to be 14-year-old son Mick at his “Kimi will be extremely busy Europe are allowed this year but first to try out the new car at bedside in the French Alpine since the beginning of January to they replace an annual three-day Jerez, with last year’s runner- city of Grenoble. work in this strange machine that young driver test and each team’s up Alonso joining the test later, The seven-time world cham- I don’t like at all, the simulator,” current allowance of eight days and their partnership will be pion’s fight for survival after Montezemolo told reporters over promotional track time. closely watched for signs of strain he fell and slammed his head a pre-Christmas lunch in Italy Teams, who have had to reduce between the two. on a rock Sunday has shocked last month. significantly the amount of wind Montezemolo, who once legions of fans used to seeing “It’s a joke. We have been forced tunnel testing they do before a warned against having “two him cheat death on the racing to invest a huge amount of money cost cap is introduced next year, roosters in the same henhouse”, tracks. in this terrible, artificial, machine are working flat out on their new said he wanted two team players “At the moment, he is sta- instead of being allowed to test cars with the sport going through and assured reporters he was not ble,” the 44-year-old’s manager Action from the Qatar Basketball League (QBL) match between Al Sadd here (at Fiorano) and at Mugello.” a rule change revolution. worried. Sabine Kehm told reporters and Al Khor at Al Gharafa Indoor Stadium yesterday. Al Sadd won 72-66. Montezemolo has long pushed The old 2.4-litre V8 engines “Putting together Alonso and massed outside the hospital for a return to in-season track have been ditched, with a new Raikkonen could be dangerous. in Grenoble on Wednesday, in testing, something which has and less thirsty 1.6 litre V6 tur- But in Formula One...everything a brief update before heading been heavily limited as part of bocharged power unit with energy is potential danger,” he said. back inside. AFP cost-saving measures, rather than recovery systems introduced in AFP

Qatar Volleyball Association League: Easy win for Al Rayyan

The players of Al Rayyan (red) and El Quiyada in action during their Qatar Volleyball Asoociation League match at Al Arabi Indoor Stadium in Doha yesterday. Al Rayyan won 3-0. RIGHT: Action from the Qatar SC and Al Sadd match. Qatar SC won 3-0. PICTURES BY: ABDUL BASIT An Al Sadd player is challenged by Al Khor player in their QBL match. THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

Australia eye sweep in Ton-up Younis, Misbah Ashes series SYDNEY: It’s a fair bet Michael Clarke won’t be booed at the Sydney Cricket Ground this week when he sets out to become just the third Australia give Pakistan control captain to achieve a 5-0 sweep over England in an Ashes series. Three years ago, Australian frustrations at their team’s Younis equals Miandad’s record of 23 centuries as Pakistan lead by 123 runs humiliation by a rampant England boiled over with some vociferous catcalling when Clarke, standing ABU DHABI: Exepreienced runs. He also hit a six. referral was wasted as TV umpire in for the injured Ricky Ponting, batsmen Younis Khan and Younis equalled Javed Ravi Sundaram adjudged the ball came out to bat in the fifth test. Misbah-ul Haq hit sparkling Miandad’s record of 23 centuries, had hit the bat. Australia lost that series 3-1 hundreds as Pakistan took the third highest for Pakistan in The Pakistani skipper reached with Clarke assuming the cap- command of the first Test in the list topped by Inzamam-ul his hundred with a single off spin- taincy permanently not long Abu Dhabi yesterday. Haq (25) and Mohammad Yousuf ner Sachitra Senanayake, tak- afterwards and, although it has Younis hit 136 for his 23rd (24). ing 297 minutes for the century not always been a smooth path hundred while Misbah was 105 Younis was finally bowled by which included 12 boundaries. since, his team look more settled not out for his fifth as Pakistan paceman Shaminda Eranga after He has so far hit 13 boundaries and confident than at any time reached 327-4 at the close on the his 198-ball knock which included in his chancy innings and once in his reign. second day in reply to Sri Lanka’s 19 fours and a six. again proved to be the mainstay Victories by 381 runs, 218 runs, first innings total of 204. Younis was happy with his for Pakistan. 150 runs and eight wickets are Asad Shafiq was the other not performance. Sri Lanka had taken the second testimony to crushing Australian out batsman with 12 as Pakistan “I tried to motivate Misbah new ball with Pakistan 251-3 but superiority in the first four Ashes dominated the day after Sri and he tried to do the same to they only bagged one wicket in the tests and Clarke’s men will be Lanka took two early wickets in me, saying that we must stay at last two sessions. going all out to drive home their the first session. the wicket and that’s how our Eranga was the best bowler advantage when the fifth gets Pakistan now lead by a healthy partnership developed and gave with 2-63. underway tomorrow. 123 runs, primarily because of the team a good position,” said Sri Lanka had started the “We want to win this match, Younis and Misbah sharing 218 Younis, who has now scored 1,659 day by dismissing Mohammad we know we’ve got to do all the runs for the fourth wicket. runs in 22 matches against Sri Hafeez (11) and Ahmed Shehzad hard work and we’re looking at Younis hit spinner Rangana Lanka — the most in Tests for (38) after Pakistan resumed at this like a final,” said pace bowler Herath for his 13th boundary Pakistan. 46-1. Mitchell Johnson, whose 31 wick- to complete his hundred, taking Former captain Inzamam-ul Hafeez had started well, hit- ets at an average 14.32 have been just 47 balls for his second 50 Haq scored 1559 in 20 Tests. ting two straight boundaries off a key factor in Australia’s Younis is hoping Pakistan can Lakmal before miscuing a drive “We know they are going to build on the lead today. off the same bowler and was come out fighting hard. They’re Scoreboard “If we bat for another one hour smartly caught at short cover by not going to want to lose 5-0.” tomorrow and add as many runs Kaushal Silva. The 3-0 home Ashes series Sri Lanka (I innings): ...... 204 as possible, it will be good because Silva, also a wicketkeeper but triumph earlier this year and the Pakistan (I innings): Sri Lanka has some good play- selected as opener in this Test, two that preceded it in 2009 and K Manzoor (run out) ...... 21 ers and I remember the last time dived to his left and caught the 2010-11 are now distant memo- A Shehzad c Karunaratne b Eranga ...... 38 we played them here (in 2011), ball inches from the ground. ries and nothing in the perform- Mohd Hafeez c Silva b Lakmal ...... 11 Kumar Sangakkara got double Shehzad also miscued a hook ances in Brisbane, Adelaide, Younis Khan b Eranga...... 136 hundred in the second innings shot and was caught at for- Perth and Melbourne suggests Misbah-ul-Haq (batting) ...... 105 (to draw the match).” ward square-leg by Dimuth England can turn things around Asad Shafiq (batting) ...... 12 Misbah had luck on his side Karunaratne after hitting three in Sydney. Extras (LB-1, NB-2, W-1) ...... 4 as he was dropped by Mahela boundaries. Two key players are no longer Total (for 4 wkts) ...... 327 Jayawardene when on 69, as he But after those two wickets, with the touring party with To bat: Adnan Akmal, Bilawal Bhatti, Rahat Ali, tried to paddle sweep Herath and Misbah and Younis led Pakistan’s batsman Jonathan Trott having Saeed Ajmal, Junaid Khan. the fielder, moving to leg-slip, recovery. returned home to deal with some Fall of wickets: 1-46, 2-59, 3-83, 4-301. failed to hold an easy chance. The second Test will be played psychological issues and spinner Bowling: Lakmal 27-7-84-1 (1nb, 2w) Pakistan’s Younis Khan (right) celebrates after scoring a century as team- Misbah had also survived a in Dubai (January 8-12) and the Graeme Swann retiring after the Mathews 9-0-36-0; Eranga 24-5-63-2; Her- mate Misbah-ul-Haq looks on during the second day of the first cricket Test close leg-before appeal on 48 off third in Sharjah (January 16-20). Ashes were relinquished in Perth. ath 31-9-77-0; Senanayake 18-2-66-0. against Sri Lanka at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi yesterday. a luckless Herath as Sri Lanka’s AFP REUTERS Anderson hits fastest ODI ton as Afridi hails new record holder KARACHI: Pakistan allrounder Shahid Afridi yesterday hailed New Zealand batsman Corey Anderson, who broke his long- standing record for the fastest One-day century — but admitted he had never heard of him before. New Zealand overwhelm Windies Anderson bettered Afridi’s 17-year-old record by one ball, reach- ing the three-figure mark off just 36 balls against the West Indies QUEENSTOWN: New in Queenstown in the third one-day international. Zealand all-rounder Corey Afridi set the mark aged just 16, in only his second limited-overs Anderson cracked the fast- match, against Sri Lanka in Nairobi in October 1996. est century in One-day He said he had never heard of Anderson before yesterday morn- International cricket history ing. “I never heard his name and early morning my nephew told yesterday as New Zealand me about his feat and I sort of said the first news of 2014 is of my thrashed the West Indies by record being broken,” Afridi said. 159 runs in a rain-shortened “But I must say it’s a great achievement and Anderson deserves third ODI. all the praise. It needs a super effort to score a hundred off 36 His whirlwind performance balls,” Afridi said. in partnership with Jesse Ryder, “Records are meant to be broken and I knew it would be broken who smacked the sixth fastest some day.” century of all time in that form Afridi admitted he had hoped the record would last until he quit of the game, took New Zealand the game. “I wanted this record to stand until I retire because it has to 283-4 in a match reduced to been a big pride for Pakistan and for me and whenever my name 21 overs each side. comes the record is mentioned,” he said. The West Indies then wilted “Now Anderson’s name will come but I am sure with the advent of when faced with a daunting run Twenty20 cricket this record will surely be bettered in the future.” rate of nearly 13.5 an over and He said he had always expected West Indian Chris Gayle or could only manage 124-5 in reply. Australian David Warner to break the record. The series is now all square at “I had never expected it to be broken by a new player,” said Afridi. 1-1 with two matches to play. “I thought the way Gayle batted and hit sixes or the way Warner Anderson — who finished not bats, they were favourites to break my record.” AFP out 131 — took a mere 36 deliver- ies to reach his century, beating the previous record set by Shahid Afridi, who needed 37 balls to Top 10 fastest ODI centuries reach three figures playing for Factbox of the fastest centuries in one day international cricket after New Zealand all-rounder Pakistan against Sri Lanka in Corey Anderson set a new record yesterday of 36 deliveries. 1996. Ryder faced 46 deliveries Batsman balls 4s 6s innings fixture to reach his ton. The burly Anderson hit 14 Corey Anderson of New Zealand walks from the pitch after scoring the fastest century in history during the third C Anderson 36 6 14 131 not out New Zealand vs West Indies Jan 1, 2014 sixes, the third highest in an ODI One-day International against the West Indies in Queenstown yesterday. S Afridi 37 6 11 102 Pakistan vs Sri Lanka April 10, 1996 innings behind Rohit Sharma M Boucher 44 8 10 147 not out South Africa vs Zimbabwe Sept 20, 2006 (16) for India against Australia “Some of the batting we saw West Indies skipper Dwayne Holder and after surviving two B Lara 45 18 4 117 West Indies vs Bangladesh Oct 9, 1999 two months ago and Australia’s was once in a lifetime stuff and it Bravo said he was powerless to caught behind appeals there was S Afridi 45 10 9 102 Pakistan vs India April 15, 2005 Shane Watson (15) against was great to watch,” New Zealand rein in the batsmen. no mistake with the third. J Ryder 46 12 5 104 New Zealand vs West Indies Jan 1, 2014 Bangladesh in 2011. captain Brendon McCullum while “It was a fantastic innings both Brendon McCullum belted 33 S Jayasuriya 48 11 11 134 Sri Lanka vs Pakistan April 2, 1996 by Anderson and Ryder. There’s off 11 deliveries as New Zealand Scoreboard nothing you can do as a captain raced past 50 in just 26 balls K O’Brien 50 13 6 113 Ireland vs England March 2, 2011 and bowler when those bats hit and Ross Taylor came and went V Kohli 52 8 7 100 not out India vs Australia October 16, 2013 NEW ZEALAND L Simmons c Milne b McClenaghan ...... 13 the ball so clean and everything quickly for nine. S Afridi 53 17 4 124 Pakistan vs Bangladesh June 21, 2010 M Guptill c Ramdin b Holder ...... 1 C Walton c Milne b Ryder ...... 17 goes their way.” That brought Anderson to the J Ryder c Miller b Holder ...... 104 K Powell c Neesham b McClenaghan ...... 1 Anderson and Ryder put on 191 wicket to join Ryder in a rollick- After New Zealand’s outstand- Charles was removed without B McCullum c Simmons b Narine ...... 33 D Bravo (not out) ...... 56 for the fourth wicket as they ham- ing partnership for which the ing innings, McCullum said he scoring by the third ball. R Taylor c Powell b Miller ...... 9 N Deonarine c Milne b Neesham ...... 29 mered the West Indies attack. West Indies had no answer. made sure his bowlers raced Llendl Simmons (13) and C Anderson (not out) ...... 131 D Ramdin (not out) ...... 1 After the start of the game was Anderson took 20 deliveries to through their 21 overs to com- Kieran Powell (one) fell cheaply L Ronchi (not out) ...... 3 Extras (LB-5, W-2) ...... 7 delayed five hours because of the reach his 50, passing the mile- plete the game before the rain to reduce the West Indies to 19-3 Extras (W-2) ...... 2 Total (for 5 wkts in 21 overs) ...... 124 weather, Ryder set the tone for stone in an over in which he hit returned. “It would have been in the fourth over. Total (for 4 wkts in 21 overs) ...... 283 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-17, 3-19, 4-56, 5-112 the New Zealand innings when four sixes in a merciless attack an injustice to the innings that Captain Dwayne Bravo crafted Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-56, 3-84, 4-275 Bowling: Mills 2-0-11-1; McClenaghan 2-0- he cracked a boundary from the on the usually tight bowling of we saw if we hadn’t got a game a well-compiled 56 not out and Bowling: Narine 4-0-50-1 (w1); Holder 4-0- 7-2; N McCullum 5-0-27-0; Ryder 4-0-13-1; first ball he faced. The demise spinner Sunil Narine. in the end. So it was straight out Narsingh Deonarine added 29 as 48-2; Rampaul 3-0-64-0; Miller 4-0-44-1; Neesham 4-0-21-1; Guptill 2-0-13-0; Milne of fellow opener Martin Guptill In a near chanceless innings get through the overs no matter the West Indies abandoned any Bravo 4-0-48-0 (w1); Simmons 2-0-29-0. 2-0-27-0. (one) was only a matter of he only faced 47 balls for his 131, what we had to resort to.” thought of a run chase and were WEST INDIES Result: New Zealand won by 159 runs. time. He was all at sea against while Ryder faced 51 balls for his The West Indies reply was reconciled to batting out time. J Charles c Neesham b Mills ...... 0 Series: 1-1. the bounce generated by Jason 104 which included five sixes. quickly in trouble when Johnson AFP THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Brisbane International Nadal restores order after Results BRISBANE, Australia:Results of matches on the fourth day of the Brisbane International tennis tournament yesterday (X denotes seed): Men four seeds exit Qatar Open Second round: Roger Federer (SUI X1) bt Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) 6-4, 6-2 Murray’s new year starts with setback, loses to Mayer of Germany Kei Nishikori (JPN X2) bt Matthew Ebden (AUS) 6-2, 6-4 BY RIZWAN REHMAT Marin Cilic (CRO) bt Grigor Dimitrov (BUL X5) 7-5, 7-5 DOHA: World number one Marinko Matosevic (AUS) bt Sam Querrey Rafael Nadal of Spain yester- (USA) 5-7, 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 day restored order at the sea- son’s first ATP Tour event with Women his trademark feisty approach Second round: on court after four seeds were beaten at the $1m Qatar Open. Victoria Azarenka (BRS X2) bt Casey Nadal beat Germany’s Tobias Dellacqua (AUS) 6-3, 6-1 Kamke 6-3, 6-7, 6-3 after Angelique Kerber (GER X5) bt Anastasia Wimbledon champion Andy Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) 6-2, 4-3 ret Murray, second seed David Ferrer, sixth seed Philipp Kholschriber Maria Sharapova (RUS X3) bt Ashleigh Barty and eight seed Fernando Verdasco (AUS) w/o crashed out of the tournament. Stefanie Voegele (SUI) bt Sabine Lisicki Playing his first official event (GER X7) w/o of the 2014 season, Nadal lost the second set before staging a mini- Auckland Classic recovery to seal his win in 2 hours and 25 minutes of exhilarating Results tennis. Earlier in the day at Khalifa AUCKLAND, New Zealand: Results from day Tennis Complex, Germany’s three of the Auckland Classic tournament Florian Mayer kicked off the New yesterday (x denotes seed): Year with a surprise win over 2nd round: third seed and crowd favourite Jamie Hampton (USA x5) bt Kristyna Murray who was in his comeback Pliskova (CZE) 6-3, 6-4 event after a three-month lay-off. Despite trailing by a set and 3-0 Garbine Muguruza (ESP) bt Sharon Fichman in the second set, Mayer won 3-6, (CAN) 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 6-4, 6-2 in 1 hour 51 minutes. Venus Williams (USA) bt Yvonne Meusburger In the second last match of the (AUT) 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 day, Germany’s Daniel Brands produced a similar upset when he Sachie Ishizu (JPN) bt Julia Goerges (GER) overpowered world number three 6-2, 3-6, 7-5 Ferrer in straight sets, winning Kirsten Flipkens (BEL x3) bt Karolina 6-4, 7-5 on centre court. Pliskova (CZE) 6-4, 6-3 In the quarter-finals today, Brands will meet Gael Monfils of Kurumi Nara (JPN) bt Ayumi Morita (JPN) France. 6-0, 6-1 On court number one, Ana Ivanovic (SRB x2) bt Johanna Larsson Germany’s Peter Gojowczyk yes- (SWE) 6-1, 6-1 terday battled past compatriot Kohlschriber 7-6, 7-6 in 1 hour 41 Shenzhen Open minutes. Gojowczyk, one of six Germans Results on court yesterday, fired seven BEIJING: Results from the WTA Shenzhen aces. Florian Mayer of Germany in action against World number four Andy Murray of Great Britain during Qatar Open 2014 at the Khalifa International Open yesterday (x denotes seed): Goojowczyk now plays com- Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha yesterday. Mayer won 3-6, 6-4, 6-2. RIGHT: Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against Tobias Kamke of Germany. patriot Dustin Brown who beat Nadal won 6-3, 6-7, 6-3. PICTURES BY: SHAIVAL DALAL Women’s singles Croatia’s Ivo Karlovic 3-6, 7-6 (13- 2nd round: 11), 6-4 in 1 hour 48 minutes. The 2.08m-tall Croatian fired 21 aces because it was a tough match,” returns to force the set into a know how I came back,” Mayer Li Na (CHN x1) bt Nadiya Kichenok (UKR) in his three-set loss. Nadal said. tie-breaker. said. Qatar Open Results 6-1 6-4 Also yesterday, Romania’s “He was playing aggressive and In the tie-breaker, a couple of “I played fantastic tennis, I DOHA: Results in the Qatar Open yesterday Vania King (USA) bt Sara Errani (ITA x2) 2-6 Victor Hanescu shocked eighth fighting for points. He came to the well-placed powerful forehand guess. In the third set, maybe he (x denotes seeding): 7-6 (9/7) 6-3 seed Verdasco of Spain, wining court and decided to take risks,” shots from the baseline helped was a little injured but I played their second-round clash 4-6, the 27-year-old added. Kamke race to a 5-0 cushion a great match and I am really Second Round Patricia Mayr-Achleitner (AUT) bt Klara Zakopalova (CZE x3) 7-6 (7/2) 6-4 7-6, 6-2. “He played very well and I wish which the German quickly con- happy,” the German added. Victor Hanescu (ROU) bt Fernando Verdasco Hanescu, who fired four aces, him the best of luck for Australia,” verted into a 7-3 score to pocket Murray took the first set after (ESPx8) 4-6, 7-6 (7-0), 6-2 Monica Niculescu (ROM) bt Chan Yung-jan won the match in 1 hour 57 min- Nadal said about Kamke. “I had the second set. breaking Mayer in games five and (TPE) 2-6 6-3 6-0 utes and now meets Mayer in the a lot of chances but I couldn’t con- In the decider, Nadal broke nine. Peter Gojowczyk (GER) bt Philipp quarter-finals today. vert those. I hope I have better Kamke in game eight to jump However, Mayer reeled off five Kohlschreiber (GERx6) 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (9-7) Jana Cepelova (SVK) bt Anna-Lena Nadal said he was pleased with luck in the next match,” he said. to a 5-3 lead. Moments later, the consecutive games - with two Friedsam (GER) 6-4 6-1 Rafael Nadal (ESPx1) bt Tobias Kamke (GER) his workout on the centre court. Despite four seeds shown the Spaniard held his serve to seal his service breaks in games five and Annika Beck (GER x8) bt Viktorija Golubic 6-3, 6-7(3-7), 6-3 “I am very pleased with this win door yesterday, Nadal said it was second win in as many days. seven - to win the second set. (SUI) 6-3 5-7 6-3 too early to think about winning Nadal now plays seventh seed In the decided, Mayer broke Ernests Gulbis (LATx7) bt Lukas Kubot (POL) Today’s Schedule Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) bt Zheng the title. Ernests Gulbis of Latvia. Gulbis Murray twice - in games one and 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 Quarter-finals line-up “I go day by day. I am only yesterday beat Lukasz Kubot of seven - to win the match. Jie (CHN x7) 6-0 7-6 (8/6) Centre Court 3.30pm thinking about my next opponent. Poland 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in 2 hours 8 When asked how he motivated Dustin Brown ( GER) bt Ivo Karlovic (CRO) Women’s doubles Today was a tough match. It is too minutes. himself to pull through against 3-6, 7-6(15-13), 6-4 Rafael Nadal of Spain vs Quarter final: Ernests Gulbis of Latvia early to think about winning titles Mayer, was one of six Germans Murray, Mayer said: “I had noth- Florian Mayer (GER) bt Johanna Konta/Patricia Mayr-Achleitner Dustin Brown of Germany vs Peter when you are only in the quarter- on court yesterday, admitted he ing to lose. I just said I should go Andy Murray (GBR x3) 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 Gojowczyk of Germany finals,” Nadal said. was under pressure to perform for it.” (GBR/AUT) bt Chan Yung-jan/Janette Daniel Brands (GER) bt Husarova (TPE/SVK x4) 6-3 6-2 Victor Hanescu of Romania vs Nadal broke Kamke in the with Murray - the third seed - on About his match against Florian Mayer of Germany second game and then held his song in the first half of the match. Hanescu, Mayer said: “It is going David Ferrer (ESPx2) 6-4, 7-5 Monica Niculescu/Klara Zakopalova (ROM/ serve with ease to take the first “It is amazing that he was up to be a tough match. Hopefully I David Brands of Germany vs Gael Monfils Gael Monfils (FRA) bt Richard Gasquet CZE) bt Zhang Shuai/Zheng Saisai (CHN/ set at 6-3. However, in the second 6-4, 3-0 and yet I won. The match will be ready for it.” of France CHN x1) 6-3 6-4 set, Kamke relied on his strong was almost finished but I don’t THE PENINSULA (FRA x5) 6-2, 7-5 ATP Chennai Open Federer begins year Results CHENNAI, India: Results from the $450,000 ATP Chennai Open tennis tournament yesterday (seedings in brackets): on encouraging note Second round:

BRISBANE: A refreshed forehands and backhands and Dudi Sela (ISR) bt Mikhail Youzhny (RUS x2) Roger Federer’s clinical demoli- tactics and movement. That’s 3-1 (retired) tion of Jarkko Nieminen in his kind of what you want it to be, Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI x1) bt Benjamin first match of 2014 suggested because unfortunately it hasn’t Becker (GER) 6-3, 6-1 he could be a factor in the first always been that way last year Edouard Roger-Vasselin (FRA x7) bt Jiri major of the year. with my issues.” Vesely (CZE) 6-4, 6-4 His debut appearance at the The scoreline flattered Federer Brisbane International was rap- in some ways. Aljaz Bedene (SLO) bt Alexander turously greeted by tournament Both men eked out four Kudryavtsev (RUS) 1-6, 3-0 (retired) organisers and fans alike, but break points over the two sets following his first year without and Nieminen fought on level Hopman Cup a grand slam final appearance terms at the baseline, hitting since 2002 it was not certain eye-catching forehand winners Results what stage of decline the Swiss throughout. PERTH, Australia: Results from the mixed ace was in. Federer’s mastery of the piv- teams Hopman Cup in Perth yesterday: A 6-4 6-2 victory over his tough otal points of the match showed Finnish opponent hinted that he the steel behind the game’s most Group B was ready to put on a competi- graceful player remained firmly in France bt United States 2-1 tive showing at Melbourne Park, place and his preference for play- now relieved of the back problems ing new tournaments is far from Women’s singles: Sloane Stephens (USA) bt that dogged his 2013 campaign a retirement tour. Alize Cornet (FRA) 7-5, 6-0 and contributed to his second and For the crucial break of the Men’s singles: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) bt fourth-round exits at Wimbledon first set he came from 0-40 down John Isner (USA) 7-6 (7/1), 6-3 and the US Open. in the fifth game and then saved Paris Saint Germain football player Zlatan Ibrahimovic (left) watches the match between Rafael Nadal of Spain Mixed doubles: Cornet/Tsonga (FRA) bt “I’m actually very clear in my a break point on his own serve to and Tobias Kamke of Germany during their Qatar Open along with former Spain international and Al Sadd Stephens/Isner (USA) 6-1, 5-7, 10-5 (match mind,” Federer told reporters. build a two-game cushion. player Raul (right) in Doha yesterday. tiebreak) “Now it’s just down to AFP THURSDAY 2 JANUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Marinos take revenge with Spurs stun Man United, Emperor’s Cup victory TOKYO: Yokohama Marinos beat J-League champions Arsenal cling to top spot Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2-0 to win the prestigious Emperor’s Cup yesterday, avenging their defeat by one point in the league title United slump to sixth defeat; Anelka plays in West Brom win race last month. Manabu Saito opened the scor- LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur Theo Walcott scored last-gasp ing in the 17th minute and former hammered another nail into goals as Arsenal edged Cardiff Japan centre back Yuji Nakazawa Manchester United’s creaking City 2-0 to preserve their place nodded in a header four minutes Premier League title defence at the top of the table. later in a sequence which followed with a 2-1 victory at Old With former United striker Ole a corner from former Celtic star Trafford on New Year’s Day. Gunnar Solskjaer in attendance, Shunsuke Nakamura. Having won their previous six amid reports he is due to suc- It was the first piece of silver- games in all competitions, United ceed the sacked Malky Mackay ware for Yokohama since they were hoping to match wins as Cardiff manager, Arsenal won the league title in 2004. by their fellow title rivals, but dominated but had to wait until They beat Hiroshima twice instead they slumped to a sixth the 88th minute for Bendtner to this past season but missed out defeat of the season that left them break the deadlock. on the league championship on 11 points off the pace. Walcott added a second goal December 7, the final round of Tottenham, unbeaten in the in injury time to rubber-stamp the March-December J-League league under new manager Tim Arsenal’s return to first place, season. Hiroshima retained Sherwood, took a 34th-minute after Manchester City had taken their title by whipping Kashima lead when Emmanuel Adebayor temporary possession of top spot Antlers 2-0, while Yokohama sur- outjumped Chris Smalling to head by winning 3-2 at Swansea City. rendered their championship lead home Christian Eriksen’s right- “We needed to be patient in tears as they went down 1-0 to wing centre. against a very good Cardiff side,” Kawasaki Frontale. Eriksen added a second in the said Arsenal manager Arsene “I’m happy with the victory 66th minute, smuggling a header Wenger. but it would have been better past David de Gea from Aaron “We know we have to play 10 if we had won the league title,” Lennon’s cross. home games and we want to make Nakamura, 35, told reporters Danny Welbeck reduced the this place a fortress and take the at Tokyo’s National Stadium arrears immediately from Adnan points no matter what the oth- after the game. The 92-year-old Januzaj’s incisive pass, but Spurs ers do. If we can manage to do Emperor’s Cup, one of Japan’s withstood United’s late onslaught, that, we will be in a very strong three major football tournaments, with goalkeeper Hugo Lloris sav- position.” is open to both professional and ing from Javier Hernandez, Wayne At a rain-soaked Liberty amateur clubs. Nakamura, a left- Rooney and Nemanja Vidic. Stadium, Fernandinho’s 14th- footed midfielder and deadball spe- Victory took Spurs above minute opener for City was can- cialist who ended his international United into sixth place, two points celled out by Wilfried Bony, but Tottenham Hotspur’s Belgium midfielder Moussa Dembele (left) vies with Manchester United’s English midfielder career after the 2010 World Cup, outside the top four, with the further goals from Yaya Toure Tom Cleverley during the English Premier League football match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England, recalled Yokohama’s defeat in the defending champions three points and Aleksandar Kolarov gave yesterday. Emperor’s Cup two years ago. further back in seventh. the visitors victory before Bony “All you can do is play well and struck again in injury time. the lead on the hour with a close- Daniel Agger broke the deadlock being under investigation by the hopefully you take your opportu- “It was a very good result range header after a deflected with a 36th-minute header, with Football Association over an alleg- Huysegems nities when they come and you because Swansea are a strong cross from Oscar came back off Luis Suarez netting his 20th goal of edly anti-Semitic goal celebration. don’t make some small mistakes,” team here at home and also away,” the post, with Willian making it the campaign with a fine free-kick The Frenchman played for 88 scores two in United manager David Moyes told City manager Manuel Pellegrini 2-0 11 minutes later from Oscar’s early in the second half. minutes in West Brom’s 1-0 win, BT Sport. “But overall the players told Sky Sports. “I think the way pass. Oscar, a second-half sub- Everton slipped out of the top which saw Saido Berahino net the played really well and their effort we won today is very important stitute, crowned an impressive four despite Leighton Baines winning goal from the penalty spot Phoenix upset to try and get back in the game for us.” cameo by adding a third goal eight scoring an injury-time penalty to with three minutes remaining. SYDNEY: Belgian striker Stein after going 2-0 down was terrific. City finished the day a point minutes from time. earn Roberto Martinez’s side a Fulham escaped from the drop Huysegems scored twice and “We’ll keep trying to win the behind Arsenal in second place, Liverpool responded to consec- 1-1 draw at Stoke City, who had zone after coming from behind made an assist as Wellington next game. That’s all you can do. with Chelsea a point further back utive losses at the hands of City taken a 49th-minute lead through to win 2-1 at home to fellow rel- Phoenix came from a goal down We’re not necessarily looking at in third after a 3-0 success at and Chelsea by winning 2-0 at Oussama Assaidi. Nicolas Anelka egation contenders West Ham to beat high-flying Western the league table.” Southampton. home to Hull City, a result which started for West Bromwich Albion United, who remain second from Sydney Wanderers 3-1 in the Earlier, Nicklas Bendtner and Fernando Torres gave Chelsea took them back into the top four. against Newcastle United, despite bottom. AFP A-League yesterday. Huysegems, who played 14 internationals for Belgium, was outstanding, scoring twice in five minutes after laying on the equal- Celtic score narrow win over Thistle in Glasgow derby iser for youngster Tyler Boyd. It was the New Zealanders’ GLASGOW: Celtic started Forster producing a string of for offside before Celtic survived a matches. Nevertheless, Celtic as well.” Meanwhile, Thistle man- third straight win under coach 2014 with a narrow 1-0 win over saves to deny Stuart Bannigan, late scare when Adam Matthews manager Neil Lennon said it had ager Alan Archibald thought his Ernie Merrick after a winless Partick Thistle in the Glasgow Chris Elliot and James Craigen. had to clear a shot from Thistle been a flat performance from his side deserved something from the start to the season, while it was derby to maintain their 11-point However, it was the Hoops who substitute Steven Lawless off the side. “We looked tired and we game. “I thought we did enough the Wanderers’ first loss at home lead at the top of the Scottish took a 39th-minute lead when Joe line. lacked a spark particularly in the in the game and created enough since January 6 last year. Premiership. Ledley expertly dispatched a low It is the third consecutive final third,” he said. chances to at least get a point,” The Wanderers looked set to After early chances for Teemu shot beyond the outstretched 1-0 win for Celtic, who are still “There were some good bits of said Archibald, whose team were push on to victory when a deft Pukki and Kris Commons for the Scott Fox from 20 yards out. unbeaten 19 games into the league play but I, and the supporters, beaten 5-1 at home by Motherwell pass from Japanese star Shinji home side, Thistle began to cause In a quiet second half Charlie campaign and haven’t conceded expect better. However, it is a at the weekend. Ono put Mark Bridge in to score problems for Celtic with Fraser Mulgrew had an effort ruled out in their past seven domestic win and obviously a clean sheet AFP the opener in the 62nd minute. But substitute Boyd struck back six minutes later before Huysegems’ brace in the 78th and 83rd, the second a cheeky back- heel into the net. Jordan beat Chelsea report Kuwait

£49.4m losses DOHA: The Jordan National Team beat Kuwait 2-1 in the LONDON: Chelsea made a group stage match at the £49.4m ($81.8m, ¤59.9m) loss Lekhwiya Stadium yesterday. in the last financial year, the The first goal for Jordan was English Premier League club scored by Saeed Murjan in the announced yesterday. 11th minute. Kuwait scored the Turnover for the year ending equaliser in the 21st minute June 30, 2013 was a record £255.8m with Fahad Al Hajeri scoring ($424m, ¤308m), but the club’s the penalty kick. early Champions League exit con- Jordan then fought back tributed to the loss in income. Jose and scored in the 72nd minute Mourinho’s side will still however with Mohammed Al Dmeiri satisfy UEFA’s Financial Fair Play scoring the winning goal for (FFP) regulations as the two-year Jordan. monitoring period includes the Kuwait played with 10 play- £1.4m ($2.3m, ¤1.6m) profit made ers after defender Ahmed in the 2011/12 season. The club also Rashid was given the marching saw a 19 per cent rise in commer- orders by referee in the 49th cial income from £67m ($111m, minute. Player of the match ¤80m) to £79.6m ($132m, ¤95.8m) was Saeed Murjan, Jordan as they won the Europa League. National Team midfielder. Chelsea chief executive Ron Jordan now has a total of 4 Gourlay said: “For Chelsea FC to points and will face Bahrain on achieve a record level of turno- Saturday at Lekhwiya Stadium ver despite our first group-stage at 8:30pm. Hosts Qatar will elimination from the Champions face Kuwait on the same day League shows we have structured at 5:30pm. our business and are growing in THE PENINSULA the correct way for long-term stability. “Our philosophy is we build upon success on the pitch and although in these financial Jordan’s Sharif Adnan (right) results we haven’t repeated the challenges Kuwait’s Yousif Al sizeable profits made the previ- Rashidi during their 8th West ous year from player transfers, we Asian Football Federation believe the age profile of the exist- (WAFF) championship match ing squad means we will benefit in Doha yesterday. from that investment for many years to come. AFP Thursday 2 January 2014 29 Safar 1435 Volume 18 Number 5932 Sport Price: QR2 Blazers silence Mcllroy, Thunder; Wozniacki are Pacers win engaged

Sport | 23 Sport | 24

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 PSG, Real clash today in Qatar It’s a great contest in Doha and I hope it will help us prepare for 2014: Ibrahimovic

DOHA: Paris Saint Germain are season. But against Real it will be Ibrahimovic said on Monday. set to clash with Real Madrid, interesting all the same to see my “It’s a match that will act as led by their former coach Carlo team react. a benchmark for the upcoming Ancelotti, in a much-anticipated “The important match this challenges,” he added. friendly here today. week is against Brest (French The match will be the sec- PSG coach Laurent Blanc Cup on Sunday).” ond friendly meeting between insisted that his Qatari-backed Although a friendly, the match Ancelotti and his former players, side would be using the game at Khalifa Stadium has already the first being a match in Sweden merely as a training session ahead been sold out, and has major last July which Real won 1-0. of a busy second half of the season importance in the eyes of the Meanwhile, Blanc said he had in which they prepare to defend club’s Qatari owners. been impressed by the facilities their Ligue 1 title. The opening of an official being built for the 2022 World PSG are top of Ligue 1, three PSG store on Tuesday in Doha Cup, as a debate rages whether points ahead of Monaco, at the attracted about 100 fans, but the global event should be winter break with Real Madrid apart from countless billboards switched to winter because of the third in La Liga, five points across the city, it is hard to talk unbearable summer heat. behind Barcelona. about real excitement surround- “It’s the first time I’ve been “There is prestige, but it ing the game. here,” said Blanc. remains a friendly, you can’t say That could change on today. “I’ve been very pleasantly sur- otherwise,” said Blanc. The stadium will be full for prised by the sports facilities. Blanc said that despite lead- this latest clash between Zlatan We’re in a pretty impressive ing Ligue 1, “for now, Paris have Ibrahimovic and Cristiano complex. won nothing,” and they would be Ronaldo as tickets for the match “This is a brand new city, a using the match, “as a big train- were sold well in advance. country under construction. ing session” to bring in trophies “It is a big match between “In any case, working in these in 2014. two great teams,” said the PSG conditions, the climate is ideal. Blanc said that only defender striker. Regarding the 2022 World Cup, I Christophe Jallet was uncertain “It’s a great contest in Doha saw some stadium projects. I can Paris Saint Germain coach Laurent Blanc (right) attends a news conference along with PSG player Thiago to play because of a back injury. and I hope it will help us pre- tell you that there are extraordi- Silva at the Aspire Academy in Doha yesterday. PSG will play a friendly match against Real Madrid at Khalifa “The idea is to fill the tank pare for 2014. Obviously we will nary plans.” Stadium in Doha, today at 5.45pm. PICTURE BY: KAMMUTTY VP for the second part of the league be hoping to win this match,” AFP/THE PENINSULA