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Sunday 9 June 2013 30 Rajab 1434 - Volume 18 Number 5725 Price: QR2

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Business | 17 Sport | 28

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Stormy weather to continue PSG president Souq Haraj not allowing coach to leave, to soon face say reports DOHA: Qatar-owned Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will not allow coach Carlo Ancelotti to leave until a replacement bulldozers is found, the club’s president, Nasser Al Khelaifi, said accord- ing to French news reports. Commercial complex planned Ancelotti, who guided the French giants to their first league DOHA: The historic Souq country in preparation for the title since 1994 in May, last month Haraj — Qatar’s only market for coveted FIFA World Cup 2022. confirmed his intention to join used goods and a major land- Sheikh Faisal said the shops Spain’s Real Madrid, who have mark — might soon face the in Souq Haraj will be shifted to recently parted ways with Jose bulldozers to give way to a huge another location. He didn’t, how- Mourinho. and posh commercial avenue ever, give details. After various news reports which is also expected to boast Souq Haraj is an old market appeared in the French and a twin-hotel complex. that now also houses an array of Spanish media over the Italian Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim shops selling first-hand goods. It Waves generated by strong winds lash the shore at the Corniche in Doha yesterday. Dusty weather is likely to coach’s future, a post on Facebook Al Thani, chairman of Faisal has been a delight of low-income continue until Thursday, the weather office has said. Scores of people turned up at the Emergency Department and Twitter accounts of France- Holding, said yesterday his com- workers and limited-income of Hamad General Hospital over the last two days, complaining of respiratory ailments. Report on page 2 based InfoSport+ on Thursday pany is holding talks with the families. (SALIM MATRAMKOT) confirmed that ‘Nasser Al authorities to complete the paper- Shopkeepers of the Souq, where Khelaifi (PSG President) blocks work for the handover of Najma’s business is hectic particularly on the departure of coach Carlo Souq Haraj. Thursdays and Fridays, reported Ancelotti to Madrid.’ Acording “We would be building a huge at the height of rising cost of liv- to the Eurosport French website, commercial complex on the land ing in the country a few years ago Al Khelaifi has closed the issue where Souq Haraj is located and that their business had become Websites promoting vice trade ‘for the moment’. the complex would also have two brisk as they were attracting a On May 20, after meeting with hotels,” said Sheikh Faisal. large numbers of customers. DOHA: Law enforcement offi- menace. Senior officials from the The Peninsula tried to locate Al Khelaifi, Ancelotti said: “My The ambitious project, accord- The shops in the vast single- cials, in close coordination with Ministry of Interior’s Search and some such sites and it tracked at wish is to leave the club. I have ing to Sheikh Faisal, is part of storey market complex sell both a key anti-human trafficking Follow-Up Department were also least two. On one, single women asked to leave. We are going to his company’s effort to add to the used and new furniture, home body here, have tracked down invited and it was during talks based in Doha, obviously all for- wait for a response from the new and modern infrastructure furnishings including carpets, a number of international web- at the event that officials from eigners, were openly soliciting club who are going to take a few facilities being developed by the air-conditioners, refrigerators, sites that are promoting sex both, the Interior Ministry and enquiries from single or separated days to decide.” On the same day, stoves, utensils, and household trade in Qatar, says a local the anti-human trafficking office, men for “friendship”. however, Al Khelaifi insisted that and electrical appliances, among Arabic newspaper. made the startling disclosure The websites carry photo- Ancelotti was going nowhere. “He other things. There is a group of girls with about a number of global websites graphs of the women with age and said that he wanted to leave for However, the Souq was also foreign passports in Qatar, who trying to promote sex trade in the contact details. A similar website Real Madrid. I said it’s not pos- notorious for selling pirated CDs are involved in the suspected country. which seems to be dedicated to sible because he has a contract and DVDs of popular films and immoral trade, the daily said. These websites are run by men based in Qatar soliciting for another year — that is our songs and a massive raid by anti- The websites make announce- highly skilled information tech- “friendship” with women cites decision,” Al Khelaifi told www. software piracy officials late last ments about the girls citing their nology (IT) professionals who, the men seeking “secret fun” with beinsport.fr. According to Spanish year had led to seizure of huge contact details and say they are daily claimed, were able to breach women, including housewives. newspaper Marca, the Italian is stocks of pirated software. “available”, according to the security systems of websites. A look at both the websites frustrated because of not being The market at times doubled as daily. In other words, the operators of reveals that nearly all advertisers allowed to leave and is even pre- a venue for illegal vendors selling Al Arab said it recently held a the rackets are able to send pop- are single—having never married pared to pay half the reported all kinds of household appliances seminar on the efforts made by the ups of their immoral promos pro- or separated—and such statuses compensation figure himself to and many of them were removed Qatar Foundation for Combating viding active links to the various are talked of by the advertisers PSG in order to move to the nine- Vendors selling their wares at Souq by the authorities a few years ago. Human Trafficking (QFCHT) websites so anyone surfing any with gusto. time European champions. Haraj. THE PENINSULA in its fight against the social website is able to sight them. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

Sea of protesters At least 11 die in Benghazi GCC print media going strong DOHA: The print media, accounted for 17 percent share highest penetration — about 40 which is fast losing circulation of the total. percent in the UAE and 35 per- clashes and advertising revenue in the Kuwait Financial Centre cent in Kuwait, distantly followed West, continues to maintain its (Markaz) report said yesterday by LinkedIn and Twitter. BENGHAZI, LIBYA: At sway in the oil-rich GCC region. companies in the region have Kuwait has the highest Twitter least 11 people were killed and But a steep surge in the pop- begun to increase their media penetration of 13 percent in the 35 wounded in clashes yester- ularity of digital media in the spending budgets as regional Arab world, in comparison with day between protesters and a region might soon begin making economies seem to come out of three percent each in Saudi Libyan militia operating with a dent in the advertising-driven their hiatus. Arabia, the UAE and Qatar. Defence Ministry approval in earnings of print media. The landscape of the regional The print media is struggling the eastern city of Benghazi, a The global financial downturn media industry is changing at a due to dwindling circulation fig- doctor in the city said. that raised its head in 2008, hit rapid pace as a result of techno- ures in US and Europe. In 2011, Residents said dozens of pro- the media and advertising indus- logical advancements and chang- North America witnessed 4.3 per- testers had demonstrated outside try hard in most parts of the ing consumer habits. cent decline in newspaper circu- the headquarters of the Libya world, pushing down revenues. Digital media is growing in lation, and in Europe it declined Shield brigade demanding the dis- But the GCC region remained influence and effectiveness, the 3.4 percent. The Middle East and banding of militias who have yet less affected with the industry’s report said. The digital media North Africa (MENA) region, on to lay down their weapons nearly earnings declining only margin- has a share of 18 percent in glo- the other hand, clocked the high- two years after the overthrow ally, only to rebound by the later bal advertising spending and the est worldwide growth rate of 4.8 of long-time dictator Muammar half of 2010. percentage is set to inch up to 20 percent. The growth in Asia was Gaddafi. Last year, advertising revenues in 2014. 3.5 percent. A doctor at central Benghazi’s in the region grew five percent The print media is still going The changing habit of media Al Jalaa Hospital said he had year-on-year to a staggering strong in the GCC with a high use is driving advertising spend- counted 11 dead and 35 wounded. $4.8bn (QR17.47bn), with the 71 percent share in the overall ing from the traditional print Resentment against the mili- UAE and Saudi Arabia having the advertising spending. The digital media towards digital platforms. tias, some of which have been largest shares — 33 and 30 per- media is still in its infancy but In the GCC, print media is still co-opted or licensed by a central cent, respectively — in advertising growing at a brisk pace. considered more trustworthy and, government whose own forces are spending. Kuwait trailed with a Social networking and use of thus, grew at an average of 3.5 too weak to maintain security, has 20 percent share and the remain- social media sites have been on percent annually between 2007 been growing in recent months, ing three GCC states — Qatar, the rise in the region. Of all social and 2011. especially after militiamen laid Oman and Bahrain — together media sites, Facebook has the THE PENINSULA siege to ministries in Tripoli last month to force their will on the National Assembly. The Libya Shield brigade is made up of former rebel fighters Syria rebels not eager for talks US, China leaders hold summit who say they are aligned with the Defence Ministry. A spokes- Thousands of protesters shout slogans against the Turkish govern- WASHINGTON: Syria’s embattled political oppo- RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIFORNIA: US man for the interior and defence ment as they gather for a rally at Taksim Square in Istanbul yesterday. sition said on Friday that there is little point in President Barack Obama and his Chinese coun- ministry’s security operations Protests continued amid a surging tide of opposition against Prime peace negotiations while Syrian President Bashar terpart Xi Jinping launched a second day of dis- room said special forces from the Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s rule. See also page 7 Al Assad’s military is using help from Hezbollah cussions yesterday on issues from cyber hacking Libyan military had arrived at the and Iran to make rapid military gains against rebel to North Korea at a summit that may set the stage scene. REUTERS forces. Full report on page 6 for US-Chinese ties for years. Full report on page 12 SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME No respite from sandstorms soon MoI says 10 cars were involved in a multiple collision on a coastal road in Al Khor due to poor visibility

DOHA: The sandstorms forecast and analysis section at Paediatric Emergency in Al children to the dusty weather, forcing the Ministry to advise road shoulders,” it added. that lashed the country the Department yesterday. Sadd. especially the newborns. People people to avoid driving if it not According to the weather fore- since Friday are expected “The current wave is expected According to some reports, suffering from allergy and necessary. cast for today issued by the to continue until Thursday, to prevail until Thursday, but as high as 330 people were asthma have been advised to “Drivers are advised to take Meteorology Department, the according to the Meteorology the winds would be less intense treated at the HMC emergency take special caution. maximum care as sand is spread northwesterly winds expected Department. and less dusty in the days to on Friday, most of whom were Several road accidents have over the roads due to strong to blow at speeds ranging from However, the winds would be come. Our warning about high suffering from breathing and been reported from differ- winds, especially on highways. 18-28/35 knots inshore and less intense and less dusty today seas and low visibility is still in respiratory problems. ent parts of the country. The Avoid speeding, leave adequate 22-30/ 40 knots offshore. and in the following days. force,” he added. The Paediatric Emergency Ministry of Interior reported space between vehicles and Visibility could dip to 2km “We expect to see more waves The prolonged dust winds received more than 200 cases a multiple collision involving 10 don’t overtake without ensuring or less at times. Temperature of northwesterly winds during have created havoc, causing a on the same day with similar cars on Al Khor coastal road safety,” the Ministry said on its would remain in the average this season-called Bawareh — sudden surge in the number problems. on Friday due to poor visibility Facebook page yesterday. levels during this period, hov- which extends from the end of visitors to the Emergency Dr Khalid Al Ansari, Director that dipped to near zero in some “Visibility is low on Salwa ering between 28 and 39 degrees of May until mid-July,” said Department of the Hamad of the Paediatric Emergency has places. Wind speed reached 44 road towards and from Abu Celsius today. Abdullah Al Mannai, head of Medical Corporation and the advised families not to expose knots in some places Friday Samra. Sand is spread around THE PENINSULA Doha Declaration basis of peace: Sudan minister KHARTOUM: The Doha He said that notable achieve- peace process. Declaration is the basis of the ments included the restoration Saad Omar urged South Sudan peace process in Darfur and it of security and stability, progress to convince militant movements has achieved significant gains made in construction and recon- in Darfur to join the Doha on the ground for the region’s struction processes, return of Declaration instead of providing people, Sudanese Cabinet displaced residents and uniting them with arms to undermine Minister Ahmed Saad Omar of Darfur people to face chal- security, stability and the peace said. lenges and push forward the process. QNA SCH symposium to mark second year of National Health Strategy

DOHA: To mark the comple- services, have greater choice and healthcare and public health- tion of two years of the National will be more aware of their role care. The Minister of Health and Health Strategy 2011- 2016 in managing their well-being and Secretary General of the Supreme (NHS), the Supreme Council of health. Council of Health, H E Abdullah Health (SCH), will host “The The NHS, comprising 39 bin Khalid Al Qahtani ,will be National Health Strategy Two projects, is a partnership of SCH, speaking on key achievements of Years On - Building the Future Hamad Medical Corporation and the NHS, and share his vision of Together” event tomorrow at Primary Healthcare Corporation, Qatar’s healthcare system. the Qatar National Convention in collaboration with over 50 Keynote speaker Dr Cristian C Centre. organisations. Baeza will apply his global expe- The NHS forms part of the The event will enhance the rience in building and financing wider National Development understanding of the NHS and health systems to Qatar’s recent Strategy 2011-2016, created to highlight the significant trans- health transformation, and, select help deliver the objectives of formations the NHS is bringing speakers from different areas of Children getting advice on diabetes at a clinic run by Action on Diabetes. Qatar National Vision 2030. to various health providers and healthcare will also share their Under the NHS, Qataris and stakeholders including health achievements and experiences residents will enjoy better health insurance, mental health, primary under the NHS. QNA Free diabetes screenings at major shopping malls

DOHA: Free diabetes tests “Many diabetes cases can be exercise and diet advice and tips are available at major shopping prevented or delayed by lifestyle for diabetes on how to prepare for malls as part of a campaign or medical intervention in people Ramadan. being launched by Action on found as pre-diabetic. For some QDA’s Executive Director Dr Diabetes, a national initiative people who are pre-diabetic, early Abdulla Al Hamaq, said: “Since to raise public awareness about treatment can return blood glu- Ramadan is a month away, visit- the disease. cose levels to the normal range. ing the booth will allow one-on- A number of people turned That’s why screening is so impor- one consultation for patients who out at the first booth set up in tant, and the test is quick and are planning to fast during the Landmark mall during the week- painless,” said Director of Public holy month.” end, said a statement yesterday. Health at SCH, Dr Mohammed He said testing blood sugar The free tests will be available Al Thani, . is important not only for early at City Cenet Doha on June 13 “However, it is recommended diagnoses but also for those who and 14, Villaggio on June 20, 21 that people who fit any of the fol- have diabetes. If a diabetic is fast- and 27, Hyatt Plaza on June 28 lowing criteria visit the screening ing during Ramadan it is very (from 4pm to 9pm). booth to be checked for pre-diabe- important that they are even Action on Diabetes, a part- tes — who are overweight, aged 45 more diligent about monitoring nership between the Supreme or older, have high blood pressure, their blood sugar to ensure that Council of Health, Hamad low HDL cholesterol and high it doesn’t drop too low or rise too Medical Corporation, Qatar triglycerides or a family history high once they break their fast Diabetes Association, Maersk Oil, of diabetes.” and we are giving this kind of and Novo Nordisk, was launched Healthcare professionals at important advice.” in 2011. the booths will also be providing THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03

Tough measures Kahramaa gears up to meet summer demand urged to curb DOHA: Electricity consump- possible overloading. Only a few places in government premises peak hours. The corporation also other reasons, Al Sharq reported tion during this summer is employees have been given annual have been upgraded and the vowed to ensure enough electric- yesterday. portacabin fires expected to increase by 10 leaves this summer to mobilise employees assigned there have ity supply to Small and Medium A report about the expected percent compared to last the maximum number of work- been equipped with safety gears. Enterprises (SMEs) when con- increase in electricity consump- DOHA: Several members of summer, according to Qatar force, especially engineers and The corporation is doing main- sumption is expected to surge. tion at some power stations has the Central Municipal Council General Electricity and Water technicians to meet any emer- tenance at its sub stations and Kahramaa is also ready to sup- been submitted to the depart- (CMC) and a number of citi- Corporation (Kahramaa). gency situations, the corporation is installing new equipment to ply power to other GCC coun- ment concerned to take further zens have criticised authorities Kahramaa is gearing up to has said. avoid any possible power outage tries in case of emergency or if action. concerned for what they say is a meet the high demand and Procedures to access sensitive due to technical glitches during they needed electricity for any THE PENINSULA lack of safety at portacabin sites in open areas that lead to dev- astating fires. The recent fire in an open area that housed portacabins in Al Thumama area of the city has infuriated many citizens and CMC members, Al Sharq reported yesterday. QFIS produces more scholars They said a lack of security and safety measures at the portcabine sites is to blame for the fires that occasionally erupt at such sites. Forty-four students graduate from fourth batch of Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies “It is very sad, we see every now and then fires due to igno- DOHA: Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies the Faculty of Islamic Studies graduates rance of safety and security meas- (QFIS) has celebrated the graduation of included 44 male and female students of ures by some people,” said a CMC the fourth batch of students in various whom two students received the diploma in member, Mubarak Farish. disciplines. Islamic Finance, three received the MA in “Some people turned the plot The Chairman of the Administrative Islamic Studies in Contemporary Fiqh, 11 of land into stores and put there Control and Transparency Authority H E received the MA in Public Policy in Islam, portacabins. The law exists to deal Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, President and 28 received MSc on Islamic Finance. with such violations and it should of Hamad bin Khalifa University Sheikh Eleven Qatari male and female students be implemented,” he added. Abdullah bin Ali Al Thani and a number were among the 2013 graduates. Other Tough action should be taken of dignitaries and members of the faculty nationalities included Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, against those who store inflam- were in attendance at the ceremony. Jordan, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Yemen, mable materials at open plots Addressing the graduation ceremony, Egypt, Tunisia, Pakistan, India, Azerbaijan, of lands and turn it into labour Al Attiyah congratulated the graduates Croatia, Thailand, The Gambia, Nigeria, camps without taking necessary on their achievements, which demonstrate Benin, Kenya and France. safety and security measures, he their seriousness and perseverance on sci- Inspired by Sheikha Moza, the said. entific research. Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Such fires that take place due He extended thanks and gratitude to Education, Sciences and Community to violations of the instructions the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Development, Qatar Faculty of Islamic for safety and security should be Al Thani, the Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Studies (QFIS) was established in 2007 dealt with an iron fist, said a citi- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and H H to be an international centre for Islamic zen, Naser Al Tamimi. Sheikha Moza bint Nasser for their con- thinking and dialogue aims to enhance “Huge fines and other punish- tinued support for this outstanding educa- research into Islamic culture and promote ments should be imposed on the tional institution in particular, and to the the diversity and tolerance of the Islamic violators to curb this practice in higher education and scientific research in Fiqh, or understanding. a bid to save the lives of people,” Qatar in general. QFIS offers programmes in Master he added. He also thanked all members and staff of of Science in Islamic Finance, Master of Portacabins, especially those set the faculty for their support for the gradu- The Chairman of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority H E Abdullah bin Arts in Public Policy in Islam, Master of up out of Doha, should be listed ates during their study. Hamad Al Attiyah addressing the graduation ceremony yesterday. Arts in Islamic Studies with a speciali- and inspected by the authorities Al Attiyah expressed confidence that the sation in Contemporary Fiqh (Islamic to ensure that whether they meet graduates realise their huge responsibil- Jurisprudence) and Religion and the requirements of safety and ity toward their communities after they tolerance and acceptance of others. He has contributed greatly to enrich other Contemporary Thought, Master of Science security measures. obtained this high rank of education in the added that the establishment of such a spe- cultures in various sciences such as medi- in Urban Design and Architecture in The CMC should take up this Islamic studies in politics, economy and cialised institution in Islamic sciences will cine, astronomy, music, sociology and Muslim Societies, and Master of Arts in issue especially after Al Thumama scientific research methods. restore the glory of Islamic civilisations and mathematics. Contemporary Muslim Societies. fire in which several portacabins He believed that they will contribute to play a leading role in all scientific, cultural This pattern should be taken as a It also offers postgraduate diplomas in gutted so it could not be repeated, the development of their countries, and will and civilisational forums. model for continued scientific, cultural Islamic Finance, General Islamic Studies, said Al Tamimi. work to instil the values of philanthropy, Al Attiyah said that the Islamic culture cooperation, he said. The fourth batch of and Public Policy in Islam. QNA THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME SFS-Q to host global activist for lecture Barefoot in Baghdad author will share untold stories of vibrant female freedom fighters

DOHA: Georgetown University The event is being hosted in public event will feature her mem- Omar’s calibre, prominence School of Foreign Service at School of Foreign Service in collaboration with Qatar National oir, Barefoot in Baghdad, a riveting and relevance to speak with Georgetown University in Qatar. Qatar (SFS-Q) will host inter- Library (QNL). QNL is a non- story of hope and despair where our community in Qatar,” said He said, “Books and newspaper national activist and author profit organisation under the the unsung freedom fighters are Qatar National Library’s Project headlines can tell us facts or give Manal Omar in an enthral- umbrella of Qatar Foundation strong, vibrant and female. Director, Claudia Lux. us a window through which to ling lecture and book reading for Education, Science and In the book Omar, who is “Qatar National Library is an look at places and people. But tomorrow. Community Development. The Director of Iraq, North Africa and active member of the commu- hearing those words brought to Iran programmes at the US nity and a critical piece of infra- life by the very author who wrote Institute of Peace, chroni- structure in Qatar’s knowledge them, we get the rare chance to cles her time spent as an economy, empowering people to step through the window to the aid worker in the turbu- unlock their potential by provid- other side, so to speak, with the lence of war-torn Iraq, and ing tools for lifelong learning. H writer as our personal guide. We examines issues of identity, H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, are delighted to be able to present civil society, and women’s Chairperson of Qatar Foundation this opportunity both to our rights that emerged from for Education, Science and Georgetown community and the the struggle. Community Development said the broader Doha community.” She quickly finds herself modern reader’s role is not only Omar brings to the presenta- drawn into the saga of a to receive data, but to interact tion over fifteen years’ experi- people determined to rise and produce knowledge. Events ence of working in the field of Activist and author Manal Omar from the ashes of war and like this exemplify Qatar National women’s rights, peace-building, sanctions and rebuild their Library’s commitment to fulfilling humanitarian aid, and develop- lives in the face of ongoing that role for the modern library, ment. Her professional back- chaos. and works like Manal Omar’s ground ranges from multilateral The event will be held in “In conjunction with offer readers and other members agencies, including the UN and the auditorium at Georgetown Georgetown University, of the community the inspiration the World Bank, to international University at 6pm and will include Qatar National Library is to achieve that.” non-governmental organisations a Q&A moderated by Donna proud to bring an author The event will be opened by such as OxfamGB and Women for Hanson, Associate Director of the and thinker of Manal Gerd Nonneman, Dean of the Women International. Library. THE PENINSULA Curtain falls on Julia Domna tonight

DOHA: The curtain will fall today on dance drama Julia Domna that was performed at Katara Drama Theatre from Thursday. The show is presented by Enana Dance Theatre and it is a mix of drama, dance and expression based on the life of an Arab princess, Julia Domna. “Katara is keen to host a diversified cultural activates to cater a large number of audiences who had different tests because they belonged to differ- ent cultural backgrounds,” said General Manger of Katara, Dr Khalid Al Sulayti who attended the show yesterday. “The artists of Julia Domna are highly profes- sionals and they had presented this show in several international and Arab festivals so we decided to host this show,” he added. “We do not hesitate to host cultural events because it had positive impacts on the society”, said Al Sulayti. Katara will remain committed by hosting the pro- grams arts and cultures in a bid to make Qatar city of culture and arts, he added. THE PENINSULA

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Tammy MacNeil Head of PR & HR, Qatar Academy [email protected] SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Four varsities back Kawader initiative MoU to attract talented nationals to financial sector

DOHA: To persuade the most University and Carnegie Mellon institutions. Now Kawader has talented young Qataris to University in Qatar. These four a quality platform from which choose a career in the finan- universities have become QFBA’s together we can source Qatari cial sector, Qatar Finance and partners in education and will freshman and further develop Business Academy (QFBA), further support QFBA’s educa- and nurture their talents in the recently signed a Memorandum tional related initiatives. financial field.” of Understanding (MoU) with The terms of the signing also Kawader is a two part pro- four of the top educational pro- include education co-operation gramme with the first part pro- viders in Qatar as part of its between QFBA and these uni- viding an overview of relevant ongoing Kawader initiative. versities, additional support and topics such as Qatar’s financial The Chief Executive Officer of QFBA, Dr Abdulaziz Al Horr, with officials of Qatar University, Georgetown University Kawader is QFBA’s unique ini- an exchange of ideas with certain services sector, capital markets School of Foreign Service in Qatar, Stenden University and Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar. tiative which targets Qatari stu- programmes, as well as develop- as well as legal and regulatory dents attending universities who ment in financial studies tailored frameworks. are in their third year, as well as to the local market. Meanwhile, the second part plus personal development pro- and international level. QFBA is University School of Foreign fresh graduates. QFBA’s CEO, Dr Abdulaziz Al builds upon this and also includes gramme. CEO of Qatar Financial continuing to support the finan- Service in Qatar and Stenden The MoU was signed with Horr, said: “The MoU signing is several introductions on banking, Centre (QFC) Fahad Zainal said: cial sector in Qatar by providing University and held informa- four locally based universities, a step in the right direction as insurance, asset management “Kawader is designed to engage Qatari youth and students with tion sessions at each of the cam- Qatar University, Georgetown it is only natural that if QFBA as well as courses in financial with young Qatari’s and to set these mechanisms.” puses. Students gained in-depth University School of Foreign is to have the best Qatari talent English language, soft skills and them up for a long career in the At the end of May, QFBA vis- knowledge into the offerings of Service in Qatar, Stenden then we must partner with local corporate social responsibility, financial sector on a local, regional ited Qatar University, Georgetown Kawader. THE PENINSULA

Silatech to help Somali youth ConocoPhillips water project DOHA: Silatech has self-employment opportuni- a Silatech-led online crowd- “Developing a strategy for signed a Memorandum of ties as a means of alleviating funding platform — which has intentionally targeting younger Understanding (MoU) with poverty, Silatech said in a press mobilised more than $3.3m clients represents an enormous gets QR2.55m research grant Dahabshiil, the largest inter- statement yesterday. from over 80,000 individual social and business opportunity national payments firm in As a Somali-founded busi- lenders to fully finance the for financial institutions oper- DOHA: Qatar National Research unconventional resources in Texas Africa, and the American ness, Dahabshiil remains a needs of more than 2,700 young ating in Somalia. Through this Fund (QNRF), a research arm and Pennsylvania.” Refugee Committee (ARC), primary remittance service Arab micro-entrepreneurs — partnership we are delighted to of Qatar Foundation, awarded The proposal is part of a two-year an international NGO fight- for the global Somali diaspora, Silatech, ARC and Dahabshiil help a leading Somali company ConocoPhillips’ Global Water project that aims to research the ing poverty and unemploy- with thousands of outlets will explore adapting the like Dahabshiil further fulfil its Sustainability Center (GWSC) a desalination and volume reduction of ment, to promote Somali in more than 150 countries. success of this model for the mission of investing in the bet- grant of QR2.55m ($0.7m) for its petrochemical waste waters. Adham youth enterprise develop- Dahabshiil’s portfolio includes Somali environment. terment of the Somali society.” proposal on the application of for- will serve as the Lead Principal ment and provide employ- Dahabshil Bank International ARC has a strong pres- Founded in 2008 by H H ward osmosis (FO) to reduce pro- Investigator for the project and will ment solutions in Somalia. and a leading telecommunica- ence within the international Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, duced water injection volumes in be joined on the project by key mem- In keeping with its mission tion services provider, Somtel. Somali diaspora, which the ini- Silatech finds innovative solu- Qatari gas fields, bers of the GWSC research team, to create jobs and expand eco- The initiative between tiative would look to tap into tions to challenging problems, The $700,000 grant is part of the including Raul Dores, Joel Minier nomic opportunities for young Silatech, Dahabshiil and ARC as a potential resource to help working with a wide spectrum sixth cycle of the NPRP, an initiative Matar, and Arnie Janson, and by people throughout the Arab is the first of its kind in the fund Somali micro-enterprises of organisations, governments of the QNRF to foster a culture of Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI), world, Silatech will collaborate Somali territories and will lev- through the platform. and the private sector to foster research in Qatar. Professor Tony Fane, from Nanyang with Dahabshiil and ARC to erage Dahabshiil Group’s suite Reflecting on the part- sustainable, positive change for The funding decision was based University of Singapore. explore initiatives to promote of services as part of an exclu- nership, Silatech CEO Dr Arab youth. QNA on a combination of proposal qual- ConocoPhillips President, Gary youth entrepreneurship and sive joint venture. Building on Tarik M Yousef commented: ity and high merits; Qatar National Sykes, said: “Petroleum production Research Strategy (QNRS) and the and water resource sustainability national interest; collaboration with are extremely important to Qatar stakeholders inside Qatar; and peer and are two areas that are high on reviewers’ funding recommendations. ConocoPhillips’ priority list as well. GWSC Managing Director, Dr This project connects the two in a Samer Adham said: “It is an honour way that is clearly appropriate for Ooredoo units bag top awards to be selected by Qatar Foundation’s the country. The implementation of QNRF for our proposal and have our this project is expected to add scien- DOHA: Several of Ooredoo’s scientific efforts, dedication, com- tific value in the produced water vol- leading companies have won mitment and innovation recognised. ume reduction research area, which Global Telecoms Business The competition this year was even will enable GWSC to transfer this Innovation Awards this week, tougher than last year. There were a wealth of knowledge to the scientific an accomplishment that dem- total of 720 proposals submitted and community.” onstrates the company’s com- only 137 selected, with a selection “QNRF aims to foster original, mitment to promoting human rate of a little less than 20 percent.” competitively selected research in growth across its global He added: “The project will gener- engineering and technology, physical footprint. ate data on an innovative desalina- and life sciences, medicine, humani- The four awards were pre- tion process (FO) that is important ties, social sciences and the arts,” sented to Ooredoo and its part- for treatment of produced water in Adham explained. In addition to ners at the Global Telecoms Qatar. The same innovative technol- funding, QNRF encourages dialogue, Business Innovation Awards ogy was also recently proposed and partnerships and knowledge sharing” 2013, held in London recently. pilot-tested on produced waters from he said. THE PENINSULA Indosat won the ‘Wireless Network Infrastructure Innovation Award’ for connect- ing underserved rural communi- ties, and the “Consumer Service Innovation Award” for its mobile service Usaha Wanita, which empowers women entrepreneurs. Tunisiana, also part of Ooredoo, won the ‘Consumer Service Innovation Award’ for its Najja7ni Employment serv- ice, which enhances employment Officials of Ooredoo and its partners with their Global Telecoms Business Innovation Awards in London. prospects for Tunisian youth, and the “Wireless Network Infrastructure Innovation Marafih, said: “As a company, we rewarded in this way is very mobile services. Our customers Award” on the rollout of the are focused on the impact our gratifying. We believe that these can look forward to more life- IP backhaul network and 3G service have on the lives of our awards demonstrate the power of enhancing mobile innovations in network. customers and on their com- partnering with local and global the coming months.” Ooredoo’s Group CEO, Nasser munities, so to see our efforts organisations to deliver scalable For the ‘Wireless Network Infrastructure Innovation Award,’ Indosat and network solutions provider Altobridge Strong demand for passport service overcame the barriers of cost, backhaul and power to deploy DOHA: Ooredoo’s Passport service as customers book sum- credit balance of QR100 to use lightweight and solar-powered service scheme which helps mer holidays, offering roaming Ooredoo Passport. base sites as an in-house ‘rural customers keep in touch rates and peace of mind for In a new feature, Hala solution to a rural problem.’ during their summer holi- travellers. BlackBerry customers can As a result, Indosat has com- days overseas has witnessed With the service now avail- roam with this money sav- mercially delivered mobile con- stronger demand than ever able in more than 50 countries, ing service. Roaming on Hala nectivity to rural Kalimantan, before, a press statement said including popular locations in Blackberry can be easily ena- Sulawesi and Papua Island, and yesterday. the GCC, Middle East, Asia, bled by sending the message plans to use the solution to con- The scheme, available at Europe and North America, “BBR” to 121. nect more customers through- QR100, provides value of 100 Ooredoo is seeing stronger If customers use up their out remote areas of Indonesia. calling minutes and one giga- demand than ever before. Ooredoo Passport allowance For the ‘Consumer Service byte (1GB) of roaming data Customers can check the during the seven-day period, Innovation Award,’ Indosat was access in over 50 countries list of destinations covered by then they will be charged QR1 also the first operator in the around the world which is valid Ooredoo Passport at www.oore- per one megabyte (1 MB) of world to offer Usaha Wanita for seven days from activation. doo.qa/en/op. data, and for call QR1 per (Business Women), and more For customers on longer hol- Customers can subscribe to minute. than 8,000 women entrepreneurs idays, they can renew Ooredoo Ooredoo Passport in any of the Hala Customers can check in Indonesia have signed up to Passport an unlimited number covered countries at any time. their remaining balance by the service since its launch in of times once their validity Shahry customers can send an dialing the shortcode *129*5# December 2012. Usaha Wanita expires. SMS reading “OP” to 114, while and Shahry customers can offers tips about business man- According to the statement Hala customers can send an check their remaining balance agement, banking and credit Ooredoo has seen strong take- SMS reading “OP” to 121. Hala by sending “Bal op” to 114. access, customer management up of the Ooredoo Passport customers need a minimum THE PENINSULA and marketing for small busi- nesses. THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST

Syrian copters Yemen begins fire rockets near Lebanese new round of pro-revolt area BEIRUT: Syrian helicopters fired rockets near a Lebanese border area whose residents back national talks the rebellion against President Bashar Al Assad, a security offi- cial said, in the latest incident rasing new concerns of Syria- President Hadi praises progress related escalation in Lebanon. The late Friday raid was sec- SANA’A: Yemen began the representatives from civil society ond such Syrian strike against second round of its national organisations. the Sunni-majority border areas dialogue here yesterday, as “Yemen can no longer with- in less than a week. “Syrian heli- President Abdrabuh Mansur stand more crises and there are copters fired rockets at the Wadi Hadi hailed progress made dur- many challenges,” said Hadi, Hmeid area near (the town of ) ing talks in March. adding that “terrorism” in Arsal. There were no casualties,” The UN-backed dialogue the country poses a particular the Lebanese official said. aims to draft a new constitu- problem. The attack was the latest in a tion and prepare for elections The talks, originally scheduled series related to the escalating war in 2014, after a two-year transi- to open last November, were in Syria, in which Lebanese Shia tion led by Hadi. delayed mainly due to the refusal movement Hezbollah has become The dialogue was part of a of some factions in the Southern fully engaged. On Wednesday, a UN-brokered deal that eased Movement — which seeks auton- Syrian helicopter strafed Arsal, former strongman Ali Abdullah omy or secession for the formerly the majority of whose residents Saleh from power after an independent south — to join the are Sunni and support the anti- 11-month uprising against his initiative. Most agreed to take Assad revolt in Syria. 33-year rule. part after months of negotiations Ever since the Syrian revolt “We are holding our second and UN pressure. erupted in March 2011, Arsal has open session amid changes, devel- But hardliners led by South become a key conduit for refugees opments and positive achieve- Yemen’s former president Ali Salem and wounded people fleeing Syria. ments,” Hadi said at the opening Al Baid have insisted on negotiations Officials say the town has also of the dialogue. He added the between two independent states in served as a passageway for fight- talks had taken steps towards the north and south. ers and arms flowing into Syria. “drawing the outlines of a new Hadi warned yesterday that Syria’s civil war has exac- Yemen where justice, equality and those calling for the boycott of erbated sectarian tensions in freedom prevail”. the talks for their own political Lebanon, which is deeply divided Nine work groups have been gains “will face the anger of the between supporters and detrac- created since April whose mem- Yemeni people who see dialogue tors of Assad’s regime. Syria bers met nearly 11,000 personali- as their only hope”. dominated Lebanon politically ties representing officials and civil Supporters of southern inde- and militarily for 30 years until society from across Yemen. pendence often stage dem- 2005, and continues to exercise These groups have made rec- onstrations against national significant influence through its ommendations which delegates dialogue. Last month, a Southern allies. On Friday, the Lebanese will discuss in the next phase of Movement leader, Ahmed bin Syrian army soldiers gathering ammunition from a tunnel in the village of Buweida, north of Qusayr, in Syria’s army warned a plot was being dialogue, Hadi said. Farid Al Suraimah, withdrew central Homs province, yesterday. hatched to embroil Lebanon in Yesterday’s session was from the talks in protest at what the Syrian war. AFP attended by UN envoy to he said was a “plot against the Yemen Jamal Benomar and southern cause.” Gulf Cooperation Council chief Hadi had accused Iran of Abdullatif Al Zayani — who both backing a southern faction seek- Syria takes last rebel bastion near Qusayr played key roles in sealing a power ing to secede by force of arms. transfer deal that eased Saleh State news agency Saba quoted DAMASCUS: Forces loyal to in Eastern Bweida, 14km to the Qusayr nearly three weeks ago, also braved a dangerous journey from office. Zayani reiterated the Zayani as saying: “We, alongside President Bashar Al Assad have northeast, but Syrian state tel- in the clearest sign yet of the to safety in Arsal, a local official support of Yemen’s Gulf neigh- President Abdrabuh Mansur now seized all of the Qusayr evision broadcast footage of a Lebanese group’s commitment said. “Their situation is very bad. bours for Hadi’s “leadership in Hadi, condemn foreign inter- area in central Syria, state tel- desolate village devoid of signs to the Assad regime. Scores of They arrived exhausted. They all the decisions, measures and ference in Yemen from Iran and evision claimed yesterday, as of life. It was not immediately fighters were killed on both sides. have nothing. Some came here steps he had taken to implement others.” wounded rebels and scores of known where all the people had Qusayr, only 10km from Lebanon, on foot,” local official Ahmad Al the Gulf Initiative”. Benomar, meanwhile, urged refugee families straggled into gone, but some have crossed the is strategic for the regime because Hojeiri said, adding that local The Gulf Arab states “support Yemenis to reach out to the Lebanon. border into Lebanon. of its proximity to the border and authorities were short of funds all consensus agreements the southern groups and to “resolve The seizure of Eastern Buweida Hezbollah also announced because it lies on a route linking and “only managing to provide National Dialogue will reach and legitimate demands.” “We insist village, the last rebel bastion in the news of Eastern Bweida’s Damascus to the coast. basic assistance.” which will reflect the overall will that there is no choice but to the area, brought the entire fall on its own television chan- For the rebels, it was an impor- Elsewhere, a car bombing near of the Yemeni people and ensure achieve the success of the dialogue Qusayr region near the border nel Al-Manar. Its correspondent tant conduit from Lebanon for an army post in nearby Homs city Yemen’s unity, sovereignty and through... resolving the southern with Lebanon back under regime said: “Qusayr’s countryside is fin- men and materiel. Dozens of killed at least seven people, the stability”. The dialogue kicked off issue... and achieving national rec- control. It came four days after ished... The army has taken back Syrians and Lebanese from the Syrian Observatory for Human on March 18 and is due to run for onciliation,” the UN envoy said. the town of Qusayr, which had the whole Qusayr region. The rebel side wounded in the battle Rights said. six months. After the former North and been in insurgent hands for a regime “staged a war of nerves for Qusayr have been evacuated to After Qusayr fell, regime forces It brings together 565 repre- South Yemen united in 1990, the year, fell to the army and forces by bombarding (Eastern Bweida) Arsal, a border town in northern were expected to turn their sights sentatives from Yemen’s various south broke away in 1994, trigger- from Lebanon’s powerful Shia all night long. We have entered a Lebanon, and to Baalbek in the on Homs, the countryside around political groups, ranging from ing a civil war that ended with the Hezbollah movement. new phase.” east, security officials said. Damascus and the northern prov- southern secessionists to Zaidi region being overrun by northern Hundreds of people who fled The army and Hezbollah At the same time, scores of ince of Aleppo. Shia rebels in the north, as well as troops. AFP the fall of Qusayr took refuge launched a vast offensive on families fleeing the area have AFP Rebels dismiss talks for now

WASHINGTON: Syria’s that Iran should be among about United States, but the State embattled political opposition a dozen outside governments Department said this week that said on Friday that there is lit- present, according to a senior there is no final determination by tle point in peace negotiations Obama administration official. Washington while Syrian President Bashar The United States, backed by Saleh, the coalition spokesman, Al Assad’s military is using opposition supporters in Europe predicted that the United States help from Hezbollah and Iran and the Middle East, said Iran’s was only “weeks away” from tak- to make rapid military gains presence would not be helpful ing such action, and he said that against rebel forces. and proposed alternatives that Britain and France may move “We need to change the bal- Russia and the United Nations even sooner. But that timetable ance of power on the ground” rejected. While Assad’s govern- appeared optimistic. ahead of proposed talks, Khalid ment has agreed to attend, the Although a European Union Saleh, spokesman for the opposition has not. embargo on weapons shipments umbrella Syrian Opposition Acting coalition head George to Syria expired last week, Coalition, said in an interview Sabra said that only rapid inter- British Prime Minister David in Washington. “We need our national intervention would Cameron said on Friday that friends to start putting more stop what has become “a sec- his country’s Parliament would pressure” on Assad’s forces by tarian war between Sunnis and be given a chance to debate and using air strikes and supplying Shias. The problem will spread vote on any decision. weapons to rebel forces, he said. all over the Middle East, to US momentum toward pro- But while Saleh predicted that Lebanon, to Turkey, to Iraq, to viding lethal assistance to the United States, Britain and Jordan and maybe to the Gulf,” the rebels was slowed when Supporters of Hassan Rowhani hold his portrait during a campaign rally in Tehran yesterday. France were all on the verge of Sabra said in an interview with Secretary of State John Kerry changing their nonintervention the Associated Press. agreed with his Russian coun- policies, none of those countries Sabra spoke after Assad’s terpart to move toward talks at Iran media hail presidential debate has yet made a commitment to forces, with help from a time when others are pushing provide arms or other lethal help Hezbollah, captured the rebel- for action. to the rebels. held town of Qusayr Senator John McCain, who has TEHRAN: Iran’s media yes- criticism aimed at top nuclear negotiations. Nobody can accuse Peace talks between the Syrian In the absence of a UN led the charge in Congress for terday hailed the latest tel- negotiator and hardline candidate Velayati of being uninformed, or government and the opposition Security Council resolution con- intervention, argued on Thursday evised debate of presidential Saeed Jalili, a frontrunner in the linked to the West... or as not part were jointly proposed early last demning Assad’s forces for the that the United States has a duty candidates, highlighting sharp June 14 election. of the conservative camp”. month by the United States and suspected use of chemical weap- to do more militarily to stop the exchanges among them on top- “I would have liked to have Velayati, an adviser to supreme Russia, Assad’s primary arms ons and heavy offensive weapons disintegration of Syria and the ics such as the nuclear issue and written that the winner of last leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, supplier. But the conference has against civilians, the rebels have rise of extremist groups. political freedom. night’s debate was (moderate) had lashed out at Jalili for his han- been put off until at least July called for Western or Arab air “Assad has turned the tide “The differences among the Hassan Rowhani or (reformist) dling of nuclear negotiations with amid intensified fighting inside strikes on Syrian chemical and of battle on the ground. His candidates are clear. The final Mohammed Reza Aref, but I have world powers. “The art of diplo- Syria and disagreements about missile sites and a possible no-fly foreign allies have all doubled sprint has begun,” said leading to say (conservative) Ali Akbar macy is that we save the nuclear the meeting. zone over rebel-held areas. down on him,” McCain said in daily Donya-e Eqtesad about the Velayati was the real winner,” wrote right, while at the same time, we US and Russian representa- The Obama administration an address at the Brookings debate on Friday. Reformist daily political analyst Sadegh Zibakalam reduce the sanctions,” Velayati said. tives met this week in Geneva has said such action is possible, Institution. “Iran is all in. Russia Arman hailed the discussions, say- in reformist daily, Etemad. Most of the candidates have but failed to set a date or reach depending in part on whether the is all in. Shia militants are flow- ing they “showcased differences”. “On the one hand, he defended reportedly asked for a fourth and an accord on who should attend. White House determines that ing into the fight from Iraq, and The eight men vying for the the foreign policy of (ex-president final debate before the election, in Both the United Nations — the Assad used chemical weapons. Hezbollah fighters have invaded presidency clashed in the heated Akbar) Hashemi Rafsanjani and, what is seen as a sign of success of official sponsor of the proposed France recently sent its dossier Syria by the thousands.” exchange over nuclear talks on the other, he openly criticised Friday’s televised exchanges. talks — and Russia have said of evidence of such use to the WP-BLOOMBERG with world powers, with pointed the attitude of Jalili in nuclear AFP SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Turkey rules out early polls; protests continue Thousands mass again in Taksim Square; protest park won’t become shopping mall, says Istanbul mayor

ISTANBUL: Turkish Prime been on the agenda. “A govern- into an unprecedented display of Erdogan has given no indica- Activists have been trying to protesters involved in the envi- Minister Recep Tayyip ment that doesn’t have people’s public anger over the perceived tion of plans to clear out Taksim, halt plans to demolish the park ronmental campaign rejected Erdogan’s AK Party yester- trust cannot be permanent. We authoritarianism of Erdogan and around which protesters have to make way for a replica of the mayor’s olive branch and said day ruled out early elections as got the message of the protests his Islamist-rooted AK Party, built dozens of barricades made Ottoman-era military barracks they wanted Gezi Park to remain thousands of anti-government and we respect that, but there’s leading to the worst riots in of ripped up paving stones, street and, some protesters feared, a a green open space. demonstrators defied his call for nothing to respect about people decades. signs, vandalised vehicles and cor- shopping centre. Mucella Yapici, an archi- an immediate end to protests. throwing stones,” he said. In a rare show of unity, thou- rugated iron, clogging part of the A campaign to protect Gezi tect and spokeswoman for the Huseyin Celik, deputy chairman A few kilometres away, tens sands of fans from Istanbul’s city centre. Police pulled back Park’s 600 trees, the last patch Taksim Platform, criticised the of the Justice and Development of thousands of Turks defied three main football clubs Besiktas, from the square days ago. of green in the heart of the government for pushing ahead (AK) Party founded by Erdogan Erdogan’s call on Friday for an Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, who “Let them attack. They can’t Turkey’s largest city, was met with the redevelopment with- just over a decade ago, said local immediate end to anti-govern- have helped organise some of the stop us,” a member of the Turkish with a violent police crackdown out proper public consultation. and presidential elections would ment demonstrations, mass- protests, marched on Taksim Communist Party shouted last week. “We call on the government not be held next year as planned, and ing again in the central Taksim roaring “Tayyip resign!” and “Arm through loudspeakers to a cheer- Erdogan has responded with to provoke the people,” she told a general election in 2015. Square, where riot police backed in arm against fascism!”. ing crowd from on top of a white defiance, vowing to press on with reporters. “The government is running by helicopters and armoured Police fired teargas and water van in the square. the barracks project but leaving She repeated the group’s list of like clockwork. There is nothing vehicles first clashed with pro- cannon on protesters overnight in Meanwhile, the Istanbul park open whether the area would demands, which include a ban on that necessitates early elections,” testers a week ago. the working-class Gazi neighbour- whose conservation fight sparked become a shopping district. the use of tear gas against demon- he told reporters after a meeting Tourists and curious locals hood of Istanbul, which saw heavy mass protests will not be turned In a more conciliatory tone, strators and the sacking of police of the party’s executive committee swelled their numbers around clashes with police in the 1990s. into a shopping mall, the city’s Topbas said the final plans would chiefs in cities that saw violent here. “The world is dealing with a makeshift protest camp in There was similar unrest night mayor assured protesters, but be made “through dialogue” and clashes. an economic crisis and things are Gezi Park, a leafy corner of the after night earlier in the week in insisted the site’s controversial “the number of trees can be The park, next to Istanbul’s going well in Turkey. Elections square where activists have been several cities, leaving three dead redevelopment would go ahead. increased”. main Taksim Square, has become are not held because people are sleeping in tents and vandalised and close to 5,000 injured. “We are definitely not think- But he stood firm on the over- the symbolic heart of the nation- marching on the streets.” buses, or wrapped in blankets Hundreds of protesters also ing of building a shopping mall all project: “The plan for the bar- wide protest movement and has Celik said the protests had been under trees. gathered in the centre of the there, no hotel or residence either. racks was part of our election transformed into a festival-like discussed “in detail” at yesterday’s What began as a campaign capital Ankara, which saw vio- It can be... a city museum or an promises, the people gave us the camp site packed with mostly party meeting, but that the ques- against government plans to lent clashes earlier in the week, exhibition centre,” Istanbul mayor authority to do it.” young demonstrators. tion of early elections had never build over the park spiralled chanting and honking car horns. Kadir Topbas told reporters. Representatives for the REUTERS/AFP

Kerry renews $1.3bn military aid for Egypt WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State John Kerry last month approved $1.3bn in annual US military aid to Egypt, despite concerns over democratic progress by the new government, a US official said on Friday. All such aid is “care- fully considered,” State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters, but it was felt the funding was necessary to help “preserve important regional inter- ests”. On May 10, Kerry qui- Ousted Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak (centre) and his two sons Alaa (right) and Gamal behind the defendents’ etly approved the transfer cage during their retrial at the Police Academy in Cairo yesterday. of the annual aid, notifying the US Congress of his deci- sion, she confirmed. Psaki defended Kerry’s Mubarak trial adjourned again approval of aid for the fis- cal year 2013 saying it was CAIRO: Families of Egyptians of procedure. “Present,” he said brief procedural hearing began. in US national security killed in protests that unseated quietly when his name was called. There was an uproar when the interests and helped such Hosni Mubarak reacted angrily While many Egyptians have presiding judge then ruled that he things as “maintaining in court yesterday when a judge lost interest in cases brought would not let lawyers for the fam- access to the Suez Canal trying the former president over against their fallen “Pharoah”, ilies — the civil plaintiffs — take and the interdiction of the deaths barred their lawyers relatives of those who died in part in future sessions. Lawyers weapons smuggling”. from taking part in the case. the crackdown in early 2011 have for the relatives said they would Last year, the funds were Mubarak, 85, was brought into grown impatient with judges they try to challenge that ruling. held up after the Egyptian the caged dock sitting up in a see as relics of the old regime. Mubarak and his interior minis- authorities first moved wheelchair, wearing a white gown Also present in the dock, fac- ter, Habib El Adli, were sentenced against the US-funded and sweater and familiar dark ing corruption charges, were to life imprisonment last June but non-governmental organi- aviator glasses. The former air Mubarak’s sons Alaa and Gamal. an appeals court upheld complaints sations. Kerry’s predeces- force general appeared alert and Some of several dozen people about the quality of evidence. The sor Hillary Clinton finally in fair health, his hair black and present in the Cairo court for retrial began a month ago. A third gave the green light for the slicked back, his hand on his chin the second session of the retrial hearing was scheduled for tomor- funds to be paid in March. as he listened to the few minutes taunted the defendants before the row. REUTERS REUTERS Sudan opposition says Bashir will fall within 100 days

KHARTOUM: Sudan’s opposition alliance announced yesterday a 100-day plan for the peaceful overthrow of President Omar Hassan Al Bashir, who has been in power for more than two decades. “I expect the regime will fall before the 100 days finish,” said Farouk Abu Issa, who represents more than 20 oppo- sition parties. He said the first month of the plan includes public forums, including at universities. They would also ask the state security service for permission to hold a mass rally. “If we don’t get it, then there is another step we can take but we will not announce it now,” he said. Over the past year, the opposition alliance has pledged to mobilise its members for peaceful protests to topple the government. It has also called for strikes by workers, but there has been no mass response to its appeals despite months of inflation exceeding 40 percent. Issa said the opposition will also prepare “an initia- tive for democratic change”, including for a transitional administration. “We are going to send this initiative to the president,” he said. Last June and July, scattered anti-regime protests sparked by inflation spread around the country but later petered out after a security clampdown. A separate spurt of anti-government rallies occurred in December, when hundreds marched in Khartoum’s streets after the death of four students. On Friday, police fired tear gas after about 200 protesters gathered near a mosque linked to the Umma party, a member of Issa’s alliance. The dem- onstrators called for the regime’s downfall. The periodic protests against Bashir’s 24-year govern- ment, which calls itself Islamist, have failed to generate widespread following as did the Arab Spring revolts against authoritarian rulers in North Africa and the Middle East that began in December 2010. Bashir took power in a 1989 coup that overthrew democratically elected prime minister Sadiq Al Mahdi, the Umma party leader. AFP SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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A question of justice Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

N A rare rebuke, the new government of Pakistan summoned the US ambassador in Islamabad in anger after an American drone killed nine people in North Waziristan. Is Rice the first 21st-century IPakistan’s action signals a toughening of its stance against American drone attacks on its territory. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been a staunch critic of the deeply controversial and unpopular US method to eliminate terrorists and had vowed national security adviser? to put an end to the practice during his campaigning during elections. Now that he is the prime minister, he has expressed BY ROSA BROOKS his resolve to follow through his promises. establishment’s sudden leap into the of U.S. leadership. For one thing, the Interestingly, nine people were killed in drone strikes on 21st century, for real this time. creaky old ship of state does not turn Friday night, just two days after Sharif had vowed to stop ARLIER this week I was Here’s what I mean by this. Susan on a dime. Bureaucracies do their thing, such attacks. “The drone attacks that are being carried out for immersed in Colonial America Rice and Samantha Power represent and that thing usually involves putting Eon an educational trip with my a profound generational shift in their on the brakes when new leaders and years now shall stop now,” Sharif had said. “If we respect the daughter’s fifth-grade class, study- approach to global problems. Unlike new thinking comes along. sovereignty of other nations, these nations shall also respect ing Virginia’s early settlers. When we John Kerry, Chuck Hagel, or Tom For another thing, understanding the sovereignty of our country. We will devise a unanimous staggered back into the 21st century, I Donilon, they were not shaped by the world’s challenges is only a first agenda to address the issue of drone attacks.” The latest strike found that we really had entered the Vietnam or the Cold War, or the age step — solving them is another story. also came a little more than a week after a drone in the same 21st century in the national security of great power politics. Instead, they Rice and Power get that the old ways domain — finally. cut their teeth on the very differ- don’t work very well, but each has region killed Wali ur-Rehman, the second in command of the I’m referring to the overdue appoint- ent challenges of the 1990s and early already confronted the painful fact Pakistani Taliban. This means the latest strike will test US ment of Susan Rice to serve as national 2000s: the complex ethnic conflicts of that we haven’t yet figured out new relations with the newly installed prime minister. security adviser, along with the nomi- Bosnia, Rwanda, Congo, and Sudan; ways. The launch of drone strikes in Pakistan was not something nation of Samantha Power to replace the rise of transnational, globalized Rice has seen how anachronis- unilaterally started by the US in violation of the host country’s Rice as U.S. ambassador to the United extremism; and the many novel eco- tic Security Council voting rules can sovereignty. It was started with the Nations. Most of the media coverage nomic, environmental, and socio-polit- thwart action even on some of the most seems to have focused on Benghazi, and ical issues characterizing our age of urgent issues; Power spent years on permission of Pakistan government, more specifically, on whether President interconnectedness. Donilon’s national security staff and As Nawaz Sharif though the latter has been reluctant Obama’s decision When Rice and Power speak of the saw the human rights issues she cared speaks tough to admit it for fear of inviting public to move Rice into challenges posed by climate change about passionately pushed repeatedly wrath. But Pakistan has the right the White House and emergent viruses, or the transfor- to the sidelines. Both women have seen against US to renegotiate the terms of the was intended to mation of global discourse by human issues they champion dismissed as drone strikes on agreement which permits these stick it to the rights norms, or global poverty and “soft” by the “hard security” boy’s club, Susan Rice Republicans or human development, they don’t sound and (since high-powered women are Pakistani soil, attacks or call for a complete end to just happened like they’re just going through the damned if they do and damned if they these attacks. Both countries have and Samantha to stick it to the motions. They’re not: They’re passion- don’t), also saw themselves unfairly President Oabma been willing and active partners in Republicans. ate and smart about these issues. They tagged as war-mongers for their insist- has a duty to the fight against terror and the US Power represent This is a stu- get this stuff. ence that the United States should not will not be able to ride roughshod pid question, They get that the age of great powers sit by idly as Libya’s Moammar Gadhafi a profound surpassed in its is coming to an end and that the United turned his military against his own listen. over its partner. generational stupidity only States needs to find new ways to lead in population. Both Rice and Power have In the current situation, by the origi- a world in which conventional military had important successes, and frustrat- Pakistan’s concerns are completely justified and the Obama shift in their nal Republican dominance no longer guarantees we can ing failures. administration must respect Islamabad’s feelings. Washington’s pseudo-questions get our own way. All this makes them perfectly suited drone war in several countries has been severely criticised approach to about Rice’s role They get that we inhabit a system to the jobs they are now entering. These by human rights groups in the US and abroad, and even in the Benghazi of international laws and institutions are passionate, principled women, global problems. affair. Really, that was designed in an earlier age and tough-minded but never pompous. in the face of such criticism, President Barack Obama has mainstream doesn’t work very well. (Rice has had As leaders, both Rice and Power have remained adamant. Especially in Pakistan, drone attacks media people, four long years to wrestle with UN high standards and staff who love and have only complicated the war on terror and have proved could we just drop Security Council issues, which are a admire them. counterproductive. Ignoring Sherif’s pleas will only worsen the all this stuff? Regarding Rice’s appoint- case in point, and Power, if confirmed, Their new jobs won’t be easy. But if situation and strain relations between two friendly countries. ment, even the most political of political will now take up that heavy baton). you’ll excuse me for reverting briefly to Justifying drone strikes, Obama had said last month that hacks in the White House doesn’t base When Rice delivered a 2010 com- the mindset of an early American set- every single decision on politics — every mencement address at Stanford, her tler (it’s harder than you would think attacks would continue against targets that pose a “continuing, now and then, logic and merit prevail. alma mater, she could have given a to break free from these brainwashing imminent threat” to the United States as long as there is And as for Benghazi, there was self-aggrandizing lecture about play- class trips): I, at least, will sleep a lit- “near-certainty” that civilian casualties could be avoided. no Benghazi cover-up! There was an ing hardball with the big boys on the tle bit better each night knowing that But on civilian casualties, Obama is completely wrong. The above-average amount of confusion, but Security Council — instead, she deliv- they’re at the ship’ s helm — and that rising number of innocent people getting killed by drones really, really, really, there was no con- ered a powerful speech about the chal- they’ll be steering us determinedly into spiracy. Let it go. lenge of global poverty. the new world of the 21st century, with has been the reason why Pakistanis have risen against this The media should be focusing on Don’t get me wrong: I don’t imagine all the storm clouds and challenges that draconian practice. And the solution lies in stopping the attacks something entirely different, which that the appointment of Rice and Power lie ahead. completely • is, as I said, the national security will instantly translate into a new style WP-BLOOMBERG The other side Quote of Qusayr never mattered the day N THE end, it was sheer weight of Assad’s publicists are claiming that The price paid by Hezbollah fight- strategists in media around the world numbers and the preponderance many fighters died in the fighting and ers may also be encountered by the are saying how the town holds the key of Russian-supplied firepower that that a large number was captured rest of the Lebanon, if FSA fighters to supplies needed by the FSA from Icaused the Free Syrian Army to along with the town. What they did carry out their threat to take the war Lebanon. If that were true, how come mount a tactical withdrawal from the not say was how many of their own to Hezbollah’s own territory. Hopefully the uprising was able to flourish and Khartoum will town of Qusayr, close to the Lebanese troops were slain. It is a given of war- wiser heads will prevail. The FSA needs grow when Qusayr was still in govern- border. The Assad regime is of course fare that an attacking force will almost a stable Lebanon behind it. If the Syrian ment hands? And is it not clear that not allow export hailing it as a great strategic victory. inevitably take higher casualties than conflict overflows into its neighbor and Lebanon is far from the only source of Some analysts are saying that since the defenders. That would seem to be reignites the 30-year civil war that dis- weapons and logistics being channeled revenue from South Damascus troops control much of the the case in Qusayr, where for the first figured and destroyed the country, the to the FSA? surrounding countryside, the battle for time Hezbollah fighters have incurred new Syria will face an extra challenge Moreover, the military pattern Sudanese oil to be Qusayr was more symbolic than real. heavy losses. The flow of coffins back as it seeks to rebuild itself physically throughout the Syrian revolution has used in support Taken on those terms, the two weeks to Hezbollah’s fastness is southern and socially from the butchery and not really changed. Assad’s troops and that the regime took to retake the town Lebanon will have demonstrated bet- repression of the Assad’s dictatorship. ruthless militiamen can generally deploy of rebels against from the opposition fighters, would seem ter than anything, the folly of the course Meanwhile the regime’s crow- sufficient power to take most objec- Sudan. to suggest its fundamental weakness on which its leader Hassan Nasrallah is ing about its “victory” at Qusayr tives, forcing fighter units to withdraw. Omar Al Bashir against a determined and brave enemy. leading his movement. bears closer examination. Armchair ARAB NEWS Sudanese President SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Europe can save Turkey’s democracy

what they called the “Ankara criteria,” but as the Reforms Brussels had prospect of European membership seemed to dis- sipate, the pace of change in Turkey slowed, and in set as preconditions important areas such as personal freedoms, reforms actually reversed themselves. The pragmatism and emphasis on democracy that for Istanbul to begin marked Erdogan’s early years as prime minister gave way to a policy aimed at institutionalising the power of the process of joining the AKP. Constitutional changes allowed the Turkish leader to pack the courts and the bureaucracy with his supporters. Improved macroeconomic perform- the European Union ance came with crony capitalism, as economic poli- cies largely benefited the AKP’s support base. And represented a significant Erdogan is still seeking to write a new constitution with enhanced powers for the office of the presidency, which he hopes to pursue after his term as prime boost for Turkish minister ends. It’s easy to argue that the EU, with its sclerotic economies, has nothing to offer Turkey or democracy. that Turks, disgusted at Europe’s prejudice against Muslims, are no longer interested in joining a club BY STEVEN A COOK that doesn’t want them anyway. The legacy of Ataturk’s goal of “raising Turkey to n the past five years, Turkey has veered from the level of civilisation” plays a role, but more impor- what was once a promising path of liberal tant, many Turks do not see a contradiction between democracy — and the European Union can being Muslim and being European. One of the mys- Ipull it back. tiques of the AKP during Erdogan’s first term as The recent massive street protests in Istanbul prime minister (2003-2007) was that it proved started as a backlash against the government’s plan Turkey could be more Muslim, more European and to develop a beloved park into a shopping mall, but A brass band called Gezi Orchestre is cheered by demonstrators waving Turkish flags at Taksim Square in more nationalist simultaneously. they also reflect popular frustration at the country’s Istanbul, Turkey. Demonstrations against the government began on May 31 after a police crackdown on a sit-in So it is likely that popular support for EU mem- authoritarian turn, made clear in the rise of crony by environmentalists angered over a development project in Istanbul. bership would surge in Turkey once again — if capitalism, intimidation by government forces and Brussels extended a welcoming hand. Reinvigorating the centralisation of power in the ruling Justice and granting Turkey’s Kurds, who account for 18 percent themselves Europeans, business leaders, Kurds, the relationship would also be good for the EU, giving Development Party (AKP), led by Prime Minister of the nation’s 80 million citizens, additional cultural average Turks and Islamists. The military, which it a new sense of purpose and mission during a time Recep Tayyip Erdogan. rights, including the right to use of the Kurdish had long claimed to be a vanguard of modernization, when many question its future. It was just a decade ago that then-foreign min- language in broadcasting and education. simply could not afford to undermine the AKP’s The European Council should take up the recom- ister Abdullah Gul was telling an audience at the The parliament also made it more difficult for the European project because of the popular support it mendation of the European Parliament to reinvigor- Washington Institute for Near East Policy that the government to ban political parties and politicians enjoyed. In October 2004, the European Commission ate relations with Ankara. A gesture from Europe main reason his government was pursuing wide- — previously a common way for Turkey’s political concluded that Ankara had met all the requirements that gives momentum to Turkey’s accession could ranging democratic reforms was the possibility of elite to undermine their opponents. — the “Copenhagen criteria” — to begin membership have a dynamic effect on Turks and their politics. fully joining the European Union. But as that pros- In the most extraordinary reform, the parliament negotiations and recommended that the Council of Although Erdogan continues to enjoy significant pect has faded, so has the drive toward democracy in altered the composition and functions of Turkey’s Europe formally extend Turkey an invitation. support among Turks, there is no doubt that the Turkey. Even before the AKP came to power in late National Security Council — the body through which After such an auspicious beginning, however, Gezi Park crisis has weakened him. A renewed nego- 2002, the party’s leaders determined that EU mem- the top brass had routinely influenced political deci- relations between Turkey and Europe soured. tiation process that is both credible and popular will bership was the best means to resolve Turkey’s per- sions. Instead, the council was downgraded to an Bureaucrats on both sides contended that the prob- oblige him to pursue a more pragmatic path at home. ennial culture war between Islamists and secularists. advisory board with a civilian leader and placed lems were related to human rights violations, the The combination of the popular appeal of Europe With a legislative majority, the AKP quickly abol- under the budgetary control of the prime ministry. occupation of northern Cyprus and the expenses and Erdogan’s diminished power would compel him ished the death penalty, wrote a new penal code, Taken together, these reforms Brussels had set Europe would need to pour into Turkey should it to pick up where he left off in 2003-04 and again take changed anti-terrorism laws to make it more dif- as preconditions for Istanbul to begin the process of become a member of the union. up the mantle of reform and democratic change. It ficult to prosecute citizens on speech alone (though joining the European Union represented a significant But Turks sensed that Europe was having second might just result in a new civil and democratic con- critics claim the changes do not go far enough) and boost for Turkish democracy. thoughts about the prospect of admitting a country stitution, and bring millions into Turkey’s streets to significantly expanded political rights. The changes were wildly popular throughout that is 99.8 percent Muslim. Erdogan and Gul spoke celebrate Erdogan rather than demand his political The country also saw tentative steps towards Turkish society — among liberals who considered bravely about carrying on with reforms through demise. WP-BLOOMBERG It’s time Britain corrected Obama and Xi’s weekend getaway its tortured reputation BY ZACHARY KARABELL years as the European Union has sunk ever more deeply into reces- resident Obama and China’s sion and disillusion. For much of the The UN committee against torture new leader Xi Jinping met early 2000s, you could credibly say at a retreat outside of Los that there were three pillars of the has criticised Britain over failings PAngeles. The two men are global economy. Now there are two. scheduled to spend six to seven hours The relationship between the two covering a range of issues that con- countries has rarely been anything on serious abuse allegations. front the two countries, from the other than fraught. In each presiden- increasingly fraught issue of hack- tial election since 2000, one candidate BY KATE ALLEN ing and cyber security to what to or both has sought political advan- do about an evermore unpredict- tage by assailing China for its politi- ast week, with very little fanfare, the UN committee able and rogue North Korea. The cal system, its undervalued currency, against torture published its concluding observations summit was arranged only recently, its human rights record, or its theft from its review of the UK’s record on preventing, pun- almost impromptu and more casual of intellectual property. ishing and remedying torture and other ill treatment. and low-key than the pomp and cir- The relationship over the next dec- It is a quietly devastating report and will make for cumstances state visits of the past ade will change regardless of whether Lsobering reading among UK politicians and officials. decade. That should in no way, how- Obama and Xi relax by the pool and It’s a tale of things half done, put off entirely, or in some cases ever, obscure just how important the have a heart to heart, or bristle at made worse by what was done. meeting is. the other’s priorities and personality. One of the UN committee’s central themes is the UK’s failure to Rarely in history has an emerging Yes, a constructive working rela- ensure that where there have been alleged human rights abuses, power met an existing power without tionship between the two leaders is these are fully investigated, people are held to account, the truth mayhem and conflict ensuing. China preferable to a frosty one, but the made known and the victims or their families compensated. today is clearly emerging, with an structural bonds that now link the Indeed, this has been a systemic failure. economy that will soon be larger two economies are deeply embed- Be it in the context of allegations rising from armed forces’ than the US’s, though the income ded in both societies. Hundreds of operations in Iraq; allegations of complicity in torture in the con- of Chinese citizens will remain far the largest US companies depend text of counter-terrorism operations overseas; cases of historical behind their US counterparts for on China as a market, from General institutional abuse in Northern Ireland; or past abuses and viola- many years to come. Motors now selling more cars in tions perpetrated by all sides in the conflict in Northern Ireland, Yet tensions notwithstanding, China than in the United States to the message from the committee is clear – that the UK must by any historical standard, the Nike becoming an iconic Chinese do considerably better. Take the allegations of UK complicity in US-China relationship has been brand. Thousands of Chinese com- torture abroad in the context of counter-terrorism operations. managed remarkably well, and this panies depend on the US market, and It’s an issue that’s been festering for a long time and that the British Prime Minister David Cameron casual but symbolically significant on continued exposure to American committee says gives rise to deep concern. summit between the two leaders is businesses as they turn to serve a In 2010, David Cameron, then recently elected as prime minister, yet another indication of that. burgeoning domestic Chinese con- acknowledged that allegations that UK officials had “colluded” in ineffective”, urging the UK to refrain from relying on them to We focus habitually on all that is sumer market. The endless argument the rendition, secret detentions and torture of detainees in places justify the deportation of people suspected of terrorism to coun- going wrong in the world, yet for now about whether this relationship is such as Pakistan or Afghanistan risked tarnishing the UK’s repu- tries where they would be in danger of torture or cruel, inhuman at least, the China-US relationship is harmful or helpful will not be settled tation “as a country that believes in human rights, justice, fairness or degrading treatment or punishment. going right. That’s not because either this week, or perhaps ever. and the rule of law”. It needed to be addressed, he said, in order Meanwhile, the government’s Justice and Security Act — country and its people like the other Many people are convinced that to “restore Britain’s moral leadership in the world”. recently enacted despite a storm of controversy and opposition or trust the other, but it is because China is a dangerous emerging com- Three years have passed — more than half a term in political — also worries the UN committee. we need each other. petitor; many Chinese will never office — and the stain remains, if anything deepening over time. Just as campaigners such as Amnesty have said, the exten- Regardless of the outcome of the trust America. Yet the ties continue The UN has urged the UK to get on and establish a successor sion of secret evidence to the civil justice system is seen as a summit — and in truth, there is to deepen because the mutual need inquiry to replace the deeply flawed detainee inquiry previously possible obstacle to establishing state responsibility for human likely to be very little substantive is greater than the mutual suspicion. set up under Sir Peter Gibson. rights violations and ensuring accountability. public outcome — how this relation- All of this may change in the dec- UK officials should ensure that alleged victims and NGOs are The UN has called on the UK to listen to the concerns of ship is managed matters more to the ades ahead, especially if the United consulted over the conduct of the future inquiry to help avoid “special advocates” (the practitioner lawyers who have to work long-term health of both the United States fails to reinvigorate itself or another inadequate outcome. within the new system) and ensure that the right to a fair trial States and China than what, say, the China’s experiment in state-run capi- Meanwhile, though troubled from the start and finally shelved, is fully respected. Fed does or does not do in the com- talism runs awry. Gibson’s original inquiry nevertheless produced an “interim” Importantly, the committee also reminds the UK that secret ing months. For more than ten years, For now, however, it is a unique report, but this — bafflingly — has itself been left unpublished procedures cannot be used to permit evidence of human rights the China-US relationship has been example of concord between two for nearly a year. Quite rightly, the UN is also urging that this is violations — including torture — to be concealed. an anchor of economic growth and global behemoths, one at the apex of published without further delay. The moral of this story is that the UK seems to be letting the fulcrum of the global economy. its power and one seemingly ascend- Likewise, in relation to Iraq, the committee calls for a single, problems pile up rather than deal with them. With more than And that is likely to be true for the ing. At the very least, we should independent public inquiry to investigate allegations of torture 40 recommendations from the UN committee against torture, next decade as well. give thanks that today’s perils don’t and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, one that can the backlog is becoming acute. The importance of China to the involve a conflict between the two ensure full accountability is secured. Cameron was right about the UK’s reputation being tarnished United States, of the US to China, nations most capable of upending The UN also sends a strong warning to the UK over so-called over torture. It’s time to do something about it. and of the two to the world has, if global stability. “diplomatic assurances”, stating that they are “unreliable and THE GUARDIAN anything, increased in the past two REUTERS SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL Surveillance: Spying deepens European fears British govt German data commissioner calls monitoring ‘monstrous’; US spy chief slams media for leaks pressed to VIENNA/BRUSSELS: Europeans reacted angrily to come clean revelations that US authorities had tapped the servers of inter- LONDON: The opposi- net companies for personal data, tion Labour party yesterday saying they confirmed their demanded clarification from worst fears about American the British government about Web giants and showed tighter the use by its spies of intelli- regulations were needed. gence from a controversial US In Washington, the US spy chief surveillance programme. lashed out at the media yesterday “The intelligence agencies for “reckless disclosures” about need to be able to get informa- vast data mining programmes tion from abroad especially in that trawl through phone and their vital work against terror- Internet records, defending them ist threats,” said Labour’s home as indispensable tools to combat affairs spokeswoman Yvette terror. Cooper. “But it must be within “Over the last week we have the legal framework agreed by seen reckless disclosures of intel- parliament so there are proper ligence community measures used safeguards in place.” to keep Americans safe,” Director She called for clarification on of National Intelligence James what role ministers had in over- Clapper said in a statement. seeing the use of the US data, and The Washington Post and the “how this relates to long-standing Guardian aroused outrage with legal requirements for warrants reports that the National Security and inspection by the Intercept Agency (NSA) and FBI had Commissioner”. accessed central servers of Google, Labour’s foreign affairs Facebook and others and gathered spokesman Douglas Alexander millions of phone users’ data. called on Foreign Secretary Europe, which lacks internet William Hague to give a state- giants of its own, has long yearned ment to the House of Commons to contain the power of the US tomorrow to address the “seri- titans that dominate the Web, ous public concern”. and privacy-focused Germany The chairman of parliament’s was quick to condemn their co- intelligence and security com- operation with the US security mittee, Malcolm Rifkind, has services. already asked GCHQ (the British “The US government must Government Communications provide clarity regarding these Headquarters, the intelligence monstrous allegations of total A file picture of National Security Agency headquarters at Fort Meade, Maryland. agency responsible for providing monitoring of various telecom- signals intelligence in the UK) to munications and Internet serv- way in which companies such as belonging to foreigners. PRISM just enhances those con- the European Council had been provide a report on its PRISM ices,” said Peter Schaar, German Google and Microsoft seem to “There is a massive global trend cerns,” said Mark Watts, a part- able to agree the Data Retention activities by tomorrow. data protection and freedom of treat their users’ data,” he told to cloud services,” said opposi- ner in London law firm Bristows Directive relatively quickly. The Foreign Office has not information commissioner. the Handelsblatt newspaper. tion communications spokesman specialising in privacy and data Their action on the 2006 direc- responded to the reports about “Statements from the US gov- “Anyone who doesn’t want that to Malcolm Turnbull, noting that compliance. tive, which stipulates that phone GCHQ’s involvement, saying it ernment that the monitoring happen should switch providers.” the vast majority of providers Europe has tried to protect and internet companies must does not comment on intelli- was not aimed at US citizens but The European Union has strug- were U.S. firms. its citizens by imposing restric- store records to help in fighting gence matters, but Hague is due only against persons outside the gled to assert its citizens’ rights Fears about the security of tions on the export of data to serious crime, showed they could to give a television interview on United States do not reassure me to privacy in the United States data held on US servers have third countries without strong act fast when limiting civil liber- Sunday. GCHQ also refused to at all.” The Post said the secret for almost a decade. Transatlantic already been a major factor in data protection laws, which can ties. “It is time for the Council to comment directly, but insisted programme involving the internet agreements on sharing the finan- slow European adoption of “cloud” include the United States — but prove it can act with the same in a statement that it operated companies, code-named PRISM cial and travel data of European computing services, in which Bristows’ Watts said these were speed and determination on a file within a “strict legal and policy and established under president citizens have taken years to com- computing-intensive applications easy to get around. which strengthens such rights,” framework”. George W Bush, had seen “expo- plete, and the European Union are done by central providers in European Justice Commissioner she said in an emailed statement. The revelations come amid a nential growth” during the past is now trying to modernise an large server farms. and Vice President Viviane Some of Europe’s difficulties political debate in Britain about several years under Barack Obama. almost 20-year-old privacy law The US Patriot Act, signed into Reding said: “This case shows in combatting perceived data legislation allowing the security Some of the companies to strengthen Europeans’ rights. law after the September 11, 2001, that a clear legal framework for abuses arise from the fact that services access to emails and so- named in the article have denied International concerns also attacks on the country, gave US the protection of personal data is many European governments look called media messages. The so- the government had “direct echoed beyond Europe. intelligence agencies significant not a luxury or constraint but a with envy at the US security serv- called “snooper’s charter” has access” to their central servers. In Australia, the conservative new powers of data surveillance fundamental right.” ices’ powers. Britain is trying to split Cameron’s coalition—his Nevertheless, the justice minister opposition said it was “very trou- and had been a focal point of Reding, who has been trying strengthen its already powerful Conservative party supports the for the German state of Hesse, bled” and had voiced concern to resistance. to push through an update to monitoring capabilities by bring- proposals but they have been Joerg-Uwe Hahn, called for a boy- US diplomats in Canberra about “You hear more concerns in Europe’s data protection laws ing in what critics say would be blocked by their junior coalition cott of the companies involved. what it called large-scale, cov- Europe than in the US, about for 18 months, noted that EU the West’s most far-reaching sur- partners, the Liberal Democrats. “I am amazed at the flippant ert surveillance of private data the Patriot Act in particular. government leaders meeting in veillance laws. REUTERS/AFP AFP

Toe Wrestling Championships Swiss gear up Pass immigration overhaul for vote on bill, Obama urges Senate asylum law WASHINGTON: US President e-verify system for employers. Barack Obama yesterday urged “That’s what immigration lawmakers to pass an immi- reform looks like.... They’re all GENEVA: The Swiss were yes- gration overhaul bill that the commonsense steps,” Obama terday gearing up for a popular Senate is due to debate this said. “So there is no reason that vote on whether to throw out a week, saying that it made “com- Congress can’t work together to government move to toughen up monsense” though not perfect. send a bill to my desk by the end the asylum law amid a spike in “For years, our out-of-date of the summer.” refugees to the wealthy Alpine immigration system has actually The bill will need 60 votes to pass nation. harmed our economy and threat- in the 100-seat Senate, and then Bern had made controversial ened our security,” Obama said head to the Republican-controlled changes to the asylum law after in his weekly radio and televi- House of Representatives, where applications soared to its highest sion address. “The bill before the its fate is uncertain and where level in over a decade, including Senate isn’t perfect. It’s a compro- lawmakers are drawing up their removing military desertion from mise. Nobody will get everything own immigration legislation. a list of valid grounds for seeking they want — not Democrats, not Since their defeat in the 2012 asylum in Switzerland. Republicans, not me,” he conceded. presidential elections, Republican Critics of the changes are ask- “But it is a bill that’s largely leaders have shifted positions and Alan “Nasty” Nash (left) beats Jeremy “Hard Toe” Hine in the final of the World Toe Wrestling championships ing the country’s 5.2 million vot- consistent with the principles I’ve now support immigration reform in Ashbourne, central England, yesterday. Toe wrestling was devised in the 1970s by George Burgess, who ers to voice their opinion on the repeatedly laid out for common- in the hope of winning over the wanted to give England the chance to be world-beaters in at least one sporting event. issue today through Switzerland’s sense immigration reform.” Hispanic electorate, whose clout is direct democracy system. Opinion The bill — contentious and expected to grow in future elections. polls suggest however that they are potentially historic, crafted with But the party’s right wing still likely to fail in their bid. The most bipartisan support—includes poses a big obstacle, with conserv- recent poll in late May showed 57 requirements for major advances atives resisting what they see as percent of Swiss in favour of the in border security, visa programs an “amnesty” for immigrants who Ohio kidnap suspect charged on 329 counts tougher asylum rules. for high- and low-skilled workers, broke the law by staying in the Among the most controver- and expansion of a comprehensive country illegally. AFP CHICAGO: An Ohio man Castro could face a sentence of torture through 2007. More sial changes that took effect last accused of holding three women multiple lifetimes. He is to be charges could be added for the September was the removal of captive in his home for a decade arraigned next week. remaining years. military desertion as a valid rea- has been indicted on hundreds Last month Gina DeJesus, Prosecutors said that over the son for asylum. That has been the of charges, including rape and 23, Michelle Knight, 32, and decade, the three women suf- key motive used by Eritreans, who aggravated murder, local media Amanda Berry, 27, — and the fered repeated beatings, were accounted for most applications to France to shut far-right group reported, in a case that has hor- young daughter Berry gave birth bound and restrained and sexu- Switzerland last year and whose rified the nation. to during her captivity — were ally assaulted, and never allowed country imposes unlimited and PARIS: France will shut down a fringe far-right youth group after A US grand jury late Friday freed from Castro’s house when to leave Castro’s home. under-paid military service on the killing of a leftist student in Paris this week, France’s prime charged Ariel Castro, 52, on 329 a neighbor heard Berry calling Cuyahoga County prosecutor all able-bodied men and women. minister said yesterday, reiterating his promise to crack down on counts, including 139 counts of for help and kicked in the door to Timothy McGinty last month Switzerland currently counts fascist groups. rape, 177 of kidnapping and two Castro’s house in a working-class called Castro’s home “a torture some 48,000 people in the proc- The death of 19-year-old Clement Meric in a clash between ultra- of aggravated murder for the Cleveland neighborhood. chamber and private prison,” tell- ess of seeking asylum, including right and far-left youths on Wednesday follows months of street vio- death of an unborn child of one The three women were each ing reporters: “The horrific bru- 28,631 who arrived in 2012. The lence from far-right groups over the legalisation of gay marriage. of the victims. abducted separately—Knight in tality and torture that the victims surge, attributed in part to the The group to be shut down, the Revolutionary Nationalist Youths, is the Aggravated murder could 2002, Berry in 2003 and DeJesus endured for a decade is beyond Arab Spring uprisings, marks the militant wing of a broader far-right movement known as the “Third Way”. carry the death penalty, though in 2004. A 142-page indictment comprehension.” Prosecutors have highest number since the height “I have asked (Interior Minister Manuel Valls) to immediately begin the prosecutors say they haven’t yet included accounts of what hap- alleged that Knight miscarried as of the Balkans war in 1999, when procedure ... to proclaim the dissolution of the Revolutionary Nationalist decided whether they will seek pened to the kidnapped women a result of beatings by Castro. nearly 48,000 people sought ref- Youths,” Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said in a statement. it. But in any event, if convicted, including assaults, rapes, and AFP uge in the country. AFP REUTERS SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

American group Gunman kills 4 in California urges British Five injured as shooter killed in firefight with police; tragedy miles from where Obama spoke mosques to boost security SANTA MONICA, CALIF: Carter said she walked outside A gunman dressed in black and saw a woman sitting in her LONDON: An American killed four people in a string car with blood trickling from her Islamic group has been advis- of shootings through the sea- head. One of the windows in the ing British mosques on security side California town of Santa car had been blown out, and the measures, including the instal- Monica on Friday before he was woman was lucid and on her cell lation of safe rooms and panic shot dead by police in a commu- phone talking to her husband. alarms, warning that they are nity college library, law enforce- Carter said she and another at greater risk than in any ment officials said. neighbor placed cold compresses other western country. Five other people were around the woman’s shoulder The Council on American- wounded, one of them critically, area, where there was blood, Islamic Relations (CAIR) has in the shooting rampage that and she noticed in the meantime discussed its revamped security unfolded just a few miles from that an old wood house across the regulations with the Muslim where President Barack Obama street was consumed by flames. Council of Britain (MCB) in light was speaking at a political fund- Santa Monica Police Sergeant of the murder of Drummer Lee raiser elsewhere in Santa Monica, Richard Lewis said that after Rigby, 25, in Woolwich, south- west of Los Angeles. leaving the home, the gunman east London, by two British born As the gunman lay dead on carjacked a woman and ordered Muslim extremists, on May 22, a sidewalk outside the Santa her to drive. Along the way he which it said had even provoked Monica College library, a second fired at least several rounds at a attacks in the United States. individual was taken into custody city bus, wounding three people. The security improvements near the campus and described by Arriving at the college, the gun- encouraged by CAIR, America’s police as a “person of interest” in man opened fire on a red sport largest Muslim advocacy group, the case. He was later released. utility vehicle in a staff parking encourage the building of trans- Police initially said six people lot, killing the driver and criti- parent fences around mosques, were killed by the gunman, who cally wounding his passenger, wire screens on windows, des- was described only as a man Lewis said. ignated security officials, three- between the ages of 25 and 30. The gunman, who was armed inch-thick doors, panic alarms Obama completed his remarks with an AR-15 style rifle and at and safe rooms. at his event without interrup- least one handgun, then shot and Ibrahim Hooper, a spokesman tion and left for a summit with killed another person at the col- for CAIR, said: “From the outside Chinese President Xi Jinping lege before he died in an exchange it definitely seems UK mosques near the desert resort commu- Santa Monica College students sit across the campus after being evacuated during the shooting spree in California, of gunfire with police, Lewis said. are more at risk than anywhere, nity of Palm Springs. The blood- on Friday. He said investigators had not including the States. There have shed did not appear to be related yet determined a motive for the been a number of recent incidents to Obama’s visit and the Secret elementary school and a shoot- background checks for gun buy- enforcement sources, reported rampage, adding: “It’s a horrific targeting UK mosques, groups Service called it a “local police ing last July at a suburban Denver ers — an initiative defeated in the that the first two victims were event that everybody wishes like the English Defence League matter.” movie theatre that killed 12 US Senate. believed to be the gunman’s father never happened.” [a far-right street protest move- The killing spree marked the people. Santa Monica Police said the and brother. Students at the campus library ment which opposes what it con- latest in string of high-profile Those attacks have helped carnage began at a home east “I was in my apartment when described a scene of pandemo- siders to be a spread of Islamism] mass shootings over the past reignite a national debate over of the college, where the gun- I heard five to seven shots, then a nium as the sounds of gunfire marching on mosques and a spike year, including a December gun violence in America that man shot two people dead before pause, then two shots and I knew rang out, sending some scurry- in violent right-wing groups.” attack in Connecticut that killed spurred Obama and his fellow apparently torching the home. it was guns,” neighbour Janet ing for cover. Ibrahim Mogra, assistant sec- 20 children and six adults at an Democrats to push for expanded The Los Angeles Times, citing law Carter told Reuters. REUTERS retary general of the MCB, said, while a panic alarm that could instantly alert police might in certain areas be installed, it was vital mosques did not become too security conscious. “We don’t want mosques going overboard, Call to fight hunger Flood likely to worsen in Hungary where it’s almost like a fortified place. We want these places to be BUDAPEST: Flood waters rose Throughout the German state tense,” said local police spokes- open, and seen to be welcoming at London meeting in eastern Germany yesterday, of Saxony-Anhalt, thousands of woman Ines Filohn. places that people would not hesi- forcing the evacuation of homes residents have been evacuated Along the Danube, Hungary tate to visit. Clearly our American and a hospital, as Hungary from their homes as water lev- was next in line to suffer from friends have shown concern for LONDON: Thousands of people biggest underlying cause of death propped up its defences against els on the Elbe river — already at the rising waters, with the flood us and have shared their safety gathered in London’s Hyde Park in the under-fives, according to central Europe’s worst floods in record levels in the past few days expected to peak tomorrow morn- and security measures. Although yesterday to demand action on Britain’s Development Ministry. a decade. — continued to rise by some two ing in Budapest. not all are relevant, we can learn ending world hunger as Prime Children who survive are often Elsewhere, the Austrian inte- centimetres (0.8 inches) every “It is now certain that the water from each other’s experiences. Minister David Cameron hosted stunted and this reduces their rior ministry confirmed that two hours, according to officials. level will not exceed 9.0 metres The common foe is a criminal we talks on malnutrition ahead of ability to earn money when they four people had been killed and In Bitterfeld, patients had to (30 feet) in Budapest,” Mayor wish to keep out.” the G8 summit. grow up, in turn slashing eco- two were still missing, raising the be removed from a hospital as Istvan Tarlos said yesterday. According to Tell Mama, the Microsoft founder Bill Gates nomic growth by up to 11 percent death toll in Europe from the past a dyke threatened to burst, and However, this would still sur- British government-funded and Slumdog Millionaire director in the worst affected countries. week’s floods to at least 18, includ- in the nearby medieval city of pass the 2006 historical record of monitoring project that records Danny Boyle were among those “It’s a huge problem,” Gates told ing 10 in the Czech Republic, Magdeburg, flooded roads forced 8.60 metres. anti-Muslim attacks, about 12 who took to the stage at the rally Sky News television after attend- which has warned of renewed the evacuations of several old peo- Some 1,500 people had already mosques have been targeted organised by the ‘Enough Food for ing the talks, but he insisted flood risks. ple’s homes. been evacuated in the northwest since Woolwich, including one Everyone — IF” campaign. progress was possible. Legions of soldiers and volun- In Muehlberg, a town in of Hungary, where the river has in Grimsby, in England’s East “Anyone who says that we can’t “We can cut down this malnu- teers worked through the night to Branbenburg state that was reached record levels in several Midlands, where three petrol crack the hunger crisis is wrong,” trition, and that breaks the cycle reinforce dykes and repair leaks in already evacuated in the last few locations. bombs were thrown. Boyle, who directed the opening because when kids grow up with eastern Germany and in Hungary. days, the situation remained “very AFP GUARDIAN NEWS ceremony of last year’s London the right nutrition they’re able to Olympic Games, told the crowd raise up their economy.” Gabon senator held basking in the summer sunshine. Representatives of 19 African “This is my dream — it’s a pas- countries, numerous donor coun- sionate dream — that in Olympics tries including the United States over ritual killing of to come there will be no one dying and Japan, the EU, World Bank, of hunger in any of the countries World Health Organisation, 12-year-old girl whose wonderful flags wave in the Unicef and charities joined the wind. And it is a fight that will meeting. LIBREVILLE: A member be won.” Several research and food com- of Gabon’s senate has been The rally, ten days ahead of the panies also attended, pledging to arrested in an investigation into G8 summit in Northern Ireland boost efforts to produce nutrient- the ritual killing of a 12-year- on June 17-18, was timed to coin- rich foods, such as food oil with old girl in the central African cide with a meeting of govern- added Vitamin A and D, and nation four years ago, the first ments, NGOs, businesses and locally-made supplements. time a senior politician has been global organisations on how to Irish Prime Minister Enda detained in such a case. tackle the scourge of malnutrition. Kenny, whose country holds the Rising public anger at a spate Cameron hosted the talks with rotating EU presidency, recalled of ritual killings in Gabon, an Brazilian Vice President Michel Ireland’s famine during the 19th oil-rich former French colony Temer, which resulted in fresh century as he pledged an extra on the Gulf of Guinea, sparked a pledges worth up to $4.15bn by $169 million on global nutrition. march by thousands of people in 2020 and new commitments to “Not too many generations ago the capital Libreville last month tackle the problem. we were the starving parents, the after mutilated bodies washed up The chronic lack of nutrients emaciated, shrunken and swollen on beaches. President Ali Bongo leads to the deaths of 8,000 chil- children were our own,” he said. promised the protesters that dren each day, making it the AFP anyone convicted of such killings would be jailed for life. Senator Gabriel Eyeghe Ekomie, who was stripped of his parliamen- Swedes celebrate royal wedding tary immunity in December, was An aerial view yesterday of houses surrounded by the flooded River Danube in Budapest, Hungary. arrested on Friday. REUTERS STOCKHOLM: At the cer- Flag-waving emony inside Swedes and roy- the royal als celebrated chapel, O’Neill as Sweden’s held back tears Princess as his bride Madeleine, the walked down Nelson Mandela back in hospital yet again youngest child the isle to a of King Carl Swedish wed- PRETORIA: Nelson Mandela simple one. Madiba is a fighter icon, who has long had problems so I think that is a positive side,” XVI Gustaf, ding hymn, was back in hospital yesterday and at his age as long as he is with his lungs, was once again he added. yesterday mar- minutes in a “serious but stable” condi- fighting, he’ll be fine,” presidency suffering pneumonia after being The ruling ANC called on ried New York before Roxette tion, triggering an outpouring spokesman Mac Maharaj told admitted to hospital in March for South Africans and people around businessman Chris O’Neill and Princess singer Marie of concern for South Africa’s AFP, using Mandela’s clan name. 10 days for the same condition, the world to keep “our beloved Chris O’Neill. Madeleine Fredriksson beloved national hero at home His wife Graca Machel was he said. statesman and icon, Madiba” in The crowd gath- performed one and across the globe. with him at the hospital after “His condition deteriorated their thoughts and prayers. ered outside the palace in of her best known Swedish Mandela, who turns 95 next calling off a trip to London ear- to the point where it was found The Nobel peace laureate is Stockholm cheered as the ballads. month, was admitted to a Pretoria lier this week. necessary to hospitalise him,” said revered around the world as a newlyweds kissed three times The wedding, held in Swedish hospital in the early hours suf- “This morning when Madiba Maharaj, who served time with symbol of peace and forgiveness before riding in a horse and and English, was witnessed by fering a renewed lung infection, was hospitalised she accompanied Mandela at the apartheid prison after leading South Africa into carriage procession through some other royals. his fourth hospital stay in seven him and she is with him at the on Robben Island. multi-race democracy as its first the heart of the capital. AFP months and the third this year. hospital,” said Maharaj. “But I am told by the doctors black president after decades of “The truth of the matter is a The revered anti-apartheid that he is breathing on his own, apartheid rule. AFP SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES

Expulsions of China, US to tackle cyber security MPs decried WASHINGTON: The US Xi and Obama inject warmth into chilly ties, talk about differences during informal summit yesterday said it was “deeply concerned” by reports that RANCHO MIRAGE, 40 years after President Richard opposition MPs have been CALIFFORNIA: US President Nixon’s visit to Communist China expelled from Cambodia’s Barack Obama and his Chinese in 1972 ended decades of estrange- national assembly. On counterpart Xi Jinping ment between both countries. Wednesday, 28 MPs belong- launched a second day of discus- Ties have been buffeted in ing to two opposition parties sions yesterday on issues from recent months by strains over were told they were no longer cyber hacking to North Korea trade disputes, bellicose behaviour valid members of parliament at a get-to-know-you sum- by nuclear-armed North Korea, by a permanent parliamen- mit that may set the stage for human rights issues and each tary committee made up of US-Chinese ties for years. country’s military intentions. ruling party members. State The two-day meeting at a China experts say if Obama Department spokesperson Jen sunny retreat near Palm Springs, and Xi can develop personal rap- Psaki urged assembly leaders California, was meant to be an port — something lacking between “to allow all elected mem- informal chance for Obama and US presidents and Xi’s predeces- bers to fulfil their commit- Xi to inject warmth into often sor, Hu Jintao — and make some ment to serve the Cambodian chilly relations and talk about progress on substantive issues, people.” “Stripping salaries their differences openly. the summit could gain historic and parliamentary status of As their second day of meet- significance. opposition party legislators ings began, both leaders appeared While China worries that the deprives the Cambodian peo- outside in the morning heat at the US is trying to encircle it mili- ple of their voice and hurts Sunnylands retreat, a secluded tarily with its strategic “pivot to the democratic process in 200-acre complex. They walked Asia”, the cyber dispute is the Cambodia. Full participation side by side, smiling and chatting most pressing issue for Obama. of all elected representatives in English. Trailed by translators The Washington Post reported is essential to the democratic and aides, both, dressed casually recently that China had used process,” he said. in shirtsleeves, walked across a cyber attacks to access data from small arched bridge. nearly 40 Pentagon weapons pro- US President Barack Obama (left) and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping (right) with their delegates during a Thailand-China “Terrific”, said Obama when grammes, including the F-35 Joint meeting at the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage, California yesterday. asked by a reporter how meet- Strike Fighter. China dismissed train planned ings were going. Both leaders had the report, saying it needed discussions on Friday night, Xi They also agreed on the impor- summit also included North plenty to discuss as they wrestled no outside help for its military and Obama said they needed to tance of improved military-to- Korea, world trade and China’s BANGKOK: Thailand will with how to handle China’s rise development. work together to tackle cyber- military ties hindered by mistrust territorial disputes in the South be connected with China via on the world stage, more than After more than two hours of security issues. and poor communication. The and East China Seas. REUTERS a high-speed railway run- ning through northern Laos within the next seven years, Thai Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt said. He told a seminar and exhibition entitled “Thailand 2020” in S Korea, North to hold Aquino lures foreign investors the Thai northeastern prov- ince of Nakorn Ratchasima NAYPYIDAW: Being called known the world over for their time to invest in the Philippines. that the government planned talks in truce village the “brightest spark” in industry, loyalty, and creativity,” More and more opportunities to build a 625km rail system Southeast Asia and “Asia’s Aquino said during a luncheon have been created... both as a to link Bangkok with the SEOUL: South Korea yesterday said the North had agreed to Rising Tiger,” President Aquino hosted by Ayala Corp. result of and as an affirmation of northeastern border province hold working-level talks in the border truce village of Panmunjom told businessmen attending the “In our country, you have the our commitment to reform, and of Nong Khai, across Mekong this weekend following months of soaring tensions — the first 22nd World Economic Forum recipe for sustained, inclusive we are here today to share these River from the Lao capital such dialogue in more than two years. (WEF) on East Asia here that growth that benefits investors opportunities and invite you to of Vientiane while Chinese The two Koreas agreed to send three delegates each to Panmunjom, the Philippines was ripe for and the public alike. All that work with us,” Aquino said. high-speed trains will arrive a traditional point of contact on their border, for talks today aimed investments. The President is left is for us to engage each He said the development of from the south. at paving the way for higher-level negotiations, Seoul’s Unification touted the reforms and the other, and work together – and infrastructure is necessary for Ministry said. Pyongyang conveyed its decision to the South through new mandate his administra- this is precisely why we are here the growth of all other sectors. Gunmen kill a hotline between the two sides that was re-opened on Friday, the tion received from the Filipino today,” he said. He called on the “Right now, the Philippines is ministry said. The hotline was severed in March as military tensions people in the last midterm businessmen to see challenges in behind its Asean (Association of five hooligans soared on the divided peninsula. elections. the Philippines as opportunities Southeast Asian Nations) coun- A spokesman for Pyongyang’s Committee for the Peaceful Aquino and members of his as they could come and build the terparts in this regard, including MANILA: Five men believed Reunification of Korea then suggested initial lower-level talks today delegation arrived here yesterday much-needed infrastructure as the state of our roads. Instead to be members of a Philippine in the Kaesong joint industrial zone. morning for the forum and had well as participate in the agricul- of seeing this as a setback, we crime gang were killed yes- The two nations unexpectedly reached a snap agreement Thursday separate meetings with Myanmar ture and tourism sectors. choose to see it as an opportu- terday, including two who on opening a dialogue, with South Korea responding to a North ini- President Thein Sein, opposition With a 7.8 percent gross nity to make quality investments were beheaded in a sus- tiative by offering a ministerial-level meeting in Seoul on June 12. leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and domestic product growth in the into infrastructure. So, we have pected revenge attack, police The South’s Unification Ministry — using the newly reopened Klaus Schwab, founder and exec- first quarter, investment grade increased our budget for infra- said. About 10 hooded gun- hotline — agreed but said Panmunjom would be a more appropriate utive chairman of the WEF. from Fitch Ratings and Standard structure, from $4.86bn in 2012 men broke into the shack venue. “Today, all the factors are and Poor’s, victory in the last elec- to $5.94bn in 2013. This more where the gang was stay- The proposed agenda for the North-South talks involves the re- in place: political stability, low tions, reforms in various aspects than $1bn increase will go toward ing in the northern town of opening of Kaesong, the resumption of tours to the North’s Mount inflation and low borrowing to make the country conducive paving all unpaved sections of our Bugallon and shot two of the Kumgang resort and renewed cross-border family reunions. rates, opportunities for growth to business, the President said national road network, and devel- men in the hands and feet, The Kaesong complex, established in 2004 as a symbol of inter- in almost all sectors, a govern- businessmen should no longer oping airports and other trans- said Senior Inspector Ryan Korean cooperation, was the most high-profile casualty of the recent ment committed to integrity have doubts about coming to the port hubs in the country,” he said. Manongdo, the provincial tensions. AFP and empowerment, and a people Philippines. “This is the perfect THE PHILIPPINE STAR police spokesman. The gun- men then beheaded the two wounded men before shooting dead the three, he added. “The victims were allegedly engaged Chariot Festival in illegal activities, such as Suspect named in bus burglaries and cattle rustling,” he said, adding that police were looking into the possibil- ity that the killings were car- arson that killed 47 ried out by a family previously targeted by the gang. BEIJING: An arsonist who ablaze by an unemployed man wanted to “vent personal griev- with gasoline, killing 28 people 12 die as bus ances” is suspected to have and injuring more than 70. caused a horrific bus blaze in Online reports said there was falls off cliff China which left 47 people dead, heightened security at bus stops state media said yesterday. in Xiamen yesterday. LA TRINIDAD, Police in Xiamen found notes at Xinhua said there were 90 pas- PHILIPPINES: A bus car- the house of a local man saying he sengers on the bus when it caught rying supporters of a local planned the arson attack, which fire, five less than the vehicle’s politician fell off a cliff in saw a bus being engulfed in flames capacity. the mountainous northern within minutes during Friday’s Thirty-four people were hospi- Philippines yesterday, killing evening rush hour in the south- talised following the blaze on the 12 people, police said. The vic- eastern coastal city, Xinhua said. BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) vehicle. tims were supporters of the Chen Shuizong, who was born Witnesses said the bus was Mayor of the town of Buguias, in 1954, planned the attack as he destroyed within 10 minutes by Melchor Diclas, and going was “unhappy and pessimistic”, the fire, and some heard a series home from a victory party he Devotees carry traditional torches during festivities on the last day of the Rato Machindranath chariot festival, the official state news agency of explosions. hosted after he retained his also known as Bhoto Jatra, in Bungamati, on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal yesterday. said, quoting a statement from Jiang Xiatong, who was sitting post in last month’s elections. the local government. near the back window of the bus, Rescuers found 10 bodies at The statement also said DNA told the state-run Global Times the bottom of an 80-metre evidence found that Chen was the newspaper that she smelt a ravine and two were declared key suspect in the tragedy, one of “peculiar odour” before the vehi- dead on arrival at nearby $200m UN food aid for N Korea China’s deadliest individual acts cle caught fire. hospitals. Seven passengers of violence in recent years. A total of 15 students were on were treated for injuries. SEOUL: The United Nation (WFP) will continue to focus on but two thirds of the nation’s Chen died in the inferno, the board the bus, and seven of them food body yesterday said it had the nutritional needs of young 24 million population were still statement said. are receiving medical treatment Quake strikes approved $200m of food aid children and their mothers chronically food insecure. City officials had earlier told a in hospital, Xinhua said. for North Korea, targeting the through food which will be manu- Nearly 28 percent of children news conference that a criminal Eight students remain miss- off Taiwan country’s most vulnerable peo- factured in the North using ingre- under five in the North suffer probe had been launched after ing, according to the Xiamen ple who remain dependent on dients imported by the food body, from chronic malnutrition and initial investigations showed the Municipal Education Bureau. BEIJING: An earthquake external assistance. he said. four percent are acutely mal- accelerant was petrol, while the Xinhua also said that two can- admeasuring 5.9 magnitude The World Food Programme “World Food Programme nourished, according to a United bus was equipped with a diesel didates for the gaokao, China’s on the Richter scale struck (WFP) executive board has (WFP) remains very concerned Nation national nutrition survey engine. national university entry exami- off the east coast of Taiwan this week approved a new two- about the long-term intellectual last year. The investigation by experts nation, were among those being yesterday, the US Geological year operation for North Korea and physical development of International food aid, espe- and police also showed that treated at hospital. The two-day Survey said. The quake hit starting on July 1, World Food young children in particular who cially that from South Korea the tyres and tank of the bus exam began on Friday. at 00.38am and was cen- Programme (WFP) spokesman are malnourished due to a diet and the United States, has been “remained complete”, Xinhua “It was rush hour, the train tred 98km east of the city of Marcus Prior said. lacking in key proteins, fats and drastically cut over the past sev- said. was full and it was a total mess Hualian, at a depth of 38 km. “It will target about 2.4 million micronutrients,” added Prior. eral years amid tensions over the There have been previous after the explosion,” a student There were no reports of cas- people - almost all children, and In March, United Nation resi- communist state’s nuclear and reports of attacks on public surnamed Lu told the local Fujian ualties or damage from the pregnant and nursing women - dent coordinator in North Korea missile programmes. transport in China, by people web portal fjsen.com. tremor, which struck 63km with about 207,000 metric tons Desiree Jongsma said timely The US last provided food aid aiming to air personal grievances He also said his hair caught southwest of the Japanese of food assistance at a cost of imports from the World Food to North Korea from late 2008 to or settle scores with authorities. fire, but he escaped the blaze town of Yonakuni in the $200m,” he said. Programme (WFP) had contrib- March 2009. In 2009, a bus in China’s south- through the bus window. Yaeyama Islands. AGENCIES The World Food Programme uted to avoiding a crisis this year AFP western city of Chengdu was set AFP SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 US envoy called Scholarly test over drone raid Islamabad protests killings in tribal belt

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad summoned fight against Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants an American diplomat yesterday to pro- in the lawless tribal areas along the border test over the latest US drone strike which with Afghanistan. killed seven people in northwest Pakistan, Sharif’s government had publicly criti- the foreign ministry said. cised the drone strike that killed Waliur The missile attack in the restive North Rehman, the number two in the Tehreek- Waziristan tribal district on Friday was e-Taliban Pakistan faction and five others the first since Nawaz Sharif was sworn in in North Waziristan on May 29. The senior as prime minister this week calling for an leader, who had a $5 million US govern- end to such strikes. “It was conveyed to the ment bounty on his head, was killed after US charge d’affaires that the government US President Barack Obama outlined new of Pakistan strongly condemns the drone and more restrictive guidelines on drone use. strikes which are a violation of Pakistan’s Washington had accused Rehman of sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the organising attacks against US and Nato foreign ministry statement said, calling for forces in Afghanistan including a suicide an immediate end to the attacks. attack in 2009 that killed seven CIA agents. Richard Hoagland was summoned to the Ties with Washington will be a key part of foreign office on Sharif’s orders, it said. Sharif’s tenure, particularly as Nato with- “It was also pointed out that the govern- draws the bulk of its forces from Afghanistan ment of Pakistan has consistently maintained by the end of next year after more than 12 that drone strikes are counter-productive, years of war. entail loss of innocent civilian lives and have “It was also stressed that these drone human rights and humanitarian implica- strikes have a negative impact on the mutual tions,” the statement said. desire of both countries to forge a cordial Attacks by unmanned American air- and cooperative relationship and to ensure craft are deeply unpopular in Pakistan, but peace and stability in the region,” the foreign Washington views them as a vital tool in the ministry said. AGENCIES Students sit for an examination to become religious scholars, at the Jamia Binoria Al Alamia Seminary in Karachi yesterday. About 1,100 students took the annual test.

German FM Afghan ‘insider attack’ Sharif may visit Kabul meets Karzai LAHORE: Pakistan Prime Minister of the visit are yet to be confirmed,” Azeem Nawaz Sharif is likely to visit Kabul next added. The two leaders, he said, would dis- KABUL: German Foreign week to meet President Hamid Karzai cuss issues, including talks with Taliban. Minister Guido Westerwelle claims two Nato troops to involve him in efforts to make the The JUI-S leader said that Sharif had arrived in Kabul yester- KABUL: Three Americans — two sol- Assistance Force service members and Afghan Taliban agree to holding talks earlier requested Haq to play a role in day and held talks with diers and a civilian — were killed in one US civilian were killed today when an for peace. arranging talks between Taliban and the President Hamed Karzai. Afghanistan yesterday when a man in individual wearing an ANA uniform turned “We have learnt through sources that Pakistan government but the latter had They discussed the German an Afghan army uniform turned his his weapon against (them),” a Nato state- Sharif is scheduled to visit Afghanistan kept quiet. troops withdrawal by 2014 weapon on them in the eastern province ment said. next week where he will primarily dis- He said his party firmly believed that the and the presidential elections of Paktika, the Nato-led force said. Also, an Italian soldier was killed and cuss with Karzai the core issues relating Taliban could be brought to the negotiating in Afghanistan next year. So-called insider attacks by Afghan three others were wounded when a child to talks with Taliban,” Muhammad Asim table if the PML-N government succeeded Westerwelle stressed his gov- soldiers on Nato allies have become an threw a grenade at a Nato convoy in the Makhdoom, Central Information Secretary in getting the US drone attacks stopped ernment’s adherence to plans increasing problem over the past year, western province of Farah, a Taliban of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (Samiul Haq), immediately. of the German army’s with- threatening to undermine waning support spokesman said said yesterday. “Since the US and Pakistan are seek- drawal. He was also due to for the war among Western nations send- “A brave, heroic 11-year-old Afghan Maulana Samiul Haq had been formally ing talks with the Taliban, we will have to hold talks with the leadership ing troops. child hurled a hand grenade at dismounted contacted and requested by Sharif to use ensure that drone attacks are stopped first. in Islamabad later in the day. The three Americans were shot dead Italian troops in Farah city,” the Taliban his influence in bringing Taliban to the Therefore, the new government will have by the man following an argument, the said in a statement. The four deaths bring negotiating table. PML-N leader Senator to be serious if it really wants to resolve Budget targets Paktika provincial governor’s spokesman to 16 the number of international troops Tariq Azeem confirmed that the prime the issue,” Makhdoom said. Mukhlas Afghan said, adding that three killed in Afghanistan this month and come minister might visit Kabul soon. Haq said Afghan President Hamid Karzai $24bn revenue Americans were wounded. The attacker two days after seven Georgian soldiers died “The prime minister has formally accepted was a helpless man and not in a position to was shot dead soon after he opened fire. in a suicide car bombing in the southern the invitation extended by Karzai recently. resolve the issue. ISLAMABAD: The fed- “Two US International Security province of Helmand. AGENCIES He (Sahib) has decided to go there and dates INTERNEWS eral budget 2013-14 envis- ages additional taxation of Rs150bn ($1.515bn) and an annual revenue of Rs2,400bn ($24.242bn). Former finance minister Hafeez Shaikh had set a Two-thirds in Sharif cabinet are first-timers revenue target of Rs2,381bn for the current fiscal year ISLAMABAD: Two-thirds of Enginer Amir Muqam, who and Senator Ishaq Dar grace a heavy mandate to the PML-N, Ibrahim’ Khurram Dastagir, which was later revised to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s faced defeat on May 11 despite the cabinet. Sardar Sanaullah clinched large representation in Sheikh Aftab, Abdul Hakeem Rs2,183bn. According to offi- federal team, sworn in yes- working hard in the Khyber- Zehri, heads the Pakistan the cabinet followed by Sindh, Baloch’ Saira Afzal Tarar’ Anusha cials, Rs2,050bn receipts terday, has made it to the fed- Pakhtunkhwa for the PML-N, was Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Balochistan and KP. Rehman, and Pir Aminul Hasnat. are expected in the current eral cabinet for the first time made an adviser. Captain Shujaat Balochistan, was named as special Sardar Yousuf’s son Shahjehan Two female ministers - Anusha fiscal year, with a short- while it does not include the Azim, nominated as adviser on assistant to Nawaz Sharif. was minister in the last cabinet. Rehman and Saira Afzal Tarar - fall of Rs331bn. Experts say ever eager JUI of Maulana aviation, is the brother of former The first-timers dominate Usman Ibrahim was then asso- are staunchly committed to the authorities could hardly col- Fazlur Rehman yet contains a Senator Tariq Azim and had flown Nawaz Sharif’s team, which has ciated with the PML-Q. Riaz PML-N since long. Rehman is a lect Rs1,950bn or Rs2,000bn few leading members of Pervez the plane of Lebanese leader Rafiq conspicuous presence of those Pirzada, affiliated with the PML- hardworking and down-to-earth and that too with some tax Musharraf’s squad and four Hariri. Tariq Fatami was made who were physically or men- Q, was minister in the last cabi- lady. Tarar is the daughter-in-law amnesty scheme. They say unelected members. special assistant to prime min- tally tortured or faced prolonged net. He joined the PML-N shortly of former President Rafiq Tarar. while making a budget of Unelected members of the cabi- ister. Zahid Hamid remained imprisonments and inhuman per- before the May 11 polls. Khawaja Asif, Saad Rafiq, Rs1,950bn to Rs2,050bn, the net include Shujaat Azim, Tariq Musharraf’s law minister. Sikandar secution during Musharraf’s era, The first-timers in the cabinet Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Tanvir, Barjees next revenue target would Fatami, Sartaj Aziz and Amir Bosan, a powerful rival of Yusuf but stood loyal to the PML-N. include Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Tahir, Khurram Dastagir, Sheikh have to be set keeping in view Muqam. Aging veteran Sartaj Raza Gilani in Multan, was also Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Asif, Pervez Rana Tanvir, Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Aftab, Abbasi and Abdul Qadir 13.25 percent inflation and Aziz, who remained politically minister during Musharraf’s time. Rashid and Chaudhry Nisar are Sardar Yusuf, Pervez Rashid, Baloch stood with the PML-N in GDP growth and Rs1,50bn inactive during Musharraf’s time, Highly experienced hands noteworthy old timers in this Barjees Tahir, Kamran Micheal, rain and shine. additional taxes will be is National Security Adviser. like Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan connection. Punjab, which gave Mian Balighur Rehman’ Usman INTERNEWS required to earn Rs2,400bn. $8.4bn power conversion set LAHORE: Pakistan plans A $20,000 pet lion that roars from Kabul rooftop to save $8.4bn by convert- ing 4,274MW of furnace KABUL: For Kabul’s elite some things are de rigueur: insurgent bombs and ambushes. He brushed off sugges- oil-based power plants to Armed guards, a marble-clad mansion, a blacked-out tions he is being cruel by keeping a large wild animal in coal-fuelled ones, officials SUV. But one man has taken the flamboyant lifestyle a captivity in a city, and said he though it may have come to said. It was decided in a meet- step further and bought a lion. Afghanistan via Iran. He has plans to move it to a large ing chaired by Prime Minister Businessman Mohammad Shafiq, 42, is proud of his pen in the backyard of another property in the capital. Nawaz Sharif. Savings will be growling pet, which spends its days prowling a terrace at Claire McMaster, Wildlife Director at the World Society made by reducing imports of his sprawling home in a posh residential area in the district for the Protection of Animals, criticised Shafiq, warning furnace oil. Experts briefed of Taimani in central Kabul. that any captive lion posed a serious threat to human life. Sharif on high costs of power “A friend said he had a lion in Kandahar and wanted to “Wild animals should not be kept as pets as it is cruel generated from furnace oil. sell it to me,” Shafiq, who runs a construction company, to hold them in captivity and confined away from their said. “He knew I love dogs and birds, but this was more natural habitat, especially as owners are unlikely to meet Reward for tax than what I was expecting. “I had seen lions on TV and their complex needs,” she said. “The other problem with in the zoo, but never this close. So I said I will buy it. To keeping a wild animal as a pet is that unlike domesticated evasion tip-off me, lions are brave and I respect them.” The lion, still animals, the size and unpredictable behaviour could lead unnamed, is not chained up and has no collar and spends to serious injury or death to the owner.” KARACHI: The Federal much of the day lying quietly in a corner of the terrace Kabul Zoo has a lioness donated by China, and was Board of Revenue of Pakistan above a storeroom, coming down each evening to eat. once home to a half-blind lion called Marjan, who became wants informers to be paid Shafiq says he spends about $1,000 a month employing a symbol of Afghan survival after living through coups, attractive rewards on identi- a caretaker to feed it fresh meat bought from a butcher invasions, civil war and the Taliban era. Marjan, born in fication of new taxpayers and and paying a vet to check its health regularly. A man approaching the lion on the rooftop of a home in central 1976, was blinded by a grenade thrown by a soldier whose recovery of tax. It has asked Tens of billions of dollars have flown into Afghanistan Kabul. brother had been killed after entering its cage, but lived to implement reward rules to in the 12 years since the US-led invasion that toppled the on through until 2002. “I would be shocked if there is a pet enable it to broaden the tax Taliban. Some Afghans have become very rich. But Shafiq he had owned the male cub for two months and thought lion in Kabul,” Aziz Gul Saqeb, Director of Kabul Zoo, said. base. An official said rewards is thought to be the only person to acquire such an unusual it was now about six months old. “It’s very hard to keep a lion, it’s a wild animal.” would attract more and more status symbol. Shafiq, who says he was a resistance fighter “It cost me $20,000, including transport from Kandahar Shafiq admits he may not be able to keep it long term. people to the cause. when the Taliban fell and made money through construc- to Kabul by road,” he said, declining to explain about “I don’t know, I will see and I might give him to Kabul Zoo AGENCIES tion contracts for clients, including the US embassy, said how the lion was driven on the 480km route often hit by one day,” he said. AFP SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA

Pilgrims head for Pakistan Top DU official AP speaker defends 4-year undergraduate disqualifies programme NEW DELHI: Slamming his detractors, Delhi University Vice Chancellor Dinesh Singh yesterday said the four-year 15 legislators undergraduate programme was not an eccentric brainwave of one man, and that the univer- sity brass was not a “bunch of Rebel MLAs are from Congress, TDP doofuses” wrecking the system. Speaking on TV channel HYDERABAD: Acting against disqualification of nine legisla- Headlines Today, Singh said: “It’s rebel legislators, the Andhra tors each for violating party whips a big decision. It’s not that one Pradesh speaker yesterday during voting on a no-confidence man woke up one day and decided disqualified 15 members of the motion moved by Telangana to change the system. Do you legislative assembly belonging Rashtra Samithi (TRS) against think everybody here is a bunch to the ruling Congress and the the government in March. of doofuses, who decided to wreck main opposition TDP for violat- The legislators, most of whom the system?” ing party whips. have switched loyalties to the “Please give us some credit, Speaker N Manohar, who YSR Congress party, supported there’s some wisdom on our side. heard petitions moved by the the no-trust motion. The academic council, the aca- two parties during the past few The TDP had issued a whip to demic congress and executive weeks, announced his decision its legislators to remain neutral Sikh pilgrims prepare to board a bus to Pakistan at the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar yesterday. Hundreds council held massive consultations last evening. Nine of those dis- during the voting. of Sikhs from India are expected to take part in the 407th martyrdom day celebrations of the fifth Sikh guru, and more than 3,000 teachers qualified belong to the Congress The speaker has not taken a Arjun Dev, on Wednesday at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore. participated in the syllabus-mak- and the six others are members of decision on disqualification of ing process,” he added. Telugu Desam Party (TDP). three TDP legislators — Chinnam Slamming allegations that stu- The speaker took the action Ramakotaiah, K Harishwar dents would lose a crucial year in under Rule 2 (1) (b) of the Tenth Reddy and S Venugopalachari. the job market, Singh said it was Schedule of the constitution for During the hearing, they told the not compulsory for students to voting against the party whip. speaker that they did not receive President bemoans quality of stay for four years and that they The disqualifications have the party whip. can get a bachelor’s degree with a brought down the strength of The speaker disqualified the major in a subject in three years. Congress to 146 in the 294-mem- legislators two days before the “If it’s bothering you, you can ber house. However, with 16 second phase of the budget ses- higher education institutions exit in three years. And then you vacancies in the house, the sion, beginning tomorrow. can come back within 10 years Congress government is in a com- The speaker said a TDP peti- INDORE: President Pranab this. Ancient Indian universi- be better prepared for a highly and complete your four-year fortable position. tion for disqualification of another Mukherjee yesterday said that ties like Takshashila, Nalanda, competitive world. degree,” he said. The ruling party needs 140 rebel, Gangula Kamlakar, was no Indian institution figured Vikramashila, Valabhi, Somapura “Centres of higher learning He added that the new system members to achieve majority, pending. The opposition party sub- among the top 200 universities and Odantapuri had dominated should have the expertise to would curb the dropout rate. with the effective strength of the mitted the petition three days ago. in the world and added that the world higher education sys- impart such skills training. They “The dropout rate in Delhi house being 278. With less than Kamlakar recently joined TRS. higher education did not have tem for many years,” the presi- should emphasise on research, University is 30 percent annually a year to go for assembly polls, The number of legislators dis- enough quality institutions in dent said. innovation and development,” he and eight percent quit in the third by-elections to the vacant seats qualified in the present assembly the country. Noting that affordability, acces- said. year. Now, you can at least leave are unlikely. has now gone up to 34, which is a Addressing the first convo- sibility and availability were key He said the passing out of the with a piece of paper and come The nine Congress lawmak- record in the state’s history. cation of Indian Institute of factors in higher education, first batch of 101 engineering back after 10 years and complete ers disqualified are: Alla Nani, G With the latest disqualifica- Technology, Indore, the presi- Mukherjee said technology could students from IIT Indore was a your third year and fourth year. Ravi Kumar, D Chandrasekara tions, the strength of TDP in the dent said the drive to enhance the enable refinement in teaching major milestone in the annals of Your admission is guaranteed,” Reddy, Jogi Ramesh, Perni Nani, house has come down to 79. The quality of education should engage methodology. the institute. Singh said. B Sivaprasada Reddy, M Rajesh, TRS and the YSR Congress have the attention of policymakers as “It can address the challenges of Mukherjee said that IIT alumni Arguing that students would S Krishna Ranga Rao and P 17 seats each, Majlis-e-Ittehadul moves are being made to increase quantity, quality, accessibility and were active in the affairs of top get a competitive edge in the job Ramchandra Reddy. Muslimeen seven, Communist the number of higher educational faculty shortage. E-classrooms universities in the United States, market, Singh said: “Four weeks The disqualified TDP rebels Party of India four, Bharatiya institutions. permit information and knowl- including Harvard, and hoped ago, we invited a major corporate are: Amarnath Reddy, Praveen Janata Party three, Communist “It is a matter of concern edge sharing by wider dispersal that students leaving the portals house for campus recruitment. Of Kumar Reddy, Y Balanagi Reddy, Party of India-Marxist one and that the list of the top 200 uni- of lectures, overcoming distance,” of IIT-Indore would continue the 1,100 students, only three were Kodali Srivenkateswara Rao, Lok Satta one. There are three versities in the world does not the president said. their association with their alma found eligible. This speaks volumes Taneti Vanitha and P Sairaj. independents. contain a single Indian institu- He said those graduating from mater in a meaningful way. about our education system.” The two parties had sought IANS tion. The past has not been like higher education centres should IANS IANS

Top Maoist Mother finds Jiah Khan ‘note’ JMM members threaten gunned down MUMBAI: In the Jiah Khan Sooraj is the son of actor-cou- Jiah was found hanging in her NEW DELHI: A top Maoist alias Nafisa Khan suicide case, ple Aditya Pancholi and Zarina home in Sagar Sangeet building was killed yesterday in a police have recovered a note Wahab. A day after 25-year-old in the posh Juhu area of north- to quit state assembly shoot-out with security purportedly written by the Jiah Khan’s suicide on June 3, west Mumbai, where she lived forces in Chhattisgarh, an actress speaking about her dis- Sooraj was quizzed for several with her family. RANCHI: A Jharkhand Mukti that their central leaders were official said here. turbed relationship with her hours by police and allowed to go. The six-page note details Jiah’s Morcha (JMM) legislator said considering formation of a Udham Singh, general sec- boyfriend Sooraj Pancholi here, Police said they would seek strained relationship with Sooraj, here yesterday that all his party government. retary of the area commit- an official said yesterday. expert help to verify Jiah’s hand- alleging that he had cheated her colleagues will quit the state “Our central leaders will take a tee, was killed in a gunfight in The note was recovered on writing in the letter, a notarised though she trusted him. assembly if a government is not final stand. The Congress leaders Bukmar forest in Rajnandgaon Friday, the official said. copy of which has been handed “By the time you will be read- formed in the state by June 16. will not take any decision under district with joint forces of the “Jiah Khan’s mother has handed over to investigators. ing this letter, probably by then “All legislators of our party will pressure. At present, the focus Indo-Tibetan Border Police over the note to us along with her It is not known when Jiah Khan I won’t be there in this world,” quit if a government is not formed is to improve the administra- (ITBP) and police. According statement. It will be scrutinized penned the note and how it was the note is reported to have said, before June 16,” JMM legislator tive system of the state,” a state to the ITBP, Udham Singh car- and legal opinion will be sought,” discovered by her family six days indicating that she had planned Polus Surin told reporters here Congress leader said. ried a reward of Rs200,000 on Additional Commissioner of Police after her death. to end her life. Saturday. Soon after the imposition of his head. (West) Vishwas Nagre-Patil said. Last Monday, around midnight, IANS Echoing his view, Vishnu president’s rule, there was spec- Bhaiya, another JMM legislator, ulation that legislators from the AIADMK eyes asked: “What is the use of being a Congress, the Rashtriya Janata legislator if no government exists. Dal (RJD) and some independ- all 40 seats It will be better that the state ents could support an alternative Thousands swallow fish ‘medicine’ assembly is dissolved and polls government led by the JMM. CHENNAI: The ruling take place.” The proposed arrangement was AIADMK in Tamil Nadu HYDERABAD: Thousands President’s rule was imposed in said to be capable of forming a yesterday vowed to win all of asthma patients from across the state on January 18 after the coalition comprising 41 legislators. the Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Andhra Pradesh and other JMM withdrew its support to the Of the 82 legislators in the state, Nadu and Puducherry in the states yesterday lined up for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led 37 are in favour of fresh polls. next year’s general elections fish ‘prasadam’ (medicine), regime. The 37 included 18 assem- while condemning the centre which is believed to cure the The JMM legislators said they bly members of the BJP, six of for acting against federalism. disease. were unhappy as the Congress the All Jharkhand Students’ At a meeting here, the The Bathini Goud family was not making its stand clear on Union, two of Janata Dal-United party’s executive committee started distributing the medi- the issue of formation of a state and 11 of the Jharkhand Vikas passed 16 resolutions, includ- cine at the sprawling Exhibition government. Morch-Prajatantrik. ing one in which the party Grounds here after a ritual at State Congress leaders said IANS resolved to win 40 Lok Sabha noon, the time of ‘Mirgasira seats (39 in Tamil Nadu and Karthi’, which heralds the onset one in Puducherry) in the 2014 of monsoon. The distribution general elections. will continue till this noon. The “medicine” is a “secret” Monsoon hits yellow herbal paste to be Punjab doctors to go on strike swallowed with a live murrel Odisha early fingerling. CHANDIGARH: Upset over The association said that its Vegetarian patients are given A member of the Bathini Goud family administers ‘fish medicine’ to a the recent decision of the members would only provide BHUBANESWAR: The the paste with jaggery. However, patient at Exhibition Grounds in Hyderabad yesterday. Punjab health department to emergency services and delivery southwest monsoon arrived the Goud family says the medi- transfer the state’s 523 spe- services for pregnant women dur- in Odisha yesterday, two days cine is effective only if swallowed family’s claims, terming the A trust run by the Goud fam- cialist doctors, an association ing its protest. ahead of its usual schedule, with the fish. It is believed that practice unscientific and super- ily had submitted to the court of government doctors yester- Doctors are unlikely to pro- an official said. if taken for three consecutive stition. After the substance was that they had been distributing day announced that it will go vide out-patient department “It advanced over some parts years, it cures asthma. tested in laboratories, the high the medicine for over 160 years. on a two-day strike beginning services or conduct post-mortem of south Odisha and conditions Sheer belief attracts thou- court had observed that while its In 1997, the state government tomorrow. examinations. are favourable for further sands to the event, despite the efficacy was not proven, it was had asked the family to shift The strike call was given by Association general secretary advance of the monsoon over controversies surrounding it. not harmful either. the venue from their ancestral the Punjab Civil Medical Services Gagandeep Shergill said that some more parts of the state “I have come here for the Fisheries department officials house in the old city. (PCMS) Association yesterday to their agitation would continue till during next three days,” a sen- second time. It has given some said they had made arrange- Last year, the event was protest against the mass trans- the order of mass transfers was ior official of the Bhubaneswar relief and I hope it will cure the ments to supply 50,000 finger- shifted to a ground on the city’s fers. The strike is likely to cripple withdrawn. meteorological centre said. problem,” said Ramakrishna lings for the annual event. outskirts. The authorities had government hospitals and health Health Minister Madan Mohan A good monsoon is crucial Reddy, a patient from Kurnool The Andhra Pradesh High failed to control the crowd, lead- centres across the state. Mittal has justified the mass for the state, which has about town of Andhra Pradesh. Court on Friday suspended the ing to stampede, which killed The decision to resort to strike transfers saying that the meas- 75 percent of its workforce Rationalists and some rights orders of Lokayukta regarding one and injured several others. was taken after a meeting of the ure was taken to improve health engaged in agriculture. groups have challenged the the arrangements. IANS PCMS association in Ludhiana, services. IANS 110km from here. IANS SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Split BJP to decide on Modi today Advani, Jaswant Singh among leaders skipping meet PANAJI: A divided BJP will explain the absence of 85-year- of a major announcement, even as wait until today to take a call on old Advani, with a spokesperson BJP leaders remain tight-lipped appointing Narendra Modi as insisting that his “health is really on record. the head of a crucial 2014 gen- bad”. Insiders suggested that Rajnath eral election campaign commit- The absence of Advani and his Singh had offered Modi a compro- tee, even as his potential ascent reported reluctance to endorse mise formula whereby the latter has created a sharp rift within Modi’s credentials just yet have would be appointed convenor of the party. forced the party to delay, even if the campaign committee for the Modi, who has emerged as a temporarily, the move to make general elections. strong contender for becoming Modi the face of its Lok Sabha Modi is, however, learnt to have the prime ministerial candidate poll campaign. rejected the offer for now. of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Modi, who arrived confidently Sources also said leaders of the was supposed to be announced the at the three-day conclave and party’s parliamentary board were head of party’s campaign commit- had a string of leaders clamour- to have an informal meeting late tee for 2014. ing to anoint him as the party’s yesterday to decide on the issue. The decision, which was to be prime ministerial candidate for Party spokesperson Nirmala taken in a meeting of party lead- the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, Sitharaman toed the party line, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi greets supporters at Dabolim airport in Vasco in Goa, where the Bharatiya ers on Friday, was put off after had until today to swing the tide saying Advani was being briefed Janata Party’s national executive is meeting. strong resistance from senior in his favour as BJP leaders con- about all developments. party leader L K Advani and his tinued to hint at a “big announce- “Rajnathji has talked to become BJP’s prime ministerial Prakash Javadekar described the the need for creating strong and camp. ment” to be made by the end of Advaniji yesterday and today. He candidate. absence of Advani and other sen- confident relations with neigh- The BJP veteran, who is report- the meet. is being briefed about all develop- Sitharaman was quick to con- ior leaders as “nothing unusual”. bouring countries. edly ill, skipped the BJP national Party President Rajnath Singh, ments here,” Sitharaman said. demn the protest. At the national executive Apart from Advani, other lead- executive meeting for the first who has appeared to be on Modi’s The Goa developments led to “Party workers don’t protest meeting, Rajnath Singh spoke ers missing from the meeting time in his entire political career, side, in his inaugural address to alleged supporters of Modi pro- against party leaders. BJP has on issues ranging from internal are Jaswant Singh, Uma Bharti, casting a long shadow on Modi’s the meet said all would go home testing outside Advani’s home nothing to do with the protest. and external security, corruption Shatrughan Sinha, Varun Gandhi prime ministerial aspirations. “happy and enthusiastic”. This in New Delhi. They demanded We condemn it,” she said. and politicisation of the Central and Maneka Gandhi. The party was at pains to could be interpreted as indication that he clear the way for Modi to Interestingly, part spokesperson Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to IANS

Aam Aadmi Party issues second Duped Indians in Saudi Arabia beaten up shortlist of nominees for Delhi polls DUBAI: A group of Indians visited them at their site on Bihar, Rajasthan and Andhra complained, a group of five men who were lured into a man- Friday and assaulted them for Pradesh. barged into their accommoda- NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi 15 days, a party statement said. power supplying company run complaining about their plight They were promised jobs in tion on Friday and beat up all Party yesterday issued its second The shortlisted candidates rep- by two Bangladeshis in Saudi to Indian embassy officials the Al Babtain Plastic Factory in of them. list of 44 shortlisted candidates resent people from all walks of Arabia’s Eastern Province and social workers, Arab News Dammam, capital of the Eastern The attackers also took for 10 more constituencies of Delhi life. Musharraf Khan, a daily wage were beaten up after they reported yesterday. Province, but instead ended up with them one of the workers, assembly, for which elections are earner, is one of those shortlisted complained about their situa- The workers, both skilled in the manpower supplying com- Himanshu, who used to help scheduled later this year. from Rajouri Garden. Similarly, two tion to Indian officials. and unskilled, had shelled out pany of the two Bangladeshis, aggrieved workers, they alleged. The party has posted the pro- doctors are among the shortlisted The group of around 200 between Rs90,000 and Rs150,000 who forced them to do menial They also threatened the files of these 44 shortlisted candi- candidates from Vishwas Nagar. workers, who had arrived in to a Mumbai-based recruiting jobs as cleaners in various loca- Indians with dire consequences dates on its www.aamaadmiparty. The party had earlier shortlisted Saudi Arabia two months ago, agent, Fahad Enterprises, and tions across the province. if they did not report for work. org website and would be soliciting candidates for 12 constituencies. said the two Bangladeshis hail from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, They said that after they IANS comments on them for the next IANS

18 arrested after brutal Maharashtra witchcraft killing to open 1,423 GUWAHATI: At least 18 tribal from spreading into their village,” villagers in India’s northeast Bora said. check dams were arrested for hacking to Superstitious beliefs, black MUMBAI: In a revolutionary death a man they suspected of magic and demonology are inte- attempt to provide a long-term practising witchcraft, police gral to tribal customs in parts of solution to the scourge of annual said yesterday. Assam, Tripura and other north- droughts, the Maharashtra gov- They claimed they were told to eastern states, authorities say. ernment will throw open 1,423 kill the victim by a Hindu deity “Most of the people were drunk check dams in six districts of who appeared in their dreams. and dancing with the dead body the state today. Mobs have killed at least 200 in front of them and later they The dams will store water for people over the past five years buried him in a pit,” the police drinking and agriculture as well who they have accused of prac- official said. as raise groundwater levels and tising sorcery and witchcraft — “We will soon pick up some charge the local acquifers. mainly in tribal-dominated areas more people directly involved Minister for Employment of Assam state, police say. in this heinous crime that was Guarantee Scheme and Water The killing took place on Friday inspired by superstitious beliefs,” Conservation, Nitin Raut, called at a tea estate village in Assam’s Bora said. the project “a unique initiative, Cachar district, 300 kilometres Assam’s police inspector gen- perhaps the first of its kind on south of the impoverished state’s eral, Kula Saikia, called such such a large scale anywhere in main city of Guwahati. killings “a really big problem” for the world”. Cachar district police chief authorities. The check dams will be inau- Diganta Bora said by telephone “Most of these cases are inspired gurated simultaneously at 11 that the attack was “barbaric by superstition. It is shocking to am in Pune, Satara, Sangli, with a group of hysterical villag- hear about such incidents in this Ahmednagar, Solapur and ers sacrificing the man by pierc- modern world,” he said. Osmanabad districts. ing his neck with sharp weapons Police in the state have set Comprising Phase I of the and chanting religious hymns”. up a programme, called Project project, these 1,423 check dams — The villagers who took part in Prahari, that involves community or Cement Nalla Bands (CNBs), the killing of the 55-year-old man policing and holding regular edu- as they are known in officialese believed the victim was practising cation campaigns among tribal — were constructed in the past witchcraft and were seeking to chiefs and village elders. two or three months at a cost of appease the deity Kali, Bora said. “Simply enforcing the law and Rs1.43bn. “Villagers said during police punishing the guilty are inad- CNBs are made of concrete questioning the goddess told them equate measures. There has to be and can store 10 TCM water and in their dreams to kill this man an attitudinal change,” Saikia said. provide water to around four hec- to prevent disease and other ills AFP tares of land. The CNBs get full at least three to four times during the monsoon and help groundwater supply to wells in the vicinity, recharge acq- uifers and improve groundwater levels. With a life span of up to 25 years, a CNB costs around Rs1m to construct. “The newly-built CNBs would be able to hold monsoon water for a longer period and help direct and indirect irrigation in over 5,000 hectares of land, proving a boon in the parched areas of the state,” Raut said. Bouyed by the response to the first phase of CNBs, the state government has already started work on Phase II to construct 2,340 CNBs at a cost of Rs2.34bn. An ambitious Phase III, involv- ing around 5,000 CNBs, will be Police arrest a villager suspected to be involved in the killing of a 55-year- taken up after funds are made old man, at Narayanpur basti village in Cachar district, some 300km from available for the project. Guwahati in the northeastern state of Assam. IANS SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Asteroid the size of a small truck News in Numbers ECONOMIC GROWTH PERFORMANCECHART: 1 11 Fajr (Dawn) 3:14 buzzes Earth Shorook (Sunrise) 4:43 CAPE CANAVERAL, FLO- Zuhr (Noon) 11:33 RIDA: An asteroid the size of a Asr (Afternoon) 2:56 small truck zoomed past Earth four times closer than the moon Maghrib (Sunset) 6:24 yesterday, the latest in a parade Isha (Night) 7:54 of visiting celestial objects that has raised awareness of poten- tially hazardous impacts on the planet. WEATHER Nasa said Asteroid 2013 LR6 was discovered about a day before its Weather closest approach to Earth, which Today Monday Tuesday Conditions: occurred at 12:42am EDT (0442 Partly cloudy Partly cloudy Clear GMT yesterday) about 105,000km Dusty. over the Southern Ocean, south of Tasmania, Australia. Qatar Exchange (QE) is the domestic trading platform The 30-foot-wide asteroid High: 38° High: 40° High: 40° posed no threat. A week ago, the for equities. The QE Index, a benchmark index of the Low: 29° Low: 30° Low: 28° comparatively huge 2.7km-wide 20 largest and most liquid stocks, ended November asteroid QE2, complete with its own moon in tow, passed 3.6 mil- 2012 at 8,401, or about 192 points lower than 12 lion miles (5.8m km) from Earth. DOHA - SUN & SEA While on February 15, a small months earlier. The slight gains enjoyed through to asteroid exploded in the atmos- SUN TIDE SEA phere over Chelyabinsk, Russia, April have been more than offset by subsequent SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND leaving more than 1,500 people injured by flying glass and debris. 04:43 18:24 declines. 04:00 & 18:00 00:45 & 10:15 18-28/35 KT That same day, an unrelated asteroid passed just 27,700km THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW from Earth, closer than the net- QE Index and S&P Global 100 (year-on-year change, pc) HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER works of communication satellites that ring the planet. MUSCAT 35/31 Partly cloudy 36/30 Partly cloudy “There is theoretically a colli- QE Index S&P Global 100 MAKKAH 43/28 Clear 41/25 Partly cloudy sion possible between asteroids KUWAIT 43/29 Clear 41/29 Clear and planet Earth,” astronomer BAHRAIN 40/31 Clear 37/31 Clear Gianluca Masi, with the Virtual SANAA 28/13 Partly cloudy 28/16 Partly cloudy Telescope project, said during a RIYADH 38/23 Clear 39/24 Partly cloudy Google+ webcast that showed live DUBAI 36/29 Clear 38/30 Partly cloudy images of the approaching asteroid. BAGHDAD 40/27 Partly cloudy 38/27 Partly cloudy Nasa says it has found about 95 percent of the large asteroids, THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW those with diameters 1km or larger, with orbits that take them HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER relatively close to Earth. An object of that size hit the ATHENS 27/20 Clear 28/20 Clear planet about 65 million years ago WASHINGTON 30/22 Chance of storm 29/20 Chance of storm in what is now Mexico’s Yucatan SYDNEY 18/10 Chance of rain 20/11 Partly cloudy peninsula, triggering a global cli- LONDON 21/10 Chance of rain 21/10 Partly cloudy mate change that is believed to be responsible for the demise of the PARIS 21/12 Chance of rain 21/11 Clear dinosaurs and many other forms of ISTANBUL 26/15 Clear 26/20 Partly cloudy life on Earth. The US space agency MANILA 33/25 Chance of storm 34/24 Chance of storm and other research organizations, DHAKA 33/26 Partly cloudy 32/26 Chance of storm as well as private companies, DELHI 41/32 Partly cloudy 36/28 Mostly cloudy are working on tracking smaller ISLAMABAD 43/29 Clear 45/26 Partly cloudy objects that fly near Earth. Source : http://www.qsa.gov.qa/ REUTERS Dutch duo peddle old bikes as fashion, furniture

DELFT, NETHERLANDS: Two Dutch in mind. Take for example an Upcycle bedside typically Dutch, so why not turn them into entrepreneurs have found a novel way to lamp for ¤88. It consists of a bike light with souvenirs?” he said. make money out of the thousands of bicy- a new LED bulb fitted to a stem made of a “The supply is practically never ending cles abandoned in the Netherlands each few chain links and intertwined spokes — all because the Netherlands is ‘The’ country for year, by turning them into designer fashion standing on a wooden base wrapped in plaited bicycles,” said Lodewijk, his trousers held up items and furniture. inner tubes. by a belt made from a slashed bike tyre. Industrial design student Lodewijk Bosman, Other products include a bracelet made His business partner shows off a wallet 25, and Hidde van der Straaten, 28, founded from bike chain links for ¤10, a belt made made from a piece of old bike saddle and a ‘The Upcycle’ in university city Delft in January from a tyre with a buckle fitted costs ¤30. small piece of tyre. “We try to use bike parts 2012 to exploit a typically Dutch problem. The Dutch duo has also come up with a dark as much as we can, but that’s not always pos- The Netherlands has more bikes — 18 mil- and rubbery cubic stool made from waste wood sible, like with the belt’s buckle or the lamp’s lion — than its 17 million population, and covered in plaited inner tubes. switch,” said Hidde around a million new bikes are bought every The name of their company, set up after win- The Upcycle also sells renovated bikes, made year. But with so many bikes come parking ning a ¤10,000 prize for their innovative idea, from recovered frames with new parts added problems, and if they are left in the wrong is a pun on bicycle and upcycling, a process one where necessary, including Upcycle touches place, or simply abandoned, the authorities step beyond recycling that consists of turning such as mudguards made from cut-up tyres. pick them up and take them to the pound. something to be thrown away into something The company works with the “Stunt” foun- This happens to tens of thousands of bikes of higher worth. The company began selling dation, that helps retrain the unemployed for a year, and while owners can get their bikes products through their website in February new jobs, giving the business a social aspect. back by paying a fine of around ¤20 ($25), few and quickly attracted customers around the Lodewijk says that his motto is “People, do. Unclaimed bikes are sold to bike shops world. “I’d say half our customers are in the Planet, Profit” — also known as “the triple that sell them on second-hand, either in the Netherlands, the other half abroad,” said Hidde. bottom line”. Orders are picking up, and the A pair of lamps made with bicycle parts displayed at the workshop of Netherlands or abroad. They hope to strike distribution deals with company has yet to start making money, but Upcycle in Delft. Lodewijk and Hidde also buy the abandoned shops, including the Netherlands’ many sou- when cash does come in, half will go to Stunt. bikes and parts, but with something different venir boutiques. “The bicycle is something AFP London art market woos the ‘uber-collectors’ to buoy sales LONDON: Auctioneers are Venice will come in and see things ending on a record-shattering pinning their hopes on “uber- that they wouldn’t normally look high as Christie’s May 15 post-war collectors” to help London sum- at,” deputy chairman of Christie’s & contemporary art sale achieved mer art sales top last year’s Europe, Orlando Rock, said. the highest total — $495m — in $1bn when the series kicks off Christie’s, the world’s biggest the history of art auctions. later this month. auctioneers, has a star lot that is None of the star London lots Estimates from Christie’s, a price-on-request (around $23m) currently come near the $58.4m Sotheby’s and smaller rivals such diptych by 20th century American paid at the Christie’s sale in as Phillips and Bonhams for sales painter Jean-Michel Basquiat, New York for US artist Jackson over the next few weeks in the and a painting from Russian Pollock’s Number 19, 1948. British capital show that the Expressionist Wassily Kandinsky, A closer look at the estimates paintings, sculptures and furni- which could set a lifetime record from Christie’s and Sotheby’s give ture under the hammer are on for the artist if it sells north of a mixed picture of a London sea- course to defy a sluggish global $23m. Its top estimate is $24.86m. son that looks healthy but may economy again this year. Sotheby’s has French not blast the record books. The top two houses have put Impressionist Claude Monet’s Estimates from Christie’s of more than $300m worth of their Le Palais Contarini with a top about $388m for this year are lower most expensive works up for sale estimate of $31m and paintings than sales of just under $600m last on public show until June 11 at by 18th century Frenchman year, although the top estimate their London galleries in Mayfair, Claude-Joseph Vernet ($7.7m) and from Sotheby’s for $562m easily hoping pre-sale exhibitions might British contemporary artist David eclipses last year’s nearly $385m. inspire a bit of impulse-buying Hockney ($4.6m). London will offer sought-after from serious collectors making New York has long been consid- sculptures from antiquities to the London stop on the art trail. ered the global capital of the auc- Alberto Giacometti, Henry Moore “What we hope is that the tion world — most recent records and Elisabeth Frink, as well as rather more transitory uber-collec- have been set there. This year’s fine Louis XIV furniture. tors who are in London, Basel and spring auctions were no different, REUTERS Sunday 9 June 2013 30 Rajab 1434 Volume 18 Number 5725 Price: QR2

TFI signs joint venture deal with PMDC

Business | 18

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Qatar’s cement demand Smuggled luxury expected to grow Top-line GCC companies grow by 13.8 percent

DOHA: Triggered by a boom last couple of years. In Q1, 13, operative environment, as non- in real estate and construction average cement prices in Qatar core income contribution to net activities in Qatar and Oman, remained around same at $70.1/ profits deceases and all other fac- revenue of GCC cement com- tonne which w as equal to the tors including revenue and oper- panies grew by 13.8 percent to average in 2012 and 2011. The ating profit increase. reach $1.4bn in Q1 2013. same prices have prevailed since The analysts noted that QNCC The top-line of Qatari compa- last couple of years because of is going to increase its cement nies increased the most during government control. capacity by 0.93mtpa to 5.36mtpa the quarter by 10 percent. Oman The report noted debt lev- owing to expectation of increase stood second reporting a growth els of the Qatar’s cement sec- in demand in the coming years. of six percent, while Saudi Arabia tor decreased by 6.0 percent to QNCC is expected to increase reported an increase of 3.2 per- $291.5m in Q1, 13 as compared to capacity by a new 5,000tpd pro- cent during the first quarter. $310.0m in Q1, 12. Qatar National duction line to face upcoming Qatar witnessed a sizeable Cement Company was able to demand and to continue to posi- increase in profitability by 12.8 shed off more than 75 percent of tion itself as the largest producer percent year-on-year in Q1, 2013. its debt during the period. in Qatar. Profitability reached $47.2m in In terms of margins, Qatari The GIH Global Research the first quarter as compared to gross margins rose to 49.1 percent estimates that the demand for $41.8m in Q1, 2012. Consolidated in the first quarter of the current 2013 provided by government revenues of the sector increased year as compared to 42.5 percent authorities to the Company are by 10 percent to $106.5m during witnessed in Q1, 12. Amongst the higher than current demand of Q1, 13 as compared to $96.7m in two companies, Qatari Investor 3.5-4.0mtpa (metric tonnes per Q1, 12. The reported increase Group profit was higher at 56.7 annum). T in the sales revenue can be to percent while that of Qatar he estimated the average Officials walk between luxury vehicles displayed at the Customs Department in Bangkok yesterday. Ten the growth in sales reported by National Cement Company demand in Qatar during 2013- recently-seized luxury cars valued at 129m Thai baht ($4.2m) were displayed at the department in the Thai Qatari Investors Group Company. (QNCC) was at 45.6 percent. 15 would be 5.5mtpa which capital during a news conference which tackled evasions of customs duties. It’s revenue increased by 37.4 per- Net margins increased to 44.3 is expected to rise further to cent, a market analysis by Global percent in Q1, 13 compared to 10.0mtpa during 2017-20 as the Investment House (GIH)noted. 43.2 percent in the same period large scale projects related to the Cement price in Qatar have last year. Qatari companies are World Cup 2022 near. remained mostly constant since shifting to a more efficient and THE PENINSULA QIB signs $100m Murabaha facility with QFB

Officials of Qatar Islamic Bank and Qatar First Bank during the signing ceremony.

DOHA: Qatar Islamic Bank one of which is to build an even further expansion. This facility (QIB) has signed a $100m stronger economy.” will provide us with the neces- Murabaha facility with Qatar Qatar Islamic Bank has sary funding to further acceler- First Bank (QFB), Qatar’s first strengthened its presence in ate our growth and capitalise on independent Shariah-compliant the market, gaining a 35 per- the ample business opportunities financial institution authorised cent market share of the Islamic in Qatar and our target markets. by QFC Regulatory Authority. banking sector. The bank has We thank QIB for their support The facility, which will be used successfully implemented its and look forward to a long term to support QFB’s growth plans, is strategy to provide Shariah- relationship.” a multiple Murabaha structured compliant financing solutions QFB has grown rapidly since facility with a three year tenor for large projects in the sectors of its launch in 2009, demonstrat- period. energy, industry, infrastructure, ing a strong profit and dividend Bassel Gamal, QIB’s Group construction, and trade finance. record. The bank has concluded CEO, said: “This financing QIB is committed to supporting 16 transactions, investing a total agreement reflects the strong strategic partners and contribut- of QR1.5bn, and profitably exited working relationship between ing towards the growth of busi- from four investments. Earlier the two banks. QIB has a nesses in the local market, where this year QFB changed its name strategic vision that aims to the Bank has directed more than from Qatar First Investment provide Islamic financing solu- 90 percent of its financing portfo- Bank to reflect its expansion tions to partners, such as QFB. lio domestically, thereby enhanc- beyond investment banking It also aims to build partner- ing its reputation as the leading activities to become a full-fledged ships based on common inter- Islamic Bank in Qatar. Shari’ah compliant institution est and continuous co-operation Emad Mansour, CEO of QFB, offering a suite of financial prod- to achieve the objectives of the commented: “QFB is a fast grow- ucts and services. Qatar National Vision 2030, ing bank with ambitious plans for THE PENINSUAL SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS US economy shows signs of slowing again Higher taxes and lower govt outlays lead to reduced consumer spending, manufacturing, says QNB Group

DOHA: According to the QNB government outlays since March US economy, manufacturing has already experienced a significant budget cuts from the “sequestra- demand for exports from Europe Group, the US economy may be 2013 is leading to lower incomes traditionally been a bellwether for slowdown in the fourth quar- tion” negatively impact personal may affect the speed at which the slowing again, as higher taxes of government workers and con- overall US economic activity. In ter of 2012 (0.4 percent), which disposal income, consumer spend- Euro area recovers from the cur- and lower government out- tractors. An estimated two mil- addition, real GDP growth for the Bernanke described as a “pause” ing, and manufacturing. rent recession. Export industries lays lead to reduced consumer lion government workers have first quarter of 2013 was revised earlier this year. That pause was Overall, the picture for the in Asia and the rest of the world spending and manufacturing. been forced to stay at home down to 2.4 percent last week mainly a reflection of weak holi- US economy remains subdued. are also likely to be affected. In Last Friday, the US Department without pay a couple of days per and initial jobless claims rose to day sales and a cutback in private According to the QNB Group, US the currency market, lower US of Commerce announced that month. As a result, US personal 354,000 in the week ending the investment. This latest slowdown, real GDP growth this year may growth may lead to a weakening consumer spending, which disposable income was unchanged May 25. On the positive side, US on the other hand, comes from only reach the one percent-1.5 of the US dollar against other accounts for about 70 percent of for the month of April. consumer confidence remains at a the significant withdrawal of fis- percent range, compared to the major currencies. Strong infra- US GDP, declined by 0.2 percent In related news, US manufac- five-hear high, boosted by higher cal stimulus through the partial consensus forecast of 1.9 per- structure spending and relatively in April — the first such decline turing contracted in May 2013 housing and share prices. elimination of the so-called “Bush cent, which will inevitably have high oil prices should, however, in nearly a year. for the first time in almost a year These latest statistics suggest tax cuts” and the mandatory a knock-on effect on the world continue to protect Qatar and This decline partly reflects the with the lowest reading since June that the US economy is likely to cutbacks in government spend- economy. As a result, global other GCC countries from these impact on US consumers of higher 2009, according to the Institute slow down during the remain- ing. If continued, these policies demand for commodities is likely latest headwinds from the US payroll taxes in 2013. In addition, for Supply Management. der of 2013, according to the are likely to result in a further to be weaker, including for oil and economy. the so-called “sequestration” of While a smaller portion of the QNB Group. The economy had drag on economic activity as more gas. At the same time, lower US THE PENINSULA

TFI signs joint venture deal with PMDC

DOHA: The First Investor Fund around the residential com- (TFI), the investment banking pound strategy to enable expan- division of Barwa Bank Group sion of this platform. The Fund (BBG) has signed a joint ven- will, through this joint venture, ture agreement with Project have access to a specialist asset Management & Development class in the KSA offering very Co (PMDC), the first major ini- attractive risk adjusted yields. As tiative in the region that will the joint venture initiators, TFI, invest in income-generating Barwa Bank and PMDC have expatriate residential com- invested a total of $30m in the pounds in Saudi Arabia. proposition. Saleh Bin Ladin, President of Khalid Yousef Al Subeai, PMDC said, “TFI is a professional CEO of TFI commented: “TFI and experienced investment man- is proud to partner with PMDC ager and we are extremely pleased for what will be TFI and Barwa to work with them and offer our Bank Group’s first income gen- know-how of the KSA real estate erating real estate initiative in market, especially in the residen- the KSA. We expect that the tial compounds sector which is Joint Venture will make its first currently one of the most lucra- acquisition in the second half of tive investment opportunities in 2013. I am confident that with KSA.” TFI’s investment expertise and The Saudi market is today PMDC’s specialized knowledge of experiencing a supply-demand the KSA real estate market, that crunch in the expatriate resi- the joint venture will achieve the dential compound sector - with expected results.” demand exceeding supply by more The Joint venture partners are than two times in Riyadh, Jeddah aiming to put together a portfolio The First Investor and PMDC officials during the signing ceremony. and Dammam. Most compounds of assets that will yield attractive currently have long waiting lists levels of rental income. PMDC managers in the KSA expatriate expatriate residential compounds benefit from this lucrative invest- strong returns, so the timing of and this is an opportune time to and its affiliate companies have residential compounds market. are becoming an increasingly ment opportunity. Expatriate this partnership could not be focus on this market segment. considerable expertise as prin- Subeai added: “With the attractive sector. There is a residential compounds in the more compelling.” Further, TFI has structured a cipal investors and property current market dynamics, good momentum for the Fund to KSA are generating particularly THE PENINSULA

DFB joins with Bashir orders halt to oil flow from South Sudan QCB for Islamic KHARTOUM: Sudanese terminal, would be worth billions buyer of the oil. In March, Juba and Khartoum Rebels held Abu Kershola for President Omar Al Bashir yes- of dollars in revenue to both South Sudan split from Sudan finally agreed on detailed timeta- a month after seizing it during finance training terday ordered a halt to the flow impoverished nations if exports in July 2011, following a referen- bles to set all the deals in motion. a coordinated attack on several of oil from South Sudan, less resumed. dum vote for independence under They allowed for a free flow areas including the strategic and DOHA: Korea Federation than two months after southern Bashir had warned on May a peace deal that ended a 22-year of people and goods across the previously peaceful town of Umm of Banks (DFB), in its effort crude began moving again, offi- 27 that he would block the oil if civil war. Independence left key border, and established a demili- Rawaba in North Kordofan. to understand and introduce cial radio said. the South’s government provides issues unresolved, including how tarised buffer zone along the Analysts called the attack a Shariah compliant financial “Bashir ordered the minister assistance to rebels fighting in much the South should pay for undemarcated and disputed fron- humiliation for the authorities. system in South Korea, carried of oil to stop the flow of South South Kordofan and Blue Nile shipping its oil through Sudan’s tier between the two nations. After Bashir’s threat, South out a training programme on Sudanese oil from tomorrow, states, or in the Darfur region. export infrastructure. The buffer zone aims to cut Sudan said it was committed to Islamic finance in collaboration Sunday,” Radio Omdurman Bashir threatened to “com- Rising tensions led to intermit- cross-border rebel infiltration. the peace deals. with the Qatar Central Bank reported in an SMS message pletely close the pipeline”. Juba tent border clashes. South Sudan has also accused “We agreed that there is a new (QCB) recently, a press state- which gave no further details. denies supporting the rebels. Last September the two nations Khartoum of backing insurgents environment of dialogue... We ment issued by the Embassy The official SUNA news agency South Sudan held a ceremony agreed to resume oil exports and on its territory. don’t want to go back to square of the Republic of Korea said issued a similar report, saying in early April to restart oil pro- implement eight other agree- Bashir’s late-May threat to one,” Juba Information Minister yesterday. Bashir called for the oil pipeline duction following a closure of ments but they did not take effect close the oil pipeline came at a Barnaba Marial Benjamin said, The training, for the first time to be “shut down” from Sunday. more than a year after accusing as Khartoum pushed for guaran- ceremony following the army’s criticising Bashir for his public in Qatar, was part of an agree- The oil, which has not yet Khartoum of theft in a row over tees that South Sudan would no recapture of Abu Kershola in the threats. ment signed between the Middle reached Sudan’s Red Sea export export fees. China was the biggest longer back the rebels. far north of South Kordofan state. AFP East-Korea Financial Cooperation and QCB in January. The agree- ment said that QCB would pro- vide training on Islamic finance Fire dents Burundi economy to Korean bank officials. The training was held here World Bank to continue between June 2 and June 6 which was attended by over 10 execu- tives from six different organiza- tions including KFB. Doing Business report During the course, the train- ees took a deeper look at Islamic WASHINGTON: The World expect it to grow,” Kim said in a financial industry in the Middle Bank said it intends to keep statement. “I am committed to the East including Qatar, licens- ranking nations on the ease of Doing Business report, and rank- ing systems, main principles of conducting business, despite ings have been part of its success.” Islamic finance, basic contracts criticism from countries like The report is prepared by and case studies on Islamic finan- China that feel the scorecard the bank and its private-sector cial products. unfairly stigmatizes fast-grow- lending arm, the International ing developing economies. Finance Corporation. It has Emaar, Meraas JV World Bank President Jim become one of the bank’s most Yong Kim said the Bank is com- popular publications since it for Dubai project mitted to keeping its flagship began in 2003. “Doing Business” report, includ- Smaller developing countries DUBAI: Two of Dubai’s big- ing the rating, which compares often use the report to show out- gest real estate developers have the ease of starting and conduct- side investors how much they’ve formed a joint venture to build ing a business in 185 countries. improved their business environ- a huge residential and com- The decision to keep the rank- ment. Government officials may mercial area near the city’s ings was seen as a test case for use it as an incentive to promote downtown, the companies said Kim, at the helm of the global business-friendly legal changes, yesterday. Emaar Properties development lender for nearly a such as eliminating red tape. and Meraas Holding, both year, on how he will balance com- “We believe that the Doing backed by the Dubai govern- peting priorities from World Bank Business country rankings serve ment, plan construction of a board members. as an important benchmarking commercial centre, low- and Women selling fruits and vegetables on a street in Bujumbura, Burundi, after the main market was razed to “The World Bank Group’s work tool at a time when all of us are mid-rise residences, an 18-hole the ground during an inferno four months ago. For Burundi’s economy, already on its knees after a brutal on business climate development, focused on supporting demand golf course and other facilities 1993-2006 civil war and struggling amid the global economic crisis, the fire was an enormous blow especially including the Doing Business and job creation,” a US Treasury over 11 million square metres for the 7,000 traders working in the market at the time. report, is core to our mission of official said in a statement. (2,700 acres). ending poverty, and in fact we AFP REUTERS/THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 SoftBank in Refurbishing in times of recession talks for T-Mobile US Japanese firm eyes US wireless market

NEW YORK: SoftBank Corp Capital Management, which is in talks with Deutsche claims ownership of more than Telekom AG over a possible 19 million Sprint shares, added, “I deal for T-Mobile US Inc, as still don’t think SoftBank gets the the Japanese company looks vote unless they bump the offer.” for alternatives to enter the US Still, the news of SoftBank’s wireless market if its deal with interest in T-Mobile US adds a Sprint Nextel Corp falls apart, new wrinkle to an already com- three sources familiar with the plicated calculus before Sprint matter said on Friday. shareholders. SoftBank and Deutsche The SoftBank deal is much Telekom were in talks last year farther along in the process than about a deal for T-Mobile USA Dish’s rival offer, which is still and have had periodic discussions preliminary. SoftBank has cleared since then, but those conversa- a key review by the agency that tions have intensified in recent oversees foreign investments in weeks after Dish Network Corp the United States and is also get- made a $25.5bn counterbid for ting closer to finishing the Federal Sprint, two of the sources said. Communications Commission SoftBank has a deal to buy 70 per- review. ISS, a major proxy advi- cent of Sprint for $20.1bn. sory firm, has also backed the A worker packs pairs of shoes in boxes at the factory of the Italian shoes and luxury leather goods Tod’s headquarters in Casette d’Ete in the Deutsche Telekom owns 74 SoftBank deal. Italian Marche region. Custom-made wooden shoe moulds hanging in a sun-filled workshop are the secret behind the success of Tod’s, which percent of T-Mobile US, and one Moreover, if SoftBank decides is flourishing despite a recession-hit economy. possibility is for SoftBank to buy to walk away from the Sprint that stake instead, the sources deal, it would stand to make said. T-Mobile US has a market somewhere around $5 billion from value of about $15bn. currency hedging gains, its previ- SoftBank still wants to do ous purchase of Sprint shares and Bad weather the Sprint deal after spending breakup fees, the sources said. No Canada-EU trade deal soon months on it, and is looking at SoftBank, Sprint, T-Mobile cuts Iraq south a possible T-Mobile transaction and Deutsche Telekom declined OTTAWA: Canada poured cold a private chat at Buckingham trade deal with Canada, it would only as “Plan B”, the sources said to comment. water on widespread specula- Palace with Queen Elizabeth II, lay the groundwork for a planned, who declined to be named because Dish has jumped not only the tion that a Canada-EU free Canada’s titular head of state. much larger accord with the oil exports to the talks are private. Sprint-SoftBank deal, but also a trade deal would be announced Thereafter, the prime minister United States, both French and T-Mobile’s shares rose more related acquisition of Clearwire when the prime minister travels joins other G8 leaders in Lough Canadian leaders said in March. 864,000b/d than three percent after the Corp by Sprint. Clearwire has to Europe next week. Erne in Northern Ireland for an Both EU and Canadian offi- news of SoftBank’s interest, while wireless airwaves that both com- “We’re actually trying to sign annual summit. cials, however, have downplayed BAGHDAD: Bad weather cut Sprint shares fell 1.2 percent. panies want. Sprint already owns the most comprehensive trade A transatlantic deal would give the urgency. oil exports from Iraq’s Basra The talks come ahead of a June a majority stake in Clearwire. agreement that Canada has ever Canadian companies access to 500 “We are aware obviously that ports to 864,000 barrels per day 12 vote for Sprint shareholders Clearwire shareholders are due signed... and we’re not there,” million European consumers and there are plans for the EU to (b/d) yesterday from 2.23 mil- to approve the Japanese compa- to vote on June 13 on Sprint’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s eliminate 98 percent of Canadian negotiate with the US but it’s also lion b/d a day earlier, a shipping ny’s bid for the No. 3 US wireless offer to buy out minority share- communications director, Andrew tariffs on EU goods. equally in the other side’s inter- source said. carrier and could add pressure holders in a deal that values the MacDougall, told a media briefing. Negotiations started in 2009 est, you could argue, to conclude “High winds in the Gulf are on investors as they decide how company at $5 billion. But a spe- “We’re down to a few outstand- with the expectation they would an agreement to show what kind disrupting loading operations and to vote. Earlier this week, proxy cial committee for Clearwire is ing issues..., negotiations are be concluded by late 2012, but of agreement is possible and to preventing ships from leaving the adviser Glass Lewis said Sprint also reviewing Dish’s offer, which ongoing and I don’t expect that they became deadlocked over get an ambitious agreement that port,” the shipping source said. shareholders should not vote on values the company at $6.5 billion. we’ll be in a position to sign a deal a few holdout issues, mainly in would serve as a benchmark for Exports from Basra’s off- SoftBank’s bid while the board In recent months, the tussle next week.” agriculture. future negotiations,” MacDougall shore terminals, Iraq’s main oil reviewed Dish’s offer. has become increasingly bitter, Harper is scheduled to fly to With fears mounting that the commented. hub, tend to fluctuate because of “It seems to me that this is with SoftBank founder Masayoshi London from June 11 to 13, then talks might be sidelined when “We have not reached an agree- weather or technical problems. more SoftBank posturing to per- Son trading barbs with Ergen. to Paris from June 13 to 15 and Brussels begins separate negotia- ment that Canada is comfortable The bulk of the country’s crude haps pressure Sprint’s special SoftBank has started taking Dublin from June 15 to 17 to pro- tions with Washington, Harper with yet,” he added. exports flows through the south- committee to not delay the vote steps, including thinking about mote trade and investment, and has hosted several European MacDougall reminded also ern ports on its small strip of the next week to continue its nego- the deal structure and financing, underscore the importance of leaders over the past year — that increased trade would Gulf coast. tiations with Ergen,” said BTIG to prepare itself for a T-Mobile concluding a deal between Canada most recently French Prime give the struggling EU econ- Overall exports fell to 2.484 analyst Walter Piecyk, referring US transaction if the Sprint deal and the 27-nation European Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault in omy a much-needed boost. “We million b/d in May from 2.62 mil- to Dish Chairman Charlie Ergen. gets any more costly or delayed, Union. March — hoping to get the stalled will make that case loudly and lion b/d in April due to a slow- Roy Behren, a merger arbitrage the sources said. He will meet with officials and Canada-EU track back on course. clearly,” he said. down in Kirkuk oil shipments money manager at Westchester REUTERS business executives, and have If Europe can secure a free AFP after repeated pipeline attacks and maintenance operations in the south. Iraq shipped 2.198 million b/d Huge demand for HTC One from the southern oil hub of Basra compared to 2.316 million b/d in Berkshire eyeing Unipol April. Officials with Iraq’s state- run South Oil Company (SOC) cited maintenance at some of the crude production facilities in the insurance assets south as factor reducing exports. Pumping on the northern NEW YORK: Warren Buffett’s close by the end of the year. pipeline, which carries Iraqi Berkshire Hathaway is inter- Unipol CEO Carlo Cimbri said crude from the northern Kirkuk ested in buying assets that in May there had been 10-15 oilfields to the Mediterranean Italian insurer Unipol must sell expressions of interest for the port of Ceyhan in Turkey, has as part of a merger with peer assets, including from Allianz, been frequently disrupted by Fondiaria-SAI, business daily Il Axa, Aviva and Zurich. consecutive attacks by militants Sole 24 Ore said yesterday. Insurance accounted for in Iraq. The paper said Berkshire was roughly a quarter of Berkshire’s Iraq aims to double its oil out- eyeing commercial assets belong- revenues in 2012. Buffett’s invest- put over the next three years and ing to Milano Assicurazioni, a ments are viewed by many inves- has a long-term goal of 12 million unit controlled by Fondiaria. tors as a seal of approval from b/d. The Opec member is likely to Unipol has been forced by one of the world’s most respected manage around half that amount, Italy’s anti-trust authority to sell businessmen. Non-binding offers industry experts say, due to infra- portfolio assets with premiums for the Unipol assets are expected structure and logistical hurdles. totaling around ¤1.7bn ($2.2bn) as next Friday, Il Sole said. part of its rescue of the Fondiaria- Neither Unipol nor Berkshire Sabic planning Customers queue to purchase the new HTC One mobile phone during the first day of public sales at SAI group. Hathaway Inc were immediately Taman Anggrek Mall in Jakarta, yesterday. The first 500 HTC One smartphones, one of the latest series The merger, which will create available for a comment. by Taiwanese firm, were sold out in three hours since its release in Indonesia yesterday, according to Italy’s No. 2 insurer, is expected to REUTERS steel projects Budi Janto, HTC Indonesia’s country manager. for Hadeed

RIYADH: Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) Closure of Bosnia Aluminij triggers job losses across region is planning to build two steel plants on Saudi Arabia’s Gulf coast for its affiliate Hadeed, it MOSTAR, Bosnia: The clo- is based, appealed to the govern- workforce, is a major employer in The closure of the smelter unions. said yesterday. sure of Bosnia’s sole aluminium ment to help avert the shutdown. the south of the former Yugoslav will have little impact on the Among those likely to be hit in One plant, in Jubail, would have smelter is set to affect thou- “Nobody has the right to close state and its biggest exporter. oversupplied 45 million tonnes Bosnia is Feal, a company with processing capacity of 1.5 million sands of jobs in the Balkan coun- their eyes before this problem,” It has repeatedly urged the global aluminium market, but 500 workers and annual turno- tonnes a year and the other, in try and neighbouring Croatia he said. “It would be unforgiving Muslim-Croat federation gov- will be a big blow to dozens of ver of more than 200m Bosnian Rabigh, one million tonnes a year, and will lessen their chances for if the government let it close and ernment, which holds a stake local metal processors, which marka ($135.6m). Sabic said in a statement to the returning to economic growth leave thousand of its workers and in the company, to subsidise the employ at least 8,000 workers Branko Radulovic, deputy stock exchange. any time soon, officials warned. their families without bread”. price of its power, which accounts in Bosnia and Croatia and rely speaker of Montenegro’s parlia- The world’s biggest petro- Aluminij Mostar, faced with The metal sector is key in for more than 60 percent of the on its supplies. ment and ex-manager of alumin- chemical company and 70-percent high power costs and low prices, Bosnia, impoverished after cost of producing each tonne of “The closure of Aluminij will ium plant KAP, said that even if owned by the state, Sabic said it has been racking up monthly the 1992-95 war, and accounts aluminium. have catastrophic consequences aluminium firms manage to stay has reached an agreement with losses this year and said on for about a half of its exports. The Bosnian economy has for 1,000 jobs in Croatia’s ... light afloat after Aluminij closes, it the oil ministry for fuel to power Thursday it would close on June Aluminij sells most of its alumin- struggled to develop since the end metal factory TLM and another would be only temporary, since the plants which it said would 17. ium into the depressed European of the 1992-95 war and unemploy- 5,000 in the wider Dalmatia they would face much higher costs create 2,500 jobs. It did not give Ljubo Beslic, mayor of the construction and auto industries. ment last year was an estimated region,” said Zdravko Burazer, of raw material imports. a start date. town of Mostar where the plant Aluminij, with a 900-strong 28 percent. head of Croatia’s metal sector REUTERS AGENCIES SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Vodafone paid Walmart cheer no corporation tax in 2 years Reported profit in UK unit collapses

LONDON: Vodafone Group the company did not shift prof- said it paid no corporation tax its out of the UK and that its in Britain for the year to March Luxembourg operations had no 2013, prompting fresh criticism impact on its UK tax bill. He said from campaigners who have the low Luxembourg tax bill was made the UK mobile telephone tied to the fact the units there can group a target in the debate on offset income against writedowns corporate tax payments. in the value of assets held by these Revelations of profit shifting companies. by big companies have provoked Vodafone said it also paid hun- anger among austerity-weary citi- dreds of millions of pounds in zens across Europe and political other taxes in Britain, such as leaders have pledged to act. payroll taxes and value added Vodafone's annual report pub- tax (VAT), a European form of lished on Friday said the absence sales tax. of a UK income tax bill for the The company added on its second year running reflected website: "Companies have legal tough operating conditions at its obligations to pay tax, but those British operations. obligations do not extend to pay- Reported profits at Vodafone's ing more than the amount legally main UK unit have collapsed in required. Companies also have a the past decade, even as sales legal obligation to act in the inter- rose sharply. The company said ests of their shareholders". the cost of buying its third gen- The company has been under eration (3G) phone licence and scrutiny since a 2010 deal under Wal-Mart Stores family members Jim Walton, Alice Walton and Chairman of the Board of Directors Rob Walton recite the Walmart cheer at the falling profit margins weighed which it paid the UK tax author- annual shareholders meeting for Walmart in Fayetteville, Arkansas. on UK earnings, although both ity, Her Majesty's Revenue and factors were also observed at its Customs (HMRC), £1.25bn German unit, which has contin- ($1.9bn) to settle a back-tax ued to report big profits and tax claim, for which it took a 2.2 bills. billion pounds provision in its UK press including British accounts. Court dismisses Bloomberg suit investigative magazine Private Some lawmakers criticized that Eye have noted strong profits deal as pointing to a too-cosy rela- at Vodafone's subsidiaries in tionship between big business and WASHINGTON: The top US with the impact of a deal falling regard are remarkably perfunc- Exchanges, which dominate the Luxembourg, where it has few HMRC. A subsequent review by derivatives regulator won a apart, Bloomberg had argued. tory and devoid of factual sup- futures markets, have been regu- customers or employees but a government watchdog said the legal victory over Bloomberg LP That is because the margin on port.” Bloomberg could not be lated for decades and now oper- where companies can enjoy tax deal was "reasonable" but criti- when a court dismissed a case a swap should be enough to cover reached for comment. ate at a lower cost because of the rates below one percent. cized processes at HMRC. the data vendor had filed that five days of unwinding the posi- Commissioner Bart Chilton CFTC’s rule. Vodafone Procurement Co Tax campaigner Richard claimed a new rule on trading tion, but only one day for futures, said in a statement that the CFTC The banks hold sway over the Sarl, which buys equipment for Murphy of Tax Research UK swaps would hurt its business. a similar type of product traded could focus on the task ahead of swaps market, and fear clients will the group, reported profits of said Vodafone's explanation for Bloomberg is one of a dozen on rival exchanges, making them tightening regulations of swaps defect to the exchanges, hurting ¤215m ($284.2m) for the year to its lack of a UK tax bill did not or so providers launching a plat- cheaper to use. now that “another attempt to their revenues as well as the trading March 2012 and paid no income stack up. form on which to trade swaps, as The court said, however, that second-guess regulators on finan- platforms - called Swap Execution tax, according to accounts for the "Vodafone would like us to regulators across the world crack Bloomberg had provided no evi- cial reform measures sought by Facilities (SEF) - Bloomberg and period, the most recent for which believe that because they pay down on the $630 trillion market dence that this requirement Congress and President (Barack) others want to launch. figures are available. their property taxes, VAT and to prevent a repeat of the 2008 would hurt its business. Obama” was behind it. Bloomberg is a competitor of Vodafone Luxembourg 5 Co staff's national insurance, that financial crisis. “Bloomberg ... simply assume Underlying the lawsuit is a Thomson Reuters Corp (TRI.TO). Sarl, which lends money to other they don't have to pay tax on their But that effort would be hurt by the worst-case scenario ... with- looming battle between exchanges The case is Bloomberg LP group units, reported profits of income," he said. "That's not the a new rule from the Commodity out grounding their assumption and investment banks over who v United States Commodity $2.43bn for the year to March way it works for the rest of us and Futures Trading Commission in the actual behaviour,” it said rules the lucrative derivatives Futures Trading Commission, US 2012 and reported a tax bill of less it's not the way it should work for which will force buyers and sell- in its ruling. market, a vast playground for District Court for the District of than 1 percent, its accounts show. Vodafone either." ers of swaps to set aside enough On another point, it said that speculators, parts of which were Columbia, No. 13-52 A Vodafone spokesman said REUTERS money — or margin — to cope the “plaintiff’s contentions in this long unregulated. REUTERS

WEF meeting in Myanmar Nigeria aims to reduce domestic borrowing next year: Minister

ABUJA: Nigeria plans to Finance Minister Okonji-Iweala committed only to “slow down reduce its domestic borrow- brokered, so the prospect of it the increase in our overall debt ing next year while increasing issuing a whole load of new exter- stock,” not reduce it. cheaper overseas debt to lower nal debt has raised alarm bells. Annual domestic borrowing costs in Africa’s second largest “No one in government is fell from 852bn naira in 2011, to economy, the finance minister supportive of a return ... to 744bn in 2012, and to 577bn in said. high indebtedness. Having gone 2013, Okonjo-Iweala said. Annual domestic borrowing is through tremendous stress dur- Nigeria’s total borrowing has set to fall to below 500bn naira ing the quest for Paris Club risen from around 12 percent of ($3.15bn) in the 2014 budget, from debt relief, I am committed to a GDP in 2006 to 21 percent now. 577bn this year, Okonjo-Iweala Nigerian economy that is fiscally This is still far lower than strug- said. prudent,” she said in a statement. gling developed economies but Nigeria’s ratio of overseas debt But Nigeria, like many other higher than fellow emerging oil will to around 40 percent of all countries in Africa, has been and gas dependent states like debt over the next three to five tempted by cheap money spilling Russia, Libya and Kazakhstan. years, from 12 percent currently, out of low-yield Western nations Okonjo-Iweala hopes this will to lower its funding costs. This and Japan in search of better fall to 17 percent by 2018, as will include issuing 80 billion returns on emerging markets. Africa’s second-biggest economy naira in global depository notes Africa’s top oil producer has a switches into cheaper debt. and a $1bn Eurobond this year. reliable flow of foreign exchange However, economists believe Debt investors are taking a earnings from its two million bar- pressure to borrow more domes- growing interest in Africa’s sec- rel per day crude export business, tically will increase next year ond biggest economy, but some making it relatively attractive to as Nigeria approaches elections worry about the government’s lenders. in 2015. Before previous elec- propensity to misspend its oil “We must learn that domestic tions, patronage has very quickly Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi (left) with Philippine President Benigno Aquino (right) and windfall. debt should be incurred spar- drained state coffers. Civil serv- Myanmar lower house speaker Shwe Mann (centre) on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on East Eight years ago Nigeria was ingly at modest and manageable ants were given a 53 percent sal- Asia at the Myanmar International Convention Centre in Naypyidaw. forgiven some $18bn of external rates so that government is able ary hike ahead of the 2011 vote. debt by the Paris club, a deal to service it,” she said, but she REUTERS ICE chief ready to cede NYSE market share

• Bullion - Mumbai NEW YORK: The New York by Sandler O’Neill & Partners. lead to a higher value per share internally. Off-exchange venues Stock Exchange may cede “I don’t think we should pay for for NYSE, as the exchange would have around 40 percent market Gold (10 gm) Standard Rs. 27840 some of its share in US stocks order flow,” he said. “People talk be focusing on only trades that share, and exchanges have used Silver (1 kg) Rs. 45295 in an effort to end large trad- about innovation and all they are make money. rebates and other incentives to • Indian Rupees QR1 = 15.58 ing incentives after NYSE really talking about is price cut- “I want to give the market share try to win back some of that busi- • Sensex Euronext’s $8.2bn sale to ting or front-running.” where we are losing money back ness. ICE charges premium prices BSE 19429.23 IntercontinentalExchange goes Sprecher admitted that if to the competitors. I will welcome for premium services and that has NSE 5881.00 through, ICE’s chief executive NYSE did not compete for stock them to take money-losing busi- led to a higher share price for the • Short-term investment plan from LIC International upto 6.4 percent said. orders through rebates — which ness off of our books,” he said. exchange, Sprecher said. return p.a. (in dollar) Jeff Sprecher has been criti- at some exchanges surpass the Exchanges have been losing “I’ve never been one to try to • Housing loan from HDFC LTD cal of the practice by US stock fees charged for trading — it market share to off-exchange ven- get to the bottom and compete • Mutual Fund: Buy & Sell: SBI MF, HDFC MF, UTI MF, Birla Sun Life MF, exchanges of giving large rebates would likely lose “a lot of market ues where firms can avoid paying simply on price. I’ve tried to com- Tata MF, Reliance MF etc. on trading fees to attract order share,” but that the Big Board exchange fees, such as dark pools pete on technology and innovation • Advise on Indian Income Tax matters for NRIs. flow, calling the practice “ridic- should take a leadership position — private trading venues where and we continue to do that and it’s Contact: Investec, Tel: 44325060/44365060 email: [email protected] ulous” during a talk at a global on improving market structure. traders remain anonymous - and working pretty well for us.” exchanges conference sponsored He said it could also ultimately brokerages that match orders REUTERS SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

When cheque-cashing US shutdown battle looms has become mobile as budget distress festers BY SALMON FELIX BY DAVID LAWDER using a $967bn spending cap, the lowest viewed recent increases in revenue col- ’m at a conference on the underbanked this week, where it’s in a decade. Senate Democrats, meanwhile, lection as a reason to push back against basically impossible to swing a cat without running into some- he annual spending bills now believe the sequester will be replaced with proposals, including some from President one talking about mRDC, which stands for mobile remote working their way through the other savings, an assumption that requires Barack Obama, to trim back some Social Ideposit capture. Or, in English, the ability to cash a cheque US Congress were supposed to a bigger fiscal deal, and are applying a Security and Medicare benefits. using your smartphone. mark a welcome return to fiscal $1.058trn cap. And as strong tax revenue House Republicans are having none of that, A lot of bigger banks have had this ability for a while now: take normalcy in Washington. growth brightens the budget outlook and pursuing a strategy to carve up spending a photo of a cheque using your phone, and you don’t need to bring TThe House of Representatives and Senate pushes back the final deadline for increas- already reduced by the “sequester” to shift it into a branch in order to deposit it. are supposed to pass budgets, hash out their ing the federal borrowing limit to perhaps more money to defence and security while This is just a mobile way of depositing your cheque. People with differences, then carve up the taxpayers’ November, neither side has much incentive imposing deeper cuts on other domestic prepaid debit cards, however, who live on a much tighter cashflow money. That dream is crashing into the to move toward compromise now. agencies. This week they gave increases to model, can’t afford to just sit around waiting for their cheques to reality of deep and intractable differences “There aren’t any carrots or sticks the departments of Homeland Security and clear. If the cheque in question is a pay cheque, then they want between Democrats and Republicans over here,” said Chris Krueger, an analyst who Veterans Affairs and to military construc- that money now. budget policy. Without a broad agreement tracks Washington politics for Guggenheim tion projects. The Defence Department also Virtually all prepaid debit cards do everything they can to on how to cut deficits, appropriations bills Securities. “This is absolutely teeing up a would get a boost of $28bn over sequester- persuade people to convert their paper pay cheque into an elec- passed by the House this week, and those really messy fourth quarter. You’re going to induced levels under a bill unveiled this week tronic direct deposit, which appears on the card immediately, but yet to be considered, may go nowhere. come back from Labour Day, with a govern- by the House Appropriations Committee that habits are hard to break, and there’s still a very strong consumer “We’re just spinning our wheels on these ment shutdown looming and a month later pushes non-war funding back up to $512.5bn. preference for being paid in some kind of physical form. And in measures,” said Representative Chris Van the debt limit deadline.” The bill that funds the departments of any case, cheques can come from many different sources, many Hollen, the top Democrat on the House Many Republicans see the debt limit as Labour, Health and Human Services and of which would find it difficult or inconvenient to try to transfer Budget Committee. “The reality is that we their key leverage point for extracting more Education would face an 18.6 percent cut the money electronically. can go through these appropriations bills spending cuts from the Obama adminis- below sequester-starved levels, which When you’re cashing a cheque in person, there’s a natural but at the end of the day we’ll be back to tration, particularly on costly pension and translates to further cuts of about $28bn. fraud-detection device which is hard to replicate in a mobile set- where we are now unless we come to an medical benefits for the elderly. They engi- Van Hollen said Democrats and many ting where everything is done through OCR algorithms. overall agreement.” neered a temporary debt limit extension Republicans could not support cuts that Still, as cheque-cashing services have grown, a company called The result is that a stop-gap government earlier this year with idea that it would deep, and he predicted failure in the House. FIS has built up a substantial business by offering a service which funding measure to avoid an October 1 gov- come back to pressure Democrats into a The Democratic-controlled Senate is vir- allows cheque-cashers to outsource all of their fraud detection, and ernment shutdown looks increasingly inevi- deficit deal over the summer. tually certain to reject it, and Obama has taking all that risk onto its own balance sheet. Send a cheque off table. The Republican-controlled House But with that timing thrown off, threatened to veto appropriations bills that to FIS, and it will happily turn that cheque into ready cash, and and the Democratic-controlled Senate are Republicans are reluctant to enter into contain the “draconian” cuts prescribed by it’s pretty much agnostic as to whether that cheque comes from writing their spending bills to conform with direct, public budget negotiations with Republicans. a cheque-cashing storefront, or a supermarket, or a phone app. their partisan visions of what the budget Democrats. They say that without some Republican House Speaker John Boehner As a result, underbanked Americans who want to turn their should look like. Automatic spending cuts pre-negotiated “framework” agreements on Thursday accused Obama of making a cheques into immediate spendable money can now do so more of $1.2trn began on March 1 under the so- on tax reform and reforms to entitle- “reckless” threat to shut down the govern- easily than ever, directly from their phones. Providers of prepaid called “sequester” and are supposed to con- ments programmes, the process would be ment unless Democrats get their way in a debit cards can now contract with FIS to turn mobile-uploaded tinue for the next decade. unproductive. budget deal, and urged the president in a cheques into cash, and then can put that cash irrevocably onto Republicans assume that the “sequester” Liberal Democrats, who have favoured letter to rescind the veto threat. their customers’ cards. spending cuts will continue, so they are further tax increases on the wealthy, have REUTERS If the cheque ends up bouncing, or otherwise being bad, that’s FIS’s problem: neither the customer nor the card provider loses any money. Everything is done through the prepaid card’s mobile app, which simply makes calls on FIS’s API. And what if your prepaid card provider hasn’t signed up with FIS? No worry: another company, called InGo, is here to help. If you have a prepaid Visa card, you can download the InGo app and use that to upload your cheque; you can then deposit cash immediately onto the prepaid card of your choice. If you’re willing to wait 7 days, the service is free, but most customers choose to receive immediate funds; the fees there are 1 percent for payroll and government cheques, or 4 percent for all other cheques. Most encouragingly, the use of mRDC, because it keeps people out of cheque-cashing stores, might well cut down on the amount of payday lending. Cheque-cashing per se is not a massive drain of funds for the underbanked, although it can add up over time. But when you regularly go to a store to cash your pay cheque, and you know that store is willing to advance you money against that pay cheque when it’s coming to you in a week’s time, then it becomes very tempting to get your money not immediately, as soon as you receive it, but rather in advance. And that’s where cheque-cashing can become usurious payday lending. It’s a depressing yet undeniable fact that paper cheques aren’t going anywhere, in the US. Even as they’ve become obsolescent everywhere else, they’re still ubiquitous here. But now that FIS and InGo are cashing cheques straight onto prepaid debit cards, what used to be an obstacle can now become a competi- tive advantage. I’m hopeful that as part of this trend, cheque-cashing will stop being a significant expense for the underbanked, and will instead be a way for mobile banking operators and the prepaid industry to compete with each other in terms of convenience. Already, if you’re a Gobank customer, and you deposit a cheque into your account, the money will arrive immediately. Most of the unbanked have smartphones, now. That’s going to help take financial services for the underbanked out of the control of the payday-loan industry, and into the control of nimbler and more competitive mobile-native companies who are more interested in scale than they are in extracting rents from the poor. Which should be good for everybody. REUTERS Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Neoliberal financial elite who hold governments to deal

BY DEBORAH ORR the lazy scroungers” when they and responsive. The problem is knees, is snapping up bargains in putting the NHS under strain. century was due to women encounter the word “austerity”, that the ruthless sentimentalists the form of busted high-street The compartmentalised think- swelling the educated workforce. he International have cottoned on to the fact that of neoliberalism like to tell them- businesses to establish shops with ing is quite breathtaking. What Soubry and her ilk, above all else, Monetary Fund has the word can be intoned with selves that removing the dead nothing to sell but high-interest on earth does she imagine? That forget that people have multiple admitted that some of facial features locked into a suit- hand of state control frees the debt? Why, you have to ask your- it would be better for the economy roles, as consumers, as producers, Tthe decisions it made ably tragic mask. individual citizen to be entrepre- self, is this vast implausibility, this if they all left school at 16? On the as citizens and as family mem- in the wake of the 2007-2008 Yet, mealy-mouthed and hotly neurial and productive. Instead, sheer unsustainability not blind- contrary, the more people who are bers. All of those things have to be financial crisis were wrong, and contested as this minor mea culpa it places the financially powerful ingly obvious to all? earning good money while work- nurtured and invested in to make that the €130bn first bailout of is, it’s a sign that financial institu- beyond any state, in an interna- Markets cannot be free. ing part-time the better. No doubt a market. The neoliberalism the Greece was “bungled”. Well, yes. tions may be coming round to the tional elite that makes its own Markets have to be nurtured. these female GPs are sustaining IMF preaches pays no account If it hadn’t been a mistake, then idea that they are the problem. rules, and holds governments to They have to be invested in. both the pharmaceutical industry to any of this. It insists that the it would have been the only bail- They know the crash was a debt- ransom. That’s what the financial Markets have to be grown. Google, and the arts and media, both sec- provision of work alone is enough out and everyone in Greece would bubble that burst. What they crisis was all about. The ransom Amazon and Apple haven’t taught tors that Britain does well in. of an invisible hand to sustain a have lived happily ever after. don’t seem to acknowledge is that was paid, and as a result, govern- anyone in this country to read. As for their prioritising of fam- market. Even Adam Smith who The IMF hasn’t admitted that the merry days of reckless lending ments have been obliged to limit But even though an illiterate mar- ily life over career. Its prophets came up with that theory, did it messed things up. It has said are never going to return; even their activities yet further. Now ket wouldn’t be so great for them, and its disciples will happily tell not agree that economic activity instead that it went along with if they do, the same thing will the task, supposedly, is to get the they avoid their taxes, because you that there’s nothing more alone was enough to keep humans its partners in “the Troika” happen again, but more quickly free market up and running again. they can, because they are more important than family, unless decent and civilised. when it shouldn’t have. The EC and more savagely. The thing is So why, given the huge amount powerful than governments. And you’re a family doctor spending Governments are left with the and the ECB, says the IMF, put this: The crash was a write-off, of investment needed to create further, those who invest in these some of your time caring for your bill when neoliberals demand the interests of the eurozone not a repair job. The IMF exists such a market, should access to companies, and insist that taxes own. You couldn’t make these access to markets that they refuse before the interests of Greece. to lend money to governments, so it then be “free”? The neoliberal should be low to encourage pri- characters up. It is certainly true to invest in making. Their refusal The EC and the ECB, in turn, it’s comic that it wags its finger idea is that the cultivation should vate profit and shareholder value, that women with children find allows them to rail against the Big clutch their pearls and splutter at governments that run up debt. be conducted privately as well. then lend governments the money it more easy to find part-time State while producing the condi- with horror that they could be And, of course, its loans famously They see “austerity” as a way of they need to create these popula- employment in the public sector. tions that make it necessary. Even accused of something so petty as come with strings attached: forcing that agenda. But how can tions of sophisticated producers But that’s a prima facie example as results of their folly become self-preservation. adopt a free-market economy, or the privatisation of societal wel- and consumers, berating them for of how unresponsive the private plain to see, they are grudging in The IMF admits that it “under- strengthen the one you have, kiss- fare possibly happen when unem- their profligacy as they do so. It’s sector is to human and societal their admittance of the slightest estimated” the effect austerity ing goodbye to the Big State. Yet, ployment is already high, working all utterly, completely, crazy. need, not evidence that the public blame, bickering with their allies would have on Greece. Obviously, the irony is painful. Neoliberal people are turning to food banks Health Minister, Anna Soubry, sector is congenitally disabled. instead of waking up, smelling the rest of the Troika takes no ideology insists that states are too to survive and the debt indus- suggested that female GPs who Much of the healthy economic the coffee and realising that far issue with that. Even those who big and cumbersome, too central- try, far from being sorry that it worked part-time so that they growth that Britain enjoyed dur- too much of it is sold through substitute “kick them up to all ised and faceless to be efficient brought the global economy to its could bring up families were ing the second half of the 20th Starbucks. THE GUARDIAN SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com GECM & TENDERS

GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS MAP (GECM) Every Sunday China’s stocks drop for seventh day before data German bonds fall for third week as Economic crisis driving more young BEIJING: China’s stocks fell, capping the Draghi says economy to recover Treasuries fall on Fed bets people to become entrepreneurs benchmark gauge’s first weekly decline in in longest losing streak LONDON: More young people are planning BERLIN: German government bonds dropped six weeks, as money-market rates jumped for a third week as European Central Bank to set up their own business empires in the and economists forecast a report tomorrow since 2009 President Mario Draghi said the region’s wake of the economic crisis, a new research will show export growth slowed last month. WASHINGTON: Treasuries economy should return to growth later this year, China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. the Japan’s pension fund cutting dropped for a sixth straight suggests. Problems finding work has led damping demand for fixed-income assets. local bonds to buy equities to an increasingly “entrepreneurial mood” nation’s biggest refiner, slid 1.6 percent after week, the longest stretch of Spanish and Italian securities fell for a fifth TOKYO: Japan’s public pension among young people, the Prince’s Trust said. the government said it will cut petrol prices. losses in four years, as US week as Draghi also said after the ECB’s fund, the world’s biggest manager The charity’s study of more than 1,600 Industrial Bank Co. dropped 1.7 percent, payrolls swelled while the monthly policy meeting that he saw no reason of retirement savings, said it people aged 16 to 30 found nearly a third adding to an 8.1 percent slump this week. jobless rate rose, keeping alive for any “immediate” additional measures to will reduce its holdings of local (30 percent) believed they would be self- China Coal Energy Co. led declines among bets the Federal Reserve will cut lower borrowing costs. bonds and buy more shares. The employed in the future. coal producers. back on monetary stimulus. proportion of assets held in A measure of Treasuries Japanese bonds will be cut to volatility climbed to the highest 60 percent from 67 percent, the in a year as investors weighed health ministry said yesterday. whether the central bank will South African government urged Rupee flirts with lifetime low slow its bond buying under against the dollar as woes mount quantitative easing as the to save economy NEW DELHI: Rupee is flirting with lifetime economy improves. JOHANNESBURG: The government is under pressure to rescue the economy lows against the dollar as risk-wary as fears grow that the country could investors favour the greenback over Asia’s Brazilian dollar bond slump deepens slip back into recession. third-largest economy beset by sharply as S&P lowers rating outlook The rand has taken a hammering over slower growth, worsening public finances BRASILIA: Brazil’s benchmark dollar the last week, prompting Reserve Bank and political turmoil. The so-called “India bonds fell after Standard & Poor’s cut Governor Gill Marcus to call for action. story” has faded with the shortfall in the the government’s credit rating outlook to Marcus has called for political current account — the broadest trade Aussie set for biggest weekly drop negative amid an economic slump that’s leadership to get the economy back on measure — ballooning to just under five versus yen since 2011 per cent of gross domestic product in the threatening to drive up debt levels. track. With an election year looming, SYDNEY: Australia’s dollar dropped versus last financial year from 4.2 per cent the The nation’s $2.2bn of bonds due in 2023 analysts believe the economy could the yen, set for its worst weekly rout previous year, and growth at a decade- fell 0.19 cent to 92.40 cents on the dollar bear the brunt of electioneering. since 2011, before Chinese data tomorrow at 12.10pm in New York, the lowest price low of five per cent, analysts say. forecast to show growth in imports on a closing basis since the notes were slowed, dimming the demand outlook for issued in September. commodities. Implied volatility of the Aussie against the US currency was set for a sixth weekly advance, the longest in two years, before a US jobs report today that may help investors estimate when the Federal Reserve will start reducing monetary stimulus.

TENDERS

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Idowu slams Bruins in Stanley Cup Final former UK chief over Boston win Eastern Conference series against Pittsburgh Penguins Olympics row LONDON: Triple jumper BOSTON, Massachusetts: telling McQuaid he was going Phillips Idowu (pictured) The Boston Bruins booked a to get one today and it ended up has angrily criticised former spot in the Stanley Cup Final being a huge one for us tonight,” UK Athletics (UKA) coach yesterday after beating the said Bruins goaltender Tuukka Boston Bruins’ Charles van Commenee over Pittsburgh Penguins 1-0 to Rask, who saved 26 shots yester- Brad Marchand the British athlete’s prepara- sweep their Eastern Conference day and conceded just two goals (left) and tions for last year’s London championship series. in the four-game series against Olympics. team-mates The Bruins won the best-of- the top ranked team in the East. Van Commenee accused celebrate a seven series 4-0 and will play Team mate Patrice Bergeron Idowu of turning his back on either the Chicago Blackhawks said Rask made the difference. goal against UKA in the build-up to the or Los Angeles Kings for the Cup. “I can’t say enough (about the Pittsburgh event, after he failed to report It is the first time the Penguins him),” added Bergeron. Penguins for a pre-Olympic training have been swept in a play-off “He is the reason why we are during the camp in Portugal and was slow series since losing 4-0 to the here and he was a huge part of us third period in to provide details of an injury. Bruins in the 1979 quarter-finals. winning this series.” Game 4 of their Although he was one of the Reaching the Stanley Cup Final Finn Rask, who backed up NHL Eastern pre-event favourites, Idowu will be a major boost for the city Tim Thomas when Boston won Conference failed to qualify for the triple of Boston, which is still coming the Cup in 2011, said he had been finals play- jump terms with the bombing of the trying to keep consistent. off series final, but Boston Marathon. “I felt pretty good throughout in Boston, he claims Boston’s Adam McQuaid belted the year,” he added. Massachusetts, his per- home a slapshot from distance “Obviously had some bad games yesterday. formance during a line change early in the and good games but I just try to was not third period to send the Bruins to stay focused and feel good about hindered their second Final in three years. myself every game and there is no by his Boston beat Vancouver to win exception right now,” Rask said prepa- the Stanley Cup in 2011. yesterday. rations “We were a little sluggish in Penguins head coach Dan series, there is no question,” said that goal in either Game Three or Boston will meet either the for the the first two periods and we said, Bylsma continued the praise of Bylsma. Game Four and you have to give 2010 champions Chicago or the Games. we got to win a period in order Rask. “It’s not like we didn’t have good the Bruins a ton of credit for that reigning Stanley Cup holders Los In to win a series,” Boston’s Milan “There is no question the per- scoring chances or opportunities. and the way they played and bat- Angeles. quotes Lucic said. formance he put into this series “Our guys played extremely tled,” he added after yesterday’s The Blackhawks lead that reported “I remember before the game was elite. The difference in the hard and we didn’t come up with match. series 3-1. REUTERS by sev- eral British newspapers yes- terday, Idowu rejected Van Commenee’s criticisms, saying: “Apparently I’d gone missing. “I was like, ‘That’s b******t.’ MLB: Tigers’ ace Verlander UK Anti-Doping know where I am. My coach knows where I am. So for all that to be said and whipped up into a media gets season’s eighth victory storm is crap. “You kind of need to check DETROIT: Detroit’s Justin Tampa Bay (33-27) are fourth your facts. I have the evidence, Verlander notched up his eighth Baseball Results in the AL East but still have if you want to look at my text win of the season yesterday, Pittsburgh 2 Chicago Cubs 0 the Orioles (34-27), New York messages and see the e-mails. pitching seven solid innings as Yankees (35-26) and Red Sox (37- Once I’d pointed that out, UKA Toronto 6 Texas 1 the Tigers solidified their place 24) within reach. The Yankees fell wanted to crush the story.” at the top of the American Detroit 7 Cleveland 5 4-1 to Seattle (27-35). Idowu, 34, said he had always League Central with a 7-5 win St Louis 9 Cincinnati 2 The other AL East team, had minimal contact with UKA over the slumping Cleveland Tampa Bay 2 Baltimore 1 Toronto (26-34), upset the Texas and preferred working with his Indians. Oakland 4 Chicago White Sox 3 Rangers (36-24) 6-1, helped by a own coaching team. The Indians (30-30) have Kansas City 4 Houston 2 Melky Cabrera home run, one of “For the last four years I’ve lost five on the trot, allowing three hits to go with his two RBIs. been working with my coach Milwaukee 5 Philadelphia 4 the Tigers (33-26) to open up a It allowed the Oakland and we’ve done the whole three and a half game lead in the Colorado 10 San Diego 9 Athletics (38-25) to steal the AL thing,” he said. division. Arizona 3 San Francisco 1 West lead after their 4-3 win over “I’ve funded my own trips, Victor Martinez finished a Seattle 4 NY Yankees 1 the Chicago White Sox (25-34) not on lottery funding. I went triple shy of the cycle, hammer- LA Dodgers 2 Atlanta 1 yesterday. to the major championships, ing an important home run for Nolan Arenado produced a when selected, and I came back Detroit against his former team. Pirates produced a major league walk-off home run in the bottom with medals. Anything outside National League Central lead- leading 10th shutout, beating the of the ninth to help the Colorado of that, I had no involvement ers St. Louis strengthened their Chicago Cubs 2-0. Rockies (33-29) to a 10-9 win with UKA.” position with a 9-2 demolition of Francisco Liriano pitched seven over San Diego (28-33) in the He added: “I sort my own Cincinnati. innings allowing just two hits, NL West. medical staff, my own mas- The Cardinals (40-21) were striking out eight as the Pirates But the Arizona Diamondbacks seuse. Off the back of that I the first in the majors to 40 wins (36-25) stayed in touch while the (35-26) stayed on top with 3-1 win won Olympic silver, world gold, thanks to David Freese, Jon Jay Cubs (24-34) sunk deeper in the over San Francisco (31-29). European gold, world silver. I’m and Pete Kozma, who combined mire. The Los Angeles Dodgers working with a pretty decent for six hits and seven RBIs to give It took a Desmond Jennings (27-33) beat the high flying team.” St. Louis a four game lead over two-run homer in the bottom of Atlanta Braves (37-24) for the Idowu’s next major assign- the Reds (36-25) and Pittsburgh the seventh to interrupt Jason second night running with a Toronto Blue Jays’ Munenori Kawasaki (right) turns a double play putting ment will be the World Pirates. Hammel’s shutout bid and help 2-1 win in 10 innings after Skip Texas Rangers’ Jeff Baker out at second base during the top of the Championships in Moscow in Russell Martin scored a run edge the Tampa Bay Rays to a 2-1 Schumaker scored on a wild pitch. seventh inning of their MLB American League game in Toronto, yesterday. August. AFP and drove in another as the win over the Baltimore Orioles. REUTERS

Play-offs not San Antonio Spurs try to stay fun unless you win, sharp ahead of game two MIAMI: If the remainder of the San Antonio NBA Finals comes anywhere Spurs’ Manu says Wade close to the passion and excite- ment displayed by the Miami Ginobili of MIAMI: He is playing on bas- Heat and San Antonio Spurs in Argentina speaks ketball’s greatest stage in front game one, the basketball world to the media of adoring crowds and a global is in for a real treat. during a team TV audience, but for Dwyane “It was anybody’s ball game and practice ahead Wade there is little joy to be we just happened to be fortunate of game two of found at this late stage of a to get it,” Spurs coach Gregg the NBA Finals grueling season. Popovich said yesterday. “A lot of basketball play-off The 31-year-old Miami Heat Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat is seen on a screen speaking to the good athletes busting their butts against the Miami shooting guard knows all too well press before a practice for the upcoming Game Two of the NBA Finals for 48 minutes.” Heat in Miami, the rigors of play-off basketball at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida, yesterday. The Spurs captured the open- Florida, yesterday. as he is competing in his third ing game of the best-of-seven consecutive National Basketball championship series by beat- Association (NBA) Finals. series that ended on Monday. as an excuse. “By no means, no ing the Heat 92-88 on Thursday The basket gave the Spurs a is about what you do to execute “Play-offs ain’t fun, man. I’m That left Wade and his team- stretch do I want anybody to behind a smothering defensive four-point lead and their final and pick up on the other team’s sorry to bust anyone on the out- mates two full days of rest before think that’s a crutch, that we effort and some late-game hero- margin of victory. strengths and weaknesses.” side’s bubble. As a player in the opening the championship round were tired,” said Wade. “So what? ics by Spurs dynamo Tony Parker. The teams meet again today in The Spurs’ win spoiled a superb play-offs, you have no joy until it’s on Thursday, a game the visiting We have to play. I said we looked Miami fell behind by seven game two at American Airlines performance by James, who fin- over and you won,” Wade, a two- San Antonio Spurs would win like a team that came out of a points with less than two minutes Arena. ished with 18 points, 18 rebounds time NBA champion whose Heat 92-88. seven-game series in the fourth to play but cut the Spurs’ lead to Popovich said the next few days and 10 assists. It was the 10th trail the best-of-seven Finals 1-0, The defending champion Heat quarter. We died down a little bit 90-88 with 31 seconds left in regu- will be spent trying to formulate a career post-season “triple double” said yesterday. will host the Spurs again today, physically and mentally by mak- lation time, setting the stage for plan to counter some of the things for James. “If you don’t win, you have no a game they can ill-afford to lose ing mistakes. Parker’s heroics. Miami might do differently or But it wasn’t enough to com- joy for a while. So for us it’s the since the next three games of “So you have to fight through It appeared the Spurs were better in game two. pensate for key turnovers down grind every day as a team of try- the series are scheduled for San all that. It’s the Finals. There’s going to be called for a shot But he said with two days to the stretch and the rock-solid ing to win the series, trying to Antonio. no other series after this. There’s clock violation in the final sec- rest between games, there is only defense of the Spurs, who only win four games in the series.” In the aftermath of Thursday’s no tomorrow after this, from the onds. Parker fell to the floor then so much they can work on to get committed four turnovers, tying After cruising through the loss, Wade cited fatigue as being standpoint of basketball.” ducked under last year’s finals ready. a NBA Finals record. first two rounds of the NBA’s a factor in their poor fourth Miami dropped the first game Most Valuable Player, LeBron “Often times you give the “We are playing the best bas- play-offs, the Heat were pushed quarter performance but he was of the 2012 NBA Finals versus James, and somehow managed to team that wins too much credit,” ketball of the season so far,” San to a decisive seventh game by wary of those words, reasonable Thunder but went on to win the launch a 16-foot bank shot with Popovich said. “Each game is an Antonio’s Tim Duncan said at the Indiana Pacers in an intense though they were, being seen title in five games. REUTERS less than a second on the shot entity unto itself. yesterday’s practice. clock. “It unfolds as it goes and it AFP SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Sanchez takes English soars two stage, Froome still in yellow

SUPERDEVOLUY, France: Spain’s 2008 Olympic road race ahead in Memphis champion Samuel Sanchez won the seventh and penulti- mate stage of the Criterium Mickelson eight strokes off the pace du Dauphine yesterday, the 187.5km ride from Pont-de- Claix to Superdevoluy. MEMPHIS, Tennessee: “That’s probably one of the The 35-year-old veteran’s stage American Harris English spec- St Jude Classic hardest holes on the golf course,” win didn’t affect the overall lead tacularly holed out with an English smiled. as British rider Chris Froome eight-iron to eagle the par-four Scores “I hit a nice three-wood off the retained the yellow jersey and fifth on the way to a two-shot MEMPHIS, Tennessee: Leading scores tee and I had about 170 to the will look today to collect another lead after yesterday’s second yesterday after the second round of the hole. major win this season and bolster round of the St Jude Classic in $5.7m US PGA Tour St Jude Classic (USA “I hit an eight-iron which his chances of winning the major Memphis, Tennessee. unless noted, par-70): landed 10, 12 feet short and it prize the Tour de France in July. The 23-year-old, seeking his 130 Harris English 66-64 trickled in. It was pretty cool.” Sanchez, who failed to defend first PGA Tour title after play- 132 Shawn Stefani 67-65 English, whose best PGA his Olympic title last year ing his rookie season on the US 135 Paul Haley 67-68, Scott Stallings Tour finish was a tie for fifth because of injury, shook off his circuit last year, fired a six-under- 67-68 at last year’s Crowne Plaza fellow escapee Denmark’s Jakob par 64 in good scoring conditions 136 Davis Love 66-70, Glen Day 66-70, Invitational, said he was stead- Fuglsang as they approached the at the TPC Southwind to take Justin Hicks 67-69, Doug LaBelle ily learning how to contend on climax of the stage at the alpine control of the tournament. 70-66, Nicholas Thompson 67-69 professional golf’s most com- ski station. One of six players tied for the 137 Jason Bohn 67-70, Ben Crane 69- petitive circuit. The gruelling stage, which lead overnight after opening with 68, Dustin Johnson 67-70, Stuart “It’s really about getting com- embraced the climb of the leg- a 66, English also recorded five Appleby (AUS) 66-71, Luke Guthrie fortable out here and getting endary Alpe d’Huez and the birdies and a lone bogey at the 70-67, Eric Meierdierks 68-69, Chez comfortable with the lead and descent of the Sarenne, like the par-four 18th, where he missed Reavie 69-68, Roberto Castro 68- around the lead,” he said. peloton will do in this year’s Tour the fairway off the tee, to post a 69, Bob Estes 68-69, Boo Weekley “I am hopefully starting to de France, saw a group of 20 rid- 10-under total of 130. 68-69, Ian Poulter (ENG) 69-68, grow into that. ers break away shortly after the PGA Tour rookie Shawn Camilo Villegas (VEN) 69-68 “This is only my second year start. Stefani was alone at eight under out here so I am learning from However, the last of this group, after carding a 65, with fellow every round and every shot, try- Frenchman Sylvain Chavanel and Americans Scott Stallings (68) 170 yards at the fifth. “One, two ing to get better every day.” Alessandro de Marchi of Italy, and Paul Haley II (68) a further and three are some of the easiest Four-times major champion were swept up inside the final three strokes back. holes out here and to make birdies Phil Mickelson improved on his 16km on the climb of the col du Defending champion Dustin on those jump-started my round, opening 71 with a 67 to end the Noyer. Johnson was among a group of 12 it really got me going,” English day eight shots off the pace, one Sanchez and then Fuglsang players knotted at three under told Golf Channel. stroke better than Irishman seized their chance approaching after returning a 70 in the final “I was hitting the ball well and Padraig Harrington (70). the summit of the climb and had PGA Tour event before next my speed on the greens was really “I made a couple of dumb mis- a lead of around 20 seconds over week’s US Open at Merion Golf good. I was just trying to keep it takes, and I think that’s why I the chasing pack, led by Spain’s Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. going.” enjoy the competing element two-time Tour de France cham- English made a barn-storming The American, who covered his before a big event like the US Harris English hits his tee shot on the par 4 7th hole during the second pion Alberto Contador, heading start with birdies on his first three back nine in one-under 34, readily Open next week,” Mickelson said round of the FedEx St Jude Classic at the TPC Southwind in Memphis, towards the stage finish. AFP holes, then got to five under for conceded he had been very fortu- after a four-birdie display. Tennessee, yesterday. the round when he holed out from nate to eagle the par-four fifth. REUTERS Criterium du Dauphine SUPERDEVOLUY, France: Criterium du Dauphine results yesterday after the seventh Choi grabs lead at LPGA Championship and penultimate stage, a 187.5km ride from du Pont-de-Claix to Superdevoluy: Stage PITTSFORD, New York: Her accuracy was especially four straight birdies from the Korea headed a big group at even- LPGA 1. Samuel Sanchez (ESP/Euskaltel) 5hr Chella Choi fired six birdies in important on the rain-soaked 15th to cap her round and grab par 72. 26min 14sec, 2. Jakob Fuglsang (DEN/AST) Championship a five-under par 67 yesterday course, where the wet weather her share of second place. “After I hit it, I knew it was a s.t., 3. Richie Porte (AUS/SKY) at 15sec, 4. PITTSFORD, New York: Leading first- to seize a one-stroke lead over only made the rough more “I played pretty well out there,” good shot. But I was just trying Dani Moreno (ESP/KAT) 16, 5. Stef Clement round scores here yesterday in the LPGA fellow South Korean Shin Jiyai punishing. Pressel said. “I didn’t put myself to get good distance and I wasn’t Championship (USA unless noted, par-72): (NED/BLA) 16, 6. Alejandro Valverde (ESP/ and American Morgan Pressel “I hit a really good driver in any really bad trouble, which thinking it was going to go in 67 Chella Choi (KOR) MOV) 16, 7. Chris Froome (GBR/SKY) 16, in the LPGA Championship. today,” Choi said. “I hit 14 fair- you can certainly find on this golf hole,” Tseng said of her ace. 68 Shin Jiyai (KOR), Morgan Pressel 8. Dani Navarro (ESP/COF) 16, 9. Michael After steady rain washed out ways. So I’m really happy. My goal course.” Park’s round ended on a low 69 Brittany Lincicome Rogers (AUS/SAX) 16, 10. Alberto Contador play on the first day, delaying is just keep in the fairway, so I’m American Brittany Lincicome note with a double-bogey six at 70 Jessica Korda, Pak Se-Ri (KOR) (ESP/SAX) 23, 11. Joaquim Rodriguez (ESP/ the start of the second women’s really happy.” was alone in fourth on 69, while the par-four 18th, where she said 71 Hur Mi-Jung (KOR), Chie Arimura KAT) 30, 12. Laurent ten Dam (NED/BLA) major of the season, Choi was Choi, seeking a first LPGA title, South Korean Pak Se-Ri and poor club selection was to blame. (JPN), Angela Stanford, Lee Il-Hee 53, 13. Mikel Nieve (ESP/EUS) 1min 00sec, (KOR), Laura Davies (ENG), Anna quick to get into the swim yes- was able to limit her mistakes, American Jessica Korda were a “I was hitting the ball great 14. Thomas Voeckler (FRA/EUC) 1:45, 15. Nordqvist (SWE), Catriona Matthew terday morning with five birdies even though she played much of further stroke back on two-under today,” she said. “I didn’t putt as Alexandre Geniez (FRA/FDJ) 1:45, 16. Rein (SCO), Lexi Thompson, Amy Yang on the front nine at Locust Hill her round in rainy weather. 70. well as I thought I would have, but (KOR) Taaramae (EST/COF) 1:45, 17. Damiano Country Club. Shin played without a bogey, Taiwan’s Tseng Ya-ni had a I putted really bad last week and 72 Ji Eun-Hee (KOR), J Jeong (KOR), Cunego (ITA/LAM) 1:52, 18. Geraint She added another birdie at grabbing three of her four birdies hole-in-one for eagle at the par- it was getting better this week, so Tseng Ya-ni (TPE), Suzann Pettersen Thomas (GBR/SKY) 2:06, 19. Michal the par-four 10th before her only on Locust Hill’s back nine. three 15th and was among a group that’s a positive to take. I played (NOR), Sarah Jane Smith (AUS), Kwiatkowski (POL/OPQ) 2:07, 20. Rohan Choi Na-Yeon (KOR), Park In-Bee bogey at 13 on a day when she hit Pressel countered three bogeys of nine players on 71, while world very good until the last hole.” Dennis (AUS/GRM) 2:10. (KOR), Pornanong Phatlum (THA) all 14 fairways in regulation. with seven birdies, unleashing number one Park In-Bee of South AFP QBSF gears up for Asian Indoor Games in Korea

DOHA: Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation (QBSF) have lined up two preparatory camps for its Pool and Snooker teams ahead of the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) in Korea, informed an official of QBSF. The snooker team will undergo a nine-day training camp in London, while the Pool team will travel to Taiwan on June 12, to gear up for AIMAG. “The snooker team will leave for London on June 12. The play- ers will be based at the South West Snooker Academy, in Gloucester. As part of the training programme they will be playing some matches against the local players. They will also play some matches against professional players,” informed Ehab Al Salih, Technical Secretary at QBSF. “Currently, all the players are undergoing training in Doha and will return from London on June 23. Thereafter, they will regroup and leave for Asian Indoor and Qatar snooker team players Ahmed Saif (right), Ali Al Obaidli (third right), Khamis Al Obaidli (second right), Mohanna Al Obaidli (second left), and Mohsin Bukshaisha (third left), pose for a Martial Arts Games in Korea,” picture along with Mike Russell, coach of the team, after a training session at Qatar Billiards and Snooker Federation Hall yesterday. RIGHT: Pool player Bashar Hussain (left) and coach Al Salih said. Steven Lin. PICTURES BY: SALIM MATRAMKOT Ahmed Saif, the only profes- sional player from Qatar, cur- rently taking part in his first 2007, will accompany the team and will head to Korea on June QBSF, consisting of 8 players are disciplines including Aquatics, Laos, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, tournament as a pro player, will as a coach. 26. Players from Hong Kong, taking part in the 15-red format. Billiards Sports, Bowling, Chess, Lebanon, Syria China, Macau, join the squad in London from Abdul Moshim Khamis will be Singapore, Brunei and China are “The tournament is a series Baduk, Dance Sports, Electronic Chinese Taipei, DPR Korea, Bulgaria. the head of the delegation. expected to take part in the three format and will be played at least Sports, Football, Futsal, Kabaddi, Malaysia, Tajikistan, Hong Kong, The other members of the The Pool team consisting of tournaments,” informed Lin. 12 times a year. The winning team Kickboxing, Kurash and Muay. Maldives, Thailand, Independent Qatar team which is heading Bashar Hussain and Mohammed As part of the preparations will get QR4,000, the runner’s up Around forty five Aisan coun- Olympic Athletes, Mongolia, to London are Ali Al Obaidli, Bin Ali, and coached by Steven for the Korean Games, the Qatar QR1,500 and the highest break tries will be taking part in the Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Khamis Al Obaidli, Mohanna Al Lin will leave for Taiwan on June players are taking part in the winner will get QR500,” the QBSF AIMAG in Korea they include Myanmar, Turkmenistan, Iran, Obaidli, and Mohsin Bukshaisha. 11. Nero Bianco Snooker Challenge, said. Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Nepal, United Arab Emirates, Mike Russell, an eleven-time “We will be taking part in a two-day tournament organ- The AIMAG, will be held over Philippines, Bahrain, Korea, Iraq, Oman, Uzbekistan, Japan, world champion in Billiards in the the three Pool tournaments in ised by QBSF, which began here eight days in Incheon, from June Qatar, Bangladesh, Kuwait, Saudi Pakistan, Vietnam, Jordan professional category, a Snooker Taiwan. We will train in Taiwan yesterday. 29 to July 6, this year. Arabia, Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan, Palestine and Yemen. coach with Qatar team since in between the tournaments Two teams Nero Bianco and The AIMAG will feature twelve Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Cruden helps All Blacks to tense win over France The fly-half scores 13 points in first game of Test series at Eden Park

AUCKLAND: Aaron Cruden was when we were in our 22 for had a mixed night with his boot quite a sustained period, and we British and Irish Lions’ Sam but managed to slot 13 points had a young side out there, they Warburton (centre) is tackled for a scratchy All Blacks side kept their composure. by Queensland Reds’ Quade as they held off a combative “That’s the type of player we Cooper and Anthony Fainga’a France team 23-13 in the first need to win big Test matches. during their rugby game at game of their three-Test series There was no panic, guys just Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, at Eden Park yesterday. went and did their job.” yesterday. The All Blacks, who had not Fofana’s try had given the lost at the Auckland venue since visitors a 7-0 lead before Cruden France coach Phillipe Saint slotted his first penalty, after two Andre sparked “the try from the previous misses, before the All Gatland hails end of the world” in 1994, scored Blacks struck back in the final 10 two counter-attacking tries late minutes of the first half on the in the first half that proved the counter-attack. Lions ‘guts’ difference in a match that failed Scrumhalf Aaron Smith fin- to reach the heights expected. ished off a searing break by Both sides, who are rebuild- winger Ben Smith to give the after tough ing ahead of the 2015 World Cup, home side a 10-7 lead before wasted several golden opportuni- Maxime Machenaud slotted a victory ties to score, most notably France penalty to make it 10-10. number eight Louis Picamoles Cane then crossed for a who dropped the ball with the 38th-minute try when the All BRISBANE, Australia: Head line open following a devastating Blacks forced a turnover and coach Warren Gatland praised break from Florian Fritz. Nonu breached the defence and a gutsy effort by the British and The All Blacks two tries to Cruden’s conversion gave the All Irish Lions yesterday after they scrumhalf Aaron Smith and Blacks a 17-10 lead at the break. held off a fierce assault by the openside flanker Sam Cane in the France fly-half Camille Lopez, Queensland Reds to register final 10 minutes of the first spell who took over the goalkicking their third straight win. typified the match. when Machenaud limped off early Gatland said the tough 22-12 Both sides were well organ- in the second half, slotted a pen- victory, in a Test-style atmos- ised in defence but also fell off alty that rallied the visitors. New Zealand All Blacks’ player Aaron Cruden makes a break during the international rugby Test match against phere at the venue where the several tackles when they ran A number of penalties at the France in Auckland yesterday. The All Blacks beat France 23-13. Lions will play Australia on back on the counter-attack with breakdown and scrum, however, June 22, was just what his play- the field more open and defence swung it back to the All Blacks, ers needed after two big score- unorganised. with Cruden pushing the lead out lines against the Barbarians and Wesley Fofana’s try for France to seven points again with his sec- Western Force. early in the first half, after the ond penalty. South Africa ease past Italy “It was exactly what we visitors had withstood a high Picamoles then dropped the wanted,” Gatland said. “We knew tempo, was also scored on the ball with the line open after DURBAN: South Africa scored five tries to The comfortable halftime cushion set up the pos- we were going to be a little bit counter following a break by Fritz another break from Fritz and nei- overwhelm Italy 44-10 at the King’s Park Rugby sibility of a runaway win but Italy were a changed heavy, or flat physically in the when Sam Cane and Ma’a Nonu ther side were able to capitalise Stadium yesterday but the hosts needed three outfit after the break, taking the game to South legs. It was a reminder to the collided and opened a gap for the as the match was played in the late scores to add a flattering edge to the result. Africa and pinning the home side in their own half. players of what it means to an Toulouse centre to ghost through. middle of the field before Cruden The Springboks raced into a 20-0 lead but allowed Alberto Sgarbi’s try after an audacious pass opposition team playing against Neither side also capitalised slotted his third penalty. themselves to be pinned back for the first 20 minutes through his legs from Italian skipper Sergio Parisse the Lions.” from their field position, with “We were close to the All of the second half before scoring three tries in the was richly deserved and when debutant fly half Scrum-half Nick Frisby also France camped near the All Blacks, but we made too many final quarter-hour. Alberto di Bernardo slotted over a penalty just went over in the second half as Blacks line for several minutes mistakes, lost too many balls in All but one of the tries came from the hosts’ before the hour mark, the Italians had reduced the the Reds scored two tries to the in the second half only to be the contact and they got a lot of speedy back line in an error-filled match in which deficit to just 10 points. Lions’ one. But a steady six-from- thwarted by a desperate defen- opportunity due to our mistakes,” Italy surprised the hosts with their resilience and Home crowd frustration boiled over with a bout six kicking performance from sive performance and a series of France captain Thierry Dusautoir tactic of keeping the ball in hand. of jeering when flyhalf Morne Steyn kicked away fly-half Owen Farrell helped the penalties at the scrum. said. Hooker Adriaan Strauss scored first for South possession but the last 15 minutes suddenly saw the visitors over the line. “We know that it was ugly at “We didn’t keep control of the Africa after 14 minutes with a pushover try before Boks revive their form. “They came at us at 100 miles times,” New Zealand coach Steve ball and that is very important a second was added nine minutes later as JJ Habana scored his 48th test try as he collected an hour in that first 20 minutes Hansen told reporters of his that when you have the opportu- Engelbrecht dotted down after a spectacular break a ball just inside the Italian half and then set off at and the boys soaked up the pres- impression of the match. nity to score against them, you do from Bryan Habana whose pace caught the Italians pace, cutting through the defence spectacularly to sure,” Gatland said after yester- “What I liked about the game it.” REUTERS cold. score. REUTERS day’s match. AFP Nadal happy to suffer in pursuit No-one can stop of eighth title at Roland Garros Serena, says coach PARIS: Serena Williams is virtually impossible to stop when she displays the ruthless form which saw her defeat Maria Sharapova PARIS: Rafael Nadal is happy A combination picture and claim a second French Open, the American’s coach insisted to suffer if it allows him to shows Spain’s Rafael yesterday. become the first man to capture Nadal (left) and Frenchman Patrick Mouratoglou described the 31-year-old as the same Grand Slam title eight compatriot David Ferrer an immense champion who is capable of matching the Grand Slam times when he tackles Spanish achievements of Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert after claiming in action during a 2013 compatriot David Ferrer in her 16th major. French Open match at the today’s French Open final. “When she is in that kind of spirit, there is no-one who can stop Nadal, who won the Roland Roland Garros Stadium her,” said Mouratoglou after Williams beat Sharapova 6-4, 6-4 to claim Garros crown in 2012 for the sev- in Paris. Nadal, who won her second title in Paris, 11 years after her first. enth time to pull clear of Bjorn the Roland Garros crown “She has impressed me every day. In training, she knows what must Borg’s six titles, goes into his 17th in 2012 for the seventh be done. People always speak about her strength and power but she Grand Slam final seeking a 12th time to pull clear of Bjorn knows how to do a lot more things on the court. She is an exception- major overall. Borg’s six titles, goes ally complete champion.” Ferrer, 31, Nadal’s senior by into his 17th Grand Slam Twelve months ago, Williams suffered her worst defeat at a Grand four years, will be playing on this final seeking a 12th major Slam when she was knocked out of the first round in Paris. stage for the first time and will overall. Ferrer, 31, will be “Last year was a real shock for her. But she has undergone the be handicapped by a 19-4 losing playing on this stage for reconstruction work which has made her become perhaps even stronger streak against his fellow Spaniard, the first time and will be than she has ever been,” added Mouratoglou. 16 of those losses coming on clay. handicapped by a 19-4 “It’s incredible what has happened in the last year with her winning But Nadal is taking noth- losing streak against his the big tournaments.” ing for granted and is prepared fellow Spaniard. Since her defeat to Virginie Razzano in the first round in Paris in for another marathon encoun- 2012, Williams has won 74 out of 77 matches. AFP ter after his epic 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7 (3/7), 9-7 win over world “Today I am here. So you can Ferrer then eased past the to play very aggressive all the number one Novak Djokovic in lose, you can win, and that’s part Frenchman 6-1, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 in match.” Ferrer should at least the semi-finals. of the sport. That’s the beautiful his semi-final but he will be well be the fresher of the two having “I learned during all of my thing.” aware that his only victory on spent six hours fewer than Nadal career to enjoy suffering, and Nadal has been the sensation clay against Nadal was in their to get to the championship match. these kind of matches are very of 2013, winning 42 of 44 matches first meeting at Stuttgart in 2004 Today’s match will be the third special. You don’t have the chance and six titles since his return in when his compatriot was just 16. all-Spanish final at a Grand Slam to play these kind of matches February from a seven-month As well as losing to Nadal in and all have come in Paris. every day,” said Nadal. injury lay-off to rest his trouble- the quarter-finals in Paris in Sergio Bruguera beat Alberto He had twice led top seed some knees. 2005, and in the semi-finals last Berasategui in 1994, Carlos Moya Djokovic by a set and a break but It was a low period of his life year, Ferrer has already lost three saw off Alex Corretja four years had to come back from 4-2 down and career as he missed the times to his countryman in 2013, later while, in 2002, Albert Costa in the decider to seal a place in his Olympics as well as US and again all on clay. got the better of Juan Carlos eighth Paris final, extending his Australian Opens. “It’s a dream for me to be in the Ferrero. record to 58 wins in 59 matches Ferrer, the fourth seed, has final of a Grand Slam, and Roland Victory for Nadal will take him at the tournament in the process. reached his maiden final with- Garros is more important for me,” clear of Roger Federer and Pete “When these kind of matches out losing a set. He has slipped said Ferrer, who has lost eight Sampras as the most successful happen you suffer, but I really through the gap created when straight to Nadal. player at one major in the Open Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan of the US pose with their trophy after defeat- enjoy these moments. I really Andy Murray pulled out of the “I will fight. It’s very difficult era. ing Michael Llodra and Nicolas Mahut of France in their men’s doubles enjoy suffering, because what’s tournament with an injury and to beat Rafael on all the surfaces, Meanwhile Ferrer is bidding final match to win the French Open title at the Roland Garros Stadium harder is when I am in Mallorca which was left wide open when but on a clay court it is more dif- to become the oldest man to win in Paris, yesterday. The victory gave the Bryans, who won their first title last year and I had to watch these Roger Federer was knocked out ficult. I think I need to play my a Grand Slam title since Andre in 2003, a record 14th Grand Slam title after winning 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7/4). kind of matches on the TV. by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. best tennis to beat him. I need Agassi (32 years 272 days). AFP SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

World Cup qualifying Results European Zone Liechtenstein 1 (Buechel 13) Slovakia 1 Colombia hold Argentina Group A (Durica 73) In Zagreb In Vilnius Croatia 0 Scotland 1 (Snodgrass 26) Lithuania 0 Greece 1 (Christodoulopoulos 20) In Brussels Group H in World Cup qualifier Belgium 2 (De Bruyne 13, Fellaini 60) Serbia (Kolarov 87) 1 In Chisinau Group B Moldova 1 (Sidorenco 37) Poland 1 Vargas and Vidal’s goals help Chile beat Paraguay In Yerevan (Blaszczykowski 7) Armenia 0 Malta 1 (Mifsud 8) In Podgorica BUENOS AIRES: Argentina after a stunning double save from In Prague and Colombia both finished with Ospina. Montenegro 0 Ukraine 4 (Garmash 52, 10 men after a stormy 0-0 draw Higuain pounced on a slip Czech Republic 0 Italy 0 Konoplyanka 77, Fedetskiy 85, Bezus in South American qualifiers to shoot from close range but 90+3) Group C for the 2014 World Cup here Ospina blocked. The rebound fell Group I yesterday. to Marcos Rojo, but Ospina some- In Dublin The Argentinians had striker how managed to tip the Sporting Republic of Ireland 3 (Keane 5, 56, 81) In Helsinki Gonzalo Higuain sent off after Lisbon defender’s header onto the Faroe Islands 0 a clash with Colombia’s Cristian bar as Colombia escaped. Finland 1 (Hamalainen 57) Belarus 0 Zapata midway through the first Colombia had the ball in the In Vienna half and also saw two second-half net on 20 minutes but Jackson South America Zone Austria 2 (Alaba 26-pen, Janko 32) goals from Sergio Aguero disal- Martinez’s effort was correctly Sweden 1 (Elmander 82) In La Paz lowed for offside. adjudged to be offside. Venezuelan referee Marlon The frenzied pace continued Group E Bolivia 1 (Campos 87) Venezuela 1 Escalante was escorted from the after the sendings off of Higuain (Arango 58) In Tirana field at the whistle after a bruis- and Zapata but not even the ing contest which saw the home introduction of Messi could tip Albania 1 (Rama 41) Norway 1 (Hogli 87) In Buenos Aires side’s players and coaching staff the contest Argentina’s way. In Reykjavik Argentina 0 Colombia 0 protest furiously after the second Aguero’s had the ball in the net of Aguero’s two efforts was ruled Argentina’s Lionel Messi reacts during their FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 on 54 minutes but was flagged for Iceland 2 (Bjarnason 22, Finnbogason In Asuncion out. a fractional offside. However the 26-pen) Slovenia 4 (Kirm 11, Birsa 31-pen, South American qualifying match against Colombia, at the Monumental Paraguay 1 (Santa Cruz 88) Chile 2 Argentina, who lead the stand- Stadium in Buenos Aires, yesterday. Manchester City star looked to Cesar 61, Krhin 85) ings by five points and remain on have been hard done by on 72 (Vargas 41, Vidal 54) Group F course for an automatic qualifying minutes when he scrambled in CONCACAF Zone berth with four games left to play, effort, which appeared to have he thwarted the Argentinian. from close range. In Baku started a gripping contest at the been wrongly adjudged offside. It was a sour note to a com- Argentina’s players and back- In Kingston Monumental Stadium with skip- A breathless opening 45 min- pelling first half, which had seen room staff surrounded the ref- Azerbaijan 1 (Abishov 71) Luxembourg 1 per Lionel Messi on the bench. utes saw both sides carve out a Argentina repeatedly threaten erees assistant but the match (Bensi 80) Jamaica 1 (Beckford 89) United States 2 The Barcelona star, who is series of chances, with Argentina the Colombian goal early on only officials held firm. (Altidore 30, Evans 90+2) In Lisbon nursing himself back to fitness setting the pace before Colombia to be denied by some phenomenal In Asuncion, Paraguay’s hopes In Panama City after a hamstring injury, was gained a foothold. saves from the visiting goalkeeper of qualification were all but extin- Portugal 1 (Postiga 9) Russia 0 eventually brought on early in The frenetic pace saw players David Ospina. guished as they lost 2-0 to Chile Panama 0 Mexico 0 the second half but was unable to from both sides flying into some Ospina needed to be alert on to remain rooted to the foot of Group G break the deadlock for Argentina full-blooded challenges, and ten- 13 minutes when Real Madrid the table. In Riga In San Jose against a fiercely committed sions boiled over on 26 minutes star Angel Di Maria rifled in an Goals from Eduardo Vargas Colombian outfit. when Higuain and Zapata were angled volley from the edge of the and Arturo Vidal handed maxi- Latvia 0 Bosnia-Herzegovina 5 (Lulic 48, Costa Rica 1 (Miller 25) Honduras 0 Colombia, who moved up to sec- given their marching orders. area which the Colombian keeper mum points to Chile, who now Ibisevic 53, Medunjanin 63, Pjanic 80, ond ahead of Ecuador on goal dif- Zapata saw red after appearing gathered. lie fourth in the table. In Lima, Dzeko 82) In Lima ference, were well worth a point to lash out with a boot in retali- Three minutes later and Peru breathed life into the strike Peru 1 (Pizarro) Ecuador 0 but Argentina will feel aggrieved ation for a sly kick by Higuain at Argentina were left wondering sealed a 1-0 win over third-placed In Vaduz after Aguero’s second disallowed the back of the defender’s legs as how they had not taken the lead Ecuador. AGENCIES United star Scots stun Croatia as Kagawa vows bigger role Italy’s Balotelli sees red for Japan PARIS: Scotland caused the Group B to three points, with the the top than before with a stun- upset of the latest round of Czechs two-points further back. ning 4-0 success at group leaders TOKYO: Manchester United World Cup qualifiers in Europe In Zagreb Robert Snodgrass Montenegro. That result, earned star Shinji Kagawa has vowed with a 1-0 victory at Croatia notched the only goal of the game with goals from Denys Garmash, to step up to the plate for Japan yesterday. as Gordon Strachan’s Scotland Yevhen Konoplyanka, Artem at this month’s Confederations But it was still errant Italy for- earned their first win of the quali- Fedetskiy and Roman Bezus, Cup as the Blue Samurai try to ward Mario Balotelli who stole fying campaign, ending Croatia’s played into England’s hands. overcome recent unconvincing the headlines as he was sent off unbeaten Group A record. England are second, two points form. in his team’s 0-0 draw at Czech Snodgrass volleyed home on behind Montenegro but with a “At Manchester, and at Republic. the stretch after a mazy run from game in hand. Ukraine are third, Dortmund before that, I’m sur- There was little to get excited Wigan’s Shaun Maloney ended a further point back, and also rounded by great players who about in the game itself as the with the ball breaking kindly with a game in hand, meaning make it easy for me to play,” hosts dominated but were kept to his team-mate off a home the top three could be separated said the midfielder, who scored at bay by a Juventus-dominated defender. by just a single point if the two six goals in 20 English Premier Italian rear-guard. “It’s amazing what you can do chasers win their games in hand. League matches after moving But 18 minutes from time AC when you get a group of players The game in Podgorica finished from the German side. Milan striker Balotelli picked up who play for each other and who with just 19 players on the pitch With all his technique and his second booking within three play from the heart,” said a defi- as the hosts had Savo Pavicevic creativity, he stopped short of his minutes to earn a red card. ant Strachan after his first win and Vladimir Volkov dismissed target of scoring 10 goals or more That sent the troubled 22-year- as national team boss. in the second half while Roman for the Red Devils, although he old into an angry fit as he lashed The result was even more sur- Zozulia had already been given his did miss almost two months with out at anything within range once prising as Croatia are currently marching orders for the visitors a left-knee injury. He still dazzled he’d left the pitch, as Italy coach ranked fourth in the FIFA World in the first period. with a hat-trick against Norwich Cesare Prandelli told him to sit Rankings. It also meant they Robbie Keane scored a hat- City in March. down on the bench and stay calm. dropped three points off Belgium, trick as Republic of Ireland beat “But here, I feel like I need to “Balotelli was indeed agitated, who maintained their unbeaten minnows Faroe Islands 3-0 in play a bigger role and step it up,” it was his personal problem and start with a 2-1 win over Serbia, Dublin to remain level on points the 24-year-old said of Japan after he should learn to cope with it,” who are now out of contention as with second-placed Austria, who they booked their fifth straight said Prandelli. they trail the group leaders by 12 beat Sweden 2-1, in Group C, ticket to the World Cup with Gianluigi Buffon kept Italy points. where Germany are five points a hard-fought 1-1 draw with in the match with saves from Portugal gave themselves clear.Bosnia and Hercegovina Australia at home on Tuesday. Vladimir Darida, Petr Jiracek and a Group F lifeline as Helder maintained their unbeaten record “I haven’t done the job yet Libor Kozak. Postiga’s ninth minute winner and three-point lead over Greece with the national team. I’ve got “We would have lost with- gave them a 1-0 success against at the top of Group G with a 5-0 to be more responsible,” he added, out him, he was the best one on previously-unbeaten Russia. win in Lativia. Greece won 1-0 at according to Kyodo news agency. the pitch,” the coach said of his Portugal are now top of the Lithuania. “These are some of the things I goalkeeper. group, two points above Russia, Iceland missed the chance to Croatia’s Mario Mandzukic reacts after their 2014 World Cup qualify- need to keep in mind throughout That was enough to push out who have two games in hand. move top of Group E as they were ing football match against Scotland at Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb, the year ahead, starting at the the Azzurri lead over second- Ukraine ensured Group H beaten 4-2 at home to Slovenia, yesterday. Confederations Cup.” placed Bulgaria at the top of remained even more congested at who moved off the bottom. AFP Japan are bunched with hosts and five-time World Cup cham- pions Brazil, four-time winners Italy and Olympic gold medallists Mexico in Group A at the tourna- Late strike lifts US to 2-1 win over Jamaica ment in Brazil, opening on June 15. Kagawa has scored just three KINGSTON: Brad Evans’ defender Evans, who turned finals in Brazil, with the fourth- replaced him in the 59th minute. moments, and I think everybody goals for Japan in the past year, goal in injury time lifted the and fired the ball into Donovan place team playing New Zealand Altidore also departed the game will tell you that from the top including two in the final World United States to a 2-1 triumph Ricketts’ net. for another berth. with an apparent right hamstring down,” Evans said. “There’s still Cup qualifying round and another over Jamaica yesterday in the “That never-say-die attitude is In Kingston, the United States injury in the 83rd minute, with work to be done, but three points in a surprise 1-0 friendly win away final round of 2014 World Cup what got it done,” said Evans, who appeared to be in firm control Eddie Johnson coming on in his on the road in a place where you to France last October. qualifying in North and Central scored his first international goal. after Altidore opened the scor- stead. haven’t won is pretty special.” CSKA Moscow dynamo America and the Caribbean. The victory gives the United ing with a header off a cross Nevertheless, the United States The United States were coming Keisuke Honda has scored six Jurgen Klinsmann’s US team States seven points, level with from Graham Zusi. The visitors appeared on their way to collect- off a morale-boosting 4-3 victory goals for the country in the mean- snatched three crucial points Costa Rica and Mexico atop the controlled the pace, but nine ing three points when Jamaica over Germany in a friendly match time, five in qualifiers, playing thanks to the last-gasp goal from six-nation final qualifying group, minutes after Altidore’s strike won a free kick that Austin curled in Washington on Sunday. in central midfield and pushing Evans, which came three minutes although the USA and Costa Rica Jamaica threatened as midfielder in from the left. It found substi- Jamaica on the other hand Kagawa to the left side of the after Jermaine Beckford appeared have a game in hand. Rodolph Austin gathered the ball tute Beckford directly in front of had little time to recover from coveted position behind the lone to salvage a draw for Jamaica with Costa Rica notched a 1-0 vic- in the penalty area only to see his Tim Howard’s goal and Beckford a 1-0 qualifying loss to Mexico striker. Alberto Zaccheroni’s Blue an 89th minute equalizer. tory over Honduras in San Jose attempt deflect off the far post. headed it past the US keeper. in Kingston on Tuesday night Samurai, known for tight team- Jozy Altidore had put the yesterday courtesy of Roy Miller’s The United States got a scare The United States kept press- and remain winless in the final work but also the lack of finish- United States ahead 1-0 in the 25th-minute strike, while Mexico 11 minutes into the second half ing and were rewarded with their round with two points from five ing power, have struggled in three 30th minute. played to a goalless draw against when Jermaine Jones was forced first victory on Jamaican soil in matches. “They played Tuesday recent matches, losing to Jordan Off a corner kick, Michael Panama in Panama City. out of the game after a flying six tries in World Cup qualifying. night, so maybe their legs were a 2-1 away in a qualifier in March Bradley beat a Jamaican defender The top three teams will collision with Jamaica defender “There’s still work to be done. I little bit tired in the second half,” and 2-0 to Bulgaria in a home and found Seattle Sounders advance to next year’s World Cup Daniel Gordon. Geoff Cameron think we can do better at certain Evans said. AFP friendly last week. AFP SUNDAY 9 JUNE 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Vettel on pole for Canadian GP Red Bull driver ends Mercedes’ hopes of a fifth successive start from the top slot Canadian Grand MONTREAL: Triple world that saw unsung Finnish rookie champion Sebastian Vettel Valtteri Bottas claim third place Prix Grid secured pole for today’s on the grid for the Williams team. MONTREAL: Grid for today’s Canadian Canadian Grand Prix with a It was his first appearance Grand Prix after qualifying yesterday: consummate demonstration of in the top-ten shootout and he 1st row his talent in a rain-hit qualify- endorsed his success with an Sebastian Vettel (GER) Red Bull ing session yesterday. impressive showing of skill on the The 25-year-old German drove slippery circuit. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes his Red Bull to the fastest lap time Bottas will start Sunday’s 2nd row to complete his hat-trick of poles 70-laps race with fourth-placed Valtteri Bottas (FIN) Williams at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve German Nico Rosberg, winner of Nico Rosberg (GER) Mercedes and his third this season. the Monaco Grand Prix, alongside 3rd row It was the 39th pole of his him in the second Mercedes, his record-breaking career. run of three poles having ended Mark Webber (AUS) Red Bull Vettel clocked a best lap of one in the rain. Fernando Alonso (ESP) Ferrari minute and 25.425 seconds, using Bottas said: “This means a lot. 4th row ‘intermediate’ treaded tyres in It’s way more up in the grid than Jean-Eric Vergne (FRA) Toro Rosso the wet conditions, to finish fast- we could have imagined. The first Adrian Sutil (GER) Force India est ahead of Lewis Hamilton of six races have been so difficult, Mercedes by 0.087 seconds. so this will be a nice boost for 5th row Vettel said: “I’m looking for- the team. We got everything just Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) Lotus ward to the race tomorrow, I right today.” Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) Toro Rosso think we had strong performance “That was fantastic by Seb,” 6th row yesterday so whatever happens in said Red Bull team chief Christian Nico Hülkenberg (GER) Sauber terms of conditions it should be Horner. “It was really tricky and good. We expect dry conditions difficult to get the timing right, Sergio Perez (MEX) McLaren tomorrow, but it doesn’t matter. but Sebastian did it just perfectly.” 7th row “We have both sets of tyres left, Mark Webber qualified fifth Pastor Maldonado (VEN) Williams but even if it rains we should be in the second Red Bull ahead of Jenson Button (GBR) McLaren in decent shape. But it’s a long Fernando Alonso of Ferrari and, Pole winner Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel (centre) of Germany with second place qualifier Mercedes driver 8th row race, 70 laps here, so anything can remarkably, Frenchman Jean- Lewis Hamilton (right) of Britain and third qualifier Williams driver Valtteri Bottas of Finland pose after qualify- Esteban Gutierrez (MEX) Sauber happen.” Eric Vergne of Toro Rosso, who ing at the Canadian Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, yesterday. Hamilton, who was hunting his also registered his best qualifying Felipe Massa (BRA) Ferrari fourth pole on one of his favourite performance to take seventh. 9th row circuits, ended up starting sec- Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 drivers failing to make the top team-mate Jenson Button was Paul Di Resta failed to make the Paul di Resta (GBR) Force India ond and was a man of few words champion, was eighth for Lotus ten shootout -- after the team 14th. cut from Q1 -- and blamed the Charles Pic (FRA) Caterham afterwards. ahead of Daniel Ricciardo, in the had won this race for the last The 2009 champion reflected: team. In an outspoken outburst, He said: “I was doing a pretty second Toro Rosso, and Adrian three years in succession -- and “To be fair, I’m not too upset. he said: “We spent far too much 10th row good final lap, but I ran wide, so Sutil who will start 10th for Force Ferrari’s Brazilian Felipe Massa It’s pretty scary out there. I had time trying to fix a problem, when Romain Grosjean (FRA) Lotus it was unfortunate, but I’m still India as the team celebrate their crashing out in Q2, his third big my eyes closed for most of it. We the conditions were good, when Jules Bianchi (FRA) Marussia happy.” 100th Grand Prix appearance. recent accident, following two at struggled to get temperature into the car could have run. 11th row Vettel’s success in taking pole It was a dismal day for many the Monaco Grand Prix. the tyres. It just didn’t go our “It’s the fault of the team again. Max Chilton (GBR) Marussia ended Mercedes run of four in the changeable cold and wet Mexican Sergio Perez quali- way.” It’s just not good enough...” straight poles on a dramatic day conditions with both McLaren fied only 12th and his McLaren Sutil’s Force India team-mate AFP Giedo van der Garde (NED) Caterham Mercedes boss says he approved ‘private’ tyre test MONTREAL: Mercedes boss rumours before and nothing’s go to Barcelona and do three days legal advice. “We’re going to a tri- in the championship, insist that you will have your answers.” Ross Brawn confirmed yester- happened,” Brawn told a news of testing, or 1,000 kilometres bunal,” he explained to reporters. it was a Pirelli test that Mercedes Christian Horner, principal of day that he made the decision conference. of testing, and not have anyone “If ever you’re going to a tri- got no benefit from being a part the Red Bull team that is one of for his team to be part of a “I think we should say let’s become aware, is very naive. bunal any lawyer will tell you of. two that launched a formal pro- Pirelli tyre test in Spain that is wait and see what the tribunal “Sporting integrity is very, very at that point you have a formal “I wouldn’t say it is very pleas- test against Mercedes, revealed being investigated as a possible find and then we can take it from important to us, very important process to follow, which we’re ant at the moment but again I am that he was also approached by breach of the sport’s rules. there. to Mercedes. And, I think when happy to follow.” comfortable and confident that Pirelli to do a similar test but he But Brawn reaffirmed his “It was my decision to do the the facts become apparent, people Under Formula One rules, once when we get to the tribunal turned down the offer. belief that the team had done test so that’s a fact.” can make a better judgment of teams are not allowed to conduct the facts will become apparent “Obviously, Pirelli have asked nothing wrong and is confident Brawn also shot back at sug- the situation.” any tests outside of regular race and people can make a better several teams to test, ourselves Mercedes will be cleared of any gestions the tests were conducted While Brawn defended him- weekends, because it would give judgment,” said Brawn. included, but we have declined to wrongdoing when it goes before secretly. self at a packed news confer- them an unfair advantage over “I think we would not have do so as we felt it wasn’t in line the International Automobile “It was a private test,” he said. ence, Pirelli boss Paul Hembery, their rivals. done the Pirelli test unless we with the regulations, certainly Federation (FIA) tribunal. “It wasn’t a secret test. who was also scheduled to appear But both Mercedes and Pirelli, believed we could do the Pirelli with the current car,” Horner “I think there’s been some “Anyone who believes you can at the conference, pulled out on the sole supplier to the 11 teams test. When we get to the tribunal said. REUTERS Buoyant Kiwis gear for

Abdulaziz Abdulla, Sri Lanka’s spin trial the leader of the championship in Qatar National CARDIFF, United Kingdom: Two teams from each group will West Indies wicketkeeper Denesh Road Racing New Zealand are preparing to advance to the semi-finals, mak- Ramdin for wrongly claiming a Championship face a spin barrage from Sri ing it almost mandatory to win catch against Pakistan in the (QNRRCH) at Lanka when the two sides meet at least two of the three games to Champions Trophy. the qualifying in the Champions Trophy in make the grade. “It’s as close to a The incident took place at the practice at Losail Cardiff today. knock-out competition as you can Oval, London, on Friday when International New Zealand go into the tour- get,” Hesson said. Ramdin “caught” Pakistan cap- nament after a morale-boost- “We are certainly not thinking tain Misbah-ul Haq off Kemar Circuit on Friday ing 2-1 one-day series win over two weeks ahead.” Roach before the batsman had night. hosts England, but Brendon Sri Lankan captain Angelo opened his account. McCullum’s side know Sri Lanka Mathews, leading his country for Australian umpire Steve Davis will throw up new challenges. the first time in a major competi- gave Misbah out, but the decision “We could conceivably be facing tion, agreed that winning the first was referred to third umpire Tony 30-35 overs of spin,” Black Caps fixture was important. Hill following the intervention of coach Mike Hesson said ahead of “You would want to win every English official Nigel Llong at the group A game. game you play, but in a format like square leg. “We need to be proactive this it is important to get a good Replays showed that while against it.” start,” he said. Ramdin had, initially, caught the Sri Lanka’s spin attack includes Sri Lanka will be desperate to ball, he had subsequently allowed four capable tweakers in Sachitra overcome the heartache of losing it to spill out of his grasp. It was Abdulla secures another Senanayake, Jeevan Mendis, four title clashes in recent years eventually decided that Ramdin Rangana Herath and Tillakaratne - during the 50-over World Cups did not have full control over the Dilshan. Unorthodox slow bowler in 2007 and 2011 and the World ball.The ICC said in a statement Ajantha Mendis was not picked Twenty20 in 2009 and 2012. that Ramdin had been charged for the tournament. They have not enjoyed a good with a Level two breach of the ICC pole position at QNRRCH With sling-arm fast bowler run in the Champions Trophy, Code of Conduct which relates to Lasith Malinga and steady failing to make the finals of the “conduct that is contrary to the DOHA: Abdulaziz Abdulla, the than one second the laptimenand is why my speed was very bad at seamer Nuwan Kulasekara also last three editions, even though spirit of the game.” leader of the championship in the car is more stable. The gap the end so I cannot push much, in the ranks, Sri Lanka have they were joint-winners with Ramdin has pleaded not guilty Qatar National Road Racing between Talal is more than one but I improved from my practice their options covered for what India at home in Colombo 2002. to the offence, and a hearing will Championship (QNRRCH) minute so I think it will be fine and I qualified second. My main are expected to be good batting Sri Lanka will be encouraged by take place in London on Monday, emerged as the fastest driver at for tomorrow race. I am happy concern is to beat Abdulaziz to conditions in Cardiff. the fact they have won 10 of their the ICC said. the qualifying practice at Losail with my car and result despite get the championship,” Talal said. India and South Africa last 11 completed 50-over games If found guilty, Ramdin could International Circuit. the windy weather and the sand Pavel Nedobity made the third played a high-scoring match at against New Zealand, including be fined between 50 and 100 per- In the sixth round of this that is not good for the grip of the best time in the qualifying ses- the same venue on Thursday, the last six in a row. cent of his match fees and/or be championship, the Qatari driver tyres,” Abdulla said. sion with his Lotus car said: “The with the Proteas making 305 in Sri Lanka’s batting will once suspended for up to two one-day made a lap time of 2.23.571 inhis Talal Wehbe, took second place conditions are very different from reply to a commanding 331-7 by again revolve around three internationals. Porsche Carrera. of the grid, with a time of 2.25.047. last rounds with this sandstorm, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s World seasoned former captains, Misbah, who went on to make “I made some little adjust- The Lotus driver is second in but it is the same for all drivers Cup champions. Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar 96 not out in his side’s two-wicket ments in my suspension that I the standings with 33 points, only so we have to adapt. I am quite With Australia and England the Sangakkara and Dilshan, who defeat, slammed Ramdin’s action tried on the last track day. In three points less than Abdulla. comfortable as I didn’t had the other two teams in their group, must all fire to protect the frag- after the match. the free practice, I used the first “I had to work hard on the best tires for today and my time both New Zealand and Sri Lanka ile lower order. “I don’t think I would be happy alignment and in the qualifying I set up of the car and I didn’t is not too bad, so I hope it will be know a victory in the first match Menawhile, the International if my wicketkeeper did that,” the tried the second one and it was had enough time to do it prop- better.” assumes greater significance. Cricket Council yesterday charged Pakistan captain said. AGENCIES much better so I reduced more erly. There is a lot of wind that THE PENINSULA Sunday 9 June 2013 30 Rajab 1434 Volume 18 Number 5725 Sport Price: QR2

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Scoreboard

Serena Williams of the US ENGLAND S Watson c Cook b Bresnan ...... 24 celebrates her victory over A Cook c Wade b Watson ...... 30 P Hughes lbw Root...... 30 Russia’s Maria Sharapova at I Bell b Faulkner ...... 91 G Bailey c Root b Tredwell ...... 55 J Trott c Wade b Starc ...... 43 A Voges b Bresnan ...... 15 the end of their French Open J Root c Bailey b McKay ...... 12 M Marsh c Morgan b Anderson ...... 5 final match at the Roland E Morgan b McKay...... 8 M Wade c Buttler b Anderson ...... 1 Garros Stadium in Paris, R Bopara (not out) ...... 46 J Faulkner (not out) ...... 54 yesterday. The American has J Buttler b Faulkner ...... 1 M Johnson c Morgan b Bopara ...... 8 won 16 Grand Slam titles T Bresnan (not out) ...... 19 M Starc b Anderson ...... 5 and is eight titles away from Extras (LB-12, W-6, NB-1) ...... 19 C McKay (not out) ...... 7 matching Margaret Court’s Total (for 6 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 269 Extras (LB-6, W-1, NB-1) ...... 8 (Australia) record of 24. Fall of wickets: 1-57, 2-168, 3-189, 4-189, Total (for 9 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 221 Since her defeat to Virginie 5-212, 6-213. Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-47, 3-94, 4-127, Razzano in the first round in Bowling: Starc 10-0-75-1 (1nb, 1w); Johnson 5-134, 6-136, 7-151, 8-175, 9-190. Paris in last year’s edition, 8-0-44-0 (1w); McKay 10-0-38-2 (1w); Bowling: Anderson 10-0-30-3; Broad 10-2- Williams has won 74 out of 77 Watson 7-0-26-1; Faulkner 10-0-48-2 (1w); 35-1; Bresnan 10-1-45-2 (1nb, 1w); Tredwell matches. Voges 3-0-13-0; Marsh 2-0-13-0 (2w). 10-1-51-1; Root 5-0-20-1; Bopara 5-0-34-1. AUSTRALIA Result: England won by 48 runs. D Warner c Buttler b Broad ...... 9 Man-of-the-Match: Ian Bell (ENG). Bell shines in England’s win over Australia

BIRMINGHAM, United of 234 wickets he’d shared with In-form Serena clinches Kingdom: Ian Bell starred as Darren Gough. England drew first blood in a Australia stand-in skipper marathon sequence of matches George Bailey made 55 as they against Australia with a 48-run at least put the embarrassment victory over the title-holders in of their 65 all out in Tuesday’s their Champions Trophy opener warm-up defeat by India behind French Open title in Paris at Edgbaston yesterday. them. Bell made 91 on his However, this loss left Australia Warwickshire home ground, to -- bidding for a third straight The American beats Sharapova for 16th Slam crown the delight of a capacity 25,000 Champions Trophy title -- with crowd, as England posted 269 for a mountain to climb if they were six after captain Alastair Cook to qualify for the semi-finals out PARIS: Serena Williams won won the toss. of a Group A also featuring New her second French Open title Bell also shared a second- Zealand and Sri Lanka, who meet yesterday, 11 years after her wicket stand of 111 with county in Cardiff today. first triumph, defeating title- colleague Jonathan Trott (43) in “We were 180-2, we should have holder Maria Sharapova 6-4, the first of at least 26 matches, got 300...But I thought 270 was 6-4 in a brief, but high-quality including the upcoming Ashes always going to be enough,” said final. series in England, across all for- Cook, whose side came into this It was the 31-year-old mats against arch-rivals Australia match on he back of a 2-1 ODI American’s 16th Grand Slam between now and February 2. series defeat by New Zealand, title win, taking her to within Serena Australia pegged England back although they beat the Black Caps two of Chris Evert and Martina poses with before an unbroken seventh- in Nottingham on Wednesday. Navratilova who are tied for the Suzanne- wicket stand of 56 between Ravi “Jimmy (Anderson) is a great fourth on the all-time list. Lenglen Bopara (46 not out) and Tim bowler, he just keeps getting bet- And it underscored her near trophy after Bresnan (19 not out) bolstered ter and better and we are lucky total domination of the women’s winning the England’s total. to have him,” Cook said after the game, having won three of the 2013 French However, a target of 270 proved match. last four Grand Slam titles at Open final beyond an Australia side still Man-of-the-match Bell, an Wimbledon, the US and French without captain Michael Clarke, opener in this format, added: “I against Opens and reaching the quarter- following the recurrence of the was pleased to give us a good plat- Russia’s finals at the Australian Open. star batsman’s longstanding back form. It’s nice to play some shots For Sharapova it was a 10th Maria injury. at the top of the order.” straight loss to her American Sharapova. During Australia’s 221 for Meanwhile Bailey said nemesis dating back to 2004 nine, spearhead seamer James Australia’s batting had been the when she defeated her in the Anderson (three for 30) became key to this loss. Wimbledon final and the WTA England’s outright most success- “We couldn’t get any momen- Championships when she was just ful one-day international (ODI) tum and well done to England 17-years-old. bowler, taking the one wicket they restricted us well,” Bailey “It was very difficult today. he needed to surpass the record said. AFP After 11 years (since last win) and now I have 16 (Grand Slam titles),” said Williams, addressing the crowd in French. “But I want to come back next adore the public here. I want to career-best winning streak to 31. fifth Grand Slam title and sec- year because I adore Paris and I win here again. Sharapova though was on a ond at Roland Garros, and she England’s Joe “I spend a lot of time here (In 13-match win run at Roland did manage to get back on level Root (right) Paris) ... and I think I am becom- Garros, having finally come to terms briefly at 4-4 with Williams celebrates ing a Parisienne.” terms with the demands of clay- bothered by the gusting wind. with Sharapova said: “I played a court tennis last year when she But the American produced List of Women England’s great tournament, but ran into a defeated Sara Errani in the final. her best tennis of the match in Ian Bell after Grand Slam really tough opponent today. She Williams opened up with a the next game with some big hits has been playing so well this year sequence of brutal service returns down both flanks and then held claiming the Singles Winners and the whole of last year as well. that had Sharapova scampering serve to take the first set in 51 wicket of “But this court has brought me from side to side and within min- minutes. Australia’s PARIS: (Read Under Total, so many nice memories. Last year utes 0-40 down. The task on hand for Sharapova Phil Hughes name, Australian Open, was so incredible to win and to be But the tall Russian served was huge, illustrated by the fact during the French Open, Wimbledon, US 2013 ICC Open back as one of the last two players her way out of trouble and then that in Grand Slam tennis, after was great.” showed her aggressive intentions taking a one set to love lead 208 Champions 24 Margaret Court (AUS) 11, 5, In what was the first French by breaking Williams in the next times, the American had failed to Trophy 3, 5 Open women’s final involving the game. complete the job just five times. against 22 Steffi Graf (GER) 4, 6, 7, 5 two top seeds since 1995, the two Sharapova had two points for Sharapova saved five break Australia at 19 Helen Wills-Moody (USA) 0, biggest names and biggest earn- a 3-0 lead, but Williams started points to start the second set, Edgbaston in 4, 8, 7 ers in women’s sport were pitted to find her range again to break but two games later she strug- Birmingham, 18 Chris Evert (USA) 2, 7, 3, 6 against each other for the 16th back and was soon on level terms gled again on serve and this time central time, the third in a Grand Slam at 2-2. Williams converted her first 18 Martina Navratilova (USA) England, final. She broke again to lead 3-2 and break point to put herself in the 3, 2, 9, 4 yesterday. Williams was the strong suddenly she looked in command clear at 4-2. She then comfort- 16 Serena Williams (USA) 5, 2, favourite, having won 13 times for of a match that had started so ably served out twice, with three 5, 4 two defeats against the Russian brightly for Sharapova. aces to conclude with, to gleefully 12 Billie Jean-King (USA) 1, 1, and stormed into the final for the The crowd tried to lift the banish 11 years of frustrations at 6, 4 loss of just one set, taking her title-holder, who was seeking her Roland Garros. AFP