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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Expat gets death Qatar, Liberia sign agreements for spying on Qatar Two others sentenced to life; convicts appeal verdict

DOHA: A report carried by a The trio has been charged the Philippines here told The local Arabic newspaper yester- with providing sensitive informa- Peninsula the mission has been day suggesting that a Qatari tion about the state to a country following the case and a rep- criminal court has sentenced and threatening Qatar’s national resentative has actually been a Filipino to death and two security. attending hearings. other Filipinos to jail for life in Defence lawyer for the convicts, Details of the case suggest the an espionage case has evoked Mohsin Thiyab Al Suwaidi, told main convict was a member of sharp reaction from citizens. The Peninsula that the criminal the Philippines security and was All the three Filipinos were court had been conducting this working here for a long time. working in Qatar. Comments trial for the past four years. He was providing information posted by nationals on local social “In these four years the case about special projects, invest- networking sites have called for was transferred to three panels ments, staff members, minutes not giving sensitive posts in Qatar of judges and the last one passed of the meetings of top officials with foreigners. the verdict on April 30 this year.” and plans of the company he was The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf witness the “There is no safety and security He said he had gone in appeal working for, to his country. signing of agreements between the two countries in Doha yesterday. See also page 2 for us, since key (government) and the Criminal Court of In the said Qatari company positions are with foreigners,” Appeals was set to hear the case he was working as a supervi- said a commentator on a social on May 26. sor for budgets and contracts. networking site. He claimed that the charges Investigations revealed that he Another asked how foreigners against the trio were not proved passed on the above information Three Ashghal officials jailed for graft have access to sensitive informa- as investigations haven’t led to as well as information related to tion here. any incriminating evidence. the Qatari air force, military base, One commentator said he Asked how a local Arabic types of weapons Qatar has, their DOHA: A sensational case of has upheld the remaining por- the Doha Expressway project doubted if the Philippines would daily could carry such a sensitive maintenance and servicing, staff bribery involving an Ashghal tion of the verdict of the lower worth QR220m in lieu of money. be spying on Qatar’s security mat- report since it involved national members, including their ranks (Public Works Authority) engi- court about the terminations of The manager was named as the ters and he suspected the involve- security and name the nationality and phone numbers, to a senior neer and two managers and all of them and imposing a fine of prime or first accused in the case. ment of some other countries. of the convicts, Al Suwaidi said Communications Intelligence offi- another official from a couple QR500,000 on the first convict, a He was found guilty of leaking Details of the case which Arabic the criminal court, in its verdict, cial in the Philippines. of contracting companies has project manager from Ashghal, Al the information about the value daily Al Raya carried on its front had not barred the media from The main convict got military come to light. Sharq reported yesterday. of the project worth QR220m page suggested the prime convict, covering the case. and related information about A lower criminal court sen- A report prepared by a fact to the contracting companies. who has been sentenced to death, “The sessions of the court were Qatar from two of his accom- tenced the foursome to 10 years in finding committee represented Based on this information, the was working with a major state- open and anybody could attend plices. The duo was working jail for their involvement in a brib- by the Public Prosecution and the companies priced their bids and owned Qatari company since 1993. them. The judges didn’t think that only for money. After they were ery scandal, but a higher court, State Audit Bureau was submit- bagged the contract. The manager Two other Filipinos working as the case was so sensitive,” said the caught, the police sought permis- during the hearing of an appeal, ted to the court with the state- was also convicted of extending technicians with the Qatar Air lawyer. “In Qatar, we don’t have sion from the Public Prosecution reduced the prison sentence to ments of witnesses. the deadline for the comple- Force were awarded life sentence special courts to try such cases, and conducted searches in their two years. The bribery case came The report blamed the man- tion of the project to prevent by the court for helping the main so criminal courts conduct such office, homes and even cars. to light during the implementa- ager of the said project at Ashghal the companies from being fined. convict by providing him sensitive trials, and they are open.” THE PENINSULA tion of Doha Expressway project. for facilitating two contracting THE PENINSULA information for money. Sources at the embassy of Continued on page 4 The Upper Criminal Court companies to get the tender for Continued on page 4

Mubarak jailed for three years Russia, China School fee hike approved DOHA: Two of the largest Indian schools in Qatar — MES and sign $400bn Birla Public School (BPS) — are among the private schools granted permission by the Supreme Education Council (SEC) to increase gas deal their fees during the forthcoming academic year. MES has over 9,000 students on its rolls, while the BPS has nearly BEIJING: Russia and China 5,000. All Indian schools in Qatar have started their academic year have signed a 30-year, $400bn in April and the fee hike is likely to come into force from September. deal for Gazprom to deliver A senior official of the Private Schools Office at SEC had said that a Russian gas to China in a deal number of schools had sought permission to hike the fees but about 70 that underscores Russia’s shift per cent of the applications had been rejected. A few schools have been towards Asia amid strained given permission to impose a slight hike in their fees, mostly ranging relations with the west. from 1.5 per cent to 4 percent. The two Indian schools have not issued The contract to provide 38bn a circular to parents until now about the fee hike. cubic metres of gas each year THE PENINSULA was signed by the state-owned gas companies Gazprom and CNPC (China National Petroleum Modi invites Sharif to inauguration Corporation) in the presence of the countries’ leaders, Vladimir NEW DELHI: Narendra Modi, the prime minister-elect of India, Putin and Xi Jinping, at the end has invited the leader of the country’s hostile neighbour Pakistan of Putin’s two-day visit to Beijing. to his inauguration in Delhi next week, in what analysts have hailed The Russian president — who as a bold step to launch a policy of regional engagement. has been pushing to close the deal If Nawaz Sharif were to attend the ceremony, it would be a first in after almost a decade of negotia- the history of the two states, which both have nuclear arsenals and tions — called the agreement “the Former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak (right) and his son Gamal look on from the defendants’ cage inside have fought four wars since gaining their independence from Britain largest in the gas sphere during a court room in Cairo yesterday. The court handed down a three-year jail sentence to Mubarak for fraudulently in 1947. Repeated bids to improve relations have failed, though there the era of the USSR and Russia”. spending millions of dollars on his private residences. His sons Gamal and Alaa received four-year sentences. have been incremental gains over the last decade. AGENCIES But one British energy expert Report on page 7 See also page 13 warned that the move could drive up prices for European gas con- sumers who are becoming increas- ingly dependent on Russia and THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 now face competition for supplies. Five secrets to revising that Aled Jones, director of the Rift with PLO to end soon, says Hamas can improve your grades Global Sustainability Institute at By Tom Stafford ow do you get the most out of your revision time, and end up with the best grades you can? Or, if you’re a different sort of student, how can you get the same grades you’re getting Hnow, but spend less time revising? Anglia Ruskin University, warned DOHA: Hamas leader Khaled reconciliation to take place. Israel said after the announce- “positive” discussions, according Either way, you need to know how to learn better. And fortunately, decades of research carried out by psychologists about learning and memory has produced some clear advice on doing just that. As an experimental psychologist, I am especially interested in learn- ing. Most research on learning is done in a lab, with volunteers who that the Britain had the equiva- Meshaal said on Tuesday “We have turned the page on ment that Abbas had chosen to local media reports in Qatar. come in once or twice to learn simple skills or lists of words. Wouldn’t it be better, I thought, if we could study learning by look- ing at a skill people are practising anyway? And could we draw links between how people practise and how good they eventually get? Computer games provide a great way to study learning: they are An expert on revision gives something people spend many hours practising, and they automatically lent of only three years of North the Islamist group was this division... Hamas has already Hamas over peace and cancelled a This week Palestinian politician record every action people take as they practise. Players even finish the game with a score that tells them how good they are. his top five tips on how to Using data from a simple online game, my colleague Mike Dewar Sea gas left on the basis of current close to mending rifts with made sacrifices and this was session of US-brokered talks with Jibril Rajoub, who has close ties and I could analyse how more than 850 000 people learned to play The revise for exam success. consumption and without the use rival President Mahmoud necessary to be closer with our the Palestinians that had been with Abbas, was in Doha and also TODAY’S EDITION OF of imports. “Russia’s new pipeline Abbas’s Palestine Liberation brothers, but with the invader we scheduled for yesterday night in met Meshaal, a source familiar to China will increase competition Organization, but vowed resist- will not make any compromises,” Jerusalem. with the matter said. THE PENINSULA for natural gas from 2018 and will ance against Israel will continue. he said. A source close to Hamas said “I’m aware that many real chal- INCLUDES most likely increase the cost we Speaking at a gathering in Hamas and the PLO announced details of the pact are currently lenges lay ahead. We can over- A 12-Page SPECIAL pay for natural gas here in the Doha to mark “Nakba”, the a unity pact on April 23 after a being finalised between the two come them,” said Meshaal. SUPPLEMENT ON EU. It will certainly increase the annual commemoration of what long line of failed efforts to rec- groups in Doha. Since the unity pact was signed pressure on European countries Palestinians term the catastro- oncile seven years of bickering. Earlier this month, Abbas was on April 23, Hamas members have EDUCATION to find alternative gas supplies,” phe of their displacement when It envisions a unity government in Doha for what was described as complained of arrests in the West he said. THE GUARDIAN Israel was founded, Meshaal said within five weeks and national a personal visit. However, he met Bank by security services loyal to PLUS See also page 17 Hamas has made sacrifices for the elections six months later. with Meshaal and the two held Abbas. REUTERS THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Sheikha Moza meets Liberian President Qatar ranked 19th in world competitiveness

DOHA: Qatar ranked 19th among 60 countries — mostly high-income nations — in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2014, issued by International Institute for Management Development (IMD) Despite a lower ranking compared to last year (10), this year’s assessment confirms Qatar’s strong performance across multiple fronts. The assessment is based on statis- tical indicators and opinions polled from local business leaders, giving a rounded view of the economy’s competitive position. Areas where Qatar ranked highly included: Economic performance (2), government efficiency (5), and business efficiency (24). Scope for improvement was identified in H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser with the President of the Republic of some areas, including infrastructure (42). Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, in her office at the Qatar Foundation President Sirleaf is given a presentation by Engineer Saad Al Muhannadi, President, QF, on the The ranking has been positively influenced headquarters. MAHER ATTAR foundation’s plans. by factors, including strong economic per- formance as represented by surplus in the current account and trade balance, Qatar’s DOHA: H H Sheikha Moza bint QF’s Visitors Centre by Engineer On the great strides QF continues to Expressing her ambition to further low unemployment rate and solid growth Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Saad Al Muhannadi, President, QF, make in its support for the nation’s jour- develop Liberia’s education system, of GDP and per capita GDP. Other contrib- Foundation, met the President of the and Engineer Jassim Telefat, Group ney towards a knowledge-based economy, she said: “I hope that our students and uting factors were a strong surplus in the Republic of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Executive Director, QF Capital Projects President Sirleaf said: “It is a great pleas- teachers one day have an opportunity to general budget and its proportion to GDP, Sirleaf, at the Qatar Foundation head- and Facilities Management. ure to be in Qatar to witness the great come here and take part in the wonder- transparency and efficient financial man- quarters yesterday. President Sirleaf and her delegation innovation of QF and the subsequent ful educational opportunities available agement . The discussions dealt with topics were briefed on the vision and mission of transformation underway at Education in Qatar. I also look forward to enhanc- There are some areas where the report of mutual concern, particularly those QF and its educational initiatives, com- City, which is clearly a place where peo- ing the Liberian educational system by suggests there are opportunities for Qatar related to health and education. munity development plans and scientific ple from all over the world gather to incorporating some of what we have seen to improve performance. These include low- President Sirleaf was welcomed at research programmes. enjoy a thriving learning environment.” at QF.” THE PENINSULA ering export concentration by product and partner, strengthening direct inward invest- ment flows, lowering regulatory burdens on business start-ups, increasing women labour Lufthansa moves to HIA force participation, strengthening high- New funding scheme for entrepreneurs tech exports and the share of renewables DOHA: Lufthansa, the largest European air- in energy requirements. line group, is to operate from the new Hamad The Minister of Development Planning DOHA: Qatar National Research evaluated for technical feasibility, “In the short-term, we believe International Airport (HIA). and Statistics H E Dr Saleh Al Nabit wel- Fund (QNRF), a centre of social impact, market potential and this new programme will encour- The first flight LH 620 from Frankfurt, Germany, comed the report and said, “The results Qatar Foundation Research and overall competitiveness of the team age innovation, which in the long arrives today and the first flight to depart from the confirm that our overall performance is sat- Development (QF R&D), is and ideas presented. run will help Qatar achieve its airport – LH 621 — leaves Doha for Frankfurt isfactory and will help us identify those areas launching a funding programme Over 12 months, successful appli- Vision 2030 of a knowledge-based tomorrow at 01:30. Passengers of LH 621 are advised where we need to consolidate gains and make for entrepreneurs looking to make cants will receive support of up to economy and increase the nation’s to check in at the new Terminal 1 between Check-in further improvements. “Qatar’s National a positive impact on the national $100,000 to develop models or pro- productivity through economic Areas 7 and 10. From May 23, all Lufthansa flights Development Strategy sets out clear targets economy. totypes of their ideas to demonstrate diversification.” to and from Doha will route through the new airport. in the areas of business regulation, economic Envisioned as a catalyst to develop their feasibility. Elaborating on benefits of the new “Lufthansa welcomes the move to the state-of- infrastructure, and private sector develop- new and creative inventions, the Those awarded will also receive scheme, Dr Abdulnasser Al Ansari, the-art airport and we are pleased to inform our ment that will lead to future advances. Qatar Qatar Innovation Promotion Award post-award, non-financial mentoring Deputy Executive Director, QNRF, passengers of our new base in Doha,” said Karsten has no option but to diversify its economy. (QIPA) will fund individuals from all to strengthen their plans, in addition said, “This programme will help Zang, General Manager, the UAE, and Director, Gulf If it is to achieve this, we must continuously sectors and at all levels. to gaining access to further business individuals develop their knowl- and Pakistan. work to increase efficiency and productivity Citizens and residents should development, logistical support, and edge and build on creativity to turn “Doha has been a strong addition to our global and improve our international competitive- submit proposals through QNRF’s investment opportunities. fundamental understanding into network since January 2006 and we have grown this ness. The results show us where we need to online submission channel QGrants Dr Abdul Sattar Al Taie, engines of innovation.” service with additional flights and larger aircraft.” redouble our efforts and improve further.” before August 11. Proposals will be Executive Director, QNRF, said, THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Sheikha Hind attends QU women’s graduation

DOHA: H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Chair of Supreme Education Council (SEC), graced the women’s graduation ceremony of Qatar University yesterday. A total of 989 students received their degree certificates from QU President Prof Sheikha Abdulla Al Misnad at the Class of 2014 gradu- ation ceremony at Qatar National Convention Centre. Twenty-eight students were honoured for achiev- ing GPA 3.50 and above. The Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi, QU vice-presidents, deans, heads of department, guests, faculty, students’ relatives, and alumni were present. H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Chair of Supreme Education Council, with officials and graduates. The new graduates included 889 bachelors, 81 masters, 8 PhDs and 11 diploma holders. and one CPH. It is CPH’s first strategies. She also praised stu- experience and spare no effort to professionals with high efficiency and downs, and today we close this The undergraduate degrees by graduating student from MSc dents for achieving their academic provide them with opportunities in and readiness to join new and chapter in our lives and are pre- colleges represented 371 Arts and Pharm programme. Eight stu- goals and reaping rewards of hard the classroom and the real world emerging fields. pared for the next phase towards Sciences (CAS), 197 Business & dents received Doctor of Pharmacy work and perseverance. to prepare them for any future She thanked the Board of a bright future. Economics (CBE), 14 College of degrees, while 11 received diplomas She said, “As I told your male endeavour”. Regents for committed leadership, “Sincerest gratitude to our par- Education (CED), 120 Engineering in education. colleagues yesterday, QU contin- She also pointed to the next and the faculty, staff and parents ents for their unshakeable support (CENG), 69 Law (LAWC), 22 Prof Al Misnad thanked Sheikha ues to ensure that its academic phase in QU’s strategic plan which for support throughout the stu- and sacrifice, to our professors who College of Pharmacy (CPH) and Hind for honouring graduates and and research environment is of a she said is to step up cooperation dents’ academic journey. guided us through our years of 96 Shariah and Islamic Studies praised the SEC for guiding the standard and quality that enriches and integration with the national Valedictorian Amna Al Khalfan study, QU which gave us the best (CSIS). country towards fulfilment of the students’ lives and motivates education system in line with of College of Law congratulated education, and Qatar in whom we Master’s degrees included 21 education pillars of Qatar National them to strive for excellence. We Qatar’s ambitious development the graduates and said: “We’ve have great pride”. CAS, 14 CBE, 20 CED, 25 CENG, Vision 2030 and development value the importance of student projects which will require national waited for this day, endured ups THE PENINSULA Second Arab Water forum from May 27 DOHA: The Second Arab being held under the patronage of continuing support and encour- community.” Water Conference, which the Prime Minister and Interior agement from our country from Topics include seawater desal- opens on May 27, will discuss Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah all quarters as well as support and ination technologies being used and exchange ideas on issues, bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani. received from our brothers in the in countries without sufficient including ways and means to Nasser Ali Al Mohannadi, Arab world who have expressed access to fresh water. achieve greater efficiency in the Director of Customer Services, their commitment to achieve this The forum will also address management of water in Arab Kahramaa, and Chairman of common goal,” Al Mohannadi desalination practices in use and countries. the Organising Committee, said. new proposals to ensure efficiency The three-day forum to be told a press conference yester- “Through this conference, not just in potable water extrac- Nasser Ali Al Mohannadi (left), Director of Customer Services, Kahramaa held under the auspices of Qatar day: “Kahramaa is honoured to we hope to further reiterate tion but also the energy utilised and Chairman of the Organising Committee, and Ali Saif Al Malki, Director, General Electricity and Water be hosting this conference on Kahramaa’s commitment to being to achieve results. Water Network Affairs, Kahramaa, at the press conference at Kahramaa Corporation (Kahramaa) in coop- Qatar’s behalf. “It reinforces a sustainable and responsible cor- Other major issues that affect Building yesterday. KAMMUTTY V P eration with the Arab Ministerial Qatar’s active role within the porate citizen within our commu- countries in the region include Water Council will seek crea- Arab world as an advocate and nity and encourage the adoption ground water quality and res- tive and sustainable solutions champion of sustainability within and development of advanced ervoirs. Many countries in the groundwater resources. Solutions resources to updating extraction to meet challenges being faced our communities. technology and methodologies to region have particularly chal- to meet these challenges range technologies. by the region. The conference is “We are thankful for the ensure water security within our lenging issues related to depleting from replenishing groundwater THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Cabinet approves draft Azerbaijan National Day marked Sheikha Mariam dies, aged 72 law on changes to press DOHA: Sheikha Mariam bint Abdullah bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani died and publications law yesterday, aged 72, the Emiri Diwan said in a statement. DOHA: The Prime Minister of the law No. 2 of 2011 concerning Funeral prayers will be per- and Interior Minister H E official statistics; a Cabinet draft formed today after Asr (after- Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser decision exempting Al Bayader noon) prayer at Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani yester- Qatar Company from income tax bin Abdulwahab Mosque. day chaired the weekly Cabinet for one year; exempting Qatar meeting at the Emiri Diwan. Airways from government fees Qatar to donate It approved a draft law amend- and rents at Doha International ing some provisions of law No. Airport for one year as of August $10m to S Sudan 8 of 1979 concerning press and 1, 2014; and a proposal of the publications and a draft decision Ministry of Labour and Social DOHA: Qatar will donate of the Minister of Culture, Arts Affairs for hosting the fourth $10m in support of Norway’s and Heritage fixing licence fees GCC Social Labour Festival in initiative to gather emergency for activities subject to law No. Doha on November 13-23, 2014. relief for South Sudan, Khaled 8 of 1979 concerning press and The Cabinet reviewed a draft Al Mansouri, Qatar’s Non- publications. law amending some provisions of The Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Mohammed Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi with Omani resident Ambassador to Oslo, The session also endorsed a the law No. 26 of 2005 for issu- Ambassador Mohamed Nasser Al Wahaibi (second left) and Azerbaijan Ambassador Dr Tofiq Abdullayev cutting said during a donors confer- Cabinet draft decision amending ing a law organising tenders and a cake to mark the National Day of Azerbaijan at a function hosted by the Azerbaijani envoy at Grand Hyatt ence in the Norwegian capital. some administrative units the biddings and took note of the Hotel in Doha yesterday. With them are Abdulaziz Ali Al Naama (second right), Assistant Director, Protocol The conflict in the country Finance Ministry is composed Advisory Council’s recommenda- Department, the Foreign Ministry and other diplomats and guests. SALIM MATRAMKOT since last December has led to and fixing their functions. tion on such a draft law and took mass displacement of people, According to the decision, a decision. destruction of markets, dis- new Public Projects Organisation It also took measures to ratify ruption of livelihoods and the Department is to be added to the the educational and scientific deterioration of food security. ministry to regulate public invest- cooperation accord between Qatar ment and non-investment projects and Belarus. Heart Pillow Project for No Albania entry for all organs whose budgets are It approved a memorandum financed by the State and propose of understanding on health, vet- visa for Qataris policies and mechanisms to study, erinary and livestock produc- evaluate and follow-up projects tion between the Environment DOHA: Albanian authorities and establish a data base. Ministry and the Ministry of breast cancer patients announced that they cancelled The meeting then approved Agriculture in Georgia. entry visa requirements for amendments to some provisions QNA Qataris, an official source at the Foreign Ministry said yester- HMC, AWAQ project aims to help ease symptoms day. The source said in a state- ment carried by Qatar News DOHA: To support breast can- prevent accidental bumps and offer physical and emotional com- Agency that authorities also cer survivors and those liv- pressure. fort to women with breast cancer revealed that Qataris can travel ing with breast cancer, Hamad Cathy McKirdy, Advanced in Doha. to Albania at any time without Medical Corporation (HMC) Clinical Nurse Specialist for the “We also have specially designed applying for a visa in advance has collaborated with American breast unit, HMC, said: “We not adjustable totes to support and from May 25 to September 30. Women’s Association of Qatar only cater to a patient’s medical adjust the position of the drains (AWAQ) to launch the ‘Heart needs but also support them emo- patients must wear for several Charity allocates Pillow Project.’ tionally and psychologically. weeks after surgery. The project has been estab- “One of my long-term patients “The tote bag, designed and QR13m for Gaza lished to help patients and ease came in a few weeks after surgery sewn to specifications of the some of their symptoms. and said the pillow had helped her clinical nurse specialists at HMC, DOHA: Qatar Charity will Patients were given post-sur- immensely and it had been instru- allows the patient to move about spend QR13m on educational gery gift bags containing a heart mental in helping her sleep com- freely without fear of dislodging and agricultural projects in shaped pillow with other items to fortably. It is the reason why we the drains as they resume daily Gaza Strip. A statement by uplift their spirits. are always looking for new ways activities. It is attractive to look the organisation said it signed The pillow fits perfectly under to help our patients not only to at and makes the patient feel two agreements with the min- the patient’s arm. It aims to calm get better but also to feel comfort- better.” istries of education and agri- The centre will serve the entire island. symptoms and makes patients able throughout their journey.” The pillows and tote bags culture in Gaza. The projects more comfortable after surgery. Barbara Phillips, Coordinator, are hand-crafted by more than aim at improving agricultural It can help reduce tension and Heart Pillow Project, AWAQ, 25 volunteers who have worked infrastructure and repairing swelling under the arm. The pil- said: “The pillow was originally long and hard to provide enough schools damaged by rainfall. New Civil Defence Centre low also works to reduce pain developed in the US and has since supplies to last through to this from shoulder tension and can spread to many countries around autumn. Indian schools opens at Pearl Qatar be placed under a seat belt to the world. Our project’s goal is to THE PENINSULA shine in exams

DOHA: Maj. Gen. Saad bin Al Khulaifi toured the centre DOHA: Students of Indian Jassim Al Khulaifi, Director- and expressed his satisfaction schools fared well in the General, Public Security Staff, with facilities that would extend CBSE-I (International) Class yesterday opened the newly services to the entire island. Main convict worked for Philippine Intelligence X examinations held in March built Civil Defence Centre at He highlighted the relevance of this year. The results were Pearl Qatar. awareness events, especially for Continued from page 1 hidden with gift items. The third convict visited announced yesterday. All the The opening was attended students by Civil Defence and said The main convict was working for the Philippine their home country with the main convict in 2009 three schools — MES Indian by Brig. Engineer Abdul Aziz such measures will help save the Intelligence and had the rank of a lieutenant. at the latter’s expense. School, Birla Public School and Al Ansari, Director, Logistics lives of people and properties and He was trained to investigate and record sensitive In the Philippines, he (the third convict) was Shantiniketan Indian School Department, Staff. Brig. Abdullah keep the country safe and secure. information and pass on to a key official at Manila asked about Qatari air force and the number of — that offer the international Muhammad Al Suwaidi, Director He thanked United Airport. In Qatar, he had access to secrets of his Filipinos working with it and their salaries. stream secured 100 percent -General, Public Directorate of Development Company for sup- employing company. Investigations showed that the three convicts pass in the exams. Civil Defence, Ministry of Interior port to build the centre. The Arabic daily said, giving details of the case agreed to commit the crime in 2009 and 2010, the THE PENINSULA/QNA directors and Pear Qatar officials. THE PENINSULA that the second convict passed on information daily said. THE PENINSULA Moroccan officials review Qatar ties with envoy

RABAT: Ahmed Al El Fassi, Director, Tazi, Director of the Department of Protocol East, Gulf and Arab and at the Ministry of Foreign Islamic Organizations at Affairs, also held a sepa- the Moroccan Ministry rate meeting wit the envoy. of Foreign Affairs and Talks during both meet- Cooperation, yesterday ings dealt with bilateral met Qatari Ambassador relations and means of Abdullah bin Falah promoting them in addi- Abdullah Al Dosari. tion to issues of mutual Mohammed Rida concern. QNA ‘Sweika’ gang busted

DOHA: The Criminal areas were selling tobacco Investigation Department products. The gang was (CID) arrested six Asians arrested when they were involved in the produc- trying to distribute and tion and sale of ‘Sweika’ sell the products, said a chewing tobacco. press statement issued by The department seized the Ministry of Interior huge quantity of ‘Sweika’ yesterday. All the accused products from them in Old have been referred to Ghanim and Najma. authorities concerned for It acted on a tip-off further legal procedures. that some people in both THE PENINSULA Convicts admit to bribery Continued from page 1 said that his company had The second convict, sent the first convict on a a manger of a company, foreign trip and paid the admitted that the first expenditure and also gave convict had demanded some gifts. cash and services of the The fourth convict was companies to renovate his involved in seeking tender house as a bribe. details illegally from the The third convict, man- first convict, Al Sharq said. ager of the second company, THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Mathaf to launch second student exhibition Artworks of winners from Independent and international schools on display from Saturday until June 26

DOHA: Mathaf: Arab the public are invited to for Girls, Al Shahaniya Preparatory Doha Modern Indian School, Dukhan Voltaire, Modern Indian School, School of Qatar, Shantiniketan Museum of Modern Art join the exhibition open- Secondary Independent School for English School, Dukhan Preparatory Newton International School, Noor Indian School, Sherborne Qatar, will launch its second stu- ing celebrating students’ Boys, Amna Bint Wahab Independent Secondary School for Boys, English Al Khaleej International School, The American School of Doha, The dent exhibition, featuring artistic expressions. School for Girls, Birla Public School, Modern School, Hayat Universal Qatar Academy, Qatar Academy - German International School Doha, winners of a student art Winning artworks have Cambridge International School for School, Ibn Taymiyyah Independent Al Khor, Qatar Academy – Sidra, The Gulf English School and Um Al competition which saw been selected by a judging Girls, Compass International Private School for Boys, International Roqaya Independent School for Girls, Amad Independent School for Girls. hundreds of entries from panel, including staff from School, Doha British School, Doha School of London in Qatar, Lycée Saad Bin Abi Waqas Independent The exhibition is open at Mathaf Independent and interna- Qatar Museums, the Public College, Doha Home Educators, Bonaparte, Lycée Franco-Qatarien School for Boys, SEK international until June 26. THE PENINSULA tional schools in Qatar. Art Department, Katara “Mathaf Student Art Art Centre and Msheireb Exhibition: Black and Art Centre, in addition White”, which resulted to Mathaf staff from the from the competition Education and Curatorial organised by the Mathaf departments. Education Department in The panel artworks the fall of 2013, opens on based on concept origi- Saturday. nality, inventive use of All schools were invited material and media, crea- to participate and the tive expression, under- museum received over standing of the “black and 300 submissions from white” theme and artist schools in and outside statement. Doha. Students created The selection features work ranging from instal- works by students ACS lations, videos, paintings, Doha International School, mixed media, sculptures Al Arqam Academy and photographs. for Girls, Al Hekma The museum has International School, Ali selected the winning works Bin Abi Talib Independent that will be presented to School for Boys, Al Khor the public on Saturday at International School, Al 3pm. Manara School for Boys, Students, families and Al Salam Kindergarten

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST

UAE, Saudi join Libya to vote in June amid unrest to confront ‘challenges’ ABU DHABI: Gulf neighbours Power struggle deepens as rogue general wins allies the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia announced a joint TRIPOLI: Libya will hold elec- help spare Libya from descend- have suffered mounting losses to he said he would re-enter the city MPs to go into recess. The GNC committee to confront “regional tions next month to replace its ing into civil war after renegade suspected jihadist attacks in the to cleanse it of “terrorists”. convened on Tuesday but failed challenges”, in a statement pub- disputed interim parliament, general Khalifa Haftar, whom eastern city where Islamists are He has won the support of to reach the necessary quorum lished on official Emirati news as authorities strive to contain authorities branded an “outlaw”, well entrenched. Police brigades, special forces there who have of 120 to debate the budget, MP agency Wam. The move came as a power struggle with armed launched an assault on Friday on officers at Tobruk air base and the suffered mounting losses. “A con- Suad Ganur said. She added that Saudi Foreign Minister Prince ex-rebels and prevent a descent Islamists in Benghazi. powerful Al Baraassa tribe from frontation is now inevitable to a vote of confidence in Prime Saud Al Faisal met UAE Crown into civil war. The Islamist-dominated the east have also declared sup- defend our city and our land. We Minister Ahmed Miitig, whose Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Successive governments have interim parliament sparked wide- port for Haftar. will act with force against anyone election earlier this month was Zayed Al Nahayan in Abu Dhabi. complained that the General spread public outrage earlier this But the United States dis- who enters the city or attacks it,” dismissed by many MPs as “ille- Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia National Council’s (GNC) claim year when it extended its own tanced itself from the renegade Ansar Al Sharia said. gal”, was also postponed. have cracked down on Islamists to both executive power and leg- mandate until December. general. Islamist militias in both The group, which denies accu- Miitig said he needed more accused of links to groups such islative authority has tied their Gunmen from the ex-rebel Benghazi and Tripoli have vowed sations it was behind a September time to submit a cabinet line-up, as the Muslim Brotherhood and hands in bringing to heel former Zintan brigade, who say they back to resist any move against them 2012 attack on the US consulate Ganur said, adding that a new the Al Qaeda-affiliated Al Nusra rebel militias blamed for grow- Haftar, stormed parliament on by Haftar’s forces, including in Benghazi that killed ambassa- meeting would be held on Sunday. Front fighting in Syria. ing unrest in the North African Sunday and set fire to an annex Benghazi-based Ansar Al Sharia dor Chris Stevens and three other Witnesses said that a rocket Riyadh has designated both country since the 2011 uprising building, forcing the GNC to hold which was the focus of Friday’s Americans, was put on the US exploded near the hotel as the groups “terrorist” organisations. that killed dictator Muammar a Tuesday meeting in a Tripoli assault. The group charged that terror blacklist in January. MPs met, but without causing The newly formed “supreme Gaddafi. hotel. The meeting came as rival Haftar, who spent more than two With tensions escalating on casualties or damage. committee” will be overseen by The electoral commission said armed groups took position for or decades in US exile, was leading the ground, a showdown was The attack underscores the the Saudi and UAE foreign min- polls for the new parliament against Haftar, who has won wid- “a war against... Islam orches- being played out at the 194-seat tensions gripping Libya, where isters, Wa m said. would be held on June 25, in an ening support for his campaign to trated by the United States and GNC which has accused Haftar ex-rebels once hailed as the It will “implement the strategic announcement a day after the rid Libya of jihadists. its Arab allies”. of attempting a coup. The Muslim heroes of the 2011 revolt are vision of the leaderships of both government urged the GNC to His supporters now include Haftar’s forces withdrew from Brotherhood, the largest bloc in heavily armed and have regional, countries to increase security and go into recess. an elite special forces unit of the Benghazi after Friday’s clashes the GNC, and radical Islamists tribal and ideological rather than stability to face regional chal- The government said this could regular army in Benghazi, who which killed at least 79 people, but have rejected government calls for national interests. AFP lenges,” Wam reported. AFP Dutch send top diplomat Warplane attack to avert Saudi sanctions AMSTERDAM: The possible sanctions), and because Netherlands will send a top dip- these indications are worrying we lomat to Saudi Arabia to pre- are going to Riyadh to talk about vent the country from imposing what these imply and hopefully do trade sanctions in protest at not imply,” she said. anti-Islamic stickers printed in Known for his virulent anti- the colours of the Saudi flag by Islam statements, Wilders has a Dutch far-right politician, the lived under round-the-clock foreign ministry said. armed guard since receiving The Saudi authorities have not death threats in 2004. His stick- announced any sanctions on the ers, which were green and white Netherlands, one of the Gulf Arab like the Saudi flag, included state- kingdom’s largest investors, but ments calling Islam “a lie”. Saudi media reported this week On Tuesday, Saudi news website that such measures had already www.sabq.org quoted an unnamed taken effect, citing unnamed Saudi Foreign Ministry official officials. Dutch exports to Saudi as saying that the kingdom had Arabia are worth some ¤2bn “immediately begun enforcing a Smoke rises from Handarat camp after forces loyal to Syria’s President Bashar Al Assad claimed to have shelled ($2.7bn) a year, according to the decision imposing trade sanctions the area using warplanes yesterday. Dutch statistics office. on Dutch companies in response Geert Wilders, the leader of the to the behaviour of the Dutch anti-immigration Dutch Freedom politician, Geert Wilders ... that Geert Wilders, the Dutch far-right Party, had stickers bearing slo- was seen as an insult to Islam.” politician, created new controversy. Fatah official’s Gaza visit delayed gans derogatory to Islam printed According to Sabq, the Saudi in December as part of his cam- official said trade between the paign material. A prominent do everything possible to keep the two countries was worth around GAZA CITY: A visit by a senior division. Under the terms of the date to be announced, since time far-right Eurosceptic who has consequences for the Netherlands ¤7bn annually. “That is why the Fatah official to the Hamas-run deal, the two sides would form is needed to study what has been attracted supporters as far afield as limited as possible,” he said. Netherlands is seeking solutions, Gaza Strip to put the finishing an “independent government” agreed with Hamas.” He did not as the United States, his party is The Dutch government was try- and the kingdom did not issue its touches on a Palestinian unity of technocrats, to be headed by elaborate. leading in national opinion polls ing to get clarity about what kind decision haphazardly but wants government has been postponed Abbas, that would pave the way Hamas spokesman Sami Abu before European Parliament elec- of trade sanctions Saudi Arabia to reach a result that will lead indefinitely, a Palestinian official for long-delayed elections. Zuhri said “contacts are ongoing” tions today. was planning, Timmermans said. to stopping these behaviors,” the said. The government is due to be between the two parties, without “The Netherlands cannot be A spokeswoman for the Dutch official was quoted as saying. Last month, Hamas and the formed by May 28, and a Hamas explaining the postponement. held responsible for the adoles- Foreign Ministry said its director- Wilders said in a statement on Palestine Liberation Organisation, official said on Sunday it could be Hamas, which does not recog- cent behaviour of a single par- general for political affairs would Saturday that the Netherlands dominated by Palestinian presi- finalised within days. nise Israel, has ruled Gaza since liamentarian,” Foreign Minister go to the Gulf Arab country in “should have boycotted Saudi a dent Mahmoud Abbas’s Fatah But a Fatah spokesman said the it expelled Fatah after a week of Frans Timmermans said on an attempt to smooth things over. long time ago.” party, signed a reconciliation deal visit by Azzam Al Ahmed “will not deadly clashes in 2007. Dutch broadcaster RTL. “We will “There are indications (of REUTERS aimed at ending years of political take place today but at a later AFP

2 new MERS deaths in IAEA, Iran make progress Saudi Arabia in nuclear bomb probe RIYADH: Saudi Arabia yesterday reported two new deaths from the VIENNA: Iran has agreed credible”, indicated that Iran with regard to uranium enrich- MERS coronavirus, taking to address some of the many “carried out activities that are ment, which can provide fuel for to 175 the overall number of long-held allegations that it relevant to the development of a nuclear reactors but also the fis- fatalities from the respira- conducted research into mak- nuclear explosive device.” sile core of a nuclear weapon. tory disease in the world’s ing nuclear weapons before Iran says that the trove of evi- In their mooted nuclear deal worst-hit country. 2003 and possibly since, the UN dence presented by the IAEA on with Iran, the six powers want The latest victims were atomic watchdog said yesterday. these activities, which the Vienna Tehran to reduce drastically its a man in Riyadh and a The International Atomic agency believes took place before uranium enrichment activities, woman in the port city of Energy Agency said that Iran, 2003 and possibly since, is based something which the Islamic Jeddah, both in their 70s, which denies ever having sought on faulty intelligence provided by republic is loath to do. the health ministry web- nuclear weapons, has undertaken the CIA and Israel’s Mossad. Iran has pledged to arranging site said. It said the total to implement five new “practical The first new PMD step is an IAEA visit to a centre con- number of infections was measures” by August 25. “exchanging information” with ducting research into new types now 540. Other nations These included two steps the IAEA on allegations related of centrifuges which could enrich including Egypt, Jordan, related to what the IAEA calls to the initiation of high explosives, uranium at a much faster rate, Lebanon, the Netherlands, the “possible military dimensions” “including the conduct of large- and access to a facility making the United Arab Emirates (PMD) of Iran’s nuclear pro- scale high explosives experimen- centrifuge parts, the IAEA said. and the United States have gramme — in other words efforts tation in Iran”, the IAEA said The final step involves giving also recorded cases, mostly to design a nuclear bomb. yesterday. The second is Iran pro- the IAEA greater oversight on in people who had been in The announcement comes after viding “mutually agreed relevant Iran’s new Arak reactor, which Saudi Arabia. an apparently largely fruitless information and explanations Western countries fear could pro- Middle East Respiratory fourth round of talks between related to studies made and/or vide Tehran with weapons-grade Syndrome is considered a Iran and six world powers in papers published in Iran in rela- plutonium once it is operational. deadlier but less transmis- Vienna last week towards a com- tion to neutron transport and It remained unclear however sible cousin of the SARS prehensive deal over Tehran’s associated modelling and calcula- whether seven other steps agreed virus that appeared in Asia nuclear programme by a July 20 tions and their alleged application in February between Iran and the in 2003 and infected 8,273 deadline. to compressed materials”. IAEA had been completed by a people, nine percent of One of the key elements in The 2011 IAEA report said that May 15 deadline, with the IAEA whom died. this sought-after deal would be it was “unclear” how the appli- saying only that “good progress” Like SARS, MERS Iran addressing the PMD allega- cation of such modelling studies had been made. appears to cause a lung tions, which the IAEA set out in could be used for “anything other These seven steps included one infection, with patients suf- a major report in November 2011 than a nuclear explosive” and that related to the possible military fering coughing, breathing and which it has been pressing it was “essential” that Iran pro- dimensions probe — Iran’s stated difficulties and a tempera- Iran to answer ever since. vide an explanation. need for a type of detonator that ture. But MERS differs in That report said that the evi- Two other steps announced on can be used in a nuclear weapon that it also causes rapid dence it has been given, which Wednesday concern Iran’s current but which also has other uses. kidney failure. AFP the IAEA judges to be “overall, nuclear programme, in particular AFP THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07

11 soldiers killed Sisi gets 94.5pc of expat vote in presidential race in Iraq attacks BAGHDAD: Attacks north of CAIRO: Ex-army chief Abdel widely expected to win the elec- 318,033 cast went to Sisi’s sole registered and have identity cards would see a return to autocratic Baghdad killed 11 Iraqi soldiers, Fattah Al Sisi has picked up tion that takes place in Egypt on rival, leftist leader and long- or valid passports. rule. A state crackdown targeting the latest in a protracted surge 94.5 percent of votes cast May 26-27. time opposition figure Hamdeen Sisi supporters see in him a Morsi supporters has left at least in bloodshed just a day after offi- abroad in Egypt’s presidential In the ballots already cast Sabbahi. tough leader capable of restoring 1,400 people dead and seen more cials announced results from election, officials said yesterday, abroad, Sisi won the backing On Monday, the electoral security and reviving an econ- than 15,000 jailed. April’s parliamentary election. five days before polling opens in of 296,628 expats in 124 coun- committee said the turnout was omy badly hit by three years of Hundreds have been sentenced Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki the North African country. tries during voting on May higher than in the 2012 election turmoil after the 2011 uprising to death after speedy trials. has been held responsible by crit- The retired field marshal, rid- 15-19, electoral committee chief won by Mursi. that toppled strongman Hosni Dozens of youth activists have ics for the deterioration in secu- ing a wave of popularity after Abdel Aziz Salman told a news Elections are open to any Mubarak. also been jailed for violating a law rity but he has blamed external he ousted Islamist president conference. Egyptian citizen present abroad, But his opponents say that banning all but police-sanctioned factors such as the civil war in Mohamed Mursi last year, is Only 17,207 votes of the total on the condition they are should he win the election, Egypt protests. AFP neighbouring Syria. AFP Mubarak gets 3 years in jail Ex-president’s two sons sentenced to four years for looting public funds

CAIRO: Deposed former Egyptian presi- dent Hosni Mubarak was sentenced yesterday to three years in prison for embezzling millions in public funds for lavish renovations to family properties. The verdict may please some Egyptians who lived through three decades of autoc- racy under Mubarak before a 2011 uprising toppled him. But business executives still loyal to him remain influential and rights groups say the abusive security practices of his era remain alive and well today with another former military man set to win a presidential election next week. Mubarak’s two sons were sentenced to four years in jail on the same charges of stealing state funds that had been ear- marked for the renovation of presidential palaces but were instead diverted to spruc- ing up family residences. The Cairo court Former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak (centre) and his two sons Gamal (left) and Alaa, look also fined Mubarak and his sons 21.197m on from defendants’ cage inside the court room during a sentencing session in Cairo yesterday. Egyptian pounds ($2.98m) and ordered them to repay about 125m Egyptian pounds to without oversight and without regard.” could boost the legitimacy of a military- of funds they were accused of siphoning off. Mubarak spent 23 months in jail from backed government. Mubarak has been under house arrest the uprising until August 2013, when he Since ex-army chief Sisi toppled elected at a military hospital since August pending was transferred to house arrest. It was not Islamist president Mohamed Mursi in July retrial in a case of complicity in killings pro- immediately clear how much of that time in the face of mass unrest over his rule, testers during the 2011 revolt. He is further served would be applied against Wednesday’s courts have meted out tough sentences accused in two other cases of corruption sentence, but judicial sources told Reuters primarily on members of Mursi’s Muslim that have yet to reach court. that they did not expect Mubarak to serve Brotherhood and secular activists. “He (Mubarak) should have treated peo- the entire three years as punishment for the Yesterday’s Mubarak ruling was for a ple close and far from him equally,” said corruption charges. They said his sons, who financial crime, not a criminal one. However, Judge Osama Shaheen as the 86-year-old have already done three years in jail, will also many prominent activists have recently fallen leader watched from a cage flanked probably not serve their complete sentences. been given harsher sentences for street pro- by sons Gamal and Alaa. “Instead of abid- Four other defendants were acquitted. tests than Mubarak received for embezzling ing by the constitution and laws, he gave Mubarak’s former military intelligence millions while serving as president. Senior himself and his sons the freedom to take boss, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, is poised to be members of the Brotherhoodmovement from public funds whatever they wanted elected president next week in a vote that have been sentenced to death. REUTERS THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 E-MAIL: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION RATES: ANNUAL QR 675 6 MONTHS QR 340 Editorial Turmoil in Thailand Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

fter six months of a bitter, widening conflict, Thailand is desperately in need of a compromise. Whether the army chief Gen. Prayuth Chan-Ocha Awill be able to bring about this compromise is the Defend Thailand’s fragile question the world is asking. The army declared martial law on Tuesday and banned marches and ordered the shutdown of ten radio and televisions channels. Although the military denied Tuesday’s surprise democracy, or civil war looms intervention amounted to a coup, General Prayuth Chan- ocha appeared to be setting the agenda by forcing groups and organisations with a central role in the crisis to talk. The BY MARK FENN civil war remains a strong possibility. to “eradicate the Thaksin regime”. army’s intention will be clear in the coming days. The army The army justified the imposition of They have powerful allies in the mili- has staged at least 11 coups in the past 80 years, a record that N recent months, the F-word has martial law by claiming it was neces- tary and the heavily politicised courts, has held the country back politically and economically, and been gaining currency in Thailand: sary to restore order amid heightened which have repeatedly ruled against the this record therefore will raise doubts about the intentions of observers are increasingly using tensions and fears that rival groups government. the military. I“fascist” to describe the goals and would clash in the streets. Earlier this month, Thaksin’s sister methods of those determined to bring For the past six months, the Yingluck, who was elected prime minis- The initial signs are that even the declaration of the down the elected government, which former deputy prime minister Suthep ter in 2011, was dismissed by the courts martial hasn’t persuaded rival factions to reach a deal. At is clinging to power despite a series of Thaugsuban has led protests aimed at over the transfer of an official who was the talks held yesterday between the two sides, they didn’t blows from its opponents in the courts unseating the Pheu Thai government, openly hostile to her government. It agree to stop their protests. Issues raised during the meeting and on the streets. which won a 2011 election observers was the third time a prime minister included how to reform the political system, a demand made The army’s declaration of martial law said was largely free and fair. loyal to Thaksin had been dismissed by anti-government protesters, and ending the demonstrations in the early hours of Tuesday – without In February, it won another election, by a dubious court decision; one lost consulting the government – further which was boycotted by the opposition his job after appearing on a television that have sparked violence, disrupted business and scared off undermines the embattled administra- Democrat party while Suthep’s thugs cooking show. In another blow to the tourists. tion and the kingdom’s fragile democ- blocked polling stations. The inept, elit- government, 36 senators were indicted Thailand has been hit by rivalry between former Prime racy. Under the Martial Law Act of ist and misnamed Democrats, led by last month for backing an “unconsti- Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and 1914, military commanders now have the Eton- and Oxford-educated Abhisit tutional” bid to make the senate fully Thailand is the royalist establishment for nearly wide-ranging powers to detain suspects, Vejjajiva, appear to have given up on elected. 10 years. Thaksin, a billionaire who censor the media, parliamentary democracy altogether. The elephant in the room is the loom- impose curfews The government commands strong ing royal succession. Thailand’s King desperately won the and prohibit pub- support in the rural north and north- Bhumibol is 86 and ailing, but strict in need of a loyalty of the rural and urban lic gatherings. east of the country, while the protesters lese-majesty laws make it impossible poor, has lived in self-exile since Despite an Fourteen televi- are drawn mainly from Bangkok’s mid- for journalists based in the country – compromise 2008 but still exerts a huge sion stations have dle class and elite, and from opposition including this one – to discuss the issue influence, most recently through been taken off the strongholds in the south. openly without fear of arrest. army coup in air, and theBang- They claim the government is con- The crown prince is widely seen as as rival a government run by his sister, all but name, kok Post reported trolled by the former prime minister an ally of Thaksin, and credible ana- factions Yingluck Shinawatra. The rivalry on Wednesday Thaksin Shinawatra, who was over- lysts view the current political turmoil is basically between the Thaksin the Thai that the military thrown in a 2006 coup and now lives in through the lens of royal intrigue and a harden their movement based in rural areas and was “restricting Dubai; he faces a two-year jail sentence fight for control of the crown property the northeast, and the Bangkok- government comments on TV if he returns to Thailand. Thaksin, a bureau, which is worth billions. positions. based traditional establishment. and in the print policeman-turned-telecoms-billion- The army’s intentions will become is clinging on. media by pro- aire, is a deeply divisive politician who clearer in the next few days. Many After the Supreme Court, which hibiting remarks appealed directly to the rural masses, government supporters fear that it will is considered to be sympathetic to the Bangkok-elite, ousted The people’s that could confuse upsetting the status quo and making appoint a new administration, which the government of Yingluck Shinawatra this month, her society or provoke many enemies among the traditional the protesters have been clamouring supporters have been gathering outside the capital even as wishes must violence”. There elite. for – despite doubts over whether the their opponents continue to occupy government buildings in were also reports Many of the middle-class protesters constitution allows it. If this happens, an attempt to overturn the political system. be respected. that books on make no effort to conceal their scorn the red shirts will surely take to the Thai politics had for the government’s “red shirt” sup- streets again, and more bloodshed will The crisis has hit Thailand’s economy badly and threatens been taken off the porters, whom they portray as igno- be inevitable. to create havoc. Tourism is the mainstay of the economy and shelves at some shops. rant, uneducated “buffalos”. In doing Those of us who love Thailand and tourist arrivals have been falling steadily due to concerns of This was a clearly a coup in all but so, they display only their own igno- value democracy must stand with the security. Airlines are cutting back on flights and concern over name, and it was greeted with deep rance. A few days ago, it emerged that country’s flawed but democratically insurance is adding to travellers’ worries. concern by the international commu- the newly crowned Miss Thailand elected government. This does not nity. As Brad Adams of Human Rights Universe had said on Facebook the red mean supporting Thaksin, who has Since the enmity between the pro-Thaskin and anti- Watch said, “Thailand’s friends in the shirts were dirty, and the leaders should been described by Human Rights Watch Thaksin sides is deep-rooted, and with both sides showing world’s capitals should make it clear be executed. A member of the election as “a human-rights abuser of the worst little inclination to make the kind of compromises necessary that they expect this de facto coup to commission, which organises polls, pre- kind”. It means allowing the Thai peo- to find a solution, the army chief needs to use his power to find be reversed immediately.” viously described the red shirts as “low ple to elect their own leaders – even bad a lasting solution. Thailand’s neighbours and its close allies The causes of the bitter conflict tear- class and vile”. ones – and control their own destiny. must exert pressure on all sides to rescue the country from ing Thailand apart are complex, and Suthep and his followers have vowed THE GUARDIAN the brink of a civil war. The other side Quote of Joining Africa against terrorism the day HINA stands ready to jointly Boko Haram kidnapped more than 200 early May, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and diversified than ever, and Chinese face terrorism with Africa by schoolgirls and threatened to “sell them visited Nigeria as scheduled, despite investment has created huge employ- ramping up its efforts to help on the market”. the recent attacks in the country, and ment opportunities in Africa, play- We don’t see CAfrican countries build their Africa needs help from the interna- offered assistance to help find the ing a big role in improving people’s capabilities in the fight against terror. tional community in dealing with this schoolgirls who were abducted on April livelihoods. any relationship Taking advantage of the political serious threat, as limited resources and 14. Li assured the Nigerian President Meanwhile, the Chinese premier and security turmoil in some parts capabilities have become the biggest Goodluck Jonathan that China will pledged to further boost relations with whatsoever to an of Africa, terrorist organizations are issues in combating terror on the conti- support Nigeria’s fight against terror- Africa by upgrading bilateral economic agreement spreading their activities to the con- nent, says a Xinhua News Agency com- ists in every possible way, including the and trade ties in a bid to benefit the tinent, trying to establish a new safe mentary. China is ready to strengthen training of military personnel for anti- peoples of both sides during his fruit- with respect to gas haven for themselves. On Friday night, its efforts in helping Africa fight terrorism insurgency operations, and he prom- ful African tour. China, an “all-weather” and energy supplies an unidentified armed group attacked and is willing to assist the continent in ised that China will make any useful friend and partner of Africa, will stand a Chinese company’s camp in north- addressing the root causes of terror- information acquired by its satellites firm beside the continent in the face between Russia and ern Cameroon, leaving one Chinese ism, including persistent poverty, wide- and intelligence services available to of the growing threat of terrorism, and China that they’ve national wounded and 10 others miss- spread unemployment and the unequal Nigeria’s security agencies. make unremitting efforts to ensure con- ing. This came about a month after the distribution of economic resources. Trade and economic ties between tinuous and effective assistance. been working on for John Kerry Nigeria-based Islamist militant group During his four-nation African tour in China and Africa are more intertwined China Daily 10 years. US Secretary of State THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 QATAR PERSPECTIVE www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Our flawed fact-finding committees

MOHAMED ALI AL KUBAISI

hen His Excellency as people who do not understand the Prime Minister anything. and Minister of Whoever read the report of the WInterior took over committee could easily see that it his post, he focused on form- had glossed over facts, particularly ing fact-finding committees, not if the person had some knowledge interrogation committees. He did of the hydrocarbons industry. The this with the aim of finding out committee indirectly hinted at the the causes behind problems and reasons behind the smell, but still proposing solutions. did not directly mention them. When the fact-finding com- The report said there was a mittee released its report about high concentration of some pol- the flooding of a Salwa Road tun- lutants, adding that maintenance nel, I expected that the commit- activities were behind the leaks. tee would say that the amount of If we link the reports of the rainfall that day was higher than committee, we can see that human the capacity of the Mesaimeer error, I think, was behind the gas underground storage tank, and leak that day. To do maintenance they would suggest expanding the work, workers had done some dig- storage capacity of the tank until ging in the area close to the facto- the rainwater disposal network is ries, which caused gas produced by completed in 2019. bacteria that feed on petrochemi- However, I was surprised to cals to leak from the ground. Some discover that the committee had of these petrochemicals are toxic turned into an interrogation panel. while others just have a bad smell. It called for bringing certain This caused air pollution, and Ashghal officials to account, which in order to handle this problem Vehicles caught in a flooded underpass on Salwa Road after heavy rains in Doha in March. is outside the panel’s mandate. the workers pumped in some The same day, I published an other gases. Because the proce- the Supreme Council of Health. of the committee’s members that and exposed themselves to harm. life. They, however, cannot take article titled “Facts and the fact- dure was not well-managed, sul- The aforementioned gases are people started enquiring about This also means that the the right decision unless correct finding committee”. The fact- fur dioxide and octane filled the dangerous and toxic. Sulfur diox- the smell only after they began Standardisation and Specifications information is available to them. finding committee on Qatar’s gas air. The strange thing is that the ide causes suffocation, chest pain, suffocating from it. I am sorry to Authority had failed to prevent a By twisting facts, some agen- leak published its report on the committee blamed weather condi- dry cough, infection of the tra- say that the committee treated us harmful product from entering cies in our country prevent us unusual smell reported by many tions for the problem. To them, I chea and hardening of the lungs. as a bunch of stupid people who the market. from finding solutions to prob- people in some areas, in which it would like to say: Please have more Octane affects human skin, eyes do not understand anything. The question I want to put to lems. These agencies even make denied any gas leak or harm to respect for our brains. The smell and lungs, and causes headache Qatari newspapers reported the officials in our country is: Why do problems more complicated. This people’s health. of gas would not have reached the and dizziness. It can also affect same week that in the light of the they want to bring to account a leads, in the end, to our coun- The committee said in its report Industrial Area if there were no the kidney’s functions. results of tests done by the Central specific agency that did its work try taking steps backward, not that the smell that wafted through gas in the air and strong winds. Lying more to the public, the Lab, the Ministry of Municipality properly while turning a blind forward. the air on March 21, 2014 was The committee also said that committee thanked the public for and Urban Planning had recalled a eye to other agencies that com- I do not blame the heads of similar to that of natural gas. This the gases would not have any its cooperation with the agencies certain type of drink from the local mit mistakes? commissions but the technicians was the first time I had heard such harmful effect on public health concerned by enquiring about the market because it had violated the Qatar deserves the best. The and specialists who work in these a thing. It is unbecoming of the and that the gas levels did not reasons for the smell. It said these food law and did not meet Qatari country’s Emir and its Prime panels. This is why I suggest that committee to lie to us and describe exceed national safety standards. enquiries reflected the high level standards. Such a recall does not Minister are making huge and His Excellency the Prime Minister sulfur dioxide and octane as simi- The fact is that the committee of awareness of the public in gen- help those who might have con- unrelenting efforts to give who- form fact-finding commissions lar to gas. In doing so they treat us did not include representatives of eral. It did not cross the minds sumed the drink before its recall ever lives in this country a better from the Interior Ministry.

ABDEL AZIZ AL MAHMOUD Racism in media discourse on 2022 World Cup Sectarian mindsets hoever has followed is that these organisations and the fierce campaign MARIAM AL KHATER newspapers use human rights as et me, in the beginning, tell you a story narrated by Wlaunched against a pretext for achieving other goals. American writer Irving Wallace (March 19, 1916 – June Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 Fifa Second, these organisations L29, 1990) in one of his books. Britain’s King Charles II World Cup can easily notice the reports of international organisa- and newspapers should also pay used to have two lovers: one of them was short and had red hateful discourse in a number of tions that claim to be objective are attention to workers’ conditions hair. She worked at an inn early in her life, but then turned to international newspapers. These astounding. in other countries that depend on acting and became a professional actress. She then became the newspapers dwell on what they We know that Qatar is under foreign labour. They should not king’s mistress at the age of 19. The king’s other lover was a call the “scandals of World Cup fire and will remain so as far as the focus on Qatar alone. French Catholic. King Louis XIV of France had sent her to the 2022”. aforementioned issue is concerned. In order to be objective, these British monarch. As Qataris, we are not the only Focusing on It will remain under media focus organisations and newspapers At midday one day in 1675, the short, red-haired beloved got people who understand the rea- and fire because of the 2022 World should also have mentioned steps into the wagon of the king’s French mistress and closed the cur- sons behind this inimical attitude. specific issues Cup. Qatar will also continue to taken by Qatar in this regard. tains so that nobody would know she was inside. As the wagon A number of political — not sports face international scrutiny as far Has not Qatar established work- wormed its way through the crowded streets of the British — analysts know that money from and inciting as other issues are concerned. ers’ townships? Has it not created capital, people started yelling insults at her, mistaking her for some rich countries has been used a number of We have started seeing criticism the largest space for freedom of the French mistress. to provoke the international media on issues where politics and sports religion, even as some adherents of Conflict between Catholics and Protestants was at its peak in against Qatar and has played an organisations mingle, but with no political or other religions refused to practice Europe and Britain at that time. Catholic courts of Inquisition important role in mobilising the against Qatar at sporting reason for such criticism. their own religion in an Islamic were busy bringing Protestant violators to account and torturing Western media against Qatar. We can accept objective criti- country? I am sorry to say this, them. Protestants took refuge in Britain and started marginalis- Focusing on specific issues and this juncture does cism and use it to develop things in but none of the reports of these ing Catholics, and even killing them. inciting a number of organisations nothing but get our country, whether it is related international organisations and Hearing the insults, the red-haired mistress lost her temper against Qatar at this juncture does to the people who work in Qatar newspapers mentioned these facts. and asked the driver to stop the wagon. She opened the curtains, nothing but get politics involved in politics involved in or policies the government follows We are fully aware of the mag- put her head out of the window, and said aloud: “Pray, kind a sporting issue. Rumours about a sporting issue. to fulfil citizens’ needs. nitude of the campaign launched people, stay united, I am a Protestant whore”. the death of workers during con- We have been hoping that inter- against Qatar. We are also aware The crowd’s mood changed all of a sudden and it started struction of sports facilities for the national organisations and news- of the people fanning this cam- cheering the woman. She waved to the crowd and the wagon 2022 World Cup started to spread papers that claim to be objective paign. We also know that we started moving again. even before Qatar had begun organisations are fiercely critical do the following two things: Qataris transparently discussed The difficult situation was resolved because the woman used building any sports infrastructure of Qatar, they turn a blind eye to First, they should throw light the issue of rights before many her wits. for the tournament. the treatment of workers in neigh- on what they describe as “viola- others did, and we are improving When there are religious, ethnic or sectarian tensions, logic This campaign coincided bouring countries, even though tions committed against workers” working conditions and labour disappears. People’s actions are an expression of their instincts: with another political campaign the condition of workers in these before Qatar won the right to host laws before others do this. primitive ways of thinking devoid of humane feelings. If the con- sponsored by some rich people countries is similar to that of their the 2022 World Cup, given the fact We need to underscore the fact flict is between Catholics and Protestants, as in the story men- who incited the media against peers in Qatar, whether because of that these international organisa- that we will never accept facts to tioned above, the problem is not the king who has two mistresses, Qatar following the Arab Spring sponsorship or any other reason. tions and newspapers claim that be distorted or glossed over. We including one who worked at an inn, as she is a Protestant. The revolutions. This is why the attitude of they are concerned only about also cannot accept dictates from problem is the Catholic mistress. While international the international media and the human rights. The fact, however, outside on any of these issues. If we look at sectarian conflict in Syria and Iraq, we can find similarities with the story of the king and his mistresses. In Syria, for example, the Al Assad family has ruled for dec- ades and managed the country in a despicable, sectarian man- ner. The regime did not let go of any opportunity to confuse the people and humiliate them. It divided the people according to What will happen if oil production collapses? their sect, including one that is loyal to the regime. This sect is where power and its levers are concentrated. The other sect ow does the Western world not take over oil infrastructure in is totally marginalised, leading an undignified life. The place of think when there is talk of KHALID AL JABER the Gulf region. birth of Syrian citizens decides the kind of treatment they get Hpolitics and the economy One of the emergency meas- from the authorities. This sectarian division culminated in a in the countries of the Arabian ures the report proposes to violent revolution that ended Bashar Al Assad’s rule outside the Gulf? We have to take a closer 2010 to evaluate the strategic and American think tank’s report, Washington is the release of some Syrian capital. The revolution has made the Syrian president look at what research and study economic effect on oil supplies if this scenario will have economic strategic oil reserves in coordi- a hated figure whose early end is being awaited by the people. centres talk about, particularly the there is a military strike on Iran. consequences for the US, as it is nation with other countries. In Iraq, radical Shia organisations came to power in Baghdad ones belonging to political streams This time the think tank studied expected that US retail fuel prices Moreover, it suggests the exploi- and started treating people in a sectarian manner, similar to how that have special, utilitarian inter- the impact if Gulf oil production will increase to more than $6.5 tation of the resources of leading Bashar Al Assad was ruling his countrymen. Baghdad’s rulers ests. My attention was directed to was hit at its core, which would per gallon. Crude prices will jump independent services providers divided Iraq into Sunni and Shia areas. Sunnis left the Iraqi a report published some time ago lead to complete disruption of from $100 to $220 per barrel. for energy and related infrastruc- capital. Unqualified people were given leading positions in the by Heritage Foundation, a think oil production for a year and a After presenting what allies and ture markets and rationalisation government. These people spoiled everything and treated Iraqi tank that expresses the ideas and decline of about 8.4 million bar- adversaries will do to face the con- of domestic energy consumption citizens in an illogical manner unprecedented in the whole world. ideology of neoconservatives. rels per day in production. This is sequences of such a scenario, the to reduce the consequences of the The Iraqi regime found creative ways to execute people, This report presents the imag- followed by two years of recovery. researchers suggest what would crisis and facilitate the process of exploiting the feelings of ordinary Shias, turning Iraq into the inary scenario of a future crisis It presented some emergency need to be done if Washington recovery. country with the highest execution rate in the world. Most of the involving disruption of oil exports procedures to the US administra- decides that military intervention The question is why there are executions are carried out on a sectarian basis. Confessions are from the Gulf states. It also puts tion in case something unexpected is inevitable for the protection of no corresponding studies and extracted from suspects in notorious secret prisons and deten- forward plans for a collapse in oil happened, indicating that Russia its interests. The US may need to analyses in the Gulf and Arab tion centres amid silence from Shias who see in their leaders the production, or its disruption, as a and Iran would try to exploit the support civil authorities, launch world? Protestant mistress who belongs to their sect. What the mistress result of abrupt political or social crisis to increase their influence anti-terror operations, ensure does is not important as long as she is one of them. The religion developments. in the world while American lev- that the Strait of Hormuz is kept of the mistress is what really matters, not what she does. Heritage Foundation drew on erage is diminishing, particularly open, deter Iran from filling the The views expressed in the articles on this page do not reflect the viewpoint of the previous simulation exercises it in the Middle East. power vacuum and ensure that a newspaper. has conducted in 2006, 2008 and According to the right-wing hostile radical Islamic regime does THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL

9/11 memorial museum opens Separatists Prince Charles beat back Mali offensive in likens Putin to flashpoint town

BAMAKO: Tuareg separa- tists repulsed an attempt by Mali’s army to seize control of Hitler: Report their stronghold town of Kidal in intense fighting yesterday, diplomats and a spokesman for Russia begins troop pullout the Tuareg National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad LONDON: Prince Charles, Ferguson, 78, who lost relatives (MNLA) said. the heir to the British throne, during the Holocaust, when they Mali launched the offensive has likened Russian President spoke at a Museum in Halifax, to retake control of Kidal after Vladimir Putin to German Nazi Nova Scotia, where she works as a clash on Saturday while Prime leader Adolf Hitler over his a volunteer. “I had finished show- Minister Moussa Mara was stance on Ukraine, according to ing him the exhibit and talked visiting. At least eight soldiers a British newspaper. with him about my own family and eight civilians were killed. During a royal tour of Canada, background and how I came to Government forces then rein- the 65-year-old prince told a Canada,” she told the paper. forced their positions. Jewish woman who fled from “The prince then said ‘And now The fighting threatens efforts to Poland during World War Two Putin is doing just about the same Firefighters, police, members of the military and the public participate in the ceremonial transfer of the find a peaceful solution to the long that “Putin is doing just about as Hitler. I was very surprised that National 9/11 Flag into the The National September 11 Memorial Museum permanent collection yesterday in cycle of Tuareg rebellions in the the same as Hitler”, the Daily Mail he made the comment as I know New York City. The giant American Flag, which was flying from a building beside the World Trade Center on desert north. It also upsets plans by said yesterday. they (Britain’s royals) aren’t meant France and several West African September 11, 2001 and was later found badly damaged in the debris of ground zero, was unfurled at the Charles’s remarks, described by to say these things but it was very countries to combat Islamist World Trade Center site in a ceremony. The flag was refolded and firefighters marched it into the museum. a royal source as “well-intentioned” heartfelt and honest.” militants operating in the wider and not meant to be public, were A spokeswoman for Charles’s The Museum opened its doors to the public yesterday. region where they are regarded leading news reports in Britain office said they did not comment as a threat to trade and foreign where the government has been on his private conversations. investment, including oil and gas a strong critic of Moscow over its “We would like to stress that the installations in North Africa. public support for pro-Russian Prince of Wales would not seek In a statement, UN Secretary- rebels in eastern Ukraine. to make a public political state- General Ban Ki-moon called for Several high-profile figures ment during a private conversa- Obama outraged, vows action an immediate cessation of the have made a link between Russian tion,” she said. fighting and the establishment of moves against Ukraine, includ- Traditionally, Britain’s royal a ceasefire in the sprawling West ing annexation of Crimea, and family does not voice political African country. German aggression leading to views in public with the head of over veterans hospital scandal Attaye Ag Mohamed, an MNLA World War Two. state merely a constitutional fig- official in Kidal, said that the In March, former US Secretary urehead. During her long reign, WASHINGTON: US President many as 40 patients were reported had offered to resign, Obama said group was in control of the north- of State Hillary Clinton had to Queen Elizabeth has never aired Barack Obama voiced outrage to have died while waiting to be that the VA chief “was commit- ern stronghold town. “All of Kidal clarify remarks suggesting Putin’s any such personal sentiments. at an alleged cover-up of delays seen by a VA doctor. ted to solving the problem and including the Malian Military justification for his incursion into Meanwhile, Russia said that in treatment at US military Shinseki, a retired general and working with us to do it.” “I know Camp 1, the regional governor’s Crimea to protect ethnic Russians troops deployed for exercises hospitals yesterday, vowing to Vietnam War veteran, has faced that Ric’s attitude is if he does office and the Kidal fortress are in was reminiscent of claims made near the Ukrainian border had punish anyone guilty of wrong- mounting calls to resign and was not think he can do a good job on our control,” Mohamed said, add- by Hitler over foreign territories. now dismantled equipment and doing in the scandal. subjected to a severe grilling by this and if he thinks he has let our ing that several Malian army sol- “Now if this sounds familiar, it’s were moving to train stations Speaking after a meeting with furious lawmakers in Congress last veterans down, then I’m sure that diers had been killed, wounded or what Hitler did back in the ‘30s,” and airfields for return to their Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary week. Obama pleaded for patience he is not going to be interested in captured. “On our side, two fight- she said, later explaining she had permanent bases, but Nato said Eric Shinseki, Obama told report- as the probe into the allegations continuing to serve,” Obama said. ers were killed and eight others not meant to make a comparison it saw no sign of a pullout. ers he would not tolerate any evi- was carried out. “I know that peo- Arizona’s Republican Senator were wounded,” he said. but said lessons could be learned The Kremlin said that dence of malpractice. ple are angry and want a swift John McCain, Obama’s beaten rival Malian government officials from history. President Vladimir Putin had “When I hear allegations of mis- reckoning,” he said. “But we have in the 2008 election and one of the were not immediately available Germany’s conservative finance told his defence chief to order conduct ...whether it’s allegations to let the investigators do their job president’s harshest critics on the to comment. A Bamako-based minister Wolfgang Schaeuble also troops to pull back from the fron- of VA staff covering up long wait and get to the bottom of what hap- scandal, criticized Wednesday’s diplomat also told Reuters that denied making similar remarks a tier with Ukraine, where eastern times or cooking the books, I will pened. Once we know the facts, I comments as “wholly insufficient.” the Malian army offensive had few weeks later. regions have fallen largely under not stand for it,” Obama said. “So if assure you — if there is misconduct, “I am glad that after many been beaten back, making it look Russia dismisses such compari- the control of pro-Russian rebels. these allegations prove to be true, it will be punished.” weeks of refusing to acknowledge like an ill-timed attack that could sons and says Russian-speakers After spending a day disman- it is dishonorable, it is disgraceful, Obama has assigned a close this widening scandal, President embarrass the government. in eastern Ukraine are under tling field camps, packing and pre- and I will not tolerate it — period.” aide, Deputy Chief of Staff Rob Obama finally saw fit to speak Another diplomat said that the threat from a Kiev government paring military vehicles, forces in Veterans have had to wait Nabors, to investigate the allega- about it today, but his remarks Malian army camp had fallen to in the sway of militant Ukrainian the Rostov, Belgorod and Bryansk months to see a doctor at some tions. Nabors attended yester- are wholly insufficient in address- the rebels and several wounded nationalists. provinces “have begun to move hospitals, and allegations have day’s meeting with Obama and ing the fundamental, systemic Malian soldiers were being evac- The Daily Mail said the prince’s toward train stations and airfields”, arisen that administrators at a Shinseki, who has held the VA problems plaguing our veterans’ uated by the UN peacekeeping comments were made during the Defence Ministry said. VA hospital in Phoenix, Arizona post since 2009. health care system,” the Vietnam mission MINUSMA and French a conversation with Marienne AGENCIES covered up the delays there. As Asked by reporters if Shinseki veteran said. AFP troops. REUTERS

Nigeria unrest Dissident’s new Mine explodes in Bosnia; digital newspaper blocked in Cuba floods clean-up begins SARAJEVO: A landmine dis- of iron... can be easily washed HAVANA: Dissident blogger lodged by devastating floods in away.” Visiting Nato chief Anders Yoanni Sanchez launched a new the Balkans exploded in Bosnia, Fogh Rasmussen said in Sarajevo digital newspaper yesterday, officials said yesterday, hurt- that the alliance was ready to help with hopes of making it Cuba’s ing no one but highlighting Bosnia as many member states first independent news outlet the dangers of a huge clean-up have already sent helicopters and in 50 years, but it was blocked operation as governments began special expert teams to the coun- in the communist-ruled island counting the costs. try. “We remain ready to respond almost immediately. The device, one of an estimated in any way that would be needed,” Curious Cubans trying to link 120,000 mines left over from the Rasmussen told reporters in to Sanchez’s “14ymedio” site 1990s Yugoslav wars, went off Sarajevo. were redirected to another page, overnight in the Brcko district Water from the worst floods Yoanislandia.com, filled with of northern Bosnia, the national in more than a century, which attacks on the prize-winning Mine Action Centre (MAC) said. have killed 51 people and forced writer and pieces by pro-gov- A fridge containing nine explo- the evacuation of almost 150,000 ernment bloggers. “This is a site sive devices was also found in a people in Serbia, Bosnia and of people sick of Yoani Sanchez flooded garden, it said. Other Croatia, has started to recede in presenting herself as the Mother dangerous finds included a rocket some areas. Teresa of the Cuban dissidents,” launcher and a large plastic bin But the situation remained the replacement site said in its full of bombs and ammunition, tense in both in Serbia and north- “about us” tab. also thought to date from the east Bosnia in the wake of days Sanchez launched her new site 1992-95 war. of torrential rain in southeast Deborah Peter, 15-year-old survivor of a Boko Haram attack in Chibok, Nigeria and is now studying in Virginia, at 8:05am (1205 GMT), promis- “Some mines are made of Europe last week that caused the holds a sign during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington DC, yesterday. Deborah spoke at a ing to offer Cubans “a complete plastic and they float like plastic river Sava and its tributaries to closed briefing on her experiences to committee members as part of the House Foreign Affairs Committee spectrum of news, opinion pieces plates,” said Fikret Smajis from burst their banks. and information” about life on the the MAC. “But even those made AFP hearing, ‘Boko Haram: The Growing Threat to Schoolgirls, Nigeria, and Beyond’. island. But by 11am (1500 GMT) it had been blocked inside Cuba, where the state has controlled all media since the early days of the 1959 revolution that brought Fidel Osborne, Labour spar over business policy Castro to power. US tests enhanced Aegis system Noted figures from around the LONDON: The two contenders to win Britain’s previewed to reporters, comes on the eve of elections world, including Nobel prize-win- COLORADO SPRINGS: The United States yesterday announced national election next year traded blows over to the European Parliament and takes aim at both ning writer Mario Vargas Llosa the first live-fire test of a Raytheon Co SM-3 missile from the land- their business policies yesterday after finance Labour and the UK Independence Party (UKIP), and Polish Nobel Peace Prize win- based version of Lockheed Martin Corp’s Aegis missile defence sys- minister George Osborne accused the opposition which wants Britain to leave the European Union. ner Lech Walesa, urged the gov- tem, which will be operational in Romania next year. Labour party of “pulling up the drawbridge” on “Political parties on the left and the populist right ernment to “respect the right” of Lockheed said it was the first test of the Aegis system using a foreign investment. have this in common: they want to pull up the draw- the newspaper to exist, in a letter land-based missile launcher. The test, conducted at the Pacific Missile Labour said Osborne was guilty of hypocrisy, arguing bridge and shut Britain off from the world,” Osborne posted on the site. Range Facility (PMRF) in Hawaii late on Tuesday, marks a significant that his own Conservative party’s promise to hold a will say, according to extracts of his speech. Sanchez assembled a news- milestone for the Aegis Ashore weapon system, which is designed to referendum on Britain’s membership of the European “It takes advantage of the understandable anxie- room of 11 journalists, including protect US and Nato forces in Europe from a ballistic missile attack. Union by the end of 2017 was spooking business by ties of a population unsettled by the pace of globali- herself, in Havana to produce the During the test, the Aegis system used on US warships around the raising the prospect of a “Brexit”. The clash reflects sation, and peddles a myth that Britain can stop news site. Her husband, Reinaldo world detected, tracked and engaged a simulated ballistic missile target an emerging trend. With only a few percentage points the world and get off.” Labour rejected that, point- Escobar, is editor-in-chief. using Raytheon’s Standard Missile 3 Block IB, according to the U.S. separating the two parties in the opinion polls, both ing the finger back at the Conservatives, arguing 14ymedio was seen as a poten- Missile Defence Agency and the companies. are trying to persuade the business community that that their plan to hold a referendum on leaving the tial game changer in the media “We’re now one step closer to achieving an operational Aegis Ashore they have the better policies for the economy. European Union if they win next year’s election landscape here, since Cubans for capability to combat missile defense threats to further protect our Osborne, in a speech at the Confederation of was causing huge uncertainty. “The biggest threat decades have had just one official nation and allies,” Brendan Scanlon, Lockheed’s director of Aegis British Industry, will say Britain’s economy is recov- to British business would be walking away from our source of news — the Havana Ashore programs, said. The test comes amid growing interest in mis- ering, but that his decade-long plan to fix it is less biggest market — the European Union,” said Labour government. sile defence systems as tensions mount between Nato and Russia over than half-completed. His speech, which his office spokesman Chris Leslie. REUTERS AFP its annexation of the Crimea region of Ukraine. AFP THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 ASIA / PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Talks to end crisis in Thailand inconclusive All sides to meet again today for dialogue

BANGKOK: Thailand’s rival to find a solution for the country,” disrupted an election in February political factions would not Puchong said. that was later annulled, and they agree yesterday to stop their Thailand has been riven have vowed to do so again. protests at crisis talks aimed at by rivalry between populist Whether all sides could accept ending confrontation a day after former Prime Minister Thaksin an interim prime minister and the army declared martial law, Shinawatra and the royalist what reforms could be imple- a pro-government activist said. establishment for nearly 10 years. mented were also raised at Although the military denied Thaksin, a former telecom- the talks, Thida said. An army Tuesday’s surprise intervention munications billionaire who won spokesman said all sides would go amounted to a coup, army chief the loyalty of the rural and urban away to think. “There was no con- General Prayuth Chan-ocha poor, has lived in self-exile since clusion. It is as though homework appeared to be setting the agenda 2008 but still exerts a huge influ- was handed out for each side to by forcing groups and organisa- ence, most recently through a work on,” deputy army spokesman tions with a central role in the government run by his sister, Winthai Suvaree told reporters. crisis to talk. Yingluck Shinawatra. Military sources say Prayuth Issues raised during the meet- Yingluck was forced to step is believed to favour the appoint- ing included how to reform the down as premier by a court two ment of an interim prime minis- political system — a demand made weeks ago, but her caretaker ter by the Senate, who would then by anti-government protesters — government remains in power, shepherd through reforms. and ending the demonstrations despite the declaration of martial Twenty-eight people have been that have sparked violence, dis- law and six months of sometimes killed and 700 injured since this lat- rupted business and scared off violent protests aimed at ousting est chapter in the power struggle tourists. “When asked whether it. The turmoil has driven the between Thaksin and the royalist each group can stop protesting, country to the brink of recession elite flared up late last year. Both there was no commitment from and even raised fears of civil war. pro- and anti-government protest- either side,” Thida Thawornseth, The anti-government protest- ers remain out in force but the army a leader of the pro-government ers are opposed to an election, has confined them to their separate “red shirt” political group, told which Thaksin’s loyalist would be protest sites and there were no Army Chief General Prayut Chan-ocha (centre) speaks during a meeting at the Army Club in Bangkok yesterday. Reuters. “There was no clear likely to win. They want a “neu- reports of trouble overnight. conclusion.” tral” prime minister installed to General Prayuth said he had Puchong Nutrawong, sec- oversee electoral reforms aimed imposed martial law to restore the ground it looks like the mili- before and after elections”. said. The United States, which retary-general of the Election at ending Thaksin’s influence. order, and the caretaker govern- tary is in charge,” said Thitinan “He’s taking a lot of risk, cut aid to its military ally after Commission, who was also at the The government, on the other ment says it is still running the Pongsudhirak, a political analyst Prayuth, because the imposition Thaksin was toppled in the most talks, said all sides would meet hand, sees a general election as country. “Certainly, it’s not an at Chulalongkorn University. He of martial law puts him in a very recent of Thailand’s frequent again today. “The army chief asked the best way forward and has outright military coup by defini- said Prayuth needed to convince tight spot ... The longer we do not military coups in 2006, called on us to go back home and think about proposed a new vote on Aug. 3. tion because the caretaker gov- everyone with a stake in the out- see a resolution, the riskier it will the army to respect “democratic the things we discussed in order The anti-government protesters ernment is still in office, but on come of the need for “reforms become for the army,” Thitinan principles”. REUTERS Hanoi, Manila denounce Beijing’s actions Four die in fresh attacks on China firms in Vietnam MANILA/SHANGHAI: caused by China’s many actions Obama left the region. “It’s unprecedented for Vietnam and the Philippines that violate international law,” The move was the latest in a Vietnam to join a US ally and HONG KONG: Metallurgical including the construction site are determined to oppose Dung said in a statement after series of confrontations between appeal directly for international Corp of China Ltd (MCC) said of Formosa Plastics’ Ha Tinh Chinese infringement of their talks with Philippine President China and some of its neigh- support,” he said. “It is an admis- yesterday four of its employ- Steel Plant, where some of its territorial waters, Vietnamese Benigno Aquino during a two-day bours. Washington has responded sion that Asean is not going to go ees working on a construction employees were working. Taiwan’s Prime Minister Nguyen Tan visit to Manila. with sharpened rhetoric toward to the mat on this one, so Vietnam project in Vietnam were killed Formosa Plastics Group, one of Dung said yesterday, calling on “...In particular, China’s illegal Beijing, describing a pattern of has got to play some of the only and 126 injured during anti- the companies worst affected the world to condemn China’s placement of the oil rig and deploy- “provocative” actions by China. options it has got left.” China protests last week over by the anti-China riots, said on actions in a rare public show of ment of vessels to protect the rig “The two sides are determined Dung’s harsh words were simi- a disputed area in the South Monday that work at its steel unity bound to infuriate Beijing. deep into Vietnam’s continental to oppose China’s violations and lar to those he used at a summit of China Sea. The four MCC facility in central Vietnam had China is embroiled in disputes shelf and exclusive economic zone called on countries and the inter- the 10-nation Asean in Myanmar workers killed were double the partially resumed and it hoped with Vietnam, the Philippines have seriously threatened peace, national community to continue this month in which he also urged number of fatalities previously all operations would return to and others over boundaries in stability, maritime security and strongly condemning China and the international community to confirmed by the Vietnamese normal as soon as possible. the potentially energy-rich South safety, and freedom of navigation demanding China immediately protest against China’s moves. and Chinese governments. “The lives and safety of the China Sea and has said it seeks to in the East Sea.” end its violations,” Dung said. Asean issued a summit commu- Thousands of Vietnamese set company’s 3,565 employees were resolve differences in one-on-one Anti-Chinese violence flared in Carl Thayer, an expert on niqué that did not criticise China. fire to factories and stormed under severe harm and threat,” talks with the countries involved. Vietnam last week after Chinese Vietnam at the Australian Chinese President Xi Jinping ear- industrial zones in the south to the Chinese engineering contrac- Beijing and Tokyo are also at state oil company CNOOC Defence Force Academy in lier appeared to warn some Asian protest against Chinese oil drill- tor said. loggerheads over disputed islands deployed an oil rig 240kms off the Canberra, said Vietnam had to nations about strengthening mili- ing in a part of the sea claimed Fighting between Vietnamese in the East China Sea. coast of Vietnam in waters also play what cards it had as it was tary alliances to counter China, by Hanoi. and Chinese workers broke out “The president and I shared the claimed by Hanoi. clear the Association of Southeast saying this would not benefit MCC said protesters smashed, in central Ha Tinh province last deep concerns over the current The rig was towed there just Asian Nations (Asean) was not regional security. looted and burned foreign enter- week, killing two people and extremely dangerous situation days after US President Barack going to stand up to China. REUTERS prises in Vietnam on May 14, wounding 140. REUTERS

Workers under trial College student Japanese court rules out stabs three to restarting Ohi nuclear plant death in Taiwan TAIPEI: A knife-wielding TOKYO: A Japanese court works for the return to operations college student killed three ruled against allowing the of reactors, with the safety checks people and injured 25, police restart of a nuclear power bogged down by paperwork and said, in a rare incident on plant west of Tokyo yesterday, disputes over interpreting new Taipei’s metro yesterday. its operator said, a rare case guidelines. Police said a motive was not in which anti-nuclear plaintiffs “Plaintiffs have rarely won. immediately clear, although have successfully won a ruling This is right in the middle of the the man had been drinking to shut down reactors. restart process ... it could have alcohol before the attacks. The court in Fukui prefecture very well have repercussions,” The attacker was immediately ruled against allowing Kansai said Aileen Mioko Smith, execu- arrested. Electric Power Co to restart reac- tive director of Green Action, The Taiwan capital, home to tors Number 3 and 4 at its Ohi which earlier this month had a 7.3 million people, is commonly nuclear plant, the utility said in a lawsuit to close the Ohi reactors considered a very safe city for statement, adding it would appeal rejected by a court in Osaka. its size. against the decision. National broadcaster NHK said Ohi, like all of Japan’s nuclear it was the first time anti-nuclear South Korea fires plants, has been idled for safety campaigners had won a court checks in the wake of the 2011 dis- ruling against nuclear power, but warning shots aster at Tokyo Electric Power Co’s Smith said there had been two Fukushima Daiichi plant pending other rulings by courts support- SEOUL: A South Korean safety checks. The court ruling is ing plant closures. naval ship fired warning shots likely to be another spanner in the REUTERS Tuesday after three North Twenty-three garment workers and human rights activists, accused of acts of violence and damaging property Korean patrol boats crossed during a January protest attends a trial in Cambodian Court yesterday. over the disputed maritime border in the Yellow Sea, military officials said. The North Korean boats, South Korean sect submits to search for ferry operator which normally serve to keep fishing boats on the right side of the boundary, crossed into ANSEONG/INCHEON: sons that ran the shipping com- Arrest warrants have been Hoe-jong, a senior prosecutor in Christ,” Lee Tae-jong, a spokes- South Korean waters at 0700 Hundreds of followers of a reli- pany Chonghaejin Marine. issued for Yoo’s two sons, the the case, said in Incheon. “It has man for the group, said at the GMT, the South’s joint chiefs gious sect submitted yesterday Believed to be in his 70s, Yoo younger of which is believed to nothing to do with religion.” compound gate. of staff said. to a search of their rural com- is a cofounder of the Evangelical be in the United States. Followers had prevented the About 1,200 police officers were The incursion prompted a mune by South Korean authori- Baptist Church that runs the Prosecutors conceded they had authorities, armed with court on site to keep order and helicop- South Korean naval ship to ties seeking the arrest of the sprawling Anseong compound no confirmation of the wherea- warrants, from entering the com- ters hovered over the Anseong fire 10 warning rounds, after head of the family that oper- about two hours south of Seoul. bouts of Yoo or his eldest son, pound earlier by staging a sit-in compound as dozens of investi- which the North Korean ves- ated a ferry which capsized last The victims of the ferry dis- and said they were probably no at the gate. gators entered the gate in several sels retreated to the North side month killing more than 300 aster were mostly children, and longer in the Anseong commune They said they had nothing to vehicles while group followers of the border, it said. people. President Park Geu-hye sobbed but added investigators were also hide and have accused the govern- sang hymns. Yonhap news agency said Yoo Byung-un is wanted on as she apologised to the grief- looking for other evidence. ment of religious persecution. Members of the sect grow the North Korean boats charges of embezzlement, negli- stricken nation in a televi- “Again, this investigation is “We will prove that our dear organic produce and run a fresh- might have been chasing some gence and tax evasion stemming sion address on Monday, while about personal wrongdoings on brother Yoo Byung-un is not an water fish farm at Anseong, and Chinese boats fishing illegally from a web of business hold- her government has vowed the part of Yoo Byung-un and evil man and that he has lived as Yoo also has a photography work- in the area. ings centred around I-One-I, an to improve national safety sons related to the management a role model citizen of this coun- shop there. AGENCIES investment vehicle owned by his standards. of Chonghaejin Marine,” Kim try practicing the love of Jesus REUTERS THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN Pakistan military air Karachi bomb blast strikes kill 60 rebels Sharif has been trying to engage Taliban in talks

MIRANSHAH: Pakistani he came to power a year ago. It than half of its coup-prone his- fighter jets bombed suspected was unclear whether Sharif had tory since independence in 1947 militant hideouts in the tribal authorised the latest air strikes. but Sharif has been trying to region of North Waziristan “As per reports so far, 60 hard- reassert civilian authority. near the Afghan border yester- core terrorists, including some As negotiations with a frac- day, killing dozens of people, the of the important commanders tured and increasingly violent army said. and foreigners, were killed in Taliban movement have floun- Disagreement over how to han- the strikes and around 30 were dered in recent months, specula- dle the Taliban insurgency lies injured,” the army’s press wing tion has grown that the army is at the heart of Prime Minister said in a statement. seeking to gain the upper hand Nawaz Sharif’s increasingly chilly Despite Sharif’s insistence on and opt for an all-out ground and relationship with Pakistan’s pow- talks, the military has carried out air force military operation. erful army, which has been push- a series of brief air raids in the The Taliban themselves have ing for a major military offensive region, such as yesterday’s attack, been in disarray, rocked by weeks against militants. which did not appear to signal the of bloody infighting between sup- Sharif has been trying to start of a broader campaign in porters of Taliban chief Maulana engage the Taliban in talks and North Waziristan. Fazlullah and senior commander avoid military action but negotia- The military has ruled the Khan “Sajna” Said. tions have failed repeatedly since South Asian nation for more REUTERS Security officials inspect the site of a bomb blast near the Sachal Rangers Headquarters in Karachi yesterday. At least eight people were injured. Economy falters as Nato mission Protest over comes to end Risks multiply as Afghan poll run-off nears closure KABUL: Afghanistan’s aid- KABUL: Both candidates presenting the insurgents with a dramatically pulled out of the dependent economy is slow- vying to be the next president timely moment to grab back the run-off after massive cheating of schools ing markedly as Nato troops of Afghanistan are convinced headlines. by Karzai’s supporters. QUETTA: Thousands of withdraw, the International they will win and that only “A second round gives an oppor- “If the second-round is tainted women, children and activists Monetary Fund (IMF) said cheating can stop them -- set- tunity for a much more effective by fraud, it would be extremely marched in Pakistan’s volatile yesterday, warning that vio- ting the stage for a fraught and complete democratic exercise dangerous for a country like province of Baluchistan yes- lence, political instability election when campaigning to choose a leader,” Haysom said. Afghanistan,” said European terday in a protest against a and lack of reform threaten starts today. “But it comes at a risk.” Union election observer Thijs campaign by an Islamist group future growth. Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf He added that the United Berman, who described fraud in to force schools to shut down GDP growth will slide to 3.2 Ghani are locked in a head-to- Nations had appealed to both the first round as “substantial”. across the region. percent in 2014, the IMF pro- head battle that could test Afghan candidates not to campaign “in a “Any fraud is a threat to the Tanzeemul Islam-ul-Furqan, a jected in its annual forecast for stability as the country chooses manner which promotes the risk security of Afghanistan and its little-known group, has been set- Afghanistan, which has received its first new leader since the of ethnic tensions and violence”. future. It is essential that there ting schools on fire and distrib- billions of dollars in funding tumultuous days after the Taliban Ethnic divisions have blurred in is a peaceful transition of power.” uting threatening leaflets against since the extremist Taliban regime fell in 2001. Abdullah Abdullah Afghanistan to some extent since Berman criticised Afghan elec- girls’ and Western-style education regime was ousted in 2001. As the drawn-out election 2001, but tribal affiliation remains tion authorities for releasing in Baluchistan, a vast province This is down from 3.6 per- process builds to a climax, US-led fearful that the campaign could a key factor in voting preferences. “late and incomplete” data after bordering Iran and Afghanistan. cent in 2013 and a huge drop combat troops are closing bases be antagonistic and that the final Abdullah attracts much of his the first round, and he said bet- “At least 35 private schools from the 14 percent growth and withdrawing rapidly, with result may be disputed. support from the Tajik ethnic ter transparency was essential in and 30 language centres have recorded in 2012, when bumper all remaining 51,000 Nato sol- “The worst-case scenario would minority and other Dari-speaking the run-off. been shut down in the districts of harvests gave the economy an diers due to exit this year after be if the election is both polarising groups in the north, while Ghani Since the second-round time- Panjgur and Turbat for well over unusual boost. more than a decade fighting the and the results are not accepted is a Pashtun, the largest ethnic table was declared last week, a week, but government schools “Over the past two years, Taliban. by one of the candidates -- that group, which is strongest in the Ghani has been tweeting about are open,” an official said. economic activity has been The first-round election on has the potential to lead to con- south and east. new allies joining his team while “Apparently they have been affected by political and secu- April 5 was hailed a success by flict,” Nicholas Haysom, deputy President Hamid Karzai, who Abdullah has spoken of his pri- allowed to function because their rity uncertainties and the draw Afghan officials and foreign allies Unied Nations mission chief, said must step down after serving the orities when he moves into the enrolment of female students is down of international troops,” after the insurgents failed to this week. maximum two terms, retained presidential palace. very small.” the report said. launch a major attack, and fraud “The remedy to that is to make power in 2009 in a fraud-riddled With neither contender likely It is rare for women to take though widespread was deemed the election as transparent as election that nearly derailed the to concede without a fight, the part in public rallies in the tradi- Heavy explosion not to have affected the outcome. possible.” multinational effort to develop election process that began in tional tribal society of Baluchistan, Abdullah and Ghani, the two Many Afghans fear polling day Afghanistan. early February could hold more but yesterday, thousands of them rocks province top vote-winners, progressed will be targeted by the Taliban A close election next month surprises before final results of marched alongside schoolchildren through to a run-off vote on as the date falls at the height of could revive the tensions and bit- the run-off are declared on July and political activists to appeal for KABUL: A heavy explo- June 14, with some observers the traditional “fighting season”, terness of 2009, when Abdullah 22. AFP better security. REUTERS sion rocked northern Faryab province yesterday after- noon, with preliminary 10 die in road crash reports suggesting at least 31 people were killed or injured. A local security official said the incident has taken place EU warns against in Pashton Kot district and at least one civilian was killed and 30 others were injured. The nature of the incident ban on Geo TV is not clear so far as there are conflicting reports that the ISLAMABAD: Amid efforts element of powerful regional blast has taken place following to shutdown the Geo TV, the bloc’s agenda. a suicide attack. Brussels-based European GSP is primarily a trade tool; Union Trade Commission has the respect of human rights is rel- Militants kill warned that it was monitoring evant not only in the GSP context Pakistan’s situation, and the but is also a key element in the six policemen country’s GSP Plus status could broader political agenda of the be withdrawn in case of serious EU-Pakistan relations, Clancy KABUL: According to local restrictions on the freedom of added. authorities in southern Zabul speech. Under the GSP+ scheme, province of Afghanistan, the John Clancy, the EU Trade Pakistan is bound to uphold the Taliban militants killed at spokesman, was officially freedom of expression as it has least six policemen who were responding to a query regard- signed a binding undertaking with abducted a week ago. ing a sustained campaign against the EU to effectively implement The officials further added Pakistanis’ largest TV channel 27 core international conventions. that the policemen belonged Geo after an assassination bid on One of these conventions is to Afghan Local Police (ALP) the channel’s most famous anchor International Covenant on Civil forces were abducted while they Hamid Mir last month. and Political Rights 1966, which were on their way Naw Bahar Mir was shot six times by calls for complete freedom of district reported yesterday. People inspect the wreckage of a passenger van at the scene of an accident at Burewala Road near Adda Zaheer unknown assailants in the port expression in the country. AGENCIES Nagar in Vehari, Pakistan, yesterday. At least 10 passengers were killed when a truck ploughed into the van. city of Karachi on April 19. There is a strict and effective Under the Generalised Scheme mechanism devised by the EU to of Preferences scheme, Pakistan monitor the implementation of is allowed duty-free exports to these conventions. In 2010, the EU the EU which has resulted in revoked Sri Lanka’s GSP+ status an annual increase in revenue over its human rights record. Gunmen kill teacher, five family members of around Rs78bn. Clancy said Earlier this month, the EU had Pakistan was granted the GSP+ expressed concerns over attack QUETTA: Gunmen yesterday "Gunmen stormed the house of part of the province. mountains and deserts abutting preferences because it com- on journalists in Pakistan, includ- killed a teacher and five mem- Abdul Hameed, a schoolteacher, According to a 2010 Human Iran and Afghanistan, is rich in plies with the EU criteria of ing serious attempts on lives of bers of his family in Pakistan's shooting him and five of his family Rights Watch report, educational gas and mineral deposits -- add- ratification. Hamid Mir and Raza Rumi. southwestern province of members present at the house," establishments have been particu- ing a financial dimension to the Nevertheless, this compliance Michael Mann, a spokesper- Baluchistan, officials said, add- Mumtaz Ali, a senior administra- larly targeted by rebels because battle. is continuously monitored by the son for the High Representative/ ing that separatist rebels were tion official said. "militants view them as repre- In recent years many people EU and, in case it is established European External Action believed responsible. The attackers fled after the sentatives of the Pakistani state suspected of links to separatist that restrictions on freedom of Service, had informed that the The attack happened in the killings. and symbols of perceived military groups have mysteriously disap- speech constitute a serious vio- matter would be taken up dur- Panjgour district of Baluchistan, Another senior administration oppression". peared, allegedly at the hands of lation of those conventions, the ing the EU’s 2014 human rights about 1,000 kilometres west of the official confirmed the account and The idea of giving greater the intelligence agencies. GSP+ could be removed by the dialogue with Pakistan. provincial capital of Quetta. said Hameed had had problems autonomy to Baluchistan, the size Baluchistan is an arid, desert EU as a result of an investiga- Although, the biggest threat Baluchistan is home to a long- with the Baluch Liberation Front, of Italy but with only nine million and mountainous region on the tion, Clancy said in an email from to Pakistani journalists is armed running separatist conflict that which had accused him of spy- inhabitants, is highly sensitive Iranian plateau in south-western Belgium’s capital. groups, there are also allega- was revived in 2004, and teach- ing for the country's intelligence in a country still scarred by the Asia, northwest of the Arabian The EU is Pakistan’s sin- tions of abuses committed by the ers are routinely killed both by agencies. breakaway in 1971 of its eastern Sea. It mainly includes southwest- gle largest trade partner. The military against journalists who nationalist organisations and He added that the teacher had portion, now Bangladesh. ern Pakistan, southeastern Iran spokesman further added that report critically on their actions, security forces on suspicion of come under suspicion because he Baluchistan, spread over and a very small section of south- apart from GSP, respect for the Mann said. spying. had been posted from another an unforgiving landscape of western Afghanistan. AFP freedom of speech is also a key INTERNEWS THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Modi invites Kejriwal in jail for not paying bail bond SAARC heads AAP leader sent to jail in defamation case filed by BJP’s Nitin Gadkari If offered, will to swearing-in NEW DELHI: Former Delhi different treatment. “You are rep- accept Delhi CM Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal resenting the Aam Aadmi Party. NEW DELHI: In a major dip- was yesterday sent to two-day I request you to behave as aam post: Kiran Bedi lomatic signal to the region as judicial custody by a court after aadmi (common man),” she said. well as to the global commu- he refused to furnish a per- “This not a case where the NEW DELHI: Former nity, Prime Minister-designate sonal bail bond in a defamation accused, due to financial inability, police officer Kiran Bedi Narendra Modi, has invited case filed by BJP leader Nitin is unable to furnish bail bond. The yesterday said she would heads of all the SAARC coun- Gadkari. accused is just adamant...” accept to be the Delhi chief tries, including Pakistan, for his Metropolitan Magistrate Gadkari’s lawyer opposed minister, if the Bharatiya oath-taking ceremony on May 26. Gomati Manocha fixed tomor- Kejriwal’s plea. Janata Party (BJP) offers her “The letters were sent this row as the next date of hearing. Gadkari’s complaint said that the post. afternoon. Foreign Secretary Manocha had asked him to fur- January 31, when he was Delhi’s “I have spent 35-40 years of Sujatha Singh wrote to her nish a bail bond of Rs10,000 but chief minister, Kejriwal released my life in Delhi and (now) want SAARC counterparts inviting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) a list of “India’s most corrupt” to devote my remaining life their leaders to the swearing leader refused. Kejriwal was sum- people and it included his name. for its welfare,” Bedi, a former in on Monday,” external affairs moned by the court for describing Gadkari told the court that Indian Police Service officer, ministry spokesperson Syed former Bharatiya Janata Party “false, baseless, scandalous, told a television channel. Akbaruddin said. president as a “corrupt” person. defamatory statements” by A Bharatiya Janata Party Akbaruddin said in a state- Earlier, Kejriwal told the court Kejriwal against him had lowered supporter, Bedi stated that ment later that the ministry has he would not furnish a bail bond his dignity. the “Gujarat model needs to been holding “informal consul- as the case was a political one. Kejriwal, 45, was first sent to Arvind Kejriwal looks out from his car as he arrives at a court in New Delhi be implemented in Delhi”. tations” with SAARC members Instead, he promised to give an a lock-up in the court complex yesterday. IANS in the matter and hoped to have undertaking to appear before before being taken in a police van their responses in the next couple the court at every hearing. ”I am to the Tihar Central Jail, where of days. “This is for us a first of fighting against corruption. I will a large number of AAP workers In such a situation, holding dis- assembly was not dissolved. The Kejriwal said yesterday people in sorts because this is the first time not seek bail as I have not done promptly staged a noisy protest. cussions does not make sense. We AAP had earlier petitioned the Delhi wanted him to again form a that India has invited all SAARC anything wrong,” he said. The sudden development came have decided that we will prepare judiciary to demand fresh elec- government. “Since the Lok Sabha members to attend a swearing in His counsel told the court just after Kejriwal offered his for elections (in Delhi).” tions in Delhi. election ended, I have been going ceremony of the prime minister.” that in earlier defamation cases first public apology for abruptly Referring to his resignation The situation changed after the around Delhi and people have SAARC comprises, besides against him, Kejriwal was granted resigning as Delhi’s chief minister after a 49-day stint following his Bharatiya Janata Party won all said that we made a mistake (by India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri bail on the undertaking that he on February 14 and sought fresh failure to get the Jan Lokpal bill seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi resigning) and that we should not Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan would appear before the court at elections in the capital. passed, Kejriwal said: “We made this month. After being pushed to repeat the mistake. They (public) and Afghanistan. every hearing. Kejriwal made the statement a mistake, and I apologise for it.” a distant third in the Lok Sabha asked us to form a government... However, all eyes are on The counsel added that a day after he told Lt Governor But the AAP government— battle, a section of Congress leg- Otherwise, they said, they will not Pakistan to see if Prime Minister Kejriwal would not flee from jus- Najeeb Jung not to dissolve the later short of one party member— islators seemed willing to again forgive us,” he added. Nawaz Sharif will accept the tice. “I completely agree but what 70-member house so that he could was shortlived. Kejriwal resigned back an AAP government. The Congress said it won’t prop unexpected invitation. Asked if is the problem with furnishing a explore the possibility of again after the Congress, BJP and oth- Initially, the AAP leaders up an AAP government “at any Sharif would attend the ceremony, bail bond?” Asked the judge. forming a minority government. ers refused to let the Jan Lokpal refused the offer. But there was cost”. BJP leader Harsh Vardhan, Pakistani diplomatic sources said The judge said furnishing a But a pensive Kejriwal told the bill pass in the house. pressure from a section of its own a legislator now elected to the the invite had been received, but bond was a process of law and media: “The chances of forming a Since then, Delhi has been legislators to explore the possibil- Lok Sabha, said his party wanted could not say as yet if their prime told Kejriwal that he was seeking government are almost negligible. under President’s Rule but the ity of government formation. fresh polls. IANS minister would be attending. IANS Anandiben Patel at helm as Modi gets emotional farewell GANDHINAGAR: Senior Gujarat Minister Anandiben Patel was yester- Journey of a brave day unanimously elected the leader of the BJP Legislature Party here, making her school teacher the chief minister designate to succeed Narendra Modi. Addressing BJP legislators, a teary eyed to Gujarat’s first Patel promised to continue the “glorious tra- ditions of her predecessor” Modi. Meanwhile, Prime Minister-designate woman CM Narendra Modi yesterdya stepped down as the Gujarat chief minister. AHMEDABAD: Some 25 years Camaraderie among ruling BJP and oppo- ago, without a second thought, a sition Congress legislators and leaders in woman school teacher plunged into Gujarat marked an emotional farewell to the Narmada river and rescued two Modi. In a brief farewell speech at a special young girl students who were drown- session of the state legislature, Modi thanked ing. The teacher was 47-years old the legislators and people of Gujarat for their then. Today, at age 73, Anandiben love, cooperation and support in his stint as Patel is all set to become Gujarat’s chief minister for around 13 years. next and first woman chief minister, “Henceforth, I shall not be able to enter succeeding Narendra Modi. this legislature again — barring some spe- Both Patel and Modi, 11 years cial functions,” Modi said in chaste Gujarati younger, studied at the N M High as the entire legislature and some 400-plus School in Visnagar village in Mehsana invited guests thumped desks and loudly district. Patel’s act of bravery in 1987 cheered him. “Over my 13 years, in case I won her many national and state hon- have committed any mistakes, or if there ours. Now the focus is again on the soft- were any shortcomings, please forgive me,” spoken Patel as she prepares to govern Modi said in a voice choked with emotion. Gujarat, a state now at the heart of “I have the greatest regards for all the peo- Indian politics. ple here and I salute them...especially the Her elevation now is a far cry from house chairman and the opposition,” he added the days when she refused all promo- Anandiben Patel (right) greets the audience as Prime Minister-elect, Narendra Modi looks on at a function in Gandhinagar yesterday. as his eyes turned moist. tions at school as administrative respon- Recalling some past anecdotes with the sibilities in a senior post would have Congress Leader of Opposition and his deprived her of her passion — teaching. first election in Gujarat — and has only girl — and a good athlete — among comprehensive land surveys and digi- old bete-noire Shankarsinh Vaghela, Modi After her act of bravery, Patel was remained the longest serving woman 700 boys students. She went on to do tisation of all land records. expressed his special gratitude to Vaghela. In coaxed by BJP activists to join politics. legislator in the state. masters in science and education. A In the corridors of power in Gujarat, turn, Vaghela got up from his seat and walked It was finally her husband and RSS Over the years, Patel worked under mother of two, she is also known to do most fear the soft-spoken ‘Ben’ up to Modi and felicitated him with a shawl functionary Mafatbhai Patel — they two chief ministers —Keshubhai Patel yoga regularly. (Anandi-Ben) as an alter ego to the and warmly hugged and congratulated him. separated later — who convinced her and Modi. Over the years as minister and stern ‘Bhai’ (Narendra Bhai) Modi and In a lighter vein, Modi said that now into taking the political plunge. She did She has handled the education port- four-time legislator, Patel earned the consider her as probably the most capa- Gujarati would be spoken in the Prime that, reluctantly. folio and virtually turned around the confidence of Modi who made her chair- ble to take over the reins of the state Minister’s Office and it would have a special A few months later, the young Modi department, and is presently handling person of a group of ministers which administration after Modi’s meteoric place for the people of state. “Even dhokla became general secretary of the BJP in key ministries like revenue, urban devel- ruled Gujarat after he was declared rise in national politics. Patel’s early would be served in the PMO,” Modi said Gujarat and made her the BJP women’s opment, roads and buildings. the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate life was dedicated to teaching at the M amidst laughter, referring to the Gujaratis’ wing president. “Behind her soft exterior is a tough in September 2013 and began remain- K Vidyalaya in Ahmedabad, involving favourite lip-smacking snack. Partly due to Modi’s backing and and decisive woman who knows exactly ing mostly away from the state. The herself in educating widows and poorer The assembly yesterday held a special ses- partly because Gujarat had no other how to deal with the bureaucracy and farmer’s daughter showed dedication sections, and promoting women’s self- sion to bid farewell to Modi, who is set to be woman leader from the powerful and get work done without any excuses or in running her departments efficiently, help groups. sworn in as India’s next prime minister next affluent Patel community, Patel’s stars compromises,” said former journalist besides managing the show in Modi’s Patel is said to be a simple person who Monday. Later, Modi submitted his resig- were on the ascendant. She got a Rajya Bashir Pathan, who has watched her near-total absence from Gujarat. is fond of vegetarian Gujarati food — and nation to Governor Kamla Beniwal at Raj Sabha nomination in 1994. She quit political career for two decades. Patel has earned laurels for cotton saris. Bhavan nearby. IANS the Rajya Sabha in 1998 to fight her Even in her high school, she was the unprecedented enrolment in schools, IANS

Chamling sworn in for 5th term Patnaik sworn in as Odisha CM Obama praises GANGTOK: Pawan Kumar merged with India in 1975. BHUBANESWAR: BJD presi- Prasad Mishra, Pradip Kumar Niranjan Pujari, Rajanikant Manmohan Chamling was yesterday sworn Chamling is poised to break dent Naveen Patnaik was sworn Amat, Bijayshree Routray, Badri Singh and Subrat Tarai — who in as Sikkim’s chief minister for the record of former West Bengal in as Odisha Chief Minister for Narayan Patra, Bikram Keshari were part of Patnaik’s previous NEW DELHI: After a farewell a record fifth consecutive term. Chief Minister Jyoti Basu as the the fourth straight term here Arukh, Lal Behari Himirika, team were denied berths. phone call to Manmohan Singh Governor Shriniwas Patil longest running head of govern- yesterday. Twenty-one minis- Pradip Maharathy, Usha Devi, While the chief minister shortly after he demitted office, administered the oath of office to ment of any Indian state. Basu ters, including 11 cabinet min- Puspendra Singhdeo and retained home, general admin- US President Barak Obama also the 63-year-old Chamling and 11 ruled West Bengal for 23 years isters, also took oath with him. Yogendra Behera. istration, water resources and wrote to the outgoing prime ministers at Raj Bhavan here. from 1977 till 2000. Governor S C Jamir admin- The 10 ministers of state are public works, he named former minister appreciating his role in The Chamling-led Sikkim Sikkim has the lowest percent- istered the oath of office and Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Arun assembly speaker Pradip Kumar strengthening the Indo-US stra- Democratic Front secured a two- age of people below poverty line secrecy to Patnaik, 67, and other Kumar Sahu, Ashok Kumar Amat as the new finance minister. tegic relationship. thirds majority in the assembly and its per capita income is much ministers at a ceremony at the Panda, Sanjay Dasburma, Sudam First-time minister Prafulla In his letter, Obama appreci- election, winning 22 seats out of higher than the national aver- Raj Bhavan here. Marandi, Pradip Panigrahi, Kumar Mallik has been given ated Manmohan Singh “for his 32. In power since December 12, age. Chamling has promised to Patnaik took his oath in English Ramesh Chandra Majhi, Prafulla the important department of efforts that lifted millions out of 1994, Chamling has already com- eradicate poverty in the state by while party workers raised slo- Kumar Mallik, Pranab Prakash steel and mines, party veteran poverty and positioned India for pleted two uninterrupted decades 2017. He is also working towards gans in his favour outside the Das and Snehangini Chhuria. Damodar Rout has become the its transformation into a global as the chief minister of the erst- making Sikkim the first debt-free premises. The cabinet minis- Five leaders — Surya Narayan excise and cooperation depart- leader”. while Himalayan kingdom which state in India. IANS ters are Damodar Rout, Debi Patro, Maheswar Mohanty, ment minister. IANS IANS

THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15

Women-only Magnitude 6.0 cab service started in Kochi earthquake KOCHI: With the support of the Kerala government, a women-only cab service called “She Taxi” has been launched rocks India here to ensure safety and empowerment of the fairer sex. Kochi is only the second city after Thiruvanathapuram in India Panic grips several sea resorts to have such a facility focused for women. Kerala Chief Minister NEW DELHI: An earthquake however, no news of casualties or Oommen Chandy launched the of magnitude 6.0 occurred in the damage. “She Taxi” facilities at an event Bay of Bengal yesterday evening. Tremors were felt in many here. A similar service was intro- Tremors were felt across India, places in Odisha, but there were duced in Thiruvanathapuram six but there was no tsunami warn- no reports of any damage or inju- months ago. ing and no reports of casualties ries, the state’s special relief com- Kerala government’s depart- or damage, officials said. The missioner P K Mohapatra said. Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi (left), Rahul Gandhi (centre), daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (right) and ment of social justice is backing quake occurred at 9.52 p.m. In the state capital and adjoin- the venture which has been con- Priyanka’s husband Robert Vadra (second right) sit after paying respects at the Rajiv Gandhi memorial on the “The magnitude of the earth- ing Cuttack city, people came ceived and implemented by The occasion of the former Prime Minister’s 23rd death anniversary in New Delhi yesterday. quake was 6.0 on the Richter scale out of their homes as doors, win- Gender Park and has actress and its epicentre was in the Bay dows and furniture shook. The Manju Warrier as its goodwill of Bengal,” said an official of the quake was felt Kendrapada and ambassador. India Meteorological Department Sambalpur too. Rahul, Priyanka in Amethi to take stock “She Taxi has become a in Delhi. People felt the tremors Panic griped the sea resorts women empowerment model in Delhi too. of Puri and Digha as beds shook, for countries across the globe “Tremors were felt in Odisha water spilled onto tables and AMETHI: Congress Vice-President Rahul Gauriganj where he discussed in detail the reasons to emulate,” Chandy said at the and some districts of West tourists rushed out to the streets Gandhi, who just managed to scrape out a victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party’s surge in the state. launch event Monday. “The She Bengal,” the official added. from their hotels. in Amethi Lok Sabha constituency, yesterday dis- Gandhi is learnt to have told his crestfallen sup- Taxi has grabbed global atten- In Chennai, people came out of Subrata Nath, a tourist at cussed the poll debacle with party leaders here. porters that all was not lost and they would have tion after its successful intro- their homes in areas like Adyar, Digha in East Midnapore district, Gandhi’s visit was the first after the polls in which to now lift their spirits and fight for the rights of duction in Thiruvanathapuram. Porur, Kodambakkam, Triplicane, said power supply was disrupted the Congress was routed in Uttar Pradesh. the people. The Congress leader had some anx- Even the authorities in the UAE T Nagar and Nungambakkam. for a few seconds. Accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi ious moments on the day the election results were are actively looking at the pos- According to the Hyderabad- “The beds suddenly started Vadra, Rahul Gandhi visited a village where 67 huts announced May 16, when at many polling centres he sibility of similar cab services for based Indian National Centre shaking. The power went off for were gutted in a massive fire and distributed relief trailed behind BJP’s Smriti Irani. women,” he said. for Ocean Information Services a few seconds. All tourists poured material. Taking note of the victory margin being reduced To begin with, Kochi will have a (INCOIS), the magnitude of the out to the streets in panic. I saw Gandhi assured the victims all possible help and to just 100,000 votes over his 2009 victory margin of fleet of ten cabs. Later, Kozhikode quake was 5.8. police running. After a few min- told them that he would push for getting them new 300,000-plus votes, Gandhi is said to be contemplat- will become the third city in the In Kolkata too, people came out utes, we understood it was a houses under the Indira Awaas Yojana. Later, he ing an overhaul of the district and state unit of the state to launch She Taxis, said M on the streets in panic. There was, quake. IANS met party workers at the district Congress office in party. IANS K Muneer, Kerala’s minister for panchayats and social justice. “We are planning to roll out 250 She Taxi cabs in all major cities across the state,” said Muneer. Veteran Communist Umanath dead She Taxi was launched in 70 children rescued from Delhi station Thiruvananthapuram Nov 19, 2013, with five cabs. CHENNAI: R Umanath, a vet- Communist Party of India while The customised pink-and- NEW DELHI: A total of 70 and rescued the children while an NGO working for the rights eran leader of the Communist studying at Annamalai University white taxis, supplied by Maruti children were rescued from the they were being shifted to the of children and to end human Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), in 1939. He quit his studies to Suzuki India, are fitted with best- Old Delhi Railway Station yes- other train at the railway station. trafficking. died yesterday in Trichirapalli become a full time party member. in-class technology such as GPS, terday while they were boarding “The children aged between “The children, hailing from in Tamil Nadu. During the Independence precision metering systems and a train for Punjab, police said. eight and 16 years were being Raxaul in Bihar and Sitapur A member of the CPI-M’s polit- struggle, he was convicted in in-car LCD systems. They also The children were brought to taken to Punjab on the pretext in Uttar Pradesh, were being buro during 1991-2008, Umanath the Madras conspiracy case and have a number of safety features Delhi from Raxaul in Bihar by of being given jobs,” a police offi- taken to work in the agricultural was 92. He also served as a mem- imprisoned for two and a half such as emergency alert switches another train. cial said. The operation was car- fields and granaries of Abohar in ber of the Tamil Nadu state com- years. Umanath spent a total of for drivers and passengers and A police team boarded the train ried out jointly by Delhi Police Punjab,” a member of the NGO mittee for several years. nine and a half years in jails. safety alert mobile application for at Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh and Bachpan Bachao Andolan, said. IANS Umanath joined the undivided IANS women drivers. IANS THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Cellphones may News in Numbers QATAR TRADING induce allergic ECONOMICS CHART: 12 Fajr (Dawn) 3:21 reactions in Shorook (Sunrise) 4:47 Zuhr (Noon) 11:30 children: Study Asr (Afternoon) 2:56 WASHINGTON: Do not let Maghrib (Sunset) 6:15 your kids use mobile phones for Isha (Night) 7:45 a long time as metals used in manufacturing cellphones such as nickel and chromium may induce skin allergies in them. WEATHER Called allergic contact dermati- tis (ACD), the prolonged cell phone exposure can cause dermatitis of Today Friday Saturday Weather Conditions: the face, neck, hands, or anterior Clear Partly cloudy Partly cloudy thighs — common places exposed Hazy with to cell phones, researchers warn. Qatar Corporate Tax Rate some clouds. “With the rising use of cell .(_'>` &22:>= phones and other mobile devices, High: 38° High: 41° High: 42° pediatricians can expect to see Low: 28° Low: 33° Low: 30° The Corporate Tax Rate in Qatar stands at 10 percent. Corporate Tax Rate in Qatar additional cases of ACD,” said Mary Cataletto, a professor of clin- averaged 21.11 percent from 2006 until 2014, reaching an all time high of 35 ical pediatrics at State University percent in 2007 and a record low of 10 percent in 2010. Corporate Tax Rate in of New York at Stony Brook. Qatar is reported by the Public Revenues and Tax Department, Qatar. In Qatar, the A team of researchers led by DOHA - SUN & SEA Jacob Thyssen from Copenhagen Corporate Income tax rate is a tax collected from companies. Its amount is based on SUN TIDE SEA University Hospital Gentofte the net income companies obtain while exercising their business activity, normally reviewed the current literature WIND SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW on mobile phone dermatitis in during one business year. The benchmark we use refers to the highest rate for 04:47 18:15 12:15 & 23:30 06:30 & 16:15 05-15 KT both children and adults. They Corporate Income. Revenues from the Corporate Tax Rate are an important source found that nickel sensitisation is of income for the government of Qatar. THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW common in children, resulting in ACD prevalence levels of up to 33 ACTUAL DATES UNIT FREQUENCY HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER PREVIOUS HIGHEST LOWEST percent. The authors have provided important diagnostic tips for prac- MUSCAT 44/32 Clear 46/32 Clear 10.00 10.00 35.00 10.00 2006 - 2014 Percent Yearly titioners and strategies to raise MAKKAH 41/30 Partly cloudy 41/30 Partly cloudy awareness of nickel- or chromium- KUWAIT 39/24 Partly cloudy 40/28 Partly cloudy 35 35 35 35 induced mobile phone ACD. 35 BAHRAIN 37/29 Partly cloudy 38/30 Clear “Thyssen’s paper discusses SANAA 28/14 Mostly cloudy 29/15 Clear diagnostic patch testing for com- 30 RIYADH 40/30 Partly cloudy 42/30 Partly cloudy mon metal allergens and the value DUBAI 37/28 Clear 38/28 Clear of spot testing of the patient’s BAGHDAD 38/25 Partly cloudy 41/26 Partly cloudy phone in establishing a causal 25 relationship,” Cataletto explained. THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW Previous studies have identified 20 mobile phones and related devices HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER as sources of metal sensitisation 15 ATHENS 27/20 Clear 28/19 Clear and potential causes of ACD. 10 10 10 10 10 WASHINGTON 28/15 Chance of storm 23/14 Partly cloudy Despite efforts to control allergen 10 SYDNEY 26/15 Partly cloudy 26/15 Chance of storm release in phones, many phones on LONDON 18/09 Chance of rain 19/10 Chance of rain the market release levels of metals, PARIS 21/13 Chance of storm 19/15 Chance of storm such as nickel and chromium, which 5 ISTANBUL 22/15 Partly cloudy 23/15 Clear are sufficient to induce ACD, said MANILA 34/26 Chance of storm 34/25 Chance of storm the paper published in the journal 0 DHAKA 40/29 Clear 39/27 Partly cloudy Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and DELHI 41/27 Clear 41/27 Partly cloudy Pulmonology. IANS ISLAMABAD 32/20 Partly cloudy 33/21 Clear Source : http://www.tradingeconomics.com

Spicy plant cuts the mustard as Chechnya film booed and cheered at Cannes CANNES, FRANCE: A pow- as Russia’s Vietnam. Chechnya is arrested for smoking pot and West’s hands-off approach to the camera work, jump cuts and exis- nerve gas fighter erful indictment of the 1999 fought a separatist war in 1994-96 forced into the Russian army. He war, expressed by Carole in lines tential dialogue. Chechen war by The Artist direc- briefly shaking off Russian rule, is seen going through a stomach- such as: “I’m sick of your indif- The director participated in PARIS: The white mustard tor Michel Hazanavicius was but lost the second in 1999-2000 turning training process designed ference while people are dying.” one of Cannes’s most dramatic plant, having added spice to our booed and cheered at Cannes when Russia’s then-prime min- to prepare him psychologically to “Bejo’s considerable talent is moments during the 1968 citizen lives for centuries, may soon be yesterday while France’s Jean- ister, Vladimir Putin, re-estab- see Chechens as “terrorists”. squandered by treacly dialogue,” uprisings throughout France. A put to a very different use — in Luc Godard ventured into 3D lished control over the region. When he reaches the front, he IndieWire wrote. The Guardian sit-in at the main theatre build- the fight against chemical weap- for his latest festival entry at loses no time in killing his first cited “sincerity and commit- ing by protesters including fel- ons, scientists said yesterday. the age of 83. TWO STORY LINES two “terrorists” — an old man and ment, and an earnest rejection of low directors Louis Malle and Tests in the lab showed that Hazanavicius’s The Search Hazanavicius cuts between a boy. “I think everyone knows the the horror of war” but criticised Francois Truffaut resulted in the mustard plants grown in soil con- and Godard’s Adieu au Langage two story lines to portray the Russian army massacred hordes “sentimentality is at its core”. festival being cancelled. taminated with the deadly nerve (Goodbye to Language) are two war and the lives torn apart by of people in Chechnya. It’s a his- While the festival, now in its agent VX, absorbed the toxin via of the films by French directors it. In the main one, a 9-year- torical fact,” Hazanavicius told A MAN, A WOMAN, A DOG 67th year, seeks to give a voice to its roots and held traces of it for competing in the world’s largest old Hadji — played by Abdul- journalists and critics at a press Returning to Cannes is the directors old and new, some crit- at least 45 days. cinema showcase for the pres- Khalim Mamatsuiev — flees his conference. acclaimed pioneer of the French ics, including Scotland’s Richard The experiments showed the tigious Palme d’Or prize, to be destroyed, abandoned village, his “The film is a political one but New Wave, Godard, who has made Mowe, feel there hasn’t been hardy plant known by the scientific awarded on Saturday. baby brother in tow, after his par- I’ve tried to ensure it doesn’t take almost 40 films. The enigmatic enough variety. name Sinapis alba, “could act as a Fans of The Artist, an uplift- ents are killed by Russian soldiers. sides, ultimately,” said the direc- synopsis of his 3D film, due to “There are far too many famil- time capsule whose analysis could ing Hollywood fairy tale, will He is discovered outside a ref- tor, adding that his interest was screen for journalists, involved a iar names who seem to be in there provide molecular evidence for the be in for a visceral shock with ugee centre by Carole (Berenice in showing “human beings sub- married woman and a single man for no good reason than they are prior presence of VX,” according Hazanavicius’s latest. “Welcome to Bejo), a European Union human jected to war”. “I’ve tried to focus and a dog that weaves in and out familiar names and have been to to a study published in the journal Chechnya,” are the movie’s open- rights worker documenting abuses on the human angle because that’s of their lives. the festival many times before, Proceedings of the Royal Society A. ing words, uttered by a Russian and struggling to galvanise public what interests me.” Godard’s Breathless broke with not necessarily on merit,” Mowe, It also absorbed compounds soldier videotaping scenes of outrage to spur a strong response While the movie finds its the established conventions of a juror for Director’s Week, said. of VX’s cousin sarin. For their burnt-out buildings, dead live- to the war from the West. emotional centre in Hadji, the French cinema in 1960 and helped “Thank God for the other sections experiments, British scientists stock and, later, the murder of In the second strand, 19-year- screenplay stumbles with its kickstart a new way of filmmak- in the festival which do get new grew white mustard seeds in soil villagers in a war seen by some old Kolia (Maxim Emelianov) heavy-handed reproach of the ing, complete with handheld blood.” REUTERS polluted with a dose of 250 micro- grammes of VX — a level much lower than individual humans would be exposed to in an attack. They harvested the plants at World’s smallest, fastest different periods, pulverised them and tested the extracts. “This methodology could provide evi- nanomotor developed dence of use of VX that would be unavailable from analysis of soil WASHINGTON: In a major “We were able to establish and alone,” the team concluded. step towards developing mini- control the molecule release rate Soil analysis is one of the ature machines that could one by mechanical rotation, which methods used by scientists of the day move through the body to means our nanomotor is the first Organisation for the Prohibition of deliver drugs or administer insu- of its kind for controlling the Chemical Weapons to find traces of lin for diabetics when needed, release of drugs from the surface nerve gas suspected to have been researchers have built the small- of nanoparticles,” said Donglei used in an attack. But taking sam- est, fastest and longest-running (Emma) Fan, an assistant pro- ples from soil is difficult, and the synthetic motor to date. fessor at the University of Texas nerve gas leaches away over time. With all its dimensions under in the US. The plant mustard plants used one micrometre in size, the “We believe it will help advance in the experiment retained the nanomotor could fit inside a human the study of drug delivery and nerve gas compounds “longer cell and is capable of rotating for cell-to-cell communications,” than the soil”, said the study 15 continuous hours at a speed Fan added. The team built and authors — offering an extra tool of 18,000 RPMs — the speed of a operated the nanomotor using a for investigators. The results also motor in a jet aeroplane engine. patent-pending technique that pointed to possible use of S. alba The three-part nanomotor can Fan invented while studying at for decontamination of soil pol- rapidly mix and pump biochemicals Johns Hopkins University. luted through chemical warfare. and move through liquids, which The technique relies on AC and “The use of sarin within the is important for future applica- DC electric fields to assemble the Syrian Arab Republic has left a tions, test of the nanomotor in a nanomotor’s parts one by one. toxic environmental legacy,” the nonbiological setting revealed. To In experiments, the research- study said. “One solution to reme- test its ability to release drugs, the ers used the technique to turn the diate the contaminated land might researchers coated the nanomotor’s nanomotors on and off and propel be to cultivate S. alba on it.” The surface with biochemicals and ini- the rotation either clockwise or plant grows well in Middle East. tiated spinning. counterclockwise. It thrives in dry climates, is pest- They found that the faster the The study appeared in the jour- resistant and heat tolerant, and nanomotor rotated, the faster it nal Nature Communications. has a wide geographic range. AFP released the drugs. IANS Thursday 22 May 2014 23 Rajab 1435 Volume 19 Number 6073 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Doha Bank China, Russia plans to sign $400bn raise capital next year gas supply deal KUWAIT: Doha Bank plans to raise additional capital in 2015 to underpin fast asset growth and potential acquisitions, New market opens for Moscow the chief executive of Qatar’s fourth-largest bank by assets SHANGHAI: China and phase, aware of Putin’s need for said yesterday. Russia signed a long-awaited, new customers as his isolation in The bank is looking at several $400bn gas supply deal yester- Europe intensified. options to raise capital, such as a day, securing the world’s top “This is indeed a historic event rights issue, CEO R Seetharaman energy user a major new source for the gas sector of Russia and of told reporters at a news confer- of cleaner fuel and opening a the Soviet Union,” he said. “This ence in Kuwait. new market for Moscow as is the biggest contract in the “If our organic expansion is Europeans look elsewhere for history of the gas sector of the per the growth model we envis- their energy. former USSR. age, then we will need additional Russian President Vladimir “I want to stress that there was capital, which we will mobilise Putin and Chinese counterpart hard work done on the expert next year,” he said. Xi Jinping applauded as they level. Our Chinese friends are dif- Both Doha Bank and witnessed the deal being signed ficult, hard negotiators,” he said, Commercial Bank of Qatar may in Shanghai between state-con- noting that negotiations went on need to raise as much as QR1.5bn trolled entities Gazprom and until 4am. ($412m) of Tier 1 — or core — China National Petroleum Corp “Through mutual compromise Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller (centre), President of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and Chairman capital in 2015 to help meet strin- (CNPC). we managed to reach not only and President of PetroChina Zhou Jiping (right) exchange documents as Russian President Vladimir Putin looks gent limits set down by the Qatar The deal is a political triumph acceptable, but rather satisfac- on during a signing ceremony in Shanghai yesterday. Central Bank, Morgan Stanley for Putin, who is courting new tory, terms on this contract for said in an analyst note this week. partners in Asia as customers in both sides. Both sides were in while the lowest offer by Russia value of oil and oil products. graft more broadly. The gas will While Qatari banks have for- Europe attempt to reduce their the end pleased by the compro- was at about $9.67 per mmBtu. Analysts said broader, political be transported along a new pipe- mally adopted Basel III inter- reliance on Russian gas to bol- mise reached on price and other Another potential sticking factors were likely to have been at line linking Siberian gas fields to national regulations this year, ster their bargaining positions terms.” point has been whether China play around the negotiating table. China’s main consumption cen- Morgan Stanley expects Qatar’s with Moscow after its seizure of Industry estimates showed would pay a lump sum up front in “Given the EU sanctions that tres near its coast. Russia will central bank to impose higher Crimea from Ukraine. that the price of the agreement order to fund considerable infra- could potentially hit Russia, I begin delivering from 2018, build- capital requirements that could go But from a commercial point may have come in at around $350 structure costs. don’t think Gazprom is in a posi- ing up to the annual target of 38 up to 16 percent of risk-weighted of view, much depends on the so per thousand cubic metres. The Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller tion to strike a very high price for billion cubic metres, officials said. assets in 2019. far undisclosed price and other Western European average is said that element of talks its gas,” said Gordon Kwan, head Putin announced that Russia Doha Bank’s asset expansion terms of the contract, which has $380. remained unresolved, but Putin of Asian oil research at Nomura. planned to invest $55bn in explo- was more than 20 percent last been more than a decade in the Company sources said China said China would provide $20 He added that CNPC would ration and pipeline construction year and will continue to grow making. offered to pay more than the billion for gas development and be driving a hard bargain in the up to China. CNPC said it would Seetharaman said, citing the Industry insiders said China approximately $9 per million infrastructure and that the wake of a corruption investiga- build the Chinese section of the lender’s new licence in India. had the upper hand in negotia- British thermal units (mmBtu) price formula was similar to the tion that rocked the company last pipeline. Doha Bank will be commissioning tions as they entered their final it pays for Turkmenistan supplies, European price tied to the market year and as Xi seeks to stamp out REUTERS a new branch there in six months time, he said. “It could be a strain or a stress on the capital adequacy if the (asset) growth is over 25 percent,” said Seetharaman. Malaysia tightens rules on divisive Islamic bai inah deals He said the QR1.5bnestimate from Morgan Stanley was spec- ulative and that the amount KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s But under pressure to develop a The structure is commonly and that ownership of the asset new rules more demanding, the would depend upon the bank’s Securities Commission has cross-border industry, authorities used in Malaysia, which follows must actually be transferred. ultimate effect may be to encour- balance sheet and potential tightened rules on bai inah, a in both centres have shown signs the Shafi school of Islam, regarded “This will enhance the appli- age Islamic banks in Malaysia to acquisitions. popular but divisive Islamic of narrowing their differences in as more flexible in its interpreta- cation of inah as required by the shift away from bai inah to alter- “It is not necessarily 1.5 (bil- financing contract, in a fresh the past few years. For exam- tion of Shariah. But scholars from Shafi school and will avert any native modes of financing, schol- lion riyals). If I have an acquisi- sign that standards in the ple, some Gulf countries have more conservative schools in the legal risk on the application of inah ars said. tion opportunity, perhaps I may world’s two main centres for been moving towards centralis- Gulf frown on it, arguing that it if it is challenged in the courts,” “Most of the Islamic financial go faster,” he added. sharia-compliant banking are ing supervision of Islamic banks is only weakly linked to real eco- said Mohamad Akram Laldin, institutions have a problem com- Doha Bank already raised slowly converging. under a single sharia committee, nomic activity, a key principle in executive director at Malaysia’s plying with the new ruling. The its Tier 1 capital in December Regulators and scholars in as Malaysia does. Islamic finance. International Sharia Research rules are too tight — to fulfill through a QR2bn bond issue. Malaysia and the Gulf have con- Treatment of bai inah, which New rules published by Academy for Islamic Finance. them they have a problem,” said It followed that with the trasting approaches to Islamic involves the sale and subse- Malaysia’s Securities Commission “The main issue is the two legs Shamsiah Mohamad, a member acquisition of HSBC Bank finance; the Gulf tends to be stricter quent repurchase of an asset on this month do not ban bai inah, of the contract must be totally of the Shariah advisory council of Oman’s HBOM.OM Indian busi- in defining permissible transac- a deferred-payment basis, may but they stress that the two legs separated, and it has to be evi- Bank Negara, Malaysia’s central ness last month for an undis- tions, and banks in the region have now become another area of of the transaction must be exe- denced in all the documents.” bank. closed sum. therefore shunned bai inah. convergence. cuted and completed separately, By making compliance with the REUTERS REUTERS

Geneva exhibition Airbus, Boeing observe truce in developing carbon-fibre jet

BERLIN: Drained by their con- to juggle the blistering pace of action to improve fuel efficiency. test to create the carbon-fibre technology that gave birth to the Its cash pipeline has already wonder jet, Airbus and Boeing world’s first carbon-fibre jetliner been squeezed by the $15-billion are observing a truce in futuris- with a sober message for inves- A350 and heavy overspending on tic new developments while they tors. Investors have responded earlier programmes such as the refill their coffers with makeo- positively, pushing shares to A380 and military A400M. vers of older but reliably profit- record levels after both plane- Airbus is expected to make a able models. makers successfully applied a decision later this year, though The two companies have gone similar revamp strategy to their there is a slim chance it will come head-to-head with their costly top-selling narrowbody jets. as early as July’s Farnborough carbon-fibre experiments — the “The pendulum is swinging Airshow. The “A330neo” could wide-body Boeing 787 Dreamliner back from high science to return enter service in 2018. and Airbus A350 — but are now on investment, and nothing pro- Complicating the decision is recognising the need to take stock. vides almost guaranteed returns an unresolved internal debate Airbus Group Chief Executive like derivatives of successful jets,” on whether to offer one choice of Tom Enders showcased the A350 said Richard Aboulafia, vice presi- engine or two, with Rolls-Royce to Chancellor Angela Merkel at dent of analysis at Virginia-based and General Electric in the race. the Berlin Airshow this week, but Teal Group. Airbus is fine-tuning A single choice of engine is has warned the industry can no plans to put new engines on the cheaper and easier to produce, since longer afford to “bet its shirt” on A330 long-haul jet — its second the engine maker will take more of game-changing projects that “lead main cash cow after the A320. the risk, but it is less popular with Visitors look at a model of an aircraft at the Airbus booth, during the 14th Annual European Business Aviation to a crazy game of chicken with A surge in A330 orders triggered airlines. Negotiations between Airbus Convention and Exhibition at the Geneva Palexpo Conference Centre near the Geneva Airport, in Geneva, the competition and leave nothing by delays to the 787 has slowed and engine makers are expected to Switzerland, yesterday. to pay the bills”. down, threatening a drop in deliv- intensify in coming weeks. U S rival Boeing is also trying eries from 2016 if Airbus takes no REUTERS THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS BNP Paribas BoE officials closer to voting for rate rise pins back Easter helps British retail sales to fastest growth since 2004; Pound hits five-and-a-half year high European LONDON: The Bank of a few months. The prospect of a economist at Deutsche Bank. here,” said Lena Komileva at G+ House prices have risen by England appears to be a step split on the MPC was backed up The BoE has kept interest rates Economics, a consultancy. around 10 percent over the past shares nearer to raising interest rates, by minutes of the its May policy at a record low 0.5 percent since It remains far from certain year, and both Carney and Prime with some of its top officials meeting. March 2009, and the entire MPC that a majority of the MPC would Minister David Cameron have called EDINBURGH: European starting to say the case for “For some members, the mon- want to see the economy running back an early rate rise, especially housing the biggest domestic risk to shares fell in early deals yes- keeping rates on hold is now etary policy decision was becom- at closer to full capacity before as three of its nine members are financial stability, possibly paving terday, dropping further away more finely balanced. ing more balanced,” the minutes they go up. When rates do start due to replaced over the next the way for moves to cool demand. from last week’s 2014 highs, led BoE Governor Mark Carney, said. “It could be argued that the to rise, Carney has stressed that three months. On Tuesday, Lloyds Banking down by BNP Paribas after it who so far has had the backing more gradual the intended rise in increases will be gradual, and to The minutes showed continued Group said it would stop lending was reported that US authori- of all of the bank’s eight other Bank Rate, the earlier it might a level much lower than before disagreement about how much at multiples above four times a ties are seeking to fine the bank. monetary policymakers in keep- be necessary to start tightening the crisis, when BoE rates were slack is left in Britain’s economy borrower’s income for mortgages BNP Paribas fell two percent, ing interest rates at a record low, policy.” around 5 percent. and how rapidly growth will use it of over £500,000 ($842,400) to a top faller on the pan-Euro- said last week that the bank was Sterling hit a five-and-a-half But Britain’s economy has up. Policymakers also noted a pre- reduce its exposure to London, pean FTSEurofirst 300, after only edging towards an increase year high on a trade-weighted picked up much more quickly mature rate rise could choke off where prices are rising fastest. Bloomberg reported that US in borrowing costs. basis after the minutes and and than expected over the past year. growth, and said there was little sign Tighter mortgage rules came authorities are seeking more than Forecasts he presented sug- a report that showed a surge in The BoE now forecasts growth of inflation would exceed its two per- into force in April and mortgage $5bn from the French bank as a gested no hike for around a year, British retail sales in April. 3.4 percent for 2014, which would cent target in the foreseeable future. approvals and the number of settlement over its dealings with and most economists in a Reuters The gap between British and be the highest rate since 2007. Rather than raise rates, the homes up for sale have fallen in sanctioned countries. poll published yesterday shared German 10-year interest rates Figures yeserday showed retail BoE may take steps through its recent months. The MPC said it Bank of America Merrill Lynch that view. rose to its highest in over 15 years sales jumped 6.9 percent, their Financial Policy Committee to was too soon to know if the rules describes the fine as “clearly a But more than a third said as investors added to bets that the biggest rise since May 2004, aided curb the effects of low rates on were having an impact. negative,” adding that it could rates could rise in the first three BoE would raise rates well before by a late Easter. Britain’s housing market. The Yesterday’s poll showed that 27 out affect the bank’s dividend. months of next year or earlier, the euro zone. “The figures will support the MPC noted that its commitment of 30 economists believed that the The bank accounted for over a and some expect one or two of “The debate is clearly shift- feel-good feeling about the econ- to keep rates low could distort the BoE is right to use the FPC’s tools third of the 0.3 percent drop on the nine members of the BoE’s ing in favour of moving rates omy, but there is little sign of market and said the FPC might rather than higher interest rates to France’s blue chip CAC 40 index. Monetary Policy Committee to in the not too distant future,” inflationary consumer overheat- take steps to mitigate that when curb housing market excesses. The FTSEurofirst 300 fell 0.2 vote for a rate rise within just said George Buckley, a UK ing that could concern the BoE it meets next month. REUTERS percent to 1,354.30 points, taking falls for the week to 0.6 percent. The index is now 1.4 percent off the 2014 peak hit last Thursday, SNCF orders 2,000 trains which was the highest level for the index since May 2008. EMC acquires flash The market was led lower by risk-sensitive sectors such as basic resources and banks, which suffered as optimism deteriorated storage startup DSSD after poor sessions in the United States and Asia. LAS VEGAS: The EMC critical to store and analyse the Defensive sectors such as utili- Corporation has acquired the vast amounts of data that do not ties, up 2.3 percent so far this privately-held DSSD Inc for fit into main memory, the com- month, continued their recent an undisclosed sum. DSSD is pany said. run of outperformance against a a Silicon Valley startup devel- The DSSD deal is expected to broader STOXX 600 index, which oping technology for pooling complement EMC’s flash-based has managed only a flat showing server-based flash for high- systems and software portfolio in May. performance data access. The which began with EMC’s early “We have a slight bearish bias transaction is expected to close entry into flash storage in 2008 in this market because sector in the second quarter of this when it became the first to inte- rotation, both in the US and in year, the company announced. grate Flash drives into enterprise Europe, shows that investors are David Goulden, CEO of EMC storage arrays. moving back into defensive sec- Information Infrastructure, said, In the first quarter of this tors, which usually happens a lit- “EMC established a relationship year alone, the EMC sold more tle ahead of the end of the bull with DSSD more than a year ago. than 17 petabytes of flash capac- market,” Valerie Gastaldy, head EMC led the Series A invest- ity, which was up over 70 per- of technical analysis firm Day-By- ment in DSSD and has remained cent over the first quarter of Day, said. an active development partner. 2013. After less than two months “But we need price signals to While flash stands among IT’s of general availability in the call for a clear downtrend, and most disruptive technologies, fourth quarter of 2013, EMC® we do not have them yet.” its impact and opportunity will XtremIO® catapulted to a mar- The weak session on Wall become even more pronounced as ket-leading position, the com- Street was prompted by poor customers enter the 3rd Platform pany said. earnings, although on Wednesday, of IT.” DSSD will unlock an abun- European reports were generally The Menlo Park-based DSSD dance of new possibilities for at least in line with expectations. will operate as a standalone customers as they build out their Danish shipping and oil group unit within EMC’s Emerging infrastructures to support the A.P. Moller-Maersk rose 3.1 per- Technology Products Division. emerging tier of next-generation cent, the top FTSEurofirst 300 As customers take advantage of in-memory and Big Data work- riser, after reporting a first-quar- the mega trends of social, mobile, loads, it added. A new Regiolis regional train (right) made by power and train-making firm Alstom, is seen next to a platform ter net profit above forecast. cloud and Big Data, it will become THE PENINSULA at Strasbourg’s railway station, yesterday. France’s national rail company SNCF said it had ordered 2,000 REUTERS trains for an expanded regional network that are too wide for many station platforms, entailing costly repairs.

Abu Dhabi to enter India RasGas celebrates 25 million man hours without LTI DOHA: The Operation Projects across the organisation demon- A special ceremony was held at Association (OGP) and Philip “Safety has been strongly this year Department (OPD) of RasGas strate RasGas’ commitment to RasGas headquarters in Doha to Townsend Associates Inc. Texas embedded in RasGas’ culture Company Limited (RasGas) excellence in every aspect of its celebrate the achievement. (PTAI) benchmarking,” said Al and we have the responsibility ABU DHABI: National Bank recently celebrated 25m man- operations,” said Hamad Rashid “Since OPD’s inception in Mohannadi. to maintain flawless operations of Abu Dhabi plans to set up a hours without a Lost Time Al Mohannadi, Chief Executive 2007, its Lost Time Incident Rate During the ceremony, key con- integrity. Recently, our Venture regional financial base in India Incident (LTI). This milestone Officer, RasGas. “RasGas’ proc- (LTIR) has always remained at tractors involved in the achieve- Team celebrated 130 million man- before the end of this year as was achieved by RasGas employ- esses and corporate commitment zero and the Total Recordable ment were presented with hours without LTI, Subsurface & part of its overseas expansion ees, contractors and vendors to safety was recently recog- Incident Rate (TRIR) was at 0.05 certificates of appreciation and Technology Group achieved 20 strategy, two sources aware of working together, for over six nised by one of its sharehold- in 2013 despite executing signifi- mementoes. In addition to that million man-hours without LTI the matter said yesterday. years, with safety as a core value. ers, ExxonMobil, who awarded cant projects during that period. some of the OPD team members and our SHE&Q Group achieved The largest lender by mar- “As a world-class global RasGas the ‘2013 Project Safety OPD’s safety record is better were also honoured for their out- 4m man-hours without LTI,” said ket value in the United Arab energy supplier striving for Excellence’ Award,” he pointed than the industry average accord- standing contribution towards Al Mohannadi. Emirates is the first Emirati bank excellence, the safety records out. ing to the Oil & Gas Producers this safety achievement. THE PENINSULA to be granted a banking licence in India since 1980. It joins two other UAE banks, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Dubai’s Mashreq in having operations in the country. Gold down ahead of “NBAD has got approval from the Reserve Bank of India, open- ing the door for business there,” one of the sources said. The sec- Fed’s policy meeting ond source said the bank planned to set up operations in India’s LONDON: Gold edged down at $1,289.45 an ounce by 1224 commercial capital, Mumbai, in yesterday, failing to capitalise GMT, while US gold futures fell the second half of 2014. on a flat dollar and mixed equi- 0.4 percent to $1,289.50 an ounce. An NBAD spokesman declined ties, while investors remained Platinum rose 0.8 percent to comment. cautious ahead of minutes of $1,472.70 an ounce, not far from NBAD chief executive Alex the US Federal Reserve’s April a two-month high of $1,483.50 hit Thursby identified Mumbai as policy meeting. last week, while palladium was up one of the major cities to set up Paris Dauphine University graduates at QInvest. Palladium touched a near 0.1 percent at $824.50 an ounce, a banking hub in emerging mar- three-year high and platinum having touched its highest since kets, as part of the bank’s over- rose near a two-month high, as August 2011 at $828.20 in earlier seas expansion strategy, when he QInvest hosts Paris varsity graduates labour strikes in top producer trade. took over as the bank’s head in South Africa dragged on for a 17th European shares were under July last year. week and after an industry report pressure on Wednesday, spooked by The eight banking hubs will be DOHA: QInvest, one of Qatar’s 18 graduates of the Executive Capital Markets and Dr Ataf Ahmed, said a shortage of both metals was overnight falls on Wall Street, while in Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, Lagos, leading Shariah-compliant Master’s Programme in Islamic Head of Asset Management. They set to widen this year. the dollar was on track for a sixth Singapore, Hong Kong, London, investment bank hosted a Finance at Paris Dauphine also met with other senior members “For palladium, it is the perfect losing session against the yen and Paris and Washington DC. group of graduates from Paris University, as part of their 2014 of the company including Duncan storm of conditions. It’s the South flat against a basket of currencies. Like other banks in the Gulf Dauphine University, one of the International Academic visit. Walker, Chief Operating Officer; African supply side, which in our A lower dollar makes gold Arab nation, NBAD, which is leading higher education insti- The graduates were provided with Essa Saud Al Kawari, Head of estimate cost 600,000 ounces of cheaper for foreign investors, nearly 70 percent-owned by tution, who were on a visit to an opportunity to strengthen their Government & Community Relations lost palladium since the start but interest in the metal was still the government of Abu Dhabi, some of the Middle East coun- relationships with senior profession- and Administration Affairs, and of the strike, Russia and also lacklustre in the absence of major is keen to expand overseas due tries as part of their curriculum. als at QInvest and listen to presen- Bassel Hanbali, Head of Marketing, the investment demand story,” economic events. “For the past to stiff competition in the local QInvest was part of an elite tations by Bernard Barbour, Head Corporate Communications & Mitsubishi Corp analyst Jonathan few weeks, gold has been strug- market. group of Islamic financial insti- of Legal, Compliance & Sharia’a Investor Relations. Butler said. gling for direction,” Butler said. REUTERS tutions selected to host the Affairs; Hani Ibrahim, Head of Debt THE PENINSULA Spot gold was down 0.3 percent REUTERS THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19

Egypt energy subsidies Sisi aims to Woodside pulls bring Egypt deficit down to out of Leviathan 8.5 percent

CAIRO: The leading candi- date for Egypt’s new presidency, gas project Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, aims to cut the Egyptian budget deficit to 8.5 percent of gross domestic product by the fiscal year end- Focus shifts to regional exports ing in June 2018 from last year’s 14 percent, his campaign said MELBOURNE: Australia’s negotiations it is time to acknowl- yesterday. Woodside Petroleum pulled out edge we will not get there under Sisi, who is widely expected to of an agreement to take a stake the current proposal,” said win presidential elections next worth up to $2.7bn in Israel’s Woodside CEO Peter Coleman. week, also targets GDP growth of flagship Leviathan gas project Leviathan’s operator, Texas- seven percent by the same fiscal yesterday, as the group devel- based Noble Energy, said develop- year, a big jump for an economy oping the field shifted focus to ment would stay on schedule but that grew only about two percent regional markets. noted a change in plans since the in the last fiscal year. The deal’s collapse more than search for a new partner began About the same growth is a year after negotiations began about two years ago. expected this year, despite two will not affect development, the “Perhaps the most dramatic stimulus packages, each worth Leviathan partners said, and first changes have been associated A general view of the Shoubra El Kheima Power Station of North Cairo Electricity Distribution Company around 30bn Egyptian pounds production is still expected in late with the growth in the regional in Cairo. Former army chief Abdel Fattah Al Sisi has kept Egyptians guessing about how he will handle ($4.2bn), offered by the interim 2017. markets. The emergence of these energy subsidies. government since Sisi toppled Leviathan was discovered in regional markets, which are Islamist president Mohamed 2010 in the eastern Mediterranean accessible through pipeline outlet, Mursi last July. and was world’s the largest off- has pushed the need for LNG into Sisi has not given specifics on shore gas find of the decade. It a later phase of development ver- how he would reform subsidies, holds an estimated 540 billion sus our earlier plans,” said CEO Kuwait warns deficit ‘inevitable’ which eat up around a fifth of cubic meters of gas, most of which Charles Davidson. state spending. is earmarked to be sold abroad. Woodside left the door open Faster growth would push the The US-Israeli group develop- to renegotiation with the project KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait’s because of a sharp rise in public $100 a barrel, Kuwait will post its unemployment rate down to eight ing the field first tapped Woodside, stakeholders — Noble and Israel’s finance minister warned yes- wages and subsidies on services first budget deficit estimated at percent, according to the state- an expert in liquefied natural gas Delek Drilling, Avner Oil and terday that the oil-rich Gulf and commodities. Dependence on $2.3bn in 2017/2018 fiscal year. By ment posted on Sisi’s campaign (LNG), in December 2012 to gain Ratio Oil — if there were “mate- state will face a certain budget oil income also increased. 2035, the country is estimated to website just days before the elec- access to distant Asian markets. rial changes” to the investment deficit because growth in spend- Between 2005 and 2013, gov- accumulate deficits worth as high tion. It now stands at more than 13 Agreement on most issues was conditions. ing has outpaced a rise in public ernment wages increased from as $633bn. The scenario will be percent, compared with 8.9 percent reached in the drawn-out negotia- The decision to pass on a 25 revenues. $11.4bn (¤8.3bn) to $33.8bn, a much worse if the oil price drops, before the revolt that swept Hosni tions, officials said, but talks hit percent stake in Leviathan, “A budget deficit is inevitable... massive 25 percent annually on he said. Mubarak from power in 2011. a surprise snag in March when located in a region fraught with as the average annual growth in average, he said. Hamada insisted it was impos- Egyptian Finance Minister Woodside executives did not show geopolitical risk and a country public spending was 20.4 percent Subsidies also rose more than sible for the state to sustain Hany Kadry Dimian said on up at the formal signing ceremony that has never developed such a during the past decade against a fourfold, from $4.1bn to $18bn growth in wages and continue Tuesday the country’s budget defi- in Israel. large gas field, was welcomed by 16.2 percent average rise in rev- during the same period, an subsidies, urging major cuts. cit would have reached almost 15 The delay was over a tax dis- investors and Woodside’s shares enues,” mostly from oil, Anas Al annual growth rate of 23 percent, Earlier this month, the IMF percent this fiscal year without aid. pute. Talks between Woodside were up as much as 1.4 percent. Saleh told a special debate in par- Hamada said. warned Kuwait to contain a rapid Arab Gulf countries pledged over and Israeli authorities ensued, “You would have wanted a very liament on government policy to At the same time, oil income rise in public wages and subsidies $12bn in aid after Mursi’s ouster. though analysts said relations high hurdle rate for investment in diversify income sources. share in public revenues grew to safeguard the economy against Dimian said that with aid the soured with the Leviathan part- Israel given the uncertainties that “This is not only the view of from just 85 percent in 2001 to as oil price shocks. deficit would be around 11 percent ners, which in the meantime surround it,” said Credit Suisse the government but also that of high as 95 percent in 2013, boost- The IMF said general subsi- this fiscal year. The government pursued export agreements in analyst Mark Samter. the International Monetary Fund, ing Kuwait’s heavy dependence on dies, particularly on electricity was working to keep it below 11 neighbouring countries. In Israel, analysts said the World Bank and other insti- oil, the official said. and fuel, constitute a massive 7.0 percent in the fiscal year starting “All parties have worked very Woodside’s departure was not a tutions,” the minister said. Oil income rose from $45.9bn percent of GDP and as high as a in July. Without reforms, it would hard to secure an outcome which surprise and its effect would not Finance ministry undersecre- in 2005 to $106 billion last year. quarter of spending, which was stand at 14 percent of GDP next would be commercially accept- be dramatic. tary Khalifa Hamada explained Hamada said if oil prices around $70bn last fiscal year. fiscal year, Dimian said. able, but after many months of REUTERS spending had soared mainly remain at the level of around AFP REUTERS Venezuela in selective default: Experts

CARACAS: Venezuela has imports nearly everything it Twenty-First Century” with a selectively defaulted on its consumes, the unpaid debts centralized economy managed domestic commercial debt, sus- pose a mounting threat to the by the state through strict price, pending payments to a wide faltering economy, as well as production and exchange controls. gamut of creditors owed more to already chronic shortages of But the “new internal economic than $14bn, economists here food and medicine that are get- order in transition to socialism”— say. ting worse. as the government calls it—has The leftist government of Many industries already are led to 60 percent inflation and President Nicolas Maduro has paralysed by the lack of supplies widespread shortages that have kept up payments on its sover- — including five auto assembly fueled months of violent protests eign bonds and those of state oil plants—and airlines have either in which 42 people have been company PDVSA to avoid the risk drastically reduced flights to killed and 800 injured. of asset seizures. Venezuela or, in the case of Air Caracas refuses to acknowledge But its unpaid debts with Canada and Alitalia, have pulled that the rebellious climate is in importers of automobiles and auto out of the market altogether. reaction to its economic policies, parts, medical supplies, chemicals “The country has been in dire and instead attributes the pro- and airlines exceed $14bn, accord- straits in terms of hard currency tests to an “attempted coup” by ing to former Central Bank of for a long time,” said Francisco parts of the radical right. Venezuela manager Jose Guerra, Ibarra, an economist with the Since taking office 13 months who adds that “a commercial consulting firm Econometrica. ago, Maduro has avoided taking default has been incurred, a sus- “Those funds that the govern- unpopular measures like cutting pension of payments.” ment said were there (to guar- public spending to reduce a bal- “The government decided to antee imports) aren’t,” he said, looning deficit, which is running engage in a selective default in alluding to a complex structure at an estimated 15 percent of the internal market and not the of opaquely managed government GDP. external,” agrees Luis Oliveros, an hard currency funds. And he has emphatically economist and professor at the Late president Hugo Chavez, rejected, on at least 10 occasions, Central University of Venezuela. who died last year of cancer, a devaluation of the Venezuelan In a country with the world’s tried to lead Venezuela to what currency. largest oil reserves, but which he called “Socialism of the AFP

Lenovo targets sales growth

A woman tries a Lenovo tablet on display during a news conference announcing the company’s annual results in Hong Kong yesterday. The Chinese firm aims to sell 100 million smartphones and tablets in the coming year. THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Qatari bourse index loses 54.62 points Dubai in biggest gain in eight months

DOHA: The Qatar Exchange day traders and speculators, index lost 54.62 points, or 0.43 accounted for about two-thirds percent, to close at 12,679.53 of all shares changing hands on points yesterday from the pre- the index. vious closing of 12,734.15 points Abu Dhabi climbed 1.7 per- on Tuesday. cent, rallying from Tuesday’s The volume of shares was two-month low. “Q1 numbers fell to 16,262,157 from Tuesday have been very strong from a lot 21,957,578 and the value of shares of (UAE) heavyweights, in bank- decreased to QR776,708,659.09 ing and real estate,” said a Dubai- from QR961,439,030.31 on based equity sales director. Tuesday. “The performance over the past Among the top losers were year was very aggressive, although Qatar Islamic Bank whose volatility did increase over the last share was down 0.43 percent to month, which was a sign that a QR91.60, Ooredoo lost 1.45 per- correction was imminent.” cent to QR142.50, Vodafone Qatar Egypt’s main share index Officials with the award. fell 1.16 percent to QR17.84 and slipped 0.4 percent to ease from Qatar National Bank lost 1.62 a 69-month high, although late percent to QR182. buying pulled many stocks into Dolphin Energy wins Crystal Award for Qatarisation Meanwhile, property-related positive territory and as many stocks led gains as Dubai’s index rose as fell. rallied from a six-week intraday The bourse has been buoyant ABU DHABI: Dolphin Energy Saleh Al Sada and the Minister of offering for our national employ- One additional Crystal Award, low in its largest one-day advance since Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and has received the Crystal Award Administrative Development H E ees and provide tangible oppor- the Partnership Award of since mid-September yester- the United Arab Emirates prom- in the category of ‘Support for Dr Issa Saad Al Nuaimi. tunities for career development. Appreciation, is dedicated to edu- day, while Egypt eased from a ised billions of dollars in loans Training and Development’ at Adel Ahmed Albuainain, To have been selected among our cational institutions supporting 69-month peak. and donations to Egypt after the the Qatar Petroleum 2013 Annual General Manager, Dolphin peers is also a source of enormous the energy sector. Dubai’s benchmark rose 4.2 army deposed Islamist President Qatarisation Review Meeting for Energy, said: “To win the award pride.” “Receiving this award is a percent. It had lost 12.6 percent Mohammed Mursi last year. the second year running. two years running is phenomenal The QP Qatarisation Award great achievement and I would in the previous five sessions and Earlier this month, the head of The event at the St Regis Hotel, and represents a great achieve- criteria is based on five cat- like to extend my congratula- fell a further 2.4 percent intraday Egypt’s national oil company said was attended by Mohammed ment. Maintaining the levels so egories: Support and Liaison tions to our training and devel- before rebounding. The measure Gulf oil producers had given his Abdulla Al Sulaiti, Deputy that we won the award again dem- with the Education Sector, opment teams and the rest of the is now up 43.9 percent this year country free fuel totalling $6 bil- General Manager, Dolphin onstrates enormous commitment Supporting Qatarisation, Support Qatarization Award Committee and has tripled since the start of lion. The aid helps reduce the costs Energy, who received the award and dedication. Our training and for Training and Development, for making this possible,” con- 2013. of state fuel subsidies and the drain from the Minister of Energy and development teams have worked Supporting Student Sponsorships cluded Mr Albuainain. “The sell-off was expected but on foreign exchange reserves. Industry H E Dr Mohammed bin extremely hard to enhance our and Best Qatarisation Progress. THE PENINSULA exaggerated — the decline in the “This gives the government prices on many of the heavyweight breathing room to take steps stocks increased investors’ appetite regarding subsidies and tax collec- to buy on dips,” said Firass Yaish, tion,” said the sales director. “The business development manager at news flow about international Q-Coat to hold One Financial Markets in Dubai. companies moving forward with CGC wins traffic surveillance deal in India “Volatility is still the name of their investment plans and adding seminar on Monday the game and we need to keep capacity is another positive sign.” in check the rising PE (price to Citadel Capital dropped 1.5 per- DOHA: Qatar Metals Coating DOHA: Consolidated Gulf Bangalore Traffic Department contributed in ensuring safety earnings ratios) of most of the cent and Pioneers Holding fell 1.3 Company (Q-Coat) will hold a Company (CGC has won a multi- in real-time traffic monitoring and security for our valued cli- stocks listed on the DFM (Dubai percent. “Egypt stocks never got technical seminar on solutions to million riyal contract in India to which in turn will aid in safe- ents in industrial, infrastructure, Financial Market).” that cheap, even during the most concrete reinforcement corrosion provide traffic surveillance solu- guarding the general public by transportation and healthcare Builder Arabtec climbed three stressful times — the opportunity in the Arabian Gulf. The event tions. CGC’s fully owned sub- allowing authorities to deploy sectors as well as to the shopping percent, Union Properties jumped if the people running the country will be held on May 26 at Grand sidiary in India, CGC Converse emergency response units more malls to offer a safe and secure 7.7 percent, Emaar Properties get things even half right is still Hyatt-Doha from 9am to 1.3pm. Technologies, will supply and efficiently and effectively. environment.” rose 2.5 percent and developer massive and companies will ben- The seminar will be held under install cutting edge surveillance Nitin Ghuliani, GM, CGC, CCTV surveillance solutions Deyaar added 5.4 percent. efit,” added the director. the auspices of Ali bin Hassan solutions which would be linked to said: “As part of our interna- are a major part of the CGC’s This quartet, a favourite for QNA/REUTERS Al Muraikhi, Chairman and a centralised traffic management tional expansion initiative, we wide spread technology offerings Managing Director of Q-Coat, a centre covering all the major are thrilled to have won this key portfolio in the security & safety press release issued the by firm hubs in Bangalore, a press release project in the Silicon Valley of business vertical. With over 25 QATARI MARKET said yesterday. issued by CGC said yesterday. India. He added, “as a leading years of experience, CGC is fully Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P The seminar aims at educating The rising population in the technology solutions provider equipped and capable to deliver Qatar Govt 3.13% 1/20/2017 USD 105.56 1.01% Aa2 AA the public about the use of epoxy metropolis has led to an increase with proven capabilities, exper- a vast range of technology and coated rebar in construction in the vehicular population tise and proficiency, we are fully engineering solutions in Security Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 121.25 1.97% Aa2 AA projects as it is the ideal solution to about 1.5 million, with an outfitted to meet the expand- and Building Automation, Audio/ Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 115 2.40% Aa2 AA to protect the concrete structure annual growth rate of seven to ing requirements of the secu- Visual, IT Infrastructure and Qatar Govt 4.50% 1/20/2022 USD 110.25 2.99% Aa2 AA against corrosion, due to expo- 10 percent. Surveillance solution rity industry in the Middle East Telecom domains. Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 162.75 4.30% Aa2 AA sure to high oxidation resulting implemented by CGC will help and abroad. Our solutions have THE PENINSULA Qatar Govt 6.40% 1/20/2040 USD 125.13 4.70% Aa2 AA from excessive heat and humidity, Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 116.13 4.70% Aa2 AA which is one of the serious prob- Qatari Diar 3.50% 7/21/2015 USD 103.44 0.54% Aa2 AA lems affecting the steel rebar in GCC region. Renowned experts Al Ansari Associates wins award Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 112.25 2.82% Aa2 AA from the USA, KSA and Qatar Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 102.25 0.36% A1 A- will speak at the seminar. AI Ansari & Associate has won “The Middle Comqat 3.38% 4/11/2017 USD 104.63 1.73% A1 A- GM recalls Aveos East Law Firm of the QIB 3.86% 10/7/2015 USD 104 0.93% NR NR Year 2014” award at QNB 3.13% 11/16/2015 USD 103.13 1.00% Aa3 A+ and Optras the Corporate Counsel QNB 3.38% 2/22/2017 USD 104.63 1.65% Aa3 A+ WASHINGTON: General Middle East Awards Motors announced yet another Doha Bank 3.50% 3/14/2017 USD 104.5 1.85% A2 A- in Dubai. AI Ansari & recall of cars yesterday, saying Qtel 3.38% 10/14/2016 USD 105.25 1.15% A2 A- Associates beat the its 2004-2008 Aveos and Optras best law firms in the Qtel 7.88% 6/10/2019 USD 125.25 2.52% A2 A- have a headlight overheating Middle East to win the Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 109.25 3.21% A2 A- problem that could lead to a fire. award. It is the first law Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 106.63 4.26% A2 A- GM said the cars involved were firm which does not have manufactured by Daewoo in South Rasgas 5.50% 9/30/2014 USD 101.75 0.53% Aa3 A its main office in UAE to Korea, which has since been folded Rasgas 5.83% 9/30/2016 USD 106.63 2.90% Aa3 A win this award. On behalf into the US company as GM Korea. Rasgas 5.30% 9/30/2020 USD 109.5 3.61% Aa3 A “GM is aware of some fires in of AI Ansari, Mohammed SOVEREIGNS these vehicles but no injuries or AI Ansari, the Managing Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P fatalities,” it said, without provid- Partner and Founder of Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 122.38 1.93% Aa2 AA ing the numbers of cars affected. the firm, received the award. He said: “We are Dubai Govt 6.70% 10/5/2015 USD 107.63 1.06% NR NR Since the beginning of the year the top US automaker has proud to have won this Dubai Govt 4.90% 5/2/2017 USD 108.88 1.80% NR NR recalled more than 13 million cars award and become the Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 125.75 3.25% NR NR and trucks in North America in first Qatari law firm to Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 119.88 3.56% NR NR 29 separate actions for manufac- win and compete with Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 102.25 0.57% Aa2 AA turing and safety problems. regional and interna- Bahrain Govt 6.27% 11/22/2018 USD 115.88 2.52% NR BBB THE PENINSULA/AFP tional law firms.” Bahrain Govt 5.50% 3/31/2020 USD 109.25 3.73% NR BBB

Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 103.38 5.08% Caa1 B-

Morocco Govt 4.50% 10/5/2020 EUR 107.63 3.17% NR BBB-

*Periodic Distribution Amount Vectura revenue jumps on royalty push IMPORTANT NOTE: Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services LONDON: Drug developer 31 from £30.5m a year earlier. 12 months as the market gains Ultibro Breezhaler in Europe and Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary Vectura Group Plc reported a Pretax loss narrowed to £4.8m increasing confidence in the rev- Japan, and £3.7m following the data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not 20 percent rise in full-year rev- ($8.1m) from £10.4m a year enue growth, with Novartis quar- approval of AirFluSal Forspiro in take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds enue, ahead of analysts’ expec- earlier. Nearly half of Vectura’s terly sales updates likely to be key Germany, Romania and Belgium. can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant tations, helped by higher royalty revenue came in from royal- catalysts,” Peel Hunt analyst Stefan “The key products have started liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not payments and an increase in ties from partners including Hamill said in a note to clients. to roll out on the commerciali- a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. licensing revenue. Switzerland’s Novartis, Sandoz, Royalty revenue rose 25 per- zation front, and are now start- The company, which develops and GlaxoSmithKline Plc. cent to 16.3 million pounds, ing to bring in good royalties for and markets drugs for respira- Shares in the company rose mainly from Novartis relating to us. That will build and that will tory illnesses such as asthma as much as 3.5 percent in morn- sales of the Seebri Breezhaler. very much underpin our business and chronic obstructive pulmo- ing trade on the London Stock The company also earned moving forward,” Chief Executive nary disease, said revenue rose to Exchange. “We see the shares milestone revenue of 7.8 million Chris Blackwell said. £36.5m in the year ended March performing well over the next pounds following the approval of REUTERS THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

Miliband does not AT&T, DirecTV team up know his grocery bill BY ALEX ANDREOU against their customers

ow much does Ed Miliband’s family spend on grocer- ies? Is it “£70, £80 a week on groceries at least, prob- BY SUSAN CRAWFORD crave.) And unless the two satellite compa- video plus data and available in a quarter ably more” as he suggested, or more like the average of nies combine, they’ll never have the scale to of the country, onto satellites. That will free H£83.60, excluding alcohol? Is Ed Miliband just a thrifty ust when you thought the infor- pay less for programming than a combined up the entire pipe for data, which will make shopper, or is the world about to be plunged into another finan- mation infrastructure industry in Comcast-Time Warner Cable will. AT&T’s bundle slightly more competitive cial crisis, if this socialist, careless shopper and son of “the Man America couldn’t be consolidated Given this reality, DirecTV needs to be with bundled products now offered by cable Who Hated Britain” is given the keys to 10 Downing Street by any further, AT&T has announced rescued. And AT&T, having grown about services, such as Comcast and Time Warner the electorate next year? Right-wing commentators have latched another merger. It’s one more mega as big as it possibly can as a US wireless Cable, which also plan to merge. on gleefully to these, apparently, most vital questions. The people Jdeal that promises to provide the giant car- company, is looking for growth opportuni- We should be on an entirely different tra- must know. rier with more opportunities to increase its ties that will allow it to sustain its payouts jectory. AT&T, Verizon, Comcast and Time The expression “can’t see the wood for the trees” has never profits, while not moving the country any to shareholders for a while. Warner Cable made $1.4trn from 2009 to 2013, been more apt. Last month wages caught up with inflation for closer to being competitive on the global Meanwhile, AT&T wants to maintain the and invested just 15 percent of that amount the first time in six years: six years of a real-terms squeeze on informational stage. We can do better. status quo. Although it is primarily a wire- on capital improvements. Rather than average households, following a global bust with which they had This time the target is satellite TV opera- less company, AT&T still has some wired merely overseeing mergers and abandoning nothing to do, but for which they were asked to pay. tor DirecTV, for $48.5bn. The arrangement operations, and is looking to hang on to the Americans to those companies’ rational incen- Together with Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls, Miliband has also is good news for DirecTV: The satellite busi- customers it already has in a quarter of the tives to divide markets and harvest increased promoted a “five-point plan for jobs and growth” aimed at help- ness is declining, and it’s unlikely that the country for U-Verse, its bundled pay TV and profits, we should set a high standard for an ing the UK economy, involving extending the bonus tax on banks Department of Justice would let it merge data product. upgrade to ubiquitous fibre connectivity and pioneered by Alistair Darling, bringing forward planned long-term with the only other member of that sector, None of this is evil. It’s just the result of shape our policies to make sure this happens. investment to help reduce unemployment, cutting the rate of Dish. It’s also good news for AT&T, because a decade of deregulation and consolidation. That includes mandating infrastructure VAT from 20 percent back to 17.5 percent, cutting VAT on home adding more video subscribers means AT&T isn’t planning capital investments financing, tax incentives, uniform federal improvements to 5 percent for a temporary one year period, and greater leverage in negotiating with the that will upgrade the 76m households it standards and policies eliminating carri- instigating a one-year national insurance break to encourage highly concentrated programming industry. serves with wires to fibre. Instead, it’s sell- ers’ power to bundle content with conduit employers to hire more staff. And the cash produced from DirecTV cus- ing a second-rate wire (legacy copper wires so as to ensure that we have both vibrant Today, just as we were all dusting off our branches of palm tree, tomers will help AT&T sustain its extraor- connecting homes to neighbourhood fibre competition in urban areas and cheap open ready for the arrival of George Osborne on a donkey, data released dinary shareholder dividends. nodes) and wants to lower its costs of pro- fibre connections to as many Americans as by the Office for National Statistics shows that inflation rose What’s really going on is that companies viding pay TV programming over that wire. we can. That will unleash innovation across again last month, to 1.8 percent – outpacing wage growth again. are recognising that the satellite industry Buying DirecTV will lower AT&T’s per- the country and create an enormous market The squeeze continues. But the important question, it seems, can’t survive. US cable operators have an subscriber programming costs because for new high-capacity online services. is whether Labour’s Miliband buys from the “value” or the “fin- unbeatable bundled product — pay TV and distributors get bulk discounts. These dis- China expects to have fibre available to est” range. data — that satellite companies simply can’t counts won’t necessarily be passed on to 200 million households by 2015 and to 300 Meanwhile, the number of food parcels handed out by a single provide. (Sending data 22,000 miles into subscribers. Buying DirecTV also allows million by 2020. We can compete with that. charity has almost tripled over the last year to 913,000; churches space is never going to provide the immer- AT&T to off-load the pay TV portion of its Right now, we’re not even trying. warn of a hunger epidemic; and the NHS has seen a doubling in sive, interactive connectivity that humans U-Verse bundled service, now made up of WP-BLOOMBERG malnutrition-related admissions – ailments that we thought had disappeared for good from the sixth-richest nation in the world. As sections of the media ridicule Miliband for his estimate coming in at a whole £3.60 below average, they miss the most pertinent point: that it is an average. Miliband was criticised for plucking a figure that was below that average. If he had said any number above the average, he would, no doubt, have been criticised for that. Yet everyone must know that this average of £83.60 will include households surviving on minimum wage jobs or living on benefits, which spend significantly less than the average, as well as house- holds that spend a whole lot more. The key point is that the “squeeze” does not affect them equally. A cross-party committee found last week that the poorest house- holds now spend 40 percent of their income on housing, fuel and food, more than ever in modern times. This means that small drops in real earnings, which have hap- pened month after month for six years, have had a dispropor- tionate effect. The rise in Value Added Tax (VAT) to 20 percent, which affects a surprising amount of groceries, was presented as a tempo- rary austerity measure and described, risibly, by the chancellor as “progressive”. It has been shown to have resulted in a loss of income for the poorest decile, proportionately double that of the richest. Where is the announcement on reversing this temporary measure now that, according to the government, everything is going splendidly? The likely truth is that Miliband doesn’t know accurately how much he spends on groceries – most people with a steady stream of decent income don’t. I didn’t when I was one of them. As income increases, the weekly grocery bill forms an ever-diminishing por- tion of household finances. It becomes almost irrelevant. We see what we fancy at the supermarket and we get it. We don’t see those loitering by the chiller cabinets for the final reductions on food that is about to go off. We play a game of “guess how much” with our partners as we approach the till. We don’t see the people adding up all the items in their basket obsessively, dozens of times, because a mistake means the embar- rassment of being short. We see a nice new wine bar on the high street as we drive home. We don’t see the person settling in for the night on a bit of cardboard in a doorway. We don’t see, because it is painful and ugly and damning and we don’t want to see. THE GUARDIAN Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

Housing crisis? Nope, this is just a very British sickness

BY SIMON JENKINS prices in the south-east by some 9 2.5. Small households were mov- estate agency, eager to grab lucra- immigration are high and most Europe. Inner London’s employ- percent in the past year. ing into larger properties and tive plots in the south-east. This poor people find work. The rejec- ment density is similar to New ousing booms are Neil Monnery’s Safe as Houses staying there, even when children in turn fuels panic about planning tion of Labour’s brownfield-first York’s, yet its housing density is today’s medieval is one of the few sane books on fled the nest. The rich are simply delays and drives young people planning policy was the crassest less than half. Housing supply in plagues. Boils suppu- the housing market I have read. storing money in surplus rooms. into desperate over-borrowing. of coalition innovations. inner cities will have to rise to Hrate on the political It compares Britain’s boom and Another economist, Rebecca A belief that more housebuild- I may not go so far as Dorling in counter this glaring mismatch. backside. People rush to find cul- bust with experience elsewhere in Tunstall of York University, long ing nationwide will both meet declaring: “We have built enough The poor are the true victims of prits to lynch. Quacks appear on Europe. Germany is much richer ago stole a march on France’s “need” and drive down prices homes.” But he and others are today’s locked minds and political street corners with fake remedies. than Britain, with ever rising Thomas Piketty, in showing how dates from the 2004 Barker surely right to refocus on demand. tribalism. They have no “need” for Reason takes a holiday. wealth and immigration, and a housing has reflected income ine- review, which has guided policy Britain has a huge stock of empty executive homes in distant com- Thus it was yesterday, as cautious government. German quality. In 1981 the richest 10 per- ever since then. There is no proof and underused residential space, muter land. They just want some- the Today programme’s John house prices have actually fallen cent of Britons had three times as of this thesis. As Monnery points public as well as private. It is why where cheap to live, near work. Humphrys chided David Cameron in real terms over half a century. many rooms as the poorest, while out, more houses were indeed Iain Duncan Smith’s “bedroom Everything in policy seems for the “housing crisis” and for not There is a flourishing rental sec- by 2011 the gap had widened to built, yet “real price increases tax” was in the right direction, the wrong way round. Stamp building more houses in the Tory tor, regulated and with a degree five times. The issue is wealth, not actually jumped to 5-10 percent however hamfisted its implemen- duty discourages transactions shires. It was like curing famine of tenant security, while just 43 housing supply. a year”. tation. Council tax should now just when they should be encour- by sending caviar to Africa. There percent of Germans, mostly in As Dorling concludes, “We London also had a “crisis” in extend the principle to the pri- aged. Limiting VAT relief to new is a crisis when prices fall and a middle age, own their homes. cannot build our way out of the the seventies, when its population vate sector. construction discourages urban crisis when prices rise. Almost They invest their savings not disaster of our current housing was plummeting. The reason was A policy for housing supply renewal. Council tax is regres- everywhere house prices are still in property but in productive system.” We should rather tackle the same as in the United States cannot lie in Eric Pickles’s “war sive when it should be progressive, bouncing along the bottom, but at industry, much to the benefit of “how to better share and look and Australia, where houses were on the councils”, in Nick Clegg’s with higher bands taxing space as London dinner parties they are a the economy. Germany’s housing after what we have already got”. built with none of Britain’s plan- garden cities, or in planning min- well as value. “bubble”. stock, says Monnery, “is a stable, We still read daily nonsense ning constraints and yet prices ister Nick Boles’s skirmishing Councils should be set free to Most people would like a nicer functional and affordable asset”. about Britain “needing” to build soared: reckless bank lending. across Cotswold meadows to win develop and manage their low- house. That is not a “need” but Or consider another hous- 250,000 more houses a year to “hit Building estates on greenfield a handful of town houses. It lies cost estates. Tax incentives should rather a demand, and thus drives ing pundit, Danny Dorling. His a 1.1 percent inflation target” for sites – which is the current coa- in retrofitting old cities to modern encourage renting, co-ops and house prices in a free economy. But new book, All That Is Solid, annual price rises. These figures lition policy – may delight free- demands. It cannot make sense to sublets such as Airbnb. in Britain demand is not just for emphasises that the central fail- are near-meaningless. The need is market lobbyists and left-wingers leave urban land derelict, in the It may be true that income a nicer house: it is for an invest- ing of British housing is chronic based on crude household forma- eager to enrage rural Tories. But south as well as the north, while inequality lies at the root of hous- ment, a hedge against inflation and under-occupation, which is get- tion, with no reference to demand, it wastes energy and infrastruc- commuter corridors sprawl into ing inequality. As such both will old age, a golden gate to otherwise ting worse. The 1971 census price, migration or anything else. ture. It promotes commuting the surrounding countryside. always be with us. But housing impossible wealth. It is this that return showed Britons enjoying Yet it is still seized on by new- and destroys a dwindling envi- The wasted space in inner policy should not make inequal- drives middle-income families into 1.5 rooms per person. Today, with build lobbyists, such as the Home ronment. Housing “need” is in Manchester or South Yorkshire ity worse. a frenzy, and has pushed up house a larger population, the figure is Builders Federation and Savills cities, where labour mobility and is comparable only to eastern THE GUARDIAN THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 12,679.53 0.43 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 18,907.91 0.43 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,229.11 0.04 % RATE QE All Share Index 3,226.25 0.39 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 3,084.93 0.39 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5403.864 2.125 0.04 5533.3 5072.7 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 6,966.15 0.61 % QR151.2814 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 4443.06 -9.29 -0.21 4512.62 4080.6 QE All Share Industrials 4,320.61 0.01 % SILVER UK ...... QR 6.1153 QR 6.2012 QE All Share Insurance 3,235.98 0.24 % Dj Indu Average 16374.31 -137.55 -0.83 16735.5 14551.27 Euro ...... QR 4.9511 QR 5.0209 QE All Share Real Estate 2,632.85 0.37 % QR 2.2686 CA$ ...... QR 3.3077 QR 3.3740 QE All Share Telecoms 1,683.2 1.39 % Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Transportation 2,258.35 1.10 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 4.0510 QR 4.1079 QE Market Summary Comparison Hang Seng Inde/D 22836.52 1.84 0.01 23469.33 21137.61 Yen ...... QR 0.0357 QR 0.0364 Today Previous day Aus$ ...... QR 3.3288 QR 3.3952 Iseq Overall/D 4787.88 20.84 0.44 5195.97 4522.4 CRUDE OIL 21-05-2014 20-05-2014 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0614 QR 0.0626 Index 12,679.53 12,734.15 Karachi 100 In/D 28760.12 -82.8 -0.29 29669.95 25273.11 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0365 QR 0.0373 Change 54.62 54.08 BRENT Peso ...... QR 0.0824 QR 0.0841 Nikkei 225 Index 14042.17 -33.08 -0.24 16164.01 13885.11 % 0.43 0.42 SL Re ...... QR 0.0277 QR 0.0282 YTD% 22.16 22.68 $ 109.43 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1902.17 1560.33 Taka ...... QR 0.0466 QR 0.0475 Volume 16,262,157 21,957,578 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0385 QR 0.0393 Value (QAR) 776,708,659.09 961,439,030.31 Straits Times/D 3261.78 -3.69 -0.11 3284.7 2953.01 Trades 9,344 10,086 $ 105.93 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3448 QR 0.3549 Up 20 | Down 19 | Unchanged 04 Straits Times/D 2971.47 22.7 0.77 3035.78 2657.77

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 21-05-2014

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED

A C C-A/D 1379.55 -45.15 44405 Container Cor-/D 1161.15 -13.1 8886 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 940.65 -0.1 628398 Lloyd Metal-T/D 9.38 0.44 11852 Ruchi Soya-B/D 40.25 -0.15 570299 Land Secs Grou/D 1052.5 -1 328352 Aban Offs-B/D 666.55 -12.9 1124906 Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 75 -1.95 9394 I F C I-A/D 36.85 4 7136436 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 16.17 0.97 768087 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 463.8 3.25 25825 Legal & Genera/D 221.1072 -1.8 4702062 Ador Welding-B/D 162 -4.8 17639 Dcm Shram Ind-/D 74.35 -1.9 9811 Idbi-A/D 88.2 1.55 709081 Lupin-A/D 929.35 -0.15 43837 Thirumalai-B/D 93.2 4.05 111351 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 74.03 -0.64 56540611 Aegis Logis-B/D 200.85 7.7 129307 Dhampur Sugar-/D 54.45 2 154256 India Cement-B/D 91.65 0.65 242130 Lyka Labs-B/D 14.35 1.55 119078 Til Ltd.-B/D 254.75 42.45 43330 Marks & Sp./D 445.459 -0.6 2465382 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 258.2 22.4 69560 Dr. Reddy-A/D 2302.05 -24.15 30998 India Glycol-B/D 116.85 2.75 157969 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 132.85 5.95 14622 Timexgroup-B/D 14.5 1.87 191500 Next/D 6565 -5 91458 Alembic-B/D 20.35 1.4 625927 E I H-B/D 87.2 0 60887 Indian Card-B/D 115 9.7 6379 Mah.Seamless-B/D 304.05 -3.3 14629 Tinplate-B/D 63.4 2.1 245863 Pearson/D 1130.5 -25 1267059 Alok Indus-B/D 10.16 1.23 12037868 E.I.D Parry-B/D 187.45 0.2 77988 Indian Hotel-A/D 88.1 2.45 546012 Mangalam Cem-B/D 173.45 5.5 36905 Ub Engineer-T/D 14.17 0.67 10035 Prudential/D 1399.5 4.5 959976 Apollo Tyre-A/D 182.85 8.8 932601 Eicher Motor-A/D 7287.65 579.35 16771 Indo-Bcount-B/D 62.9 1.15 66509 Maral Overs-B/D 22.4 2.9 51945 Ucal Fuel-B/D 62.45 1.05 26838 Rank Group/D 155.5 -0.5 40545 Asahi I Glass-/D 67.55 1.05 81130 Electrosteel-B/D 29.7 0.75 786988 Indusind-A/D 560.2 3.9 111537 Mastek-B/D 169.75 3.8 19983 Ultramarine-B/D 61 0.1 7159 Rentokil Initi/D 120.3 0 152533 Unitech P -A/D 26.05 -0.25 10492774 Ashok Leyland-/D 28.9 0.6 6971447 Emco-B/D 39.4 3.5 697604 J.B.Chemical-B/D 152 4.85 145264 Max India L-A/D 259.55 -1.7 24568 Rolls Royce Pl/D 1000 -4 1412632 Bajaj Hold-A/D 1180 57.1 7088 Escorts-B/D 129.95 8.1 1514631 Jagson Phar-T/D 14.45 0.65 32060 Mrpl-A/D 75.25 7.55 1660804 Univcable-T/D 31.4 1.45 8711 Rsa Insrance G/D 491 0.8 1405126 Ballarpur In-B/D 18.22 -0.76 689558 Essar Oil-A/D 89.5 11.9 4170162 Jbf Indu-B/D 102.15 1 30868 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 26.95 2.55 16204 Uppergsugar-B/D 46.85 4.2 7612 Sainsbury(J)/D 336.29 -3.2 2900559 Bata India-A/D 1091.25 -6.05 19116 Eveready Indu-/D 61 0.45 127542 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.51 0.02 42063 Nahar Spg.-B/D 114.8 1.35 37561 Schroders/D 2543 26 107873 Beml Ltd-B/D 587.15 18.05 348773 F D C-B/D 127.7 1.7 64284 Jct Ltd-T/D 1.98 0.09 30743 Nath Seeds-T/D 4.38 0.2 14444 LONDON Severn Trent/D 1917 -11 160815 Bh Electronic-/D 1510 5.45 6826 Federal Bank-A/D 119.3 2.9 2748289 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 2.48 0.03 19499 Nation Alum -A/D 50.55 -0.25 1342618 Smith&Nephew/D 927.5 7.5 1179325 Bhartiya Int-B/D 251.7 1.75 12331 Ferro Alloys-B/D 7.44 0.13 217864 Jindal Drill-B/D 261.7 16.2 22741 Navneet Edu-B/D 72 -0.4 187083 3I Group/D 394.9 4.6 1001951 Smiths Group/D 1305.36 2 148928 Bhel-A/D 271.25 -6.65 1168019 Finolex-B/D 234.95 -1.9 18978 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 228.35 -3.15 108500 Nepc India-B/D 3.78 0.3 74599 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 3046 -24 181043 Standrd Chart /D 1328 -11.5 1255151 Bom.Burmah-B/D 120.4 2.55 65442 Gail-A/D 413.85 -7.6 285754 Jmc Projects-B/D 149.45 6.75 48654 Nrb Bearings-B/D 77.6 2.4 98200 B Sky B/D 871 5.5 854755 Tate & Lyle/D 688 2 361135 Bombay Dyeing-/D 68.3 -0.4 962152 Gammon India-B/D 28.2 0.6 315774 Kabra Extr-B/D 48.7 7.8 102447 O N G C-A/D 398.05 -1.85 451503 Barclays/D 242.7 4.15 14351686 Tesco/D 301.45 -4.65 6145887 Camph.& All-B/D 248.7 -6.6 9574 Goodricke-B/D 169.8 6.4 14052 Kajaria Cer-B/D 570 19.75 12107 Oil Country-B/D 54.05 5.1 130073 Bg Group/D 1261 -9.5 2399560 Unilever/D 2683 -11 562346 Canfin Homes-B/D 264.9 -7 13985 Goodyear I -B/D 420.5 -4.15 7035 Kalpat Power-B/D 152.7 4.5 50522 Orchid Chem-B/D 62.3 2.15 719659 Bp/D 507.25 1 7107245 Cast.Bo/D 290.95 4.6 196758 Hcl Infosys-B/D 51.9 6.15 4022451 Kalyani Stel-B/D 78.2 1.85 204342 Orient Hotel-B/D 21.25 1.65 9074 United Util Gr/D 851.575 -1.5 563226 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3510 6.5 444233 Century Enka-B/D 159.25 1.5 31412 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 11.93 0.56 4414168 Kanoria Chem-B/D 39.25 2.4 39461 Orient.Carb.-B/D 190.7 21.2 95646 Vodafone Group/D 203.1 -2.2 46761316 Bt Group/D 381.814 2.5 5910170 Century Text-A/D 467.55 -2.2 151511 Himat Seide-B/D 65.6 -0.75 155388 Kg Denim-B/D 17.56 1.92 118615 Orient.Carb.-B/D 190.7 21.2 95646 Whitbread/D 4040.72 47 217549 Centrica/D 326.2 -1.1 1924805 Chambal Fert-B/D 50.65 2.75 1102439 Hind Motors-B/D 10.29 1.04 1095566 Kilburnengg-B/D 29.8 -2.35 44467 Oudh Sugar-T/D 25.8 1.05 9627 Gkn/D 378.5 3 821414 Chowgule St-T/D 13.65 0.42 6401 Hind Org Chem-/D 22.94 3.57 646800 Kinetic Eng-B/D 51 0.8 11039 Punjab Chem.-B/D 80.5 5.35 6924 Hsbc Holdings/D 619.05 -8 8253618 Cipla-A/D 389.75 -0.3 379007 Hind Unilever-/D 562.25 -0.9 85851 Kopran-B/D 35.55 0.1 84121 Radico Khait-B/D 107.2 1 327217 Imperial Tobac/D 2650 -3 471105 City Union Bk-/D 69.05 0 73782 Hind.Petrol-A/D 424.65 -6.6 142697 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 303.9 9.1 10668 Rallis India-B/D 191.15 1.85 50462 Colgate-A/D 1364.8 3.05 19767 Hindalco-A/D 159.6 3.95 1552736 Lgb Broth-B/D 577.45 4.2 11130 Reliance Indus/D 575.25 24.85 784284 Kingfisher/D 407.3 0 1882450 THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Owners send James and Wade 2018 Super Bowl to chilly lead Heat to win Minnesota ATLANTA: Minneapolis was named yesterday as the host city Pacers lose second match, series tied at 1-1 for Super Bowl 52 in February of 2018 at the Minnesota Vikings’ INDIANAPOLIS: Beating they are great, great players new $1 billion enclosed stadium the Miami Heat once is dif- NBA Finals Play- (James and Wade),” said Pacers set to open in 2016. ficult enough but taking two coach Frank Vogel. “They’re a National Football League own- playoff games in a row from the off Result great team. They are the champs. ers selected Minneapolis over fel- defending National Basketball “That’s what we expect from low cold-weather city Indianapolis Association champions is mis- EASTERN CONFERENCE those guys because they have been and New Orleans in voting con- sion impossible as the Indiana At Indianapolis there before. ducted during the league owners Pacers found out yesterday. Miami 87 Indiana 83 “So we’ve just got to respond.” meeting in Atlanta. Dormant most of the night, (Series tied 1-1) The Pacers, who sputtered “The other NFL owners were LeBron James sprung to life through the opening two rounds extremely impressed with eve- in the final quarter scoring 12 The best-of-seven series now of playoffs needing seven games to rything Minnesota had to offer of his 22 points, while Dwyane shifts to South Beach for Game eliminate Atlanta and six to see and we have no doubt they will Wade dropped 10 of his team Three on Saturday, giving the off Washington, were firing on all be even more excited with what high 23 to lift the Heat to a bat- Pacers plenty of time to ponder cylinders in Game One against the community will deliver in tling 87-83 victory and even the a missed opportunity. Miami on Sunday and backed by February 2018,” Vikings owner Eastern Conference final at a After rolling to an impressive seething arena and carried that and president Mark Wilf said. game apiece. win over the Heat in Game One momentum into Tuesday charg- The move continues a recent Imposing their will on the on Sunday, the Pacers finally ing to an 18-10 lead. NFL tradition of rewarding cities contest, James and Wade com- flashed the form that had been But there was no panic on the that build new venues with the bined for 22 points in the final expected from the East’s top seed Miami bench as the Heat, mak- championship spectacle, which quarter, including Miami’s final as Indiana looked ready to seize ing their fourth straight appear- brings hundreds of millions of 20 points over the last 7:51 of control of the series. ance in the East final, patiently dollars into a region’s economy the game. But the Heat have developed chipped away at the Indiana as well as bringing worldwide “That’s what it is about, it isn’t a habit of bouncing back after a advantage trimming the deficit attention. going to be pretty,” said James. playoff loss and continued that to a single point at the end of the The Super Bowl will be the “It’s never pretty basketball in the trend at a raucous Bankers Life opening quarter. second for the region. The 1992 Eastern conference, it’s about who Fieldhouse. The Heat continued their surge championship game, in which can sustain runs. With the victory, the Heat have into the second taking a 41-37 Washington beat Buffalo 37-24, “Who can get the defensive now gone 40 playoff games with- lead into the intermission, despite was played in the Metrodome, stops, who cannot turn the ball out suffering consecutive losses, a modest six point first half con- demolished to provide the site for over and who can get great shots a run that stretches back to the tribution from James. the new domed stadium, which and I think we did that in the 2012 East final against the Boston Indiana threatened to pull away will seat 72,000 for the Super fourth. Celtics. again in the third but could not Bowl and was nearly half funded “I needed to do something in Since James, Wade and Chris hold off the Heat as James and by taxpayers. fourth...I needed to make a few Bosh joined forces in Miami, Wade took control. “We are thrilled to bring the buckets in the fourth quarter and four times the Heat have lost the “This is a hotly contested series, Miami Heat forward LeBron James (right) works inside the lane against Super Bowl back to Minnesota,” was able to come through for us. opening game of a playoff series two teams that defend, physical Indiana Pacers forward Paul George during the third quarter of their said Richard Davis, chief execu- “We’re never satisfied until we and each time recovered to win and you just have to keep on stay- NBA Eastern Conference Championship playoff game two at Bankers tive officer of US Bank and bid close out a series so have a lot of the series. ing with it,” said Heat coach Erik Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, yesterday. committee co-chair. work to do.” “It’s not demoralizing, we know Spoelstra. AFP “We succeeded in making the best case to the NFL owners by pointing out the many strengths our region offers -- a tremendous entertainment and hospitality Silver favours Sterling selling his club industry, strong connectivity with both our light rail and skyway sys- LOS ANGELES: Sterling have so seriously dam- audio recording of him berating the franchise. Silver’s lawyer he sell it than we go through this tems, and perhaps most important, National Basketball Association aged the league that he should be a female friend for publicly asso- has threatened to fight any such process,” Silver said. “So if that’s a new, iconic stadium that will be Commissioner Adam Silver removed. ciating with black people, includ- action in court. Asked at a news what you mean by man-to-man, among the best in the country.” said yesterday he would pre- The league has given Sterling ing former NBA great Earvin conference in New York whether I’m open to that.” Only a handful of Super Bowls fer to let Los Angeles Clippers until May 27 to respond to its “Magic” Johnson. he would consider trying to hash Neither the Sterlings nor their have been played in cold-weather owner Donald Sterling sell his charge and invited him to appear The recording sparked an out a deal “man-to-man” to avert attorneys were immediately avail- cities. The Detroit area hosted team “on a reasonable timeta- at a special hearing before the uproar from fans, NBA players a confrontation, Silver noted that able to comment on Silver’s lat- the game in 1982 and 2006, ble” rather than proceed with NBA Board of Governors set for and commercial sponsors. The for the time being, the Clippers est remarks. Several luminaries Indianapolis hosted the game in trying to forcibly terminate his June 3, after which the league’s furor led Silver to ban Sterling still belong to Sterling and his from sports and show business, 2012 and this year’s Super Bowl ownership. 29 other owners who make up the for life from the NBA and to call estranged wife, Shelly, a 50-per- including television host turned was staged in suburban New York, The comments from Silver, board could vote to strip him of on the other owners to force a sale cent owner though a family trust. media mogul Oprah Winfrey the first outdoor venue used for signaling a willingness to strike his team. of the Clippers. “It is their team to sell, and so and Hollywood executive David the game in a cold-weather city. a deal to avoid a showdown in Sterling, 80, who has owned Under the NBA constitution he knows what the league’s point Geffen, have already signaled an “We plan to set the bar high his efforts to oust Sterling, came the Clippers for 33 years, came and bylaws, Silver needs to muster of view is, and so I’m sure if he interest in buying the Clippers if for all northern destinations that a day after the league formally under fire more than three weeks at least a three-fourth’s majority wanted to sell the team on some the team were put up for sale. host the Super Bowl,” said bid co- charged that racist comments by ago when TMZ.com posted an vote to terminate Sterling from reasonable timetable, I’d prefer REUTERS chair Doug Baker. AFP Cubs stop Tanaka’s win streak

CHICAGO: All Masahiro Tanaka could do was put this one behind him and look forward to his next start. He’ll be hard- pressed to match an unbeaten streak like this, though. Tanaka had his unbeaten regular-sea- son run snapped at 42 starts, allowing a career-high four runs in six innings, and the Chicago Cubs beat the New York Yankees 6-1 yesterday. The Cubs honored the retiring Derek Jeter before the game, then handed Tanaka his first loss in nine major league starts. It was a surprising turn, considering Chicago came in with the majors’ worst record and the right-hander from Japan had been sensational. Tanaka (6-1) had been 34-0 in Japan and North America the last two seasons. He did drop Game 6 of the Japan Series last year before earning the save in Game 7. But postseason aside, he hadn’t lost since the Seibu Lions beat the Rakuten Golden Eagles on Aug. 19, 2012. And yes, he was definitely proud of that streak. “I think I was able to get the streak going St. Louis Cardinals Jhonny Peralta is greeted by Jon Jay at home plate after hitting a solo because I had support from my teammates,” home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the sixth inning at Busch Stadium in St Louis, Tanaka said through an interpreter. “ I’m a yesterday. St Louis defeated Arizona 5-0. little bit disappointed because I think a lot of the fans were looking for me to keep on winning. Next time out, I’ll try to get a win York, when he threw eight scoreless innings. Baseball Results again and get it going again.” Some Cubs players thought familiarity Luis Valbuena had three hits with two this time around helped, although Girardi Cleveland 6 Detroit 2 doubles and scored two runs for Chicago. dismissed that idea. Washington 9 Cincinnati 4 John Baker had two hits, scored a run and “If he has his good splitter tonight I think Baltimore 9 Pittsburgh 2 drove in one. Mike Olt drove in three. Jason he gives a much better performance,” he said. Toronto 7 Boston 4 Hammel (5-2) pitched solid ball into the “Since it’s the first time that he saw a team Atlanta 5 Milwaukee 0 sixth and Hector Rondon retired Jeter on a twice and they scored four runs, people are LA Dodgers 9 NY Mets 4 grounder with the bases loaded in the ninth, probably going to make a big deal out of it, preserving the win on a hot and rainy night but I think he’s given up four runs before in Philadelphia 6 Miami 5 with thunder and lightning. a start. So I wouldn’t make too much of it.” Oakland 3 Tampa Bay 0 Tanaka had his worst outing, allowing Coming off his first major-league shutout Seattle 6 Texas 2 eight hits to match a career high. He struck against the Mets last week, Tanaka gave Chicago Cubs 6 NY Yankees 1 out seven and walked one but didn’t really up RBI singles to Emilio Bonifacio in the Chicago White Sox 7 Kansas City 6 have his usual command. third and to Olt in the fourth to make it St Louis 5 Arizona 0 Manager Joe Girardi noticed some split- 2-0. The Cubs added to their lead with two ters up in the zone. Tanaka said there were in the sixth on back-to-back sacrifice flies Colorado 5 San Francisco 4 issues with all his pitches, and Chicago’s by Olt and Baker after Mark Teixeira sin- LA Angels 9 Houston 3 Starlin Castro thought there was a dip in gled in a run in the top half for New York. Minnesota 5 San Diego 3 velocity from last month’s meeting in New AGENCIES THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT McIlroy, Wozniacki part ways Irishman calls off wedding with tennis player; The problem is mine, says McIlroy

VIRGINIA WATER, round for McIlroy who suffered England: A glum-looking a slump in form after ending his Manassero Rory McIlroy admitted it equipment contract with Titleist. would be tough to focus on He started 2013 as number golf at this week’s BMW PGA one in the world rankings and aiming for Championship after calling off in January signed a 10-year con- his engagement to tennis player tract with Nike that, according Caroline Wozniacki yesterday. to media reports, is worth $250m. history Just days after sending out McIlroy was also involved in invitations to their planned wed- a lengthy legal dispute last year WENTWORTH, United ding, the 25-year-old Northern after splitting from his manage- Kingdom: Italy’s Matteo Irishman said he was not ready ment team and was embroiled in Manassero is aiming to make for marriage. a disagreement with American history when the European “There is no right way to end sportswear company Oakley. PGA Championship gets under- a relationship that has been The Northern Irishman, win- way at Wentworth today. so important to two people,” ner of the 2011 US Open and At 20 years and 37 days, the twice major winner said in 2012 US PGA Championship, Manassero became the young- a statement on the eve of the has missed the cut at the BMW est winner of the event last year European Tour’s flagship event PGA Championship in three of when he took the title after a at Wentworth. the last six years and is look- three-way play-off with Simon “The problem is mine. The ing to improve that record this Khan and Marc Warren. wedding invitations issued at week. This week, in the 60th anni- the weekend made me realise I “This is a beautiful golf course versary of the tournament, he is wasn’t ready for all that marriage and I’ve got great memories of the aiming to become the youngest entails. place from watching the World player to successfully defend a “I wish Caroline all the happi- Match Play here in the early title with the current mark held ness she deserves and thank her 2000s as a kid,” he said. by Seve Ballesteros who won his for the great times we’ve had.” “I’m trying to go in this week second Swiss Open aged 21 years The couple, known as ‘Wozilroy’ with the mindset of not getting and 152 days in 1978. to fans, announced their engage- frustrated and not to be frus- And Manassero will be using ment on Twitter in January when trated that I might only get to the memories of his biggest McIlroy proposed following a Tennis player Caroline Wozniacki chats with her boyfriend Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland near the club- hit my driver two or three times career win as he bids to land the New Year’s Eve fireworks show house during the first round of the 2014 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, in this a round and feel like my advan- European Tour’s flagship event for in Sydney. file picture of April 12, 2014. tage of my length is taken away a second time and join the likes of World number 10 McIlroy, look- from me. Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie, ing clearly distraught, told a news “I’m just going to try and accept Ian Woosnam and Luke Donald conference later on Wednesday was to play in this event,” added think I’ve said all I need to say. I returning “to a golf course that that you’ve got to plot your way as a multiple winner. that he never had any thoughts of McIlroy who had been in a rela- just want to get my head into golf you love”. around this course and not be “The memories that you have withdrawing from the 60th anni- tionship with Denmark’s 23-year- this week and concentrate on the Laughter broke out around the overly aggressive ... just sort every time you come back to a versary edition of the Wentworth old former world number one tournament and try and do well. room and the Northern Irishman of rein it in a little bit,” added tournament you get memories,” event. Wozniacki for 2-1/2 years. “I’ve been playing well and the produced a brief smile before pull- McIlroy. Manassero told reporters at “I’m not going to lie,” he said. “Obviously it’s quite a difficult form’s been good. I want to dive ing down his cap and covering his “It’s a great event. This tour- Wentworth. “It’s going to be really difficult but time for Caroline and myself and straight into it and keep myself face with his hands. nament deserves the best players “The memories are good when I get inside the ropes I’m I think the statement really said somewhat busy and just try and Media reports seven months and the best field and it gets that. because of last year and the week going to have to try and concen- it all this morning. It was mutual have a good week on the course.” ago suggested the pair had ended Hopefully I can put in a perform- becomes even more special. That’s trate on the matter in hand. and we both thought it was the One reporter tried to lighten their relationship but neither ance that’s a little better than it the way I feel right now. I feel like “I made a commitment to best for both of us. the mood at the news conference party confirmed the break-up. has been the last few years.” I am in a special place but I always be here and I thought my duty “It’s time to move on and I by suggesting McIlroy was at least Last year was a troubled one all REUTERS felt that.” AFP Morgan rues Supreme court restores Malinga impact Sethi as PCB President

LONDON: Eoin Morgan was cricket that you can get domi- KARACHI: The Supreme the legally elected chairman of board on professional lines and left marvelling at the skill of nated by a bowler so much as Court yesterday restored the board,” Ashraf told reporters have a constitution which is dem- rival captain Lasith Malinga Malinga,” said Morgan. Najam Sethi as chairman of in Lahore. ocratic and does not give absolute (pictured) after the Sri Lanka “But he crops up in everyone’s the Pakistan Cricket Board Ashraf, who was restored as powers to the chairman. skipper played a key role in the team meeting. He’s someone you (PCB) just four days after the PCB chief for the third time “I have no intention to stay on tourists’ nine-run Twenty20 have to talk about a lot, how Islamabad High Court (IHC) in a year last Saturday, said he much longer as chairman except international win at The Oval you’re going to negotiate him -- had reinstated his predeces- would personally state the facts for the period given to me by the on Tuesday. if you have the option of taking sor, Zaka Ashraf, as head of the before the apex court, adding that government ... I just want to sta- Malinga, who led the island- him on. organisation. Pakistan cricket needed stability bilise Pakistan cricket affairs and ers to World Twenty20 glory in “He’s world-class,” the former 26), was powerless to prevent a A three member bench of the and a clear direction. make it more professional,” he Bangladesh earlier this year, had Ireland batsman added. late onslaught that saw Sri Lanka apex court, while hearing a peti- Following the IHC orders, told reporters after the Supreme long been regarded as one of the Tuesday’s match was the first score 75 runs off the final six tion filed by the government’s Ashraf declared null and void Court judgment. best ‘white ball’ bowlers in the Twenty20 England had played overs of the innings. Ministry of Inter-Provincial all decisions taken by Sethi Pakistan’s Prime Minister game. since Peter Moores was re- Fielding errors also hurt Coordination against the rein- and his management com- Nawaz Sharif had sacked Ashraf And the ‘slingshot’ seamer appointed national coach. England, with Michael Carberry statement of Ashraf last Saturday, mittee which included the on February 10 and appointed a proved too hot for England to Morgan, leading the side in dropping left-hander Thisara annulled the lower court’s order appointments of chief selector, committee chaired by Sethi to handle in taking three for 28 on the absence of the injured Stuart Perera, whose 49 proved decisive. but set May 27 as the next date manager, head coach, batting oversee cricketing matters. Tuesday as Sri Lanka restricted Broad, was left frustrated by a Alex Hales weighed in with 66 of hearing for the case. and spin bowling coaches of the The Sethi-led board has Morgan’s men to 174 for seven in bowling display which, with the on Tuesday but the hosts still fell “It is not a decision but a stay national team. accused Ashraf of widespread reply to their 183 for seven. exception of debutant left-arm narrowly short of their target. order and we will be vigorously Sethi said he was appointed by mismanagement and misuse of “It’s not often in Twenty20 seamer Harry Gurney (two for AFP pursuing this case because I am the government to reorganize the funds in a audited report. AFP Badminton: World body mulls new scoring system

NEW DELHI: Badminton 21-point pattern was introduced. opening singles. But Lucas Corvee and Thailand qualified from group could soon see a new scoring “The BWF will be considering drew level with a 21-17, 21-4 win A and Denmark and Japan made system at the top level to benefit the matter as it seeks to con- over Vladimir Malkov in the the grade from group B, all with television coverage and make tinue innovative developments second singles, before Baptiste easy wins. contests more attractive for to improve badminton in all con- Careme and Bastian Kersaudy Indonesia, hoping to add to viewers, the sport’s governing texts -- for fans, television, live won the doubles to put France their record tally of 13 titles, body said yesterday. streaming and for players at every ahead. blanked Nigeria 5-0 without The Badminton World level,” the governing body said in The French, who had stunned dropping a game in any of the Federation (BWF) will open dis- a statement. Taiwan on Monday, gained three singles or two doubles cussions on the subject this week- “We think the time is right to an unassailable 3-1 lead when matches. Denmark’s end in New Delhi on the sidelines discuss a news system with our Thomas Rouxel beat Anton Thailand, inspired by world Line of the ongoing men’s Thomas Cup members so generations to come Ivanov 21-9, 21-14 in the fourth number eight Boonsak Ponsana, Kjaersfeldt and women’s Uber Cup team continue enjoying badminton at match. proved too strong for Singapore in returns a shot championships. its best,” BWF secretary-general “Winning against Taiwan was a 4-1 win marred by a leg injury to to Japan’s The BWF has already sounded Thomas Lund added. the key, because we knew we second singles player Tanongsak Minatsu Mitani out the players on three alter- The BWF plans to trial the could beat Russia,” Rouxel told Saensomboonsuk. during their nate options to replace the exist- selected format at small tourna- AFP. “This is just so exciting. Denmark, widely regarded as women’s sin- ing system that has the winner ments and seek feedback from First Thomas Cup for us and we the best nation never to have gles match in reaching 21 points, two points various stakeholders before it is are in the knock-out round. won the Thomas Cup, made the Uber Cup clear of his opponent, in a best- introduced at major events like “I know people back home are short work of England 5-0 to set badminton of-three game format. the world championships or the also excited, because we have up an interesting duel with Japan One suggestion is to have two Olympics. been getting a lot of messages on on Wednesday to determine the championship games of 21 each with the decider, Meanwhile, France made a Facebook.” group leaders. in New Delhi, if needed, played for 11 points. memorable Thomas Cup debut China, who had already quali- Japan routed Hong Kong yesterday. Another format is 15 points for by joining favourites China in fied for the quarter-finals with 5-0 despite world number four each game, while a third sugges- the quarter-finals from group D two wins, ensured they topped Kenichi Tago being taken to three tion is to play five games of nine with a 3-2 win over Russia in New the group with a 5-0 demolition games by Yun Hu in the opening points each. Delhi yesterday. of Taiwan. singles. A difference of two points will Russia, who had lost both Other fancied men’s teams also Japan and Denmark also made still be needed for the winner. their previous ties against China booked their quarter-final places the quarter-finals from group Z in A change in the scoring pat- and Taiwan, took the lead when even before the last round of the women’s Uber Cup competi- tern is being discussed for the Vladimir Ivanov defeated Brice league matches are played. tion at the expense of Malaysia first time since 2006 when the Leverdez 21-11, 17-21, 21-8 in the Former champions Indonesia and Germany. AGENCIES THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

On-loan Parro to return to Al F1: Alonso tips Red Bull to Sailiya for new football season

DOHA: Al Sailiya’s attacking midfielder Parro Siddiqi who challenge in Monaco GP was given no loan to Al Rayyan will return to his parent club and join his team-mates after ‘Monte Carlo will be one of the few opportunities to challenge Mercedes’ playing with Rayyan. The assistant secretary of Al Sailiya Abdullah Henzab said that MONACO: After dominat- from his boyhood journey from the Ivory Coast player will be with ing the first five races of the home to school and is determined the club for the next season. Formula One season, with to use that familiarity to good Meanwhile, Al Sailiya coach four successive one-two fin- effect after falling three points Sami Trabelsi who was recently ishes, Lewis Hamilton and Nico behind his team mate in Spain. awarded best coach in Qatar said Rosberg may not have it all “To re-gain the advantage at that he has decided with his tech- their own way on the streets of my home race would be fantastic, nical staff to start training from Monaco yesterday. so I’ll be pushing harder than ever the July 3 at the club training If the sound of Mercedes’ rivals to make that happen,” he said. fields. clutching at straws has become It is also a favourite of the He added many new players more audible, unlike the cars, a Briton, also a Monaco resident both local and foreign will be flutter on a different winner could and winner with McLaren in 2008 joining the club before the new still be a better bet than many when he took the championship. season. placed in the imposing casino this “I honestly never expected Many players are currently on weekend. I’d win four consecutive Grands their summer vacation after the “I think Monte Carlo will be one Prix in my career and I’d love Emir Cup final which ended on of the few opportunities to chal- to continue that run here,” said May 17. lenge Mercedes, especially for Red Hamilton. Once the players return Bull,” Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso Red Bull have won Monaco Trabelsi will take his players told reporters after Spain where three times in four years, twice away for team camp training Hamilton chalked up his fourth with now departed Australian in Milan, Italy from July 24 to win in a row for the German Mark Webber whose successor August 13. manufacturer with team-mate and compatriot Daniel Ricciardo Meanwhile, former Umm Rosberg second. is raring to go. Salal player Tamer Jamal who “On the corners they (Red If racing around Monaco is, as was bought by El Jaish will now Bull) are very fast and on the Brazilian triple champion Nelson find himself back in familiar sur- straights they seem to lose a lot Piquet once observed, like cycling roundings as he heads to Umm of lap time. In Monte Carlo there around your living room then Salal for the next Qatar Stars are no straights so maybe Red Ricciardo is up for it. League season. Bull could challenge Mercedes “When I was a kid I used to Originally bought by Umm there. We’ll see,” said Alonso. love riding my little bike around Salal and then loaned to Al Arabi Alonso has won twice in German Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull Racing signs autographs at the Monte Carlo Circuit inside the house. It was more fun, before being bought by El Jaish, Monaco, once for Renault and in Monaco, yesterday. The 2014 Formula One Grand Prix of Monaco will take place on Sunday. BOTTOM: A there were more obstacles and a the striker has failed to settle at once for McLaren, and would photo made available yesterday of a banner reading ‘Michael, we miss you! We can’t wait to see you back bit more danger. That really is El Jaish club. become the first driver to win the on this grass next year’ being displayed during a Charity Soccer match between F1 drivers and a Star Team what this is like,” he said. Jamal, contracted to El Jaish most glamorous race on the cal- made of former and current sports stars, at the Louis ll Stadium in Monaco, on Tuesday. The new V6 turbo hybrid until 2016, is on loan as he endar with three separate teams. engines, with more torque and couldn’t break into the Army’s Monaco, with its narrow wheelspin, also threaten to liven first team. streets ringed by unforgiving things up with drivers likely to Meanwhile, Umm Salal suc- metal fences, may be a proces- be more on the ragged edge than ceeded in signing some players sional race with little overtaking ever. for next season, among them but it can never be predictable. “I think Monaco will be a very, Mohammed Jedo, goal keeper The fickle weather, and the ever- very difficult race,” commented Baba Malik, Waleed Mayoudin present risk of safety cars and Brazilian Felipe Massa. and also Moroccan player Othman collisions, sees to that. “We drive with the car a lot El Assas. However Ferrari, the most more sideways. The torque we The club also secured the glamorous team, have not Spain, look to be picking up speed. the moment and probably on a This year, it may just be have from the engine is maybe services of Turkish coach Bulent threaded their way to victory in “They are still the benchmark,” street circuit like Monaco every- Hamilton’s rather than Mercedes’ double what we had last year, Uygun who managed to reignite the year’s most alluring race since recognised Mercedes motorsport thing can be different.” winning streak that comes to an and the grip from the tyre is not the team especially in the second Michael Schumacher’s triumph in head Toto Wolff. History backs that up: On the end as the championship-leading very high, so Monaco will be a half of the season. 2001. “The power unit (in Monaco) last three occasions that a team Briton chases his fifth in a row. very easy race to crash,” added The club also released Everaldo Red Bull, with Australian is not so important,” said the has started a season with five Rosberg won from pole last year the Williams driver. Cabore and Victor Simões as the Daniel Ricciardo and quadruple Austrian. “Monaco is always dif- straight wins - Ferrari in 2004 and grew up in the principality. “I think it will be the toughest new QFA regulation of only 3 for- champion Sebastian Vettel third ferent and I guess there is a team and Williams in 1996 and 1992 - The German knows every kerb race of the season.” eign players starts next season. and fourth at the previous race in that has clearly an advantage at the run has bust in Monaco. and corner, every turn and twist, REUTERS THE PENINSULA

Stage set for Qalco’s F5WC Qatar’s Langdon looks Finals on Friday

DOHA: 32 of the biggest names for first win of season in amateur football have quali- fied for Qalco’s Football Five’s TOPEKA, KANSAS: He is World Championship final the reigning World Champion. round making way for an excit- He won this race a year ago, ing clash. More than 100 ama- but Shawn Langdon has yet to teur football teams flexed their reach the Winner’s Circle for muscles in the 1st and 2nd qual- the Qatar Al-Anabi Racing Top ifying rounds earlier this month, Fuel team, the three-time and demonstrating their prowess on defending World Championship the field. team owned by Sheikh Khalid Locally sponsored by Qatar Team Rems-Chopsuey celebrates after clinching the W-League FILEX bin Hamad Al Thani. Lubricants Co., supported by Basketball Championship title in Doha. Perhaps this weekend, at the Qatar Football Association 26th annual NHRA Kansas (QFA) and managed by Legacy Nationals, the eighth of 24 races Sports & Events/Duplays Doha, making up the United States’ 2014 The Football Five’s World Rems-Chopsuey tops NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Championship (F5WC) is part Series, will be his time. of a global initiative to select tal- Qualifying is set for tomorrow ented amateur football players and Saturday with eliminations Qatar Al-Anabi Racing Top Fuel driver Khalid alBalooshi, near lane, through regional 5-a-side quali- at W-League Qatar scheduled for Sunday. begins a qualifying run last weekend in Atlanta with the nose of the fying rounds to then compete in Langdon and his silver car lifted perfectly off the ground on his way to a brilliant qualifying the Dubai 2014 finals. DOHA: Rems-Chopsuey came a 91-86 advantage behind a 7-2 Al-Anabi team were dominant in attempt. AlBalooshi and team-mate Shawn Langdon race this weekend As the Official Venue Provider back with guns blazing in the scoring blitz led by FILEX Finals Topeka last year; they were the in Topeka, Kansas. for the championship, QFA has pay-off period to register a Best Player Mac Gomez in the No. 1 qualifiers, and they marched provided pitches 6 and 7 of Aspire hard-earned 91-88 victory over dying seconds of the match. through eliminations taking down Zone in which the F5WC Qatar Batangas to bag the FILEX Gomez finished with 20 points some of the finest teams in Top any other track,” Langdon said. his best Top Fuel season so far Finals are set to take place on crown while Jaidah Group and 12 rebounds while Proceso Fuel on the way to victory. “You go to a place where you’ve despite a disappointing result Friday. exploited their speed advantage added 18 points and 4 assists for It was a riveting performance familiar with the track and the last weekend near Atlanta when QFA is also providing official and trounced SFQ Falcons for Rems, eclipsing the 50-point pro- and a key part of the team’s run weather conditions, and good weather and difficult track condi- referees for the tournament to the OPEX title in the double- duction of the prolific Batangas to the world title. things can happen. Last year, we tions plagued the event. officiate the matches. Games kick header WLeague Basketball duo of Eric Tamayo and Bonlex Fast forward to 2014 where made some really strong runs at “Our team did not have its best off at 4 pm, with the Quarter- Finals last week at QATAR SC Magcawas. Langdon and the team are fourth Topeka where we were able to luck last week in Atlanta, but we finals scheduled to begin at 6:45 Stadium. Meanwhile, Jaidah Group in points, and while they have not separate ourselves from the field did the best we could,” alBalooshi pm. Trailing half of the way and banked on a relentless open court yet won a race, they are only 45 by a couple hundredths of a sec- said. The 32 Finalists are Al Akhlas, staring at a 67-73 deficit at the offensive to overcome their disad- points behind where they were ond. Hopefully we can duplicate “The weather was hard on Real Madrid Qatar, Afraama, FC end of the third period, Rems’ vantage in size and stunned the this time last year. what we did there last year, learn everyone. The track was tricky. Cartage, Al Rumila, Al Rayyan, Coach Meenok Icasiano’s wards taller and heftier SQF Falcons A significant points move is from what we’ve been working on We did our best, but it wasn’t Friends United, Al Mazallat Al woke up at the onset of the with a 63-54 beating to run away possible at any time, and a return with the Al-Anabi car this year, good enough. I am happy we Aneeqa, Sharq, Mediterranean final quarter with sweet shoot- with the OPEX Championship to a race track on which the team continue to make strong runs are going to the race again this FC, Wadi Al Sail, Five Stars, ing Kim Proceso spearheading a plum. has been successful could lead to this weekend and especially on week because we have a good hot Syrian Sports Club (B), Al 13-7 assault to push the eventual OPEX Finals Best Player Mike more success. Sunday.” rod. Our team does a good job in Masraf, Mackeen Holding, Desert champions to an 80-all deadlock Paderes, who was also adjudged “We still haven’t gotten that Khalid alBalooshi was also fast Topeka; Shawn won the race there Storm, Saleb Al Shraa, Haloul, with their foes going into the last WLeague Filex Most Valuable first win of the season yet, but in Topeka last year. The third- last year, and our gold Al-Anabi Al Nasr, Dukhan, Al Odid, Al 5 minutes of play. Player, led the charge for the open going to a familiar track like year Top Fuel driver was the No. car was also good. I think every- Asdqaa, Yasser Haikal, Bananas, Both teams clamped down on league champions with 19 mark- Topeka, where we’ve had a lot 4 qualifier, and just missed a semi- one on our team is excited to go Al Andlus, Al Waab, ABK, Hana, defense and limited each other to ers and 8 rebounds with ace for- of success and going back as the final appearance. to Topeka because our team does Al Rayan Security, Damas, a couple of winners in the next ward Rodel Mallari contributing defending champion, we’ll prob- With a race win among two a good job at that track. We hope Spaniards and Africa Stars. four minutes en-route to an 84-all 17 points and 12 rebounds. ably have more confidence roll- final-round appearances this we can find our racing luck this THE PENINSULA count before Rems broke away to THE PENINSULA ing into Topeka this week than season, the Dubai native is having week.” THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Beckham suffers fresh Bizarre row casts doubt blow to Miami stadium plans

MIAMI: David Beckham’s (pic- tured) hopes of seeing his new over Toure’s City future Miami football team play at a prime spot at the port of Miami were yesterday all but blown Is the Ivory Coast international striker unhappy at Manchester City? out of the water in a major set- back for the former Manchester United idol. LONDON: Yaya Toure’s future you’. It is the minimum they must The ex- as a Manchester City player do when it is his birthday and the Real Madrid is in doubt after he appeared squad is all together. and England to endorse claims by his agent Seluk added: “It is an impor- midfielder that he was unhappy with the tant human relationship to shake wants to Premier League champions. hands and say ‘happy birthday’ build a $250m His agent, Dimitry Seluk, but nobody did it to Yaya. It shows Manchester state-of-the- claimed that City had shown they don’t care about him.” City star art open- Toure a lack of respect by not City did not respond to these Yaya Toure air stadium sufficiently acknowledging the remarks but Toure only signed a is seen with 25,000 player’s 31st birthday last week. new four-year contract last sea- during his seats for The Ivory Coast international, son and Seluk does have a history visit to his recently who scored 20 goals in City’s run of threatening his client’s exit, Aspetar acquired Major League Soccer to the title in the season just fin- having done so in each of the last Orthopaedic (MLS) team. ished, backed up the claims with two years at City and during his and Sports His preferred site, at a message on Twitter later on time at Barcelona. PortMiami, would have spectac- Medicine Tuesday. Last year he demanded that a ular sweeping views of Biscayne Hospital in “Everything dimitry said is new contract be agreed by a cer- Bay and downtown Miami. true. He speaks for me. I will give tain deadline only for that to pass Doha. But shipping interests and local an interview after world cup to a month before Toure signed his authorities have opposed the pro- explain,” he wrote. new deal. posal, fearing it will disrupt port Seluk had told the BBC that Seluk, however, insisted he was operations. Toure was “very upset” and not trying to engineer talks over The Miami-Dade Board there was a “big possibility” he another new contract. of County Commissioners on could leave the club this summer He said in The Sun: “He’s very Tuesday voted against the port because he felt under-appreciated. upset and he started thinking of site and it looks increasingly He said the player found it leaving the club. And he will leave likely Beckham will have to set- particularly hurtful that no one if things carry on like this. tle for another waterfront area from the club wished him a happy “It’s not a question of money or nearby that does not share the birthday when he turned 31 dur- contract, believe me. He has eve- same impressive view. ing last week’s post-season trip rything he needs. For Yaya what Toure visits Aspetar Beckham’s representatives on to Abu Dhabi, the home of City’s is the most important thing is Monday admitted the alternative owners. human relationships.” option -- at a pier in congested This grievance was soon shown Toure initially appeared to downtown Miami -- was now to be untrue as media quickly put an end to the matter when the likeliest contender for the picked up on a video published he wrote on Twitter on Tuesday: ahead of World Cup stadium. by the club last week, in which “Thanks for all the birthday mes- “It’s unfair to keep giving Mr. Toure was presented with a birth- sages today. Card from City just DOHA: Manchester City Commenting on Toure’s visit, campaign and I am confident that Beckham and his group any day cake, while City also tweeted arrived... Must have got lost in the star Yaya Toure paid a visit to Dr. Khalifa Al Kuwari, General Aspetar’s acclaimed expertise will hopes that things can happen in a birthday message. post. Haha. Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Director of Aspetar said: “Aspetar be able to support these ambitions a place that has so many nega- But Seluk told the BBC: “None “Jokes aside. Please do not take Medicine Hospital in Doha to aims to provide first-class medi- and support athletes to deliver tives,” Rebeca Sosa, chair of the of them shook his hand on his words that do not come out of receive treatment for a ‘minor’ cal support to world-class sports their full potential.” local board, said in reference to birthday. It’s really sick you know. MY mouth seriously. Judge my injury and to prepare himself teams and athletes and this is Toure’s visit to Aspetar follows PortMiami. Seluk added: “He got a cake commitment to @MCFC by my for the FIFA World Cup, prior demonstrable in our partnership comments made by Ivory Coast The final decision will be put but when it was Roberto Carlos’s performances.” to joining his Ivory Coast team- agreement with the Ivory Coast national football team coach Sabri to local voters in a referendum. birthday, the president of Anzhi But he then wrote: “My agent mates at their training camp in football team during the FIFA Lamouchi last week, who said The alternative site would be (Makhachkala) gave him a was trying to make a point here the US. World Cup.” that his side’s World Cup chances next to the American Airlines Bugatti. I don’t expect City to on my behalf, joke aside. It seems The reigning African Footballer He added: “I hope we can make “depend” on Toure’s fitness. Arena where the Miami Heat present Yaya with a Bugatti, we important for me to make a of the Year, who celebrated his Qatar proud with our contribu- In recent weeks Aspetar has basketball team plays. only asked that they shook his statement..i am going to do so.” side’s Premier League title vic- tions to this tournament this also provided medical assistance The stadium should be ready to hand and said, ‘we congratulate REUTERS tory in an open-top bus parade in summer and continue to cement to some of Toure’s other national house the as-yet-unnamed team Manchester last week, has placed our reputation as a leader in teammates, including Didier for the 2017-2018 season. AFP his World Cup hopes in the lead- sports medicine.” Drogba, Sol Bamba, Mathis Boly ing sports medicine hospital as Dr Hakim Chalabi, Aspetar’s and Lacina Traouré following an he looks to make a swift recovery Executive Director of National agreement struck between the Van Basten is ahead of this summer’s competi- Sports Medicine Programme, sports hospital and the Ivory Yaya Toure tion in Brazil. said: “Having previously pro- Coast Football Association ear- keen to follow poses for Praising Aspetar as “an amaz- vided assistance to the Algerian lier this year. Seen as a glowing the camera ing place”, Toure said: “This is national team during the 2010 endorsement of Aspetar’s exper- Van Gaal’s at Aspetar the first time I have ever seen a World Cup in South Africa, tise and facilities, the partnership in Doha. hospital like this. Even in Europe this year we will be providing deal means the sports medicine they don’t have anything similar. full medical support to both the hospital will be on hand to provide coaching path Aspetar has everything that a Algeria and Ivory Coast squads.: medical support to all Ivory Coast AJAX: Former Ajax high-level athlete can need and Chalabi added: “Fans in both footballers in preparation for, and Amsterdam and AC Milan I will definitely be coming back countries will be hoping their during, the World Cup. striker Marco van Basten (pic- again soon.” teams can enjoy a successful THE PENINSULA tured) would like to follow his compatriot Louis van Gaal into a coaching job at a major inter- national club. Van Basten, who scored 24 Cup final error reopens technology debate goals in 58 matches for the Dutch national side and coached BERLIN: Bundesliga clubs are new vote on the introduction of A ball is used to demonstrate the them for four set to vote again on whether goal-line technology would not be years, said he to introduce goal-line technol- an issue,” said Andreas Rettig, the goal line technology GoalControl-4D wanted to use ogy into German football after DFL’s managing director. at Tivoli in Aachen, Germany. his job at AZ Borussia Dortmund were con- “The DFL is already well pre- The goal technology hasn’t been Alkmaar as a troversially disallowed a goal in pared in regards to this issue,” he introduced to the Bundesliga in springboard last weekend’s cup final defeat. said. Germany, but Tivoli is now the first to emulate Bayern Munich claimed the Even Bayern, who benefited stadium in Germany with the system. Van Gaal, league and cup double at Berlin’s from Hummel’s non-goal in whose own Olympic Stadium on Saturday Berlin, is in favour of a fresh GoalContol-4D at the home of career was after Arjen Robben and Thomas vote as both the Bavarian giants Alemannia Aachen has been officially revived after Mueller scored extra-time goals. and Dortmund voted in favour of certified by FIFA. German-based he took the But referee Florian Meyer introducing goal-line technology GoalControl GmbH will be the official provincial failed to award Dortmund a 65th- earlier this year. provider of goal-line technology at club to the league title in 2009. minute goal, although replays “I was disappointed that the Van Gaal, who is taking the the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. showed a header by Borussia league didn’t commit itself to Netherlands to next month’s defender Mats Hummels had goal-line technology and we let World Cup finals in Brazil, was crossed the line. the referees remain in the dark on Monday named as Manchester Bayern’s defender Dante was about what was happening on the United manager for the next behind the goal-line when he pitch,” Bayern chairman Karl- three seasons. cleared the ball, but despite furi- Heinz Rummenigge told Bavarian “I’d like to follow the path of ous protests from the Borussia television. Van Gaal. He is a top coach who players, the goal was not awarded. “The Bundesliga must precede did really well at AZ,” he told a Just two months ago, Germany’s and there must be a vote on goal- news conference in Alkmaar. 36 professional clubs voted by a line technology. Van Gaal’s league success with clear majority against providing “We’re talking, of course, about AZ led to his appointment by goal-line technology for referees money, but it would be a sensible Bayern Munich the next season, with high costs being cited as the investment. where he claimed a league and main reason. “Then we wouldn’t be having cup double in his first term. Technology in German football discussions like the ones we saw “I’m still a coach in the begin- has been a hot topic especially after Berlin.” ning phase of his career even since Bayer Leverkusen’s Stefan Wolfgang Niersbach, presi- though I had a strange start to Kiessling was awarded a goal last dent of the German Football my coaching career,” Van Basten, October against Hoffenheim, but Association (DFB) has said they our highly-professional football,” a former European Footballer of replays showed the ball entered are in favour of introducing tech- said Fandel. “Goal-line technology the Year, added. Van Basten, 49, the goal through a hole in the side nology, but the clubs would need would eliminate such fruitless dis- retired prematurely in 1995 due netting. to vote for it. cussions like we had on Saturday.” to an ankle injury. With Hummel’s non-goal being The boss of Germany’s referees, Likewise, World Cup referee His coaching career began with labelled “Torklau” (‘goal theft’) in Herbert Fandel, the head of the Felix Brych said German officials Ajax Amsterdam’s reserves in the German media, the German DFB’s referees commission, said would welcome the technology. 2003 and a year later he became Football League (DFL) have said his officials would welcome the “We would all be happy if we Netherlands manager, staying they can put the vote to the clubs help. could get some help in this area. from 2004 to 2008, after which he again. “It if unfortunate that we I can speak for all referees in this spent a year at Ajax before taking “If it is the wish of the clubs, a have no goal-line technology in regards,” he said. REUTERS a three-year break. REUTERS THURSDAY 22 MAY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Coach to build ‘new’ Barcelona My team will attack. We will play attractive football, says new coach Luis Enrique

BARCELONA: Luis Enrique had a disappointing debut season Bartomeu and his board are hop- form. Luis Enrique said he was promised “attractive and effec- without major silverware and ing Luis Enrique will be able to looking forward to working with tive football” as he took the reins stepped down on Saturday. recreate the success that the club the Argentine. at Barcelona yesterday and Barcelona lost out to Atletico enjoyed under another former Messi, who has been out of set about putting the Catalan Madrid in the La Liga title race midfielder, Pep Guardiola, who sorts in an injury-disrupted sea- giants back at the summit of the and were knocked out in the had a spectacular run in charge son, agreed a new deal with Barca European game. quarter-finals of the Champions between 2008 and 2012. last week that reportedly makes “This is a very special day,” Luis League by the club from the Barca have already moved to him the game’s best-paid player. FC Barcelona’s new Enrique, who has signed a two- Spanish capital. They also lost to replace departing goalkeeper “I am delighted and overjoyed coach Luis Enrique year contract, told a news con- Real Madrid in the final of the Victor Valdes by luring Marc- to have the best player on the Martinez attends a ference. “We are beginning the King’s Cup. Andre Ter Stegen from Borussia planet in the squad,” Luis Enrique news conference after building of a new, exciting Barca. “I’ll be laying out my plans to Moenchengladbach, while mid- said. “It’s something that moti- signing a two-year “My team will attack. We will the players and talking to them so fielder Rafinha and forward vates me a great deal and I can contract at Camp Nou play attractive and effective foot- that they take them on board as Gerard Deulofeu return from loan see the club thinks the same and ball, the kind of football that mil- their own,” the 44-year-old Luis at Celta and Everton respectively. Messi is delighted to continue Stadium in Barcelona lions across the world have come Enrique said. Other reinforcements needed here. yesterday. to love, which means we need to “I don’t think I’ll need to include at least one centre-back “Messi’s performances have not defend well too,” said impose myself very much and and possibly a centre-forward been as incredible as in previous The former Barca B coach, bark out orders - we’re in this who is strong in the air and can seasons but he still has the level who had an impressive season in together, though I’ll be demand- give Barca an extra option in of a number one. charge of Celta Vigo last season. ing hard work. I’ll be looking for attack. “He brings a lot more than The former Barca and Spain plenty of hunger from the players Another important task for the merely goals and he is necessary midfielder, a fan favourite dur- and they’ll have to show me that new coach will be to help four- and indispensable for the group. I ing his playing days, has replaced every day.” times World Player of the Year hope he can find his best version Gerardo Martino. The Argentine Barcelona President Josep Lionel Messi rediscover his best with me.” REUTERS Italian football chief slams Germany start 10-day training camp racist abuse of ROME: Germany launched their World “The greed for the World Cup trophy is obviously the biggest possible success which and Benedikt Hoewedes only recently back Cup preparations yesterday with the there,” captain Philipp Lahm said ahead of is the World Cup trophy.” from long injury absences and Marcell start of a 10-day training camp in the their departure for northern Italy, site of Loew will also be without first choice Jansen, who played left back in four of their Balotelli Italian Alps aimed at fine-tuning a team their pre-World Cup preparations in 1990 keeper Manuel Neuer at the start with the last five internationals, not in the 27-man bidding for a first international title in when they last won the trophy. Bayern Munich player wearing a sling fol- squad. ROME: Racist abuse directed 18 years. “We have the punch to win the title but lowing a shoulder injury in the same game. “We have to work specifically on our at Mario Balotelli by a young Germany coach Joachim Loew, in charge we have to be careful that the talent and The coach’s biggest concern, however, defence,” Lahm said. “We have been con- fan outside Italy’s training camp for his fourth tournament and second ego of each of us serves the team. We need is his defence with the once solid German ceding too many goals lately, allowed oppo- was “unacceptable”, Italian World Cup since taking over in 2006, has heart and passion in Brazil,” he told Bild backline struggling to find stability in the nents too many clear chances. We have to Football Federation (FIGC) invited 27 players in his provisional squad newspaper. past months. make sure the defence is positioned well. president Giancarlo Abete said which will be cut back to 23 by June 2. Lahm will skip training at the secluded Loew has yet to settle on a central defen- That is a challenge for the entire team.” yesterday. Their cool and tranquil South Tyrolean football pitch surrounded by a high cloth- sive partnership with Per Mertesacker, The Germans, who have been drawn in The AC Milan striker was mountain retreat deep in the Alps is a far covered fences at the five-star hotel for at Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels the Group G along with Ghana, United States subjected to the abuse outside cry from the hot and humid tropical condi- least five days as he recovers from an ankle strongest candidates for the two positions. and Portugal, will be using German youth Italy’s Coverciano training camp tions they will have to weather in Brazil as injury picked up in the German Cup final Lahm’s own contribution is still unclear team players who will emulate the playing as the squad were put through the three-times winners seek to end their on Saturday. with the right back wanting to move per- style of their group rivals in training. their paces with manager Cesare title drought. “I do not want to be eliminated in the manently to a midfield position, where They will round off preparations with Prandelli looking to trim his pro- But the focus is firmly on becoming the semis or travel to Brazil for the sun,” said he played in their friendly 1-0 over Chile friendlies in Germany against Cameroon visional 30-man list to 23 for the first non-South American team to win a the 30-year-old, preparing for his third in March. But his coach is struggling for on June 1 and Armenia on June 6 before Brazil World Cup. World Cup on that continent. World Cup. “I have a clear goal and that is fullback options, with Marcel Schmelzer leaving for Brazil. REUTERS “This is unacceptable behav- iour,” Abete told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “This should not happen. Italy’s national team World Cup The important thing is that this goalkeeper Antonio Mirante is only a minority and they have makes a save during a kick-off no regard for civil coexistence.” training session at Coverciano Balotelli was born in Sicily to training centre near Florence, stadium to hold Ghanaian immigrants but was yesterday. brought up by an Italian foster family. He has been a frequent new test target for racists throughout his career in Italy, with Juventus, SAO PAULO: The stadium Inter Milan and AS Roma fans hosting the World Cup opening repeatedly abusing him with rac- match on June 12 will hold a sec- ist chanting during matches. ond test event next week after Torino striker Ciro Immobile its first major test laid bare a also spoke out against the abuse host of problems. at yesterday’s news conference. Sao Paulo’s Corinthians Arena, “It saddens me. We’re in 2014 plagued by budget overruns, con- and to be hearing racist insults struction delays and accidents from people, whether you’re yel- that have killed three workers, low, black or white, is just unac- will host a Brazilian league match ceptable,” he said. between home team Corinthians “Fortunately, Mario let it pass and Cruzeiro on May 29, said the over him and he got on with his Brazilian Football Confederation training. But we as players should (CBF). do more to help stamp this out.” Organizers are still scram- REUTERS bling to get the stadium finished in time for the World Cup open- ing ceremony and kick-off match between Brazil and Croatia. Cole is looking for new On Sunday it held what was Brazil will be my last originally scheduled to be its challenge after Chelsea exit only major test event, when Corinthians lost 1-0 to underdogs LONDON: Former England defender Ashley Cole said yesterday Figueirense. he is looking for “another journey” after announcing he will leave But the local organizing com- Chelsea after eight years with the Premier League giants. World Cup, says Ribery mittee overseeing Sao Paulo’s The 33-year-old, who called time on his international career after preparations for the World Cup failing to make the England World Cup squad, said in a Twitter PARIS: France winger Franck said the match had revealed statement that he will leave the club when his contract expires on Ribery will play in his last the venue, also known as the June 30. World Cup in Brazil, the Bayern Itaquerao, needed another test. “I am weighing up my options for playing next season with my Munich player said yesterday. “Given the worldwide attention agent and sadly it does not look like Chelsea will be one of them,” Cole, The 31-year-old, who also fea- the opening match of the World capped 107 times for England, said in series of Twitter comments. tured in the 2006 and 2010 tour- Cup will attract, there will be a “Thank u Chelsea FC for making my 8 years there a pleasure to naments, wants to sign off in style second test,” the committee said, work all the staff and players, we’ve been through a lot, good and by winning the trophy. adding it would focus particu- bad. And of course the fans, how do I start, I can only say thank u “First off it will be my last larly on “operational and service” for giving the boys confidence to win some amazing trophies, and World Cup,” he told French radio issues. once again. station RTL. “Then we have to FIFA Secretary General Jerome “And now I’ll be looking for another journey in my life hope it go (to Brazil) to do something, to Valcke, the world football govern- can be like my others full of fun and of course WIN something,” try to win the World Cup, quite ing body’s top task-master for declared Cole, who later removed “Chelsea and England left-back” simply.” host country preparations, said from his Twitter biography. Ribery, who has scored 16 Monday the stadium “still needs Cole, long a lynchpin of the Chelsea and England teams, had goals in 80 games for France, 100 percent from everybody” to become a fringe player in Jose Mourinho’s squad this season. has not announced his interna- Bayern Munich’s French midfielder be ready in time. The Portuguese coach preferred Cesar Azpilicueta at left back for tional retirement, however, and Franck Ribery holds the German Cup The stadium, which Brazil is much of the season in which Chelsea finished third behind champions will hope to figure in the plans trophy next to Bayern’s CEO Karl-Heinz due to hand over to FIFA today Manchester City and Liverpool. Cole made just 17 Premier League for Euro 2016 which France hosts. Rummenigge in Munich, southern -- repeatedly delayed from an appearances, his lowest total in a single campaign for the club. He Ribery broke into the France Germany, in this May 18, 2014, file photo. original deadline of December 31 was in tears after the final home game, which now looks certain to team just before the 2006 World -- was Valcke’s first stop on a tour have been his Stamford Bridge farewell. Cup in Germany and scored his to oversee final preparations in all The former Arsenal man was one of a trio of experienced players first international goal in a 3-1 Africa also ended in failure with along with Anelka, captain 12 World Cup host cities. whose deals were up in the summer, along with Frank Lampard second-round win over Spain. Raymond Domenech’s squad torn Patrice Evra and Jeremy Toulalan “A test event does not compare and John Terry. Captain Terry has since signed a one-year exten- He played in every match includ- apart by internal squabbling as for their part in the revolt. to the scale, needs and global sion, but Lampard, 36 years next month, is still undecided, with the ing the final which France lost on they managed only one point and He returned to the side for attention of the opening match midfielder’s immediate focus on England and the World Cup. penalties to Italy. one goal in the group stage. Euro 2012 qualifying but endured of the World Cup,” he wrote on Since his move from Arsenal in 2006, he has won one league title, He featured again at Euro Following an argument between disappointment again at the Twitter after the visit. “The open- four FA Cups, the Europa League and, the Champions League. 2008 but suffered an injury early Domenech and Nicolas Anelka finals in Poland and Ukraine as ing World Cup match attracts Eight clubs including Liverpool and Real Madrid are reportedly in France’s final group match as that led to the striker being sent France lost 2-0 to eventual win- 65,000-plus watching live in the interested in signing the defender. REUTERS they finished bottom. home the squad refused to train ners Spain in the quarter-finals. stadium and a billion on TV. The 2010 World Cup in South and Ribery was later suspended REUTERS Twenty-four days to go.” AFP Thursday 22 May 2014 Sport 21 DAYS TO GO

James, Wade Row casts lead Miami doubt over Heat to win Toure’s future

Sport | 23 Sport | 26

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Ronaldo, Bale will start: Coach Real Madrid camp confirms the two players will feature in Champions League final

MADRID: Real Madrid boss “Every player in the world suf- Carlo Ancelotti insisted both fers from injuries and the impor- Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth tant thing is I feel good and come Bale will start for his side in the Saturday I will be at my best Champions League final against level.” Atletico Madrid on Saturday Bale also insisted his absence despite ongoing injury worries. on Tuesday was nothing to worry Both players joined Karim about. Benzema and Pepe in not train- “Obviously I didn’t play for two Real Madrid’s ing with the rest of their team- games prior to the weekend so it Cristiano Ronaldo mates on Tuesday morning with was just a bit of recovery work,” (left) speaks Ronaldo the only one to take to said the Welshman. with members of the field as he did his own light “It is quite normal to miss a day workout. during the week and we have four the media after However, Ancelotti is sure the days until the final.” attending a training two most expensive players in the Ancelotti, though, was less con- session during world will line-up at the Estadio fident on the state of Benzema open media day da Luz in Lisbon. and Pepe. at the Valdebebas “Bale didn’t train because he Benzema hobbled off with an sports ground did specific work in the gym. We abductor injury in Real’s 3-1 win in Madrid. Real preferred that he did that work over Espanyol at the weekend, Madrid will face in the gym and he didn’t need to whilst Pepe has been out of action Atletico Madrid go out onto the field. since suffering a calf strain two in the Champions “The two of them are going to weeks ago. League final in play. That is what is important “They are the only two play- Lisbon on May 24, for us.” ers we have doubts about. At the 2014. Ronaldo himself claimed that moment I am not pessimistic nor despite missing much of Real’s optimistic. We have four days unsuccessful chase for the La Liga to take a final decision over the title in recent weeks, he will be doubts we have for the game.” back to full fitness for the clash Real and Atletico have already in his homeland. met four times this season with “These things can happen. Ancelotti’s men emerging vic- We train every day and play torious 5-0 on aggregate in the ever weekend and midweek, so Copa del Rey semi-finals, whilst it is normal that sometimes the Atletico had the upper hand on body reacts negatively. I have had their way to winning a first La “There are no secrets for this suggestions that Real were under pressure, I am just happy to be a the start of the season to reach some bad luck and small problems Liga title for 18 years. game. The two teams know each more pressure to win in Lisbon part of this moment. the Champions League final and towards the end of the season, And Ancelotti is expecting a other very well. As in all finals it given their failure to win La Liga. “The work we have done in many teams have to watch it on but it is normal,” said the World tight encounter given the simi- will be a balanced game,” he said. “I am proud to reach the final the Champions League has been the television. We have the luck Player of the Year. larity between the teams. However, he batted away with Real Madrid. I don’t feel very good. It was our objective at to be playing in it.” REUTERS Simmons the hero as ICC launches probe Mumbai down Punjab into corruption leak

MOHALI: A blistering cen- WELLINGTON: The International Cricket In yet another leak reported Wednesday, Vincent’s tury – the first of Pepsi IPL Council (ICC) launched an urgent inquiry yes- wife Eleanor told investigators that Cairns allegedly 2014 – by Lendl Simmons saw terday into how Brendon McCullum’s testimony recruited her husband in a match-fixing scam dur- the Mumbai Indians register a Lendl to a match-fixing investigation was leaked, while ing the short-lived Indian Cricket League in 2008. big seven-wicket away win over Simmons of clearing the New Zealand captain of any involve- “Lou and I kind of fell out about the whole ICL table-toppers Kings XI Punjab. the Mumbai ment in corruption. fixing thing, as I didn’t want him to be involved, but Chasing a 157-run target, MI Indians ICC chief executive David Richardson (pictured) Lou kept saying, ‘don’t worry, we’re all doing it’,” she were guided by the flamboyant celebrates admitted leaks of highly confidential information said, according to a transcript obtained by TVNZ. Simmons, whose 61-ball unbeaten his century undermined confidence in the organisation’s anti- Richardson did not give any time-frame for com- knock saw him strike 14 fours and during match corruption drive, expressing “deep regret” that pletion of the leak inquiry or the wider investigation two big hits. 48 of the McCullum’s testimony became public. into match-fixing, which reportedly involves games As a result of the win, MI now Pepsi IPL “We recognise that this is a deeply concerning in at least five countries from 2008-2012. have 10 points from 12 games Season 2014 development for the stakeholders in the fight against He defended the ICC’s Anti-Corruption and and are placed fifth on the points against the corruption in the sport of cricket, and Security Unit (ACSU), which has table, and more importantly, are Kings XI we wish to emphasise that Brendon failed to secure a major conviction in still in the race for a Playoffs spot. McCullum is not under investigation its own right since it was established Punjab held Earlier, Rohit Sharma won the in this matter,” he said. in 2000, with all successful match- at the Punjab toss and asked KXIP to take first “We are taking all steps available fixing prosecutions stemming either strike at Mohali. Cricket to us to urgently investigate how cer- from media stings or local police However, Virender Sehwag (17) Association tain information in the form of state- investigations. gave the hosts a flying start. He Stadium, ments has come to find its way into “We are confident that the ACSU’s helped plunder 23 runs off the in Mohali, the media.” activities over the years have played first two overs, before getting yesterday. Richardson said he wanted to an enormous role in limiting the run-out in the third. “correct any misperception that opportunities for corrupt participants Despite the early loss, Manan he (McCullum) is somehow under to involve themselves in untoward Vohra continued his good run in suspicion”. activity,” he said. Pepsi IPL 2014, and he had Shaun New Zealand Cricket chief execu- The ICC announced earlier this Marsh giving him great company Scoreboard tive David White reacted angrily month that it was reviewing the too. to the leak this week, demanding ACSU, which reportedly costs US$5.5 Together, the duo took the KINGS XI PUNJAB Bowling: P Kumar 4-0-20-1 (1w); K Santokie answers from the ICC about how million a year to run. KXIP score to 48 for one at V Sehwag (run out-Kumar) ...... 17 4-0-40-1; J J Bumrah 4-0-31-2; P P Ojha 4-0- evidence to its crack investigative unit came to be There have been suggestions it will be replaced by the end of the powerplay. They M Vohra b Gopal ...... 36 28-0 (2w); S Gopal 4-0-32-2. splashed over newspapers worldwide. investigation boards in individual countries, as these added 62 runs off 43 balls as they S E Marsh c Pollard b Santokie ...... 30 MUMBAI INDIANS In McCullum’s evidence, reported by Britain’s are better able to liaise with national police forces. regularly dispatched the ball to G J Maxwell c&b Gopal ...... 2 L M P Simmons (not out) ...... 100 Daily Mail, he said a high-profile cricketer dubbed Richardson emphasised the ACSU review had and over the fence. However, G J Bailey c Rayudu b Bumrah ...... 39 M E K Hussey b Patel ...... 6 “Player X” approached him in 2008 and offered him only just started, so changes to the unit had not their partnership ended when W P Saha (run out-Rayudu) ...... 3 A T Rayudu c Sehwag b Dhawan ...... 17 up to £107,000 ($180,000) a match to underperform. been finalised. Krishmar Santokie got rid of A R Patel c Sharma b Kumar ...... 6 R G Sharma c Sandeep Sharma b Hendricks18 McCullum said he rejected the offer from a player But he said the threat of match-fixing had changed Marsh (30) in the 10th over. R Dhawan (not out) ...... 14 K A Pollard (not out) ...... 8 he described as “a hero who became a friend”. in recent years, with domestic Twenty20 leagues now Capitalising on the slight shift B E Hendricks b Bumrah ...... 0 Extras (W-10) ...... 10 Former New Zealand batsman Lou Vincent, whose regarded as most vulnerable, rather than interna- in momentum, Shreyas Gopal Shivam Sharma (not out) ...... 1 Total (for 3 wkts in 19 overs) ...... 159 testimony to the ICC probe was also leaked, has tional games. then dealt a massive double-blow. Extras (LB-5, W-3) ...... 8 Fall of wickets: 1-68, 2-111, 3-148. reportedly admitted match-fixing for Player X, who “The ICC has consistently identified domestic T20 The young leggie first cleaned Total (for 8 wkts in 20 overs) ...... 156 Bowling: Sandeep Sharma 3-0-37-0 (1w); B E he described as “a world-famous international”. leagues as the form of cricket most at risk of cor- up Vohra (36) and then held on to Did not bat: Sandeep Sharma. Hendricks 4-0-33-1 (3w); A R Patel 4-0-27-1 Former New Zealand great Chris Cairns has ruption,” he said. Glenn Maxwell’s (2) catch off his Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-87, 3-92, 4-93, (1w); R Dhawan 4-0-30-1 (1w); Shivam Shar- acknowledged his name has been linked to Player “In order to address this risk, a great amount of own bowling in the space of three 5-105, 6-116, 7-154, 8-155. ma 4-0-32-0. X but denied any involvement with corruption or time and resource is spent focusing on these leagues.” deliveries. AGENCIES match-fixing. REUTERS