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WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 • 26 Jumada II 1436 • Volume 20 Number 6401 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 PM opens first HIA to charge Outlets, offices QR45 a day for yuan clearing long-term parking hub in region DOHA: Vehicles parking at must close for the long-term parking area at the Hamad International BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB Airport (HIA) will be charged a fee of QR2 per hour, Al Sharq DOHA: A Chinese currency reported. Fee for a full day has Friday prayers clearance and settlement cen- been fixed at QR45, said the tre was opened here yesterday daily. which will enable businesses The HIA recently announced in Qatar and the Middle East its decision to impose a fee for QR10,000 fine for violation to conduct trade with China long-term parking at the airport, directly in Renminbi (RMB) without giving details. DOHA: All outlets, including and Commerce will soon issue replacing the US dollar or any cafes and restaurants, offices, an extensive list of those out- other third currency. industrial units and clinics, lets that will require license The RMB clearing centre will Massive poultry will have to remain closed from it. save a lot of money for traders as for 90 minutes during Friday The license will be issued for a they will no longer be required project planned prayers. year and it will be renewable. For to buy dollars or other interna- A law passed by the Emir H renewals one would need to apply tional currency and pay com- DOHA: Qatar yesterday H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al 30 days in advance. missions to intermediaries for announced the launch of a mas- Thani yesterday makes the clo- Punishments for operating converting them into RNB. sive poultry project with the sure that would begin from the a business without license will The first Renminbi (RMB) participation of the private sec- first call for Friday prayers (azan) attract fines up to QR50,000 and clearing centre in the Middle tor and said this was the first mandatory. jail term of a year or either of the East region was inaugurated by step towards involving private The legislation (Law No. two. the Prime Minister and Interior Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin players in the nation’s ambitious 5 of 2015) is to be published Vending activities will be Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah Khalifa Al Thani inaugurating the Renminbi (RMB) clearing centre in Doha food security programme. in the official gazette after allowed but for select activities bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani. yesterday. It is the first such facility in the region. See also page 4 which it will be effective, and agricultural produce are Continued on page 4 THE PENINSULA reports QNA. excluded from these rules. The law says that violators are to be fined QR10,000. RULES FOR VENDORS The law also permits some No vendor will, though, be small home-based businesses allowed near educational insti- and rules for such businesses tutions or hospitals or places 219 private clinic licences issued in 2014 will be issued separately by where the police declare out of the Minister of Economy and bounds. DOHA: Private health care facilities in the Medical Commission (MC) facilities for 2014. The number of hospital beds will grow to Commerce. Vendors will pin up on their Qatar grew by 46 percent last year com- conducting the mandatory health check up for 4,701from 2,100 in 2014. The SCH is building The law makes it legally bind- chest identity cards provided by pared to the previous year, which repre- newly recruited expatriate workers. Facilities seven MC facilities, six of which will be inte- ing on all businesses, includ- the ministry and they must at all sents the highest growth over the past four for single male workers (SML) are also being grated with SML health centers and hospitals. ing shops, cafes, restaurants, times carry the licence. years, says the 2014 annual report of the expanded. The SCH is building five SML health cent- hotels, clinics, hospitals, ven- And they will not be allowed to Supreme Council of Health (SCH) released The lowest health expenditure was reported ers, and the PHCC is building 20 community dors, clubs, and industrial units, sell crackers or near shops selling yesterday. among expatriate blue-collar workers due to and other health centers. These will increase among others, to be licensed by the same items they are offering The SCH licensed 219 private sector facili- the availability of free care and increasing access to tailored primary care services for the Ministry of Economy and for sale. ties in 2014, 46 percent more compared to 2013 facilities catering to this segment, said the people in remote areas. Commerce. Above all, no newspaper will be and 58 percent more than in 2012. The annual report. The SCH has outsourced the opera- One third of new SCH, PHCC and HMC This license will be irrespective allowed to carry advertisement of increase was the largest since 2011. tion of five SML facilities to the private sec- facilities will be situated outside of Doha where of the fact that some other state a business without seeing a copy To meet the immediate demand for more tor by 2014. By 2016, the SCH and PHCC will a quarter of the population lives. The SCH is agency or agencies have also pro- of the licence issued to it by the healthcare facilities, the SCH, Primary be outsourcing the operation of over 10 other building three state-of-the-art hospitals for vided the license to an entity to ministry, says the law which has Healthcare Corporation (PHCC) and the facilities, said the report. By 2022, the number single workers attached to SML health centers. operate. 34 articles. Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) have of public hospitals, health centers and MC Continued on page 5 The Ministry of Economy THE PENINSULA undertaken 118 projects. The SCH is expanding facilities will almost double to 66, from 35 in THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME UN fund helps 2,000 trafficking victims a year Terrorists, criminals strengthening their links, says UNODC chief

DOHA: The UN Trust Fund The fund was established for Victims of Trafficking in through the UN General Persons, especially Women and Assembly’s 2010 Global Plan of Children, helps victims reclaim Action to Combat Trafficking in their dignity and lives, the Persons and is administered by audience heard during a high- UNODC. level session on the margins of It provides humanitarian, the third day of the 13th UN legal and financial aid to victims Congress on Crime Prevention through governmental, inter-gov- and Criminal Justice yesterday. ernmental and non-governmental Yury Fedotov, Executive organisations. Director, UN Office on Drugs Since it became operational and Crime (UNODC), said the in November 2010, the fund has fund was helping today’s victims received over $2m in paid con- become tomorrow’s survivors. tributions from 19 countries “Some 2,000 victims annually and more than 30 private-sector FROM LEFT: Barrister Paul Adepelumi, Executive Director, African Centre for Advocacy and Human Development; Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Chairperson, benefitted from direct assistance, donors. including provision of shelter, Eleven projects in Albania, Board of Trustees, UNVTF; Yury Fedotov, Executive Director, UNODC; Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons; basic health services, vocational Cambodia, Costa Rica, the Czech and Sunita Damuwar, President, Shakti Samuha Board, attending a session on ‘UN Voluntary Trust Fund for Trafficking in Persons: Achievements and training and schooling, as well as Republic, France, Kenya, Israel, Challenges Five Years On’ on the sidelines of the UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice at Qatar National Convention Centre yesterday. psychosocial, legal and economic Moldova, Nepal, Nigeria and the SALIM MATRAMKOT support,” he said. US received nearly $750,000 in Fedotov used his speech to the fund’s first call for projects. Fedotov said. terrorists and criminals was “an justice in support of effective, fair, Columbia Law School, New York bring home appalling experi- A new project will provide He said criminals were the evolving threat, with ever-chang- humane and accountable criminal were panel members. ences of trafficking survivors, nearly $1m for 17 projects. weak link due to the likelihood ing modi operandi. We need to justice systems: experiences and Other sessions included ‘United whose names had been changed Meanwhile, Fedotov told a they would be detected. be swift, innovative and ready to lessons learned in meeting the Nations Rule of Law Assistance to protect their identity. They high-level special event on terror- On terrorism financing, he said learn”. unique needs of women and chil- in Conflict-and Post-Conflict include girls such as Skye, traf- ism financing that said the links groups often funnelled money Another session focused on dren, in particular the treatment Settings: The Global Focal Point ficked to India when she was 13. between terrorists and criminals via countries with poor counter- the work of two NGOs assisting and social reintegration of offend- Arrangement, UN Office on She escaped and returned home have strengthened over the last financing laws and expertise. victims of trafficking in persons ers, trafficking in persons and Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in Nepal and filed a case against decade. International cooperation in Nepal and Nigeria with the smuggling of migrants: successes Department of Peacekeeping her trafficker. “…we have witnessed the is essential in these areas as is support of the UN fund, and dis- and challenges in criminalisation, Operations (DPKO) and the With the help of Shakti strengthening and increased ratifying and implementing con- cussed the importance of assisting mutual legal assistance and effec- UN Development Programme Samuha, a Nepal-based non- sophistication of links between ventions against transnational victims not only as a humanitar- tive protection of witnesses and (UNDP)’, ‘Strengthening profit organisation that received transnational organised criminal organised crime and corruption. ian act but also as a necessary trafficking victims. national and international coop- support from the UN fund, Skye networks and terrorists in many Fedotov said UNODC’s Global part of the overall fight against A session on ‘Moving Away eration in preventing and coun- won her case. She has finished regions of the world,” he said. Programme against Money trafficking in persons. from the Death Penalty — Death tering terrorist financing’ and school and works as a staff mem- He said the gravity of the wor- Laundering, Proceeds of Crime It called for increased and sus- penalty, drugs and terrorism, UN ‘Implementation of UN Principles ber at the organisation, helping rying nexus had been recognised and Financing of Terrorism also tained financial support for the Office of the High Commissioner and Guidelines on Access to Legal other survivors. by the UN Security Council in its had an important role in global fund to address the growing need for Human Rights (OHCHR)’ was Aid in Criminal Justice Systems: The event was chaired by recent resolutions 2195 and 2199. efforts to counter terrorists. for assistance to victims of traf- moderated by Ivan Šimonovic, Follow-up on the Johannesburg Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Chair of Both highlighted the importance To support member states, he ficking in persons worldwide. UN Assistant Secretary-General Declaration’. the Board of Trustees, UN Trust of redoubling efforts to prevent said, the UN had created a work- The third day of the Congress for Human Rights. The welcome Speaking at a session on Fund. terrorists from benefiting from ing group chaired by UNODC on also featured discussions and address was given by Italian ‘Experiences on reorientation Other speakers included UN transnational organised crime. countering financing of terrorism, workshops on the UN’s work. Minister of Justice Andrea and rehabilitation of juvenile’ Special Rapporteur on traf- “Going after the terrorist as part of the Counterterrorism Experts discussed several sub- Orlando. Christian Ranheim, Head, Raoul ficking in persons, especially ‘business model’ and disrupting Implementation Task Force. jects in the presence of ministers Christof Heyns, UN Special Wallenberg Institute, Indonesia, in women and children, Maria financial flows remains a major He said UNODC was pushing of interior and justice, attorney Rapporteur on extrajudicial, said children taken for legal Grazia Giammarinaro, and challenge that requires a com- ahead with promoting ratifica- generals, public prosecutors and summary or arbitrary executions; actions have the right to legal Sunita Damuwar, President, prehensive, integrated approach tion and full implementation of high-level delegations at Qatar Taghreed Jaber, Regional Director, representation and a lawyer must Shakti Samuha Board, and Paul that reaches out to all sectors and the International Convention for National Convention Centre. Penal Reform International attend with the juvenile during Adepelumi, Executive Director, actors involved, private and public the Suppression of the Financing One session focused on the Middle East and North Africa; investigation and plead before the African Centre for Advocacy and and leaves no gaps for the ter- of Terrorism. role of UN standards and norms Jeffrey Fagan, Isidor, and Seville courts. Human Development (ACAHD). rorists and criminals to exploit,” Fedotov said the nexus between in crime prevention and criminal Sulzbacher, Professor of Law, THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03

Emir appoints Qatar sends aid to Yemen CMC member wants Old ambassador Airport Area health DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yes- terday issued Emiri Decision No. 16 of 2015, appointing Mubarak centre to open daily Nasser Mubarak Al Khalifa as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Georgia. Naufar Centre set up under SCH

DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday issued Emiri Decision No. 17 of 2015, establishing Naufar Centre under the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) for wellness and Two planeloads of aid from Qatar yesterday left for Yemen. The Qatari Rescue Team (Lekhwiya) will deliver the treatment of behavioural disor- 66 tonnes of food stuff and medicines through the Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport to Yemeni officials for ders. It’s headquarters will be in distribution. Doha. Sheikha Al Jefairi, Mohamed Hamoud Al Shafi

PM meets Croatian DOHA: Sheikha Al Jefairi, She said she had teams work- the lone woman member of ing for her canvassing on the justice minister Nutritional supplements becoming the Central Municipal Council social media. One team is spe- (CMC) seeking re-election, cially handling Twitter. DOHA: Prime Minister and wants Old Airport Area’s pri- Al Jefairi has been a member of Interior Minister H E Sheikh popular among college students mary health centre to remain the CMC for the past three terms Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa open daily. beginning 2003. If she wins, which Al Thani met Crotian Minister DOHA: Nutritional and herbal percent would choose them for Physicians and other healthcare The centre is open five days a she is confident about, this will of Justice Orsat Miljenic on supplements are increasingly treating colds and influenza and professionals need to be aware week, from 7am until 2pm, and be her fourth term. The CMC the sidelines of the 13th UN becoming popular among college 30 percent for diabetes. that their patients may be taking closed on Fridays and Saturdays. which has four-year tenure was Congress on Crime Prevention students in Qatar, with some The survey also found that these supplements and ask about However, children’s emergency is first elected in 1999. and Criminal Justice and believing supplements are more women were more likely to take them accordingly,” he added. open on these two days. Sitting member from constitu- reviewed cooperation between effective and safer than conven- supplements, but that there was no While the study did not enquire Al Jefairi’s constituency, like ency No. 14, Mohamed Hamoud the two countries and ways of tional medicine in treating cer- difference between nationalities. about the doses of supplements other constituencies, has been Al Shafi seeking re-election said strengthening it. The Premier tain diseases, shows a survey. Dr Ravinder Mamtani, taken, Dr Mamtani said supple- re-demarcated and now includes, although he had sought official also witnessed the signing of The collaborative research Associate Dean, Global and ments, when taken appropriately aside from Old Airport area, permission he didn’t have any an MoU on cooperation in the was conducted by Weill Cornell Public Health, and Professor of in recommended doses, can be neighbourhoods like Najma, Old plans for canvassing. legal field, signed by Minister of Medical College in Qatar Healthcare Policy and Research, beneficial. Ghanem, Ras Abu Aboud and Al “I have four adversaries pitched Justice H E Dr Hassan Lahdan (WCMC-Q), College of the WCMC-Q, said results merit Vitamin D and calcium supple- Jisra. against me but I am well-known Saqr Al Mohannadi and Miljenic. North Atlantic in Qatar (CNA- attention and healthcare profes- ments are appropriate for making Al Jefairi told this daily on in my constituency. I will win, so Q), and Qatar University (QU) sionals should be aware of the bones strong and preventing bone Monday that one of her election there is no need for me to can- Millar not in fray and involved a sample of 419 stu- prevalent use of supplements. loss. But they could prove harmful promises is to make sure that the vass,” Al Shafi said. “On the day of dents of both genders and various “A vast majority of students if taken incorrectly. Vitamin D, for centre in the Old Airport area the election (May 13) I will put up for NIDO-Qatar post nationalities. believe that these supplements example, if taken in large doses, where she lives, is open daily. a poster at the polling venue with Nutritional and herbal sup- are safer and more effective than can lead to nausea, vomiting, poly- She said she will soon upload my name,” he told this newspaper. DOHA: Nigerian community plements include multivitamins, conventional medicines, but that uria (excessive urine) and kidney videos on YouTube, showcasing Saleh Jaber Al Marri, a sitting leader O J Millar says he is not ginger, mint, fish oil and protein is not always the case. Herbal and damage. Calcium deposits in the her achievements during the last member in the fray for another seeking another term as presi- powders. The research found that nutritional supplements are not body’s soft tissues can also occur. 12 years as CMC member. term from constituency No. 11 dent of Nigerians In Diaspora 208 students (49.6 percent) had always regulated as stringently He said people should always con- “I have taken permission from which includes Ain Khalid and (NIDO-Qatar), a community used a supplement at some time in as conventional medicines, which sult their physician before taking the Interior and civic ministries the Industrial Area, said people organisation scheduled to pick their lives, and 137 (32.7 percent) have to go through laboratory herbal or nutritional supplements. to launch my election campaign. I were not interested in the CMC its office-bearers in an election were regular or current users. tests and controlled trials before The report has been published will start it in a day or two.” election because it has no execu- soon. “I am not in the fray,” Of those polled, almost 60 per- they can be prescribed. by World Health Organisation Al Jefairi said she will also lobby tive powers. “I will be mostly call- Millar said in response to a cent would choose supplements “Supplements can also inter- in WHO Eastern Mediterranean for a wedding venue, kindergar- ing people on the mobile phone report that he was re-contesting. over conventional medicine when fere with the efficacy of conven- Health Journal. tens and commercial streets in and meeting them for canvassing.” THE PENINSULA/QNA trying to lose weight, almost 45 tional medicines in certain cases. THE PENINSULA her constituency. THE PENINSULA Arab Spring states not cooperating in recovering looted wealth, says Al Marri DOHA: Attorney-General Ali bin Fetais Al Marri yesterday said some Arab Spring coun- tries were not cooperating in getting their looted wealth back from overseas where it is stashed away. He said hundreds of millions of dollars have been returned to these countries and billions remain frozen. Some properties have been seized. Some Arab Spring countries have sent letters to heads of state or prime ministers of countries where the looted wealth is, urging Attorney-General Ali bin Fetais Al Marri with Yuri Fedotov, Executive Director, them to help return the money. UN Office on Drug and Crime, at the seminar. “Actually, that’s not the proper procedure,” Al Marri told report- prosecutors and judicial officials Later, talking to reporters, Al ers on the sidelines of a seminar from these countries were trained Marri evaded questions on the on ‘The role of UN in conflict in recovering the money and expected sponsorship law change zones’. cooperation with these countries and said Prime Minister and Al Marri is UN Special in this regard continues. Interior Minister H E Abdullah Advocate for Stolen Assets Yuri Fedotov, Executive bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani Recovery and Head of ‘Rule Director, UN Office on Drug and has the right experience to tackle of Law and Fight Against Crime, told the seminar that the issue. Corruption Centre’ opened here member states have repeatedly Earlier, for the centre, Al in 2012 in collaboration with the recognised the crimes of terror- Marri signed an agreement with United Nations. Qatar donated ism and drugs that undermine the United Nations Development $10m for the purpose. development. Programme (UNDP) to train The centre helped Arab “And we ask the countries to judges, lawyers and prosecutors Spring countries and some assets translate good intentions into in Africa to promote combating were recovered and lawyers, field work,” Fedotov said. corruption. THE PENINSULA

Qatar, Moldova sign letter of intent

A letter of intent was signed between Qatar and Moldova at the Ministry of Interior headquarters yesterday. Staff Maj. Gen. Saad bin Jassim Al Khulaifi, Director-General, Public Security, and Moldovan Minister of Internal Affairs Oleg Balan inked the deal to strengthen cooperation in the fields of joint concern. WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Emir meets ICBC chief Belarus opens embassy

Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs H E Mohammed bin Abdullah Meteb Al Rumaihi (fourth right) and Belarusian Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday met Jiang Jianquing, Chairman of Industrial and Commercial Deputy Foreign Minister Valentin Rybakov cut a cake to mark the opening of the Belarusian embassy in Doha Bank of China (ICBC), and his delegation. Talks dealt with cooperation and means of developing them, especially yesterday. With them are Belarusian Ambassador Roman Golovchenko (third left), Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah in the field of financial and banking services. Fakhro, Director, Department of Protocol, Foreign Ministry, and other officials. Poultry project ‘1 in 11’ to focus on kids’ education DOHA: A high-level meet- programmes. ing was held between Reach “Our long-term partnership Out To Asia (ROTA), FC with Unicef is one of the ele- Barcelona and Unicef to dis- ments that makes our football launched to cuss the next phase of their club unique, and we are happy ‘1 in 11’ campaign to extend to strengthen this relationship educational opportunities through the 1 in 11 partner- to marginalised children in ship that also brings ROTA on Bangladesh, Indonesia and board, to be able to reach and Nepal. help more children worldwide,” meet demand The campaign will see sport said Bartomeu. and education merge as a cata- In Bangladesh, funds will Plan to produce 7,500 tonnes of eggs lyst to provide quality education be used to help marginalised and raise international and local children achieve good learning DOHA: Qatar yesterday growing demand for poultry products awareness about their impor- outcomes. announced the launch of a mas- was held last December 4. The firms tance in every child’s life. In Indonesia, a programme sive poultry project with the par- agreed with the proposal of setting Essa Al Mannai, Executive will support schools in six dis- ticipation of the private sector and up a poultry project of world-scale Director, ROTA, and Gerard tricts to include children with said this was the first step towards and standards and to chip in with Boquenet, Director, Private disabilities and promote life involving private players in the investment. Partnerships and Fundraising, skills while promoting physical nation’s ambitious food security Once completed, the poultry pro- Unicef, were welcomed in education and sport. programme. duction facility will operate with Barcelona by Josep Maria A programme in Nepal will The Ministry of Economy and world-class standards, and it must Bartomeu, President, FC FROM RIGHT: ROTA Executive Director Essa Al Mannai, Josep Maria focus on the positive impact Commerce said it had invited bids to reach its full production capacity Barcelona ahead of the meeting. Bartomeu, President, FC Barcelona, and Gerard Boquenet, Director, sport can have as a key compo- set up an integrated poultry project within two years of start-up. Poultry The meeting followed the Art Private Partnerships and Fundraising, Unicef, after a press conference nent of a child’s holistic develop- with an annual production capacity meat production facility will cover a Auction in London in February, in Barcelona. ment from the early grades to of 40,000 tonnes of poultry meat and lion’s share of the area of the project which raised over €3m for ‘1 in secondary school. 7,500 tonnes of eggs. — 4.5sqkm out of 5.7sqkm, the min- 11’ projects. The three entities or 58 million out of 650 million partners are ready to start the “The world faces an enor- The project is to cover an area of istry said in a release. discussed the global partnership children, do not have any access implementation phase, com- mous task in making sure that 5.7 square kilometres in what would The hatcheries will be ear- and how to implement plans to education and are not getting mencing projects in Bangladesh, every child has access to qual- be a sprawling Agricultural City that marked one sqkm of area whereas through funds. the start in life they deserve. Indonesia and Nepal where ity education. This is why we would make crucial contribution to 200,000sqm of land will be allotted “Sport is a common lan- The majority among the most ROTA has experience and are increasing the momentum, feeding the nation and filling the gap for chicken breeding, 90,000sqm guage among the world’s youth. disadvantaged and vulnerable a strong knowledge base in building on our alliance with between demand and supply. for grinding and mixing fodder and Education, we believe, is a com- are children in areas affected increasing access to quality edu- FC Barcelona Foundation to But the ministry didn’t give the 8,000sqm for packaging. “It will be an mon right. The Art Auction by conflict; in extreme poverty; cation for marginalised commu- create the ‘1 in 11’ partnership cost of the project and hinted that ultra-modern poultry project and go in London was the beginning with disabilities; and from indig- nities using sports and play as with ROTA. The partnership while the land was being allocated a long way in meeting local demand,” and so we are proud to see the enous communities. an enabling tool. will help make sure that no by the state, several private Qatari the ministry said. money raised making a real To tackle the challenge, FCB ROTA’s team of develop- child should ever be denied the companies will own and manage the The pricing of the products will impact through 1 in 11’s alli- Foundation, ROTA and Unicef ment professionals contributes opportunity to receive quality project. be competitive and product quality ance of devoted partners,” said launched the ‘1 in 11’ partner- expertise to 1 in 11 projects and education, which is their right,” An interaction of the ministry with world-class, according to the minis- Al Mannai. ship this January 9 in New York. is involved in the design, moni- said Boquenet. 23 Qatari companies to discuss the try. THE PENINSULA Currently one in 11 children, After the auction, the 1 in 11 toring and evaluation of 1 in 11 THE PENINSULA Renminbi centre to boost financial connectivity between China, Southwest Asia and Mena Continued from page 1 as Singapore, London, Hong Kong, financial connectivity between financial instruments such as and dignitaries from Qatar and Qatar as the financial hub The push to internationalise the Luxemburg, Toronto, but Qatar has China, Southwest Asia and the the trading of debt market prod- China. Sheikh Abdullah said: “The in Mena.” Chinese currency has been picked become the first in the region to have Mena region and increase oppor- ucts, interest rate and commodity launch of the region’s first RMB The centre follows the up by international financial centres a RMB clearing centre. tunity to expand trade and invest- derivative products denominated clearing centre in Doha creates signing of the memoran- in other parts of the world, such The centre is expected to increase ment between China, Qatar and in the RMB. the necessary platform to realise dum of understanding last the region. The Industrial and Commercial the full potential of Qatar’s and November with China’s It will provide access to China’s Bank of China (lCBC) has been the region’s trade relationship central bank by Sheikh onshore RMB and foreign designated by the People’s Bank of with China. Abdullah during the official exchange markets to local finan- China (PBC, central bank) as the “It will facilitate greater visit of Emir H H Sheikh cial institutions fostering cross- settlement bank for Qatar. cross-border RMB investment Tamim bin Hamad Al border use of the Renminbi in the Present at the ceremony were and financing by businesses and Thani to China. region. H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Saoud promote greater trade and eco- QCB and PBC also Banks will be able to expand Al Thani, Governor, Qatar nomic links between China and signed a currency swap investment portfolios of financial Central Bank (QCB); Minister of the region, paving the way for agreement, which laid the services and products through Finance H E Ali Sherif Al Emadi; better financial co-operation foundations for Qatar to facilitation and issuance of Jiang Jianquing, Chairman, ICBC, and enhancing pre-eminence of become the first centre for RMB clearing and settle- ment in the region. The agreements were signed in Beijing in the presence of the Emir and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Jiang said: “The first RMB clearing centre in the region will open further the gateway and oppor- tunities for trade between China and the Middle East and Africa. Looking to the future, it will improve the ease of transactions between companies in the region and China by allow- ing them to settle their trade directly in RMB, drawing increased trade through Qatar and boost- ing bilateral and economic collaborations between both countries.” Trade between Qatar and China continues to increase, having more than tripled between 2008 and 2013 to about $11.5bn (about QR41.9bn). Chinese companies have become active partners in the Qatar market, with 13 companies operating in addition to 181 joint ven- tures with Qatari partners. THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05

Minister meets Chinese official New premises for Italian embassy

Minister of Transport H E Jassim Seif Ahmed Al Sulaiti yesterday received Jiang Jianqing, Chairman, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), and his delegation. Talks dealt with bilateral relations in the field of Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Mohammed bin Abdullah Meteb Al Rumaihi and Andrea Orlando, Italian transport and means of enhancing cooperation. Chinese Ambassador Gao Youchen was present. Minister of Justice, inaugurate the new premises of the Italian embassy yesterday. BAHER AMIN

Aljazeera forum QA invites travel to host Morocco Sotheby’s auction on April 21 agents to exclusive PM Benkirane BY RAYNALD C RIVERA Baghestani believes the upcom- diversity of the collection. IMAX movie night ing auction will be strong because “We hope it does extremely well DOHA: Moroccan Prime DOHA: Fifty-eight artworks by of the quality of the pieces, some because it is a well-curated show, at Novo Cinemas Minister Abdelilah Benkirane some of the top Arab, Iranian of which are by artists who broke the selection is extremely fresh, will be one of the keynote and international artists will records previously. exciting and vibrant, with the best DOHA: Qatar Airways (QA) speakers at the ninth Aljazeera go under the hammer at the One of the returning artists is artist from each country. The art- invited travel agents to an Forum to be held from May 4 to Contemporary Art Doha sale by Anish Kapoor whose ‘Untitled’ ists are extremely good and we exclusive IMAX movie night at 6 in Doha. Sotheby’s at Katara Art Centre from his Pixelated Disk series hope we reach a wider audience.” Novo Cinemas — the Pearl on While Morocco experi- on April 21. fetched $1.595m last year, achiev- Having Doha as a venue for Friday. enced popular protests after Celebrated artist Christopher ing a record for the highest price Sotheby’s auctions in recent years More than 265 travel agents the Tunisian and Egyptian Wool’s 1987 painting ‘Untitled’ is for his work in any Middle East has seen a huge success for the were welcomed by Martha Paulos, revolutions in early 2011, King the most expensive and will be auc- auction. The highlight this year, auction house. “Doha is a great Commercial Manager-Qatar, QA, Mohammed VI initiated reforms tioned with a pre-sale estimate of Kapoor’s ‘Untitled’ from the same platform. We get international to enjoy one of the latest movies to contain protests, which led to $1m to $1.5m. series has an estimated value of exposure by mixing Middle East in the cinemas. an amended constitution, grant- “Wool has a very prolific career $800,000-$1.2m. and Western contemporary art,” Guests also enjoyed a short ing wider powers to parliament spanning almost a quarter of the Egyptian artist Chant said Baghestani. video clip of QA A350 XWB and and the premier. Reforms also century. This piece is characterised Avedissian, who broke record in “Museums like Mathaf have the FBC Holiday commercial fea- stipulated that the king should by repetition of patterns wherein 2013 Contemporary Art Doha sale from the region.” Among other showcased many artists we are turing FC Barcelona players. designate the leader of the major- you have no point of focus, a very with his ‘Icons of the Nile’ bought highlights are Rudolf Stingel’s showing such as Etel Adnan, Wael The entertaining night out ity party in the elected parliament important decorative work by the at $1.56m, is one of the features at Untitled (est. $600,000/800,000), Shawky and Rachid Koraichi. ended with a raffle, with 10 win- to form the cabinet. artist,” said Ashkan Baghestani the auction. Baghestani describes El Anatsui’s Introvert, (est. Since we started sale in 2008, we ners taking home an exclusive The Justice and Development (pictured), Specialist, Middle East Avedissian’s 21-piece artwork $700,000/1m) and Ali Banisadr’s have been doing better and better package from QA. Party, led by Benkirane, won the Department. which is similar to his previous The Shrines ($100/150,000). and gaining more and more atten- The event gave QA staff the majority of seats in the House This is the first time a Wool will piece as “a beautiful mosaic of The auction, Baghestani pre- tion and recognition. Our collector opportunity to meet travel of Representatives in early elec- be auctioned in Doha. pan-Arab culture depicting celeb- dicts, will be another record- base is growing. It’s a very exciting trade partners in an entertain- tions after constitutional amend- As in the previous Doha sale, rities, politicians and strong figures breaking, with the quality and one,” he said. THE PENINSULA ing atmosphere and showcase its ments were passed and King commitment and appreciation to Mohammed asked him to form its long-term partners. the government. Ehab Amin, Senior Vice- Benkirane formed the first coa- New hospitals to reduce crowding, waiting times President, Commercial – Qatar, lition government in January 2012. QA, said: “QA is pleased to have When the Istiqlal (Independence) Continued from page 1 In 2014, SCH outsourced over visitors to primary health cen- primary health centres and public an opportunity to meet our trade Party withdrew from the gov- HMC is building eight hospitals 10 percent of MC examinations tres dropped probably due to hospitals grew by 24 percent since partners in an enjoyable evening ernment in mid-2013, Benkirane focusing on communicable dis- to private providers, including implementation of Seha, National 2013 and 35 since 2012 while the event. formed his second coalition gov- eases, rehabilitation, outpatient private hospitals and Qatar Red Health Insurance Scheme, which number of nurses grew by 8 per- “It is a wonderful time of year ernment in October 2013, which clinical procedures, psychiatry Crescent Society, long-standing expanded coverage to all nationals cent since 2013 and 23 since 2012. for us to demonstrate our com- is in power today. and obstetrics. These will central- provider of healthcare. last year, said the report. The number of clinics and hos- mitment to valued partners and While the Justice and ise specialised services and mini- The number of Medical The number of key services in pitals providing Seha increased show our appreciation for all the Development Party’s ascension mise overnight hospitalisation. Commission tests grew by 7 per- public hospitals grew by six per- to 177 in 2014, from eight in 2013, hard work they do on a day-to- to power was controversial in the SCH is building a five-star cent since 2013 and 22 since 2012 cent since 2013 and 22 since 2012. with 168 in the private sector. day basis on behalf of Qatar’s eyes of those who did not believe behavioural disorder centre, a proportionate to the growth in Qatar Council for Healthcare Seha inpatient admissions and national airline.” that constitutional reforms were national reference laboratory, and expatriate population. Practitioners (QCHP) under SCH outpatient visits increased to Such communications events sufficient, it is the first Islamist two food testing branches. The number of key services in approved 2,344 new licences in 721,397 from 31,064 in 2013. facilitate QA’s active role in build- party to be in power since HMC is building 13 specialised primary health centres grew by 2014, two-thirds in the private The expenditure of SCH, ing lasting and strong relation- Morocco’s independence. facilities for paediatric therapy, two percent since 2013 and 18 sector. It introduced the first PHCC, HMC and QCHP grew ships with partners on an ongoing Aljazeera Centre for Studies blood donation, paediatric care, since 2012. The largest increase provisional licences for practi- by 28 percent during financial basis to provide the finest travel is organising the forum ‘Conflict and outpatient services. These was in laboratory tests, driven by tioners last year and issued 542 year 2013-14, up 65 percent since services and regular updates on and Change in the Arab World’ to will reduce crowding and waiting growth in specialised tests. by December 31. financial year 2011-12, said the latest features. be attended by politicians, policy- times, said the report. However, the number of The number of physicians at report. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA makers, writers, intellectuals and media personalities from around the world. THE PENINSULA ibq offers 1pc cash Qatar International Court appoints four new judges back on loans DOHA: The Qatar upcoming cases and the court’s and Justice Laurence Li, a QIC has internationally outside QFC. moved from banks International Court (QIC) held workflow. former supplementary judge of renowned judges with expertise Lord Phillips has a long, dis- its annual general meeting at The appointment of four new QIC, from Hong Kong. in complex commercial disputes tinguished career. In 2005, he DOHA: International Bank its courtroom facilities. judges was approved, all having QIC comprises the QFC Civil and serves to uphold the rule of was appointed Lord Chief Justice of Qatar (ibq) offers custom- Led by President, The Rt. considerable professional experi- and Commercial Court and the law, applying the highest qual- of England and Wales and served ers who move their loans to Hon. Lord Phillips of Worth ence. The new judges are: Lord QFC Regulatory Tribunal estab- ity international legal standards as President of the Supreme ibq 1 percent cash back and Matravers, QIC judges discussed Hamilton from Scotland, Edwin lished pursuant to QFC Law No. to civil and commercial disputes Court of the UK from 2009 to a reduction of their current issues related to cases heard Glasgow QC from England, 7 of 2005, as amended by QFC between individuals and busi- 2012. interest rate by up to 1 per- before the court, oversight of Gopal Subramaniam from India Law No. 14 of 2009. ness entities operating in and THE PENINSULA cent, with rates reaching as low as 4.05 percent for qualifying customers. Andrew Ball, AGM and Head of Retail, said: “Our cash back Jumbo Sale offer with interest rate reduction on existing loans is an example of ibq’s commitment to provide ends today flexible financing solutions to customers. The opportunity to DOHA: The Jumbo Sale by move loans to ibq also allows Jumbo Electronics has been customers to top up loans and garnering an overwhelming get an additional amount. The response with customers flock- tenor of the loan is more flexible ing to showrooms to purchase as it is extended up to six years electronics and appliances on for Qataris and up to four for special offers. expatriates.” Jumbo Electronics, known as a ibq offers reward points from showroom for LG products, is the its thanq loyalty programme sole distributor of LG in Qatar. which enables customers to accu- It is also distributor for Brother, mulate points across products Oscar, Indesit, Harman Kardon, and services and redeem to book JBL, Ariston, among others. travel on over 800 airlines and To make purchases easier this stays at 160,000 hotels worldwide. year, Jumbo provided a special Customers of other banks can finance scheme with leading begin moving loans by visiting banks at zero interest for six or 12 any of ibq’s branches. New loans months so that customers can buy require a minimum of QR100,000 now and pay later in easy monthly Customers take benefit from special deals. and a minimum tenor of three instalments. years. The bank’s general terms Jumbo also provided additional digits on Jumbo’s loyalty programme. These The Jumbo Sale offering special deals and conditions apply. one year extended warranty. are some of the benefits during this sale ends today. THE PENINSULA Customers can also earn double period. THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Libya talks in Obama hails Algiers great success, says progress in UN envoy

ALGIERS: Talks between fight against IS Libya’s rival parliaments on forging a unity government for the violence-wracked country have been a “great success,” the US President meets Iraqi premier UN envoy said yesterday, but there were no signs of a major WASHINGTON: US President meeting had dealt extensively breakthrough. Barack Obama hosted Iraqi with coordinating the next steps “The result of the second Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi and possible US help. Obama said round of dialogue is a great suc- at the White House yesterday the US wants to make sure Iraq cess,” Bernardino Leon said in and hailed the US-backed Iraqi and the coalition “is in a position to Algiers. “The Libyan parties have forces’ progress against the succeed in our common mission”. succeeded in finding a common Islamic State group. The US president also position on most of the points of Obama said the allies were announced an additional $200m a draft accord presented by the “making serious progress” in push- in humanitarian aid for the civil- United Nations.” ing back the jihadists, taking back ians displaced or harmed by the Representatives of the two sides a quarter of the territory lost last Islamic State’s brutal rebel army. are to resume the UN-brokered year. “Success won’t occur over- Swathes of Iraq, including the US President Barack Obama shakes hands with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi at the Oval Office of the talks in Morocco tomorrow, a dip- night” Obama said, “but what is second city Mosul and the vast White House in Washington DC yesterday. lomat in Rabat said. clear is that we will be successful.” western province of Anbar, are That is a day later than planned Critics say Obama’s draw- still occupied by militants bent on To defend Baghdad and other in fighting the Islamic State, but a priority, fearing the organisa- by the United Nations and comes down of US troops in Iraq was establishing an Islamic caliphate. key positions Abadi’s government would “reject any transgression tion’s foothold in Iraq and Syria despite a statement adopted a strategic blunder that allowed Abadi renewed a pledged to “lib- has leaned heavily on US-led air- of Iraqi sovereignty”. provides a base for terror opera- unanimously by the Security the Islamic State to flourish and erate” those areas. But his armed strikes and Shia militia, which The presence of Shia militia in tions, while destabilising those Council late on Monday saying it drive Iraq’s US-trained army out forces, ravaged by years of war, Washington says are controlled Sunni-dominated towns and vil- countries and the region. awaited the resumption of talks of northern cities. desertion and underfunding, have by Iran. lages has also raised the specter The United States is lead- “with impatience”. Embarking on his inaugu- struggled to get on the front foot. Obama called for those fighters of more of the sectarian violence ing an international coalition, Libya has been gripped by chaos ral prime ministerial trip to A recent Iraqi effort to wrest to fall under government control, that has long plagued Iraq. Abadi which according to the White and violence since its 2011 revolu- Washington, Abadi had said his control of Tikrit stalled until the urging all actors to “respect Iraq’s promised his government would House has hit over 5,780 Islamic tion that toppled and killed vet- top priority would be to secure a US military pounded IS positions sovereignty”. “We expect Iran to have “zero tolerance” of rights State targets in Iraq and Syria. eran dictator Muammar Gaddafi. “marked increase” in the US-led with air strikes. Tikrit had initially have an important relationship abuses, and anyone involved in That includes 75 tanks and 285 It has had rival administra- air campaign and in the “delivery been seen as a dress rehearsal for with Iraq as a close neighbour,” he atrocities against civilians would Humvees, 1,166 fighting positions, tions and parliaments since an of arms”. Abadi’s much-touted “Spring offen- said, adding: “It is important for all be brought to book. and 151 oil infrastructure-related Islamist-backed militia alliance Obama did not give that com- sive” to dislodge insurgent fighters unified forces to be under control.” Obama has made degrading targets, the White House said. seized the capital in August, mitment in public, but said the from the vital oil hub of Mosul. Abadi said he welcomed help and destroying the Islamic State AFP prompting the internationally recognised government to take refuge in the east. The resulting power struggle has been exploited by the Islamic State group to establish a grow- Bahrain extends ing presence to the alarm of the rights activist’s Iran vows ‘irreversible steps’ on N-plan international community. MADRID: Iran will resume irreversible steps. It is a very bal- added during a joint news confer- US Secretary of State John GNC TO ATTEND TALKS talks with world powers on anced approach,” said Zarif, Iran’s ence with his Spanish counterpart Kerry has come under fire at home The Tripoli parliament — the detention a final nuclear agreement on chief nuclear negotiator. Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo. for pushing the deal, with many General National Congress — DUBAI: Bahrain yesterday April 21 and is ready to take He was referring to the so- “If we are going to reduce the US lawmakers still wary of Iran, confirmed that it would attend ex tended by 15 days the period of “irreversible steps” if the West called P5+1 powers — Britain, number of centrifuges we will do a long-time US foe, which has not the talks in Skhirat. “Our del- detention for prominent rights does the same, Iranian Foreign China, France, Russia, the United that in the first days, we are also had full diplomatic relations with egation will arrive on Wednesday campaigner Nabeel Rajab, who Minister Mohammad Javad States and Germany — who have called to redesign the Arak reac- Washington for 35 years. to start a new round of negotia- was arrested on April 2 accused Zarif said yesterday in Spain. been negotiating with Iran to tors into another hardwater reac- Republican Senator Bob Corker, tions,” GNC member Mohammed of spreading false news. “My team, the assistant to (EU end the 12-year standoff over its tor, we will do that in the initial who has co-sponsored a bill that Saleh Al Makhzum said. A prosecution service state- foreign policy chief Federica) nuclear programme. steps,” he added. would give Congress the power Former GNC vice president ment said the Shia activist was Mogherini and the other repre- The six countries made a major Western powers want Iran to review any final deal, said on Abdelhafid Ghoka said in Algiers accused of “spreading tenden- sentatives of the 5+1 (global pow- breakthrough at talks with Iran to re-design a planned research Monday that he might be garner- that the sides had agree in princi- tious rumours” about Bahrain’s ers) will meet next Tuesday to on April 2 by agreeing on the reactor at Arak to cut its poten- ing enough support to overcome ple on forming a unity government participation in the Saudi-led begin drafting the text,” he told parameters for a final deal to tial output of plutonium, one any veto by US President Barack but that differences remained Arab coalition waging an air a conference in Madrid. scale back its nuclear capabilities. of the materials needed to pro- Obama. Zarif said he expected over the future parliament. offensive against Shia rebels in He did not say where the talks But the negotiators still have duce a nuclear bomb. Iran denies Washington to lift the sanctions. The Security Council, which Yemen, as well as “attacking a would take place but later gave a series of technical issues to Western claims that it is seeking “On the American side, we has threatened sanctions over state institution”. more details about his country’s resolve by a June 30 deadline for to make a nuclear bomb. behold the government of the spiralling violence, has called It accused him of posting online position. “This is the framework a final deal, including the steps for The P5+1 have said sanctions United States to be responsa- on the rival sides to “agree on “edited footage from television under which we will operate with lifting sanctions imposed on Iran. will only be gradually eased and ble,” he said, adding that obtain- arrangements on the formation broadcasts on events in Syria the 5+1 group: (There will be) “Iran will take all the measures want a mechanism to ensure they ing approval from Congress was of a national unity government to and Palestine, unrelated to mili- irreversible steps on the Iranian that are required in the initial can be swiftly reimposed if Iran “their problem”. end Libya’s political, security and tary operations in Yemen,” said side as long as their side takes phase, all the measures,” Zarif breaks its word. AFP institutional crisis”. AFP the statement published by the official BNA news agency. On Thursday, Bahrain allies the United States and Britain demanded Rajab’s release and the dropping of cases against him. ‘Strong’ evidence of Syria On April 2, his family said Rajab was arrested for posting comments on Twitter denouncing regime chemical attacks alleged torture in a prison where Shia activists are held. BEIRUT: Eyewitness accounts Leith Fares, a rescue worker in He said in a video posted on and evidence collected from Sarmin. YouTube after his latest arrest northwestern Syria “strongly” HRW said it could not conclu- that he was the victim of an suggest regime forces dropped sively establish the chemical used “attempt by the authorities to toxic chemicals on civilians sev- but volunteers from the Syrian deprive me of my right to free eral times last month, Human Civil Defence said they found expression”. AFP Rights Watch said yesterday. remnants of barrel bombs at A high-ranking Syrian security attack sites and smelled chlorine Somali Shabaab official denied the claim, saying the gas on victims’ clothes. accusations were “lies the insur- The Syrian security official told kill 15 in education gents say when they incur losses.” AFP these were “lies” that armed Human Rights Watch said the rebels spread to “explain their ministry attack chemicals appeared to have been failures to their funders.” packed into crude explosives- “If the army used chemical MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Al filled barrels that were dropped weapons or chlorine gas every Qaeda-linked Shabaab militants by military helicopter on rebel- time they say it did, those people yesterday blasted their way into held areas during heavy fighting would have been completely wiped the higher education ministry for the city of Idlib. out by now,” he said. with a car bomb before storming “Evidence strongly suggests The world’s chemical weapons the building, killing 15 people. Activists protest against Turkey’s first nuclear power plant in Ankara yesterday. The banner (left) reads: “ Nuclear kills!”. that Syrian government forces watchdog already expressed “seri- Police and witnesses said the used toxic chemicals in several ous concern” on March 25 over car bomb caused a huge explo- barrel bomb attacks in Idlib gov- the reported use of toxic agents sion which allowed the gunmen Turkey starts work on first N-power plant ernorate between March 16 and in Idlib province. to force their way into the forti- 31, 2015,” the New York-based In January, it reported the use fied building. ANKARA: Turkey yester- capacity of 1200 MW each — is station would pose no threat group said. of chlorine gas in three attacks Ambulance officials said at day launched construction of its being built like Iran’s first nuclear to tourism on Turkey’s sun- It called on the UN Security on three Syrian villages last year. least 15 people were killed and 20 first nuclear power plant which power plant by Russia’s nuclear drenched Mediterranean coast, Council to investigate what would The Organisation for the wounded in the attack. Ankara hopes will open a new era agency Rosatom. saying the use of nuclear power in be a breach of both its own resolu- Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Six Shabaab gunmen were also of greater energy self-sufficiency, “Development cannot happen Spain and France had not harmed tions and Damascus’s obligations did not attribute responsibility killed, with two of those blowing but the ceremony was marred by in a country without nuclear tourism there. under the Chemical Weapons for those attacks, although its themselves up, internal security angry protests against the con- energy,” said Turkish Energy The authorities have gone on a Convention. report cited witnesses saying ministry spokesman Mohamed troversial $20bn project. Minister Taner Yildiz at a cer- publicity offensive to promote the HRW said it had investigated they heard helicopters, which Yusuf Osman said. After the launch ceremony, emony attended by the head of plant, with television commercials six reported attacks in Idlib and only the regime possesses. Abdukadir Abdirahman Adan, dozens of environmental protest- Rosatom, Sergei Kiriyenko and and billboards showing happy villages outside, collecting evi- In early March, the UN head of Mogadishu’s Ambulance ers converged on the iron gates other top officials. children running and cycling in dence from rescue workers and Security Council adopted a Services, told reporters his crews of the site in Akkuyu in Mersin Yildiz vehemently rejected that a bucolic landscape under the other civilians that provided a US-drafted resolution condemn- had taken about 15 dead bodies and province on the shores of the Turkey was entering the nuclear shadow of the power station. compelling case in three of them. ing the use of chlorine in Syria 20 wounded civilians to hospital. Mediterranean. power sector at the wrong time after Akkuyu is the first of three The most conclusive evidence and threatening sanctions if the Troops backed by African They managed to lock in the the Fukushima nuclear disaster in nuclear power plants Turkey cur- came from a March 16 attack on chemicals were used again. Union soldiers regained control official delegations, security forces Japan in 2011 and with Germany rently plans to build to reduce its the village of Sarmin, which left a “The Syrian government of the building after around an and journalists inside the site and phasing out its nuclear power. “All dependence on importing energy family of six, including three chil- appears to be thumbing its nose hour-long attack, which began were only dispersed when a water sectors (of the industry) have from Russia and Iran. A sec- dren, dead, and an attack on Idlib at the Security Council and inter- when “a car loaded with explo- cannon truck was used against learned lessons from Fukushima. ond plant is due to be built by a city on March 31. national law yet again,” HRW’s sives rammed the gate,” police them, video footage showed. Akkuyu power station has also French-Japanese consortium in “The children were foaming at deputy Middle East director, officer Mohamed Dahir said The power station — which learned lessons,” he said. the Black Sea city of Sinop. the mouth, they were suffocating, Nadim Houry, said. AFP will have four power units with a Yildiz said that the power AFP then their hearts stopped,” said AFP WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 UN arms embargo targets Houthis Iran to propose peace plan to UN today; Al Qaeda says spiritual leader killed in US strike; rebels suffer setbacks

ADEN: The UN Security Council yesterday imposed an arms embargo targeting the US places sanctions on Iran-allied Houthi rebels who now control most of Yemen as Houthi leader, Saleh’s son battles in the south of the coun- try intensified. WASHINGTON: The United States placed two top figures in It also demanded the Houthis Yemen’s Houthi rebellion on its sanctions blacklist yesterday, fol- stop fighting and withdraw from lowing suit after the United Nations approved global sanctions areas they have seized, including on the two. The US Treasury Department named Houthi leader the capital Sana’a. Abdul Malik Al Huthi, and leading backer Ahmed Ali Saleh, son On the ground, southern mili- of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, to its blacklist, freez- tiamen claimed gains against the ing any assets they might have on US property and forbidding Houthis on several battlefronts Americans from dealings with them. across southern Yemen, includ- “Using violence and other means, Al Huthi and Saleh continue to ing districts of the port city of undermine the political process in Yemen and obstruct the peaceful Aden, the last stronghold of loy- transition of power,” the Treasury said. It said that the international alists to Saudi-backed President community has stressed through the UN Security Council’s action Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi. “that the violent takeover of Yemen by an armed faction is unac- In New York, the UN Security ceptable and that a legitimate political transition — long sought by Council imposed a global asset the Yemeni people — can be accomplished only through political freeze and travel ban on Ahmed negotiations and a consensus agreement among all of the parties.” Saleh, the former head of Yemen’s AFP Republican Guard, and on Abdul Malik Al Huthi, a Houthi leader. Saleh’s father, former Yemen while Russia abstained, saying “This issue should be resolved president Ali Abdullah Saleh, and some of its proposals for the reso- by the Yemenis. Iran and Saudi two other senior Houthi lead- lution drafted by council member Arabia need to talk but we can- ers, Abd Al Khaliq Al Huthi and Jordan and Gulf Arab states were not talk to determine the future of Abdullah Yahya Al Hakim, had not included. Yemen,” he told a news conference. been blacklisted by the Security “The co-sponsors refused Arab states have been bomb- Council in November. to include the requirements ing the Houthis for three weeks The Security Council also insisted upon by Russia in support of militias resisting an expressed concern at what it addressed to all sides to the con- advance by the group and army A security official addresses people who fled Yemen, arriving aboard a dhow yesterday at a the port of Djibouti called “destabilising actions” flict to swiftly halt fire and to units loyal to Saleh. after crossing the Gulf of Aden. Refugees described the terror and horror of intense air strikes as they arrive in taken by former president Saleh, begin peace talks,” Russian UN The Houthis, northern-based the Horn of Africa, where aid agencies are fearing an influx of people. including supporting the Houthis. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin told Shias, seized control of Sana’a in The elder Saleh, who was the council after the vote. September, confining Hadi to his Bay prison camp in 2006. outside the nearby city of Ataq. surrounding area secure, it said. forced to step down in 2012, is Iran, meanwhile, prepared to presidential residence. He fled to His death may be a sign that Southern militia sources said After prolonged street fight- widely seen as having a behind- submit a four-point peace plan Aden in February then escaped a covert US drone programme they wrested control of the army ing in the southern city of Aden, the scenes role in the conflict in for Yemen to the United Nations to Riyadh last month as Houthi against Yemen’s branch of the base loyal to the Houthis after Houthi fighters withdrew yester- league with the Houthis. today, state media said. forces closed in on the city. global militant group continues heavy fighting on Monday night day from Aden’s Khor Maksar The resolution imposed an Iranian Foreign Minister In a related development, Al despite the American military near the Balhaf liquefied natural district, where the international arms embargo on the five men Mohammad Javad Zarif, speak- Qaeda in Yemen announced that withdrawal. gas plant, in southern Shabwa airport and foreign missions are and “those acting on their behalf ing in Madrid, said Tehran’s its spiritual leader was killed Separately, Al Qaeda said it province on the Arabian Sea. located. or at their direction in Yemen” peace initiative involved a by a US air strike, according killed 15 soldiers fleeing home- Yemen LNG, the company The pull-out deprives the — effectively the Houthis and sol- ceasefire, humanitarian assist- to a statement distributed by ward from a military base near managing the facility, said it had Houthis of a bridge to downtown diers loyal to Saleh who are fight- ance, a dialogue between Yemeni the group online. Ibrahim Al Balhaf in the east of the country. halted production due to inse- areas where they face heavy ing alongside the Houthis. factions and a broad-based Rubaish was a Saudi national A local official said the men were curity and was evacuating staff. resistance from local fighters. The council voted 14 in favour, government. released from the Guantanamo captured and stabbed to death The plant was intact and its REUTERS

400 migrants die in shipwreck off Libya: Survivors

ROME: About 400 migrants had already been more than the passage safer. In February, Italy has become increasingly died in an attempt to reach 500 deaths of migrants crossing more than 300 drowned when alarmed about the breakdown of Italy from Libya when their the Mediterranean from Africa attempting the crossing in cold law and order in Libya, which has boat capsized, survivors said this year, up sharply from 47 in weather and rough seas. greatly exacerbated the task of yesterday, the latest tragedy in the same period of 2014, said Save the Children, the IOM and tackling the migrant flows. Libya the Mediterranean where the the Geneva-based International other humanitarian organisations is home to two rival governments, death toll from shipwrecks has Organisation for Migration. have called for the European Union loosely aligned militia forces surged this year. The survivors of the latest ship- to bolster its sea rescue operations and a growing militant Islamist The boat, carrying about 550 wreck were mostly sub-Saharan before the migrant flows soar as movement. migrants in total, flipped about Africans, but no further details they usually do in the summer Separately, the EU border 24 hours after leaving the Libyan were available, a Save the Children months. control agency Frontex said that coast, according to some of the spokesman said. It was not clear On Monday, 2,851 migrants migrant traffickers had fired 150 survivors who were rescued exactly when the boat had capsized. were saved in rescue operations shots to prevent their wooden and brought to a southern Italian The number of boats carrying in the Mediterranean, the Italian boat being confiscated after res- port yesterday morning, Save the migrants aiming to reach the EU coastguard said, adding to at least cuers saved the 250 people it was Children reported. from Africa has picked up in recent nine who died and 5,629 who were carrying off the coast of Libya. Before this incident there weeks as fine spring weather makes saved over the weekend. REUTERS

Saudi plans legal action over A Sudanese woman looks for her name on a list of voters at a school turned alleged abuse of Iranians into a polling station yesterday in Al Jarif West, outside Khartoum on the second day of a three-day poll to elect a president and choose national JEDDAH: Saudi authorities said yesterday that they are tak- and state lawmakers. ing legal action against two police officers accused of sexually assaulting a pair of Iranian male pilgrims, an incident which Tehran protested. The Saudis began proceedings after alle- gations of “sexual harassment against two teenage Iranian Logistics block voting at victims” at Jeddah airport, the interior ministry spokesman said, cited by the official Saudi Press Agency. The suspects have been referred “for investigation and to take the neces- some centres in Sudan sary procedures”, the spokesman said, adding that Tehran’s ambassador has been informed. Iran’s culture minister said BEIRUT: Logistical problems Darfur. The government says vio- on Monday that his country has suspended pilgrimages to have hampered voting at a lence has also prevented several Muslim holy places in Saudi Arabia “until the criminals are small number of polling stations areas from voting in the country, tried and punished”. Iranian media reported that the inci- in Sudan, the election body said such as in the war-torn South dent occurred as the youths prepared to return home after yesterday, as voters headed to Kordofan state, where one of a pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina in late March. The Saudi the polls for the second of three the largest rebel groups said last security spokesman said the kingdom’s Islamic-based legal days to choose a president and week it had captured a truckload system “will ensure the strictest penalties for perpetrators parliament. of ballots to prevent polling tak- of these type of crimes, which are condemned by all sectors As a result voting will be ing place. of Saudi Muslim society”. extended by two days at affected Eyewitnesses said rebels shelled centres. Most of the main oppo- and fired rockets into Kadugli, the sition parties are boycotting the capital of South Kordofan, yes- IS losing ground in Yarmuk elections and government critics terday. There were a number of DAMASCUS: Jihadists from the Islamic State group have say there is little real competition wounded people in the city, where lost ground to Palestinian fighters in Syria’s Yarmuk camp, against President Omar Hassan fear had spread among local peo- Palestinian officials said yesterday. UN officials in Syria said, Al Bashir, in power since 1989, ple, they said. meanwhile, they were discussing ways of getting humanitar- and his National Congress Party. Sudanese security forces are ian aid into the camp and helping residents who have fled Around 160 centres out of 7,100 fighting insurgencies in Darfur Yarmuk. IS fighters have retreated from much of the territory nationwide were not able to open and along the border with South they seized in the camp in southern Damascus after enter- on the first day of polls because Sudan. Citing this and regional ing it on April 1, a resident calling himself Samer said. “We ballot papers and other materials turmoil, Bashir has presented haven’t even seen any Daesh members in over three days,” did not arrive in time, National himself as a stable figure best he said. The withdrawal was confirmed by an official from Election Commission spokesman suited to combat chaos in the a pro-Syrian regime Palestinian faction fighting against IS Hadi Muhammad Ahmad told country. His critics say the gov- inside Yarmuk. Khaled Abdel Majid, head of the Palestinian reporters in Khartoum. ernment has launched a crack- Popular Struggle Front, said IS had withdrawn from most of He said there would be an down on the opposition, media the neighbourhoods it previously controlled. IS fighters were investigation into the problems and civil society ahead of the polls now confined to the camp’s southwest, with Palestinian fac- which affected voting in parts of where turnout appeared low in tions — both pro- and anti-Syrian regime — controlling most Gezira state, south of Khartoum, the capital on Monday. of the east and north, Palestinian sources said. and several stations in central REUTERS AGENCIES WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Editorial Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Sparring over Spratlys HILIPPINE President Benigno Aquino’s statement Reading between the yesterday that China’s efforts to stake its claim to most of the South China Sea should spark fear around Pthe world must be taken seriously. Aquino voiced his concerns in a wide-ranging interview, where he warned that lines in Iran agreement China’s increasingly assertive actions raised the spectre of other nations having limited access cut to vital international shipping BY WALTER PINCUS at once. ‘This issue is very important same newspaper after the November lanes and rich fishing grounds in the sea. The Philippine leader and the sanctions should be annulled 2013 Geneva agreement between Iran said that that while he did not believe Beijing intended to AS Iran’s supreme leader, the same day an agreement (would and the P5+1 that set up the current engage in a military conflict over the territorial disputes with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, come into force).’ “ negotiations. the Philippines and other Asian nations, there was a possibility changed his mind about Note the bracketed words “would Back then, Kissinger and Shultz said when sanctions against Iran come into force,” which were added to that deal’s temporary freezing of Iran’s of one breaking out if tension continued to build. All indications H should be lifted based on the April 2 the Khamenei quote on the Khamenei nuclear program and reduction of its are that tension is building over the disputes because China is framework agreement worked out in Web site. That little addition seemed 20 percent enriched uranium were “a building new harbors and airstrips on various reefs and atolls Lausanne, Switzerland, with the United to bring Khamenei’s statement in line tactical pause on Iran’s march toward in the disputed Spratly Islands while Manila is forced to watch States and five other world powers? with that of Rouhani. a military nuclear capability” unless its helplessly. While claiming that the construction was intended The Washington Post reported that Of course, neither Iranian view is as “technical ability to construct a nuclear Khamenei, in an April 9 speech, said, specific as President Barack Obama’s weapon . . . (was) meaningfully curtailed for typhoon shelters, navigation aids, search-and-rescue “Sanctions should be lifted completely April 2 statement that sanctions relief in the next stipulated negotiation.” centers, marine meteorological forecasting stations and the like, on the very day of (the) deal,” once one for Iran “will be tied to the steps Iran Compare what Kissinger and Shultz a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson admitted the new is reached. takes to adhere to the deal” or the set out in 2013 as the needed goals, in construction would also be used for military purposes. They’ll An April 9 tweet, sent from U.S. fact sheet, which says sanctions quotes below, with the U.S. fact sheet’s enable Chinese naval vessels to refuel, and jet fighters to patrol, Khamenei’s account, said, “All sanctions “will be lifted simultaneous with the description of what’s in the April 2 far from the mainland. They could help China consolidate its should be removed just when the deal is completion, by Iran, of nuclear-related framework agreement. reached. If sanctions removal depends actions addressing all key concerns.” In 2013, they called for “a strate- control over the islands. In January, foreign ministers from the on another proc- The fact sheet listed items that could gically significant reduction in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) expressed ess then why we take months, if not years, to implement. number of centrifuges”; the new frame- their concern at the scale of construction. started to talk?” The lesson is not to leap immediately work says Iran’s installed centrifuges China claims sovereignty over Iran’s to conclusions on these negotiations and are to drop from 19,000 to 6,104. They most of the South China Sea, The lesson President Hassan remember there is still a long way to go wanted “restriction on its installation China’s including areas near the coasts Rouhani said all before any final deal is reached on what of advanced centrifuges”; the agreement is not to leap sanctions against is a complicated subject. says all installed centrifuges will for constructions in of other Asian nations. Many Iran “will be can- The current negotiations remind the next 10 years be Iran’s first-gener- Spratlys Islands countries in the region are locked immediately celed on the very Columbia University professor Gary ation models, with more modern ones in territorial disputes with China to conclusions first day of the Sick of the process that preceded placed in International Atomic Energy are causing including the Philippines, Vietnam, implementation Iran’s freeing of the U.S. hostages in Agency-monitored storage. Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan and on these of the deal.” January 1981. Sick, who during the They wanted “foreclosure of its route The presi- Carter administration’s hostage crisis toward a plutonium-production capa- tension with Japan. But China has been stubborn negotiations and dent’s reading was the principal Iran specialist on the bility,” and the plan says Arak’s heavy- the Philippines, about its claims and it’s feared by contained a sub- National Security Council, recalled that water reactor, which had the capability and both sides its neighbours due its huge military remember there tle but important “Iran insisted on a number of principles to produce weapons-grade plutonium, capabilities and economy. There is is still a long distinction from that had to be stated up front, but they will have its original core removed and must exercise an absence of initiatives to solve what the supreme also were willing to make huge conces- destroyed. the disputes because China is not leader seemed sions in the footnotes or fine print that They said: “Activity must be limited way to go before to be demand- followed.” to a plausible civilian program subject restraint. open to mediation and Western any final deal is ing. There will, In 1981, Iran’s original supreme to comprehensive monitoring,” and the countries are loath to antagonizing inevitably, be a leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, agreement says Iran’s Natanz facility this economic powerhouse for fear reached on what time difference acquiesced in a “process of finding will produce only 3.67 percent uranium of jeopardizing their business and economic interests. Aquino’s between the day drafting solutions to what appeared to enrichment and maintain a stockpile of statement assumes significance in this context. It’s a call for is a complicated a final agreement be fatal contradictions — satisfying the 300 kilograms for 15 years. The under- the world to intervene, for China to respect the feelings of its between Iran and political requirements of either side,” ground Fordow facility for the next 15 subject. the P5+1 (the according to Sick, who described it as years will not enrich any uranium.” neighbours. United States, “the essence of diplomacy.” And they continued: “Any final deal Satellite images have also shown China recently embarking Britain, France, Russia, China and In this period of analyzing the Iran must ensure the world’s ability to detect on major construction activities to expand Chinese-controlled Germany) is signed — if one ever is — framework agreement, it also is worth a move toward a nuclear breakout, reefs and islets in the Spratly Islands, one of the sea’s biggest and when it will be implemented. weighing the views of “experts,” some- lengthen the world’s time to react, and archipelagos. These images show a flotilla of Chinese vessels So there appeared to be a disa- times in the context of what they had underscore its determination to do so.” greement between Khamenei and said at an earlier time. Enrichment and nuclear research and dredging sand onto a feature known as Mischief Reef. The reef Rouhani, and here is where it becomes For example, Sick wrote on Tumblr development will be limited under the is about 100 kilometres from the southwestern Philippine island interesting. on Friday that former secretaries of plan to ensure a breakout timeline of of Palawan, and roughly 1,000 kilometres from the nearest On April 10, Khamenei’s official state Henry Kissinger and George one year with unprecedented inspec- major Chinese landmass. website put out its own version of the Shultz, in their widely distributed tions to enforce it, and the military With both Manila and Beijing sticking to their stance, a supreme leader’s April 9 speech. April 7 Wall Street Journal opinion option remains on the table. solution looks distant. But there is a need to de-escalate tension It reads: “Ayatollah Khamenei said he piece, may have engaged in “moving Nonetheless, Kissinger and Shultz has also asked the Iranian negotiators the goalposts” when compared with a remain unsatisfied. and diplomacy must be given every chance to succeed. to demand the removal of sanctions all Dec. 2, 2013, analysis they wrote in the WASHINGTON POST The other side Quote of More murders ahead the day

former journalist was shot deep and simmer for years in this are embroiled in armed conflict Iraq, Syria and other places deemed dead in a brazen noontime country. If the attack was work- and journalists are either deliber- the most dangerous for journalists attack in Batangas the related, it would make Magsino ately targeted by combatants or is the impunity by which assassi- other day. Probers believe the 32nd individual to be mur- are caught in the crossfire. There nations are carried out. This arises A We expect Iran to the murder of Melinda Magsino by dered in connection with journal- are also zones of armed conflict from the belief that murderers can two men on a motorcycle could be ism under the administration of in the Philippines, but most of the get away with the crime. The belief is have an important related to her critical reporting and President Aquino, and the 173rd attacks on Filipino journalists were reinforced with each killing that can- commentary on local politics and since democracy was restored in perpetrated outside those zones. not be solved – and so far, this is relationship with Iraq organized crime in the province February 1986. Many of the attacks are suspected the rule rather than the exception in as a close neighbour. when she worked as a journalist. Magsino’s killing reinforces the to have been ordered by local the case of slain Filipino journalists. If After publishing a bilingual reputation of the Philippines as the politicians or leaders of crime rings the killers of Magsino again get away It is important for all provincial newspaper for several third most dangerous country for unhappy with the victims’ reporting with murder, it guarantees that the months in 2010, Magsino left jour- journalists after Iraq and Syria. The or commentary. nation will see more deadly attacks. unified forces to be nalism, but old grudges can run difference is that those countries What the Philippines shares with The Philippine Star under control. Barack Obama US President WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 QATAR PERSPECTIVE www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 What after Sharm El-Sheikh declaration? Yemeni crisis in most meetings in relation to “Decisive Storm” military operation, led by Saudi Arabia in Yemen against the militant group — Houthis — and troops loyal to former Yemeni president Ali Abdullah Saleh. Leaders pledged in the final statement to stand together as “one barrier in the face of some external parties (unnamed in the statement) that aim to fuel the fire of strife, discord and division in some Arab countries, taking all required measures to coordinate the efforts and plans for estab- lishing a joint Arab force to meet challenges.” Also, from the pros of the Arab BY KHALID ABDULLAH summit is devoting its work to AL ZIYARA discuss the challenges facing Arab national security, diagnosing the he 26th Arab Summit causes, standing on the necessary held recently in Sharm actions and measures to confront El-Sheikh resulted in any danger, in order to preserve Timportant highlights. the unity of Arab territory, safe- This is due to the high level of guard the destiny and the struc- successful representation and the ture of its states, and to promote closing statement, which made it co-existence between its compo- one of the most important Arab nents in the face of a number of summits held since the estab- specific threats. lishment of the Arab League. The concept of Arab national But, what is really significant is security has a comprehensive the extent of cooperation and meaning that covers political, commitment of Arab countries military, economic and social to implement what they agreed dimensions, and that is what was upon during the meeting, most emphasised during the summit notably the formation of a joint in words and deeds, for the sake Arab force. of handling the current develop- Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani being received by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi at the airport ahead of the Arab Summit in Sharm It is an event which received ments that the region has expe- El-Sheikh. different shades of opinion, rienced, and for taking necessary whereas the text of the clos- steps to formulate a joint Arab ing statement of the summit stand in the face of all challenges. refers to the importance of taking parties as they want to fuel the fragmentation of Arabs and We are all well aware of the les- said: “This force will intervene This agreement is based on the all required measures to address fire of strife, discord and division. Muslims, so that our countries son and realise how establishing militarily to confront the chal- fact that what unites Arab states such challenges, which has been We are witnessing moments of are divided based on sectarian an Arab force is the beginning of lenges that threaten the security when searching for answers to demonstrated significantly in the weakness and times of disgrace strife, which preserve the conti- an Arab Islamic unity in the face and safety of any of the mem- the key questions of the crucial unrest that was about to destroy when our enemies are racing to nuity of those forces. of these schemes and challenges. ber states at the request of the issues is much larger than what Yemen. invade us; the old and modern We drift behind the US illu- “Will” is the only path that can state concerned.” divides them. The Arab challenges Hence, we must exert all efforts forces of colonialism don’t give us sions that play with everyone’s conquer the darkness that nests A beneficial result of the Arab have become very clear, and don’t to stand united as one barrier the opportunity to unite. All colo- destiny, as it doesn’t put forward in our countries and it is one way summit is the dominance of the require further explanation. This to block the plots of the foreign nisation schemes are targetting but its interests. to our safety. Open letter to ministers of health, education Promoting children’s journalism BY ZAHRA AL SAYED

here is widespread use of different types of media, especially satellite channels, which Tentered our homes, causing sleeplessness, shattering the silence and affecting the minds of our sons and daughters by showing programmes not suitable for Arab society. Despite significant technological progress and multiple means of communication, a paper maga- zine has its charm, especially for children. BY PROF MUHAMMED In spite of the importance of the influence of the SALEH AL MUSFIR press on the lives of our children, few give attention to children’s journalism. The scope of children’s he press is an effective tool of journalism is still very limited in the Arab world. communication between the Though there are special magazines/newspapers Tpeople and the government, to for children, unfortunately, they are not well cir- the extent that access to the decision- culated so that they reach very few readers. maker in state institutions is not an According to a researcher in this field, press for easy task for all classes of society. children is a primary means of educating them The press was and remains the about media and catching up with the latest events. effective way to communicate between It is even a way to encourage children to read. the ruler and the ruled. It is indis- Press is considered a school if properly used on putable that there are other means a large scale. Printed material has its charm and of communication in our daily lives, special flavour for children when combined with A crowd at the Medical Commission in Doha. BELOW: People wait for their turn at the commission. especially live radio programmes that colourful images and good formatting and editing, address citizens’ concerns, where being a way to intrigue their visual and observa- sometimes the response is aired the scene inside the “General Medical everywhere make up the long queues agreed upon between the Health tional instincts. quickly. However, most of the answers Commission” centre that is not a at the centre. At the same time, this and Education Ministries by giving Children’s press in form and content is a mirror are instrumental and ineffective. pleasant sight even for the auditors sight misrepresents the status of the advance information on the number reflecting progress, and paying special attention to What prompted me to write to the of that institution. State of Qatar that earned interna- of students in each school who are it is a civilised trait. Therefore, I look forward to Ministers of Education and Health is Huge crowds of labourers from tional acclaim for its treatment of for- required to undergo a medical exami- and support this idea hoping it will become a way eign labour despite unfair campaigns nation, which is usually required for to educate our children. by some foreign entities, unfortu- admission to university, receiving If we are to even address children’s magazine nately, after prodding by some Arab scholarships or admission to a public business in the Arab world, we find it extremely countries. education institution. unstable. Some magazines were released and later The crowds include university pro- Therefore, medical vehicles will suspended publication for various reasons. fessors who came from several Arab visit schools, which will relieve traf- In contrast to the very limited spread of chil- and other nations and who are not fic congestion and save the time of dren’s journalism in the Arab world, we find there familiar with medical commission students who now have to travel with is a river of such media flowing in the West that centres in their countries. their parents from the school to the many Arab children like to read. Senior corporate managers and Medical Centre and back. According to statistics published by interested school students rub shoulders with The Ministry should assign specific parties in this field, there are 400 children’s mag- general labourers including munici- days to “white collar” employees for azines in the United States alone, about 100 in pal cleaners, public service workers, medical examination so that their Britain and 17 in Germany, while there are less domestic servants and infrastruc- work schedule is not disrupted by long than a dozen magazines published in the entire ture workers. There is no doubt that waits in serpentine queues. Arab world, which is not enough for the tens of equality is justice except in this case, This way we would achieve justice millions of Arab children. where discrimination is a cultural and and equality by taking into considera- It is extremely necessary that we involve our moral duty. It is a well-known fact that tion the status of each visitor to this children in school newspapers. They should also visitors to the Medical Commission medical institution that requires all be supported and encouraged by educational Centre are foreigners who come to expatriates in the country to visit it institutions. work in various fields and stay in the at least once. Schools have always been the first seed that country for some time. Finally, I wish that competent grows in the hearts of children in any field of Here, I suggest that the two minis- authorities could find an easy way study, so they should be the first to develop jour- tries allocate a medical mobile vehicle to facilitate the task of the “General nalism for children, but of course with some and team to travel between schools Medical Commission” while retain- conditions taking into consideration our cultural to conduct medical examinations ing the social prestige of each visitor requirements. for students. without prejudice and also contribute Children’s press is our only weapon in the face of The time and date of these vehi- to reducing traffic congestion in the various media threats to the minds of our children, cles going to schools has to be streets. which is a major reason to care more and promote this idea in order to draw everyone’s attention. WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com EUROPE / AMERICAS Cameron woos voters with Thatcherite dream Pledge to extend right-to-buy housing scheme

SWINDON/LONDON: property-owning democracy is expansion of the programme - to British Prime Minister David alive and we will help you fulfil include social housing owned by Cameron launched his party’s it,” Cameron told supporters at a non-profit organisations - will pre-election policy manifesto technical college in the western allow him to broaden the eco- yesterday, promising to deliver English town of Swindon. nomic message of his campaign. the “Conservative dream” of a “We offer a good life for those Under the expanded right-to- home-owning democracy, where willing to try because we’re the buy scheme, 1.3 million families over one million more families party of working people,” he said. living in non-profit housing asso- could buy their homes cheaply. The election is about more ciations would be granted the With just three weeks before than simply who will govern the right to buy their properties at what is shaping up to be Britain’s $2.8 trillion economy: Cameron a heavy discount. For each home closest election since the 1970s, has promised a referendum on sold, a new one would have to be Cameron chose to largely abandon European Union membership built. negative campaigning amid criti- while Scottish nationalists, who Designed to court working cism the strategy was backfiring want Scotland’s independence, class voters who have abandoned and focused on what he could are seeking a kingmaker role. his party for the anti-EU UK offer voters. Cameron hopes to parlay his Independence party (UKIP) and He made no mention of his economic record into victory. wavering Labour supporters, his British Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader David Cameron (second right) and his wife Samantha (right) rival, opposition Labour Party If re-elected on May 7, he said pledge is also an attempt to break meet Nicole Calver and Paul Pearson in their home in Swindon, southern England, yesterday. leader Ed Miliband, and did not his party would extend a “right- deadlocked opinion polls. repeat a robust personal attack to-buy” scheme, first introduced Speaking in front of a giant Echoing Thatcher again, he legislate to ensure that nobody is a way of countering that. on his opponent’s character made by former Conservative leader British flag and the slogan “A said Britain didn’t have to be working 30 hours a week on the Cameron’s gambit follows the last week by Michael Fallon, his Margaret Thatcher, to allow peo- brighter, more secure future”, “a steadily declining once-great minimum wage pays any income Labour manifesto launch on defence minister. ple living in social housing to pur- Cameron told the audience, which nation” but could revert to being tax. Monday in which Miliband tried Instead, he held out the pros- chase their homes at a discount. included his wife Samantha, that a small island “with a massive Labour often charge that to overturn a damaging percep- pect of higher living standards The scheme, first launched in voters had to stick with him if impact.” Cameron’s privileged back- tion his party could not be trusted after five years of austerity. 1980, helped Thatcher win three they wanted continued economic He also promised to double the ground means he is out of touch. on the economy. “The dream of a elections. Cameron hopes his security and strong leadership. amount of free childcare and to Going after working class votes REUTERS

Man arrested Clinton in Iowa on humble presidential campaign tour in Florida for MONTICELLO: Hillary The announcement unleashed more than three million residents, commander-in-chief, her speech at Miami’s Freedom Tower Clinton arrived in Iowa yes- a fierce, highly-coordinated Iowa plays an outsized role in US Republican rivals want to reverse that once processed Cuban immi- shooting at terday during an overland road Republican attacks on her “failed geography and political history. course from what will be eight grants into the United States, was a trip to begin a series of low-key policies of the past” and what they It is the first electoral battle- years of Obama policies they say clear jab at his older rivals, notably meetings with ordinary vot- call an uneven performance at ground for White House candi- have made America weaker and Clinton, 67, and his fellow Republican NC college ers and set the tone for her some of the highest levels of US dates, where voters make their economically stagnant. and former mentor Jeb Bush, 62. campaign. government. preferences known before any Republican Senator Marco And should he win the elec- WINSTON-SALEM: A 20-year- It is in Monticello, a small town The 2008 campaign veteran other state in party primaries Rubio officially launched his tion, Rubio would also have old former student sought in the of 4,000 inhabitants in the key struck a note of humility this time and caucuses. presidential bid Monday, calling his own claim to history, as fatal shooting of an employee at Midwestern state that the former with her pledge to champion “eve- The result in Iowa, while yield- for new American leadership that the nation’s first Hispanic a North Carolina community col- top US diplomat will hold her first ryday Americans” — a departure ing only a few party delegates is not “stuck in the 20th century.” commander-in-chief. lege was arrested yesterday after small roundtables with middle- from her hard-as-nails approach to the national Republican and Rubio, a 43-year-old Florida Rubio took a direct swipe at being found sleeping on a beach in class voters after crowding into when she lost her party’s nomina- Democratic conventions, helps set lawmaker and son of immigrants Clinton. “Just yesterday, a leader Florida, police said. a van traveling from New York. tion to Obama seven years ago. the tone of the campaign. from Cuba who often casts his from yesterday began a campaign Kenneth Morgan Stancil III was Clinton finally announced her She travelled via a modest Clinton’s first major rally and personal arc as the embodiment of for president by promising to take taken into custody without incident bid to join the race to succeed mini-van with a small team, the speech that kicks off her cam- the American Dream, presented us back to yesterday,” he said as and jailed in Daytona Beach after President Barack Obama and give rather than a private jet, with paign is not expected until May. the 2016 presidential election as supporters booed at the mention patrol officers found a knife on him Democrats a third-straight presi- much of her itinerary shrouded While Clinton aims to “a generational choice about what of Clinton. “But yesterday is over, and learned his name, said police in dential term for the first time in in secrecy. break the “glass ceiling” and kind of country we will be.” and we are never going back.” Goldsboro, North Carolina. more than half a century. An agricultural state of a little become the nation’s first female The remark, in a hometown AFP Stancil is accused of killing Wayne Community College print shop director Ron Lane not long after Platinum Lion Lane arrived for work on Monday morning. Lane was an employee at the school for 18 years, officials said, Italy row over migrants and Stancil had worked for him when he was a student. Police said Stancil gunned Lane down with some type of long gun as boat arrivals intensify on the third floor of a campus building. Police gave no motive for ROME: Italy’s interior ministry said senator Maurizio Gasparri the shooting, which prompted a has ordered regional prefects to from the centre-right Forza Italia lockdown and evacuation of the find emergency housing for an (Go Italy) party. campus about 80km southeast of influx of boat migrants, spark- And with summer approaching Raleigh as authorities searched ing criticism yesterday over the and over 500,000 people waiting for the gunman. government’s handling of a cri- to set out from Libya for Europe Stancil’s mother told television sis that looks set to intensify. according to EU border agency station WNCN that her son, who A surge in attempted illegal Frontex, charity organisations are had earned the rank of Eagle as crossings from the coast of north warning the government is not a Boy Scout, was angry after Africa saw nearly 8,500 migrants prepared to deal with the next being dismissed from his job at rescued between Friday and wave. the school last month. But Debbie Monday, reigniting a debate in Italy Some 10,500 people have been Stancil said she did not know over whether or not the country plucked from boats since the begin- what set him off on Monday. has a duty to house all new arrivals. ning of April, with 20,500 people Goldsboro police Captain Dwayne Prime Minister Matteo Renzi arriving in total so far this year. Dean would not comment Tuesday is “looking for another 6,500 beds According to the International morning on how Stancil ended for immigrants,” said Matteo Organization for Migration (IOM), up in Florida. Stancil was first Salvini, head of the anti-immi- 500 people have died at sea. approached by the Volusia County grant Northern League, which has Italy’s coast guard said that Beach Patrol at about 1.20am EDT made the crisis one of its platforms 2,851 people had been picked up for violating the city’s ordinance ahead of regional elections in May. from boats on Monday alone. against sleeping on the beach, “I ask the League’s governors, Forza Italia head Giorgia US Marines in action during the military exercise ‘Platinum Lion 15-2’ at the Novo Selo military base near the according to a police statement. mayors, assessors and councillors Meloni said the boats setting off town of Sliven, some 290km from Sofia, Bulgaria, yesterday. The joint military training at the Novo Selo site in REUTERS to say no, with every means, to from north Africa to Italy “should Eastern Bulgaria is part of the Bulgarian-American plan for joint military trainings and exercises scheduled in 2015. every new arrival. The League is be stopped as they leave,” while ready to occupy every hotel, hos- those used by smugglers to escape tel, school or barracks intended “should be sunk”. for the alleged refugees,” Salvini The majority of immigrant said on Facebook yesterday. arrivals have no desire to stay UK scrambles jets as Russian ships spotted The interior ministry had on in Italy and quickly journey on Monday called on Piedmont, towards northern Europe. Lombardy, the Veneto, Tuscany, According to the UN’s refugee LONDON: British fighter jets similar incidents and comes at a and legitimately as a route by anti-submarine destroyer, was Emilia-Romagna and Campania agency, in 2014 the number of were scrambled yesterday in time of tense relations between Russian warships but Nato coun- among four ships which passed regions to find 700 places each for people fleeing conflicts in Syria response to the sighting of two London and Moscow over the tries are on alert over fears that through the Channel in November. the latest arrivals. and Iraq who applied for asylum Russian military aircraft near crisis in Ukraine and the inquiry Moscow could attempt to destabi- A Russian warship was also Puglia in southern Italy was in wealthy countries was the UK airspace, hours after three into the death of Russian ex-spy lise countries on Europe’s eastern tracked through the Channel told to find 300 places, while the highest in 22 years. Russian ships were monitored Alexander Litvinenko. flank that were in its orbit during in February while the previ- Lazio and Marche regions were While Germany received the as they entered the English “MoD can confirm 3 Russian Soviet times. ous month, Britain summoned asked for another 250 each, with most applications, with 173,000 Channel. ships being monitored by @ James Nixey, head of the the Russian ambassador after the remaining 1,500 beds to be requests, Italy ranked behind “Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon RoyalNavy HMS Argyll through Russia and Eurasia Programme Tupolev Tu-95 bombers, known as divided between other regions. the United States, Turkey and fighter aircraft were launched Channel. No exercises seen,” the at think-tank Chatham House, Russian “bears”, were found flying Members of the opposition have Sweden with 63,660 requests. today after Russian aircraft were ministry said on its Twitter feed. said Russia’s actions around close to British airspace. accused Renzi’s centre-left gov- The country has a publicly- identified flying close to UK air- “Russian Udaloy class destroyer the UK were designed to send a According to a report in The ernment of pandering to those funded network of reception space,” said a Ministry of Defence Severomorsk returning from message. Daily Telegraph newspaper, fleeing war zones or poverty, with centres housing some 30,000 peo- (MoD) spokesman. Mediterranean with tanker “Russia is trying to show it has Britain was forced to accept a many saying the policy of rescu- ple, according to the Migrantes The planes were launched from and support ship. Due to leave got full spectrum capability war- four-day visit by Russian mili- ing immigrants at sea encourages Foundation. the Lossiemouth military airbase Channel later.” fare,” he said. tary inspectors to view UK-led others to attempt the journey. But due to severe overcrowd- in northern Scotland. Russia’s defence ministry “It is not a prelude to war but it naval war games off the coast of “It is an absolute disgrace that ing the extra beds are likely to be Britain’s Royal Navy earlier said the ships were en route to is a reminder that Russia likes to Scotland. the government, instead of repel- found in converted hotels, hostels, kept track of three Russian ships, the North Atlantic, where they remind us of — that it is a power The exercises, which began on ling the invasion of clandestine old people’s homes and holiday res- including a destroyer, after they would be taking part in exercises to be reckoned with, not a fading Monday, are taking place under immigrants, thinks to appropri- idences which apply to take part in entered the English Channel, “on anti-air and anti-submarine power, which might be closer to the terms of a European arms ate thousands and thousands of a state-funded hospitality scheme. according to the defence ministry. defence”. the reality. control treaty. beds, giving in to the invasion,” AFP It is the latest in a string of The Channel is used frequently The Severomorsk, an AFP WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 ASIA / AFRICA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

S Korea, Japan Muslim peace deal can be saved: Aquino hold first President hopeful of securing deal before next elections; Bangsamoro leader dies of heart attack security talks

MANILA: Philippine President day-long battle with MILF fight- Philippines. “There is the very towards having that peace agree- Abu Misri Mama, a spokesman in five years Benigno Aquino said yesterday ers and other rebels. real danger that failing this, they ment... I hope I will be able to for the BIFF, also confirmed the he could still secure a peace Asked in an interview yes- (MILF leaders) will lose the sup- demonstrate the absurdity of going death of Kato after speaking with SEOUL: South Korea and deal with Muslim rebels before terday if the peace accord could port of their rank and file, who back to the traditional way, which the Muslim rebel leader’s son, Japan yesterday held their first standing down next year, after a be implemented before he steps will now listen to the more radical is violence always simmering or Omar, who is expected to takeo- high-level security talks in more botched anti-terror raid nearly down in June next year, Aquino voices within the organisation,” threatening to boil over,” he said. ver the leadership of the armed than five years despite simmer- derailed the process. said: “Yes, I believe so.” he said. Meanwhile, the head of group of around 300 fighters ing tensions over territorial and The Moro Islamic Liberation As outrage eased over the Government peace negotiators Philippine military said yester- active in central Mindanao. historical disputes. Front, the Philippines’ biggest deaths — the single biggest battle- hope parliament will pass the self- day that the leader of a small but Kato, a former field com- The resumption of the so- Muslim rebel group, signed a field toll among security forces in rule bill by mid-year. violent splinter group of Muslim mander of the country’s largest called “2+2” talks involving sen- peace pact last year aiming to recent memory — the autonomy Once it becomes law, a plebi- rebels died, removing a hin- Muslim rebel group, Moro Islamic ior foreign ministry and defence end their four-decade separatist bill could be discussed “devoid of scite will be held in areas to be drance to a peace process to end Liberation Front, opposed the peace officials represented a slow thaw struggle that has claimed an esti- emotion”, he said. included in the autonomous region a 45-year-old conflict in the south. negotiations with the government in practical diplomatic contacts mated 120,000 lives. “Perhaps two, three weeks ago, that will be called Bangsamoro. Ameril Umbra Kato, a Muslim after an ancestral land deal in 2008 despite a glacial rift in the overall But efforts by the Aquino a month ago they were saying it’s A transitional government cleric, who organised the was nullified by the Supreme Court. relationship. administration to pass a law dead in the water,” Aquino said. will hold office until the first set Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom The army and mainstream South Korean officials said the authorising an autonomous region “They’re back to discussing of regional officials are elected in Fighters (BIFF) to continue the rebels said Kato’s death boded meeting, last held in 2009, covered for the nation’s Muslim minority it. That’s a very hopeful sign,” May next year, simultaneously armed struggle to set up an inde- well for peace talks to end the security issues such as Tokyo’s — the key part of the pact — were Aquino said, referring to debates with the national elections. pendent Islamic state, suffered conflict that has killed 120,000 decision to exercise its collective delayed amid outrage over a police in parliament that resumed A peace deal to end decades of a heart attack in his hideout in people, displaced 2 million and self-defence right. raid in January targeting alleged this week after a three-month fighting in the south would be a Maguindanao province. stunted growth in the poor but In particular, South Korea is top terrorists. suspension. key legacy for Aquino, but he said “We have pictures of his burial,” resource-rich areas in the south. closely watching a possible change Malaysian bomb-maker Zulkifli Aquino repeated warnings that he was prepared for the possibility General Gregorio Catapang said, “This will help the peace proc- in defence cooperation guidelines bin Hir, one of the United States’ failure to implement the treaty that it would not be fully imple- confirming Kato’s death. ess because we all know his group between Japan and the United most wanted men, was killed could radicalise the MILF’s mented under his term. “He died of natural causes. is a peace spoiler,” Catapang told States. in the raid. But 44 police com- moderate base and cause fur- “If it’s my fate that I will not Before this, he had a diabetic a television interview. Japan explained its stance on mandos also died in an ensuing ther bloodshed in the southern be able to shepherd my country stroke that immobilised him.” AGENCIES revising the guidelines, and prom- ised to respect Seoul’s sovereignty in carrying out “activities related to defence and security”, a South Korean foreign ministry official said. World should fear China South Korea reacted “cau- tiously” to Japan’s proposal for the early resumption of defence ministerial talks, which have not sea actions: Philippines been held for nearly four years, the official said, speaking on con- MANILA: China’s efforts decades made the sea one of Asia’s dition of anonymity. to stake its claim to most of flashpoints, and tensions have The talks came at a particu- the South China Sea should risen in recent years as China has larly sensitive time as the region spark fear around the world, moved to assert its authority over prepares to mark the 70th anni- with military conflict possible, the areas. versary of the end of the Second Philippine President Benigno Following a tense stand- World War, and with a rising tide Aquino said yesterday. off between Chinese maritime of nationalism in Northeast Asia. In an exclusive interview, patrol vessels and the Philippine Bilateral ties have always been Aquino also warned that China’s Navy in 2012, China took control problematic given the bitter leg- increasingly assertive actions of a rich fishing ground called acy of Japan’s 1910-45 rule over raised the spectre of other nations Scarborough Shoal that is within the Korean peninsula. having access cut to vital inter- the Philippines’ exclusive eco- Seoul feels Tokyo has yet to national shipping lanes and rich nomic zone. fully atone for the excesses of fishing grounds in the sea. Satellite images have also its colonial rule and the forced “Does it engender fear? Yes, I shown China recently embark- recruitment of Korean women to think it should engender fear for ing on major construction activi- wartime military brothels. the rest of the world,” Aquino said ties to expand Chinese-controlled when asked to assess Chinese gov- reefs and islets in the Spratly Over 20 hurt as ernment moves in recent years to Islands, one of the sea’s biggest assert its sovereignty claims over archipelagos. Asiana flight the sea. Some of those images, pub- Aquino said that while he lished this month on the website breaches runway did not believe China intended of the Center for Strategic and to engage in a military conflict International Studies, showed a TOKYO: More than 20 pas- over the territorial disputes with flotilla of Chinese vessels dredg- sengers were injured when an the Philippines and other Asian ing sand onto a feature known as Asiana Airlines Airbus A320 nations, there was a possibility of Mischief Reef. overran a runway in western one breaking out. The reef is about 100km from Philippine President Benigno Aquino points to a copy of China’s nine-dash line map during an interview at Japan yesterday evening, offi- “The question of it escalating the southwestern Philippine Malacanang Palace in Manila yesterday. cials and local media said. to something beyond everybody’s island of Palawan, and roughly The South Korean carrier’s control should be at the top of 1,000km from the nearest major “With these new features, the nevertheless successfully intimi- “There is an estimate of some- Flight OZ162, which took off at the minds of all world leaders,” Chinese landmass. two airstrips that come to my dating other nations. thing like 40 percent of world Incheon airport, was attempting he said. Images of other outcrops in the mind, once operational, puts into “When you have to use the trade passing through this body to land in Hiroshima when the China claims sovereignty over Spratlys showed aircraft runways effective (Chinese military) range power, then you are really not of water,” he said. incident occurred, officials said. most of the South China Sea, appearing from jungle, smooth- the entire country,” Aquino said. powerful, when the mere threat He also referred to China’s “Around 23 passengers were including areas just off the coasts sided solid masses where there “The (Chinese) turnaround of using the power is sufficient announcement it had imposed injured, but no one was killed,” a of other Asian nations, using once was coral, and man-made time, the sustainability of opera- to achieve your aims. And that is fishing restrictions in the sea last local fire department official said. vague demarcation lines that first harbours replacing natural reefs. tions, etcetera, are enhanced by where they’re successful,” he said. year, which included foreign boats “So far we have heard that all of appeared on Chinese maps in the Aquino said China was building all of these airstrips, and poten- Aquino also said that if China having to register to fish there. the injuries were not serious.” 1940s. two airstrips on the expanded land tially other naval ports.” did succeed in taking control of Aquino said that although All of the passengers and the The Philippines, Vietnam, formations — the first to be sited Emphasising repeatedly that all the areas of the sea that it China had not yet enforced the eight crew members on board Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have so far south of the Chinese main- he did not believe China intended claims, there was no guarantee requirement to register, it loomed escaped from the plane’s emer- overlapping claims. land — which posed major defence to start a war over the compet- that shipping lanes vital to global as a threat for foreign vessels. gency exits, local media reported. The contested claims have for concerns for the Philippines. ing claims, Aquino said it was trade would remain open. AFP AGENCIES

Nepalese New Year Japanese scribe back home as South Korea Chibok girls march for lifts travel ban release of hostages TOKYO: A Japanese journalist, on trial for allegedly defaming ABUJA: The 219 schoolgirls who corresponding Twitter campaign, South Korean President Park marched through Nigeria’s capi- was largely responsible for calling Geun-Hye, arrived home yes- tal yesterday said they will never the world’s attention to the grue- terday after Seoul lifted a travel tire of fighting for the rights of some mass abduction in Chibok ban. their kidnapped “sisters” who and the brutality of Boko Haram’s A plane carrying Tatsuya Kato, cannot speak for themselves. six-year uprising. the former Seoul bureau chief Each girl carried a placard But even after the initial media of Japan’s conservative Sankei bearing the name of one of the firestorm faded, BBOG activists Shimbun newspaper, landed at hostages still missing after they continued to gather each after- Tokyo’s Haneda airport yesterday were kidnapped by Boko Haram noon, demanding action from a evening, Jiji Press said. Islamist militants in the north- Nigerian government accused of However, Kato must return to east town of Chibok one year ago. downplaying the hostage crisis for court later this month over his “Three-hundred-and-sixty-five- political reasons. column regarding Park’s wherea- days and we are still calling out They faced violence from police bouts on the day the Sewol ferry loud and clear, stronger than ever,” and plain-clothed thugs who sank a year ago, with the loss of said Rebecca Ishaku, one of the sought to clear them out of the more than 300 lives. marchers who have been dubbed Unity Fountain park overlooked “Honestly, this is only the “Chibok Ambassadors” on the first by the Transcorp Hilton, where first step towards the resolution anniversary of the kidnapping. Nigeria’s political and business of a situation that defies com- “We will not get tired of calling for ultra-elite gather for meetings. mon sense,” Kato told Fuji News the release of our sisters,” she said. The Chibok ambassadors, rang- Network before leaving Gimpo The group began its march at ing from 7 to 17 in age, all wore red International Airport. the Unity Fountain in central t-shirts that have become synono- His column, published in the Abuja, where members of the mous the BBOG campaign, shout- online edition of the Sankei in Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) ing a slogan captured repeatedly by August, suggested the unmarried campaign have met nearly every the media in recent months: “Bring president had disappeared for an day since May. back our girls now and alive,” they ill-timed tryst with her former Nigeria’s president-elect demanded as they converged on the aide. The travel ban has been in Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday education ministry. After being force since days after the publi- Nepalese devotees pull down an 80-foot tall ceremonial pole called “Lingo” during celebrations of the Nepalese cautioned he could not make held briefly outside the gate, they cation, and was scheduled to end New Year or ‘Bisket Jatra’ in Bhaktapur, some 12km east of Kathmandu yesterday. The festival which began promises on the return of the 219 met with ministry officials to this month. on April 10, is celebrated for nine days by the ethnic Newar community. missing schoolgirls. restate the group’s core message. AFP The BBOG group, with its AFP WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN Switzerland asked to return Benazir jewellery Set disowned by former Pakistani prime minister during investigations was bought at a London jeweller

ISLAMABAD: In what appears to be ornaments since no one could justify its a part of the smear campaign launched prosecutor has informed him that Swiss to the Pakistani authorities that the said an egregiously futile end to Pakistan’s claims of ownership of the set — compris- by the then government of Nawaz Sharif. authorities were set to auction the con- clause can help only if Pakistan can pro- high-profile graft case in the Swiss ing a necklace, earrings, armband and However, the outcome of this high- fiscated asset. vide solid proof that investigation against courts against former Prime Minister finger ring. profile case is a testimony of haphazard After this planned auction, they will the accused is pending in Pakistan with Benazir Bhutto and her legal heirs, The expensive jewellery contained attitude of successive regimes in the share only part of proceeds with Pakistan the aim to convict the offenders. The the government has asked the Swiss diamonds weighing 63.94 carat and sap- country towards this case, and desultory and the rest will go to Swiss exchequer. government was asked to attach all the authorities to repatriate the expensive phires weighing 71.96 carat. approach of the authorities in pursuing In addition to their share, the Swiss necessary documents to substantiate jewellery set to Pakistan instead of It was purchased from a London-based all other graft cases inside Pakistan. authorities will also deduct the confisca- such a claim. putting it under the hammer. jeweller Chatila in 1997. At the time of Hardly any of such cases resulted in tion costs. In a reminder on February 25, Micheli The government pursued the case of purchase its price was £117,000. any accountability against perceived ram- The lawyer advised the government drew the attention of Pakistan about the the jewellery set, allegedly belonging to Benazir disowned the jewellery set dur- pant corrupt practices. that it may request Swiss authorities to exigency of the matter. assassinated former two-time premier ing Geneva investigations. Her husband Francois Roger Micheli of Python and repatriate the jewellery set by invoking In his letter, he exhorted the Pakistan Benazir in the Swiss courts, for almost Asif Ali Zardari, who was co-accused in Peter, the law firm which Pakistan had Article 74a of the Swiss Federal Statute government to put forward its case two decades costing tens of thousands the case, also denied later that it belonged engaged to plead its case in the Swiss on mutual legal assistance that stipulates immediately lest the Swiss authorities of dollars. to their family. Since the case was insti- courts, reminded the Pakistan gov- remittance of confiscated assets to the should be left with no option but to auc- The case reached a dead-end last year, tuted in Swiss courts, the Pakistan ernment through a letter he wrote to requesting state. tion the asset. when Swiss authorities confiscated the People’s Party (PPP) claimed that it was the Ministry of Law that the Geneva The attorney unequivocally conveyed INTERNEWS

Sikh pilgrims in Pakistan MQM chief grilled again in London LONDON: Altaf Hussain, the scheduled interview with detec- leader of one of Pakistan’s major tives, and was released on police political parties, the Muttahida bail until July after further Qaumi Movement (MQM), who questioning. lives in exile in London, was “I urge my millions of party questioned again yesterday over members and supporters across money-laundering allegations, the world to remain calm during his party said. this process. I have every faith Hussain, who effectively con- in the British justice system,” trols Pakistan’s largest city Hussain said in a statement. Karachi from his north London “I hope that this extension will home, was originally arrested by allow the authorities to conclude British police last June, leading their investigation as quickly as to protests which led to a lock- possible.” down in Karachi, Pakistan’s com- There was no immediate com- mercial capital and home to 18 ment from London police. million people. Hussain, who is wanted in his MQM, which denies involve- homeland in relation to a mur- ment in money-laundering, said der case, has been living in self- on its Twitter website he had imposed exile in Britain since 1992 returned to a central London and obtained British citizenship a police station yesterday for a decade later. He is known for his fiery addresses to his supporters in Karachi thorugh a loudspeaker connected to a telephone in his London home. His hold on the Sikh pilgrims gather at the Gurdwara Panja Sahib, one of Sikhism’s holiest places, during the Vaisakhi festival in Hasan Abdal, about 48km from sprawling and violent southern Rawalpindi, yesterday. Vaisakhi — also known as Baisakhi — celebrates the founding of the Sikh community known as the Khalsa. port city is so strong that he is capable of shutting down entire neighbourhoods. Earlier this month, Mohammed Anwar, a member of MQM’s Punjab to send 200,000 workers to Gulf nations Central Coordination Committee, was also arrested at his home in north London as part of the ongo- LAHORE: The Punjab province govern- He said that 1.4 million skilled labourers and unskilled workers for infrastructure ing investigation into the money- ment will send around 200,000 skilled and are in demand from all over the world for the projects, especially construction projects, laundering allegations. semi-skilled workers to Qatar, Dubai and Fifa World Cup 2022 in Qatar that needs an under which job opportunities will be avail- In 2010, Imran Farooq, a found- other Gulf countries for completion of con- infrastructure boost including stadiums, city able for Pakistanis. ing member of MQM who was on struction projects in the next four years, rail, hotels and other construction projects in “Not only will Pakistan earn precious for- the run from Pakistani police and said Minister for Labour and Human the region. eign exchange of more than Rs60bn annually, accused of involvement in mur- Resource Raja Ashfaq Sarwar. He said that a special cell has also been lifestyle of workers and their families will be der and other serious crimes, was He said that on the instructions of Punjab established in the office of secretary of labour enhanced as well,” he said stabbed to death in London. Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, for providing skilled workers. The labour minister said that a social secu- British detectives have made a a strategy is being formulated for providing This was said in the first meeting of the rity facility will be ensured to the families of File picture of Altaf Hussain number of arrests and named sus- facilities like identity card, passport, visa, steering committee constituted by the CM the workers, adding that the Punjab govern- supporters listening to his pects they would like to question, security clearance and vaccination to skilled for demand-based training courses and the ment will also set up labour camps in these telephonic speech from London, in but no one has yet been charged and unskilled workers going abroad under the provision of labourers to these Gulf countries. countries for guidance and provision of assist- Karachi. with his murder. one-window operation for Punjab overseas Sarwar told the meeting that Qatar and ance in emergent situation. REUTERS labourers. Dubai governments have demanded skilled INTERNEWS

Gunning for more Bill to make Pakistanis wait for iconic vaccination mandatory Bollywood film release KARACHI: Pakistanis are getting Bachchan senior captioned the image ISLAMABAD: A bill titled ready as Gabbar Singh is coming with as “And this Sholay music celebration “Islamabad Mandatory his gang from evergreen classical film Dharam ji, Hema ji, Jaya, AB, Amjad. Vaccination and Protection ‘Sholay’ still the number one due to the What times. It is quite refreshing of Health Workers Bill 2015” superb performance of Amjad Khan, to see the evergreen dream girl Hema was tabled in Pakistan’s Upper Amitabh, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Malini along with hubby Dharmendra. House by Senator Ayesha Raza Sanjeev Kumar and Asrani. Jaya Bachchan and Big B too look fasci- Farooq yesterday. The 3D release of 1975 cult classic nating in the retro mode. We like such The bill aims to make uni- ‘Sholay’ is all set to hit cinemas across flashback pictures, says Bachchan. versal immunization mandatory Pakistan on April 17. Many people seem Classic ‘Sholay’ was helmed by and to provide security to people to have mixed feelings about watching Ramesh Sippy and was released in 1975. employed as health workers for Jai and Veeru take on Gabbar and his The cult film is loved by cinema lovers vaccinating children. bunch of goons on the big screen. and its dialogues are a hit among youth, Following enactment, the law While some are looking forward to even today. will ensure every child is vac- witness the all-time-classic, others Mandviwalla Entertainment in col- cinated a Union Council and have reservations. Many of them have laboration with Geo and Jang group is National Database Registration said, “Yes, we are definitely going and now bringing the cult classic to Pakistani Authority (Nadra) would not issue watching the film since we haven’t seen cinema screens, over 40 years after its a birth certificate or Form-B for a it before. Many Amitabh Bachchan release. child who has not been vaccinated. fans would love to watch this film in In its 40th year, Sholay is finally get- Information about vaccination digital 3D.” ting an official theatrical release in or exemption should be men- It is a fact that despite not having seen Pakistan. It would be safe to assume tioned in the birth certificate and the movie, many are familiar with the that many people in Pakistan, as parents would not be allowed to characters, songs and iconic dialogues Bollywood obsessed as India, are famil- admit children to primary schools of Sholay due to its impact on popular iar with the film after watching it for unless a vaccination certificate or culture. years on VHS tapes, then VCDs and an affidavit promising to provide Those who have seen the movie sev- finally DVDs. And yet, it would be a certificate within six months is eral times said that they would “defi- thrilling to imagine seeing the menac- produced. Children will be vacci- nitely” go and watch Sholay in cinemas. ing Gabbar, the loquacious Basanti, or nated at airports, railway stations, Indian film industry’s most renowned Helen shimmying to “Mehbooba”, in full bus terminals and entry and exit actor, Amitabh Bachchan is a name that 70mm glory! Yet, strangely enough, the points of the capital. Every health echoes across the globe. version that will be seen in Pakistan, facility shall, on a monthly basis, Afghan army soldiers stand guard on a roadside in Kabul yesterday. Security has been intensi- The thespian, who is an avid social while being the same as the one seen maintain a record of vaccination fied after the Aghan army suffered many casualties from Taliban attacks on military posts in the media user, recently took to his Twitter by millions in India, is still not the one activity in the area. north-east of the country. handle and posted an unseen old pic- Sippy intended. INTERNEWS ture from ‘Sholay’ music celebrations. INTERNEWS WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Bhushan, Yadav won’t quit, form new forum AAP hints at strong action against dissidents

GURGAON: Dissident AAP Bhushan’s meet, AAP leader or leaving the party”. Kumar later leaders Prashant Bhushan and Ashutosh said the party will take broke down on the dais. Yogendra Yadav yesterday suitable action against the duo. “We will neither break the said they were not quitting the “We are closely watching their party nor leave it. We will improve AAP and instead formed a non- activities and the party’s politi- it. We will not create a new party political group named ‘Swaraj cal affairs committee and national here,” he said. Abhiyan’ to tour the country council will take suitable action,” Yadav cited results of a poll and establish ‘swaraj’ (self-rule) Ashutosh told reporters. conducted amongst the people in cultural, political, economic Addressing the gathering, gathered at the event and said and social fields. including mediapersons, after the almost 70 percent wanted them The two leaders had organised seven-hour long meet, Bhushan to remain in AAP and “fight to a day long national conference said: “We have heard that we have achieve swaraj within the party”. —‘Swaraj Samwad’ — a dialogue been expelled from the party. So, “Results of volunteer voting: on the present and future of alter- now we can’t even hold a dialogue 25.45 percent say leave party native politics that was attended freely? Were these the principles (AAP) and form a new party; by over 4,000 volunteers, many that the AAP aimed to follow?” 69.69 percent said don’t leave of whom claimed to be associ- There was, however, no con- party,” he tweeted. ated with the Aam Aadmi Party firmation from the AAP to sup- Bhushan lambasted AAP for German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomes Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Chancellery in Berlin yesterday. (AAP). port Bhushan’s claim. Bhushan ill-treating them, especially A section of AAP rebel lead- claimed that the daylong event on March 28 when they were ers and prominent personalities was a “major success”. ousted from the party’s national — Admiral L Ramdas (retd), who Yadav too clarified that the executive. was recently removed as AAP’s “dialogue was not a rebellion” and “I get angry whenever I think India, Germany have earned internal Lokpal and the AAP’s people who were attached to the about the incident. We were Patiala MP Dharamvir Gandhi, “soul of the movement that gave thrown out from a party that we who crticised their ouster — birth to AAP” were still support- help build,” an emotional Bhushan skipped the event. ing them. said. right to UNSC seat: PM Expelled from AAP’s national “To my understanding, nobody Meanwhile, the AAP had given executive for their “anti-party” can stop us from meeting. The clear instructions to all its leaders BERLIN: Prime Minister membership will also be benefi- is in whose DNA ... there should activities, Bhushan and Yadav - AAP constitution gives the vol- threatening to take strict action Narendra Modi yesterday said cial to the world. We both would be justice to that country,” Modi founding members of AAP said unteers the right. Swaraj Samwad against anyone who attended the India and Germany had earned like to see tangible progress in the said. they were not ready to leave the cannot be anti-party,” Yadav said. event. the right to be members of UN United Nations Security Council Modi also said India and party or form a new one — as was Another AAP member, Anand Apart from Admiral Ramdas, Security Council and called for reforms during the 70th anniver- Germany will be successful being speculated. Kumar, who attended the meet, Gandhi, others who skipped the “tangible progress” in UNSC sary year of the United Nations,” in bringing the partnership Reacting to Yadav and denied any possibility of “breaking meet were former party leader reforms in the 70th anniversary Modi said. between the two countries to a Christina Samy, and social activ- year of the United Nations. Answering a query later about new level. ists Aruna Roy and Medha Stressing India’s credentials security council reforms, Modi Addressing the media jointly Patkar, among others. to be in the security council, regretted that India was yet not with German Chancellor Angela According to sources, all the Modi also said that “peace was a member of the council though Merkel after their talks, Modi absentees either cited ill-health in India’s DNA” and the country the United Nations will complete said: “We had widespread discus- or prior personal commitments as had consistently contributed to 70 years of its formation. sions about Indo-German rela- the reason for not attending the UN peacekeeping efforts. Noting India had never tions. We will be successful in event which has been described In his remarks at joint media attacked any other country and bringing Indo-German strategic as an effort to break the AAP interaction with German was the land where Gautam partnership to a new level.” by those close to Delhi Chief Chancellor Angela Merkel after Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi Modi said Merkel has accepted Minister Arvind Kejriwal. their talks, he said India and were born, he said that “after for- the invitation of the Indian lion Admiral Ramdas in a recorded Germany’s becoming permanent mation of the UN, India is among (the logo for the ‘Make in India’) message said that he was “very members will be beneficial to the the countries that has contrib- for cooperation and investment in upset” with what was happening world. uted the most to peacekeeping the Indian economy. within the party. While Roy said “It is my belief that India and efforts and its contribution has The prime minister thanked in a message that AAP came out Germany are two countries that been lauded”. Germany for choosing India as of a movement but now the party have earned the right to be per- “If that country does not get it the partner country in the world’s Yogendra Yadav (left) and Prashant Bhushan has diverted from principles. manent members of the United (Security Council membership), biggest trade fare in Hannover. IANS Nations Security Council. Our has to wait for 70 years, peace IANS

Maoists abduct Ambedkar remembered amid claims over his legacy seven tribals NEW DELHI: President to dedicate ourselves to creat- president Amit Shah launched leaders and former home min- its efforts to usurp Ambedkar’s in Odisha Pranab Mukherjee led the ing India that Ambedkar dreamt the party’s campaign for assembly ister Sushilkumar Shinde to legacy will not succeed. nation yesterday in paying trib- of...an India that will make him polls in Patna, saying that it will Ambedkar’s birthplace Mhow, “No political party especially BHUBANESWAR: Seven tri- utes to B R Ambedkar on his proud.” form government in the assembly a cantonment in the Madhya the BJP can usurp the ideologies bals, including a village head 124th birth anniversary, with “Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar is a polls later this year. Pradesh’s Indore district to pay of this foremost social reformer and a former block chairper- events being held in different yug purush (man of the era) who Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) its tributes. merely to increase their Dalit vote son, were abducted by Maoists parts of the country. lives in the hearts and minds of chief Mayawati, whose party has The party has planned more bank,” Chacko said at an event in Odisha’s Malkangiri district, The president, Vice President crores of Indians... Who can forget Ambedkar as one of its leading commemorative events through jointly organised by National police said yesterday. Mohammed Hamid Ansari, Home Dr Ambedkar’s contribution in icons, slammed both BJP and the year. Commission for Scheduled Castes They were abducted from Minister Rajnath Singh, former the making of our Constitution? Congress for “trying to get dalit Madhya Pradesh Chief (NCSC) and Bhagwan Valmiki Kartanpalli village on Monday prime minister Manmohan Singh He served the nation and the votes”. Minister and BJP leader Shivraj foundation. night. Director General of Police and several MPs paid tributes people tirelessly and selflessly,” Ambedkar (1891-1956) was a Singh Chouhan addressed “Baba Saheb visions of social Sanjeev Marik said the police to Ambedkar in the parliament he added. jurist, economist, politician and ‘Ambedkar Mahakumbh’— an inclusion will always remain the have received information about complex in the morning. Various political parties, how- social reformer who campaigned annual cultural mega event — motto of the Indian National the abduction and are trying to Mukherjee offered floral trib- ever, sought to claim legacy of the against social discrimination held at Mhow. Congress,” he said at the event rescue them. Sources said there utes at Ambedkar’s statue in the political icon and the main archi- against dalits, women and labour. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind attended by senior Congress were about 15-20 armed Maoists parliament house complex. tect of the Indian constitution on Congress president Sonia Kejriwal in the capital city said leaders including Ahmed Patel, who abducted the people. Prime Minister Narendra this day. Gandhi described him as a “great all vacant posts meant for SC/STs Mallikarjun Kharge and Digvijay Police have launched a search Modi, who was in Germany as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), icon of modern India”. would soon be filled. Singh. operation to locate the tribals. part of his three-nation visit, paid on this day, also launched its cam- “Ambedkar accomplished for The day also saw slugfest BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra The police has also sounded a tributes to Ambedkar, a tall figure paign for Bihar assembly elec- the nation in a lifetime, progres- among political parties to claim hit back, saying that Ambedkar high alert in six Maoist affected of India’s freedom movement and tions. Congress held programmes sive changes that take centuries legacy of Ambedkar. was not the property of any family districts following a combing first law minister of India. to reflect party’s commitment to to achieve,” she said. Congress Congress leader P C Chacko or political party. operation in the Sukma area of Modi tweeted: “Let us pledge the message of Ambedkar. BJP sent one of its prominent Dalit in Delhi targeted the BJP, saying IANS Chhattisgarh. Indian charged in Festival dance UAE with blasphemy Delhi’s stressed-out teachers

DUBAI: An Indian man has been charged in a UAE court reject meditation courses for allegedly posting on a social networking site comments that NEW DELHI: A plan by authori- focus its spending on providing basic insult Islam, a media report ties in New Delhi to send stressed- school infrastructure.” said yesterday. out teachers on free meditation Delhi’s populist new chief minister The 41-year-old Indian was courses has backfired after they said Arvind Kejriwal is a regular practi- charged in the Court of First the authorities should rather use tioner of Vipassana, which originated Instance in Dubai for alleg- the money to improve the capital’s in India but has become fashionable in edly making the insults through crumbling schools. the West in recent years. his conversations and posts on Delhi’s new government said on A government document announc- Facebook, Khaleej Times reported. Monday it would send the city’s ing the plan said it would be an effec- The Indian made the comments school teachers on 10-day courses in tive way of helping teachers to impart last year after watching a video Vipassana and Anapan — forms of “moral education” to their charges. clip about the violence in Iraq. silent meditation intended to induce “What we plan to waste here can The police were informed about calm. But the Government School instead be used to benefit, improve at the incident by another Indian Teachers Association said it should least 50 (government) schools for both man, who said in his complaint instead be focusing on basics like build- teachers and students,” Singh said. that he received a message on his ing more classrooms and providing Government schools in Delhi have a phone on July 6 last year that said power and water. dire reputation. The state’s education “there was a post on Facebook that “Many schools are cramped for minister Manish Sisodia said when he insulted Islam”. The public pros- space with over 100 students in each took office that government schools ecution said the defendant’s mobile classroom,” the association’s president were in “a very bad condition”. phone was seized and sent to the Assamese perform the Bihu dance during the Rongali Bihu festival in Guwahati, yesterday. The C P Singh said yesterday. “People consider it shameful to send criminal lab and that his conversa- festival is held in the first month of the calendar marking the beginning of the Assamese New Year, “Most still have serious electricity their children to a government school tions showed there was indeed an which coincides with the start of spring in the state. supply issues and bad toilets for stu- because of quality of education,” he told insult to Islam. IANS dents... The government should first The Indian Express newspaper. AFP WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA CPI-M to strengthen party, forge Left unity Modi govt opens way for Hindutva forces to advance their communal agenda, says Karat

VISAKHAPATNAM: The groups on a broad platform and The six-day Congress, being and cultural spheres”. economy further to foreign foundations of the Indian Communist Party of India- establish coordination between attended by delegates from across “We have a political party, capital. Constitution.” Marxist began its conclave Left-led mass organisations. the country, will focus on the cen- BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), He said the BJP won the Lok He said the RSS was dictating here yesterday with a call by “It is by forging strong Left tral theme of how to counter the in power at the Centre which is Sabha elections and the Modi gov- agenda for educational system, its outgoing general secretary unity that we can rally all other right-wing offensive by organiz- nothing but a political extension ernment was propelled into office research and cultural institu- Prakash Karat to build and democratic forces and go forward ing struggles and sustain move- of RSS. Thus, the Modi govern- by twin forces of big bourgeois tions. “There is a vicious cam- strengthen the party by over- towards building Left and demo- ments of working class, peasantry, ment is a joint enterprise of BJP corporate support and exertion paign against the minorities. They coming the reverses suffered in cratic alternative,” he said. agriculture workers and other and RSS with the parent part- of RSS-led Hindutva forces. face threat of reconversion and recent years. Karat, who is set to be suc- oppressed section of society. ner holding majority stakes in this “It is this backing of the big attacks on their places of worship In his inaugural address at ceeded by Sitaram Yechuri, said Karat, whose 10-year term as joint venture,” he said. business which accounts for like churches, violation of their the 21st Congress of the CPI-M, the conclave would send out a general secretary saw the party’s The CPI-M leader said that in aggressive pursuit of neo-liberal food and cultural rights, and acts he also called for widening and clear and categorical message to strength in the Lok Sabha fall a short space of 10 months, the policies of the Modi government,” such as banning of beef,” he added. strengthening the Left unity to people that the only alternative to from its peak of 60 to just nine, Modi government has taken most he said. He claimed that within a short counter what he called the right- the neo-liberal, corrupt and com- said the party would actively take steps to transfer resources of the “Who benefits from Modi’s span of time, popular discontent wing offensive. munal order is a Left and demo- up the social issues and fight for country to big corporate and for- ‘acche din’ is clear from the is growing with various sections “At the present juncture it cratic alternative. rights of women, tribals, dalits eign capital that no other previ- fact that big capitalist Gautam of working people coming out in is absolutely vital to build and Communist Party of India (CPI) and the minorities. ous government had done. Adani has increased his wealth struggles to defend their liveli- expand independent strength of general secretary S Sudhakar Stating that the conclave is Karat said the right-wing by Rs.25,000 crore in a span of hood and rights. CPI-M and the Left. We have to Reddy and representatives from being held at a time when national agenda was reflected in the for- one year between 2013 and 2014.” He noted that there is a wide- overcome the reverses suffered seven other Left parties attended political situation presents a vari- eign policy of the Modi govern- Karat alleged that the Modi spread movement building up by CPI-M and the Left in recent the inaugural session. ety of challenges, he said for last ment, which actively seeks to ally government has opened way against the land acquisition period, particularly in West He exuded confidence that the nearly one year “we have wit- with the US imperialism. for Hindutva forces to advance ordinance while all central trade Bengal,” he said. 21st Congress would be a land- nessed the unfolding of right wing He accused the Modi govern- their communal agenda. “What unions are unitedly struggling He underlined the need to mark in providing a new direction offensive in the country which ment of surrendering to US pres- BJP and RSS are set to do is to against the proposed changes in bring all the Left parties and to the party. spans the economic political social sures to open up the country’s demolish the secular democratic the labour laws. IANS

Colourful Delhi signals end of talks on larger French Rafale deal

NEW DELHI: Any future inducted into the air force at the government should have taken Indian purchase of Rafale earliest,” he also told the IBN 7 the decision to work on a gov- fighter jets will only come about network. ernment to government deal,” through direct negotiations The minister said the original he said. In France, President with the French government, negotiations to buy 126 Rafale Francois Hollande said, “we had the defence minister has said, jets from French manufacturer to move very quickly for the 36” effectively killing off talks about Dassault Aviation — that have jets ordered last week. a massive deal. been dragging on since 2012 — “For the rest, this is up for Indian Prime Minister had gone into a “vortex” or a debate with our partner,” added Narendra Modi announced last “loop”, with no solution in sight. the president, stressing that Delhi week that New Delhi had ordered “The process is stalled. It has “had confidence” in Paris. 36 of the planes from France in hit a wall and is not getting (any) French Defence Minister Jean- a multi-billion-dollar agreement result,” he told IBN 7. Yves Le Drian, for his part, put that has been years in the making. But he stopped short of saying the ball squarely in Delhi’s court. But Defence Minister Manohar the government had scrapped “It’s up to the Indian authori- Parrikar said late on Monday that talks altogether on the deal, ties to say what they want to do any future deals will be negoti- which was originally estimated at for the future,” he said. ated directly between the two gov- $12 billion and has now reportedly Dassault won the right in ernments, rather than between ballooned to $20 billion. January 2012 to enter exclusive the manufacturer and Indian “Instead of going through the negotiations with India to supply bureaucrats. Request for Proposal (RFP) route 126 Rafale fighters under the pre- “All deal(s) will be in G2G where there was (a) lot of con- vious Congress-led government. only,” Parrikar told reporters in fusion and chaos, it was decided But the deal has been bogged New Delhi, according to the Press that we will go through the G2G down in tortuous negotiations Trust of India news agency. route,” he said. over cost and guarantee over “The reason we have taken 36 “It should have never gone assembly of the planes in India. directly is to ensure that they are through an RFP. (The) earlier AFP A rainbow is seen in the sky after rain in Allahabad in the northern Uttar Pradesh, yesterday.

Rs5,000 monthly pension for aged farmers ‘Call to scrap Muslim voting rights may lead to civil war’ PATNA: Home Minister Rajnath Singh yes- NEW DELHI: Social activ- and Christians undergo sterili- to constitutional democracy in Priya Pillai (Greenpeace India of the person. I feel constitu- terday announced a monthly pension of `5,000 ist Aruna Roy yesterday sation to restrict their growing India”. employee who was reportedly tion has been kept alive by the for farmers aged 60 or above for their social called for a public protest population that posed a threat Exhorting people to “protect stopped from going to London) struggles in India”. and financial security. “The Narendra Modi-led against Shiv Sena’s demand to India. dissent at all cost”, Roy also or Greenpeace. We are deny- Meanwhile, senior Congress government has decided to give a monthly pen- for revoking Muslims’ vot- “How do we allow these expressed concern over the ing them constitutional rights,” leader Mani Shankar Aiyar sion of `5,000 to farmers of 60 years of age and ing rights, terming it as an things to be said in this coun- government’s move to freeze she said. In the interest of accused the Shiv Sena of try- above,” Rajnath Singh said while addressing a “attack” on the constitution try? There should be a public the accounts of Greenpeace equality and justice, constitu- ing to divide the nation. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rally here. that could potentially result protest to say this is something India under the Foreign tional guarantees that she said “India has second largest Rajnath Singh said the Narendra Modi gov- in a civil war. that we don’t want. This is an Contribution Regulation Act were being compromised, Roy population of Muslims in the ernment was probably the first government Attacking the Sena mouth- attack on our constitution, (FCRA), saying the move indi- said the struggle must be kept world and in couple of decades that actually cared for farmers and was keen piece “Saamana” that sought which is fundamental. This cated the regime’s intention to alive to safeguard the basic we will have highest number to help farmers. “At the age of 60, the capability withdrawal of voting rights to is going to fracture the coun- suppress dissent and deny con- structure of the Indian consti- of Muslims in the world. We of people to do hard work reduces. Therefore, Muslims as a measure to end try and reduce us to a civil stitutional rights. “The state is tution laid down by Ambedkar. should be proud of it. Shiv the government has decided to provide them vote bank politics, Roy also war,” she said, while deliver- taking an extraordinary posi- Exuding optimism, she Sena is trying to divide the a pension,” he said adding that some positive hit out at Hindu Mahasabha ing the seventh B R Ambedkar tion with respect to free speech. noted that the “way to equality nation, they want to break it measures for farmers were likely to be taken. leader Sadhvi Deva Thakur who Memorial Lecture on “Is It is the constitution that is the and justice is through demand- into pieces,” Aiyar said. IANS reportedly suggested Muslims unbridled capitalism a threat collateral victim in the case of ing and fighting for the dignity AGENCIES Kashmiris clash with police after troops kill civilian

SRINAGAR: Hundreds of pro- had been found on Tuesday near not authorised to speak to the testers clashed with riot police in the scene of the “firefight”, iden- media. Indian Kashmir yesterday after tified as that of another local Speaking to reporters, Wani’s the brother of a rebel leader was resident whom they claim had father rejected the police and killed by government forces. recently become a militant. army’s version of events, saying While authorities in the dis- Police sources said Wani had there were no gunshot wounds on puted region said Khalid Wani gone to meet his brother Burhan, his son’s body. was shot dead in a gun battle who is a top commander of the “His head was smashed and with Indian troops in a forest, his region’s largest rebel group, the teeth broken. There was no bul- father said the 24-year-old had Hizbul Mijahideen. let injury on his body. He was tor- been tortured to death. However residents of the broth- tured to death,” Muzaffar Wani Military spokesman N N Joshi ers’ hometown of Tral claimed told reporters. said that Wani was killed on that Khalid Wani had been killed Kashmir has been divided Monday in Buchoo, a forested in a “fake encounter” as they took between India and Pakistan since area around 50km south of the to the streets in protest, hurl- the two countries won independ- main city of Srinagar, during a ing rocks at security forces and ence from Britain in 1947. Both search operation by the army. chanting “we want freedom”. claim the territory in its entirety. Kashmiri villagers carry the body of Khalid Wani during his funeral in Tral, south of Srinagar, yesterday. Wani was “The terrorists were effectively Police fired tear smoke and live Several rebel groups have killed during an operation in the nearby woods on Monday by army, who claimed that Wani, brother of a rebel engaged and one terrorist was bullets in the air to disperse the been fighting Indian forces in the commander, was a ‘terrorist’. eliminated,” Joshi said in a state- protesters, according to witnesses. region since 1989, battling for ment, adding that two assault At least a dozen people were independence or a merger of the India maintains the presence of fight the insurgency which has decade but armed encounters rifles and “war-like stores” were injured in the clashes, said a territory with Pakistan. hundreds of thousands of troops, been largely suppressed. between rebels and government recovered from the site. police officer at the scene who The fighting has left tens of protected by emergency military Violence has declined stead- forces occur regularly. Police said that a second body declined to be named as he was thousands dead, mostly civilians. impunity laws, in the region to ily in the region during the last AFP WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Robot offers banking services Winslet takes on Versailles Fajr (Dawn) 3:53 Shorook (Sunrise) 5:12 gardens in Zuhr (Noon) 11:34 new film role Asr (Afternoon) 3:04 Maghrib (Sunset) 5:57 LONDON: Oscar winner Kate Isha (Night) 7:27 Winslet returns to the big screen as a landscape designer tasked with constructing the grand gardens of Versailles, but the British actress says she is WEATHER not so green-fingered when it comes to her own backyard. Today Thursday Friday Weather The 39-year old star of Titanic Conditions: plays Sabine De Barra in roman- Sunny Suuny Suuny tic period drama A Little Chaos, Relatively hot who is commissioned to create the during the Rockwork Grove in the gardens of the French palace under King High: 35° High: 35° High: 36° day with slight Low: 23° Low: 25° Low: 24° dust. Louis XIV. The film stars Alan Rickman as the king, Stanley Tucci as his brother Philippe, Duc d’Orleans and Mathias Schoenaerts as land- scape artist Andre Le Notre. DOHA - SUN & SEA Winslet can be seen weeding A woman interacts with a “Nao” humanoid robot, by Aldebaran Robotics that offers basic service informa- and chopping down plants in the SUN TIDE SEA tion, during a presentation at a branch of the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ (MUFG) in Tokyo. Upon request film but says the experience does WIND SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW by a customer, the robot offers basic information about banking services in Japanese, English and Chinese. not mirror real life. “I’m not a gar- 05:12 17:57 01:45 & 14:45 08:45 & 19:45 16-24/29 KT dener. I wish I was,” Winslet told reporters at the London premiere THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW of the film on Monday night. “Every year I say ‘Right, this HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER year we’re going to do raised beds, this year we’re going to grow car- MUSCAT 37/28 Sunny 38/29 Sunny Comet 67P springs magnetic surprise rots, this year we’re going to do MAKKAH 37/22 Sunny 37/21 Sunny tomatoes,’ and somehow life gets KUWAIT 32/21 Partly cloudy 39/23 Cloudy VIENNA: In a new twist in a the journal Science and presented a European Space Agency state- in the way and we never get BAHRAIN 28/23 Sunny 34/24 Sunny landmark exploration, Europe’s simultaneously at a meeting of ment. “The unplanned flight around to it.” SANAA 28/11 Mostly sunny 28/10 Sunny comet-chasing Rosetta mission the European Geosciences Union across the surface actually meant Winslet reunites in the film RIYADH 32/21 Sunny 37/23 Sunny has found that its target, 67P/ (EGU) in Vienna. we could collect precise magnetic with her Sense and Sensibility co- DUBAI 36/24 Sunny 37/24 Sunny Churyumov-Gerasimenko, has It was based on measurements field measurements with Philae at star Rickman, who also directed BAGHDAD 34/16 Sunny 31/17 Sunny no magnetic field, scientists sent home by the washing machine- the four points we made contact the fictional and loosely histori- reported yesterday. sized lab, Philae, last November. with, and at a range of heights cal A Little Chaos. “Working with THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW A robot lab sent down to Comet The probe’s 20km, seven-hour above the surface,” said Auster. Alan again after 20 years ... was 67P on November 12 last year, descent from orbiting mothership Philae had enough stored bat- really a fantastic experience,” said HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER found no evidence that its nucleus Rosetta ended with a rough land- tery power for 60 hours of experi- the actress, who was dressed in a ATHENS 22/13 Sunny 23/14 Sunny was magnetised, they said. The ing—a mishap that turned out to ments and sent home reams of midnight blue dress. WASHINGTON 22/09 Mostly cloudy 22/11 Mostly cloudy finding could sweep away a key be a boon for Auster’s team. precious data before going into Asked how they had both theory on the formation of comets The probe, which weighs standby mode on November 15. changed since then, she said: SYDNEY 28/18 Mostly sunny 22/18 Scattered showers and other solar system bodies, said 100kg on Earth but less than a From analysis of the data, “we con- “Well I think we’re probably both LONDON 24/09 Sunny 19/07 Partly cloudy researcher Hans-Ulrich Auster. feather in the comet’s weak grav- clude that Comet 67P/Churyumov- fatter and we’re definitely older PARIS 26/13 Sunny 25/14 Partly cloudy It could mean that magnetic ity, bounced off the hard surface Gerasimenko is a remarkably but that’s the way it goes.” A Little ISTANBUL 17/11 Sunny 19/12 Sunny forces may not have played a several times before settling at non-magnetic object,” said Auster. Chaos is due for release on April MANILA 34/24 Scattered T-storms 33/25 Partly cloudy role, as theorised by some, in a an angle in a dark ditch. “This Comets are clusters of primordial 17 in Britain and at the end of DHAKA 35/27 Partly cloudy 33/25 Partly cloudy crucial stage of planet building. complex trajectory turned out to dust and ice orbiting the Sun in June in the United States. DELHI 35/23 Sunny 37/23 Sunny The discovery was published in be scientifically beneficial,” said elliptical circuits. AFP REUTERS ISLAMABAD 28/17 Scattered T-storms 31/18 Sunny Singapore high school maths problem stumps the Internet

SINGAPORE: A maths prob- Others posted sardonic com- Following relentless but mostly lem that first appeared in a test ments about “Coy Cheryl”. friendly online debate about the for Singapore’s elite high school “Cheryl obviously didn’t want question’s difficulty level, SASMO’s students has baffled Internet Albert and Bernard at her party. executive director Henry Ong yes- users around the world after it Should have taken the hint when terday afternoon issued another went viral, prompting a rush of Cheryl decided to play this lit- statement. “We are pleased that attempts to solve it. tle game,” wrote David Leong on this problem has generated so The question, involving a girl Facebook. much interest and thinking from asking two boys to guess her The hashtag #cherylsbirth- the public,” Ong said. birthday after giving them scant day also trended on Twitter, “We are not saying this prob- clues, first appeared in an April while some people created funny lem is for every student... but if 8 test organised by the Singapore memes about the puzzle. “If Math this kind of problem can be used and Asian School Math Olympiads would grow up and solve its own to stretch the better students to (SASMO). problems, that’d be great,” read sharpen their analytical power, It was meant for 15- and one such meme. The “mind- why not?” 16-year-old elite secondary school boggling” problem also made the Singapore is renowned world- students, but swiftly went global mainstream media, with leading wide for its national maths sys- after a local television news pre- websites including the Guardian tem, which has been emulated senter posted it on his Facebook newspaper and Buzzfeed publish- by schools in other developed page on Saturday. ing articles about the puzzle. countries and cities, including In the question, Cheryl gives In a Facebook post late on New York. Singaporean pupils her new friends Albert and Monday, SASMO provided the are ranked second in the world Bernard 10 possible dates when full question and a model answer, in mathematics according to the they enquired about her birthday, which can be found at https:// latest student assessment survey before separately giving each of www.facebook.com/4sasmo/ by the Organisation for Economic them further clues. posts/983396811695295. Cooperation and Development, Test-takers are then asked to The post also clarified earlier beaten only by their counterparts use logic to deduce Cheryl’s birth- erroneous reports that the ques- in Shanghai. AFP day using a short conversation tion was not posed to primary between the two boys about the school children, saying SASMO information given to them. thought it important to specify By Monday, Internet users the age of the students involved so around the world were posting “Singapore parents will not start meticulously detailed answers to worry so much”. The question to the puzzle on social media was “actually from the second- networks such as Facebook and ary 3 and secondary 4 SASMO Reddit, only to prompt a slew of contests held on April 8, 2015”, it comments disputing their find- said, adding it was “meant to sift ings and methodology. out the better students”. Wednesday 15 April 2015 26 Jumada II 1436 Volume 20 Number 6401 Price: QR2

IMF sees global economy steady in 2015

Business | 20

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 QNBC, QIIB sign MoU with Southwest Securities Plans to establish Islamic finance venture in China QNB eyes new BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB financial instruments and we can add value,” he added. direct Islamic investments “This is just the kick-off, opportunities DOHA: QNB Capital in China,” said Abdulbasit and in a month’s time we (QNBC) and Qatar Ahmad Al Shaibei, CEO of hope to sign agreements. International Islamic QIIB, adding, “this will also As the Qatar Central Bank DOHA: Qatar National Bank Bank (QIIB) yesterday help us to explore Shari’ah (QCB) is encouraging a (QNB) is looking forward to explore singed a Memorandum compliant investment oppor- kind of understanding with potential opportunities arising from of Understanding (MoU) tunities in the world’s second the Chinese side for Qatari the establishment of the first Middle with a Chinese brokerage largest economy.” banks to have presence in East “Clearing Hub” for Chinese firm ‘Southwest Securities’ Al Shaibei, speaking to The the Asia’s largest economy.” currency launched here yesterday, (SWSC) to establish a joint Peninsula on the sidelines of The joint venture also aims said a statement. venture company for han- the launching ceremony of to develop Islamic finance in The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) dling Shari’ah compliant Middle East’s first Renminbi China and support SWSC in initiative was celebrated at an official financial services in China. (RMB) clearing centre, said: accessing markets in Qatar opening ceremony attended by dig- The SWSC is the only “We are looking forward to and the Middle East region. nitaries from Qatar’s banking sector. national securities corpo- signing agreements with However, Al Shaibei did not QNB was a Platinum Sponsor of the ration registered in China’s them to start the framework provide further details of the occasion. Chongqing province, and the to introduce the instruments size of the company and the The regional clearing hub concept region’s first listed financial of Islamic finance and bank- expected date of opening. was one of the key provisions of the institution. ing in China.” The MoU was singed by Cui financial agreements signed between The Qatari financial insti- Asked about the scope Jian, Chairman of the Board Qatar and the People’s Republic of tutions are looking forward of retail banking and other of SWSC, and Secretary of China following discussions held Officials at the signing ceremony yesterday in Doha. to introduce interest-free areas of cooperation, he said the Party Committee; Dr between the two countries last year. financial activities, includ- that in China there are huge Asim Qureshi, Managing With the clearing centre now ing retail banking serv- investment opportunities, Director at QNBC; and AI opened, QNB Group hopes to play Noor Al Noaimi, Acting GM currency and do business in one of ices in China to exploit the both for direct investment or Shaibei of QIIB. a significant future role in assist- Treasury, said: “As the biggest bank the largest economies in the world.” country’s untapped poten- issuing sukuk (Islamic bond) The Minister of Finance, ing Middle Eastern and African cli- in Qatar, QNB is fully aligned and Al Noaimi added: “As the only tial. China with over 20 mil- and other financial activities. H E Ali Sherif Al Emadi and ents with respect to their Renminbi supportive of this QCB led initia- Qatari Bank based in China, we lion Muslim population has “Yes, we have intention the Governor of QCB, H E requirements. This is derived from its tive. The creation of the first official believe that QNB is well placed to very little Islamic financial to start Shari;ah compliant Sheikh Abdullah bin Saoud strong South East Asian presence and clearing hub for Renminbi will serve commercially benefit from this direct products. retail banking in China. It’s a AI Thani, witnessed the its ability to conduct specialist busi- client needs and place Doha at the clearing infrastructure and provide “The MoU will pave way very huge country with a lot signing ceremony held dur- ness transactions across the areas of heart of Middle East-China trade. It future value and benefit for a grow- for further cooperation of untapped market poten- ing the inauguration of the currency clearing, trade finance, asset will provide a significant “East-West” ing number of clients who have an among QIIB, QNBC and tial. But we want to be selec- Renminbi clearing centre. and wealth management and treasury corridor for those clients and busi- international perspective.” SWSC to establish Islamic tive in areas to serve so that THE PENINSULA services. nesses who wish to transact in RMB THE PENINSULA

WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS WTO cuts 2015 Qatar invests $4.9bn globally in 2014 trade growth Europe remains preferred market for Middle East buyers with $10.2bn investment last year outlook to

DOHA: Qatar was the larg- activity growing across second- estate acquisitions by sovereign increasing in importance, particu- of private wealth and equity funds 3.3pc from 4pc est source of Middle Eastern tier European locations, including wealth funds are expected to slow larly amongst private and fam- from the Middle East grew by 49 capital in 2014, with $4.9bn Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Budapest further in 2015 and beyond,” said ily offices and particularly from percent year-on-year to $5.5bn.” GENEVA: Global commerce is invested globally, according to and Madrid. While still the most Iryna Pylypchuk, Director, Global Saudi investors, as geographical In terms of inward capital expected to grow just 3.3 per- CBRE’s “Middle East In and popular market, London received Capital Markets Research, CBRE. diversification has become more flow, while no significant impact cent this year, the World Trade Out 2015” report. While Saudi 32 percent of spend in 2014 com- Historically sovereign wealth important. We feel that this trend is likely in the short-term, some Organisation said, slashing Arabia was the fastest grow- pared to 45 percent in 2013, with funds have dominated Middle will accelerate over the next few segments of the market are worth its previous forecast of 4 per- ing source of outbound Middle Paris and New York growing their Eastern investor league tables — years.” watching carefully. Asian inves- cent over weak global economic Eastern investment with $2.3bn shares in 2014 to 16 percent and 10 accounting for around 50 percent Pylypchuk added, “In contrast tors have keen interest in income growth and rising geopolitical invested. percent respectively. London and of international commercial real to SWFs, lower oil prices may producing real estate and devel- tensions. Middle Eastern buyers invested Paris were the only two markets estate acquisitions in 2013. While have triggered private capital opments, looking to establish The trade body also said pre- a total of $14.1bn outside their to retain a top five ranking in 2014. still the largest single investor to increase international alloca- their footprint across major glo- liminary estimates showed trade home region in 2014, making the “There has been a fall in out- group, Middle Eastern high net tions and speed up deployment bal geographies. These intentions had expanded just 2.8 percent last Middle East the third largest bound capital from the region worth individuals, the private sec- faster than would have been the may well include the Middle East year, missing September’s forecast source of cross-regional capital from $16.1bn invested globally in tor and other collective vehicles case otherwise. Our research — and there are initial tentative of 3.1 percent. “Trade growth has globally. Europe remains the pre- 2013 to $14.1bn last year. In part, played a more significant role in clearly shows a greater alloca- signs of this sentiment coming been disappointing in recent years ferred market for Middle Eastern this is a function of difficulty in role in global markets 2014. tion of investment to real estate through from CBRE’s 2014 Asian due largely to prolonged sluggish investors, receiving $10.2bn in accessing product, and the large Nick Maclean, Managing and desire to diversify away from Investor Intentions Survey, where growth in GDP following the 2014. In line with other investor lot sizes these buyers tend to invest Director, CBRE Middle East, the home region. This has had a handful of investors expressed financial crisis,” said WTO chief groups, the year saw a major shift in. However, looking ahead and in said, “Middle East investors a significant impact on Europe, interest in diversifying into the Roberto Azevedo. in investment strategies, with light of weaker oil pricing, real overseas real estate spending is where the combined investments region. THE PENINSULA “Looking forward, we expect trade to continue its slow recov- ery but with economic growth still fragile and continued geopolitical tensions, this trend could easily be undermined,” he warned. Last year was the third consec- Barwa Bank profit utive year in which trade grew less than three percent. “With geopo- litical growth still fragile and geo- up by 41.5pc in 2014 political tensions ongoing we are cautiously forecasting that trade will continue its slow recovery,” DOHA: Barwa Bank’s net profit the title of fastest growing bank Azevedo told reporters. surged 41.5 percent to QR713m in from a net income perspective. Trade growth is expected to 2014 compared to previous year. We continue to improve our serv- pick up in 2016 with an expan- Bank’s total assets grew by 14 ice offering to our loyal clients sion of 4 percent, according to percent reaching QR38bn, driven through a full range of Shari’ah the WTO. Trade is a key meas- mainly by strong growth in the compliant commercial banking ure of the health of the global bank’s financing portfolio which services at Barwa Bank, invest- economy which it both stimulates grew from QR19.3bn to QR23bn, ment banking services through and reflects. But Azevedo warned an increase of 19 percent over wholly-owned subsidiary The First that a systemic shift might be 2013. Based on the outstand- Investor, and specialised leasing and underway and that trade expan- ing performance and excellent consumer finance through subsidi- sion would no longer far outstrip results, the board recommended aries First Leasing Company and overall economic growth as it had a 10 percent cash dividend to First Finance Company, puts the largely been doing for decades. shareholders. bank in a unique position to offer a Officials with the certification. WTO pointed out that “the 2.8 Customer deposits stood at ‘one stop shop’ service to custom- percent rise in world trade in 2014 QR21.9bn at the end of the year ers,” said Khalid Yousef Al Subeai, barely exceeded the increase in from QR21.2bn in the 2013, rep- Acting Group CEO, Barwa Bank. world GDP for the year, and fore- resenting a 3 percent increase. Barwa Bank continued increas- Qatargas gets CIPS certification casts for trade growth in 2015 and Earnings per share (EPS) were at ing its footprint within Qatar, with 2016 only surpass expected output QR2.40 for 2014, 43 percent higher the opening of its seventh branch growth by a small margin.” than the previous year. in the prestigious Medina Centrale DOHA: Qatargas supply strong control and transparency is committed to maintaining and Azevedo said that the 2015 fore- “2014 was another outstanding at The Pearl-Qatar. In addition, department has success- achieved through the defined enhancing its performance to cast was based on an assumption year for the bank, with growth digital innovation took to the fore- fully achieved The Chartered policies and procedures, as well ensure the company continues to that global GDP would expand by continuing unabated across all seg- front in 2014 with both the mobile Institute of Procurement & as overall governance provided by meet the highest global standards nearly 3.0 percent, while the 2016 ments and subsidiaries. This strong and Internet banking platforms Supply (CIPS) worldwide pres- three tender committees. Strong through the years to come. forecast depended on economic performance would have not have revamped to offer even more con- tigious Standard Certification strategic direction contributed to On the occasion, Duncan growth reaching over three per- been possible without the excep- venient services to customers. for its outstanding procure- increased value across the sup- Brock, Director of Customer cent. A year ago, the WTO was tional leadership, foresight, and for- Barwa Bank’s expertise contin- ment policies and procedures. ply chain, and reduced lead times Relationships, CIPS, said, singing a different tune. titude of everyone at Barwa Bank,” ued to be sought after, with the cor- Qatargas received the award in the procurement cycle which “Qatargas has demonstrated Last April, it had forecast that said Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad porate team’s involvement in major from CIPS at a special cere- increased cost effectiveness and that their ambitions to be the trade would expand 4.6 percent in bin Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of sukuk issuances in 2014. mony held at the Qatargas Doha secured advantageous market best are high and that it is a 2014 and 5.8 percent this year. Barwa Bank. “I would also like to “Barwa Bank remains commit- Head Office yesterday, said the conditions. progressive company. “What But it downgraded those predic- welcome our new major shareholder ted to the development of its most company in a press release. Qatargas is honoured to receive was particularly interesting was tions in September. “Conflict in the the General Retirement and Social important asset, human capi- CIPS Corporate Certification this prestigious recognition as Procurement’s influence at Board Middle East also stoked regional Insurance Authority, who will prove tal, and has achieved 25 percent is an independent, procurement- evidence of the continued efforts level and reporting directly on instability, as did an outbreak of to be a valuable asset to the bank as Qatarisation at a Group level,” specific process to assess the to promote world class stand- achievements contributing to Ebola haemorrhagic fever in west we continue with our growth tra- said Al Subeai. “The Bank fur- efficiency of procurement teams ards and integrate best practices business goals. In this Company, Africa,” WTO said, also pointing jectory and delivering innovative ther cemented its commitment working towards organisational into its business performance. Procurement and Supply to unusually harsh winter weather Shari’ah compliant financial serv- to Qatarisation efforts by estab- goals. For decades, CIPS has been Qatargas’ supply department Management have demonstrated in the US and collapsing world oil ices in line with our strategic goals lishing a dedicated Qatarisation assessing organisations and cor- has set yet another milestone how influential they are which prices. Strong exchange rate fluc- and the aspirations of the Qatar department within HR with the porates in a variety of sectors and today the team’s efforts and will contribute to the success of tuations had also had a negative National Vision 2030.” responsibility to identify, attract, and all over the world against an dedication have made possible becoming a premier organisation impact. “All of these things have “We are proud of our achieve- and develop Qatari banking profes- acclaimed global standard. the achievement of this signifi- in the region.” effects (and), sometimes destabil- ments in 2014, where we maintained sionals,” he said. THE PENINSULA Qatargas demonstrated cant global recognition. Qatargas THE PENINSULA ising effects,” Azevedo said. AFP

Flipkart scraps IMF sees global plans for free app access economy steady, NEW DELHI: India’s largest e-commerce portal Flipkart scrapped plans to offer free access to its app after getting India bright spot caught up in a growing row over net neutrality. Flipkart had said it would WASHINGTON: The growing major economy. waive data charges for users International Monetary Fund The IMF also said in its semi- of its app — a controversial said that the Japanese and annual World Economic Outlook practice known as “zero rat- European economies were pick- that the plunge in oil prices was ing” — in a deal with India’s ing up pace as it stuck to its not yet generating all the poten- main telecom operator Airtel. forecast for moderate global tial benefits of more spending But the move sparked an growth this year and next. money in consumers’ pockets. angry backlash among Internet The IMF trimmed its outlook And it warned that, to avoid users in India, who said it for the United States but said the being locked in a slow-growth would give Flipkart an unfair country would remain the driver mode over the medium term, advantage over its competitors of world output in 2015 and 2016 governments need to be more and threatened to boycott the while many emerging economies aggressive in implementing mar- company. struggle with low commodity ket-friendly reforms and invest- The criticism of Flipkart prices and turbulence in finan- ing in infrastructure. “Legacies has fed into a broader debate cial markets. from both the financial and the IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde (second left) shakes hands with Shakila Luqman, a member of the on whether Internet service Faster growth under the euro crises are still visible in Pakistani National Assembly, as she poses for photos with attendees during the 2015 Global Parliamentary providers should be allowed reformist governments of India many advanced economies,” said Conference at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, DC. to favour one online service and Japan will help cushion the IMF chief economist Olivier over another for commercial blow to the world economy from Blanchard. or other reasons — a concept a marked slowdown in China. In addition, advanced econo- growth today.” 2015 will be the fifth year of 50 percent fall in crude prices known as “net neutrality”. The IMF said that under mies are suffering from a decline The global economy will grow declining growth. With China since June is particularly hard Bollywood superstar Shah reforms by India’s new business- in “potential growth”, the result about 3.5 percent this year, after slowing — 6.8 percent this year on Russia and Venezuela, already Rukh Khan is among dozens of friendly government of Prime of the weight of an aging society, 3.4 percent in 2014, and pick up and 6.3 percent in 2016 — coun- beset by political and policy prob- celebrities who have signed up Minister Narendra Modi, the and lower investment in future pace to 3.8 percent next year, tries dependent on selling com- lems. Despite some bright spots, to a campaign using the hash- country was expected to expand productive capacities. the IMF forecast. That was the modities to the second-largest Blanchard characterised global tag #savetheinternet and more at a much faster pace than pre- “It would be wrong to speak, as same as its January predictions, economy will continue to face output growth as “moderate and than half a million people have viously expected. It said his new some have done, of stagnation, but although it increased its growth weak prices. The same goes for uneven.” emailed the regulator to urge it broom should sweep in growth prospects are more subdued. And outlook for Japan and Europe and oil exporters, though their main “A number of complex forces to protect net neutrality. AFP of 7.5 percent this year and next more subdued prospects lead, in cut that for the United States. problem is oversupply. Many are are shaping the prospects around — making it the world’s fastest turn, to lower spending and lower But for emerging countries, adjusting, but the impact of the the world,” he said. AFP WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21 Nokia in talks to buy all of Alcatel-Lucent French government concerned about likely job losses

PARIS: Finnish telecoms equip- announced in a statement “...that a day after reports that Nokia was ment maker Nokia said yester- they are in advanced discussions in talks to acquire Alcatel-Lucent’s day it was in talks to purchase with respect to a potential full wireless infrastructure business. all of its Franco-American rival merger, which would take the form Rumours have swirled since Alcatel-Lucent, sparking a quick of a public exchange offer by Nokia December of a possible deal reaction from the French state. for Alcatel-Lucent.” However, between the two firms, with Keen to protect French jobs they added that “there can be no France’s Les Echos reporting on in the event of a merger, French certainty at this stage that these Monday that executives had been President Francois Hollande met discussions will result in any agree- in negotiations since January. with the chief executives of Nokia, ment or transaction.” The French government said Rajeev Suri, and Alcatel-Lucent, The Finnish company was the yesterday it was concerned about Michel Combes, at the Elysee pal- world’s biggest mobile phone maker jobs disappearing in France if the ace in the afternoon, the Elysee for more than a decade until it merger were to go through. announced. was overtaken by South Korea’s A merger would, however, repre- “I will be extremely vigi- Samsung in 2012. sent a significant boost in market lant about preserving jobs and Then in 2014, Nokia sold its share for Nokia. The Alcatel- French President Francois Hollande (right) shakes hands with Alcatel-Lucent CEO Michel Combes as Nokia’s all French factories,” Economy mobile phone and tablet division to Lucent wireless infrastructure President and CEO Rajeev Suri looks on as they arrived for a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris yesterday. Minister Emmanuel Macron said. US software giant Microsoft, and unit alone accounted for 36 per- He said he was keeping in close the company now develops mobile cent of total sales for the Paris- profiting from Alcatel’s position government and regulators could Craig Erlam, markets analyst at touch with Alcatel executives about and Internet network infrastruc- based company in 2014, according as a leading supplier of 4G and scare Nokia’s investors off. “It trading firm Oanda, agreed, not- the possible deal, and would also tures for operators. Its focus is to Bloomberg, generating $5bn in LTE mobile networks and related does not come as a surprise that ing that some 6,000 jobs could be at strive to ensure the company’s now on mobile technologies such as revenue. The deal would help Nokia services. this could be very tricky for Nokia risk in France. Nokia employs some research and development sites LTE and 4G, and its mapping and bolster its mobile infrastructure Imran Choudhary, telecoms ana- to pull off and to deliver gains on, 55,000 people worldwide, while wouldn’t be hurt. location system subsidiary called business against Swedish arch- lyst at Kantar Worldpanel, said the which would explain why investors Alcatel-Lucent employs almost Earlier the companies HERE. The announcement came rival Ericsson and China’s Huawei, potential involvement of the French have not reacted positively,” he said. 53,000. AFP

UK retail spending rises at fastest rate in year US retail sales rise for

LONDON: British retail growth” and added that April’s spending rose at its fastest Inflation steady at zero percent sales growth was likely to be first time since Nov annual rate in almost a year weaker due to Easter timings last month, boosted by Easter LONDON: British consumer price inflation held steady at effects. Retail spending in the falling a month earlier than a record-low zero percent in March, official figures showed, first three months of 2015 was WASHINGTON: US retail sales on harsh winter weather. The sales in 2014, an industry body said boosting households’ disposable income before May 7’s elec- 2.8 percent higher than a year rose in March for the first time rebound, which was mainly driven yesterday. tion. The Office for National Statistics said consumer prices earlier, compared with a 1.5 since November as consumers by automobiles, furniture, clothing, The British Retail rose 0.2 percent between February and March but compared percent rise in the last three stepped up purchases of automo- building materials, restaurants and Consortium said the value of with a year earlier, prices were unchanged, in line with econo- months of 2014. biles and other goods, suggesting bars, was even more encouraging total retail sales in March was mists’ forecasts. On a so-called like-for-like a sharp slowdown in economic because of the big step back in job 4.7 percent up on a year ear- The ONS added that if the price change was calculated to two basis — a measure which strips growth in the first quarter was growth last month. lier, the biggest year-on-year decimal places, however, prices were 0.01 percent lower than out changes in floor space and temporary. But retail sales excluding automo- rise since April 2014, and much a year before, which would be first fall on record in consumer is favoured by equity analysts The Commerce Department’s biles, gasoline, building materials and stronger than the 1.7 percent price inflation on that measure. REUTERS — retail spending was 3.2 per- fairly sturdy report together with food services rose 0.3 percent after growth recorded in February. cent up in March compared other data showing that producer dropping 0.2 percent in February. Other surveys have also with a 0.2 percent annual rise inflation crept up last month should The so-called core retail sales cor- reported rising consumer than April this year also lifted David McCorquodale, a partner in February. keep the Federal Reserve on track respond most closely with the con- morale, as inflation has fallen the BRC figures, which are not at accountants KPMG, which The rise in consumer spend- to start raising interest rates later sumer spending component of gross to a record low and wages are seasonally adjusted. sponsors the survey. ing comes at the same time as this year. An unusually snowy win- domestic product. starting to pick up after years “An early Easter and better Helen Dickinson, the BRC’s prices measured in-store by the ter undercut activity early in 2015. US stocks traded margin- of stagnation. But the fact that economic news helped lift retail director general, said the sec- BRC are falling at their fastest Labour disruptions at normally busy ally higher, with banking giants Easter fell in March rather sales out of the doldrums,” said tor was seeing “slow but steady rate since 2006. REUTERS West Coast ports, a stronger dollar JPMorgan Chase & Co and Wells and softer global demand also have Fargo & Co reporting unexpect- hurt growth. edly strong earnings but Johnson & “A rebound in retail sales in Johnson announcing that it was cut- March provides evidence that the ting its full-year earnings forecast US economy is pulling out of a soft due to the impact of the buoyant dol- EU, Russia, patch seen at the start of the year. lar. Prices for US government debt Philippine mall giant targets The improvement in retail sales ... rose, while the dollar was weaker adds to the likelihood of policymakers against a basket of currencies. Ukraine to voting to hike rates this year,” said Last month’s mild rebound in core China in $4.5bn investment Chris Williamson, chief economist at retail sales and February’s decline Markit in London. pointed to a slower pace of consumer resume trade Retail sales increased 0.9 per- spending in the first quarter. That, MANILA: Philippine shopping mall giant SM of 18.39bn pesos in 2014, up 13 percent from the cent in March, broadly in line with however, was offset by a second report Prime owned by the country’s richest man previous year, its annual report said. expectations. That was the largest from the Commerce Department pact talks plans to invest 200bn pesos ($4.5bn) over the Apart from the malls, SM Prime has also built gain since the same month last year showing a relatively solid increase in next two years locally and in China, the com- 25 condominium projects with more than 69,000 and snapped three straight months retail inventories excluding autos in BRUSSELS: The EU, Russia pany said yesterday. units, four major office buildings and four hotels, of declines that had been blamed February. REUTERS and Ukraine will resume talks in About $449m would be spent in China each all in the Philippines. Brussels next week on Moscow’s year, company officials told reporters on the side- It will be opening at least four malls in the concerns about the European lines of its annual stockholders meeting. Philippines and expects to open a new mall in bloc’s free trade pact with Kiev, “It’s the middle market. The (Chinese) govern- Tianjin, China this year. EU officials said yesterday. ment guideline is they don’t want super luxurious The company started as a shoe store in Manila The free trade accord is part of condos anymore,” SM Prime Chairman Henry in 1958, founded by Henry Sy Snr who still serves the broader 2014 EU Association Sy Jnr said. as SM Prime’s chairman emeritus and is listed Agreement at the heart of the The company, which has 50 malls in the by Forbes magazine as the richest man in the Ukraine crisis, with Moscow Philippines and five in China, posted a net profit Philippines. AFP angry to see its Soviet era satellite turn to the West at its expense. “Trilateral talks between the EU, Ukraine and Russia will Net foreign purchases of Philippine shares up resume next week in order to achieve a practical solution to concerns raised by the Russian side with regard to the imple- mentation of the deep and com- prehensive free trade agreement between Ukraine and the EU,” European Commission spokes- man Daniel Rosario told a press conference. “These technical level talks will take place in Brussels on Monday and Tuesday and we expect that these contacts move very soon from a technical to a political level.” A European Commission source said earlier that resumption of the talks, last held in September, “was a very positive development.” “We are ready to take advan- tage of the existing flexibility to take into account the reservations voiced by Russia,” the source said. The European Union agreed in September, at the same time as a first Ukraine ceasefire accord was negotiated in Minsk, to delay implementation of the trade pact until next year so as to give the trade talks with Russia a chance. In return, Russia promised Philippine President Benigno Aquino (centre) assisted by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima looks at the that it would not change its trade time to lead the opening bell at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) in Makati city, Manila, yesterday. regime with Ukraine, whose EU Net foreign purchases of Philippine shares jumped to $1.1bn in January-to-March, the highest for tie-up it said would put its exports any quarter in almost three years and more than twice the net volume of funds flowing into Southeast to a major market at a serious dis- Asia’s biggest economy Indonesia. PSE Chairman Jose Pardo (right) is also seen. advantage. AFP WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 11,777.91 0.35 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 18,301.95 0.35 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,403.94 0.22 % RATE QE All Share Index 3,145.64 0.38 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 3,162.9 0.23 % Services GOLD Buying Selling QE All Share Industrials 3,845.8 0.86 % All Ordinaries 5916.241 -11.817 -0.2 5963.5 5248.5 QR139.1014 QE All Share Transportation 2,407.05 0.32 % US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Real Estate 2,518.75 0.00 % Cac 40 Index/D 5227.79 -26.33 -0.5 5262.74 4076.16 SILVER UK ...... QR 5.3011 QR 5.3758 QE All Share Insurance 4,049.42 0.58 % Dj Indu Average 17977.04 -80.61 -0.45 18288.6 15855.12 Euro ...... QR 3.8234 QR 3.8766 QE All Share Telecoms 1,336.22 0.26 % QR 1.8825 QE All Share Consumer Goods & CA$ ...... QR 2.8669 QR 2.9232 7,025.91 0.40 % Services Hang Seng Inde/D 27561.49 -454.85 -1.62 28031.96 23312.5 Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.6935 QR 3.7483 QE Market Summary Comparison Iseq Overall/D 6264.86 0.38 0.01 6280.87 5072.7 Yen ...... QR 0.0301 QR 0.0307 Aus$ ...... QR 2.7357 QR 2.7894 Today Previous day Karachi 100 In/D 32109.87 -138.58 -0.43 35055.94 28648.23 CRUDE OIL 14-04-2015 13-04-2015 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0578 QR 0.0590 Index 11,777.91 11,819.65 Nikkei 225 Index 19908.68 3.22 0.02 20006 16592.57 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0355 QR 0.0362 Change 41.74 163.00 BRENT Peso ...... QR 0.0809 QR 0.0826 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2119.59 1815.8 % 0.35 1.36 $ 58.63 SL Re ...... QR 0.0271 QR 0.0277 YTD% 4.13 3.79 Straits Times/D 3521.08 36.69 1.05 3493.62 3267.89 Taka ...... QR 0.0463 QR 0.0473 Volume 7,084,526 9,788,023 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0363 QR 0.0370 Value (QAR) 383,676,841.71 491,570,600.36 Straits Times/D 3290.99 -1.82 -0.06 3387.84 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.2976 QR 0.3035 Trades 4,518 5,790 $ 57.20 Up 11 | Down 25 | Unchanged 02 Straits Times/D 3274.06 -8.82 -0.27 3291.83 2953.01

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 14-04-2015

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED A B G Infra-T/D 260.5 43.4 45466 Century Text-A/D 785.8 20.9 456468 Goodyear I -B/D 621.25 41 398534 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 124.1 2.9 5522 Orchid Chem-B/D 57.8 -0.65 87934 Hsbc Holdings/D 619.52 1.5 16814655 A C C-A/D 1594.6 -38.85 25788 Chambal Fert-B/D 71.9 -0.45 25620 Hcl Infosys-B/D 58.2 0.15 1076553 Kalpat Power-B/D 235 5.3 20133 Orient Hotel-T/D 20.9 0.15 17424 Imperial Tobac/D 3252 19 885767 Aarti Drugs-B/D 809.5 0.75 27844 Chola Invest-B/D 590 9.8 1204 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 15.76 0.2 1497194 Kalyani Stel-T/D 146.9 2.4 73984 Orient.Carb.-T/D 549.7 14.5 30297 Kingfisher/D 362.9 0.9 2335280 Aban Offs-A/D 466.2 8.8 263184 Chowgule St-T/D 25.1 0.4 19129 Himat Seide-B/D 86 0.1 40363 Kanoria Chem-B/D 46.15 1.55 28900 Orient.Carb.-T/D 549.7 14.5 30297 Land Secs Grou/D 1301 9 668457 Aegis Logis-B/D 746.25 15 83627 Cimmco-B/D 105 4.85 34583 Hind Motors-T/D 7.26 0.06 100969 Kg Denim-B/D 25.65 1.4 49522 Punjab Chem.-B/D 232 10.3 38202 Legal & Genera/D 284.67 -0.4 5632579 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 296.95 37.1 454214 Cipla-A/D 710.6 10.55 235335 Hind Org Chem-/D 19.44 3.24 208240 Kilburnengg-T/D 61.25 3.65 143419 Radico Khait-B/D 100.2 5.65 286596 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 79.72 0.32 54868166 Alembic-B/D 39.65 0.45 137244 City Union Bk-/D 94.95 -0.1 73659 Hind Unilever-/D 947.3 16.2 157370 Kinetic Eng-B/D 50.55 -0.9 6403 Rallis India-A/D 228.15 5 61621 Marks & Sp./D 567.5 0.5 1321982 Alkyl Amines-B/D 348 12.7 1280 Cmc Ltd-A/D 2022.65 -4.1 8984 Hind.Petrol-A/D 654.3 -8.5 112354 Kopran-B/D 55.6 2.15 315397 Reliance Indus/D 433.9 0.6 74228 Next/D 7126.5535 85 166483 Alok Indus-A/D 8.67 0 1126896 Colgate-A/D 2149.3 4.4 14207 Hindalco-A/D 136 -1.9 393062 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 482.3 -11.8 7526 Ruchi Soya-B/D 43.95 -0.4 39226 Pearson/D 1426 -17 1315276 Apollo Tyre-A/D 187.5 7.05 433109 Container Cor-/D 1682.9 13.95 5655 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1303.9 13.6 63152 Lakshmi Mach-A/D 3971.55 -56 1060 Saur.Cem-B/D 45.5 0.8 117982 Prudential/D 1689 -7.5 1201600 Asahi I Glass-/D 141.2 -0.7 8631 Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 220 15.6 52335 I F C I-A/D 36 0.35 601416 Lgb Broth-B/D 509 3.5 2804 Sterling Tool-/D 295 15.3 1129 Rank Group/D 191.4406 0.7 31322 Ashok Leyland-/D 75.9 0.45 1023125 Dhampur Sugar-/D 38.15 0.3 3373 Idbi-A/D 75.9 -0.1 347880 Lloyd Metal-B/D 7.25 -0.45 12752 Thirumalai-B/D 98.1 4.8 34355 Rentokil Initi/D 140.3 0.4 200723 Bajaj Hold-A/D 1304.95 5.25 1275 Dr. Reddy-A/D 3790.95 -9.2 14484 Ifb Agro-B/D 284.9 -7.4 8313 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 12.11 0.07 19588 Timexgroup-T/D 23.3 3.2 539452 Rolls Royce Pl/D 973 4 1278572 Ballarpur In-B/D 15.65 0.53 310155 E I H-B/D 110.1 0.6 25165 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 667 -3.5 7659 Lumax Ind-B/D 339.2 -0.3 7015 Tinplate-B/D 63.7 0.95 113165 Rsa Insrance G/D 434.6 -0.4 629363 Banaras Bead-B/D 43.7 5.2 11797 E.I.D Parry-A/D 170.5 -1.15 20443 India Cement-A/D 108.15 0.15 261997 Lupin-A/D 1979 14.4 68843 Ub Engineer-Z/D 6.85 0.29 3875 Sainsbury(J)/D 272.88 -2 2344315 Bannari Aman-B/D 860 -35 35547 Eicher Motor-A/D 16054.1-152.25 2527 India Glycol-B/D 97 0.5 13103 Lyka Labs-T/D 59.35 3.55 99888 Ucal Fuel-B/D 116 2.2 14309 Schroders/D 3371 -19 120449 Bata India-A/D 1161.2 4.15 17024 Electrosteel-B/D 18.7 -0.1 305374 Indian Hotel-A/D 111.9 0 74812 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 162.4 5.5 3336 Ultramarine-B/D 68 0.4 10108 Severn Trent/D 2177 10 269401 Bayer Crop-A/D 3949.25 623.05 31815 Emco-B/D 36.9 0.35 45328 Indo-Tcount-T/D 474 1 11913 Mah.Seamless-B/D 212.5 -4.25 11842 Unitech P -A/D 17.85 0.25 4420841 Smith&Nephew/D 1183 -7 844795 Beml Ltd-A/D 1135.45 -16.85 44122 Escorts Fin-B/D 4.75 0.13 8230 Indusind-A/D 948.35 2.9 64021 Mangalam Cem-B/D 290.5 -2 6675 Univcable-T/D 39.5 -1 11012 Smiths Group/D 1126 8 410105 Bh Electronic-/D 3445.55 -178.9 43733 Escorts-A/D 138.25 4.55 439829 J.B.Chemical-B/D 226.7 2.4 61044 Maral Overs-B/D 30.9 0.75 5479 Standrd Chart /D 1085.85 -20 3116141 Bhansali Eng-T/D 21 0 102625 Essar Oil-T/D 111.85 1.3 95296 Jagatjit Ind-T/D 38 -0.05 6002 Mastek-B/D 456.1 19.5 319777 LONDON Tate & Lyle/D 650.5 -3 623946 Bharat Bijle-B/D 691 7.75 3609 Eveready Indu-/D 305 10.3 99673 Jagson Phar-B/D 32.95 0 28858 Max India L-A/D 482 -9.4 25914 Tesco/D 242.25 -2.05 10507987 Bharatgears-B/D 81.9 5 47831 F D C-B/D 165.75 -2.1 13204 Jamnaauto-B/D 226.1 3.5 26128 Mrpl-A/D 73.5 -0.4 72369 Unilever/D 2915.34 2 858781 Bhartiya Int-B/D 445 20.8 1527 Federal Bank-A/D 129.25 0.35 151900 Jbf Indu-B/D 235.6 1 148601 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 22.8 -0.55 1763 3I Group/D 507 -4.5 365156 United Util Gr/D 975.3051 -4 665716 Bhel-A/D 241.85 7 400742 Ferro Alloys-B/D 6.25 0.68 100996 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.48 0.02 5200 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 22.8 -0.55 1763 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 2958 -32 332341 Vodafone Group/D 229.4629 0.3 15035165 Bom.Burmah-B/D 475.3 -2.15 89148 Finolex-A/D 286 0.35 18792 Jct Ltd-B/D 3.54 -0.17 258411 Nahar Spg.-B/D 103.9 0.7 15948 Barclays/D 263.05 3.6 29019761 Whitbread/D 5399.375 5 95537 Bombay Dyeing-/D 73 0.65 430746 Forbes-B/D 2118.5 -127.25 1375 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 7.53 0 59269 Nation Alum -A/D 47.5 0.25 91162 Bg Group/D 1183 6 10396746 Camph.& All-B/D 282 13.2 4471 Gail-A/D 394.8 -4.5 178877 Jik Indust-T/D 1 0 2010 Navneet Edu-B/D 107.8 2.05 16836 Bp/D 469.35 -1.65 13986628 Canfin Homes-B/D 739.75 10 34262 Gammon India-T/D 20.6 0 51166 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 130.8 5.65 614731 Nepc India-T/D 2.72 0.02 13673 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3672.5 10.5 952971 Caprihans-B/D 86 8.55 30061 Garden P -B/D 24.9 -0.55 54885 Jmc Projects-T/D 215.2 -5.8 14440 Neuland Lab-B/D 387.5 16.5 9014 Bt Group/D 457.588 1.65 6439129 Castrol India-/D 468.9 -0.35 27238 Godfrey Phil-B/D 475.95 0.4 2483 Kabra Extr-B/D 79.5 3 2711 Nrb Bearings-B/D 129 0 13633 Centrica/D 261.7 -0.4 4851131 Century Enka-B/D 199.8 7.1 305580 Goodricke-B/D 168 -3.2 42282 Kajaria Cer-A/D 765 -3.15 15309 O N G C-A/D 311.7 1.95 186819 Gkn/D 356.9 1 1817417 WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Kerber boosts Djokovic kicks off clay court German Fed Cup semis campaign with easy victory hopes SOCHI, Russia: Germany’s Fed Cup captain Barbara Rittner is mulling her options for the World No.1 beats Ramos in straight sets; Tsonga, Monfils also sail Fed Cup clash against Russia this weekend after strong per- formances from Angelique MONTE CARLO, Monaco: challenges against leading seeds. Kerber and Andrea Petkovic in Novak Djokovic got away to Number 11 Tsonga beat Monte Carlo Charleston. a 6-1, 6-4 winning start to the Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff The Germans face Russia in clay season yesterday, with the 6-4, 6-4 while number 14 Monfils Masters Results Sochi for a place in November’s locally based world number one had to overcome three breaks in Results from the Monte Carlo Masters men’s final, with France and the Czech pleased with a second-round the last four games of his contest singles matches yesterday Republic meeting in the other defeat of Albert Ramos. before securing safe passage into semi-final. Djokovic, who lives a few hun- the second round with a 4-6, 6-3, Round 2 Russia’s hopes are boosted dred metres from Court Central 6-4 defeat of Russian Andrey 1-Novak Djokovic (Serbia) beat Albert Ramos by a rare Fed Cup appearance at the seaside Country Club, was Kuznetsov. (Spain) 6-1 6-4 from world number two Maria happy to bring home the straight- Number 108 Pouille will also Sharapova, but Germany have an set win in less than 90 minutes. have his work cut out as he plays 5-David Ferrer (Spain) beat Victor Estrella in-form quartet in Sabine Lisicki, “For a first match on clay, it eight-time champion Nadal. (Dominican Republic) 6-2 2-0 Julia Goerges, plus Kerber and was pretty good,” said the win- The French wild card beat (Estrella retired) Petkovic, who are both ranked in ner of back-to-back hardcourt Dominic Thiem 6-4, 6-4 a week the world’s top 15. Masters 1000 titles in the US. after the young Austrian went Round 1 Kerber won Charleston’s WTA “I’m happy to have started so through an invitation-only pri- 9-Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) beat Fernando tournament in South Carolina strong. vate training block with Federer Verdasco ( S pain) 6 - 4 4 - 6 6 - 4 last weekend after beating her “There is a lot of work to be in Zurich. Fed Cup team-mate Petkovic in done on the clay, I knew I had Nadal is desperate to main- Viktor Troicki (Serbia) beat Martin Klizan the semi-finals, and the German a dangerous opponent, one who tain his title as king of clay and (Slovakia) 7-6(5) 5-7 6-2 pair are only expected to arrive plays well on thin surface. start to turn around what for the 10-Gilles Simon (France) beat Benjamin in Sochi, Russia, early today to Djokovic is playing for the Spaniard has been a horror show- B alleret ( M onac o) 6 - 4 6 -2 prepare for the semi-final. 142nd week on the ATP number ing so far in 2015. “They have played a lot and put one ranking, putting him one Nadal exited early at both of 16-Tommy Robredo (Spain) beat Andreas in some good tennis recently. So week ahead of Rafael Nadal on the March hardcourt events in S eppi ( I t aly ) 6 -3 1- 6 6 - 4 we have to see how they get over the top honour. the US and has spent a fortnight the jet-lag in the next few days,” 11-Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (France) beat Jan- Roger Federer, Monte Carlo on clay in his native Mallorca try- said Rittner. second seed, leads that statistical ing to re-discover his feel for his L e n n a r d S t r u f f ( G e r m a n y ) 6 - 4 6 - 4 “I have all my options available category with the all-time best of preferred surface. Jeremy Chardy (France) beat Diego and four very good individual 302 weeks in the top spot. The 28-year-old won the last S c h w a r t z m a n ( A r g e n t i n a ) 7- 5 6 - 2 players. Djokovic is also bidding to of his Monte Carlo titles in 2012 “I’d like to wait until after the become the first player to win the and has his hopes again set on a 14-Gael Monfils (France) beat Andrey next few days of training to see opening three ATP Masters 1000 successful road to Paris and the Novak Djokovic of K u z n e t s o v ( R u s s i a ) 4 - 6 6 - 3 6 - 4 how they all feel.” Serbia waves to the tournaments of the season after French Open in six weeks. Juan Monaco (Argentina) beat Jiri Vesely Russia will host Germany in crowd after winning his claiming Indian Wells and Miami Monfils, who has never been (C zech Republic) 6 - 4 6 -2 the same hall where the speed honours. past second round at the tourna- match against Albert skating competition was held at Frenchmen Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, ment since first playing here a Ramos of Spain at the Lucas Pouille (France) beat Dominic Thiem the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. Gael Monfils, Gilles Simon, decade ago, had to battle through Monte Carlo Masters in (Austria) 6-4 6-4 Germany are bidding to reach Jeremy Chardy and Lucas Pouille a tough opening encounter with Monaco, yesterday. the Fed Cup final for second year Marcel Granollers (Spain) beat Adrian moved into the second round as Kuznetsov, whom he beat in running and if they are successful a pair of compatriots lined up Marseille two months ago. AFP Mannarino (France) 6-3 6-0 in Sochi will host the final. AFP

Athletics Kenya suspends two MLB: Royals trounce Twins agents amid NEW YORK: The Kansas City which attracted a sellout crowd Royals got 6-1/3 innings from Baseball Results of 48,414. Odorizzi allowed his starting pitcher Danny Duffy NY Mets 2 Philadelphia 0 only run in two starts this season doping saga and took advantage of sev- Pittsburgh 5 Detroit 4 when the Blue Jays put together eral defensive miscues by the Boston 9 Washington 4 a pair of two-out hits in the fifth NAIROBI: Athletics Kenya Minnesota Twins in a lopsided Kansas City 12 Minnesota 3 inning. He allowed three walks said it had suspended two for- win that spoiled Minnesota’s Milwaukee 5 St. Louis 4 while striking out three. eign agencies for six months home opener. Colorado 2 San Francisco 0 Pirates 5, Tigers 4 from managing its athletes The 12-3 victory moved the Josh Harrison led off the bottom NY Yankees 6 Baltimore 5 pending investigations into Royals to 7-0 this season, the of the first inning with the first allegations of doping that have second-best start in franchise Tampa Bay 2 Toronto 1 of three home runs by Pittsburgh rattled a nation famed for its history. Atlanta 3 Miami 2 while Gerrit Cole pitched six distance runners. Brewers 5, Cardinals 4 Chicago Cubs 7 Cincinnati 6 innings to hand Detroit their first The suspension of Rosa & Carlos Gomez collected a pair LA Angels 6 Texas 3 loss of the season. Associati, run by Italian Gabriele of hits and scored two runs as the Oakland 8 Houston 1 Pirates first baseman Pedro Rosa, and Volare Sports, run by Brewers spoiled the Cards’ home Alvarez and pinch hitter Corey Arizona 8 San Diego 4 Dutchman Gerard van de Veen, opener. Hart added home runs during is a blow to several well-known Right-hander Matt Garza LA Dodgers 6 Seattle 5 a three-run seventh inning off athletes who are managed by the picked up the win despite allow- Tommy Hunter in the seventh Anibal Sanchez. agencies. ing six hits and five walks over inning, helping the Yankees rally Red Sox 9, Nationals 4 “AK has decided to suspend two 5-2/3 innings. for a victory. Centre fielder Mookie Betts’ DeAndre Jordan ( second left) of the Los Angeles Clippers blocks the agents for the time being so that Rockies 2, Giants 0 Hunter came on in the seventh first two innings of Boston’s home shot of Kenneth Faried (35) of the Denver Nuggets during their NBA game investigations can be carried out Rookie Eddie Butler pitched after left-hander Wei-Yin Chen opener included a home-run-rob- at Staples Center on Monday in Los Angeles, California. and when the results are out we 5-1/3 shutout innings despite exited with a 4-2 lead. bing catch, two stolen bases on will decide whether they come allowing 12 runners as Colorado Baltimore built the advantage one play and a three-run homer -- back or not,” AK President Isaiah ruined San Francisco’s banner- on a two-run homer from center a scintillating start that sparked Kiplagat told a news conference, raising day. fielder Adam Jones off Yankees the Red Sox over Washington. Davis shines as Pelicans naming the two agencies. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki right-hander Michael Pineda with Rick Porcello allowed four runs “This suspension ... will be drove in his fifth run of the season two outs in the sixth. (three earned) over eight innings, for a period of six months,” he with a fourth-inning single before Rays 2, Blue Jays 1 designated hitter David Ortiz hit said, adding: “There have been Colorado added an unearned run Tampa Bay right-hander Jake his second homer of the season move closer to play-offs a lot of reports relating to dop- in the seventh. Odorizzi allowed two hits over and catcher Sandy Leon recorded ing in Kenya and a lot of fingers Yankees 6, Orioles 5 eight innings to help the Rays his first three hits as a member NEW YORK: The New Eastern Conference cham- pointed at people, agents, doctors Stephen Drew hit a pinch- to their third successive win and of the Red Sox, who improved to Orleans Pelicans moved one pion Miami Heat, a long shot and pharmacists. We know it’s an hit grand slam off right-hander spoil Toronto’s home opener, 5-2 in the game. REUTERS step closer to their first play- to make the playoffs, remained intricate issue and critical matter off appearance since 2011, get- alive on Monday night after and we want to deal with it.” ting 24 points from forward beating the Orlando Magic at Van de Veen and Rosa & Anthony Davis to dispatch the AmericanAirlines Arena. Associati declined to comment. Minnesota Timberwolves. Jazz 109, Mavericks 92 Kenyan officials have pointed at It was the fifth win in six In a game that featured some foreign agents for leading athletes games for the Pelicans, who cur- interesting lineups between short- into using performance-enhanc- rently hold the eighth spot in handed teams, Utah defeated ing drugs. But Kenyan authorities the Western Conference and can Dallas at EnergySolutions Arena. have been accused of not taking clinch a trip to the postseason Rookie point guard Bryce adequate measures to deal with with a win in their final regular- Cotton topped all scorers with 21 doping cases. season game, Wednesday night at points, and center Rudy Gobert Rita Jeptoo, three times winner home versus San Antonio. had a big night to help Utah to its of the Boston marathon and twice If the Pelicans lose to the seventh win in nine games. winner of the Chicago race, failed Spurs, New Orleans could still AGENCIES drugs tests last year. earn a playoff berth if Oklahoma Kiplagat said Athletics Kenya City also loses its final regular- NBA Results would work with the interna- season game. Houston 100 Charlotte 90 tional athletics body, the IAAF, Thunder 101, Trail Blazers 90 Cleveland 109 Detroit 97 and would meet promoters of the Guard Russell Westbrook Milwaukee 107 Philadelphia 97 Diamond League to agree on how scored 36 points and grabbed 11 Ny Knicks 112 Atlanta 108 to manage athletes handled by the rebounds to keep Oklahoma City’s two agencies to ensure they did postseason hope alive with one Chicago 113 Brooklyn 86 not miss competitions. game left to be played Wednesday. Miami 100 Orlando 93 Olympic and double world The Blazers were locked into New Orleans 100 Minnesota 88 1,500m champion Asbel Kiprop, the fourth seed heading into the Oklahoma City 101 Portland 90 who has previously called for game. But they have now lost Utah 109 Dallas 92 tough action against doping, said three straight games and four of Sacramento 102 LA Lakers 92 the decision could ruin the season San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Duffy (50) slides safely back into first base in front of Colorado Rockies their last five. Golden State 111 Memphis 107 for him and others. He is man- Heat 100, Magic 93 first baseman Justin Morneau (33) in the second inning of their MLB baseball game at AT&T Park on Monday. LA Clippers 110 Denver 103 aged by Rosa. REUTERS The four-time defending WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Rosberg should have tried harder: Hamilton Mercedes star says he is ‘stronger’ than his team-mate

LONDON: Lewis Hamilton Red Bull Racing’s Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo drives on the first has suggested he is mentally day of the Formula One pre-season tests in Jerez, in this February 1 file tougher than Mercedes team photo. Red Bull earned just two points at China GP after suffering from -mate Nico Rosberg and ques- power unit problems. tioned how hard the German really tried to beat him in last weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix. In comments that will do little Renault braced for more to ease tensions between the pair ahead of Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix, the double Formula One world champion also told British Mercedes pain at Bahrain GP reporters that he was more of a AMG Petronas racer than his rival. F1 Team’s SHANGHAI: Renault have relationship of late and both sides “I’ve always said he is really British warned Red Bull and Toro have talked about walking away strong mentally,” Hamilton was driver Lewis Rosso to expect more pain in from the sport. quoted yesterday as saying. Hamilton Bahrain after both Formula The French manufacturer “But I’d like to think I’m (centre) One teams suffered power unit struggled to come to terms with stronger this year.” celebrates on problems in China on Sunday. the new V6 turbo hybrid power The Briton has won eight of the the podium Former champions Red Bull units last year, although Red Bull last 10 races, beaten Rosberg in after winning scored just two points in Shanghai did win three races, and are still nine of them, and started all three the Formula while their sister team drew behind rivals. Grands Prix this season from pole One Chinese a blank after engine-related On Sunday the two sides pre- position. Grand Prix, as retirements. sented a united front, however, The tension between the two, Daniil Kvyat’s race ended spec- with Red Bull principal Christian second place evident last year as they battled tacularly with the Russian pull- Horner and Abiteboul holding a team-mate for the title, flared up again in ing up with smoke spewing from joint post-race briefing. Shanghai when Rosberg accused Nico Rosberg his Red Bull, while Toro Rosso’s “At the moment if you look on Hamilton of compromising his (right) of Max Verstappen brought out the the facts of where we are, we’re race by driving selfishly slow Germany safety car three laps from the end not in a great situation,” Horner and leaving him exposed to the looks on, in when his car halted on the main said. “But Viry (Renault head- Ferraris behind. Shanghai on straight. quarters) has got a long history In the end they finished one- Sunday. “As a company, we hold our of success in Formula One and two for the second time in three hands up when it’s our problem, they’ve still got some very capable races. and today that was the case,” said people there.” Although the drivers cleared Renault managing director Cyril Horner said the priority was the air afterwards at a briefing Abiteboul. to help Renault find a solution that Rosberg described as ‘con- “We have to investigate the by offering as much support as structive’, newspapers yesterday reasons for the failures and put possible. quoted Hamilton as saying the in place countermeasures for 100 Red Bull’s Australian driver German should simply have been percent reliability as quickly as Daniel Ricciardo, who finished more competitive. possible. With just five days to ninth after dropping down the “Nico didn’t try,” he said, go, we know that Sakhir (the field due to a poor start, said the repeating the words for effect. Bahrain circuit) will be another problems would likely result in “They said maybe he was just test for us.” penalties with the rules currently comfortable with second and I arse and putting pressure on me. for his management of the race. he behaves in the future,” Roz Abiteboul said Renault had limiting drivers to four engines a said ‘well, that’s the difference And if I can’t defend it, you lose However, he came in for more Hardie, chief executive of anti- feared problems in the early races season. between us. I want to win always’. it.” criticism after the celebrations sexism campaigners Object, told and the plan was to be in Monaco Ricciardo was already running “And I would have done eve- Rosberg had explained that when pictures showed him spray- the Daily Mail newspaper in an in May “with absolutely no reli- his third engine of the season in rything to get past. Or at least he risked wrecking his tyres ing the champagne in the face of interview. ability issue any more.” China while Kvyat has also been pushed for three laps. He wasn’t by attacking but Hamilton, a hostess on the podium. “It is unfortunate that a great Renault and Red Bull, who won romping through his allocation. quick enough. who ultimately set the fast- “We think Lewis Hamilton victory has been marred by what four drivers’ and constructors’ “We’re going to get copped with “I want the guy to be up my est lap of the day, found sup- should apologise for his actions appears to be selfish and incon- championships together between at least one (penalty),” Ricciardo arse if he’s got the pace, up my port from his Mercedes bosses and think carefully about how siderate behaviour.” REUTERS 2010 and 2014, have had an uneasy told reporters. REUTERS German female rally driver Weiss breaking barriers

DOHA: During last month’s a great eighth overall position Kuwait International Rally, and third in the Group N at the Edith Weiss was the only female Qatar International Rally, first driver competing against a top round of the 2015 Middle East field of 22 starters that included Rally Championship. two-time Dakar Rally champion She started this year with Nasser bin Saleh Al Attiyah of the support of Qatar Motor and Qatar. Motorcycle Federation (QMMF). After three days of battling “A very big thank you to the dusty terrain, Weiss finished in President of QMMF, Nasser bin German female driver respectable eighth position over- Khalifa Al Attiyah. He was so Edith Weiss along with her all and second in group N under kind to support me with entry co-driver and officials after the flag of Qatar as rally giant Al fees for free and rally service dur- the conclusion of Qatar Attiyah grabbed his fifth win at ing the rally which was a great Internal Rally 2014, in this the 13-stage Kuwait International help for me,” Weiss said. file photo. BELOW: Weiss Rally “Qatar has one of the most in action during the event. “Kuwait has very nice, fast demanding gravel surface rallies stages, which are not as rough in the world and I always look as those we experienced in Qatar forward to participate at Qatar and there is less risk of collecting International Rally,” she said. flat tyres or damaging the car,” “I love the stages and the whole Weiss said. event which is always profession- “I started again with my co- ally organised through QMMF, driver Vicky Psaraki from Greece, under President Nasser bin with my Mitsubishi Lancer Evo Khalifa Al Attiyah, who is also the IX under the flag of Qatar,” she FIA and FIM Vice-President. I recalled. want to thank him once again,” “On the second day, I lost my she said. Away from her programme of exhaust in the 1st stage and could “It’s always been a great pleas- events in the Middle East, Weiss fix it back by myself with an old, ure to be in Qatar. I congratulate also started at 17 World Rally rusted metal hanger which I QMMF for their fantastic rally Championship events yet and found in the desert. It worked events and the way they promote became only woman ever to win until we reached the next serv- the sport in the country and in first position twice in her group A ice,” said the German driver. the region,” Weiss said. in Argentina and Cyprus. “Furthermore, I got a 10-minute In the 2014 season, Weiss The German is an avid sup- penalty on the second day then I finished with an impressive porter of rallying in the Gulf was driving like a maniac to the result at the Middle East Rally region, especially in Qatar. finish. Unfortunately, with this Championship. She finished third “I love driving. I have been time penalty I couldn’t reach the overall in Group N category doing it for many years. For me first position which I could do eas- and won the Ladies Cup. She is the thrill of the sport is in par- ily. That was my second attempt the only woman who achieved a ticipating in rallies around the at the Kuwait Rally,” said added. top three position in the Group region in a sport dominated by “Last year, I really enjoyed the N category at any round of the men,” Weiss said. rally and finished 14th overall, MERC ever. Qatar and Weiss have a long third in Group N and won the “It was a great honour for me history in motorsport. Her first prize for being the first lady.” to achieve good results for Qatar rally event in Qatar was 1992 and Weiss added: “Thanks to His and hope to continue a successful since this time she has continued Excellency Sheikh Athbi Nayef way in the future,” the driver said. the rallies in the Middle East. Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah, “I could be much better but Weiss’ next event is Qatar Chairman of Kuwait International without sponsorship or a right Sealine Rally, FIA World Cross AutoImobile Club, who invited strong partner behind you, it’s not Country Rally set to be held from me to participate at the Kuwait possible to compete on a profes- April 18 to 24, almost her third Intl Rally. I really enjoyed it and sional level,” Weiss said. start with a Nissan Patrol T2 I will be back next year again, “I really wish the day is com- along side Sheikh Hamad bin Eid inshallah.” ing to get a chance to start with Al Thani and her next round will In February, Weiss started the a top rally car in a professional be in Iran from May 4 to 6 in the rally season brightly by finishing rally team,” she added MERC. THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Sterling stars in Liverpool win Manager Rodgers’ side keeps Champions League qualification hopes alive

LIVERPOOL: Raheem Liverpool fans but his ninth- Sterling helped Liverpool keep minute goal went some way to Rodgers vows alive their hopes of finishing restoring his reputation with inside the Premier League’s top supporters. to talk to four and securing a place in next Jordan Henderson’s cross-field season’s Champions League pass was adroitly cushioned by Sterling about with a 2-0 victory over 10-man Sterling, who cut inside Ryan Newcastle United at Anfield on Taylor and curled a finish high Monday night. into the net past the outstretched behaviour The Reds clinched the win palm of Tim Krul. thanks to goals from Sterling and The Newcastle goalkeeper was LIVERPOOL: Liverpool man- Joe Allen as they closed the gap called into action shortly after- ager Brendan Rodgers admitted on fourth-placed Manchester City wards when a cleverly-worked he will talk to Raheem Sterling to four points with six matches of Liverpool free-kick on the edge about his responsibilities as a the season remaining. of the visitors’ box saw Henderson professional footballer after The result also meant slip in Coutinho, only for his low a video emerged of the player Newcastle, who had captain shot to be saved. apparently inhaling nitrous Moussa Sissoko sent off seven Despite Liverpool’s dominance, oxide. minutes from time, have lost their the away team flickered into life The Sun newspaper published last five league matches. shortly before the half-hour mark a clip of England international Liverpool were without Daniel when Gabriel Obertan’s cross Sterling supposedly taking the Sturridge, injured in last week’s dropped for Mehdi Abeid but he legal high -- commonly known as FA Cup quarter-final win over could only shoot straight at Simon laughing gas -- on their website Blackburn Rovers that has left Mignolet. during Liverpool’s 2-0 win over him doubtful for Sunday’s semi- Lucas Leiva should have Newcastle United. final with Aston Villa at Wembley. increased Liverpool’s lead when Sterling, who scored in the However, Jordon Ibe returned he found himself unmarked and win over Newcastle which helped to the starting line-up after six got his head on a Henderson free- Liverpool close the gap on fourth- weeks out with a knee injury kick, only for Dutch international placed Manchester City in the while Emre Can was back from Krul to save spectacularly at close Premier League to four points, suspension. range. has been under intense scrutiny Newcastle made three changes Newcastle manager John recently. from their derby defeat to Carver leapt out of the dugout, The 20-year-old forward was Sunderland as Gabriel Obertan, arms outstretched, shortly after pictured smoking from a shisha Mehdi Abeid and Vurnon Anita when the Magpies were denied pipe last weekend, and recently replaced Sammy Ameobi, Yoan what appeared to be a clear revealed in an interview that he Gouffran and Jonas Gutierrez. penalty. turned down a lucrative contract Liverpool showed plenty of Dejan Lovren, who has strug- Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling (right) in action with Newcastle’s Daryl Janmaat during the English Premier League at Anfield which saw him light- intent early on as Sterling and gled in his debut season at Anfield, match at the Anfield yesterday. heartedly heckled at Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho dropped deep chopped down Ayoze Perez to kit launch. in search of the ball, eager to run the extent that even home fans In the second half, Henderson’s Liverpool corner was sent back when the visitors were reduced Rodgers said: “For me it is at Newcastle backline. appeared shocked that referee low cross found Sterling on the into the Newcastle penalty area to 10 after a needless late lunge something that when you are a The home side’s early pressure Lee Mason waved play on. edge of the six-yard box but, with and Mike Williamson, rather by Sissoko. professional sportsperson at the yielded the opening goal in the On the stroke of half-time just Krul to beat, he contrived to than clear first time, controlled The Newcastle midfielder went top, I don’t think it is something ninth minute. Mignolet matched the athleti- shoot wide. the ball on his chest only for the in high on Lucas and was shown you should be doing. Sterling’s uncertainty over cism of his Newcastle counterpart It would not affect the outcome alert Allen to react by shooting a second yellow card by referee “It is as simple as that. But I whether he will sign a new with a superb diving fingertip save of the contest, though, as Liverpool into the top-left corner of the net. Mason, although it could con- will speak to him. We want players Liverpool contract has led to to push a Perez header over the scored a second goal with 20 min- Liverpool’s task in the remain- ceivably have been a straight red. here who are super-professional accusations of greed from some crossbar. utes of the match remaining. A der of the game was much easier AFP and focused on their football. He very much is. It’s very simple, I’ll speak to Raheem on that. It will be dealt with internally. Al Shahaniya, Al Wakrah try to avoid QSL chop “Like I’ve said before, young players make mistakes. He is a young kid who is in the spotlight DOHA: The final round of the now. He knows the demands of Qatar Stars League (QSL) will QSL Standings being a top class player and pro- have plenty of drama in store P W L D GF GA GD Pts fessional, both on and off the Lekhwiya 25 18 2 5 54 25 29 59 for us despite Lekhwiya clinch- Al Gharafa interim field.” ing the title. coach Habib Sadiq Al Sadd 25 16 3 6 66 35 31 54 Rodgers wholeheartedly praised Round 26 sees the relegation Sterling’s influence on the pitch (right) speaking on the El Jaish 25 14 9 2 52 32 20 44 tussles going to the wire with as he helped the Reds return to eve of their Qatar Stars Qatar SC 25 13 8 4 49 39 10 43 either Al Shahaniya or Al Wakrah winning ways after back-to-back getting the boot. League (QSL) match Al Gharafa 25 11 11 3 47 52 -5 36 defeats to Manchester United and Wakrah coach Goran Tufegdzic against Al Wakrah in Al Ahli 25 10 10 5 46 40 6 35 Arsenal. said that his team was focussed in Doha yesterday. Seven Al Arabi 25 9 8 8 42 36 6 35 Sterling scored a sublime open- their pursuit ahead of the crunch matches wil be played Umm Salal 25 9 9 7 39 34 5 34 ing goal in the ninth minute before today on the conclud- relegation deciding match today. Al Kharaitiyat 25 8 7 10 36 36 0 34 Joe Allen added Liverpool’s second “I have to say that nobody has ing day of QSL. after the break, while Newcastle Al Khor 25 7 9 9 35 44 -9 30 more motivation than our team had captain Moussa Sissoko sent to stay in the league. We have to Al Sailiya 25 8 12 5 40 49 -9 29 off for a second-bookable offence. be more aggressive - in a positive Al Wakrah 25 5 15 5 32 51 -19 20 “You see the way Raheem way of course. Gharafa have lost Al Shahaniya 25 5 15 5 26 55 -29 20 plays,” Rodgers added. “He is a two matches in a row and they have a superior goal difference of today lost to Lekhwiya in the be looking for a turnaround. Al Shamal 25 1 16 8 24 60 -36 11 kid that is very strong willed and will have the motivation to win,” 10 goals. last round, this allowed the Red “I will continue his work. For strong minded. He should have Tufegdzic said. This means that if both teams Knights to claim their fourth me it’s not new. I have been with had a hat-trick, his perform- “I had a meeting with the play- lose it would be Shahaniya that Qatar Stars League title in five the club for a long time. I know QSL Fixtures ance was outstanding, him and ers and I said in the last match would go down, unless they man- seasons, so the Brigadiers will be everything about the club and I Al Sailiya vs Lekhwiya at Thani Bin Jassim Coutinho. against Khor we should have done age to score six and Wakrah were eager to end the season on a high. am ready to help the team. This Stadium “He is very valuable. He is a kid much, much better. We needed to to concede heavily in their clash Shahaniya have drawn their game comes after two defeats and who is non-stop, he wants to learn Al Wakrah vs Al Gharafa at Saoud Bin Abdel play with more energy. We have against Al Gharafa. last two games whilst Ahli have we will try to prepare the players and improve himself. I thought Rahman Stadium to be more aggressive and posi- If both teams were to have lost their last two. However Ahli mentally because in two days you he was outstanding tonight. tive and we will get the results. equal goal difference after round are in 6th place and so clearly have cannot really work on physical Al Ahli vs Al Shahaniya at Grand Hamad Wonderful skill and ability for Against Khor we conceded the 26, then Shahaniya would stay up more experience winning in the top aspect or tactics,” Sadiq said. Stadium his goal. first goal and then the match due to winning both encounters division. So at the Grand Hamad “This is a very crucial game Al Khor vs Umm Salal at Al Khor Stadium “He presses the ball so well. It became too open and we lost against Al Wakrah this season. Stadium there will either tear of for Wakrah but it is also impor- Qatar SC vs Al Arabi at Seham Bin Hamad is one where internally, we will our formation. I have talked to To add to the excitement both sorrow or of joy for the Oryxes. tant for us because we want to Stadium always look after these type of my players and told them not matches will be played at the Meanwhile Al Gharafa interim stay in the fifth place. So we will Al Sadd vs Al Shamal at Jassim Bin Hamad players.” to repeat this mistake against same time so neither side will coach Habib Sadiq, who has been try to prepare our team to show a Stadium Rodgers revealed that Daniel Gharafa,” he added. know who will stay up until the handed over the reigns by the club reaction after the losses and take Sturridge missed the game with Al Kharaitiyat vs El Jaish at Abdullah Bin Al Shahaniya is level on points final whistle has sounded. administration after head coach three points,” he added. a hip injury and is uncertain Khalifeh Stadium with Al Wakrah but the Waves Al Ahli who faces Shahaniya Marcos Paqueta’s departure, will THE PENINSULA whether he will be fit for their FA Cup semi-final with Aston Villa on Sunday. Rodgers said: “He will hopefully A breakdown of the 2018 World Cup qualifying groups in Asia be ok for the weekend. I will know more in the week. SINGAPORE: The com- home but will likely be battling face Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan 2-0 at the 2011 Asian Cup and will be happy with their draw “He feels reasonably fine so we bined second round qualifying for third place in the group. East for the first time should not are desperate to prove they can after being pitched against infe- are hoping by the middle of the draw for 2018 World Cup and Timor beat Mongolia in the first pose on field problems for the compete against the best ahead rior sides in relative close prox- week we will have an indication 2019 Asian Cup took place in round and are competing at this Socceroos. of staging the 2022 tournament. imity, Guam aside. where he is at.” Malaysia yesterday. Here is a stage for the first time. Jordan lost to Kyrgyzstan in The Maldives may well be one Oman are likely to take sec- Rodgers confirmed that Italy breakdown of Groups A-D. Group B the 2010 qualifiers but should of the world’s most beautiful hol- ond in the group but lack the striker Mario Balotelli was still Group A Asian champions Australia have too much for them this iday destinations but travelling fire power in attack to trouble absent with an “on-off sick- The improving United Arab face some lengthy journeys time around. Bangladesh will be can be tough in and around the Iran, even if Carlos Queiroz is no ness” while defender Mamadou Emirates and traditional Asian across Asia and will not enjoy grateful for the regular matches islands. The Afghanistan team longer coach. Sakho will be missing for three powerhouse Saudi Arabia are returning to Jordan, where they but are likely to make little complained of sea sickness dur- India will have another shot or four weeks with a hamstring sure to fight it out for top spot. were beaten 2-1 in the 2014 impression. ing last year’s AFC Challenge at removing the tag of “sleep- problem. The Saudis, who have qualified World Cup qualifying campaign. Group C Cup and were also involved in a ing giant” under the guid- Despite this being their fifth for four World Cups, have had Jordan went on to lose to China’s young team the battle traffic accident. ance of Englishman Stephen straight league defeat, Newcastle the better of clashes between the Uruguay in the intercontinental for top spot in Group C against Bhutan, happy to have ditched Constantine. His compatriot, manager John Carver was encour- two but have struggled of late playoff but failed to build on that Qatar. the “world’s worst tag” after Gary White, will push them aged by the performance of his with the constant chopping and with a dire run under former China won admirers at the beating Sri Lanka in the last for third after making strong side following their derby defeat changing of coaches. England captain Ray Wilkins, Asian Cup with the team devel- round should offer little resist- inroads since taking charge of to rivals Sunderland. The Emiratis have improved who left after the group stage oping well under Frenchman ance against Qatar and China, Guam. Carver said: “I think we got a sharply with a core group of at the Asian Cup. Alain Perrin and reaching the who they have never enjoyed the Turkmenistan have never response. We didn’t get a result, young players, led by head coach They still have a core group quarter-finals, unlike Qatar who best of political relations with. lost to Iran, beating them twice but I saw enough. There are lot of Mahdi Ali, and finished third at of talented players but need to had a disastrous tournament Hong Kong, seeded five in the in four matches. The last a positives to take from the game. the Asian Cup in January after find the solid organisation and and exited at the group stage. group, could threaten for third 1-0 win in Tehran in 1996. A “A lot of people expected us to knocking out the holders Japan. high intensity that troubled the Qatar boast the better record spot. repeat would be a huge shock get a hiding and I think we held Malaysia and Palestine should Australians before. in a relatively even head-to- Group D for a side ranked 159th in the our own for the majority of the pose problems for the big two at Long trips to central Asia to head, winning the last contest Asia’s top ranked side Iran world. AFP game. We have gone toe to toe with them. AFP WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

I tried to forget last year’s PSG renew Barcelona troubles: Messi BARCELONA: Four-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi has admitted that he struggled to overcome injuries in Barcelona’s first trophy- rivalry sans Ibrahimovic less campaign for six years last season. As well as the disappointment at club level, Messi suffered the Ligue 1 champions must also do without Verratti, Luiz and Motta devastation of losing the World Cup final with Argentina and saw PARIS: Diminished by inju- the Parc des Princes in a thrilling Cristiano Ronaldo oust him to ries and suspensions, Paris group-stage game in September. win the World Player of the Year Saint-Germain renew hostili- He was back by the time the for a second consecutive year. ties with Barcelona today as sides met at the Camp Nou in “Last season, I had an incon- the sides clash at the Parc des December and even scored in sistent season. I was out for a Princes Stadium in the first that game, but could not prevent long time with injuries and I leg of their Champions League Barcelona winning 3-1 on the missed a lot of games,” Messi told quarter-final. night. Barcelona’s website. PSG have been eliminated And it was with 10 men fol- “When I returned to playing I in the last eight on away goals lowing the Swede’s sending-off didn’t feel good. It was a year I in each of the last two seasons, that the French champions ral- have tried to forget quickly to get including losing to Barcelona in lied to eliminate Chelsea on away back to my best with the effort, 2013. goals on a remarkable evening at work and joy with which I have As they look to finally make it Stamford Bridge. always had and thankfully now I back to the semi-finals of Europe’s That game felt like something feel very good.” elite club competition for the first of a coming of age for PSG in Messi has stormed back to time in 20 years, the side from the Europe, but the test that awaits form since this season with 45 French capital could hardly be in them against Barcelona cannot be goals in 44 games to put Barca in better form. underestimated, even if they are position for just the second treble A point clear at the top of Ligue unbeaten in 33 European home in the club’s history. 1, they are on course to win an games stretching back almost “We went through times that unprecedented clean sweep of the nine years. we won everything, every year we domestic honours. “It will be very difficult but it would win a title and sometimes Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored could be extraordinary,” reasoned the fans and us didn’t value what twice in that game, having netted midfielder Blaise Matuidi. we were doing,” Messi added. a hat-trick in last midweek’s 4-1 “We have already shown that “We had a bad year when we French Cup semi-final defeat of we can compete against them didn’t win anything and now, Saint-Etienne to reach a century and even beat them. We will when the success comes, we give of goals for the club. need to be at 150 percent, even it the importance it deserves and The Swede has scored 13 times with all the absences. We will give we enjoy it more because we know in his last seven matches for club everything.” how difficult it is to achieve.” TOP LEFT: Paris St Germain’s Edinson Cavani and country, but he will miss the In contrast to their hosts, The one area of Messi’s game attends a training session at the Ooredoo training meeting with one of his former Barcelona come into their eighth that has let him down in recent clubs due to suspension after consecutive quarter-final in the camp in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, near Paris, months has been from the pen- being sent off in the second leg of competition with only one nota- yesterday. TOP RIGHT: PSG’s Qatari President alty spot as the 27-year-old the last-16 win over Chelsea last ble player missing in the shape Nasser Al Khelaifi watches his team practice has missed five of his last 11 month. of right-back Dani Alves, who is yesterday. BOTTOM LEFT: Barcelona’s coach Luis spot-kicks, including against Ibrahimovic is also about to suspended. Enrique attends a news conference at the Parc Manchester City in the last 16 of begin a four-game domestic ban, Luis Enrique’s side are top of des Princes Stadium in Paris yesterday. BOTTOM the Champions League. so PSG must get used to being La Liga but not everything is RIGHT: Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel “It angers me. Both with Barca without their talisman, who has rosy for the Catalans just now Messi (right) and Brazilian forward Neymar arrive and the Argentine national team 28 goals in total this season. after they threw away a two-goal for a training session at the Parc des Princes I am the penalty taker and the “He was good, very good,” said lead to draw 2-2 with Sevilla on Stadium yesterday. goalkeepers study you and know Blanc of Ibrahimovic’s display in Saturday, despite a 45th goal of you better every time. the League Cup final. “His objec- the season for Lionel Messi. “It is true that a well-taken tive now is the second leg against Neymar also scored in that penalty is very difficult to save, Barcelona in 10 days. He will get game but could not hide his dis- but at the moment it is more some rest.” gust later on when he was substi- difficult for me when I’m taking Blanc must also do without tuted and the Brazilian will now penalties. Marco Verratti due to suspen- be eager to get back on the field “These things happen in foot- sion, while David Luiz and Thiago against PSG after netting in both ball, but I do get very annoyed Motta have hamstring injuries, meetings between the sides in the when I miss, like against although the return to fitness group stage. Manchester City when the goal of the likes of Yohan Cabaye “We must make as few mis- would have given us a much bigger and Lucas does provide some takes as possible and not concede,” advantage.” AFP consolation. warned another of Barcelona’s In any case, the absence of Brazilians, Adriano. “They have Ibrahimovic may not prove as quality players who need only Ex-team-mates crucial as it appears at first the slightest opportunity to score glance. After all, he was injured goals. They are very dangerous on to clash as rival when Paris beat Barcelona 3-2 at the break.” AFP coaches PORTO, Portugal: Pep Bayern out to brush off injury woes at Porto Guardiola yesterday said he never dreamed both he and PORTO, PORTUGAL: Injury- ex-Barcelona team-mate Julen hit Bayern Munich head to Porto Lopetegui would be rival coaches for today’s Champions League for a Champions League quar- quarter-final, first leg minus a ter-final when Bayern Munich host of stars, but determined to take on Porto today. boost their bid to reach a fourth Bayern Twenty years ago, the rival straight European semi-final. Munich’s coaches were team-mates at Pep Guardiola’s Bayern last goalkeeper Barcelona when Lopetegui made failed to reach the last four in Manuel a handful of appearances in Europe in 2011 and having lifted Neuer in Barcelona’s goal, while Guardiola the European title five times, the action was a defensive midfield stalwart 2013 Champions League winners in the 1990s. during a have won 16 of their 25 matches “When we were young, we training at this stage. never expected that we would one But rarely have the star-stud- session at day coach teams in the quarter- ded Bavarian giants been so ham- the Estadio final of the Champions League,” strung by injuries. do Dragao said Guardiola, 44, who won 14 Left-back David Alaba, centre- in Porto, trophies as Barcelona coach back Medhi Benatia, midfielder Portugal, before joining Bayern. Javi Martinez and right winger yesterday. “He puts in some very good Arjen Robben are all missing. work and his team plays very good To compound matters, left football.” winger Franck Ribery and Lopetegui’s Porto are unbeaten defensive midfielder Bastian in the Champions League this Schweinsteiger were ruled out on season. They are second only to Monday with an ankle injury and Bayern have Spain veteran titles. “There is a chance that this is being seen as a positive in the Porto are seeking a first semi- Benfica in Portugal’s top flight in ‘flu respectively. Xabi Alonso back after serving a small, but high-quality group Bayern camp. final appearance since the 2004 his first club appointment since one-match ban, while Germany can develop a lot of strength and “It’s nothing to do with the run to the final when they won 2009 having worked with Spain’s defender Jerome Boateng and dynamic,” said Sammer. team’s substance, it’s the most the Champions League under Jose junior international sides in striker Claudio Pizarro are back “It’s well known that this team beautiful rhythm in the world,” Mourinho. recent years. after injury. is hungry.” said Sammer. “Playing the quarter-finals of The 48-year-old coached Even missing their top stars, Bayern have won six of their “The players would rather play a competition as big as this one Spain’s Under-19s, who won the Bayern still managed to dominate last ten Champions League away games than train.” is a reward for everyone and the 2012 European Championships, Eintracht Frankfurt in Saturday’s matches including their 7-1 win Hosts FC Porto have their only thing on our mind is dreams then managed the Under-21 team 3-0 league win at Munich’s Allianz at AS Roma in the group stage. own share of injury woes with and ambitions”, said Porto’s that won the 2013 European title Arena to keep them ten points Even shorn of fleet-footed Colombia striker Jackson Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui, a and is now bidding for his first clear in the Bundesliga. wingers Robben and Ribery, plus Martinez doubtful with a groin former team-mate of Guardiola silverware as a club coach. Robert Lewandowski scored midfield general Schweinsteiger, injury after scoring 26 goals in all at Barcelona. In contrast, Guardiola has twice to leave him with nine goals Bayern can still name five World competitions. “There is nothing else to take already claimed four trophies in his last eight league games Cup winners at the Estadio do Likewise, forward Christian into the game.” at Bayern on top of the 14 he and has taken over from Robben Dragao. Tello is missing having torn his The Portuguese club’s last won with Barcelona, with the as the club’s top scorer in all “We know that we can rely on right thigh before Porto’s heavy quarter-final appearance was in Bavarians in the hunt for the tre- competitions. whichever team plays,” confirmed league defeat to Estoril on April 6. the 2008-2009 season when they ble of European, domestic cup and Guardiola has said there is no Thomas Mueller. Their 3-1 win at Rio Ave on were knocked out by Manchester league crowns this season. point Bayern ruing their mis- “It’ll be a close match, I assume Saturday left Porto second in United. “We are friends and the affec- fortune while director of sport we won’t win 5-0, but we must Portugal’s top flight, three points Their only two victories in six tion is mutual, we respect each Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller Matthias Sammer said the make sure we come home with a behind leaders Benfica, as Ricardo previous quarter-final appear- other and I consider him to be laughs during a news conference Germans’ title hunger will carry good result.” Quaresma, Real Madrid-bound ances came in the seasons when one of the best coaches in history,” in Porto yesterday. them through as they chase the Their punishing schedule of a right-back Danilo and forward they went on to be crowned enthused Lopetegui, who joined treble of European, cup and league game every three or four days Hernani all netted. European champions. AFP Porto last May. AFP WEDNESDAY 15 APRIL 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Basketball: Qatar SC down Al Khor, Al Gharafa edge El Jaish

The players of Al Gharafa and El Jaish vie for ball possession during the Qatar Basketball Cup match at Al Gharafa Stadium yesterday. Al Gharafa won 87-78. RIGHT: Action from the match between Qatar SC and Al Khor. Qatar SC won 100-82.

Donald steps down as Proteas West Indies bounce back bowling coach

CAPE TOWN: Allan Donald has stepped down as bowling coach of South Africa, confirm- ing his departure yesterday to dismiss England for 399 after four years in the role. Donald was appointed in June 2011 as part of Gary Kirsten’s Hosts recover from two early blows to reach 84 for 2 in Antigua Test management team and continued in the role under current coach Russell Domingo from August NORTH SOUND, Antigua 2013. and Barbuda: Kraigg “I have had some time to reflect Brathwaite and Marlon Samuels after the World Cup and have were steadying the West Indies come to the conclusion that the innings after two early setbacks time is right to move on,” the in reaching the tea interval at England’s James 48-year-old said in a statement 84 for two in reply to England’s Anderson cel- from Cricket South Africa. first innings total of 399 at the ebrates the wicket “It was always a big dream of Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in of Devon Smith on mine to work in the South African Antigua yesterday. day two of the first cricket environment after my Brathwaite was on 34 with Test match against playing days and I was incredibly Samuels on 29 at the break, the West Indies at the honoured to be given the oppor- pair having doubled the home Sir Vivian Richard tunity. The last four years have side’s total at that point after the Stadium in St. been the best of my life.” early dismissals of Devon Smith John’s, Antigua, The Proteas have not lined up and Darren Bravo. yesterday. RIGHT: a replacement as yet, but hope to Smith became James English batsman have one in place by the time they Anderson’s 381st Test wicket, Ian Bell plays a cut tour Bangladesh for two tests and shot watched by a series of limited overs matches Scoreboard West Indies wick- in July. Donald enjoyed a decade long etkeeper Denesh test career as a feared fast bowler, England (I Innings) Ramdin. A Cook b Roach ...... 11 collecting 330 wickets having J Trott c Bravo b Taylor ...... 0 made his debut as a 25-year-old G Ballance c Bravo b Holder ...... 10 when South Africa were read- I Bell c wkpr Ramdin b Roach ...... 143 mitted to international cricket J Root b Taylor ...... 83 in 1992. B Stokes c Holder b Taylor ...... 79 REUTERS J Tredwell c Bravo b Holder ...... 8 touching a delivery through Jordan and Anderson briefly QCA to host ACC 0 Level Cricket Coaching Course J Buttler c wkpr Ramdin b Roach ...... 0 to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler to frustrated the home side, neces- C Jordan not out ...... 21 depart for 11. In his 100th match sitating the introduction of part- S Broad c Blackwood b Roach ...... 0 at this level, the veteran seamer time spinner Samuels to end J Anderson c Holder b Samuels ...... 20 needs three more scalps to the innings with the wicket of Extras (B-7, LB-3, W-8, NB-6) ...... 24 become the leading wicket-taker Anderson. English aspirations of Total (all out, 110.4 overs) ...... 399 in Test history for England. a first innings total well beyond Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-22,3-34, 4-211, Chris Jordan, who had earlier the 400-run mark evaporated in 5-341, 6-357, 7-357, 8-361, 9-361, 10-399. featured in a 38-run last-wicket the early minutes of the day’s play Bowling: Taylor 20-4-90-3 (1nb, 1w), Roach partnership with Anderson, then when the hard-hitting Ben Stokes 29-6-94-4 (3nb, 2w), Holder 25-11-69-2 (2nb, disposed of Bravo for just ten, the guided a catch to Jason Holder at 1w), Benn 26-3-85-0, Samuels 10.4-0-51-1. left-hander’s indeterminate prod gully off Jerome Taylor. West Indies (I Innings) giving Buttler his second catch in His departure was the trig- K Brathwaite (batting) ...... 0 quick succession. ger for the slide with Holder D Smith c wkpr Buttler b Anderson ...... 11 Pacer Kemar Roach led the removing nightwatchman James D Bravo c wkpr Buttler b Jordan ...... 10 improved effort for the home Tredwell via Bravo’s third catch M Samuels (batting) ...... 29 side with the ball at the start of the innings at first slip. Roach Total (2 wickets, 29 overs) ...... 84 of the day, taking the wickets of then joined in the rout as Buttler Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-42. Buttler and Broad to finish with and Broad both failed to score, the To bat: Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Jermaine the best innings figures of four usually attacking wicketkeeper- Blackwood, Denesh Ramdin (captain), Jason for 94 as England, resuming at batsman being restrained for 21 Holder, Jerome Taylor, Kemar Roach, Sulie- the overnight position of 341 for deliveries before edging a deliv- man Benn. five, added only 58 more runs to ery to his West Indies counter- Bowling: Anderson 9-6-15-1, Broad 8-0- be dismissed within 20 minutes of part Ramdin while the fast bowler Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) will organise the ACC 0 Level Cricket Coaching Course from April 26 to 29 in 26-0, Jordan 6-1-21-1, Stokes 4-0-18-0, the lunch interval. slashed a wide delivery unerringly Doha. Trsihane Nonis, Abdul Rehman Chohan, Mohammad Jahangir, Shivani Mishra and Syed Hassan Raza Tredwell 2-0-4-0. At one point, they lost four to Jermaine Blackwood at back- will be the instructors for the course, which is sponsored by the Asian Cricket Council. wickets for just four runs before ward-point. AFP Rajasthan Royals beat Mumbai Indians Scoreboard MUMBAI INDIANS Faulkner 3-1-29-0, PV Tambe 3-0-25- 1 AHMEDABAD: Leading from 46-run knock. But the dismissals Earlier, Pollard and Anderson straight-jacketed the Mumbai AJ Finch retired hurt ...... 10 RAJASTHAN ROYALS the front, captain Steven Smith of Rahane and Deepak Hooda in struck fighting half-centuries as batsmen for the major part of PA Patel c Morris b Kulkarni ...... 16 AM Rahane c Anderson b Gopal ...... 46 smashed an unbeaten 79-run successive overs put the Royals Mumbai recovered from a slug- the innings, were clueless against UBT Chand b Tambe ...... 12 SV Samson c Sharma b Vinay Kumar ...... 17 knock to lead Rajasthan Royals in a spot of bother, before Smith gish start to post a respectable the Caribbean stroke-maker and RG Sharma* c Smith b Binny ...... 0 SPD Smith (not out) ...... 79 to a seven-wicket victory over and James Faulkner teamed up to 164/5. The decision to bat seemed Anderson, who got life on 23 after CJ Anderson b Morris ...... 50 DJ Hooda b Malinga ...... 13 Mumbai Indians in their IPL guide their team to victory. to have backfired as Mumbai man- being caught off a no ball. KA Pollard c Nair b Southee ...... 70 JP Faulkner (not out) ...... 6 match at Sardar Patel Stadium Smith and Rahane laid the aged only 45 runs in the first 10 Steven Smith used four dif- J Suchith (not out) ...... 0 Extras (W 1, NB 3) ...... 4 in Ahmedabad yesterday. foundation by finding gaps with a overs but the fiery 104-run stand ferent bowlers in the Power-play S Gopal (not out) ...... 1 Total (3 wkts; 19.1 overs) ...... 165 Smith smashed eight fours and precise timing. Even after Rahane between Pollard and Anderson in overs after being asked to bowl Extras (B 2, LB 2, NB 1) ...... 5 Did not bat: KK Nair, STR Binny, CH Morris, TG a sixe in his knock that came off was dismissed, Smith played with just 9.1 overs, changed the team’s and the ploy worked as Mumbai Total (5 wkts; 20 overs) ...... 164 Southee, DS Kulkarni, PV Tambe 53 balls as Royals chased down a calm head on his shoulders to fortunes. could only manage 31 runs in six Did not bat: SL Malinga, R Vinay Kumar, P Suyal Fall of wickets: 1-28 , 2-92, 3-113 the 165-run target in 19.1 overs. score a fifty and steer them home. Pollard’s 70 came off just 34 overs. Such was the discipline Fall of wickets: 0-24, 1-27, 2-31, 3-45, Bowling: R Vinay Kumar 3-0-13-1, P Suyal The Royals run chase got off In the 17th over, Smith took on balls as he punished the Royals and domination of the Royals’ 4-149, 5-161 4-0-45-0 (3nb), SL Malinga 4-0-41-1 (1w), J to a bad start as they lost opener the gauntlet of facing up to Lasith bowlers with seven fours and five bowlers that Mumbai scored only Bowling: TG Southee 4-0-46-1, CH Morris Suchith 4-0-31-0, CJ Anderson 2-0-12-0, S Sanju Samson in the fifth over, Malinga and collected three sixes while Anderson supported 45 runs in 10 overs, managing 4-0-34-1, DS Kulkarni 3-0 -15-1 (1nb), STR Gopal 2.1- 0-23-1 but the other opener Ajinkya boundaries as Mumbai suffered the Caribbean with a 38-ball 50. only six shots to the fence. Binny 2- 0-8-1, DJ Hooda 1-0-3-0 , JP Player-of-the-match: SPD Smith (Rajasthan) Rahane steadied the ship with a their third loss in a row. The Royals bowlers, who had AGENCIES Wednesday 15 April 2015 26 Jumada II 1436 Volume 20 Number 6401 Sport Price: QR2

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Qatar get tricky World Cup draw The second round of matches will also double as qualifiers for the 2019 Asian Cup

KUALA LUMPUR: Qatar The remaining 28 teams will received a tricky draw for the compete for the other 12 places 2018 World Cup yesterday as at the Asian Cup, which has been they embark on their final expanded to 24 sides for 2019. attempt to qualify for the tour- The home-and-away round nament before hosting it in robin starts on June 11 and fin- 2022. ishes on March 29 next year. The Gulf state were bracketed AFP with rapidly emerging China, who impressed at this year’s Asian Cup, and will also face dicey trips World Cup/Asian to Hong Kong and Bhutan. Qatar have never reached the Cup Qualifying Draw World Cup and an appearance at Draws for Asia’s second qualifying round for Russia 2018 would help assuage the Russia 2018 World Cup and UAE 2019 critics who question their creden- Asian Cup*, as announced in Kuala Lumpur tials as hosts of football’s biggest yesterday: competition. Group A: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, The reigning Gulf champions East Timor, Malaysia disappointingly failed to reach the Group B: Australia, Jordan, Tajikistan, Asian Cup knock-out stages in Kyrgyzstan, Bangladesh January and they will be keen to show their worth in international Group C: China, Qatar, Maldives, Bhutan, competition. Hong Kong Alain Perrin’s China are seeded Group D: Iran, Oman, India, Turkmenistan, top in Group C and Bhutan cre- Guam ated headlines when, as the world’s lowest ranked team, they Group E: Japan, Syria, Afghanistan, shocked Sri Lanka to reach the Singapore, Cambodia second qualifying round. Group F: Iraq, Vietnam, Thailand, “Especially against Qatar it will Indonesia, Taiwan be difficult... (but) it is impor- tant to compete everywhere in Group G: South Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, the world if we want to go to the Myanmar, Laos World Cup,” Perrin said. Group H: Uzbekistan, Bahrain, Philippines, “For me, I know Qatar, I know North Korea, Yemen this team. I know what they can do in the World Cup games and *The top eight teams and four best group it will be difficult, but it is okay. runners-up will progress to Asia’s final We will have to prepare for our World Cup qualifying round as well as the Asian Cup in UAE. games well.” Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Executive Director of Competitions, Shin Man Gil, shows the ticket of Qatar during the 2018 World Cup Asian Asian Cup-winners Australia Qualifiers second round draw in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday. The home-and-away round robin starts face a challenge from Jordan in on June 11 and finishes on March 29 next Group B, while Japan received 2010 World Cup, could spring “It’s about time an Asian coun- “We can help raise the stand- four best group runners-up will year. a kind draw with Syria, a surprise in Group H, where try breaks the European, South ards and push an Asian country progress to Asia’s final World Afghanistan, Singapore and Uzbekistan, Bahrain and the American handle on the World to win the World Cup one day. It Cup qualifying round, as well as The remaining 28 teams will compete for Cambodia in Group E. Philippines are seeded above Cups,” said Australia coach Ange starts today.” the 2019 Asian Cup in the United the other 12 places at the Asian Cup, which North Korea, who reached the them. Postecoglou. The top eight teams and Arab Emirates. has been expanded to 24 sides for 2019. After ‘tough’ title win, Laudrup QFA signs media deal with AspireInfront keen to reach 60-point mark DOHA: The Qatar Football hospitality contingent and fur- Association (QFA) has signed ther promotional rights. BY RIZWAN REHMAT Laudrup seemed wary of a media and marketing part- Hamad Al Kuwari, QFA’s Lekhwiya players becoming nership with AspireInfront. Director of Marketing and DOHA: Qatar Stars League complacent against Al Sailiyah Together, they will market Communications, said: “Whilst (QSL) champions Lekhwiya, tomorrow. the sponsorship and interna- strongly focused on the develop- who sealed their fourth title “Having won the title, there tional media rights of the Qatari ment of our national team, we win in five years on Sunday, are is a chance that our perform- men’s national football team are always looking for new ways keen to end their season with ance might drop because we will qualifiers and friendlies. to share the team’s progress 60 points when they take on Al be playing without pressure,” The Doha-based ven- and raise media awareness of Sailiya in their final QSL clash Laudrup said. ture between the QFA and Qatar’s great and challenging tomorrow. “So it is most important for us AspireInfront will market the football journey. Partnering “If you look at the numbers to maintain a high level of per- sponsorship opportunities as with AspireInfront gives us (you will see) it was a tough sea- formance against Sailiyah. well as the international media extra potential and leverages son. In the last game if we can “It’s not important to win but rights for some of the Qatari our efforts to market Qatari win or even draw we will touch 60 we should get at least a draw from national team’s football and to help points in a season and that would this game. We lost our last game home matches. spread its popular- be incredible,” Danish coach in February which is a long time The agreement ity globally. At the Michael Laudrup said yesterday. ago. So it is very important for will start on the same time, the In his first season as coach, us to maintain our level,” he said. June 1. company’s domes- Laudrup guided Lekhwiya to a tile “It is true we will miss very Qatar’s oppo- tic roots mean that win when they beat Al Ahli 3-1 on important players like Karim nents for the sec- it understands our Sunday. Lekhwiya have 59 points Boudiaf, Msakni but we will have ond qualification country’s sports from 25 matches. Former champi- Sebastian Soria, Nam Tae-Hee round of the 2018 culture and the ons Al Sadd have 54 points. and Vladimir Weiss back. FIFA World Cup significant role that “Last season when we won the Lekhwiya’s coach Michael Laudrup holds up the Qatar Stars League “And it is also a chance for Russia and the the national foot- league we had 53 points and Jaish (QSL) trophy at Lekhwiya Stadium on Sunday. other players who haven’t done preliminary round ball team holds.” had 48,” the 50-year-old Dane well to step up,” he said. of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 will Thomas Lessenich, Managing said. We had players injured. It was been a head to head battle with Laudrup said he is ready to be China, Maldives, Bhutan and Director of AspireInfront, said: “This season with one game very, very tough. We came back Al Sadd,” Laudrup said. turn his attention to other events Hong Kong — it was revealed in “After the successful market- remaining we have already taken from five points behind. It’s only “Before Christmas, they were remaining in the season. yesterday’s draw ceremony in ing of the 2014 Italian Super 59 points. because we were strong as a team. five points ahead but then we “I have always been driven by Kuala Lumpur. Cup between Juventus and “We have gotten more points “You can’t compare with the came back and we won the league winning. Otherwise as a player I The new agreement covers Napoli in Doha last December this season as compared to the Spanish League or the Premier five points ahead of them. This would have not have played for 15 the distribution of worldwide through the Infront Group, we last. That gives an indication of League. This was tough because has been a fantastic season for us years in top clubs,” Laudrup said. media rights across all platforms are pleased to be entrusted with how much harder it has been this there were many things that we in the league. “To stay up there we needed and territories on an exclusive the most prestigious domestic season,” he added. had to deal with during the sea- “This season we had two com- to have the hunger to keep basis (except for the domestic football property in the country. Laudrup said the 2014-15 QSL son. Lots of bumps on the road petitions for the national team, winning. territory of Qatar where the We thank the Qatar Football season was full of ‘challenges’. you could say,” he added. the GCC Cup and both us and Al “But just for a few days we have rights are non-exclusive). Association for its confidence in “This is not about how this title Laudrup said helping Lekhwiya Sadd have had many players play- to enjoy our title. Because after The marketing rights cover our ability to add value through ranks. It is about how difficult it bag the QSL title for the fourth ing for these competitions and our that we then have many games stadium advertising opportuni- dedicated marketing compe- was. There were a lot of chal- time in five seasons was satisfying. performance goes on to show how lined up with the ACL, Qatar ties. In addition, match spon- tence and sales strength.” lenges this season,” Laudrup said. “We have had a great run in the well these two teams have done Cup, and then the Emir Cup,” he sors will be provided with a THE PENINSULA “We had national competitions. league this season. Most of it has this season,” he explained. added. THE PENINSULA