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Masraf Al Rayan Treble would be records QR2.07bn perfect send-off foror net profit Guardiola: Lahm

TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 • 9 Rabia II 1437 • Volume 20 • Number 6680 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar Easier licence Qatar and Russia rules for seek solutions nurses and pharmacists to regional rows The Peninsula

the Gas Exporting Countries’ Forum. DOHA: The Supreme Council of “There also are close ties in the Health (SCH) has relaxed licensing Emir and Putin investment field between the Qatar rules for certain sections of health- highlight rich energy Investment Authority and the Rus- care professionals graduated abroad sian Direct Investment Fund.” if they are children or spouses of ties between the The Emir said he and Putin dis- Qataris or expatriates. two countries cussed the situation in the Middle East, The new licensing rules, the recent developments, and regional approved by the Permanent Licens- problems, highlighting Russia’s vital ing Committee at SCH, also applies and significant role in global stabil- to graduates of Qatar University. The Peninsula ity. “The two countries are trying to Nurses, pharmacists and allied find solutions to the problems as far health care practitioners are cov- as stability in certain countries of our ered by the new rule. region is concerned,” said the Emir. They have been exempted from MOSCOW: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim During the meeting, the Emir and the requirement related to work bin Hamad Al Thani said here yester- Putin discussed a number of regional experience while seeking a licence day that Qatar and Russia are together and international issues of common to practice in Qatar, according to a trying to find a solution to the prob- concern and exchanged views on circular issued by the Qatar Council lems some countries in the Middle developments in the region on polit- for Healthcare Practitioners (QCHP), East are facing to ensure stability. ical and security fronts. the body responsible for licensing The Emir, who is on an official visit They reviewed the situation in healthcare professionals. to Russia, earlier met at the Krem- Syria, Palestine, Yemen, and Libya Allied healthcare practition- lin Palace with Russian President and agreed to reach solutions that ers are those providing a range of Vladimir Putin. help in stability and security of the diagnostic, technical, therapeutic Putin welcomed the Emir and region and the safety of its people. and direct patient care and sup- expressed his desire to enhance bilat- The two leaders also reviewed port services that are critical to the eral ties between the two countries. the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and other health professionals. There is pressing need to talk and stressed the urgent need for a fair Candidates from the three coordinate in the field of energy, par- settlement based on the two-state categories planning to join the ticularly gas and close cooperation solution according to the resolutions Hamad Medical Corporation, Pri- in investment, he added. of the United Nations and interna- mary Healthcare Corporation and Putin also expressed the hope that tional law and agreements signed Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow Sidra Medical and Research Center the crises facing the Middle East would between the two countries. Members yesterday. will not require the minimum work be resolved, Qatar News Agency (QNA) of the official delegation accompa- experience, provided they complete reported from Moscow. nying the Emir attended the meeting. an internship in keeping with SCH The Emir expressed his pleas- Many Russian ministers were also requirements. ure over his visit and highlighted the present. underlining the need for exchange of She expressed support for the Qatari East and the need to have common Candidates planning to join mutual coordination between the two The Emir earlier met with the views to find a solution to issues like ter- initiative for holding Russia Year of Cul- viewpoints regarding some regional other healthcare institutions in countries in the past, hoping that it Chairperson of the Council of the ror, the crises in Syria, Yemen and Iraq. ture in Qatar in 2018 and Qatar Year of and international issues especially in government, semi-government would be a basis for moving towards Federal Assembly of Russia, Valen- She pointed to the importance of Culture in Russia in the same year as the light of the agreement between the or private sectors are required to a more progressive phase of mutual tina Matviyenko at the headquarters the role of Qatar in the region. well as benefiting from and exchange two sides on the dangers of terrorism complete a one-year training period relations. of the Council. She said the political Matviyenko also referred to Rus- of sports expertise in organising World in the region and the need to fight it, under supervision of a licensed The Emir noted that Qatar and dialogue between the two countries sia’s support of the political dialogue Cup Soccer in 2018 and 2022. The Emir given the fact that the Middle East was healthcare practitioner. Russia enjoy close ties, particularly would enhance peace and security in between Saudi Arabia and Iran, explain- pointed to the importance of continuing most harmed by it. For such candidates, a letter will in the field of energy and gas, noting the Middle East, especially due to the ing that “Russia is against attacks on political dialogue between the two sides be issued by QCHP before they start that the two countries are members of difficult circumstances in the region, embassies and diplomatic missions”. due to the developments in the Middle → Continued on page 2 training. New website soon for government tenders UK Muslim women must

By Mohammad Shoeb the newly enacted Procurement Law website where advertisements of all newspaper on the sidelines of a press learn English: Cameron The Peninsula No (24) of 2015 takes effect. the government entities inviting ten- conference held to announce the launch The online platform will provide ders for procurements will also be of ‘Moushtrayat’, the first public pro- information on all public procurement announced in addition to the organ- curement conference and exhibition DOHA: The Ministry of Finance is set and auction related announcements to isation’s respective websites,” Abdulziz to be held from March 8. AFP total — speak little or no English. to launch a new website for announce- interested bidders, traders, suppliers Zeid Rashid Al Taleb, Director of Gov- However, he did not disclose the There are estimated to be around ment of all government procurement and firms. It will be functioning under ernment Procurement Regulations, domain name of the online forum. 2.7 million Muslims in England out of tenders. The website will be officially the Ministry of Finance. told The Peninsula yesterday. LONDON: Muslim women who fail a total population of some 53 million. launched on June 13, 2016, the day when “We are expected to launch a new Al Taleb was speaking to this → Continued on page 2 to learn English to a high enough standard could face deportation from ‘Disgraceful stereotyping’ Britain, Prime Minister David Cam- Cameron said that a lack of lan- eron announced yesterday. guage skills could make Muslims in He also suggested that poor Eng- Britain more vulnerable to the mes- Arab elite want ‘strong Qatar beat Syria lish skills can leave people “more sage of extremist groups. susceptible” to the messages of groups “I am not saying there is some economic ties with Iran’ like Islamic State (IS). sort of causal connection between Cameron’s comments came as his not speaking English and becoming centre-right Conservatives launched an extremist, of course not,” he told By Sanaullah Ataullah a £20m ($28.5m) language fund for BBC radio. The Peninsula women in isolated communities as “But if you are not able to speak part of a drive to build community English, not able to integrate, you may integration. Immigration rules already find therefore you have challenges DOHA: A vast majority of Arab elite (84 percent) said in force spouses to speak English before understanding what your identity is a survey they want strong economic ties with Iran, but they come to Britain to live with their and therefore you could be more sus- an equally high ratio of the interviewees (67 percent) partners. ceptible to the extremist message.” said they thought Tehran played a negative role in the But Cameron said they would also His comments drew criticism from past 10 years in the region, threatening Arab interests. face further tests after two-and-a- Muslim groups and opposition parties. Some 60 percent of the respondents said they would half years in the country to make sure Mohammed Shafiq, chief exec- like to visit Iran, with many of them saying they were their language skills were improving. utive of the Ramadhan Foundation, keen to be in that country for cultural reasons. “You can’t guarantee you will be which campaigns for better commu- The survey was conducted by Al Jazeera Media Train- able to stay if you are not improving nity relations, accused Cameron of ing and Development Centre. However, 30 percent of the your language,” he told BBC radio. “disgraceful stereotyping”. respondents said Iran had been playing a mixed role. “People coming to our country, they “David Cameron and his Conserv- Qatar’s Akram Hassan breaking through Syria defences during the AFC U23 Only a meagre two percent suggested that Iran’s role had have responsibilities too.” ative government are once again using been positive and served the interests of Arab countries. Championship Qatar 2016 held at Al Sadd Stadium yesterday. Qatar won 4-2. Cameron’s government estimates British Muslims as a political foot- Pic: Baher/The Peninsula → See also page 29 that around 190,000 Muslim women ball to score cheap points, to appear → Continued on page 2 in England — about 22 percent of the tough,” he added. 02 TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 HOME Emir stresses political solution in Syria

Continued from page 1

The Emir underlined the need to find a political solution in Syria in accordance with the demands of the Syrian people. He also met at the State Duma headquarters Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of Russia, Sergey Naryshkin. In the meeting, the Emir talked of close relations between Qatar and Russia and referred to the agreement signed yesterday morning between the two countries in the field of culture. He praised Rus- sia’s significant role in the Middle East and the world saying: “We count on Russia to help the Palestinian people to have their legitimate rights and alle- viate the suffering of the people of Gaza.” Regarding terrorism, the Emir said: “We all condemn and fight terror- ism, but the most important thing is that we have to identify terrorism and who the terrorists are”. Qatar is part of an international anti-terror alliance and a member of the Islamic anti-terror alliance, which was recently founded by Saudi Arabia. He said there is no doubt that the fight against terrorism is a basic and important issue, but fighting its emergence and causes is more important because if “we did not fight such matters it will continue to exist and we would not be able to end it permanently”. “We count on friends in Russia to find a solution to the Syrian people’s suffering and political settlement that meets the demands of the Syrian peo- ple, adding that Qatar has indeed been supporting a political settlement from the first day. In addition, we support all organisations and interna- tional initiatives aimed at finding a political solution in Syria provided it is satisfactory for all parties,” the Emir said. The meeting was attended by a number of Russian State Duma members, says QNA. The Emir met his residence in Moscow with President of Chechen Repub- lic Ramzan Kadyrov and reviewed bilateral relations, means of developing them and issues of mutual concern. The Emir also met CEO of Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev. Talks dealt with topics of common interest. Foreign Minister H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and discussed means of facilitating entry visas to Russia for Qataris and entry visas to Russians to Qatar through applications to both embassies within 24 hours. Competent entities have been assigned to prepare an agreement in this regard. They also signed an agreement on the exemption of citizens of both countries carrying diplomatic passports from entry visa requirements and another on cooperation in cultural fields. Civil Defence urged to speed up Website to check on possible riggings

Continued from page 1 According to the new law, foreign transparency in the public procure- certification for new buildings companies implementing national ment process. Qatar is contemplating The website will be named once projects are to use local market tough actions against price fixing, bid it has been decided whether it will be resource to the value of 30 percent rigging and other forms of possible The Peninsula huge losses to developers and owners and Mohammad Al Sulaiti. Another a separate site or is to be integrated of the contract. collusions in public tenders. The soon- of buildings. The safety and secu- problem is that companies install- with the ministry’s website. Interested On the size of procurement deals to-be-implemented procurement law rity and fire prevention systems are ing safety and security equipment in parties will be able to apply for ten- to be signed this year, Al Taleb said stipulates prosecution of officials who mandatory for a building, which the buildings have begun charging exorbi- ders online to help with applications given the scale and number of public act against the country’s competition DOHA: The Advisory Council wants Civil Defence ensures every building tant amounts which add to a project’s with technical specifications. infrastructure development projects, protection and collusion combat pol- the Civil Defence Directorate of the is equipped with them. cost, said members. Al Taleb said: “There will be links billions of riyals of procurement ten- icy in public procurements. Bidders Ministry of Interior to quickly issue But the certification process takes The hapless citizen must pay for between websites, the government reg- ders will be announced in future. “I found involved rigging bids or making safety certification to new buildings a long time, which harms the inter- it because contracting companies ulator and other public entities. It will do not want to speculate about any attempts to influence officials, includ- to facilitate their occupancy and use. ests of the developers and owners of tend to pass on the burden to build- help traders and supplier go to a sin- numbers as it’s premature for me ing through bribing, will be sternly Undue delays in issuing safety and buildings, said the proposal. ing owners. gle platform where they can find all to comment, but there will be huge dealt with. security clearances to new buildings Developers and owners are una- “We are not against safety and information. The idea is to provide a opportunities for local companies with Qatar Development Bank has been have been posing problems, the coun- ble to earn profits from commercial security measures and fire preven- single platform to promote small and considerable number of tenders from working with the ministry to inte- cil said proposed that the certification or residential buildings due to delays. tion systems in a building. These are medium enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar.” government entities, including Qatar grate SMEs into the state procurement system be improved and made efficient. They spend huge sums on building essential aspects of a building. What The SMEs have been made part of Rail and Ashghal (Public Works Author- network. Government procurement At its routine meeting yesterday, projects but eventually suffer huge we want is easier safety certification the government procurement proc- ity), among others.” The initiative is refers to the act of obtaining goods the council discussed a proposal to losses. The proposal was tabled by process,” said members. An easier ess as per the state’s plans to support part of government’s efforts to check and services for a public agency. It is make the certification process effi- 19 council members, including Dr process will help building owners entrepreneurship and economic on any possible riggings and manip- all about government-related pur- cient, noting that delays are causing Ahmad Al Ubaydan, Hadi Al Khayarain reduce rents, they added. diversification. ulations in biddings to ensure further chasing activity. Survey: Iran’s image in Arab world worse than before Arab Spring

Continued from page 1 Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Maurita- said relations were worse than they elites said Iran’s image in the Arab nia, Djibouti and Somalia. should be. Only five percent said they world was worse than it was before The result of the survey ‘Opinion The opinion of Shia community were as they should be, and four per- Arab Spring revolutions. Poll: ‘Arab Elites’ Attitudes towards members, especially in Iraq, Lebanon cent said they were better than they Arab elites were asked to examine Arab-Iranian Relations and Iran’s Role and Saudi Arabia, was also included. should be. Iran’s role in Syria and 90 percent of in the Region’ was announced by Al Asked to choose between four of the When Arab elites were asked to them agreed that, “the fall of Bashar Al Jazeera Training Centre officials at a most serious challenges facing Arab- identify the nations which posed the Assad’s regime in Syria would threaten press conference yesterday. Iranian relations, 39 percent of Arab greatest threat to the region, 62 per- Iran’s interests in the region”. The survey is based on 860 phone elites said the struggle over political cent said Israel, 23 percent said Iran, In the case of Syria, Iraq and Yemen, interviews with Arab elites, including roles and influence was the No. 1 chal- and 5 percent said the US. over 80 percent of respondents said thinkers, politicians, policymakers and lenge influencing ties between the two This is noteworthy because Arab Iran’s intervention in those revolu- academics, from 21 countries between sides. The second greatest challenge elites now identify Iran as the second- tions was not justifiable. September 30 and November 30, 2015. was Iran’s intervention in the Arab largest threat to the Arab world, and Arab elites were also asked to eval- The countries represented in the world, the third sectarian differences because it indicates that the Palestin- uate Iran’s role and attitude towards sample include Qatar, Egypt, Iraq, and the fourth Western intervention. ian issue, which many respondents said Arab Spring revolutions. Nearly 80 Officials at the ressp conference at Al Jazeera Media Training and Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Asked to rate relations between Iran Iran uses to further its interests in the percent said Iran’s attitude towards Development Centre. Pic: Baher / The Peninsula Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, the and the Arab world in general at the region, remains high on the agenda of Arab Spring revolutions was “extremely UAE, Oman, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, present time, 90 percent respondents Arab elites. Over 80 percent of Arab negative” or “negative to some extent”. HOME TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 03 Health campaign for QU students

The Supreme Council of Health has tied up with Qatar University to launch a campaign to promote healthy Katara General Manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti (right) and living habits among Qatar Lawyers Association Chairman Rashid bin Nasser Al Nuaimi at the event. students

Katara signs MoU to The Peninsula

raise legal awareness DOHA: The Supreme Council of Health Students at the SCH booth on Qatar University campus. (SCH) has tied up with Qatar University (QU) to launch a campaign to promote healthy living habits among students. medical tests for students for BMI platform. In addition, a session is con- Students are also taking part in a in Qatari society It is part of the SCH’s ‘Our Future (body mass index), blood pressure ducted by a professional trainer to teach photography contest on social media Lies in our Health’ campaign. and blood sugar levels. students the importance and benefits with the hashtag #SCHUNIVERSITY- It will run until the second quar- Results are offered on the spot with of a proper workout, warming up and DRIVE featuring photos of the best daily DOHA: Cultural Village Founda- generations and meeting society’s ter of the year, focusing on three main experts advising students of next steps cooling down to avoid injury, tech- habits, to be showcased on Instagram. tion - Katara and the Qatar Lawyers need for a universally sound legal themes: The importance of healthy to improve or maintain their health. niques and tips and much more. The pictures with the highest Association (QLA) yesterday signed culture. eating; physical activity; and quit- The SCH will host a ‘boot camp’ This initiative involves a motiva- number of votes will receive prizes a memorandum of understanding “It also aims to educate citizens, ting smoking. to generate awareness about personal tional speaker telling students about and recognition from the SCH. (MoU) to raise legal awareness in enabling them to properly resolve any The SCH has set up a booth on the health and the importance of physical benefits of the programme in helping The campaign is part of the SCH’s Qatari society. legal matters encountered. Serving campus in which its health experts activity. It will be held in cooperation build a healthier, stronger and better vision to build a healthy future for Qatar The MoU was signed in line with the community is a key priority of shed light on general health issues. of QU and physical fitness specialists future for the people of Qatar, a vision communities within its National Health Katara’s mission to achieve Qatar Katara,” said Dr Al Sulaiti. SCH specialists also hold free through an interactive and engaging shared by QU and the SCH. Strategy 2011-2016. National Vision 2030. Katara remains focused on offer- Katara has made strides across ing benefits to citizens and its mission various fields related to providing aims to cooperate with major civil knowledge to future generations by society institutions in Qatar such as holding cultural events, law pro- QLA. PHCC trained 9,127 healthcare practitioners and 1,198 non-clinical staff last year grammes, training sessions and “We are pleased with the part- seminars, among others. nership we have formed with Katara The Peninsula held for 2,024 trainees during the year, where they programme to improve quality in August 2015. The Katara General Manager Dr. Kha- which allows us to spread the culture were trained in the newly implemented eight services, four-stage initiative aims to improve workers’ skills,” lid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti stressed of law among all segments of Qatari including specialised care programmes, maternity she said. The department also launched ‘Develop- the importance of the collaboration society to enable every person to fully and newborn children home care as well as cancer ment of excellence in primary healthcare leadership between Katara and QLA and its pos- understand their rights and duties. DOHA: The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) patients and health promotion programme. programme’, which is the first integrated initiative to itive impact on reinforcing progress “The QLA is more than satisfied last year trained 9,127 healthcare practitioners and “The PHCC signed an agreement with a British train PHCC leaders and managers. Some 40 Qatari and development along a series of with Katara for helping provide such 1,198 non-clinical staff. Layla Al Jasmi, Assistant medical establishment in 2013 and we are providing and non-Qatari staff have completed it. Training fronts in the country. a distinctively prestigious cultural cli- Executive Director, Workforce Training Department, e-learning across the British Medical Journal, which is designed in four phases -- a foundation course “The MoU is a result of Katara mate which increasingly contributes said clinical staff required the highest number of provides e-learning library containing over 700 train- in leadership and management of primary health- striving to achieve Qatar National to the country’s legal awareness,” said courses as a result of advanced strategies and sys- ing programmes covering all health disciplines. The care; Certificate in Strategic Leadership Programme; Vision 2030 which is based on pro- QLA Chairman Rashid bin Nasser tems being applied in health centres. courses help doctors and nurses in decisionmak- Advanced Course in Primary Health Care Adminis- viding knowledge to Qatar’s future Al Nuaimi. Fifty-four courses on applying strategies were ing,” said Al Jasmi. “The PHCC launched a training tration; and Strategic work and leadership.

Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Faisal Al Thani (third left), Chairman, Hejen Racing Festival Organising Committee, and Waleed Al Sayed, CEO, Ooredoo Qatar, with other officials in front of a Bentley car after a press conference at Ooredoo headquarters. Pic: Salim / The Peninsula Ooredoo one of main sponsors of Hejen Racing Festival

The Peninsula at Ooredoo headquarters, attended by everyone to take up a sport and hope Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Faisal that the exciting events at this year’s Al Thani, Chairman, Organising Com- Hejen will help us achieve this. Good mittee for the race, and Waleed Al luck to the competitors and we hope DOHA: Ooredoo was yesterday Sayed, CEO, Ooredoo Qatar. you enjoy your prizes.” announced as one of the main spon- As part of its sponsorship, the com- The festival is one of the most sors of the Hejen Racing Festival. This pany presented two luxury Bentley popular in the region, and is widely year’s event being held on Al Sha- cars to Sheikh Hamad to be distributed participated in by sport lovers from haniya track, will feature a host of as prizes to the winners of the race. across Qatar and the Gulf states. prize camels. Al Sayed said: “Our sponsorship of This year’s number of camels has Ooredoo will be the sponsor of the race is part of our commitment to increased to 10,000, from the previ- the most important races -- the Silver support Qatar’s heritage and traditions. ous year’s average of 4,000. Races Sword Race of the Father Emir, which “Qatar is Ooredoo’s home, which will cover four, six and 8km. “I wish is held from January 25 until February is why we sponsor and support a wide to commend efforts of Sheikh Hamad 1, and the Golden Sword Race of the range of events to promote our coun- and the members of the Organising Emir, to be held from March 5 until 16. try’s culture and inspire the next Committee for their hard work and The announcement of the sponsor- generation to continue our traditions. look forward to working with them ship came during a press conference “We believe in encouraging again in future” Al Sayed added. Qatar Charity opens office in Djibouti

QNA and relief projects. cooperation and strategic planning QC CEO Youssuf Ahmed Al to meet the needs of the ‘Djibouti Kuwari said the office aims to 2035’ development plan. provide humanitarian and devel- He said the office started relief DJIBOUTI: Qatar Charity (QC) has opmental assistance to the people and development projects in Djibouti opened an office in Djibouti as part to enhance the bonds of amity and and for Yemeni refugees in the coun- of its policy to achieve direct supervi- fraternity between the brotherly peo- try during the past months and the sion of its construction, development ples of Qatar and Djibouti based on projects were worth QR8m. 04 TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 HOME QU students present Fall 2015 Thesis I projects

Attiyah Ramadan Saif, Eman Al Azwani, Qatar attends Eight biomedical Fadheela Dad Bakhsh, Lubna Zidan, Maria Khalid Smatti, Reham Awni Al Kahlout, Abu Dhabi sciences Master’s Shaymaa Salaheddine Dib, and Yasmin students from the Walid Abuaqel each gave a 25-minute oral Sustainability presentation to a panel of judges on the Department of Health progress of their projects. This was followed Week 2016 Sciences at College by a five-minute Q&A with the audience of Arts and Sciences comprising some 20 undergraduate and ABU DHABI: Minis- graduate students from the Biomedical ter of Environment H E gain feedback from Sciences Programme, biomedical sciences Ahmed Amer Mohamed peers and interact with faculty, and research scientists from Bio- Al Humaidi attended Abu medical Research Centre (BRC), QU, and Dhabi Sustainability Week experts Sidra. 2016, featuring meet- Topics included ‘Effect of endoplasmic ings, conferences and reticulum stress mediated by hypergly- exhibitions. caemia in barrier function in human Political and business The Peninsula microvascular retinal endothelial cells in leaders are also taking vitro’; ‘Transcriptional changes of myco- part to discuss chal- plasma contamination in gene expression lenges related to energy, The panel of judges at the event. studies, identifying the contribution of toll water security, climate DOHA: Eight biomedical sciences Master’s like receptors in pathogenesis of diabetic change and sustainable students from the Department of Health retinopathy in human microvascular retial of epstein barr virus among blood donors in Qatar’; Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Supreme Coun- development. Organised Sciences (DHS) at Qatar University College endothelial cells in vitro’; ‘Screening novel ‘Seroprevalence of anti-MERS-CoV antibodies among cil of Health (SCH), and Qatar Biomedical Research by Masdar, the two-day of Arts and Sciences (QU-CAS) presented molecular targets of metformin in breast high and low risk population groups in Qatar’; ‘In Institute (QBRI). event includes the open- their Thesis I projects for Fall 2015 on Jan- cancer by proteomic approach’; ‘Sero- depth characterisation of mesenchymal stem cells Dr Asma Al Thani, Head, DHS, and Director, ing of the Ninth World uary 17. prevalance and phylogenetic genotyping derived microvesicles by quantitative proteomics’; BRC, said: “This gives students the opportunity to Future Energy Summit, and ‘Investigating the validity and significance of gain feedback from their peers and interact with fourth World Summit on variant cells by next generation sequencing’. experts in the field. It is their moment to show the Water, the Eco Wastes The judging panel included DHS members and range of their research skills and ability to commu- Exhibition and Confer- those from Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q), nicate their scientific work to various audiences.” ence and the Zayed Future Energy Awards. Over 33,000 partic- ipants and leaders and Sak Holding Group wins championship ministers from more than 80 countries and visi- tors from 170 countries are attending the event which ends today. Nissan Altima 2013-2016 models recalled Doha: The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, in collaboration with Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co., dealer of Nissan vehi- cles, has announced the recall of Nissan Altima models of 2013–2016 for possible installation of a containment ring around the fuel pump packing. The ministry urged customers to report any violations to its Con- Sak Holding Group topped the fifth session of the ‘Super Championship for Employees sumer Protection and Lounge Ball 2016’. The event was organised by Real Sport. Sak Holding Group, who beat Anti-Commercial Fraud Katara 5-2, were the gold sponsor of the championship. The championship was launched Department through var- on January 16 at the Qatar Sports Club Indoor Hall. Twenty-eight teams participated in the ious communication championship under the theme ‘Yes to Sport’. channels. Over 5,000 take part in Al Dana Green Run

The Peninsula local special-needs associations also took part. – has helped instil renewed environmental con- “Our participation has created a positive sciousness among people. impact on our members. Opportunities like these “Qatar’s rapid emergence as a global sports give them a platform to connect with society destination has led to greater awareness about DOHA: Over 5,000 people hit the pavement at and help strengthen their sense of community fitness and the importance of leading a healthy Aspire Park on Saturday to take part in Al Dana belonging. We have participated in the race lifestyle. The run combines these two national Green Run organised by Doha Bank. before, so our runners were familiar with the priorities – which align with the bank’s CSR And thousands turned up to support the rules and the track. This year we had 15 girls goals – to provide a platform for people of all event and the cause, making it the 11th edition and 20 boys in the short distance category,”said age groups to contribute to a better tomorrow most successful. Jassem Mohammed, Assistant PR Officer, Qatar while having fun doing it,” he added. Participants competed in 10 individual cate- Society for Rehabilitation of Special Needs. The run aims to spread awareness about gories for various age groups and skill levels: From A total of QR150,000 was distributed in prize the fragile ecosystem and encourage people to professional runners and people with special money, with first-place winners in each of the adopt sustainable practices to maintain a bet- needs to individuals under 18 and heavyweights, 10 categories winning QR5,000 each and sec- ter ecological balance. among other categories. While many were first- ond-place QR4,000. Winners of the third, fourth It started at 3pm and covered a 3km circuit timers, some have been regulars and had put in and fifth positions received QR3,000, QR2,000 around Khalifa Stadium. Volunteers waited at weeks of practice before the race. and QR1,000 each. key points as did the cheering crowds who egged The ‘Male – 18-35’ category attracted 1,500 “Over the years, the run has seen a steady the participants on to the finish line. runners, the highest, while 983 participated in spike in the number of participants and it is The event featured live DJ set, performances the ‘Male – Over 35’ category and young males encouraging to see Doha residents come together by the choir of the Philippine International School, and females under 18 totalled 774. in large numbers to share in our commitment face painting, and football and basketball games Among the many this year were 880 fam- to the environment and towards healthy liv- for children, a photo booth area, which allowed ilies, along with bank staff who took part to ing,” said Dr R Seetharaman, CEO, Doha Bank. runners and the public to share creative pictures reinforce the bank’s commitment to promote “Qatar’s focus on environmental conser- on Instagram using the #DanaGreenRun – offer- a culture of green living and wellness at work- vation and eco-friendly development – one of ing them opportunity to take home a Polaroid place. Some 50 special-needs runners from the four pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030 as a memory of their participation. Complimentary refreshments were provided by The Torch Doha and a raffle draw offered cash and other rewards. The bank also offered free Apple iWatches to the first 50 customers opening a new account with salary transfer. It also announced the winners of its Decem- ber 2015 Mega Draw for Al Dana Savings Scheme, from which the run takes its name. S M B A Sheikh was named the latest mil- lionaire. Other draws included QR100,000, QR50,000, QR25,000 within a pool of 52 win- ners for the final monthly draw of 2015, taking the tally for the year to QR11m. The millionaires of the last quarter draws, M M Chowdhury and H V S Vembu collected cheques. The event also hosted the winners of other cash prizes from previous draws. Officials from the General Directorate of Public Security, Traffic and Patrol Department, Qatar Olympic Committee, Qatar Red Crescent Society and Aspire Academy — co-hosts of the People of all age groups taking part in the run. run, were present. HOME TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 05

DFI to screen Beauty and the Beast at MIA on Friday QC sets up camp for displaced Syrians

open, under trees, and the others in The Peninsula musical in 1994. crowded tents with other families. Beauty and the Beast won the Qatar Charity also Faisal Rashid Al Fahida, QC’s Direc- Golden Globe Award for Best Motion sets up 500 tents for tor of Operations, said the project Picture – Musical or Comedy and could be implemented due to the good DOHA: The Doha Film Institute (DFI) the Academy Award for Best Origi- affected-families in response from philanthropists in Qatar is organising a special screening of nal Score and Best Original Song for Aleppo, Hama and to ‘Syria: Endless Winter’ campaign. Disney’s animated musical roman- its title song. QC began the campaign earlier this tic fantasy Beauty and the Beast at In 2002, it was selected for pres- Lattakia month. The first batch of aid included Museum of Islamic Art Park on Fri- ervation in the National Film Registry 250,000 pieces for around 508,000 day at 7.30pm. by the Library of Congress for being people. QC has distributed 2,000 The screening celebrates the 25th “culturally, historically, or aesthet- food baskets to the Syrian refugees anniversary of the popular love story ically significant”. The Peninsula in Reyhania, near the borders, bene- and is part of DFI’s ‘Cinema Under the The 30th film in the Walt Disney fitting 10,000 people. The campaign’s Stars’, a series of free outdoor screen- Animated Classics series and the third products include ‘Winter Basket for a ings for family members throughout in the Disney Renaissance period, Family of four’ at a cost of QR1,000. It the cooler months. Beauty and the Beast was directed DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC) has set up comprises a blanket, a heater, winter ‘Cinema Under the Stars’ has by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, a camp for displaced Syrians near the jackets, hats, gloves, socks and neck played a remarkable role in blending and is based on the French fairy tale Turkey-Syria borders. It comprises scarves. The products also include ‘a communities in Qatar and partici- of the same name by Jeanne-Marie 500 tents and another 500 were set blanket’ at a cost of QR100, a ‘heater’ pated in national celebrations such as Leprince de Beaumont. up for affected-families in Aleppo, (QR250), a ‘winter bag for 2’ (QR400), National Day and National Sport Day The film focuses on the rela- Hama and Lattakia. A total of 6,000 a ‘food basket’ sufficient for a month with tributes to cinematic milestones. tionship between the Beast (Robby displaced Syrians benefited. and has basic supplies (QR200) ‘school More recently, it has paid tributes Benson), a prince who is magically Some of the beneficiary families bags’ (QR100) and ‘bread’ for one fam- to historic blockbuster film trilogies transformed into a monster by the used to live with their children in the ily for a month (QR50). Officials inside one of the 500 tents at the camp. such as Back to The Future and Rocky. spell of a wicked enchantress as pun- Released in 1991, Beauty and the ishment for his arrogance, and Belle Beast became a worldwide phenom- (Paige O’Hara), a beautiful young enon, receiving critical acclaim and woman whose father he imprisons grossed $425m on the global box in his castle. QF R&D hosts session for Arab Expatriate Scientists Network office. To become a prince again, Beast The Disney classic also became must win her love in return other- the first animated film to be nomi- wise he remains a monster forever. The Peninsula nated for an Academy Award for Best The film features the voices of Picture and Disney’s first animated Richard White, Jerry Orbach, David film to be adapted into a Broadway Ogden Stiers and Angela Lansbury. DOHA: Qatar Foundation Research & Develop- ment (QF R&D) hosted a brainstorming session for local members of the Arab Expatriate Scientists (AES) Network. Community College Qatar Over 30 local scientists from various entities attended the session, which served as a platform begins Annual Career Fair to discuss and synthesise a new vision and goals. The network was launched in 2006 under the patronage of H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chair- The Peninsula at Girls Collage in Lusail and today it person, Qatar Foundation. It endeavours to attract will be held in Boys’ Collage. Arab scientists back to the region and supports the The fair aims to introduce to stu- QF R&D vision of positioning Qatar as a leading Dr Hamad Al Ibrahim, Executive Vice- President, Research and Development, QF, speaking at dents job opportunities in government centre of research and development excellence and the brainstorming session. DOHA: With participation of over institutions and semi-government innovation. The network identified innovation and 20 government and semi-govern- entities, how to apply and improve entrepreneurship, human capacity building, applied ment entities and banks, Community their chances. R&D and social outreach as some of the key plan- significant progress to make in supporting the goals invited to Qatar Foundation Annual Research Con- College Qatar yesterday opened its The college is supplying the local ning areas to focus on for future growth. of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the relocation ference to be held on March 22 and 23 for input on a Annual Career Fair. labour market with the best com- “Implementation of the network has been suc- of Arab expatriates to Qatar in support of human new strategy. Among the invitees are scientists who The consecutive fifth fair is spon- petencies in various specialisations, cessful through mechanisms, including the formation capacity development,” said QF R&D Executive Vice- have collaborations with local scientists through sored by Qapco and runs for two days. enhancing its role in society in line of Qatar research institutes and centres in line with President Dr Hamad Al Ibrahim, who chaired the research funded by Qatar National Research Fund, On the first day, the fair took place with Qatar National Vision 2030. the Qatar National Research Strategy. We still have meeting. AES members from outside Qatar will be a member of QF R&D.

SUPREME COUNCIL OF HEALTH We develop and implement health poliie that enet all the ommnit

www.sch.gov.qa 06 TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 HOME

Akbar Al Baker (left), Chief Executive, Qatar Airways Group, and Raymond Conner, President and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes at the star-studded gala event at the world-famous Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. (Right) A section of the audience QA hosts stars at Los Angeles launch gala

The Peninsula Jamie King, Nicole Scherzinger, Chris- our unmatched service and amenities with her classic, signature style. “Through our award-winning serv- Global superstar tina Milian, Brooke Burns, Mario Lopez, to a city and a culture that appreciate The red carpet event also featured ice, we can share our rich cultures, Terrell Owens and the cast of Bravo TV’s our commitment to excellence.” an incredible set of prize giveaways. To exchange new ideas and drive eco- Mariah Carey Shahs of Sunset, including G G Ghar- The audience of movie industry celebrate QA’s 2016 brand campaign nomic benefits for Los Angeles and LOS ANGELES: Qatar Airways (QA) performs at the event achedaghi and Asa Soltan Rahmati. insiders, celebrities, philanthropists ‘Going Places Together’, the airline the cities now connected along our celebrated the successful launch of The evening featured a stunning and travel and hospitality VIPs were raffled pairs of Business Class tick- network.” daily, non-stop service to Los Angeles organised to mark the performance by Grammy Award- treated to an Arabic-inspired opening ets to any of over 150 destinations in Los Angeles, the airline’s eight International Airport (LAX) last week start of daily, non- winning legend and global superstar number featuring aerialists and danc- its network. US destination, is the first of many with a star-studded gala event at the Mariah Carey. ers as well as a short film on Qatar and “For us, travel is more than flying new launches this year. world-famous Dolby Theatre in Hol- stop Qatar Airways “Los Angeles is a key addition to our the evolution of QA. from point A to B. Our new service QA will commence service to Bos- lywood. flight to Los Angeles global network,” said Akbar Al Baker, The guests were then invited on to to Los Angeles opens opportuni- ton on March 16 and Atlanta on June The Skytrax 2015 ‘Airline of the International Airport Chief Executive, Qatar Airways Group. the stage that has hosted the Academy ties for families to reconnect, new 1, while adding a second daily flight Year’ rang in New Year by landing its “Here, people dream big and Awards since 2002, to enjoy a dinner business ventures to be formed or from New York’s JFK Airport on April first flight at LAX on January 1, with the embrace the glamour and sophistication designed by Wolfgang Puck. strengthened, and for more travel- 1. QA is also the first to bring the state- official celebration which took place that is the foundation of modern day air To cap off the evening, the guests lers to enhance their lives through of-the-art Airbus A350 to America, on January 12. Angeles’ prominent luminaries and travel. Los Angeles gave rise to the first enjoyed a show-stopping performance the transformative power of explo- where it now flies a daily, non-stop The airline hosted many of Los celebrity guests, including Paula Abdul, ‘jet set’ and we are honoured to bring by Carey, who delighted the audience ration and adventure,” said Al Baker. service to and from Philadelphia. ExxonMobil Qatar sponsors ROTA’s Youth Service Clubs

The Peninsula for young people in Qatar to develop as ExxonMobil Qatar, whose belief help achieve sustainable develop- leadership skills and gain understand- in investing in the next generation is ment locally and globally,” said Alistair ing of international and community aligned with ROTA’s vision to develop Routledge, President and General Man- development issues, offering practi- the communities of the future through ger, ExxonMobil Qatar. “One of the DOHA: Reach Out To Asia (ROTA), cal experience to carry out creative education and training.” greatest contributions we can make a member of Qatar Foundation for projects that address local and glo- Since 2009, over 2,000 young peo- in Qatar as responsible corporate cit- Education, Science and Community bal issues. ple in Qatar have benefited from ROTA izens is to help provide the energy to Development (QF), yesterday said Exx- Essa Al Mannai, Executive Director, activities and gained confidence and drive human potential. We do this by onMobil Qatar will become the sponsor ROTA, said: ‘The clubs are at the core of skills to become leaders of tomorrow. working with our local partners, such of ROTA’s Youth Service Clubs for the ROTA’s mission to unlock youth poten- The clubs will focus on issues from as ROTA so we invest in programmes next two years. tial. They offer an informal platform to marine conservation and environmen- that are meaningful and contribute to The clubs are a network of self- secondary schools and university stu- tal awareness to sports, road safety Qatar’s flourishing society,” he added. directed, extracurricular facilities to dents to develop skills and experiences and social entrepreneurship. The clubs network is open to male unlock the potential of youth in line to cultivate a responsible, talented, “The youth taking part in the and female students aged 16-26. To Alistair Routledge (left), President and General Manager, ExxonMobil with QF’s overarching vision and civic-minded youth community. clubs are part of the largest genera- be eligible to take part, participants Qatar, and Essa Al Mannai, Executive Director, ROTA, at the press mission. Supported by the ROTA pro- “We cannot provide these services tion of youth in history. Their actions need to attend the annual Leadership conference at QF Club House yesterday. Pic: Kammutty / The Peninsula gramme, the clubs provide opportunity without support from companies such and support can drive progress and Training session in October each year.

Exit ramp to be closed from tomorrow for six months

The Peninsula

DOHA: The exit ramp leading from Al Shamal Road to Al Kheesa Road will be closed from tomorrow for six months, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) said yesterday. Another closure will be in force on Dohat Um Al Maa Street (two-way section) between Wadi Asma Street and Al Kheesa Roundabout east of Al Kheesa Interchange. Traffic will be diverted to the road parallel to Al Shamal Road and Wadi Al Asma Street. Motorists from Al Ebb to Al Kheesa will be diverted to Wadi Asma Street, then Wadi Al Ebb Street and onto Al Kheesa Street. Motorists from Al Shamal Road to Al Kheesa, Jeryan Jenaihat and Al Kharaitiyat will be diverted to the road parallel to Al Shamal Road and will use Loop B on Al Kheesa Interchange leading to Al Kharaitiyat. They can continue driving until they reach a right-hand turn lead- ing to a single-carriageway diversion with one lane for each direction. The diversion is to carry out improve- ment works on Al Kheesa Interchange as part of the North Road enhancement project. GULF / MIDDLE EAST TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 07 Iran boosts oil production, slams new sanctions

the US Treasury on Sunday announcing new be “extremely strict in monitoring the imple- Tehran warns that it sanctions on individuals and companies in con- mentation” of the agreement. nection with Iran’s ballistic missile programme. Rowhani on Sunday said the taking effect of would respond to new US In welcoming the implementation of the the nuclear deal -- negotiated with the United sanctions by accelerating nuclear deal, President Barack Obama had States, Britain, China, France, Russia and Ger- raised concerns about Iran’s continued “desta- many -- had “opened a new chapter” in Iran’s legal ballistic missile bilising activities” including its ballistic missile relations with the world. programme and boosting programme. Warming ties with Washington were also in Tehran decried the new measures as “ille- evidence in a weekend prisoner swap that saw defence capabilities gitimate”, with foreign ministry spokesman Tehran release four Iranian-Americans, includ- Hossein Jaber Ansari insisting the missile pro- ing Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian. gramme has no links with the nuclear issue. Rezaian, Christian pastor Saeed Abedini “Iran’s missile programme has never been and former US Marine Amir Hekmati arrived AFP designed to be capable of carrying nuclear weap- at a US military base in Germany late on Sun- ons,” Ansari said, quoted by Isna news agency. day on their way home from Iran. He said Iran would respond by “accelerat- A fourth Iranian-American, Nosratollah ing its legal ballistic missile programme and Khosravi-Roodsari was also set free but chose TEHRAN: Iran announced a major boost in boosting defence capabilities”. not to leave Iran, local media reported. oil production yesterday after the lifting of But Iran was moving forward after the imple- Under the exchange, Washington said it sanctions under its nuclear deal, while con- mentation of the nuclear deal as expected, had granted clemency to seven Iranians, six demning new US measures against its missile with the increase in oil production expected of whom were dual US-Iranian citizens, and programme. to be followed by another half-a-million-bar- dropped charges against 14 others. The National Iranian Oil Company said it rel rise in six months. Rowhani, a moderate whose 2013 elec- had ordered production to increase by 500,000 ran currently produces 2.8 million barrels tion victory helped launch the huge diplomatic barrels per day — a move Tehran had long per day and exports just over one million barrels. Iranian President Hassan Rowhani (right) with International Atomic Energy Agency effort toward the deal, has promised that the planned for once its nuclear deal with world National oil company chief Rokneddin chief Yukiya Amano during their meeting in Tehran yesterday. lifting of sanctions will give a major boost to powers took effect. Javadi, also Iran’s deputy oil minister, said Iran’s economy. The hike comes after the UN atomic watch- Iran was moving forward with the increase German automaker Daimler said Monday dog confirmed at the weekend that Iran had despite a global supply glut that has pushed oil Energy Agency chief Yukiya Amano in Tehran implementing the so-called additional proto- that its heavy goods vehicles unit, Daimler complied with measures imposed by the deal prices to 12-year lows, with a drop to below $28 for talks on Iran’s continued compliance with col, which allows for tougher inspections and Trucks, planned a swift return to the Iranian with global powers reached in Vienna in July. a barrel yesterday. “If Iran doesn’t increase its the deal. Amano met President Hassan Row- monitoring, “of particular importance”. market and had signed letters of intent with World leaders hailed the implementation of oil production, neighbouring countries may in hani and Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Iran’s “We must maintain the momentum,” he local partners. The nuclear deal drew a line the deal, and the subsequent lifting of European the next six to 12 months increase their pro- Atomic Energy Organisation, to discuss mon- said, insisting very strong verification pro- under a standoff dating back to 2002 marked and US sanctions, as a milestone in interna- duction and take up Iran’s share,” Javadi said. itoring and verifying commitments under the cedures were in place. Speaking at an energy by failed diplomatic initiatives, ever-tighter tional diplomacy. Cooperation on the nuclear programme was agreement. Amano said the agency was enter- summit in Abu Dhabi, French Foreign Minis- sanctions, defiant nuclear expansion by Iran Tensions have persisted, however, with also pushing ahead, with International Atomic ing a new phase of cooperation with Iran, with ter Laurent Fabius vowed world powers would and threats of military action.

Beirut’s homeless Saudi restricts Saudi arrests suspect poultry imports in firebomb attempt from France Agencies

AFP shook Awamiya, a town in the Qatif district, after the January 2 execu- tion of Nimr Al Nimr. DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s Food and Nimr was a driving force behind Drug Authority said it had imposed RIYADH: Saudi Arabia said yes- protests that began in 2011 among the a temporary ban on importing poul- terday it had arrested a suspect for kingdom’s minority Shia community. try and eggs from seven regions in attempting to firebomb a government Those protests later developed France, after the emergence of bird building in the Sunni-ruled kingdom’s into a call for equality in the Sunni- flu hot spots. Several cases of H5N1 east during unrest over a Shia cler- dominated kingdom, where Shias bird flu have been detected in France ic’s execution. complain of marginalisation. since November, the first known The ministry of interior said Nimr and three other Shias were ones in the country in eight years. the suspect had been arrested for among 47 people convicted of ter- The authority said in a statement “attempting to set fire to a govern- rorism and put to death, provoking on Sunday and carried by the Saudi ment building in Qatif using Molotov anger among Shias and concern in Press Agency the regions included cocktails” on January 9. Western nations. Shias protested in Dordogne, Landes, Haute-Vienne, Others were also involved, the several Muslim countries and attacked Gers, Pyrenees-Atlantiques, Hau- ministry said in a statement carried Saudi diplomatic missions in the king- tes-Pyrenees and Lot. by the official Saudi Press Agency. dom’s regional rival Iran. It said the ban did not apply It added that the suspect, who was Saudi Arabia and some of its allies to any eggs and poultry that were not named, also confessed to shoot- cut diplomatic ties with Iran in reac- “treated with heat or any other way ing at security officers and torching a tion, triggering a diplomatic crisis that would eradicate bird flu”. bus in the country’s east on January 5. and raising sectarian tensions in the The authority said it had lifted its Police earlier reported the burn- region. Diplomats said the mass exe- ban of importing poultry and eggs An elderly homeless man begs for money on a street in the Lebanese capital Beirut yesterday. ing of a bus in Qatif but said there cution sent a clear message that the from Ukraine and on importing beef were no injuries. A week of unrest kingdom will not tolerate extremism. and beef products from Belgium.

UN not to issue invites for Syria talks

Reuters

UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations said yesterday it would not issue invitations to peace talks between Syr- ia’s government and opposition set to begin on January 25 until major powers pushing the peace process reach agreement on which rebel representatives should attend. “At this stage the UN will proceed with issuing invitations when the countries spearheading the ISSG (International Syria Support Group) process come to an understand- ing on who among the opposition should be invited,” UN spokesman Farhan Haq said. The countries driving the diplomatic initiative on Syria include the United States, Russia and other Euro- pean and Middle Eastern powers, including rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran. UN diplomats say it looks increasingly likely that the UN-brokered talks between Syria’s government and oppo- sition will be delayed. “Delay appears likely,” one diplomatic source said. This also appeared to be the underlying message com- ing from UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura’s closed-door briefing via video link for the Security Council, diplomatic sources told Reuters on condition of anonymity. When asked if a possible delay in the talks was dis- cussed, Uruguay’s UN Ambassador Elbio Rosselli, president of the council for January, said after the briefing: “I would only say that no different date was considered today.” The talks planned for January 25 in Geneva are part of a peace process endorsed by the UN Security Council last month in a rare display of international agreement on Syria, where a five-year-old-civil war has killed at least 250,000 people. That process calls for Syrian peace talks aimed at set- ting up a transitional government and eventual elections. But even with the backing of Washington and Moscow, which support opposite sides in the conflict, the peace process faces formidable obstacles. 08 TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 MIDDLE EAST

Morocco arrests Lebanon: Geagea Belgian with ‘direct links’ to to back rival Aoun Paris attackers for presidency AFP

RABAT: Morocco said yesterday it had arrested a Belgian man of Moroccan descent who it said was In a surprise directly linked with some of those behind the jihadist attacks in Paris reversal, a leading in November. Lebanese politician The interior ministry said in a statement that the suspect, yesterday endorsed arrested on Friday in the port city the presidential of Al Muhammadiyah near Casa- blanca and Rabat, had “direct links candidacy of a with some” of the Paris attackers. rival, Michel Aoun, The statement said the man had potentially defusing travelled to Syria along with one of the suicide bombers who blew him- an 18-month crisis self up in the northern Paris district over the post of Saint-Denis near the Stade de France national stadium. While in Syria the suspect, who Michel Aoun was not named, initially joined Al Yemeni rescuers search for victims under the rubble of the police headquarters after the building was Reuters Qaeda’s Syria affiliate, Al Nusra struck overnight by coalition airstrikes in the rebel-controlled Yemeni capital Sana’a. reference to the country’s lengthy Front, before linking up with the presidential void. Islamic State group, which claimed The move boosts Aoun’s chances the Paris attacks. BEIRUT: Lebanese Christian politi- of filling the presidenc, but does not During his stay in Syria he took cian Samir Geagea will back his rival guarantee him the post. Beyond his military training and made con- 30 killed as deadly coalition Michel Aoun for the presidency, local existing allies, among them the Iran- nections with IS commanders, media reported, an apparent break backed Hezbollah, Aoun needs the including “the mastermind of the with his Saudi-backed allies that aligns backing of other groups to secure the terrorist attacks in the French cap- him with a civil war era enemy sup- necessary parliamentary backing. ital,” the statement said. strikes hit Sana’a police buildings ported by Hezbollah. Geagea and Aoun took up arms The suspect had entered The announcement edges against each other in the 1975-90 Morocco via The Netherlands, 80-year-old Aoun closer to the presi- civil war in the so-called “war of after travelling from Syria through dency vacant for 20 months and marks elimination”. Turkey, Germany and Belgium, the Agencies said. A mostly Arab coalition led by motorbike opened fire at Abdulhadi a rare show of unity in a Christian Geagea’s move may also kill off statement said. Saudi Arabia has been fighting the Mohammed near his house in the community riven by divisions for an initiative tabled by his ally the Prosecutors in France have Iran-allied Houthis, who control the Mansura district, killing the judge, a years. The presidency is reserved Saudi-backed Sunni leader Saad al- identified the alleged planner of capital, since March. Nearly 6,000 police official said, adding they man- for a Maronite Christian. Hariri that would have resulted in the November Paris attack as Bel- CAIRO: Air raids by a Saudi-led people are known to have died, around aged to flee. Geagea made the announcement another Maronite politician, Suleiman gian national Abdelhamid Abaaoud, military coalition killed at least 30 half of them civilians, according to There has been a growing number in a televised news conference sit- Franjieh, becoming head of state in a who was killed in a shootout with policemen and wounded more than 20 UN figures. of attacks and assassinations in Aden, ting alongside Aoun. He also called power-sharing agreement. police days after the onslaught. people when they hit police buildings On Sunday, six people were killed the government’s temporary capi- on his allies in the March 14 alliance, Aoun and Geagea, head of the two Moroccan intelligence helped in Sana’a, Yemen’s capital, overnight, and several wounded when a suicide tal, by jihadists targeting members led by the Saudi-backed politician largest Christian parties in Lebanon, put French investigators on the trail medical and police sources said yes- car bomb exploded outside the home of the security forces and govern- Saad Al Hariri, to support Aoun’s both opposed the Hariri initiative. of Abaaoud. terday. The strikes hit a local police of the director of security for the port ment officials. candidacy. The Hariri initiative is widely One of the gunmen in the attacks building and the headquarters of the city of Aden, eyewitnesses and med- Al Qaeda and the rival Islamic State “After lengthy study, reflection, thought to have angered Geagea, was last week identified by French traffic police, according to medics ics said. More than 5,800 people have group both have a presence in the city, discussions and deliberations by the who had until that moment been authorities as Belgian-Moroccan and residents, who said some peo- been killed in Yemen since March, where jihadists occupy government executive body of the Lebanese Forces, the stated presidential candidate of man Chakib Akrouh, with Brussels ple remained trapped under the rubble. about half of them civilians, accord- buildings and are seen patrolling sev- the Lebanese Forces announces its Hariri’s March 14 alliance forged in prosecutors saying he had travelled Two police sources said the number ing to the United Nations. eral districts and intimidating civilians. endorsement of General Michel Aoun’s 2005 from groups opposed to Syr- to Syria in 2013 to join IS. of deaths in the strike against the police Meanwhile, gunmen yesterday Aden was rocked by months of candidacy for the presidency,” LF ian influence over Lebanon. The series of coordinated shoot- building has risen to 25, most of whom shot dead a judge in Aden, in the lat- fighting last year between pro-gov- leader told a news conference. Aoun is part of the rival March 8 ings and bombings in Paris killed were policemen. They could not pro- est attack in the violence-plagued city ernment forces and Shiite Houthi He said the endorsement was alliance that includes Hezbollah and 130 people, the bloodiest attacks vide a breakdown of the number of of southern Yemen serving as the gov- rebels who seized the capital Sanaa aimed at “emerging from where the influential Amal Movement led in Europe since the Madrid train policemen and civilians killed. More ernment’s temporary base, police said. in September 2014 before expanding we are now to a safer position”, in by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. bombings in 2004. than 30 were wounded, the sources The unidentified assailants on a southwards.

IS presses attack on govt-held Erdogan sues opposition leader over dictator remark area in Syria

Reuters prosecutors to investigate scores of Workers’ Party (PKK) and have urged the president”, local media reports said. of terrorist propaganda. Erdogan Reuters academics for signing a declaration an end to curfews. The prosecutor was not immediately denounced the more than 1,000 sig- criticising military action in the mainly “You may not agree with the con- available for comment. natories of the petition, who include Kurdish southeast of Turkey. tent of the declaration. We also have In Turkey, insulting the pres- US philosopher Noam Chomsky, as BEIRUT: Islamic State (IS) captured ANKARA: Lawyers for Turkish Pres- “Academics who express their opin- issues with it, we also have our disa- ident is a crime punishable by up “dark, nefarious and brutal”. ground from Syrian government ident Recep Tayyip Erdogan filed a ions have been detained one by one greements. But why limit freedom of to four years in jail. As a lawmaker Erdogan, who has dominated Turk- forces near the eastern city of Deir lawsuit against the main opposition on instructions given by a so-called speech?” Kilicdaroglu said in com- Kilicdaroglu enjoys immunity from ish politics for more than a decade, first Al Zor yesterday, a group monitoring leader yesterday for implying that dictator,” Republican People’s Party ments to his party’s congress in Ankara. prosecution, though parliament could as prime minister and since 2014 as its the war said, pressing a three-day Erdogan was a dictator, presidential (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu said A prosecutor from the Ankara vote by a simple majority to remove first popularly elected president, has assault which state media says has sources and the opposition party said. on Saturday, referring to the petition’s prosecutors’ office also launched an that protection. sued a number of people in the past, killed 300 people. Erdogan, Turkey’s most popu- signatories, who oppose the military investigation into Kilicdaroglu’s com- Last Friday Turkish security forces including cartoonists, teenagers and The Syrian Observatory for lar politician, last week had urged crackdown on the outlawed Kurdistan ments on charges of “openly insulting briefly detained 27 academics accused a former Miss Turkey winner. Human Rights said there was still no word on the fate of over 400 peo- ple it reported kidnapped when IS began to attack government-held areas of the city on Saturday. State Ramadi civilians force Iraqi media has made no mention of the abductions. Deir Al Zor is the main city in troops to adjust anti-IS fight a province of the same name. The province links IS’s de facto capi- tal in the Syrian city of Raqqa with territory controlled by the militant Reuters largely evacuated after Islamic State seized con- group in neighbouring Iraq. trol in May. IS, in control of most of Deir The counter-terrorism forces, which spear- Al Zor province, has laid siege RAMADI: When Islamic State (IS) militants headed Ramadi’s recapture with the help of since March to remaining gov- fleeing the Iraqi military’s advance in Ram- hundreds of US-led coalition air strikes, have ernment-held areas in the city adi tried to force Mohammed Nafaa to follow had to shift gears from direct combat to human- of Deir Al Zor. them across the city for the fourth time in as itarian relief, according to the commanders. This is the third day of IS attacks many months, he and his family hid inside and “We’re not that prepped to deal with civil- on the towns of Ayyash and Begay- hoped to be left alone. ians, but we just improvised on the ground,” said liya, which lie to the northwest of After the militants retreated again last week, Colonel Arkan, who declined to provide his last Deir Al Zor city on the approach Iraq’s elite counter-terrorism forces evacuated name. “We’re giving help and support and care from Raqqa. Nafaa and scores of other residents who had on one hand and fighting at the same time.” IS has now taken control of areas been hiding for around ten days, steering them Strict rules of engagement may have lim- in the south and west of Begayliya, to safety through streets mined with explosives. ited civilian casualties in the city, but they have and has seized the Saeqa military Ramadi has been touted as the first major slowed the military’s advance and allowed mili- camp near the town of Ayyash, the success for Iraq’s US-backed army since it col- tants to escape to northern and eastern outskirts. Observatory said. lapsed in the face of IS’s lightning advance across Ramadi is the capital of Anbar province, A Syrian official source said the the country’s north and west in mid-2014. the fertile Euphrates river valley running from Syrian army repelled the attacks But clearing the city from militants and the Syrian border to the outskirts of Baghdad, but IS is continuing the offensive. explosives could take weeks. And the discov- where Sunni Muslim tribes have resented the Speaking to Al Mayadeen television ery of more civilians than expected trapped Shi’ite-led central government since US troops news early on Monday, Deir Al Zor’s among the ruins, after what the survivors say toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003. governor said the security situa- was a deliberate effort by fighters to use them as Islamic State fighters’ determination to tion in Begayliya was “excellent”. shields, suggests future battles against Islamic hide among civilians in Ramadi raises con- Syria’s state news agency SANA State could be more complicated. cerns about upcoming battles in Mosul, Islamic said on Sunday that at least 300 peo- Contrary to initial estimates in the hun- State’s northern stronghold which Prime Min- ple, including women and children, Iraqi security forces help wounded civilians as they flee the violence in the city of Ramadi, dreds, commanders say their forces have so ister Haider Al Abadi has vowed to retake this had been killed during the attacks far extricated about 3,800 civilians from Ram- year, and Falluja, the longest-held militant city yesterday. in Deir Al Zor. adi, a city of hundreds of thousands of residents sitting at Baghdad’s western gates. ASIA / PHILIPPINES TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 09

Philippines to install Tourists in Boracay flight-tracking system

30 percent. “Our objective is to track saying it raises tensions and threatens all commercial flights passing over regional stability and could violate The automatic our airspace,” Joya said, adding the freedom of navigation and overflight. dependent radars would not be used to monitor As their Cessna approached Pag- surveillance- military aircraft. asa to land, Apolonio said a message China has built massive structures was received over an emergency radio broadcast (ADS-B) over South China Sea reefs claimed channel warning: “Foreign military machine, which by the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei aircraft, this is the Chinese navy. You and Taiwan, including a 3,000-metre are threatening the security of our detects aircraft runway on Fiery Cross reef. station.” positions using The Philippines has expressed con- The Filipino pilots ignored the cern that China’s test landings on Fiery warning and continued with the trip satellite signals, will Cross reef earlier this month would since they were flying a civilian plane be operational by lay the groundwork for the declara- over what Apolonio said was Phil- tion of an air defence identification ippine territory. After finishing the November on Pagasa zone (ADIZ) similar to the one Bei- survey on Pag-asa, known interna- island, the biggest jing claimed over the East China Sea tionally as Thitu island, they left in Filipino-occupied in 2013 that riled Japan. the plane and later received the same Philippine officials also said that warning message, he said. feature in the they received two intimidating radio Presidential spokesman Herminio disputed Spratlys warnings identified as from the Chi- Coloma told reporters the Philip- nese navy when they flew a Cessna pine foreign affairs department has plane close to a Chinese-constructed been informed of the incident. The island in the South China Sea. Philippines has asked a United Nations- Eric Apolonio said the incident backed tribunal to declare China’s sea AFP & AP happened on January 7 when he and claims as invalid and expects a deci- other personnel of the Civil Aviation sion early this year. Authority of the Philippines flew to Asked if they felt threatened, Apo- a Philippine-occupied island for an lonio said they were apprehensive MANILA: The Philippines said yes- engineering survey for the installa- because “you’ll never know, we can terday that it would install a civilian tion of civil aviation safety equipment be fired upon”. The Chinese Embassy flight-tracking system in the dis- on the island. in Manila did not immediately reply puted South China Sea after China The island, which is home to a when asked for comment. landed several aircraft on one of its small fishing community and Fili- Mayor Eugenio Bito-onon, the man-made islands in the potential pino troops, is close to Subi Reef, one leader of the community on Pag- flashpoint region. of seven reefs in the disputed Spratly asa who flew with Apolonio’s team, The automatic dependent surveil- archipelago which China has trans- said the radio warnings were an act of lance-broadcast (ADS-B) machine, formed into islands in the last two intimidation and illustrated the threat which detects aircraft positions using years using dredged sand. to freedom of flight in the region. He satellite signals, will be operational by Chinese officials say they have said other civilian and military planes November on Pagasa island, the big- completed the island building and are have also been shooed away by the gest Filipino-occupied feature in the now constructing buildings and run- Chinese in the region. disputed Spratlys, said Rodante Joya, ways to ensure safe civilian sea travel. British Ambassador to Manila Asif acting director of the Civil Aviation They have acknowledged, though, that Ahmad said yesterday that his gov- Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). the islands could also be used mili- ernment would oppose any move that An average of 200 civilian flights tarily, adding that they have the right restricts freedom of navigation and pass over the Spratlys daily, Joya said to build on what they say is Chinese overflight in the disputed waters. and added that the Pagasa surveil- territory. “If a British aircraft, civilian or mil- lance system was part of a broader The United States and govern- itary, was intercepted and not allowed A vendor on his makeshift raft chops a coconut to sell the juice to snorkelling tourists off the island of 10bn peso ($209m) effort to expand ments with rival claims with China to fly over a space which we regard as the country’s commercial flight radar in the disputed region, have expressed international, we will simply ignore Boracay, Central Philippines, yesterday. coverage to 80 percent from the current alarm over the Chinese construction, it,” he told reporters.

Jailed Maldives Rights activists dismiss HK bookseller’s confession ex-leader Nasheed leaves AFP student in a car accident 11 years ago. Weeping leader Leung Chun-ying refused to discuss Gui’s The other three men went missing from Gui said he had fled the mainland after he was case. “The Gui Minhai case has not been reported southern mainland cities. Lee’s disappearance for Britain convicted of the crime, despite only receiving to the Hong Kong police or the Hong Kong gov- raised fears that Chinese security authorities HONG KONG: Rights campaigners dismissed a two-year suspended sentence. ernment,” he told reporters at a financial forum were working in Hong Kong’s territory, against an apparent confession by a missing Hong Kong Amnesty International’s East Asia director in Hong Kong. the city’s laws. AFP bookseller paraded on Chinese state television Nicholas Bequelin said Gui’s confession raised Swedish deputy minister for finance Per A letter, purportedly from Lee, was published as “worthless” and a “smokescreen” yesterday as more questions than answers. “From the legal Bolund — also speaking at the financial forum on Sunday taking aim at Gui on Hong Kong news the city’s leader distanced himself from the case. standpoint the video is worthless,” he said. — said Stockholm “is quite concerned about the website Headline Daily. “He killed a person in a MALÉ: Jailed Maldivian opposi- Gui Minhai, a Swedish national, is one of five “Where is he? Under what authority is he development” and asked for more “openness” drink-driving crash and irresponsibly fled over- tion leader and former president missing booksellers from a Hong Kong-based detained? What are the circumstances under from the mainland authorities, according to the seas,” it read. “This time he has implicated me,” Mohamed Nasheed left the coun- publisher known for salacious titles critical of which he gave this interview? We cannot exclude South China Morning Post. it said, without giving any further detail. try yesterday for urgent medical the Chinese government. the possibility that he made the statement under The Swedish consulate in Hong Kong said All five men worked for the Mighty Current treatment in Britain after a delay Their disappearance has sparked alarm in duress,” he said. it had no comment. Gui is thought to have gone publishing house which operates a bookstore in caused by a legal dispute with the the southern Chinese city which is guaranteed The disappearances have fuelled growing missing from Thailand, where he has a holiday the commercial heart of Hong Kong. government, his party said. a range of freedoms not seen on the mainland. unease in Hong Kong over the erosion of freedoms home. Leung said he attached “great importance” Lee Cheuk-yan, a pro-democracy lawmaker “President Nasheed is on a flight In his confession on state broadcaster CCTV in the semi-autonomous city, which was handed to any new information on another bookseller, in Hong Kong, said of the Gui confession that to Colombo and from there he will on Sunday Gui said he had returned to China to back to China from Britain in 1997. Lee Bo, the only one of the five men to have dis- China was “trying to hide the fact that they are go to Britain,” his Maldivian Dem- “take legal responsibilities” for killing a college But despite deep public concern, Hong Kong appeared in Hong Kong. detaining him for the bookstore”. ocratic Party spokesman Hamid Abdul Ghafoor said. Nasheed’s lawyer Hassan Latheef posted on Twitter a photo of them aboard a Sri Lankan airlines New Philippine warship celebration Bangladesh police make flight to Colombo on their way to London after legal wrangling over the former leader’s return to serve record $10.5m drug bust the balance of his 13-year jail term. The former leader refused a gov- ernment request to leave a relative to guarantee his return. AFP Police in the southern town of Nasheed was originally due Teknaf, which borders Myanmar, to leave on Sunday in line with a and the Bangladesh Navy have in deal brokered by diplomats from recent months seized hundreds of neighbouring India and Sri Lanka DHAKA: Bangladesh has seized 2.8 thousands of the stimulant from as well as former colonial power million methamphetamine tablets traffickers attempting the journey Britain. worth an estimated $10.5m in the by land and sea. Lawyers for Nasheed had country’s biggest ever seizure of the “The Myanmar-Teknaf border was accused the government of intro- drug, as it struggles to stem its surg- the main trafficking route when the ducing the “illegal” last-minute ing popularity, officers said yesterday. drug cartel introduced yaba in Bang- condition, but the MDP agreed to Police confiscated the drugs in ladesh. But now they are mostly using an alternative of providing a rela- night-long raids on Sunday at a railway sea routes after many of their consign- tive only to communicate Nasheed’s station in Dhaka and at an anchor- ments were seized on land,” Teknaf whereabouts while abroad. age in the port city of Chittagong, elite police chief Ataur Rahman Khan said. “President Nasheed told mem- Rapid Action Battalion spokesman “It seems Bangladesh has become bers of his family that he wasn’t Major Rumman Mahmud said. a big target of the international drug prepared to put their freedom in “This is the biggest seizure of cartels,” Khan said. The seizure comes jeopardy in order to secure his own,” yaba tablets in Bangladesh. We’ve just months after Chittagong customs the MDP said in a statement. arrested three traffickers including officials seized a shipment of cocaine Nasheed’s lawyer Latheef said a ring leader in connection with the mixed in sunflower oil weighing more the government had reneged on seizure,” Mahmud said of their inves- than 60 kilogrammes (132 pounds) the agreed deal at the last minute Philippine Navy officers celebrate in front of the Indonesian-made naval warship for the Philippine tigation, adding that the drugs were and worth $14 million. on Sunday by demanding a “hos- Navy during a turnover ceremony led by Philippines Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Indonesian made in neighbouring Myanmar. A Department of Narcotics Control tage,” until he returned from Britain. counterpart Ryamizard Ryacudu at a shipyard in Surabaya, Indonesia’s eastern Java island, yesterday. Yaba, a Thai word for “crazy med- (DNC) official said Bangladesh was “This kind of blackmail is ille- The Strategic Sealift Vessel type military warship is the first of the two vessels ordered by the Philippine icine”, is made of methamphetamine struggling to shut down trafficking gal, unheard of in international Department of National Defence for a total of $90m as part of the Phlippine military modernisation and caffeine and has become a pop- from Myanmar, in part because of a affairs, and totally outrageous,” programme. ular drug among young people in the river running along their long border Latheef said before leaving Male nation of 160 million. which is difficult to patrol. with his client. 10 TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 VIEWS

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

ACTING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL Elusive peace A choice between

he developments in the Middle East are continuing to adversely impact the prospects for peace in Syria. Expectations are high about the peace talks scheduled for this continuity and change month between the Syrian government and the opposition, but a United Nations official hinted yesterday that the talks Tcould be postponed because the regional powers spearheading the and arguments about how much issues, particularly in foreign pol- opportunities and dangers for both peace process are yet agree on who will take part in the talks. The talks, to embrace the policies and record icy. But in these final days before Clinton and Sanders. But there is With no more of the Obama administration and the first votes are cast, she has no disputing that Iowa will play a scheduled to open in Geneva on January 25, are extremely important build on them. At moments, role emphasized time and again her huge role in establishing the tone because it will be the first meeting between the regime of Bashar Al Assad debates before reversal seemed to be under- desire to extend and build on what and direction of the Democratic and the opposition since 2012. Iowa and New way. Clinton, still considered the the president has done in domes- contest. Unfortunately, the Syrian crisis has become entangled in the regional Hampshire, the favourite to win the party’s nod, tic policy. The most recent round of polls politics, with too many foreign players claiming stakes both in the aggressively challenged the details Sanders wants to go much shows the state closer than it was continuation and ouster of Bashar Al Assad. A vast majority of Syrians campaigns will be of Sanders’s agenda as if her nom- further, and he has found an audi- a few months ago, a virtual dead ination was at risk. Sanders, the ence inside a Democratic Party heat. want Assad to leave, but an alliance led by Russia and Iran is delaying focused more than underdog who has energized the whose liberal wing shares Sand- Iowa was the state that his departure. Peace negotiations are the only way to find a solution to ever on final efforts grass roots, sought to keep focused ers’s critique of the political system launched Obama toward the the crisis but not all are optimistic about the future of talks. Secondly, the to sway undecided on the big picture and a clarion as dominated by the rich and the White House in 2008 and it is best Western powers lack the determination to solve the crisis, even though call for change in what appeared elites and applauds Sanders for remembered inside Clinton head- they have been directly affected by the refugee problem caused by the voters and make to be an effort to prevent any ero- wanting to use the power of big quarters as the state that dealt her Syrian war. sure identified sion in his strength and standing. government to raise wages, rebuild the cruelest defeat of the campaign. The presence of too many players There were good reasons for the country’s infrastructure and Swamped by an unexpected surge supporters show Clinton’s posture in the debate. break up the big banks. in turnout, she finished third. is complicating the talks. Seventeen up to vote With polls showing a tightening The debate reflected the cam- This time, her organization countries are pushing for a peace race in Iowa, she cannot afford paign in another way. There was a has been built on top of those sour deal, including the US, Russia in a loss there on Feb. 1. So she set sense of urgency in the perform- memories, strategically designed Syrian peace addition to the regional powers. All about trying to raise doubts about ances of both Clinton and Sanders. to maximize opportunities to win talks, scheduled these countries need to agree on the By Dan Balz where Sanders stands and whether They talked over one another and the delegate count on caucus night. list of opposition leaders who will The Washington Post he can really do what he says he past one another. But Sanders has countered with to open in Geneva wants to do. Former Maryland governor the kind of grass-roots enthusi- have a seat at the negotiating table. on January 25, The differences between the Martin O’Malley repeatedly tried asm that has proved successful in “At this stage, the UN will proceed with two were most apparent in a very to interrupt, but neither Sanders some past caucuses. are facing fresh issuing invitations when the countries sharp exchange over health care nor Clinton seemed willing to yield A Sanders victory in Iowa hurdles spearheading the international Syrian or anyone who has paid - a dramatic argument over the much space to him. would boost his chances of win- Support Group process come to an only scant attention to best way to insure the most Amer- In the end, it’s not likely the ning New Hampshire — possibly understanding on who among the the Democratic nomina- icans and a proxy for who has a debate changed many minds, but decisively. He already holds an opposition should be invited,” said UN tion contest, it took only governing strategy that can pro- it might have reinforced the sup- advantage, in part because he rep- a few minutes Sunday duce results. porters each of the candidates has. resents neighbouring Vermont in spokesman Farhan Haq. Fnight to grasp the state of the race. Sanders has called for a For sure, there are undecided vot- the Senate. Differences are likely to persist Two weeks before Iowans “Medicare-for-all” programme, ers in Iowa and New Hampshire, Sanders victories in the first because all sides are adopting a tough stance. Peace in Syria is possible gather for their caucuses, Hil- a single-payer system, to replace and history suggests that minds two states would dramatically only through the exit of Assad, and any attempt to keep him in power will lary Clinton sought to blunt the the Affordable Care Act enacted will change between now and change the dynamic of the race only prolong the crisis at the cost of more lives. Arab countries and their momentum behind Bernie Sand- during Barack Obama’s presidency. those contests. and likely guarantee a longer battle western allies must try harder to forge unity on this issue and come up ers’s grass-roots insurgency. In Clinton warned that what Sanders But it will be left to Clinton and than otherwise might be expected. response, Sanders raised the vol- has proposed amounts to start- Sanders barnstorming over the It would also bring about a fresh with practical solutions. ume and the stakes, appealing to ing over and threatens to plunge next few weeks to drive those vot- round of second-guessing among The Geneva talks are aiming at a new constitution and elections in Democrats to support his call for the country into a new and highly ers in one direction or another. Clinton’s outside advisers, donors 18 months to end the five-year war. That’s a tough objective. But at the a political revolution. contentious fight just as the ACA With no more debates before and loyalists. same time, there is no alternative to talks. This is a war that has killed For two hours, the two lead- is taking hold. Iowa and New Hampshire, the Clinton’s team continues to feel more than 260,000 people, displaced millions and triggered a mass ing candidates for the nomination Rarely have Clinton and campaigns will be focused more confident about the two states that refugee exodus to Europe. But the death toll is increasingly becoming traded arguments over guns, health Sanders so underscored their than ever on final efforts to sway follow - Nevada and South Caro- just a number, and the daily deaths are failing to cause any shock and care, Wall Street, taxes and polit- contrasting views of the presi- undecided voters and make sure lina. Her advisers see both as likely ical change. But at heart, those dency. Clinton has become the identified supporters show up to firewalls to give her a chance to consternation. The starvation deaths in Syria’s besieged town of Madaya, issues were fodder for a display candidate of continuity. She has vote. regroup should she lose in Iowa which grabbed global headlines, will also be forgotten soon. of competing styles, ambitions differences with Obama on some The calendar ahead offers and New Hampshire.

Quote of the day UK House should debate Trump, then let him in

Bloomberg be dispensed with quickly, and then maybe that Moreover, attempts to suppress them are inevi- ..if you are not able to speak famous British talent for oratory can be devoted tably counterproductive. Trump, like an author English, not able to integrate, to a reaffirmation of the value of free speech. whose book is banned, could not ask the Brit- urely the British Parliament has a bet- The petition’s supporters are appalled at ish public for better publicity. you may find therefore you ter way to spend three hours. Trump’s demagogic tendencies. Trump has British policy allows the Home Office to bar have challenges understanding On Monday, MPs will debate the said he would prohibit foreign Muslims from foreigners who engage in “unacceptable behav- merits of a petition signed by more than entering the US until the federal government iours.” Among those caught in this dragnet is what your identity is and S500,000 Britons demanding that the govern- can “figure out what is going on” concerning conservative American radio host Michael Sav- therefore you could be more ment block Donald Trump from setting foot on Islamist terrorism. He’s also played to nativ- age, whose nativist views have been deemed a their sceptered isle. It might be the worst idea ist feelings by alleging that Mexico is sending threat to public security by the UK. susceptible to the extremist since London Mayor Boris Johnson decided to its worst people — drug dealers and rapists — Maybe those MPs can also debate why Sav- message. ride a zipline during the 2012 Olympics — and north of the border. age is banned. A British ban on Geert Wilders, to his credit, Prime Minister David Cameron’s Trump’s pandering to anti-foreign senti- the Dutch politician who wants to prohibit the David Cameron government has declared there’s no chance ment, while odious, has earned him a following construction of mosques, did not withstand of it happening. among Americans. Britons are not seeking to bar judicial scrutiny, and Britain appears to have British Prime Minister British law requires Parliament to debate any those who say quietly what Trump says loudly, survived his subsequent visit unscathed. Like- petition receiving 100,000 signatures. Whether and for good reason: Democracies require tol- wise, it has survived visits from Trump, who Trump should be banned is a question that can erance of widely diverging political viewpoints. owns two golf courses in Scotland.

EDITORIAL TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR E-MAIL: [email protected] ADVERTISING TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 CLASSIFIED: 44557857 E-MAIL: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 E-MAIL: [email protected] OPINION TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 11 Addressing extremism on Internet

have led to the emergence of a multiplic- ity of religious authorities and the absence of a unified establishment able to earn an overwhelming legitimacy and influence among the populace. One may argue that Daesh for instance is the creation of social media because, thanks to the sophisticated technologies, a group such as this has managed to build their networks, exchange information, recruit supporters and spread propaganda mate- rial. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other Internet platforms have become the driving force contributing to the above powerful connectivity. These unprecedented developments in computer-mediated communication have Dr Noureddine Miladi transformed our perception of the ‘user’ or ‘consumer’ of Internet content. Refer- ence to the Internet use in various Arab countries among the youth tells us that con- uring the last few years, the tent production and active interaction in call to articulate a moderate, the social media networks is increasing yet efficient alternative to what at an overwhelming pace. The new par- can be perceived as ‘religious ticipatory culture seems to characterise extremism’ in the Muslim world the current interactivity. A brief analysis Dhas become undoubtedly urgent. The devel- of the social media networks of some reli- opment of the group labelled as Daesh is an gious groups reveals that users are largely illustration of how desperate this alternative active in producing content in terms of com- must be urgently sought after, particularly ments, sayings, short articles, video clips in the Arab region. and pictures. Also, in most of the cases they It has been evident that the advent of tend to circulate content from other users satellite TV, and recently the social media or other internet sites. File picture of British Prime Minister David Cameron (right) looking at a computer screen during a workshop about networks, have both transformed the tra- Pan-Arab media can be seen as ditional approach to identity construction important players in the thriving of reli- ways to report suspicious online activity, at Ninestiles Academy in Birmingham, central England, before delivering a and the negotiation of ones long-held values. gious revival. However, such spaces have speech on countering radicalisation. Across various countries, new technologies become arenas contested between various have extended the spaces of influence for religious schools of thought. The obvious the circulation and negotiation of religious impact of various religious figures is evident judge) in each country. Now the internet is represent cultural and other forms of dom- discourse, whether we talk about Islam or nowadays. Through exposure to a myriad changing not only how people exchange reli- inance, I would argue that a few extremist other faiths. Such unprecedented conditions of different religious teachings, religious gious teachings but they themselves have groups in various countries have emerged activists develop their identity and cultural potentially been transformed into influen- as the new centres of influence in society. affinities, some of which are through the tial authorities over the religious discourse Many do not possess intellectual leadership, influence of preachers from various different being circulated. but they can prove influential in changing countries, not necessarily just in the coun- Among many, the understanding of the youth culture and establishing an eccen- The new participatory culture try of residence. More importantly, online authority is shifting dramatically from the tric trend from the mainstream. seems to characterise the current interactions also lead to the development hands of the well-established and experi- This worrying phenomenon needs to of online identities, a phenomenon which enced religious leaders, through creating be overcome, given its negative impact on I would argue that interactivity. A brief analysis of can become out of control. new axes of power, the internet sheikhs. A the youth and society in general. The Inter- the social media networks of some It is very obvious, as a result, that social plethora of religious websites nowadays net is certainly one of the terrains in which a few extremist religious groups reveals that users media networks and homepages have led provide a platform of engagement and a such deviancy can be challenged. groups in various to the decentralisation of traditional reli- challenge to the established authority, hence are largely active in producing gious authorities. flattening the traditional religious power countries have content in terms of comments, For instance, traditionally the North Afri- centres. emerged as the new can countries are homogenous in terms of Consequently, and contrary to the hege- Dr Noureddine Miladi is Professor centres of influence sayings, short articles, video clips their religious authority regarding fatwa (reli- monic classes (in Gramscian terms) such of Media and Communication. He can and pictures gious rulings) and other decrees which come as intellectuals and other organised power be reached via e-mail: nmiladi@hot- in society from a Grand Imam or the Mufti (religious structures in society, who traditionally mail.com Tapping social media for constitution change

to just amendments. president a mere figurehead. Currently the and bloody confrontation on the streets. Sri Lanka, it appears, is so desper- The process began yesterday when president appoints the cabinet, can override According to the Lal Wijenayake, a ate that it – rather Finance Minister the newly-appointed Public Representa- parliament and appoints the judiciary, all veteran lawyer who chairs the Public Rep- Ravi Karunanayake – has asked Sri tions Committee on Constitutional Reforms of which is expected to change in the new resentations Committee on Constitutional Lankan expatriates and foreigners to began its first public sittings in the capital process. No question; under present laws Reforms, public sitting in Colombo will be invest here under a ‘no questions asked Colombo. The move came a few hours after the President can do whatever he wants. held till Friday January 22 and then move policy, to shore up foreign reserves. But Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told While the changes — either through to the outstations. the minister is facing opposition from reporters at a Sunday news briefing that a new constitution or amendments — are Next month, a 2-day session would be commercial banks who say they must social media would be used to garner pub- expected to be incorporate in the next 12 to held by the committee in each of the districts follow strict compliance rules on ensur- lic representation and support. 18 months, most political parties are hoping in the country where the committee will ing deposits are not black (laundered) The need to change the constitution in that they would be able to reach agreement collect public representations and recom- money or connected to terrorist funding. which the rule of law and everything that on a hybrid proportional representation mendation on constitutional amendments. At the end of the day, both - con- follows in the country including the man- (PR) and the Westminster first-past the- Thereafter the committee will process the stitution changes vis-à-vis clipping the date of the parliament has been a bone of post system in time for forthcoming local public comments and views, add their own powers of the president and an economy contention over the past three decades. A government elections due anytime between recommendations and submit a report to bucking under pressure - are important, knotty issue is the powers of the executive March and June this year. the government by April. though the latter has a bigger impact president and the electoral system, which The hybrid system, first recommended Trying to get a consensus in Sri Lanka on in the people and invariably need to be over the years have raised many problems by a parliamentary committee in 2018, pro- sensitive political issues is not only challeng- dealt with first. By Feizal Samath making it necessary to either curb the unlim- vides for half of parliament’s 225 MPs being ing but extremely frustrating. Soon after the ited powers of the president or do away elected on the basis of casting firstly a vote government two weeks ago announced its The writer is Consultant Busi- with the presidential system of government. for the party and then listing one or two intention to change the constitution, oppo- ness Editor at The Sunday Times, It was social media that helped Maithri- preferences in terms of the contesting can- sition politicians and the pro-Rajapaksa Sri Lanka. pala Sirisena swing the vote in his favour didates (the latter which is optional). The faction in the SLFP began picking holes in ocial media, as evident at the Janu- to defeat his former ‘boss’ President Mahi- balance 50 per cent is to be decided in a a process that hadn’t even got into full gear. ary 2015 presidential poll, could be nda Rajapaksa at the January 2015 poll. straight contest between candidates where This prompted Prime Minister Wick- the deciding factor as the country Like many members of Rajapaksa’s Sri voters list the candidate they prefer, not remesinghe to state that the opposition heads towards bringing in critical Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), Sirisena, a the party. concerns were uncalled for since no deci- amendments to the constitution. senior cabinet minister at the time, was Kishali Pinto Jayawardene, a respected sion will be taken on any changes until the SYet to be decided is whether the 1978 disillusioned by massive corruption by the civil rights lawyer and newspaper columnist, people are consulted and parliament votes constitution which replaced the 1972 law Rajapaksa family, the president stamping out says that apart from the presidential sys- on it. Any constitutional amendment has will be changed in its entirety and promul- any opposition (even within his own party) tem of governance and the electoral system, to secure a 2/3rds vote of parliament plus gated as a new 2016 constitution or subject and a ruthless crackdown of opponents. there is also a need to change fundamen- support through a national referendum. Rallying together a few like-minded tal rights’ provisions which are archaic in Referendums have been rare in Sri SLFP ministers and the support of the main the constitution. Lanka, the only one held has been in 1982 opposition United National Party (UNP) led “There is a need to bring back par- to extend the life of the Presidential term Referendums have by Wickremesinghe plus a strong backing liament as the supreme body,” she said, (at the time it was Junius Richard Jaye- from social media, Sirisena succeeded at adding that at the time (in 1978 when the wardene, architect of the 1978 constitution) been rare in Sri Lanka, the polls. constitution was amended) there was a for another six years, without holding an the only one held Sri Lanka, it appears, is so desperate Now the SLFP is split between a faction need for a president with strong, unlim- election. That became a controversial move that it – rather Finance Minister Ravi led by the new president and one control- ited powers to provide some equality and and ever since then, triggered the call to has been in 1982 to led by the former president, making it even protection to the minorities who represent abolish the presidency. extend the life of the Karunanayake – has asked Sri Lankan harder to push through crucial constitu- about 15 per cent of the population. Meanwhile political analysts and news- expatriates and foreigners to invest tional amendments. However successive presidents used the papers columnists question the wisdom of Presidential term for in the country under a ‘no questions One of Sirisena’s main election prom- full force of their powers, often overriding focusing solely attention of constitutional another six years, ises is to abolish the presidency and revert parliament or cracking down on opponents change when the economy is in tatters. The without holding an asked policy, to shore up foreign back to a British-style Westminster model, without inhibition. The PR system and the cost of living is soaring, taxes are rising reserves earlier in place in Sri Lanka prior to the battle for the ‘manape’ (preference vote) and Sri Lanka is living on ‘borrowed’ for- election 1970s, where parliament is supreme and the have led to bitter infighting within parties eign cash reserves.

All thoughts and views expressed in these columns are those of the writers, not of the newspaper. All correspondence regarding Views and Opinion pages should be mailed to the Editor-in-Chief. 12 TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 ASIA / AFRICA

Indonesia at risk Snow monkey tourism of much bigger IS-linked attacks

small size, because this is a crowded centre,” he said. “The perpetrators Authorities say about had the opportunity to take more vic- 500 Indonesians tims (during the attack), but because have travelled to their capabilities were limited, we were able to take them out of action.” the Middle East to There are fears that much deadlier join Islamic State attacks could follow, with the return of experienced frontline fighters with group. About 100 Islamic State currently in Syria and are believed to have Iraq, Haiti said. Authorities say about 500 Indo- returned, although nesians have travelled to the Middle experts say only East to join the extremist group. About 100 are believed to have returned, about 15 have although experts say only about 15 combat experience have combat experience. “Those on the frontlines are bet- ter trained, because they’re facing their enemies (in) the field. If they Reuters come back, then it will be danger- ous because they can carry out acts Tourists surround Japanese wild monkeys known as “snow monkeys” in a hot spring at the Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park in Yamanouchi of violence and terror,” Haiti said. “There is the possibility (of a big- town, Nagano prefecture, yesterday. The park attracts more foreign tourists every year and the number of visitors has increasedabout JAKARTA: Indonesia is bracing for ger attack) if they can train people in 20 percent compared to the same period last year. the return of experienced Islamic preparing explosives,” he said. State fighters from the Middle East The majority of those believed who would be capable of carrying to be involved in Thursday’s attack, out attacks far more deadly than the include two of the four militants who assault on Jakarta last week, the coun- carried it out, were part of an attempt try’s police chief said yesterday. to establish a training camp in the Thursday’s attack in the heart of forests of the northern province of 14 million face hunger in southern Africa Jakarta was a hastily executed “Plan Aceh that was thwarted by police in B” by Islamist militants, after police 2010, Haiti said. raids had disrupted preparations In the wake of the latest attack, for other strikes against Christmas police would redouble efforts to mon- Reuters face hunger, WFP said. “With little in 1904. Expectations of a dire crop pattern, a warming of ocean surface and New Year events, Police General itor radical networks in Indonesia, or no rain falling in many areas and this season could force the country to temperatures in the eastern and cen- Badrodin Haiti said in an interview. he said. the window for the planting of cere- import up to 6 million tonnes of maize, tral Pacific that occurs every few years Eight people, including four mil- “We want these networks to be als closing fast or already closed in over half of its consumption needs. with ripple effects around the globe, itants, were killed in the assault on mapped fully, because they can col- JOHANNESBURG: About 14 million some countries, the outlook is alarm- Maize prices in South Africa hit scientists say. the capital’s main Thamrin Road laborate with each other. There are people face hunger in Southern Africa ing,” the UN agency said. record highs on Monday, with the El Nino events typically bring drier that involved pistols and home- about nine distinct terror groups in because of a drought that has been “WFP is looking to scale up its lean March contract for the white vari- conditions to Southern Africa and wet- made bombs. Indonesia. So our hope is that this exacerbated by an El Nino weather season food and cash-based assist- ety scaling a new peak of 5,106 rand ter ones to East Africa. The dry, hot The attack, the first of its kind incident can reveal their collabora- pattern, the United Nations World Food ance programmes in the worst-hit ($304) a tonne, according to Thom- conditions are expected to persist until in Southeast Asia to be attributed to tions,” he said. Programme (WFP) said yesterday. countries but faces critical funding son Reuters’ data. the start of the southern hemisphere Syria-based Islamic State, could have “We have found communications The worst-affected country is challenges,” it added. In countries such as Malawi, much autumn in April or May. been far deadlier, but the militants between people in Syria and here Malawi, where 2.8 million people, 16 The drought has hit much of the of the maize crop is produced by small- “One particularly worrying symp- lacked training and powerful weap- and we should be able to tell who percent of the population, are expected region including the maize belt in South scale farmers, often just to feed their tom of southern Africa’s vulnerability ons, Haiti said. is responding to those communica- to go hungry, followed by the Indian Africa, the continent’s most advanced own families. to food and nutrition security is the “I believe this was a Plan B. Their tions and can become a future threat.” Ocean island of Madagascar where economy and the top producer of the The vast majority are utterly alarming rate of chronic malnutrition. main target was Christmas and New The last major attack in the world’s almost 1.9 million are at risk, WFP staple grain. dependent on rainfall as they can- Levels of stunting among children in Year. They chose Thamrin (after that most populous Muslim nation before said in a statement. South Africa faces its worst drought not afford irrigation systems. Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique plan was disrupted) because they were last week was the twin bombing of In Zimbabwe, 1.5 million people, in decades after 2015 was the driest The drought has been worsened by and Zambia are among the worst in hoping for a big impact despite their luxury hotels in Jakarta in 2009. more than 10 percent of the population, calendar year since records began an exceptionally strong El Nino weather the world,” WFP said.

Vietnam Communist Party Congress DR Congo to Women’s rights campaigners prosecute militia leader Katanga pin hopes on Taiwan’s Tsai

AFP “extreme” decisions. Such attacks AFP were nothing new for Tsai — even from her own party: A senior DPP official had previously questioned KINSHASA: The Democratic TAIPEI: Once derided as unfit for her ability to lead, saying a “skirt- Republic of Congo said it plans to leadership because she was a “skirt- wearer was unfit” to take the helm. prosecute notorious militia leader wearer”, the election of Tsai Ing-wen Things are changing — the once Germain Katanga, who had been as Taiwan’s first female president is critical DPP official openly endorsed scheduled to leave prison in Kin- fuelling hopes the island can break Tsai’s candidacy this time and Soong’s shasa yesterday after completing a free of the entrenched sexism rooted comments triggered public fury—but sentence handed down by the Inter- in its traditional culture. there is a long way to go. national Criminal Court. The 59-year-old swept to power “Taiwan isn’t as conservative as “He will not leave” prison, Justice with a landslide victory on Saturday, before, but deep-rooted chauvinistic Minister Alexis Thambwe Mwamba ending eight years of Kuomintang rule, views in our patriarchal culture can’t said. He said Katanga was impli- as voters turned their backs on closer be overturned right away,” says Chi- cated “in other cases just as serious” ties with Beijing. Tsai, who leads the ang Yueh-chin, head of women’s rights as the one for which he was con- main opposition Democratic Progres- group Taipei Awakening Association. victed by the ICC in 2014 — that of sive Party (DPP), has said Britain’s Tsai has given little detail of her arming an ethnic militia that car- first woman prime minister, “Iron personal life, but did respond after ried out a brutal village massacre. Lady” Margaret Thatcher, is one of questions on her sexuality ahead of One case concerns his alleged her inspirations. her first presidential bid in 2012. “I role in the killing of nine UN peace- “Tsai’s election is a landmark for am not angry, it doesn’t bother me,” keepers in the violence-torn Ituri the women’s rights movement in Tai- she said at the time. “I hope society region in the northeast of the coun- wan,” said DPP lawmaker Yu Mei-nu, will give more space to single women, A man arranges flowers used to set up a decoration with the Communist logo promoting the upcoming try in 2005, Thambwe Mwamba also a women’s rights lawyer. But more understanding, more respect 12th National Congress of the Vietnam’s Communist Party at the National Convention Centre, the said. Another, which is in the hands while her victory is an illustration of and more tolerance.” congress venue, in Hanoi, yesterday. of military prosecutors, concerns the march of women into politics in Taiwan has one of the highest rates “contacts” that Katanga “continues the last 20 years, sexist slurs during of women’s participation in parlia- to have with other officers who are recent and past campaigns put the ment in Asia. In legislative elections being prosecuted”. spotlight on antiquated views that alongside the presidential vote, 38 The minister declined to give fur- still run through Taiwanese politics percent of seats went to women, a ther details on this second case in and society. five percent increase. IS infiltrator hacks Chinese varsity order not to violate the confidentiality Taiwan has a high number of However, the higher end of poli- of the investigation. He said the trial women participating in politics but tics is still heavily weighted towards would be “fair” and Katanga would at the same time they face challenges an old-boys network — only three have “access to all the lawyers that due to a legacy of a cultural tradi- out of 30-plus cabinet ministers are AFP flag of Islamic State, according to screenshots. The cyber- he wants to defend himself”. tion that favours boys over girls, and women. Campaigners have called on intruder identified himself as an “Islamic State Hacker”. Katanga, 37, dubbed “Simba” pushes women’s roles as primarily Tsai to redress the balance when she “God is great, I am unafraid of death, dying a martyr’s the lion due to his ferocity, was sen- that of caregiving. takes office in May. death is my ultimate goal,” reports translated an Arabic tenced to 12 years in prison last year Tsai has frequently been criticised A former law scholar, Tsai is BEIJING: A hacker proclaiming allegiance to the Islamic message as reading. by the ICC in The Hague for com- for being unmarried and had to bat known as a legal specialist skilled State jihadist group infiltrated the internal network of one The student newspaper report was widely reposted by plicity in crimes against humanity away questions about her sexuality. in negotiation, rather than a women’s of China’s top universities to display images of masked state-run media, but the original has since been deleted. and war crimes over the 2003 attack Rival presidential candidate James advocate, and her domestic platform and mounted militants, reports said yesterday. Mainland China operates some of the tightest online on the village of Bogoro, including Soong was forced to apologise over revolves largely around the island’s The hacker also reprogrammed pages of Tsinghua Uni- controls in the world, with content deemed to be sensi- murder and pillage. a post on his party’s Facebook page economic woes. versity’s in-house course portal to display Arabic verses tive deleted and access to some Western websites blocked. He was accused of supplying during recent campaigning which “Some of the women’s issues are from Islamic scripture accompanied by music, a student China’s far western region of Xinjiang is home to the weapons to his militia in the attack asked: “How can single women under- tied into wider economic and social newspaper at the Beijing institution reported. mostly Muslim Uighur minority and the scene of spo- in which some 200 people were shot stand the needs of a family?” policies. As a leader she will decide on Instead of displaying links to class resources and radic, bloody violence which the ruling Communist Party and hacked to death with machetes, The head of a minor conservative broad policy direction and I believe departmental information, the site showed a photo of attributes to separatist religious extremists with over- but acquitted of enforcing sexual party also accused Tsai of being “dan- she will be promoting gender equal- four hooded fighters on horseback riding beneath the seas links. slavery and using child soldiers. gerous” because single people make ity,” said lawmaker Yu. PAKISTAN TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 13 Court acquits Musharraf in murder case

separatist insurgency in resource-rich but impoverished Balochistan province. The Baloch rebel “The court has dismissed all the leader was killed in a charges against former ruler Per- vez Musharraf and all those named military operation in in the case,” Aftab Sherpao, a former 2006, which sparked interior minister also named in the case, told media in the southwest- nationwide protest ern city of Quetta. The anti-terror court’s ruling was confirmed by lawyers on both sides. “It’s an injustice and a joke,” Suhail AFP Rajput, lawyer for the Bugti family, told media and vowed to appeal. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif (left) meets the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud ofSaudi Arabia Musharraf seized power in a blood- (centre) in Riyadh, yesterday. less coup in 1999. Facing impeachment QUETTA: A Pakistani court yesterday following elections in 2008, he resigned acquitted former military ruler Per- as president and went into self-imposed vez Musharraf over the 2006 killing exile in Dubai. He returned to Pakistan Sharif voices concern in Saudi over Iran tensions of a Baloch rebel leader, one of three in 2013 on an ill-fated mission to run in legal cases he faced after returning the general election, but was barred from from exile, lawyers said. taking part and has since faced a bar- AFP Khalilullah said. “He also called for an prime minister of Pakistan and his army chief, General Raheel Sharif. The decision was the first sig- rage of legal cases. early resolution of differences through delegation” to his palace. The report Pakistan is a majority Sunni coun- nificant ruling in the cases, which They include treason for impos- peaceful means, in the larger interest gave no details of their discussions, try but 20 percent of the population include the murder of former leader ing emergency rule in 2007, and the of Ummah (the Islamic nation), partic- which SPA earlier said were to touch is Shia . The country’s parliament last Benazir Bhutto in 2007 and treason, assassination of opposition leader RIYADH: Pakistan’s Prime Minister ularly during these challenging times.” on regional as well as bilateral issues. year refused to send forces to help a since Musharraf was indicted in 2015 Benazir Bhutto in a gun and suicide Nawaz Sharif yesterday expressed “deep Saudi Arabia and a number of its “The purpose of the visit is to medi- Saudi-led Arab coalition fighting Iran- for the killing of nationalist leader attack that same year. Musharraf has concern” to the Custodian of the Two Holy Arab allies cut diplomatic ties with Iran ate and to end the standoff between the backed Shia Houthi rebels in Yemen. Nawab Akbar Bugti. been under house arrest in Karachi Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al in early January, sending already tense two countries,” a Pakistani government But during yesterday’s meeting, A spokesman for Musharraf said while the cases have ground through Saud of Saudi Arabia over escalating relations between the rival nations to official said , requesting anonymity, Pakistan “assured the kingdom of its he was happy with the ruling, which Pakistan’s notoriously slow legal sys- tensions between the Sunni kingdom a new low. before the prime minister arrived. support” for a separate Saudi coalition “will restore the people’s confidence tem, moving from adjournment to and predominantly Shia Iran. Riyadh reacted after protesters Sharif landed in Riyadh two days of 34 nations to combat “terrorism” in the judiciary”. adjournment with little clear progress Sharif visited Riyadh in an effort to burned Saudi diplomatic missions in after a historic international deal lifted in the Islamic world, the Pakistani The former ruler also hopes to be apart from the granting of bail. ease those tensions and is to head today Iran after the kingdom on January 2 sanctions on Iran in return for a scal- statement said. “It was agreed that acquitted in the other cases, which the Analysts have previously said to Saudi’s rival Iran where he is expected executed Shia cleric Nimr Al-Nimr. ing back of its nuclear capabilities. both countries would work together spokesman said Musharraf described they believe the government of Prime to meet President Hassan Rouhani. “The He was among 47 people put to Riyadh fears the agreement will to defeat our common enemy —ter- as “false and politically motivated”. Minister Nawaz Sharif lacks the will prime minister expressed our deep con- death in a single day for “terrorism”. only further embolden Iran, which it rorism and extremism.” Bugti was killed in a military to offend Pakistan’s powerful mil- cern on the recent escalation of tensions” Most of those executed were Sunnis. accuses of regional interference. Diplomats have said it remained operation in 2006, sparking deadly itary by pushing for Musharraf’s between Riyadh and Tehran, Islama- According to the Saudi Press SPA said the prime minister was unclear how the 34-nation coalition nationwide protests and inflaming a prosecution. bad’s foreign ministry spokesman Qazi Agency, King Salman “welcomed the accompanied by Pakistan’s powerful will work in practice. Roadside bomb kills six soldiers in Pakistan

AFP embraced martyrdom and one is help police in maintaining law and order. injured after their vehicle passed The Baloch Liberation Army over an IED (improvised explosive claimed responsibility for the attack. device),” a local security official said. “We detonated a remote-controlled QUETTA: At least six paramilitary A spokesman for the paramilitary bomb and then ambushed the security soldiers were killed yesterday when Frontier Corps confirmed the incident. forces personnel,” said group spokes- their vehicle hit a roadside bomb in “One of the two injured who was man Meerak Baloch. Pakistan’s southwestern province of in critical condition died at hospital, “This is part of our war against Balochistan, officials said. taking the death toll to six,” spokes- security forces.” A separatist militant group said it man Manzoor Ahmed told reporters Baloch separatists demanding planted the bomb in the Marget area, in Quetta. greater autonomy have been wag- around 30kms east of the provincial Thousands of paramilitary troops ing an insurgency for years and the capital Quetta. are deployed in troubled areas of the province is also riven by sectarian “Six paramilitary soldiers have country to carry out security checks and strife and Islamist violence. Uproar leads Karachi police to removal of school massacre helpline flooded video game with prank calls AFP Internews to get help from the police on time.” . Afghan Foreign Minister, Salahuddin Rabbanion (centre) chairs the second round of four-way peace talks Madadgar-15 was established in meeting with Pakistan, US and Chinese delegates at the Presidential Palace in Kabul, yesterday. ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani video 2000 by then IG Aftab Nabi at the game based on a Taliban school mas- Central Police Office. sacre of more than 150 people, mostly KARACHI: Seated next to the phone, The superintendent police (SP) of children, in the country’s northwest Muhammad Iqbal Qaimkhani looks the Muhafiz Force holds additional Four-nation meeting in Kabul was removed yesterday after trig- at the receiver loathingly. He is an charge of Madadgar-15, which has 35 gering a social media uproar, with operator at the police helpline, lines. Operators tend to landlines and critics blasting it as tasteless. Madadgar-15, for the last five years, walkie-talkies round-the-clock in The game, called “Pakistan but the obnoxious prank calls have three shifts. However, there are less seeks to revive Taliban talks Army Retribution”, was released by drained his desire to serve. than 100 staffers to attend to more the Punjab IT board on Google Play, “We are here to help the citizens than 15,000 calls they receive in a day. and invites the player to step into the — not for their entertainment,” says ““The issue of prank calls is a seri- AFP resolve our differences politically.” violence against the Afghan people,” shoes of a soldier shooting extremists Qaimkhani in frustration. ous matter and has to be resolved,” The first round of the “road- the four-country group said in a joint in the hallways of a school. “But the people of Karachi use us he says. “But the good thing is that map” talks was held in Islamabad statement. Observers say the inten- It is inspired by Pakistan’s dead- a toy to play with in their spare time,” the large number of calls made to last week as the four nations try to sifying insurgency highlights a push liest ever insurgent attack that saw he adds, sharing that a majority of the helpline shows that people trust KABUL: A second round of four-country lay the groundwork for direct dialogue by the militants to seize more terri- nine Taliban gunmen storm a school the culprits are women and children. the police.” talks aimed at reviving peace negotia- between Kabul and the Islamist group. tory in an attempt to wrangle greater in Peshawar city, shooting students “They call and abuse us,” he says According to official data, nearly tions with the Taliban was held in Kabul Taliban representatives were nota- concessions during talks. and teachers in cold blood and occu- of the profanities pranksters shower 85 per cent of the calls turned out to yesterday, even as the insurgents wage bly absent in both rounds and analysts At last week’s talks in Islamabad an pying the school for hours until they them with. He explains it’s a way for be bogus. These calls were traced an unprecedented winter campaign of caution that any substantive talks are Afghan government spokesman said were killed by the army. people to kill time. “Women sitting idle back to pranksters trying to take the violence across Afghanistan. still a long way off. Pakistan would unveil a list of Taliban But after an article lampoon- at home have nothing to do so they call law enforcers for a ride. Delegates from Afghanistan, Paki- The Taliban has stepped up attacks members who are ready for talks, but ing the game in Pakistan’s English Madadgar-15 and start teasing us. Chil- In some cases, the callers made stan, China and the United States on government and foreign targets in no names have so far been released. newspaper Dawn yesterday, social dren, too, call us when their parents their intentions clear by indulging in convened in the Afghan capital for a Afghanistan this winter, when fighting Pakistan —the Taliban’s historic back- media users lambasted its makers leave their mobile phones at home.” flippant conversation from the get-go, one-day meeting seeking a negotiated usually abates, underscoring a wors- ers —hosted a milestone first round of for exploiting the tragedy. . Since emergency calls can be while in others the police only learnt end to the bloody 14-year insurgency. ening security situation. talks directly with the Taliban in July. The Punjab Information made even without network cover- of the false alarm when a team was “The people of Afghanistan will Late Sunday a rocket launched But the negotiations stalled when the Technology Board offered a age, most of the prank calls are made dispatched to investigate. not accept a prolonged peace proc- by the militants landed very close to insurgents belatedly confirmed the mea culpa on Twitter. “The APS from phones without SIM cards. In 2015, more than four million ess with no results,” Afghan Foreign the Italian embassy compound. The death of longtime leader Mullah Omar, game has been removed. It was “SIM cards of numbers through calls were received on the helpline, of Minister Salahuddin Rabbani said at foreign ministry in Rome reported no sparking infighting within the group. in poor taste,” its head Dr Umar which we frequently received prank which more than 3.5 million 3,522,434 the meeting. casualties and said it was unsure if Afghanistan sees the support of Saif wrote. “Thank you for high- calls have been blocked, but what can were prank calls. In a quest to crack- “On behalf of the people and govern- their compound was the target. Pakistan as vital to bring the Taliban lighting this mistake. We have be done about calls made from phones down on these prank calls, IG Sindh ment of Afghanistan, I urge all Taliban “The participants of the (Kabul to the negotiating table. The four-coun- made the amends.” By yester- without SIM cards?” asks Qaimkhani. Ghulam Haider Jamali has now called groups to accept our peace message meeting) once again emphasised try group is set to hold the next round of day afternoon, the game was no “It is unfortunate that because of for initiating action under the law and come to the negotiating table and the need for an end to the senseless discussions on February 6 in Islamabad. longer available on Google Play. prank calls many citizens are unable against such culprits. 14 TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 INDIA

Parade rehearsal Court allows lie detector test on Terror attacks Punjab SP are organised IANS

NEW DELHI: A court yesterday allowed a National Investigation Agency (NIA) plea for a lie detector war: Parrikar test on Punjab Police officer Sal- winder Singh in connection with the attack at the air force base in Pathankot. “Our aim was to engage them in Court sources said that during Defence Minister a small area and we were succeed to in-camera proceedings, district eliminate them.” judge Amar Nath directed the NIA Manohar Parrikar Talking about the Pathankot to conduct the polygraph test on also dismissed the attack, Parrikar said: “In the Pathankot Superintendent of Police Salwinder claim that Pathankot incident, we trapped them and killed Singh within three days. them.” The NIA earlier told the court operation was a The minister, who had days after that Singh’s statements on his alleged failure the attack said pain must be inflicted abduction were inconsistent and on those who hurt India, also clar- the lie detector test was required ified on the comment and said it is to ascertain the truth. not a “policy decision”. The NIA had questioned Singh as IANS “...about my lines, I want to make he was suspected of helping the ter- it clear that this is not a policy deci- Paramilitary soldiers march during Republic Day parade rehearsals in New Delhi yesterday. French rorists who attacked the Pathankot sion of the government. It was my troops will take part along with Indian Paramilitary soldiers in the Republic Day Parade, with French air base on January 2. feeling and as a defence minister it President Francois Hollande as chief guest. The police officer had claimed NEW DELHI: Terror attacks on India was giving me pain. I expressed what that he along with his friend Rajesh are nothing less than an “organised a common man of the country feels. Verma and cook Madan Gopal was war”, Defence Minister Manohar Par- Later on I added a line that when and abducted by four or five heavily- rikar has said. how the operation will take place we armed terrorists near Kolia village In an interview to ETV, the defence will decide. This is a secret opera- in Punjab prior to the attack on the minister was asked about the attack tion. I will not discuss more. But will China extends surveillance airbase. on Indain Army personnel in Manipur say that someone can not take it for Seven security personnel were and the subsequent surgical attack on granted,” he said. killed in the attack. All six terror- terror camps along the Indo-Myan- Asked about the reports of arrests ists suspected to have crossed mar border and the recent attack on being made in Pakistan, and whether over from Pakistan also were shot Pathankot air base. he was satisfied with it, the minister in villages across Tibet dead by the security forces in the On the first, the minister said: “We said: “I think it is like that they are tell- counter-offensive. definitely destroyed terrorist camps. ing as they have to tell us something But we can’t reveal the locations due that such action will not be continued. IANS intention to suppress any signs of dis- the repressive aspects of this scheme to strategic reasons.” But with earlier experience I have my sent or criticism among Tibetans, immediately. Russia condemns “Definitely we sent the message to own reservation.” including questioning them about their In 2011, the Chinese central gov- terrorists that you can’t hit the Indian On a question if there was a failure political and religious views, it said. ernment, in an effort to prevent a deportation of Army in this manner. You can not do on the part of the Army at Pathankot, DHARAMSALA: Chinese authorities “The Chinese government’s deci- recurrence of the protests that spread it in organised manner. It’s almost an the minister said: “It will be inquired have indefinitely extended an intensive sion to extend its Tibet surveillance across the Tibetan plateau in 2008, priest from India act of war. It was also not less than (into). But the part of success is that surveillance programme in villages programme indefinitely is nothing launched an Orwellian campaign 26/11,” Parrikar said. they were trapped in a small area.” across the Tibet Autonomous Region less than a continuous human rights known as “Benefit the Masses.” At least 18 soldiers were killed He also dismissed the claim that (TAR), the Human Rights Watch said violation,” said a statement issued by The campaign involved sending NEW DELHI: The Rusian embassy and 11 others injured when mili- Pathankot operation was a “failure”. yesterday. Human Rights Watch quoting China some 21,000 Communist Party cad- yesterday condemned the depor- tants ambushed an army convoy in “...I don’t think it’s a complete fail- There are indications that the director Sophie Richardson. res from townships and urban areas to tation of a Russian citizen, Father Manipur’s Chandel district on June 4 ure as some people want to project it. “village-based cadre teams” scheme, “China’s surveillance scheme live in teams of four or more in each Seraphim, by the immigration last year. India soon after launched There is certain section which try- which is unprecedented in China, will openly and massively infringes upon of the 5,000 villages in the TAR. authorities of the Chennai Inter- surgical operations and destroyed at ing to convert a victory into defeat. It become permanent, it added. the basic rights of Tibetans protected The scheme, which cost more than national Airport. “Unacceptable least two terrorists camps, officially took 38 hours. After that it was comb- The extension of the surveillance under Chinese and international 25 percent of the regional govern- is the fact that Russian diplomats maintaining that the camps were along ing operation which confirmed that programme, which was deployed in law,” she added, urging China’s cen- ment’s budget, was supposed to last were denied for seven hours con- the India-Myanmar border. there was no one else.” 2011, is seen as Chinese authorities’ tral and regional authorities to end for three years. tact with the priest at the airport,” the embassy said in a statement. “He was also denied basic assist- ance, including food, despite the requests from the embassy and 25 kids to be honoured the consulate general of the Rus- sian Federation in Chennai. Such disrespect, shown to a priest from with bravery awards a friendly country, goes against the spirit of mutual affinity and cooperation characteristic of Rus- IANS sian-Indian relationship,” it added.

NEW DELHI: Three girls and 22 boys are to be presented on Sunday with Bangladesh National Bravery Awards which are a much anticipated feature of the Repub- lic Day celebrations every year. extraditing Prime Minister Narendra Modi will honour the 25 children, including as many as six from Kerala, with the awards for the year 2015 for their acts of Daud Merchant valour, it was announced yesterday. Shivampet Ruchitha from Telangana’s Medak district, who is all of eight, DHAKA/NEW DELHI: The process is one such child who saved two children’s lives as her school bus stopped to extradite Daud Merchant, con- on a railway track before it got hit by a speeding train. victed for music baron Gulshan The Bharat Award will be conferred posthumously on 15-year-old Gau- Kumar’s murder, to India has started, rav Kawduji Sahastrabuddhe from Maharashtra, who sacrificed his life in said Bangladesh Home Minister an attempt to save four of his friends. Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. The Sanjay Chopra Award will be presented to 16-year-old Arjun Singh, Merchant, an aide of Dubai who fought a tiger in Uttarakhand to save his mother. based underworld don Dawood All awardees will receive a medal and financial assistance in their Ibrahim, was in Bangladeshi prison education. for five years after he trespassed into They will also participate in and be felicitated in the Republic Day the country in 2009, bdnews24.com parade. reported. Merchant was re-arrested The awards scheme, initiated by the Indian Council for Child Welfare, outside Gazipur’s Kashimpur Jail as A tailor makes national flags ahead of the Republic Day celebrations in Agartala, the capital of Tripura, aims to recognise those children who distinguish themselves by perform- soon as he was released on bail on yesterday. India celebrates Republic Day on January 26. ing outstanding deeds of bravery. December 2, 2014. Who will lead CPM in Kerala - Achuthanandan or Vijayan?

IANS & Agencies say he is firmly in the race. time with Assembly elections hardly said: “What if the 90-plus has over The two men are known to be at months away. Some in the political 50 years of solid experience?” loggerheads within the CPM in Ker- circles say the new developments in Former CPM general secretary Pra- ala, now the only state in the country the Lavlin case will be a setback to kash Karat has said there will be no THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Which of besides Tripura where the Marxists the candidature of Pinarayi Vijayan confusion over Achuthanandan’s sta- the two stalwarts will lead the CPM-led have a chance to taste power again. in the coming polls. tus unlike in 2006 and 2011. bloc in the upcoming Kerala assem- Sitaram Yechury, General-Sec- Ahead of the yatra, he took cen- On both occasions, the party bly elections? Former chief minister retary of the Communist Party of trestage at the two-day meeting here decided not to field Achuthanandan V S Achuthanandan or party strong- India-Marxist (CPM), has a stock answer: which worked out a blueprint of the in assembly elections. But it made a man Pinarayi Vijayan? “Ours is not a bourgeois party which programmes and policies to be pur- U-turn following public outcry. He With elections expected in April or names its leader ahead of elections.” sued if the Left returns to power after went on to become the chief minister May, it is a question millions are ask- But that has not contained the wag- a gap of five years. in 2006. Five years later, in 2011, he ing across Kerala now, both within the ging tongues on who may be the chief Asked if Kerala would prefer a became Leader of Opposition, a post Left Democratic Front (LDF) that the ministerial candidate of the LDF when 90-plus or someone in the 70s, Vijayan he currently holds. CPI-M leads and outside. Going by the it takes on the Congress-led United retorted: “We are a party which has CPI-M leaders say they won’t let past one decade of political events, Democratic Front (UDF). capable leaders from 25 to 95.” any development dent the Left’s image there is no doubt that the 92-year- As things stand now, Vijayan appears While Vijayan is miles ahead of on the leadership question. old Achuthanandan is perhaps the to have edged out Achuthanandan. Achuthanandan in terms of popularity According to one insider, Vijayan V S Achuthanandan (left), and Pinarayi Vijayan biggest crowd puller in Kerala. He is leading his party’s statewide within the CPM, party sources say, the may be asked to lead the state and But those who know the organ- ‘yatra’ from the northern district of latter enjoys the support of Left allies. Achuthanandan will be re-inducted isational abilities and strengths of Kasaragod. It will pass through all the next month. However, the recent High hearing of review petitions challeng- Asked to choose between a into the party politburo and elected 71-year-old Vijayan and the way he 140 assembly constituencies in Ker- Court’s decision to consider the State ing the acquittal of Pinarayi Vijayan in 92-year-old and a 71-year-old, CPI to the Rajya Sabha when three seats handled the power ministry in the 1990s ala before ending in this state capital government’s petition to speed up the the Lavalin case has come at a crucial state secretary Kanam Rajendran fall vacant in April. INDIA TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 15 Minister and VC booked over student’s suicide

Hindu students outfit Akhil Bharatiya Vid- University of Hyderabad who committed the discrimination. “The value of a man was yarthi Parishad (ABVP) leaders Sushil Kumar suicide after his suspension only, ended up reduced to his immediate identity and near- Bandaru Dattatreya, a and Vishnu have also been booked. writing a six-page suicide note at the prime est possibility. To a vote. To a number. To a minister in the Prime The cases under Section 306 of the Indian of his youth. thing. Never was a man treated as a mind. As Penal Code and also the Scheduled Castes and “I always wanted to be a writer. A writer a glorious thing made up of stardust. In very Minister Narendra Modi’s the Scheduled Tribes (prevention of atrocities) of science, like Carl Sagan. At last, this is the field, in studies, in streets, in politics, and in cabinet, Hyderabad Act were filed in Gachibowli police station under only letter I am getting to write,” wrote Rohith dying and living.” Hyberabad police commissionerate limits. Vemula. The 28-year-old left behind a handwrit- “May be I was wrong, all the while, in under- University VC Appa Rao Gachibowli inspector J Ramesh Kumar said ten note, sharing his thoughts, which show how standing world. In understanding love, pain, life, and leaders of a Hindu that the cases were booked on a complaint by depressed he was. The letter went viral on social death. There was no urgency. But I always was Prashant, a student. media, triggering an outpour of grief and call for rushing. Desperate to start a life. All the while, students outfit ABVP, “An investigating officer will conduct the an end to discrimination against Dalit students. some people, for them, life itself is curse. My Sushil Kumar and Vishnu probe,” the officer said when asked what action Rohith, a second year research scholar of sci- birth is my fatal accident. I can never recover would be taken. ence, technology and society studies department, from my childhood loneliness. The unappre- have been booked in The complainant blamed Dattetreya for came from a poor family in Guntur district of ciated child from my past. connection with the the suicide as he had written a letter to union Andhra Pradesh. Her mother worked as a tai- “I am not hurt at this moment. I am not sad. Minister for Human Resource Development lor to meet both the ends. I am just empty. Unconcerned about myself. suicide of Dalit research Smriti Irani, which led to suspension of Dalit He was also an University Grants Commis- That’s pathetic. And that’s why I am doing this,” student Rohith Vemula students. sion’s Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) holder. wrote Rohith, who along with others had been Dattetreya, who is union minister of state “If you, who is reading this letter can do protesting in open since they were thrown out for labour (Independent Charge), had demanded anything for me, I have to get seven months of hostel since early this month. action against “anti-national” and “anti-social” of my fellowship, 175,000 rupees. Please see “Let my funeral be silent and smooth. Behave elements on the campus. to it that my family is paid that. I have to give like I just appeared and gone. Do not shed tears IANS Rohith Vemula, a second-year research Rs40,000 to Ramji (friend). He never asked for me. Know that I am happy dead than being Rohith Vemula scholar of science, technology and society stud- them back. But please pay that to him from alive,” Rohith wrote. ies department, was found hanging from the that,” he wrote. “I forgot to write the formalities. No one is ceiling of a room in New Research Scholars’ students were subjected to. The police officer “I loved science, stars, nature, but then I responsible for my this act of killing myself. HYDERABAD: Police in Hyderabad yesterday hostel on Sunday night. said they registered a case under Section 174 loved people without knowing that people have No one has instigated me, whether by their booked union Minister Bandaru Dattatreya and He was one of the five Dalit students sus- of the Criminal Procedure Code with regard long since divorced from nature. Our feelings acts or by their words to this act. This is my three others for abetment of suicide and also pended and expelled from the hostel. They to the student’s suicide. “We will take further are second handed. Our love is constructed. Our decision and I am the only one responsible for for violations of the SC/ST Atrocities Act fol- were staging protest on the campus for the action after receiving post-mortem examina- beliefs coloured. Our originality valid through this. Do not trouble my friends and enemies lowing the suicide of a Dalit research scholar past 15 days. tion report,” the inspector said. artificial art. It has become truly difficult to on this after I am gone,” he added. A member of the University of Hyderabad. Student groups alleged Rohith was in depres- He had dream of being an acclaimed love without getting hurt.” of Ambedkar Students Union (ASU), he ended University vice chancellor Appa Rao and sion due the social boycott which he and other writer but the Dalit research student of the The letter also showed his feelings over the letter with “Jai Bheem”.

CBI arrests three Foggy winter officials of EPFO Ties with Israel of

IANS highest importance for India: Sushma CHENNAI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said yester- day it has arrested three officials of Employees Provident Fund IANS Sushma Swaraj, who arrived here Organisation (EPFO) including on Saturday, went to Ramallah, the a regional commissioner on administrative capital of Palestine, charges of bribery, the investi- on Sunday where she held bilat- gating agency said. TEL AVIV: India attaches highest eral discussions with Palestinian “The CBI has arrested Durga importance to its ties with Israel, Foreign Minister Riyad Al Maliki Prasad, regional provident fund External Affairs Minister Sushma and also called on President Mah- commissioner, Chennai, two Swaraj said as she met Israeli Prime moud Abbas. enforcement officers of EPFO and Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yes- The Indian minister is being four private people in an alleged terday, the second day of her visit to accompanied by the Secretary (East) bribery of around Rs.14.5 lakh,” a Israel. in the external affairs ministry, Anil CBI official said. “India attaches the highest impor- Wadhwa, and a number of other sen- Later in a statement, the CBI tance to full development of bilateral ior officials of the ministry on her said a case has been registered ties with Israel,” she said. visit to Israel and Palestine. against the EPFO’s regional com- “Our bilateral cooperation has Sushma Swaraj’s visit to Israel missioner, two enforcement officers, developed well in a number of areas comes after the visit of President a city based group of institutions over the past two decades.” Pranab Mukherjee in October last year. and the conduit for the bribe. Stating that she was looking for- Sushma also met Israel’s Defence According to CBI, Prasad had ward to her meetings with the Israeli Minister Moshe Ya’alon, on the sec- allegedly demanded Rs.25 lakh from leadership, Sushma Swaraj said she ond day of her visit to Israel. a group of institutions as illegal grat- A farmer walks through his fields in a thick fog on the outskirts of Amritsar in Punjab, yesterday. Fog hoped to “discuss the entire spec- Ahead of Sushma’s visit, Israeli ification for favouring the group. and low temperatures are common during the winter months in northern India. trum of our bilateral relationship”. Ambassador to India David Car- The searches are still gong on. “I also hope to get an assessment mon told the media in New Delhi of the situation in the region,” she said. that defence cooperation was “the Welcoming the Indian minis- central pillar of our relationship”. ter, Netanyahu said that India and He said Israeli defence manufac- Israel could do a lot more together turing companies were “open and Severe cold in Valley, but bright sunshine in Jammu in areas like cyber, defence and flexible” to the idea of ‘Make in India’. agriculture. He also said transfer of technol- He said that Sushma Swaraj’s visit ogy was possible too. has provided a special opportunity Carmon said India-Israel defence IANS today. Due to cloud cover, the max- degrees Celsius while Kargil town (Monday),” the official said.The min- for the foreign ministries of both the ties have gone way beyond buyer and imum temperature is likely to hover recorded minus 12.0 degrees Celsius imum temperature was recorded at countries to discuss various chal- seller relationship and now it was around eight degrees in the city,” an in the Ladakh region.” 5.3 degrees Celsius in Mata Vaishno lenges and opportunities. about joint research and development. official of the local Met department The official said the minimum Devi base camp town of Katra and “Israel and India are at the cut- Prior to her meeting with Ya’alon, JAMMU/SRINAGAR: Severe cold said. temperature was recorded at 3.6 it was 2.5 degrees Celsius in Batote, ting edge of so many areas. The future Sushma Swaraj held a meeting with continued in Kashmir Valley as bright The minimum temperature was degrees Celsius in Jammu city on minus 0.5 degrees Celsius in Banni- belongs to those who innovate,” the Israeli Minister of National Infra- sunshine greeted people in Jammu recorded at minus 2.7 degrees Celsius Monday while the maximum is likely hal and minus 0.4 degrees Celsius in Israeli prime minister said. structure, Energy and Water Yuval city yesterday, a day after cloudy and in Pahalgam and minus five degrees to hover around 18 degrees Celsius. Bhaderwah town of Jammu region. “By working together we can do a Steinitz. cold weather. Celsius in Gulmarg, the weather office “Bright sunshine during the day Dry weather will continue in lot more for our future and the world,” Earlier yesterday, the Indian “The minimum temperature in Sri- said. is likely to push up the maximum Jammu and Kashmir during the night he said, adding that Israel took India minister called on Israeli President nagar was minus 4.2 degrees Celsius “Leh town recorded minus 13.3 temperature in Jammu city today for two days. as a great friend. Reuven Rivlin.

Police rescue trafficked teens Catch of the day

Reuters first to Mumbai where one of the girls against the two women and three was sexually assaulted by two of the men included rape, abduction and youths, and then they were brought to confinement. Delhi where they were sold to brothels.” “The West Bengal police has been NEW DELHI: Two teenage girls from Verma said one of the girls, who informed and they are travelling to rural India, lured by traffickers with was confined to a brothel in north Del- Delhi. They will take the girls, who promises of marriage and a good life hi’s Majnu-ka-tilla area, managed to are currently in a children’s home, in the city, were rescued from broth- escape on Saturday and was “in a bad back to their families,” he said. els in Delhi at the weekend, a senior condition” on the street when she was Almost 36 million people are police official said yesterday, adding approached a policeman to whom she enslaved worldwide— trafficked into that a search was on for a third girl. recounted her ordeal. brothels, forced into manual labour, North Delhi’s Deputy Commis- The police raided the brothel and victims of debt bondage or even born sioner of Police Madhur Verma said another one in the city’s red light dis- into servitude, says the 2014 Global the three girls — aged between 16 and trict of Garstin Bastion Road, popularly Slavery Index. 17 — were brought from the eastern known as G B Road, where they found Almost half - 16 million - are in state of West Bengal to Delhi, where the second girl. India. Many are from poor rural regions they were held and repeatedly raped Two women who were running the and are lured with the promise good by several men for a month. brothels have been arrested, but the jobs or marriage, but end up sold into “The three youths got in touch with three alleged traffickers named as Raj, domestic work, prostitution, or indus- the girls through social networking Victor and Suraj have fled, with one of tries such as brick kilns or textile units. sites and then through phone calls them taking the third girl, police said. In most cases, they are unpaid or and convinced them of marriage,” A search is underway to find the held in debt bondage. Some go miss- Fishermen paddle their boat during sunset along the Arabian Sea coast of Mumbai yesterday. Verma said. suspects and the missing girl, said ing, with their families unable to trace “On December 13, they took them Verma, adding that charges filed them. 16 TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 EUROPE France to spend €2bn to fight unemployment

needed new measures urgently, but he promised that they would not French President come from tax rises. Francois Hollande “These two billion euros will not said France was in be financed through extra taxes of any kind. They will be financed by a state of economic savings,” Hollande said in a speech emergency and to business leaders. One billion euros will be spent needed new on training schemes for unemployed measures urgently, people. Joblessness, which stands at but he promised that around 10 percent or 3.57 million peo- they would not come ple in the eurozone’s second-largest economy, was the “only issue which from tax rises ranks above security for the French people”, the president said. Hollande, a Socialist, said France needed to “increase the pace of AFP reforms” and innovation was “key” to getting people back to work. “France must also increase training, education and the level of President Francois Hollande delivers speech as he extends his New Year greetings to Employment and Unions forces at the Economic, Social and PARIS: French President Francois qualifications of its workers,” he said. Environmental Council in Paris, France, yesterday. Hollande pledged yesterday to spend Under the new measures to more than €2bn ($2.2bn) on a package stimulate recruitment, companies of measures to fight the stubbornly employing fewer than 250 people Hollande dismissed suggestions that measures were greeted with scorn company that takes someone on a After several years of sluggish high unemployment that has dogged will receive a 2,000-euro bonus for he was trying to “artificially” reduce by the opposition. cheque of 1,000 or 2,000 euros?” said growth, the French economy took his four years in power. each new employee with a contract unemployment as he prepares for a “What planet are Francois Hol- Guillaume Larrive, of the right-wing another blow with the jihadist attacks in Hollande said France was in “a of more than six months, under cer- bid to secure re-election in the 2017 lande and his government living on Republicans led by former president November that killed 130 people, which state of economic emergency” and tain conditions. presidential election, but the new if they think it is enough to pay a Nicolas Sarkozy. slowed activity in the fourth quarter. Polish President Britain’s Labour Party EU’s Tusk and Poland’s Duda warns Brexit call for ‘calm’ in rights spat could lead to gears up for battle EU ‘collapse’ on nuclear arms AFP “Poland does not have enemies measures. The Commission will also at the EU or in Brussels,” Tusk said look into measures to increase govern- in remarks translated from Polish. ment control over state media adopted AFP “I do not want my country to be in by the conservative, eurosceptic Law Reuters McFadden said. “There will certainly BRUSSELS: European Union President a position where it is criticised, scru- and Justice party (PiS). be different views about it.” Donald Tusk and Polish leader Andrzej tinised, but I believe the European Many member states in the BRUSSELS: Polish President A battle for the soul of Britain’s Duda yesterday urged calm after the Commission is acting in good faith,” 28-nation EU see the changes as Andrzej Duda yesterday urged the Labour Party seems to have entered EU launched an unprecedented probe he said. At the same time, Tusk said symptomatic of a return to nation- European Union to find a compro- LONDON: The leader of Britain’s main a new phase. to determine if controversial legal he could “imagine that this could be alist, anti-EU sentiment in the bloc’s mise to keep Britain in the EU or risk opposition Labour Party says a reshuf- The veteran left-wing and changes in Poland violated demo- achieved by other methods without newer eastern European members, a major crisis and even the bloc’s fle of his top team has brought the anti-war activist was elected on a cratic norms. triggering this procedure.” who for their part resent Brussels tell- collapse. unity needed to “win elections and groundswell of desire for change President Duda, speaking along- Last week, the European Commis- ing them what to do, especially how “It is not in Poland’s interest that change our country for the better” - among Labour’s grass-root mem- side Tusk following a meeting in sion, the EU’s executive arm, invoked to handle the recent massive influx of the UK leaves the EU,” Duda told a but he faces a struggle to convince bers in September following a heavy Brussels, said “what is needed is a calm for the first time a “Rule of Law” mech- refugees from the Middle East. press conference flanked by Euro- his own lawmakers. election defeat. Since then, his fol- dialogue with calmed-down emo- anism to launch an initial investigation Duda said he believed Tusk under- pean Council President Donald Tusk Some Labour MPs say this month’s lowers in the party have clashed with tions.” His host Tusk, a former Polish of changes to the constitutional court stood developments in Poland very after talks in Brussels. changes by Jeremy Corbyn have some Labour lawmakers. prime minister, repeatedly stressed introduced by Poland’s new right-wing well and both men agreed on the need “We need to reach a compro- merely deepened divisions and her- After weeks of slurs and accusa- the need for “restraint and a sense of government to see if they breach EU for “calming down this debate, to base mise as the EU in order to ensure ald the start of a battle over national tions in the largely anonymous realm reasonable language.” democracy norms and merit punitive this debate on real facts.” the UK’s place in the EU,” Duda said. security that could tear the party apart of Twitter, some of the divisive lan- “We think it would lead to a big cri- and leave it out of power for more than guage is now being used in parliament, sis and even collapse if the UK left a decade. After days of what some with lawmakers who resigned their the EU,” he added. aides said were difficult talks, Cor- senior party positions in protest at the “We must seek a compromise byn sacked two top-ranking officials reshuffle dubbed a “right-wing clique” Wings not frozen but a cautious compromise, not to for disloyalty and moved his defence by one of Corbyn’s closest allies. undermine basic freedoms in the spokeswoman to another role, bring- The two sides seem further apart EU which are very important to ing in a lawmaker who shares his than ever, and despite Corbyn’s Poles,” he said. opposition to nuclear weapons. attempts to tighten his control over European Commission Presi- With security now taking centre the party, the Trident debate looks dent Jean-Claude Juncker said he stage, the reshuffle was seen as the set to add fuel to what is becoming was confident the EU and Britain first move in a fight over whether to an increasingly public, and damag- would reach a deal at a summit renew the Trident submarine pro- ing, battle. in February on reforms that Lon- gramme —Britain’s sole nuclear Corbyn’s election as leader rep- don has demanded to stay in the weapons system —which a Labour resented a sharp break from the 28-nation club. British officials government won parliamentary sup- legacy of former Prime Minister Tony have said a referendum on a pos- port for in 2007. Blair, who shifted Labour from its sible “Brexit” from the EU could be Pat McFadden, who was sacked left-wing roots to the political cen- held in the first half of this year if an as Labour’s Europe spokesman in the tre. He took a party that was out agreement is reached next month. reshuffle, urged Labour members not of office for almost two decades British Prime Minister David Cam- to focus on his dismissal. to three straight election victories eron’s most controversial proposal “The longer-term importance after becoming leader in 1994. is a four-year ban on top-up benefits from the reshuffle is not whether I’m Now Corbyn’s push to turn for EU migrants working in Britain, there ... it is probably the question Labour more to the left is exposing which critics say is discriminatory. of Trident and what happens now,” its faultlines. Rajoy urges quick formation of new govt

AFP has consequences. This is why it is so his opposition to helping Rajoy form important that we concentrate on what a government. matters... and the country needs a gov- But Sanchez’s desire to form a ernment as soon as possible,” he said in left-wing coalition with Podemos is MADRID: Spain’s acting Prime Min- an interview with Spanish public radio. complicated by the new party’s support ister Mariano Rajoy said yesterday he Rajoy has called for a “grand coali- for an independence referendum in the hoped a new government is formed tion” of the PP, the Socialists who came rich northwestern region of Catalonia. “as soon as possible”, warning polit- in second place winning 90 seats and King Felipe VI yesterday began a ical uncertainty threatens to derail new centre-right party Ciudadanos week of meetings with political party the economy. which took 40 seats in Spain’s lower leaders before nominating one of them The eurozone’s fourth-largest house of parliament. to try to form a new government. economy has had only a caretaker But he has so far won implicit sup- The nominated party leader must government since the December 20 port only from Ciudadanos. win a parliament vote of confidence to general election produced a hung par- The Socialists have rejected the take office. The PP wants to hold a liament in which a ruling majority PP’s advances and appear to favour first vote on its proposal for a gov- cannot easily be formed. a left-wing alliance that includes ernment during the last week of Rajoy’s conservative Popular Party new anti-austerity party Podemos January or the first week of Feb- (PP) won the most seats in parliament, which won 69 seats along with small, ruary. European Commission chief 123 of 350 seats, but fell short of an regional nationalist parties. Jean-Claude Juncker said on Friday A pigeon flies over the frozen waters of Moscow’s Khimkinskoye reservoir, yesterday. absolute majority. “No is no,” Socialist leader Pedro he hoped Spain would form a “stable “It is obvious that uncertainty Sanchez said yesterday as he reiterated government as quickly as possible”. EUROPE TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 17

Poland wants Snowmen in Germany Nato nod for more troops in Europe

in March, 2014, support for separa- Russia has tist rebels in eastern Ukraine and a Russian military build-up have pro- threatened to vided Poland and other eastern Nato retaliate against any members with new arguments with which to press their case. such moves Duda, speaking at a news con- ference with Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, said he wanted the Reuters July summit to take practical deci- sions to boost security in the region. “Today, everything points to the need to have substantial presence of BRUSSELS: Poland wants Nato to both infrastructure and military units agree to deploy ‘substantial’ numbers on the ground in central European of forces and equipment in central and countries, as well as a well worked- eastern Europe to ensure the region’s out system for these units and defence security in the face of a more aggres- should there be any act of aggres- sive Russia, President Andrzej Duda sion,” Duda said. said yesterday. “That means increasing presence in A former Moscow satellite, War- central-eastern Europe, both in terms saw will host a Nato summit in July of infrastructure and in terms of troops when it is expected to press for an of Nato. This is to be agreed ,” Duda increased presence of Nato forces said. “I would want it to be permanent on its soil and in former communist- to the greatest extent possible,” he said. ruled Europe. Russia has threatened Some governments have asked to retaliate against any such moves NATO to establish a permanent troop and some Nato members, including presence in former Warsaw Pact coun- Germany, are sceptical of the idea for tries, but the alliance has instead Two snowmen stand in front of the presidential palace in Berlin, Germany, yesterday, after a snowfall in the capital. fear of antagonising Moscow. offered to beef up exercises and rotate But Russia’s annexation of Crimea forces in and out of the region.

5 French Foreign Legionnaires killed Belgium fails to ensure safety of nuclear reactors in Alps avalanche AFP of the cracks,” he said, referring to fis- Belgium’s nuclear plants. an audit from a US research firm, an Jambon spokeswoman Anne-Laure sures found in two Belgian reactors. The authorities found tiny pres- international firm that guaranteed Mouligneaux said the meeting with “We also said Luxembourg sure vessel cracks in 2012 in Tihange the structural integrity of the vessels,” Gira took place in Jambon’s offices with AFP is exposed to this risk,” added 2 and also in the Doel 3 reactor just Electrabel spokeswoman Florence Cop- delegates from the AFCN as well as BRUSSELS: Luxembourg said yester- Munichsdorfer, who visited Belgium north of Belgian’s commercial hub and penolle said earlier this month. Belgian Energy Minister Marie-Chris- day the Belgian authorities had failed with Luxembourg Development Min- major port, Antwerp. Closed down for Munichsdorfer said Jambon has tine Marghem. GRENOBLE: Five French Foreign to ease its concerns over the safety ister Camille Gira. repairs, they were both restarted late invited Luxembourg to send an official “We listened to their questions and Legionnaires on a training exercise of at least one of Belgium’s ageing Gira earlier met Belgian Interior last year, with Doel 3 halted again after at an unspecified date to inspect the replied to them. We have explained in the French Alps were killed yes- nuclear reactors. “We are not reas- Minister Jan Jambon to discuss the pres- a water leak. Tihange plant, just as a Dutch minis- the security measures,” Mouligneaux terday by an avalanche, the second sured because we did not get answers ence of micro-cracks in the Tihange Both Electrabel, the national elec- ter will tour the Doel plant tomorrow. said, confirming that the two sides mountain tragedy in France in less to all of our questions and so there is 2 reactor pressure vessel. tric operator, and the Belgian nuclear A German official is also due to visit agreed on a visit to Tihange and to than a week. still a security gap,” said environment Tihange is about an hour’s drive watchdog AFCN say there is no dan- the Tihange plant, he added. boost communication. Another six soldiers were injured ministry advisor Olaf Munichsdorfer. south of Brussels, which has become ger at either Tihange or Doel despite He said the two neighbours also “We stressed that security, partic- near the resort of Valfrejus, with “We are not totally convinced that increasingly concerned, along with the micro-cracks. agreed to “reinforce the exchange of ularly nuclear security, is a priority,” one in intensive care in hospital all has been done to establish the origin Germany, about the safety record of “We resumed service following information on the nuclear (issue).” she said. after suffering hypothermia. They were among a group of 50 soldiers taking part in the skiing exercise. Three helicopters were involved in the search, as well as five police Italy government to crack Macedonia votes to dissolve dogs and three doctors. The nationalities of the vic- tims were not immediately known. parliament for April vote The French Foreign Legion attracts down on time clock cheats recruits from around the world. French Defence Minister Jean- AFP of about 2.1 million people. Yves Le Drian was expected to visit AFP Marianna Madia said yesterday. 53, who lives in the same building But the main opposition Social the scene early tomorrow. The law would be tightened “to he works in, was secretly filmed by Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) The avalanche took place at protect the majority of public sec- financial police as he clocked in in has since suggested it would boycott a 1:50 pm local time at an altitude tor workers who do their work with his underwear before apparently SKOPJE: Macedonian lawmakers vote on April 24, the date scheduled in of between 2,350 and 2,600 metres. ROME: Italy is preparing to tighten dedication and competence every going back to bed. His wife was also voted yesterday to dissolve parlia- the deal, saying that conditions have French prosecutors have opened the law against time clock cheats after day,” she said. filmed clocking in some days on his ment next month ahead of an early not been met for fresh polls. an investigation to see whether the a series of stings which found people Employers who turn a blind eye behalf, in her nightie. election in late April, in line with an “SDSM is not accepting elections probe should be handed over to mil- clocking-in for friends and a traffic to time-stamp swindlers “risk being Others were caught on camera EU-backed deal to end a political cri- without a free media and a cleaned- itary authorities. The regiment to cop punching-in in his underpants. sent home too”, according to Renzi. clocking in and then going canoeing, sis but without the agreement of the up electoral roll,” party official Goran which the soldiers were attached The cabinet is expected to pass a While there are already laws in shopping or out with friends. main opposition. Sugareski told parliament. is specialised in mountain warfare decree tomorrow cracking down on place to tackle the so-called “cunning The country’s trade unions were The parliament of the Balkan “SDSM will continue to fight to and all the members have military both public sector shirkers and their card” phenomenon, government data quick to accuse Renzi of yet another country voted to dissolve itself on create fair and democratic conditions skiing qualifications. employers, with Prime Minister Mat- showed that in 2013, just 219 employ- attack on public sector workers “in a February 24, after noting the resigna- for having elections with all the dem- The unit experienced a similar teo Renzi declaring war on what he ees found guilty of cheating were fired bid for votes”. tion of Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, ocratic means that we have,” he said. tragedy in 2012 when an avalanche has described as “intolerable acts”. out of nearly 7,000 cases. “We cannot but note that the who was required to step down 100 Macedonia’s president was swept away five of its members, “If I see you clock in for some- The problem of time clock dodg- prime minister speaks about firing days ahead of a vote in accordance expected to designate an interim leaving one dead. Yesterday’s acci- one else, if you clock in and go and ers hit the front pages in October last people in 48 hours, while public sec- with the deal. prime minister. After the country’s dent came after two French teenage do another job, if there is incontest- year after 35 people were arrested in tor workers... have been waiting for The agreement reached in July last vote in 2014, won by Gruevski’s students and a Ukrainian tourist able proof ... those people should be San Remo and 195 people were placed wages to be unfrozen for six years last year between the government VMRO-DPMNE party, the SDSM boy- were killed in an avalanche in the sent home without pay within 48 under investigation for absenteeism. now,” said Rossana Dettori, head of and the opposition was designed to cotted parliament saying the polls French Alps last Wednesday. hours,” Public Administration Minister Traffic cop Alberto Muraglia, the FP CGIL union. end months of turmoil in the country had been marred by fraud.

Police make first arrest Troubled path Ex-Vatican official acquitted in money over Cologne assaults smuggling case

AFP The Algerian suspect, 26, was ROME: A former Vatican prelate picked up by police on Saturday at was acquitted yesterday of conspir- a refugee shelter, for allegedly grop- ing to smuggle millions of euros in ing a female victim and stealing her cash into Italy from Switzerland. BERLIN: Police have arrested an mobile phone, along with another Monsignor Nunzio Scarano Algerian asylum seeker over alleged Algerian asylum seeker, 22, arrested worked for 22 years as a senior offences during New Year’s Eve fes- on theft charges, prosecutors said. accountant in APSA, a Vatican tivities in Cologne, prosecutors said Some 883 victims have filed 766 department that handles real estate yesterday, the first directly linked to a police reports over offences ranging and stock investments for the Holy spate of crimes that shocked Germany. from groping to theft to two reported See. He was dismissed after Ital- Hundreds of women were groped rapes in Cologne. ian magistrates charged him with and robbed in a 1,000-strong throng The rampage blamed on North plotting, along with an Italian secret of mostly Arab and North African men African and Arab men has darkened service agent to smuggle €20m outside the main railway station of the mood on the refugee influx in into Italy. Prosecutors said a pri- the western city on the night. Germany, and raised questions on vate plane had gone to Locarno in Police have also made seven other whether Europe’s biggest economy Migrants and refugees walk through snow-covered fields after crossing the Macedonian-Serbian Switzerland in 2012 to pick up the arrests over the rampage, but these will manage to integrate the 1.1 million border near the village of Miratovac, yesterday. cash and bring it into Italy without were all related to thefts and robberies. asylum seekers who arrived in 2015. tax and customs controls. 18 TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 AMERICAS

Senate planning Cuban migrants in Mexico strict screening for refugees

The Islamic State group controls territory in Syria and Iraq. As a result The legislation of the extremists’ harsh, uncompro- would order FBI mising rule, people in those areas have tried to flee and make it to the background checks United States. The House-passed for Syrian and American Security Against Foreign Iraqi refugees and Enemies Act is rooted in concerns the current process of screening ref- require that the FBI, ugee is inadequate and could allow Homeland Security a terrorist to be admitted into the United States. Department and the The legislation would order FBI director of National background checks for Syrian and Iraqi refugees and require that the FBI, Intelligence certify Homeland Security Department and that each refugee is the director of National Intelligence not a security threat certify that each refugee is not a secu- rity threat. The bill’s requirements would effectively suspend admis- sions of Syrian and Iraqi refugees. Republicans pointed to the arrest AP this month of two Iraqi refugees with suspected links to terrorism as one more example of the flawed vetting Cuban migrants are guarded by Federal Police after traveling en route from Costa Rica to El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico, before system. Over the past few months, WASHINGTON: The Senate will voters’ concerns about terrorism have continuing their journey to US, on the border between the US and Mexico in Reynosa, in Tamaulipas state. Mexico on January 13 said it consider rigorous new screening pro- surged and their confidence in the plans to grant 20-day transit visas to a group of 180 Cubans who were chosen from thousands stranded in Costa Rica to continue on their cedures for Syrian and Iraqi refugees government’s ability to defeat IS and long journey toward the United States. seeking to enter the United States as other extremist groups has plum- national security looms large for vot- meted, according to a national survey ers in an election year. conducted in December by the Pew Propelled by the Islamic State Research Centre. group’s attacks in Paris, the GOP- The White House said Obama Snake invasion forces backed legislation raced through the would veto the House bill. The legis- Actress told to testify on Chapo links House last November with 289 votes. lation “would provide no meaningful beach closures That veto-proof margin included 47 additional security for the Ameri- Democrats despite the Obama admin- can people,” it said in a November AFP with Guzman, but only the actress has been formally istration’s opposition to the measure. 18 statement. approached. El Universal published yesterday alleged AFP The legislation will have a much Refugees of all nationalities, text messages between Del Castillo and Guzman’s harder time making it through the including Syrians and Iraqis, already attorney, Andres Granados, in which they appeared Senate in the week ahead. face a demanding screening process, MEXICO CITY: Mexican prosecutors have formally to discuss the possibility of the drug lord investing ROSARIO, ARGENTINA: An invasion of poi- Majority Leader Mitch McCon- and the legislation “would unaccept- asked actress Kate del Castillo to testify on her links in her tequila company, Honor Del Castillo. sonous snakes washed downriver in recent nell needs at least six Democrats to ably hamper our efforts to assist some with drug kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, A federal government official confirmed the floods forced authorities to close beaches to join all 54 Republicans to approve a of the most vulnerable people in the authorities said yesterday. authenticity of the text messages written in April and summer holidaymakers in northern Argen- motion clearing the bill for final pas- world,” the statement said. The US-Mexican star has come under scrutiny July, before Guzman escaped from prison on July 11. tina, officials said yesterday. sage in the 100-member chamber. The White House said more than since it was revealed last week that she exchanged Mexican law considers financial transactions Floodwaters in the Rio Plata and Rio Parana The Senate’s top Democrat, Harry 2,100 Syrian refugees have been affectionate text messages with Guzman and bro- with illegally-acquired funds as constituting money carried a species of water lily and with it countless Reid of Nevada, said last year that admitted to the United States since kered a meeting between the Sinaloa drug cartel laundering. The US Treasury Department forbids crawling, slithering creatures, south to beaches was not going to happen. Even if it 2001 and not one has been arrested honcho and US actor Sean Penn. US citizens and companies from conducting finan- at the mouths of those rivers near Buenos Aires. did, President Barack Obama has or deported on terrorism-related An official at the attorney general’s office said that cial transactions with designated drug suspects. “We are raising awareness of the risk and pledged to veto the bill if it gets to him. grounds. After the House passed the the request for Del Castillo to testify was sent over Last week, another set of text messages that danger present today. There are otters and spe- The upshot may be more of the bill on November 19, Reid predicted it the weekend. Since Del Castillo lives in Los Ange- were leaked to the media showed that Guzman and cies of snakes that are poisonous,” said Matias same on Capitol Hill: A war of words, would die in the Senate. “Don’t worry, les, Attorney General Arely Gomez told El Universal Del Castillo exchanged warm messages between Leyes, an official in the coastal town of Quilmes, with Republicans blasting Obama for it won’t get passed,” he told reporters. newspaper the actress could give her testimony to September and November last year. south of the capital. failing to do what they see as neces- A final decision on how the Dem- investigators at the Mexican consulate in the Cal- Del Castillo, 43, who is famous for her role as a “The beaches of Quilmes have been closed sary to secure the United States and ocrats will proceed is expected ifornia city. drug lord in the TV show Queen of the South, wrote as a precaution. We were cleaning up the coast Democrats accusing the GOP of fear- tomorrow at their weekly caucus Officials said last week that investigators wanted on Twitter last week that the reports about her “aren’t during the week and while doing so we saw the mongering to score points with voters. meeting. to speak to Penn and Del Castillo about their meeting truthful.” snakes under the water lilies.”

Haiti poll panel says boycott US draws up new bird flu plan will not stop to protect humans and poultry presidential vote Reuters Health Inspection Service. Even if There is always uncertainty around the response is fast, the government’s any new strain of influenza because Reuters ability to contain the disease is far from the virus acquires mutations passing certain. Officials have never dealt with from host to host. The Indiana flock CHICAGO: US farm and health offi- this strain before, and wild birds are appears to have become infected when PORT-AU-PRINCE: Haiti’s runoff cials are racing to assess the threat thought to spread the disease to farms a less dangerous form of the virus in presidential election will take place that a type of bird flu never before through feces dropped from the air, the area mutated, said John Clifford, on January 24, even though the oppo- seen in the country poses to humans making infections difficult to prevent. the USDA’s chief veterinarian. sition candidate insists he will boycott and poultry, employing emergency US officials have taken to heart les- Limited genetic data from pre- the vote because of his lack of faith in plans drawn up in the wake of a dev- sons from last year’s outbreak, when liminary diagnostic tests last week the process, the president of the Car- astating outbreak in birds last year. USDA workers could not always kill showed this H7N8 virus originated ibbean nation’s electoral council said The federal government sprang infected flocks fast enough to con- from North America, while last year’s on Sunday. into action on Friday after confirma- tain the virus. Workers are now trying strains had roots in Europe and Asia, Pierre-Louis Opont said the elec- tion overnight that the virus had hit to cull sick flocks within 24 hours of government officials said. toral council was busy preparing the an Indiana turkey farm, alerting other diagnoses, following a goal the agency North American viruses have typ- runoff contest between ruling party states to the danger and putting work- set in the autumn. ically posed less of a threat to humans candidate Jovenel Moise and oppo- ers who might have been exposed to Most turkeys at the infected farm than viruses from the Asian Avian H5N1 sition challenger Jude Celestin, who the virus under surveillance. were killed within a day, but it was lineage, said Carol Cardona, an avian stated on Thursday that he would not Last year’s outbreak led to the 29 hours before all were dead, said flu expert at the University of Minne- Presidential candidate Jovenel Moise speaks during a press conference take part. deaths of more than 48 million chick- Denise Derrer, spokeswoman for the sota. Viruses in the H5N1 lineage “are “I can confirm that as I talk to you in the commune of Petion Ville, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, yesterday. The ens and turkeys, either killed by the Indiana State Board of Animal Health. super bad guys,” Cardona said. Still, today we have two candidates in the second round of presidential elections are scheduled for January 24. virus or culled to contain it. No cases No human infections associated outbreaks of North American viruses race and their names are Jovenel Moise were reported in humans. with the new strain have ever been in Pennsylvania in 1983 and British and Jude Celestin,” Opont told Reu- Strains similar to the new virus, reported, according to the USDA. Columbia in 2000 were “devastating ters in an interview. “The electoral council is obliged to in the 30-member senate assembly. known as H7N8, have on rare occasions Still, people who interacted with and difficult” for poultry, she added. “Their names are already on the apply the law and the law says how a Election authorities promised to made people ill and the US Department infected turkeys were quickly placed The new strain found in the United ballot and the election will take place candidate may withdraw and no one take into account recommendations of Agriculture (USDA), US Centres for under a new monitoring plan devel- States, like these previous viruses, is as scheduled,” Opont said. He said the has done so,” said Opont. made by an independent committee Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) oped in response to last year’s outbreak, considered highly pathogenic, mean- deadline for a candidate to withdraw The last round took place on Octo- tasked with evaluating the election and state officials aim to reduce the Michael Jhung, a medical officer at the ing it is especially deadly to poultry. had already passed. ber 25 with the participation of a record process after the last round. risk of human infection. CDC, said. The agency also plans to In Indiana, the USDA quickly Foreign donor nations have sup- 54 candidates. Opont defended the Some analysts fear that Moise could They also want to blunt the impact conduct lab tests and animal studies deployed personnel and equipment ported the election despite opposition quality of the elections and said meas- face a serious problem of legitimacy if on the poultry industry, which suf- of the virus. to assist the state with culling birds complaints of fraud in the previous ures had been taken to fix problems. he wins without an active contest from fered billions of dollars in losses in last Similar H7 viruses — which share and testing nearby flocks, said Bret round of voting, in October. Some He put the complaint down to sour Celestin, who has refused to campaign. year’s outbreak. Egg supplies shrank the same surface proteins — have Marsh, Indiana’s state veterinarian. observers fear a crisis if a new pres- grapes by losing candidates. “I believe the country could be and prices surged to record highs. caused problems in people ranging Marsh alerted other states about ident is not elected by a February “The negative comments started to plunged into a political mess should “We are hopeful that as we from mild, flu-like symptoms to seri- the new virus outbreak on an emer- deadline. come when a number of people were the electoral council move on with respond very quickly to this virus ous respiratory illness, Jhung said. gency conference call in the early On Thursday, Celestin vowed to not satisfied with the direction of the the process,” said university profes- that we can get it contained and hope- “We know very little about this hours on Friday. “We realize that if write to the election council to offi- results,” he said. On January 24, voters sor Fritz Dorvillier. fully not see an extensive outbreak particular virus because we haven’t it’s indeed of wild bird origin, they cially register his withdrawal, but as will also cast ballots to elect legisla- “The decision by the electoral like we did last year,” said T J Myers, seen it, but we want to take as many know no boundaries so we want to of Sunday evening, Opont said he had tors to complete the 119-member lower council to proceed with the election an associate deputy administrator precautions as we can to prevent any make sure that everyone is properly not received any such notification. house and to fill a six-member gap is legal, but it is politically incorrect.” for the USDA’s Animal and Plant human infections,” he said. informed,” Marsh told reporters. AMERICAS TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 1917

Bernie unveils Sanders lashes out at Hillary in debate huge universal

doubts when people receive money US health from Wall Street.” Reflecting Sanders’ He referred to his rising poll num- care proposal rise in opinion polls, bers in the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire, where he has the two battled with pulled even or ahead of Clinton, say- AFP new urgency over ing he believed he could expand his who was best suited number of supporters to include more African-American voters. He noted WASHINGTON: Senator Bernie to lead Democrats that when his presidential campaign Sanders, hours before taking the in the November began, Clinton was 50 percentage stage to debate Democratic pres- points ahead of him in the polls. idential nomination favourite election. Sanders “Guess what: In Iowa, New Hamp- Hillary Clinton, unveiled his uni- cast himself as the shire, the race is (now) very, very close,” versal health care plan which would Sanders said. raise taxes on Americans across outsider who would The debate followed a week of ris- the board. lead a political ing tension between the two leading His “Medicare for All” proposal candidates. Sanders was noticeably would save some $6 trillion over the revolution, while more animated that in previous debates, next decade compared with the cur- Hillary touted her sometimes grimacing and shaking his rent system, in part by eliminating experience and head during Clinton’s answers. “expensive and wasteful private Former Maryland Governor Martin health insurance,” Sanders said. “Uni- embraced President O’Malley, who lags badly in polls, was versal health care is an idea that has Barack Obama’s often a bystander although he joined been supported in the United States Sanders in criticising Clinton’s Wall by Democratic presidents going back legacy Street ties. to Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Tru- Clinton said she would build on man,” he said in a statement. Obama’s agenda, accusing Sanders “It is time for our country to of voting to deregulate the financial join every other major industrial- Reuters market in 2000 in a way that led to the ized nation on earth and guarantee central causes of the financial collapse health care to all citizens as a right, of 2008 that pitched the US economy not a privilege.” The independent sen- into a deep recession. ator from Vermont, a self-described CHARLESTON: Democratic White Clinton tried to undercut Sanders’ democratic socialist, has caught flak House candidate Bernie Sanders went support among supporters of Obama, throughout the campaign from Clin- on the offensive against front-runner who remains a popular figure in the ton, who has accused him of pushing Hillary Clinton yesterday in the most Democratic Party. a federally administered national contentious of their four presidential “He’s criticised President Obama for single-payer system. debates, accusing her of cozying up to taking donations from Wall Street. And Sanders’s plan, he said, would Wall Street and misrepresenting his President Obama has led our country cost $1.38 trillion per year, expenses stance on healthcare and guns. out of the Great Recession,” she said. that would be covered through Reflecting Sanders’ rise in opin- “Senator Sanders called him weak, “progressive” higher tax rates, par- ion polls, the two battled with new disappointing, he even in 2011 publicly ticularly on the wealthy. urgency over who was best suited sought someone to run in a primary Households earning $250,000 to lead Democrats in the November against President Obama.” to $500,000 would be taxed at 37 election. Sanders cast himself as the Clinton pounced on Sanders’ percent, slightly above their current outsider who would lead a political “Medicare-for-all” plan that was rate, while the wealthiest — those Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton (left) and Bernie Sanders confer during the NBC News revolution, while Hillary touted her announced just hours before the making $10m or more annually experience and embraced President debate after Clinton had criticised -YouTube Democratic candidates debate at the Gaillard Centre in Charleston, South Carolina. — would be taxed at a rate of 52 per- Barack Obama’s legacy. Sanders for refusing to explain how cent, substantially higher than the In their last televised debate before he would pay for the proposal. insurance.” Sanders said he wanted rescinding portions of a law giving gun- Sanders has pulled into a statis- current top bracket of 39.6 percent. Iowa’s caucuses launch the nominat- The former secretary of state, to build on the Obama law by mak- makers immunity from lawsuits, but tical tie with Clinton in recent polls Taxpayers would also be slapped ing race on February 1, Clinton raised former US senator and wife of former ing health insurance more affordable. said his record showed a more leni- in Iowa, whose caucuses are the first with a 2.2 percent “premium” based questions about the self-styled demo- president Bill Clinton said Sanders’ “Nobody is tearing this up,” he said, ent attitude toward the demands of contest in the race to pick a nominee on income, and businesses would cratic socialist’s positions on Wall Street healthcare plan would undermine referring to the program popularly the powerful National Rifle Associ- for the November election. He also face a 6.2 percent health care payroll reform, healthcare and gun control. Obama’s signature Affordable Care known as Obamacare. “We’re mov- ation (NRA) gun lobby. leads Clinton in the next state to vote, tax. Estate taxes on the wealthiest Sanders pushed back at every turn. Act at a time when Republican legis- ing forward.” Sanders defended himself, saying Vermont neighbor New Hampshire, Americans would also rise. He painted Clinton as a defender of the lators were still trying to repeal and The debate was held across the he has a strong record on trying to pre- on Feb. 9, according to polls. A Clinton aide described Sand- status quo who accepted hundreds of replace it. street from the Charleston church vent guns from getting into the wrong After those two states, the race ers’s plan as a “harried” release thousands of dollars in speaking fees “I have to say I’m not sure whether where a white gunman killed nine hands and standing up to the NRA. moves to Nevada and South Carolina, before the debate. “When you’re as a former secretary of state from we’re talking about the plan you black worshippers in June, and Clin- Sanders supporters watching in which have more diverse voting pop- running for president and you’re Wall Street backers. introduced tonight or the plan you ton made reference to the incident while Manchester, New Hampshire, said he ulations and where polls show Clinton serious about getting results for the “I don’t take money from big banks. introduced nine times over 20 years,” accusing Sanders of being weak on seemed more engaged than in past leading. On March 1, or “Super Tues- American people, details matter I don’t get personal speaking fees from she told Sanders. “But the fact is we gun control. debates. “I thought that Bernie was day”, voters in 11 states, many of them — and Senator Sanders is making Goldman Sachs,” the US senator from have the Affordable Care Act. We have She welcomed his decision on Sat- much more prepared,” Chris Haigh, in the South where Clinton has big poll them up as he goes along,” Clin- Vermont said, adding, “I have huge already seen 19 million Americans get urday night to back a bill in Congress 66, said. leads, will cast primary ballots. ton spokesman Brian Fallon said. Anti-Rousseff impeachment push loses ground Orator Obama to pack

Reuters up the teleprompter

AFP Obama relevant by, quite literally, BRASILIA: President Dilma Rousseff’s changing the terms of the debate. Psaki opponents within her main coalition pointed to a recent televised discus- partner, the fractious Brazilian Dem- sion on gun control as an example of ocratic Movement Party (PMDB), are WASHINGTON: For a decade, US things to come. losing hope that they can impeach the President Barack Obama leaned on “He talked to a number of peo- leftist leader and replace her with their dazzling oratory to advance his pol- ple who had strong disagreements man, Vice-President Michel Temer. itics. Now, in a bid to shape the 2016 with him, and that is something he A Supreme Court ruling last month election and his legacy, he’s turning has expressed to us he wants to do that expanded the authority of the Sen- off the teleprompter. quite a bit more of,” she said. ate, where she has a more solid backing, “He wants to do less talking at “He knows that helping to facili- and reduced the clout of lower house people and more talking with people,” tate that dialogue is something that he speaker Eduardo Cunha, her arch said White House communications can play a role in doing as president.” enemy who triggered the impeach- director Jen Psaki, sketching a new By ditching the dais, Obama was ment process, has weakened the bid by approach for Obama’s final year in better able to frame the debate on gun opposition parties to unseat Rousseff. the White House. control, according to Hall Jamieson, Her critics accuse Rousseff of For sure, there will be more putting across new lines of argument, manipulating government accounts speeches and more soaring rhet- in a more engaging way. to boost public spending during her oric. But Obama will increasingly “I thought it was rhetorically 2014 re-election campaign. use forum-style discussions to get important, I think it changed the terms But in recent weeks, a growing his message across. That began of the debate.” If future exchanges consensus has emerged in Brazil’s on Thursday in Louisiana when are similarly appealing, “he will pick political establishment that the evi- he debated his recent State of the up news coverage for them in ways dence against Rousseff is too flimsy Union address with voters. that underscore his agenda,” she said. to justify impeachment. Engaging unpredictable and often “It becomes a way of seeding the Her government is confident it unsupportive members of the public is ground to make it more hospitable to A worker makes masks of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and former president Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva has more than the one third of votes risky in America’s tightly scripted pol- a democratic Congress and a Dem- she needs in each chamber to block at the Condal carnival masks factory in Sao Goncalo, about 35km from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, yesterday. itics. But political gravity has caught ocratic president.” impeachment. up with Obama. The recent televised gun debate “The momentum for impeachment has been fueled by the brutal con- change and we will go down with a PMDB candidacy in 2018.” The Republican-controled Con- — despite addressing a supercharged has lost force, yes, due to the brutal traction in South America’s largest Rousseff’s Workers’ Party that will The Supreme Court ruling in gress is unlikely to allow many of his subject, in the midst of an ultra-par- interference of the Supreme Court economy and a massive corruption be badly defeated in municipal elec- December was a big setback for speaker offerings to pass its lips. Presidential tisan election campaign — was also in a legislative matter,” said Darci- scandal at state-run companies. tions in October,” he said. Cunha, who is fighting for his own polit- policy addresses will no longer carry notable for its civility. sio Perondi, a PMDB congressman, But, while Rousseff’s approval The PMDB, which controls both ical life in the face of charges that he the same executive weight, unless That offers the White House a who believes Rousseff must be ousted ratings are near record lows, anti- chambers of Congress, has six cabinet received kickbacks in the graft scan- backed by the rare threat of unilateral useful contrast to the bombast of if Brazil is to recover from its worst government demonstrations since ministries plus the vice presidency and dal surrounding state-run oil company action. All the while, would-be succes- Republican frontrunner Donald recession since the Great Depression the start of impeachment proceed- party barons are split over whether to Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras) and sors to the presidency are wrenching Trump, but it might also allow Obama of the 1930s. ings last month have so far failed to relinquish power so far ahead of the had secret accounts in a Swiss bank. the spotlight away. a final shot at his failed campaign Rousseff’s fiercest critics inside the match the scale of protests in 2013 and 2018 presidential race when it plans In Brasilia’s modernistic Planalto “The danger for a president in the promise to ease partisanship. PMDB are now focusing their efforts early last year, that drew hundreds of to field its own candidate. presidential palace, there is a palpa- last year of his presidency, with the “It’s one of the few regrets of my on a party convention in March, where thousands onto the streets. “I don’t see the party leaving the ble sense of relief that the threat of Congress controled by another party, presidency — that the rancor and sus- they will push to leave the ruling coa- Perondi said the fight is now on government in March,” said a senior impeachment has subsided, though is that he becomes irrelevant,” said picion between the parties has gotten lition. They hope that will bring her to break with the Rousseff adminis- PMDB official, who requested anonym- Rousseff aides say they are not letting Kathleen Hall Jamieson, a commu- worse instead of better,” Obama said. government down just over a year into tration at the convention in the first ity because the matter is so sensitive down their guard. “The impeachment nications professor at the University “I have no doubt a president with the her second term. half of March. “If we stay, we will be within the party. “The convention will has lost steam for sure,” a PMDB min- of Pennsylvania. gifts of Lincoln or Roosevelt might Popular frustration with Rousseff telling the country we do not want decide on a gradual exit, preparing for ister in Rousseff’s cabinet said. The White House wants to keep have better bridged the divide.”

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Tennis fans cool off during a hot summer day at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday.

INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY Spotlight & Mad Max win at Critics’ Choice Awards

AFP Two films Both the Golden Globes and the Critics’ Choice film Mad Max: Fury Road, which scooped nine awards produced by Doha Awards are seen as a possible guide to what may from 13 nominations, including Best Action Movie and Film Institute happen at the Oscars ceremony in late February. top prizes for the film’s stars, Tom Hardy and Charlize (DFI) have made The investigative journalism drama Spotlight, Theron. The Big Short, about the 2008 financial melt- it to the Oscars LOS ANGELES: The drama Spotlight and the action about the newspaper team that uncovered a wide- down, won the Best Comedy category, while Inside nominations film Mad Max: Fury Road were among the winners spread child abuse scandal in the Catholic Church Out was awarded the Best Animated Feature. Both list. Theeb and late Sunday at the Critics’ Choice Award, an event in Boston, won the awards for Best Picture and Best are also nominated for Oscars. Mustang are part of the nominations that attracted Hollywood glitterati in their droves. Acting Ensemble. Leonardo Di Caprio won Best Actor In the television category, USA Network’s cyber- in the Best Foreign Like the January 10 Golden Globes, the Crit- for his gripping performance in the 19th century thriller Mr. Robot won three awards, including Best Language Film ics’ Choice — hosted by film and television critics frontier drama The Revenant, while Brie Larson Drama Series, Best Actor in a Drama Series for its category. — handed out prizes for accomplishments on the won Best Actress for the thriller Room. Egyptian-American star Rami Malek, and Best Sup- big and small screen. Perhaps the biggest winner of the night was action porting Actor in a Drama Series for Christian Slater.

Baby ape recovers Halo phenomenon after ordeal in Bowie’s final album Indonesia and finds new playmate tops chart in the US

AFP AFP was generally considered an avant- garde artist and did not win the same mainstream success as in Britain and a number of other European countries. JAKARTA: A baby orangutan found NEW YORK: David Bowie’s final Blackstar also opened at number abandoned and almost dead has album on Sunday hit number one in one in Britain, where it was Bowie’s made a swift recovery at an Indo- the United States, his adopted home, 10th chart-topping album. nesian rescue centre, and has been with the British music legend post- In the United States, Bowie had filmed playing happily with another humously achieving a feat he never gone to number two with his previ- young ape. managed in life. ous album, The Next Day, in 2013 and Gito was discovered dumped in Blackstar, which was released reached number four with his pop- a cardboard box in August under two days before Bowie’s January 10 driven Let’s Dance in 1983. the baking sun on the Indonesian death from a secret battle with can- The United States always had a part of Borneo island, with rescu- cer, debuted at number one on the major pull over Bowie’s music. On his ers initially believing the primate Billboard album chart for the week 1975 album Young Americans, Bowie was dead due to his “mummified” through Thursday. explored soul music by recording in appearance. A team from Interna- Amid the outpouring of grief, Philadelphia’s celebrated Sigma Sound tional Animal Rescue (IAR) picked Bowie not only scored his first US Studios. The title song was an almost up the endangered Bornean oran- number one album but became among stream-of-consciousness account gutan, who had been kept as a pet the rare artists to have two in the top of impressions of the United States by a local village head, and rushed five, with his greatest hits collection including the line, “Do you remem- him to their centre. The halo phenomenon around the moon above Salgotarjan, 109km northeast of Budapest, Hungary. Best of Bowie, released in 2002, hit- ber your President Nixon?” who had Gito — who is less than a year Halo is an optical phenomenon produced by light interacting with ice crystals suspended in the ting number four. resigned over the Watergate scandal old — was suffering from multi- atmosphere, resulting in a wide variety of coloured or white rings, arcs and spots in the sky. Blackstar wrested number one days before Bowie entered the studio. ple ailments but has recovered from Adele’s blockbuster 25, which New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, strongly, and was recently released had topped the chart for seven weeks. mourning the rocker-resident as “a from quarantine and introduced Blackstar — which came out on Bow- big presence in a lot of our lives,” told to another male baby orangutan, ie’s 69th birthday — had immediately reporters that Young Americans was Asoka. New footage released by IAR won critical acclaim for its experimen- his favourite Bowie song and said the showed their first encounter, with Japanese kabuki to perform in Las Vegas talism as the long-reinventing artist Nixon line “rang through my ears for the apes appearing wary when ini- developed a dark, hard jazz sound. many, many years”. tially introduced at the orangutan His death threw a whole new Bowie first lived in New York rehabilitation centre on Borneo. AFP appeared in the beginning, kabuki shows came to be all- light on Blackstar as it emerged in the early 1970s before spending However, it was not long before the male affairs combining dance, drama and music with that he intended the album as a final 10 months in Los Angeles where he pair were playing happily together men playing female roles. The actors, scions of families statement, full of meditation on a famously said that he survived on a on a wooden climbing frame. of kabuki performers who usually begin training in child- half-century on the cutting edge of diet of red peppers, milk and cocaine. Asoka was also rescued on Bor- TOKYO: Japan’s elaborate all-male kabuki theatre is head- hood, don elaborate costumes, wigs and heavy makeup music. Especially poignant was the Bowie returned to Europe and neo several months ago after a villager ing to glitzy Las Vegas for a series of paid shows, organisers for performances on equally elaborate sets. video for Lazarus as Bowie levitates experienced some of his most crea- found him abandoned in the jun- said yesterday, in a bid to spread the classical Japanese “It will be a new step for us in our policy of creating from a hospital bed and returns into tive years in West Berlin. But the US gle and handed the ape over to IAR, art form to a global audience. fresh plays that match modern tastes while retaining clas- a dark closet. remained a frequent theme in Bow- although he was in a far better con- Japanese film and theatre company Shochiku said it sic works,” Tadashi Abiko, Shochiku’s vice president and Bowie spent the final two dec- ie’s lyricism with songs ranging from dition than Gito. Gito is doing much would present the “Japan Kabuki Festival” in May, includ- chief of its theatre business, told reporters. ades of his life living in New York New York’s in Love to I’m Afraid of better than when he was found suf- ing a new play “created specifically” for a theatre in the The new play is entitled Shi-Shi-O—The Adventures and had said that his first love was Americans — a critique of the glo- fering from dehydration, malnutrition US gambling and entertainment centre. of the Mythical Lion — and will have seven performances African-American music, especially balization of US consumer culture and a skin infection, but his caregiv- Kabuki is a form of traditional Japanese theatre that over five days from May 3-7 at the David Copperfield The- funk and soul. Yet while Bowie cast a — to his 2002 album Heathen that ers warn there is a long road ahead. has been performed since the 17th century. Though women atre at the MGM Grand for about $200 per seat, Abiko said. huge influence over US pop culture, he reflected on the September 11 attacks. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

PAGE | 22 QE 8,516.82 -10.93 PTS PAGE | 23 Barwa Bank DOW 15,988.08 -390.97 PTS First public announces FTSE100 5,779.92 -24.18 PTS procurement expo to winners of Thara’a BRENT $28.82 -$0.12 begin on March 8

TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 • 9 Rabia II 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Masraf Al Rayan records QR2.07bn net profit

Rayan, said; “Masraf Al Rayan perform- on the bank’s long term issuer ratings Board recommends a ance continues to remain strong. We to positive from stable. This confir- are prudent in our strategy, risk man- mation reflects the bank’s continued dividend distribution agement and decisions making. We strong core financial fundamentals of QR1.75 per share, continue to be stable and successful with consistently strong asset quality despite challenging environment.” He performance, strong and stable prof- or 17.5% of the also praised the considerable efforts itability and solid capital safeguards. paid-up capital made by Masraf Al Rayan team in 2015 The change in the outlook to pos- to achieve these results. itive from stable reflects the ongoing Adel Mustafawi, Group Chief improvements in Masraf Al Rayan’s Executive Officer at Masraf Al Rayan business and geographic expansion, The Peninsula attributed the solid performance to the including the growth and transition bank’s strategic plans. The will and cal- to profitability of its recently acquired culated decision made to place Masraf subsidiary Al Rayan Bank PLC based in Al Rayan at higher ranks at the local UK, coupled with the agency’s expec- DOHA: Masraf Al Rayan has recorded and regional levels, he said. tation that the bank will continue to a net profit of QR2.07bn for the full Mustafawi noted that the published maintain its strong overall financial year 2015, an increase of 3.6 percent consolidated financial statements performance going into 2016. compared to 2014. include Masraf Al Rayan along with Dr Hussain Al Abdulla, the Chairman and Managing Director of Masraf Al Rayan and Adel Mustafawi, Group Masraf Al Rayan continued on The Board of Directors, at a meeting the group subsidiaries and affiliates, Chief Executive Officer. its quest to come up with innovative held yesterday, recommended a divi- including the financial statements of Al Sharia compliant products and serv- dend distribution of QR 1.75 per share, Rayan Bank Plc, which has achieved a ices to achieve the highest standards for or 17.5 percent of the paid-up capital, net profit of £10m, equivalent to QR57m. from QR14bn, up 2.0 percent. Custom- 2015 reached QR2.764 compared to In August 2015, Moody’s Investors customer comfort and expediency, to pending approval from the General The bank’s total assets rose to ers’ deposits decreased to QR55bn from QR2.670 at the end of year 2014. Non- Service, the renowned credit rating finish 2015 strongly as the big winner Assembly of shareholders after obtain- QR83bn from QR80.09bn, a 3.7 percent QR62bn, down 11.1 percent. performing loans (NPL) ratio of 0.09 international agency has affirmed Mas- of the World Islamic Banking Confer- ing the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) nod. year-on-year growth. Financing activ- Shareholders equity, before dis- percent continues to be one of the low- raf Al Rayan A2/Prime-1 issuer ratings ence excellence Awards in performance Commenting on the results, Dr ities increased to QR62bn, compared tribution, reached QR12bn from est in the banking industry, reflecting and baa3 baseline credit assessment in the financial services and Islamic Hussain Al Abdulla, the Chairman to QR57bn, up 7.5 percent from a year QR11bn, up 6.1 percent. a very strong and prudent credit risk (BCA) and adjusted BCA. At the same banking sector, at the local, regional and Managing Director of Masraf Al ago. Investment increased to QR15bn Earnings per share for the year management policies and procedures. time, the agency changed the outlook and global levels. Yokogawa wins Subdued prices to boost gold demand Shell exits order for power gas project and desalination By Sachin Kumar Qatar comes during Ramadan and The Peninsula Eid when expatriates and Qataris pre- in Abu Dhabi plants in Qatar fer to buy jewellery,” said a branch manager of jewellery store. After touching peak in the second The Peninsula DOHA: Demand of gold is likely to half of 2011, the price of 24-carat gold LONDON: Royal Dutch Shell is exit- boost in Qatar this year as its prices in Qatar showed some sign of mod- ing a key natural gas project in Abu are expected to remain soft. The yel- eration and moved between QR180 Dhabi owing to the collapse in global low metal lost its sheen with its prices and QR200 until September 2012. It energy prices, the oil giant said yes- DOHA: Japan’s Yokogawa Electric declining by about 11 percent in 2015. went up to QR210 again in October terday. The Anglo-Dutch group said Corporation announced yester- A gramme of 24-carat gold in local 2012 but started declining trend which in a statement that it had decided day that two of its subsidiaries, market was trading at QR146 on the is still continuing. The recent fall in not to develop the Bab sour-gas res- Yokogawa Electric Korea and first day of January last year while at the yellow metal is driven largely by ervoirs with state-run Abu Dhabi Yokogawa Solution Service Cor- the end of 2015 same gold was trad- the strengthening of US dollar on the National Oil Co (ADNOC) against a poration, have received orders to ing at QR131. Price of one gramme of expectation of interest rate hike by US backdrop of plunging oil markets. provide control systems for ther- 22-carat gold fell from QR137 in January central bank in last year. “Following a careful and mal power and desalination plants to QR122 at the end of December 2015. After much delay, US Federal thorough evaluation of technical that are to be constructed for Umm Gold is unlikely to see any major Reserve raised interest rate in Decem- challenges and costs, Shell has Al Houl Power, a Qatari company positive turn around this year and its Customers at a gold jewellery shop. ber 2015. Increase in US interest rates decided to exit the joint develop- whose main businesses are power prices are expected to remain soft, say will strengthened the dollar, prompt- ment of the Bab sour gas reservoirs generation and water desalination. experts. “Gold is co-related with crude gold consumption in Qatar, he said. “If Gold demand is expected to remain ing more fund outflows from Gold and with ADNOC in the emirate of Abu The control system orders oil and prices of both commodities we look at the past, fall in gold prices low because of slow down in global other commodities to the American Dhabi, and to stop further joint work received by Yokogawa Electric move in tandem. Crude oil prices are have proved good for our business. economy, mainly in China. China is currency. Federal Reserve is again on the project,” it said. Korea are for a thermal power plant unlikely see any substantial recovery Last year in July, when gold prices fell the second biggest consumer of gold expected to raise interest rates this “The evaluation concluded that and a reverse osmosis desalina- in current year,” said a senior official to five year low of QR137 per gramme, in the world which consumed around year which again strengthen dollar for Shell, the development of the tion plant, and they were placed by of jewellery store in Doha. we saw people rushing to buy gold 813 metric tonnes of gold in 2014. which in turn will weaken gold and project does not fit with the com- Samsung C&T and Acciona Agua, Weak gold prices are good sign for jewellery and bars,” he added. “Most of the demand of gold in other commodities. pany’s strategy, particularly in the respectively. It is for a multi-stage economic climate prevailing in the flashing system desalination plant, energy industry.” and it was placed by Hitachi Zosen Faced with a dramatic collapse Corporation. in oil prices, the energy sector is These plants are being built seeking to cancel or delay projects, for Umm Al Houl Power at a loca- slashing expenditure and thousands tion 20 km south of Doha, and the Fitch maintains QNB’s rating at ‘AA-’ of jobs, and taking billions of dollars power and water produced there of writedowns in the value of assets. will be provided to the Qatar General Sour gas typically contains high Electricity and Water Corporation The Peninsula this acquisition will increase QNB’s overall risk QNB’s IDRs, Support Rating (SR) and Support amounts of hydrogen sulfide, which (Kahramaa) for a period of 25 years. profile. Finansbank is a fairly well-capitalised and Rating Floor (SRF) reflect Fitch’s expectation of needs to be removed before the fuel One of the desalination plants will profitable bank, but the Turkish operating envi- support from the Qatari authorities for domestic can be burned. Shell’s exit from the utilise a reverse osmosis process2, ronment is significantly weaker and more volatile banks in case of need. Fitch’s expectation of sup- sour-gas project follows its deci- and the other will rely on a multi- DOHA: Fitch Ratings has affirmed Qatar National than that of QNB’s home market in Qatar. “We also port from the authorities reflects Qatar’s strong sion last year to abandon drilling stage flash distillation process3. Bank’s (QNB) Long-term Issuer Default Rating take into account the effect of this acquisition on ability to provide support to its banks, as indi- in Alaska after failing to find com- The capacity of the power plant (IDR) at ‘AA-‘ with a Stable Outlook. At the same QNB’s capital levels. The RWN will be resolved cated by its rating (AA/Stable), combined with mercial qualities of oil. Shell was will be 2.4 GW and the combined time the agency has placed QNB’s Viability Rating on completion of the acquisition, following reg- Fitch’s belief that there would be a strong will- selected as ADNOC’s partner at daily capacity of the two desali- (VR) of ‘a’ on Rating Watch Negative (RWN) fol- ulatory approval from the Qatari and Turkish ingness to do so. The latter is based on a history of Bab in 2013, giving the company nation plants will be 590,000 m3. lowing QNB’s proposed acquisition of Finansbank. authorities,” it said. Fitch does not anticipate a sovereign support including recent years’ meas- a 40-percent stake in the onshore These plants are scheduled to com- The RWN primarily reflects Fitch’s view that downgrade of more than one notch. ures to boost capital as well as asset purchases. field about 150km southwest of Abu mence providing electricity and Dhabi city. The project had been water in 2017. scheduled to begin gas sales in 2020. 22 TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 BUSINESS Mena to attract $35bn renewable energy investment

The Peninsula according to a Frost & Sullivan report. resources. For example, the Mohammed Dubai with its Green Charger programme.. The GCC’s solar capacity With the UAE aiming for 10 percent of bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park will help “In the Middle East and North Africa, solar power generated by renewables by 2030, achieve a reduction of over 6.5 million tonnes rooftops have gone from a niche environmental is expected to reach 10 according to IRENA, Dubai Water and Elec- of carbon emissions, and support the green market to a game-changer with high poten- DOHA: With increasingly lower-cost solar gigawatts, representing a tricity Authority (Dewa),is furthering the UAE’s initiatives and programmes implemented by tial for homes, offices, or mega-projects, and photovoltaic modules helping the countries in solar sector through the Mohammed bin Rashid the Government of Dubai to reduce carbon can pay for themselves after only four years,” Middle East and North Africa (Mena) to diver- market opportunity of at Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest emissions,” said Al Tayer. said Dr Raed Bkayrat, Director – Research, sify their energy mix, the region is set to attract least $10bn to 2020 single-site solar project at 5 GW by 2030. “At the World Future Energy Summit we Middle East Solar Industry Association, and $35bn worth of renewable energy invest- “Dubai Clean Energy Strategy aims to pro- will showcase these innovations, along with Vice President of Business Development – ments every year by 2020, stated experts vide 7 percent of Dubai’s energy from clean best practices in supporting innovation in the Middle East, First Solar. from the International Renewable Energy energy sources by 2020, 25 percent by 2030 energy sector through research and devel- “However, for widespread solar rooftop Authority (Irena). to the World Future Energy Summit 2016. and 75 percent by 2050,” said Saeed Moham- opment,” Al Tayer said. adoption, landlords must understand the The experts urged Governments, banks The GCC’s solar capacity is expected to med Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO, At the World Future Energy Summit, DEWA concept, governments need to provide reg- and landlords in the region to join forces to reach 10 gigawatts, representing a market DEWA. will also showcase plans to make 30,000 ulations and incentives to support landlords, promote solar rooftop adoption, saving on opportunity of at least $10bn to 2020, with The shift towards using clean and renew- buildings energy efficient by 2030, install and banks need to be able to find innova- energy costs and creating “green” jobs, industry solar rooftops in the United Arab Emirates able energy sources has many benefits for 1 million smart metres by 2020, and deploy tive ways to finance solar rooftops,” added experts announced yesterday in the build-up reaching 2.5 gigawatts and a $3bn opportunity, the environment, economy, and natural electric vehicle charging stations throughout Dr Raed Bkayrat.

Barwa Bank announces ChemChina winners of Thara’a buys stake in Mercuria

The Peninsula Barwa Bank and Hussain Al Abdullah, General Manager of Personal Bank- SHANGHAI: China National ing & Wealth Management. Chemical Corp yesterday said DOHA: Barwa Bank yesterday Thara’a savings account is the first it had bought a 12 percent announced the fourth round of draw of its kind in Qatar’s Islamic banking stake in Swiss energy and winners for Thara’a, its Shari’ah com- sector to offer customers the oppor- commodities trader Mer- pliant savings account. Capping the tunity to win cash prizesup to QR1m, curia, the second overseas 2015 series of draws with a dual reward as well as monthly cash prizes. investment by the Chinese for Thara’a account holders, the draw Commenting on this occasion, state giant in a week. doubled up the chance for two partic- Khalid Al Subaie, Acting Group Chief The company, also ipants to walk away with QR1m grand Executive Officer of Barwa Bank said, known as ChemChina, said prize. Salem Said Al Merriand and Alla “We at Barwa Bank aim to constantly the strategic investment in Hail Maroufeach took home QR1m. provide our clients with tailored prod- Mercuria Energy Trading The draw was held at Barwa Bank’s ucts - such as Thara’a - that are both would expand its portfolio, headquarters under the supervision Sharia compliant and in line with according to a statement of a representative of the quantitative the modern banking offerings”. He posted on its website. license and market control department added: “The Thara’a saving account Last week, ChemChina at the Ministry of Economy and Com- has witnessed a great response from said it would buy Germany’s merce. The upcoming Thara’a draw our clients. This confirms once again KraussMaffei Group, which will be held on Wednesday the Febru- Barwa Bank’s commitment to always makes machinery for pro- ary 10, 2016. The prizes were handed provide highly innovative services that ducing plastics and rubber, in presence of Khalid Al Subaie, Act- reflect the bank’s strategic vision and for $1bn. Barwa Bank officials with the award winner. ing Group Chief Executive Officer of meet clients’ expectations”. “Through the investment in Mercuria Energy Trading, which has grown rapidly over the last decade, ChemChina will expand further into the Italy bank shares dip energy sector,” ChemChina Chairman Ren Jianxin said in the statement. Mercuria, set up 2004, is on merger rumours one of the largest integrated energy and commodity AFP declines. Bank stocks have been vol- trading companies in the atile for weeks as rumours fly over world, according to its possible mergers. Last week press website. reports cited advanced negotiations “An investment by MILAN: Several Italian banks ran between BPM and Banco Popolare, ChemChina in our company into trouble on Milan exchange yes- as well as talks over a partnership reaffirms Mercuria’s busi- terday, amid rumours of difficulties in between BPM and UBI. Should either ness model as well as growth negotiations over bank consolidation. of these mergers go through, it would potential,” Marco Dunand, Italy’s BMPS (Banca Monte dei Pas- create the third biggest Italian bank, chief executive officer of Mer- chi di Siena) dropped 12.92 percent behind Unicredit and Intesa Sanpaolo. curia Energy Group, said in in a market down by around 2.0 per- There has been a flurry of talks a separate statement. cent, while Banca Popolare dell’Emilia between the country’s largest Neither company dis- Romagna slumped 8.97 percent and cooperative banks since the Ital- closed financial terms. UBI Banca was down 8.53 percent. ian government approved a law last All three shares were briefly sus- year to change the rules of govern- pended trading because of their sharp ance at the institutions. Wipro meets forecasts with 2% profit rise but margins hit

Reuters

BENGALURU: Wipro Ltd, India’s third-largest software services exporter, posted a 2 percent rise in quarterly net profit yesterday, in line with street estimates, as it added 39 new customers during the quarter. The operating margins for its IT services business, however, fell to 20.2 percent in the quarter ended December, from 21.8 percent a year earlier, due to heavy flooding in Chennai city, where it employs about 13 percent of its staff. Wipro forecast its IT services revenue to be in the band of $1.88bn to $1.91bn for the March quarter, an up to 4 percent rise over the pre- ceding quarter, after it grew by a moderate 0.3 percent in the Decem- ber quarter over the July-September period. Wipro earlier named Abidali Neemuchwala as its new chief exec- utive, as it looks to regain market share from larger local outsourc- Wipro Limited CEO TK Kurien (left), and CEO-appointee Abidali ing competitors. Neemuchwala will start in his new role from February 1. Neemuchwala at the Wipro headquarters in Bengaluru yesterday. BUSINESS TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 23 First public procurement expo to begin on March 8

the important stakeholders, in addition more knowledge and establishing bet- Exhibition will try to strengthening cooperation between ter dialogue with prominent buyers the private and public sector compa- and suppliers. to develop new nies in Qatar. QDB’s efforts will help enhance supporting methods Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa, SMEs market positions both techni- CEO of QDB, said: “One of the most cally and financially by assisting to for sustainable important initiatives we commit our- localise supply chains. government selves to at QDB is supporting and Abdulaziz Zeid Rashid Al Taleb, helping SMEs. As we open local and Director of Government Procurement procurement global markets to SMEs through ‘Tas- Regulation at the Ministry of Finance, deer,’ and with the help of the Ministry said; “Through successive legislation, of Finance, we provide greater acces- Qatar aims to support entities and sibility to government procurement by national institutions especially SMEs. By Mohammad Shoeb linking local SMEs to procurement of A good example of this includes the The Peninsula major buyers, through match-making 2015 Law No. (24) regarding ‘Organ- activities and B2B meetings and explor- izing Tenders and Auctions’.” ing key efforts to minimise barriers to Al Taleb added: “The law stresses success, along with having a friendly the ambitious economic development DOHA: The first edition of ‘Govern- business environment that leads to the plan and how Qatar has developed ment Procurement and Contracting positive growth of local SMEs.” several roles to increase the job oppor- Conference & Exhibition (MOUSHTARA- Al Khalifa added; “QDB will launch tunities SMEs create in the local YAT), which aims at providing ample a workshop for the buyers to support market. There a number of new poli- business opportunities to local com- local SMEs access to local government, cies to positively impact SMEs including Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa, CEO of QDB, and Abdulaziz Zeid Rashid Al Taleb, Director of Government panies, will kick off on March 8. This semi-government, and large private exemption, in whole or in part, to pro- Procurement Regulation at the Ministry of Finance, at a press conference yesterday. Pic: Abdul B/The Peninsula was announced yesterday by Qatar procurement businesses.” viding temporary and final insurance Development Bank (QDB) in a press The exhibition is expected to bring and guarantee payments in coordina- conference held at its headquarters. significant achievements for all parties, tion with QDB. Also, bidders can apply registered companies to partner on value of 30 percent of the contract.” commit to their goals and requirements, The three-day event also aims where SMEs will be able to identify the tenders online to help with applica- government tenders. And last but not Through the exhibition, QDB is try- in order to support and strengthen the at opening new opportunities for existing opportunities and open new tions with technical specifications. least, the enforcement foreign compa- ing to develop new supporting methods role of local small and medium enter- interaction between local small and markets through their presence. Local Supporting the freedom of compe- nies implementing national projects to apply sustainable government pro- prises, in line with the Qatar National medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and buyers will also benefit from gaining tition principle, the law also allows are to use local market resource to the curement. It also aims at helping SMEs Vision 2030. QIC official insurer Robots and new working ways to Tata Steel to of Commercial Bank cost 5.1 million jobs by 2020: WEF cut 1,050 more Qatar Masters Golf jobs in Britain Reuters tasks, according to latest findings, which are based on a global survey LONDON: Indian steel giant The Penisula of personnel and strategy executives. Tata Steel said it will cut 1,050 The WEF has made “the fourth more jobs in Britain follow- DAVOS: Disruptive labour market industrial revolution” — a topic cov- ing thousands of cuts in the changes, including the rise of robots ering robotics, nanotechnology, 3D industry announced last year, DOHA: Qatar Insurance Company and artificial intelligence, will result printing and biotechnology — the offi- blaming China for plunging (QIC), Qatar’s leading insurer yester- in a net loss of 5.1 million jobs over the cial theme of this year’s Davos meeting, steel prices. day announced its partnership as the next five years in 15 leading countries, which runs from January 20 to 23. Tata Steel is planning to official insurer of Commercial Bank according to an analysis published in The “Future of Jobs” report con- cut 750 jobs at its Port Talbot Qatar Masters golf tournament, which Davos yesterday. cluded that jobs would be displaced site in Wales and 300 more at will be held at the Doha Golf Club The projection by the World Eco- in every industry, although the impact other plants around the coun- from January 27 to 30. QIC’s associa- nomic Forum (WEF), which is holding would vary considerably, with the try. “The proposed changes tion with this leading golf tournament its annual meeting in the Swiss ski biggest negative losses likely to be follow continued falls in the dates back to 2008. resort this week, assumes a total loss in healthcare, reflecting the rise of European steel price caused The tournament, which is consid- of 7.1 million jobs, offset by a gain of telemedicine, followed by energy and by a flood of cheap imports, ered as Qatar’s annual ‘must-attend’ 2 million new positions. financial services. particularly from China,” the sporting and social event is highly The 15 economies covered by the At the same time, however, there company said. acclaimed and widely known for to local sporting events and to rais- survey account for approximately 65 will be a growing demand for certain Tata Steel has 4,000 peo- bringing together the world’s best ing Qatar’s regional and global profile percent of the world’s total workforce. A worker installs cables at the skilled workers, including data analysts ple at Port Talbot, which also golfers. in support of Qatar National Vision The assessment highlights the WEF annual meeting centre in and specialist sales representatives. employs 3,000 contractors Commenting on QIC’s important 2030. QIC Group and its subsidiaries challenges posed by modern technol- Davos yesterday. Women will be the biggest losers and temporary workers. partnership with Commercial Bank namely, Qatar Re (reinsurance arm) ogies that are automating and making as their jobs are often concentrated in Karl Koehler, chief exec- Qatar Masters, Salem Al Mannai, (pic- and Antares’ (specialist insurer and redundant multiple human tasks, from low-growth or declining areas such as utive of Tata Steel’s European tured) Deputy Group President and reinsurer operating in the Lloyd’s manufacturing to healthcare. sales, office and administrative roles, operations, said the cuts were CEO of QIC – Mena region said: “As the market)are delighted to have the With the International Labour additional job losses is sobering. the report said. “unsettling... but critical in official insurer of this year’s prestigious opportunity to renew its long-term Organisation, part of the United Two-thirds of the projected losses While men will see approximately the face of extremely diffi- Commercial Bank Qatar Masters golf partnership with one of the region’s Nations, already forecasting an are expected to fall in the office and one job gained for every three lost over cult market conditions” and tournament, QIC has once again dem- leading international golf tournaments increase in global unemployment administrative sectors as smart the next five years, women face more called on the European Union onstrated its continued commitment for the ninth year in a row.” of 11 million by 2020, the size of the machines take over more routine than five jobs lost for every one gained. to tackle cheap imports. “We need the European Commission to accelerate its response to unfairly traded Richest 62 people own same as Unemployment package imports,” he said. half world’s population: Oxfam WhatsApp drops $1 subscription Reuters be used to help them are sucked up set in September, Oxfam said. by those at the top,” Byanima added. The number of people living in About $7.6 trillion of individuals’ extreme poverty has fallen by 650 wealth sits in offshore tax havens, and million since 1981, even though the MUNICH: WhatsApp, the LONDON: The wealthiest 62 people if tax were paid on the income that global population grew by 2 billion in world’s most popular mes- now own as much as half the world’s this wealth generates, an extra $190bn that time, according to the Organisa- saging service, is dropping population, some 3.5 billion people, would be available to governments tion for Economic Co-operation and its token $1 a year subscrip- as the super-rich have grown richer every year, Gabriel Zucman, assistant Development (OECD). tion fee for consumers as it and the poor poorer, an international professor at University of California, Much of this change has been experiments with making charity said yesterday. Berkeley, has estimated. because of the rise of China, which businesses pay to send noti- The wealth of the richest 62 peo- As much as 30 percent of all Afri- alone accounted for half a billion peo- fications to consumers, Chief ple has risen by 44 percent since 2010, can financial wealth is held offshore, ple moving out of extreme poverty. Executive Jan Koum said. while the wealth of the poorest 3.5 costing about $14bn in lost tax revenues Most of the world’s poorest no The seven-year-old com- billion fell 41 percent, Oxfam said in every year, Oxfam said, referring to longer live in the poorest countries, pany, which was acquired a report released ahead of the World Zucman’s work. This is enough money but in middle-income countries like by social media giant Face- Economic Forum’s annual meeting in to pay for healthcare that could save India, the OECD said in a recent report. book for $19.2bn in 2014 and Davos, Switzerland. 4 million children’s lives a year, and The inequalities are partly to do now counts nearly 1 billion Almost half the super-rich indi- employ enough teachers to get every with differences in income, especially users, is testing making res- viduals are from the United States, 17 African child into school. between urban and rural areas, but taurants, airlines and credit from Europe, and the rest from coun- “Multinational companies and also differences in access to healthcare, card companies pay to con- tries including China, Brazil, Mexico, wealthy elites are playing by differ- education and jobs, the OECD said. tact consumers, Koum said. Japan and Saudi Arabia. ent rules to everyone else, refusing “The figures suggest that the big- “Today, we are announc- “World leaders’ concern about the to pay the taxes that society needs gest causes of poverty are ... political, ing that WhatsApp is going escalating inequality crisis has so far to function. The fact that 188 of 201 economic and social marginalisation to be free to users. We aren’t not translated into concrete action — leading companies have a presence of particular groups in countries that going to charge a dollar a year the world has become a much more in at least one tax haven shows it is are otherwise doing quite well,” devel- anymore,” Youm told an audi- unequal place and the trend is acceler- time to act,” Byanima said. opment economist Owen Barder is ence of entrepreneurs and French Prime Minister Manuel Valls (right) talks with French ating,” Oxfam International’s Executive Ensuring governments collect the quoted as saying in the OECD report. investors at the annual Dig- Director Winnie Byanima said in a taxes they are owed by companies and An exception is Brazil, which Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron before the president’s ital Life Design conference statement accompanying the report. rich individuals will be vital if world makes payments to more than 13.3 address in Paris yesterday. French President Francois Hollande in Munich. “We cannot continue to allow leaders are to meet their goal to elim- million poor families on condition pledged to spend more than $2.2bn on a package of measures hundreds of millions of people to go inate extreme poverty by 2030, one they enrol children in school and take to fight the stubbornly high unemployment. hungry while resources that could of 17 Sustainable Development Goals part in health programmes. 24 TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 BUSINESS Russia’s two oil giants diverge in bond market

load amid tumbling energy prices, pri- investment-grade zone with a rating As the price of a vately held Lukoil’s bonds are proving of BBB- versus BB+ for Rosneft. The more resilient. The premium inves- spread between the two companies’ barrel of crude trades tors demand to hold Rosneft’s six-year bonds was 61 basis points by =12:16 pm below $30 for the securities instead of similar-matu- in Moscow yesterday.. rity notes from Lukoil jumped to a “The differential makes sense,” said first time in 12 years, three-month high of 65 basis points John Bates, a senior vice president at the sustainability as of Friday. It was 20 basis points as PineBridge Investments in London, recently as last month. which has about $80 billion in assets of Russia’s biggest As the price of a barrel of crude under management, including bonds of corporate debt trades below $30 for the first time in 12 Russian energy companies. “It largely years, the sustainability of Russia’s big- reflects the debt quantum.” burden at Rosneft is gest corporate debt burden at Rosneft is On Rosneft’s side is a $15 billion coming under more coming under more scrutiny. Sanctions advance payment for oil supplies it scrutiny over Moscow’s support of separatists received at the end of last year from in Ukraine complicate Rosneft’s abil- a source it didn’t identify in quarterly ity to repay debt it took to buy BP Plc’s reports published November 13. local joint venture in 2013. A press officer at Rosneft said cash “Naturally those under sanctions and short-term financial holdings of $23 Bloomberg suffer more,” said Dmitry Dudkin, the billion built up in the first nine months of head of research at Uralsib Capital in 2015 creates an ample cushion to meet Moscow. “Lukoil is simply in better shape $13.7 billion of debt repayment in 2016. financially. It’s much less levered. Ros- Even so, Barclays Plc analysts led by LONDON: They’re both Russian, neft is loaded with debt.” Stella Cridge are wary. They advised an they’re both oil giants and they’re both Rosneft’s debt is 1.5 debt times underweight exposure to Rosneft bonds grappling with the lowest crude prices its cash flow while Lukoil’s ratio is and overweight for those of Lukoil in in more than a decade. Yet for some 0.71, according to data compiled by a Jan. 15 note to clients. investors, the similarities between Ros- Bloomberg. “Lukoil retains the most resilient neft OJSC and Lukoil PJSC end there. While Moody’s Investors Serv- credit profile and our top pick,” Cridge While state-controlled Rosneft ice gives both energy companies and colleagues wrote. “We keep Ros- bonds are being punished on concern a speculative-grade rating of Ba1, neft underweight. The recent liquidity it will struggle with a $22 billion debt Standard & Poor’s puts Lukoil in the boost is priced in.” An employee looks after the supply of oil into a wagon at the Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez oil refinery. Tata Steel to provide HK dollar heads for weak end of range loan to UK’s Greybull Bloomberg for some HK$300 billion ($38.5 billion) “Fundamentals of the Hong Kong Sentiment toward the currency of outflows before Hong Kong dollar dollar peg are not under stress,” Gold- will probably remain weak and ris- liquidity tightens to bring about a sig- man analysts MK Tang and Maggie ing borrowing costs in the city have nificant increase in borrowing costs. Wei wrote in a report. The aggregate the potential to spur declines in HONG KONG: The head of the Hong The HKMA’s aggregate balance balance would need to drop to “tens property prices, according to Ray- Kong Monetary Authority said he — the level of interbank liquidity that of billions of Hong Kong dollars so mond Yeung, a Hong Kong-based expects capital outflows to push the rises or falls when the authority inter- as to sustain meaningfully positive senior economist at Australia & local currency to the weak end of its venes in the currency market —was short-term Hibors,” or Hong Kong New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. trading range for the first time and HK$377.4 billion at the end of last week, Interbank Offered Rates, they wrote. “My focus will turn to potential reiterated his commitment to keep- having more than doubled in the last The Hong Kong dollar fell as much capital flight, which will tighten ing the exchange rate’s existing link two years as a resurgent US currency as 0.07 percent to HK$7.8003 ver- market liquidity and pass through to to the US dollar. fueled demand for the city’s pegged sus the greenback on Monday, having mortgage interest rates,” he said. “Real It’s a “matter of time that the out- currency and money poured into Hong been at the strong end of its trading estate prices in the most expensive flow of funds from the Hong Kong Kong property. range as recently as two weeks ago. city in the world will likely slip off.” dollar will lead to the triggering of the weak side,” HKMA Chief Execu- tive Norman Chan told reporters in Hong Kong. Once that happens, the monetary base will shrink and interest rates will A view of Tata Steel plant in Scunthorpe, northern England. rise toward US levels, he said, explain- ing how the exchange-rate system will bring demand and supply back into Bloomberg with record exports. Klesch Group balance. withdrew from talks to buy the unit Hong Kong’s currency weakened in August saying the industry was 0.46 percent versus the greenback over “bleeding to death.” the last two trading days, the steep- MUMBAI: Tata Steel Ltd which is try- Tata Steel, which bought Corus est drop since 1986, and now trades ing to sell its European long-products Group Plc for about 6.2 billion pounds near the mid-point of the HK$7.75- steel business to Greybull Capital LLP, ($8.9 billion) in 2007, has been cutting HK$7.85 trading range that’s existed is in talks to provide a working cap- operations in the UK since the 2008 for more than a decade. ital loan of as much as $400 million global financial crisis. The country’s Interbank borrowing rates for the to the private equity firm to help seal industry has been further hit by the city’s currency climbed, with the three- the deal, people with knowledge of Chinese- driven crisis in international month tenor jumping by 3.4 basis points the matter said. markets with plants closing and to a five-year high of 0.45 percent. The two companies, which thousands losing their jobs. That’s still lower than the compara- entered into exclusive talks for the Chanakya Chaudhary, a ble rate for US dollars, which was 0.62 sale in December, have assured spokesman for Tata Steel, didn’t percent on Friday. trade unions that employees will not answer calls made to his mobile phone. Hong Kong’s currency and stock be laid off at the plants, one of the Greg Wood, a partner at Bell Pottinger, market have come under pressure as people said, asking not be identified an external communications company investor sentiment toward the Chi- because the discussions are private. for Greybull, declined to comment. nese economy soured and speculation The agreement covers Tata Steel’s The UK’s Department of Business increased that the city’s property mar- Scunthorpe steelworks in England, as is considering a loan of up to 400 ket has entered a downturn. well as mills in Teesside and northern million pounds as part of Greybull’s The benchmark Hang Seng Index France. takeover of the scunthorpe business, of Hong Kong shares sank 1 percent Tata Steel wants to sell its UK the Sunday Times reported on Jan. 17 to the lowest level since September operations amid a collapse in prices citing unidentified sources. 2012 yesterday. of the alloy as Chinese demand slows Tata Steel had a debt of $10.96 Goldman Sachs Group Inc. said for the first time in a generation, billion as of September 30, according the weak end of the currency band is Hong Kong Monetary Authority Chief Executive Norman Chan (right) leaves after attending the Asian spurring local mills to flood markets to data compiled by Bloomberg. likely to be reached and there is scope Financial Forum in Hong Kong yesterday. China’s hot bond market seen at risk of default chain reaction

Bloomberg surveyed by Bloomberg in December reversal may be coming as the yuan’s top-rated local corporate debentures toward China and it can be specula- Cement Group Ltd. also defaulted on said note failures will spread. slide spurs capital outflows that have due in five years over similar-maturity tive in nature.” a 2 billion yuan ($303.6 million) local “2016 is a year when we will see forced the central bank to inject liquid- government notes dropped 3.4 basis The plunging bond yields are driven bond in November, and its main oper- systemic risks emerge in China’s credit ity to hold down borrowing costs, a points since the start of the year to by risk aversion after the stock sell- ating unit said last week it’s unlikely HONG KONG: China’s bond investors market,” said Ji Weijie, credit analyst task it can’t manage indefinitely, 57.3 basis points, near a record low. off and investors are getting cautious to repay securities due Jan. 21. are raking it in as an equity rout scat- in Beijing at China Securities Co., the according to First State Cinda Fund The premium on dollar securities from about buying into the rally, according The stock slide has kept money ters cash into fixed-income securities. top arranger of bond offerings from Management Co. China is at 274 basis points, near the to China Merchants Bank Co. flowing into debt despite the mount- But concerns are rising that spread- state-owned and listed firms. “There The weakest economic growth in least since 2007, a Bank of America “Investors are wondering how much ing failures. The yuan has fallen 1.3 ing defaults and a sliding yuan will may be a chain reaction as more com- a quarter century prompted onshore Merrill Lynch index shows. more bond prices will go up this year percent against the dollar this year. spark a selloff. panies are likely to fail in a slowing defaults to jump to at least seven in 2015 “The Chinese government wants because they rallied a lot last year,” The central bank has been pump- Credit derivatives that are seen economy and related firms could go even as Premier Li Keqiang vowed to to maintain a low domestic borrow- said Liu Dongliang, a senior analyst ing money into the financial system to as a gauge of risk in the market have down too.” limit failures. Hua Chuang Securities ing rate to support growth by injecting at the lender. “People are concerned keep interest rates low as stocks fall spiked 22 basis points since Decem- The 18 percent tumble in China’s Co. said investors should avoid buy- liquidity into the system,” said Ben Sy, about defaults after the slew of bond and foreign exchange reserves plum- ber 31, the worst start to a year in data benchmark stock gauge this year has ing notes for now as surging supply the head of fixed income, currencies failures in 2015.” met on capital outflows. going back to 2008. The number of so far buoyed bonds, cutting yield pre- also adds to risks that the hot onshore and commodities at the private bank- Pig iron producer Sichuan Shengda That’s helped the overnight repur- listed firms with debt double equity miums on local securities to record market will cool. ing arm of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in Group Ltd. last month became the lat- chase rate, a gauge of interbank has jumped to 339 amid a weakening lows and on dollar debentures from Such concerns have yet to be Hong Kong. “CDS, on the other hand, is est Chinese company to renege on funding availability, decline 18 basis economy, from 185 in 2007. Traders the nation to the least in eight years. A reflected in prices. The extra yield on a proxy for global investors’ sentiment local debt obligations. China Shanshui points this year to 1.94 percent. BUSINESS TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 25 Renault expects Shell’s earnings to show depth of rout sales growth on The end of sanctions against Iran could bring thousands of new vehicles additional barrels of oil to an already oversupplied market Bloomberg for sales and marketing, said in the and drive prices statement. The company will intro- duce 10 new and revamped cars for down further this year, including a version of the PARIS: Renault SA forecast deliv- Kadjar for the Chinese market, he eries will grow at a faster pace in said.Renault has come under scrutiny 2016 than last year as the carmaker after it revealed last Thursday that Bloomberg expects more buyers to be lured by its offices in France were searched new models such as the Kadjar sport by government fraud investigators as utility vehicle. part of a probe into vehicle emissions. Deliveries rose 3.3 percent to 2.8 The shares plunged 10 percent LONDON: Royal Dutch Shell Plc will million vehicles in 2015, bolstered that day amid fears the carmaker this week reveal how deep the oil rout by 10 percent growth in Europe, the could become embroiled in a VW- goes as energy companies reel from French carmaker said yesterday in a type scandal. France’s Environment the worst market crisis in decades. statement. Renault forecast industry- Minister Segolene Royal sought to Shell will tomorrow become the wide demand for new vehicles will downplay the concerns, saying no first major oil producer to announce grow 1 percent to 2 percent this year. fraudulent systems have been found annual earnings as it enters the final Backed by a refreshed lineup, on Renault cars and shareholders and stages of its plan to buy BG Group Plc “our growth will accelerate in 2016, employees should “rest easy.” “I don’t in the industry’s biggest deal in years. and we will improve our positions think the current situation will have Investors will scrutinize those in all our regions,” Thierry Koskas, any consequences,” Koskas said in a preliminary numbers for signs Renault’s executive vice president press conference yesterday. Europe’s largest oil company is doing enough to justify the acquisition as crude drops below $30 a barrel. Shell has cut thousands of jobs and reduced spending as Chief Executive Officer Ben Van Beurden prepares the company for a pro- longed downturn while looking to Ben van Beurden, chief executive officer of Royal Dutch Shell, speaks during the 26th World Gas Conference BG to add production and cash flow. in Paris in France, in this file picture taken on June 2 2015. The 18-month slump in crude, the longest since the mid-1980s, has there’s potential for further declines. consecutive quarterly decline, those BG in April, Brent was above $55 a delayed $380 billion of investments Brent, the international benchmark, estimates show. At $30 oil, all barrel. The slump has forced some in the industry, driven down profits has tumbled 24 percent this year, operating and capital expenditure investors to question if Shell is pay- and erased more than $2.7 trillion of extending last year’s 35 percent loss. “reduction targets have to be revised ing too much. oil companies’ market value. That has prompted analysts to up,” Aneek Haq, a London- based To ease those concerns, the com- “Oil companies have been cutting cut their fourth-quarter 2015 and analyst with Exane BNP Paribas, pany has reduced spending forecasts spending a lot, trying to react to the first-quarter 2016 adjusted earn- said by e-mail. and plans to cut 2,800 jobs. lower oil prices,” said Jason Gam- ings-per-share forecasts in the past The end of sanctions against Iran Shell said last month that it mel, a London- based analyst with month for Exxon Mobil Corp., Chev- could bring thousands of additional expected 2015 operating costs to Jefferies International Ltd. ron Corp., Shell, Total SA, Eni SpA, barrels of oil to an already oversup- fall by $4 billion, and by a further “But the slump has been so steep Statoil ASA and Repsol SA, according plied market and drive prices down $3 billion this year. The acquisition that they haven’t been able to keep to estimates compiled by Bloomberg. further. Brent dipped below $28 a will break even with Brent crude up.”Oil prices have dropped to the Shell’s profit for the three months barrel to the lowest since 2003 in prices in the low $60s and add to Renault’s latest passenger car Twingo is displayed at Tokyo Auto lowest in 12 years and Goldman Sachs through December probably fell 39 London trading yesterday. When operating cash flow per share at $50 Salon 2016 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba on Friday. Group Inc. and Citigroup Inc. say percent from a year earlier, a fourth Shell announced its plan to buy a barrel in 2016. Nigeria’s inflation accelerates to highest level Rouble leads emerging

Bloomberg the central bank to stem the fall of the market decline naira by stopping banks from trading dollars are blamed by some analysts for accelerating inflation by prevent- LAGOS: Nigeria’s inflation rate acceler- ing businesses from importing all the Bloomberg 2014, when falling energy prices and ated to a three-year high in December items they need to operate. the conflict in Ukraine drove the ruble as food prices rose in Africa’s biggest “Imported food along with other to a record low. economy and oil producer. exchange-rate-sensitive price catego- The lifting of international The consumer price index increased ries recorded higher sequential rates MOSCOW: The rouble slumped the sanctions on Iran has helped raise by 9.6 percent on an annualized basis, of inflation during December, likely most among emerging- market peers the correlation between Brent and compared with 9.4 percent in Novem- as a result of tighter foreign exchange as investors sold the currency of the the rouble toward its strongest since ber, the Abuja-based National Bureau supply,” Chernay Johnson, an analyst world’s biggest energy exporter amid October. Crude sank below $28 per of Statistics said in a report published at Credit Suisse Group AG in Johan- concern Iranian crude deliveries will barrel yesterday, extending declines on Sunday. Food price inflation climbed nesburg, said in an emailed note to extend an oil-market rout. and trading at a 12-year low. Trading to 10.6 percent from 10.3 percent. clients yesterday. Russia relies on the oil and natural will be more volatile today because of Inflation is now at its highest since Inflation will be driven higher gas industries for almost half its budget public holidays in the US, according to December 2012 and has been above in the coming months by increased revenue and collapsing crude prices Danske Bank A/S. While Iran’s return the central bank’s target of 6-9 percent energy prices and government spend- have weakened the rouble 6.6 percent to the market is “broadly priced in,” a every month since May 2015. ing as President Muhammadu Buhari versus the dollar this year, the most “big question is how much Iran is able Nigeria’s economy, which relies implements a record budget meant among developing nations after South to deliver in the mid- run,” Vladimir on oil for two-thirds of government to stimulate the economy, she said. Africa’s rand. The Russian currency Miklashevsky, strategist at Danske, revenue, has been battered by crude “The upside risk to our end-2016 CPI retreated 1.2 percent to 78.5650 against said in e- mailed comments. “With prices falling 42 percent in the last inflation forecast of 10.2 percent is the dollar by 11:16am in Moscow, its the US closed today the rouble market A trader sorts tomatoes in northern Nigerian city on Friday. year to below $30 a barrel. Efforts by growing,” Johnson said. lowest intraday level since Dec. 16, will stay rather thin and volatile.” Dollar pegs bend while reserves keep them from breaking

Bloomberg defend the pegs, which have anchored currency revenues. Hong Kong’s 32- such expectations. The Saudi kingdom according to their report. Hong Kong riyal could double the investment if the their economies for decades and helped year-old dollar peg was threatened last pledged last week to stick with the peg holds a record $359 billion in foreign currency weakens by about 8 percent them survive financial crises in 1997 week after a slide in the Chinese yuan and said “misperception” is driving reserves and can tap into China’s $3.3 in a year, according to data compiled and 2008, according to analysts at sparked speculation that the author- forwards contracts higher. trillion coffer. by Bloomberg. NEW YORK: Countries with currencies Deutsche Bank AG and Union Ban- ities may revise the system to tighten HKMA’s Chan said there is no inten- Its currency board arrangement, Even without de-pegging, short pegged to the dollar are coming under caire Privee Ubp SA. its link to the mainland. tion or need to reform the exchange which requires every Hong Kong dol- selling via forwards and options can increasing attacks by traders who bet Together, Saudi Arabia and Hong Twelve-month forwards for the rate and he expects the Hong Kong lar in circulation to be backed by an be profitable, as long as the pressure that it has become too expensive for Kong hold $1 trillion in foreign reserves, Saudi Arabian riyal, which investors dollar to drop to the weak end of its equivalent amount of the US currency, remains, which will push the prices policy makers to continue defending or enough to cover their imports and use to bet on or hedge the currency, trading range. means the money supply would shrink of derivatives higher. exchange rates amid a soaring green- spending for years. Devaluations would tumbled to an all-time low of 3.87 per While Saudi Arabia, the world’s in case of capital outflows, pushing Policy makers in Saudi Arabia and back and a collapse in commodities only serve to destabilize their econo- dollar this month. That was about 2 largest oil exporter, has burnt through interest rates higher and making the Hong Kong showed their commitment prices. It may be the speculators who mies and could undermine Hong Kong’s percent weaker than the country’s 15 percent of its foreign reserves since local currency more attractive. under even more distressed times. end up losing. status as Asia’s financial center, the 3.75-per-dollar peg, suggesting traders August to defend the riyal, the stockpile, Hong Kong companies, in the Saudi Arabia’s peg remained intact It’s a tempting trade. Already, Kaza- analysts say. Hong Kong Monetary are betting on the end of the 30-year at $636 billion, is still the third largest past, were also able to slash costs and with foreign reserves less than $13 bil- khstan, Azerbaijan and Argentina have Authority Chief Executive Norman peg, according to data compiled by in the world after China and Japan. wages, to maintain their competitive- lion and oil prices below $11 a barrel been forced to devalue, and derivatives Chanon Monday reiterated his com- Bloomberg. Instead of devaluing the currency, ness without having the city resort to in 1998. tied to the Saudi Arabia riyal and Hong mitment to keeping the exchange rate’s Hong Kong’s dollar posted its big- the kingdom is cutting spending and a devaluation. Hong Kong’s link survived a change Kong dollar suggest traders expect it existing link to the US dollar. gest two-day drop since 1992 last week subsidies to cope with the decline of “We expect speculation on the Hong of sovereignty in 1997, a 1998 attack won’t be long before the same hap- Countries are unlikely to de-peg to HK$7.795 versus the greenback in oil revenue and may tap debt markets Kong dollar peg to dissipate,” as seen by speculators during Asia’s financial pens to those currencies. Options prices “without exhausting their ammunition,” New York. A measure of volatility surged this year to fund a deficit. “Stay away in “episodes of similar speculations in crisis and almost three months of pro- put the odds of the Hong Kong dollar said Koon Chow, a currency strategist to the highest since 2003 amid specu- from the Saudi riyal peg trade,” Deut- the past,” analysts at Australia & New democracy protests in late 2014. weakening beyond the weaker end at Union Bancaire Privee in London. lation that the Chinese city will revise sche Bank analysts including Daniel Zealand Banking Group Ltd. wrote in “Hong Kong has been tested,” said of its current trading range this year “They can take the pain in defense.” its linked exchange-rate system, which Brehon wrote on January 12. a report on Jan. 15. Stephen Jen, co-founder of SLJ Macro at 36 percent, Bloomberg data show. Oil exporters in the Gulf region limits fluctuations in the currency to a Devaluation wouldn’t restore the That hasn’t deterred speculators. Partners LLP in London and a former What traders may be underestimat- are under unprecedented stress. A 69 range of HK$7.75-HK$7.85. The cur- kingdom’s competitiveness as oil dom- With relatively low costs, a bet on the economist at the International Mone- ing are the hefty reserves available to percent drop in crude prices over the rency was recently at HK$7.7971. inates exports and will make imports de-peg can be rewarded handsomely. tary Fund. “They’ve seen much worse policy makers and their willingness to past two years has dwindled their US Policy makers are rushing to damp of labor and materials more expensive, Buying put options against the Saudi before. The peg is not going to go away.” 26 TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 BUSINESS

QE INDICES SUMMARY QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE QE Index 8,516.82 0.13 % QE Total Return Index 13,238.18 0.13 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,033.44 0.91 % QE All Share Index 2,269.16 0.53 % QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,305.45 0.81 % QE All Share Industrials 2,570.74 1.50 % QE All Share Transportation 2,021.09 1.01 % QE All Share Real Estate 1,844.58 0.05 % QE All Share Insurance 3,589.23 0.82 % QE All Share Telecoms 870.87 5.48 % QE All Share Consumer Goods & Services 4,584.11 1.69 %

QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON 18-01-2016 Today 17-01-2016 Previous day Index 8,516.82 8,527.75 Change 10.93 657.37 % 0.13 7.16 YTD% 18.34 18.23 Volume 9,994,857 12,306,493 Value (QAR) 306,937,686.62 374,016,758.66 Trades 6,156 5,186 Up 15 | Down 24 | Unchanged 03

WORLD STOCK INDICES Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low All Ordinaries 4911.848 -36.657 -0.74 5379.6 4922 Cac 40 Index/D 4211.14 0.98 0.02 4586.11 4178.87 Dj Indu Average 15988.08 -390.97 -2.39 18351.4 15370.3 Hang Seng Inde/D 19237.45 -283.32 -1.45 21794.84 19500.38 Iseq Overall/D 6282.56 -39.74 -0.63 6791.68 6249.54 Karachi 100 In/D 30628.4 -373.09 -1.2 33304.4 30887.74 Nikkei 225 Index 16955.57 -191.54 -1.12 18951.12 16944.41 S&P 500 Index/D 1880.33 -41.51 -2.16 2134.72 1867.01

EXCHANGE RATE Currency Buying Selling US$ QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 UK QR 5.1770 QR 5.2507 INTERNATIONAL MARKETS - A LIST OF SHARES FROM THE WORLD Euro QR 3.9415 QR 3.9974 COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME CA$ QR 2.4907 QR 2.5397 NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED Swiss Fr QR 3.6027 QR 3.6539 Yen QR 0.0307 QR 0.0313 A C C-A/D 1229.05 -1.8 14520 Escorts Fin-B/D 4.6 -0.51 80134 Kalpat Power-B/D 183 -26.5 19984 Sterling Tool-/D 403 -44.75 1385 Aus$ QR 2.4851 QR 2.5340 Aarti Drugs-B/D 503 -37.2 7608 Escorts-A/D 128.35 -6.6 169411 Kalyani Stel-T/D 151.7 -11.5 103995 Tanfac Indust-/D 32.1 -3.25 1220 Aban Offs-A/D 191.25 -3.75 385956 Essar Oil-T/D 260 0.9 88665 Kanoria Chem-B/D 56.15 -5.25 42989 Thirumalai-B/D 174 -8.2 7759 Ind Re QR 0.0533 QR 0.0544 Ador Welding-B/D 269.3 -1.4 1757 Eveready Indu-/D 262 2.45 264235 Kg Denim-B/D 46.9 -2.95 15156 Til Ltd.-T/D 375.5 -37.75 3733 Pak Re QR 0.0344 QR 0.0351 Aegis Logis-B/D 88.1 -1.95 83362 F D C-B/D 187.55 -6.65 10967 Kilburnengg-Xd/D 65.4 -1.65 9764 Timexgroup-T/D 27.9 -2.4 82124 Peso QR 0.0756 QR 0.0771 Alembic-B/D 38.75 -2.65 223879 Federal Bank-A/D 48.1 0.25 294351 Kinetic Eng-B/D 85.9 -9.5 10844 Tinplate-B/D 67.8 -0.55 483435 Alkyl Amines-B/D 310 -22.5 7216 Ferro Alloys-B/D 5.4 -0.56 40670 Kopran-B/D 52.7 -6.35 246109 Ucal Fuel-B/D 103.8 -11.1 30930 SL Re QR 0.0250 QR 0.0256 Alok Indus-A/D 5.51 -0.23 1046997 Fgp Ltd-B/D 3.83 0 30936 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 368 -10.9 1608 Ultramarine-B/D 96.9 -8.2 33881 Taka QR 0.0460 QR 0.0469 Apollo Tyre-A/D 134.1 -5.25 230257 Finolex-A/D 275.55 -11.55 6078 Lakshmi Mach-A/D 3389.1 -47.5 2937 Unitech P -A/D 5.49 -0.28 10818875 Nep Re QR 0.0333 QR 0.0340 Asahi I Glass-/D 145 -11.35 12296 Gail-A/D 338.45 2.3 97896 Laxmi Prcisn-B/D 42 -2.85 4555 Univcable-T/D 72.7 -3.8 2204 Ashok Leyland-/D 83.15 -1.9 1428464 Gammon India-T/D 15.1 -1 102348 Lgb Broth-B/D 450 -10 3245 Uppergsugar-T/D 68 -4.2 6860 SA Rand QR 0.2152 QR 0.2194 Bajaj Hold-A/D 1532 -78.45 1150 Garden P -B/D 24.6 -1.65 18806 Lloyd Metal-B/D 9.2 -0.04 25397 Ballarpur In-B/D 15.6 -1.15 595206 Godfrey Phil-B/D 1080.05 -131.95 37837 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 6.6 -0.54 98821 LONDON Banaras Bead-B/D 38.65 -6.25 7587 Goodricke-B/D 172.5 -11.6 35844 Lumax Ind-B/D 399.6 -20.2 2979 GOLD AND SILVER Bata India-A/D 457.15 -4.35 23141 Goodyear I -B/D 473.25 -24 10187 Lupin-A/D 1702.8 2.15 43195 Bayer Crop-A/D 3350 -70.8 1228 Hcl Infosys-B/D 45.65 -4.55 1080618 Lyka Labs-T/D 85.2 -7.9 159864 3I Group/D 427.5 -5.5 277302 GOLD QR128.0117 per gramme Beml Ltd-A/D 1102.35 -61.3 26371 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 17 -2.1 7024919 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 285.9 -19.2 16667 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 2990 4 207617 SILVER QR1.6319 per gramme Bh Electronic-/D 1234.6 -26.65 34816 Himat Seide-B/D 182.05 -21.9 150711 Mah.Seamless-B/D 144 -3.4 6038 Barclays/D 188.7 -3.1 14951402 Bhansali Eng-T/D 19.65 -0.95 162256 Hind Motors-T/D 6.69 -0.2 91706 Maha Scooter-B/D 1108 -140.25 1400 Bg Group/D 941.2 6.2 3455075 Bharat Bijle-B/D 676 -49.5 8387 Hind Org Chem-/D 14.65 -1.75 73135 Mangalam Cem-B/D 170.9 -12.2 8412 Bp/D 346.5 8.35 17804446 Bharatgears-B/D 77.05 -5.95 2969 Hind Unilever-/D 810.6 6.45 158763 Maral Overs-B/D 29.5 -1.95 22943 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3620 25 904700 Bhartiya Int-B/D 487 -31.5 10579 Hind.Petrol-A/D 823.05 -62.2 104563 Mastek-B/D 138 -5.1 57277 Bt Group/D 463 -0.3 3066118 Bhel-A/D 142.35 5.85 1091305 Hindalco-A/D 71.2 -0.7 1410871 Max India L-A/D 449.1 -27.05 51046 Centrica/D 208.2 1.2 3703969 Bom.Burmah-B/D 409.45 -16.3 13044 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1133.85 -15 105921 Mrpl-A/D 64.15 -1.9 228486 Gkn/D 281.3 -0.4 1039772 Mideast markets Bombay Dyeing-/D 54.35 -2.1 141997 I F C I-A/D 22.05 -2 1675988 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 32 -2.15 6196 Hsbc Holdings/D 482.75 -2.95 19407460 Camph.& All-B/D 467 -39.25 4503 Idbi-A/D 55.4 -5.6 2601237 Nahar Spg.-B/D 98.3 -7.9 43405 Imperial Tobac/D 3546 31.5 623648 Canfin Homes-B/D 901.95 -49.7 11122 Ifb Agro-B/D 394.1 -46.9 7287 Nation Alum -A/D 34.5 -1.45 202625 Kingfisher/D 329 -5.2 1798261 stabilise as QE Caprihans-Xc/D 84.55 -1.3 16134 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 411.5 -19.6 1218 Navneet Edu-B/D 82.7 -2.45 16134 Land Secs Grou/D 1077 1 597346 Castrol India-/D 418.7 -11.9 220496 India Cement-A/D 81.35 -6.45 663287 Nepc India-T/D 2.47 -0.12 36099 Legal & Genera/D 238.4 -0.7 2790158 Century Enka-B/D 169.2 -8 29634 India Glycol-B/D 81.5 -7.4 20884 Neuland Lab-B/D 698 -44.25 6436 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 64.33 -0.38 82563379 index closes lower Century Text-A/D 499.45 -16.85 163270 Indian Card-B/D 234 -13 2733 Nrb Bearings-B/D 127 -7.4 3392 Marks & Sp./D 417.6 -5.2 1560408 Chambal Fert-B/D 57.8 -1.9 59780 Indian Hotel-A/D 107.6 -5.8 97727 O N G C-A/D 214.9 -4.65 591933 Next/D 6670 -70 167703 Chola Invest-A/D 597.2 -18.5 1435 Indo-Tcount-T/D 1040.85 -53.05 11682 Ocl India-B/D 495 -1.3 1866 Pearson/D 696 -12.5 1297289 Chowgule St-T/D 19.5 -0.85 4641 Indusind-A/D 896.2 -24.7 78155 Oil Country-B/D 26.55 -2.25 5853 Prudential/D 1344 7 1462993 DOHA: Qatar Exchange (QE) index dropped slightly by Cimmco-B/D 78.35 -5.2 36930 J.B.Chemical-B/D 242.25 -8.75 48967 Onward Tech-B/D 80.4 -6.7 6635 Rentokil Initi/D 150.7 -1.8 651998 10.93 points, or 0.13 percent, to close at 8,516.82 points Cipla-A/D 590.85 -16.55 86285 Jagatjit Ind-X/D 62.4 -3.2 3684 Orchid Pharm-B/D 46.9 -3.3 180225 Rolls Royce Pl/D 546 2 1775781 yesterday. The daily turnover dropped to QR 306.93m City Union Bk-/D 80 -1.9 61101 Jagson Phar-B/D 38.3 -5.5 111924 Orient Hotel-T/D 23.4 -0.3 19585 Rsa Insrance G/D 398.6 -4.7 539181 with a volume of 9.9m shares from 6,156 deals com- Colgate-A/D 912.4 -4.85 19169 Jamnaauto-B/D 129.5 -2 456601 Orient.Carb.-T/D 511.5 -23.25 6536 Sainsbury(J)/D 240 -3.9 1595517 pared with QR374.02m with a volume of 12.31m shares Container Cor-/D 1158.7 -59.05 13009 Jbf Indu-B/D 210.5 -9.3 63767 Orient.Carb.-T/D 511.5 -23.25 6536 Schroders/D 2505 -42 132865 from 5,186 deals on Sunday. Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 351.9 -38.1 10156 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.4 0 230025 Oudh Sugar-B/D 36.6 -2.35 33911 Severn Trent/D 2069.28 -15 162922 From the Dcm Financia-T/D 1.5 -0.02 8685 Jct Ltd-B/D 6.81 -0.35 1100931 Patspin India-/D 9.75 -0.51 3600 Smith&Nephew/D 1101 -2 454482 43 compa- Dcm Shram Ind-/D 87.1 -6.35 4585 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 9.31 -0.49 41751 Punjab Chem.-B/D 146.1 -15.4 4890 Smiths Group/D 896.5 0.5 505806 nies listed on Market mood across Dhampur Sugar-/D 63.95 -4.5 168202 Jik Indust-T/D 0.94 0.04 19491 Radico Khait-B/D 104.7 0.05 151988 Standrd Chart /D 498.15 1.85 6011486 QE, shares of Dr. Reddy-A/D 2876.9 -59.8 26836 Jindal Drill-B/D 118.5 -9.6 1823 Rallis India-A/D 157.85 -4.45 19588 Tate & Lyle/D 590.82 -12.5 414070 E I H-B/D 113.1 -3.85 25585 Jktyre&Ind-A/D 87.25 -7.95 411104 Rallis India-A/D 157.85 -4.45 19588 Tesco/D 161.8 -2.65 7886803 42 saw trad- the region remained E.I.D Parry-A/D 176 -5.1 118973 Jmc Projects-T/D 214 -9.4 8834 Reliance Indus/D 359.25 -32 190291 Unilever/D 2810 11.5 1048248 ing yesterday. nervous after Brent Eicher Motor-A/D 15303 -994.8 4302 Kabra Extr-B/D 86 -4.5 4899 Ruchi Soya-B/D 25.8 -1.25 73159 United Util Gr/D 910.5 0.5 324373 From these 24 oil briefly slumped Electrosteel-B/D 20.55 -1.35 350870 Kajaria Cer-A/D 907.7 -25.4 7287 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 475.35 -9.7 2853 Vodafone Group/D 214.95 -1.3 14064408 declined and 15 Emco-B/D 25 -2.55 66293 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 126.4 -6.9 3090 Saur.Cem-B/D 52.5 -5.05 205120 Whitbread/D 3933.54 -48 244391 gained, while below $28 a barrel three remained to its lowest level unchanged. Other Gulf since 2003 stock markets stabilised yes- Asian and European stocks struggle to lift global gloom terday after registering heavy losses the previous few days, but the mood remained nerv- across global bourses on Friday, There was little to cheer about in new lows was similarly short-lived. putting further downward pres- ous after Brent oil briefly slumped below $28 a barrel while the prospect of a jump in Ira- Asia, either. MSCI’s broadest index Brent and U.S. WTI futures were sure on oil prices in the near term,” to its lowest level since 2003. MSCI’s emerging nian crude exports after the lifting of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan last down 0.5 percent at $28.88 Barclays analysts said in a note. The Saudi benchmark, which had tumbled 5.4 percent stock index of sanctions against the country fell to its lowest since October 2011, and $29.38 a barrel, respectively. Analysts at JP Morgan said that on Sunday, flip-flopped between positive and negative dropped to 6-1/2- weighed heavily on oil. falling 0.5 percent. Earlier, Brent fell below $28 oil-producing countries will need territory before closing 0.1 percent higher. With US markets closed for the Japan’s Nikkei tumbled as much for the first time since December to sell large quantities of stocks Egypt’s main index rebounded 3.1 percent, trim- year low, and was Martin Luther King Day holiday, as 2.8 percent to a one-year low 2003 after international sanc- and bonds this year to cover the ming this year’s losses to 15.2 percent as most stocks last down 0.6% on equity bulls were relying on Europe before closing 1.1 percent lower. It tions against Iran were lifted over shortfall in their budgets result- advanced more than 1.0 percent. Foreign fund manag- to fight back from the worst ever has lost 20 percent from its peak the weekend, allowing Tehran to ing from the slump in oil prices. ers, who have been aggressively cashing out of Cairo’s the day start to a year. The main European hit in June, meeting a common def- return to an already over-supplied They estimate sales of $110bn market, remained net sellers, bourse data showed. But indices have lost as much as 10 per- inition of a bear market. oil market. bonds this year, up from $45bn last local and regional investors bought on dips. cent in just two weeks. MSCI’s emerging stock index The 12-year low in US crude year, and $75bn of equities com- Dubai’s index could not sustain an early rebound, Reuters Yesterday saw early gains for dropped to 6-1/2-year low, and was also intensified the pressure on US pared with $10bn last year. closing 0.3 percent down at 2,678 points, off its intra- the FTSEuroFirst 300 index of lead- last down 0.6 percent on the day. energy sector “junk” bonds. The In currency markets the Chi- day high of 2,756. Gainers outnumbered losers 20 to ing shares but it had given up most The volatile Shanghai Compos- Merrill Lynch energy high yield nese yuan rose 0.3 percent in the 11, however. of them by midday to trade up just ite index initially pierced through debt index tumbled to its lowest in offshore trade to 6.5966 per dollar, Abu Dhabi’s bourse erased most of its early gains LONDON: At attempted rebound 0.1 percent higher. Britain’s FTSE intraday lows last seen in August over five years on Friday, posting as Chinese authorities continued but still managed to close up 0.2 percent, trimming its in European stocks quickly fizzled 100 and France’s CAC 40 were flat, before paring the losses and closed its biggest weekly fall since Octo- to stamp down speculative yuan losses this year to 11.9 percent. out yesterday after markets around while Germany’s DAX was down 0.2 up 0.4 percent. It was still down ber 2008 and the second biggest selling. Blue-chip lenders First Gulf Bank and Abu Dhabi Com- the world and oil prices slumped percent. “In the absence of major nearly 18 percent this month. fall ever. China will start implementing mercial Bank jumped 3.5 and 1.9 percent. Abu Dhabi’s to multi-year lows amid persist- economic data today ... risk-off On Wall Street the S&P 500 hit “The lifting of key sanctions a reserve requirement ratio (RRR) banks have yet to report quarterly results, and some ent worries over global growth. flows are dominating the session,” a 15-month low on Friday, ahead of should allow it (Iran) to increase on some banks involved in the off- investors bet ENBD’s earnings showed potential for more Middle Eastern stocks plunged said Ipek Ozkardeskaya, market market holiday. In oil markets, the crude exports this year by at least shore yuan market, the People’s positive surprises among other lenders. overnight, catching up with the fall analyst at London Capital Group. bounce in crude futures from their 500,000 barrels a day on average, Bank of China (PBOC) said. BUSINESS VIEWS TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 27

RBS facing losses China home-price recovery in 2016, casting spreads to more cities dividend in doubt

By Richard Partington is “comfortable” with the Bloomberg bank’s financial strength, he added. To win BOE approval or investors in Royal to pay a dividend or buy Bank of Scotland Group back shares, the CEO must FPlc, hopes for a dividend complete the bulk of his are fading. restructuring program this An expected ninth con- year, pass the central bank’s secutive full-year loss in 2016 annual stress test in Decem- could undermine Chief Exec- ber and reach a settlement utive Officer Ross McEwan’s in the mortgage probe from efforts to reinstate dividend the US Department of Justice payments next year for the and lawsuit from the nation’s first time since the bank’s Federal Housing Finance £45.5bn ($65bn) bailout dur- Agency. He will also have to ing the financial crisis. pay £1.2bn to the UK govern- In his third year as CEO, ment to remove its dividend McEwan, 58, faces a piv- access share, which gives the otal 12 months in his battle state rights to a preferential to revitalize Britain’s financial payout. crisis poster child. His to-do “We still have the over- list is dominated by a looming hang of a number of issues, settlement with US authori- of legal and conduct issues ties over claims of misconduct particularly in the US on sub- in the bank’s handling of prime mortgage selling,” said mortgage-backed securi- RBS’s Davies. “You announce ties, as he seeks to shrink the restructuring, but the hard investment bank, eliminate yards is actually achieving it. jobs and pull out of markets We’re downsizing the invest- around the world to boost ment bank rapidly and that’s People look at miniature models of new apartments at a property sale centre in Yichang, Hubei province. earnings and capital buffers. going well, but it’s still quite a “We’ve got some wood lot to go.” to chop before we can be The Edinburgh-based firm” on paying a dividend lender will probably reach a Bloomberg fastest in six months. Prices of the two cities or starting a stock repur- $7bn settlement in the first jumped 47 percent and 16 percent from a year chase program next year, RBS half of the year ahead of the earlier. Prices rose 0.4 percent in the capital Chairman Howard Davies said US elections, according to city of Beijing and 0.7 percent in Guangzhou. in an interview with Bloomb- Chirantan Barua, an analyst hina’s home-price recovery Cities seeing declines included Changde city erg Television’s Tom Keene at Sanford C Bernstein Ltd in spread to more cities in Decem- in southern Hunan province, where prices and Francine Lacqua on Fri- London with an outperform ber, especially smaller ones, slid 0.6 percent, and in northeastern Dan- day. “We’ve said that this rating on the shares. With after authorities rolled out eas- dong city, where they fell 0.9 percent. Adding to eased credit, would be a 2017 event at the the timetable driven by US ing measures targeting regions Price increases are still very concentrated the central bank earliest. We’re still hopeful of authorities, McEwan has said Cwith a surplus of unsold homes. in a small segment of the property market that.” a conclusion might not come New-home prices climbed in 39 cities, nationwide, Nicole Wong, Hong Kong-based last year also scaled RBS shares fell 2.3 per- until 2017. compared with 33 in November, among the head of property research at CLSA Ltd, said. back down-payment cent to 258.5 pence at Failure to reach a settle- 70 cities tracked by the government, the “What the government wants, which is requirements for 9:48am in London trading, ment this year could make National Bureau of Statistics said yesterday. a pick-up in the economy, is more difficult the worst performer among RBS “uninvestable” for those They dropped in 26 cities, compared with 27 this time,” Wong said. purchases of first and major British banks. The stock who don’t want to be “tied in November, and were unchanged in five. China should focus on clearing a prop- second homes, allowing slumped 23 percent in 2015. down by a no-dividend pol- China’s politburo, the top decision-mak- erty supply glut in third-and fourth-tier RBS will probably reveal icy,” according to Barua. ing body of the Communist Party, last month cities, a process likely to take four to five prospective buyers to a net loss of £840m for 2015 Rising costs for miscon- vowed to reduce home inventory as one of years, compared with one year in second- borrow more when it reports earnings on duct have slowed McEwan’s its key tasks in 2016, prompting expectation tier cities, Wang Jianlin, the Chinese tycoon February 26, according to the efforts to return the bank to of more easing meas- who controls Dalian Wanda Group Co, said average estimate of six ana- profit. ures. The area of unsold at the Asian Financial Forum in Hong Kong. lysts compiled by Bloomberg. While RBS has posted new homes nationwide The central bank has reduced interest The bank may post a net loss some profitable quarters increased 12 percent from rates six times since November 2014, along of £2.9bn in 2016, when tak- since 2008, showing it can a year earlier to 441 mil- with a cut on reserve requirements for all “Capital is more active in first-tier cities ing conduct and litigation make money when exclud- lion sqm (4.7bn sq ft) as banks, helping to bring personal mortgage and second-tier cities,” said Zhang Cheng- charges into account, accord- ing one-time items, conduct of November 30. rates to the lowest in five years, according hang, a Shanghai-based analyst at CEBM ing to the survey. charges and writedowns “Policy will con- to Centaline Group. Adding to eased credit, Group, an advisory company. “As the returns “Regulators would be have pushed it into a string of tinue to be supportive the central bank last year also scaled back of most assets are not satisfying, capital pretty wary of letting them annual losses. this year to sustain eco- down-payment requirements for purchases is flowing to real estate as haven assets in pay dividends if they aren’t RBS could still pay a nomic growth and market of first and second homes, allowing prospec- the short term.” making a proper statutory final dividend for 2016 of New-home prices destocking,” said Jeffrey tive buyers to borrow more. China’s stocks are heading for a bear profit,” said Steve Davies, 10 pence a share, its first in climbed in 39 cities, Gao, a Hong Kong-based Year-on-year, prices rose in 21 cities market, with the benchmark Shanghai Com- who helps oversees £34.3bn nine years, if it’s able to con- compared with 33 in analyst at Nomura Hold- from the previous month, the same as in posite Index falling below its closing low of assets at Jupiter Asset vince regulators that it’s on ings Inc. November, the statistics bureau said Mon- during a $5 trillion rout in August. Govern- Management Ltd in London, track to improve underly- November, among the New-home prices in day. Existing-home prices rose last month ment bond yields fell last week to a record including RBS shares. The ing profitability, said Claire 70 cities tracked. They the southern business hub in 37 cities from the previous month, com- low amid a weakening currency, while the lender could still carry out a Kane, an analyst at RBC Cap- of Shenzhen jumped 3.2 pared to 40 in November. flood of data later this week may show a stock repurchase program if ital Markets in London with dropped in 26 cities, percent from a month The gains in home prices accelerated last deepening economic slowdown. the Bank of England’s Pru- an outperform rating on the compared with 27 in earlier, the quickest month in some popular second-tier cities. In most third-tier cities, home prices are dential Regulation Authority shares. pace since October. The Prices in the tourist cities of Hangzhou and still declining, leading to a wider regional November, and were financial center of Shang- Xiamen gained 1.1 percent and 1.3 percent divergence between cities, the statistics unchanged in five hai trailed Shenzhen to from a month earlier, leading to 5.6 percent bureau said in a statement released with increase 1.9 percent, the and 6.4 percent year-on- year increases. the data. First-ever downgrade shows Polish power grab is bad

By Natasha Doff and Lyubov Pronina struggle to retain its status as a haven from Law & Justice.” Polish Finance Minister Pawel In a separate decision on Friday, Fitch Bloomberg turbulence in emerging markets if Prime Min- Szalamacha said over the weekend the deci- Ratings kept its assessment of country’s cred- ister Beata Szydlo’s Law & Justice party presses sion was unjust and didn’t reflect the country’s itworthiness unchanged. It, too, warned of on with steps to solidify control over institu- economic fundamentals. He called the assess- rising political tensions sparked by the admin- tions. Since winning elections in October, the ment “dishonest” and said he’ll invite S&P istration’s “confrontational policy stance.” he cracks are starting to appear in government pushed to overhaul the consti- analysts to Warsaw to get a more in-depth The zloty fell 2.6 percent last week to 4.4806 Poland’s image as a haven from the tutional court and public media, moves that view of the facts. per euro, bringing its depreciation this year turmoil in emerging markets. Mar- drew criticism from the European Commis- The new leaders have “initiated various to 5 percent, the fourth- biggest drop among kets buckled Friday after Standard & sion. It also revamped the anti-corruption legislative measures that we consider weaken 24 emerging-market currencies. TPoor’s shocked investors by cutting the nation’s agency and named a ruling-party lawmaker the independence and effectiveness of key “There are worries that institutional effec- credit rating by one level even though the debt to lead the nation’s largest refiner. institutions,” S&P analysts including Felix Win- tiveness and the independence of the central had a positive outlook. The zloty suffered its Before the S&P move, which carries a neg- nekens in Frankfurt wrote in a report on Friday. bank may deteriorate,” said Rafal Benecki, an biggest rout since September 2011, while yes- ative outlook, Bank Zachodni WBK SA and Investors have also been concerned that by the economist at ING Bank Slaski SA in Warsaw. terday, the government’s local-currency bond ING Groep NV were predicting only a reduc- new government’s pledges to increase social “We expect a sharp weakening of the bonds. yields jumped the most in more than two years. tion in the outlook rather than an an outright spending and tax banks, although Szalamacha So far the bond market was really resonant Commerzbank AG reacted promptly with a downgrade. The zloty, which weakened by said the new outlays wouldn’t exacerbate the and mainly the currency depreciated. The The downgrade to recommendation to sell Polish Eurobonds, 1.5 percent within 20 minutes of S&P’s cut, fiscal shortfall beyond the European Union’s bond market will catch up.” while Rabobank and Capital Economics Ltd. gained 0.5 percent against the euro to 4.4573. target of 3 percent of gross domestic product. The European Commission took a first step BBB+, the third-lowest said the currency is headed for record lows. “I’m still recovering from the initial shock,” Yields on 10-year local-currency notes, last week to discipline Poland’s new ruling party investment grade, is a “Poland had been seen as a bright spot in said Piotr Matys, a strategist for emerging- which had stopped trading for the day on Fri- for seizing heightened control over the state, emerging markets, this puts a dark cloud over market currencies at Rabobank in London day before the S&P decision was released, fueling a debate about whether eastern Europe signal Poland will struggle that,” said William Jackson, a senior emerg- said on Friday, predicting the zloty to revisit climbed 17 basis points to 3.16 percent at 2:35 is slipping back into its authoritarian past. Law to retain its status as a ing-market economist at Capital Economics its 2011 low of 4.60 per euro. “S&P’s unex- pm in Warsaw, the biggest increase in more & Justice’s sin, in the eyes of mostly western in London. “Polish assets are likely to perform pected downgrade confirmed that Poland’s than six weeks. The nation’s $1.1bn of euro- critics, was to pass legislation undercutting haven from turbulence in poorly over the course of this year.” status of a country with stable fundamentals denominated bonds maturing May 2027 slid the independence of the high court and public emerging markets The downgrade to BBB+, the third-low- and rational politics has been seriously under- the most since they were sold last year, push- broadcaster after winning an absolute majority, est investment grade, is a signal Poland will mined by controversial laws implemented by ing the yield up 23 basis points to 2.05 percent. a rarity in European parliamentary systems. 28 TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 BUSINESS BACK TO BUSINESS

How sub-$30 crude can be a sight blessing for Norway’s oil giant Draghi efforts foiled

Bloomberg by oil as economists see more easing iven a choice, Statoil ASA and the other owners of the giant Johan Sver- drup oilfield would have Bloomberg On December 3, Draghi cut preferred to avoid the col- the deposit rate to minus 0.3 Glapse of crude prices that has upended percent, extended asset pur- the industry. FRANKFURT: Mario Draghi may chases to at least March 2017 and But there’s a silver lining: price cuts have to up the ante, and he has pledged to re-invest the princi- by desperate oil service companies are oil to blame. pal of maturing bonds to prevent now raising margins on projects that More than 60 percent of econ- low price growth from becom- are still viable as crude prices have omists surveyed by Bloomberg ing entrenched. The package, slumped below $30 a barrel. predict the European Central which he labeled “adequate” to For Sverdrup, which may hold as Bank president will announce lift inflation, fell short of inves- much as 3 billion barrels, the crash more stimulus this year, up tors’ expectations, pushing up the could help make it among Nor- from 40 percent in December, euro and sparking a rout in equi- way’s most profitable projects ever. after a renewed oil-price slump ties and a rally in bonds. But there’s a catch: crude prices will depressed the outlook for euro- A drop of almost 40 percent need to recover by the time produc- area inflation. Fifty-seven percent in the price of crude since then, tion starts in 2019. of those say Draghi will expand to a 12-year low under $28 a bar- “The Johan Sverdrup project will be monthly bond-buying from the rel on Monday, has cast a shadow an all-time profitable project because current 60 billion euros ($66 bil- over the ECB’s most recent fore- it’s being developed now with very lion), while 53 percent forecast cast of inflation accelerating to an low input prices,” said Jarand Rystad, another cut to the deposit rate. average of 1 percent this year and managing partner at Oslo-based con- Since the ECB started quanti- 1.6 percent in 2017. Banks such sultancy Rystad Energy AS. “The oil tative easing 10 months ago, prices as BNP Paribas SA and Bank of price will rise, so it will be an enor- more than 50 billion kroner, of which couple of examples illustrate how costs have barely risen and the time- America Merrill Lynch project mously profitable field.” over 70 percent has gone to Norwe- have fallen: rig owner Odfjell Drilling You’re hitting a frame for returning inflation to consumer prices will rise by just Statoil, the operator of the field, gian companies such as Kvaerner ASA agreed to drill starting this year for market in steep the central bank’s goal of just 0.5 percent in 2016. has cut the estimate for capital spend- and Aker Solutions ASA. half the price it charged before; Kvaer- under 2 percent has twice been Euro-area inflation stood at ing on Sverdrup to 160 billion kroner “Norwegian suppliers have proven ner, which will deliver one platform decline, and there’s extended. The Governing Council 0.2 percent in December, lower to 190 billion kroner from 170 billion very competitive,” Skauby said by deck and three substructures, signed good capacity to will meet on Thursday in Frank- than anticipated. Analysts fore- kroner to 220 billion kroner previ- phone. “That’s led us to already see contracts for the latter last year at the furt after already showing itself cast the rate to turn negative in ously, Det Norske Oljeselskap ASA, a positive development for Sverdrup. same nominal price as it was charg- implement this to be divided on the right policy the coming months before picking another of the deposit’s stakeholders, We’ll have to get back to possible ing in 2005, it said in October. type of project approach, raising the pressure up in the second half of the year. said Monday. With 60 percent of the updates on figures.” The project now has a break- on Draghi to convince his watch- “The ECB must react to this investments in kroner, the project is Statoil and Det Norske expect the even price of $25 a barrel, according in the Norwegian ers that he can still deliver on his in order to maintain credibil- also profiting from a slide of the Nor- second part of the equation to add to Swedbank. Carnegie Investment supplier industry, at mandate. ity on its ‘inflation is not rising wegian currency against the dollar in up as well, with oil prices rising in Bank AB sees it even lower at $20. very advantageous “If oil prices remain at the fast enough’ argument that was parallel with the oil slump. the long term. The benchmark Brent “Indirectly, lower oil price has a current depressed levels, the ECB behind the December” decision, Det Norske expects the invest- blend will average $63.5 a barrel in positive effect on the Johan Sverdrup prices,” he said. “So will probably not just sit, wait and said Rasmus Gudum-Sessingoe, ments to come in at the lower end 2019, according to the mean estimate project, as it has contributed to sig- at least the first hope for the best,” said Holger senior economist at Svenska Han- of the range, and maybe even lower, of eight analysts surveyed by Bloomb- nificantly lower capex,” said Carnegie Sandte, chief European analyst delsbanken in Copenhagen. “The Chief Executive Officer Karl Johnny erg over the past two months. analyst Kjetil Bakken. part of the equation at Nordea Markets in Copenha- obstacles that we see to action Hersvik said. “Sverdrup is perfectly timed in Sverdrup, which is expected to is fulfilled gen. “We could see more easing being taken in March include “You’re hitting a market in steep relation with the oil price drop,” Teodor produce for 50 years, was discovered as early as in March.” whether the ECB is able to find decline, and there’s good capacity to Sveen Nilsen, an analyst at Swedbank in two parts by Lundin Petroleum AB The ECB will publish updated common ground within the Gov- implement this type of project in the AB, said by phone. The field will end and Statoil in 2010 and 2011. It now inflation and growth forecasts erning Council.” Norwegian supplier industry, at very up in the top five most profitable oil represents a lifeline for the industry at its March meeting, where any In the Bloomberg survey, 45 advantageous prices,” he said. “So at least projects offshore Norway along with as oil investments in Norway are set to downgrades could provide the percent of those economists fore- the first part of the equation is fulfilled.” Statfjord, Oseberg, Ekofisk and Gull- drop for a third consecutive year and justification for more action. seeing more stimulus say it will Statoil agrees that the timing is faks, if not ahead of these, he said. won’t rise again until 2019, according Economists in a separate sur- be announced at the March 10 good with project costs in general Statoil started awarding a flurry of to the Norwegian Petroleum Direc- veypredict the central bank will policy meeting, with 45 percent dropping as much as 30 percent to contracts to suppliers from engineering torate. Norway is western Europe’s keep all interest rates unchanged predicting the central bank will 40 percent, according to Ola Anders firms to platform and pipeline builders largest crude producer and depends this week. act by June. Skauby. The company has so far after submitting a development plan on the offshore industry for about a awarded contracts on Sverdrup for to the government last February. A fifth of its economic output.

The Chinese situation is akin to the US crisis in the Capital ’80s, which hurt but didn’t cripple the economy. Adam Posen, President, China has little debt denominated in foreign Peterson Institute for Comment currency, banks are showing no signs of instability International Economics

TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS Market Talk Insider dealing trial Financial Times @ FT Alphaville zeroes in on 6 stocks FinancialTimes Cooler heads prevail NAME IN THE MARKET: LOAN MARKET a 71-year-old private day trader, even in market panic Bloomberg former Aria Capital Ltd. direc- China is slowing, the oil tor Iraj Parvizi, and accountant Andrew Hind, 55, are accused price is getting hammered, of conspiring to trade securities the Fed hiked too soon: all LONDON: Sky Plc and Legal & with inside information. Christiana Figueres @ reasons for the ignominious General Group Plc are among Ellison took the jury through CFigueres stocks at the center of the UK’s phone calls and trading records start to the year for the highest-profile insider trading setting out how information was trial, where prosecutors alleged passed from Dodgson and Harri- Honored to have deliv- world’s stock markets that five men made 7.4 million son to Hind, who then contacted ered Majilis Lecture on pounds ($10.6 million) from Parvizi and Anderson to trade #COP21 to UAE Crown improper dealing. on it. Ellison said that while Prince Court A London jury was told Mon- the group did a “pretty good day that the men, who worked job of hiding what they were UN Climate Action @ as day traders and in the corpo- doing,” it was obvious from the DealB%k rate-broking departments of big patterns of contact they had con- UNFCCC firms, shared inside information spired to profit on non- public Ban Ki-moon: “Renew- between 2006 and 2010 on six information able energy is limitless stocks, Mark Ellison, a trial law- In the example of beverage- & will last forever; it yer for the prosecution said. The maker Scottish and Newcastle, the gives security & peace America’s too-big-to-fail shares of Scottish and Newcastle group traded shares in October of mind” cabal is nursing $130 billion Ltd., Paragon Group of Compa- 2007 at the same time Dodgson’s nies Plc, Just Retirement Group then-employer Lehman Broth- in damages. That’s the The Economist @ Plc and nCipher Plc were targeted. ers Holdings Inc. was advising amount of market value lost Martyn Dodgson, a 44-year- Carlsberg A/S on a potential take- TheEconomist old former managing director over bid for it. Ellison showed the by the nation’s top six banks at Deutsche Bank AG, Andrew jury the open plan office where For the salt-of-the- in the last two weeks “Grant” Harrison, who worked Dodgson sat next to a number of earth middle manager, at stockbroker Panmure Gordon colleagues working on the deal 2016 will be the most & Co at the time of the alleged and played recordings of Parvizi painful year on record behavior, Benjamin Anderson, and Anderson placing buy orders. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGEPA | 30 PAGE | 35 MMadridadrid players Manning steers prepreferfer ZidaneZida over Broncos to win Benitez: RRonaldo over Steelers

TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 • 9 Rabia II 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar Unbeaten Qatar march into AFC U23 quarters

games to level the scores, before Alaa FOOTBALL netted his third of the group stage after AFC U23 CHAMPIONSHIP Coach Felix Sanchez 25 minutes. side tops Group Ali extended the advantage just three minutes later, and after Omar well and play well in the next game A with an all-win Kharbin’s late penalty for Syria had to be in the next stage which is the record to qualify for threatened a comeback, Alaa made sure semi-final. The players are highly moti- of the win with eight minutes remain- vated and looking forward to play in the last eight stage, ing as Felix Sanchez’s Qatar followed the next game and to win to be in the Iran book place in up earlier wins over China and Iran semi-final.” knockout phase of to set-up a quarter-final meeting with Looking to build on Friday’s 3-1 the runner-up from Group B back at win over China to remain in the qual- championship Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Friday. ification picture, Syria took the lead “It is obviously not the start of after just four minutes as Kalfa rifled the game we expected, we were a bit home from the edge of the penalty area The Peninsula sleepy in the beginning of the game past an unsighted Muhannad Naim in and our opponents were pushing and the Qatar goal after Amro Jeniat had we received a goal, but the mentality been given a second chance to deliver of the team was very good after we the ball into the box. DOHA: Ahmed Alaa scored twice conceded,” said Qatar coach Sanchez. But the lead lasted just six min- while captain Abdelkarim Hassan and “We scored three and this gave us utes as Hassan bundled home via the Moez Ali both scored as hosts Qatar the rhythm of the game and I think underside of the crossbar from the qualified for the quarter-finals of the in the second half we created many edge of the six yard area after Akram AFC U23 Championship with a 100% chances to score more goals and finally Afif’s poor free-kick from the edge of record as Group A winners following it was 4-2 and I am proud of the players the area had fortunately deflected off yesterday’s highly entertaining 4-2 for their effort. It is amazing against a a team-mate on the edge of the wall. comeback win over Syria. team who it is difficult to play against, Qatar completed the turnaround Yousef Kalfa had given Syria the but I think we deserved the result. just 15 minutes later as Alaa rounded lead after just four minutes at Jassim “Our aim is the next game which is off a swift counterattack by holding Bin Hamad Stadium only for Hassan the quarter-final and there is no sec- off defender Abdullah Al Shami before to quickly net his fourth goal in three ond chance and we will try to compete firing low across Nassan from inside the area following Afif’s charging run from inside his own half. Qatar’s And just three minutes later captain Qatar added a third as Ali muscled Abdelkarim off defender Mouaiad Al Ajaan to race Action from the AFC U23 Championship match between Qatar and Syria in Doha yesterday. Qatar won 4-2. Hassan (right) onto Afif’s sublime chipped pass before celebrates calmly rounding exposed goalkeeper Bottom: A Qatari player celebrates with fans at the end of the match. after scoring a Nassan and rolling the ball into the goal. empty net. Group A Standings The start to the second half was Teams P W D L GF GA Pts less frantic, although Qatar came close Qatar 3 3 0 0 9 4 9 to a fourth just five minutes after the restart as Alaa tested Nassan from out- Iran 3 2 0 1 6 4 6 side of the area. Syria 3 1 0 2 5 7 3 Qatar continued to look the more China 3 0 0 3 4 9 0 likely to increase their lead, although the home side were indebted to goal- keeper Naim with 12 minutes remaining Asad’s perfectly weighted through ball as the custodian produced a superb before beating Nassan with a com- one-handed diving save to push away posed finish. a powerful header from Syria substi- “I think we played one of our best tute Nassouh Nakkdahli. games, but the scenario of the game But the contest appeared to be did not go as we planned,” said Syria heading for a tense finish as Kharbin coach Muhannad Al Fakeer after seeing converted from the penalty spot with his side eliminated from the tourna- nine minutes remaking after Nakk- ment after Iran recorded 3-2 win over dahli had been bundled over inside China to claim second place. the area by Musaab Al Khidir. “We lost this game, but I think we Any thoughts of a comeback, played a good game, but it was not though, were quickly extinguished enough. a minute later as Alaa raced onto Ali “We made mistakes with passes and with positioning and these mis- Results takes affected us during the match and Qatar 4 Syria 2 they affected the result. Such games need strong mentality to help the team Iran 3 China 2 when you are leading.” Iran down China to finish second in Group A, meet Japan next

The Peninsula from one end of the pitch to the other. The response from Khakpour’s Zhang Yuning almost managed to team was instantaneous, with Pahla- redirect Mi Haolun’s 36th minute free van receiving the ball on the edge of the DOHA: Iran moved into the quarter- kick into the goal, only to find the arms Chinese penalty area before stroking finals of the AFC U23 Championship as of Iran goalkeeper Mohammedreza a right foot shot beyond Zhang Yinuo Mohammed Khakpour’s team notched Akhbari with his effort on the slide. and into the bottom corner. up a 3-2 win over China yesterday to Less than a minute later, Pahla- Three minutes after the restart, secure second place in Group A and van’s attempt suffered a similar fate the Iranians looked to have killed set-up a quarter-final meeting with after his one-two with Torabi unlocked off any threat that the Chinese might Japan. the Chinese defence. pull level again when Torabi scored Arsalan Motahhari gave the Ira- In their next attack, however, Iran with a beautiful curling free kick nians the lead before Chang Feiya took the lead. Reza Aliyari stormed from 25 yards out that clipped the levelled seconds later. down the left wing before cutting in underside of the bar before cross- Ehsan Pahlavan restored his side’s a low cross that Chinese goalkeeper ing the line. lead in a frantic three-minute spell late Zhang Yinuo fumbled and Motahhari China reduced the deficit in in the first half before Mahdi Torabi’s poked over the line. the 69th minute when second-half free kick just after the break extended Iran’s lead lasted less than a substitute Liao Lisheng struck from Iran’s advantage, although a penalty by minute thanks to a moment of indi- the penalty spot after Mi Haolun Liao Lisheng caused some late jitters. vidual brilliance from Chang Feiya, was brought down in the area by A nondescript opening half hour who seared down the right wing Ali Abdollahzadeh, but it was not Shahin Saghebi (left) of Iran and Zhao Yuhao of China vie for ball possession during their AFC U23 Group gave way to a flurry of activity and before cutting inside, evading two enough to kick start a comeback for goals as the opening period came to defenders and then beating Akh- Fu Bo’s team and Iran advanced to A match in Doha yesterday. Right: Iran players and officials celebrate after scoring a goal against China. a close, with the action moving freely bari with a deflected shot. the last eight. Iran won 3-2 and qualified for the quarter-finals. PICTURE BY SALIM/THE PENINSULA 30 TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 SPORT Suarez fires hat-trick, Real Madrid trail by two points

SOCCER: SPANISH Barcelona thrash LA LIGA Athletic Bilbao 6-0 Real Madrid’s coach and former while Real Madrid Madrid have now scored French skipper Zinedine Zidane rout Sporting 35 goals in six games at home since losing 4-0 to Barcelona in Gijon 5-1 November. “We played very well in the first-half. We were concentrated Madrid’s players prefer Zidane and up for the game from the start. AFP We prepared well and are happy with how the match went,” said over Benitez, says Ronaldo Zidane. “Karim just has a knock, MADRID: Newly-crowned World which isn’t so bad. Gareth is a AFP Player of the Year Lionel Messi little more complicated because had to be withdrawn at half-time it is his calf and in his left leg with a hamstring problem as Luis which is a problem,” the legen- Suarez’s hat-trick led Barcelona dary Frenchman added. MADRID: Cristiano Ronaldo (pic- to a 6-0 thrashing of 10-man Ath- “He will have a scan tomor- tured) has admitted the Real Madrid letic Bilbao on Sunday. row and we hope it is nothing squad are much happier under French Real Madrid remain two serious.” legend Zinedine Zidane than in Rafael points behind Barca as Zined- Bale scored his seventh Benitez’s unhappy seven-month spell ine Zidane’s dream start to life headed goal of the season from in charge. as boss continued as Los Blancos Toni Kroos’s corner on seven Zidane’s dream start in charge scored four times in the opening minutes to get the hosts off to continued with a 5-1 thrashing of 18 minutes on their way to a 5-1 the perfect start. Sporting Gijon on Sunday with three- rout of Sporting Gijon. Ronaldo smashed home Ben- time World Player of the Year Ronaldo However, Zidane’s joy was zema’s through ball into the roof scoring twice as did Karim Benzema. also tempered by an injury to of the net and Benzema then pro- Gareth Bale continued his great Gareth Bale. duced a special finish of his own form with the opening goal before Atletico Madrid stay a point as he acrobatically swivelled to hobbling off with the recurrence of clear at the top thanks to Antoine volley home Bale’s cross. a calf problem. Griezmann’s double in a 3-0 vic- Another flowing Madrid move Benitez’s reign ended after just 25 He is a calm person, but serious at his tory at Las Palmas. Messi paraded saw Ronaldo sweep home Dani games amid rumours of dressing room job and off the pitch he is fun. his record fifth Ballon d’Or before Carvajal’s cross at the near post discontent, and Ronaldo confirmed “He has a connection with the kick-off and the game at the Camp two minutes later. the former Liverpool manager didn’t players and I am very happy. It is an Nou barely lasted three minutes There was some brief res- have the same regard among Madrid’s interesting time for me and the play- as a contest. pite for Sporting as Zidane’s star-studded squad as Zidane, who ers. We are in good form and working Suarez was brought down as men waited 23 minutes to add was a Ballon d’Or winner himself as hard.” he rounded Gorka Iraizoz and the the fifth when brilliant play from a player. The only sour note on another Athletic goalkeeper was shown Isco freed Benzema to roll in his “Zidane has been a boost for team. rousing victory for Madrid at the San- a red card for denying a clear 20th goal in 19 appearances this Truthfully, with some coaches you tiago Bernabeu after a 5-0 thrashing Barcelona’s Luis Suarez goalscoring opportunity. season. have more empathy than others,” said of Deportivo la Coruna on Zidane’s celebrates after scoring a Messi converted the resulting Sporting managed to restore Ronaldo. “I did my job naturally under bow as coach last weekend were inju- goal against Athletic Bilbao spot-kick and Suarez was also some pride after half-time and Benitez, I was serious and did the ries suffered by Bale and Benzema. on Sunday. heavily involved for the second were rewarded when Isma Lopez best for the club, independent of the “Disappointed to come off, will as he played in Neymar to dink rounded off a fine team goal just person who is in charge of the team. work hard to get back on the pitch!” his 19th goal of the season after the hour mark. “I have never had a bad opinion Bale posted on his official Twitter past substitute keeper Iago Atletico maintained their title of Rafa. He always did the best for account. Herrerin. challenge as a rock-solid defen- Madrid, but he sees football in a dif- “Karim just has a knock, which However, the Argentine sive display and Griezmann’s ferent way from Zizou. Don’t ask me isn’t so bad,” said Zidane. Messi’s injury not worth wasn’t missed as brilliant play goals were again the keys again why, but the players feel more empa- “Gareth is a little more compli- from Neymar teed up Suarez for Diego Simeone’s men. thy for Zidane.” cated because it is his calf and in his and Ivan Rakitic to make it 4-0. Jan Oblak ensured a 14th However, the Portuguese captain left leg which is a problem. risking, says Enrique Suarez rounded off the scor- clean sheet in 20 games this sea- denied the players had deliberately “He will have a scan tomorrow ing with two more to move out son with two vital early saves got Benitez the sack. and we hope it is nothing serious.” in front as La Liga’s top-scorer before Filipe Luis fired home his “Players don’t do that kind of Madrid got off to a flying start as AFP minutes in for bringing down Luis Suarez with 18. first goal since returning to the thing. At least I don’t, independent Bale, Ronaldo (2) and Benzema put inside the area. Real Madrid’s victory was club in July to give the visitors a of the empathy, you have to be seri- the hosts 4-0 inside 18 minutes before Neymar made it 2-0 before the break overshadowed by what looked half-time lead. ous in your job. The players are more Benzema made it 5-0 at the break. when Messi was replaced by Turkish player like the recurrence of a calf prob- And with Las Palmas push- enthused now with Zizou.” “You can always improve, but the BARCELONA: Barcelona’s boss Luis Enrique Arda Turan. lem for Bale that kept him out ing for an equaliser, Koke played Benitez’s appointment was an first-half was spectacular,” said the insisted his decision to remove Lionel Messi “We have to wait and see what the tests for a month earlier this season in Griezmann twice to finish in unpopular one from the start with Frenchman. at half-time of the European champions’ say, but it was a slight strain and we pre- after he scored his 11th goal in the final quarter to take his tally the players unhappy at the sacking “We had everything; good play, 6-0 thrashing of Athletic Bilbao on Sunday ferred not to risk it.” eight games. for the season to 18. of his predecessor Carlo Ancelotti. defensive work and we are going to was a precaution taken with Barcelona’s “If I don’t like taking risks with any Karim Benzema and Cris- Gary Neville’s winless Zidane worked under the Italian improve because physically we need congested fixture list in mind. player, imagine what I am like with Leo tiano Ronaldo also scored twice streak as Valencia boss in La as assistant manager as Madrid won to improve a lot. Messi paraded his record fifth Ballon Messi,” said Enrique. in the first-half before the former Liga stretched to six games in a their 10th European Cup in 2013/14 and “We want to win games, but, d’Or to the Barca fans before kick-off and Barca face Athletic once more in the also picked up a knock in a col- disappointing 2-2 draw at home Ronaldo seems similarities between above all, win at the end of the sea- opened the scoring from the penalty spot first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final lision with teammate James to relegation threatened Rayo Zidane and Ancelotti’s coaching syles. son because that is when the titles after Gorka Iraizoz was sent-off just three tie tomorrow. Rodrigue z. VaValleca ecano. “His training sessions are similar. are decided.” African strikers make their presence felt in Europe

AFP Leicester’s unexpected push for SPAIN the Premier League title but last Arthur Boka (Malaga) weekend was one to forget for Ivorian full-back Boka was the Algeria winger. Minutes after sent-off for two bookable offences PARIS: Rudy Gestede was on the the Foxes had gone 1-0 up at Villa as Malaga’s seven-game unbeaten mark for Aston Villa in England, Park, they were awarded a pen- run in La Liga came to an end in while Cheikhou Kouyate had an alty when his shot was blocked by a 2-1 defeat at Sevilla. outstanding match for West Ham. the sliding Aly Cissokho’s raised FRANCE In France there were match- arm. Despite missing from the spot Floyd Ayite (Bastia) winning goals from Floyd Ayite earlier this month Mahrez took Togo international Ayite at Bastia and Cheick Diabate at the penalty himself, but his cas- scored three minutes after half- Bordeaux, and in Italy Jerry Mba- ual strike down the middle was time to earn Bastia a 1-0 win at kogu scored the winner for Carpi too close to Mark Bunn and the home to Montpellier. The winger from the penalty spot. Villa goalkeeper made the save. headed home Florian Marange’s ENGLAND Yaya Toure (Manchester cross for his fourth goal of the Rudy Gestede (Aston Villa) City) season. The Benin striker scored an The Ivory Coast star suffered Cheick Diabate (Bordeaux) equaliser 15 minutes from time the indignity of being dropped Mali striker Diabate struck for Aston Villa in their 1-1 draw to the bench but made his mark the winner for Bordeaux for the with high-flying Leicester when, when he came on in the second second time in as many games as after coming on minutes earlier half with a neat piece of play as they beat Lille 1-0. The 27-year-old as a substitute, he got away with City’s best move of the match led headed home a cross from Tuni- the ball bouncing off his arm and to a third goal, and Sergio Ague- sian international Wahbi Khazri Aston Villa’s Beninese striker Rudy Gestede who scored an then benefitted from a Robert Huth ro’s second of the match, in a 4-0 six minutes into the second half. clearance that hit him in the groin rout of Crystal Palace. ITALY equaliser in their 1-1 draw with high-flying Leicester. before his deflected shot found Cheikhou Kouyate (West Mohamed Salah (Roma) its way into the net for his first Ham) Coach Luciano Spalletti was the hosts’ advantage when he hit a to Mbakogu’s second-half pen- goal since September. Unfortu- A forceful and aggressive dis- back in charge of Roma after the wasted shot instead of offering up alty. Sampdoria’s Joaquin Correa nately for Villa, the point gained play meant the Senegal star was sacking of Rudi Garcia and Salah’s to Edin Dzeko, who was in a bet- pulled the match level six minutes was not enough to take them off the pick of West Ham’s midfield in performance reflected the gen- ter position. It finished tied at 1-1. after Lorenzo Lollo’s opener for the bottom of the table. their 2-1 loss away to Newcastle. eral malaise being felt at the Serie Jerry Mbakogu (Carpi) the hosts, and after a foul in the Riyad Mahrez (Leicester The London club may still have A club. The Egyptian winger was Carpi are in a battle against area Nigerian Mbakogu stepped City) come away with a point if his far from his best and, after Radja relegation but the league minnows up to beat Emiliano Viviano in the He has been having a bril- late header had not been saved Nainggolan had given Roma a 1-0 were given a huge boost with a visiting goal to put Carpi ahead Leicester City’s Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez. liant season as a key member of by Newcastle keeper Rob Elliot. lead, spurned the chance to double fourth win of the campaign thanks on 55 minutes. SPORT TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 31

South African star Cele dies in tragic accident

AFP passenger died when the driver lost control of the car, a provincial trans- port department spokesman said. A third passenger survived. JOHANNESBURG: South African “His character on and off the field Premier League footballer Mondli was impeccable,” said Maritzburg Cele died on Sunday after the car chairman Farook Kadodia, refer- he was travelling in, plunged into a ring to 27-year-old midfielder Cele. river near the eastern city of Pie- Premier Soccer League spokes- termaritzburg. man Lux September said: “Mondli The tragedy occurred a few hours scored a beautiful goal and it was after the 27-year-old scored for Mar- to be his last celebration.” He was itzburg United in a 3-3 Premiership included in the preliminary South thriller against famed Soweto club Africa squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of Orlando Pirates. Cele and another Nations but did not make the final 23.

Wenger optimistic over playmaker Ozil’s return

Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney (left) scores a goal during their Barclays Premier League match against Liverpool, played at the Britannia AFP we had Mesut, it would have been a Stadium in Stoke-on-Trent on Monday. different game (against Stoke). “Ozil has an inflammation of the foot. On Saturday morning he was STOKE-ON-TRENT: Arsenal man- not very well and he was already not ager Arsene Wenger hopes playmaker 100 percent at Liverpool,” the vet- Mesut Ozil will be fit to face Chelsea eran French boss added. after the German was forced to miss “I decided to leave him out but Van Gaal hopes Anfield Sunday’s goalless draw at Stoke with I think he should be back for next a foot injury. Sunday.” Ozil is well clear at the top of the Ozil’s absence left Arsenal labour- Premier League’s ‘assists’ charts with ing at the Britannia Stadium, where 16, compared to nine for his nearest they managed just three shots on tar- challenger, Manchester City’s Kevin get and found Stoke goalkeeper Jack de Bruyne. Butland equal to them. win will fire title belief And Wenger hopes the 27-year- A point was enough to take the old will overcome the injury in order north London club back to the top of to face the struggling Premier League the table as they edged clear of Leices- to everybody in the environment of see Rooney scoring.” There is nobody champions at the Emirates Stadium ter City on goal difference, but it was Man United manager SOCCER: BARCLAYS Manchester United. as prolific as Rooney in the ranks of next weekend after conceding he another afternoon of frustration in believes the title is PREMIER LEAGUE “We have to continue. That’s not Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who was missed during a stalemate in the Potteries for Wenger so easy. We have seen that today, but once again preferred Roberto Firmino the Potteries. His side have now failed to win still a viable objective we can do it. We show every week to £32.5 million ($46.3 million, 42.5 “There is no team in the world at Stoke’s home in six attempts - a after Red Devils’ 1-0 leaders Arsenal in fifth place. United that we can do it.” million euros) striker Christian Ben- that wouldn’t miss Ozil,” Wenger said. sequence that dates back to Febru- had been second-best by some dis- Castigated in some quarters for his teke in attack. “We are used to having him there. If ary 2010. win over Liverpool tance until then, but following a run performances over the first half of the For all their dominance, Liverpool of four straight defeats over Christmas season, Rooney has become the figure- could not score, with United goalkeeper that saw Van Gaal’s position called into head of United’s mini-revival, scoring David de Gea notably thwarting Jor- question, they are now unbeaten in five five goals in his last four appearances. dan Henderson and, twice, Emre Can, AFP games and their manager believes the He was a peripheral figure against but Klopp said that he was satisfied title is still a viable objective. Liverpool until the hosts switched off at with his options at centre-forward. “I think to beat Liverpool is always a corner, allowing Marouane Fellaini to “The smallest of all our problems important and today (Sunday) it was head against the bar from Juan Mata’s today was our centre-forward,” said LIVERPOOL: Manchester United’s important because our competitors cross, and when the ball dropped in the German, whose side are six points smash-and-grab 1-0 victory at Liver- have lost points,” he said. the six-yard box, the United number below United in ninth place. pool will strengthen conviction that “When the gap is seven points, you 10 reacted quickest to lash home the “Roberto Firmino made again a they can yet end a difficult season as can oversee (overcome) that. So that’s winner. really good game. He can play this Premier League champions, accord- what I’m thinking. “A striker who scores is always very position. He is a real centre-forward ing to manager Louis van Gaal. “We have a lot of matches still to important,” said Van Gaal. when he plays there. Plus all the other Wayne Rooney’s 78th-minute go. We started 2016 very good with a “Now he’s scoring in a row and things. goal at a chilly Anfield on Sunday lot of wins, a draw (3-3 at Newcastle we are winning in a row. It’s always “Today we played not bad, so we’re earned United an opportunistic win United), and we didn’t lose. like that. I’m very happy for him, but on a good way. Of course not every- over their arch rivals, which left the “I think this game shall give a also for Manchester United and for one can see it, but we need the results Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger 20-time champions seven points below big boost to the players, to the fans, the fans, because everyone wants to and we don’t have them often enough.” Treble would be perfect send-off for Guardiola, says Lahm

The Peninsula who has won the Champions League wonderful moment you share with on a number of occasions. So I def- Bayern Munich star colleagues and staff who have gone initely look forward to that, but on the journey with you for the past 10 Philipp Lahm the other hand I have had and still years, that is unforgettable.” DOHA: Philipp Lahm will never for- have a very good time with Pep. We The former Germany captain get watching Lothar Matthäus lift the understand each other well and it also looked forward to Qatar as a FIFA World Cup with West Germany is enjoyable to play under him. But host nation, highlighting that sport in Italia ’90. Twenty-four years later, it I have been playing since I was six has the power to unite people from was Lahm’s turn to do the same in the and players and coaches come and different corners of the world. iconic Maracaná Stadium as Germany go, so it is a natural part of the way He said: “There are great events defeated Argentina 1-0 in 2014. Same things go and you accept and respect here in Doha, in a few weeks the golf team, same score line, same result – these decisions.” tournament will be here again. Two Germany crowned world champions. Lahm added that Bayern Munich years ago it was nice to see the ten- Speaking exclusively to www.sc.qa will be looking to give Guardiola nis live. When we train here there is during Bayern Munich’s recent win- the perfect send off this summer, always a lot of interest from the fans ter training camp in Doha, the Bayern but pointed out that the treble was a which is something nice. Football lives Munich star reflected on the tour- difficult undertaking which has only from the fans and from people coming nament that helped inspire him to been achieved once by a German side. together, and that is the most impor- become a FIFA World Cup winner. He added: “The aim is to play suc- tant thing – football unites the whole Lahm said: “The first tournament cessful football. For us that means world. This is the positive power that I followed on TV was in 1990. I was that there should be titles at the end the sport has, and I hope it will be just over six years old and Germany of the season. Anyone who knows FC the same at the World Cup in Qatar by chance also became World Cham- Bayern and our history as well as our in 2022. People will come together, pions. It was a very nice experience recent seasons knows we can play for have a nice festival, and I think this for me and one I think back to fondly. the title in all competitions and win is what football can do.” The games were outstanding and there them. Our aim is always to go for the Lahm concluded by saying that were great characters in the German maximum and get all three titles, but despite criticism which Bayern Munich team, led by coach Franz Becken- we know how difficult that is.” final of the Champions League last also count to the favourites, but I think Qatar 2022 is too far away for me.” has faced in Germany, the best way bauer – the Kaiser.” “A German team has only won the season, and to face them in the sec- the Spaniards are the biggest chal- Lahm also fondly remembered to deal with issues was to engage in Lahm has been a key player for treble once for a reason, but in Qatar ond round is not easy. Defensively lengers. All games now you need to the last 60 seconds of extra time in dialogue. Bayern coach Pep Guardiola, who we had the conditions to prepare in they are very well organised, and they play at your best and not show any Brazil, even though it was an excru- “I always believe it is best to come leaves the club at the end of this sea- the best possible way. It is still a long have great players who can make a weaknesses.” ciating wait at the time. to a place and talk about things. What son after three years in Bavaria. The way. It is now January and in May the difference. But I still think we are the Looking back at his decision to He explained: “I have been play- we experience in our own countries, player widely regarded as one of the prizes will be handed out. Of course it favourites.” retire after the World Cup triumph ing and watching football for such a what it is like in other places, the most best full-backs in the game expressed would be perfect to go home with all Among the other sides in with a in Brazil, the 32-year-old confessed long time and anything can happen important thing is that you talk about sadness at the prospect of the Span- three titles at the end of Guardiola’s chance of European glory this season, he had no regrets about hanging up in the final moments, so you really things. You will not be able to change iard leaving, yet looked forward to time, we all have that aim.” Lahm counts defending champions his boots. yearn for the final whistle. Leading anything by staying at home and not working with another top coach in Looking forward to Bayern’s next Barcelona, Zinedine Zidane’s Real He won’t be in Qatar but that 1-0 in the final in extra time, you just talking about it. I think that is the most Carlo Ancelotti. tie in the Champions League against Madrid, and a side from France. doesn’t mean Lahm won’t be fasci- want him to blow the whistle. It was important thing, and Bayern Munich “I have had a lot of top coaches, in-form Juventus, Lahm said that the He said: “The Spanish teams will nated watching the Middle East host incredible relief when it was over, you does that again and again. Qatar is from Germany like Hitzfeld, Magath, German champions were still favour- play a very big role again. Barcelona the World Cup for the very first time. let everything pass by that has hap- not the topic, but it is many topics that Heynckes, and international greats like ites to advance. is leaving a very good impression, and “Now I enjoy watching the games pened with the national team over Bayern Munich openly communicated Van Gaal, Pep Guardiola now and then He stressed: “It is a difficult draw they are also the defending champi- and I wish them good luck, as will the past years, the bitter defeats. The about on critical issues and that is another one coming in Carlo Ancelotti, because it is a team which was in the ons, as are Real Madrid. Paris could be the case in France next summer. two hours after the final whistle is the very important.” 32 TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 SPORT Djokovic, Serena make bright starts

TENNIS: THE 2016 Defending champions AUSTRALIAN OPEN Roger Federer of kick off their Grand “I’m feeling really good, which is Switzerland serves to Slam campaigns with a positive. I’m just happy to finish off Nikoloz Basilashvili of today and be able to get ready for the Georgia during their easy wins over their next one,” said the Russian. match on day one of rivals in extreme Kei Nishikori, Tomas Berdych and the Australian Open in Australia’s Nick Kyrgios also went Melbourne, Australia, Melbourne heat through without significant prob- yesterday. lems, while Caroline Wozniacki was the biggest casualty on day one. The former world number one, who joined fellow seeds Sloane Stephens, AFP Sara Errani and Ivo Karlovic on the sidelines, was stunned in three sets by Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva. M E L B O U R N E : Defending champions “I would say it’s a pretty lousy start Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams to the season,” the downcast Dane told raced into the Australian Open sec- reporters. ond round yesterday as the year’s first Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard safely Grand Slam was rocked by claims of reached the second round, and Spain’s widespread match-fixing in tennis. Carla Suarez earned applause when Former winners Roger Federer she helped a ballboy from the court and Maria Sharapova also progressed as he swooned in high temperatures. smoothly on a day of high tempera- However, the day was overshad- tures at Melbourne Park, where one owed by a report which said top-50 ballboy felt faint and had to be helped players, including Grand Slam cham- from the court. pions, had repeatedly been suspected Djokovic’s main opponent was of match-fixing without facing action. the 35 Celsius (95 Fahrenheit) heat Three suspect matches were at as, cooling himself with ice vests on Wimbledon, and eight of the players the change-overs, the top seed dis- under suspicion were due to take to patched Korean rising star Hyeon the courts for the Australian Open, the Maria Sharapova of Russia plays a shot to Nao Hibino of Japan during Chung 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. BBC and BuzzFeed claimed. their first-round match on day one of the Australian Open in Melbourne, “You try to stay composed, not get Association of Tennis Professionals carried away by heat, get distracted,” Australia, yesterday. (ATP) chief Chris Kermode yesterday said the Serb, who was forced out of rejected any suggestion that match- the 2009 quarter-finals as he strug- swollen knee which forced her out of can become only the second man to fixing evidence had been covered up gled with the heat. this month’s Hopman Cup mixed-team win six Australian Open crowns after or ignored. “Of course, there were some long tournament, Williams toughed it out Roy Emerson. “The Tennis Integrity Unit and the rallies, long exchanges that got both 6-4, 7-5 against Italy’s Camila Giorgi. Federer was also untroubled in tennis authorities absolutely reject any of us a little bit short on air. But I think “I haven’t played a competitive his 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 win over Georgia’s suggestion that evidence of match- physically I was really good on the match in a really long time so it was Nicoloz Basilashvili as he continued fixing has been suppressed for any court.” good for me to come out here and get his quest for a record-extending 18th reason or isn’t being thoroughly inves- Williams also made a positive through it,” Williams said. “I was able Grand Slam title. tigated,” Kermode said yesterday. return to competitive tennis, four to stay in it and stay calm and that is Sharapova, the women’s winner in “And while the BBC and BuzzFeed months after a heartbreaking defeat in what matters most.” 2008, beat Japan’s Nao Hibino 6-1, 6-3 reports mainly refer to events from the US Open semi-finals ended her bid Williams, 34, is seeking an Open- in just 73 minutes in her first match of about 10 years ago, we will investi- for a rare calendar-year Grand Slam. era record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam the year after a forearm injury forced gate any new information, and we Showing no discomfort from the title, while world number one Djokovic her out of the Brisbane International. always do.” Fuss-free Federer reaches second round , easy outing for Sharapova

REUTERS of a cloud knowing that I wasn’t 100 There were concerns ahead of Sharapova firing 12 winners to take percent. But this was a match where the clash about her lack of match fit- the set in 32 minutes. The set second I was able to focus on my game, on ness, after Sharapova pulled out of the started as the first finished with the MELBOURNE: A rampaging Roger tactics, all that stuff. So it was nice to Brisbane International with a fore- Russian dominant, immediately break- Federer kicked off his 17th Austral- play that way.” arm injury. ing to pile all the pressure on Hibino, ian Open campaign with a 6-2 6-1 6-2 Federer’s only wobble came early, But the 28-year-old, last year’s who has progressively climbed the demolition of Georgian battler Nikoloz when he surrendered serve in the sixth beaten finalist, was in fine fettle after rankings since her WTA debut in 2012. Basilashvili to reach the second round game of the first set, but he responded hours on the practice courts as she The 21-year-old Japanese had few AUSTRALIAN OPEN QUOTES yesterday. by winning six straight games to leave handed a tennis lesson to Hibino, who answers to the Russian armoury but On a day when match-fixing allega- the Georgian reeling. was making her Grand Slam debut. gamely clawed back two games, saved “For me, that’s an act of unsportsmanship, a crime in sport honestly. I don’t tions cast a pall over the tournament’s The third seed preserved his per- “I haven’t played many matches in three match points and even broke support it. I think there is no room for it in any sport, especially in tennis.” opening matches, the purity of Feder- fect record of surviving the opening many weeks so it’s great to come out Sharapova as she served for the match. - Novak Djokovic on match-fixing allegations that have rocked the er’s game shone through in a floodlit round at the year’s first grand slam but here and start my season at the Aus- But it was only delaying the inevita- Australian Open. Rod Laver Arena as the Swiss master faces a stiffer test against 35th-ranked tralian Open,” said Sharapova. ble and she eventually succumbed. put on a masterclass of clean hitting. Alexandr Dolgopolov, a hard-hitting “I was quite pleased in the way I The trouble-free performance was “I’m just thinking positive. You know, that match is done with. On to the Spared the sweltering conditions of Ukrainian with two tour titles. was able to play in my opening match,” a boost for Sharapova whose latter next one. So like I said, A for effort.” the day session, Federer barely raised “I think it’s going to be very tough, she said. half of 2015 was wrecked by injuries, - Serena Williams on how she rated her first round win. a sweat in hammering Basilashvili, to be honest,” said Federer, who prac- “I’m feeling really good, which is first to her right leg which forced her sending 31 winners whistling past the tised with the mercurial 27-year-old a positive. I’m just happy to finish off to miss the US Open. “It’s amazing how life goes by, and sometimes to be able to recollect 117th-ranked Georgian. in the off-season in Dubai. today and be able to get ready for the She retired from her comeback those memories is very interesting. I’ve been speaking to my grandpar- Having battled a flu during his run “He’s got the fitness, the power, next one.” match at the Wuhan Open in China in ents, my father and my mother a lot, recording the conversations. I feel to the final of the Brisbane Interna- the speed, tennis IQ, all that,” Fed- Grunting at full volume, the Rus- September with a left forearm injury, like a reporter in a way.” tional, the 34-year-old, a winner of erer said yesterday. sian five-time Grand Slam winner was only returning for the WTA Tour finals - Maria Sharapova who has been busy compiling her biography four Australian Open titles, was grate- Meanwhile, fifth seed Maria Shara- focused and in total control as she raced in Singapore at the end of October. which is out next year. ful to save his energy for more taxing pova crushed Japan’s Nao Hibino in a to a 3-0 lead in just 10 minutes. Despite this she managed two tour- encounters ahead. ruthless first round display as she fired It was the first meeting between nament wins (Brisbane and Rome), “I just think, you know, where I get a little bit angry, I get hung out to dry “I’m really pleased how I was able a warning to her rivals at the Austral- the pair and Hibino was at a loss on with a 39-9 win-loss record. a little bit.” to play. Definitely gives me a bit of a ian Open yesterday. how to handle Sharapova’s powerful She next plays Aliaksandra Sas- - Controversial Australian Nick Kyrgios, who has a bad boy lift in confidence, you know, because The Russian, attempting to win groundstrokes and pinpoint service novich of Belarus with a potential last reputation. this year I haven’t been able to play her first title at Melbourne Park since game. eight clash against her nemesis Serena properly yet,” Federer told reporters. 2008, was in blistering form to take The Japanese world number 56 Williams, who beat her in the final last “I would say it’s a pretty lousy start to the season.” “I mean, I had some decent matches the match 6-1, 6-3 in 73 minutes on managed to hold serve in the fourth year and has won every match they - Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki on her first-round loss to Yulia in Brisbane, but it was all under sort Margaret Court Arena. game but that was as good as it got with have played since 2004. Putintseva.

“It’s a massive advantage for me. I think knowing the home crowd’s Novak Djokovic behind you when you’re feeling physically tired or mentally drained, of Serbia serves they give you the spark you need.” the ball to Hyeon - Australian Nick Kyrgios said after he is roared on to victory over Chung of South Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta Korea during their first-round match “There’s always a little bit of nerves, sometimes more, sometimes of the Australian less, going into any Grand Slam, but especially when it’s your first Open in Melbourne tournament of the season. I just ... keep it simple.” yesterday. - Russia’s Maria Sharapova after winning her first match.

“Ever since I had a baby things have been going uphill. Baby, we probably need to have more babies!” - Top seed Novak Djokovic sends a message to his wife Jelena after his first round victory.

“I actually was told that I’m a female Lleyton Hewitt once by my friend.” - Australia’s Daria Gavrilova admits after she used compatriot Hewitt’s war-cry “C’mon!’ throughout her 7-6(3) 6-4 win over Lucie Hradecka. SPORT TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 33 Tennis rocked by ‘fixing’ allegations

every player I play seems to play hard,” TENNIS GRAPPLES WITH Serena Williams says women’s world number one Serena ‘SPOT FIXING’ ISSUE Williams told reporters. she knows nothing “If that’s going on, I don’t know or isn’t being thoroughly investigated,” about the menace about it.” said ATP chairman Chris Kermode. Men’s world number seven Kei “While the BBC and BuzzFeed News of fixing while Kei Nishikori of Japan said he had not reports mainly refer to events from Nishikori expresses heard of any incidence of match-fixing. about 10 years ago, we will investi- The BBC and BuzzFeed News said gate any new information,” Kermode similar sentiments the TIU, set up to police illegal activi- told a hastily arranged media confer- ties in tennis, either failed to act upon ence at Melbourne Park. information that identified suspicious The media reports said the 2007 behaviour amongst players, or impose ATP inquiry found betting syndicates in any sanctions. Russia, northern Italy and Sicily mak- All of the 16 players, including ing hundreds of thousands of pounds Reuters winners of Grand Slam titles, were betting on games which investigators allowed to continue competing, the thought to be fixed. media reports added. Three of these games were at MELBOURNE: World tennis was TIU director of integrity Nigel Will- Wimbledon. rocked yesterday by allegations that erton told reporters in Melbourne he In a confidential report for ten- the game’s authorities have failed to would not comment on whether any nis authorities in 2008, the inquiry deal with widespread match-fixing, players on the pro tour were under team said 28 players involved in those just as the Australian Open, the first investigation, saying it would be inap- games should be investigated but the Grand Slam tournament of the year, propriate to do so. findings were never followed up, the kicked off in Melbourne. Reporters were unable to independ- news organisations said. Tennis authorities rejected reports ently verify the findings by the BBC and Tennis authorities introduced a new by the BBC and online BuzzFeed News, BuzzFeed News, which said they had anti-corruption code in 2009 but after which said 16 players who have been obtained documents that included the taking legal advice were told previous ranked in the top 50 had been repeat- findings of an investigation set up in corruption offences could not be pur- edly flagged to the Tennis Integrity 2007 by the Association of Tennis Pro- sued, they added. France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (left) gestures as he speaks with the umpire during his singles match against Unit (TIU) over suspicions they had fessionals (ATP), the governing body Craig Tiley, Tennis Australia chief Marcos Baghdatis Cyprus on day one of the 2016 Australian Open in Melbourne yesterday. thrown matches in the past decade. of men’s professional tennis. executive and Australian Open tour- Eight of those players were taking The BBC and BuzzFeed News said nament director, said the Melbourne “We are confident that the Ten- powers. Tennis authorities have pumped for non-cooperation,” Willerton said part in the Australian Open, the BBC they had not named any players because event had robust anti-corruption sys- nis Integrity Unit is doing what it can about $14m into anti-corruption pro- yesterday. and BuzzFeed News said. without access to their phone, bank tems place. and tackles this issue very, very seri- grammes, Kermode added. Independent Australian Senator The media reports, which follow and computer records it was not pos- “All involved in the administra- ously,” Kermode said. TIU’s Willerton said they could ask Nick Xenophon yesterday said sports corruption scandals in world soccer and sible to determine whether they took tion of the Australian Open will not TIU investigations had resulted in for players’ electronic communication regulators were not rigorous enough athletics, created a stir at the event at part in match-fixing. tolerate any deviations from our val- sanctions against 18 players, with six devices, though those requests could and that the very nature of tennis made Melbourne Park, with players express- “The Tennis Integrity Unit and the ues and rules at any level,” Tiley said. issued life bans, he added. be refused. it possible to engage in spot fixing or ing surprise at the allegations. tennis authorities absolutely reject any Kermode added he was disap- Kermode also rejected sugges- “If they don’t then consent ... even match fixing, where single events “When I’m playing, I can only suggestion that evidence of match fix- pointed the story had taken attention tions the TIU was under-resourced that’s called non-cooperation, and are manipulated to affect live betting answer for me, I play very hard, and ing has been suppressed for any reason away from the tournament. and did not have necessary enforcement they can be reported and sanctioned odds.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN RESULTS Djokovic admits fixing approach, Men First Round Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Chung Hyeon (KOR) 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 Quentin Halys (FRA) bt Ivan Dodig (CRO) 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 7-5 Denis Kudla (USA) bt Filip Krajinovic (SRB) 6-2, 6-1, 0-0 ret questions betting sponsors Andreas Seppi (ITA x28) bt T Gabashvili (RUS) 3-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 7-6 (12/10) F Del Bonis (ARG) bt Ivo Karlovic (CRO x22) 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 2-1 abandon Renzo Olivo (ARG) bt Jiri Vesely (CZE) 7-6 (10/8), 2-6, 1-6, 6-4, 6-4 Evgeny Donskoy (RUS) bt Inigo Cervantes-Huegun (ESP) 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 Reuters “official wagering partner” of the Gilles Simon (FRA x14) bt Vasek Pospisil (CAN) 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 Australian Open last year, and this Omar Jasika (AUS) bt Illya Marchenko (UKR) 6-4, 3-6, 6-0, 6-4 year advertisements for the British Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA) bt Pablo Andujar (ESP) 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 6-2 bookmaker adorned the three main Noah Rubin (USA) bt Benoit Paire (FRA x17) 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/5) MELBOURNE: World number one showcourts at Melbourne Park for the G Garcia-Lopez (ESP x26) bt Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA) 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 Novak Djokovic said a member of first time. his staff was approached about fix- Critics, who say the relationship Daniel Brands (GER) bt Victor Estrella (DOM) 6-4, 7-6 (7/1), 4-6, 6-1 ing a match early in his career, and sends out the wrong message, have Austin Krajicek (USA) bt Wu Di (CHN) 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 he questioned whether betting com- called on Tennis Australia to end it, Kei Nishikori (JPN x7) bt Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 panies should be allowed to sponsor and Djokovic said there should at least Roger Federer (SUI x3) bt Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) 6-2, 6-1, 6-2 big tennis tournaments. be a debate. Aleksandr Dolgopolov (UKR) bt Ricardas Berankis (LTU) 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 The reigning Australian Open William Hill and Tennis Australia Marco Trungelliti (ARG) bt Jozef Kovalík (SVK) 6-4, 7-6 (7/1), 7-5 champion was speaking after the did not have immediate comment to Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x27) bt Paolo Lorenzi (ITA) 6-3, 7-6 (10/8), 6-3 sport was rocked by allegations that make. Dominic Thiem (AUT x19) bt L Mayer (ARG) 6-2, 7-6 (8/6), 4-6, 7-6 (7/0) the authorities had failed to deal with “Well, this is a subject for discus- widespread match-fixing. sion, I think, today and in the future,” Nicolas Almagro (ESP) bt Julien Benneteau (FRA) 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 7-6 (7/1) Djokovic said that as far as he Djokovic said. “It’s a fine line. Hon- Damir Dzumhur (BIH) bt Kyle Edmund (GBR) 1-6, 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 was aware there was no longer a estly it’s on a borderline, I would say,” David Goffin (BEL x15) bt Sergiy Stakhovsky (UKR) 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 problem with what he described as he added. “Whether you want to have Marin Cilic (CRO x12) bt Thiemo de Bakker (NED) 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, 6-2, 6-4 a “crime in sport” at the top level of betting companies involved in the big Albert Ramos (ESP) bt Borna Coric (CRO) 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 tennis, but added that he had once tournaments in our sport or not, it’s hard Dusan Lajovic (SRB) bt Sam Querrey (USA) 6-7 (5/7), 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 abandon been approached indirectly to throw to say what’s right and what’s wrong. Pablo Cuevas (URU) bt Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) 7-6 (7/5), 6-1, 6-4 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic signs autographs after winning his first-round a match. “One of the reasons why tennis is Mirza Basic (BIH) bt Robin Haase (NED) 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 6-4 “I was not approached directly, I match against South Korea’s Hyeon Chung at the Australian Open at a popular and clean sport is because Tomas Berdych (CZE x6) bt Yuki Bhambri (IND) 7-5, 6-1, 6-2 was approached through people that Melbourne Park, Australia, yesterday it has always valued its integrity,” he were with my team,” he said, after added. Nick Kyrgios (AUS x29) bt Pablo Carreno Busla (ESP) 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 cruising through his opening match “They were dealt with. In the last no longer a problem at the top level, “I think especially in the Grand R Bautista Agut (ESP x24) bt Martin Klizan (SVK) 6-2, 6-3, 4-6, 2-6, 6-2 at the tournament against South Korean six, seven years, I haven’t heard any- he could not speak for further down Slams that are and always have been Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA x9) bt Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 teenager Chung Hyeon yesterday. thing similar.” the tennis rankings. the most valued and respected and Women First Round “Of course, we threw it away right In 2007, Djokovic said an approach Djokovic was also asked about known tennis tournaments around Serena Williams (USA x1) bt Camila Giorgi (ITA) 6-4, 7-5 away. The guy that was trying to talk had been made offering him $200,000 the propriety of betting companies the world throughout the history of Hsieh Su-Wei (TPE) bt Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) 3-6, 7-5, 6-1 to me, he didn’t even get to me directly. to throw a match at the St Petersburg being sponsors of major tennis tour- this sport. Ana Konjuh (CRO) bt Urszula Radwanska (POL) 0-6, 6-4, 6-3 There was nothing out of it. Unfortu- Open in Russia, a tournament he did naments, even if there had never been “It’s hard to say. I don’t have yet Darya Kasatkina (RUS) bt Anna Karolina Schmiedlova (SVK x27) 6-3, 6-3 nately, there were some, in those times, not ultimately play in. allegations that such companies were (a) clear opinion about that. I think those days, rumours, some talk, some The 28-year-old Serb said that involved in any wrongdoing. it is a subject of discussion. We’ll see Margarita Gasparyan (RUS) bt Sara Errani (ITA x17) 1-6, 7-5, 6-1 people were going around. although he was confident there was William Hill became the first what happens.” Kurumi Nara (JPN) bt Oceane Dodin (FRA) 7-6 (7/2), 6-2 Han Xinyun (CHN) bt Mariana Duque (COL) 6-2, 2-1 ret Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) bt Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x16) 1-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 Belinda Bencic (SUI x12) bt Alison Riske (USA) 6-4, 6-3 Timea Babos (HUN) bt Heather Watson (GBR) 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, 7-5 Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) bt Ajla Tomljanovic (CRO) 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 Star Serena stunned by Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS x23) bt Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 6-0, 6-2 Lauren Davis (USA) bt Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS x26) 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) bt Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) bt Evgeniya Rodina (RUS) 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) ‘Supergirl’ reaction Maria Sharapova (RUS x5) bt Nao Hibino (JPN) 6-1, 6-3 Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) bt Aleksandra Krunic (SRB) 6-3, 6-4 Monica Puig (PUR) bt Magda Linette (POL) 6-3, 6-0 Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x4) bt Christina McHale (USA) 6-2, 6-3 AFP “I didn’t think it would be such a big story. I thought Wang Qiang (CHN) bt Sloane Stephens (USA x24) 6-3, 6-3 I just would post it on Facebook because it was fun,” she Anna-Lena Friedsam (GER) bt Lourdes Dominguez (ESP) 7-6 (7/3), 2-6, 6-1 said after easing into the Australian Open second round. MELBOURNE: Serena Williams yesterday said she was “I didn’t know it would be everywhere, every blog, Irina Falconi (USA) bt Anna Tatishvili (USA) 6-4, 3-6, 8-6 stunned by the reaction to a Facebook post she made that every TV channel, and every radio station. People were Roberta Vinci (ITA x13) bt Tamira Paszek (AUT) 6-4, 6-2 went viral, comparing herself to Supergirl after chasing calling me. My dad was worried. I just had no idea it would Carla Suarez (ESP x10) bt Viktorija Golubic (SUI) 7-5, 6-4 down a hapless telephone thief. blow up like that. Yeah, so that was just completely unex- Maria Sakkari (GRE) bt Yafan Wang (CHN) 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 The world number one revealed in November that a thief pected for me.” Monica Niculescu (ROM) bt Teliana Pereira (BRA) 6-2, 6-1 stole her phone at a Chinese restaurant in New York. The The 21-time Grand Slam winner got a standing ova- Elizaveta Kulichkova (RUS) bt Andrea Petkovic (GER x22) 7-5, 6-4 robber clearly picked the wrong woman, with the super- tion when she returned to the restaurant, but she said she Kristina Mladenovic (FRA x28) bt Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) 6-3, 6-4 fit Williams chasing him the street and getting it back. would react differently if the same thing happened again. Nicole Gibbs (USA) bt Klara Koukalova (CZE) 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 The American detailed the adventure on Facebook, “Oh, God, no. I reacted and I didn’t think,” she said. Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard Daria Gavrilova (AUS) bt Lucie Hradecka (CZE) 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 complete with a picture of her in a Supergirl outfit, while “It was just like, sometimes athletes just react. But looks at a line call as she plays urging her followers to: “Fight for what’s right. Stand for I was really nice about it. He was really nice about it. It Petra Kvitova (CZE x6) bt Luksika Kumkhum (THA) 6-3, 6-1 Serbia’s Aleksandra Krunic. what you believe in.” worked out. I got lucky.” Krisyyna Pliskova (CZE) bt Samantha Stosur (AUS x25) 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) 34 TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 SPORT

Under-fire Dhoni Gayle equals world record Proteas call up uncapped gets Indian Cook for Centurion Test board’s backing Reuters

NEW DELHI: Mahendra Singh England suffer Dhoni’s job as India’s limited-overs captain is safe despite the team’s setback as injured third successive one-day series Finn ruled out of the defeat, the country’s cricket board (BCCI) said yesterday. rest of the tour Speculation has been swirling over the future of the 34-year-old who quit Tests in late 2014 but AFP remains in charge of the team in shorter formats. The recent results, however, have not really enhanced the rep- JOHANNESBURG: Specialist open- utation of the man who led India ing batsman Stephen Cook has been to virtually every honour across added to the South African squad for formats. the fourth and final Test against Eng- Under him, India lost their first West Indies batsman Chris Gayle smashed fifty from 12 balls for land starting in Centurion on Friday. ODI series in Bangladesh in June the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League yesterday to England, meanwhile, will be with- last year and went down to a visit- match India’s Yuvraj Singh’s record for the fastest half-century in out fast bowler Steven Finn, who has ing South African team in October. Twenty20s. Left-hander Yuvraj achieved the feat against England been ruled out of the rest of the tour On Sunday, Dhoni’s men suc- in a group match at the inaugural World Twenty20 in 2007 in because of a side strain. cumbed to their third successive South Africa, smashing fast bowler Stuart Broad for six sixes in Finn will be replaced by Liam defeat in Australia who took an one over. Plunkett for both the One Day Inter- unassailable 3-0 lead in the five- national and Twenty20 series which match series, chasing down big totals follow the Test matches. in Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne. He is expected to be fit to be con- While some pundits believe test sidered for selection for the World captain Virat Kohli should take over Twenty20 in India in March. the limited-overs duties as well, Cook, 33, tops the domestic four- BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur SL suspends bowling coach day competition averages with 415 insisted Dhoni was the right man runs at an average of 83, including to lead India in shorter formats. two centuries. The son of former Test “The kind of performance we over alleged fixing bid opener, Jimmy, he carried his bat for an have had from Dhoni and the team unbeaten 53 for South Africa A when under him in the last eight-nine they were bowled out for 136 by Eng- years, I think it’s unfair to ques- land before the first Test. England’s bowler Steven Finn (left) celebrates after taking a wicket tion his leadership after just one AFP He was also the leading run-scorer during the first Test against South Africa in Durban in this December series,” Thakur told reporters. in last season’s domestic first-class 29, 2015 file photo. Finn has been ruled out of tour after injury. “Dhoni is one of the most suc- competition with 889 runs at an aver- cessful captains of the country. COLOMBO: Sri Lanka Cricket yester- age of 63.50. There were widespread Under him, we won the World Cup day suspended its fast bowling coach calls for Cook to be included at the start stay with Stiaan van Zyl, who had not in 2007 (T20) and 2011 (ODI). Team over alleged attempts at bribing play- of the series but the selectors opted to been a regular opener before handed CRICKET: ENGLAND IN India rose to number one both in ers to under-perform in a Test match the job for South Africa on tours of SOUTH AFRICA tests and ODIs under his leadership. to ensure a surprise victory for the Bangladesh and India last year. “Unfortunately we lost all three West Indies. SA SQUAD Van Zyl made only 69 runs in five matches so far, and we’ve noticed Anusha Samaranayake (pictured) AB de Villiers (captain), Kyle Abbott, innings in the first three Tests against from the third Test after suffering a our bowling limitations too, not was suspended for two months after Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Stephen England. Captain AB de Villiers admit- knee injury the day before the game, being able to defend big totals. Sri Lanka’s sports minister ordered a Cook, Quinton de Kock (wkt), JP Duminy, ted after his side’s seven-wicket defeat will keep wicket. His replacement, “It’s a concern and the selec- probe into allegations of an attempt Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Morne Morkel, in the third Test on Saturday that the Dane Vilas, drops out of the squad. tors and team management would to engineer a batting collapse in the Chris Morris, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, lack of a specialist opener had been Fast bowler Dale Steyn was again assess the performance keeping the match in Galle last October, the cricket Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn, Stiaan van Zyl, a weakness in the team. included in the squad although he con- Asia Cup and the Twenty20 World board said in a statement. Hardus Viljoen. Quinton de Kock, a late withdrawal tinues to battle with a shoulder injury. Cup in mind,” Thakur said. The hosts won the match decisively. The board sacked a part-time employee, net bowler Gayan Vish- wajith, and slapped a lifetime ban on him entering any cricket premises in the country over the same allegation. Aussies name strong T20 squad against India Neither of the men was available for comment. “Sri Lanka Cricket has received several complaints regarding close acquaint- ance of Anusha Samaranayake with the main suspect Gayan Vishwajith who had approached several national players for the alleged illegal activities of AFP match-fixing,” the statement said. CRICKET: INDIA IN “Pursuant to a preliminary inquiry conducted in this regard, Sri Lanka AUSTRALIA Cricket has decided to suspend Anusha Samaranayake for a period of two months until further investigations are concluded.” SYDNEY: Australia yesterday named The police Financial Crimes Investigation Department has already recorded a powerful 17-man squad for the three- “Chris Lynn, Travis Head and statements from wicketkeeper Kusal Perera and star bowler Rangana Her- match Twenty20 international series Andrew Tye have made irresistible ath about an alleged offer of tens of thousands of dollars in return for a against India this month, with an eye cases for inclusion off the back of indi- batting collapse. to the upcoming World T20. vidual excellence in the KFC BBL and Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera said last month that an unnamed However, Test captain Steve Smith we are delighted to offer them the man linked to a bookmaker had offered the two players some 10 million and his deputy David Warner will play opportunity to push their claims for rupees (around $70,000) to lose the match. only in the opening match in Adelaide inclusion in the ICC World Twenty20,” They refused the offer and Sri Lanka beat the tourists by an innings and on January 26 before sitting out the Marsh added. six runs after veteran left-arm spinner Herath took 10 wickets. other games to prepare for the first “In terms of leg-spin, Cameron The West Indies, who have never won a Test match in Sri Lanka and ODI against New Zealand in Auck- Boyce has once again impressed in went on to lose the two-match series 2-0, were rank outsiders for the show- land on February 3. domestic action and deserves his down in Galle. “Our choice of 17 for the KFC spot,” he said. Betting is illegal in most of the cricket-mad Indian subcontinent, but T20Is gives us a chance to look at The selectors said they regret- backstreet bookmakers -- many of whom have links to the underworld -- some options ahead of the ICC World Australia’s Shane Watson celebrates after scoring the winning runs ted not being able to find places for still flourish. Twenty20 in India,” said national selec- against Pakistan during World Cup quarter-final at the Adelaide Oval George Bailey and Mitchell Marsh but Ronnie Flanagan, who heads the International Cricket Council’s anti- tor Rod Marsh. in this March 2015 file photo. Watson earned a recall in T20 squad. noted that the door remains open to corruption unit, recently acknowledged that match-fixing would never be The tournament starts on March 8 the World Twenty20 squad. eradicated even though several international stars have been exposed as “We know what both those players being in the pay of bookmakers. are capable of, and both have signifi- Although no big-name Sri Lankan player has ever been convicted of cor- AUSSIE SQUAD with the April 3 final in Kolkata. Aus- all-round package he offers and the cant experience of playing Twenty20 ruption, several former stars have made allegations of either match fixing tralia have opted for experience and fact he is bang in form at the moment, cricket in India,” Marsh said or spot-fixing -- when players deliberately bowl or field badly to give away Aaron Finch (capt), Scott Boland, Cameron form for the India series, picking the having put performances on the board “But we want them to continue to a set number of runs. Boyce, James Faulkner, John Hastings, stars of the Big Bash league with big- for the Sydney Thunder,” said Marsh. press their cases for inclusion while Former skipper Hashan Tillakaratne dropped a bombshell in May 2011 Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, Chris Lynn, hitting Aaron Finch as captain. “Shaun Tait returns on the basis we take this opportunity to look at when he claimed he had been an eye-witness to match-fixing by fellow play- Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, Kane Rich- “Shane Watson has earned his that he is the quickest bowler going other contenders.” ers since 1992. Tillakaratne never disclosed any names. ardson, Steve Smith, Shaun Tait, Andrew recall to Australian colours through around in Australia at the moment The second T20 takes place in Mel- Two Sri Lankan umpires were banned in 2013 after an Indian televi- Tye, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Shane a combination of his experience, and he offers us that explosive option bourne on January 29 while the final sion station claimed they were willing to make favourable decisions during Watson. especially in short-form cricket, the if we choose to use it. game will be in Sydney on January 31. matches for cash. New Zealand dismiss downside of record victory over Pakistan

AFP was better than making sure every- and only one in the second, meaning “You can’t have everything,” he separated in the first match by a run CRICKET: PAKISTAN IN one had batting time. limited opportunities for their mid- said. “It was a really good perform- out. “There was a good combina- NEW ZEALAND “You don’t really want to get out dle order batsmen. ance from the team all round. tion between Guptill and Williamson to give other people a go, do you?” “It can only be good for us that “An improved bowling effort on because they’ve got a different style WELLINGTON: New Zealand he said. Guptill scored an unbeaten we’re winning, not many wickets a pretty good batting track first, and of game,” he said. have weighed up the impact of their previous best of 170 set by South Afri- 87 from 58 deliveries as New Zea- down,” Guptill said. “Probably only then for Gup and myself to put a big “I think maybe from a coaching record win over Pakistan in Sunday’s ca’s Graeme Smith and Loots Bosman land beat Pakistan by 10 wickets in three of us have had good long innings partnership together was pleasing. point of view we can develop more Twenty20 and concluded the benefits against England in 2009. Hamilton. Pakistan won the open- in the last three or for four games. It’s “If you do things well then guys variation in our bowling, a bit more far outweigh the downside. However, their dominance at ing match by 16 runs in Auckland, disappointing for the middle order don’t get bats, but they’ll be preparing smart fielding positions. That’s the Martin Guptill and Kane William- the top of the New Zealand innings meaning the series is set for a decider but it can only be good for New Zea- and training for the next game just as only thing. “If you can get one or two son’s unbroken 171-run stand to win meant no time in the middle for anyone in the third and final match in Wel- land cricket.” normal and I’m sure they’ll be ready wickets, then it’ll be a different ball the match and level the series set a else in the battling line-up with only lington on Friday. New Zealand skipper Williamson, to go.” Pakistan spin bowling coach game. It doesn’t matter if you get 180 new record for the highest Twenty20 one match left before the world T20 Against Sri Lanka in two Twenty20 who scored 72 off 48 in partnership Mushtaq Ahmed said his bowlers were or 200 runs on the board, if you don’t partnership. championship starts in India in March wins earlier this month New Zealand with Guptill, said the record was nice unable to find a way to break Gup- pick (up) wickets then the game will They eclipsed by one run the Guptill said yesterday that winning lost four wickets in the first match but winning was better. till and Williamson who were only always be in the opposition hands.” SPORT TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 35 Manning sets up Brady duel as Broncos pummel Steelers

PLAY-OFF RESULTS Top seed Panthers Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Divisional Round National Conference advance after Manning reacts during at Charlotte, North Carolina overcoming Seattle the fourth quarter Carolina 31 Seattle 24 of the AFC Divisional American Conference at Denver, Seahawks in Charlotte round play-off game Colorado against the Pittsburgh Denver 23 Pittsburgh 16 Steelers at Sports Saturday’s results National Conference Authority Field at Mile at Phoenix, Arizona Washington Capitals right wing Justin Williams (left) celebrates with AFP High in Denver on Arizona 26 Green Bay 20 (overtime) his team-mates after scoring a hat trick goal against the New York Sunday. American Conference at Foxborough, Rangers in the third period of their NHL game in Washington on Massachusetts Sunday. The Capitals won 5-2. New England 27 Kansas City 20 LOS ANGELES: Peyton Manning set up a new instalment of his 15-year Conference Championship Games rivalry with Tom Brady on Sunday after steering the Denver Broncos to Hat-trick hero Williams spurs a hard-fought NFL play-off victory The Seahawks, however, staged a over the Pittsburgh Steelers. superb second half rally with quar- The 39-year-old Denver quarter- terback Russell Wilson throwing for Capitals to win over Rangers back will face New England Patriots three touchdowns and finishing with superstar Brady for the fourth time 366 yards. in an American Football Conference Seattle ultimately fell short, and Agencies championship game after a gritty 23-16 when Carolina safely recovered an NHL ROUND-UP win over the Steelers. onside kick with just over a minute Manning’s experience proved remaining the contest was effec- crucial against Pittsburgh, as Den- tively over. NEW YORK: Washington winger Jus- and winger Radim Vrbata scored the ver mounted a late, time-consuming Carolina quarterback Cam Newton tin Williams had a hat-trick and Alex only goal in the shootout to give the fourth quarter drive to score the game’s later admitted the Panthers had faced Ovechkin notched his 27th goal of Canucks a 2-1 win over the New York decisive touchdown through running nervous moments as Seattle domi- the season as the Capitals defeated Islanders at Barclays Center. back CJ Anderson. nated the scoring in the second half. the New York Rangers 5-2. Miller entered the game having “I think the best thing today was “It was excruciating to watch,” Marcus Johansson also scored allowed 19 goals in his previous five that we stayed patient,” Manning said. Newton said. “It was a tale of two for Washington, who won their 12th games but against the Islanders he “But when we needed to we put together halves. We’ve got to be better than straight home game. Williams’ sec- stopped the first 45 shots he faced, a big drive to get the touchdown that that,” added the MVP favourite, who ond goal, a tip-in at 4:51 of the third including 21 in the third period. put us up.” went 16-for-22 for 161 yards. period, made it 4-2 and he added an Penguins 5, Hurricanes 0 Manning has won two of his three The Panthers had scored on their empty-netter with 1:51 left. Sidney Crosby enjoyed a two-goal previous AFC championship duels with very first possession with a four-play Lightning 3, Panthers 1 game for the second time this month Brady, with the most recent victory a 75-yard drive that ended with Jonathan The Tampa Bay Lightning and the Pittsburgh Penguins roughed 26-16 win in 2014. Stewart scoring with a four-yard run. extended their season-long win- up Carolina Hurricanes backup goalie Manning, who first faced Brady Carolina linebacker Luke Kuechly ning streak to five games, getting Eddie Lack during a 5-0 victory. back in 2001 with the Indianapolis then intercepted Wilson for a touch- two goals from Nikita Kucherov and Evgeni Malkin and Patric Horn- Colts, trails the New England quarter- down as the Panthers went 14-0 up holding off the Florida Panthers 3-1 qvist each had two assists while back 11-5 in the overall head-to-head before Stewart grabbed his second at Amalie Arena. goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury needed record. the box seat and they duly closed out six-pointer. Blackhawks 5, Canadiens 2 to make only 22 saves to earn his third The Broncos signal-caller played NFL: PLAY-OFF GAMES the win as Pittsburgh ran out of time. Graham Gano kicked a field goal to Jonathan Toews scored two goals shutout of the season and 41st of his down the significance of what will be In the day’s other NFL action, the stretch Carolina’s lead to 24-0 before and the Chicago Blackhawks matched career. his 17th meeting with Brady next week, number one seeded Carolina Panthers Newton picked out Greg Olsen in the a franchise record with their 11th con- when a place in Super Bowl 50 will be Chris Boswell field goals while Den- advanced to a National Football Con- endzone to put the Panthers 31-0 ahead. secutive victory in a 5-2 win over the the prize for the victor. ver had been forced to settle for four ference championship game against Seattle dominated after half-time, Montreal Canadiens. Richard Panik, NHL RESULTS “It’ll be the Broncos versus the Brandon McManus field goals. the Arizona Cardinals after surviving a quickly scoring touchdowns through Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa also Pittsburgh 5 Carolina 0 Patriots,” Manning smiled. The pivotal play came when Tous- second half fightback from the Seattle Jermaine Kearse and Tyler Lockett to scored for Chicago (31-13-4), who have Defeat was hard on Steelers quar- saint spilled the ball with less than 10 Seahawks to win 31-24 in Charlotte. give coach Pete Carroll’s team hope. not lost since Dec. 27, The Blackhawks Vancouver 2 NY Islanders 1 terback Ben Roethlisberger, who minutes left and Denver recovered. The Panthers looked to be romping Kearse grabbed another score in equaled their record-setting 11-game Tampa Bay 3 Florida 1 made 24 completions from 37 pass- Manning then marched the Bron- to an easy victory after a devastating the fourth quarter but the Panthers win streak from Feb. 15 to March 6 Washington 5 NY Rangers 2 ing attempts to pile up 339 yards against cos upfield on a 14-play 65 yard drive first-half points blitz saw them race survived. “When you start like that, in 2013. Chicago 5 Montreal 2 one of the best defences in the NFL. which took nearly seven minutes off into a 31-0 lead as Seattle’s vaunted it’s going to be tough,” Seahawks wide Canucks 2, Islanders 1 Philadelphia 2 Detroit 1 Pittsburgh led 13-12 through a Fit- the clock for Anderson’s touchdown. defense was steamrollered by Caro- receiver Kearse said. “We ran out of Vancouver goaltender Ryan zgerald Toussaint touchdown and two A two-point conversion left Denver in lina’s formidable attacking arsenal. time.” Miller made 45 saves in regulation Los Angeles 3 Anaheim 2

Durant and Thunder cool Spurs thrash Mavericks to stay perfect at home off the Heat Agencies NBA: SPURS VS MAVS Agencies

NEW YORK: LaMarcus Aldridge scored right hip and did not return. NEW YORK: Facing the Miami Heat 23 points, 13 of them in a pivotal third The Mavericks (23-19) were led by in the final night of a three-game quarter, to help San Antonio whip the Dwight Powell’s 15 points and got 12 home stand, it was hard for high Dallas Mavericks 112-83 on Sunday and from Wesley Matthews. Dallas forward scoring Thunder forward Kevin stay undefeated at home this season. Dirk Nowitzki had just four points, his Durant to find any negatives in The Spurs (36-6) , who have now lowest output in a game since Feb. 29, Oklahoma City’s 99-74 victory won 11 straight, improved to 24-0 at 2012, when he scored one at Memphis. at Chesapeake Energy Arena on home this season, the best start by a “Both LA (Aldridge) and Boris (Diaw) Sunday. Western Conference team since Port- were great in the pick-and-roll defense Durant scored 24 points and land won their initial 26 home games getting back to Dirk,” Spurs coach Gregg grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the in 1977-78. The Golden State Warriors Popovich said. “Obviously, he’s a tough Thunder while Russell Westbrook are 19-0 at home this season. cover, so both of them deserve a lot racked up back-to-back triple dou- “In the first half, we took more jump of credit.” bles with 13 points, 15 assists and shots than usual, so I was just trying to Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said 10 rebounds. Serge Ibaka added be on the block and be more aggres- Nowitzki’s poor shooting night was 19 points and seven boards while sive,” Aldridge said. “I am feeling more his fault. “I have to get Dirk better looks Dion Waiters came off the bench to comfortable in my role in this offense -- we have to run some things to put score 18 as the Thunder improved and we are getting better and better.” him into better positions,” Carlisle said. to 30-12. The Spurs extended their regu- “I take the blame for that.” Dwyane Wade, a game-time lar-season home victory streak to 33 Both teams struggled from the floor decision for Heat, ended up lead- games, dating back to an overtime loss in the first quarter, which went to the ing them in scoring with 22 points to Cleveland last March. They also tied Mavericks 16-14 thanks to a jumper on nine of 15 shooting. Tyler John- their best start in franchise history from Raymond Felton with 36.9 sec- son scored 16 and Hassan Whiteside after 42 games. onds to play. posted 14 and 11 rebounds at the San Antonio got 16 points from It was the Spurs’ lowest-scoring Heat dropped to 23-18. reserve forward Boris Diaw and 15 quarter of the season, as they shot just According to Heat coach Erik from Kawhi Leonard, who did not play 22.7 percent (5-for-22). Dallas were San Antonio Spurs power forward LaMarcus Aldridge (right) shoots the ball as Dallas Mavericks power forward Spoelstra, it was the team’s play in in the fourth quarter. Jonathon Sim- not much better, hitting just seven of the third quarter, when they were mons added 14 points for the Spurs. 23, and the two teams combined to Dirk Nowitzki looks on during the first half of their NBA game at AT&T Center in San Antonio on Sunday. outscored 31-16, that cost them any Spurs’ starters Tim Duncan and go 0-for-10 from beyond the three- chance of taking home a win. Tony Parker scored just two points each, point arc. The Thunder took control of the with Parker going 0-for-4 from the Diaw’s three-pointer early in a breakaway finger roll after a steal of San Antonio’s first 12 points, help- we needed to against a championship game early. Whether it was layups, floor. He left the game midway through the second quarter tied the game at as part of a 13-0 run. ing to push the lead to 58-44 with team.” Carlisle was ejected from the lobs or fastbreaks, thet attacked the the third quarter with soreness in his 21-21. Then back-to-back three-point- The Spurs led 46-36 at halftime 6:45 to play. San Antonio outscored game with 11:17 to play in the fourth rim and the Heat’s defense. ers by Simmons, the second one was behind Aldridge’s 10 points and a 23-16 the Mavericks 8-3 in the final 1:54 of quarter after coming far onto the court Wade was able to find success just ahead of the shot clock, gave the advantage over Dallas in bench scoring. the quarter and had a 78-56 heading and gesturing at one of the officials. with his mid-range game as he NBA RESULTS Spurs a 27-26 lead. “We were right there with the lead into the final period. By that time, the Spurs were up scored 18 to keep the Heat within Minnesota 117 Phoenix 87 From there, San Antonio found their in the second quarter and just weren’t “We just didn’t finish quarters as by 23 points and cruising to their 11th two points of the Thunder at half- Oklahoma City 99 Miami 74 stride as Leonard worked the base- able to finish that quarter the way we well as we wanted to, and when they straight win over the Mavericks in the time. Turnovers plagued the Heat San Antonio 112 Dallas 83 line for a pair of turnaround jumpers wanted to,” Nowitzki said. made the run there in the third quar- AT&T Center. throughout the night and miscues Denver 129 Indiana 126 and a three-pointer, Aldridge took the “Things just kind of steamrolled ter we just weren’t able to respond,” “There was a level of frustration led to a 22-8 Oklahoma City run to ball to the hole for a layup and Spurs from there.” Aldridge put the Spurs on Matthews said. tonight but everyone was trying to do start the third quarter. Houston 112 LA Lakers 95 guard Many Ginobili swooped in for his back in the third quarter, scoring 11 “As players we didn’t do the things the right thing,” Carlisle said. TUESDAY 19 JANUARY 2016 36 Iraq, South Korea eye top spot in Group C

AFC U23 AFC Under-23 Two unbeaten sides Championship in Doha Championship go head-to-head to Fixtures determine who will Group B take top spot in Group of a 2-1 success over Uzbekistan and Today comprehensive 5-0 win over Yemen Saudi Arabia vs Japan C of the AFC U23 that saw Kwon Chang-hoon claim a Kick-off: 1630hrs Championship hat-trick in the opening 45 minutes. “The players are capable of playing Venue: Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium different formations and we showed DPR Korea vs Thailand against Yemen we are a good team,” Kick-off: 1630hrs said Korea coach Shin. Venue: Grand Hamad Stadium The Peninsula Midfielder Humam Tareq, who Group C struck a late winner in Iraq’s thrilling Today 3-2 comeback victory over Uzbekistan Iraq vs Korea Republic on Saturday, has declared that his side Kick-off: 1930 hrs DOHA: Coach Shahad Abdulghani is confident of defending their title. Venue: Grand Hamad Stadium will take defending champions Iraq It was the Uzbeks who drew first Uzbekistan vs Yemen into their final group stage meeting blood in the Group C clash when AFC Kick-off: 1930hrs with Korea Republic today with one eye Youth Player of the Year Dostonbek Venue: Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium on the quarter-finals of the AFC U23 Khamdamov underlined his growing Group D Championships as the two unbeaten credentials by netting the fastest goal in Tomorrow sides go head-to-head to determine the tournament’s history, opening the Jordan vs Australia who will take top spot in Group C. scoring just 11.47 seconds after kickoff. Both teams notched up wins over Goals from Amjad Attwan Kadhim Kick-off: 1930hrs Yemen and Uzbekistan in their first two and Mahdi Kamil did overturn the def- Venue: Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium games, with Korea holding a nominal icit for the Iraqis before the break, but United Arab Emirates vs Vietnam advantage thanks to a superior goal it looked as though Timur Khakimov South Korea coach Shin Tae-yong speaking to journalists during the AFC U23 Championship in Doha. Right: Kick-off: 1930hrs different that would mean Shin Tae- had earned Uzbekistan a point when Iraq coach Shahad Abdulghani on the eve of their match against South Korea. Venue: Grand Hamad Stadium yong’s side would win the group in he headed home an equaliser in the the event of a draw at Grand Hamad 79th minute. early goal put us under a bit of pressure, The now 19-year-old was once confident and it’ll help us sustain our demonstrate that we can play better Stadium. Nonetheless, just two minutes later, but we fought our way back. “It was a again the toast of the fans as they momentum going into the tough knock- football than we played against these “Each match has its own strategy Tareq popped up to score the decider team effort and we showed great spirit. rushed to take selfies with him and out stage.” two teams,” said Uzbekistan coach and Korea play differently and have and seal his team’s progress to the quar- “We’re very happy to have col- chanted his name at the final whis- Despite his tender years, Tareq Samvel Babayan. a different formation to Uzbekistan ter-finals along with Korea Republic, lected six points from two games and tle at the Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium. already has plenty of international “We lost two games and we lost to and over the coming days we will pre- with today’s tie between the two sides progressed to the last eight of this fan- Although the defending champions experience to his name having appeared the strongest teams in the group. We pare a special plan for this match,” said set to decide the group winners. tastic tournament - It’s now between now have a quarter-final tie to work as last year’s AFC Asian Cup, as well as can just play the third game and show Abdulghani following Saturday’s thrill- Widely regarded as one of the most- us and Korea Republic to decide the towards, Tareq insists they will not be being a part of the sides that reached that we can do better.” ing 3-2 win over Uzbekistan. talented Iraqi players of his generation, group winners. getting ahead of themselves. the semi-finals of the 2013 FIFA U20 Yemen coach Amin Al Sunaini, “We have to manage the calcula- Tareq was proud of the spirit his team- “We hope to continue in the same “Everybody is appreciating Iraq’s World Cup and 2014 Asian Games. meanwhile, had backed Korea to make tions in the other group and who we mates displayed and sees no reason why way and retain the title we had won good work so far and it’s nice to hear Meanwhile neither Uzbekistan nor a major impression on the latter stages will play from the other group. they should not be targeting a repeat in Oman.” that,” added the fleet-footed attacker. Yemen can advance to the quarter- of the competition after being on the “During the match with Korea, the of their success in 2013. Tareq, at the age of 16, became the “But we need to stay focused and keep finals after losing their opening two receiving end of a heavy defeat by the Koreans come first in the group with “It was an important win and - youngest player to ever represent the winning. “It’s not so important who fixtures, but both will look to salvage East Asians last week. only a draw so it is important for us to thank God - I contributed to it with a senior Iraq national team in Decem- your opponents are in the quarter- some pride at Suhaim Bin Hamad Sta- “I would like to say Korea has a know what are the odds for us to be late goal,” he said. ber 2012 and shot to prominence the final because all teams are strong at dium. “The only thing I can do is try huge chance in the quarter-finals,” first in the group.” “Uzbekistan are a strong team at following month at the Gulf Cup of this level. “Yet, a win against Korea and make recovery from the defeat he said. “Our coming match will not Korea go into the game off the back any level, in any competition and their Nations in Bahrain. Republic will make our players more against Iraq and raise the mood and affect the result of the group.” Qatar’s Al Kazim chairs Arab Boxing Federation meeting in Doha

The Peninsula for their visit to Doha,” he said. “There is a common eagerness to develop box- ing,” Al Kazim said. LOS ANGELES: Qatar boxing chief Al Kazim highlighted that devel- Yusuf Ali Al Kazim chaired an Executive oping Arab boxing was in the interest Meeting of the Arab Boxing Federation of all parties concerned. He said a new (ABF), it emerged yesterday. 2016 calendar will be issued soon. Al Al Kazim, who is the President of Kazim said workshops to help in devel- Qatar Boxing Federation (QBF), was oping referees and coaching will also formally announced as new ABF chief be detailed soon. as the Doha meeting. The QBF president told the new Al Kazim was elected the new ABF Board Members that he will work chief during the 2015 AIBA World to diversify ABF activities with detailed Boxing Championships held in Doha plans. Bouzidi, who was present dur- last October. ing the meeting, praised Qatar’s role in AIBA Executive Director Karim promoting boxing in the country and Bouzidi was also present during the the region. meeting in Doha. He hoped to see boxing making rapid The ABF meeting was the first strides across the Arab world in the com- major gathering after Doha success- ing four years and beyond. Bouzidi said fully staged the AIBA World Boxing Doha staged one of the finest editions Championships last year in October. of the AIBA World Championships, say- Boxers representing 13 member ing record number of TV fans tuned into countries of ABF also took part in the watching the action at Ali Bin Hamad 2015 AIBA World Championships held Al Attiya Arena. in Doha. He urged ABF to increase age-spe- A series of discussions also took cific events around the region. He said place concerning the development of countries like Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, boxing in the region. Doha will be the Tunisia, Algeria and parts of north headquarters of the ABF for the next Qatar’s Hakan Murst Nuraydin (left) in action against Bosnian Bosnjak Dzemal in Men’s Light Heavy category of the Doha 2015 AIBA World Africa have strong boxing traditions. four years. Boxing Championships at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena in Doha in this October 8, 2015 file picture. Right: Yusuf Ali Al Kazim, President Besides Al Kazim, Mohammed Matter relating to refereeing, Abbas, Dr Abdul Aziz Al Ghanim, Nabil of Qatar Boxing Federation during a press conference in this September 8, 2015 file picture. coaching and medical issues were also Saadi, Mourad Besbasa, Saad Sindh, discussed in detail, QBF officials said. Fawzi Asfar, Mohammed Bukhatir and “I believe we will move in the following the Executive Committee important step in our journey to take region,” Al Kazim said. now we are ready to take a common Bashar Mustafa were also present dur- right direction with this new devel- meeting. boxing forward in the region,” he said. “This meeting helped us exchange direction to develop the sport,” he said. ing the meeting. New events in the opment,” Al Kazim said after being “Doha staging the 2015 AIBA “We are putting in great efforts to what we call ‘bright ideas’. The meet- “I thank the 13 members who rep- region in 2016 will be held in Morocco, formally announced as ABF president World Boxing Championships was an revive the love for boxing around the ing helped us think collectively and resented their bodies in the Arab world Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt and Qatar. Alfardan Automobiles named official transport partner for Qatar Masters

The Peninsula Car of the event, underlining Alfardan become an internationally recog- Automobiles’ on-going support for the nised tournament attracting some of development of sport in Qatar. the world’s best golfers to Qatar. As a Taking place from January 27 to 30, Qatari company we are very proud to DOHA: Alfardan Automobiles, the more than 40 chauffeur-driven and support initiatives that contribute to exclusive importer of the BMW Group 25 self-driven BMW 5 Series vehicles the continued success of our nation in Qatar, will once again provide a will be in service, providing transport both in business and sport.” luxury fleet of BMW vehicles for the to the players, officials and organisers. Throughout the tournament a 2016 Commercial Bank Qatar Mas- Ihab Allam, General Manager of range of BMW and BMW Motorrad ters Tournament. Alfardan Automobiles commented, models will be displayed at the event BMW, named official car of the Qatar 2016 marks the tenth consecu- “Since its inception in 1998, the Com- which garnered strong interest among Masters tive year that BMW is named Official mercial Bank Qatar Masters has golfing enthusiasts.