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Monday 14 January 2013 2 Rabial I 1434 - Volume 17 Number 5579 Price: QR2

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Business | 17 Sport | 28

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PM meets Iranian VP Syrian troops kill 36 in attack on Schools lose rebel-held area AMMAN: Government forces killed at least 36 people, 14 of them children, in a bombard- monopoly ment of rebel-held areas on the outskirts of Damascus yesterday, Syrian opposition activists said. Video footage showed women on uniforms weeping over the dismembered bodies of children strewn across a field in Eastern Ghouta, near an air Ministry asks SEC to stop practice defence base on the edge of the town of Muleiha, 5km east of Damascus. BY MOHAMMED IQBAL school logo should be made avail- The air, rocket and artillery cam- able separately to be fixed on the paign is the heaviest since rebels DOHA: In an important move, uniforms. overran a helicopter base and the Ministry of Business and Enquiries with several private missile base near Damascus two Trade has stepped in to break schools yesterday revealed that months ago and encroached on the the nexus between some private they have been following their main international airport, inch- schools and commercial outlets own system for distribution of uni- ing steadily closer to the capital, in the sale of school uniforms. forms, which amounts to a clear the sources said. Russia urged the The Ministry has also asked violation of the Ministry directive. rebels to make counter-proposals the Supreme Education Council In theory, parents will be free to to those made by President Bashar (SEC) to stop private schools buy uniforms from any shop they Al Assad in a recent speech to from selling school uniforms choose, but they may find the pre- start a dialogue that could end the inside the campus from the next scribed cloth only with exclusive fighting. academic year. dealers. Sources in at least two Muleiha is the last major for- The Ministry directive comes Indian schools admitted that they tification in the area east of as part of its efforts to abolish all have opted for a specific brand for Damascus not yet to have fallen types of monopolistic practices in the uniforms. They have made tie to the rebels. REUTERS the local market. ups with leading manufacturers in Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani with Iranian Vice See also page 7 Some private schools have been India to provide the clothes. President for International Affairs, Ali Saeedlou, in Doha yesterday. forcing students to buy school “We give bulk orders to an uniforms from specific shops. The Indian company to prepare the Ministry, in a statement issued uniforms for our students so that yesterday, asked both the schools we can ensure uniformity in col- and the shops to stop this prac- our and design as well as the qual- tice, saying it is a clear violation ity of the cloth. Parents are free to Panel for awareness about divorce in syllabus of the Law No (19) of 2006 on buy it from outside provided they protection of competition and stick to the same brand and the DOHA: Qatar’s population on family and society before and the influx of foreign workers is the consumptions of water and prevention of monopoly. prescribed colour,” said a senior committee has recommended after marriage of a Qatari, the reduced. “A law that is on the electricity to put an end to It has asked the SEC to take official of an Indian school. that the study of adverse social panel said. anvil to regulate domestic work- waste. necessary steps to do away with He claimed that the system is impact of divorce be made part In a periodical report for 2012- ers must see the light of day soon “These are very precious such practices. also beneficial for parents since of secondary school curriculum 13, the Permanent Population to help curb human trafficking resources,” the report said, add- The Ministry has asked the it could cost them more if they in a bid to rein in the rising Committee (PPC) said that and ease the recruitment proce- ing that latest technologies can be schools to give parents freedom decide to buy the uniform from rate of marital discords in the social perceptions about divorced dures for household helpers,” said alternatively used to help reduce to buy uniforms for their children outside. He said the school was country. woman must change and they the PPC the waste. The education sector from shops of their choice. The selling uniforms and textbooks The panel has urged citizens, should be actively aided to be About labour lodgings, the PPC has been urged to set up institutes school can prescribe the colour inside the campus but will soon who like to live in spacious houses, assimilated in social mainstream. has said that the government and training centres to prepare and type of the uniform, but it stop this practice, following to move to smaller homes and Qatar, to recall, has one of should look at feasible options to nationals for the local job market. should not insist on a particular instructions from the SEC. A apartments and preferably stay the highest divorce rates in the provide suitable accommodation Talking of youth empowerment, brand for the cloth. source from another Indian school outside Greater Doha limits region. The panel has also rec- to low-income foreign workers. the panel talked in its report of The schools have also been said that their uniforms are sold where the density of population ommended that more and more The report also took a critical the need to have a law in place asked not to go for complicated through a textile shop in Doha has been growing. crèches and nurseries be opened look at the free utilities available to support them economically, colours and shades for the uni- dealing in a reputable Indian Focus must be put increasingly up to take care of small children to citizens and said an aware- socially and on the cultural front. form forcing parents to buy brand. THE PENINSULA on raising awareness about the so that the dependence of a fam- ness drive should be launched to THE PENINSULA it from exclusive dealers. The Continued on page 5 dangerous outcome of divorce ily on housemaid is curtailed and guide them about rationalising Continued on page 5

Seeds of revolution Libya plans Sri Lankan sentenced force to shield diplomats to death for murder

TRIPOLI: Libya plans to cre- DOHA: A Sri Lankan has been pre-mediated, no out-of-court ate a special force to protect sentenced to death by a court settlement is permitted. Such diplomats, government sources here after he was found guilty settlements are allowed only in said, after a gun attack on an of killing an Indian. deaths caused accidentally. Italian consul exposed the pre- Wengadasalm Sudeshkar (22) The Sri Lankan embassy in carious security situation in the was charged with stabbing and Qatar, when contacted, said it was North African state. killing an Indian expatriate. The yet to be officially informed about Unidentified gunmen in incident occurred in 2011. the court judgment. Benghazi opened fire on Guido Sudeshkar came to Qatar in “We are aware about the ver- De Sanctis’s armoured car on 2010. The case is in appeal and a dict but haven’t received any Saturday. The diplomat was higher court is hearing it. official communication in this unhurt but the attack was a The court case here has gen- regard,” a senior embassy official reminder of the September 11 erated media interest in Sri said on grounds of anonymity. attack on the US mission there Lanka, the home country of the Embassy officials were, mean- that killed the ambassador and accused. According to a media while, quoted by the Sri Lankan three other Americans. report, the family of the vic- media as saying that details of “We are discussing putting in tim is ready for a negotiated the case had been forwarded to place a force that would look after settlement to the case and has the external affairs ministry in diplomats. There are also plans demanded more than QR100,000 Colombo and that the ministry to protect foreigners working as blood money. was taking steps to get Sudeshkar for foreign companies,” a defence However, as per Qatar’s laws if released. ministry source said, declining to A man looks at a banner on the eve of the second anniversary of the Tunisian revolution at Avenue Habib- the murder was in cold blood and THE PENINSULA be named as the proposal was still Bourguiba in Tunis, yesterday. See also page 6 being discussed. “The idea is it would be mixed between police and army but would likely come under the com- Troops brace for Mali Lanka sacks chief justice World Muslim congregation Another gang rape in India mand of the Defence Ministry.” The source said the members BAMAKO/PARIS: West African COLOMBO: Sri Lankan President TONGI, BANGLADESH: At least AMRITSAR: Six men have been were likely to be trained abroad states prepared to send troops to Mali Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday sacked three million Muslims gathered to arrested over the rape of a passenger on but did not give an estimate of and French aircraft bombed Islamist the chief justice by ratifying a controver- pray on the banks of a river near a coach in this Indian city police said, how many there would be. fighters there, as an international cam- sial parliamentary vote, defying inter- the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka as weeks after the gang rape and mur- Italian Foreign Minister Giulio paign to crush rebels who have seized national calls for restraint and plunging the world’s second-largest annual der of a student on a bus in New Delhi Terzi spoke by telephone to his the north of the country gathered pace. the country into a constitutional cri- Islamic congregation ended yesterday. sparked nationwide protests. The victim Libyan counterpart to reaffirm A French pilot died on Friday when his sis. Shirani Bandaranayake was the first Devotees flocked to the River Turag at had boarded the bus to her in-laws’ home Italy’s resolve to help Libya rein- helicopter was shot down near Mopti. woman to hold the office of top judge. Tongi, some 40km north of Dhaka. in the northern state of Punjab when she force its security. REUTERS See also page 10 See also page 12 See also page 12 was abducted. See also page 14 MONDAY 14 JANUARY 2013 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Reckless driving blamed for 100 deaths annually Motorcyclists top victims of crashes

DOHA: Reckless driving causes in the front of a vehicle to use seat some 100 casualties each year belts, yet front-seat occupants and almost an equal number (drivers and passengers) have a of deaths are caused in acci- seat belt wearing rate of around dents involving motorcycles, 50 percent. says a document released by the When car occupants are Traffic Department. involved in a crash, the severity Although the number of casu- of their injuries can be signifi- alties is relatively small, crashes cantly reduced if they wear seat due to reckless driving have a belts. serious injury outcome, resulting One primary reason for wear- in fatal or serious injury in 60 per- ing a seat belt is that if a person cent cases. is ejected from the vehicle in a Over 100 motorcyclists are crash, he will not die in 75 percent killed or injured in Qatar every of cases. year. Therefore, the use of seat belts Motorcyclists are at fault and child restraints when trav- in almost 60 percent of the elling in a vehicle is one of the crashes, a document issued as primary ways of reducing deaths part of National Road Safety and injuries. The Minister of State for Interior Affairs H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani (centre); Minister of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture H E Sheikh Abdul Strategy (2013-22) says. When pedestrians are Rahman bin Khalifa bin Abdul Azziz Al Thani (third from left); Minister of Education and Higher Education and Secretary-General of the Supreme Education Research suggests that hel- involved in crashes, they suffer Council H E Saad bin Ibrahim Al Mahmoud (fifth from left); Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs H E Dr Ghaith bin Mubarak Al Kuwari (second from right), mets are 67 percent effective in more severe injuries than most with other officials at the launch of the National Road Safety Strategy in Katara, yesterday. (SALIM MATRAMKOT) preventing brain injuries to a other road users. motorcyclist involved in a crash. Between 2008 and 2010, Wearing helmet is manda- pedestrians were involved in tory for all motorcyclists in the 17 percent of all casualty and 10-year National Road Strategy launched country. crashes but accounted for 33 Devices aimed at increasing the percent of all road fatalities DOHA: A 10-year National towards an ambitious long-term against those who break rules of Defence, Supreme Council of safety of motorcyclists must be and 29 percent of all serious Road Safety Strategy (NRSS) vision to develop a safe transport and promotion of safety features Health, Ministry of Municipality promoted to raise awareness of injuries. launched yesterday is expected system that protects all road in vehicles. and Urban Planning, Supreme the benefits that such equipment Pedestrian are over-repre- to significantly reduce fatalities users from death and serious Under the strategy, roads and Education Council, Supreme provide, according to the road sented in the death and seriously and serious injuries in the coun- injuries, said Enginner Nasser Ali roadsides will be designed, built Council of Family Affairs, safety guidelines. injured casualty statistics largely try by 2022. Al Mawlawi, President of Public and maintained to reduce risk Public Works Authority, Heavy vehicle drivers have because they, unlike vehicle occu- Despite significant improve- Works Authority (Ashghal) dur- of impact of crashes while speed Qatar University, Qatar Media the highest percentage of ‘at pants, are unprotected. ments in road safety made in ing the launch. limits will be set and strictly Corporation and General fault’ casualty crashes (70 per- In addition, the provision of recent years, 220 people were Mawlawi urged the need for all enforced. Secretariat for Development cent) compared to other types pathways and crossing facili- killed and 550 seriously injured in institutions and communities to The National Traffic Safety Planning, among others. of drivers. ties, effective campaigns and crashes between 2008 and 2010, join efforts to achieve the goals of Committee and its sub commit- The launch was attended by However, only a quarter of enforcement of traffic law relat- according to Qatar Statistics the ambitious strategy. tees leading safety efforts in Qatar H E Sheikh Nasser bin Khalifa casualties resulting from crashes ing to the safety of pedestrians Authority. It is based on the principles of will be overseeing implementation Al Thani, Minister of State for involving heavy vehicles are driv- are required to raise awareness With the implementation of the safe system, which ensures safety of the strategy through the traffic Interior Affairs and Chairman of ers or passengers of those vehicles amongst drivers and promote a NRSS, the number is expected to of road users, vehicles, roads and Safety Action plan 2013-2017. National Road Safety Committee, — instead most victims are car safer community, according to be reduced to 130 and 250, respec- safe speed. The NRSS involves govern- along with other ministers and occupants. the document. tively, in 10 years. Specifically, it includes road ment entities, including the senior officials. The law requires those seated THE PENINSULA The strategy sets the road map users’ education, taking action Ministry of Interior, Ministry THE PENINSULA

Committee for Deadline for booking stalls at World Chambers expo extended overseeing DOHA: Due to huge demand, guarantees worldwide exposure to address the latest business issues. sponsors of the Congress. Official suppliers of the con- National Sports Qatar Chamber has extended a wide range of chambers of com- The 2013 congress, being held in Other leading companies from gress are Qatar Airways (Official the deadline to January 31 for merce and business leaders,” said the Middle East for the first time, Qatar as well as worldwide organ- Carrier) and Mowasalat (Official Day appointed businesses to book their space at Remy Rowhani, Qatar Chamber will further witness the popular isations who are sponsoring the Transport). the exhibition of the ICC WCF Director General and ICC Qatar World Chambers Competition, congress include: Barwa Bank, Media Partners are DOHA: The Ministry of World Chambers Congress. CEO. a rich business programme, a United Development Company, International Herald Tribune, Culture, Arts and Heritage The congress is the largest “With only five blocs still avail- stimulating cultural programme, Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros Co, Al Sharq, The Peninsula, B’Here, is preparing to celebrate the biennial gathering of business able in the Qatar-area of the exhi- as well as the ICC World Trade and Milaha (Gold sponsors), Al Marhaba, CNBC Europe and Sports Day which falls on leaders from around the world, bition, this is the last opportunity Agenda Summit. Khaliji Bank, Dubai Chamber of Bloomberg.com Tuesday of the second week of said a statement. for businesses in Qatar to use Some of the biggest corpora- Commerce and Sydney Chamber Partners of the Congress are February each year. The new deadline aims to give such a platform and to capture tions and companies in Qatar of Commerce (Emerald), KPMG, Patton Boggs, Ginger The Minister of Culture, the opportunity to businesses in the imagination of a global audi- have joined hands with Qatar Torino Chamber of Commerce Camel LLW, Creative Action Arts and Heritage H E Hamad Qatar to showcase their serv- ence,” added Rowhani. Chamber in welcoming the world (Sapphire), DHL Express, Oslo Design, Brown Lloyd James bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari issued ices and products to a global Organised by the International businesses to Doha. Chamber of Commerce, AtA Worldwide and Console and a decision to set up a commit- audience from more than 100 Chamber of Commerce (ICC) QNB provided their Strategic Carnet, CIPE and UN procure- Partners. tee to oversee preparations and countries. World Chambers Federation sponsorship to the congress, ment Service (Silver), Qatar Registration for the congress celebration. The congress to be held from (WCF), the World Chambers whilst other companies of Financial Center, Nakilat , are open at: www.worldchamber- It will be chaired by the April 23 to 25 at the Qatar Congress is the only interna- repute such as ExxonMobil, Al Chamber of Commerce of Geneva scongress.com. More information Director of Youth Centres National Convention Centre tional forum for the chamber of Sraiya Holding Group, Qatari and Best (Bronze), Silatech can be had from Ghada 5501 3022, Department, Abdulrazaq bin (QNCC). commerce and business leaders Diar, QP, Commercialbank and (Business Programme) and MK Nedra 3325 7117 and Yasmina Abdullah Al Kuwari. “Exhibiting at the 2013 to share experiences, exchange Salam International signed up to Sanghi Group (World Chambers 5527 6382. He said in a statement yester- Congress and Exhibition insights, develop networks and become Diamond and Platinum Competition). THE PENINSULA day that the committee had dis- cussed programmes and budget for the occasion. It has also prepared a compre- Lecture on Crafts in Islamic Literacy hensive plan to mark the day, he added. Global network urged Prospective to promote debate volunteers can apply now DOHA: The Fourth Rhetoric, Debate and the International Conference on Pedagogy of Empowerment a bea- DOHA: Those who wish to Argumentation, Rhetoric, con of promoting the culture of be volunteers for the upcom- Debate and the Pedagogy debate between countries. ing National Sport Day, which of Empowerment yesterday Participants also agreed on the falls on February 12, may now called for building an interna- importance of developing new apply through the website www. tional network of organisations research in the field of debates sportday.qa, the Organising involved in debate, oratory and and dialogue and underlined Committee has announced. dialogue. It also urged using the significance of strengthen- The volunteer application form modern technology and com- ing communication between dif- offers a wide variety of skills and munication to enrich the field. ferent intellectual and cultural expertise required to provide eve- Participants stressed the backgrounds. ryone with a chance to participate importance of integrating debate The conference recommended — from marketing and survey and dialogue skills in educational investing human resource in support to special events, media syllabus. They agreed that more the field of debate and dialogue, operations and other National centres dedicated to promoting as well as in programmes that Sport Day-related activities. debate and dialogue skills must will promote dialogue between The National Sport Day is an be established. nations regardless of cultural or initiative adopted by the Heir The conference made recom- religious differences. More than Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin mendations that centred around 300 researchers from 38 countries Hamad Al Thani. the importance of forming part- took part in the conference. They Across the country, ministries, nerships with non-governmental presented 120 academic papers. government departments, public organisations concerned with Hayat Ma’arafi, Executive and private sector organisations debate and dialogue to assist in Director of the organisers of the and sport clubs will be organising preparing training courses for conference, Qatar Debate, said sporting activities on the day. Dr Andrea Brigaglia (right) of University of Cape Town gives a lecture on ‘Crafts in Islamic Literacy in West children. that Qatar Debate will release They will aim at creating Africa: The Traditional Quranic Calligraphy in Kano (Nigeria)’ at Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies, yesterday. Recommendations included a soon a booklet that will include awareness about sport and its With him is Dr Zachary Wright, Assistant Professor of History and Islamic studies at NUQ. (SHAIVAL DALAL) call for making the International a transcript of the lectures and health benefits. Conference on Argumentation, discussions held. QNA THE PENINSULA MONDAY 14 JANUARY 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 More cameras planned in public places Cheating incidents on the rise: Official

DOHA: A department of the Interior Ministry is busy iden- tifying public places, includ- ing roads, where surveillance cameras are to be installed to ensure public security, said a The security senior police official. systems Brigadier Nasser Jaber Al department is Nuaimi said that experience suggested that so far at which- busy identifying ever public spots CCTV cameras public places had been fitted, they had helped across the reduce crime to a large extent. A law was passed in 2009 pav- country where ing the way for installing surveil- surveillance lance cameras in public places, cameras are to including malls and roads, Al be installed. Nuaimi, who is the Director of Capital Police, said in an inter- view to local Arabic daily Al Raya published yesterday. “We have been able to catch after a complaint was filed “we many criminals with the help of tried to track him through the CCTV cameras,” the official said. Interpol”, he said. The official The security systems department said that there had been consid- is identifying public places across erable increase in the number Customers selecting pearls at a shop in the Gold Souq, yesterday. the country where surveillance of complaints about cheques cameras are to be introduced. being issued by people without According to Al Nuaimi, at sufficient balance in their bank least 10 complaints about witch- accounts. Demand for cultured pearls increases craft practitioners taking people “I believe that there is a lack for a ride were lodged in 2012. of awareness about the laws reg- DOHA: Demand for imported selling pearls, gems and jewels in A string of saltwater pearls, “We are getting more tourists Incidents of cheating are on the ulating cheques. cultured pearls has increased in the Gold Souq for the past eight which are popular, could cost as customers recently,” he said. rise as well and the victims are “I think many people just issue the Gold Souq as Qatari pearls years. approximately between QR100 and He said that tourists also look mostly innocent people. cheques and are not aware that are rare, expensive and most are Tourists actually look for natu- QR5,000. for different types of diamonds, Citing an example, the offi- the laws stipulate severe pun- kept as exhibits or collections. ral Qatari pearls and due to its These pearls are imported specifically the ones imported cial said: “If you trust someone ishment for issuing cheques that The modern-day commer- unavailability, buy cultured pearls. from South East Asian countries, from South Africa and Belgium. who promises to double your bounce,” he said. cially produced cultured pearls “We receive tourists from mainly Japan. Pearl traders claim an increase QR50,000 in a few months and About the units that issue dominate the Qatari market and Europe, Australia and North Some tourists also buy pearls in their business driven by tour- hand him the sum, then who is permits for people to sell gold, he their demand has increased in the America. They ask for Qatari fixed in jewels and rings are more ists. A report released recently to blame?” The official said cit- said Al Sadd Police Station and recent months as many tourists pearls, and because of its unavail- popular. by Gulf Adventures Tourism ing another instance of cheating the Capital Police have such units. visit the country, according to ability they buy cultured pearls,” Fazaleem Fawz, another pearl Company said that the number that a person who was on a visit One needs to produce purchase traders at the Gold Souq. said Yassen, who did not disclose and diamonds trader in the Gold of tourists visiting Qatar has here gave a post-dated cheque to vouchers to seek permits from “Demand has increased because details about the increase in sales. Souq, also said that sales of pearls increased by 50 percent in the a trader and bought goods worth these units to sell gold or orna- of many visitors coming to Qatar Fresh water pearls and saltwa- have gone high during the past current tourism season compared QR200,000. ments in the Qatari market. these days,” said Yaseer Yaseen ter pearls are available in the mar- few months and most of his cus- to the previous one. The man fled the country and THE PENINSULA at the Kingdom, who has been ket at different prices. tomers are tourists. THE PENINSULA MONDAY 14 JANUARY 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME UCQ launches Master of Nursing course Programme to focus on Oncology

DOHA: The University of comprehensive nursing educa- Calgary-Qatar (UCQ) is offering tion is essential to ensure that the a Master of Nursing programme. profession receives the respect Nine students make up the first and recognition it deserves. At class of the two-year, full-time Hamad, we continue to work programme. Practitioners and closely with UCQ to support the leadership from Hamad Medical development of advanced nurs- Corporation (HMC) will be help- ing qualifications as this is one of ing in conducting the course. the best ways to ensure we have The focus of the programme a high calibre of nurses who can is Oncology in support of the provide excellent patient care and Qatar National Cancer Strategy leadership skills in the future,” and the Qatar National Health said Dr Ann-Marie Cannaby, Strategy. Executive Director of Nursing “There is a growing demand at HMC. “Through this master’s for master-graduate nurses to programme, we are providing an meet the many healthcare needs important platform from which of the Qatar population. The our nurses can eventually con- rapidly expanding market for tribute to teaching programmes qualified nurses and the need to that will develop the next genera- continually keep pace with the tion of expert nurses for Qatar.” Seven of the nine students who make up the first batch. rapid changes in the knowledge “The graduates will be tak- base has led UCQ to develop and ing up clinical nurse specialist being ambassadors in educating prevention; some of it will be foundation to build upon. We’re UCQ has been in Qatar since implement a nursing programme positions at HMC. They will the public, patients and families intervention and some of it will confident that we’re going to 2007. Forty nurses, who have in graduate studies,” Dean and be making significant contribu- with good evidence supporting be transitions to home. It will be have very strong applicants. Our graduated, are now or will soon CEO Kim Critchley said. tions to patient and population cancer care. They will be mak- a broad spectrum,” said Laureen admission requirements are really be employed in the Qatar health Admission requirements are the health, focusing on oncology. The ing a difference in the quality of Styles, Associate Professor. focusing on helping the students care system. With the start of same as the standards set at the graduates will have strong leader- care for people who are diagnosed “We’ll have nine students start- to be successful. It’s the same the master’s programme, the stu- main campus in Calgary, Canada. ship roles in not only contribut- with cancer. It’s not just the end ing in January. We’re starting admission requirements that are dent population is in excess of 350. “I believe that a strong and ing to high quality care but also of life care. Some of it will be small, which will give us a solid needed in Canada,” said Styles. THE PENINSULA

Qatari-Peruvian Parliamentary Friendship Society meeting Organisations Over 300 experts urged to take part to attend meet on in Qtel Marathon liver transplant DOHA: Qtel is encouraging DOHA: More than 300 local organisations to encourage ath- and international experts will letics and raise money for char- gather in Doha for the fifth Pan ity by sending teams of runners Arab Liver Transplant Society to the first Qtel Marathon on Congress hosted by the Hamad January 26. Medical Corporation (HMC) on Teams from businesses, uni- Thursday and Friday. versities and athletic clubs are To be held at the Ritz Carlton encouraged to wear their own Doha, the event brings together branded running outfits to the experts and leading figures in races, which start at 7am. the liver transplant commu- Already, some of Qatar’s lead- nity to examine advances in ing businesses have signed up the field. to take part, and will be able The congress includes reporting to proudly fly the flag for their sessions by Arab liver transplant organisations in one of the most programmes, state-of-the-art exciting athletic events of the lectures, organ donation session, year. round-table discussions and free Adults can participate in a half- oral presentations. marathon (21.1km) or a 10km Congress President and Senior run, and young people under 18 Consultant at HMC, Professor years can sign up for the 1km Hatem Khalaf, said it was a youth run. great achievement for Doha to The competition is open to peo- be chosen as the venue for the ple of all levels of experience and congress and for HMC to host fitness levels, with the emphasis the event. placed on the healthy lifestyle “It is through conferences such benefits for all. as this one that we can share our The entry fees ofQR50 per par- knowledge and experience and ticipant will be donated to chari- Qatar’s Ambassador to Peru Jamal Nasser Al Bader took part in a reception hosted by Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Relations in Lima on the occasion of work towards our goal of provid- ties in the Middle East, Africa the inauguration of the Qatari-Peruvian Parliamentary Friendship Society. It was attended by the Secretary General of the Peruvian Foreign Ministry, ing the best possible treatment and South Asia. Peruvian Ambassador to Qatar and Director of Africa, Middle East and the Gulf States Department at the Peruvian Foreign Ministry. and care for our patients,” Khalaf THE PENINSULA said. He said the Qatar Centre for Organ Transplantation had suc- cessfully launched its liver trans- plant programme in 2011. Since Schedule for sixth annual then, three successful liver trans- plants have been performed, with all patients doing well. “HMC is proud to host this Al Khor Fly-In announced conference as part of our com- mitment to promote research DOHA: Under the patronage of Qatar Civil Next will be the Fly-In Organising Committee’s and education by supporting Aviation Authority (QCAA), the Organising contribution to the event and this will be followed scientific societies and organi- Committee of the Al Khor Fly-In has by a demonstration from Qatar Internal Security sations such as the Pan Arab announced the schedule for its annual crowd- Forces. All the while, aircraft not in the air will Liver Transplant Society, pulling attraction.. The event will take place remain available for the visitors’ perusal before The Transplantation Society on Friday and Saturday at Al Khor Airport. the first day winds up at about 4.30pm. and the International Liver The Sixth Al Khor Fly-In – which has now The excitement continues on Saturday morn- Transplantation Society.” become an annual event – will begin at 9am on ing with a group flight of light aircraft at the The congress’ programme both days, running until approximately 4.30pm. Fly-In. The second day of the event will see visi- includes panel discussions on Aircraft owners from Qatar, the GCC and tor touring recommence, as well as further dem- liver transplantations in the Arab overseas will be flying into the airport on the onstrations of remote-control aircraft followed world, organ donation in Arab Thursday to prepare their machines and per- by the ‘Air Sports’ show from the Organising countries and special issues in form a general ‘set up’ of the event. Committee and the Lakhwya Team show. liver transplantations. The goal of the Fly-In is to raise awareness of Numerous activities organised by the QCAA aviation in a fun and educational way. It’s an oppor- and the Scientific Club will run parallel to the Indian Republic tunity for those with a love of aviation to engage above attractions in a public tent set specifically themselves in a fantastic experience by taking a for the event, where younger visitors and families Day celebration closer look at a diverse range of aircraft from jets, will enjoy a series of competitions and quizzes, to propeller aircraft, to microlights and many oth- with the chance to win some superb prizes. DOHA: A flag hoisting cere- ers. For those unfamiliar with aviation, the learning Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairman mony will be held on January curve will be steeper and even more enjoyable. of the Al Khor Fly-In Organising Committee, said: 26 to mark the 64th Republic The event begins at 9am on Friday with a dis- “The 2012 Fly-In was a huge success, combining fun Day of India at the embassy play of all the participating aircraft ‘parked up’ for all the family with an educational experience. in Doha, a press release for visitors to photograph and have any questions We’re delighted, then, to announce the schedule issued by the embassy said answered by owners and experts. At the same for the 2013 Fly-In, with the attractions this year yesterday. time, there will be a demonstration of remote- bigger and better than ever before. Ambassador Sanjiv Arora will control aircraft flying. “As a result, we’re looking forward to welcoming hoist the National Flag at 9am This will be followed by the ‘real thing’ as mem- a record number of visitors to this year’s event and and read the president’s address bers of the Qatar Flying Club will give a demon- providing a fun and family-friendly aviation experi- to the nation. stration of group flying. Public tours of the exhibits ence. We can promise high octane thrills and spills The embassy has invited the begin thereafter and, after a break for prayers and for everyone and some truly remarkable sights to Indian community to attend the lunch, these will continue, before a second display be seen by anyone with an interest in aviation. Republic Day celebration. of remote-control flying ‘formation’. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA MONDAY 14 JANUARY 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05

Civil Aviation New restaurant chief meets China Harbour president DOHA: Chairman of Qatar Civil offers to be Aviation Authority (QCAA) and Chairman of the New Doha International Airport (NDIA) Steering Committee, Abdul Aziz Mohammed Al Noaimi, child-friendly met Mo Wenhe, President of China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd, who is in charge of the construction of breakwa- Large play area outside the facility ters and dredging of the basin of the New Doha Port. BY FAZEENA SALEEM and slides. The facility which is Al Noaimi briefed the Chinese scheduled for a grand opening official on the progress of the New DOHA: Oriental Pearl res- on Thursday, is fixing specially- Doha Port project according to taurant on Doha Corniche is designed tiles in the play area to the agreed timetable. promising to be child-friendly. ensure the safety of children. The contract between NDIA It is planning to go beyond “The play area meets all Steering Committee and China high chairs for children and requirements set by laws in Qatar. Harbour is worth QR3.2bn. give them a safe and spacious We have experts from Italy and play area. The restaurant has other countries to assure safety Call for extending set up an outdoor play area for of the place,” said Habib. youngsters. “We have imported special type retirement age The restaurant, which had a of tiles which would give a feel of soft opening recently, is giving grass and which will be safe for Continued from page 1 final touches to a large children’s children,” he added. As for elderly, their care must playground set up outside the The restaurant is also likely to start with providing jobs to those building, which is an uncommon appoint staff to supervise children who can work so that society at scene with restaurants in Doha. while they play and introduce more large benefits from their vast “We know the needs of peo- activities to entertain them. experience. Complete care must ple in Doha, this kind of a play “There will be cartoon charac- be provided to those who cannot area would be ideal for families ters to make the place more lively Workers giving final touches to the play area at the Oriental Pearl Restaurant on the Corniche. (QASSIM RAHMATULLAH) work. coming with children to dine,” and special arrangements would be The panel has urged the gov- said Francois Habib, Operations made for functions like birthdays,” Italian cuisine, a coffee shop and to choose from. They can select Oriental Pearl also has a spe- ernment to extend the retirement Director at Oriental Pearl. he said. many other facilities. The facility any price range starting form cial lounge for 40 VIP and VVIP age for state jobs, and recruit peo- The 200sqm play area has vari- Oriental Pearl with different could host nearly 1,000 guests at QR60,” said Habib, adding that guests with facilities, including a ple with special needs in the ratio ous equipment including an ele- types of dining areas offers a the same time. “We have differ- their aim was to achieve seven- saloon. of their population. phant springer, vertical climber fusion of Syrian, Lebanese and ent menus and prices for guests star rating for the restaurant. THE PENINSULA Erring schools face the music

Continued from page 1 Aspire Zone bags Business Destinations magazine award They are not available in any other shop. The school logo comes printed on the uniform. DOHA: Aspire Zone the magazine for its ability to host a sold-out audience, and a youth comprehensive list of services that offering a world-class infrastruc- Complaints about monopolis- Foundation’s (AZF) commit- a diverse range of conferences, leadership workshop for the are offered to event organisers. ture, boasting international- tic practices in the sale of school ment to provide outstand- as well as manage international United Nations Office for Sport “Aspire Zone caters not only standard services and hosting uniforms and textbooks have ing facilities and services has sports events. and Development for Peace. for world class sports events and global sports events. Over the last been rampant in the country, been recognised by Business The zone hosted a multitude of “AZF is honoured to receive training, it also provides a truly few years, Aspire Zone has won a which had forced the SEC to Destinations magazine, which events in 2012, including the inau- this recognition for the best unique business destination for a medley of awards, including inter- issue detailed guidelines to all awarded Aspire Zone the ‘Best gural Doha GOALS Forum which meetings and conference centre range of activities and this award national certificates in Facilities Independent schools regarding Meetings and Conference welcomed global leaders from the in the Middle East,” said Aspire provides an opportunity for an Management presented to Aspire school uniforms. Centre’ in the Middle East for sports industry, the third edition Logistics Director General insight into the flexibility of the Logistics and AZF being voted the The Ministry of Business 2012. of the annual ASPIRE4SPORT Abdulaziz Al Mahmoud. zone as a world class event desti- World’s Leading Sports Tourism and Trade has now moved in A self-contained conference Congress and Exhibition, Cirque “The award is in recognition nation,” he added. Development Project for 2011 by to curtail the erring private and entertainment complex, Du Soleil which performed its not only for the outstanding AZF continues to prove that it World Travel Awards. schools. Aspire Zone was recognised by signature show Saltimbanco to facilities at Aspire, but also the is the ultimate sports destination, QNA THE PENINSULA/QNA MONDAY 14 JANUARY 2013 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Egypt’s court orders retrial of Mubarak No date set for fresh hearing for former president, his two sons and ex-interior minister CAIRO: An Egyptian court yesterday ordered a retrial for former president Hosni Mubarak From presidency to prison after accepting an appeal against the life sentence handed him for CAIRO: Here is a look at former Egyptian president Hosni his involvement in the deaths of Mubarak, who was overthrown in February 2011 in a popular protesters in 2011. uprising: Mubarak, 84, his two sons Alaa Mubarak was thrust into office in October 1981 when Islamist and Gamal, his former interior radicals assassinated President Anwar Sadat at a military parade. minister Habib Al Adly and top security chiefs will face a new Sept. 27, 2005 - Mubarak is sworn in for a fifth consecutive trial, the Court of Cassation, the term after winning the first multi-candidate presidential vote on top appeals court, ruled after a September 7. Parliament had voted in May 2005 to change the con- very brief hearing. stitution to allow the first contested presidential elections. Rights The ruling was met with cries groups said it was marred by abuses. of “Long live justice!” by Mubarak supporters who held up the Nov. 29, 2010 - A new parliamentary election virtually elimi- former strongman’s picture and nates opposition to Mubarak’s ruling party in the assembly before a hugged each other in the court- 2011 presidential vote. The Muslim Brotherhood and other opposi- room, with dozens more outside tion groups boycott the parliamentary election. shouting “We love you, president!” Mubarak, his sons and Adly Jan. 25, 2011 - Anti-government protests erupt across Egypt, will remain in jail, however, as driven by discontent over poverty, repression and corruption. they still face separate cases. Judge Ahmed Ali Abdelrahman Jan. 28 - Mubarak orders troops and tanks into cities to quell told the court he had accepted the demonstrations. Thousands cheer news of intervention by the army, appeals by Mubarak, Adly and the which is widely seen as a neutral force in politics, unlike police who prosecution, thereby cancelling are regularly deployed to stifle dissent. all previous rulings by the Cairo Supporters hold the former president’s portraits and celebrate after judges ordered a retrial, in Cairo, yesterday. criminal court. A date has still Feb. 10 - Mubarak says national dialogue is under way, transfers to be set for the new trial, judi- powers to vice-president but refuses to leave office immediately. cial sources said. Yesterday’s rul- were superficial interrogations on January 25, 2011. Six security Following sentencing in June Protesters in Cairo’s Tahrir Square are enraged. ing was “expected after a flawed marred by negligence,” said Hoda chiefs on trial in the same case last year, Mubarak was moved to and disappointing trial,” promi- Nasrallah, a lawyer with EIPR. were acquitted at the time. Tora prison in south Cairo after Feb. 11 - Mubarak steps down and a military council led by Field nent rights group, the Egyptian The biggest shock, she said, was Mubarak and his two sons, spending 16 months in hospitals Marshal Hussein Tantawi takes over. Initiative for Personal Rights that the verdict cleared the secu- Gamal and Alaa-once the sym- in the Red Sea resort of Sharm Al (EIPR) said in a statement. rity services of any responsibility bols of power and wealth in the Sheikh and then in Cairo. April 12 - Mubarak is hospitalised after being questioned by Mubarak’s epic fall from grace, and found no one directly guilty of country-were acquitted on cor- His health collapsed and the prosecutors. The next day, Egypt orders Mubarak detained for from the dictatorial head of the the killings. EIPR urged the new ruption charges due to the expiry state news agency even reported questioning on accusations he abused his power, embezzled funds Arab World’s most populous court to “avoid the mistakes” of of a statute of limitations. him clinically dead at one point as and had protesters killed. nation to a defendant behind bars, the first court hearing and called The rulings sparked nation- he slipped into a coma. was for many a promising sign for the guarantee of a fair trial. wide outrage, with thousands He has since suffered several Aug. 3 - Mubarak, wheeled into a courtroom cage on a bed to that the revolution that toppled Yesterday’s ruling comes less taking to the streets to vent health scares and is currently face trial, denies the charges against him. His two sons, Gamal and him was on the right track. than two weeks before the sec- their anger that no one had been being treated for fractured ribs Alaa, also deny the charges. In subsequent sessions, Mubarak always But the case against the former ond anniversary of the start of the found directly guilty of killing the and fluid in the lungs at a military appears on a hospital stretcher. president verged on the farcical, popular uprising that unseated protesters. On Saturday, an ail- hospital in Cairo. with patchwork evidence and Mubarak and paved the way for ing Mubarak was interrogated Until anti-government pro- June 2, 2012 - Mubarak is sentenced to life in prison for his prosecution witnesses exonerat- the election of the country’s first over fresh charges of corrup- tests erupted on January 25, 2011 role in the killing of protesters and is flown from the Cairo court ing the defendants, legal experts Islamist President, Mohammed tion and ordered detained for 15 Mubarak had seemed untouch- to Tora prison on the outskirts of the capital, where he is admitted said. “The trial was a disappoint- Mursi. On June 2, Mubarak and days pending investigation. He is able as president of the most pop- to a hospital facility. ment since the start of investi- Adly were sentenced to life in accused of accepting gifts worth ulous nation in the Arab world, gations and until the verdict. prison for failing to prevent the 7m Egyptian pounds (around backed by the United States and Jan. 13, 2013 - A court orders a retrial of the former president, Despite popular optimism that deaths of over 800 protesters dur- $1m) from the country’s flagship the military, from whose ranks he following an appeal over the killing of protesters. REUTERS justice was close... what we saw ing the 18-day uprising that began state newspaper Al Ahram. had emerged. AFP

Famed Tunisia mausoleum Tunisia sends army ravaged by fire to border town TUNIS: The mausoleum in Sidi Bou Said, a prime Tunisian TUNIS: Tunisian soldiers were hurled abuse at the ruling Islamist tourism destination, has been deployed yesterday in a town Ennahda party, whose local head- ravaged by fire in what is near the border with Libya after quarters were ransacked during thought to have been an arson a week of clashes between police the week. A customs office was attack which the presidency and residents protesting over also torched. yesterday denounced as a crim- social inequalities. The protesters, who are inal act. “This crime against our Units from the army and demanding a series of develop- culture and history must not national guard were sent a day ment projects to revive the area’s go unpunished,” a presidency before today’s second anniver- local economy and reduce unem- statement said, urging police to sary of the Tunisian revolt that ployment, asked on Saturday that “spare no efforts in arresting began the Arab Spring, sparked soldiers be sent in to keep the the criminals” who set alight by unemployment and tough liv- peace in the town. the mausoleum on the outskirts ing conditions. Tunisia’s military is better of Tunis on Saturday. Interior Ben Guerdane, around 30km thought of by the people than ministry spokesman Khaled from the border, has witnessed the police force, which was at the Tarrouche said that an investi- sporadic unrest since last heart of the repressive regime of gation was under way to “deter- Sunday, fuelled by Tripoli’s deci- dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali mine whether it was an accident sion to close the Ras Jdir bor- who fled the country for exile in or an indictable offence.” Several der crossing in early September Saudi Arabia two years ago. People attending a concert on the eve of the celebrations of the second anniversary of the Tunisian revolution at shrines dedicated to Muslim for security reasons. There was Civil representatives from Ben Avenue Habib Bourguiba in Tunis, yesterday. saints have been torched or no sign of police on the streets Guerdane are forming a delega- looted in recent months in of Ben Guerdane yesterday, and tion to be received in the capital the local branch of Tunisia’s main town to demand investment and Ali, with strikes and protests Tunisia, in acts blamed on hard- no reports of clashes a day after on Tuesday by the Islamist-led trade union confederation the jobs, with only chemists, hospitals often degenerating into violence. line Salafists whose radical ver- youths set fire to the local police government to discuss their UGTT, said. Despite the border and bakeries remaining open. Violent attacks by Islamists and sion of Sunni Islam does not station for the second time in demands. “The delegation will crossing with Libya being reopened There is ongoing social discon- political deadlock over a new con- tolerate saints or shrines. three days. be received tomorrow at 10am in on Thursday, the UGTT went tent in Tunisia two years after stitution also continue to threaten On Saturday, protesters also Tunis,” Amar Hamdi, who heads ahead with a general strike in the the uprising that overthrew Ben the country’s stability. AFP Iran hold exercises in Strait of Hormuz

DUBAI: The naval force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Iraq Sunni leader urges reforms to end protests Guard Corps (IRGC) has held exercises to test new equipment BAGHDAD: Iraq’s Shia Prime party that Sunnis fear is used to parliament, but Sunni ranks fall and a Sunni government come control of a specific side and the and battle tactics in the strate- Minister Nouri Al Maliki should harass their leaders and sideline are split, with more radical to power. A year after the last US participation of the other side is gic Strait of Hormuz, Iranian reform laws seen as unjustly them from politics. “They say leaders making increasingly troops left Iraq, tension between marginal.” media reported yesterday. marginalising the country’s they want justice and they want tough demands. Hardline Sunni Shias and Sunnis is still raw. Maliki, who spent years in The drills tested the IRGC Sunni Muslims or mass pro- to be treated as citizens of the Islamists and clerics are calling Thousands were killed in several underground exile from Saddam, naval force’s combat-readiness, tests could spiral out of control, same class ... and if these demands for Maliki’s removal and even the years of sectarian violence that accuses his Sunni partners of speed in responding to natural a top Sunni leader said. which they present are not met, establishment of an autonomous began shortly after the US-led blocking the progress of govern- disasters and familiarity with Thousands have taken to the certainly they will call for ousting Sunni-dominated region border- invasion of 2003 to oust Sunni ment in an attempt to undermine new weapons, the Fars news streets in Sunni stronghold prov- the government,” Nujaifi said. ing Syria, similar to the country’s strongman Saddam. Whatever his position. The Shia premier agency reported. They were the inces for three weeks of daily pro- “We are afraid protest lead- autonomous Kurdistan enclave in the motive of the protests, Sunni and some allies have suggested fifth such tactical exercises held tests, posing the sternest test yet ers and representatives will lose the north. discontent is real. Since Saddam’s he may call early elections before by the force and took place near for Maliki’s fragile government control of demonstrations after a The peaceful mass protests are fall, many feel sidelined in a gov- a scheduled 2014 vote as a way Bandar Abbas, a Gulf port on composed of Shias, Sunnis and while if they don’t convince them compounding fears of a sectarian ernment that splits posts along to break the deadlock that has Iran’s southern coast, Fars said. It ethnic Kurds. Osama Al Nujaifi, that our political partners will confrontation in Iraq which, along sectarian and ethnic lines. delayed key legislation. Maliki did not say when they took place. parliament speaker and the change their policies.” with the conflict in neighbouring Disagreements have left Iraq has proven adept at navigating Iran’s regular navy, separate most senior elected Sunni figure, The latest protests erupted Syria, would deepen a regional without permanent ministers of the country’s shifting political from the IRGC’s naval branch, said Maliki should pass a draft after security forces arrested the confrontation between Shia Iran defence and interior since the allegiances to keep his adminis- held drills in the Gulf in late amnesty law to free detainees bodyguards of the Sunni finance and Sunni Arab Gulf states. government was formed in 2010. tration intact. December and early January jailed on terrorism charges and minister on terrorism charges, a Some Iraqi Sunni leaders view Shia leaders blame Sunni law- Many Sunnis want him to rein meant to showcase the country’s modify laws that many Sunnis say move seen by many Sunnis as a the war beween mostly Sunni makers for stalling, but Maliki’s in the campaign against former military capabilities in the Strait are used to target them unfairly. provocation. rebels in Syria and President critics accuse him of amassing Baath party members, but that of Hormuz, through which 40 per- Protesters also want to end a Nujaifi belongs to the more Bashar Al Assad, an ally of Iran, power. “We believe the country could alienate some of Maliki’s cent of the world’s seaborne oil campaign against members of moderate wing of the Sunni- as an opportunity to strengthen is unbalanced,” Nujaifi said. “All Shia backers before provincial exports passes. AGENCIES Saddam Hussein’s outlawed Baath backed Iraqiya block in their own position should Assad authority is exclusively under the elections in April. REUTERS MONDAY 14 JANUARY 2013 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Syrian forces kill 36 in bombing: Opposition Arab team to visit Damascus’ neighbours ahead of donor talks

DAMASCUS/AMMAN: probably do not go far enough. Damascus Media Centre said Government forces killed at Probably they will not seem seri- rebels had been attacking the least 36 people, 14 of them ous to some, but they are propos- Muleiha base with rocket-pro- children, in a bombardment als,” Interfax news agency quoted pelled grenades and mortars for of rebel-held areas on the out- Lavrov as saying. five days, and the army had fired skirts of Damascus yesterday, Muleiha is the last major over 600 rockets on the town in Syrian opposition activists said. fortification in the area east response. Video footage showed women of Damascus not yet to have “The base has a large numbers weeping over the dismembered fallen to the rebels. Assad’s core of tanks and armour and stock- bodies of children strewn across troops and security personnel, piles of ammunition. There is a field in Eastern Ghouta, near mostly belonging to his minority information that the Free Syrian an air defence base on the edge Alawite sect, are entrenched in Army has destroyed five tanks of the town of Muleiha, 5km east the capital. “God is greater than and one armoured vehicle,” the of Damascus. you, Bashar,” one activist says in report said. The air, rocket and artillery the video as a youth carries the A member of the group said campaign is the heaviest since torso of a child. At least three of Assad’s forces were pounding A man carries the remains of a missile fired by a Syrian Air Force fighter jet, at the souq of Azaz, north of Aleppo, rebels overran a helicopter base the dead were women, opposition civilian areas to try to weaken yesterday. and missile base near Damascus sources said. support for the rebels. two months ago and encroached The footage was taken by activ- “This is the last base standing pan-Arab body said yesterday. the UN’s refugee body said on he is not a mediator,” wrote the on the main international airport, ists and could not be independ- in the east between the rebels and Arab foreign ministers meet- Friday. pro-regime daily Al Watan on yes- inching steadily closer to the cap- ently verified. Damascus. It is a huge compound ing in Cairo to discuss the Syrian Official media in Syria renewed terday’s front page. ital, the sources said. Activist Yasmine Al Shami, and the regime is bombarding refugee crisis agreed to send a attacks on UN and Arab League “Brahimi is incapable of finding Russia urged the rebels to make speaking by phone from heavily to keep the rebels from team to Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq envoy Lakhdar Brahimi yester- a solution to the Syrian crisis. counter-proposals to those made Damascus, said residential areas mounting a concerted offensive “to assess the situation of Syrian day, calling him biased and saying “He acknowledged in his last by President Bashar Al Assad in around Muleiha and in the work- to take it over,” he said. refugees on the ground,” the Arab his peace mission aimed at solving meeting with President Assad a recent speech to start a dialogue ing-class suburbs of Hazzeh, Kfar A commander in Liwa al-Islam, League said. the country’s crisis was “useless.” (on December 24) that Turkey that could end the fighting. Batna and Douma were being one of several rebel brigades The delegation is to work out On Wednesday, Brahimi criti- and Qatar will not stop support- “If I were in the opposition’s heavily hit. fighting in the area, said the com- the amount of aid required and cised as “one-sided” a proposal ing terrorist groups and that he shoes, I would come up with “The regime has gone mad with pound was well defended. present its findings to a donor by President Bashar Al Assad to cannot prevent them from doing my ideas in response on how to bombardment today. Footage that “Our objective is to take it, but conference to be hosted by Kuwait end the crisis, and two days later so,” it wrote. “Brahimi’s mission is establish a dialogue,” Russian has been coming in is heartbreak- it will not be immediate,” he said. on January 30, it said. he met top US and Russian offi- useless, just like (his predecessor) Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov ing. Among the dead is a mother, An Arab League delegation The number of Syrian refu- cials and urged “a speedy end to Kofi Annan, who resigned when said yesterday. “President Assad Heba al-Lahham, and her three is to visit Syria’s neighbouring gees registered in neighbouring the bloodshed” in the strife-torn he realised that he had no role to came out with initiatives aimed children, who were playing in a countries to assess the status of countries and North Africa has country. “It is clear that Brahimi play in a war waged against Syria at inviting all opposition members field in Hazzeh,” she said. refugees ahead of a donor confer- jumped by more than 100,000 in is now out of the loop for the solu- by several Western capitals,” said to dialogue. Yes, these initiatives A report by the opposition ence in Kuwait on January 30, the the past month to over 600,000, tion for Syria. He has taken sides, AlWatan. REUTERS/AFP

Saudi slams world reaction to Lankan maid’s beheading RIYADH: Saudi Arabia yes- terday criticised world reaction to its beheading a Sri Lankan maid convicted of killing her employer’s baby, the official SPA news agency reported. Riyadh “deplores the state- ments made... over the execu- tion of a Sri Lankan maid who had plotted and killed an infant by suffocating him to death, one week after she arrived in the kingdom,” the government spokesman said. Rizana Nafeek was beheaded on Wednesday in a case that sparked widespread international A Palestinian gestures as he helps carry the body of Odai Al Darawish during condemnation, including from his funeral in the West Bank town of Dura, near Hebron, yesterday. Israeli rights groups which said she was troops shot dead Al Darawish, who was trying to cross a security barrier just 17 when she was charged with to enter Israel from the occupied West Bank on Saturday. murdering the baby in 2005. Nafeek was found guilty of smothering the infant after an argument with the child’s mother. Israel plans 170 The case soured diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka which on Thursday recalled its ambas- sador to Saudi Arabia in protest. new settler homes The government spokes- man condemned what he called JERUSALEM: Israel’s defence settlements are an issue to be “wrong information on the case,” ministry has published plans discussed during negotiations, but and denied that the maid was a for 170 new housing units and the Palestinians say they will not minor when she committed the another 84 guest rooms in the hold peace talks while the Jewish crime. West Bank settlement of Rotem state builds on land they want for “As per her passport, she was in the Jordan Valley, anti-set- their future state. 21 years old when she commit- tlement activists said yesterday. The international community ted the crime,” he said, adding The settlement itself previously considers Israeli settlements built that “the kingdom does not allow received government approval, in the West Bank, including east minors to be brought as workers.” but no building plan was set out, Jerusalem, to be illegal under He said the authorities had according to Hagit Ofran of the international law. tried hard to convince the baby’s Peace Now organisation. Meanwhile, Israel swung family to accept “blood money,” “Last week it was deposited for into action against a group of but they rejected any amnesty public review. It is talking about Palestinian activists who estab- and insisted that the maid be exe- 200 units, 30 of them are already lished a tent village on a rocky cuted. Saudi Arabia “respects... all built. In addition, another 84 units hillside east of Jerusalem, with rules and laws and protects the are proposed for guest rooms,” she hundreds of security officials rights of its people and residents, said. “It will be deposited for 60 carrying out an eviction under and completely rejects any inter- days for the public to file objec- the orders of the prime minis- vention in its affairs and judicial tions. After all objections are col- ter Benjamin Netanyahu, in the verdicts, whatever the excuse,” lected and heard, the planning early hours yesterday. According the spokesman said. committee will decide whether to activists, a large military force Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia to approve or refuse the plan. surrounded the encampment at beheaded one of its citizens in Usually they approve it.” around 3am. All protesters were Eastern Province yesterday after The Israeli government has arrested and six were injured, said he was convicted of murder, the moved forward aggressively Abir Kopty. On Saturday evening, interior ministry announced. Eid in recent weeks with settle- Netanyahu demanded the Israeli Al Dhufairi stabbed fellow Saudi ment construction plans in east supreme court overturn an injunc- Abdulaziz Al Mutairi during a Jerusalem and the West Bank, tion preventing the removal of the dispute, said the statement car- prompting angry condemnation protesters, and ordered the area to ried by SPA news agency. from the Palestinians, and inter- be declared a closed military zone. AFP national criticism. Israel says AFP/GUARDIAN NEWS

Swine flu kills second Jordanian AMMAN: A Jordanian woman has died of swine flu in the second such death in a week, Health Minister Abdullatif Wreikat said yesterday. “The woman, who was in her forties, was taken to hospital last week, suffering from pneumonia,” Wreikat told the official news agency Petra. “The woman was given necessary treatment after tests showed H1N1 infection but she died on Friday,” he added. AFP MONDAY 14 JANUARY 2013 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

Editorial ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN: SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: KHALID AL SAYED Egypt’s woes E-MAIL: [email protected] ACTING MANAGING EDITOR: HUSSAIN AHMAD E-MAIL: [email protected] Failure to fix the ailing economy will cost EDITORIAL: TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 the new Egyptian government heavily. FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR. E-MAIL: [email protected] RAB revolutions are primarily about political freedom -- the Thani said during a visit to Cairo recently that Doha would provide ADVERTISING: TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 freedom to live without being pried into by the state. Second, $1bn in grants and about $4bn in deposits to the Central Bank of CLASSIFIED: E-MAIL: Ait’s about economic freedom, which means equality in eco- Egypt. Qatar’s first aid package to Egypt amounted to $2.5bn, compris- 44557857 [email protected] nomic opportunities, distribution of wealth and an improvement in ing $500m in grants and $2bn in deposits, the prime minister said. SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY living conditions. A failure by post-revolution governments to guar- The government of Mursi needs to restore international confidence antee both in equal measure can scupper the gains of the revolution. in the country’s wrecked economy. It’s a Himalayan task because eco- TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 While Egypt is in the process of installing a political system, which nomic progress and stability is inevitably linked to political stability E-MAIL: [email protected] some critics are calling flawed, on the economic front, the perform- and peace. The country is in the throes of a transition and until the SUBSCRIPTION RATES ance of the new government has been abysmal. The economy is in dire political situation improves, foreign investors will keep away. Even ANNUAL straits and unless immediate steps aren’t taken, popular discontent domestic companies will find going tough and can’t revive their busi- QR 675 can spiral out of control and destabilise the state. ness as long people spill into the streets at the slightest provocation. 6 MONTHS QR 340 The government is running out of foreign currency reserves too Tourism has traditionally been one of the backbones of Egyptian fast, as it has already spent more than $20bn over the past two economy and the revolution has dealt lethal blows to the tourism years to defend its currency. The pound is plummeting and stocks sector. The government has done little to instil confidence in the tour- are in perilous territory, with the market index in freefall. President ism sector and attract foreign tourists. The government will have to Mohammed Mursi and Prime Minister Hisham Qandil have assured carry out political and economic rebuilding measures simultaneously. local and international businessmen that the government would do Cairo needs to conclude its talks with the International Monetary everything necessary to revive the sick economy, but their promises Fund (IMF) on a $4.8bn loan agreement. An agreement with the PUBLICATION haven’t helped to arrest a decline in finances of the country. IMF will open the door to further lines of credit and will help re- Qatar has been one of the major donors to Cairo, which has helped establish the confidence of investors. Also, the government needs the country weather the crisis to a large extent. Qatar’s Prime Minister to sit with the opposition parties to enlist their support in economic and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al rebuilding.

They (protesters) say they want justice and they want to be treated The other side as citizens of the same class ... and if these demands which they present are not met, certainly Quote of they will call for ousting the In Vietnam, muzzled voices government. the day Osama Al Nujaifi ietnam has become a rapidly growing Asian economy, but on Iraqi Parliament Speaker human rights and political freedom it remains a backwater of Vrepression. On Wednesday, a court convicted 14 democracy activ- ists, many of them bloggers, on flimsy charges of subversion. Thirteen got prison sentences from three to 13 years, and one got a suspended sentence. But the trial’s larger verdict was this: Vietnam’s rulers are guilty of irrational fear of free expression, pluralism and the digital revo- lution. The 14 defendants, detained more than a year ago, were charged after attending a training course in Bangkok held by the Viet Tan organisation, which led a resistance movement against the Vietnamese Communist government in the 1980s but in recent years has worked for peaceful political reform, democracy and human rights. Viet Tan, based in the United States, is outlawed in Vietnam. Association with Viet Tan may not be the only thing that got the bloggers in trouble. Twelve of those charged are Catholics, and, according to Human Rights Watch, many of them are affiliated with two Redemptorist churches known for strongly backing dissidents, bloggers, and other religious and rights activists. The Redemptorists are a Catholic missionary organiza- tion, active worldwide. What did these bloggers and activists do? They participated in building civil society: encouraging women not to have abortions, helping the poor, aiding the disabled, protecting the envi- ronment and standing up for workers’ rights. Some were also involved in peaceful protests about Vietnam’s territorial disputes with China over the Spratly and Paracel Islands, which the government considers extremely sensitive. Some bloggers also called for freedom of expression and spoke out for creation of a multiparty political system. In a separate case, Vietnamese authorities have lodged charges against prominent dissident lawyer Le Quoc Quan, who has often spoken out on a blog about rule of law and human rights issues. On December 18, he published a piece that questioned the wisdom of an article in a new draft constitution that enshrines the leading role of the Communist Party. He was arrested on December 27. They are all victims of a one-party state that ruthlessly stamps out dissent. The trial and conviction of the bloggers was the largest single crackdown in recent years but not the first. In the past decade, Human Rights Watch reported, hundreds of peaceful activists have been imprisoned. The government exerts strict control over the Internet and media. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung declared in a New Year’s message that “we are regularly challenged by conspiracies to spark sociopolitical instability and violate our national sovereignty and territorial integrity.” These are words of paranoia and insecurity. THE WASHINGTON POST Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate The ‘indecisive’ French president who intervened in Africa

BY PIERRE HASKI Soon after he was elected last led by west African states. But Mali. reckoned with on the continent. May, Hollande designed a strat- despite a UN security council res- Hollande therefore finds him- Failing to act in such a crisis URING the election cam- egy for the Mali crisis, which olution and unanimous approval, self in the reluctant position would have been seen by every paign last year, François had erupted a few months ear- the plan had got nowhere when taken by every one of his prede- French-speaking African govern- DHollande was attacked for lier when radical Islamist groups the Al Qaeda affiliated Islamist cessors, from Charles de Gaulle to ment as a sign that France is no being too indecisive, and nick- took over the northern half of groups began an offensive south- Nicolas Sarkozy: having the power longer a reliable ally. named “Flamby” after a dessert the country and imposed tough wards, easily overcoming Malian to change the course of history An untold dimension of the François – not exactly in the superman sharia laws over the population. army resistance. in an African country with just equation is that France is fighting category. Seven months later, The new president didn’t want to Hollande made what was prob- a few hundred men, helicopters in Mali in a conflict with potential Hollande, who the same Hollande sanctioned an see French troops leading the bat- ably the only possible option on and jets. Not exactly the change consequences at home. French operation by French commandos tle, as has happened in the past – his desk: send in French power he had in mind when elected. leaders are worried that a success had signalled in Somalia to try and rescue a for example in Chad, when Libyan to prevent the heavily armed and But abstaining when the by fundamentalists in countries French hostage, and started an tanks were threatening its south- highly mobile rebel column from Malian president sent an SOS last that have close ties with France a hands-off unpredictable war in France’s ern neighbour. Hollande wanted reaching the city of Mopti and week would have meant taking a might influence the radicalisa- former colony of Mali. He received to show times had changed. later the capital, Bamako, home risk no French president wants tion of young French Muslims. policy on support from mainstream oppo- As a sign of his new, non-inter- to around 6,000 French citizens. to take. He would have been held The case of Mohammed Merah, sition leaders who oppose him ventionist approach to France’s The French president made responsible for the eventual fall the Toulouse gunman – trained in ex-colonies, on almost every other issue – former colonies, Hollande only last sure everyone concerned was still of Bamako to radical Islamists, Pakistan and Afghanistan – who has allowed and from Britain too, which has month refused publicly to answer on board. He had a UN security with its potential destabilisation killed Jewish children last April, agreed military assistance to calls from President François council resolution on his side, and of the whole west African region is still on everyone’s mind. French troops help transport foreign troops and Bozizé of the Central African had made contact with African – including neighbouring Niger, Embattled at home over his equipment to Mali. Republic, for French troops to countries, with European part- France’s main source of uranium economic policies, rising unem- to intervene in Nothing predestined this come and stop a rebel advance ners, with the US. But in the end, for its nuclear industry. ployment, tax controversies, and Socialist apparatchik to become towards its capital. Hollande said: France went alone and fought Although it has largely taken a a huge conservative backlash Mali. a war president, particularly after “We are not present to protect a back the column with a helicop- back seat in sub-Saharan Africa against the introduction of gay having campaigned for the early regime … That time is over.” ter raid in which a French officer – compared with the first decades marriage, Hollande has shown his return of French troops from Meanwhile, he campaigned lost his life. Fighting has been of the post-colonial era when it muscle where no one expected: on Afghanistan, which was com- hard to get UN and African back- continuing since, and reinforce- was clearly running the show – the battlefield. pleted a few weeks ago. ing for a regional force for Mali, ments are arriving every day in France remains a power to be THE GUARDIAN MONDAY 14 JANUARY 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 One African war France couldn’t avoid

Boumama, of the Malian insurgent group For months, Ansar Dine, warned on Saturday. But the real political game-changer for Hollande is the threat of an attack on military planners French soil. France is no stranger to such strikes, in Paris had with eight killed during a wave of bomb- ings of the Paris Metro in 1995 by Algeria’s Armed Islamic Group, a guer- been working rilla Islamist movement from which AQIM traces some of its lineage. Home to Europe’s largest Muslim on discreet and population of some five million, France is acutely aware of the risk of radicalisa- limited support tion after an Al Qaeda-inspired gunman last March went on a killing spree in the southern city of Toulouse, killing seven. for an African-led Underlining that he takes the threat of attack seriously, Hollande on Saturday announced he was stepping up security effort due later measures on French transport and in public places. this year to try For now, France said its aim is not to begin an operation to take Mali’s north back out of rebel hands. Hollande has and drive Islamists stressed its exclusive goal is to prepare for a subsequent intervention to be led not by Paris but by the West African out of France’s Ecowas bloc. French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le ex-colony. Drian said yesterday France was pursu- ing strikes on rebel targets and residents said its aircraft had even bombed the BY MARK JOHN & JOHN IRISH northern rebel stronghold Gao. But Mark Schroeder, Africa-watcher ust as its leaders were defining for US-based risk and security consul- a new “hands-off” strategy for tancy Stratfor, expected French troops Africa, France has been thrust largely to focus on holding the line in Jonto the front line of one of the central Mali in coming weeks and wait continent’s riskiest battlefields deep in for the operation to take on a more inter- the desert of Mali. national feel. President Francois Hollande’s back- “Behind that line, the European Union ing of air strikes to halt Islamist rebels military training mission will come in and French soldiers working on armaments for a Mirage 2000D fighter plane in Ndjamena, Chad, before carrying out strikes in Mali. advancing on the capital Bamako raises African forces will start to arrive,” he the threat level for eight French hostages said of troops from neighbours including held by Al Qaeda allies in the Sahara and Niger due to arrive from Monday to build for the 30,000 French expatriates living The intervention came weeks after Gaddafi. The United States and Britain AQIM. That is an act of political courage,” a total force around 3,300 strong. in neighbouring, mostly Muslim states. Paris conspicuously failed to rescue the have also signalled backing, and even said Mathieu Pellerin, head of the Paris- While that could help France wind It could also trigger an attack on incumbent leader in Central African opposition French conservatives mostly based Centre of Strategic Intelligence on down its exposure, CISCA’s Pellerin said French soil. But, in what could be the Republic, another ex-colony, leaving say Hollande did the right thing. Shocking the African Continent (CISCA). that would still depend crucially on the biggest foreign policy decision of his pres- President Francois Bozize no alternative reports of public amputations in rebel- Hollande said he believed the secret African-led coalition gaining the neces- idency, Hollande bet that inaction bore a but to accept a power-sharing pact with held northern Mali as tough Shariah agent had been killed during the abortive sary size and strength to lead the fight greater peril of producing a jihadist state insurgents threatening to take over his Islamic law is imposed will persuade raid, an assertion which the Somalian to push back the rebels — not a given at like Afghanistan under the Taliban. mineral-rich state. many French voters the intervention Al Shabaab insurgents deny. this stage. “We must stop the rebels’ offensive, The Bozize snub was a sign that was just. A rare dissenting voice, former foreign otherwise the whole of Mali will fall Hollande’s government was bang- But events on the ground could change REPRISALS RISK minister Dominique de Villepin — who into their hands — creating a threat for ing another nail in the coffin of that quickly. With some of the rebel Malian fighters led world opposition to the US-led Iraq Africa and even for Europe,” his Foreign “Francafrique”, the decades-old system While the Mali Islamists are a rag-tag living side by side with their families, the war in 2003 — warned France could get Minister Laurent Fabius told report- under which Paris propped up African army, they managed to recoup many of further risk is of collateral damage that sucked into a conflict where military ers to justify backing Mali’s dilapidated leaders aligned to French business the arms that spilled out of Libya dur- would drain domestic and foreign support victory was hollow without political national army. interests. ing its war and can inflict real damage for the action. conciliation. For months, military planners in Paris Francafrique for years helped dictate including the downing of a French heli- “If we jump in then we could have hor- “It is time to break with a decade had been working on discreet and lim- the Africa strategies of French compa- copter on the first day of strikes. rific images of children, women killed,” of lost wars,” he said of wars in Iraq, ited support for an African-led effort due nies in the mining and energy sectors By going to help the Malian army, said one French diplomatic source speak- Afghanistan and Libya which he argued later this year to try and drive Islamists such as the oil giant Elf Aquitaine that Hollande defied threats by the rebels’ ing before last week’s events, noting how merely created the grounds for future out of France’s ex-colony. became Total SA in 2003. Total’s chief allies, Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb civilian deaths caused by Nato operations conflicts. That scenario was swiftly overtaken on executive was quoted last year as saying (AQIM), to kill the French hostages in Afghanistan damaged public support For Hollande, whose poll ratings are Thursday as rebels captured the central he believed Francafrique was dead. taken across the Sahara in past years. for the Western mission to dislodge at record lows because of his hesitant town of Konna that is a gateway towards Hollande’s government stresses that by As the failure of a French commando Taliban Islamists there. leadership and failure to cut unemploy- Bamako 600km further south. entering Mali, France is not falling back bid late last week to free a secret agent Fears will also grow of reprisals on the ment, Mali could emerge as his political With Mali’s army helpless, Hollande into old habits. held in Somalia since 2009 shows, it will large expatriate French communities in crucible. It was already diverting atten- ordered the first military strikes of his Its presence is legitimised by UN reso- be very hard for him now to guarantee neighbouring Muslim countries such as tion away from a mass march yesterday career. Now France has deployed 550 lutions mandating foreign intervention their safety. Burkina Faso, Niger and Senegal. in protest at his plans to legalise gay troops, C-160 transport aircraft, attack to support Mali forces and approval by “With this (Mali) intervention, the “There are consequences, not only for marriages, and meant that a late-night helicopters and has Rafale jets on standby the same African leaders irked in 2011 French president has shown he did not French hostages, but also for all French Friday deal between trade unions and the question is: Where does it go from when France and Britain ordered Nato want to be taken hostage himself by the citizens wherever they find themselves employers on reforming the labour mar- here? air strikes in Libya to oust Muammar issue of the French hostages held by in the Muslim world,” Sanda Ould ket went little noticed. REUTERS Assad asserts power amid bloody battlegrounds

the many parts of Syria that have slipped he can win, Abdeh said. According to one Damascus resident army soon could give way. “I think they’re Above all, Syrians beyond his control. The rebels seeking Though the Syrian army has been who speaks regularly to members of the under pressure,” he said. “I think it’s to topple him have steadily been gain- degraded by thousands of rank-and-file regime, Assad frequently boasts that weeks or months away. . . . He’ll hang say he remains ing ground, most recently seizing con- defections and heavy casualties, it is still Western countries won’t dare intervene on tight and then suddenly things will trol of a strategically important airbase fighting, and key units composed largely in Syria, as they did in Libya. That confi- collapse.” in the north of the country, and if the of members of Assad’s own Alawite sect dence has only grown as the Syrian army But the rebels’ slower progress in convinced that current trajectory continues, the even- remain fiercely loyal. Defections from has escalated its use of force to include recent weeks after a surge of gains late tual demise of the four-decade-old Assad his government have been few and far airstrikes and ballistic missiles without last year appears to lend further validity neither the US family regime seems all but inevitable, between. The rebels have been system- drawing any significant international to Assad’s confidence. The rebel conquest analysts say. atically overrunning government posi- response, said the Syrian, who spoke of the Taftanaz airbase in northern Idlib But concerns are growing about how tions in many locations, but they have on the condition of anonymity because province on Friday came only after five nor its allies will long that might take, and at what cost, not demonstrated the capacity to make he fears for his safety. “The regime is months of fierce fighting. prompting many Syrians to question headway against the tough defences ring- supremely confident there will be no Elsewhere in the country, the pic- intervene militarily whether Assad’s confidence might not ing Damascus, the capital, and the key foreign intervention,” he said. ture is more mixed. In Homs, the rebels be merited, given the realities of a conflict prize for whoever claims to control the Assad may also have little choice but are surrounded and pinned down in a so brutally complex, so finely balanced country. to continue trying to crush the revolt. few scattered neighbourhoods that are to help the rebels and so entangled in global geopolitical His allies Russia and Iran have shown The two million or so members of the becoming increasingly difficult to supply. rivalries that there is still no clearly iden- no sign that their support is wavering, Alawite community on which he has An offensive launched with much fan- overrun his forces. tifiable endgame in sight nearly two years and they have their own reasons not to come to depend for his survival fear fare last month in the province of Hama after the uprising began. cede ground in the struggle for influence annihilation should the overwhelmingly has fizzled. BY LIZ SLY “From Day One, Bashar Al Assad was over a country whose strategic loca- Sunni rebel force win, said Joshua Landis, Battles for control of the suburbs ring- underestimated by the opposition and by tion puts it at the crossroads of multi- a history professor at the University of ing Damascus have swung back and forth yrian President Bashar Al Assad the international community,” said Malik ple regional conflicts. On Saturday, the Oklahoma who is married to an Alawite for months, claiming thousands of lives remains confident that he can ride Al Abdeh, a Syrian journalist based in Russian Foreign Ministry reiterated its and remains in regular touch with the without giving either side a clear advan- Sout the maelstrom engulfing his London who is one of a number of opposi- view that Assad’s departure should not be community. tage, offering a glimpse of the prolonged country, casting into doubt prospects that tion activists growing increasingly gloomy part of any negotiated settlement. “Assad isn’t in a negotiating mood and bloody stalemate that could be in intensified efforts to negotiate an end to about the prospects that an end to the “As before, we firmly uphold the the- because he knows that any tinkering store if the current balance of power the bloodshed can succeed, according to bloody conflict could be near. “He is play- sis that questions about Syria’s future with his regime means collapse, and the prevails indefinitely. Syrians familiar with the thinking of the ing a high-stakes game, he’s playing it must be decided by the Syrians them- Alawites fear revenge,” he said. “This is Meanwhile, conditions are deterio- regime. pretty smart and he seems to be winning selves without interference from outside an existential moment for them, and they rating dramatically in rebel-held areas. Although Assad isn’t winning the fight because of the simple fact that he is still or the imposition of prepared recipes have their backs to the wall.” Airstrikes and shelling by government against the rebels, he isn’t losing, either — in power.” for development,” the ministry said in Events such as an assassination or forces along with acute shortages of at least not yet, or by enough of a margin When Assad delivered a defiantly a statement. a coup could yet hasten Assad’s end in fuel, food and medicine are eroding to make him feel he needs to abandon his uncompromising speech to supporters Above all, Syrians say, Assad remains unexpected ways, he said. Some military much of the support the rebels initially efforts to crush the rebellion by force and last week, the State Department con- convinced that neither the United States experts who closely observe events on enjoyed from local residents, said Musab embark on negotiations that would end demned him for being “out of touch nor its allies will intervene militarily the battleground, such as Jeffrey White Al Hamawi, an opposition activist in the his hold on power and expose his loyalists with reality.” But many Syrians wonder to help the rebels overrun his forces of the Washington Institute for Near province of Hama. to the threat of revenge, the Syrians and whether it isn’t the United States and its entirely. That conviction has been buoyed East Policy, think the toll exacted on the “Assad is confident because he knows analysts say. allies who are out of touch for continuing by indications of growing US concern at security forces by more than two years we are losing ground in terms of popular- It is hard to imagine Assad ever being to press for a negotiated settlement to a the expanding role of Islamist extremists of almost continual fighting is greater ity among the people,” he said. in a position to restore his authority over conflict Assad still has reason to believe in the already-fragmented rebel army. than has been recognised, and that the WP-BLOOMBERG MONDAY 14 JANUARY 2013 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL W African states set for intervention in Mali France continues bombing rebel targets; operation to last as long as necessary, says French envoy to the UN

BAMAKO/PARIS: West African meddle in African affairs, said in a New states prepared to send troops to Mali Year speech to diplomats and journalists. and French aircraft bombed Islamist The president said the UN Security fighters there, as an international cam- Council resolutions meant France paign to crush rebels who have seized was acting in accordance with the north of the country gathered pace. international law. A French pilot died on Friday when his French military operations in sup- helicopter was shot down near the cen- port of the Malian army against Islamist tral Mali town of Mopti. Hours later, in rebels “will last as long as necessary,” Somalia, a bid to rescue a French hostage France’s UN ambassador Gerard Araud held by Islamists failed and Paris said it wrote in a letter to the Security Council believed the man had died in the raid. obtained said. The West African regional bloc Ecowas France’s intervention immediately has for months lobbied world powers to tipped the military balance of power, back its plan to end the nine-month with Malian government forces quickly occupation of Mali’s north by Islamist sweeping back into Konna, according to groups Ansar Dine, MUJWA, and AQIM, local residents. Al Qaeda’s North African affiliate. The forceful French military action Ivory Coast’s President Alassane in Mali came as an attempt to rescue a Ouattara currently holds the rotating French hostage in Somalia failed. chairmanship of Ecowas. The Defence Ministry said it believed “The mandate for the deployment an intelligence officer held hostage since was signed by the president yesterday,” 2009 was killed along with at least one said Ali Coulibaly, Ivory Coast’s African French soldier during the raid by French Integration Minister. troops on Friday night. “Monday by the latest, the troops will But the Harakat Al Shabaab be there or will have started to arrive.” Al Mujahideen insurgent group who Malian soldiers recaptured a central were holding Denis Allex said in a state- town on Friday after France intervened ment he was still alive and being held with air strikes to halt a southward at a location far from the base where advance by the Islamist insurgents. French military helicopters attacked Western governments, particularly overnight. former colonial power France, voiced EU foreign policy chief Catherine alarm after the rebel alliance captured Ashton called on Friday for “accelerated the town of Konna on Thursday in their international engagement” and said the first major drive towards the capital bloc would speed up plans to deploy 200 Bamako since seizing control of the north troops to train Malian forces. last spring. A US official said the Pentagon was Mali’s government appealed for urgent weighing options including intelligence- military aid from France. The Islamist sharing with France and logistics support. offensive also threatened the town of A photograph made available yesterday by the French Army Communications Audiovisual office shows three French Mirage 2000D fighter Military analysts voiced doubt, how- Sevare, home to a military base and a planes fly over N’Djamena, Chad, on Wednesday before carrying out strikes in Mali. ever, whether Friday’s action heralded gateway on the route to Bamako, around the start of the final operation to retake 500km to the south. Saturday. Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le hundred” troops into the capital Bamako. the rebels push further south. Paris has northern Mali — a harsh, sparsely popu- “Things are accelerating ... This is not Drian said French army units attacked a France had more Rafale fighter jets repeatedly warned that the Islamists’ lated terrain the size of France — as nei- a mission to simply protect Sevare. We column of rebels heading towards Mopti. on standby to be deployed, Le Drian said. seizure of the north gives them a base ther equipment nor ground troops were need to retake the northern part (of A French pilot was killed on Friday when Army chief Edouard Guillaud said to attack neighbouring countries and ready. Mali) from the jihadists,” Coulibaly said. his helicopter was shot down near the however France had no current plans Europe. “We’re not yet at the big intervention,” “The reconquest of the north has central town. to extend operations to northern areas “We are faced with blatant aggression said Mark Schroeder, director for Sub- already begun.” Le Drian said France had sent special controlled by the Islamists. that is threatening Mali’s very existence. Saharan Africa analysis for the global French aircraft continued strikes forces into Mopti ahead of the interven- President Francois Hollande on Friday France cannot accept this,” Hollande, risk and security consultancy Stratfor. against Islamist rebels in Mali on tion, to prepare the ground, and “several said France would not stand by to watch who recently pledged Paris would not REUTERS

Chorus of protests against Paris plan to legalise unconventional marriage

PARIS: Three separate columns of Muslims and evangelicals rallied at the has built up in recent weeks. coalition of church-going families, politi- south of France. protesters filed through the French Eiffel Tower where separate columns met “Nobody expected this two or three cal conservatives, Muslims, evangelicals Hollande angered opponents of same- capital yesterday to protest against in the late afternoon. months ago,” said Frigide Barjot, a flam- and even homosexuals opposed to gay sex marriage by trying to avoid public President Francois Hollande’s plan Organisers reserved five high-speed boyant comedian leading the “Demo for marriage. debate on the reform, which Justice to legalise gay marriage and adoption trains and 900 buses to bring protest- All” she described as “multicultural, mul- “We want this draft law to be with- Minister Christiane Taubira described by June. ers from provincial towns to the capital, tireligious and multisexual.” drawn,” Patricia Soullier, a protest as “a change in civilisation”, and waver- Several hundred thousand protest- some before dawn, to join Parisians and Strongly backed by the Catholic hier- organiser, told BFM-TV before boarding ing about some of its details. REUTERS ers — a mix of Catholics, conservatives, display the extent of the opposition that archy, lay activists have mobilised a a Paris-bound train in Montpellier in the

Berlusconi coalition Russians condemn ‘child-killer’ leads in key region

ROME: Silvio Berlusconi’s Putin for law banning adoption centre-right coalition is leading in a vital battleground region MOSCOW: Te n s o f t h o u s a n d s in Russia-US relations in the perceive as lenient treatment ahead of next month’s Italian of people, some denouncing first year of Putin’s new term of those parents by US courts election, making it harder for President Vladimir Putin and compounded the bitter- and police. left-wing rivals to form a stable as a “child-killer”, marched ness between his government Protesters accused Putin of parliamentary majority, accord- through Moscow yesterday and opponents who have been using orphans as pawns, saying ing to a poll yesterday. to protest against a ban on mounting street protests for it was the children who would Whoever wins the February Americans adopting Russian over a year. suffer, and some called for the 24-25 vote will have to tackle a children. It was rushed through par- State Duma, the lower house deep recession and rising unem- Wrapped in hats and coats liament, which is dominated of parliament, to be dissolved. ployment in the euro zone’s against the bitter cold, the by Putin’s governing party, in “Without adoption, such third-largest economy as well as protesters shouted “Russia retaliation for the Magnitsky children have no chance,” said keeping strained public finances without Putin!” and “Putin is a Act — US legislation that denies Dmitry Belkov, a protest organ- under control. child-killer!” as they streamed visas to Russians accused of iser. “This law is a worse thing If the result in the north- down the city’s Boulevard Ring, human rights violations and to do to these children than the ern region of Lombardy were watched by thousands of police. freezes their assets in the treatment animals get in other confirmed, it could increase A helicopter buzzed overhead. United States. countries.” the chances of a post-election Many held photographs of Russian lawmakers who “I realise it’s pointless and deal between the centre-left pro-Kremlin legislators who approved the ban say it was that they won’t reverse the Democratic Party, which is lead- backed the ban with the word justified by the deaths of 19 law, but I had to be here,” said ing in national opinion polls, and “Shame!” scrawled across them. Russian-born children adopted Maria Volodko, who works at a outgoing Prime Minister Mario The ban, in force since by American parents in the music publisher. Monti’s centrist formation. January 1, has deepened a chill past decade, and what they REUTERS REUTERS Fire damages top Australia observatory SYDNEY: Australia’s top area around Timor Road near Korean and American research- gusts of about 60km per hour. research observatory, which Siding Spring Observatory,” the ers. Administered by the The fire was burning across houses telescopes used by sci- RFS said. Australian National University’s a four-kilometre front, with a entists from around the world, It said two properties in research school of astronomy strong southerly pushing the was damaged by a large wild- Timor Road had been destroyed and astrophysics, Siding Spring flames to the north and north- fire yesterday as hot weather and part of the observatory was is the nation’s major optical and east as night fell. and storms stoked dozens of damaged by fire. The extent of infrared observatory and one of A partner observatory at new blazes. the damage was unclear. the top facilities of its kind in Canberra’s Mount Stromlo The Rural Fire Service (RFS) All observatory staff were the world. was destroyed by wildfires in of New South Wales, Australia’s evacuated before the fire and A university spokeswoman January 2003 that killed four most populous state, issued an were safe. said all observatory personnel people and razed more than 500 emergency warning for an out- Siding Spring, a mountain- had been confirmed as “safely homes. of-control fire that scorched top site in the Warrumbungle evacuated and accounted for”. Five telescopes, residences the Siding Spring Observatory, Ranges about 500km north- Crews were battling difficult and more than a dozen build- a remote global research facility. west of Sydney, houses 10 conditions, with temperatures ings were ruined in the Mount “This is a large and dangerous operating telescopes run by in the area above 40 degrees Stromlo inferno. bush fire. It is burning in the Australian, Polish, British, Celsius and hot northwesterly AFP MONDAY 14 JANUARY 2013 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 British military chiefs making aggressive Falkland action: Report

LONDON: British defence offi- A senior defence source told the to Argentina. Argentina invaded March. He expects a 100-percent of Defence said Britain’s “overall continuing row. “As a British cials have prepared plans for paper: “Britain needs to be in a the islands in 1982, prompting “yes” vote during the March 11 military posture on the Falkland cruise company we cannot allow dealing with aggressive action situation to respond very quickly Britain to send a naval task force referendum, raising fears within Islands remains unchanged and ourselves to be the subject of any by Argentina towards the dis- to a whole series of threats — that to reclaim the islands at the cost intelligence institutions that they remain well-defended. political dispute or put our cus- puted Falkland Islands, the is why we have contingency plans. of the lives of 255 British and 649 Argentina could respond with an “The Ministry of Defence has tomers and crew into any situa- Sunday Telegraph reported. Our posture has not changed but Argentinian soldiers. aggressive “stunt,” the Telegraph always had contingency plans tion where their enjoyment may Military chiefs have drawn up neither are we complacent.” British Prime Minister David reported. in place to increase the military be compromised,” said a spokes- proposals for the deployment of Argentine President Cristina Cameron said the 3,000 resi- This could include the harass- footprint in the South Atlantic if man for the company. extra troops, another warship Kirchner earlier this month dents of the Falklands had a ment of the Falkland’s fishing fleet required,” added the ministry. Its Arcadia and Adonia vessels and additional RAF Typhoon jets accused Britain of obtaining the strong desire to remain British or the planting of an Argentinian British-American owned cruise will now not dock in Buenos Aires, ahead of the March vote on the islands in “a blatant exercise of and would have a chance to flag by a small raiding party, offi- firm P&O on Saturday announced Puerto Madryn or Ushuaia during islands’ future, according to the 19th-century colonialism” and express their views in a vote on cials believe. it would not be stopping at three their round-the-world cruises. report. demanded they be handed over their political status to be held in A spokesman for the Ministry Argentinian ports due to the AFP Biden’s bid to curb gun violence Groups say ban will fail in Congress

WASHINGTON: Gun rights on gun violence due to give Obama groups yesterday forecast that recommendations as early as bids to ban assault weapons and Tuesday, has said he will rec- high-capacity ammunition clips ommend universal background would fail in Congress, as Vice- checks for gun buyers and new President Joe Biden prepares limits on the capacity of maga- this week to give President zines like those used by the Barack Obama proposals to Connecticut gunman. curb gun violence. The White House also has said Even some congressional it will try to revive the US ban Democrats indicated that a bill on assault weapons that expired to revive the US assault weapons in 2004 after being in effect for ban that expired in 2004 would a decade. Democratic Senators have a difficult time winning pas- Dianne Feinstein of California sage in the Republican-controlled and Richard Blumenthal of The Met Locomotive 1, built in 1898, travels down London’s Metropolitan Line yesterday to mark the 150th anniversary of the Tube network. House of Representatives and Connecticut are expected to Democratic-led Senate. introduce legislation on reviving “An assault weapons stand- the assault-weapons ban. alone ban — on just guns alone The gun control debate has been Steam train chugs through London’s Tube system ... in the political reality that we heating up since the Connecticut have today, will not go anywhere,” massacre. The issue even came up Democratic Senator Joe Manchin during the Miss America pageant LONDON: Tourists waiting for through from the engine. It was same track used by modern day Sam Mullins, director of the of West Virginia, himself a gun on Saturday night in Las Vegas. their morning subway train to just extraordinary. We had steam Tube services. The train was vis- London Transport Museum, said: owner, told the CNN programme Miss New York, Mallory Hytes Madame Tussauds were treated coming in through the windows, ible passing through a number of “It gave you an elusive hint of what State of the Union. Hagan, the eventual winner, was to an unusual sight yesterday: huge thick clouds of white steam stations on its 36-minute journey, it might have been like to travel National Rifle Association asked during the competition a 19th-century steam engine going past and then bits of soot including Earl’s Court, High Street in 1863. (NRA) President David Keene whether armed guards should be chugging down the tracks. coming through from the engine. Kensington, Euston and King’s “It was almost a little surreal, signalled little appetite for com- put in schools. Transit officials sent the Met “It was fascinating, as the train Cross, before it reached Moorgate you’re sitting in a wonderfully promise as the White House “I don’t think the proper way Locomotive 1, built in 1898, down started to go up from Kensington at 10.30am. Normal Tube services restored Victorian railway car- mulls action on gun violence to fight violence is with violence,” London’s Metropolitan Line to to Notting Hill you could feel the ran at the same time. riage, looking out through steam after the Decemebr 14 massacre Hagan said, indicating that she mark the 150th anniversary of the engine really strain, but as we lev- Steam train restorer Geoff onto a 21st Century metro plat- of 20 children and six adults at a opposes the idea championed by capital’s Tube network, the world’s elled off it picked up a lot of speed. Phelps said he had lived “every form with pressed aluminium. Connecticut elementary school. the NRA after the Newtown mas- oldest. You could see how the Victorians boy’s dream” by driving the train. “It shows that this isn’t just “What we put the brakes on is sacre. The NRA has a long his- Hundreds of train fans, cos- were able to run a very timely When asked to explain the pop- something that works for railway anything that simply takes away tory of influence in Washington. tume-wearing enthusiasts, and service.” ularity of today’s event, he replied: enthusiasts. Steam engines and the a person’s Second Amendment It spends heavily on political races curious onlookers gathered at Specially invited passengers “It’s the noise and the smells. A London story of the Underground right for no good reason,” Keene and says it has four million mem- platforms and bridges across moved off from Kensington steam engine is a living thing, you has a wider currency. As you told the CNN show, referring to bers. The group criticised the the city to watch as the loco- Olympia Tube station in west hear them coming from a distance looked to the platforms, everybody the US Constitution’s guarantee White House effort after meeting motive travelled non-stop from London aboard the steam train. and you hear them when they’ve had a smile on their face.” of the right to bear arms. with Biden on Thursday. Kensington Olympia station in Hundreds of rail enthusiasts, gone.” The passengers were in the The first stretch of the world “The likelihood is that they Appearing on Fox News Sunday, the west to Moorgate station in families and interested onlookers restored Metropolitan Railway famous network opened on January are not going to be able to get Larry Pratt, executive director central London. took up positions at stations and carriage No 353, which was built 9 1863 — between Paddington and an assault weapons ban through of another gun rights group, Gun London Mayor Boris Johnson on bridges to catch a glimpse of in 1892, as well as a set of Chesham Farringdon — when it was known this Congress,” Keene said. Asked Owners of America, said: “We was among the invited passen- the train, as it travelled non-stop coaches on loan from the Bluebell as the Metropolitan Railway. about new limits on high-capacity don’t think that there is much gers aboard the historic black- to Moorgate station in the City of Railway in Sussex. Earlier this week, Google ammunition clips, he added: “I likelihood that the Congress is and-red locomotive. He said the London. Making up the train was the marked the anniversary with a don’t think ultimately they are going to move on making gun- trip was “romantic,” describing Spectators at Underground No 12 Sarah Siddons — one of the Google Doodle design that spelt going to get that either.” control laws worse than they are.” “thick clouds of white steam going stations were covered in steam as world’s oldest electric locomotives out the search engine’s name. Biden, who heads a task force REUTERS past and then bits of soot coming the train made its way along the in service which was built in 1922. AGENCIES

Top Venezuelan leaders in Cuba to support Chavez

CARACAS: Venezuela’s three Castro over the weekend. But most powerful government there were no details of the figures after President Hugo talks. Chavez gathered in Havana The presence of Venezuelan yesterday to check on their officials in Havana deepens ailing leader’s condition and rumours Chavez is at death’s meet with Cuban allies. door — and draws opposition Vice-President Nicolas criticism that Raul and Fidel Maduro, Congress head Castro are giving instructions Diosdado Cabello, and Oil behind the scenes. But officials Minister Rafael Ramirez have have been lashing “necrophilic” been shuttling to and from opponents for such speculation, Cuba since the 58-year-old and Chavez’s brother said on socialist president’s fourth and Saturday that, on the contrary, most serious cancer operation a he was improving daily. month ago. One opposition leader, Julio Chavez, who missed his own Borges, said yesterday the inauguration for a new, six- secrecy around Chavez’s exact year term last week, has not condition was unacceptable. been seen or heard from in Cuban President Raul Castro (left) welcomes Venezuelan Congress “No one is asking for details public since the surgery. Many head Diosdado Cabello on his arrival in Havana with Oil Minister Rafael of the operation or the presi- Venezuelans are assuming his Ramirez (centre) at the Jose Marti International Airport, yesterday. dent’s treatment, but that sim- momentous 14-year rule of the ply they tell the truth about his South American Opec nation at numerous solidarity rallies, Villegas said Maduro, who health prognosis,” said Borges, a could be nearing an end. meetings and concerts across Chavez recently designated right-wing legislator who wants Though acknowledging the Venezuela over the weekend as his successor, informed Chavez formally declared absent gravity of the situation and a drawing thousands of passion- Venezuela’s leader of the out- from office. severe lung infection Chavez is ate and anxious supporters. pouring at home. He gave no That would trigger the nam- suffering, officials are trying to Venezuelan state TV yester- more details of their encounter ing of a caretaker president, and stay upbeat on the president’s day split its screen into four to or the president’s condition. an election within a month, but hopes for recovery. His brother show events going on around the State media said Maduro, Venezuela’s Supreme Court has on Saturday denied that Chavez nation. “Commander, take your Cabello, Ramirez — who also ratified that Chavez remains was in a coma. time returning to us,” Trujillo heads the powerful state president with Maduro in “We are all Chavez!” and state Governor Henry Rangel oil company PDVSA — and charge as No. 2 until his health “Chavez will return!” were said at one. Attorney General Cilia Flores situation is clarified. among slogans sang and chanted Information Minister Ernesto all met Cuban President Raul REUTERS MONDAY 14 JANUARY 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES President sacks Sri Lanka chief justice Blow to judicial independence: Activists

COLOMBO: Sri Lankan President newspaper said Rajapaksa had Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday offered to allow her to retire and so sacked the chief justice by ratify- avoid impeachment during a meet- ing a controversial parliamentary ing on Saturday with other supreme vote, defying international calls for court judges, but a source close to restraint and plunging the country Bandaranayake said that she was not into a constitutional crisis. amenable. Shirani Bandaranayake, the first Rajapaksa’s spokesman would not woman to hold the office of top judge, comment on what was discussed in had issued several decisions at odds Saturday’s meeting. with the government. Rajapaksa dis- The ruling party initially framed missed her after a closed-door meet- 14 charges of financial, professional ing with other judges on Saturday, and personal misconduct against according to a presidential spokesman. Bandaranayake, but later cleared The move came despite mount- her of financial wrongdoing and con- ing calls on the president to halt the victed her only on three counts of impeachment, which is seen by rights misconduct. groups and Western nations as a blow to Legislators had found her guilty judicial independence in a country just of tampering with a case involving a emerging from decades of ethnic war. company from which her sister had Parliament voted on Friday to bought an apartment, of failing to Commuters ride on the roof of a train as they come back to the city after attending the final prayer of Biswa Ijtema in Dhaka, yesterday. approve an impeachment report declare dormant bank accounts, and that last week had been quashed of staying in office while her husband by the country’s highest court, faced a bribery charge. Three million join World Muslim Congress which ruled that the process was Bandaranayake has denied all the unconstitutional. allegations against her. She walked The United States and Britain out of a parliamentary select com- TONGI, BANGLADESH: At Organiser Nurul Islam said in the Muslim-majority coun- second largest annual gathering expressed deep concern at the vote. mittee hearing last month after least three million Muslims Indian imam Jobayer Hasan, try, as people took trains, buses of Muslims in the world, after “The president this morning accusing government legislators of gathered to pray on the banks a leader of Tablig Jamaat, an and private cars to attend the the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in signed the letter removing Shirani verbally abusing her and not giving of a river near the Bangladeshi Islamic group that has been prayer. Saudi Arabia. Bandaranayake from the office of her a fair trial. capital as the world’s second- holding the event since 1964, For the last three days It became so popular among chief justice,” Rajapaksa’s spokesman The government launched the largest annual Islamic congre- conducted the prayer in Urdu, devotees have braved chill- Bangladeshi Muslims, mostly Mohan Samaranayake said. impeachment in November after gation ended yesterday. seeking divine help for the ing temperatures as they rural poor who can’t afford the The Lawyers’ Collective, which a spate of supreme court decisions Devotees flocked to the River world’s 1.5 billion Muslims. prayed and listened to Islamic Hajj, that the organisers started represents most of the nation’s 11,000 went against the administration of Turag at Tongi, some 40km “We’ve estimated that more scholars in marquees, with hosting the event in two phases lawyers who have been boycotting Rajapaksa, who has tightened his north of Dhaka, as an imam than three million people joined Bangladesh experiencing its last year. work since Thursday to protest the hold on power after crushing Tamil from India led the concluding the final prayer. Some eight to coldest winter since inde- The second phase, which also impeachment move, said they would Tiger rebels in May 2009 following a prayer of the Biswa Ijtema, or 10km of road leading to the pendence in 1971. lasts three days, will begin on not accept Rajapaksa’s decision. decades-long long ethnic war. World Muslim Congregation. venue were clogged up with Tablig Jamaat, a non-political January 18. “We salute her for her courage, Among other rulings, Local television stations people,” he said, adding that organisation which has tens of Bangladesh is the world’s leadership and steadfastness in fac- Bandaranayake stalled a bill that broadcast images of pilgrims around 30,000 foreigners joined millions of followers across the third-largest Muslim-majority ing one of the most unreasonable sought to grant greater political and crying as they raised their hands the congregation. globe, urges people to follow the nation, with Muslims making and irrational inquiries ever faced financial power to the president’s in prayer on both banks of the The normally congested tenets of Islam in their daily up nearly 90 percent of its 152 by a person holding such an exalted youngest brother Basil, who is the river, and on bridges, roads and streets of Dhaka looked lives. million population. office in a democratic country,” the economic development minister. rooftops along the venue. deserted yesterday, a week day The Biswa Ijtema is the AFP Collective said. Privately run newspapers in “Shirani Bandaranayake remains Sri Lanka yesterday had urged the Chief Justice, notwithstanding Rajapaksa to reconsider and avoid a being unconstitutionally removed.” constitutional crisis. The main opposition United “In the coming week, what stands Toddler eaten National Party also rejected the between possible constitutional anar- Gun ban takes effect in Philippines sacking. chy and the rule of law is the inter- The Commonwealth had asked vention of the president,” the Sunday by wild animal Rajapaksa on Saturday to reflect on Times said in an editorial. MANILA: A ban on carrying firearms went Aquino — himself a gun enthusiast. the “constitutional and other rami- The Sunday Island said the chief into force in the Philippines yesterday before Aquino had earlier rejected calls to declare a fications” at a time when Sri Lanka justice was not given a fair hear- in Nepal local elections, amid growing debate about the permanent, total gun ban as a knee-jerk reaction is preparing to host the 54-member ing and the impeachment had only need for stricter controls following a series of following high-profile gun-related deaths since group’s next summit later this year. “blackened” the country’s image. village: Police shooting deaths. the start of the year. Sri Lanka’s Sunday Times AFP The ban will end on June 13 and is meant to Two children died from bullet wounds caused curb violence linked to mid-term elections in by celebratory gunfire from New Year revellers. KATHMANDU: A wild ani- May, when the country elects thousands of local Just a few days later a drug-crazed gunman mal thought to be a jackal officials ranging from governors to senators. shot dead seven people during a 30-minute ram- dragged away and devoured “We have set up random checkpoints across page on the outskirts of Manila, before police a two-year-old girl in Nepal’s the country,” to enforce the ban, Commission killed him. southern plains, police said yes- on Elections spokesman James Jimenez said on And on Sunday last week security forces shot terday, in a rare fatal attack radio station DZMM. 13 alleged criminals dead. targeting humans. Jimenez said the campaign would likely lead to Rights monitors have said the proliferation of The toddler was snatched as arrests soon, though none had happened in the unlicensed guns fuels a sense of impunity across she played alone by a sugarcane first hours of the ban. the Philippines, where some politicians employ plantation near her home in the The ban covers the carrying of firearms, the private militias to threaten rivals and voters. district of Mahottari, bordering hiring of armed bodyguards by candidates and According to police data, there were 1.2 million India, on Saturday and found dead the transporting of arms, explosives, raw materi- registered firearms in the Philippines as of last the following morning by locals als or parts, the elections body said. year, with roughly another 600,000 unlicensed who said only her head remained Exempted from the ban were members of firearms in circulation. intact. the police, armed forces and President Benigno AFP “The body of the child was found at the bank of a river 300 metres from her house yester- day morning,” said local police officer Jaya Narayan Yadav. “The remains of her body Hazardous smog chokes Beijing looked similar to the remains of a goat eaten by a jackal. The wild animal had eaten the flesh and BEIJING: Beijing endured a third day of front page of his newspaper today. there was only the remains of pollution at hazardous levels yesterday, as Beijing-based Ai, 55, an outspoken critic of the skeleton of the chest and the authorities warned that a thick cloud of smog China’s communist government, posted three bones of the legs. may not lift from the Chinese capital until pictures of himself on Twitter standing against a “Since there is a sugarcane midweek. white background wearing a gas mask, his beard plantation near the village, While those venturing outside wore face frizzing out beneath. But he did not make any we suspect that the animal masks, dissident Chinese artist Ai Weiwei went verbal comment. that killed the child could be one step further, posting pictures of himself on Beijing’s municipal environment warning cen- jackal.” Twitter in a gas mask. tre issued its second alert in two days, warning The Indian or Himalayan As the dense smog shrouded large swathes of people to avoid outdoor physical activity. jackal, which is similar in northern China, flights were cancelled and traffic The centre also urged government officials to appearance to a small wolf and delayed as visibility was reduced to 100 metres set an example to other residents, by not using can carry rabies, is abundant in in some areas. their cars. Nepal’s southern Terai plains The dangerously poor air quality was high- Air quality in Beijing showed small airborne and shelters in holes in dense lighted by a steady stream of news broadcasts on particles with a diameter small enough to deeply brush on the outskirts of villages state television, many of which warned residents penetrate the lungs at a reading as high as and farms. against venturing outside. 993 micrograms per cubic metre on Saturday It is primarily a scavenger The pollution also provoked China’s huge evening, the warning centre said. which eats garbage and offal, number of microbloggers to take to the Internet, The World Health Organisation says the figure although it is known to supple- with some high-profile web-users calling for a for such particles, known as PM2.5, should ideally ment its diet with rodents, rep- re-evaluation of China’s rampant modernisation. be no more than 25 micrograms per cubic metre. tiles, fruit and insects and does Rapid economic growth has led to a dramatic High levels have been linked to health prob- occasionally kill poultry, goats and increase in the consumption of coal and clogged lems including respiratory disease, heart disease lambs. city streets with cars. and lung cancer. While jackals frequently bite “The foreign media is laughing at us. I agree A reading shown on the United States embassy villagers, fatal attacks are rare, with their laughter,” said Hu Xijin, the editor of website in Beijing was above 800 micrograms although a jackal dragged a the state-run Global Times newspaper on Weibo, per cubic metre at the height of the pollution three-month-old from the back- China’s version of Twitter. Saturday. But it was at 375 at 5pm yesterday yard of her home in the same “This is a warning to the Government and (0900 GMT). area in July, killing the baby and Beijing’s citizens. We have to think about what Official PM2.5 figures have only been moni- dumping her body in a paddy kind of modernisation we want and how to man- tored in China’s major cities since the beginning field. age it.” of last year. AFP Hu said the pollution issue would be on the AFP MONDAY 14 JANUARY 2013 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 14 Pakistani soldiers killed by roadside bomb Mujahideen Ansar group says attack was in retaliation for the government’s complicity in drone strikes

MIRANSHAH: A roadside dominated by Uzbek fighters, Thousands of Pakistani soldiers foreign fighters to unite because the Pakistani army but sup- his deputy. The two men recently bomb killed as many as 14 claimed responsibility and said are stationed in North Waziristan. “the enemy is trying to divide and ported attacks on Nato forces in appeared together in a video to Pakistani soldiers in the north- the attack was retaliation for the The ceasefire did not apply to rule us”. Afghanistan. deny the allegations. ern border region of North Pakistani army’s complicity in the rest of the country, where The Taliban have formed alli- The attack was widely believed The decision to halt attacks Waziristan yesterday, military drone strikes. The group is allied there are often fierce clashes ances with a number of other mil- to be the work of rival Taliban against the Pakistani army in officials said, a day after the to Pakistan Taliban fighters. between the Taliban and secu- itant groups in North Waziristan commanders, and the Wazir tribe North Waziristan could signal Pakistani Taliban leader called Pakistan frequently protest rity services. The mountainous who are violently opposed to the ordered Hakimullah Mehsud’s the Pakistani Taliban’s intention for attacks on the military in publicly about US drone strikes tribal region of North Waziristan Pakistani state. Some Taliban tribe out of their lands. to help the Afghan Taliban fight the area to stop. but has not taken any legal steps along the Afghan border is a key commanders are divided over Mullah Nazir was killed in a US-led Nato forces in the neigh- The explosion occurred on a to end them. stronghold of the Taliban and al- whether the Pakistani state or drone strike this month and it is bouring country, or focus more road about 50km south of the On Saturday, Hakimullah Qaeda. South Waziristan is under Nato forces are their top target. unclear if his successor will con- closely on attacking Western tar- provincial capital of Miranshah. Mehsud, the leader of the Tehrik- the control of the Wazir tribe, Those divisions were laid bare tinue his policies, or what rela- gets inside Pakistan. Twenty-one soldiers were e-Taliban Pakistan, had circulated who have a peace deal with the in November by an attempted tionship the Wazir tribe will have Or it could be more specifically wounded in the attack, senior a leaflet calling for an end to Pakistani military. suicide attack on Mullah Nazir, a with the Mehsud tribe. aimed at unifying local factions. army officials said. the Taliban’s infrequent attacks It was unclear if the leaflet was top militant commander from the Pakistani army officials have Mehsud’s statement specifically A spokesman for the on Pakistani soldiers in North related to rumours of splits in the Wazir tribe in South Waziristan. also told Reuters that there are addressed both foreign fighters Mujahideen Ansar, a group Waziristan. movement. It called on local and He had signed a peace deal with tensions between Mehsud and and local Taliban. REUTERS

Malala’s father cautions on unauthorised fundraising

LONDON: Ziauddin Yousafzai, for Malala’s well-being. I am only the father of Malala Yousafzai, the endorsing the hospital and the Vital Pakistani girl who has received Voices funds set up for education of international acclaim for stand- poor girls.” ing up to the Taliban and surviv- The issue first came to surface ing an assassination attempt, has when Ahmed Shehzad launched the appealed to the general public to controversial project in the Houses of donate money only to the Malala Parliament in mid-November under Fund set up by the Queen Elizabeth the banner of Human Rights Society Hospital in Birmingham, and the of Pakistan-UK Chapter. Vital Voices or as per the advice He claimed that the project had of Pakistan High Commission in support of Lord Nazir Ahmed, Lord London. Qurban Hussain and Pakistan High Ziauddin’s appeal comes after Commission but all have denied reports emerged that individuals and knowing the full details of the organisations were gearing to set up projects and specifically distanced appeals to raise funds in the name themselves from any “financial” of Malala, the 15-years-old brave girl aspect of the project. shot in the head by Taliban in Swat. The brochures for Malala Education Ziauddin issued the appeal after a School Project carry account details fundraising appeal Malala Education and names of at least 25 supporters School Project — was launched to from British Pakistani community build a school in Swat, without but many of them have said they had seeking consent from Malala or her no idea their name was being used. family. Lord Nazir Ahmed, whose name According to details, several has been put down as Patron of the British Pakistani figures visited the organisation, said: “I have nothing hospital where Malala was being to do with any fundraising effort in treated, posed with Ziauddin and the name of Malala. I support good Pakistani Shia families protest with coffins of bomb blast victims in Quetta, yesterday. sent out their pictures to media as causes, run to benefit needy people proof that Ziauddin had approved but I never get involved in financial their efforts but Ziauddin has stated matters.” that he has not endorsed any char- A spokesman at the Charity ity and no visitor ever discussed any Commission said that “there is no Shia protests spread to main port city project with him. registered charity under the name of Ziauddin yesterday said: “Many Human Rights Society of Pakistan or QUETTA, Pakistan: sat alongside the coffins of two Police have already sealed off prime minister recommend- Pakistanis visited and got pictures Malala Girls Schools Project. From Protests against attacks on of her sons. portions of the capital in antic- ing the chief minister for made with me but nothing was our register it doesn’t look like any- Shias spread across Pakistan “They were my everything,” ipation of the march against Balochistan province be fired. mentioned about fundraising and one’s applied for registration using yesterday as the prime minis- she wept. “Sitting here will not government corruption, led by The head of police and the we thought it was only a visit to ask Malala’s name”. INTERNEWS ter flew to the western city of bring them back but it is our Sufi cleric Muhammad Tahirul paramilitary Frontier Corps Quetta to meet mourners who right to protest.” Qadri. which has primary responsibil- refused to bury their dead Islamic tradition demands Prime Minister Raja Pervez ity for security in the province, until the government prom- that the dead be buried as soon Ashraf Quetta left early on should also be replaced, said ised them better protection as possible. Leaving the bodies of Sunday to address local lead- human rights minister Mustafa from Sunni militants. loved ones above ground for so ers in Quetta, said presidential Khokhar. The protests were triggered long is such a potent expression aide Naveed Chaudhry. So far, “The government has miser- by twin bombings on Thursday of grief and pain that many peo- the government has not made ably failed to protect the rights targetting Shi’ite ethnic Hazaras ple in other cities held protests any public statement about the of its citizens,” he said. in Quetta, capital of Balochistan and vigils in solidarity. attacks. Sectarian killings have been province. The attacks, claimed Protests took place in five The Shias want the army to rising in Pakistan even as deaths by the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi mili- areas in the commercial capi- take action against the Lashkar- from other militant violence tant group, killed at least 96 tal Karachi, home to 18 million e-Jhangvi, to guarantee their have dropped. Human Rights people. people. security and for the provincial Watch says bombings and gun- Thousands of Hazaras have Protesters blocked the rail- government to be fired. men killed more than 400 Shias been holding vigils at the site of way lines and the road con- “We will keep protesting until last year and this year may be the attacks beside the shrouded necting the airport to the city. our demands are met,” said Raja even more bloody. victims and were preparing for Hundreds also gathered outside Nasir Abbas, the secretary Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, whose a third night outside in the cold the president’s private house. general of Majlis-e-Wahdat-ul- roots are in the heartland and rain. The demonstrations have Muslimeen, a national organisa- Punjab province, wants to expel “We want assurances that the coincided with another, previ- tion of Shia groups and clerics. Shias from Pakistan, where they killers will be arrested so our ously planned, protest due to Two ministers and three make up about 20 percent of the younger children will not die arrive in the capital Islamabad other high-ranking officials country’s 180 million population. also,” said Sakina Bibi, 56, who today. wrote to the president and REUTERS

Seven Afghan civilians Karachi reptile show huge draw KARACHI: A reptile show sand boa, cobra, corn snake, perish in mosque blast has opened at the Karachi rat snake, common krait, yel- Zoological Gardens attract- low cobra and Russell Viper. KABUL: At least seven civil- conducted a night raid in the ing over the weekend a large However, much to visitors’ sur- ians were killed in a blast area, and was aware of reports number of visitors. prise, none of them was tagged. inside a mosque in eastern of an explosion once the team The event generated a lot of “It seems that the show has Afghanistan overnight shortly had left. He added no civil- excitement among visitors who been organised in a hurry. The after a joint foreign forces- ians were killed in the joint got an opportunity to have a display boxes covered with card- Afghan operation in the area operation. closer look at and even touch boards are not safe as snakes killed four Taliban fighters, Night raids and civilian casu- reptiles. There were a few can easily escape,” said a visi- local officials said yesterday. alties have been major sources enthusiasts who let a python tor. Junaid Jimmy, from a non- The explosion occurred in the of friction between the Afghan wrap itself around their necks. governmental organisation, said Sayed Abad district of Wardak government and its Western “It’s the first time in my life that he was involved in reptile province at about 2am local backers, and have led to large that I have touched a python conservation, said that he kept time (2130 GMT on Saturday), protests and violence. and a snake. Earlier, I had only around 300 snake species, largely said provincial governor spokes- The Taliban and Wardak watched them on TV,” said a local species, and a few pythons man Sahihullah Shahid. police said an ISAF air strike teenage girl visiting the show at his farm outside the city. “A convoy of Afghan and killed the civilians, but the coali- along with her family. “We don’t sell reptiles. We foreign troops came under tion said no aircraft were used. The species were: three conserve indigenous species fire from insurgents inside the The ISAF spokesman said Indian rock pythons (two nine- and breed them. That’s why mosque ... Seven villagers were the joint force was fired at by to 12-foot-long while another most of our exhibits are those killed by an explosion after the Taliban fighters from a nearby sub-adult), 10 to 12 snakes (both we caught after they got injured operation,” Shahid told Reuters. building which is believed to be poisonous and non-poisonous) in traffic on highways,” he said, A spokesman for Nato’s used as a mosque. The soldiers species, an albino Burmese claiming that no one except International Security returned fire, killing four insur- python, two baby marsh croco- himself in the country had a yel- Assistance Force (ISAF) said gents, he said. diles and a desert lizard. low cobra imported from Iran. a joint special forces team REUTERS The snake species included INTERNEWS MONDAY 14 JANUARY 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Six arrested in new Polio vaccination drive bus gang rape case Policemen blamed for not enforcing checks on buses

AMRITSAR: Six men have Saturday. The attack is disturb- Madhya Pradesh, a convicted been arrested over the rape of a ingly similar to the December rapist who abducted a schoolgirl passenger on a coach in the city, 16 gang rape and murder of a in his car had his driving licence police said, weeks after the gang 23-year-old student in Delhi, cancelled, the Indian Express rape and murder of a student where five men are on trial in a reported, after the transport on a bus in New Delhi sparked case that has fuelled anger across department previously announced nationwide protests. India over the alarming incidence the licences of all convicted rap- The victim had boarded the of sexual assault. ists would be revoked. bus to her in-laws’ home in the Partap Singh Bajwa, a local Protesters have called for the northern state of Punjab when Congress Party politician in police to be more vigilant and she was abducted on Friday and Punjab, where the latest reported sensitive to the growing reality driven to a district bordering the gang rape took place blamed the of sexual assault against women, Sikh holy city of Amritsar, local police for not enforcing stringent after details emerged of the New police officer Raj Jeet Singh said. checks on buses operating in the Delhi attack. Five men joined the driver state. Police and prosecutors have and conductor, who had taken “It all happened due to laxity outlined how the alleged rapists her by motorbike to an unknown of police as they never bother to picked up the student and her address, and took turns to rape check out the buses moving on male companion in a school bus the victim before dropping her national highways during night which they had taken for a joyride off near her in-laws’ village on time,” Bajwa said. after drinking heavily. President Pranab Mukherjee administering polio vaccination to a child during the launch of a round of nation- Saturday morning, he said. In a separate incident in The bus would have had to wide vaccinations at the Presidential Palace in New Delhi, yesterday. The government has spent $2bn over “Six men have been arrested western India, police arrested cross numerous police check- the last 10-15 years on polio eradication efforts. on allegations of having raped a a 32-year-old man for allegedly points at that time of night but 29-year-old woman... after for- abducting, raping and killing a at no stage was the vehicle pulled cibly taking her to an unknown nine-year-old girl. over by officers. location on the night of January Police said the suspect allegdly After getting into an argument 11,” the policeman said, adding kidnapped the child on December with the woman’s male compan- Mamata government afraid that a seventh suspect was being 28 last year in the temple town ion, the group allegedly beat him hunted. of Shirdi in Maharashtra state up and raped the victim in the “After raping the victim before dumping her body near back of the bus while driving throughout the night, one of the the railway station, where it was around Delhi for some 45 min- of being red-carded: CPI-M accused dropped her near her discovered on Friday night. utes. They also sexually assaulted in-laws’ house the next morning The suspect was released from the woman with a rusting metal where she narrated the whole prison in May after his sen- bar, leaving her with severe intes- KOLKATA: The CPI-M veteran Abdur Rezzak Mollah, Industries Minister Partha incident to her two sisters-in-law.” tence for the rape and murder of tinal injuries, before hurling her yesterday said the Mamata injured, Narayanan said the situ- Chatterjee twice to Narayanan. He said the extent of her inju- another girl was commuted from out of the vehicle. She died in a Banerjee-led West Bengal gov- ation was akin to “some kind of Though there has been no offi- ries had yet to be established. 17 to 10 years for good behaviour. Singapore hospital 13 days after ernment was making desperate goondaism”. cial word on what transpired at Police arrested the men late on In the central Indian state of the attack. AFP efforts to placate Governor M A day later, Mukherjee criti- the talks, speculation is rife that K Narayanan since it was now cised Narayanan for “speaking Chatterjee was sent as a damage afraid of being “red-carded” by like a politician” and called him control measure. the central government. a “Congress-appointed constitu- On Saturday, Narayanan and “The state Congress has said tional head”. Banerjee met for the first time if you red-card the governor, Speaking to mediapersons, after the controversy broke out New Delhi will also show the Mukherjee also said: “We have at the inauguration of the World red card to you. So the Chief shown Narayanan the yellow card Youth Festival. Both seemed com- Minister Mamata Banerjee has now. If the time comes, we will fortable and pally with each other. become afraid,” Communist Party hand the red card. We are keep- The former chief minister of India-Marxist (CPI-M) state ing a watch on him.” Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee accused secretariat member and former This prompted state Congress the West Bengal government of minister Gautam Deb said at a chief Pradip Bhattacharya to squandering money on self pro- party rally. remark: “If the state government motion instead of creating jobs. Deb’s comments came in the talks of showing the yellow card “The constant refrain is all wake of a spat between Narayanan to the governor, then the central work has been done. Sometimes and Panchayat Minister Subrata government can also show the red it is being said 90 percent of Mukherjee that resulted in the card to the Mamata regime.” the work is complete. We ruled minister being removed as gov- The governor, on his part, West Bengal for 34 years. But we ernment spokesman. firmly retorted that he stood could never think of saying such After the CPI-M-Trinamool by whatever he had said, while things,” he told the rally. Congress clashes in Bhangar Mukherjee also stuck to his He launched a blistering attack Punjab police personnel present the six arrested men, accused of gang rape in Amritsar, for an appearance in in South 24 Parganas district position. on the government for “non-per- court in Gurdaspur, yesterday. that left many, including CPI-M However, Banerjee then sent formance”. IANS

Voluntary arrest campaign Himachal minister is just 10 digits away

SHIMLA: The Himachal Pradesh transport minister will soon be available on his mobile phone 24x7 to address griev- ances of commuters and check incidents of misbehaviour on state-run buses. G S Bali said that he had told the Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corp (HRTC) to dis- play his phone number 98160 35297 on all buses. In his second stint as transport minister, Bali has said his number will be painted on all 1,200 luxury and ordinary buses of HRTC. “Last time (2003-07) also when I was the transport minister I displayed my number on all the buses. At that time, the response from the public was good,” he said. HRTC is also planning to start all-women buses. “Initially we will start special buses for women on some routes during evening hours,” he added. Initially, Family members hold photographs of their arrested relatives during a voluntary arrest campaign in these buses will ply in Shimla, Srinagar, the summer capital of the Jammu and Kashmir State, yesterday. Activists of Jammu and Dharamsala and Kangra towns. Kashmir Liberation Front for the fifth time offered themselves for voluntary arrests, to protest life sen- tences handed to separatist activists by courts. Police question MIM leader for hate speech Poll, economy to dominate Cong meet HYDERABAD: Police con- NEW DELHI: Issues like United Progressive Alliance Achieving growth amid a tinued to question Majlis-e- pre- and post-poll alliances was formed after the poll. slowdown in the economy and Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) and women’s empowerment According to party sources, foreign policy issues are also MIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi besides political and economic the Jaipur meeting will see likely to be debated during for a second day yesterday for challenges are likely to domi- around 300 delegates from all the Chintan Shivir, said the his hate speech. Investigating nate the Congress ‘Chintan over the country discuss pre- sources. officers began questioning the Shivir’ at Jaipur from Friday and post-poll alliances, women’s The various sub-groups, legislator at 10am in Adilabad to Sunday when party lead- empowerment and political formed by the party to prepare town, about 300km from here. ers will meet to work out a and economic challenges fac- discussion papers on the politi- Police said the MIM leader was strategy for the next general ing the country on the first cal, economic and social issues, being questioned in the presence elections. two days. The outcomes will have submitted their reports of his two lawyers as directed by The last such session was be approved by an All India which will be reviewed by a court in Nirmal town, which held in 2003 in Shimla, before Congress Committee session Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi, sent him to police custody for the Congress came to power to be attended by around 1,200 said the sources. five days. in 2004 general elections. The leaders on Sunday. IANS IANS MONDAY 14 JANUARY 2013 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 India, Pakistan armies to hold border talks Local commander meet at LoC today

NEW DELHI/JAMMU: Military Indian army denied any of its troops officials from India and Pakistan breached the control line, but said there will hold talks today at the Line of had been an exchange of fire. Control (LoC), which divides disputed Two days later, further south along Kashmir, to defuse tensions after a the LoC in the Mendhar district, two series of deadly attacks in the region, Indian soldiers were killed in a thick for- Indian army officials said. est after what Indian officials said was Four soldiers were killed last week a deep incursion into their territory by in the worst outbreak of violence in Pakistani forces. The head of one of the Kashmir since the nuclear-armed neigh- bodies had been “badly severed”, accord- bours agreed a ceasefire nearly a decade ing to Indian officials. ago. On Thursday, hostilities erupted again “Yes the two sides will be meeting in another part of the ceasefire line, and today. This is a local commander meet,” this time Pakistan said one of its soldiers Colonel Rajesh Kalia, a spokesman for was killed. The latest firing in Krishna Indian Army’s Northern Command, said Ghati sector in Poonch began overnight by phone. at 10 and continued an hour past mid- Another army spokesman, Colonel night on Saturday, an official said. Jagdeep Dahiya, said in New Delhi that The military said the firing was a viola- the meeting would take place in Mendhar, tion of the ceasefire effective on the LoC the scene of one of the deadly attacks, at since 2003, and the Indian Army offered a 1pm. India had been seeking a brigadier- “calibrated response to silence Pakistani level meeting to discuss escalating ten- guns”. “Pakistani troops used medium sions on the LoC but Pakistan, which had and heavy machine gun fire. There was called for a UN probe into the incidents, no loss of life or injury on the Indian side,” responded only yesterday. a source said. Border Security Force soldiers patrol along the India-Pakistan border fence about 27km from Wagah, yesterday. The two countries have fought three Trade between the Indian and wars since their independence in 1947, Pakistani Kashmir, which takes place gates on the LoC. An official in the meet their relatives will expire today. takes place at Chakan da Bagh in two of them over the Himalayan region four days a week (Tuesday to Friday), Poonch administration said that the “We will have to work on getting their Poonch district of Jammu region and of Kashmir. stopped on Wednesday when Pakistani visas of more than 30 Pakistanis who visa extended,” he said. at Salamabad in the Kashmir Valley. India considers the entire region of authorities did not open the border have come to Jammu and Kashmir to The cross-LoC bus travel and trade REUTERS/IANS snow-capped mountains and fertile val- leys an integral part of its territory. Pakistan contests that and demands implementation of a 1948 UN Security Council resolution for a plebiscite to Only UN can find the truth, say Pakistani dailies determine the wishes of the mostly Muslim people of Kashmir. NEW DELHI/ISLAMABAD: Only the UNMOGIP (UN Military Observer agreement, it said, aims to settle differ- be established.” “If Pakistan and India India-Pakistan ties had shown signs of the UN can find the truth behind the Group in India and Pakistan). ences between India and Pakistan “by cannot establish the truth themselves improving in the past year after souring India-Pakistan clashes on the LoC in The first group of UN military peaceful means through bilateral nego- through cooperation and in an impar- again in 2008 when gunmen killed 166 Jammu and Kashmir if the two coun- observers arrived in January 1949 to tiations or by any other peaceful means tial manner, then there is no better people in Mumbai in a three-day ram- tries cannot establish the facts them- supervise the ceasefire between India mutually agreed upon”. forum than the UNMOGIP to do so,” it page. India blames a Pakistan militant selves through cooperation, say two and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir “Mercifully, the two governments have maintained. group for the massacre. leading Pakistani dailies. after the hostilities of 1948. These decided not to exacerbate matters,” the The News International said it was Firing and small skirmishes are com- There was “no better forum” than a observers are under the command of Dawn said. “precisely this type of event that the mon along the 740km LoC despite a UN observer group for this task, the the military adviser appointed by the On Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina (UN) group is best placed to adjudicate ceasefire that was agreed in 2003. The Karachi-based Dawn said in an editorial. UN secretary-general. Rabbani Khar’s statement that bor- on”. Indian army says eight of its soldiers were The News International, also from Stressing that New Delhi cannot der clashes should not be allowed to Stressing that bilateral mechanisms killed in 2012, in 75 incidents of ceasefire Karachi, said that considering the “bypass” UNMOGIP this time, the Dawn derail the India-Pakistan peace proc- were unlikely to produce “much beyond violations. gravity of the dispute, it would sup- said India keeps referring to the 1972 ess, it said: “That doesn’t mean that further disagreement”, it said third- On January 7, a Pakistani soldier was port the Pakistani government’s plan to Shimla pact to keep away third parties the facts regarding these recent LoC party oversight and analysis was appro- killed in what Islamabad said was a cross- have an independent enquiry through in India-Pakistan conflicts. The Shimla (Line of Control) incidents should not priate. IANS border raid mounted by the Indians. The

Biggest Hindu festival begins in Allahabad ALLAHABAD: Organisers of the biggest Hindu religious fes- tival, which starts on the banks of the river Ganges today, said they were ready for the tens of millions of pilgrims expected to attend. The Kumbh Mela, which takes place on a 12-year cycle and will last 55 days, is being held in the northern city of Allahabad where vast crowds of Hindus have already gathered ahead of the first mass bathing in the sacred river today. The organisation of the festi- val requires a monumental effort, but officials said everything was in place for a safe and success- ful event. “All arrangements have been made to ensure that on this auspicious occasion the bathing can take place in a smooth and acceptable fashion,” chief organ- A boy reacts after being poured water over his head at the confluence of iser Mani Prasad Mishra said the Yamuna and Ganges rivers, at the Kumbh Mela celebration in Allahabad, yestarday. yesterday. Top state police officer Arun Kumar said the biggest concern occurrence at Indian religious also put in watchtowers and will was crowd control and the 12,000 festivals. monitor the entry points,” Kumar, officers on duty would be moni- “We will be measuring the who is in charge of law and order toring to guard against stam- pressures in the crowd, with offic- said. “We are totally prepared to pedes — a frequent and deadly ers on the ground and we have handle this Mela.” AFP

28 village council chiefs, members resign in Kashmir over threat to life

SRINAGAR: As many as 28 paid advertisements in today’s after 30 years across Jammu sarpanches (village council issue. and Kashmir in 2011. Despite chiefs) and panches (council A sarpanch at Bomai village threats from the separatists, an members) from Jammu and near Sopore town was killed by overwhelming majority of voters Kashmir’s Baramulla dis- separatist militants on Friday turned out in the rural areas to trict yesterday said they had while another panch, a woman elect their representatives. resigned from their posts due to belonging to Harda Shiva village Since their elections, thousands threats to their lives. of the same area, was critically of elected village representatives Twenty-two sarpanches and injured in another militant attack have been seeking security cover. panches, from Sopore area of Saturday. The state government maintains Baramulla, told media persons Doctors in Sopore had referred that individual security to every they were resigning their posi- the injured panch to the super sarpanch and panch is not pos- tions because of threats from specialty Sher-e-Kashmir sible, but individual security to separatist militants, while six Institute of Medical Sciences some of them based on threat others from the same area sent Soura (SKIMS) here. Attending perceptions was being considered their resignation letters to doctors say she is still in critical besides domination of areas where the widely-circulated Greater condition. guerrillas are still believed to be Kashmir daily to be published as Panchayat elections were held operating. IANS

Monday 14 January 2013 2 Rabial I 1434 Volume 17 Number 5579 Price: QR2

World GTL Congress begins

Business | 20

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 QNB Group assets rise 21.5pc to QR367bn Net profit for 2012 reaches QR8.3bn, up by 11.1 percent; customer deposits record growth of 34.9pc

DOHA: QNB Group contin- with net fees and ued to record robust growth in commissions; and profitability, with net profit for net gain from for- 2012 exceeding QR8.3bn, up by eign exchange 11.1 percent compared to 2011. reaching QR1.3bn These results, the highest ever and QR598m achieved by the Group, demon- respectively. strated once again its resilience Total equity and revenue-generating capac- increased by 12.6 ity, as well as outstanding suc- percent to reach cess in expanding the Group’s QR48.0bn as at core business activities. December 31, 2012. The Group Board of Directors, The capital ade- during its meeting yesterday, quacy ratio reached approved the financial results for 21.0 percent at year- the year ended December 31, 2012. end 2012, far higher Based on the strong financial than the regulatory results, the Board recommended H E Yousuf Hussein Kamal, the Ali Shareef Al Emadi, QNB requirements of to the General Assembly the dis- Minister of Finance and Economy Group CEO Qatar Central Bank tribution of a cash dividend of and QNB Group Chairman (QCB) and the 60 percent of the nominal share Total operating income includ- Basel Committee. value (QR6 per share). The finan- percent to QR270bn, resulting ing share of results of associates QNB Group was cial results for 2012 along with in improved liquidity with the increased to QR11.5bn, up by 12.8 able to record a the profit distribution are sub- loans to deposits ratio reaching percent compared to 2011, as QNB strong return to ject to Qatar Central Bank (QCB) 92.6 percent at year-end 2012. Group succeeded in achieving shareholders, with approval. During 2012, the bank continued strong growth across the range the return on aver- Total assets of the Group to focus on diversifying it sources of revenue sources. Net interest age shareholder’s increased by 21.5 percent to of liquidity and extending the income increased by 17.3 percent equity reaching 20.5 percent in sustained growth in all activi- further solidify its presence in the reach QR367bn, the highest ever maturity profile of its funding. to reach QR9.1bn, driven by the 2012, while earnings per share ties, were demonstrated clearly Mena region. The most significant achieved by the bank. This was The bank was able to main- impressive 21.5 percent growth in increased to QR11.9, compared in its credit rating that was transaction was the agreement the result of a strong growth tain the ratio of non-performing the balance sheet and the Group’s with QR11.3 in 2011. affirmed during 2012 by Capital with Société Générale to acquire rate of 28.9 percent in loans and loans to total loans at 1.3 percent, success in maintaining a strong QNB Group’s leading role Intelligence, Fitch, Moody’s and its full stake of 77.17 percent in advances to reach QR250bn. a level considered one of the low- net interest margin (NIM). in the banking sector and the Standard & Poor’s. NSGB, the second largest private Meanwhile, customer deposits est amongst banks in the Middle QNB Group continued to high quality of its assets, along During 2012, QNB Group com- bank in Egypt. recorded a solid growth of 34.9 East and Africa. diversify its income sources, with its capabilities to achieve pleted a number of transactions to THE PENINSULA

MONDAY 14 JANUARY 20123 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Hamad Rashid Al Mohannadi, Managing Director, RasGas Company, officially opening the World GTL Congress at St. Regis Hotel Doha yesterday. RIGHT: A section of the audience at the Congress. KAMMUTTY VP Qatar sets the Al Baker highlights initiatives in cleaner fuel DOHA: Qatar Airways Chief of ensuring not only energy secu- Executive Officer Akbar Al rity and sustainable growth for Baker has stressed the lead- our airline, but for the industry benchmark for ing role the airline is playing in at large. global aviation utilising natural “Since then we have moved gas as a source for a new and from a concept on paper to the cleaner aviation fuel. commercial supply of GTL fuel Addressing the opening day of at the New Doha International GTL industry the World GTL (Gas-to-Liquids) Airport which will open its doors Conference here, Al Baker spoke later this year, providing all air- of Qatar Airways’ rise to be at the craft that land with the facility forefront of aviation research and to refuel with gas-to-liquids jet First World GTL Congress begins innovation. fuel.” The conference comes just Al Baker said: “Qatar Airways DOHA: The first edition of awareness about the innova- days after Qatar Airways remains committed to imple- World GTL Congress got off to tion-driven GTL industry and became the first airline to oper- menting new ideas and initia- a rousing start here yesterday the value it can provide,” said ate a commercial flight from tives that benefit our passengers, in the presence of the industry Abdulrahman Al Suwaidi, Chief Doha using GTL jet fuel that is the environment and of course leaders and market experts. Executive Officer, Oryx GTL in manufactured in a Gulf state. Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Airways, delivering a keynote the efficient running of our The three-day event has wel- his address. Addressing the event, attended speech at the Congress. KAMMUTTY VP airline.” comed hundreds of gas-to-liquid Oryx GTL has demonstrated by top industry leaders, GTL Last week Qatar Airways (GTL) delegates from around the that GTL can help address glo- experts, government represent- Shell GTL Pearl production facil- drive greater cost and operational and Shell created another world to Doha. bal energy security needs by atives and industry peers, Al ity, Qatar Airways is supporting efficiency. milestone when an Airbus Setting the tone for the opening producing cleaner, premium Baker outlined how the carrier’s our country’s ventures in unique “Our mission to explore oppor- A340-600 operated a commer- day, the key note speakers, rang- liquid fuels offering lower emis- ambitious GTL aviation fuel pro- and ground breaking fuel research tunities to utilise natural gas as cial flight using GTL fuel from ing from producers to end-users, sions at point of use. gramme has helped boost Qatar’s and production,” he said in his key a source for a new and environ- Doha International Airport for explained their enthusiasm for “In Qatar, we are fortunate to profile as a leader in the use of note address. mentally friendly aviation fuel will the first time for its journey to GTL and its rapidly-expanding have a highly supportive leader- this technology. “Now more than ever, airlines enable a better future across the London Heathrow. The new fuel role in the global energy markets. ship, a stable operating environ- “As home to the world’s larg- across the global aviation indus- aviation sector. was the first to be approved glo- In his opening key note address, ment, natural resource wealth and est gas-to-liquids plant here in try are actively exploring new “Qatar Airways began this jour- bally in over two decades. Hamad Rashid Al Mohannadi, a commitment to developing high Qatar, the Qatar Petroleum/ environmentally-friendly fuels to ney five years ago with the aim THE PENINSULA Deputy Chairman of the QP caliber human talent. Board of Directors and Managing “With all the ingredients for Director of RasGas Company Ltd success on our doorstep, it is now Exports of GTL naphtha to (RasGas), emphasised Qatar’s incumbent upon us more than determination to continue the ever before to repay the faith industry momentum. shown from all our partners increase: Tasweeq CEO Qatar has come a long way from and stakeholders, as we all work the inception of its early plans to together for a profitable and sus- DOHA: With a full operating capacity of Pearl GTL Train2, exports develop a GTL hub. Through two tainable future,” he said. of Pearl GTL naphtha are expected to increase to over one million of the world’s largest GTL plants Wael Sawan, Managing Director tonnes per annum, with Oryx GTL exports remaining stable at — Pearl and Oryx GTL — Qatar, and Chairman, Qatar Shell, said: around 300,000 tonnes, Saad Al Kuwari, CEO, Qatar International in association with our partners “Pearl GTL has already produced Petroleum Marketing Company Ltd (Tasweeq) said yesterday. Shell and Sasol, has achieved 5.7 million tonnes of NGL’s and Addressing the GTL Congress yesterday, Saad Al Kuwari said the vision of becoming the “GTL GTL products through the third Tasweeq marketed and lifted around 300,000 tonnes of Oryx GTL Capital of the World” and set- quarter of 2012, making a positive naphtha and 700,000 tonnes of Pearl GTL naphtha in 2012. Production ting the benchmark for the GTL impact at the bottom line, and is of GTL Jet — 25 percent GTL Kerosene and 75 percent conventional industry. currently producing and selling all — is expected to reach 5m barrels in 2013, increasing to nearly 15m “With these plants averaging GTL products from its product barrels per annum at full capacity. The GTL Jet already has been con- a combined production of more slate. This is a great achievement sumed locally in Qatar, and any surplus will be exported by Tasweeq. than 170,000 barrels per day of and Pearl is a one-of-a-kind As a sole marketer of several grades of naphtha, Tasweeq can pro- high quality GTL products, we are asset. This contributed to yet vide buyers flexibility in product types and grades in order to optimise determined to keep the momen- another significant milestone — timing and logistics to better meet the market needs. Buyers can co- tum going through sustaining the just last month — we celebrated load different naphthas, depending on feedstock requirements. Having highest standards of safety, effi- the 100th GTL cargo from pearl two-port flexibility also increases Qatar’s logistics advantage in case ciency and reliability from both during 2012.” Hamad Rashid Al Mohannadi, Managing Director, RasGas Company; Akbar of operational issues at any port. projects,” he said. The World GTL Congress exhi- Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways; Saad Al Kuwari, CEO, Tasweeq; Abdulrahman “The global energy markets will continue to change. The world faces a “This conference is an oppor- bition will be open to public today Al Suwaidi, CEO, Oryx GTL, and other officials at the World GTL Congress multitude of challenges, energy being among them. As a sole state marketer, tunity for stakeholders to engage from 8am to 3pm. Exhibition Hall at St. Regis Hotel Doha, yesterday. KAMMUTTY VP we believe GTL growth in the Middle East is well-positioned to meet grow- with each other and to increase THE PENINSULA ing demand around the globe,” he said. THE PENINSULA

QIB to launch Aamaly to support SMEs UAE central bank plans broad

DOHA: Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), Bert de Ruiter (pictured), General mortgage rules by mid-2013 the largest Islamic bank in Qatar, is Manager — Wholesale Banking Group, launching a new programme aimed explained that for some time QIB has ABU DHABI: The central bank of the Those limits capped mortgages specifically at providing special serv- been at the forefront in its support of the United Arab Emirates plans to issue taken out by foreigners at 50 percent ices to the country’s small and medium local economy by financing SMEs who broad regulations governing the hous- of the property’s value for a first pur- sized enterprises (SMEs), and offering are becoming the engine of the economy. ing mortgage industry by the middle of chase of a home, and 40 percent for them exclusive financial benefits, guid- “A significant part of QIB’s strategy is this year, aiming to ensure the stability second and subsequent homes. Caps ance and advice. to provide Islamic financing solutions for of the sector, two sources familiar with for UAE citizens were set at 70 per- The programme, to be known as all our customers and now we are proud the matter said yesterday. cent and 60 percent. Aamaly, aims at supporting SMEs, who to introduce a unique programme dedi- “The final pieces of the new mort- Commercial banks, complaining they are recognised as one of the main con- cated to serving the different sectors by gage regulations are being put together. were not consulted about the caps, are tributors in innovation and job-creation offering them tailored made packages to It could be ready for issue by June this lobbying the central bank to relax them within Qatar, and their key role in creat- meet their different needs,” he said. year,” one of the sources told Reuters, and delay implementation on the grounds ing a sustainable economy for the coun- “Now, with the services and products declining to be named because the infor- they could disrupt the UAE property try’s future generations, as laid out in QIB will be providing under Aamaly, mation has not yet been made public. market’s slow recovery from the crash Qatar’s National Vision 2030. small and medium sized enterprises and The regulations will deal with all of recent years. QIB has created a special department their entrepreneurs can be sure that important aspects of mortgage lending, The sources declined to comment on for Aamaly, with highly experienced exec- they will get unprecedented attention, so the source said without going into details. whether the mortgage caps were likely to utives to run the scheme. they can concentrate on their businesses, A central bank spokesman declined to be relaxed. The central bank is believed to Benefits for SMEs will include the rather than worry about their financial comment. be keen to prevent the growth of another provision of dedicated relationship man- For each sector QIB is offering tailored requirements. At QIB we are committed The source said the regulations would real estate bubble in the UAE, after the agers, a wide branch network including package and discounts on the most rel- to providing SMEs within Qatar easy, be discussed before being finalised with bursting of a bubble formed in the mid- special SME-centric banking centres, evant products such as: letters of guar- convenient and reliable business bank- the Emirates Banks Association, the 2000s hit the economy hard. 24-hour banking including a dedicated antee in the construction sector; export ing,” Bert de Ruiter added. banking industry body, as well as with Philip Ward, chief executive of Abu call centre line, payroll services, cash letters of credit in the trading sector; In December, QIB received two awards individual banks. Dhabi Finance, a major provider of mort- and cheque collection, overnight vault- and discounted rates for equipment & at the Global Entrepreneurship Week “There will be uniform criteria for gages in the UAE, said the central bank’s ing and time deposits, together with machinery financing, as well as prefer- 2012 for its engagement with Qatar housing finance. Banks and financial broad regulations, if well-designed, could flexible financing options tailored to the ential rates for payroll services in the Development Bank’s ‘Al Dhameen’ pro- institutions involved in mortgages will benefit the industry. needs of SMEs. services sectors. gramme, which supports and encourages have to adhere to the new regulations,” “Clearly, regulations are better than For the first time in Qatar, QIB is In addition there are more features SMEs in their start up and early develop- a second source said. no regulations because it brings clarity to introducing specific sectors’ related pack- that SME clients will enjoy such as free ment phases. Recognising its potential, The new rules would include, but be lenders, developers and customers for a ages to meet the different needs of SMEs debit and credit cards, complimentary QIB was the first Islamic bank to sign up much wider in scope than, the mortgage better understanding of their rights and starting with the key sectors of construc- cheque books and discounted fees on for the programme in 2011. limits which were introduced by the cen- responsibilities.” tion, trading and services. transfers as well as many other offers. THE PENINSULA tral bank at the end of last year. REUTERS MONDAY 14 JANUARY 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21 Doha Bank Board decides to increase share capital Qatar Airways confirms selling DOHA: Doha Bank’s Board of shares to the bank’s existing International market practice, the meeting’s agenda includes, in Directors has discussed the shareholders who are registered as customary in similar cases, addition to the item on the capital instruments of the proposed 50 at Qatar Exchange, at the close provided that the premium will increase, other items related to 35 percent percent capital increase pursu- of business on February 19, 2013, be higher than the rights issue some amendments to the bank’s ant to the Board’s resolution at a premium of QR20 in addi- premium as specified in the first Articles of Association. Cargolux stake issued in its meeting held on tion to a nominal value of QR10 phase in addition to a nominal He affirmed that the high- September 18, 2012. per share. value of QR10 per share. lighted board recommendation DOHA: Qatar Airways has sold Sheikh Fahad bin Mohammad The second phase will witness Sheikh Fahad also said that to increase the capital of the its entire 35 percent stake in bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman an increase of up to 25 percent of the Board has resolved during the bank and the amendments to the freight-only airline Cargolux, of Doha Bank, said the Board the current paid-up share capi- same meeting to call the Ordinary bank’s Articles of Association the chief executive of Qatar decided to submit a recommenda- tal through the issuing of new and Extraordinary General are subject to the approval of the Airways confirmed yesterday. tion to the Extraordinary General shares, in the form of Global Assembly of the shareholders for competent regulatory authorities “We sold our stake back to Assembly of the shareholders to Depositary Receipts, to be held a meeting on February 20, 2013, and the Extraordinary General the Luxembourg authorities. approve the increase of the share by a depository bank. The share- and in the event the quorum is Assembly of the shareholders, and We are not anymore a share- capital of the bank by 50 percent holders shall waive their right not met, a second meeting will that the agendas of the Ordinary holder in Cargolux as of January in two phases. of priority to subscribe in these be held on February 27, 2013, and and Extraordinary General 1 this year,” Akbar Al Baker told The first phase would see an new shares (as an exception to that the board has approved the Assembly Meetings will be pub- reporters at an event here. increase of 25 percent of the Article 19 (BIS) of the Articles agenda of Extraordinary General lished in full at a later date after Sheikh Fahad bin Mohammad bin “We sold the entire stake. I current paid-up share capi- of Association of the bank). Assembly of the shareholders. being approved. Jabor Al Thani think the Luxembourg govern- tal through the issuing of new The premium shall be set as per Sheikh Fahad also stated that THE PENINSULA ment thought that as it is a national carrier, they would like the 100 percent stake.” A spokeswoman for the Luxembourg state had said on December 19 that Luxembourg Brash Brands had taken back a stake in Cargolux from Qatar Airways Qatari bourse with the intention of selling it puts Seef on soon. Luxembourg sold the 35 percent stake to Qatar Airways last year, and bought it back for Lusail on map the original sale price of $117.5m. index dips by Luxembourg has said it is in DOHA: Brash Brands has talks with a number of potential announced its latest brand buyers for the stake. launch Seef Lusail, an exciting The Luxembourg govern- new destination brand. ment and other groups took over The partnership between Swissair Group’s 33.7 percent 1.1 percent Masraf Al Rayan and Qatari stake in privately held Cargolux Diar will create a bold new as a temporary measure at the mixed-use 60ha development, end of 2009 after the Swiss airline anchored with a stunning 2.3km went into liquidation. Kuwait rises; Saudi, Egypt decline waterfront promenade. Brash Cargolux’s other sharehold- Brands, working closely with Seef ers include Luxembourg airline DOHA: Qatar Exchange was percent as more than five mil- Lusail Real Estate Development Luxair (43.4 percent) and state- down 96.98 points or 1.10 per- lion shares traded. The Bahraini Company (SLREDC) has cre- owned Luxembourg banks BCEE cent to 8,684.72 points yester- lender sold most of its 33 percent ated a dynamic new brand for (10.9 percent) and SNCI (10.7 day from the previous closing stake in Qatar’s Ahli Bank to sov- the region in Seef Lusail. percent). of 8,781.70 points. Among the ereign fund Qatar Foundation. From the rebranding of Al Baker denied marked spec- top losers were Qatar National In Saudi Arabia, the index slipped Msheireb Properties which can ulation that Qatar Airways was Bank whose share dropped 1.71 from a four-month high as petro- be seen around the city to TDIC’s talking to Al Italia about a pos- percent to QR138, Industries chemical firms posted estimate- Saadiyat Island and Emaar’s Officials shaking hands in Doha. sible combination. “We have not Qatar lost 0.91 percent to trailing earnings. Saudi Kayan Downtown Dubai, including The opened any talks with Al Italia QR163.50, Qatar Telecom fell Petrochemical said its fourth- Address & Burj Khalifa, Brash leveraged to ensure we attract on this prestigious development or its owners. We are not study- 2.45 percent to QR107.70 and quarter net loss increased 1.9 per- Brands is armed with substantial and retain the interest of our is a true privilege. We are proud ing it, and we have not been Qatar Insurance was down 1.89 cent from the year-earlier period experience in real estate and has shareholders in an increasingly of helping shape a one of a kind approached,” he said. percent to QR67.60. to SR194.45m, citing a jump in cost succeeded in defining a unique competitive and volatile environ- destination that reflects and com- On prospects in India, Al Baker The banking and financial sec- of sales and other expenses. Shares positioning for the Seef Lusail des- ment. We can do this in a variety plements Qatar’s values and tra- said his airline was not talking tor dropped 1.24 points, the insur- in the firm fell 4.6 percent. Saudi tination, supported by a compelling of ways but having the right repu- ditions, significantly boosting its to anyone. “India is a huge and ance sector added 0.52 points, the Arabian Fertilizers Co fell 0.8 and beautifully designed brand. tation and image is fundamental.” profile.” Brash Brands has also potentially very lucrative market, industrial sector was down 0.93 percent after it posted a 10.3 per- Muhammed Al Buainin, Deputy John Brash, Brash Brands’ been nominated to develop the but I believe there are still issues points and the services sector lost cent decline in fourth-quarter net CEO of SLREDC, said::“Brash CEO & Founder, said: “Qatar is brand identity for the owning to be resolved before it will really 0.99 points. profit, missing the average analyst Brands have a high degree of such a fascinating and dynamic company SLREDC. be opened up,” he said. Meanwhile, Kuwait’s bourse rose forecast. The kingdom’s bench- expertise in this area, which we market, working with SLREDC THE PENINSULA REUTERS yesterday for an eighth straight mark lost 0.7 percent. day, its longest winning streak in Dubai’s benchmark fell 1.3 16 months, on the belief that cor- percent. It closed at 1,733 points, porate earnings were improving. pulling back from near major But some other regional markets technical resistance at 1,778-1,793 Kuwait’s budget ended recent rallies. points, where last year’s high, hit IMF deal will help Egypt’s ailing The Kuwaiti benchmark last March, coincides with an climbed 0.7 percent to 6,109 points, October 2010 peak. The Dubai surplus at $52bn its highest close since June 2012. index also posted a bearish engulf- Last week its break of resistance ing pattern. Emaar Properties KUWAIT: Kuwait’s govern- economy, says EU’s Rompuy at 6,011 points, the October peak, and Emirates NBD fell 1.9 and ment budget surplus stood at triggered a double bottom formed 1.6 percent respectively. 14.7bn dinars ($52bn) in the CAIRO: A senior EU offi- Herman Van Rompuy said on a factor for a desert country which by the August and November lows But large-caps helped Abu first eight months of its fiscal cial urged Egypt yesterday visit to Cairo. “I welcome there- depends on food imports. and pointing up to around 6,350 Dhabi’s bourse rise 0.5 percent to year thanks to strong oil rev- to conclude its talks with the fore the fact that important discus- Prime Minister Hisham Kandil points in coming weeks. its highest close since June 2011. enues, data from the Gulf coun- International Monetary Fund sions with the IMF are continuing,” told a Cairo business forum that “Overall sentiment is very Telecom operator Etisalat and try’s finance ministry showed. on a $4.8bn loan agreement, he said after talks with Egyptian a “home-grown fiscal and finan- positive because of Q4 earnings, First Gulf Bank climbed 1.0 and The April-November surplus saying the deal would help President Mohammed Mursi. cial programme” agreed with expectations of better dividends 1.7 percent respectively. The index accounts for around 33.1 percent restore international confidence Egypt won preliminary approval the Fund in November had to be and political stability,” said Fouad pulled back sharply from an intra- of the Opec member’s 2011 gross in its wrecked economy. from the IMF in November but tweaked, delaying implementa- Darwish, head of brokerage serv- day high of 2,769 points, however, domestic product, according to a Already struggling after two subsequent turmoil forced the gov- tion, but said talks with the IMF ices at Global Investment House. after it neared resistance on the Reuters calculation based on the years of unrest following Egypt’s ernment to delay a series of bit- would resume soon. “The market is trading above the June 2011 peak of 2,777. latest official data. 2011 revolution, the economy has terly unpopular austerity measures “Because of the domestic situa- psychologically important level of Dana Gas rose 3.9 percent to Total revenue was 21.6bn dinars been hit by a new bout of turmoil deemed necessary to win the IMF tion we had to postpone that (plan), 6,000, and 6,050 was said to be the 0.52 dirhams, its highest close while spending reached a mere in recent weeks, with tensions board’s final approval. so we are doing a quick evaluation. crossing point for institutions to since February 2012. The energy 6.9bn dinars, around a third of over a new constitution damag- On December 29 its central bank We are going to be back on track start buying.” firm said last month it received the 21.2bn dinar total projected ing people’s confidence in the alarmed investors when it said its very soon,” he said. “We are com- Telecommunications operator $48m in overdue payments for for the year. Kuwait had originally government. foreign reserves had reached a mitted to reform. We are commit- Zain gained 1.3 percent and rival fuel supplied in Kurdistan. wanted to spend 14.2bn dinars by Economists now fear Egypt is “minimum and critical limit”. ted to deal with the budget deficit.” Wataniya climbed 1.7 percent. Egypt’s measure declined 0.9 November, the data showed. running out of foreign currency Adding to pressure on the Officials said earlier an IMF Small-caps dominated trade as percent to 5,701 points, down for a As part of plans to invest rev- reserves too fast, making the Egyptian pound, violent pro- team was expected to visit Cairo in retail investors looked for short- second session from Wednesday’s enues more efficiently, authorities IMF deal vital to stabilising its tests in late November and early two to three weeks. Egypt’s newly term gains. Abyaar Real Estate 10-week high. The market surged decided to increase the amount finances. Egypt has already spent December set off a rush to convert named central bank chief said last and International Financial about 25 percent over six weeks to channelled into Kuwait’s Future more than $20bn over the past the local currency into dollars, week there was no need to be wor- Advisors rose 6.2 and 2.0 percent, reach that high, buoyed by foreign Generations Fund, a nest egg for two years to defend its currency. sending the pound to record lows ried about the currency situation. becoming the two most heavily investors rebuilding their weight- when oil supplies diminish or for “An agreement with the IMF on fears of a messy devaluation. Speaking alongside Mursi, Van traded traded stocks. That focus ings in Egypt. The main reason when the economy suffers other will open the door to further lines Importers have also warned Rompuy said the European Union of trading on small-caps rather for stocks’ retreat is that the shocks. A newspaper reported of credit and will help reestablish that the weakening currency and other institutions had offered than blue chips was a sign that index has neared important chart yesterday that assets in the fund the confidence of international and uncertainty about how low it Egypt over ¤5bn to support its investors remained wary. resistance, the analysts said. totalled $261bn at the end of the investors and economic partners,” can go could lead to sharp rises in transition but gave no breakdown. Ahli United Bank rose 6.1 REUTERS last fiscal year. REUTERS European Council President the prices of imports — a decisive REUTERS

Kingdom Holding First world atlas on renewable energy launched sells land for $80m ABU DHABI: The International agency announced as it began its marine energy. “The Global Atlas • Bullion - Mumbai DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom Renewable Energy Agency two-day annual general assembly provides a powerful new tool in Gold (10 gm) Standard Rs. 30345 Holding, the investment vehi- (Irena) yesterday launched the here. The online atlas is available international efforts to double the Silver (1 kg) Rs. 580095 cle owned by billionaire Prince world’s first atlas on clean energy on www.irena.org/GlobalAtlas world’s share of renewable energy • Indian Rupees QR1 = 14.90 Alwaleed bin Talal, has sold a which will offer open-access Irena said the atlas will also by 2030” to around 30 percent of • Sensex plot of land east of the Saudi cap- information on countries’ renew- help companies looking to invest the global energy mix, he said. ital to Subul Development Co, a able energy potential. in new markets. “Over the next Thirty-seven countries, BSE 19663.64 bourse filing said yesterday. “The Global Atlas is the largest decade, we expect an enormous including Israel which has no NSE 5951.30 The one million square metres ever initiative to help countries increase in investment in the diplomatic relations with the • LIC (International) launches New Gold Investment Plan ‘GOLD PLUS’ – of land near Riyadh was sold assess their renewable energy field of renewable energy. Global United Arab Emirates, have so which provides an opportunity to invest in GOLD ETF & GOLD SPOT, PAN for SR300m ($80m), giving potential, and companies bring- Atlas will help us make the right far contributed information on Card/Demat Account not required. Kingdom a profit of SR185m, ing together data and maps from decisions,” said Danish Climate their renewable energy poten- • Short-term investment plan from LIC International upto 6.4 percent return which will be booked in the com- leading technical institutes and and Energy Minister Martin tials to the atlas. p.a. (in dollar) pany’s fourth-quarter results, private companies worldwide,” Lidegaard, who chaired a session Established in 2011, Abu Dhabi- • Housing loan from HDFC LTD the statement added. Kingdom Irena said. at the gathering. based Irena is mandated by 159 sold New York’s Plaza Hotel last “It currently charts solar and Irena Director Adnan Amin countries and the European Union • Mutual Fund: Buy & Sell: SBI MF, HDFC MF, UTI MF, Birla Sun Life MF, month to an Indian conglomer- wind resources, and will expand said that by 2014 the atlas will to promote the sustainable use of Tata MF, Reliance MF etc. ate for a $32.9m profit. to other forms of renewable include information on bio- all forms of renewable energy. Contact: Investec, Tel: 44325060/44365060 email: [email protected] REUTERS energy over 2013 and 2014,” the energy, geothermal energy and AFP MONDAY 14 JANUARY 2013 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

QE Indices Summary QE Index 8,684.72 1.10 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 2,544.45 1.06 % QE Total Return Index 11,753.56 1.10 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,086.6 1.12 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,038.12 1.24 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 4745.151 15.084 0.32 4770.2 4664.6 QE All Share Industrials 2,720.86 0.93 % QR195.1001 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 1,378.86 1.33 % Cac 40 Index/D 3714.07 -3.38 -0.09 3733.93 3692.9 UK ...... QR 5.8392 QR 5.9099 QE All Share Real Estate 1,630.47 0.65 % SILVER Euro ...... QR 4.8145 QR 4.9046 QE All Share Insurance 1,935.23 0.52 % Dj Indu Average 13390.51 61.66 0.46 13661.87 12035.09 QR 3.5784 QE All Share Telecoms 1,099.13 2.18 % CA$ ...... QR 3.6645 QR 3.7350 QE All Share Consumer Goods & Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 4,810.85 0.99 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.9461 QR 4.0221 Services Hang Seng Inde/D 23354.31 135.84 0.59 23402.45 22860.25 Yen ...... QR 0.0403 QR 0.0413 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.7923 QR 3.8886 Iseq Overall/D 3516.88 12.65 0.36 3524.33 3396.67 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0656 QR 0.0671 13-01-2013 10-01-2013 Karachi 100 In/D 16528.82 -213.4 -1.27 16935.52 16379.47 Index 8,684.72 8,781.70 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0371 QR 0.0378 Change 96.98 87.81 Nikkei 225 Index 10652.64 74.07 0.7 10743.69 10398.61 Peso ...... QR 0.0882 QR 0.0909 % 1.10 1.01 $ 110.16 SL Re ...... QR 0.0286 QR 0.0296 YTD% 3.90 5.06 S&P 500 Index/D 1461.02 3.87 0.27 1474.51 1266.74 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0453 QR 0.0463 Volume 2,718,723 5,318,198 Straits Times/D 3226.25 5.84 0.18 3237.78 3186.28 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0416 QR 0.0423 Value (QAR) 151,938,362.93 236,352,385.57 $ 109.28 Trades 2,755 3,712 SA Rand ...... QR 0.4189 QR 0.4272 Straits Times/D 2989.31 24.69 0.83 3035.78 2657.77 Up 05 | Down 36 | Unchanged 00

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 13-01-2013

Commodities not finding traction despite dollar weakness

OMMODITIES continued imports have dropped to their have moved higher since late especially emerging economies, to show weakness into the lowest level in 25 years because Weekly Commodity Update November. where demand is growing. Csecond week of 2013 despite of increased domestic production. Technically, the levels to look When Chinese inflation rises by rising stock markets and a falling Some of the excitement caused out for are first of all whether gold more than expected it reduces the US dollar. Investors are generally by the Chinese trade data were BY OLE HANSEN can manage to consolidate above government’s ability to promote in a positive mood at this time of somewhat scuppered late in the (Head of Commodity Strategy, its 200-day moving average at growth. With China currently year, but so far this sentiment has week when Chinese inflation data Saxo Bank) $1662/oz. After this, attention will expected to represent almost half only been seen in equities with for December jumped by more turn to resistance at the 2 January of this year’s increase in global oil global stocks rising to their high- than had been expected. A rise in high at $1694.8/oz. before the most demand growth, any changes to est level in 19 months. The dollar inflation could restrict the govern- critical resistance at 1710 can be of an expected rise in gold import important level at 1710.7, which is these projections could help trigger rally seen during the first week ment’s ability to stimulate growth initiated. Measured in euro, gold taxes which could be raised to help a combination of a trend-line from an oversupply scenario which could quickly faded and the euro dol- further. This could potentially is still performing very poorly and limit the country’s trade deficit. the October high together with a ultimately lead to lower prices. lar has now returned to the top reduce demand for raw materials before we see a pick up in this Money managers halved their 50 percent retracement. Critical Money managers held a net- of its current range. However, from the country that accounts cross further upside looks diffi- net-long position during the support can be found at $1625/oz. long position on 1 January which so far this has failed to lift com- for a large proportion of demand cult to achieve. But at the time of last quarter and have ample Crude oil staring at a poten- was only exceeded in March modities. Chinese economic data, growth for many commodities writing gold is on track for its first room, therefore, to rebuild posi- tial correction last year when worries about though, did help support prices including soybeans, oil and copper. positive week following its longest tion once they feel the techni- Brent crude eased back from a the impact of Iranian sanctions as exports jumped by 14 percent Gold receiving a boost from weekly losing streak since 2004. cal and/or fundamental picture near three-month high this week saw Brent crude oil trade above in December, thereby potentially weak dollar and physical As the effects of the gold-nega- improves. Investors in Exchange as focus switched from investor $123/barrel. Such an elevated confirming a rebound in the global demand tive December minutes from the Traded Products have stayed demand driven by rising stock position size at a time of limited economy. Following nervous trading dur- Federal Open Market Committee much more resilient and have markets and a generally friendly upside potential could eventually Precious metals continued their ing the first week that saw gold begin to fade, gold has received only scaled back their holdings investment environment to news help trigger a setback in prices. tentative recovery amid the dollar trade down to late August levels, some support. This came espe- by a mere 13 tonnes out of total that Saudi Arabia had cut its We expect the trading range of weakening on news that China’s the yellow metal spent the sec- cially from the weaker dollar but holdings of 2619, according to December production while US between $105/barrel and $115/ appetite for gold remains strong. ond week trying to recover. The also from news of increased physi- Bloomberg. Although we are not imports fell to their lowest level barrel that has prevailed for some The price of oil meanwhile, is stuck 200-day moving average at 1662 cal buying from China and India, out of the woods yet in terms of in 25 years. Reduced Saudi pro- time now to continue. But we also between supports from improved that held it back for a few days the world’s two largest buyers of the risk of additional price weak- duction results in a higher level of see a short-term risk of the price economic data and a well-supplied was eventually broken. However, actual gold. Chinese demand is ness, the belief is that we should spare capacity which can be used dropping back towards the lower market that led Saudi Arabia to the lack of any follow-through expected to pick up ahead of the see some further upside potential to meet future supply disruptions end, which is good news for non cut its December output to its momentum indicates the need for Lunar New Year on February 10 especially as real interest rates while lower US imports means dollar-based consumers because lowest in 19 months, according additional consolidation before a while Indian demand has risen remains negative and in that US that more oil is available in the the dollar is falling at the same to one source. In addition, US oil potential upside attempt towards with traders stocking up ahead forward inflation expectations global system for those countries, time. THE PENINSULA MONDAY 14 JANUARY 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Oosthuizen rallies to lift Neave, Beira win QGL tournament Volvo Champions title The South African rises to fourth in world rankings

DURBAN: World number six Further birdies at the sixth Louis Oosthuizen fired a six- and eighth holes rounded off an under-par 66 to overhaul third- outward nine of 32 and he had round leader Scott Jamieson reduced the deficit to one by the and clinch the Volvo Champions turn. by one shot yesterday, a victory Birdies at the 10th and 11th that will move him to fourth in holes propelled him into the lead, the rankings. and despite bogeying the par-four FROM LEFT: Sanjay Jain, Brad Beira, Richard Msweli, Qatar Golf Lovers Jamieson had held a five-stroke 16th after finding the greenside (QGL) President PK Mathew, Albert Dalton, Tasnim Kazi and Scott advantage after 54 holes but seven bunker, Oosthuizen’s two-putt Gilbert pose for a picture after a QGL tournament at Doha Golf Club. birdies from the 2010 British pars at the 17th and 18th holes Open champion Oosthuizen gave were enough to clinch victory. Adam Neave and Brad Beira won Flight A and B respectively at DGC. him a sixth European Tour win “I played the complete oppo- Kazi won the second prize in Flight A while Msweli was runner-up in on 16-under 272 ahead of Briton site of what I did yesterday,” the Flight B of the competition which was participated by 68 golfers. Jamieson (72), who nearly holed a 30-year-old, who will move to a chip at the 18th to force a play-off. career-high fourth place in the Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee rankings released today, told (68) sealed third place a shot reporters. further back while triple major “Yesterday I felt really uncom- Henly, Langley share winner Padraig Harrington (68) fortable - my swing felt long and finished fourth on 12-under. unstable. This morning I worked Oosthuizen, who yesterday sur- on a few things on the range and rendered the lead as he struggled put my head down. I knew if I lead at Sony Open to a 74, birdied two of the first could just put a score up there, three holes to put the pressure or just get close to Scott, that I HONOLULU, Hawaii: PGA Langley said. “It’s going to be a on Jamieson. had a good chance.” Tour rookies Russell Henley lot of fun.” Oosthuizen, who has now and Scott Langley continued Henley said he hoped he could recorded a win in the last three to set the pace yesterday, shar- stay loose for the final round A Volvo Champions seasons in his native South ing a three-shot hefty winner’s Africa, said his ambition was to lead after three prize of $990,000 Final Round Scores climb even higher in the rankings rounds of the PGA Tour Sony is on offer in the although world number one Rory US PGA Tour $5.6m event, DURBAN, South Africa: McIlroy was a little far off. Sony Open. Open Scores with an invita- Scores after final round of the “Top spot is a tough one. I think Overnight HONOLULU, Hawaii: tion to the first Volvo Champions tournament Rory (McIlroy) is far ahead, so leader Henley Leading third-round scores major of the year, at par-72, 6,111-metre Durban if I can somehow get myself to carded three yesterday in the US PGA Tour the Masters, also Country Club yesterday: number two then I can work on birdies without $5.6m Sony Open (USA unless at stake. 272 Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 68-64-74-66 trying to get to number one,” he a bogey in his noted, par-70): “I’ve never 273 Scott Jamieson (SCO) 69-64-68-72 said. three-under par 193 Russell Henley 63-63-67, Scott been in this sit- 274 Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 65-68-73- Scot Jamieson, who won his 67 while Langley, Langley 62-66-65 uation before, maiden European Tour title at Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa plays a shot on the 1st hole during the the first-round but hopefully 68 196 Tim Clark (RSA) 64-66-66 the inaugural Nelson Mandela second round of the the Volvo Champions in Durban on January 11. leader, carded a it’s real easy and 276 Padraig Harrington (IRL) 70-71-67-68 197 Scott Gardiner (AUS) 68-64-65, Championship in Durban five five-under par 65 I’m real relaxed 277 Danny Willett (ENG) 69-70-70-68, Charles Howell 66-64-67 Julien Quesne (FRA) 72-67-67-71 weeks ago, nearly forced a play-off to grab his share and I don’t have when his eagle chip at the short yesterday. Following his play- advantage it’s difficult to raise of the lead on 198 Matt Jones (AUS) 66-68-64, Danny any nerves,” said 278 Branden Grace (RSA) 75-67-69-67, par-four 18th finished inches from off triumph in December at the yourself to think that you need 17-under par 193. Lee (NZL) 66-66-66, Pat Perez 68- Henley, a two- Paul Lawrie (SCO) 69-70-70-69 the cup. rain-shortened 36-hole event, to make birdie - because you They dueled 63-67, Chris Kirk 68-62-68 time winner on 279 Rafa Cabrera-Bella (ESP) 72-69- “I almost had a grand-stand Jamieson said he found it more don’t necessarily do,” added the for the lead dur- 199 Marc Leishman (AUS) 67-68-64, the Web.com 70-68, Thomas Bjorn (DEN) 69- finish at the end there,” the world difficult this time around with a European Tour Race to Dubai ing the round Dicky Pride 68-67-64, Brian Stuard developmental 70-72-68, Nicolas Colsaerts (BEL) number 100 said after a frustrat- significant advantage going into money leader before paying trib- and finished the 66-68-65, Matt Kuchar 66-63-70 tour last year. 73-67-71-68, Shane Lowry (IRL) 70- ing day where he managed just the final round. ute to Oosthuizen. day sharing a “But I’m prob- 69-70-70, Matteo Manassero (ITA) three birdies, a double-bogey on “It’s a completely different “Louis is a great player, and 54-hole scoring record for the ably going to be nervous and prob- 75-69-66-69, Francesco Molinari the front nine proving costly. mindset, but you try and make a major champion, so there’s no tournament. ably just going to have to try to (ITA) 70-70-68-71, Richie Ramsay “I just couldn’t make any bird- it as similar as possible. But it’s a shame in losing to him. I gave it Henley and Langley will play slow myself down, and just enjoy (SCO) 69-73-70-67 ies after doubling the fifth. That lot easier to get yourself up for it my all - it just wasn’t to be today.” together for the fourth straight the day. It is a lot of pressure out 280 Jamie Donaldson (WAL) 69-72-73- was just a bit of a kick in the when you’re trying to chase some- Ernie Els finished with a two- day today. here, even the first three days, so 66, Jeev Milkha Singh (IND) 69-70- teeth. I had a ton of chances and body,” said the 29-year-old. under 70 to end on seven-under “We’re just taking it all in and I can’t imagine what it’s going to 72-69 just couldn’t take them,” he said “If you have a healthy 281. REUTERS having a great time together,” be like.” AFP Suns scorch Bulls NFL: Ravens shock Broncos in to end road drought

CHICAGO: Luis Scola and the getting the stroke going early on overtime; 49ers beat Packers fast-paced Phoenix Suns heaved to score eight points, the Bulls a collective sigh of relief after made a promising start to lead DENVER, Colorado: Justin game. Baltimore quarterback snapping a 12-game road los- 21-20 after a closely contested Tucker booted a 47-yard field Joe Flacco had connected with ing streak with a rousing 97-81 opening quarter. goal in the second overtime Jacoby Jones on a 70-yard touch- win over the Chicago Bulls However, the Suns took control yesterday to give the Baltimore down pass with just 31 seconds yesterday. as the red-hot Beasley drained 14 Ravens a wild 38-35 victory over left in regulation to tie the score Argentine forward Scola points on seven-of-eight shooting the Denver Broncos in the sec- at 35-35 and force overtime in the scored 22 points and bench player to help his team forge ahead 49-42 ond round of the NFL play-offs. match. Michael Beasley weighed in with by half-time. The improbable victory means Flacco also hit Torrey Smith 20 as the Suns stunned the Bulls A Sebastian Telfair three- Baltimore veteran Ray Lewis -- for a pair of touchdowns earlier at the United Center to improve pointer stretched the Phoenix who says he’ll retire at the end in the game, finishing with 331 to 13-26 for the season. lead to 77-63 after the third quar- of the season -- isn’t done yet, passing yards. Phoenix outshot Chicago by 49 ter and they outscored Chicago while quarterback great Peyton Ray Rice contributed 131 rush- percent to 36 from the field and 20-18 in the fourth to remain in Manning’s stellar first season in ing yards and a touchdown. out-rebounded their opponents charge. Denver ended on a disappointing “It was pretty incredible,” 46-42 with a welcome return to “I stayed ready,” said Beasley note. Flacco said. “We overcame some form after being beaten in their after his most productive game The Ravens advanced to the things today and we fought until five previous games. since he scored 21 points against American Conference (AFC) the very end.” “It was a much, much, much- the Los Angeles Clippers on championship game, where they Manning entered the matchup needed win for us,” Suns head December 8. will face either New England or having beaten the Ravens nine coach Alvin Gentry told reporters “It felt good to have the ball Houston for a berth in the Super consecutive times -- including after his team recorded a 2,000th finally drop my way. I’m going to Bowl. The NFL championship a pair of post-season contests victory for the franchise in their build on this personally and just spectacular will be played in New -- during his long tenure with 3,599th game. get better throughout the season.” Orleans on February 3. Indianapolis. He threw for 290 “And it was against a quality Meanwhile, Mario Chalmers In San Francisco, the 49ers yards and three touchdowns and team, so that made it even better. tied a Miami club record with 10 advanced to the National Denver Broncos’ wide receiver Brandon Stokley (left) scores a touchdown the two interceptions. For the first time in a long time, three-pointers in the Heat’s 128- Conference (NFC) championship while being covered by Baltimore Ravens’ cornerback Corey Graham during The Broncos, who had won I thought we played well for four 99 NBA rout of the Sacramento game with a 45-31 victory over the first quarter in their NFL AFC Divisional play-off football game in Denver, their last 11 regular-season games quarters, where we executed.” Kings. the Green Bay Packers. Colorado, yesterday. to claim the top seed in the AFC Forward Carlos Boozer led Chalmers, whose 34 points San Francisco signal-caller and a first-round bye, endured the way with 15 points on six- were a career-high, connected on Colin Kaepernick, making his their first pla-yoff loss at home of-14 shooting for the Bulls, who 10 of his 13 long-range attempts post-season debut, recovered an interception during the match. with a scoring drive. That’s a rare since 1996. slipped to 20-15 just three days to tie the mark set by Brian Shaw from an early interception to “It’s pretty frustrating,” quality. He’s shown he’s had the Speedster Trindon Holliday after a 104-96 upset by the lowly on April 8, 1993. REUTERS set an NFL rushing record for a Rodgers said. “To go out and play ability to come back.” delivered a stand-out perform- Milwaukee Bucks. quarterback with 181 yards and like that is disappointing. We The 49ers set a club record for ance in the defeat, returning both “I have to get more out of our two scores. He also threw for 263 didn’t do enough on offense to most yards in a play-off game a punt and a kickoff for Denver team,” Chicago head coach Tom NBA Results yards and two touchdowns -- both help our defence.” with 579, surpassing their total touchdowns and establishing an Thibodeau said. “Everyone has to to Michael Crabtree. Kaepernick got off to a rocky of 537 yards in a Super Bowl win NFL play-off record for the long- do it, starting with me. It’s my Orlando 104 LA Clippers 101 The 49ers next play the winner start when Green Bay’s Sam over Miami after the 1984 season. est return for each. job to have them ready. Right Washington 93 Atlanta 83 of today’s game between NFC top Shields picked off his second pass “It’s a great accolade. It means “Unless you’re hoisting that now we’re not doing as well as Indiana 96 Charlotte 88 seeds Atlanta and Seattle. of the game and returned it 52 a lot to this team,” Kaepernick Lombardi Trophy at the end, it’s we should. Philadelphia 107 Houston 100 Kaepernick, a Wisconsin native yards for a touchdown. said of the record. disappointing,” said Broncos head “We have to play with more Utah 90 Detroit 87 who was a fan of the Packers as “He does a great job of respond- In Denver, Tucker’s deciding coach John Fox. intensity, more of an edge. We Phoenix 97 Chicago 81 a youngster, outplayed reign- ing. He’s done that every time he’s field goal came four plays after “We had plenty of opportuni- are not doing that. We have to ing NFL Most Valuable Player thrown an interception, safety, the Ravens’ Corey Graham inter- ties in this game, we just came up Dallas 104 Memphis 83 correct it.” Aaron Rodgers, who threw for or turnover,” 49ers coach Jim cepted Manning in Broncos ter- short,” he added after yesterday’s With guard Richard Hamilton Miami 128 Sacramento 99 257 yards, two touchdowns and Harbaugh said. “He’s responded ritory for the second time of the match. AFP MONDAY 14 JANUARY 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

Today’s Australian Djokovic bids for Australian Open Schedule Order of play for show courts at the Australian Open today (x denotes seeding): Rod Laver Arena 11:00 am (0000 GMT) Olga Puchkova (RUS) vs Maria Sharapova Open hat-trick in Melbourne (RUS x2) Followed by Chang Kai-chen (TPE) vs Samantha Stosur (AUS x9) The Serb remains cautious ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) vs Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA) MELBOURNE: Novak However, the odds favour 7:00 pm Djokovic bids for an unprece- Djokovic who is targeting a third Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) vs Janko Tipsarevic dented third straight Australian straight Australian title, a feat (SRB x8) Open title from today, with which has not been achieved in Followed by growing rival Andy Murray and the professional era. Ana Ivanovic (SRB x13) vs Melinda Czink the great Roger Federer shap- Nadal is not playing due to ill- (HUN) ing as his biggest challenges. ness, robbing Melbourne Park of Hisense Arena Argentina’s Juan Martin Del a repeat of last year’s epic final, 11:00 am Potro is the only man besides when Djokovic finally tamed Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Federer the Spaniard at 1:40 am after a Venus Williams (USA x25) vs Galina and Murray to win a Grand Slam record, 5hr 53min final which left Voskoboeva (KAZ) tournament since 2005, but the him with bleeding toes. Followed by Serb said there were plenty of But Djokovic will face a stiff David Goffin (BEL) vs Fernando Verdasco others who could threaten their challenge from the newly asser- (ESP x22) dominance. tive Murray, fresh from his first Dominika Cibulkova (SVK x15) vs Ashleigh “It’s probably expected that the Grand Slam win and keen to Barty (AUS) three of us, and Nadal of course, avenge his final and semi-final Not before 5:00 pm would still be main candidates to defeats to Djokovic in Melbourne David Ferrer (ESP x4) vs Olivier Rochus (BEL) win all the major titles,” Djokovic in 2011 and 2012. Margaret Court Arena said. Also pressing hard will be “But, you know, I wouldn’t Federer, holder of an unmatched 11:00 am underestimate Del Potro, 17 Grand Slams and still hungry Li Na (CHN x6) vs Sesil Karatantcheva (KAZ) (Jo-Wilfried) Tsonga, (David) for more even though, at the age Bojana Bobusic (AUS) vs Agnieszka Ferrer, (Tomas) Berdych, any- of 31, he is conceding six years to Radwanska (POL x4) body who is in the top 10. his younger rivals. Mikhail Youzhny (RUS x23) vs Matthew Ebden “I’m sure there’s new young Murray, 25, said the Grand Novak Djokovic of Serbia practises at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday. The players have (AUS) players coming up like (Bernard) Slam breakthrough at Flushing arrived in Melbourne for the Australian Open which commences today. Casey Dellacqua (AUS) vs Madison Keys (USA) Tomic, (Grigor) Dimitrov, (Milos) Meadows in 2012 eased the pres- 7:00 pm Raonic. sure and set him up perfectly Albert Ramos (ESP) vs Marcos Baghdatis “I don’t think it’s nice for me to build on the best year of his felt like I was having to prove opted out of playing a warm-up tournament’s opening day with (CYP x28) to predict that us three will be career. something every time I went on tournament. The Swiss has not sentimental favourite Lleyton champions of all Grand Slams “Not just Grand Slams. You the court because I hadn’t won a reached the Melbourne final since Hewitt due to take on eighth- Show Court 2 this year.” know, I kind of maybe always Slam,” he said in Melbourne. his last win in 2010. seeded Serb Janko Tipsarevic in 11:00 am “You know, even when you But he said it had allowed him the first night match on the main Julia Goerges (GER x18) vs Vera Dushevina win a Masters Series, people still to feel fresh and eager for more centre court. (RUS) asked me always about the Slams. Grand Slam glory as he prepared Hewitt has been dogged by inju- Followed by So it’s nice just to kind of not have for his 53rd straight major. ries in recent years but showed Michael Russell (USA) vs Tomas Berdych to worry about that any more. “I purposely didn’t play a lead- glimpses of the class that made (CZE x5) “I think it will help me through- up tournament so that I’d be fresh him the world’s best player in Angelique Kerber (GER x5) vs Elina Svitolina out the rest of the year, as well, for the beginning, hopefully going winning the invitational Kooyong (UKR) on the tour because I just won’t be deep into the tournament. That’s tournament, beating Juan Martin Britain’s Andy Juan Monaco (ARG x11) vs Andrey Kuznetsov worrying and thinking about the the goal obviously,” he said. del Potro in the final. Murray (right) (RUS) Slams all the time, I can focus on “I think it’s nice sometimes The 31-year-old, who has a his- speaks with all of the events that I’m entered doing it slightly different than tory of titanic five-set battles on Show Court 3 his coach Ivan in.” every year the same thing. Rod Laver Arena, has already laid 11:00 am Lendl during Murray, the world number Otherwise it feels like a deja vu down a marker for the Tipsarevic Nicolas Almagro (ESP x10) vs Steve Johnson a training three, was thrashed by Djokovic and that’s not always a good thing. match predicting it would go the (USA) session in the 2011 Australian Open David Ferrer, who won the most distance. Followed by ahead of the decider, and narrowly lost out in matches (76) and titles (seven) “I haven’t played him for a few Johanna Larsson (SWE) vs Jelena Jankovic Australian their thrilling five-set semi-final last year, is the fourth seed and years now,” Hewitt said. (SRB x22) Open in last year. is in good form having claimed a “But he’s improved a bit in the Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) vs Marion Melbourne, But the Scot then beat Djokovic fourth ATP Auckland crown by last couple years obviously to get Bartoli (FRA x11) on his way to London Olympics beating Philipp Kohlschreiber in in the top-10. It’s going to be a yesterday. John Millman (AUS) vs Tatsuma Ito (JPN) gold, and again in the US Open straight sets Saturday. tough match obviously over five final as he became Britain’s first In Nadal’s absence, he has a sets. male Grand Slam singles winner chance to climb above the fourth- “I feel like all I can control is since Fred Perry in 1936. ranked fellow Spaniard for the my preparation and doing all the Federer says Meanwhile four-time winner first time in his career. right things. I’ve done absolutely Federer, keen to extend his long Local fans will have plenty everything in my power. I look stay at the top of men’s tennis, to look forward to on the forward to the challenge.” AFP top 10 spot Li still smarting is ‘big ask’ In-form Serena to begin quest from Clijsters for Tomic heartbreak MELBOURNE: Roger Federer has warned rising Australian for sixth Australian Open title MELBOURNE: Fiery Chinese star Bernard Tomic that crack- star Li Na bristled at the men- ing the world’s top 10 will be MELBOURNE: Serena winner sits behind defending tion of the retired Kim Clijsters no easy task after the young Williams goes into the champion Azarenka and Maria yesterday and said she was Australian won his first ATP Australian Open a red-hot Sharapova in the current world disappointed not to have the Tour title. favourite in her quest for a sixth rankings, but when it comes to chance to avenge her Australian Tomic, who claimed his eighth title with even world number the opening major of the season, Open losses to the Belgian ace. straight win of the year in down- one Victoria Azarenka admit- she is peerless in the modern Li, among the leading contend- ing the 36th-ranked Kevin ting the American is the player game. Serena Williams ers at Melbourne Park, was foiled Anderson 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 6-3 at to beat. She won in 2003, 2005, 2007, by Clijsters in the 2011 final and the Sydney International final on of the US is Williams gets her 13th 2009 and 2010, and another let slip four match points against Saturday, believes he can achieve watched by her Melbourne campaign underway Australian tournament vic- her in last year’s fourth round, a top 10 status by year’s end. tomorrow against Romania’s tory would return her to world coach Patrick defeat that left her in tears. But 17-time Grand Slam cham- Edina Gallovits-Hall, fresh from number one. Mouratoglou Asked whether she was happy pion Federer is not so sure. claiming her 47th career title in Azarenka, who withdrew from (left) during not to have to play Clijsters, “I think we should go step by Brisbane and with a rare cal- her Brisbane semi-final against a practice who retired last year, again in step, see how it goes,” said the endar-year Grand Slam in her Williams after failing to recover session on Melbourne, Li said: “Why should Swiss great. sights. from a big toe infection, is happy the eve of the I be happy? I was really looking “Let’s speak in a year’s time. But the formidable and newly for the American to be favourite, start of the forward to playing her again. Everybody wants to jump from, focused American, 31, is doing saying it takes the pressure off. 2013 Australian “I played her last year in the what’s his ranking, 60, to 10 in a her best to play down soaring “Yeah, I think so,” she said Open in fourth round. I never had a year. It’s hard to do. Ten is a big expectations before the Grand when asked if Williams was her Melbourne, chance to come back, so I’m not ask. Slam season gets underway at main obstacle, but she also said Australia, happy.” She added: “Every time “Don’t forget how tough the top Melbourne Park today. there were plenty of others look- yesterday. I play against her, it’s always a 10 players are right now,” he said “That’s an incredible goal,” she ing to dethrone her. tough match. It’s a really good yesterday. said of the Grand Slam of win- “You know, everybody tries to challenge.” Tomic heads to Melbourne for ning the Australian Open, Roland beat the top players. Every time I The world number six has the Australian Open with his Garros, Wimbledon and the US go on the court, you feel the same shown progress under new coach ranking down from 64 to 43 and Open in the same year, a feat last way. Everybody wants to take Carlos Rodriguez and started the with a chance of facing Federer achieved by Steffi Graf in 1988. your position, be the number one year by winning in China. in the third round. “It hasn’t been done since the player in the world.” Li, 30, admitted that she was It is a big turnaround for a Eighties. I don’t know if I can do Despite failing to complete her already feeling the pace after a player who was tipped to emerge it. Maybe someone else can. We’ll Brisbane warm-up event, the a collarbone injury. However, in-form Agnieszka Radwanska, frenetic start to the year and as one of the new stars of tennis see. But it’s tough to say.” Belarusian said she felt relaxed the world number two said she who has already won twice this had been a fixture on the mas- in 2012, but instead battled con- Williams, who won Wimbledon, going into the opening major of could play her way into the tour- year, and China’s Li Na, the run- sage table as she prepares for the troversy on and off the court. the US Open and Olympic gold the year and fully recovered from nament, starting against fellow ner-up in 2011. year’s first Grand Slam. A quarter-finalist at last year, is also halfway to hold- her injury. blonde Russian Olga Puchkova, Li, 30, admitted that she was “I’ve just had two days totally Wimbledon in 2011, his playing ing all the major titles at once for “I don’t feel any pain when I ranked 105. already feeling the pace after a off. Now I’m feeling fresh again. stocks plummeted when he was the second time, after first com- play. I still have to tape it (the “Yes, I might be a little bit rusty, frenetic start to the year. The team was working so hard. accused of tanking by former pleting the non-calendar year toe), but there is no problem,” she but I’ll work my way through it. “I’ve just had two days totally Two days ago my body was feeling great John McEnroe in his 6-3 “Serena Slam” in 2002-2003. said. I’m experienced enough to know off. Now I’m feeling fresh again. really, really tired,” she said. 6-4 6-0 second-round loss to Andy “I feel like I’m just in the Reigning French Open cham- the adjustments I have to make The team was working so hard. “The physio does a very good Roddick at the US Open. moment right now. For this pion Sharapova, who was beaten in those types of circumstances,” Two days ago my body was feeling massage. On the massage table He was knocked out in the sec- moment, I’m playing well. I really by Azarenka in last year’s final, she said. really, really tired,” she said. he was really killing me. But now ond round at the French Open hope I can keep it up and continue is one of the players wanting to Former world number one Australian hopes rest with I’m feeling much better, so I’m and first round at Wimbledon, to play well,” she added. topple Azarenka but her prepa- Caroline Wozniacki could also Samantha Stosur, who is yet to looking forward to this year for and won just seven of his last 21 The 15-time Grand Slam rations have been hampered by be in contention, along with the win a match this year. AFP Australia.” AFP matches of the season. AFP MONDAY 14 JANUARY 2013 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Top hockey Losail Circuit to host Motorcross stars set for financial World Championships in March windfall

NEW DELHI: Field hockey We are proud to host this event for first time and at night: Al Attiyah players are set for a financial windfall when they take part in a new tournament from today BY ARMSTRONG VAS 2013 FIM MX1/MX2 Motocross Giuseppe Luongo, President of that is inspired by cricket’s pop- World Championships calendar Youthstream said the main goal of ular Twenty20 leagues. DOHA: The opening round of his company is to expand the FIM The Hockey India League Date Grand Prix Venue the 2013 FIM Motocross World Motocross World Championships (HIL), sanctioned by the sport’s Championships to be held at the 02 Mar Qatar Losail to more areas covering Australia, world governing body, will have new Losail Motocross Track on 10 Mar Thailand Si Racha Asia, South Africa and the USA. top stars from around the world March 1 and 2 will be a night race, The “We want to keep expanding. turn out for five city-based fran- 01 Apr Valkenswaard the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Netherlands We must follow the growing econ- chises over the next four weeks to Federation (QMMF) announced 14 Apr Trentino Arco di Trento omies, as well as the motorcy- February 10. here yesterday. 21 Apr TBA TBA cling growing markets. It is very The 34-match league offers It is for the first time ever a important to be in Qatar and the players lucrative fees and prom- 05 May Portugal Agueda round of the FIM Motocross Middle East,” said Luongo. ises to raise field hockey’s profile World Championship will be held 19 May Brazil Beto Carrero “As we aim to develop the back to its old heights in India, under floodlights, disclosed Nasser 26 May Mexico Guadalajara sports world wide is was fun- before a string of poor results saw bin Khalifa Al Attiyah, QMMF 09 Jun France Ernee damental to be in Qatar, as the its fan base fade. President and Losail International 16 Jun Italy Maggiora country has been hosting world India, who won the last of their Circuit General Manager. 30 Jun Sweden Uddevalla championships of all types of eight Olympic field hockey gold “We are very proud to host this 07 Jul Latvia Kegums sports. The sport (motocross) is medals at the Moscow Games event for first time and at night. becoming more and more popular in 1980, failed to qualify for the 14 Jul Russia Semigorje The championships will be held at and is easily reachable to young Beijing Games in 2008 and fin- the new Losail Motocross Track 28 Jul Germany Lausitzring children.” ished last in London. which is located next to the Losail 04 Aug Czech Republic Loket Luongo expressed confidence But that did not prevent com- International Circuit and which 18 Aug Belgium Bastogne that QMMF will deliver a suc- panies from splurging on hir- will be a permanent track to host Matterley Basin, cessful race. ing players at the HIL’s auction 25 Aug Great Britain more rounds in the future” said Winchester “I am sure to have here one of in New Delhi last month, which Al Attiyah, while addressing a 08 Sep TBA TBA the best Grand Prix of the world. drew extensive coverage from the press conference at QMMF head- I know we will achieve it, like he usually cricket-obsessed media. Monster quarters yesterday. (Al Attiyah) has already done with Indian captain Sardar Singh Energy FIM Germany - “We are very happy to have this 29 Sept MotoGP, we have new ingredients was picked up by the Delhi Wave Motocross of Teutschenthal World Championship in Qatar and formulas. The race will have Riders franchise, owned by a Nations and have this opportunity to bring good television coverage and it will property developer, for $78,000 this event in Qatar and Middle passion,” the QMMF official said. be broadcasted worldwide live,” he per tournament over the next East. This is a great value for us The series which is promoted added. three years. and for our agenda and we really by Youthstream will be contested “The work to prepare the track Moritz Fuerste, the look forward to built a culture of over 19 rounds and the curtains is massive and the progress is very International Hockey Federation this (motocross) motorsport in a will come down on the event in good. ” he said of the new Losail (FIH) player of the year for strong way as we did in MotoGP Germany in September. Motocross Track which is getting Nasser bin Khalifa Al Attiyah, Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation 2012 after helping Germany win before, so I think this is a good In 2013, Youthstream will ready for the championship. (QMMF) President , and Giuseppe Luongo Youthstream President, pose for two successive Olympic golds in achievement to reach a goal and manage a total of 30 Motocross This year’s Championships will a picture during a press conference at the QMMF Headquarters yesterday. Beijing and London, went to the to create a motocross culture in World Championship events and see another first. It is for the first The QMMF anounced it will host the season opening race of the 2013 FIM Ranchi Rhinos for $75,000. this region. Qatar is trying to be a the event in March will be the time MX1 and MX2 will be com- MX1/MX2 Motocross World Championship at the Losail Motocross Track Dutch veteran Teun de Nooijer, model for many countries and we first time they will be in Qatar to bined into the same two motos. on March 1 and 2. This year’s championship will be constested over 19 36, was sold to the Uttar Pradesh are here to develop the Motocross organise an event. THE PENINSULA rounds and it will end in September. PICTURE BY: ABDUL BASIT Wizards for $66,000, while the Punjab Warriors bought Australian striker Jamie Dwyer for $60,000. Nasser saved by stewards decision after deluge The Mumbai Magicians, the fifth franchise in the fray, have TUCUMAN, Argentina: the 88km mark when a riverbed Bull mechanics during yesterday’s “It was our plan to come to the had been set for 492km, being Indian defender Sandeep Singh Qatar’s 2011 Dakar Rally cham- on the course swelled with water. rest day. rest day with the lead but some- cancelled. Casteu, on a Yamaha, and national goalkeeper P.R. pion Nasser Al Attiyah was At that time, Al-Attiyah was Al Attiyah said the stage had times we must accept what will has a 9min 26sec overall lead over Sreejesh as their star players. a relieved man yesterday as, 13sec ahead of America’s Robby been going swimmingly for them be. “There’s still a long way to go defending champion Cyril Despres Sardar, Sandeep, Fuerste, de despite getting stuck when tor- Gordon with Peterhansel three until the torrents of water pre- at this race and after the rest day and an 11min 16sec advantage Nooijer and Dwyer, who were all rential rain brought chaos to minutes behind. vented them from crossing. I will start the following stage as over Portugal’s Ruben Faria. named marquee players by their the eighth stage from Salta to But as the storms worsened, “The stage was going very the sixth car. This will give me Pain finished more than 30 respective franchises, will be paid Tucuman, he remained in sec- Al Attiyah got stuck and then well for us and we had the lead a great chance to make up some minutes off the pace and is now an additional sum which is 15 per- ond place. watched several of his rivals dis- until the conditions on the stage time in this race.” fifth overall, 16min 10sec behind cent higher than the next player According to Al Attiyah’s team appear into the distance. changed,” said Al Attiyah, who David Casteu took the overall Casteu in the race for the title. in their teams. Red Bull’s website, race stewards Guerlain Chicherit reached the won Olympic bronze in the shoot- lead in the rain-hit motorcycling Pain was one of a batch of rid- Franchise owners include the decided to hand all of the cars finish in the fastest time with ing competition last year. section after longtime leader ers who got lost at the 122km Sahara conglomerate, a long-time that were unable to complete the Peterhansel - a 10-time Dakar “It was raining and lots of Olivier Pain endured a miser- stage. “A huge navigational suc- sponsor of sport in India, and the stage the same time as the last winner with six victories on a water was coming down from the able eighth stage. Joan Barreda cess,” said Casteu. “I’m over the Jaypee group, which built the competitor who finished before motorobike and four times in the mountains that made the rivers Bort claimed the 183km timed moon because it’s difficult to ride infrastructure for the country’s the stage was abandoned. car discipline - over 12 minutes impossible to cross. We decided run in 2hr 7min 26sec, ahead at the front while attacking and inaugural Formula One Grand This revised result keeps the behind we just had to stop and we called of America’s Johnny Campbell, keeping your bearings, navigating. Prix. 42-year-old Qatari in second place Al Attiyah’s car, having been the race organisers to let them who was 7min 4sec behind, with “I was able to keep my cool Each of the five squads has 10 and trailing France’s defending successfully extricated from the know there was no way to cross Slovakia’s Ivan Jakes in third, while everyone else was spinning foreign and 14 Indian players for champion Stephane Peterhansel quagmire and driven to the stage the river. They told us then that 7min 57sec off the pace. around, but I stayed focused and the televised tournament, which by just 3min 14sec. finish in Tucuman, will be given they were in the process of stop- Torrential rain led to the early was the first across the line.” de Nooijer says will transform the The race had been stopped at an intensive inspection by the Red ping the race. part of the planned stage, which AFP world of hockey. AFP QMSF honours 2012 UIM F1 H20 Al Gharafa clinch World Champion Carella’s team win over Al Ahli BY DANOTZKI SANTOS DOHA: Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al Thani, President of the DOHA: Al Gharafa defeated Qatar Marine Sports Federation Al Ahli 77-64 to clinch their (QMSF), made a special presen- seventh victory of the Qatar tation to the Qatar Team’s 2012 Men’s Basketball League at Action UIM F1 H20 World Champion the Al Gharafa Indoor Arena from the Alex Carella, chief mechanic and yesterday. Qatar engine builder Brendan Power Ahli showed flashes of bril- Men’s and the team’s talented second liance at the start of the match driver Shaun Torrente at a gala and led 20-19 at the end of the Basketball dinner at the Doha Sheraton on period but went sour in the next League at Saturday night. quarter as they succumbed to the Al Gharafa The presentation was held in blue shirts’ menacing defense and Indoor conjunction with the awards’ cer- got overtaken, 27-32 five minutes Arena emony for the H1 Unlimited 2012 into the second period. yesterday. Championship and the handing Al Gharafa’s Rasheim Wright of the trophy to the winner of troubled the scorers from thereon. the 2012 Oryx Cup UIM World He dominated his counterparts Championship, which reached on both ends and handed his team its conclusion in Doha Bay on a 41-32 advantage as they headed Saturday. for the mid-game showers. Khalid bin Arhama Al Kuwari, Gharafa limited Ahli to two Osseynou Ndiyae and Emanuel head of formula racing at the points while scoring 8 in succes- Awako helped Gharafa’s cause of QMSF, also took the opportunity sion as as the game resumed to the boards, as the two recorded to confirm his team line-up for the pull away, 49-34, and continued 11 and 9 rebounds, respectively. 2013 UIM F1 H20 Championship, the onslaught to close the third Omar Salem had a field day from which is provisionally set to begin FROM LEFT: Brendan Power, Khalid bin Arhama Al Kuwari, Alex Carella and Shaun Torrente of Qatar Team which quarter with a 56-43 cushion. the outside, scoring 20 points. in April. won the 2012 UIM F1 H20 World Championship. The team members were honoured by Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Both teams would exchange Michael Cook led Ahli with 20 “We will keep to the same suc- Al Thani, President of the Qatar Marine Sports Federation at a gala dinner at the Doha Sheraton on Saturday night. baskets thereon, and even as Ahli points. cessful team in 2013,” enthused tried hard Wright and his team Al Sadd battle Elaish today at Al Kuwari. boats and the engines and Khalid that he is looking to add a sec- several enquiries from drivers mates kept dousing any ditch of the Al Rayyan Indoor Arena at “Alex and Shaun will be our Abdullah Al Kuwari will rep- ond driver to the Qatar Team wanting to join the Qatar Team to their effort to came back. 6:00 pm. The Friendship Games drivers in Formula One, Brendan resent the team in Formula 4 line-up for the 2013 UIM F-4S potentially run a third boat in F1 Wright topscored with 27 match between Egypt and Qatar Power will be working in his (F-4S).” Championship for the Eurofin during the course of the season. points and dished out 5 assists Army will follow. usual meticulous way with the Al Kuwari also confirmed Trophy and that he has received THE PENINSULA to cap a sterling performance. THE PENINSULA MONDAY 14 JANUARY 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Ajmal sweeps Pakistan’s New Zealand fight back inaugural Watling, Brownlie provide resistance; visitors still facing huge defeat cricket awards LAHORE, Pakistan: Off- PORT ELIZABETH, South delivery. shining light for the tourists in spinner Saeed Ajmal won all the Africa: New Zealand fought Kleinveldt ended the day with their first dig as his battling 63 off bowling honours at Pakistan’s bravely to move to 157 for four two for 31 while left-arm spinner 87 balls with 13 fours added some inaugural cricket awards cer- in their second innings, follow- Robin Peterson, who accounted gloss to the innings. emony, after he was controver- ing on and still 247 runs behind for Brendon McCullum (11) and New Zealand began the day on sially left off the International South Africa, at the close of the Kane Williamson (11), claimed a parlous 47 for six and the pair Cricket Council’s awards list. third day’s play in the second two for 29. of Watling and Doug Bracewell Despite bagging 72 wickets Test yesterday. The tourists showed far more (7) added 14 runs to the over- in 12 Tests from August 2011 Unbeaten pair BJ Watling (41) determination with the bat than night total before the right- to August 2012, the 35-year-old and Dean Brownlie (44) pro- they had in their first innings handed Bracewell prodded at a was not included in any of the vided stern resistance and the when they subsided to 121 all out Steyn delivery to send an out- ICC shortlists when they were duo looked relatively untroubled in reply to the top-ranked hosts’s side edge through to keeper De announced in September, spark- as they added an unbroken fifth- 525-8 declared. Villiers. ing outrage in Pakistan at the wicket partnership of 73 off 27.2 The morning session had Steyn struck again one run perceived injustice. overs to steer their team to the belonged to speedster Dale Steyn, later when he trapped the left- Pakistan’s protest over the close of play. the world’s top-ranked bowler, handed Neil Wagner (0) leg- omission went unheeded, but at Opener Martin Guptill con- who claimed five for 17 off 13 before with an in-swinging the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) tributed 48 before being bowled overs to bundle New Zealand out delivery. awards Saturday night Ajmal was by seamer Rory Kleinveldt who 30 minutes before lunch, at that The 29-year-old Steyn was not declared best Pakistan bowler for went on to have Daniel Flynn stage trailing South Africa by 404 done yet and in his next over he 2012 in all three formats -- Test, (0) caught behind with his next runs. Watling provided the one bowled Jeetan Patel (0) after the one-day and T20. batsman backed away from a good Ajmal, who helped Pakistan length delivery. rout then world number one Test Scoreboard Steyn enjoyed a wonderful side England 3-0 in the United morning as he claimed his 19th Arab Emirates early last year, South Africa (I innings): ...... 525/8 decl 6-26-1; Kleinveldt 11-3-53-2; Peterson 7-2- five-wicket haul in Tests as he also won the PCB’s special prize New Zealand (I innings): 20-2; Kallis 1-1-0-0. sent down a spell that produced for best bowler of the year. M Guptill c Petersen b Steyn ...... 1 New Zealand (I innings): figures of 5-3-3-3. “To be named the best for the B McCullum c Kallis b Peterson ...... 13 M Guptill b Kleinveldt ...... 48 Watling and Trent Boult (17 year from such a special group, K Williamson c Smith b Steyn...... 4 B McCullum lbw Peterson ...... 11 not out) then provided some late for me this is an out of this world D Brownlie c De Villiers b Kleinveldt ...... 10 K Williamson b Peterson ...... 11 resistance with a last-wicket feeling,” he said. D Flynn lbw Kleinveldt ...... 0 D Brownlie (batting) ...... 44 stand that produced 59 runs, a Ajmal took 39 wickets in six B Watling c Smith b Morkel ...... 63 D Flynn c De Villiers b Kleinveldt ...... 0 New Zealand record 10th-wicket Tests last year while his tally C Munro c Elgar b Peterson ...... 0 B J Watling (batting) ...... 41 partnership against South Africa stood at 31 in 17 one day matches D Bracewell c De Villiers b Steyn ...... 7 Extras (LB-1, W-1) ...... 2 beating the 57 scored by Simon and 25 in 16 Twenty20s. All- N Wagner lbw Steyn ...... 0 Total (for 4 wkts) ...... 157 Doull and Richard de Groen rounder Mohammad Hafeez, cap- J Patel b Steyn ...... 0 Still to bat: C Munro, D Bracewell, N Wagner, J scored in Johannesburg during tain of Pakistan’s Twenty20 team, T Boult (not out) ...... 17 Patel, T Boult. the 1994/95 season. was named player of the year. Extras (LB-5, W-1) ...... 6 Fall of wickets: 1-40, 2-64, 3-84, 4-84. The aggressive Watling was the Hafeez was prolific in all three Total (all out) ...... 121 Bowling: Steyn 13-1-41-0; Morkel 13-4-32-0 last man out, caught at first slip forms of the game last year -- Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-8, 3-27, 4-27, 5-39, (1w); Kleinveldt 12-8-31-2; Peterson 20-11- off the bowling of paceman Morne South Africa’s Dale Steyn celebrates taking five wickets in an innings both as batsman and bowler -- 6-39, 7-61, 8-62, 9-62. 29-2; Kallis 5-3-8-0; Smith 1-0-10-0; Pe- Morkel. South Africa hold a 1-0 during day three of the second Test match against New Zealand in Port with 505 runs and eight wickets Bowling: Steyn 13-5-17-5 (1w); Morkel 12.4- tersen 3-0-5-0. series lead. AFP Elizabeth, yesterday. in Tests, 476 runs and 13 wickets in one-dayers, and 398 runs and 10 wickets in T20s. Nasir Jamshed was named batsman of the year in both ODIs and T20s, while Sri Lanka level ODI series against Australia the prize for the Test batsman of the year went to Azhar Ali, who ADELAIDE, Australia: An speed but failed to make another Sri Lanka effectively shack- Scoreboard scored 551 runs. Left-arm pace- unbeaten maiden one-day cen- breakthrough until Glen Maxwell led Australia from the outset man Junaid Khan was named the tury from Lahiru Thirimanne caught Dilshan off Ben Cutting and picked up regular wickets. AUSTRALIA 10-1-24-2 (1w); T Perera 9-0-40-2 (1w); Mal- emerging player of the year. drove Sri Lanka to a series- with the score already on 137. Opener Aaron Finch was first to A Finch c J Mendis b Mathews ...... 4 inga 9-0-32-3 ; A Mendis 7.5-0-41-1 (1w); J The awards, which each carried levelling eight-wicket victory at Debutant Kushal Perera, who go, caught off Angelo Mathews for P Hughes lbw Kulasekera ...... 3 Mendis 2-0-7-0. a cash prize of Rs 200,000 ($2,100) the Adelaide Oval yesterday. held four catches behind the wick- just four. and a trophy, were decided by a G Bailey c Thirimanne b Malinga ...... 26 SRI LANKA The feisty opener hit a bound- ets, clobbered 14 quick runs with Nuwan Kulasekera then had jury comprising of former Test D Hussey (run out-Dilshan) ...... 29 U Tharanga c Haddin b McKay ...... 0 ary for the winning runs and Thirimanne in cruise control. opening match centurion Phillip captain Intikhab Alam, Pakistan’s S Smith c K Perera b T Perera ...... 8 T Dilshan c Maxwell b Cutting ...... 51 remained unbeaten on 102 for Sri Lanka’s seamers led by slin- Hughes plumb lbw for three and chief selector Iqbal Qasim and G Maxwell c K Perera b Mathews ...... 8 L Thirimanne (not out) ...... 102 his first ODI ton. Tillakaratne ger Lasith Malinga had skittled Australia were in trouble on two veteran journalist Qamar Ahmed. Dilshan plundered 51. out Australia setting the stage for for 12.Skipper George Bailey B Haddin c Thirimanne b A Mendis ...... 50 K Perera (not out) ...... 14 PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf said The tourists, who suffered a an ultimately easy victory. struggled to 26 before Thirimanne B Cutting c K Perera b Malinga ...... 27 Extras (LB-3, W-2) ...... 5 the awards were intended to 107-run defeat in Melbourne on Mahela Jayawardene won an took a leaping catch off a Malinga K Richardson lbw Malinga ...... 0 Total (for 2 wkts in 40.1 overs) ...... 172 motivate the players. Friday in the first of the five- important toss after heavy rain delivery.David Hussey looked the C McKay c K Perera b T Perera ...... 4 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-137. “The award ceremony is a new match ODI series, reached the delayed the start and notched his man for a tough job, picking up X Doherty (not out) ...... 5 Bowling: McKay 10-0-43-1; Richardson 6-3- initiative of the PCB meant to target of 171 with 59 balls to spare. first triumph on the tour after a occasional boundaries and putting Extras (B-1, LB-1, W-4) ...... 6 15-0; Cutting 10-0-42-1 (1w); Doherty 7-0-34- recognise, acknowledge and hon- Australia had Upal Tharanga 3-0 whitewash in the Tests. on 39 with Bailey. But Hussey only Total (all out in 46.5 overs) ...... 170 0; Smith 4-0-16-0; Maxwell 3.1-0-19-0. our Pakistan’s cricketing talent caught behind off Clint McKay Veteran wicket-keeper Brad got to 29 when he hesitated going Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-12, 3-51, 4-60, 5-82, Result: Sri Lanka won by eight wickets. that has consistently stood out on in the third ball of Sri Lanka’s Haddin top-scored for Australia for a single and Dilshan knocked 6-83, 7-140, 8-140, 9-146, 10-170. Series: Australia and Sri Lanka level in 5-match the field of play -- winning laurels innings with no runs on the board. with 50 while Malinga claimed off the bails from mid-wicket. Bowling: Kulasekara 9-0-24-1 (1w); Mathews series: 1-1. for the team and the nation,” said The hosts mixed up spin with three wickets for 32. AFP Ashraf. AFP La Liga: Pressure on Mourinho as PSG’s Nene all set to join Al Gharafa Real draw blank with Osasuna PARIS: Forward Nene is set against a local club during the to leave French club Paris St winter training camp in Qatar. MADRID: Jose Mourinho was was also absent at the start of a Germain for Qatari club Al Meanwhile, Welsh footballing under more pressure yesterday five-game ban. Mourinho was able Gharafa, the Brazilian said great Ryan Giggs will see how when misfiring Real Madrid to welcome back Gonzalo Higuain yesterday. he feels at the end of the season were held to a 0-0 draw at rel- and Coentrao after injuries and The 31-year-old, who was the before deciding whether to sign egation-threatened Osasuna, preferred Albiol to start only his league’s joint top-scorer last sea- another year long contract with a result which left the cham- third league game of the season son with 21 goals and helped PSG Manchester United, he told the pions 15 points behind leaders over Ricardo Carvalho in the cen- finish second, has been at odds Sunday People. Barcelona. tre of defence. with coach Carlo Ancelotti for The 39-year-old winger - win- Madrid, devoid of any creativity, It was not until the 25th weeks and has not played com- ner of 12 Premier League titles missed the suspended Cristiano minute that there was a mean- petitively for more than a month. with United as well as two Ronaldo, who had scored five of ingful attempt on goal. “I found an agreement with Al Champions League trophies - said his side’s eight goals in the last Osasuna defender Marc Beltran Gharafa,” Nene told French chan- he would hold talks with United two games, and their desperate was alert to clear from almost on nel TF1. manager Alex Ferguson at the state was highlighted when sub- the goal-line after Higuain had “It has been difficult because end of the present campaign, stitute Kaka was sent-off in the rounded the goalkeeper and cen- I was still dreaming to play for which has so far seen him make 16 second half. tred for Sami Khedira. Brazil and meet up with my fam- appearances in all competitions. Real Madrid are on 37 points in Angel Di Maria then shot over ily,” added Nene, who was close to “I will see how I feel and see third place, four behind Atletico for Madrid while Alvaro Cejudo signing for Brazilian side Santos how I am contributing, and then Madrid and they could trail went close at the other end. last week. I will sit down and talk to the Barcelona by 18 points on Sunday Jose Callejon almost surprised According to media reports manager,” said Giggs, who has if the runaway leaders defeat Andres Fernandez in the Osasuna Nene will sign an 11m euro won 24 major trophies in his time fifth-place Malaga. goal with a header that went just ($14.68m) 18-month deal. at United. “I liked my team’s attitude, over on 35 minutes and Cejudo “Things like that only happen “I am cool with that. I am enjoy- Raul Albiol and Fabio Coentrao turned cleverly before blasting once in a lifetime. I don’t know ing my football at the moment, have come in and played well and over. if people will understand ... I just but the end of the season is a few the others have done a job. It’s not Within a minute of the second- thought about my future and months away and you never know easy to create here, we did enough half, Casillas was called into his secured it for my family,” he said. what will happen. to score but we didn’t make many first meaningful action to block a Nene has played 79 league “I have to contribute as well as chances,” said Mourinho. drive from Kike Sola. games and scored 36 goals for enjoying both training and play- Ronaldo missed his first game Mourinho changed things PSG but only featured in nine ing.” Giggs, who made his debut after 60 consecutive league around just before the hour mark, league matches this season. for United in the 1990/91 season, appearances with a one-match replacing Higuain with Karim Ancelotti dropped him out of praised Ferguson for his longevity suspension while Sergio Ramos Benzema and introducing Kaka the squad after the player struck because of the way he differs his for a subdued Di Maria. the roof of the dugout with his training regime. La Liga Results But things got worse for Madrid hand and argued with coach- “In a way I suppose I get an eas- Valladolid 3 Real Mallorca 1 when Kaka received a second ing staff during the Champions ier ride than some of the younger yellow card within 18 minutes of League home win against Porto lads, and that’s because the man- Espanyol 1 Celta Vigo 0 coming on, leaving his side a man Real Madrid’s Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho reacts during the Spanish last month. ager recognises I have different Osasuna 0 Real Madrid 0 down for the final 15 minutes. Copa del Rey (King’s Cup) football match against RC Celta de Vigo at the Since then, the Brazilian has needs at this point,” he said. Valencia 2 Sevilla 0 AFP Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on January 9. only taken part in a friendly AGENCIES Monday 14 January 2013 2 Rabial I Safar 1434 Volume 17 Number 5579 Sport Price: QR2 LATEST NEWS UPDATES IN TAMIL FILIPINO LANGUAGE DAILY NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED FROM QATAR! Oosthuizen Djokovic bids TAMIL TIMES WEEKLY NEWSPAPER Middle East Edition AVAILABLE rallies to lift for Australian AT ALL LEADING BOOK STORES / SUPERMARKETS Volvo title Open hat-trick Available every Wednesdays in all leading IN QATAR supermarkets and shops in Qatar & Bahrain Tel. : +974 44557622 / 44557623 FOR ADVERTISEMENTS CONTACT: Fax. : +974 44557759 DAR AL SHARQ TEL: 4455 7623 EMAIL: [email protected] Sport | 24 Sport | 25 email: [email protected]

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Manchester United NHL: Lockout officially ends, schedule announced

NEW YORK: The National NHL Commissioner hold off Liverpool Hockey League is back in busi- Gary Bettman speaks ness after owners and play- at a press conference ers signed a memorandum of Two sent off as Man City beat Arsenal 2-0 understanding yesterday to end at the Westin Hotel the lockout that wiped out more in New York City on than half the season. January 9, 2013. The LONDON: Premier League The NHL wasted no time in NHL and its players leaders Manchester United releasing a schedule for the short- finally reached an and second-placed champions ened season, in which each team agreement yesterday Manchester City put former will play 48 games. allowing for the league English heavyweights Liverpool Twenty-six of the league’s 30 to start the 2012- 2013 and Arsenal firmly in their teams will play when the action season pending player place yesterday with United’s begins on January 19. The regu- ratification of the Robin van Persie again on song. lar season will conclude on April agreement. United sealed a needlessly 27 with the Stanley Cup play-offs nervy 2-1 home win over eighth- starting three days later. placed Liverpool to maintain their Training camps were due to signed the written memorandum Now a league needing to win seven-point lead after Van Persie open yesterday. of understanding laying out the back fans disenchanted by the with a goal and Patrice Evra with The NHL Players Association key issues in the new deal. lockout, the NHL plans to open two assists put rival Luis Suarez had announced earlier yesterday The new accord will last for with a bang next weekend. in the shade. that its members had voted to 10 years, with an opt-out clause The defending champion Los In contrast, the game in London ratify a new contract, days after after eight. Angeles Kings, who beat the was never in doubt with City win- NHL owners had unanimously The players’ share of hockey- New Jersey Devils in a six-game ning 2-0 for their first league win approved the tentative deal. related income will fall from 57 Stanley Cup Finals last June, at Arsenal in 38 years. But the official end of the lock- percent to a 50 percent with the will raise their banner before an City were given a helping hand out, which started in September owners also getting 50 percent. afternoon game against Chicago. by the 10th-minute dismissal and cost more than half of the The salary cap for the upcom- Another play-off rematch high- of Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny season originally slated to begin in ing season will also reportedly be lighting the first day of play will for wrestling Edin Dzeko to the October, wasn’t announced until $70.2m with a minimum payroll be the Pittsburgh Penguins visit- ground before James Milner and Manchester United’s French defender Patrice Evra (centre) celebrates his representatives of both sides had of $44m. ing the Philadelphia Flyers. AFP Dzeko netted before the break. club’s second goal with team-mate Rio Ferdinand (right) during the English Liverpool have had to watch Premier League match against Liverpool at Old Trafford in Manchester, with horror over the last two dec- northwest England, yesterday. ades as big rivals United undis- putedly crowned themselves kings of the English game, trampling boosted Liverpool’s confidence in over the Anfield side’s legacy after English Premier the second half. they had shone the brightest in It was soon dampened when the 1970s and 80s. League Results Van Persie’s free kick was headed The first half at Old Trafford, goalwards by Evra, prolific for which followed United’s 2-1 win at Yesterday’s Results a left back with four goals this Run Liverpool in September, suggested Man Utd 2 Liverpool 1 term, and the ball deflected off talk of the balance of power team mate Vidic before bulging for a healthier should be replaced by whisper- Arsenal 0 Man City 2 the net. No Liverpool players ings of the huge gulf in class such appealed for offside but replays was the ineptitude of Brendan through. Van Persie, who now has showed the Serbian was just tomorrow Rodgers’ side. 17 goals as the league top scorer, ahead of their backline. Dutchman Van Persie, English had another chance just before Liverpool’s defence and espe- football’s in-form striker along the break as United overran their cially Johnson had been found with Liverpool’s Suarez, grabbed toothless north west neighbours wanting for the goal but Sturridge a 19th minute opener when he but he oddly chose a cheeky flick dug them half out of a hole when swept in Evra’s cross in inimita- which Martin Skrtel cleared just he struck after 57 minutes when ble style. before the line. Gerrard’s piledriver could only “Robin van Persie is different Uruguay’s Suarez, with 15 be palmed into his path by goal- class. He produces moments in league goals this term, was often keeper David De Gea. the game others can’t do and we jeered by the home crowd in a England’s Sturridge then are glad he is on our side,” man forgettable performance where missed three decent chances as of the match Danny Welbeck told nothing went right but he took United boss Alex Ferguson fretted Sky Sports. the sting out of any more vocal in the dugout and visiting Real “We had our gameplan and it taunts by shaking Evra’s hand Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, worked really well in the first half. before kick off. scouting United ahead of their They came into it more in the Suarez failed to do so last sea- Champions League clash, raised second half but we got the three son at Old Trafford after serving an eyebrow beneath the hood he points and showed our character.” an eight-game ban for racially used to shield himself from the Forward Welbeck, preferred abusing the Frenchman. cold and the cameras. to the in-form Javier Hernandez The arrival of the lively Daniel As it was, United closed out the in the absence of the injured Sturridge at halftime for his win without further alarm. Wayne Rooney, justified his start Premier League debut after join- City were hardly ever in dan- with some good play although he ing from Chelsea. ger at sixth-placed Arsenal and should have done better twice in And the fact they somehow despite the angry response from the first half when almost clean went into the break just 1-0 down the famously placid home fans, referee Mike Dean had little choice but to dismiss defender Koscielny for the offending bear hug and award a penalty. Dzeko’s spot kick hit keeper Wojciech Szczesny, rebounded off the post and ran along the line into the Pole’s grateful arms. City have surped Arsenal as continual title challengers and their class against 10 men soon told when Milner rifled in a smart effort in the 21st minute after a good Carlos Tevez pass following a quick free kick. Arsenal supporters also out- raged by the free kick award sang “1-0 to the referee” but that was disingenuous given the foothold Join Qtel’s Marathon on January 26th, 2013, get involved in sports and raise money for worthy causes. Push beyond what you of Roberto Mancini’s side and it thought you could do and be part of our movement for a healthier tomorrow. Register in any of the 3 categories: 21 km, was soon 2-0. 10 km and 1 km fun run for kids. The funds collected from the participation fee (QR 50 per participant) will England midfielder Milner be fully donated to a range of charities in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. whipped in a cross and though the To find out more, please visit our website www.qtel.qa keeper stopped Tevez’s close range effort, Dzeko could not miss. City’s Vincent Kompany was Referee Mike Dean asks Manchester City’s Vincent Kompany to leave the harshly sent off for a robust chal- pitch after showing him the red card during their English Premier League lenge with 15 minutes to go but match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in London, yesterday. the second half was largely a non- event in the cold. REUTERS