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Home | 3 Asia/Africa | 12 Sport | 25 Qatar University Dozens dead as Ticket proceeds gets grants for new earthquake of Emir Cup 57 research hits Nepal; US semis to go to proposals. copter missing Nepal victims.

WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 • 24 Rajab 1436 • Volume 20 Number 6429 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Emir meets John McCain Qatar TV collects QR28m Woqod making for Nepal quake relief

DOHA: Qatar TV collected approximately QR28.18m until late evening yesterday in its campaign to support fuel pumps the people of Nepal hit by the recent earthquake. The campaign will continue, Al Sharq reported. Meanwhile, Qatar has set up a $21m fund for rebuilding universities and schools in Gaza hit by the Israeli aggres- sion, says UNDP special representative Frode Mauring. tamper-proof Besides rebuilding schools destroyed by Israeli bombings a year ago, 131 new classrooms will be added under the scheme. Addressing a press conference in Gaza, Mauring said System to be installed by year-end UNDP has also received funds for rehabilitation of two gynaecology and obstetrics wings at the Gaza Hospital. DOHA: Qatar Fuel (Woqod) to be rented out besides hav- The UN official has called for lifting the siege on Gaza is installing systems at all its ing Sidra stores, a transparent and opening the border crossings to speed up the reha- petrol stations to help prevent (Shafaf) LPG cylinder outlet and bilitation process. tampering of fuel pumps by ATMs. He stressed the need for changing the mechanism of personnel. Al Kuwari said that work rehabilitation of Gaza streets. The efforts should not be The anti-tampering devices will on 10 more petrol stations was limited to the UNDP and UNRWA projects, he said. help the company closely monitor on and they were expected to Talking after one year of the war which destroyed more the metering systems at its petrol be ready for commissioning than 240,000 facilities and about 240 health and educational stations across the country. by year-end. institutions and left thousands of Palestinians homeless, This was disclosed by the CEO “We are committed to provid- Mauring lamented the slow progress in rehabilitation works. of Woqod, Ibrahim Jaham Al ing petrol stations in the nook and It is difficult to implement the rehabilitation pro- Kuwari, replying to questions by corner of the country, including in gramme when the border crossings remain closed making reporters yesterday after opening remote areas.” Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Foreign Minister H E Dr Khalid bin the import of construction material difficult, said Mauring. a petrol station in Al Jameeliya, Some stations even have tech- Mohamed Al Attiyah with Senator John McCain, Chairman of the Senate Armed THE PENINSULA which is some 70 kilometres from nical inspection facilities for Services Committee of the US Congress, in Washington, DC, yesterday. Doha. vehicles. Al Kuwari said the pricing According to the CEO, the of the company was uniform Ministry of Municipality and throughout so there was no ques- Urban Planning is actively coop- tion of different petrol stations erating with Woqod and has Low turnout expected at CMC election today charging different rates for fuel. allotted at least 15 plots of land Al Jameeliya’s was the 25th in different areas of Doha to set petrol station opened by Woqod, up petrol stations. DOHA: Polling for the 5th keen to take part in the electoral today, as in three (Numbers 1, 27 held in March 1999, there were which plans to add another 10 to The design work in respect of term of the Central Municipal process,” says Fatima Al Kuwari. and 28) there is only one candi- six women candidates but none the existing network of 25 by the all these planned stations is on Council (CMC) is being held Saying how people were less date each. was elected. The first woman to end of this year. and soon the tendering process today amid expectations of a excited about today’s election, In the fray are a total of 114 be picked as CMC member was Asked about allegations of will begin, said the CEO. low voter turnout. she told this newspaper yesterday candidates, five of them women, Sheikha Al Jefairi, represent- tampering with fuel pumps by its Responding to a question, Al Many contestants in the fray that her constituency (Number 9) as many who figured on the origi- ing Old Airport ward (No 8) staffers at some petrol pumps, Kuwari said that on average a who have campaigned vigorously had some 7,000 Qataris but only nal list of contestants early last and she won unchallenged in the Al Kuwari said anti-tampering petrol station costs about QR18m for the election say people are 426 came forward to register as month, have withdrawn their 2003 election for the 2nd term of devices being installed at all ($4.94m) to QR20m ($5.5m). largely disenchanted with the voters. “During my campaign, I candidature and their names will Qatar’s only elected body, which Woqod petrol stations within this “By now we have opened 25 civic body as it has no executive met some 800 people and nearly be displayed prominently inside has a four-year tenure. year will ensure that no price or petrol stations. This means that authority. all of them talked about how futile polling booths today so that peo- “I hope to win this time,” says fuel quantity manipulations will we have spent a total of around “There has been no or little it was to participate in the polling ple don’t vote for them. Fatima Al Kuwari who challenged be possible. QR500m ($137.3m) on our petrol change in the status of the CMC process,” Al Kuwari said. There are more than 21,000 Al Jefairi in the last CMC election The new petrol station inau- stations project so far,” the Woqod in terms of its authority since it This is true of almost all the 29 registered voters and roughly half from the Old Airport area, and gurated yesterday has a big area CEO said. was first elected in early 1999 and constituencies spread across the of them are women. lost. Continued on page 2 and has at least nine retail shops THE PENINSULA that is why not many people are country, 26 of which go to polls In the first election to the CMC THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Awqaf ministers conclude meeting DOHA: The second meeting of Awqaf (Endowment) Ministers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States con- cluded here yesterday. The meeting, chaired by the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs H E Dr Ghaith bin Mubarak Al Kuwari, discussed a number of issues pertaining to improving joint GCC endowment action as well as the major challenges facing officials in charge of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and ways to address them. Adviser to the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari, who is also the head of Qatar delegation to the meeting, said ministers adopted a number of recommendations and decisions with regards to topics on the agenda, especially those related to develop- ing endowment work. Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani with GCC Awqaf (Endowments) ministers yesterday. QNA

Property sales Stone laid for QR17bn reservoirs project at QR2.63bn Project, the largest in the world, consists of 24 mega reservoirs in five different sites last week

DOHA: The Prime Minister projects consists of 24 reservoirs DOHA: Real estate transac- and Interior Minister H E at a total capacity of 2273 million tions jumped remarkably to Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser gallons and includes the instal- QR2.63bn last week with major bin Khalifa Al Thani yester- lation of 650 km pipelines with contribution from two big deals day laid the foundation stone large diameters to form a spine — a commercial complex in of the QR17bn Strategic Mega joining all the key desalination Al Gharrafa and a palace in Reservoirs Project to secure plants together at the five specific Muraikh— worth over QR500m. water supplies in Qatar. The reservoirs sites. Many properties in the range project consists of 24 mega res- The reservoirs will be con- of QR50m and QR100m also ervoirs in five different sites, structed at five sites located at sold out. A total 160 deals were considered the largest in the Um Baraka, Um Salal, Rawdat signed (between May 3 to 7) world. Rashid, Abu Nakhla, and Al worth QR2,631,698,109, accord- The event was attended by Thumama. ing to the weekly real estate Deputy Prime Minister and The principal of design is that report issued by the Property Minister of State for the Council water may be delivered from any Registration Office at the of Ministers affairs H E Ahmed desalination plant, to any reser- Ministry of Justice. bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud, voir site, allowing the water to The highest deal was recorded at Minister of Energy and Industry be passed along the corridor in Al Gharrafa where a commercial H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al either direction creating both complex in an area of 21,020 sq Sada, Kahramaa President Eng security and flexibility. metres sold out at QR263m, fol- Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari, and The capacity of each reservoirs lowed by a palace in Muraikh in other top officials. is 100 MIG which is considered an area of 78,983 square meters The project comes within the largest concrete reservoir in at QR255m. Kahramaa plans to increase stra- the world. Each concrete reser- A multi-used building measur- tegic water storage in Qatar and voir will be sized at 150 m by 300 ing 10,932 square meters sold out at ensure water supply to all areas. m by 12 m deep. The reservoirs the rate of QR183m in Al Gharrafa. The strategic project of the are unique in type and design. Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani laying the foundation Another multi-used facility at Al mega reservoirs is considered Each site consists of substantial stone for Strategic Mega Reservoirs Project. Mansura in an area of 1,739 square the largest expansion of Qatar pumping station and infrastruc- meters provided QR110m to its owner. water storage ever. It aims to ture to serve them. percent of contractors are Qatari seven pipeline contracts, three due for final commissioning and A housing complex at Rawdat Al increase Qatar water strategic The total cost of the project companies. The project includes reservoir site contracts, and operation in the second quarter Khail sold at the rate of QR94m. storage till 2026 (first stage). The awarded contracts is QR 17 bn. 55 four bulk earthwork contracts, SCADA contract. The project is of 2018. THE PENINSULA

Indian embassy urges Warning against authorities to probe beating two medicines DOHA: Three days after an Indian was reportedly beaten up by DOHA: The Supreme Council a group of fellow countrymen for allegedly posting on Facebook of Health (SCH) has warned the comments offending Muslims, the Indian embassy here issued a public against the use of Slim brief statement saying it has urged Qatari authorities to conduct Patch and Male Energizer man- thorough investigations into the incident. ufactured by the Chinese com- The statement said the mission is concerned about the well-being pany Harbin Tiandiren Medical of the person and has sought “consular access” to him, not explain- Science and Technology due to ing what it meant. potential health hazards. Attempts to contact the embassy to seek a clarification on the The two medicines are not reg- issue failed as officials did not respond to several phone calls from istered in Qatar and is banned in this newspaper. the country, the Pharmacy and The embassy said it was represented at senior level at a Drug Control Department at SCH meeting convened by a senior officer of Ministry of Interior said yesterday. on May 10. Slim Patch contains doxepin, The embassy, which some in the Indian community criticised for an anti-depression substance not convening a meeting of Indian organisations to discuss the issue, while Male Energizer contains said participants of the May 10 meeting agreed that complaints and Sildanafeil, a Viagra ingredient. grievances should be brought to the attention of the authorities Both can cause health risks and concerned and nobody should take any unlawful action. can be used only under medical Fatima Al Kuwari (right) with Sheikha Al Jufairi after the latter’s win in the Fatima Yusuf Al Ghazal is contesting THE PENINSULA supervision, said the statement. last CMC election from the Old Airport locality of Doha. against five men. THE PENINSULA

Massive fire in Al Sailiya Voting from 8am till 5pm; results in the evening Continued from page 1 being urged not to send their told this newspaper. So, men hav- Al Kuwari is fighting from con- young daughters to school with ing reservations against women, is stituency number 9 (Al Thumama expatriate domestic drivers and not the main issue. “Men actually 46/47 and Mesaimeer) this time, small children not being left in appreciate women as candidates.” with a sole male rival challenging the care of maids. Tribal loyalties strongly influ- her. He was a member of the 3rd “There are crèches so working ence the voting pattern and that term of the CMC (2007-11). parents must leave their children may cause a woman to lose, she Jefairi is being challenged by in their care,” said Al Kuwari. hinted. male rivals in her Old Airport She said she will coordinate She shares Al Kuwari’s view area constituency which, with state agencies to encourage that many people are not keen to after re-demarcation includes limited-income families to take to take part in the electoral proc- Najma, Al Mansoora and Nuaija tailoring and cooking and market- ess because of the fact that the neighbourhoods. ing their products. CMC remains a civic body with Polling begins at 8am and ends Fatima Al Ghazal, contesting no executive powers. at 5pm with a 30-minute recess from constituency number 10 Al Ghazal’s poll manifesto is to for lunch and prayers. (which includes Abu Hamour, Al additionally help Qatari divor- Results will be out soon after Mamoura and the central mar- cees and widows with children and will be compiled for all the 29 kets), is pitted against five rivals, to be financially well-off and wards by the central poll super- all of them men. independent. visory committee later in the In her constituency there are For most of the 109 male can- evening. 686 registered voters and she feels didates, development projects in For at least two of the five confident of victory. According to their respective constituencies A massive fire broke out in Al Sailiya late evening yesterday, opposite the Sailiya Sports Club. The area has a women candidates this newspaper her, though, people actually want are the main poll plank but vot- number of warehouses and labour accommodations. The police and civil defence team rushed to the spot. spoke to on the eve of the elec- to vote for women but tribal loyal- ers are pooh-poohing them since Further details were not available. This is the second such incident in a week in Sailiya, after a huge fire tion, the main issues are helping ties prevent them from doing so. those projects are launched by the destroyed several labour accommodations last Friday. limited-income Qatari families “Every voter I met said he or government. supplant their earnings, families she would vote for me,” Al Ghazal THE PENINSULA HOME WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03

Dr Abdul Sattar Al Taie (third left), Executive Director of QNRF, presents the Best Research University Award to Texas A&M University at Qatar at the Seventh QNRF Annual Forum. Qatar University gets grants for 57 research proposals QNRF awards 120 grants to 17 institutions DOHA: The Qatar University environment, 27 per cent under Research Award (ECRA) and (QU) was awarded the high- health and life sciences, 20 per aims to develop Qatar’s local sci- est number of grants by the cent under social sciences, arts entific talent pool by providing Qatar National Research Fund and humanities, and the remain- professional research experience (QNRF), a member of Qatar ing 15 per cent under computer to Qatari and Qatar-born scien- Foundation Research and science and information and com- tists who have recently embarked Development (QF R&D) for munications technology. upon their research career. the eight cycles of its flagship The increasing creativity and Best researchers from the National Priorities Research originality evident in the propos- previous NPRP cycles were also Program (NPRP). als we receive year-on-year is a recognised for their outstand- QU received grants for 57 pro- testament to the success of our ing work, and received awards at posals out of the total grants of programme, and by supporting the seventh annual forum with 120 for research proposals from 17 work of direct relevance to Qatar Texas A&M University at Qatar institutions, at the seventh annual and the region, QNRF continues winning the three categories. forum of QNRF held yesterday. to play a major role in the coun- The Best Researcher Award for Texas A&M University at try’s journey towards a knowl- 2015 was granted to Dr Haitham Qatar received grants for 23 edge-based economy,” said Dr Abu-Rub in recognition of his proposals, and Weill Cornell Abdul Sattar Al Taie, Executive impactful research outcome. The Medical College in Qatar awarded Director of QNRF. Best Research Project Award for eight. The remaining 32 Additionally, two new funding for 2015 was won by the project research proposals were awarded programmes were introduced by entitled ‘Chaotic Dynamics of across a number of other insti- QNRF at the seventh Annual Distributed Parameter Systems tutions in the country, including Forum. The Grand Challenges Containing Nonlinearities’, led by Hamad Medical Corporation, Research Program (GCRP) will Dr Tingwen Huang. Finally, Texas Ministry of Environment, Gulf be the first by QNRF to focus A&M University at Qatar was Organisation for Research and on a specific theme of research, also acknowledged as the Best Development and Silatech. Of the ‘The Path towards Personalised Research Office in 2015 for the 120 of awarded proposals, aligned Medicine’ which will be jointly organisation’s excellent punctu- with the four pillars of the Qatar funded by Qatar Biobank. ality and compliance during pre- National Research Strategy, 38 The second new funding pro- funding and post-funding phases. per cent fall under energy and gramme is called the Early Career THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME NHRC opens help desks for expatriates Separate desks to help Indian, Egyptian, Nepalese and Filipino communities BY FAZEENA SALEEM available to them, whether due to working hours, transportation DOHA: In a new initiative, costs, language difficulties, legal the National Human Rights fees or fear of raising a complaint,” Committee (NHRC) yesterday said Saad Sultan Al Abdulla, head officially inaugurated a com- of International Cooperation Yasser Said, Counsellor, Labour Office, Embassy of Egypt, Sanjiv Arora, Indian Ambassador, Judge Fawaz Al Gaatal, Member of the NHRC and Leopoldo munity office to serve different Division at the NHRC. expatriate communities. “We hope to address such issues B De Jesus, Labour Attaché II, Philippine Overseas Labour Office, Embassy of the Philippines and Kareem Abdullah with other officials and community The community office located through this initiative,” he added. representatives during the office opening ceremony at the NHRC yesterday. SALIM MATRAMKOT at the ground floor of the NHRC The community office at NHRC head quarters has four sepa- was inaugurated by Judge Fawaz “We welcome this initiative, because we are a community with members who come here with a community has received 162 rate help desks for the Indian, Al Gaatal, a member of the NHRC this is an additional help for the the largest number of labourers. problem with the employer. Once people with problems with their Egyptian, Nepalese and Filipino together with Sanjiv Arora, Indian Filipino workers to pursue their This office helps a lot to have they come here they will be given employers in the past seven communities. ambassador, Leopoldo B De Jesus, rights. This will be great contri- communication between workers a legal counselor to try to find a months. The complaints differ Staffed by representatives Labour Attaché II, Philippine bution and I’m sure that lot of and the NHRC, whatever assist- solution for their problem, or will from non-payment of salary, and nominated by the respective Overseas Labour Office, Embassy workers will benefit out of this,” ance we need form the NHRC will be recommended to go to Labour denial of exit permit and spon- embassies, the help desks would of the Philippines and community De Jesus told this newspaper. be easier than before.” Department tor to the Ministry sorship change by employers. function as facilitator between the representatives. Yasser Said, Counsellor, Labour The help desks for the Indian of Interior or to the labour courts “We receive average three NHRC and the expatriates who Once a complaint is received Office, Embassy of Egypt said: and Filipino expatriate commu- or to the embassy.” to four complaints daily. Even seek help. at the help desk, it’s referred to “There are about 200,000 Egyptians nities were functioning for more The help desk receives an aver- today (Tuesday) there are two “NHRC works on a daily basis legal experts at NHRC who will here in Qatar. This facility will help than seven months. age of five to 15 people with com- people waiting. We have helped so to receive, register and follow-up examine the case and guide con- to develop a better communication Speaking to this newspaper plaints such as illegal termination, far 62 cases related to sponsorship on all concerns that are brought cerned person or help them to between the NHRC and people in Cecilio Kawi Cawatan, the help salary deduction, intimidation, change, for people who had been to us. We know that more can be reach other authorities. Some our community.” desk coordinator of the Filipino lack of facilities, not receiving working here for four or more done to obtain sources of informa- cases are referred to the human Dr Dev k Dangol, a representa- community said: “I’m here as a benefits and nonpayment of end years, said Kareem Abdullah, the tion, reach out to those who have rights department at the Ministry tive of Nepalese community, said: volunteer for eight months, we of service, according to Cawatan. help desk coordinator for the Indian difficulty accessing the services of Interior. “It will help our community a lot guide the Filipino community The help desk of the Indian community. THE PENINSULA

Qatari aid to Yemen Ooredoo launches education app

DOHA: Ooredoo yesterday launched “Lamsa” in Qatar, 3m mobile customer milestone an educational app for chil- dren that aims to address the DOHA: Ooredoo yesterday announced it has reached the mile- needs of Arabic-speaking kids stone of three million mobile customers, as the company contin- through entertainment, educa- ues to offer a wide portfolio of services on its bigger and faster tion, and interactivity. network. The first-of-its-kind applica- In 2014, Ooredoo announced the achievement of three million tion is designed for pre-schoolers total customers, which included fixed, mobile and other services. up to six years old, and can be Now the company has reached more than three million customers enjoyed by kids as young as 2-3 using mobile services, a truly ground-breaking accomplishment for years, offering a collection of the national telecom company. interactive stories, a wide range As well as popular prepaid (Hala) and postpaid (Shahry) services, of entertainment content, colour- the company offers top-speeds for all mobile Internet users with its ing, rhymes, and games. 4G network offering 96 percent outdoor coverage — an unmatched Lamsa is the first educational service in Qatar — and up to 225 Mbps, nearly double the average children’s app that Ooredoo has speed in areas of Doha, for its 4G+ Network. added to its increasingly rich The 4G+ Network offers customer’s access to superfast mobile portfolio of mobile content and Internet so they can take advantage of a smooth browsing experi- apps. When the application has ence to stay in touch, check emails, video call, and more. been launched in neighbouring THE PENINSULA countries, it has become the most downloaded app in the books, edu- cational and children’s categories, on iPhone, iPad, and Android. verification code. Parents should and Ooredoo expects a similarly Parents can subscribe to the serv- enter the verification code in the positive reception here. Lamsa’s ice by sending “SUB 1” to 92268. Lamsa App and their children Two planes with Qatari relief assistance to Yemen landed at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport yesterday. content has been read more than Once confirmed, the parent will will be able to start enjoying the The planes carried 120 tonnes of relief materials and were escorted by members of Qatari Research and Rescue 20 million times by Lamsa’s users. receive an SMS with a link to service immediately. Team (Lekhwiya). Two more planes with 120 tonnes of aid will arrive today. The new service is available download the application and THE PENINSULA GCC tourism officials to meet today DOHA: Undersecretaries Mohannadi and will be chaired is essential, in order to capi- of Tourism Ministries and by Saif Al Kuwari, Director of talise on the upcoming mega Authorities in the Gulf International Co-operation at events that the region will host, Co-operation Council (GCC) QTA. such as Expo Dubai 2020 and are meeting in Doha today. “The high level of represen- the FIFA World Cup 2022.” The representatives will tation at today’s meeting is a Delegates will explore ways gather in preparation for a clear indication of GCC mem- to increase intra-GCC tourism meeting between Tourism ber states’ desire to move for- and activate partnerships with Ministers and Tourism ward and activate partnerships the private sector, as well as Authority Chairpersons for the benefit of the tourism ways to remove obstacles that Giles Trendle is expected to take place in sector in our countries, and in hinder the development of the October. The meeting will the Gulf as a whole,” said Al tourism sector by working more Al Jazeera English be opened by Qatar Tourism Kuwari. closely with other ministries Authority (QTA) Chairman “Qatar believes that collabo- such as those of Culture and Acting MD Issa bin Mohammed Al ration with our neighbors now Economy. THE PENINSULA DOHA: Al Jazeera Media Network has assigned the role of acting Managing Director of Al Portacabin catches fire Jazeera English to Giles Trendle. The post was vacated after Al Anstey’s departure to lead Al Jazeera America. Giles will also continue in his current role as AJE’s director of programmes. Giles joined Al Jazeera in 2004 to work on Al Jazeera Arabic’s flagship investigative documen- tary show ‘Top Secret’. He moved across to Al Jazeera English in 2006 where he commis- sioned and acquired films for the ‘Witness’ documentary strand. Prior to joining Al Jazeera, Giles was an independent doc- umentary-maker and journalist specialising in the Middle East. He began his career in journalism in 1985 spending many years in Lebanon as a freelance journalist. He reported for, among others, The Economist and The Sunday Times. He covered the Lebanese Fire fighters dousing a fire at a portacabin inside a villa in Al Wukair last evening. ABDUL BASIT civil war and the Western hostage saga. THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Vodafone unveils fastest data network Widest 4G+ network is now available inside and outside of Doha DOHA: Vodafone yesterday network is brand new. In addi- Officer, Marc Norris said: “70 announced they have the fast- tion the company installed 134 percent of our 4G network sites est data network in Qatar with new outdoor sites, 42 indoor sites, in Qatar are now 4G+ capable the widest 4G+ coverage. The 290 4G outdoor sites and 25 4G giving us the widest 4G+ cover- announcement follows massive indoor sites. With this, Vodafone age in Qatar with speeds of up to investments on projects dedi- has increased both their 3G and 150 Mbps and an average 30Mbps. cated to substantial upgrades 4G coverage, doubled their 3G We are acutely aware of the pop- and expansions of their 3G and capacity, tripled their 4G capac- ulation’s high demand for data 4G network. ity and tripled their data capacity and we aim to liberate this with Vodafone 4G+ network is for better user experience. Vodafone’s 4G and 4G+ network now available inside and out- The first areas to benefit from that is currently supporting cus- side of Doha covering Corniche, this upgrade started with Al tomer data usage of 1 Peta Byte Gharaffa, Duhail, Madinat Aziziyah, Al Rayyan, Murayk, per month.” Khalifa, Old Airport Area, Al Salwa Road, Bin Omran, To support their 4G+ launch, Sadd, Najma, Muntazah, Al Nasr Forousiya and Industrial Area. Vodafone has several 4G+ capa- and Abu Hamour, Wukhair, Al This quickly followed by West ble devices in their flagship stores Khor, Shahaniyah, Sailiya and Bay, The Pearl-Qatar, Westbay including the Huawei Mate 7, the Umm Salal. Lagoon, all of greater Doha as new Samsung Galaxy S6 and “We are committed to offer well as Wakra, Wukhair, Al S6 Edge, Samsung Galaxy Note people in Qatar the best from Shahaniya. Edge, HTC One M9 and Motorola one of the largest telecommuni- Vodafone’s Chief Technology Nexus 6. cations companies in the world, Officer, Ramy Boctor, said: “We Philip Fu, General Manager of Vodafone Group Plc. In the have immediately seen the impact Huawei Qatar who was present at past five months alone, we have of this upgrade in terms of net- the announcement said: “Huawei invested more than QR500m in work speed. Based on Vodafone Mate7 is a light and thin 6 inch our network infrastructure and Vodafone officials announcing the launch of fastest data network in Qatar at a press conference yesterday. FROM Qatar’s analysis of Ookla Speed large-screen mobile phone with mobilised a team of hundreds LEFT: Marc Norris, Chief Commercial Officer, Dalya Al Khalaf, Strategy & Planning Director and Ramy Boctor, test results provided by Ookla, the metal body. Its ultra-slim frame of engineers and technicians Chief Technology Officer. QASSIM RAHMATULLAH global leader in broadband data design gives it the highest screen- that have been working round network testing, clearly show to-body ratio on a large screen the clock to provide world class million customer base rely on us CEO, Vodafone Qatar in a evolution by upgrading every net- Vodafone now has the fastest data phone at 83 percent. Huawei telecommunications to support each and every day and now they statement. work site in Doha with the lat- network in Qatar.” Mate7 moreover, it has the fastest Qatar National Vision 2030. We can enjoy Qatar’s fastest data In January, Vodafone began est state-of-the-art technology Explaining the enhancements, fingerprint unlock in the indus- are proud that our growing 1.4 network,” said Kyle Whitehill, phase one of their network which means 65 percent of their Vodafone’s Chief Commercial try.” THE PENINSULA Woqod opens Lijmiliya service station

DOHA: Qatar Fuel (Woqod) designing this service station we took Lijmiliya station’s construction is opened a new service station into account the varied needs of the in line with Woqod’s new image. Al in Lijmiliya yesterday. The sta- local community in Lijmiliya area. Kuwari added that further sites will tion, which is at about 70km from The service station will provide open this year in different locations. Doha, was officially inaugurated petrol and diesel for motorists and Woqod currently has 11 additional by Woqod CEO Ibrahim Jaham Al LPG for local community. It will service stations under construction Kuwari, along with several Woqod also have a Sidra convenience store which are expected to be inaugurated board members, members of the that provides a full range of hot and in 2015 or beginning of 2016. local community, and Woqod senior cold beverages, fast food and a wide Woqod is also planning to estab- management team. variety of daily needs for community lish Fahes inspection lines in existing “We are glad to inaugurate and visitors. The site also includes a petrol station subject to availability Lijmiliya service station today, It car wash, a multipurpose automobile of space. This is in addition to 10 is the 25th service station that service bay for basic vehicle mainte- expansion projects which are almost Woqod CEO Ibrahim Jaham Al Kuwari, with other officials, cutting the ribbon to open Lijmiliya service Woqod has completed”. Woqod CEO nance and additional 9 shops under complete and expected to be opened station yesterday. BAHER AMIN Eng Ibrahim Al Kuwari stated: “In Woqod Kenar. in 2015. THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST 5 million Syrians at risk Palestinian-France diplomacy from explosive weapons Unexploded ordnance poses long-term threat: NGO

BEIRUT: The lives of more having “dreadful consequences suggesting “that the belligerents than five million Syrians, for civilians.” have no intention of effectively including two million children, “Because of their blast or distinguishing between civilians are at risk from explosive weap- fragmentation effects, explosive and combatants, a violation of ons used in the conflict, a non- weapons kill or generate com- international humanitarian law,” governmental organisation said plex injuries,” the group’s regional the report said. on Tuesday. coordinator Anne Garella said. The group noted that explosive Handicap International warned “The wide use of explosive weapons also pose a longer-term that explosive weapons were being weapons combined with the lack threat, creating injuries that widely used in heavily populated of appropriate surgical care in can leave the wounded perma- areas in violation of international Syria has a devastating impact nently disabled, but also expos- law, and that unexploded ord- on people’s lives.” ing the population to unexploded nance posed a long-term threat. The group’s study found explo- ordnance. “In total, 5.1 million people— sive weapons had been “massively “The impact of explosive weap- including two million children—are used” by all parties to the conflict, ons thus goes beyond the imme- living in areas highly affected by accounting for more than 80 per- diate casualties: the presence Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo (left) with the Mayor of Ramallah, Musa Hadid, in Ramallah yesterday. the use of explosive weapons, cre- cent of all recorded incidents of of explosive remnants of war ating an immediate and long-term violence. remains an obstacle not only for threat to their lives,” the NGO said. Three-quarters of incidents the security and the wellbeing of It said use of the weapons by involving the weapons were the civilian population, but also all parties to the conflict was in densely populated areas, for the overall reconstruction of the country.” Iran nuclear Hamas needed for Gaza Handicap International urged parties to the conflict to end the use of explosive weapons in talks resume densely populated areas, and to VIENNA: Iranian nuclear nego- stability: Israeli general facilitate humanitarian access tiator Abbas Araghchi said yes- to those injured. It called on the terday that he was “very hopeful” JERUSALEM: The general situation. “We have an interest international community to con- that an accord on Tehran’s responsible for Israel’s border in someone being responsible for demn the use of explosive weap- nuclear programme could be with the Gaza Strip says that the strip, because otherwise there ons in populated areas and to reached with world powers ahead continued rule by the territory’s will be chaos there and the state enforce a UN Security Council of the June 30 deadline. Islamist militant group Hamas of security there will be far more resolution demanding unfettered “Different elements inside and is necessary for its stability, a problematic,” he said. humanitarian access in Syria. outside of the negotiation chamber newspaper reported yesterday. “Israel and Hamas have com- More than 220,000 people have can prevent a deal but despite all “There is no substitute for mon interests, of peace and quiet been killed in Syria since anti- of this, we will continue the nego- Hamas as ruler in the strip. The for growth and prosperity, even government protests broke out tiations and we are very hopeful alternative would be the Israeli in the present situation.” in March 2011 spiralling into civil that we can reach a deal before the military and chaos in governance,” Hamas is under economic pres- war in the face of a bloody crack- deadline,” he said at the start of a top-selling Yediot Aharonot quoted sure as a result of an Egyptian down by security forces. new round of talks in Vienna. Major General Sami Turgeman as crackdown on smuggling through The Syrian government has been Negotiators were trying to reach telling heads of southern Israel tunnels under the border. Foreign repeatedly condemned for its wide- a “single agreed text” and resolve local authorities in the Gaza bor- diplomats and aid agencies have spread use of barrel bombs, crude any outstanding issues, he added. der area on Monday. voiced concern that a weakened weapons made from oil drums, gas Araghchi, who is Iran’s deputy The military spokesman’s office hold on power could prompt cylinders or water tanks, packed foreign minister, and his colleague said that it had no transcript of Hamas to resume fighting or with explosives and scrap metal Majid Takht are meeting European Turgeman’s remarks and there- cause it to lose ground to more and dropped from helicopters. Union negotiator Helga Schmid fore could not verify them. Prime radical Islamist groups. Rebel groups have been con- at the Palais Cobourg. Iran and Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Meanwhile, the Palestinian Men react at a site hit by what activists said was a barrel bomb dropped demned for their use of rudimen- the P5+1 powers want to turn has described Hamas, along with Central Bureau of Statistics said by forces loyal to Syria’s President Bashar Al Assad, followed by shelling tary rockets that lack targeting a framework accord reached in the Islamic State jihadist group, yesterday that it has recorded at a bus station in Jisr Al Hajj roundabout in Aleppo yesterday. At least 20 mechanisms and have repeatedly Switzerland on April 2 into a full as “branches of the same poison- a population of 12.1 million peo- hit civilian areas. agreement by the end of June. ous tree”. ple, of whom 4.6 million live in people, including children, were killed. AFP AFP Israel fought a bitter 50-day the occupied territories and the war with Hamas in Gaza last remainder abroad. year, in which about 2,200 The figures show that at Palestinians were killed and 73 the end of 2014, 2.8 million died on the Israeli side. Rightwing Palestinians lived in the West politicians, including members of Bank and 1.8 million in the Netanyahu’s cabinet, criticised Gaza Strip. In the impoverished N-weapons ban proposal stumbles at UN an August 26 truce, saying that Gaza enclave, the population of the military should have kept 4.9 people per square kilome- UNITED NATIONS: A UN meetings Monday as an observer, submitted by Arab delegations, proposal. “Egypt wants to be in up its offensive until Hamas was tre makes its density one of the attempt to work out a ban on ending a 20-year absence. called for Jaakko Laajava, the UN charge,” a diplomat said. removed from power. world’s highest. nuclear weapons in the Middle The head of Egypt’s delega- coordinator for organising the con- Israel’s delegation declined to Netanyahu is in the process Of the 4.6 million people in East was in jeopardy after Egypt tion, Assistant Foreign Minister ference, to be dismissed. The 2010 comment on the proposal. The of trying to get a centre-right the Palestinian territories, 43.1 complained on Monday about the Hashim Badr, rejected any sugges- NPT review meeting had called for Jewish state has said it would government confirmed by a res- percent are refugees. The bal- lack of progress and demanded tion that Cairo was a spoiler and a Middle East conference in 2012, consider inspections and controls tive parliament, and is hoping to ance of 7.5 million Palestinians the resignation of the Finnish insisted that he wanted to move but it never took place. under the NPT only if was at peace entice hardline former foreign live in exile, the majority in 31 coordinator of the initiative. the process forward, not kill it. Egypt’s proposal said UN with its Arab neighbors and Iran. minister Avigdor Lieberman UN-installed refugee camps in Western officials said Arab “Egypt has come to New York Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Finnish diplomat Laajava man- to reverse his decision to take Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. proposals drafted by Egypt for a to secure a conference (on ban- should convene a conference on a aged to get Israel, Arab states and his Yisrael Beitenu party into Other figures made pub- major nuclear non-proliferation ning nuclear weapons in the regional ban of weapons of mass Iran to attend a preparatory ses- opposition. lic by the Association for Civil conference at United Nations Middle East), we want a confer- destruction within 180 days after sion in the Swiss city of Glion in Lieberman had demanded that Rights in Israel NGO show that headquarters in New York could ence,” Badr said. “This is a key the NPT conference ends on May October 2013. Western officials Netanyahu commit to the ousting Palestinians make up 37 percent torpedo the process and push issue for Egypt for a long time, for 22 and demanded that Israel cite that as progress. Washington of Hamas as the de facto power of the population of Jerusalem. Israel to walk away. decades, since 1974-75.” Failure to immediately join the NPT as a has not given up hope. “We have in Gaza. “The struggle against Of the Palestinians in east Israel neither confirms nor reach an agreement at the NPT non-nuclear arms state. seen significant progress in the Hamas is not a military war,” Jerusalem, 75 percent live below denies the widespread assumption conference could kill the Middle Despite the official back- regional consultations that have Yediot quoted Turgeman as saying. the poverty line and the homes that it controls the Middle East’s East nuclear ban initiative, dip- ing of Arab delegations, several taken place,” a US official said. “Anyone who thinks that the of almost 40 percent are threat- only nuclear arsenal. Israel, which lomats said. diplomats, including two Arabs, Arab delegates said Israel was struggle between us and Hamas ened with destruction because has never joined the 1970 nuclear Egypt, in a proposal officially told Reuters that Saudi Arabia, not serious about a conference on is just a matter of applying mili- they lack building permits from Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), backed by all Arab countries and Iraq and United Arab Emirates banning weapons of mass destruc- tary force against one another Israeli authorities. agreed to take part in NPT outlined in a “working paper” have reservations about Egypt’s tion. REUTERS doesn’t correctly understand the AFP

Perfect click Number of displaced Saudi beheads 80th person in Iraq hits 2.8m RIYADH: Saudi Arabia yester- day carried out its 80th behead- BAGHDAD: The number of of thousands from their homes. ing of the year, edging closer to people displaced by conflict in The biggest wave of displacement the 87 executions it carried out Iraq since the start of 2014 has occurred when IS launched a huge during all of 2014, according to reached a new high of 2.8 million, nationwide offensive on June 9. AFP tallies. the International Organisation The International Committee The interior ministry said a for Migration said yesterday. of the Red Cross appealed for an Saudi citizen, Rabie Al Sai’ari, had The IOM put the number at additional $38.5m from donors been convicted of trying to smug- exactly 2,834,676 and said a wave to fund its emergency response gle hashish into the kingdom. of displacement caused by fight- in Iraq. It “will bring the total He was executed in Najran, ing in Ramadi, the capital of the funding it requires for 2015 to a district on the border with western province of Anbar, was $122m, making Iraq its second Yemen, a ministry statement the cause of the latest rise. largest operations in the world, carried by the official Saudi Press The organisation said that right after Syria,” said the ICRC. Agency said. 133,000 people left their homes Meanwhile, a bomb blast and The ministry has cited deter- when the Islamic State group two mortar rounds targeting rence as a reason for its use of the attacked parts of Ramadi a month Shia worshippers marching to a death penalty despite criticism ago. More than 16,000 have since Baghdad shrine killed six people, from human rights watchdogs. returned to the city centre. security and medical sources said. Amnesty International ranked IOM Iraq chief of mission An explosion killed four people and Saudi Arabia among the world’s Thomas Lothar Weiss said “the injured twelve near Tahrir Square top three executioners of 2014. quantity of life-saving humanitar- in central Baghdad, police said. On a visit to Riyadh this month, ian aid available is insufficient.” Two other people were killed French President Francois There were around 300,000 and four wounded by two mortar Hollande said that capital punish- internally displaced persons in rounds fired on Boub Al Sham, a An Iranian man takes a picture of his family on a camel on the coast of the Gulf of Oman in the southern Iranian ment “should be banned”, and his Iraq at the beginning of 2014. neighbourhood on the northern city of Chabahar yesterday. country is campaigning around Unrest broke out in Anbar outskirts of Baghdad. the world for its abolition. early last year, forcing hundreds AFP AFP WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07

Fault or human UN preparing vast aid operation in Yemen error ‘downed’ Coalition jets pound Sana’a Moroccan jet

GENEVA: United Nations WFP said it needs each month to RIYADH: A technical fault or agencies are preparing a mas- carry out aid operations in Yemen, human error caused the crash sive humanitarian aid operation where some 12 million people are of a Moroccan warplane in in Yemen as soon as a planned considered to not have consistent Yemen, the Saudi-led coalition ceasefire in the conflict-torn access to adequate food. said yesterday, denying rebel country takes effect. UN refugee agency spokesman fire was responsible. Several UN agencies said they Adrian Edwards meanwhile said Yemen’s Houthi rebels said on aimed to take advantage of the “a huge airlift of humanitarian Monday that they shot down a expected calm to get desperately aid” would go to Sana’a “over coalition warplane at the week- needed supplies into Yemen and the next days if today’s ceasefire end, shortly after Morocco also to distribute the aid already comes into effect and holds”. reported one of its fighters miss- in the country to places long out There is a desperate need for ing on a sortie. of reach due to the violence. aid in Yemen, where the UN says The spokesman for the coali- The UN World Food 828 civilians have been killed, tion said: “We are definitely sure Programme (WFP) spokeswoman including 182 children and 91 it wasn’t shot down”. Brigadier Elisabeth Byrs said the agency women, since a Saudi Arabia-led General Ahmed Al Assiri said the was “ready to provide emergency coalition launched its air strikes F-16 pilot, who remains missing, food rations to over 750,000 peo- campaign against Iran-backed was part of a formation and other ple in conflict-hit areas of Yemen Houthi rebels on March 26. aircraft “did not notice any firing during the pause.” At least 182 civilians were killed from the ground”. The agency also planned to between May 4-10 alone, and Wreckage of the plane had been preposition special food products most of the deaths were report- located in the Houthi-controlled for 25,000 malnourished young edly caused by airstrikes, the UN Saada area of northern Yemen, children in Yemen, which has human rights office said. Assiri said, appealing for the rebels among the highest child malnu- UNHCR said more than to contact the Red Cross about the trition rates in the world. 300,000 people have become dis- Smoke rises after air strikes hit military sites controlled by Houthi group in Sana’a yesterday. airman’s fate. “We ask these mili- Even before the last bout of placed inside the country since tias to be responsible about his life violence began in late March, the airstrikes began, and the meanwhile, said it would also civilians, a medical official said. and Daleh, as well as in Baida, if he is alive, or about his body if around half of children under five International Organization for “scale up its activities if the pause The blasts at a military base Jawf, and Marib farther north, he is dead,” added the spokesman. in the country were stunted due Migration said another 14,500 takes place”. at Mount Noqum, in the eastern residents said. Coalition air Houthi news channel Al to malnutrition. people have fled Yemen mainly by Spokesman Tarik Jasarevic outskirts of Yemen’s rebel-held strikes continued on the Houthi Masirah on Monday broadcast The UN agency, which pro- boat since mid-March to Djibouti said there were 11 tonnes of medi- capital, lasted until midday yes- stronghold province of Saada images of tribesmen celebrating vided food aid to 1.1 million peo- and Somalia. cal kits already in Yemen, which terday after coalition strikes sent as well as in Taez, according to around the wreckage of a plane, ple in Yemen last month, warned Edwards told reporters the would be moved to field locations debris crashing into a residential residents. which they said had been shot on April 30 that a severe fuel plan was to send three flights car- across the country, something area at the foot of the mountain. New York-based Human down over Wadi Nushur, in Saada. shortage was forcing it to halt its rying aid from UNHCR stockpiles that had not been done earlier Quiet returned to the capital Rights Watch warned that the The television said it was an food distribution programme in in Dubai, including 300 tonnes of “due to the insecurity”. as the newly appointed UN envoy Houthis had intensified recruit- F-16 jet while footage showed a Yemen. sleeping mats, blankets, kitchen The announcement came as to Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh ment of children in violation of Moroccan flag on a broken rudder On Saturday, a ship carrying sets and plastic sheeting. This Saudi-led warplanes carried out Ahmed, landed in Sana’a after international law. Commanders lying on a rocky patch. 250,000 litres of fuel reached was part of a larger push to reach a second day of strikes on an arms touring Gulf members of the of the rebels and other groups Morocco said contact was lost the Yemeni port of Hodeida, and some 250,000 people. depot in the rebel-held Yemeni Saudi-led coalition. “We are con- “should stop using children or with the fighter and its pilot at 6pm another vessel carrying 120,000 “Hundreds of thousands of peo- capital Sana’a. vinced that dialogue is the only risk prosecution for war crimes,” (1500 GMT) on Sunday, the official litres is in international waters ple across Yemen are struggling Explosions at an arms depot way to solve the Yemeni problem,” the rights group said. HRW said MAP news agency reported, citing near the port, awaiting clearance to meet their basic needs and hit by several coalition strikes the rebel-controlled Saba news Islamist and tribal militias as well the armed forces. “A second plane to dock, Byrs said. are in desperate need of help,” since Monday left at least 69 agency quoted him as saying. as Al Qaeda were also recruiting which was flying in formation was This is still a far cry from the Edwards said. people dead and 250 others Clashes also raged in the south- children. not able to see whether the pilot around one million litres of fuel The World Health Organisation, wounded in Sana’a, most of them ern provinces of Abyan, Shabwa, AFP ejected,” it added. AFP

Low-key funeral for former Turkey president US Senate calls South Sudan battle rages on Iran to free JUBA: Gunmen in South Sudan reports from Guit and Koch counties have raped girls, torched towns in Unity included “towns and villages three Americans and looted aid supplies in one of being burned, killings, abductions of the heaviest government offensives males as young as 10 years of age, rape WASHINGTON: The US in the 17-month-long civil war, the and abduction of girls and women, and Senate overwhelmingly passed UN and diplomats said yesterday. the forced displacement of civilians”. a resolution on Monday call- Over 300,000 civilians have been left Government forces are pushing ing for Iran to release three without “life-saving aid” in the north- towards the cut-off opposition zone American citizens being held in ern battleground state of Unity, after around the town of Leer. International the country. the UN and aid agencies pulled out due Committee of the Red Cross chief in The non-binding measure, which to a surge in fighting, with over 100,000 South Sudan Franz Rauchenstein said passed 90 votes to zero, urges the forced to flee their homes. he was “deeply worried” as frontlines White House to use all tools avail- Boys as young as 10 have been moved closer. The ICRC has with- able to seek and obtain the return abducted as child soldiers, the UN drawn staff from Leer and warned of the detained Americans, who said, while aid groups said their bases that escalating fighting between include pastor Saeed Abedini, had been ransacked. forces loyal to President Salva Kiir Washington Post journalist Jason The United States said it was and rebel leader Riek Machar was Rezaian and former US Marine “deeply disturbed by credible reports forcing thousands of civilians to flee Amir Hekmati. of grave human rights abuses against for their lives yet again. A fourth American, retired FBI civilians” in the “government offen- Some 120,000 displaced people were agent Robert Levinson, remains sive against opposition forces”. sheltering in Leer, Rauchenstein said. missing after mysteriously van- The UN peacekeeping mission said AFP ishing in Iran some eight years Soldiers and officials stand in front of the coffin of Turkey’s former army chief and president Kenan ago. Republican Senate Majority Evren during his state funeral in Ankara yesterday. Evren died aged 97 at a military hospital on Saturday. Leader Mitch McConnell said he hoped the resolution would send Private NTV television showed Evren’s coffin wrapped in the Turkish flag and carried on a gun carriage a strong message to leaders in accompanied by a military band. The military ceremony was followed by a quiet funeral prayer at a Tehran. nearby mosque attended by around 300 people. He spoke particularly about Abedini, who has been jailed for more than two years for the “supposed crime of building and operating an orphanage,” adding that he has been beaten and held Migrants labour in Libya to in solitary confinement. “That’s apparently how the Iranian regime deals with those who dare to show love and compassion to keep Europe dream alive others,” McConnell said. Senator Ben Cardin, the top TRIPOLI: Elias, a teenager from Benin, work, I sit in my room and listen to the music I Democrat on the Senate Foreign spends hour after hour under a bridge in like. I like hiphop and R&B, I like Chris Brown Relations Committee, said he Libya’s capital waiting for menial day jobs to and Tupac,” he says. Elias also has a passion for called on Iran’s government “to do bring him closer to a new life in Europe. football, which he watches on YouTube. the right thing... and immediately Whenever a car stops, Elias and dozens of The young Beninese man says he left behind release these citizens and send other migrants make a dash for it, ready to his parents, four brothers and two sisters because them home to their families and accept just about any job on offer. he could find no work to make a living. In Tripoli, communities as soon as possible.” In fluent English, he explains his simple plan. “I he can make $37 for a long day’s work. Senator Bill Nelson said it was need to fight for my future, that’s why I am here, Amnesty International highlighted the grim “inexcusable” that Iran claims to and to get money. When I get enough money, I reality of migrant workers in Libya, where cru- know nothing about the wherea- will go to Europe,” says the 18-year-old. elty and abuse drive them to risk their lives in bouts of Levinson, 67, who myste- “The sea is dangerous, but when I get an dangerous Mediterranean crossings. “The ghastly riously disappeared on March 9, opportunity I will go. When you cross the sea, conditions for migrants, coupled with spiralling 2007 on Iran’s Gulf island of Kish sometimes you fail, sometimes you win. I have to lawlessness and armed conflicts raging within while reportedly investigating ciga- prepare myself first,” he says, stoically. the country, make clear just how dangerous life rette counterfeiting in the region. Like thousands of other migrants, he is labouring in Libya is today,” said Amnesty’s Philip Luther. The Senate resolution comes in Libya to scrape together enough cash to pay the “With no legal avenues to escape and seek as Washington and other inter- people traffickers for a perilous journey on one of safety, they are forced to place their lives in the national powers seek to finalize a their rickety boats across the Mediterranean to hands of smugglers who callously extort, abuse landmark accord with Iran that the affluence and security of Europe. and attack them,” Luther said. would prevent the Islamic repub- The lucky ones are rescued and transferred Elias himself was robbed of around $2,100 in lic from developing nuclear weap- onwards, but others perish at sea or are inter- savings when gunmen broke into his room and ons, in exchange for an easing of cepted and returned to war-strewn Libya. made off with cash and mobile phones. economic sanctions. Migrants detained by Libyan authorities are “I am starting again from zero,” he says. “In Last week, Congress passed a held at 16 centres across the country to await this country, life is not fair. This country is in bill requiring President Barack deportation. Around 7,000 people are currently war, but I am here. Why? Because of money.” Obama to give US lawmakers the in such facilities. Elias remains optimistic nevertheless, and has a right to review any final nuclear For the past three months since he reached clear vision of his future. “Maybe I will become a accord, a moved Tehran slammed Libya via Algeria, Elias has shared a small room businessman one day. I want to get married one as heaping pressure on its nego- with three other migrants for a monthly rent day also and have kids,” he says. tiators during the final stages of of 150 dinars, around $110. “When there’s no AFP the talks. AFP WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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SRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is known a deadlock and paralysis in the peace Perhaps it is worth noting that you, Mr for his stubbornness and astute planning. But victory process and efforts to end the agonizing President, have warned against the war isn’t his, always. After calling an election to strengthen plight of Palestinians are non-existent. crimes committed by your allies in Iraq, his position, he finds himself weakened considerably. And The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin the Shia militias, but, regrettably, your I Netanyahu belligerently lectured Your warnings fell on deaf ears, like your this is after stooping too low to win votes, which only exposed Excellency on ‘political realism’ of the calls to Netanyahu to stop settlement his sinister intentions on the peace process and his deplorable Middle East at the very White House building. view of Arab-Israelis. and your very Oval Office. He further Your rapprochement with Iran is at The right-wing coalition due to take office this week is went to Congress a few years later to the expense of peace and stability of too fragile because it has a majority of just one vote in the give a speech, delivering a humiliat- the region. Iran is igniting sectarian parliament, which means any one of the 61 fractious members ing blow to the President of the United wars throughout the Middle East. It of the five-party coalition can bring it down at any time. States of |America by ignoring the is directly involved in genocide in Syria BY DR SAAD BIN TEFLA Presidency and surpassing all diplo- through its proxy army of Hezbollah Netanyahu will have to spend more of his energy and time AL AJMI matic norms. which is the first sectarian militia in on keeping the government afloat rather than governance. Netanyahu continues his policy of the region created by Iran. (A reminder This isn’t the result he had expected. If he looks at the final settlement building in total disregard that its inauguration was a truckload balancesheet, he will find that his losses from the election are R PRESIDENT Barack to your demand that he halt expansion- of explosives against the US marines more than the gains. He said he is optimistic of adding more Hussein Obama, first and ism in your historic speech at Cairo in Beirut in 1983, killing 241 service- foremost, it is only fair to University in 2009. Your reaction to the men. Iran denied any involvement in members to his coalition, but he has been publically rebuffed note that I, unlike most stalemate and the continuing Israeli the attack, yet it erected a monument by the leader of the left-wing Labour Party. M Arabs and Muslims, have wished for occupation remains mute. in Tehran in commemoration of the The Israeli media too was critical of the prime minister’s you not to win the presidential race On Iran’s nuclear programme, per- “martyrs” of the attack.) Iran adopts tactics. “Instead of creating a stable, functioning unity back in 2008. Your colour, race and haps it is worth remembering some a provocative sectarian policy towards government with the Zionist Union and Kulanu, Netanyahu Arabic-Muslim name, and counter-to- basics. Iran is a signatory to the Non- Bahrain and is behind the latest take- decided to let every single MK become an extortionist,” gung-ho language Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons over of Yemen by its proxy militias, of your predeces- Convention but refused to comply the Houthis, whose slogan is Death to an Israeli journalist wrote. Isaac Herzog, the man whom sor, George Bush, with its provisions and denied the America, Mr President! Netanyahu defeated in the recent general election, said have all drawn International Atomic Energy Agency Mr President, this letter to you is that the premier’s ‘failure to cobble together a government’ Conceding to widespread sup- (IAEA) access to inspect its nuclear an endeavour to reflect on the feel- port and sympa- plants. Although Iran had repeatedly ings of peoples and countries who are necessitates ‘new elections.’ Iran and, at the After calling His message is clear. Any thy among Arabs claimed that its programme is peace- true friends of America. Yet, there is fumbling or failure on the part same time, trying and Muslims ful, it rejects adherence to the inspec- a feeling of dismay over the US policy throughout the tion regime of IAEA, which led to its of hesitation and indecisiveness over a an election to of the government is expected to to assure your world. isolation and sanctions by the inter- number of urgent matters. War crimes strengthen accelerate calls for Netanyahu’s allies of your My position national community. Sanctions had of Assad continue unabated. Reports resignation and for conducting against your suc- a tremendous impact on the Iranian from neutral international agencies his position, new elections. commitment to cess in the elec- position and brought it back to the speak of the use of chemical weapons It’s not the lack of a clear tions stemmed negotiating table with the 5+1 coun- by Assad against civilians. The red line their security is a from my read- tries. But Tehran wants more than a you have drawn has faded away, and Benjamin majority that makes this mission impossible ing of your stand nuclear deal: during the hardships of the red we see is that of the blood of Netanyahu government special. According towards three the sanctions, Iran relentlessly tried children spilling everywhere in Syria. to reports, this will be one of in our perspective. main regional to export its domestic problems to the Your Excellency, in a few hours’ time, finds himself the most backward-looking You cannot have issues – namely, Arab world, particularly to countries you will meet the leaders of the GCC. weakened governments in recent history. It Iraq, Arab-Israeli where there is a handsome number of This historic meeting will be frank will be one of the most illiberal it both ways conflict, and the Shias: Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Bahrain and straightforward, or so it should President. Iranian nuclear and Yemen. The Iranians claim to be. As a citizen of one of these coun- considerably. in the country’s history – it has ambition. Your have hijacked four Arab capitals and tries, Kuwait, I dare to sum up what ministers who hope to strip power Excellency, there are asking for the lifting of sanctions, we would hope to be communicated to from the country’s Supreme is a saying in the Arabian Gulf which nuclear achievements and regional Your Excellency: Court, which has been an effective check on the government goes something like: Start with the hegemony as ransom. We believe that We view an agreement with Iran excesses. Steps are also likely to be taken to weaken embarrassing parole, which translates your agreement with Iran will yield as an explicit concession to its inter- independent human rights groups and other critics. The as ‘Cut to the chase’. their objectives. ventionist strategy in Arab affairs, as My fear over the Iraqi issue was that We, in the Arab world, believe that this agreement comes at a time when prime minister will have more enemies abroad because of you were going to pack up and leave, US has surrendered to the Iranian Iran is indulging in the most aggressive his surrender to the rightist segments of the coalition. Peace thus abandoning Iraqis to the forces of demands, turning a blind eye to its policy and involvement in four Arab talks with Palestinians are already dead. Nobody expects any corruption, sectarianism, and Iranian crimes in Syria. You are taking sides countries. Conceding to Iran and, at movement on this front. hegemony. In so doing, you have rid with the Shia militias in Iraq, which are the same time, trying to assure your During the new term, the prime minister is likely to yourself of the moral, legal and politi- sponsored, armed and trained by Iran, allies of your commitment to their cal responsibilities towards a country against the Sunnis in Iraq - whether security is a mission impossible in our see resurgence in anti-Semitism. Speaking on the issue in which you invaded and occupied. You ISIS or otherwise. You stood in the perspective. You cannot have it both Jerusalem yesterday, he said Jews everywhere are once again have surrendered Iraq to Iran on a same trench with Gasem Suleimani in ways Mr President. “He who eats with being slandered and vilified. “This is taking place in the silver platter (we say a golden platter Diayla and Tikrit. Atrocities against both hands chokes.” (A saying in the intolerant parts of the Middle East but it’s also taking place in Arabic). And all the sacrifices your inhabitants of both were committed by Arabian desert). in what otherwise would be expected to be the tolerant parts finest men and women made for Iraq the Shia militias under the eyes of your (The author is an academic and of the West,” he said. What he didn’t say is that history will went in vain. air force. The stability and security of former minister of Kuwait.) On the Arab-Israeli front, there is Iraq as a whole is being compromised. THE PENINSULA hold him responsible for this resurgence. The other side Quote of Capital needs to make smoking ban work the day

EIJING announced on indoor public venues in 2010. However, been extended to kindergartens, pri- regulations to be implemented to the Monday, people can use there has been much to be desired mary and middle schools, hospitals, letter. The next, and most important, three gestures to show their when it comes to its implementation. museums and other public places. thing the city has to do is work out Bobjection to those smoking There are still many smokers who defy It is indeed necessary for the capi- ways for those smokers who defy the We have an in public venues. One is to put a hand the ban and smoke wherever they tal to ban smoking in public venues. ban get the punishment they deserve. over one’s mouth to tell a smoker that want. And it is also difficult for some The number of smokers is more than This will not be easy. It is unrealis- understanding that one minds him or her smoking. The public venues such as restaurants or 5 million in the city. It is all too com- tic to expect all non-smokers to rise we need to avoid other is to stick two fingers beneath coffee shops to stop customers from mon to see smokers taking a drag of up and say no to smokers who light the palm of the other hand to ask lighting their cigarettes. their cigarettes in public places with- their cigarettes in public venues. But steps which are able the smoker to stop smoking and the The new tobacco control regula- out ever thinking of how others feel something that can be realistically to inflict a long-term third is to hold the raised palm out tions are a lot more severe than their about their smoking or how harmful done is for law enforcers to irregularly toward the smoker to say no. The predecessors. The fine for those their habit may be to the health of make inspections of public venues to harm to bilateral announcement came 20 days before who defy the rules can be as high others. catch those breaking the ban. If those the capital’s most severe smoking ban as 200 yuan ($32), which is 20 times Yet, it is one thing to have a set caught are punished according to the relations between takes effect on June 1. higher than the fine specified in the of severe regulations to ban smok- law it will act as a deterrent to others. Russia and the Beijing issued its first smoking ban in old rules. The smoking ban has also ing. It is completely another for the CHINA DAILY Sergei Lavrov United States. Russian Foreign Minister WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 QATAR PERSPECTIVE www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Al Qaeda in Yemen a product of Saleh, Iran To eliminate Al Qaeda in the Middle East, the US should work to remove the unjust governments in Iraq and Syria and uproot the Houthis and Saleh so that they never again dominate Yemen.

Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen. Surely, the GCC countries will be reassured that there are no risks from this nuclear deal to their safety. In Yemen, communication has been established with all opposi- tion political parties, who reject the dominance of the Houthis and Saleh in Yemen. This communication was held for holding a consultative meeting BY PROF MUHAMMED in Riyadh to assess the military, SALEH AL MUSFIR political and humanitarian situa- tions. Based on them, the neces- sary measures for the transition e are in a race of leadership inside Yemen will against time to end be taken to lead Yemen to a new the combat mission phase. Those who met in Riyadh Win Yemen to achieve admitted that the leaders had unequivocal victory against the become old and were no longer forces of oppression, namely the able to handle their burdens. Houthis and Ali Abdullah Saleh. However, it is indispensable Operation Decisive Storm was to work without this leadership not launched to deprive oppres- as they represent the power sors of their strategic weapon, that inspires Yemeni youth, which threatens the security of the strength and motivation to Saudi Arabia, but to strip these achieve victory and build a happy oppressive forces of weapons Yemen. The purpose of this meet- which threaten the security, ing was to build forces from the An air strike hits a military site controlled by the Houthi group in Yemen’s capital Sana’a. safety and stability of the Yemeni Yemeni revolution against the people, who have not enjoyed Iranian-influenced Houthis and the Tehama region’s resistance. an international umbrella with under any circumstance, because never again dominate Yemen. security and stability for more Ali Saleh. There is no news of President regional participation. that would mean a great loss and As long as there is a chance for than 30 years while living under However, there was no mention Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi since he This means that Iran will the end of Yemeni sovereignty the Houthis and Saleh to remain, the rule of Saleh. of the brave resistance in Tehama left Aden. become a party in the Yemeni over its territory. Al Qaeda and other terrorist The consultative summit of the region in any Gulf media outlet If he is unable to take respon- case and this will lead to the abo- The American fear of Al Qaeda organisations in the region will leaders of the Gulf Cooperation that supports Operation Decisive sibility for liberating Yemen from lition of the Yemeni interest to in Yemen and that group getting further establish themselves. Council (GCC) held a meeting in Storm and the Yemeni revolution. the oppression of the Houthis, hold a reconciliation conference sophisticated weapons limit the Finally, there won’t be any Riyadh that preceded a summit Tehama region is strategi- their supporters and the Iranians, under the umbrella of the GCC, chances of arming the Yemeni negotiations with the usurpers meeting on Friday, May 8, and cally important since it over- he should step down from leader- namely Riyadh. Popular Resistance party that is before they hand over their weap- the preparatory meeting in Paris sees Al Hudaydah, As Salif, Midi ship to open the way for a bet- In this regard, I call upon the against Houthi dominance. This ons and withdraw from all Yemeni between the GCC foreign min- District, Mokha and Beit Al ter leader who can take it to the Yemeni government to announce concern should vanish from the provinces. isters and John Kerry, the US Faqih. According to information, battlefield. a unity of military, economic American mentality. There should neither be nego- Secretary of State, to prepare there was a report that Iran was Last Friday, the US admin- and media leadership with Saudi In order to eliminate Al Qaeda tiations or bargains with traitors for the American-Gulf summit eyeing these areas. Across them it istration summoned the new Arabia, and form “a unified politi- throughout the Middle East, and agents, nor with their mas- in Camp David tomorrow. delivers aid to the Houthi militias representative of the United cal body between Yemen and the United States should work ters at home and abroad. Yemeni The main subject of the summit and from there to the borders of Nations in Yemen, Ismail Ould Saudi Arabia” to manage political with national powers to eradi- people deserve to make history. will inevitably be the American- Saudi Arabia. Cheikh, and informed him that affairs until Sana’a is liberated. cate the unjust governments in I assert that Al Qaeda in Yemen Iranian nuclear deal and events The Yemeni leadership living in it would prefer that all politi- The internationalisation of Iraq and Syria, and uproot the is a product of Saleh and Iran; in the Middle East, especially Riyadh is responsible for ignoring cal negotiations are held under Yemeni affairs should be rejected Houthis and Saleh so that they they are their agents in Yemen. Traffic awareness is our priority Use media to address the state’s concern for its citizens. terms of the means, content and goals. social issues I suggest hiring fresh, qualified staff Certainly, the Ministry of Interior will specialising in traffic management, and get data which it can use in the next he Family Day celebrations in organising professional awareness cam- phase. The ministry has men who are Qatar this year were beautiful and paigns in various languages to evaluate models for others in specialisation and Tattracted a large number of people. behaviour, change perceptions and raise leadership. Many thanks are due to the media awareness. Instead of being organised This view does not negate the role of for the role it played in highlighting the intermittently, such campaigns should be traffic management. Our country has annual event. Of course, when we care carried out for not less than three years. given us the right to express our views about something we promote it through Through media campaigns based on and the views of the community in order the media to give it importance. research and studies, and regulations and to reach better solutions. Thanks are also due to social organisa- laws, we will certainly reach the desired It is the duty of the authorities, as a tions that focused on the event. goal. matter of transparency and good faith, What was beautiful this year was the There are several things that must to look at things from a logical and neu- effective participation in social media, be studied and taken into account other tral perspective. We, as media workers, with social service organisations, espe- BY JASSEM IBRAHIM FAKHRO than fines and surveillance cameras. community members and government cially Ihsan, which cares for the elderly, The Ministry of the Interior, being staff, should complement each other; playing a major role in using such media. BY AHMED AL MOHANNADI hen an article on traffic fines responsible for managing traffic, should our goal is one — to improve our coun- This helped spread awareness among was published in Al Sharq assign a research organisation to do a try and ensure the safety of its citizens members of the community. Wnewspaper, we were the first study to evaluate media campaigns in and guests. I contributed in the media symposium Some institutions visit schools to give to call the public relations department in this regard through Dhreima, in col- children phone numbers they can call of the Interior Ministry on this issue and laboration with the Cultural Creativity when their parents correct them. This explain our point of view. Centre. increases the problems rather than solv- I appreciate the department’s profes- I wondered at the symposium what ing them. sionalism and respect for the opinions of could the challenges of the family be. Other institutions, when they mediate others, and this is what distinguishes us I explained that they include: between couples, often complicate mat- from many other countries, as we have a 1. Marital problems, including divorce, ters, which eventually reach the courts. special relationship between the interior payment of alimony, and expenses on We are asking for constructive coop- ministry and members of society, based lodging and children. eration, openness and frankness between on respect and trust. 2. Disregard for parents, to the extent the media and these institutions for In fact, I did not intend to accuse of sending them to homes for the elderly. changing the reality of the family in anyone as much as I intended to correct 3. Theft and drug addiction among Qatar. the course of events and highlight some children, leading to their imprisonment. The Supreme Education Council is traffic-related issues for the sake of find- 4. The high cost of marriage and osten- doing something similar by hosting a ing solutions. tatious living. meeting of Qatari media persons with The issue is more important than tak- 5. Television programmes and other the Minister of Education and education ing people’s money through traffic fines, media content that has a negative influ- officials to address issues that matter to because the traffic has a direct relation ence on the youth. the community. with people’s lives. We know that the What is the role of the media in this We should not try to hide facts from fines are not a state tax wherein what is regard? or marginalise the media. given with the right hand is taken away The media highlights many of these I have some proposals for ensuring the with the left hand. issues, but unfortunately, there is mini- protection of the family in Qatar. However, we wanted to say that exces- mal cooperation from the institutions For example, the housing authority sive fines are not the solution; I see them concerned. can be required to provide housing to a as a sign of failure of the traffic cam- There is rarely any response to the divorcee immediately after studying her paigns that have been carried out for issues raised by the media. situation. years. The institutions are preoccupied with An aid account can be opened imme- Yes, traffic fines are important, but routine administrative work and suffer diately for minors and the money can be excessive fines are not the solution to from absenteeism by their employees. deducted from their inheritance. traffic problems. It is enough to know Therefore they have low productiv- Prisoners who have completed their from traffic signs that the street is under ity and fail to achieve the desired goal sentences should be given a certificate of radar surveillance, and the behaviour of of reducing challenges faced by families. good conduct immediately instead of hav- drivers will be better, and whoever vio- What have these institutions done ing to wait two years for that. Without it lates driving rules will be punished by to reduce the divorce rate? What have they can become a burden on their fami- law, which is fair. they done to combat the phenomenon of lies since they cannot work during their I have noticed how visitors to Doha spinsterhood? What have they done to probation period. from different countries are impressed Vehicles stuck in a traffic jam on one of Doha’s roads. resolve problems between children and Many other laws and regulations can by the traffic signs, which show their parents? be similarly amended. WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com EUROPE No breakthrough in US-Russia talks Kerry meets Putin, Lavrov in diplomatic push

SOCHI: Top US and Russian visit to Russia since the Ukraine TOMATOES, POTATOES officials said they hoped to work crisis began in the autumn of Despite the strains, Putin together on contentious issues 2013. smiled as he met Kerry. The US such as the conflicts in Ukraine Ties between Washington secretary of state and the Russian and Syria but offered no sign and Moscow have deteriorated foreign minister placed wreaths of concrete progress after since Russia annexed Ukraine’s at a memorial to World War Two more than eight hours of talks Crimea Peninsula in March 2014 victims. yesterday. and backed pro-Russian separa- Russia’s foreign ministry US Secretary of State John tist rebels in eastern Ukraine. spokeswoman said Lavrov gave Kerry met for more than Moscow accuses Washington of Kerry baskets of fresh tomatoes four hours each with Russian orchestrating last year’s over- and potatoes, a possible allusion President Vladimir Putin and throw of a Ukrainian president to Russia’s decision last year to Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to who was supported by Russia. ban imports of European fruit and discuss topics including the Iran The United States has accused vegetables in response to Western nuclear talks as well as the civil Russia of failing to withdraw sanctions. strife in Yemen and Libya. heavy equipment such as air He also presented Kerry with a Speaking to reporters after- defence systems, tanks and artil- T-shirt with “Victory” and “1945- wards, the two foreign ministers lery from eastern Ukraine in vio- 2015”, a reference to the 70th accentuated the positive despite lation of a peace plan agreed in anniversary of victory over Nazi the fact that US-Russian rela- February and known as Minsk 2. Germany. Western leaders boy- tions have sunk to their lowest Russia denies Western and cotted Saturday’s Moscow parade level since the Cold War largely Ukrainian accusations that it is to mark the occasion because of because of the Ukraine crisis. arming the pro-Russian sepa- its role in the Ukraine crisis. “We have an understand- ratists battling the government Kerry gave Lavrov a leather ing that we need to avoid steps and supporting them with its own portfolio, US officials said. which are able to inflict a long- military forces. More than 6,100 Washington and Moscow are term harm to bilateral relations people have been killed since April also at odds over the civil war in between Russia and the United 2014 in the Ukraine crisis. Syria, where Russia has backed States,” Lavrov told reporters The United States and Syrian President Bashar Al Assad through an interpreter. European Union imposed eco- while the United States wants a “There is no substitute for talk- nomic sanctions on Russia after political transition to end his fam- ing directly to key decision mak- it took over Crimea and have ily’s 45-year-old rule. ers, particularly during a period intensified them since. The US While there have been no out- that is a complex and fast moving official hinted they could be eased ward signs of a Russian reversal as this is,” Kerry added. if Russia complied with the Minsk on Syria, US officials hope recent Kerry met Lavrov and Putin plan, which calls for withdrawing defeats to Assad’s forces may Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with US Secretary of State John Kerry during their meeting at the in the Black Sea resort of Sochi heavy weaponry and respecting change the Russian stance. Bocharov Ruchei residence in the Black sea resort of Sochi yesterday. in what was the highest-level US Ukraine’s border. REUTERS

Britain could hold EU vote earlier Binding refugee quotas dividing Europe, say officials BRUSSELS: EU plans for The final plan is supposed to participate in any legislation Commissioners were due to meet that has faced a huge influx of than end of 2017 binding refugee quotas across be put before EU leaders at their imposing a mandatory system of Wednesday to formally sign off refugees recently, mainly from the 28-nation bloc could be sunk June 25-26 summit but immigra- resettlement or relocation.” on the new migration policy, the Kosovo, but also Syria, Iraq and LONDON: Prime Minister because Britain, Ireland and tion is such a sensitive political Instead, the spokesperson said, sources said. Afghanistan. David Cameron will hold an Denmark do not have to accept issue for many member states Britain will focus on “stopping the Commission President Jean- “The European idea that some- early referendum on member- them, European sources said that agreement could prove elu- callous criminals who lie behind Claude Juncker has said he wants body allows refugees into their own ship of the European Union if yesterday. sive, especially when it comes to this vile trade in human beings” the quotas to be binding, commission country and then distributes them he can first reach a deal that The European Commission, the sharing the burden. by cooperating more with law sources said, but Britain, among oth- to other member states is mad and satisfies his demands for major EU executive, is due to propose Commission spokeswoman enforcement agencies and work- ers, has insisted it will only accept unfair,” Hungarian Prime Minister changes in Britain’s relation- quotas as part of a new migra- Natasha Bertaud said that Britain ing within the countries of origin quotas on a voluntary basis. “Some Viktor Orban said Friday. ship with the bloc, his spokes- tion policy today after the worst and Ireland have “opt-in rights” and transit as well as returning member states have already made Orban like many of his man said yesterday. migrant shipwreck left 750 people on certain policy areas under EU illegal migrants. a major contribution to global European partners is facing an Cameron has pledged to renego- dead in the Mediterranean last treaties, meaning in this case The exemptions granted to resettlement efforts,” said a draft opposition upsurge of anti-immi- tiate Britain’s ties with Europe and month. that they had the right to decide the three countries are making copy of the proposals. grant populism. then give voters an in-out refer- As the death toll mounts off its whether or not to participate in it difficult for the commission to “But others offer nothing — and The UN High Commissioner endum on EU membership by the southern shores, the European a quota system. “Denmark has an impose binding quotas on the 25 in many cases they are not mak- for Refugees has urged the EU to end of 2017. “If we can do it earlier Union is trying to put in place opt-out right whereby they do not remaining EU member states, ing an alternative contribution admit annually a total of 20,000 we will,” his spokesman said when a strategy to deal with both participate at all” on this issue, European sources said. in terms of receiving and accept- Syrians who have taken refuge in asked if Cameron would like to hold the growing number of arriving Bertaud added. The issue is so divisive that ing asylum requests or helping neighbouring countries. But one the vote earlier. The spokesman refugees and to halt the inflow In London, a Home Office after further talks Tuesday, to fund the efforts of others,” the European source said no figure added that Cameron would seek at source in conflict-torn North spokesperson said that, given officials still had not fashioned draft added. has so far been offered to the changes to EU’s basic treaties as Africa and the Middle East. the choice, Britain “will not an agreement before the 28 EU Hungary is one member state Commissioners. AFP part of the renegotiation. The prospect of a vote on membership by the EU’s second- biggest economy has worried both investors and allies, who say Britain’s influence would be Germany gives huge amount diminished if it dropped out of the world’s biggest trading bloc. Cameron says he wants to stay of phone data to US: Report in a reformed EU but has also said that he would not be heartbroken BERLIN: Germany’s BND A spokeswoman for the BND if Britain left. Opinion polls show intelligence agency sends mam- declined to comment. The agency British voters are divided, with a moth amounts of phone and has now halted its Internet sur- little over half in favour of mem- text data to the US National veillance for the NSA, German bership. REUTERS Security Agency (NSA) each intelligence sources said last month, Die Zeit Online reported, week. Privacy is a potent issue in highlighting the scale of spy- Germany due to extensive sur- Macedonian PM ing cooperation which has veillance by Communist East unleashed a political row here. Germany’s Stasi secret police and sacrifices Critics have accused Chancellor also by the Gestapo in the Nazi era. Angela Merkel’s staff of giving the Revelations by former NSA two top allies nod to the BND to help the NSA contractor Edward Snowden SKOPJE: Macedonia’s embat- spy on European firms and offi- about widespread espionage in tled prime minister removed cials. They also say officials lied Germany by the United States his interior minister and his about the prospects of a U.S.- caused outrage in Germany when intelligence chief quit yesterday, German “no-spy deal” before the they surfaced. in an apparent bid to save the 2013 election. A Forsa poll yesterday showed government from a damaging Polls show the scandal is start- that the opposition Greens, who surveillance scandal. ing to hurt popular Merkel whose have led criticism of the govern- The state news agency MIA office is responsible for the over- ment over German spying, had reported that conservative leader Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron holds his first cabinet meeting after winning the general election at 10 sight of intelligence. profited from the row, climb- Nikola Gruevski had proposed to Downing Street, in Westminster, London, yesterday. Citing confidential documents, ing 2 points to 12 percent while parliament the election of new Die Zeit Online reported on Merkel’s conservatives dropped 1 interior and transport minis- Tuesday that of about 220 mil- point to 41 percent. ters, offering no explanation British cabinet meets for first time lion pieces of meta data gathered That follows an Infratest why. A second report then said per day, some 1.3 billion pieces per Dimap poll last week that showed intelligence chief Saso Mijalkov, LONDON: Prime Minister have a mandate to deliver on all of Cameron has vowed to make month go to the NSA. Merkel’s approval rating was Gruevski’s cousin, had resigned. David Cameron yesterday held it”. “This will be a different gov- his government about “blue-collar The data includes raw material down five points to 70 percent in Mijalkov and Interior Minister the first meeting of his cabinet ernment,” he added. “It is not a Conservatism” — reaching out to from phone calls and text mes- the wake of the spying scandal. Gordana Jankulovska have been since last week’s election win. coalition government so we have middle- and low-income Britons. sages which shows contact details Merkel, who argues that at the centre of months of dam- It was the first time in 18 years proper accountability. There’s no As if to emphasise his point, he and times of activity but does not Germany has to work with the aging opposition disclosures that that an all-Conservative cabinet trading away of things that are in visited a tea factory in northeast contain content. In particular, it NSA to fight terrorism, tried on the West says have raised serious had gathered at Downing Street here (the manifesto)”. England following the cabinet sends raw material on foreign Monday to deflect criticism, say- questions about the state of democ- as the centre-right party, for- Cameron’s cabinet discussed meeting. He urged staff at the communication in crisis regions, ing her staff acted “to the best racy in the former Yugoslav repub- merly part of a coalition, now has what would be in the Queen’s firm to keep exporting their prod- said Zeit Online. of their knowledge and in good lic. Their removal comes just days enough seats to govern alone after Speech on May 27 — a speech ucts “because, as we all know, as “It is questionable as to conscience”. Media reports had before a planned mass rally led by Thursday’s poll. written by the government but soon as you cross the Channel, it’s whether this practice is covered said Washington never offered opposition Social Democrat leader At the start of the meeting, read by Queen Elizabeth II out- almost impossible to get a decent by German laws,” wrote Die Zeit, Germany a no-spy agreement as Zoran Zaev on May 17 to demand Cameron held up his party’s elec- lining its legislative programme cup of tea”. citing a BND official responsible Merkel and senior aides had said. Gruevski’s resignation. REUTERS tion manifesto and stressed: “We for its term of office. AFP for data protection. REUTERS WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 AMERICAS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Republican US ‘becoming’ little less Christian WASHINGTON: The United Changing Religious Landscape.” percent in 2014, with 62 million and 49 respectively — is trending States is becoming a little less The decline is seen across many Evangelicals and another 36 mil- older, the study found. Christian, and a little more segments of American society, lion belonging to mainstream Non-Christian faiths grew in slams Obama unaffiliated to any faith, a major including whites, Latinos, women, Protestant denominations. proportion from 4.7 percent in study on the nation’s changing men and those with or without a Roman Catholics, who in 2007 to 5.9 percent last year, with religious landscape suggested college education. September will welcome Pope growth particularly robust among yesterday. But it is particularly marked Francis on his first papal visit to Moslems and Hindus, albeit from “The United States remains among younger American, and the United States, number 51 mil- a small base, it said. Interfaith home to more Christians than concerns Roman Catholics as lion, down three million from 2007. marriages are growing in number, on inequality any other country in the world,” much as mainstream Protestants. At the same time, the pro- accounting for four marriages in with 70.6 percent of its popula- At the same time, Christians portion of Americans claiming 10 since 2010 compared to fewer tion, or 173 million adults, iden- are also a more diverse group, a no religious affiliation — the so- than one in 10 prior to 1960. ‘Gulf between rich, poor widening’ tifying as Christian last year, the reflection of the growing Latino called “nones” — has grown from Pew, which posted its findings on Pew Research Centre said. population, the study found. 16.1 percent to 22.80 percent. its www.pewresearch.org website, WASHINGTON: Possible Christie was considered a But that figure is down from While Protestants in 2007 That group — with a median based its study on interviews with Republican presidential candi- Republican 2016 favourite until 2007 when 78.4 percent called accounted for 51.3 percent age of 36 — is increasingly more than 35,000 people from June date Chris Christie yesterday the “Bridgegate” scandal in which themselves Christian, Pew said in of Americans with religious younger, while non-Evangelicals through September last year. said the policies of President transportation and state offi- its 200-page study, titled “America’s affiliation, that slipped to 46.5 and Catholics — median age 52 AFP Barack Obama and the Federal cials were alleged to have engi- Reserve had widened the gulf neered a traffic jam as political between rich and poor. punishment. Christie, who is governor of Recent opinion polls show him Chilean President revamps cabinet New Jersey, said Obama’s mon- lagging other Republicans, includ- etary and regulatory policies ing former Florida Governor Jeb Obama picks have stymied economic growth by Bush and Senator Marco Rubio allowing financial assets to grow of Florida. substantially in value while wages New Jersey’s economic recov- presidential have stagnated. ery has lagged that of its neigh- “Under this president, we bours and the nation. The state library site have a roaring financial markets also faces a large public pension economy for the wealthy and a gap and has seen its credit rat- WASHINGTON: President weak real economy for the mid- ing downgraded a record nine Barack Obama announced dle class,” Christie said, criticis- times since Christie took office yesterday that he had chosen ing the US central bank’s “easy in January 2010. Chicago’s south side as the loca- money” policies. Income inequality has been a tion for his presidential library. Christie has yet to say whether main theme for Democratic poli- In a video message, Obama he will run for president in the ticians, including Massachusetts indicated he wanted the facility November 2016 election. In his Senator Elizabeth Warren, a vocal to be built in the area where he speech at a university in New critic of Wall Street. Democratic earned his chops as a community Hampshire, which holds one of presidential candidate Hillary organizer, and where unemploy- the party’s first nominating con- Clinton has also emphasised the ment and underdevelopment tests, Christie unveiled a detailed issue. The share of income has remain major problems. economic plan that he said would been shifting toward better-off “With a library and a foundation create 4 percent annual growth. households since the early 1970s, on the south side of Chicago, not Christie said he would simplify with a particularly sharp jump only will we be able to encourage the tax system, lower tax rates for during the presidency of Ronald and affect change locally,” Obama corporations, and eliminate pay- Reagan, a Republican, US Census Chilean President Michelle Bachelet (third left) leads the first meeting of the Ministers Council after the change said, flanked by first lady Michelle roll taxes for those over 62 and data shows. of Cabinet at Palacio de La Moneda in Santiago de Chile yesterday. Obama. “But what we can also do under 21. The shift, partly due to the ris- is to attract the world to Chicago.” Christie also pledged to undo ing value of stocks, real estate and Four sites had been shortlisted what he deemed “anti-growth” other assets, slowed during the for the project, two in Chicago, one actions taken by the Obama Obama years. During Obama’s at New York’s Columbia University administration that he said had first term, the share of incomes and another in Obama’s home state led to “severe over-regulation” and earned by the wealthiest 5 per- US vows to find missing journalist Tice of Hawaii. Chicago was long the “policies that discourage work.” cent of Americans jumped to 22.2 front runner. Creating a national energy percent from 21.7 percent. The WASHINGTON: The United called on governments and indi- and sisters, who have endured According to organizers of the strategy and encouraging inno- middle fifth’s share, meanwhile, States vowed yesterday to viduals with information about anguish and suffering since winning bid, the project could be vation are also priorities, Christie fell to 14.4 percent from 14.6. “work tirelessly” to bring home his whereabouts to “work cooper- Austin’s abduction,” Meehan said. worth $600m during construction said. “From its inception this In a statement, Holly missing American journalist atively with us to help bring him The White House said Tice, and later bring $200m to the city, administration has been focused Shulman, press secretary for the Austin Tice, who disappeared home”. Meehan said US officials a US Marine Corps veteran, including 1,900 jobs and 800,000 much more on redistribution of Democratic National Committee, in Syria in 2012, and appealed “strongly urge Austin’s captors to was abducted in August 2012 visitors each year. “I am thrilled wealth than on creating more said Christie’s proposed tax cuts to his captors to free him. release him”. while reporting from a suburb of to put this resource in the heart wealth for middle class citizens would further enrich the wealthy In a statement marking Tice’s “The United States government Damascus during the Syrian civil of the neighbourhood that means in America,” Christie said of and corporations without helping 1,000th day in captivity, White will continue to work tirelessly to war. It is unclear who is holding the world to me,” said Michelle Obama, a Democrat who cannot the middle class. House National Security Council bring Austin home to his parents, Tice. His family has said they Obama, who was born in the city. seek another term as president. REUTERS spokeswoman Bernadette Meehan Debra and Marc, and his brothers believe he is still alive. REUTERS AFP

Mexico checks girl’s DNA after US public likes it when politicians talk nicely: Study WASHINGTON: When politi- National Academy of Sciences, a slightly in the wake of the 2008 “Warm, prosocial language Researchers also looked at the cians talk in a friendly way that peer-reviewed US journal. financial crisis, and then declined still predicted public approval impact of friendly words on the US mix-up focuses on helping others, US pub- Researchers used software to again,” it added. when removing the effects of media and found that the more lic approval ratings rise, according analyse 123,927,807 words spoken “Prosocial language followed a societal and global factors (e.g. politicians talked nice, the more MORELIA: Mexican authori- to a study out on Monday. in the US House of Representatives nearly identical trajectory.” the September 11 attacks) and positive coverage they earned ties are conducting DNA tests But when elected leaders in between 1996 and 2014. In 2002, public approval of Congressional efficacy (e.g. pass- from news editorials. on a girl who may be the daugh- the US House of Representatives The computer checked for lin- Congress reached 84 percent. But ing bills), suggesting that proso- “Our results suggested that ter of a Texas woman after the stop stressing cooperation, pub- guistic markers of what is known in 2013, public approval reached cial language has an independent, prosocial language in Congress wrong child was forcibly sent to lic approval declines, according to as “prosocial language,” meaning an all-time low of 10 percent, direct effect on public approval,” predicted positive media cover- the United States last month. research that spanned nearly two words that indicate a concern according to background infor- according to the study. age. And positive media coverage In April, police seized 14-year- decades and 124 million words with the collective good. mation in the article. Researchers said language predicted public approval,” the old Alondra Luna Nunez inside spoken during debates in the halls Then, the researchers com- A relatively small drop in coop- caused the approval rating to researchers said. her school and sent her to Houston of Congress. pared levels of prosocial language erative language — 20 percent change because they could observe Researchers at the University of after a woman had mistakenly “The individual words whose within each month of Congress from 2002 to 2014 — was associ- a time lag between changes in the Winnipeg, University of Vancouver, identified her as a daughter she use most strongly predicted pub- with its approval ratings by the ated with a much larger, nearly types of words used and the var- University of Waterloo, University had not seen in eight years. lic approval were as follows: gen- American public. They discovered 75 percent decrease in public ying approval ratings—typically of British Columbia and University DNA tests conducted later in tle, involve, educate, contribute, “a striking match,” said the study. approval. Researchers said the about six to seven months later. of Manitoba authored the study, Texas showed she was the wrong concerned, give, tolerate, trust “Public approval peaked in effects of language remained In other words, “what Congress along with colleagues from the girl and she was sent back to her and cooperate,” said the study by the aftermath of the (2001) apparent even when they control- says today best predicts their Mannheim Centre for European real parents in Mexico’s central Canadian and German research- September 11 attacks, declined led for the impact of major world approval ratings 29 weeks into Social Research at the University state of Guanajuato. ers in the Proceedings of the over the next seven years, rose and national events. the future,” the study said. of Mannheim in Germany. AFP In a bid to avoid another embarrassing mix-up, authorities in Mexico are now awaiting DNA tests on a second girl identified Brazil battles dengue fever epidemic as Alondra. The girl’s father took her to her paternal grandmother Three men facing Brooklyn in the western state of Michoacan on Saturday, an official in the regional supreme court said. terrorism trial plead guilty The father, Reynaldo Diaz, delivered the girl after reaching NEW YORK: A former British The deal will spare the men an agreement with the mother, and two Swedish citizens about the 30-years-to-life in prison Dorotea Garcia, to “withdraw any to face trial on US terrorism they faced if convicted on all of charges against him,” the official charges pleaded guilty yesterday the charges against them. said. to conspiring to provide material Instead, the trio, Somalis by The case dates back to 2007, support to the Islamic militant birth, will face a maximum term when Mexican authorities group Al Shabaab in Somalia. of 15 years in prison when US received Garcia’s request for help Madhi Hashi, 25, whose UK District Judge John Gleeson sen- to return her daughter, whose citizenship was revoked in 2012, tences them on September 25. father brought her to the country and Swedish citizens Ali Yasin The men also face deportation from the United States. Ahmed, 30, and Mohamed Yusuf, following their release. “I’m happy because I will be 32, pleaded guilty in federal court Prosecutors said that from 2008 able to see my mother,” Alondra in Brooklyn, New York, to a sin- to 2012, the men participated in told Univision television. gle conspiracy count. The guilty weapons and explosives training Mexican prosecutors have pleas came just three hours before with members and associates of opened an investigation into the potential jurors were to receive Al Qaeda-allied Al Shabaab and actions of authorities, including questionnaires in preparation for agreed to support its agenda. a judge in Michoacan who had Patients are administered drips as they await the results of dengue examination, in a medical tent in Rio a June 1 trial. The men also were deployed ordered officials to send the wrong Claro, Brazil. An epidemic of dengue fever is fanning public anger over what Brazilians say is President Dilma “I agreed along with others to in combat operations to support Alondra to Texas. Garcia mistook Rousseff’s biggest challenge — the sad state of the national healthcare system. About 750,000 cases of the provide support to a designated Al Shabaab’s military action in the Guanajuato girl for her daugh- foreign terrorist organisation by Somalia and participated in a mosquito-borne virus have been confirmed this year, leading to waits of four hours or longer at some hospitals. ter because they share a similar the United States, specifically Al suicide bomber programme, The disease, which causes fever and joint pain, has killed 229 people so far this year. scar between the eyebrows. Shabaab in Somalia,” Hashi said authorities said. AFP in court. REUTERS WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / AFRICA Another secular Dozens dead blogger hacked to death in as new quake Bangladesh

DHAKA: A masked gang wield- ing machetes hacked a secular blogger to death yesterday in hits Nepal northeastern Bangladesh in the third such deadly attack by sus- pected Islamists since February. US helicopter reported missing Police said Ananta Bijoy Das was murdered in broad daylight as KATHMANDU: A new earth- according to the USGS. he headed to work at a local bank quake and powerful after- Eight people died in Kathmandu in the city of Sylhet, an attack that shocks killed dozens of people Valley and two major buildings fellow writers said highlighted a and brought fresh terror to a collapsed in the capital. culture of impunity. traumatised Nepal yesterday as But Dolakha and Kamrul Hasan, commissioner buildings already damaged in a Sindhupalchowk, two of districts of Sylhet police, said a group of monster quake last month came worst affected by the original around four masked men had tumbling down. quake, bore the brunt of the dam- attacked Das with machetes at Weeks after the country’s dead- age. In Dolakha alone, 26 people around 8.30 am on a busy street liest quake in more than 80 years, were confirmed dead. in Bangladesh’s fifth largest city. Rescue officials and bystanders look for survivors in front of a collapsed house in Kathmandu yesterday, after a terrified residents once again “Many houses have collapsed “They chased him down the fled into the streets as houses in Dolakha... there is a chance 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit Nepal. street and first attacked his head collapsed and landslides blocked that the number of dead from with their machetes and then roads, hampering the relief effort. the district will go up,” said Home Norwegian branch is running a Save the Children said the Scientists said yesterday’s attacked him all over his body,” Authorities in Nepal said at Minister Bam Dev Gautam. field hospital. Gorkha region, near the epicen- quake was part of a chain reaction. Hasan said. least 48 people were killed and A US Marine Corps helicop- “Hundreds of people are pour- tre of the April 25 quake, had also “Large earthquakes are often After the attackers fled into the more than 1,100 injured. ter carrying out earthquake ing in. They are treating dozens been hit by landslides and many followed by other quakes, some- crowds, Das was rushed to hospi- The 7.3-magnitude quake relief in nearby Charikot was for injuries and they have per- key roads were blocked. times as large as the initial one,” tal but declared dead on arrival, struck at 12.35 pm, some 76 kilo- reported missing yesterday with formed more than a dozen surger- The charity said two major said Carmen Solana, a volcan- police and medics said. metres east of Kathmandu, the six Marines and two Nepalese sol- ies,” said spokeswoman Nichola buildings had collapsed in ologist at Britain’s University of Police commissioner Hasan US Geological Survey said, after diers on board, officials said. Jones. Kathmandu, while many more Portsmouth. would not comment on the motive a 7.8-magnitude quake on April An aircraft search had spot- An emergency tent hospital in multi-storey buildings were show- “This is because the movement for the attack but fellow writers 25 killed more than 8,000 people. ted no sign of smoke or a crash Tatopani near the Chinese border ing large fissures. produced by the first quake adds said Das had been on a hit-list Yesterday’s quake was felt as site by nightfall, raising hopes run by the Canadian Red Cross Nepalese television showed the extra stress on other faults and drawn up by militants who were far away as New Delhi, and caused the helicopter may have made a was damaged by a landslide, she parliament building swaying, forc- destabilises them,” she told the behind the recent killing of blogger buildings to collapse in Tibet in safe emergency landing, Pentagon said. ing lawmakers to flee. London-based Science Media Avijit Roy. neighbouring China, killing at spokesman Colonel Steven There were several reports of “At an hour of a natural dis- Centre. Imran Sarker, head of a least one person there. Warren said. landslides in the worst-hit areas, aster like this, we have to face Kathmandu’s airport, the main Bangladeshi bloggers’ associa- A second tremor of 6.3-mag- The Red Cross said it had making the task of getting relief it with courage and patience,” entry point for flights bringing in tion, confirmed that Das was an nitude struck Nepal around received reports of large-scale to remote communities in the Nepal’s Prime Minister Sushil aid, was briefly closed after yes- atheist who regularly blogged for half an hour later, followed casualties in the town of Chautara mountainous country even more Koirala said after an emergency terday’s quake. Mukto-Mona. by yet more aftershocks, in Sindhupalchowk, where its difficult. meeting of his cabinet yesterday. AFP The website used to be moder- ated by Roy, a Bangladeshi-born US citizen who was hacked to death in the capital Dhaka in February. “We condemn this heinous kill- ing. It once again confirms our fear Don’t push back migrant boats, that there is a culture of impunity in Bangladesh. Anyone can now get away with killing a progressive free thinker,” Sarker said. UN pleads with SE Asian govts Washington also condemned the killing and called on the LHOKSUKON/LANGKAWI: Malaysian police officer said that A senior maritime official said Bangladeshi authorities to bring The police chiefs of Thailand his country had already moved anymore boats trying to land the perpetrators to justice. and Malaysia will hold talks on more security personnel to the would be turned back. “We don’t “The United States condemns holding back a tide of migrants frontier to stem the tide of peo- allow them in,” said First Admiral the brutal murder of writer/ landing on their shores, officials ple trying to cross, but he gave Tan Kok Kwee, northern region blogger Ananta Bijoy Das in said, as a leading organisation no details of what coordinated head of the Malaysian Maritime Bangladesh, the latest in a recent warned that about 7,000 people action there may be between the Enforcement Agency. “It’s a policy string of attacks against writ- were still adrift in the Bay of two countries. matter.” ers and bloggers in Bangladesh,” Bengal. Malaysia, one of Southeast An estimated 25,000 State Department Spokesman Jeff The United Nations appealed to Asia’s wealthier economies, has Bangladeshis and Rohingya Rathke said. governments of Southeast Asian long been a magnet for illegal Muslims from Myanmar boarded “We offer our heartfelt condo- nations not to push back the boats immigrants, but the sudden surge rickety smugglers’ boats in the lences to his family and friends.” Sailors of the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force guide a Philippine Navy — many of them packed with hun- has presented the authorities first three months of this year, Police chief Hasan said they helicopter as it lands on the deck of the JS Harusame during a joint naval gry and sick refugees — that have there with a pressing problem of twice as many in the same period were investigating an announce- exercise yesterday. been abandoned by smugglers fol- what to do with them. of 2014, the UN refugee agency ment by an unknown group that Al lowing a crackdown by Thailand. Three boats carrying more UNHCR has said. Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent “We can foresee a humani- than 1,000 people landed on Most landed in Thailand, where (AQIS) was behind the killing. tarian emergency happening the Malaysian holiday island of they were held by the smugglers AQIS has already claimed Philippines, Japan hold here,” International Organization Langkawi, close to the Thai bor- in squalid jungle camps until rela- responsibility for the deadly attack for Migration (IOM) spokes- der, at the weekend. tives pay a ransom. REUTERS on Roy on February 26. man Leonard Doyle said at a A group called Ansar Al Islam joint briefing with the UN High said on Twitter that AQIS was historic naval drills Commissioner for Refugees in responsible for Das’s murder and Geneva. warned of more to come. AFP MANILA: Two Japanese exercise in the light of some asser- There has been a surge in destroyers and one of the tive actions by China in the South migrants from impoverished Philippines’ newest warships China Sea,” Wilfrido Villacorta, an Bangladesh and Myanmar to began historic naval exercises in international relations lecturer Malaysia and Indonesia this year the flashpoint South China Sea at the Manila-based De La Salle following a clampdown on traffick- yesterday, showcasing a deepen- University, said. ers by Thailand, usually the first S Africa delays ing alliance aimed at countering He described this as a “natural destination in the region’s people- a rising China. reaction” by the Philippines after smuggling network. deportation of The day-long war games, the recent “provocations”. Many of the arrivals are first bilateral naval exercises Villacorta cited in particular Rohingya, a stateless Muslim 200 foreigners between the former World War China’s recent flurry of recla- minority from Myanmar described II enemies, took place less than mation activities on reefs in the by the United Nations as one of JOHANNESBURG: South 300 kilometres from a Philippine- Philippine-claimed Spratlys archi- the most persecuted minorities in Africa temporarily halted the claimed shoal now under Chinese pelago, turning them into islands the world. deportation of 200 foreigners control. capable of hosting significant mili- Thailand said yesterday it would yesterday after a legal challenge Philippine authorities insisted tary outposts. ask its neighbour for help to track by a human rights group, which the exercises were merely focused China has repeatedly rejected down human traffickers who have said authorities were unfairly on building military capabilities, allegations it is breaking interna- slipped across their jungle-cloaked A child, believed to be Rohingya, eats inside a shelter yesterday after he was targeting them following anti- but security analysts said they tional law in the South China Sea, border into Malaysia. rescued along with hundreds of others on Sunday from boats in Lhoksukon, migrant riots in which seven were clearly a signal to China insisting it has sovereign rights to At annual talks between police in Indonesia’s Aceh Province. people were killed. over bitter maritime territorial the waters. officials from the two countries, a More than 800 undocumented disputes. China hit out at the Philippines migrants have been arrested “First they demonstrate that again yesterday, as it reasserted across South Africa in the past China’s Pacific neighbours are its rights to the Spratlys, which it three weeks under “Operation beginning to balance against calls the Nansha islands. Fiela”, a series of raids launched China,” professor Michael Tkacik, “The Chinese side is firmly after last month’s violence which a foreign policy expert at the opposed to the Philippines’ occu- was centred on the province of Texas-based Stephen F. Austin pation of some of the maritime Myanmar protesters go on trial KwaZulu Natal. State University, said. features of China’s Nansha islands But the Lawyers for Human “Japan, the Philippines, by force,” foreign ministry spokes- THARRAWADDY: Dozens that lawyers say could see them according to EU techniques,” Rights (LHR) group filed a peti- Vietnam, and assorted other states woman Hua Chunying told report- of Myanmar education activ- jailed for up to nine and a half Phone Myint said, without elabo- tion in court yesterday seeking are threatened by China’s behav- ers in Beijing. ists yesterday went on trial in a years. rating, in the packed courtroom. legal access to detainees arrested iour, even as far away as India. “Facts have proven once again case that has sparked interna- Yesterday, the court heard from The EU has voiced concern at last week, and asked the Home Thus, the Philippines and Japan that the Philippines is the real rule tional alarm and raised fears of the prosecution’s first witness, the crackdowns, while the United Affairs Ministry to halt their are jointly making an important breaker and troublemaker.” a return to junta-era tactics in Phone Myint, head of police in States and United Nations have deportations which were due to statement about how seriously Security analysts said Japan’s the slowly reforming nation. Letpadan town, where in March also expressed alarm. start on Wednesday. they view China’s actions.” decision to deploy warships into The mostly young campaign- protesters trying to meet fellow The trial closed for the day Wayne Ncube, coordinator of Although the Philippine Navy the South China Sea for the exer- ers were arrested two months ago activists in Yangon clashed with before the police chief completed the migration detention unit at declined to say exactly where cises, part of a broader trend during a violent police crackdown baton-wielding riot police block- his full statement and was due to LHR, said Home Affairs officials yesterday’s exercises took place, to give military support to the on student-led protests calling for ing their way. resume on May 26 for 69 students, had agreed to halt the depor- it said the vessels would sail Philippines, would anger China. education reform in what was one He defended his force’s tactics, the court heard. tation for two weeks to ensure into the South China Sea from a Chinese foreign ministry of the most concerted challenges saying they drew upon train- One of the activists, aged only that the 200 migrants arrested former US naval base in Subic Bay, spokeswoman Hua said the exer- to the government of reformist ing sessions from the European 16, was released on bail and would at a Methodist Church in the about 270 kilometres southeast of cises were being “closely” followed, Prime Minister Thein Sein. Union, which has run pro- face trial at a separate court for early hours of Friday morn- Scarborough Shoal. describing them as “hyping up The 70 accused are facing a grammes to train Myanmar’s minors, his lawyer Aung Thein ing had a chance to get legal “It would be naive for anyone to tensions”. raft of charges including unlawful decrepit police force. said. representation. think this is just an ordinary joint AFP assembly and rioting — offences “We prohibited them (students) AFP REUTERS WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Imran Khan Sharif pledges barred from campaigning support in fight ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan has barred PTI Chairman Imran Khan from campaigning for against Taliban his party’s candidates in by- elections in three constituencies of the national and provincial assemblies. PM meets Afghan President in Kabul Through a notification, the ECP has modified its earlier notifica- KABUL: Pakistani Prime Pakistan a priority since taking tions issued to bar public office- Minister Nawaz Sharif office last year. holders from influencing in any promised yesterday to help The neighbours are seeking to way the results of by-polls to be Afghanistan’s government hunt increase military cooperation to held on June 8 in NA-108 (Mandi down militants, saying on a visit fight the two main branches of the Bahauddin) and PP-196 (Multan) to Kabul that he condemned a Taliban, one fighting to topple the in Punjab and PK-56 (Mansehra) recent offensive by Taliban US-backed government in Kabul in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. insurgents. and the other against Pakistan’s To the surprise of many, prob- Former Afghan president government. ably for the first time in the Hamid Karzai had long accused “I assure you, President, that country’s electoral history, the Islamabad of tacit support of the the enemies of Afghanistan can- modified notification includes Afghan Taliban, whose leaders are not be friends of Pakistan,” Sharif members of national and pro- believed to be hiding in Pakistan. said. vincial assemblies in the list of “Any effort by any militant or Ghani’s move to mend ties public office-holders barred from group to destablise Afghanistan with Pakistan is partially aimed visiting the constituencies after will be dealt with severely and at convincing Islamabad to use Afghan President Ashraf Ghani (right) shakes hands with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif after a news announcement of the election such elements will be outlawed whatever influence it has among conference in Kabul yesterday. schedule. Senior PTI leader Dr and hunted down,” Sharif said Taliban leaders to persuade them Arif Alvi said, “The decision is yesterday. to join peace talks. retaliation for sheltering the Al for informal discussions on a pos- The Taliban push has brought surprising and must be reviewed He was speaking during a The Afghan Taliban have been Qaeda planners of the September sible peace process, but the insur- its fighters to the outskirts of a by the ECP.” joint appearance with Afghan fighting to restore their hard-line 11, 2001 attacks on American cit- gents have also launched attacks major northern city, Kunduz, and There should be a ban on President Ashraf Ghani, who has Islamist regime that was ousted ies. Afghan and Taliban repre- across the country as part of their battles with Afghan army and announcement of development made improving relations with in a US-led military action in sentatives recently met in Qatar annual spring offensive. police are ongoing. REUTERS schemes after publication of election schedule, but such a restriction for members of the assemblies was unheard of, he Bomb blast in Kunduz added. Dr Alvi said that a one-to- one electoral battle was likely Pakistan executes between the candidates of the ruling PML-N and PTI in the constituencies and the decision was strange. activist for murder Others who will be affected by the decision include JUI-F leader QUETTA: Pakistan yester- through Babar Ghauri (a sen- Maulana Fazlur Rehman and day hanged a political activ- ior party leader) that the Qaumi Watan Party chief Aftab ist convicted of murder, whose KESC (Karachi Electric Supply Ahmad Sherpao. execution was delayed after Company) MD has to be killed,” According to the modified he claimed in a video that his Mirza had said in the video, which notification, the president, prime party chief had ordered him to was leaked to dozens of news minister, chairman and deputy carry out the killing. channels. chairman of the Senate, speak- Saulat Ali Khan, also known It was not clear who shot or ers of national and provincial as Saulat Mirza, was in 1999 sen- leaked the video. assemblies, federal and provin- tenced to death for the murder Hussain strongly denied Mirza’s cial ministers, governors, chief of the then managing director of allegations in comments broad- ministers, advisers to the prime the city’s state-owned electricity cast by all major TV channels. minister and the chief ministers, company two years earlier. The MQM, the most powerful members of national and pro- “Saulat Mirza was hanged at political force in Pakistan’s biggest vincial assemblies or any person 4:30 am early morning today city of Karachi, stands accused by on their behalf and other public (2330 GMT Monday),” Sikandar critics of running a violent mafia- office holders will not visit any Kakar, a senior official at Mach like organisation, but the party constituency or a polling station jail in southwestern Baluchistan strongly denies this and presents after the announcement of the People gather at the site of a bomb blast at a busy market in Kunduz, Afghanistan, yesterday. Three persons province where Mirza was impris- itself as a voice of political mod- election schedule till the comple- were wounded in the blast. In another incident at least one person was killed in a roadside bomb explosion oned, said yesterday. eration and secularism. tion of poll. in downtown Kunduz. “A doctor examined his health The confessional video state- Besides, they will not openly just before the execution and ment was the latest blow to or secretly give any donation or declared him fully fit,” Kakar said, MQM, whose headquarters were promise to give a donation to an adding that the convict apologised raided by paramilitary forces in institution in a constituency, nor to all jail inmates and staff for March on an intelligence tip-off will inaugurate, commit to under- Afghan drug users nearly double any offence he had caused before that convicted criminals were take or announce any develop- heading to face the gallows. hiding inside. The raid resulted ment project for the advancement KABUL: The number of drug regime — giving rise to a new gen- among the drug users. A senior official of the jails in one death, the arrest of dozens of the campaign of a candidate of users in Afghanistan soared to eration of addicts since the 2001 Opioids, including opium, are department Zia Tareen also con- of activists and the seizure of a their choice. a record high of three million US-led invasion of Afghanistan. the most prevalent class of drugs firmed the hanging. cache of weapons. By-election in NA-108 is tak- last year, almost doubling over “In 2005, the number of drug used in the country, the survey Mirza was due to be hanged on Pakistan has executed over 100 ing place after disqualification of a two-year period in the world’s users was 900,000, it went up said. It showed a national drug March 19, but his execution was convicted murderers after lifting Chaudhry Ejaz for possessing a leading producer of opium, offi- to... 1.6 million in 2012. In 2014, use rate of 11 percent, one of the postponed several times on medi- a moratorium on capital punish- fake degree and concealing assets. cials said yesterday. the number increased to three highest in the world, with drug cal grounds after he appeared in a ment following the most bloody By-election in PK-56 is being Opium poppy cultivation million, which is very worry- use in rural areas three times video making striking allegations terrorist attack in the country’s held after disqualification of touched a record high in 2014 ing,” Afghan Health Minister higher than in urban areas. against Karachi’s main party, the violent history on a school in Waheeduz Zaman of PML-N and this year is expected to yield Ferozuddin Feroz told reporters, “Drug use is an Afghan prob- Muttahida Qaumi Movement northwestern Peshawar city in after his resignation from basic another bumper harvest, high- citing a survey conducted jointly lem, an American problem and (MQM), for which he was an December. membership of the party. lighting the failure of the multi- with the US State Department. a problem for all the 195 coun- activist. In the video he said the Human rights group Amnesty He had resigned after being billion-dollar US-led campaign to “This survey shows an alarm- tries represented in the United party chief Altaf Hussain — who International estimates that accused of violating the party crack down on the lucrative crop. ing increase of drug users in Nations,” said William Brownfield, has been in self-imposed exile in Pakistan has more than 8,000 discipline by proposing and sec- Addiction levels have also risen Afghanistan both in the cities US assistant secretary for coun- London since 1992 — had ordered prisoners on death row, most onding candidates not belonging sharply — from almost nothing and in rural areas,” he said, add- ter-narcotics affairs. him to carry out the murder. of whom have exhausted their to the party in recent elections of under the 1996-2001 Taliban ing that children and women were AFP “Altaf Hussain directed us appeals. AFP the Senate. INTERNEWS Pakistani defector was key in Laden operation: Officials

ISLAMABAD: Two former Hersh’s report quotes a senior defected,” he said. “There was too senior Pakistani military offi- US source as saying a “walk-in” big a reward, he became a mole and cials said yesterday that a defec- approached the then-CIA station agent to put in practice their plan.” tor from Pakistani intelligence chief in Islamabad in 2010 prom- According to Hersh’s report, assisted the US in its hunt for ising to lead them to bin Laden. the US learned that Pakistani Osama Bin Laden but denied However, the Pakistani mili- authorities had bin Laden in their the two countries had officially tary source said the defector had custody and were hoping to use worked together. no knowledge his target was bin him as a shield against Al Qaeda The officials’ accounts come Laden but was instead given a and Taliban attacks. after the publication of a contro- task that would verify his identity. Later, Hersh reported, the US versial new report by US journal- The source declined to elaborate convinced Pakistan to stage a ist Seymour Hersh in which he on what that task was. fake raid to kill bin Laden that claims to have uncovered a secret “This guy was inducted at a would be a boost for US President deal between the two countries much later stage only to carry Barack Obama — then in his first that resulted in the killing of the out the ground confirmation,” term — while also allowing the terror chief in 2011. the source said. “The US needed Pakistanis to deny having any- The White House has flatly a ground confirmation which they thing to do with the killing. rejected Hersh’s claims that couldn’t have done without rely- Both former Pakistani offi- Pakistan was told in advance ing on a responsible person.” cials, however, and several other about a 2011 special operations He added that the defector did serving officials, have dismissed raid that killed Al Qaeda leader not belong to the Inter Services the allegation that such a deal Osama bin Laden. Intelligence (ISI), the country’s had been agreed. After a 10-year A source — who was a serving main spy agency, but another manhunt, bin Laden was tracked senior military official at the time branch, and was now residing in down to Abbottabad, a garrison of the raid — said yesterday that the United States. town north of Islamabad where the defector was a “resourceful Another former official, ex- Pakistan’s military academy is and energetic” mid-ranking intel- ISI chief Hamid Gul said he was headquartered, sparking allega- ligence officer whose efforts were also aware of the defector. “That tions authorities were colluding A young shepherd takes rest beside his sheep near Al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden’s final hideout in Abbottabad critical to the success of the raid. is in my knowledge, that someone with the terror group. AFP in this file picture. WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Govt murdered land Water carriers law, says Rahul Bill sent to joint committee of both chambers

NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha member S S Ahluwalia, sources not come only at night, but during yesterday referred the land said. day time (and) that too wearing acquisition bill to a joint com- The 20 members include mem- suit-boot.” mittee of the two houses after bers from the BJP, Congress, Biju He said the previous act a spirited debate in which Janata Dal, Telugu Desam Party, had faced “axe blows” that had Congress vice president Rahul AIADMK, Communist Party removed its essential compo- Gandhi accused the NDA gov- of India-Marxist, Trinamool nents such as clauses on consent ernment of “murdering” the Congress, Shiv Sena, Lok and social impact. Gandhi, who legislation passed by the previ- Janshakti Party, Telangana faced repeated interruptions from ous UPA regime. Rashtra Samithi and YSR the treasury benches, said that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Congress Party. according to information obtained M Venkaiah Naidu, however, The joint committee will have from the finance ministry under rebutted Gandhi’s allegations, 10 members from the Rajya Sabha the Right to Information Act, saying the change in the 2013 Act and is expected to give its report only eight percent projects were had been made following consul- by the first day of the monsoon pending due to problems concern- tation with the states. session. ing land. Rural Development Minister Leading the opposition attack “The government has land. Birender Singh meanwhile on the bill, Gandhi accused the Forty percent of land in SEZs Children of labourers use various containers to carry water from a distribution point in Amritsar yesterday. With accused the previous Congress government of “murdering” the (special economic zones) is temperatures rising in north India, many areas face acute water shortage. government in Haryana of acquir- exisiting land bill and said his vacant. But you want to snatch ing thousands of acres of land in party will oppose the new land the land of farmers,” he said.”The areas adjoining Delhi and chang- bill both inside and outside the government wants to give the ing land use in favour of build- parliament. land to capitalists. This is actu- ers. He said little acquisition “This government is in a hurry ally a suit-boot government,” he had taken place so far under the to pass this bill... It will not hap- added. Four new governors appointed 2013 Act. pen so easily. If we are not able Naidu said land was needed for The House adopted a motion to stop it here (in parliament), irrigation, rural housing, rail lines NEW DELHI: President transferred to Mizoram for the after by Nagaland Governor moved by Birender Singh say- we will hit the streets against it and roads. Pranab Mukherjee yesterday remainder of his term which lasts Padmanabha Acharya, will now ing that bill further to amend outside,” he said. “We will not do anything which filled up vacancies of gover- till 2018. The seventh governor have BJP leader Tathagata Roy in the Right to Fair Compensation “We took two years to bring will hurt farmers community. If nors in four northeastern states to be named for the northeast- the Raj Bhavan. Roy is a former and Transparency in Land land bill. NDA government mur- some people do not want indus- while shifting two governors. ern state since July 2014, he will chief of the Bharatiya Janata Acquisition, Rehabilitation and dered it within a few days,” he try, it is their choice. We want According to a Rashtrapati be succeeded in Itanagar by J P Party’s West Bengal unit. Resettlement (Amendment) Act, added. industry and agriculture,” he Bhavan comminique, Rajkhowa. Jharkhand Governor Syed 2013 be referred to a joint com- Accusing the National said. V Shanmuganthan has now Meghalaya and Mizoram were Ahmed has been transferred to mittee of the Houses consisting of Democratic (NDA) government He said Congress brought the been appointed the governor of currently being held as additional Manipur for the remainder of 30 members. of trying to “grab” the land from land bill in 2013 with an eye on Meghalaya whereas Arunachal charges by West Bengal Governor his term, and will be succeeded The committee is likely to be farmers, he said: “A Soviet econo- Lok Sabha elections but lost badly. Pradesh Governor, Lt Gen Keshari Nath Tripathi. by Droupadi Murmu. headed by Bharatiya Janata Party mist once told me that thieves do IANS (retd) Nirbhay Sharma has been Tripura, that was being looked IANS Delhi police Pragmatism to underline Modi’s visit to China officer’s car NEW DELHI: Prime Minister of Shanghai, seeking to deliver the border dispute and Beijing’s South Tibet. However, in an Beijing,” Stobdan told AFP. Narendra Modi will take his on election promises for foreign recent push to forge closer ties interview with Time magazine last “It’s a very pragmatic thing to global investment push to investment in India’s crumbling with countries in India’s backyard week, Modi said the two countries understand and recognise China’s mows down China this week, as Asia’s rival rail and other infrastructure. has caused some alarm in New have shown “great maturity” in strength rather than try and superpowers look to put aside “I firmly believe this visit to Delhi. recent decades over the border compete with them. Cooperation a festering border dispute and China will strengthen the sta- But in a sign of Modi’s prag- issue and were committed to with China is the need of the hour three women identify areas of economic bility, development and prosper- matic approach towards Beijing, “economic cooperation”. as far as India is concerned.” cooperation. ity of Asia,” Modi wrote on Sina he has appeared relaxed about For his part, Chinese Premier Li told India Today maga- NEW DELHI: A Delhi Police Modi will fly out for his first Weibo, China’s version of Twitter, China’s ambitions, saying it has a Li Keqiang said the “boundary zine that China stands ready to sub-inspector rammed his visit as premier to China before of the three-day visit that begins “right” to seek greater influence. question is a problem left over “deepen our strategic and coop- speeding car into three women heading to South Korea where tomorrow. During Xi’s visit to India last from history”, albeit a “difficult” erative partnership” as well as sanitation workers on a flyover he will also seek help to upgrade Despite a reputation as a hard- September — the first visit by a one for the two countries. economic ties that include two in the capital yesterday morn- India’s creaking infrastructure. line nationalist, Modi moved Chinese president in eight years Phunchok Stobdan, a China Chinese industrial parks in India. ing killing them, police said. After Modi hosted China’s quickly to engage with Beijing — the two men spoke of their expert at Delhi’s Institute of “Cooperation between China The official was arrested for President Xi Jingping last year after winning power last May. desire to place cooperation above Defence Studies and Analysis, and India is a huge treasure house rash driving, but witnesses said in his home state of Gujarat, Xi His main focus in his first year competition and ensure “tranquil- said mutual “mistrust” remained waiting to be discovered,” the pre- his car brakes had failed lead- will return the favour by giving in office has been to revive India’s ity” along their border. below the surface but Modi knows mier said. ing to his losing control over the him a tour of his ancestral home stuttering economy, courting The two countries fought a there is little point in being Trade will also be the main vehicle. province of Shaanxi before they other economic powerhouses such brief but bloody border war in confrontational. focus of Modi’s two-day visit The accident occurred around head to Beijing. as the United States, Japan and 1962 over the northeastern Indian “China is our immediate neigh- to South Korea which begins 9.30am on the Mehrauli-Badarpur Modi will also meet busi- Germany. Ties between China and state of Arunachal Pradesh, bour so there are compelling rea- on Monday after a stopover in flyover in south Delhi. ness chiefs in the financial hub India have long been strained over areas of which Beijing claims as sons for India to be mellow with Mongolia. AFP Rishipal, 59, who is deputed in the Police Control Room (PCR) and presently posted at the Delhi Police Headquarters, was arrested Storm lash on charges of rash and negligent driving. Witnesses said the sub- inspector apparently lost control No steps to bring back of his vehicle after its brakes failed, and it hit the three women sanitation workers on the flyover. black money: Jurist According to a witness, the speeding car hit all the three women one by one from behind NEW DELHI: The Supreme government was not ratifying and dragged one of them to some Court yesterday was told that the the United Nations conven- distance. the unaccounted black money tion facilitating the exchange of The three deceased were iden- stashed away to tax havens such information. tified as Meera, 55, Shakuntala, would not be recovered as the Jethmalani, on whose peti- 55, and Maya, 28. federal government and its tion the apex court had July 4, “Meera was killed on the spot, bureaucrats entrusted with the 2011 directed the setting up of while the two other women suc- task have not taken any effec- the SIT, told the court said that cumbed to their injuries later at a tive steps to recover it. much publicised campaign by hospital. An FIR has been lodged Describing the steps taken Prime Minister Narendra Modi against the sub-inspector who so far to recover the money as during Lok Sabha elections to was arrested from the spot and “great fraud on the nation”, bring back the black money investigations are on in the case,” eminent jurist Ram Jethmalani has been described as “Chunavi said a police official. told a bench of Chief Justice H Jumla”(empty promise) by At the time of the accident, the L Dattu, Justice Madan B Lokur Bharatiya Janata Party president sub-inspector was heading home and Justice A K Sikri that the Amit Shah. in Faridabad after completing his “present government is not taking He said that this was said by night shift, the official said. any effective step to bring back Amit Shah in an interview with a Police said six sanitation work- the black money stashed away news channel has not been denied ers, including four women, were from India”. either by him or anybody else working on the flyover when the Telling the court that its own among the authorities. accident took place. IANS Men push their bicycles on the banks of the river Ganga during a dust storm in Allahabad yesterday. The city in judgment was being “frustrated”, Giving the magnitude of the the state of Uttar Pradesh is known for the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. Jethmalani asked the court money that has been taken out of to direct that the government the country, involved, Jethmalani should not invoke the Double told the court that Professor Taxation Avoidance Treaty to R Vaidyanathan, an expert in block the information as the the field from Indian Institute treaty was to protect the honest of Management-Bangalore, Court bans news on Pachauri case till May 15 traders from paying the double “has put the figures at $1.4 taxes. trillion equivalent to about NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Sachdeva restrained Bennett complaints committee, whose court, sought a restraining order “My conscience says that the Rs700,000,000,000,000.” Court yesterday restrained a Coleman and Co Ltd till May three-month-inquiry period will on publication of reports relating present government and its Meanwhile, the SIT in its third media house from publishing 15 from publication of articles expire on May 16, not to disclose to the alleged complaint. bureaucrats will not recover status report submitted to the news reports relating to TERI against Pachauri on proceedings its findings. On February 17 , the single this money” as most of them court yesterday under the head- director general R K Pachauri and outcome of the committee The court’s interim order came judge restrained publication of were loyal to UPA government ing “Cricket Betting” said: “Large on a sexual harassment com- which had initiated an inquiry on a plea filed by Pachauri chal- news on the issue, but the next which resisted every effort to amount of black money is trans- plaint against him by a woman against him under the Sexual lenging the order by a single judge day (February 18), modified the bring back the unaccounted acted every year. As per FICCI research analyst. Harassment at Workplace Act. who had allowed publication of order and lifted the ban, against money parked in foreign banks, report, it come to more than A division bench of Justice Posting the matter for May 15, news in the issue. which Pachauri appealed to the he contended. Rs3,000bn. This is required to be B D Ahmed and Justice Sanjeev the bench asked TERI’s internal Pachauri, who was present in division bench. IANS Jethmalani said that controlled.” IANS WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Ten killed as tremors create panic Eight dead in Bihar, two in Uttar Pradesh; mild tremors felt in eastern states of Odisha and West Bengal

NEW DELHI: Another major earth- under-construction crematorium in quake jolted Nepal yesterday and the Hamirpur collapsed while several other tremors were felt across India for over labourers were trapped in the rubble, 30 seconds, leaving at least eight people while a girl was killed in Sambhal when dead in Bihar and two in Uttar Pradesh. her mud-and-thatch house caved in. The National Disaster Response Force Two children were injured in a wall (NDRF) was put on alert for rescue collapse in Ambedkar Nagar. and relief operations. Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, who The quake measuring 7.3 on the was attending an event at his official resi- Richter scale shook Nepal, nearly three dence, was whisked away by his security weeks after a more powerful temblor personnel as soon as the tremors were killed over 8,000 people in the Himalayan felt. nation. The tremors were also felt in parts West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata of northern and eastern India includ- Banerjee urged people to stay calm in ing Delhi, Patna, Lucknow, Guwahati, the wake of tremors felt in several parts Bhubaneswar and Jaipur. of the state, including Murshidabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a Durgapur, Siliguri. meeting to take stock of the situation and “Earthquake has once again struck directed authorities to be on high alert many parts of our state and other parts for rescue and relief operations. of the country and abroad. I appeal to our Modi tweeted that he has “directed all people to maintain calm. Our government concerned authorities to be on alert for will provide all support,” she posted on carrying out rescue and relief operations, Facebook. as required”. She said a round-the-clock control The Home Ministry said that it was room had been opened at the state secre- in touch with state governments and put tariat ‘Nabanna’ in nearby Howrah. The the NDRF on alert. numbers are 1070 and 22143526. India Meteorological Department Kolkata Metro as well as the metro (IMD) Director General L S Rathore services in Delhi were halted due to the said the earthquake’s epicentre was 60 tremors, while cell phone services were km east of Kathmandu. also reportedly disrupted in several After the quake, three major after- stretches. shocks were reported at close intervals. Mild tremors were also felt in various “The first measured 5.4 on the Richter People stand on a road divider after vacating their office buildings following earthquake tremors in Kolkata yesterday. parts of Odisha, including Bhubaneswar, scale, the second was of 6.2 magnitude, Cuttack , Ganjam, Kendrapada and and the last of 4.8,” he said, adding the district, two children in Manigachi in government middle school at Bihya in these. Rourkela. The temblor caused panic aftershocks would continue for weeks or Darbhanga district and a woman in Bhojpur district were injured when they The Bihar government has also among people in the national capital. months. Dumra of Sitamarhi district did in simi- tried to rush out of their classroom. announced early summer vacation in “I was with my client at home when In Bihar, at least 8 people, including lar circumstances. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, schools. The vacation was supposed to the quake occurred. We all ran outside three children, were killed. One person each died in Hajipur in who directed officials concerned to assess start from May 16. the building and saw many others rushing A labourer was killed when an under- Vaishali district, Nawada and Saran the damage, however confirmed only six In Uttar Pradesh, two people were out of their houses after feeling the trem- construction wall collapsed in Danapur districts. deaths, but said there was information on killed and half-a-dozen others injured. ors that lasted at least for 30-45 seconds,” near Patna and a child in Siwan Over half a dozen girl students of a 15 and officers had been asked to verify A labourer was killed when an Uttam Dutt, a lawyer, told IANS. IANS

Last respects Smriti dares Rahul 13 injured as miscreant on Amethi food park hurls bomb in AMETHI: Taking on Congress (electricity, water and roads) are leader Rahul Gandhi for alleg- major problem areas here.” running train ing that BJP government had Accusing the Samajwadi Party cancelled a food park in his (SP) and the Congress of an KOLKATA: At least 13 people Amethi Lok Sabha constitu- unholy nexus to serve political were injured, four of them seri- ency, Federal Minister Smriti ends, Irani said the two parties ously, when a miscreant hurled Irani yesterday sought to know should try and see that people a bomb at one of his rivals dur- from him why such an unviable of this area do not suffer for ing a brawl inside a moving sub- project was rushed through these issues. urban passenger train in West under the previous Congress Earlier, when her motorcade Bengal yesterday, the authori- regime. reached Mohanganj square, her ties said. Taking pot shots at the Gandhi supporters came to blows with Train services were hit for scion over his earlier statement, the Congress workers. close to an hour after the inci- asking her to bring back the food On a day-long visit to Amethi, dent, railway sources said. park to his parliamentary con- Irani, accompanied by Federal Six of the injured were hos- stituency Amethi, the Human Minister of State for Agriculture pitalised — four of them with Resources Development minister Sanjeev Baliyan met workers, grievous injuries. Seven others said it was perhaps for the first farmers and party supporters. Senior Indian police and paramilitary officers carry the coffins of slain paramilitary Central Reserve Police were given first aid, an Eastern time in the history of democracy She visited the house of a Force (CRPF) troops Tilak Singh and Assistant Sub-Inspector O N Singh during the wreath laying ceremony Railway (ER) media release said. that a sitting MP was asking a farmer in village Fattepur of Tiloi, inside a base camp on the outskirts of Srinagar yesterday. The two were killed in a militant attack in Halmulla Earlier, Eastern Railway Chief lost candidate to help him. who died of shock after unsea- area of Sangam in South Kashmir Monday. Public Relations Officer Ravi Irani had contested the Lok sonal rains and hailstorm dam- Mahapatra put the injury figure Sabha polls from Amethi on a aged his crops. at 14, while Jaya Verma Sinha, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) After meeting the bereaved the divisional railway manager ticket but lost to Rahul Gandhi, family, the minister accused of Sealdah, told a local television the Congress vice president. the Akhilesh Yadav govern- channel that 20 people sustained She also dared the Congress ment of fudging the number of Pro-Maoist leader gets life in jail injuries. leader to come and join her on farmers’ deaths. “Six persons were injured. Four stage when she returns on May 26 She also said that on May 26, KOLKATA: Pro-Maoist were handed down life sen- the state, and various other sec- with grievous injuries and two to Amethi to distribute insurance insurance papers would be given tribal group Peoples’ tences by the court of Additional tions of the Arms Act and the with simple injuries are admitted papers to 5,000 beneficiaries. to 5,000 people in every assembly Committee Against Police Sessions Judge (West Midnapore) Explosives Act. to B R Singh Railway Hospital, She said this would be a good segment of Amethi. The insurance Atrocities (PCAPA) convener Kaveri Bose under the Unlawful Raja Sarkhel and Prasun Sealdah. Their condition is sta- way to show that Gandhi was scheme was recently launched by Chhatradhar Mahato and five Activities Prevention Act. Chatterjee — two other PCAPA ble. Seven persons also received serious about the development of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. others were yesterday sen- Charges were slapped against members — also got life sentences first-aid at the spot,” said the ER Amethi. Congress vice-president Rahul tenced to life imprisonment by them under various provisions on charges of sedition. release. Asked what were her priorities Gandhi is scheduled to arrive in a West Bengal court. of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) All six were pronounced guilty The explosion took place at for the VIP constituency, the min- Amethi for two days on May 18. Mahato and Sukhsanti Baske, dealing with murder, criminal by the court on Monday. 3.55am on the Up Sealdah- ister said: “ ‘Bijli, paani, sadak’ IANS Sambhu Soren and Sagun Murmu conspiracy, waging war against IANS Krishnnaagar local between Titagarh and Barrackpore stations. “The bomb exploded in the coach — fifth from the engine — as soon as the train left Titagarh station,” the release said. Traffic accident deaths 100pc more than China A railway official told IANS that the blast took place after an NEW DELHI: Despite hav- roads were, more Chinese died in accidents caused by alcohol/drug cyclists and road conditions, accidents and save lives. altercation and scuffle between ing 99 million fewer people traffic accidents then. consumption, compared to 1,713 account for less than a quarter Of the road deaths, 37 percent anti-socials who had boarded the and fewer vehicles, the number However, since 2005 — if we people killed on Britain’s roads. of accidents. were in urban areas, while rural train. “One miscreant suddenly of deaths in road accidents in believe Chinese statistics — China High-profile cases, such as “Fault of Driver” also accounts India accounted for the rest. This hurled the bomb which caused India is more than twice the has reduced deaths in road acci- Salman Khan’s drink driving, may for nearly three-fourths of all is broadly in line with the general injuries to those in the coach.” number of people killed simi- dents by almost a third over five corner media attention but two road deaths. These are deaths population. Eastern Railway General larly in China, according to a years. Over the same period, traf- out of five road fatalities in India caused by human error and a Main victims: Two-wheeler Manager R K Gupta, who visited government report. fic deaths in India increased 41 are caused by speeding: 56,529 disregard for rules. drivers. the spot, said the incident was the An average of 377 people die on percent. people or 41 percent of all deaths Easy way out: Focus on five The largest numbers of acci- result of a gang war. Indian roads every day, the world’s On the brighter side, the in road accidents. percent of roads. dent victims are two-wheeler rid- Gupta asked the divisional highest such fatalities, according number of deaths on India’s roads Overloading and overcrowding India’s road accidents can be ers/passengers — they accounted authorities and security officials to “Road Accidents in India 2013”, did see a 3.4 percent decline from of vehicles (20.8 percent) and pro- pared by concentrating efforts on for 39,353 road deaths — more to step up security of passengers a Ministry of Road Transport and 2011 to 2013 truding loads (7.1 percent) were less than five percent of its roads. than a quarter of the total fatali- in station and trains. Highways report. The majority of A deadly price for ignoring the other big killers. The root India’s national highways ties on roads. He said the coach was not deaths stem from unsafe driving basic safety cause of all these deaths is human accounted for 1.58 percent of This is because two wheelers damaged. and carelessness – as the Salman In 2013, Britain reported 73 error and neglect of basic safety the total road length, while state are the most numerous vehicles Two trains were cancelled fol- Khan case indicates and the data percent fewer fatalities than just measures and rules, which means highways accounted for a fur- on Indian roads and a rider or lowing the incident. confirms. the deaths from alcohol or drug most are preventable. ther 3.38 percent. However, in passenger on a two-wheeler is “The rake was brought back As the 21st century rolled in — consumption in India that year – Whom to blame? The driver 2013, accidents on these two sets far more exposed than someone to Sealdah car shed and normal and it became clear that China this when such substance abuse A vast majority of India’s acci- of roads accounted for more than inside an automobile or similar train services resumed on the up had outstripped India on most was responsible for less than five dents, 78 percent, are the fault of 60 percent of all road deaths. vehicle. Many of these deaths or line within an hour after security measures — one of the things percent of deaths on Indian roads. the driver. Better monitoring, enforce- injuries can also be reduced if clearance. There was no disrup- that India took comfort from was As many as 6,463 Indians were Other factors combined, such ment and emergency responses helmets are made mandatory on tion of train services on the down the fact that dangerous as Indian killed (and 20,081 injured) in road as vehicle defects, pedestrians, on these roads can reduce many two-wheelers. IANS line,” the ER said. IANS WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

Star Wars stars Jetmen in Dubai join London wax museum LONDON: Heroes and villains incredible,” he said. “It’s an amaz- from a galaxy far, far away have ing, immersive experience.” flown into Madame Tussauds Visitors can step into Luke wax museum in London for a Skywalker’s place in the scene new Star Wars exhibition, which where Darth Vader reveals he opens on Saturday. is Luke’s father. Another scene Darth Vader, Yoda, Luke is the lightsaber battle between Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi Darth Maul and Jedis Qui-Gon are among the 16 characters rec- Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi. reated in scenes from the six films Fans can sit alongside so far in the saga. Chewbacca in the Millennium Fans can immerse themselves Falcon cockpit and take the in 11 scenes from the box office- freighter to lightspeed, using busting movies. The project has audio-visual effects. taken 180 artists around a year to Visitors can also have a lightsa- complete and recreating the char- ber duel with Anakin Skywalker. acters has provided some unusual Nearby, Han Solo slouches in a challenges. booth at the Mos Eisley Cantina “In the case of Princess Leia, with his boot up on a table. obviously there’s this famous “You can sit next to them and bikini, it’s one of the most touch them. I’ve just had a drink famous costumes in film history,” with Han, it’s great!” said fan Paul said principal sculptor Stephen Slim from Birmingham, central Mansfield. “We’ve faithfully rec- England, who won tickets to a reated it.” sneak preview yesterday. Hair insertion — real human “It’s like you’re in the movies,” hair is used — on a waxwork nor- he said. Senior sculptor Dave mally takes around six weeks. Burks said the team watched An aerial view from a sea plane However, hirsute Wookiee co-pilot the films more than 10 times and shows Swiss pilot and original Chewbacca, memorably described worked with fans to get the minu- Jetman Yves Rossy (front) and as a “walking carpet” in the films, tiae correct. Vince Reffett flying over Dubai’s took 10 people six weeks to do — “The smallest details to Darth Palm Island yesterday. more than a thousand hours’ work. Vader’s belt and what lights needs Jabba the Hutt and the bikini- to come on at the right time and clad Leia are depicted in the slob- in what sequence; small things bering gangster’s Tatooine palace, like that have been a real chal- while Jedi master Yoda sits in the lenge to get absolutely right,” he swamps of Dagobah. “They’ve said as lightsabers fizzed in the really tried to build a full swamp,” background. Picasso sets said James Burns, editor of Jedi The first film in a new trilogy, Sick in winter but healthy in News, Europe’s largest Star Wars Star Wars Episode VII: The Force fan site. Awakens, featuring actors from $179m auction “As you walk in, the floor is soft, the classic original trilogy, is due there’s smell, there’s fog, leaves out in December. Episode VIII is summer? Blame your genes record in NY around and it looks absolutely to be filmed in Britain. AFP PARIS: Nearly a quarter of “But no one had appreciated regions, where the seasons are NEW YORK: A Picasso mas- our genes change how active the extent to which this actually less distinct. terpiece fetched more than they are according to the sea- occurred. In samples from the west $179m in New York, smashing son, which may explain why “The implications for how we African country Gambia, genes in the world record for the most people are more prone to illness treat diseases like Type 1 diabe- immune cells in the blood were expensive art sold at auction in winter rather than summer, tes, and how we plan our research more active during the rainy sea- in what was dubbed the “sale scientists said yesterday. studies could be profound.” son from June to October, when of the century”. In a study published in the The team looked at blood sam- mosquito-borne diseases such as A bronze statue by Alberto journal Nature Communications, ples and fatty tissue provided by malaria are on the rise. Giacometti also broke the the researchers said they were 16,000 people living in the north- One discovery is that a gene record for most expensive stunned by just how much of our ern and southern hemisphere and called ARNTL that plays a part sculpture sold at auction, genetic code is affected by the in equatorial Africa. in inflammation—the defensive fetching more than $141m at time of year. The activity — in scientific par- process that is also implicated in the same sale in a packed auc- Out of 22,822 genes the lance, the “expression” — of thou- many auto-immune diseases—is tion room at Christie’s. researchers analysed, 5,136 oper- sands of genes in the fatty tissue seasonally influenced. The Pablo Picasso oil ated at higher or lower levels varied according to the time of Another is that vaccination painting, “The Women of depending on the season, with year the samples were taken. may be more effective in winter Algiers (Version 0)”, sold for some more active in winter and There were also seasonal differ- than in summer, because a key set $179,365,000 after 11-and-a- others more active in summer. ences in the types of blood cells. of “seasonal genes” in the immune half minutes of furious bid- Our immune system could be The “seasonal genes” displayed system are primed to deliver a ding from telephone buyers one of the many mechanisms that opposing levels of expression in stronger response. at a packed auction room at would be subtly affected by “sea- the samples taken from the north- The work will boost under- Christie’s. sonality,” the researchers said. ern and southern hemisphere. standing of how light and ambient Applause erupted when the Lead scientist John Todd, a The difference was most temperature can affect physical sale was finalised in an atmos- Wax figures of Star Wars characters professor of medical genetics at marked among donors from and mental health, the research- phere of feverish excitement, Luke Sykwalker and Darth Vader the University of Cambridge, said Iceland, where there is nearly ers hope. accompanied by laughter and fight under the eyes of Emperor the discovery was both “really 24 hours of daylight in summer The “circadian clock” has been jokes, fetching way over its Palpatine at the ‘Star Wars At surprising” but also “obvious”. and nearly 24 hours of darkness highlighted by a slew of studies pre-sale estimate of $140m. Madame Tussauds’ attraction in “It helps explain why so many in winter. in recent years showing the toll The previous world record London yesterday. diseases, from heart disease to There were also variations, but of night shifts and jetlag on fac- for a painting sold at auction mental illness, are much worse far less pronounced, from samples tory workers and long-haul flight was $142.4m, set for British in the winter months,” he said. taken from people in equatorial crews. AFP painter Francis Bacon’s “Three Studies of Lucian Freud”, which was sold by Christie’s in New York in 2013. The 1955 painting by Picasso The Art of the brick is one of the last major paint- ings by the Spanish mas- ter still in private hands. He painted several versions until he settled on the nearly four- by-five-foot (1.2-by-1.5-metre) canvas. Just minutes later, the bronze statue by Swiss art- ist Giacometti called “Man Pointing”, which also broke its pre-sale estimate of $130m. Christie’s senior vice-president Loic Gouzer had predicted the two works could set a world record. “You don’t have another chance to get them,” he said ahead of the auction. Swiss sculptor Giacometti also held the previous record for the most expensive sculp- ture sold at auction with his “Walking Man I” fetching $104.3m in London in 2010. In total, Christie’s sold more than $705m worth of art at its 35-lot auction of master- pieces spanning more than a century from 1902 to 2011, and scored at its swanky New York premises at Rockefeller Plaza. Picasso’s “Buste de femme” oil painting sold for $67.365m, a painting from Claude Monet’s “The House of Parliament” series went for $40.485m US artist Nathan Sawaya poses next to his artworks at the exhibition “The Art of the brick” in Paris yesterday. Sawaya replicates iconic classical artworks with millions of Lego and Mark Rothko’s 1958 “No building blocks. 36, Black Stripe” fetched $40.485m. AFP Wednesday 13 May 2015 24 Rajab 1436 Volume 20 Number 6429 Price: QR2

Ezdan Real Estate unveils Discount Card

Business | 18

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Workshop Call to discuss mulls GCC problems of response to oil price fall financial sector DOHA: GCC economies are well prepared to handle fall- ing global oil prices compared to the previous decline mar- QE holds Exchange Views seminar kets witnessed in 1984 and 2010, energy experts told a workshop DOHA: Regulators must endeavours to become the business here yesterday. hear and understand the con- hub of the region in the coming Speaking at Enriching the cerns and challenges faced by years. There is much talk about Middle East’s Economic Future the financial sector, said Dr R reforms in the regional and global Conference, participants said Seetharaman, CEO of Doha capital markets. Therefore, this GCC is not dealing with lower Bank. Speaking at the interac- series is very important in terms oil prices for the first time. The tive session ‘Exchange Views’ of exchanging views and examin- region has seen price volatility in organised yesterday by Qatar ing our future options that shall the past too. However, this time Stock Exchange (QE), Dr meet Emir H H Sheikh Tamim GCC is ready for the challenge. Seetharaman called for regu- bin Hamad Al Thani’s expecta- Improved global competitive- latory integration and harmo- tions stated in his last speech pre- ness through legislative and nisation, to create competitive sented in the Advisory Council,” Panelists at the ‘Exchange Views’ session. ABDUL BASIT market reforms, favourable investment climate in Qatar. said Rashid bin Ali Al Mansoori, environment to attract foreign “The fast dynamics of globalisa- CEO of QE. “QE’s success is He said that QE plays a signifi- “We are ever mindful of the for asset allocation (capital for- investments and diversification tion and rapid changes of financial linked to this positive perform- cant role in the national economy, important role we play in the mation and capital allocation),” of economies away from tradi- markets pose a lot of challenges ance, which is motivated by the serving as a platform for listing economy of Qatar, providing Al Mansoori concluded. tional revenue sectors of oil and for local financial market. Hence strong policies of Qatar’s leader- and offering the shares of private information on our leading com- Fahmi Al Ghussain, CEO, gas to tourism, education, sports it is vital to have constructive dis- ship. The exchange supports local companies and for the involve- panies and giving investors the Amwal, Ajay Kumar, AGM – have made GCC much stronger, cussions and adopt flexible and companies and promotes invest- ment of the citizens in the eco- opportunity to benefit from their Asset management, QNB, and experts said. transparent methodology to deal ment in Qatar’s future, and we nomic life. It is also a platform, continued growth. In addition, Akber Khan, Director – Asset The workshop discussed GCC’s with such challenges,” he said. are constantly adapting to help through its venture market, for QSE facilitates companies and Management, Al Rayan Investment response to lower prices, the rea- “Qatar is a pro-business, achieve the goals of the National many Qatari SMEs seeking cor- government to raise capital and also expressed their views in the sons for the change in supply and strong and open economy that Vision,” he added. porate growth and expansion. offer investors efficient platform session. THE PENINSULA demand, the impact of shale gas production in the US, Opec pro- duction quotas. Some participants said oil price stability is vital since oil revenue comprises 40 to 60 per cent of region’s GDP whereas in US it accounts only 6 per cent and QIIB’s rating upgrade reflects bank’s strong position most companies there are listed on the stock markets. DOHA: Qatar International Al Shaibei affirmed that Other experts were upbeat Islamic Bank’s (QIIB) rating “Moody’s and Fitch’s decisions to on the region’s future prospects. upgrade by Moody’s Investors upgrade QIIB’s rating is a strong They cited growth indicators Service is a proof of steadiness indication that the bank is mov- such as infrastructure develop- of bank’s financial position and ing steadily towards achieving its ment, economic diversification, a reflection of its strong per- interim and strategic goals and maturing financial centres, stock formance. The upgrade reflects that, in future, it will see more exchange upgrades, transpar- QIIB’s strong financial position growth and upgradation in its ency and improved governance and the quality of its finan- various financial indicators.” and human resources. Others cial portfolio in addition to the The CEO underlined the mentioned the growth of sover- bank’s improved and consist- fact that QIIB will continue to eign wealth funds that are vital ently strong asset quality per- strengthen its position and reg- in absorbing tremors of falling formance, solid capitalisation, ister excellent financial results, oil prices and increased regional among many other factors that based on the achievements it has economic co-operation. QNA entitled the leading Islamic realised so far, and on a well- bank to this level of advanced established customer base and rating. capacity, which was consolidated On Tuesday, Moody’s Investors over a long period that saw inno- Al Bandary sells Service had upgraded QIIB’s long vation, renewal and meeting cus- term and short term issuer rating tomers’ expectations.” entire tower to ‘A2’ from ‘A3’, and changed the Al Shaibei also said QIIB’s outlook on the bank’s long term capital base would get further DOHA: Al Bandary Real Estate ratings to ‘stable’. This upgrade Sheikh Dr Khalid and Al Shaibei. strengthened with the bank’s said yesterday it has sold entire came shortly after the Fitch shareholders at their General tower at Cityscape Qatar 2015. upgraded the bank’s rating from the Executive Management and the key ratings to the best local and performance standards and Assembly held on March 15, Maen Al Haj, Property and ‘A’ to A+ with a ‘stable’ outlook. all employees of QIIB facilitated and global banking standards. maximising shareholders’ rights, 2015, approving the issuance of Real Estate Manager, said, “QIIB is proud to be an active the upgrade of the bank’s credit QIIB Chief Executive Officer, customers’ services while meeting sukuk of up to QR3bn, which “During the first day of Cityscape participant in the renaissance ratings, which will help create Abdulbasit Al Shaibei said, “The their needs and expectations in an will be used to support the bank’s Qatar, Al Bandary showcased our of the national economy. Our a solid basis for our expansion, bank’s rating upgrade is a proof optimum way.” capital requirements for future new project, Jumana Two, which success, which has again been strengthen the bank’s position of the steadiness of its finan- He said, “We are also proud growth and expansion, locally and is located in Porta Arabia at The endorsed through Moody’s and enhance its contribution to cial position and a reflection of to see our success and accom- overseas. Pearl, Qatar. We are pleased upgrade of our ratings, is very Qatar’s banking sector,” he said. its strong performance. We are plishment as part of the revival This, he said, will improve to confirm that on Day One of much part of the overall success He stressed that QIIB would pleased with the progress we are and success of Qatar’s economy, QIIB’s liquidity and capital Cityscape Qatar, all of the units achieved by the Qatari economy continue to play its significant making, which was the result of which is advancing at an acceler- adequacy ratios and noted that in Jumana Two were sold, and in various fields,” said Sheikh Dr role in the Qatari economy and long and continuous efforts and a ated pace and achieving growth the bank’s capital adequacy in we enjoyed similar successes Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah contribute to the financing of dif- thorough application of the stra- and higher indicators, which are December 2014 in accordance with other projects including Al Al Thani, Chairman of the Board ferent projects in various sectors. tegic plan laid down by our Board one of the best at the global level with the Basel III requirements Shahad Tower, The Dream Tower and Managing Director of QIIB. The bank will not spare any effort of Directors, one that focuses on and fully endorsed by economic was 18.8 percent. and other projects located in the “The considerable efforts made by in achieving further upgrade of improving all the bank’s work experts.” THE PENINSULA Lusail area.” THE PENINSULA In bid to diversify, Brunei aims for stock exchange by 2017

SYDNEY: Brunei’s financial reg- for years, but efforts are gather- This would boost the domestic the third year of consecutive con- and liquid market could be several Greenfield firms would be less ulator plans to launch a securities ing pace with new capital market financial sector, provide an alterna- traction, according to the Asian years away. “Initial success would be likely, while family-owned firms exchange as early as 2017, a must- rules introduced in February and tive funding source for small busi- Development Bank, mainly due to slow, for a full-blown capital mar- would have to improve their finan- have if the Sultanate is to diver- other initiatives now underway nesses and improve the country’s daily oil output falling by almost ket it will be a longer journey,” said cial reporting to explore a listing, sify its economy away from oil and by the Autoriti Monetari Brunei corporate governance, the AMBD half since 2006 and a drop in global Javed Ahmad, managing director he added. catch up to more mature capital Darussalam (AMBD). said. Initial focus would be on listing crude prices. at Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Scope for a bond market could markets in Southeast Asia. The regulator has set up a team equities, adding bonds and sukuk With oil reserves set to run out (BIBD), the country’s largest also be restricted due to the ample Brunei is among the world’s rich- to oversee the project with ground- (Islamic bonds) at a later stage. in about 20 years, the government lender. About a dozen firms could liquidity from bank loans and the est countries on a per-capita basis, work set to begin this year and tar- Brunei, a tiny former British wants to develop sectors such be candidates to list, including util- limited size of private-sector bor- although it sits alongside the North geting a launch in two-years time, protectorate of about 400,000 nes- as tourism, halal products and ity Telekom Brunei, downstream oil rowers, said Amit Pandey, pri- Korea and Cuba in not having a the AMBD said in a statement to tled between two Malaysian states manufacturing. and gas service firms and financial mary credit analyst at Standard stock exchange, risking lagging Reuters. “At a regional level, it will on Borneo island, relies on oil and The AMBD is implementing a institutions including BIBD itself, and Poor’s, who noted some large behind regional economic integra- allow us to take part in the ASEAN gas exports for two thirds of its payment and settlement system, said Ahmad. “Its only natural as we projects in the oil & gas sector had tion plans. exchanges and move towards economy. But GDP is expected including an automated clearing- would want our 6,000 shareholders been financed by offshore bank syn- An exchange has been discussed ASEAN integration.” to shrink by 1.5 percent in 2015, house by mid-2015, although a deep to have a medium to trade.” dication. REUTERS WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Milaha discusses UK sells more emerging maritime global Lloyds shares, trade trends DOHA: Milaha Maritime & Logistics, a subsidiary of Milaha focusing on integrated transport and supply chain raises £10bn solutions in Qatar and the GCC, participated in the 11th Trans Middle East 2015 Exhibition Govt stake reduced to 19.93 percent and Conference which took place last week in Doha, Qatar. LONDON: Britain has sold undertake. The government’s Senior executives made pres- another £500m ($779m) worth stake has been cut from 24.9 per- entations on emerging global of shares in Lloyds Banking cent through the plan, which was maritime trade trends and their Group and has now raised more launched last December, raising impact on the Middle East region than £10bn through the sale of over £2.5bn for taxpayers. in addition to modernisation ini- more than half its stake in the Britain’s remaining stake in tiatives at Doha Port. Visitors to bailed-out bank. Lloyds is valued at about £12bn, Officials at the launch of the Ezdan discount card programme. Milaha’s exhibition booth were The Treasury said yesterday based on current share prices. also provided with a unique that it had reduced its stake by Osborne is expected to press opportunity to operate a crane a further 1 percentage point to ahead with a plan to sell Lloyds simulator. 19.93 percent, days after a sur- shares to private investors later Ezdan Real Estate launches Commenting on Milaha’s par- prise election triumph for the this year and the government ticipation, Khalifa Ali Al Hetmi, Conservatives sent the bank’s could sell around £4bn worth President and CEO of Milaha shares soaring to multi-year of stock through a retail offer, said: “The regional maritime sec- highs. Lloyds was rescued dur- sources said. discount card programme tor has been rapidly developing ing the 2007-9 financial crisis at The government has said the for the past few years which is a cost of 20 billion pounds to tax- retail offer would be sold at a 5 DOHA: Ezdan Real Estate them that would help them while development of the maintenance why events like this are impor- payers, leaving Britain with a 41 percent discount to market value. Company, a subsidiary of Ezdan their stay with Ezdan. team in Ezdan Real Estate, with tant as they give us the chance percent stake. Investors would be able to buy Holding Group, yesterday Al Abdulla pointed out that the aim to meet the growing needs to sit down with our peers and UK Financial Investments between £250 and 10,000 pounds announced the launch of Ezdan such programme establishes effec- of the population. In this regards, have a discussion about what (UKFI), which manages the worth of Lloyds shares, with pri- Discount Card Programme tive and appropriate structure for the company is working to pro- kind of impact all these changes shareholding, began selling Lloyds ority going to orders of up to 1,000 for 2015. It is a programme by mutual action between partners vide additional services within the will have on us in terms of new shares to institutional investors pounds. the company in collaboration and members of Ezdan by taking residential compounds and vil- opportunities and challenges. such as pension funds and insur- The government is also consid- with 60 wide range of outlets, advantage of the discounts card lages, creating a well-established The conference also allowed us to ers in September 2013. ering a sale of its shares in Royal including restaurants, hotels, and contribute in stimulating and living environment where tenants showcase the incredible work that Finance Minister George Bank of Scotland later this year shops and services for training, promoting commercial activities can enjoy integrated prosperity Milaha Maritime & Logistics has Osborne has said the government and could begin selling the shares Hajj & Umrah, health care and and services provided. and comfort. been doing in its various sectors, plans to sell at least another 9 bil- at a loss, sources told Reuters last beauty centre, insurance com- Al Abdulla said the massive Customer Care Section of Ezdan including port management and lion pounds worth of the shares week. It is currently sitting on a panies and others. Ezdan dis- development plan which Ezdan Real Estate was able to conclude container shipping.” over the next year, including a loss of more than £13bn on its count Card provides a discount Holding Group carries out in cooperation agreements notably Michel Deleuran, Milaha’s sale at a discount to private retail RBS investment. ranging from 10 percent to 50 its villages and residential com- with Vodafone, and 23 restau- Executive Vice-President for investors. Meanwhile, Osborne warned his percent. pounds and that takes place on rants that offer oriental, Western Maritime, delivered one of the “These sales have only been EU partners not to underestimate Ezdan Holding Group Deputy two levels. The first one aims to and Asian dishes, as well as three key presentations at the confer- made possible by our long term his government’s determination CEO Nasser Al Abdulla said this renovate housing units through major hotels, 10 mega stores such ence in which he talked about the economic plan, and we are deter- to seek reform of the 28-nation new facility package offered by changing furniture and electri- as Lulu Hypermarket, and Al ever changing global maritime mined to build on this success, bloc ahead of a planned referen- Ezdan Real Estate comes in line cal appliances in a large number Siddiqi Holding Group, Electronics industry, and emphasised the and to continue to return Lloyds dum on British membership. with the development plan set by of units in accordance with a companies like Sharaf DG and four need for companies to be agile in to the private sector and reduce “We come here with a very clear the Group to achieve an increase revamp plan. development and training centres reaction to changing trade pat- our national debt,” Osborne said mandate to improve Britain’s in operational efficiency, develop- He added that the second such as Al Jazeera Media Training terns. Deleuran highlighted the yesterday. relationship with the rest of the ment and well-being. He added level to the process of develop- and Development Centre, along macroeconomic figures and vari- The latest sale was through EU and to reform the EU so that that Ezdan Real Estate seeks to ment deals with the provision of with four beauty centres, recrea- ous developments that continue a “pre-arranged trading plan”, it creates jobs and increases liv- improve the services provided to a range of support services that tion and entertainment facilities, to support the growth story of the which UKFI appointed US invest- ing standards for all its citizens,” its tenants and partners through would help achieve prosperity including Aqua Park and Jungle Middle East. ment bank Morgan Stanley to Osborne said. REUTERS/AFP granting rewards and benefits to for Ezdan tenants, including the Zone. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA Saudi Arabia’s April crude output hits record high

DUBAI: Top global oil exporter of global demand, which has and a slowdown in crude supply, Saudi Arabia raised its crude helped lift refinery profit margins and is likely to continue into the production in April to a record to their highest in years. second half of this year. high, feeding its flourishing Oil Minister Ali Al Naimi has A rally driven by Middle East Asian market share and its own said the kingdom’s output would conflict and signs the supply glut power plants and refineries. likely remain around 10 mil- could ease pushed Brent crude to The world’s top oil exporter lion bpd, and that he was “very a 2015 high of $65.31 a barrel yes- pumped 10.308 million barrels of positive” about Asian oil demand terday, up from $45 in January. Oil oil per day in April, a Gulf indus- outlook. prices more than halved last year try source said, compared to 10.29 The amount of crude sup- after reaching $115 a barrel in June. million bpd in March. “This is plied to the market in April was Saudi Arabia burns more crude an indication of strong demand, 10.360 million bpd, the source to generate power for air condi- especially from Asia, as well as said. Supply to the market, both tioning heading into the summer increasing domestic consumption domestically and for export, may months. It has also been feeding during summer,” the source said. differ from production depend- more crude to domestic refiner- The increase underlined Saudi ing on the movement of oil in ies as it expands its oil products Arabia’s determination not to and out of storage. April’s output exports. Direct use of crude last cede market share to higher- eclipsed the previous recent peak year rose from around 350,000 cost producers, such as US shale of 10.2 million bpd in August 2013, bpd in March to nearly 900,000 drillers. The kingdom and others according to records going back to bpd in July, according to the Joint in the Organisation of Petroleum the early 1980s. Oil Data Initiative database. In Exporting Countries (Opec) had Last week, a senior Gulf Opec February 2015, it burnt 315,000 resisted cutting production to delegate said the rise in oil prices bpd for power generation and shore up oil prices. has been supported by stronger- domestic refiners processed 2.084 It also highlights the strength than-expected demand growth million bpd of crude. REUTERS

Myntra to be app only platform

CEO of Myntra and Head of Commerce of Flipkart, Mukesh Bansal (left) and CEO and Co-Founder of Flipkart, Sachin Bansal address a press conference to announce Myntra’s transition to an “app only” platform, in Bangalore yesterday. Myntra, e-commerce platform for fashion and lifestyle products will become a mobile app only ‘etail’ business from May 15, targeting 5 million app downloads in the next four months. WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 Greece taps emergency reserves to pay debt Athens empties IMF holding account to repay Fund

ATHENS: Greece emptied an confirmed the account had been to the fund but declined to give IMF holding account to repay tapped after government officials details about how it was made. €750m ($840m) due to the fund, met the central bank chief last “Regarding aspects of the pay- a Greek central bank official week to figure out how to make the ment that some of you have asked said, avoiding default but under- payment. “The negative is that the confirmation about, we don’t pub- scoring the dire state of the account was emptied but in order lish information on the details of country’s finances. to avert a default it was necessary members’ transactions with the With Athens close to running to weigh the options,” the Bank of Fund,” an IMF spokeswoman said out of cash and a deal with its Greece official said. in response to questions about how international creditors still elu- As of the end of March, Greece Greece made the payment. sive, there had been doubts about had about 554 million SDRs, equiv- Central bank chief Yannis whether the leftist-led government alent to €695m, according to IMF Stournaras met Deputy Prime would pay the IMF or opt to save data. Minister Yannis Dragasakis and cash to pay salaries and pensions The Greek official said the Deputy Foreign Minister Euclid later this month. account was usually only tapped Tsakalotos, a top negotiator in Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis (left) and British Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne at the start Greece, like all other in emergencies, though IMF talks with lenders, on two occa- of the Ecofin meeting of finance ministers at the EU council headquarters in Brussels yesterday. International Monetary Fund data shows countries often draw sions last week on how to meet the members, holds reserves from on these reserves. The last time May IMF repayment, the central the IMF that are denominated in Greece made a significant with- bank official said. 30 years for emergency needs, the on Monday that more work was ministers Athens was sticking to Special Drawing Rights (SDR), a drawal from its SDR holdings was “The central bank governor put official said. needed to reach a cash-for-reform its “red lines” and that it was time basket of international currencies. in November 2011. forth the idea to tap the €650m in A second Greek official said deal between Athens and the IMF, to see lenders meet Greece halfway, The reserves must be kept at a cer- Made a day early, the IMF pay- the holding account, which needed that the reserves the government the European Commission and the according to a government official. tain level or the country must pay ment calmed immediate fears IMF approval,” the official said, tapped must be replenished in the European Central Bank. The official said Greece is still interest if its holdings fall below its of a Greek default, but Finance declining to be named. IMF account in “several weeks.” Meanwhile, Greek Prime expecting a deal by the end of the “allocation” of SDRs from the IMF. Minister Yanis Varoufakis said “Governor Stournaras made the Following legislative changes, Minister Alexis Tsipras called on month. “The Greek side has so far A government official said that on Monday the liquidity situation arrangement with the IMF and on Greece has meanwhile gathered lenders to break an impasse in fully met everything the February Athens used about €650m from the was “terribly urgent” and a deal to Saturday we got their okay and the €600m of local government and cash-for-reform talks after Athens 20 Eurogroup decision foresaw. It SDR holdings account and €100m release further funds was needed account was unlocked.” other public entity money to help had to resort to a temporary expe- has taken as many steps as possi- from its cash reserves to make the in the next couple of weeks. Greece’s IMF holding account it deal with the cash crunch, the dient to make a crucial payment ble towards the European partners’ payment on Monday. The IMF yesterday confirmed — which is held at the Bank of government’s spokesman said. to the IMF. At his second cabinet side,” the official quoted Tsipras as The Greek central bank official Athens had made its payment Greece — has been in existence for Eurozone finance ministers said meeting in three days, Tsipras told telling his cabinet. REUTERS

Switzerland’s first driverless Kuwait seeks Aramco to spend more arbitration in car tests on Zurich roads Saudi oil row to keep leading position KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait KHOBAR: Saudi Aramco will the expansion of the Shaybah oilfield ZURICH: Swiss telephone firm has requested arbitration in dedicate most of its spending to oil to 1 million bpd in April 2016, ear- Swisscom unveiled a driverless a dispute with Saudi Arabia production over the next decade to lier than initially thought; previously, car that is being tested on the over shared oil produc- maintain its position as the world’s officials had indicated this would roads of Zurich, a first in the tion from the neutral zone top crude oil exporter, the state- happen by end-2016 or early 2017. country. between the Gulf neighbours owned energy giant reiterated in But Aramco did not give any The Volkswagen Passat, which which has completely halted, its annual report for 2014. updates on the expansion of the began road tests last week that a newspaper reported. “The bulk of this spending will be Khurais oilfield, another big project. will end tomorrow, has been Kuwaiti daily Al-Jarida in our upstream activities to ensure At the end of 2014, its Manifa oilfield equipped with sensors, comput- said that talks between the we maintain adequate spare crude almost hit its full production capacity ers and special software. two governments on output oil production capacity to help sta- of 900,000 bpd, it said. “Swisscom is interested in the from the 5,000 sqkm zone bilise the world oil market whenever The state oil giant pumped on digitisation of the economy,” com- that they exploit jointly under disruptions occur,” it said, referring average 9.5 million bpd last year, with pany official Christian Petit told a half-century-old treaty had to both exploration and production. over 62 percent of its exports going to reporters, showing the vehicle to reached deadlock. Aramco added that in the shorter Asia. Crude oil exports were slightly the press for the first time. It said that Kuwait has now term it would also invest in boosting lower last year at 2.544 billion bar- “Swisscom is not turning into requested international arbi- natural gas production to meet rising rels or 6.7 million bpd, against 2.677 a car manufacturer. But future tration but that the terms domestic demand. It did not give a billion barrels or 7.3 million bpd in innovations in the automotive of the treaty stipulate that monetary value for projected spend- 2013. However, oil product output industry will centre on network- can only happen with Saudi ing. Global oil demand is expected and exports rose as Aramco brought ing with the environment. For Arabia’s agreement. The dis- to rise to 111 million barrels per day new refineries online. this reason, the driverless car is pute has seen production from in 2040 from around 93 million bpd It said both its oil and gas reserves a prime example of digitisation the zone completely halted in a currently, it said. hit all-time record highs, at 261.1 bil- and therefore of great interest to Project leaders drive the driverless car in Zurich yesterday. blow to Kuwait, which, unlike The oil giant has completed a mas- lion barrels for oil and 294 trillion us,” he said in a statement. its much larger neighbour, has sive investment programme which cubic feet for gas. Aramco also said The computer drives, steers little spare output capacity to took its output capacity up to 12 mil- its Wasit gas plant was expected to go and brakes the car and uses laser The project also involves a driver has to take over. compensate. The emirate had lion bpd. Aramco said in its latest online this year, while the Fadhili gas scanners, radar and video cam- Germany’s AutoNomos Labs, Driverless cars are being received half of the more than report that it planned to bring online plant was due by 2019. REUTERS eras to detect nearby vehicles and which has run similar tests tested in several European 500,000 barrels per day output pedestrians and road users. The in Berlin. The test Passat has countries including Britain from the Khafji and Wafra oil- software is used to issue driving two people in it as a precau- and in US cities, including by fields before it stopped. AFP commands and analyse data. tionary measure, just in case Internet giant Google. AFP

Grand Mart enters UAE with two retail projects

Officials at the launch.

DOHA: Grand Mart Group Corporate Headquarters to Director, and ShaukathAli. experience of ease.” entered the United Arab UAE for strengthening its oper- The top management of Grand Mart Group is one of Emirates market with the ations across GCC. He said that Group including member of the fastest growing business launch of two retail projects, the group has already set up its board of directors, Moosa. groups in GCC with presence in the company has said in a functional corporate office at Kallinga, GM - Strategic retail, wholesale, travel & tour- press statement yesterday. Julphar Towers, Ras Al Khaima. Business Unit, Abdul Hackim, ism, restaurant & cafeterias, Grand Mart Group will open The Group organised a brand Division Head - Retail, Hashif bottled water business, bakery two retail outlets — Grand Mart launch ceremony on May 4 in SK, Head of CPRA, were also division, IT services, refrigera- Easy Store at Al Dhait, Ras Al Dubai. The event was attended present for the launch. tion and air conditioning solu- Khaimah and Grand Mart Easy by several government officials, Ismail Chakarath said, tion, saloon, studio and garage. Store at Al Kharran, Ras Al eminent citizens and partners “Grand Mart Group, with its An over QR1bn conglomerate, Khaimah. and suppliers. The brand launch tried and tested retail strate- present in Qatar, Oman and Shaukath Ali Chakarath, was done by Ismail Chakarath, gies, will add more value to now UAE, has also introduced Director and CEO of Grand Managing Director of Grand overall shopping experience specialty concept outlets like Mart Group, announced that Mart Group, accompanied of a common man, transform- Globbers and Cooks Combo. the group is also shifting its by Naushad VK, Executive ing a mere shopping trip to an THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS India inflation Australian budget to push job growth at four-month Plan to counter hit from commodities low, factory

CANBERRA: The Australian in 2015-16, below analysts’ expec- government unveiled a budget it tations of more than Aus$40bn. output down said would support small busi- The government also continued nesses and promote jobs growth to forecast a return to surplus by as it sought to stimulate a flag- 2019-20. Australia has struggled MUMBAI: India’s inflation ging economy hit by slumping to rebalance away from a depend- rate fell to its lowest level in commodity prices. ence on mining as an unprec- four months and growth in The budget shifted away from a edented resources investment industrial output slowed, offi- focus on reining in a huge deficit boom helped the economy avoid cial data showed Tuesday, after harsh cuts to welfare, edu- a recession for more than two increasing calls for an interest cation and health sparked a voter decades. rate cut next month. backlash last year and triggered a Unemployment has edged up Consumer inflation eased to challenge to Prime Minister Tony over the past year, peaking at 4.87 percent in April from a Abbott’s leadership. an 11-year high of 6.3 percent in year earlier, the slowest pace Instead, the government will January. Consumer and business since December, on the back of roll out a Aus$5.5bn ($4.4bn) confidence were soft on economic lower food costs, and down from small business package, mostly concerns. 5.25 percent in March, the data tax cuts, to stimulate invest- The central bank has sought showed. ment in the sector, as well as a to stimulate growth by cutting The latest figure was close Aus$4.4bn boost to funding for interest rates to a new record low to the 4.9 percent figure pre- family-focused policies such as of 2.0 percent at its last meeting. dicted by economists surveyed childcare. The government forecast that by Bloomberg News. “In this budget, whilst we are the jobless rate could rise to 6.5 Production at India’s factories, continuing with a credible path of percent in 2015-16 before declin- mines and utilities, meanwhile, fiscal consolidation of around half ing to 6.25 percent the following grew just 2.1 percent in March a percent of GDP per year, we are year. Economic growth was pro- from a year ago, lower than the A homeless man sits on a street in the Central Business District of Sydney as the Australian government released mindful that we continue to deal jected to remain below-trend at 3 percent forecast. its 2015-16 budget yesterday. with some headwinds, but we are 2.75 percent in the coming finan- Output growth was also coming through the most difficult cial year before lifting to around sharply lower than the nine- days,” Treasurer Joe Hockey said. trend growth of 3.25 percent in year’s cutbacks, saw the govern- ahead of a UNESCO decision in forecast. The budget also outlined month high of five percent the “The Australian economy is 2016-17. Despite the multi-billion ment take a cautious approach. June that could see the site listed proposals to force companies sell- month before. going to grow faster. The deficit dollar spending measures, Capital Defence was another big win- as “in danger”. ing digital products to impose a With inflation staying below is coming down.” Economics’ Paul Dales said the ner, with the government com- Some of the spending will be goods and services tax, with pro- the central bank’s target range The budget papers showed that stimulatory policies were insuf- mitting an additional Aus$9.9bn supported by a Aus$980.2m cut to jected revenues of Aus$350m over of six percent and with slower- forecast tax receipts had been cut ficient to boost growth. over four years compared to last the foreign aid budget and more four years. than-expected growth in by Aus$52bn over the four years “The treasurer has decided to year. More than Aus$400m would than $500m saved following a Labour opposition treasury industrial output, analysts are to 2017-18, driven by an almost 50 turn his back on the economy and be allocated over four years for successful military-led operation spokesman Chris Bowen said predicting another interest rate percent fall in the price of iron not provide a helping hand,” he Australia’s involvement in com- to stop asylum-seekers reaching the budget was about saving cut by India’s central bank. ore — Australia’s biggest export said in a note, adding that when bating the IS in Iraq with an extra Australia’s shores by boats. Abbott’s job rather than growing “The Reserve Bank of India — and weak wages growth. last year’s and this year’s budgets Aus$450m to fight home-grown At the same time, Australia is the economy. “The fundamental has room to reduce rates by 25 But the treasurer said despite were combined, expenditure was terrorism and bolster intelligence to go after large multinational unfairness of last year’s budget basis points before or on June 2,” the hit to revenue, the budget def- reduced rather than increased. agencies. firms shifting profits offshore to disaster remains,” he said. “This said Rupa Rege Nitsure, chief icit was expected to come in at The soft economic data, as well The government sank $100m minimise taxes, although no fig- is a short sighted attempt to save economist for L&T Financial Aus$35.1bn, or 2.1 percent of GDP, as voters’ displeasure with last into Great Barrier Reef projects ures for revenue increases were Tony Abbott’s job.” AFP Services, in Mumbai. Although the Reserve Bank of India has cut rates twice this year, the bank held rates steady at its last meeting, saying banks were failing to pass on lower bor- rowing cuts to customers. Delhaize, Ahold in Wage growth may be on tap Siddharth Roy, economic advi- sor to India’s giant Tata Group, called on the Reserve Bank of India to again lower rates in a giant merger talks as more Americans quit jobs bid to help businesses and boost growth in Asia’s third-largest BRUSSELS: Belgian super- and is now valued at €8.7bn. SAN FRANCISCO: Americans inflation closer to their 2 percent above the pre-crisis average of economy. market giant Delhaize said it Weekend reports of the talks are becoming more apt to quit target. But wage growth, at the about 11 percent. “Investment-led growth has has begun talks with Dutch had sent shares in Delhaize and their jobs, a government report intersection of the Fed’s two man- Economists have not settled stalled. Banks are grappling with rival Ahold on a merger that Ahold skyrocketing on Monday. showed yesterday, a sign that a dates of steady inflation and full on why wage growth is so slow, bad loans and corporate balance would create one of the biggest This is the second attempt by stronger labour market and fall- employment, has remained stub- despite a drop in the unemploy- sheets are weak,” Roy said. food retail groups in the world. the two retail giants to tie-up, ing unemployment rate could bornly tepid. ment rate to a seven-year low of “Small firms are not getting The Delhaize Group “has after a previous attempt in 2006- result in healthier wage growth Fed Chair Janet Yellen in March 5.4 percent, but theories abound. money at lower costs. So con- entered into preliminary dis- 2007 failed. That effort collapsed and inflation. said that wage growth would not Wage gains may be slow in part sumer demand-led growth is the cussions with Royal Ahold NV because the families controlling The three-month quit rate for be a precondition for raising inter- because the US population is age- only option. The Reserve Bank to explore the opportunity of Delhaize insisted on a merger of non-government jobs rose to 6.6 est rates. But she and others are ing, separate research published on has to cut.” combining the two companies,” equals despite the Belgian com- percent, the report showed, the keen for evidence that inflation is Monday by the Chicago Fed sug- After 12 months in office, a statement from the Belgian pany being at the time only half highest since the second quarter set to climb back toward the 2 per- gests. Older people are less likely Prime Minister Narendra group said. the size of Ahold when measured of 2008 and up from 6.5 percent cent level, and Yellen has singled to change jobs, and as research by Modi has introduced a string of “These discussions may or may by sales. in the final quarter of 2014. Both out the quit rate as one gauge on Faberman and others show, job- reforms to help businesses and not result in a future transac- Today Delhaize and Ahold, wages and inflation tend to follow her dashboard. switching is closely tied to pay attract foreign investment to try tion. The company will commu- which owns the US chain Stop & a rise in the quit rate by a cou- One of the broadest measures rises. “We do still want quits to to revive the economy. nicate material updates, if any, Shop and Albert Heijn in Europe, ple of quarters, research from the of wage growth, the Employment continue to pick up because wage But his government’s efforts to in accordance with regulatory are closer in size and the fami- Chicago Federal Reserve Bank Cost Index, last quarter notched growth will go with it,” Faberman pass other key reforms, includ- requirements,” it added. lies at the Belgian group are out- shows. its largest gain since the fourth said, though demographics may ing one making it easier for busi- If achieved, a merger would weighed by institutional investors “Once the quit rate gets back quarter of 2008. But at 2.6 percent, mean quit rates may never return nesses to buy land, have become create the fifth-largest food over strategy. to its pre-recession level, we could that was well below the 3 percent to pre-crisis highs. stuck in parliament. retailer in the United States, with Both companies book a major- expect wage growth to be back to to 4 percent pace of wage growth Edward Knotek, a researcher Inflation has cooled in recent sales of over €54bn ($60bn) and ity of their sales in the United pre-recession levels within 6-12 Yellen says is the mark of a healthy at the Cleveland Fed, is sceptical. months thanks largely to plum- more than four percent of the US States, with Delhaize a major months,” said Jason Faberman, a labour market. “If I had to guess I would think meting global oil prices. But a grocery market, according to ana- brand in the US south under its Chicago Fed researcher who co- A separate gauge of wage that an improving labour mar- recent recovery in crude prices lysts at Natixis. Food Lion banner. authored the study. The three- growth, average hourly earnings, ket, shrinking slack, should put has raised concerns of higher In Europe, the combined busi- Last month, Delhaize said net month quit rate hit a pre-recession rose just 2.2 percent in April from upward pressure on wages. But inflation in India, which is heavily ness would become the fourth- earnings in the first quarter tum- peak of 7.6 percent before falling to a year earlier. when you go to the data and the dependent on imported oil. biggest food retailer, Natixis said. bled 65 percent to €173m, hit by as low as 4.3 percent in the depths San Francisco Fed data shows statistics, that hasn’t always been The Reserve Bank has a target Following the announcement, its struggling business in Belgium, of the Great Recession. the percentage of workers who the case,” he said in an interview. of bringing inflation consistently Ahold shares rose 2.9 percent, giv- where the chain has shuttered Fed officials have kept interest received no pay raises in the “We should be cautious thinking below six percent by January ing it a market value of €16.7bn, low performing stores triggering rates near zero for years to try past year has been stuck near that we know more than we do 2016, and to four percent for the while Delhaize jumped 1.9 percent labour strikes. AFP to boost hiring and bring too-low 15.5 percent in recent years, well about wage growth.” REUTERS 2016-17 financial year. AFP Jawad Business Group gets Papa John’s franchisee award

DOHA: Jawad Business Group and quality. The commitment has Manager of Restaurant Division was awarded International been well appreciated by custom- at JBG, was in Florida to receive Franchisee of the Year Award ers whose loyalty to the brand has the award from John Schnatter, at a glittering function held in made Papa John’s the Number 1 along with his team from every Orlando, Florida earlier this choice in every market in the GCC market where Jawad month. GCC that JBG operates. JBG’s Business Group operates Papa The annual OPCON 2015 cel- partnership with Papa John’s is John’s Pizza restaurants. In his ebration was attended by Papa now in its eleventh year, with 89 acceptance speech, he dedicated John’s Founder John Schnatter, successful restaurants, and more the award to the hard work of COO Steve Ritchie, Senior VP in the offing, across the GCC, every team member working Jack Swaysland and other top including Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, across all Papa John’s Pizza res- executives of the brand. In the Oman and Eastern Province of taurants in the GCC. running for top honours for two Saudi Arabia. Joseph Joseph, Country years straight, Jawad Business Handing over the award to Manager, Qatar also attended the Group walked away with the the Jawad team, Founder ‘Papa’ ceremony in Florida. Award, beating other heavyweight John Schnatter, said, “The win- Faisal Jawad, Chairman & CEO Papa John’s Pizza operators from ners were selected for exemplify- of Jawad Business Group said, around the globe. ing Papa John’s commitment to “We are proud of our team that As one of the oldest and strong- serving a superior-quality pizza, has worked hard to make Papa est corporate brands in the region, world-class customer service and John’s such a success story in the JBG places great emphasis on the outstanding community involve- GCC. Our success shows just how task of nurturing and promot- ment. Congratulations Franchisee far one can go with a strong work ing its product brands, mindful of the Year winners!” ethic, sincerity and determina- Officials with the award. of its commitment to excellence Tapan Vaidya, General tion.” THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

Monsanto must sway public Apple could make money opinion in Syngenta bid BY MATTHEW CAMPBELL and SHEENAGH MATTHEWS by bailing out Greece he board of Syngenta AG is reluctant to embrace Monsanto Co’s $45bn takeover bid. Environmentalists and regulators BY LEONID BERSHIDSKY may be even harder to convince. Food-policy activists on both burden, at 175 percent of eco- even giving it back to sharehold- their cash — and just 13 percent Tsides of the Atlantic are gearing up to oppose a deal that nomic output, remained unsus- ers, is a pain. No one expects the more than it would cost to pay would strengthen Monsanto in Europe and cement its dominance in hat Apple should buy tainable. Apple, in the meantime, US to reform its tax system and US taxes — the companies would the US. They argue a bigger Monsanto could squeeze farmers, reduce Greece with all the use- more than doubled its hoard, resolve this issue anytime soon. receive an indefinite, ironclad genetic diversity in agriculture, and make it harder for governments less cash it has on hand which now amounts $194bn in So the idea that the top five guarantee of low taxes on non-US to control genetically modified organisms. Tis just a joke that won’t cash and equivalents. The com- cash hoarders could now save operations. Not a bad deal. Resistance from non-governmental groups could create significant go away. Yet it’s true that, if pany has been paying generous Greece and do better for them- Greece, for its part, would get political obstacles to any Monsanto takeover, which will also likely big American corporations and dividends and buying back stock, selves in the process is intriguing. debt relief, plus the companies’ face an antitrust review. The transaction may unite food-conscious European politicians had any but the cash pile keeps growing. Greece needs about €190bn European headquarters. Many consumers — people who buy organic produce and shun what they imagination, they could probably There’s no way to invest it all. ($212bn) to bring down its debt executives would probably wel- perceive as inferior conventional food — with some farmers concerned engineer a bailout for the nearly For years, Cook has been talk- to the manageable level of 70 per- come the move to a warm seaside, about giving too much power to a single corporation. bankrupt country on terms that ing about mind-blowing products cent of gross domestic product. and Greece would have the begin- “From a public health and environmental perspective this is a com- would benefit everyone. his company has in the pipeline, That’s about 48 percent of the nings of a powerful tech cluster, plete disaster,” said Bill Freese, a science policy analyst at the Center Back in 2012, an investor but he’s only managed to come up five companies’ combined cash which would draw in other compa- for Food Safety, an advocacy group in Washington. “The more I look attending Apple’s general meeting with incremental improvements stash. For paying down the debt, nies and create service jobs. With at this, the more it worries me and the more it needs to be opposed.” asked Tim Cook, the chief execu- to existing products, an average Greece could reward the firms such help, the Greek government Syngenta, the world’s largest producer of crop chemicals including tive officer, if he’d ever considered streaming music service and an with a special deal on corporate could probably afford to be less pesticides, on May 8 officially rejected a takeover offer from Monsanto using the company’s growing cash overpriced smartwatch, and these taxes, somewhat like the one austere than its creditors want valued at 449 Swiss francs a share, or 41.7bn francs ($45.1bn). The US stash — $97.6bn at that point — haven’t required much capital. Apple now enjoys in Ireland. That it to be. But it would still need company, the world’s largest producer of GMOs, said in a response to acquire Greece. “We’ve looked Unless Apple starts building cars sweetheart deal is being investi- to reform inefficient public serv- to the rejection that a combination would “deliver significant value.” into many things,” but not that, — or perhaps spaceships — it will gated by the European Union and ices and become more business- Monsanto is currently weighing an increased offer, according to peo- Cook replied. Of course, entire keep accumulating cash. is probably doomed. Yet Greece’s friendly, or risk missing out on the ple familiar with the situation. It declined to comment on a potential countries can’t be bought — not As will other big US compa- case is different: The EU, as one obvious benefits of working with higher bid and opposition to a deal. Syngenta’s representatives couldn’t even in novels, it seems. In Iain nies. Non-financial American of the country’s biggest credi- the tech titans. This kind of bail- immediately be reached. Banks’s “The Business,” such a firms hold $1.73 trillion in cash, tors, might be inclined to make out would get the Greek people’s Though regulatory reviews of deals are an ostensibly technocratic deal fell through, even though the 4 percent more than they had a a special dispensation to the approval if put to a referendum. process, public opinion almost always comes into play. After regulatory acquisition target was an obscure year ago, and $1.1 trillion of that American companies for helping All it would take to work it out opposition last month killed Comcast Corp’s proposed $68bn acquisi- Himalayan monarchy, not an old belongs to the 50 biggest compa- solve the Greek problem. The US would be a little flexibility. Sadly, tion of Time Warner Cable Inc, cable-industry association head Michael democracy like Greece. nies, according to a recent report might have some objections, but, that is a quality everyone involved Powell said the sector’s reputation was hurting it in policy discussions. So everyone had a laugh and from Moody’s Investor Services. as the biggest shareholder in the in the Greek crisis today appears Monsanto faces reputational challenges, Syngenta deal or not. In moved on. Things briefly got bet- Apple, Microsoft, Google, Pfizer International Monetary Fund, to lack. So instead Greece will pollster Harris Interactive’s latest study of public perceptions of the ter for Greece when it received and Cisco have stockpiled $439bn. it, too, stands to lose money if keep stumbling toward bank- 100 most prominent US companies, Monsanto ranked 97th. Last year the biggest bailout in history, and Most of that money sits over- Greece defaults, and the desta- ruptcy, and the American compa- Modern Farmer magazine, a title beloved by fair-trade foodies from private creditors agreed to a hair- seas, because if it were repatri- bilisation brought on by a Grexit nies will keep accumulating cash Williamsburg to West Hollywood, ran a feature entitled “Why Does cut. But its economy still failed ated, it would be subject to a 35 is certainly not in US interests. they don’t know how to spend. Everyone Hate Monsanto?” to grow, and the country’s debt percent US tax. Spending it, or In exchange for less than half of BLOOMBERG “We’re not in favour of an even more concentrated market,” Marco Contiero, the policy director for agriculture at Greenpeace Europe in Brussels, said of the proposed takeover. “It doesn’t give small produc- ers a chance.” A top concern is crop diversity: a larger company would eventually mean fewer varieties of seeds available to farmers, say opponents such as Freese. Another is that the combined company could spur increased use of herbicides by combining Syngenta’s stable of weed killers with Monsanto’s marketing heft and crop development expertise. “Two really big seed companies becoming one big seed company means even less choice” for farmers, said Patty Lovera, assistant director of Food & Water Watch, a policy group in Washington. GMOs are likely to be a particular flashpoint in Europe. Proponents of GMOs argue they can produce greater yields and incorporate use- ful characteristics like resistance to insects, reducing the need for chemical pesticides, all without health risks greater than those of other breeding techniques. Monsanto has been one of the foremost advocates of the technol- ogy. Its scientists were among the pioneers of genetic modification of plant cells in the early 1990s, and it has lobbied vigorously for their use. European policymakers, though, haven’t been swayed. GMOs are largely banned in the European Union due to what activists say are uncertain effects on health and the environment. In 2012, Germany’s BASF SE — fed up with public hostility to GM crops — halted research on them in Europe and moved remaining operations to the US, where they are in wide use. Even there, some businesses are betting that consumers would rather avoid them. Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc this year said it would stop using GMOs — a decision the burrito chain trumpeted in its marketing. Syngenta executives chose to subtly highlight Monsanto’s reputa- tional issues in rejecting its bid. Monsanto’s proposal, Syngenta wrote, would face “significant execution risks, including regulatory and public scrutiny at multiple levels in many countries.” Ironically, a deal with Syngenta, which has been less publicly enthu- siastic about GMOs, could offer Monsanto a reputational boost, said Jeremy Redenius, an analyst at brokerage Bernstein. Despite bad press around some of its products and the documented health impact of pesticides, the Swiss company has a less negative profile, Redenius said. A deal would give Monsanto a range of less controversial products, and “they could perhaps drop the Monsanto name” after the transac- tion, Redenius said. “I don’t know if they would take Syngenta’s, but it’s an opportunity.” BLOOMBERG Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate China rate cuts give developers fat to survive

hina’s interest-rate Local investors are betting politburo on April 30 pledged to show. The bulk, $10.74bn, matures dollar bonds is 9.12 percent. “We’re cautious on property cuts have helped lower policy makers won’t let the big- build a mechanism for “healthy in 2019, up from $8.91bn in 2018 Costs onshore are heading in bonds,” said Cheng Peng, the head onshore borrowing gest developers fail, even after development” of the housing and $5.97bn in 2017. the opposite direction. The yield of investments at Beijing-based costs for developers, their debt jumped to 173 percent sector. Evergrande, the nation’s The default by Kaisa, the first on Jiangsu Future Land Co’s 8.9 Genial Flow Asset Management bracing for a record of equity on average from 97 per- second-most indebted listed devel- Chinese developer to skip obliga- percent 2019 bonds has dropped Co. “Risks in the property sector C$12.6bn of bond maturities this cent five years ago. Home prices oper, is planning to sell its first tions on its US currency debt, has 82 basis points this year to 6.47 haven’t dropped enough.” year amid a slumping property fell 6.1 percent in March from a onshore bonds, people familiar damped offshore offerings. Some percent, according to exchange Thanks to the government’s market. year earlier in major cities. said last week. $1.79bn of dollar bonds have been data. The yield on the 9 percent easing, fewer Chinese cities Gemdale Corp, which builds “China’s property sector is “Regulatory policy will tend sold this year by real estate com- 2016 securities of Xinhu Zhongbao reported home price declines in luxury apartments in China’s big- too big to fail,” said Frank Chen, to be more relaxed,” said Franco panies compared with $8.86bn the Co, which develops residential March. New-home prices dropped gest cities, issued its first onshore the head of China research in Leung, a senior analyst in Hong same period of 2014. properties, has fallen 123 basis in 49 of the 70 cities tracked by notes in more than seven years in Shanghai at CBRE Group Inc. “A Kong at Moody’s. “We expect “We expect offshore bond issu- points this year to 6.25 percent. the government, official data April. The three-year securities, big problem would impact on the more developers will access the ance this year to be less than “Bigger listed real estate compa- showed on April 18, down from rated AAA domestically, were sold economy and cause systematic onshore market because of more 2014 because of more attractive nies have better credit quality and 66 in February. at 4.90 percent compared with the risk. The government is trying to attractive onshore financing costs onshore financing costs follow- more funding channels so there is According to data compiled by 7.125 percent on Gemdale’s B+ ensure enough liquidity for devel- following the recent rate cuts by ing the recent rate cuts by the low probability they’ll have credit Guotai Junan Securities Co in rated dollar debt due 2017 that’s opers to survive the winter.” the People’s Bank of China.” PBOC,” Moody’s Leung said. events,” said Xue Zheng, the head March, Chinese-listed developers currently yielding 5.903 percent. A five-year ban on developers Chinese developers sold 23.2bn Offshore investors are concerned of fixed income in Shanghai at have announced to local exchanges Renhe Commercial Holdings Co, tapping the yuan-denominated yuan of bonds onshore in April, about “the challenging operating AXA Spdb Investment Managers plans to sell about 157.9n yuan of ranked Caa1 by Moody’s Investors market was lifted by authorities the biggest monthly issuance since conditions in the property sector, Co, which oversees some 21.9bn bonds. Service, has $78.7m of securities in April 2014. Real estate com- Bloomberg started compiling the as well as uncertainties relating to yuan of assets. “Allowing more onshore bond due on Monday. panies from the nation have sold data in 1998. March sales were the the Kaisa incident,” he said. While authorities in China sales is part of the government’s Dollar bonds of Kaisa Group 67.3bn yuan ($10.8bn) of notes second highest. Agile Property Holdings Ltd are supporting a recovery in the stimulus measures for the prop- Holdings Ltd are yielding 27.7 onshore this year, already exceed- The yuan issuance surge will was marketing its first dollar property industry, some onshore erty industry,” said Zhang Li, a percent after it defaulted last ing all previous yearly issuances help property companies further bond in more than a year Tuesday, fund managers are worried about bond analyst at Guotai Junan in month, while those of Evergrande and compared with 57.3bn yuan space out their bond maturities. offering the five-year debt at a smaller developers’ credit risks, Shanghai. “The loosening funding Real Estate Group Ltd yield 11.9 in 2014. In the foreign currency market, yield of about 9.375 percent, peo- particular after Baoding Tianwei environment for property com- percent, as rating companies pore China has eased home-purchase developers face $30.2bn of notes ple familiar with the matter said. Group Co became the first panies is also making their bonds over balance sheets for signs of rules and cut interest rates three coming due over the coming five Agile’s weighted average fixed cou- state-owned company to default safer assets.” stress. times since November as the years, data compiled by Bloomberg pon for its existing outstanding domestically. BLOOMBERG WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 12,250.21 0.24 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 19,037.46 0.24 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,687.38 0.31 % RATE QE All Share Index 3,277.25 0.17 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 3,275.92 0.08 % Services GOLD Buying Selling QE All Share Industrials 4,033.96 0.57 % All Ordinaries 5627.575 -7.803 -0.14 5963.5 5248.5 QE All Share Transportation 2,493.17 0.15 % QR140.2375 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Real Estate 2,629.67 0.33 % Cac 40 Index/D 5014.87 -75.52 -1.48 5283.71 4076.16 SILVER UK ...... QR 5.6776 QR 5.7575 QE All Share Insurance 4,407.76 0.01 % Dj Indu Average 18191.11 267.05 1.49 18288.6 15855.12 Euro ...... QR 4.0674 QR 4.1240 QE All Share Telecoms 1,321.28 0.52 % QR 1.9388 QE All Share Consumer Goods & CA$ ...... QR 3.9968 QR 3.0567 7,458.27 0.00 % Services Hang Seng Inde/D 27718.2 140.86 0.51 28588.52 23312.5 Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.9127 QR 3.9719 QE Market Summary Comparison Iseq Overall/D 6192.85 -36.77 -0.59 6365.07 5072.7 Yen ...... QR 0.0301 QR 0.0307 Aus$ ...... QR 2.8804 QR 2.9385 Today Previous day Karachi 100 In/D 32506.36 -1023.94 -3.05 35055.94 28648.23 CRUDE OIL 12-05-2015 11-05-2015 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0562 QR 0.0573 Index 12,250.21 12,279.17 Nikkei 225 Index 19620.91 241.72 1.25 20252.12 16592.57 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0355 QR 0.0362 Change 28.96 6.28 BRENT Peso ...... QR 0.0805 QR 0.0822 S&P 500 Index/D 2116.1 28.1 1.35 2125.92 1820.66 % 0.24 0.05 $ 65.01 SL Re ...... QR 0.0270 QR 0.0276 YTD% 0.29 0.05 Straits Times/D 3470.8 18.79 0.54 3549.85 3267.89 Taka ...... QR 0.0463 QR 0.0473 Volume 7,017,382 10,666,167 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0352 QR 0.0358 Value (QAR) 293,162,938.78 500,834,015.21 Straits Times/D 3290.99 -1.82 -0.06 3387.84 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.2976 QR 0.3036 Trades 3,906 6,452 $ 63.13 Up 14 | Down 23 | Unchanged 06 Straits Times/D 3274.06 -8.82 -0.27 3291.83 2953.01

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 12-05-2015

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED A B G Infra-T/D 198 -8.7 3022 Chambal Fert-B/D 62.8 -0.15 61354 Goodyear I -B/D 517.75 -13 8513 Kg Denim-B/D 19.8 -1.1 27686 Orient.Carb.-T/D 457.9 -22.2 3500 Hsbc Holdings/D 617.75 -14.4 13169980 A C C-A/D 1449 -50.55 18308 Chola Invest-B/D 584.8 -1.85 2768 Hcl Infosys-B/D 41.7 -1.95 187284 Kilburnengg-T/D 54.25 -2.85 6550 Oudh Sugar-B/D 17.5 -0.75 5915 Imperial Tobac/D 3169 -88 705929 Aarti Drugs-B/D 679.25 -15.5 3891 Chowgule St-T/D 23 0.45 4876 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 13.33 -0.67 401533 Kinetic Eng-B/D 45 -1.2 10117 Punjab Chem.-B/D 200 -2.3 7116 Kingfisher/D 361.5 -9.1 2995731 Aban Offs-A/D 385.1 -7.9 116010 Cimmco-B/D 100.4 -6.7 26137 Himat Seide-B/D 77.25 -0.8 25573 Kopran-B/D 46.9 -1.6 38557 Radico Khait-B/D 89.25 1.1 42881 Land Secs Grou/D 1243 -17 863074 Aegis Logis-B/D 667 -23.25 9409 Cipla-A/D 664 -1.3 176451 Hind Motors-T/D 6.8 -0.17 51176 Lgb Broth-B/D 468.25 -16.75 2327 Rallis India-A/D 208 -2.95 14403 Legal & Genera/D 262.9 -5.6 6648166 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 217.5 -6.15 53326 City Union Bk-/D 95.75 0.45 16158 Hind Org Chem-/D 14.9 -0.28 7728 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 8.31 -0.56 23024 Ruchi Soya-B/D 39.8 -1 53511 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 87.35 0.75 115833485 Alembic-B/D 34.45 -1.65 126035 Cmc Ltd-A/D 1937.95 -18.2 1946 Hind Unilever-/D 844.7 -20 178727 Lumax Ind-B/D 315 -3.9 5383 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 563 -7.7 2436 Marks & Sp./D 559 -5 1838664 Alok Indus-A/D 6.42 -0.1 1026259 Colgate-A/D 2040.8 -26.65 7023 Hind.Petrol-A/D 586.1 -18.4 94550 Lupin-A/D 1749.25 -20.9 67236 Salora Inter-B/D 54.75 -2.4 5413 Next/D 7270 -120 146263 Apollo Tyre-A/D 169.6 -1.35 819394 Container Cor-/D 1700 0.65 5895 Hindalco-A/D 137.5 -4.55 456852 Lyka Labs-T/D 56.75 -1.35 43886 Saur.Cem-B/D 42.9 -0.8 42880 Pearson/D 1306 -12 1518763 Asahi I Glass-/D 129.6 -1.05 2429 Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 201 -1 3678 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1191.2 -31.65 57087 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 158 -9.9 1521 Tanfac Indust-/D 23 -0.1 1210 Prudential/D 1595.5 -52 1960637 Ashok Leyland-/D 72 -2.15 5336198 Dhampur Sugar-/D 32.15 -0.3 9663 I F C I-A/D 30.2 -1.25 799985 Mah.Seamless-B/D 210.45 5.15 12366 Tanfac Indust-/D 23 -0.1 1210 Rolls Royce Pl/D 1003 -17 1435648 Bajaj Hold-A/D 1294 -5.05 2454 Dr. Reddy-A/D 3473.5 111.35 112394 Idbi-A/D 66.65 -4 913810 Maha Scooter-B/D 925 5.75 1849 Thirumalai-B/D 96.9 -2.2 5161 Rsa Insrance G/D 425.3 -7.2 1452447 Ballarpur In-B/D 13.37 -0.32 87720 E I H-B/D 103.95 -3.05 13401 India Cement-A/D 86.9 -5.85 183087 Mangalam Cem-B/D 236.5 -8.2 1959 Timexgroup-T/D 26 -0.15 86034 Sainsbury(J)/D 278.9 -2.6 3217898 Bata India-A/D 1044.25 -4.1 23915 E.I.D Parry-A/D 162.5 -1.35 8158 India Glycol-B/D 87.5 -2.95 5485 Maral Overs-B/D 26.6 -0.9 10901 Tinplate-B/D 56.65 -0.25 19603 Schroders/D 3310 -67 183959 Bayer Crop-A/D 3620 7.95 2082 Eicher Motor-A/D 17121 255.7 14590 Indian Hotel-A/D 103.6 -1.75 36876 Mastek-B/D 393.6 -12.5 40324 Ucal Fuel-B/D 102.5 -3.6 8518 Severn Trent/D 2097 -38 269229 Beml Ltd-A/D 880 -25 32579 Electrosteel-B/D 17.8 -0.7 124410 Indo-Tcount-T/D 448.9 -4.7 35570 Max India L-A/D 427.1 3.25 22141 Ucal Fuel-B/D 102.5 -3.6 8518 Smith&Nephew/D 1121 -14 1488790 Bh Electronic-/D 3142.05 2.55 22998 Emco-B/D 29.15 -1.3 26226 Indusind-A/D 800.15 -19.85 126638 Mrpl-A/D 66.5 -2.85 39320 Ultramarine-B/D 68.5 -0.1 2157 Smiths Group/D 1119 -26 296907 Bhansali Eng-T/D 20.5 -0.2 459116 Escorts-A/D 113.9 -4.2 115740 J.B.Chemical-B/D 215 -3.05 54247 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 21.55 -0.15 28141 Unitech P -A/D 13.95 -0.45 4745540 Standrd Chart /D 1018.5 -29.5 1888496 Bharat Bijle-B/D 586.25 -9 3818 Essar Oil-T/D 103 -1.1 17318 Jagson Phar-B/D 27.45 -0.85 4056 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 21.55 -0.15 28141 Tate & Lyle/D 595.3 -7.5 280012 Bhartiya Int-B/D 410 6.1 10109 Eveready Indu-/D 263.1 -7.7 101782 Jamnaauto-B/D 222.5 -4.8 2286 Nahar Spg.-B/D 89.25 -2.25 2738 LONDON Tesco/D 227.75 -4.75 7627201 Bhel-A/D 222.65 -11.9 372329 F D C-B/D 153 -0.35 4720 Jbf Indu-B/D 227.8 -7 9093 Nation Alum -A/D 50.3 -0.05 283961 Unilever/D 2811 -44 1050766 Bhuwalka Stl-T/D 9.4 0.16 10589 Federal Bank-A/D 130.55 -4.45 282427 Jct Ltd-B/D 2.82 -0.04 146448 Navneet Edu-B/D 90 -0.85 9062 3I Group/D 500 -15.5 752404 United Util Gr/D 976.5 -23 1087274 Bom.Burmah-B/D 414.7 -12.6 26340 Ferro Alloys-B/D 5.05 -0.18 24651 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 6.15 -0.5 23863 Nepc India-T/D 2.11 -0.11 7900 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 2851 -28 536913 Vodafone Group/D 232.4 -2.35 31412193 Bombay Dyeing-/D 63.65 -2.45 146348 Fgp Ltd-B/D 1.89 0.09 1221 Jktyre&Ind-A/D 114.7 -3.3 115417 Neuland Lab-B/D 349.1 -16 5902 Barclays/D 257.7 -3.1 18430245 Whitbread/D 5205.05 -25 379661 Camph.& All-B/D 261 7.6 2906 Finolex-A/D 256.45 -4.35 17933 Jmc Projects-T/D 174.4 -5.3 2260 O N G C-A/D 309.55 -9.65 263751 Bg Group/D 1172.32 -12.5 2631332 Canfin Homes-B/D 688.25 -12.75 20189 Gail-A/D 366.75 -6.45 39384 Kabra Extr-B/D 65.8 -1.65 10313 Ocl India-B/D 439.75 8.25 3685 Bp/D 454.35 -3.35 20482250 Caprihans-B/D 83.25 1.85 2774 Gammon India-T/D 19.85 -0.3 42737 Kajaria Cer-A/D 770 -13.25 1956 Oil Country-B/D 32.35 -0.95 5097 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3532 -89 1746395 Castrol India-/D 479.45 21 84438 Garden P -B/D 27.2 -1.5 5952 Kalpat Power-B/D 218.25 -8.4 28420 Orchid Chem-B/D 47.8 -0.8 78281 Bt Group/D 465.9 -4.1 9056737 Century Enka-B/D 162.9 -5.3 14339 Godfrey Phil-B/D 517 3.35 1407 Kalyani Stel-T/D 132.1 -3.2 12227 Orient Hotel-T/D 21.1 -1.2 8861 Centrica/D 275.5 -5.1 7071041 Century Text-A/D 617.9 -35.6 217557 Goodricke-B/D 147.2 -2.9 4233 Kanoria Chem-B/D 41.2 -0.9 3606 Orient.Carb.-T/D 457.9 -22.2 3500 Gkn/D 350.4 -4.6 2911263 WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23

Baseball Results Baltimore 5 Toronto 2 Pittsburgh 4 Philadelphia 3 Atlanta 2 Cincinnati 1 Brady suspended for four NY Yankees 11 Tampa Bay 5 Milwaukee 10 Chicago White Sox 7 Chicago Cubs 4 NY Mets 3 Texas 8 Kansas City 2 Washington 11 Arizona 1 Boston 5 Oakland 4 games over ‘Deflategate’ LA Dodgers 5 Miami 3 Patriots fined $1m and lose draft picks as NFL cracks down hard Bryant homers as Cubs beat NEW YORK: The National Reaction to the sanctions was Football League (NFL) came quick — and mixed. Mets 4-3 down hard on the New England “They had no definitive proof Patriots on Monday for their against Tom Brady or #patriots,” CHICAGO: Kris Bryant had role in ‘Deflategate’, suspend- tweeted real estate mogul Donald the perfect housewarming gift ing star quarterback Tom Brady Trump. “If Hillary doesn’t have to for the renovated bleachers at for the first four games of next produce Emails, why should Tom? Wrigley Field. season and fining the franchise Very unfair!” Bryant and Anthony Rizzo $1m. Arizona Cardinals linebacker homered on consecutive pitches The NFL also said the Patriots Sean Weatherspoon tweeted: in the first, leading Jon Lester will forfeit their first-round “I think the suspension is war- and the Chicago Cubs to a 4-3 selection in the 2016 draft and ranted, they came down hard victory over the New York Mets a fourth-round pick in 2017 for on the organization though. on Monday night. using under-inflated footballs in #Deflategate” The Cubs opened the bleachers last season’s AFC Championship Brady, 37, who is married to in left and center for the first time game. retired Brazilian fashion model this season, and Bryant provided Brady’s agent and Patriots Gisele Bündchen, refused to turn a stirring welcome with a two-run owner Robert Kraft both sharply over his cell phone and other shot to left for the prospect’s first criticized the punishment, pro- personal information for the homer at the cozy neighborhood longing a turbulent season for the investigation, Wells said in the ballpark. most-profitable US sports league, report. “It’s really nice for him to get which has already had to deal “I think it’s absolutely right and that monkey off his back here at with scandals involving domestic proper if he’s been complicit in Wrigley,” Rizzo said. violence and child abuse. some kind of wrongdoing,” said The outfield seating had been “The discipline is ridiculous Jamie Johnson, 34, a graduate stu- closed to the public while work and has no legitimate basis,” said dent from London at Harvard’s continued on the aging facility. Brady’s agent Don Yee, adding John F. Kennedy School of Another section in right should that the quarterback will appeal Government outside Boston. be finished this summer after bad the suspension. “It doesn’t matter who he is, weather and other issues delayed Ted Wells, an attorney hired by what kind of player he is, or what construction in the offseason. the NFL to investigate the allega- he’s accomplished.” After Bryant’s second homer, tions, said in a 243-page report Patriots head coach Bill Rizzo followed with a drive to that it was “more probable than Belichick, who was not implicated right against Jacob deGrom (3-4). not” that Patriots personnel “were in the deflated football scandal, The All-Star first baseman is bat- involved in a deliberate effort” to New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (left) chats with owner Robert Kraft after defeating the Seattle was fined $500,000 in 2007 for ting .333 with five homers and 10 circumvent rules by using deflated Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX in Glendale, Arizona, in this file photo taken on February 1, 2015. illegally videotaping defensive sig- RBIs in 11 games in May. footballs in the team’s 45-7 win nals from New York Jets coaches DeGrom allowed four runs and over the Indianapolis Colts in the “Despite our conviction that integrity of the game and the “The footballs were intention- in what was dubbed ‘Spygate.’ The five hits in five innings. He struck AFC championship game. there was no tampering with thoroughness and independence ally deflated in an effort to pro- Patriots were also fined $250,000 out five and walked four. An under-inflated football footballs, it was our intention to of the Wells report,” Goodell said vide a competitive advantage to and forfeited a first-round draft The 2014 NL Rookie of the would likely give Brady a bet- accept any discipline levied by the in a statement. Tom Brady after having been pick. Year is 1-3 with a 5.64 ERA in ter grip and allow him to throw league,” Kraft said in a statement. While the fine is large by NFL certified by the game officials The ‘Deflategate’ issue has been his last four starts. longer and with more accuracy, “Today’s punishment, how- standards, it won’t dent the bot- as being in compliance with the another headache for Goodell, “It boils down to location,” especially in the chilly and wet ever, far exceeded any reasonable tom line of a team that was valued playing rules,” Vincent said in a who came under fire last year deGrom said. “Tonight I strug- conditions the Colts and Patriots expectation. It was based com- by Forbes at $2.6bn in 2014. letter to the Patriots concerning for his lenient stance on domes- gled with it and I think that kind played in to determine who would pletely on circumstantial rather “The $1m is in many respects the punishment. tic abuse, which caused him to of gets me off my game plan. I go to the Super Bowl. than hard or conclusive evidence.” a slap on the wrist, that’s lunch The team told Goodell last week re-vamp the league’s personal can’t throw the pitches I want for The $1m fine ties the larg- Brady has a guaranteed base money during the football sea- that Patriots employees John conduct policy and strengthen strikes and make some mistakes est ever for a team in the NFL, salary of $8m for the 16-game son,” said Daniel Durbin, director Jastremski and James McNally, the penalties against players who over the plate and they seem to equaling the amount the league 2015 NFL season. If the four- of the Institute of Sports, Media who were linked to the scandal, commit such crimes. hit a long way.” ordered San Francisco 49ers game suspension with no pay is and Society at the University of have been indefinitely suspended While Goodell was being heav- Lester (3-2) allowed three runs owner Edward Debartolo Jr upheld, Brady will miss games Southern California Annenberg without pay by the club, the NFL ily criticized for his light punish- and five hits in six innings, and to pay in 1999 after he pleaded against Pittsburgh, Buffalo, School for Communication and said. ments on domestic violence, Kraft three relievers from Chicago’s guilty to a felony for his role in a Jacksonville and Dallas. Ironically, Journalism. The punishment was a rare was his staunchest defender, struggling bullpen closed it Louisiana gambling scandal. his first game back on October 18 “The larger issue is taking away loss for Brady, who has played 15 leading many to speculate league out. Justin Grimm and Zac In a statement, Kraft, consid- would be against the Colts. their quarterback for four games, years in the NFL after coming would go easy on a star player who Rosscup each got three outs ered one of the league’s most- Vincent, the NFL’s Vice- that has some impact on revenue out of the University of Michigan is considered one of the greatest before Hector Rondon finished powerful owners and an ally of President of football operations because one of their star players as an unheralded sixth-round of his generation. the six-hitter for his seventh save Commissioner Roger Goodell, who handed down the sanctions, is gone.” draft choice. He has won four “It’s a good thing the @nfl sus- in eight chances. expressed his “disappointment in said he was influenced by the Although there was no smoking Super Bowls in six tries with pended Tom Brady now everyone “You just want to hold onto how this one-sided investigation Patriots’ 2007 ‘Spygate’ scandal gun, the Wells report, which took the Patriots, and was chosen the knows that NOBODY is above the lead somehow,” manager Joe was handled” and said Brady, who and the lack of cooperation by nearly four months to complete, most valuable player in three the system #NFL #FairGame,” Maddon said. “And we did.” has led the Patriots to four cham- Brady and the Patriots. found Brady and two members of of the victories. He has denied tweeted Shawne Merriman, a With a runner on first and pionships, “has our unconditional “We relied on the critical the Patriots’ equipment staff were playing any role in deflating the retired former three-time Pro none out in the ninth, shortstop support.” importance of protecting the all likely culpable. footballs. Bowl linebacker. REUTERS Starlin Castro made a diving catch to help thwart a potential Mets rally. Yankees 11, Rays 5 New York starter CC Sabathia won for the first time in more Hawks unleash offence to Canada rout Austria at than a year and the Yankees hit a season-high five home runs in an easy 11-5 win over Tampa Bay world championship at Tropicana Field. level series with Wizards Sabathia (1-5) earned his first PRAGUE: Canada crushed victory since April 24, 2014, WASHINGTON: Guard Jeff Austria 10-1 at the ice hockey despite allowing four runs (three Teague scored 26 points as the world championship yesterday, earned) in seven innings. He gave Atlanta Hawks held off the riding a four-goal opening period up six hits and two walks while Washington Wizards for a 106- to an easy win that left the tour- striking out nine. 101 win in game four of their nament favourites unbeaten at Orioles 5, Blue Jays 2 Eastern Conference semifinal the end of the group stages. Manny Machado, Chris Davis series on Monday night. Even without Pittsburgh and Adam Jones all homered, Forward Paul Millsap scored Penguins center Sidney Crosby, and Ubaldo Jimenez threw seven 19 points and centre Al Horford who was rested ahead of the strong innings as Baltimore cel- had 18 points and 10 rebounds for quarter-finals on Thursday, the ebrated its return home from a Atlanta, who rebounded from a Canadians had no trouble sweep- long road trip with a 5-2 victory buzzer-beating loss in game three ing aside the Austrians in what over Toronto. to level the series at 2-2. was effectively a warm-up game Machado led off the first with Washington, who were play- for a team well stocked with NHL a homer off Marco Estrada (1-2) ing their third consecutive game talent. Canada’s Matt Duchene (right) and the right-hander gave up a without injured star John Wall, Dallas Stars center Jason scores against Austria during a two-run shot to Davis later in the got to within three points 104-101 Spezza, who scored two goals, said IIHF 2015 World Championship frame for a quick 3-0 Baltimore in the final seconds but couldn’t it was good to finish first in Group game at the O2 Arena in Prague lead. engineer another buzzer-beating A but the focus for the players yesterday. Rangers 8, Royals 2 miracle. Jeff Teague of the Atlanta Hawks celebrates after hitting a shot against was on winning a medal. Texas starter Colby Lewis was Forward Paul Pierce missed a the Washington Wizards during the second half in Game Four of the “The next game will be a dan- of the net for an easy tap-in. effective once again and third wide-open shot from beyond the Eastern Conference semi-finals of the 2015 NBA play-offs at the Verizon gerous game for us and we need Three minutes later the baseman Adrian Beltre homered arc with seven seconds remain- Center in Washington DC on Monday night. to be sure there isn’t a let-down,” Avalanche’s Matt Duchene made in the Rangers’ 8-2 victory over ing. Pierce hit the game winner said Spezza. “It’s going to come it 2-0 before Edmonton Oilers Kansas City at Globe Life Park. in game three. for the final points with less than 34 points. down to execution and having winger Taylor Hall notched his The Rangers, coming off a 5-2 Millsap sank two free throws one second remaining to seal the Dennis Schroder added 14 intensity to start the game is sixth goal of the tournament and road trip, opened their seven- victory. points and eight assists off the going to be big for us.” Florida Panthers defenseman game homestand with a rare NBA Play-off Results Wizards coach Randy Wittman bench for top-seeded Atlanta, Belarus, led by former NHL Aaron Ekblad’s wrist shot put home win. Texas (14-18) entered Results on Monday in the second round of called the timeout with 9.5 sec- which finished with 30 assists on coach Dave Lewis, will meet Austria four down. the four-game series with base- the NBA play-offs (best-of-seven): onds left and the Wizards down 41 baskets. Canada in the last eight after Canada kept their foot on ball’s worst record at home. The by three. Nene Hilario provided “Their guards broke us down defeating Norway 3-2 yesterday. the gas as eight different play- win improved the Ragers’ home Eastern Conference a screen at the top of the key on too much,” Wittman said. The Canadians spent most of ers ended up beating Starkbaum record to 4-9. At Washington Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll, The Hawks outscored the opening period in Austria’s and late-game replacement Rene Braves 2, Reds 1 Atlanta 106 Washington 101 and Pierce darted to the right and Washington 32-16 in the paint zone and peppered goalie Swette who faced a combined 46 Shelby Miller pitched seven (Series tied 2-2) got open but his shot bounced off and shot 59.1 percent in the first Bernhard Starkbaum with shots. shots. strong innings and pinch-hitter Western Conference the rim. half to compile a 10-point lead at They inevitably broke through Opposing netminder Mike Phil Gosselin singled and scored At Memphis “The open one is always the the break. after six minutes when Colorado Smith had a quiet night, facing 15 the go-ahead run on a wild pitch Golden State 101 Memphis 84 hardest one to make,” said “That’s how we play,” Millsap Avalanche center Ryan O’Reilly’s shots and only being beaten when in the ninth, lifting Atlanta to a Wizards guard Bradley Beal, said of the points in the paint dis- cross-ice pass found his NHL Dominique Heinrich scored early 2-1 victory over Cincinnati. (Series tied 2-2) who scored a playoff career-high parity. “We attack.” AFP team mate Tyson Barrie in front in the third period. REUTERS AGENCIES WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Al Rayyan overcome Police to reach final of Emir Cup Volleyball

Police’s Pro Caceres attempts to spike past the Al Rayyan defence during their Emir Cup Volleyball semi-final at Al Arabi Stadium in Doha yesterday. Al Rayyan won in three straight sets at 25-19, 25-17 and 25-17. Al Rayyan thus qualified for the final having won the first of the three-match semi-final series. CENTRE: Players of Al Rayyan celebrate on reaching the final. RIGHT: Al Arabi player Said Ibrahim in action against El Jaish. Al Arabi won three sets to one at 25-23, 22-25, 13-25 & 21-25 to tie the three-match series at one-all. The deciding match will take place on May 14. the final will take place on May 16. PICTURES BY: BAHER AMIN

Lavillenie out of F1 drivers to launch fan initiative Doha Diamond League meet We would like to engage more with the fans, says Wurz of GPDA PARIS: France’s pole vault world record holder Renaud LONDON: Formula One driv- Lavillenie will not compete in ers are hoping to give more back Pedrosa to return from the opening Diamond League to their fans, at a time when meet of the season in Doha this unfavourable comparisons are week because of a bruised shoul- being made with other series, der, his agent Rene Auguin said with a new initiative to be pre- surgery at French GP yesterday. sented in Monaco next week. The Olympic champion picked Alex Wurz, the chairman of the ROME: Honda MotoGP rider and Spanish rounds as team mate up the injury while running the Grand Prix Drivers Association Dani Pedrosa will be back in to double world champion Marc 4x100m relay for his French club (GPDA), said that more details action at the French Grand Marquez. in Lyon, and needs to rest for at would be presented on the Friday Prix this weekend after missing The rider, who had surgery least ten days. rest day before the race in the three of the season’s first four on April 3, had been predicted a Auguin said there was no seri- Mediterranean principality. races due to arm surgery. recovery time of four to six weeks ous damage to Lavillenie’s shoul- The Austrian said the drivers “My recovery has gone well, I and said he was keen to get back. der but he would not be fit to had unanimously agreed the move think I was right to be patient and He has suffered from a prob- compete on Friday. at a meeting at last weekend’s take it slowly, and to respect the lem common among motorcycle After being examined by Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. time frames that I needed,” the racers when pressure builds up doctors in his training base in “To make sure this sport Spaniard said in a blog for team in the forearm and causes intense Monaco, Lavillenie was advised to remains at the pinnacle and gets sponsor Repsol yesterday. pain, making riding a bike diffi- avoid any sort of competition until ever more popular, we would like “Now, finally, I can tell you cult when the muscle becomes too his shoulder is properly healed. to engage more with the fans,” that I will be in Le Mans this big for the ‘sack’ that it sits in. “Renaud went through a said the former Formula One German Formula One driver Nico Rosberg of Mercedes AMG GP in weekend.” Pedrosa has not won a MotoGP series of medical exams in order driver who now competes in action during a training session at Montmelo racetrack in Barcelona, Pedrosa, 29, had been replaced race since the Czech Grand Prix to check if ligaments or ten- the world endurance champion- Spain, yesterday. by Japanese stand-in Hiroshi last August and was sixth in the dons were affected by the fall. ship and is a two times Le Mans Aoyama in the US, Argentine season-opener in Qatar. AFP Thankfully he had not suffered winner. any severe injury. Nevertheless, “How we are doing this I don’t followers on Instagram. However he must stay out of action for want to go into because this will the sport still has a reputation for the next ten days, which means be announced in Monaco in great being exclusive and inaccessible Rosberg sets blistering test time he will miss the Doha Diamond detail. “I hope it’s cool. The fans compared to series like the world League,” Auguin said. will tell us if they like it or not endurance championship, where MONTMELÓ, Spain: Formula One has kicked off its Lavillenie was frustrated, but and that’s what we want...we want fans have much more access to Germany’s Mercedes star Nico European season, according to he hopes he will be able to com- to give a little bit back and com- the paddock and drivers during Rosberg (pictured) followed up deputy principal Bob Fernley. pete again in Doha, the next time municate with the people who race weekends. his Spanish Grand Prix win last “We are looking. And some- Pole Vault will be included in the love the sport equally to us,” said Formula One’s commercial Sunday by setting the fastest time in the European bit now we schedule: Wurz. supremo Bernie Ecclestone has time on the first session of two will sign someone,” the Briton “I was feeling fit and ready Social media is expected to been critical of social media, days of private testing at the said before a two-day test at for the first real challenge of the feature largely in the plans, with although Formula One has Circuit de Catalunya. Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya season and I was really looking many drivers already attracting a revamped its official website this Rosberg was a full two sec- that started yesterday. forward to competing in Doha. large number of followers. season and now employs a number onds faster than his closest rival Mercedes-powered Force India, Unfortunately, the injury is “Great GPDA meeting today! At of staff to develop this area. Ferrari’s Raffaele Marciello and who failed to score points in preventing me from coming to the Monaco GP we will announce “I’m not interested in tweeting, almost three seconds ahead of Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix and Qatar, but hopefully I will have big plans on how to properly con- Facebook or whatever this non- third placed Pastor Maldonado have had cash-flow problems, will the chance to return to Doha in nect with you, the fans,” Lotus sense is. I tried to find out but in of Lotus. have French teenager Esteban the near future. driver Romain Grosjean told his any case I’m too old fashioned,” The German, second in the Ocon in their car today. The 28-year-old is bidding to 438,000 followers on Twitter after the 84-year-old Ecclestone said world standings 20 points They had planned to test win his first title at the world last Friday’s meeting. last year. “I couldn’t see any value behind teammate Lewis Pascal Wehrlein, who is also the championships in Beijing in Mercedes double Formula One in it. Hamilton after five Grand Prix, Mercedes F1 reserve, yesterday August. It is the only title miss- world champion Lewis Hamilton “You’re right that we should use also put in 78 laps, 24 more but he was unwell and Britain’s ing from his collection. has 2.74 million followers on social media to promote Formula than Marciello. Nick Yelloly, who has been doing France’s European tri- Twitter, more than 3.0 million One. I just don’t know how,” he Meanwhile, Force India expect simulator work with the team, ple jump champion Benjamin likes on Facebook and 1.2 million added. AFP to sign a reserve driver now that took his place instead. AFP Compaore has also been ruled out of the Doha meet for per- sonal reasons. Meanwhile, the Greek Amateur Emir Cup Basketball: Athletics Federation (SEGAS) warned yesterday that the reduc- tion of state funds may lead to their athletes not participating in international competition. The federation said that it will curb operating costs and even reduce the cost of organis- ing the annual classic marathon race. “SEGAS fully understands the particularly difficult situation our country is facing. But we have to emphasise that our limits and possibilities to operate have been exhausted,” the statement said. The federation said that the government has chopped 35 per- cent of the state fund for SEGAS this year. The financial crisis in the country has led to the General Secretariat of Sports mak- ing drastic cuts in subsidies to sports federations over the last few years. Last year the government gave only 11.2m euros to the country’s sports federations, a 50 percent decrease from the previous year. Qatar Sports Club’s Cox Torrington Wallace (right) tries to break free from Al Arabi’s Ngombo Tanguy (left) during the Emir Cup Basketball at Al Gharafa Sports Club yesterday. Qatar SC SEGAS received 2.3 million won 74-67. RIGHT: Al Khor’s Coleman Shavon Anthoney (left) in action against Al Gharafa’s Saad Abduirahman. Al Gharafa won 84-67. PICTURES BY: KAMMUTTY VP euros last year, a 67 percent drop from 2013. AGENCIES WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Djokovic holds off Almagro in Rome Russia’s Maria Sharapova also advances as Britain’s Andy Murray decides to play

ROME: Defending champion Italian Open Results Novak Djokovic scraped over Women’s Second Round his first hurdle at the Rome Maria Sharapova (RUS x3) bt Jarmila Masters with a 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-3 Gajdosova (AUS) 6-2, 3-1, retired victory over Spanish clay-court Women’s First Round specialist Nicolas Almagro yesterday. Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP x10) bt Mona The world number one, given a Barthel (GER) 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 bye into the second round, was in Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) bt Monica Puig total control as he swept through (PUR) 7-5, 6-3 the opening set at the Foro Italico, Elena Svitolina, (UKR) bt Flavia Pennetta but the aggressive Almagro set- (ITA) 6-4, 6-2 tled down to his task and made Alexandra Dulgheru (ROM) bt Misaki Doi the Serb work hard for an 18th (JPN) 6-7 (2/7), 6-3, 6-3 consecutive Tour victory. Irina Begu (ROM) bt Ursula Radwanska Djokovic looked poised for vic- (POL) 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 tory when he built a 5-2 lead in Daria Gavrilova (RUS) bt Belinda Bencic the tiebreak but Almagro fought (SUI) 6-7 (2/7), 7-5, 6-2 back and when Djokovic netted Irina Begu (ROM) bt Ursula Radwanska a tame forehand at 5-5 Almagro (POL) 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 seized his chance, clinching the Bojana Jovanovski (SRB) bt Caroline Garcia second set with a powerful first (FRA) 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 6-2 serve. Almagro, who missed the sec- Victoria Azarenka (BLR) bt Lucie Hradecka ond half of last year after foot (CZE) 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 surgery and has slipped to 174th Men’s Second Round in the rankings, continued to Stan Wawrinka (SUI x8) bt Juan Monaco worry Djokovic with his power at (ARG) 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 the start of the third set. Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns the ball to Nicolas Almagro of Spain during their Italian Open match at the Foro Italico in Rome yesterday. Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Nicolas Almagro Djokovic kept his nose in front (ESP) 6-1, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 on serve though and broke in the Murray’s team was split on “I also didn’t feel much pres- Puig 7-5, 6-3. Former number slumping US Open winner Marin Men’s First Round eighth game after winning a long whether he should compete or sure last week, I didn’t have very one Victoria Azarenka, final- Cilic, the Croatian ninth seed Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) bt Marin Cilic baseline exchange. rest, with the competition view high expectations. I just played ist two years ago against Serena going down 6-4, 6-3. (CRO x9) 6-4, 6-3 The three-times Rome cham- winning out. and felt better and better in each Williams, continued her revival Australian hopes met a quick Thomaz Bellucci (BRA) bt Diego pion completed the job on his sec- Murray, who defeated Nadal in match.” after 2014 injuries, advancing over end a week after Nick Kyrgios Schwartzman (ARG) 6-4, 4-3, retired ond match point when Almagro the shock Madrid final, said that As the complex scheduling of Czech Lucie Hradecka 7-5, 2-6, beat Roger Federer in Madrid. fired a backhand long. his preparation for Roland Garros the event proceeded, results were 6-1. Spanish 11th seed Feliciano Lopez Feliciano Lopez (ESP x11) bt Nick Kyrgios Meanwhile, Andy Murray will seems to be on track. all over the charts. Third seed Maria Sharapova won his first-round match over (AUS) 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) take to the court today after ago- “This year I feel a lot healthier In the women’s first round, became the first into the third Kyrgios in straight sets 6-4, 7-6 Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) bt Martin Klizan nising with his team as to whether on the clay, I have to thank my Spanish tenth seed Carla round as she advanced when (7/4). (SVK) 6-4, 6-1 he should play. The back-to-back team, which has made some big Suarez Navarro beat German Australian Jarmila Gajdosova Bernard Tomic was then elim- Viktor Troicki (SRB) bt Bernard Tomic (AUS) titleholder at Munich and Madrid changes in my clay preparation. Mona Barthel 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 retired trailing 6-2, 3-1. inated in a battle, Serb Viktor 7-6 (7/3), 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/4) will start against France’s Jeremy That’s helped for sure,” the Scot while Frenchwoman Kristina In the men’s first round, Troicki advancing 7-6 (7/3), 6-7 Kevin Anderson (RSA x15) bt Philipp Chardy. said. Mladenovic defeated Monica Guillermo Garcia-Lopez beat (4/7), 7-6 (7/4). AGENCIES Kohlschreiber (GER) 3-0, retired Ticket proceeds of Emir Cup Sout Al Khaleej named official semis to go to Nepal victims radio station of Emir Cup

DOHA: The Qatar Football DOHA: The Qatar Football Association (QFA) and Reach Association (QFA) yesterday Out To Asia (ROTA) have signed an agreement with Sout announced that proceeds from Al Khaleej radio station, naming ticket sales of the Emir Cup it the official radio station of the semi-finals will be donated to Emir Cup 2015. earthquake victims in Nepal The nature of the agreement through ROTA’s development involves utilizing the station and relief projects. for promoting all the Emir Cup ROTA and QFA have also matches, activities, and sponsors’ decided to place donation boxes events. around Al Sadd Stadium before The signing ceremony took the semis kick off this Friday at place in Al Bidda tower between 5.30pm and 8pm. These funds QFA Secretary General Mansoor donated by the spectators will Al Ansari and Assistant General go towards ROTA’s local and Manager of Sout Al Khaleej Salem regional projects. Al Mansoori. QFA Secretary General Mansoor Al Ansari and the Assistant General QFA Secretary General The radio station will also be Manager of Sout Al Khaleej, Salem Al Mansoori, at the signing ceremony Mansoor Al Ansari said: “We are QFA Secretary General Mansoor Al Ansari (left) and ROTA’s Acting run different competitions with in Doha’s Al Bidda Tower yesterday. very happy to donate the Emir Executive Director Mohamed Al Naama attend a press conference at countless prizes on offer. Cup semi-finals ticket proceeds Al Bidda Tower in Doha. The agreement signing char- Al Khaleej plays a very important the official radio station of the to support the people of Nepal acterizes the strong level of com- role in promoting QFA activities Emir Cup 2015 and look forward who have suffered a great loss as the lives of people living in under- help the earthquake victims in mitment that QFA continuously and events and we look forward to promoting this prominent foot- a result of the devastating earth- privileged communities, especially Nepal.” adopts to heavily promote this to working with Sout Al Khaleej ball event of the year.” quake. QFA continuously involves during such tough times.” QFA and ROTA signed an MoU prestigious tournament across again this year”. He added: “We are going to its partner non-profit and chari- Mohamed Al Naama, ROTA’s last year that sets out the com- various media channels. Al Mansoori said: “We are very organise many competitions on table organisations in its leagues Acting Executive Director, said: mitment of both parties to sup- Al Ansari said: “We are proud to partner with the QFA the radio in which 10 winners will and competitions with the aim of “Our collaboration with QFA is port the advancement of youth delighted to partner with Sout again this year for the 43rd edi- have the opportunity to watch raising funds to help those who one of a kind as we jointly aim capabilities and furthering long- Al Khaleej and announce them tion of the Emir Cup and are con- the final match at Al Gharafa are in need. ROTA is a renowned to reach out to different commu- term development and leadership as the official radio station of fident that this partnership will Stadium. The winners will be cho- charity organisation known for its nities locally and regionally. We capacity-building. this esteemed tournament. We reach both parties’ goal which is sen from around the Gulf region outstanding humanitarian work thank QFA’s interest in ROTA’s The Emir Cup final will be held have a long term relationship to promote the Emir Cup to all and London. All expenses will be and we are proud to be partner- mission and for sharing with us at Al Gharafa Stadium May 23. with Sout Al Khaleej which dates fans in Qatar. We appreciate the covered by Sout Al Khaleej.” ing with them to try to change the same humanitarian beliefs to THE PENINSULA back to the 17th Gulf Cup. Sout opportunity given by QFA to be THE PENINSULA Formolo takes surprise win in Giro ‘Fight of the Century’ MILAN: Home favourite the jersey in the team, to be able Davide Formolo claimed the first to take the jersey and keep it for victory of his short professional Orica for another day,” Clarke smashes records career with a stunning ride into told Eurosport. La Spezia on the fourth stage of “(Team mates) Michael LOS ANGELES: The ‘Fight of the Century’ between boxing the Giro d’Italia yesterday. Matthews and Simon Gerrans greats Floyd Mayweather Jr (pictured) and Manny Pacquiao The fresh-faced 22-year-old, have had great days and today it generated record pay-per-view revenue in the United States of tipped as a future grand tour worked for me.” $400m from 4.4 million buys, cable networks Showtime and HBO champion, was roared into the Formolo attacked just before said yesterday. port city at the end of a wildly the final climb with about 13km The May 2 fight in Las Vegas that saw unpredictable 150km stage in remaining and once he reached Mayweather beat Pacquiao in a unanimous which Simon Clarke took over the top with a 30-second advan- decision cost $99 to view in high definition. the maglia rosa from Orica tage he held on for a masterful With additional revenue from ticket sales, GreenEdge team mate Michael victory. international TV distribution and other Matthews. “I tried to go in a breakaway sources, worldwide receipts are expected to Overall race favourite Alberto in the second last climb but the top $500m, the networks said. Contador was left without any other riders caught me. I tried Pay-per-view purchases nearly doubled the team mates in the Astana-led again on the last climb and luck- previous record of 2.48 million of the Oscar chasing pack but managed to ily I could go to the finish line De La Hoya vs. Mayweather fight in 2007, and avoid real damage, the Spaniard alone. Amazing,” the Cannondale- nearly tripled the record $150m in US pay- finishing 22 seconds behind in a Garmin rider said. per-view revenue from by Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez in 2013. group that included Clarke and Clarke was in danger of being The majority of the revenue goes to the boxers, and Mayweather, Team Sky’s Richie Porte. dropped by the chasing group but the winner of the fight, stood to take the largest share. Australian Clarke appeared to managed to re-join it on the final The Mayweather-Pacquiao fight was co-produced and co-distrib- think he had the stage victory descent to guarantee the pink jer- uted by Showtime, a unit of CBS Corp, and Time Warner Inc’s HBO. when he won the bunch sprint. sey would stay with his team for Italian Davide Formolo celebrates on the podium after winning the fourth HBO and Showtime stand to make a small cut from pay-per-view, “You saw the emotion cross- another day at least. stage of the Giro d’Italia (Tour of Italy) cycling race in La Spezia yesterday. splitting just 7.5 percent of revenue. REUTERS ing the line, I was stoked to keep REUTERS WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Zaheer stars in Delhi’s Untrusted Pietersen ‘devastated’ by easy victory over CSK England exclusion LONDON: Kevin Pietersen going to happen in the future.” Shreyas Iyer and Yuvraj Singh finish the job with the bat said he was “absolutely dev- Pietersen responded in astated” after being told he typically forthright fashion is not in England’s plans this by saying he was “absolutely RAIPUR: An impressive summer due to a complete devastated” that his hopes of a bowling display from Delhi breakdown in trust with the recall had been ended. Daredevils earned them a six- country’s cricket board. “I went into the meeting wicket victory against league England director Andrew expecting Strauss to say that leaders Chennai Super Kings in Strauss outlined his thoughts England’s batting order is good an Indian Premier League (IPL) about his new role yesterday at the moment but if I contin- encounter at the Shaheed Veer and the controversial Pietersen ued to score runs and if an Narayan Singh International was, unsurprisingly, the main injury occurred then I would be Stadium here yesterday. topic of interest. in contention to play,” he wrote Chasing 120, Delhi reached the “Now is the time for us to in a column to be published in target fairly comfortably in 16.4 be really open about the Kevin the Daily Telegraph. overs with 20 balls to spare. Pietersen situation -- people “I would naturally have to The win was Delhi’s fifth in have been running away from it earn my recall, but at least I what has been a disappoint- for years,” Strauss told report- would be eligible. But no. Quite ing campaign for them. They ers in the Lord’s pavilion. simply, I feel deeply misled.” improved to 10 points after 13 “The truth about Kevin is Pietersen’s hopes were matches but remained at the that he is a phenomenal crick- fuelled in March when incom- seventh spot in the standings. eter. But over months and years ing England and Wales Cricket Chennai too retained their sum- trust has eroded between Kevin Board chairman Colin Graves mit spot with 16 points from 13 Pietersen and the England and hinted that the door was open matches. Wales Cricket Board (ECB). if he returned to county cricket Delhi floundered initially while “There is a massive trust and scored runs. chasing the modest target losing issue between me and Kevin.” Having kept his side of the South African duo of Quinton de Pietersen was sacked by bargain, Pietersen said he felt Kock (3) and skipper Jean Paul England last year following a he had been “led down the gar- Duminy (6) in a space of 10 deliv- number of incidents that culmi- den path”. eries to be reduced to 24 for two nated in the 5-0 Ashes defeat in “I just find it incredibly in the fifth over. Australia during which he was deceitful what has happened to But opener Shreyas Iyer (70 not Delhi Daredevils bowler Zaheer Khan (second from left) celebrates after dismissing Chennai Super Kings accused of being disengaged me and am frankly finding dif- out) and Yuvraj Singh (32) stead- batsman Brendon McCullum (not pictured) during an IPL match at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International from the team. ficult to understand right now,” ied the Daredevils innings, forging Stadium in Raipur yesterday. Strauss’s first task as direc- Pietersen added. a 69-run third-wicket partnership tor was to sack Peter Moores “I have done everything I to guide them towards the target. effort from Delhi Daredevils Dhoni (27) being the other major first six overs to be at 46 for three as coach and two days later have been asked. I keep asking By the time Yuvraj was dis- ensured they restricted Chennai contributor as the visitors set an at the halfway stage as Suresh Pietersen gave a timely myself, what more could I do?” missed in the 14th over, Delhi’s Super Kings (CSK) for a modest asking run rate of 6 runs per over. Raina (11) too spooned one to reminder of his batting tal- South African-born score swelled to 93, virtually con- score of 119 for six. Zaheer Khan and Albie Morkel cover. ent with a superb innings of Pietersen, 34, has made 8,181 firming a rare victory for them. Faf du Plesis top-scored for were the pick of the bowlers for But South African middle order 355 not out for Surrey in the Test runs, including 23 centu- Earlier, a stupendous bowling CSK with 29, with skipper M.S. the Daredevils claiming two bat du Plesis and Dhoni then county championship, the high- ries, and is England’s highest scalps each. resurrected the innings running est score of his career. run-scorer in all forms of inter- Scoreboard The Daredevils opening bowl- hard between the wickets and But Strauss said that had national cricket. He was a team ers, spinner Shahbaz Nadeem picking up the odd boundaries. done nothing to alter the situ- mate of Strauss’s for many CHENNAI SUPER KINGS DELHI DAREDEVILS (4-1-18-0) and Zaheer (4-1-9-2) However, on a pitch that was ation and he met Pietersen on years and played under his DR Smith lbw b Morkel ...... 18 Q de Kock c Ashwin b Pandey ...... 3 bowled an impeccable line and keeping slow and low, Morne Monday evening to tell him face captaincy but he was dropped BB McCullum c Duminy b Khan ...... 11 SS Iyer (not out) ...... 70 length in the first few overs and Morkel came back to castle his to face he does not feature in for a Test against South Africa SK Raina c Duminy b Yadav ...... 11 JP Duminy b Pandey ...... 6 kept the CSK batsmen on a tight countryman, du Plesis (29) as he England’s plans. in 2012 after sending provoca- F du Plessis b Morkel ...... 29 Yuvraj Singh c Sharma b Negi ...... 32 leash giving away just 16 runs in chopped one onto his stumps with “It did not change my think- tive texts about the skipper to MS Dhoni c Nadeem b Khan ...... 27 JA Morkel c Pandey b Negi ...... 8 the first six overs, the lowest in score flashing 83 for four in 15.2 ing at all as we have always opposition players. DJ Bravo c Duminy b Sandhu ...... 8 KM Jadhav (not out) ...... 1 this IPL. overs. Dhoni then upped the ante known what a fantastic crick- Strauss was forced to issue P Negi (not out) ...... 5 Extras ...... 0 Zaheer’s patience was even- belting Yuvraj Singh for 13 runs in eter Kevin is,” Strauss said. “He an apology last July after being RA Jadeja (not out) ...... 3 Total (4 wkts; 16.4 overs) ...... 120 tually rewarded as swashbuck- the 17th over. Dwayne Bravo (8) was not happy with the decision caught on microphone mak- Extras (LB 7) ...... 7 Did not bat: SS Tiwary, J Yadav, GS Sandhu, Z ling opener Brendon McCullum hit another six to help his team and I did not expect him to be. ing offensive remarks about Total (6 wkts; 20 overs) ...... 119 Khan, S Nadeem (11) fell lobbing one straight to get past the 100-run mark in the “It’s not about his ability as Pietersen during a television Did not bat: R Ashwin, MM Sharma, IC Pandey Fall of wickets: 1-16, 2-24, 3-93, 4-114 Duminy at mid-on. 18th over but was caught out a a player. It’s about trust. You commentary stint. Fall of wickets: 1-16, 2-34, 3-46, 4-83, Bowling: IC Pandey 4 -1-27-2; MM Sharma McCullum’s opening partner delivery later. can’t build that over a few days. England play two home Tests 5-105, 6-110 2-0-17-0; R Ashwin 4-0-24-0; RA Jadeja Dwayne Smith (18) sent a few Zaheer in his first ball of the “I can’t give him any guar- against New Zealand before the Bowling: S Nadeem 4-1-18-0; Z Khan 4 -1-9 2.4-0-16-0; SK Raina 1-0-8 -0; P Negi 3-0- balls flyin g into the fence but second spell got rid of the danger- antees about the future but five-match Ashes series against -2; GS Sandhu 4-0-33-1; JA Morkel 3-0-21-2; 28-2 then was adjudged leg-before ous Dhoni (27) foxing him with a he is not banned from the side Australia starting on July 8. J Yadav 2 -0 -8-1; Yuvraj Singh 3- 0 -23-0; Player-of-the-match: Z Khan (Delhi Daredevils) wicket. slower one that he skied into the because no-one knows what is REUTERS CSK added 30 more after the hands of long-off. IANS IPL is best place to prove yourself: Simmons

MUMBAI: Mumbai Indians Simmons praised De Villiers’ Simmons said, “It’s just about “It’s about getting the ball into batsman Lendl Simmons hailed effort, saying “he is a world class getting good start to my innings. the hands properly and hold- the Indian Premier League player who is someone out of this I do what it is required off me. I ing onto it. You drop some easy (IPL) as the best Twenty20 world”. want to get my team off to a good ones and catch some hard ones, tournament in the world, adding “AB is a world class player. start and in a good position. So far that’s how the game goes,” he that the cash-rich league is the We see that at different levels, things are going good for me and I said. best platform where a cricketer in Test cricket and One-Day- hope to deliver for Mumbai back The Trinidad-born cricketer can prove one’s worth. International (ODI) cricket. It again in the upcoming matches.” said he learned a lot by watch- “IPL is the biggest and best doesn’t matter what format he Known to be an excellent fielder ing legends like Sachin Tendulkar Twenty20 tournament. And plays, he is still a world-class and an occasional wicket-keeper, and Rahul Dravid play in Indian there’s no better way out than player. He is someone out of this the 30-year-old has taken some conditions, and added he tries to proving yourself and proving one’s world. When he finishes with the spectacular catches in the ongoing emulate some of their skills in the worth at the IPL,” Simmons said game of cricket, everyone will IPL, most recently against Delhi IPL. at a Kingfisher Bowl Out event remember him,” the West Indian Daredevils when he pulled off a “I have watched Tendulkar and here on Monday. said. one-handed stunner at backward Dravid play in the previous IPL. I On Sunday, against his team Simmons has been consistent point to dismiss Yuvraj Singh. have learned a lot and try to emu- Mumbai, Royal Challengers with the bat this IPL season, scor- Simmons, who threw himself late their skills at the start of an Bangalore’s (RCB) AB de Villiers ing 345 runs from nine games at into the air to grab the ball, not innings. Like when you play in the The ECB’s Director of Cricket, Andrew Strauss, poses before a struck an unbeaten 133 off just an average of 43, which include only stunned Yuvraj but also first six overs it’s about hitting the press conference at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London yesterday. 59 balls, making a mockery of four half-centuries. the spectators present at the ball in the gaps and get valuable Mumbai’s bowling attack. Speaking on his good run, Wankhede Stadium. runs,” he said. IANS Zimbabwe name squad for England a ‘laughing stock’ over Pietersen: Smith LONDON: Former South side as Pietersen, said players some very strong views on one- Pakistan tour Africa captain Graeme Smith became more mature as they got day cricket and I think it would was among several pundits who older. “I have no agenda in this,” be madness not to try to get HARARE: Zimbabwe yester- slammed Andrew Strauss’s Flintoff tweeted. “I thought If that information out of his head day announced a 16-man squad decision to maintain Kevin @KP24 (Pietersen) was to play and help us form a strategy for to tour Pakistan for three one- Pietersen’s international exile, again he should fight his way back English cricket going forwards. day and two T20 internationals. saying it had made English in which he has, as for personality The way in which the ECB have The tour beginning on March cricket a “laughing stock”. he can be high maintenance then dealt with the Pietersen issue for 22 is the first by a Test-playing Strauss, one of several England again so was I, but you do grow more than a year — a “shambles” nation since terror attacks on the captains whose time as skipper up and change . according to former England cap- Sri Lankan team bus in March came to an end after a series “I wish I had the chance to play tain Nasser Hussain — has led 2009 in which six Pakistani police- against a Proteas side led by in my mid 30’s; reckon I’d have many to conclude the ECB hier- men and two civilians were killed Smith, has recently been installed been better!,” added Flintoff, archy cannot handle ‘awkward’ or and six members of the Sri Lanka as England’s director of cricket. Graeme Smith (left) and Kevin Pietersen whose international career was ‘maverick’ players. team injured. AFP Yesterday, Strauss said cut short by injury. However, the 38-year-old Pietersen would remain in the Meanwhile Strauss defended Strauss, often portrayed as an Squad international wilderness, with the Pietersen, 34, had been given this season. Yet, yesterday also his decision to bar Pietersen from ‘establishment’ figure, said: “I South Africa-born batsman exiled hope of a Test return when new saw Strauss announce that he’d the England side this season — don’t believe he (Pietersen) is Elton Chigumbura (Captain), Sikandar Raza from the England squad ever England and Wales Cricket Board offered Pietersen a role as an advi- and potentially end his interna- unmanageable, but I do believe Butt, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Charles since the team returned from a (ECB) chairman Colin Graves sor to the one-day side which the tional career completely — while you’ve got to have trust with each Coventry, Graeme Cremer, Craig Ervine, 5-0 Ashes thrashing in Australia said he would be considered if star batsman had turned down. at the same time asking him to other. We don’t have that.” Roy Kaia, Hamilton Masakadza, Christopher last year. he made enough runs in county “I see the head boy is making be an advisor, saying it would He added: “I think there’s a real Mpofu, Tawanda Mupariwa, Richmond Strauss, whose final months cricket. English cricket the laughing stock be “madness” not to utilise his bad assumption that teams have Mutumbami, Tinashe Panyangara, Vusimuzi as England captain were clouded But just hours after he scored again! #StraussLogic”, tweeted knowledge. got to be like the Waltons and Sibanda, Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, Sean by “provocative” texts sent by a maiden triple century for Smith. “Kevin has got brilliant expe- get on brilliantly together. That’s Pietersen to Proteas players, said Surrey on Monday, Strauss met Former England all-rounder rience in one-day cricket, he’s not the case, never has been. You Williams. a “massive trust issue” lay at the with Pietersen to tell him to for- Andrew Flintoff, who played in played Twenty20 competitions don’t have to get on brilliantly Dave Whatmore (Coach) heart of his decision. get about playing for England the same 2005 Ashes-winning all around the world, he’s got with people, at all.” AFP WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Gomis stuns Arsenal with late goal Swansea’s subsitute scores technology-assisted winner five minutes from end

LONDON: Bafetimbi Gomis Sunderland. Garry Monk’s interval, and belatedly Arsenal scored a late, technology- Swansea, meanwhile, are now had some grass to run onto. Bale’s agent assisted winner as Swansea a point off seventh place, which A loose touch by Federico City compromised Arsenal’s will yield a Europa League spot Fernandez let in Sanchez, who talks too much, quest for automatic Champions if Arsenal beat Aston Villa in side-footed wide, before Giroud League qualification with a the FA Cup final on May 30, worked former Fabianski with a says Ancelotti smash-and-grab 1-0 away vic- and two points below sixth-place tame, low shot. tory on Monday night. Tottenham Hotspur. Ozil released Ramsey, who sent Arsenal had won nine of their “Why shouldn’t we push for Wales colleague Neil Taylor one MADRID: Real Madrid coach previous 10 games, only dropping that?” said Monk. “Today showed way and then the other, only to Carlo Ancelotti launched an points in a goalless draw with what we’re about and we’ll see lash his shot into the side-netting, attack on Gareth Bale’s agent champions Chelsea, but after where the last two games take us. while Fabianski saved a snapshot for claiming the Welshman’s being kept at bay by their former “We worked all week on our from Santi Cazorla. poor form this season is because goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, they plan. The players were magnifi- With 23 minutes left, Wenger his teammates don’t pass him were undone in the 85th minute. cent and carried it out to the introduced Jack Wilshere in place the ball. Gomis, a 74th-minute replace- letter.” of Francis Coquelin to add yet Jonathan Barnett, who over- ment for Ki Sung-yueng, sent a With Aaron Ramsey over- more guile to the hosts’ midfield saw Bale’s world record transfer header towards goal and although coming a knock sustained in and Theo Walcott followed soon to Madrid in September 2013, Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina last week’s 3-1 win at Hull City, after, replacing Giroud. responded to fierce criticism of his appeared to have clawed it away, Arsenal fielded an unchanged Still Fabianski denied his star client’s performance in Real’s the Goal Decision System showed team for the fifth league game former team-mates, first gather- 2-1 Champions League semi-final, that the ball had in fact crossed running, something that last hap- ing a prodded effort from Walcott first leg defeat to Juventus last the line. pened in January 1994. and then spreading himself at week by saying: “Real have to “We were unlucky against a It was a sign of Wenger’s satis- his near post to thwart Nacho work with Gareth and pass the team who refused to play com- faction with recent performances, Monreal, who had motored onto ball to him more.” pletely and just defended,” com- but although Arsenal dominated an incisive pass from Sanchez. However, Ancelotti responded plained Arsenal manager Arsene possession in the first half, It was turning into a bravura angrily to those comments, whilst Wenger. Swansea’s well-organised 4-1-4-1 performance by the 30-year-old also defending Bale’s output this “We rushed our finishing system kept them at bay. Poland international, who left season despite a return of just because we had plenty of chances Ramsey set up Olivier Giroud the Emirates Stadium for South three goals since January. in the second half. It was just a for an early header that landed on Wales in 2014, and there was “I think that Bale has had question of scoring a goal.” the roof of the net, but Swansea, more to come. a good season. Last season he It was Arsenal’s first home who deployed Gylfi Sigurdsson as He repelled efforts from scored in the important moments, defeat in the league since a lone forward, carried menace Ramsey and Cazorla either side in the finals, and it could be that November, when they lost 2-1 to on the break. of a smart double-save that left with some luck he will have the Manchester United, two weeks Ospina was required to saved Sanchez and Walcott with their opportunity to do the same again,” after going down by the same from Angel Rangel and Jonjo heads in their hands. Ancelotti said yesterday ahead of scoreline at Swansea. Shelvey, and though willing Frustration turned to disbe- his side’s return leg against the United can overtake Arsenal to drop deep in search of the lief minutes later when Jefferson Italian champions. and take possession of third place ball, Arsenal dangermen Alexis Montero clipped a cross into the “We are happy with Bale’s sea- by beating them at Old Trafford Sanchez and Mesut Ozil struggled box from the Swansea left and Swansea’s Bafetimbi Gomis (right) celebrates scoring the winning goal son. There are many people in on Sunday, although Wenger’s to make inroads. Ospina was unable to prevent against Arsenal with team-mate Jack Cork during the English Premier this world that like to talk and at side retain a game in hand at But Swansea began to com- Gomis’s downward header from League match at the Emirates Stadium in London, on Monday night. times they do so too much. home to relegation-threatened mit more men forward after the crossing the line. AFP “Bale’s agent has never been to one of our training sessions, he doesn’t know our atmosphere and he is talking from the out- side. Bale has never had a prob- Toure hails anti-racism monitoring system lem with his teammates, neither have they with him. Bale loves his LONDON: Manchester City stadium bans upon the countries same. “Sometimes it’s difficult,” system at London’s Wembley team will not play any qualify- teammates and they love him. It midfielder Yaya Toure yesterday concerned. said the Ivory Coast interna- Stadium. ing matches, FIFA’s head of sus- would have been better for him welcomed the creation of a new “I’m very satisfied to see that tional, who is a four-time African He added: “We have to take tainability, Federico Addiechi, not to say anything.” anti-discrimination monitoring FIFA is taking this issue very Footballer of the Year. sanctions. Something strong has said that “matches outside of the World Cup star James system for the 2018 World Cup seriously and putting in place “I’ve experienced that, when I to be done, to show they have to qualifiers could also be tackled Rodriguez denied that Bale is qualifiers by world governing concrete measures to stop behav- was in Russia and different coun- stop. (monitored)”. treated any differently to his body FIFA. iour which goes against the spirit tries. I’ve heard monkey chants “Football is about together- Earlier this year, former Madrid teammates and called for FIFA will send independ- of our sport,” said Toure, who was or abuse. ness and happiness. We need Russian federation president unity as they look to get back to ent observers trained by the the victim of racist abuse during a “It’s difficult to deal with that. to show them that they need to Vyacheslav Koloskov questioned the Champions League final for a European anti-discrimination Champions League match against As a sportsman, you want to fin- change or they will face radical why monkey chants were consid- second consecutive season. organisation FARE to qualifying CSKA Moscow in 2013. ish the game, you want to con- sanctions.” ered racist during an interview “Gareth is a good player, we all matches where there is felt to be Earlier that year, Ghana mid- tinue to the end. But when you Russia, which will host the 2018 with the BBC. want to play with him, but not just a high risk of racist behaviour fielder Kevin-Prince Boateng hear that, it breaks you. It’s not World Cup, has pledged to tackle But despite campaign groups him with Cristiano (Ronaldo), from fans. walked off the pitch after being easy to experience that.” racism in its football after a suc- warning of the dangers of rac- Chicharito and many more,” said The monitors will report racially abused during a friendly Toure, who is a consultant to cession of incidents involving sup- ist behaviour at the World Cup, the Colombian. any incidents of discrimination game with AC Milan and Toure FIFA’s anti-discrimination and porters of Russian clubs in recent Addiechi dismissed the notion “I think that this is a team and to FIFA, which will be able to said he sympathised with play- racism taskforce, was speaking years. that Russia could be stripped of we all have to be united.” impose sanctions such as fines or ers who might feel like doing the at the launch of the monitoring While the Russian national the tournament. AFP Madrid’s only realistic hope of a major title this season rests with becoming the first side to retain the Jardim extends Monaco contract Champions League after Barcelona opened up a four-point lead at the top of La Liga with just two games PARIS:AS Monaco’s still to come. “There are lots of qualifying round. Monaco also remaining on Saturday. “The team Portuguese coach Leonardo quality youngsters in this team. reached this season’s Champions is concentrated and desperate to Monaco’s coach Jardim has extended his con- We need to continue with what League quarter-finals where they play a great semi-final to have the Jose Jardim ges- tract until 2019, saying the we’ve shown this season. The club lost 1-0 to Juventus on aggregate chance to return to the final of this tures during match best is yet to come from his is ambitious and so am I,” added having upset Arsenal in the last competition,” added Ancelotti, who against Olympique young team, the Ligue 1 club Jardim, who replaced Claudio 16. could become the first coach to Marseille during announced yesterday. Ranieri when the Italian left for “This is an important step for ever win the European Cup four their French Ligue “I’m pleased to be making this a short reign as Greece coach. our club, as we are keen to build times. “It is the most important 1 match at the long-term commitment to AS The 40-year-old Jardim, who for the future with Leonardo moment of the season because we Monaco,” the former Sporting took over last June on a two- Jardim,” said Monaco vice-presi- are very close to playing another Velodrome Stadium Lisbon and Braga manager said year contract after joining from dent Vadim Vasilyev. final and entering into the history in Marseille, France, on the principality club’s website Sporting, has led Monaco to the “With his backroom staff, he of this competition.” on Saturday. (www.asmonaco.com). verge of a Champions League spot has done a remarkable job this Ancelotti confirmed that “This contract extension is for next season. season, getting very good results striker Karim Benzema would a mark of confidence from the They are third in the table with in Ligue 1 and the Champions be fit to feature after a month club and the directors. We have 65 points, two ahead of Olympique League. out with a knee problem, but worked hard this season to put Marseille and St Etienne, with “We are confident that didn’t say whether he or Javier in place this new project, and two games left. If they finish Leonardo is the right coach for Hernandez would start up front. I’m convinced that the best is third they will go into the third our philosophy.” AFP AFP Hazard doubles up with Footballer of Year honour LONDON: Eden Hazard was Kane, who has scored 30 goals Belgian to win the Footballer of named England’s Footballer of in his first full season for Spurs the Year award. the Year yesterday after his con- and was awarded his first England “He is a brilliant successor to sistently outstanding perform- cap, was named the PFA’s Young Luis Suarez and we just hope he ances throughout the season Player of the Year last month, stays in the Premier League for helped Chelsea win the Premier while defensive rock Terry has a lot longer than Luis did after Liverpool’s League title. played every minute of every collecting the trophy.” Brazilian mid- Tottenham Hotspur striker Premier League game to date. Uruguay striker Suarez, who fielder Philippe Harry Kane was second in the FWA chairman Andy Dunn won the award after scoring 31 Coutinho (left) voting by members of the English said: “The list of truly world class goals for Liverpool last season, challenges Football Writers Association with players on the Football Writers’ joined Spanish giants Barcelona Chelsea’s Hazard’s Chelsea club mate and Association roll of honour is a before the start of this campaign. Belgian mid- captain John Terry third. long one and Eden Hazard is a Hazard collected 53 percent fielder Eden The 24-year-old Belgian worthy addition. of the vote making him a com- Hazard during international midfielder adds “A creator, a goalscorer and the fortable winner, while he and the English the award to the Professional hardest of workers, he has been a Terry’s Chelsea team mates Cesc Premier League Footballers Association (PFA) constant source of threat for the Fabregas, Branislav Ivanovic and match at honour he collected last month champions. goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also and becomes the first player from “He has started all 36 Premier featured in the top 10. Stamford Bridge his country to claim the accolade League matches Chelsea have Four other players received in London on since it was launched in 1948. played so far and, considering votes: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal, Saturday. Only two other Chelsea players the particularly close attention David De Gea of Manchester have won England’s most prestig- he receives from opponents, that United, Sergio Aguero of ious and soccer’s oldest individual is a feat in itself. Manchester City and Esteban honour -- Gianfranco Zola in 1997 “His electrifying, attacking Cambiasso of Leicester City. and Frank Lampard in 2005. talent has made him the first REUTERS Wednesday 13 May 2015 24 Rajab 1436 Volume 20 Number 6429 Sport Price: QR2 Most Popular Bangladeshi Newspaper NFL: Brady F1 drivers to suspended for launch fan PROTHOM ALO WEEKLY Published every Thursday four matches initiative Available in all leading stores in Qatar       Tel: 4465 0600 Email: [email protected] Sport | 23 Sport | 24

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Personal row casts shadow Barcelona survive Bayern over La Liga MADRID: A long-simmering squabble between Spain’s most powerful football chiefs could bring the Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo show to a fightback to reach final halt this weekend. The feud between Angel Maria Villar, head of the Spanish foot- Neymar’s brace helps the Spanish side to qualify for showpiece match ball federation, the RFEF, and Javier Tebas, head of the profes- sional league, is the real cause of a MUNICH, Germany: Neymar of the tie was put beyond doubt threatened strike by players from struck twice as Barcelona when Luis Suarez twice set up Barcelona for- Saturday, observers say. reached the Champions League Neymar to score for the visi- ward Neymar The strike call is to be dis- final yesterday, beating Bayern tors before half an hour had been da Silva Santos cussed in court today and a Munich 5-3 on aggregate in played. Junior (left) cel- judge could order the action their semi-final despite losing Bayern produced a rousing sec- ebrates scoring suspended while a solution is 3-2 on the night to the Germans ond-half performance and goals his second goal sought. at the Allianz Arena. from Robert Lewandowski and with team-mates “This has never happened Luis Enrique’s Barca survived Thomas Mueller allowed them to Luis Suarez (cen- before. There have been a few a Bayern second-half fightback win the game on the night, but tre) and Lionel day-long strikes but never an to keep alive their treble dreams Barcelona advance to the final Messi during the open-ended one,” said Alberto as they close in on winning the in Berlin on June 6, where they UEFA Champions Palomar, a sports law expert at Spanish league and face Athletic will face either bitter rivals Real League football Carlos III University. Bilbao in the Spanish Cup final Madrid or Juventus. semi-final in Real Madrid and Barcelona on May 30. While Lionel Messi dazzled in players have joined the protests Munich yester- In contrast, Pep Guardiola’s the first leg by scoring twice and demanding a bigger share of day. BOTTOM: Bayern bowed out at the last-four setting up Neymar in a 3-0 romp, broadcast revenue be channeled stage for the second year run- it was the Selecao star who extin- Bayern Munich’s to smaller clubs. ning, despite ending Barcelona’s guished Bayern’s Berlin dreams forward Robert The league has taken the AFE 18-game unbeaten run. and took his tally to 11 goals in Lewandowski players’ union to court in a bid to Bayern were facing what looked his last 10 games. (left) reacts next save the season finale. like an impossible task after going Before that, Bayern opened to Barcelona’s If they fail, the clash between down 3-0 in last week’s first leg the scoring when Xabi Alonso defender Dani Atletico Madrid and Barcelona at the Camp Nou, but they were floated in a corner and Benatia Alves. on Sunday which could seal the given an early glimmer of hope in headed home unmarked for his championship for Barca, would the return when the unmarked first Champions League goal. be a victim. Medhi Benatia headed home on That ended Barca’s seven- broke on the right and again It could also disrupt the last seven minutes. match run without conceding and squared unselfishly for Neymar league matches on May 23 and However, the final outcome briefly put life back into the hosts’ to fire inside the near post and the Copa del Rey final on May 30 faint dreams of reaching an 11th make it 2-1 on the night and 5-1 between Barcelona and Athletic Champions League European Cup final. But it was on aggregate. Bilbao. not to last. Bastian Schweinsteiger then The RFEF launched the stop- Result With the game running at a had a bullet header saved and ter page threat last week. It controls Munich, Germany: Champions League semi- frantic pace, Messi put a ball in Stegen clawed a Lewandowski the lower leagues and amateur final, second leg result yesterday: behind the Bayern defence for attempt off the line with half- football, as well as the referees At Munich Suarez to square for Neymar time approaching. for top-league games. Bayern Munich (GER) 3 (Benatia 7, to have a simple tap-in on 15 Luis Enrique rested Suarez for The AFE players’ union jumped Lewandowski 59, Mueller 74) Barcelona minutes. the second half and the game’s on board, with star players such as (ESP) 2 (Neymar 15, 29) Bayern pressed forward and tempo dropped, but Lewandowski Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas and Barcelona win 5-3 on aggregate Mueller’s header was palmed over kept home fans dreams alive by Barca midfielder Xavi Hernandez by Barca’s Germany goalkeeper firing past ter Stegen on 59 min- speaking in support. Playing today Marc-Andre ter Stegen on 19 utes, while Mueller fired wide They complained that a new At Madrid minutes. with a shot minutes later. law on redistributing broad- Real Madrid (ESP) vs Juventus (ITA) Both sides had their chances Mueller made good on his casting rights did not channel Juventus lead 2-1 on aggregate when Lewandowski, then Mueller, pre-match promise that Bayern enough cash to lower and ama- Final, June 6 fired at ter Stegen and at the would fight until the final whistle teur leagues. At Berlin other end Messi did the same at when he blasted Schweinsteiger’s The fact that Tebas and Villar Barcelona (ESP) vs Real Madrid (ESP)/ Manuel Neuer. squared pass home on 74 minutes are not talking to each other Juventus (ITA) But Barcelona put the tie to make it 5-3 on aggregate, but makes a deal unlikely. beyond the hosts when Suarez it was too little, too late. AFP AFP Madrid season on line against Pogba-boosted Juve

MADRID: Real Madrid must like a long time for Juventus and also beat Real in the semi-finals overcome a 2-1 first-leg deficit make them suffer without the in 2003, and defender Giorgio to keep their season alive when ball.” Chiellini described the game as a Juventus side boosted by the Carvajal gave away the penalty, the biggest in his 10 years with return of Paul Pogba visit the converted by Carlos Tevez, at the the club. Santiago Bernabeu in the return end of a counter-attack which “We can’t wait for Wednesday of their Champions League gave the Italian champions the evening to come. This is the most semi-final today. advantage in last week’s first leg. prestigious and important game Los Blancos’ La Liga title hopes And he believes Madrid will I’ll be playing in since I joined the are all but over despite coming not be so generous in front of a club,” he said. from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with packed house at the Bernabeu. “I’ve been here for 10 years and Valencia on Saturday as Barcelona “They created danger from 12 have gone past since we last moved four points clear at the top us giving the ball away or our reached a semi-final. with just two games remaining. errors. I think if we stay calm, “We’ve got better and matured However, Carlo Ancelotti’s have patience, move them around, as the competition has worn on men recovered from exactly the then we will win the game. and getting past the last 16 and same result against Valencia “After the first leg the feelings then the quarter-finals gave that proved an almost fatal blow of the coach and the players were us added awareness in our own to their title hopes at the same clear. We cannot commit so many abilities. stage last season to go on and win errors in easy passes because that “We’ve never been as close as the club’s 10th European Cup in breathed life into them.” we are now, but we’ve still got Lisbon a few weeks later. Madrid could be back close 95 really tough minutes to get Defensive lapses have cost to full strength as Toni Kroos is through. The final is still a long Madrid in recent weeks as they expected to shrug off a hip injury way away and we’ll need a super have conceded twice in four of picked up against Valencia, while performance to get there.” their last five matches and right- Karim Benzema is set to feature Juventus’ biggest threat could back Dani Carvajal insists they up front after a month out with come from a very familiar source can’t go for a clinical Juventus a knee problem. for the Madrid faithful as Real side from the off and risk being Benzema’s French interna- academy product Alvaro Morata caught on the counter-attack. tional teammate Pogba is certain returns to the Bernabeu after “We need to win, that is fun- to play a part after making a goal- scoring the opener in the first leg. damental. However, above all, scoring return from a near two- The Spanish international we need to have a cool head, be month injury layoff in a 1-1 draw joined the Bianconeri last sum- patient and not go crazy,” he told at home to Cagliari on Saturday. mer and could still return to his the club’s website. Juventus have waited 12 years boyhood club should they exercise Juventus’ players chat on the pitch of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, yesterday. Juventus “The game is 90 minutes long to get back to the biggest game a buy-back clause at the end of FC will face Real Madrid in an UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg match today. and we need to make that seem in European football, when they the season. AFP