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Qatar’s insurance Martial saves premium reaches Manchester $2bn in 2015 United in FA Cup

MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 • 5 Jumada II 1437 • Volume 21 • Number 6735 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Sheikha Mayassa: Qatar joins Qatar will hold an amazing drive to protect World Cup

By Raynald C Rivera historical sites The Peninsula DOHA: Qatar will deliver an amazing World Cup, H E Sheikha of the Director-General of Unesco; Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khal- Francesco Bandarin, Assistant ifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Country’s candidate Director General for Culture at Museums, said yesterday. for the post Unesco, diplomats and senior offi- She was speaking at the open- cials of the Ministry. ing panel discussion of ‘The New of Unesco An awareness programme will York Times Art for Tomorrow’ con- Director-General be held under the campaign in ference on “Culture – Towards a warns against collaboration with local partners New Urban Agenda.” including Qatar Museums, Univer- H E Sheikha Al Mayassa was cultural terrorism. sity College London, Qatar Tourism answering a question asked by The Authority, Katara, Sheikh Faisal Bin New York Times columnist Roger Qassim Al Thani Museum, North- Cohen, moderator of the panel, on H E Dr Hamad bin Abdul Aziz Al Kawari, Qatar’s candidate for Unesco Director-General, with diplomats and western University, Musheireb whether she worries about disrup- Development and Doha Architecture Qatari officials during the launch of Unesco’s UNITE4HERITAGE campaign in Qatar at Barzan Towers, Umm tions, controversies and tensions By Sanaullah Ataullah Forum. There will be workshops to Salal Muhammad, yesterday. as the city sees fast-paced urban The Peninsula raise awareness on cultural and her- development. itage sites. Cultural trips for school “I think the decision-making students and lectures on heritage Italian government, for the formation archeological sites. “Bulldozers swept sign of cultural terrorism that is tak- process is a very collaborative protection for families and individ- of a qualified field team consisting of away the ancient Assyrian city of Nim- ing place throughout the Arab region,” one. If we take the example of the DOHA: Qatar has joined an interna- uals at weekends will also be held. experts in cultural heritage and Italian rod, terrorists destroyed rare statues said Al Kawari. stadiums for 2022, it’s a group of tional campaign — Unite4Heritage Addressing the function, Dr police officers specialised in combat- and sculptures in the city of Mosul and In light of these serious devel- people working on the stadium — launched by Unesco in March last Hamad Al Kawari said, “This event, ing illicit trafficking of stolen cultural the two-thousand-year-old Temple of opments, he said, the Unesco has designs and so forth and propos- year to start a global movement “to held in Doha, is a direct response artefacts.” “Bel” in the city of Palmyra, which was initiated a constructive global aware- ing them to government entities protect and safeguard heritage in to the strategy adopted by Unesco “This event is being organised inscribed on the Unesco’s list of World ness campaign aiming at protecting to make final decision. I think all areas threatened by extremists”. member states. It reflects the in order to reinforce the global path Heritage Sites. the world’s diverse cultural heritage. the decision-making is very dem- The announcement was made keen desire of Qatar’s leadership towards the preservation of histor- “They also attacked Timbuktu, “This campaign, aptly titled “Unite ocratic and very collaborative so I yesterday at an event organised by and illustrious citizenry to sup- ical and cultural heritage and the the Pearl of the Desert, demolish- for Heritage” brings us together today think there’s no worry in that area, the Ministry of Culture and Sports port the global effort to preserve recognition of its role in supporting ing shrines, sanctuaries, tombs and with the clear purpose of responding instead we are very excited and the at Barzan Towers, a national herit- human heritage. Furthermore, the cultural identity as well as promot- even age old mosques. Their onslaught to the awakening global consciousness more the press attacks Qatar for age site in Umm Salal Muhammad. Unesco is continuously working ing enhanced social peace and global has also reached Libya where they that believes in humanity’s common hosting the World Cup, the more The event was attended by H E on implementing and broaden- security,” he added. destroyed paintings and pictures in values and the necessity to protect excited we are to host an amaz- Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, ing its “Unite4Heritage” initiative, He said that extremist groups have the Acacus region in the south of the the symbolic wealth of mankind as ing World Cup,” she said. Cultural Advisor to the Emiri Diwan, which has recently led to the sign- adopted a “holy ignorance” approach country, works of art dating back a whole. and Qatar’s candidate for the post ing of a historical agreement with the to invade and destroy magnificent to 10,000 years. These crimes are a → Continued on page 5 → Continued on page 7 32 dead as car Device to detect stomach cancer developed bomb goes By Fazeena Saleem Named ‘Integrated bio-sensors “The device we are developing Dr Cabibihan said the device is of carbon dioxide and ammonia in off in Ankara The Peninsula and automated instrumentation is an endoscope of the size of a cap- important for Qatar and the region both dissolved and gaseous forms. for early stomach cancer detect on sule, which functions with a sensor due to the rising incidence of stomach It is known that the two gases are using flexible capsule endoscope,’ linked to a wire. We integrate it with cancer and smoking, which is a major released during the hydrolysis of urea Reuters the device detects Helicobacter pylori a robotic device that moves it inside risk factor for the disease. by H pylori. The bacteria can inhabit DOHA: A device developed in Qatar (H pylori), which causes stomach can- the stomach,” said Dr Cabibihan, who According to latest World Health in various areas of the stomach, espe- can detect early stages of stomach cer, Dr John-John Cabibihan, Co-Lead is also an Associate Professor at the Organization (WHO) data published cially close to the bottom. ANKARA: A car bomb killed at cancer. Principal Investigator of the project, Mechanical and Industrial Engineer- in May 2014, there were 31 stomach “In addition, there is an elec- least 32 people at a crowded trans- The capsule-size equipment, told this newspaper. ing Department of QU. cancer deaths in Qatar. tronic nose that can detect presence port hub in the Turkish capital of which examines the stomach and is Stomach cancer or gastric cancer The study is supported by Qatar Figures show 12 percent of the of the gases. We are at the end of the Ankara yesterday and wounded being developed by Qatar University affects the stomach lining and bac- national Research Fund’s flagship country’s population above 15 years project, the sensor has been fully at least 75 more, the second such (QU) in partnership with TUFTS Uni- terial infection is the most common funding programme — National Pri- smokes. developed and electronic nose is in attack in the administrative heart versity and University of Washington, cause, accounting for more than 60 orities Research Programme, fourth The capsule endoscope sensor the final stages of experiment,” said of the city in less than a month. could replace an endoscope. percent of cases. cycle 2012-2016. aims at detecting concentrations Dr Cabibihan. The blast, which could be heard several kilometres away, sent burning debris showering down over an area a few hundred metres from the Justice and Inte- PSG win French title Syria govt warned against rior Ministries, a top courthouse, and the former office of the prime minister. derailing tenuous truce Police helicopters hovered overhead as a large cloud of smoke rose over the city centre. “A total of 32 of our citizens AFP describing Walid Muallem’s com- were killed when a car exploded ments as a “provocation” and a “bad at Kizilay’s Guven Park, and close sign” for the attempts to find peace. to 75 of our wounded citizens Kerry warned Syria and its allies were taken to various hospitals GENEVA: The United States and Russia and Iran against “testing for treatment,” the Ankara gov- France warned the Syrian regime boundaries” or lessening their com- ernor’s office said in a statement. yesterday against trying to disrupt pliance with a fragile February 27 One senior security official told the fragile ceasefire as the warring truce brokered by Washington and Reuters initial findings suggested sides prepared for fresh peace talks Moscow that has largely held despite the attack had been carried out by to end the brutal five-year conflict. each side accusing the other of vio- the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) The UN-brokered indirect nego- lations. While analysts say much or an affiliated militant group, but tiations are due to start today in has changed since the last round of there was no immediate claim of Geneva, the latest international push talks collapsed in February, the fate responsibility. to try to end a war that has killed of Assad and the holding of elections The previous car bombing more than 270,000 people and with 18 months remain huge obsta- came just a few blocks away on forced millions from their homes. cles to peace. Feb. 17. It killed 29 people, most of After talks with European allies Muallem said in Damascus Sat- them soldiers, and was claimed in Paris, US Secretary of State John urday: “We will not talk with anyone by a group close to the PKK. The Kerry hit out at comments by his who wants to discuss the presi- government said Syrian Kurdish Syrian counterpart that removing dency... Bashar Al Assad is a red line.” Edinson Cavani (right) of Paris Saint Germain in action against Troyes goalkeeper Matthieu Dreyer militants were also involved in President Bashar Al Assad would Kerry said the Syrian minister (left) during their French Ligue 1 match at the Aube Stadium in Troyes, France, yesterday. PSG won that attack. cross a “red line” in the negotiations. was “clearly trying to disrupt the 9-0 to clinch the title. → See also page 29 French Foreign Minister process... clearly trying to send a → See also page 9 Jean-Marc Ayrault went further, message of deterrence to others. 02 MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 HOME HMC achieves the world’s first in academic health

leading practices in healthcare qual- is delivering real and positive results. ity and patient safety across the world. “Our patients are the people who Hamad Medical Since the beginning of this Jan- ultimately benefit from this — by Corporation becomes uary, a JCI team of surveyors has focusing on academic health, we are the first healthcare examined over 304 standards and able to push new boundaries of health 1,400 measurable elements in the care, finding new solutions to support system to have hospitals that make up HMC — all patients with long term and chronic all of its hospitals of which have now received official conditions that will have a lasting Gold Seal of Approval for accredi- impact on their quality of life.” accredited by JCI tation under the Academic Medical Dr Badriya Al Ali, Deputy Chief under the Academic Centre Hospital standards. JCI accred- Quality Officer, HMC, said the itation is considered the gold standard announcement is the pinnacle of Medical Centre in healthcare. a 10-year period in which JCI has programme. The achievement is more impres- evaluated quality at HMC, which has sive as the hospitals were evaluated supported hospital staff to continu- against JCI’s 5th edition standards — ously improve quality and safety of the most challenging to date — and care they provide. The Peninsula demonstrates that staff across HMC at “This is a momentous occasion every facility are applying the same which recognises the hard work our very high standards of care. staff across all of our hospitals put into Achieving accreditation on this providing the highest quality and saf- DOHA: Qatar yesterday achieved scale means that HMC is fully compli- est care every day. significant distinction after Hamad ant with JCI standards for the delivery Minister of Public Health H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, also Managing Director, HMC, with HMC and “I am delighted that we have dem- Medical Corporation (HMC) became of daily safe, high quality care and onstrated sustainable quality HMC Joint Commission International officials at the accreditation event. the first healthcare system across International Patient Safety Goals. can offer and that we are accredited the globe to have all of its hospitals Minister of Public Health H E Dr corporately as an academic medi- accredited by Joint Commission Inter- Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, also shows that its approach to develop- a commitment to share learning and the centre’s standards underlines the cal centre achieved through a huge national (JCI) under the Academic Managing Director, HMC, said: “This ing excellence in healthcare in Qatar develop new ways of delivering even progress HMC has made in becoming team effort.” Dr Yousuf Al Maslam- Medical Centre programme. world-first accreditation is an enor- is transforming the care it is provid- better care. All staff at HMC should be a place where the world’s leading cli- ani, Medical Director, Hamad General HMC has also become the first mous achievement for HMC and the ing for patients.” congratulated for such an outstand- nicians and researchers now want to Hospital, said: “Every employee of hospital system outside the US to public health system in Qatar and Dr Paul Chang, Vice-President, ing achievement.” come and work. Hamad knows that our approach is achieve the accreditation for all its demonstrates its commitment to Accreditation, Standards and Meas- Prof Adeel Butt, Interim Chief “Over the past 10 years, we’ve to always provide the best care. The hospitals simultaneously. continuously learning, teaching and urement, JCI, said: “Achieving the Quality Officer and Director, Hamad been able to attract more and more announcement shows that we are This follows almost two months of improving care. The achievement centre’s accreditation simultaneously Healthcare Quality Institute, said the of the world’s leading clinicians and delivering on that commitment and rigorous on-site surveys by the inter- puts HMC alongside an elite interna- across all hospitals shows there is JCI accreditation and the distinction researchers to come and work here that we have made significant strides nationally-renowned independent JCI, tional group of healthcare providers more than just a commitment to pro- of becoming the first organisation to and today’s announcement is the towards becoming one of the world’s which identifies, measures and shares to gain the centre’s accreditation and vide great care all the time — there’s achieve system-wide compliance with clearest signal yet that our journey leading healthcare providers.” Ashghal joins ‘Better Connections Programme’

The Peninsula computer learning and Internet access. Digital Society at the ministry. With this, Ashghal joins govern- The programme provides a prac- ment and private entities in the ‘Better tical framework, offering workers Connections Programme’ launched by access to information and commu- DOHA: The Public Works Authority the ministry. nication technology (ICT) at their (Ashghal) has signed a memorandum Meshal Sultan Al Hitmi, Direc- compounds. As per the MoU, migrant of understanding (MoU) with the Min- tor, Shared Services Affairs, Ashghal, workers will have facilities equipped istry of Transport and Communications signed the agreement with Reem Al with computers and Internet connec- to provide workers with facilities for Mansouri, Assistant Undersecretary, tion to facilitate communication. The

Meshal Sultan Al Hitmi, Director, Shared Services Affairs, Ashghal, and Reem Al Mansouri, Assistant Undersecretary, Digital Society, Ministry of Transport and Communications, sign the MoU.

programme will also provide them which will improve productivity. Ash- to collaborate with the ministry with suitable content and train them ghal will encourage contractors to through the MoU which will con- in the use of these technologies. Ash- adopt the initiative, while coordinat- tribute to improving the condition ghal will boost the digital culture ing with the ministry in the field of of migrant workers. “We are keen to among migrant workers hired by its communications and technology to participate in initiatives that serve contractors and provide them with improve the work environment for the community and support the access to ICT at their compounds. workers. development plans to achieve Qatar This will help them achieve stability Al Hitmi said: “We are delighted National Vision 2030.” QTA invites students and graduates to Career Forum at Qatar University

Visitors at Qatar Tourism Authority stand at the Career Fair at Hamad Bin Khalifa University last month.

The Peninsula & Economics – Room C219 will pro- experiences are embedded in and vide participants with an opportunity reflective of the national culture and to learn more about tourism’s role heritage. The forum is an opportu- in providing alternative revenue nity for us to connect with young DOHA: Qatar Tourism Authority streams to the national economy, nationals and help them identify (QTA) is inviting students and gradu- and roles graduates can play to opportunities and careers in the ates interested in developing a career contribute. tourism sector, which is estimated in tourism to explore the industry Omar Al Jaber, Director of Shared to provide up to 76,000 jobs across with QTA’s team at its stand at Qatar Services, QTA, said: “We believe in public and private sector members of University (QU) Career Forum from the importance of involving home- the industry,” he said, adding in 2015, today until Thursday. grown talent in developing Qatar’s QTA achieved a 71 percent Qatarisa- The forum in College of Business tourism sector to ensure that visitor tion rate in the organisation. HOME MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 03 Public lecture on political HBKU to hold translation forum Islam at GU-Q today The event on March The Peninsula 28 and 29 at Qatar National Convention

DOHA: Georgetown University in Centre will create a Qatar (GU-Q) will host acclaimed Gulf-based platform scholar Dr Radwan Al Sayyed (pic- for discussing tured) for a public lecture ‘Political Islam: Today and Tomorrow’ on the translation issues. school’s Education City campus today at 6pm. The lecture in Arabic with Eng- lish translation, is part of GU-Q’s The Peninsula Annual Cultural Season — a series of public events featuring thinkers, writers, artists and academics from the world. Many questions are being the Arab world to provide native raised regarding the events that are DOHA: Hamad Bin Khalifa Universi- Arabic-speaking students of GU-Q’s unfolding.” ty’s College of Humanities and Social Heritage Learners programme with Prof Abbass Al Tonsi, Senior Sciences has invited people with an a chance to immerse themselves in Lecturer and Director, Arabic Pro- interest in the ‘politics of translation’ the language. gramme, said: “Prof Al Sayyed is to register for its Seventh Annual Prof Al Sayyed said, “Politi- one of the most prominent Arab and International Translation Conference. cal Islam has been a hot topic for Islamic thinkers of our time. Since The event will be held on March decades. The recent events of the so- our students are majoring in foreign 28 and 29 at Qatar National Conven- called ‘Arab Spring’ have once more affairs, it would be a great opportu- tion Centre to create a Gulf-based Participants at a previous conference. brought it to the top of the ‘hot top- nity to host such a guest who would platform for discussing translation ics’ list, especially in Egypt, the source offer them credible knowledge in a issues. Dima Khatib, a journalist, of the mainstream Islamic political topic that is related to their major.” writer and translator and Managing movement, the Muslim Brotherhood. Dr. Al Sayyed is a Professor of Islamic Director, AJ+, Al Jazeera’s multi-lingual Professor of Translation Theory, Inter- objective and more efficient. Georgetown University; and Pablo “Egypt is where crucial events Studies at Lebanese University. He online digital channel, will present preting and Audiovisual Translation, Three workshops will focus on de Olavide University. have occurred that affect the shape was director of Arab Development speak on ‘Challenges in the Digital Department of Applied Linguistics/ professional translation, revision and Dr Amal Al Malki, Dean of the of Islamic thought today and into Institute, editor of the Arab Thought World’. Translators and Interpreters, Univer- quality assurance, and the teaching of college, said, “The forum theme the future. The events are historical journal, director, Islamic Studies Dima’s journalistic career has sity of Antwerp, will give a keynote writing in Arabic. ‘Politics of Translation: Representa- and should be well studied. I hope to Institute and co-editor of Al Ijtihad led her to work in over 30 countries, address on ‘Audiovisual Translation Of 107 abstracts received, 32 have tions and Power’ is more proof that deliver my thoughts on them at Geor- quarterly. He has authored articles, from where she’s reported on world as a Tool for Empowerment’. been selected and panellists from the field of translation is interdisci- getown, which is the right audience to books and studies, mostly on Islamic events. She has been classified among The conference will also feature Egypt, Spain, the UK, Portugal, China, plinary by nature. The conference discuss the issue.” The topic, he said, cultural history, ancient and modern the most influential Arab women on Dr Henri Awaiss, Dean, Faculty of Iran, Turkey, Belgium, Switzerland, brings together Arab and interna- is challenging. “The topic is a com- Islamic fiqh and ancient and modern social media since 2011. Languages, Saint Joseph University Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Algeria, Can- tional scholars, opinion writers, media bination of religion and politics and political Islamic thought. He stud- Another speech ‘Giving Voice to –Beirut, who will speak on ‘Dichot- ada and the US, will attend. personalities, political commentators each is complicated on its own. These ied at Religious Institute in Beirut Arab Events: Communication, Politics omies in Translation Studies’. The main academic contribu- and professionals from different back- days, the situation in the region makes and Religious Academy of Al Azhar, and Relative Truths’ will be delivered Participants will benefit from tors to the conference are University grounds within humanities and social the topic more challenging as we are Cairo, in 1970. In 1973, he obtained a by Shiekh Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, seminars, including ‘TranslationQ and of Leuven; Beijing Foreign Studies sciences.” As space is limited, inter- witnessing the rise and fall of several scholarship from Konrad Adenauer a UAE-based columnist. RevisionQ’ where Dr Dirk Verbeke will University; University of Glasgow; ested individuals are encouraged to Islamic political movements or parties German Institution where he obtained Dr Aline Remael, Chair of the talk about how technology can help University of Geneva; Lebanese register early at http://www.tii.qa/ with different ideologies or views of a PhD in philosophy in 1977. department, Head of Research, and translation evaluation become more University; University of Ottawa; conference. French-Syrian lensman to open ‘Aleppo’ exhibition at Katara

FROM LEFT: Eric Chevallier, French Ambassador to Qatar; Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager, Katara; and Ammar Abd Rabbo during a press conference at Katara yesterday. Pic: Kammutty / The Peninsula

The Peninsula tragedy of people.” cities in Syria. The exhibition was Abd Rabbo said: “I am honoured shown in Paris last November 14, in to display these photos at Katara Alencon, west of France, last March, which is a melting pot for all cultures. and in Mandelieu, south of France, DOHA: The Cultural Village Foun- The photographs afford a glimpse in May 2014. dation-Katara, in collaboration with inside Aleppo’s life more than a Five photographs were shown in the French embassy, will launch glance into its death. The exhibition Berlin, Germany, as part of a collec- tomorrow a solo exhibition of French- illustrate people’s persistence on sur- tive exhibition ‘My Voice Rings Out Syrian photojournalist Ammar Abd viving despite challenges.” For Syria’. Rabbo, entitled ‘Aleppo’. The photographs show the eter- As for Doha exhibition, one of the This was announced at a press nal city of Aleppo, including its images were chosen by worldwide conference at Katara yesterday in the famous Citadel, and along with the artist Banksy and was shown at his presence of Katara General Manager pictures, Abd Rabbo shows the city in “Dismaland” project in England last Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti and darker days, as it is today in the rub- August and September. French Ambassador Eric Chevallier. ble of buildings and streets barred by The exhibition marks the fifth “Through his outstanding exhi- bedspreads and rugs to protect peo- anniversary of the Syrian Revolu- bition, Abd Rabbo succeeded in ple from snipers, especially children tion, pays homage to the martyr city depicting the tragedy of the besieged returning from school and fruits ven- and its inhabitants. For five years, the people in Aleppo. It is a manifesta- dors on streets. Syrian population has been trying to tion of their daily suffering,” said Dr Thirty-one photographs will survive and aspires for dignity and Al Sulaiti. be showcased which document the freedom. Chevallier, said: “As Syria is fac- extraordinary and mundane aspects It opens at 7pm in Katara Building ing the worst tragedy, we shouldn’t of everyday life in the war-torn No. 22 and runs until March 30. The forget the people’s aggravated suf- Aleppo, while the city is besieged and complete programme can be viewed fering year after year and we should may suffer due to hunger and short- on the French Institute website: www. all shed light on the humanitarian ages and bombing like those in other institutfrancais-qatar.com Electrical appliances firm shut down over fraud

The Peninsula According to a ministry statement, the closure was ordered after the violation was detected by the ministry’s inspectors during crackdowns carried out to monitor the market and check price manipulations and sale of coun- DOHA: The Ministry of Economy and Commerce which terfeit goods. has a consumer rights’ cell, has closed down a company Inspectors also fined the company, said the statement. for selling electrical appliances with false country of ori- An announcement about the closure is posted on the gin labels, for a month as punishment. ministry’s website and in two local daily newspapers at The company is based in Al Wakrah and the items the company’s expense. The ministry has urged people sold included switches and air-conditioner connectors to report suspected violations to its Consumer Protec- falsely advertised as having been manufactured in the tion and Anti-Commercial Fraud Department on hotline UK whereas they were made in China. 16001 or email: [email protected] 04 MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 HOME

Dodge Ram Piano Lafitte twins open Francophonie Week 2015-2016 models recalled apparitions and movie screenings. A photography exhibition ‘Aleppo’ Festivities carry a by French-Syrian photographer message of love and Ammar Abd Rabbo, opens today at The Peninsula & QNA peace to the world 7pm at Katara Building No. 22 and runs until March 30. On March 17 and and aim to create a 18, the Verses Blowers will appear at DOHA: The Ministry of Economy state of integrated Katara, Fnac and Souq Waqif, among and Commerce, in collaboration others, to share their poetic and liter- with United Cars Almana, dealer cultural dialogue. ary ‘secrets’. of Dodge vehicles in Qatar, has Cinema aficionados will have the announced the recall of Dodge opportunity to watch the latest Rosch- Ram models of 2015 and 2016 dyZem’s movie Chocolat on March 17 over a defect in the rear left side The Peninsula at 7.30pm at Katara Drama Theatre; axle shaft. and the seven-time Cesar Award- The ministry said the recall is winning movie Timbuktu by director part of its efforts to protect con- DOHA: French piano duet Lafitte Abderrahmane Sissako. sumers and ensure dealers follow opened the Francophonie Week at French Ambassador Eric Cheval- up on vehicle defects and repairs. Cultural Village Katara on Saturday. lier said: “Discover the photography The ministry said it will coor- The festivities are being held until exhibition on the martyr city of Aleppo dinate with the dealer to follow up March 31, under the patronage of Min- by Ammar Abd Rabbo and listen to on maintenance and repairs and ister of Sports and Culture H E Salah some poetry with the Verses Blowers. communicate with customers to bin Ghanem bin Nasser Al Ali, in coop- This year again, cinema aficionados ensure necessary repairs are car- eration with the French embassy, the will be pleased with the screening ried out. French Institute in Qatar, Cultural of Chocolat released last month in It urged customers to report Village Katara, Doha Film Institute, France.” any violations to its Consumer the SIWAR Choir and Qatar Music The Verses blowers are poetic Protection and Anti-Commercial Academy. commandos. Les Souffleurs (The Fraud Department through hot- Florence and Isabelle Lafitte are Whisperers) is a group created in 2001 line: 16001; email: [email protected]. not just twins, they are also a pianist by Olivier Comte. It comprises over 40 qa; Twitter: @MEC_Qatar; Insta- duet working for over 30 years with a artists, including actors, writers, danc- gram: MEC_Qatar or the ministry’s repertoire that exceeds 6.000 master- ers, and musicians, around the idea of mobile app for Android and IOS: pieces. They have collaborated with an attempt to “slow down the world”. Florence and Isabelle Lafitte are not just twins, they are also a pianist duet working for over 30 years with MEC_Qatar the prestigious National Orchestra of They are internationally famous for a repertoire that exceeds 6.000 masterpieces. France, the Hong-Kong Philharmonic, their “poetic commandos” during the Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra which they whisper at the ears of Qatari envoy and others and won prizes, including bystanders poetic and literary secrets. promotion of Francophonie and inter- organise such festivities being held peoples and the establishment of the at the Murray Dranoff International So far, they have made over 100 cultural dialogue. for the third year to achieve Qatar relationship between countries. presents Two Pianos competition. appearances in France and abroad, Several European, African and National Vision 2030 and the min- Al Hajri said the organisers are The Lafitte duet performed songs, working their texts in the original Arab countries are taking part, includ- istry’s vision. He said the ministry is keen on the diversity of cultural and credentials with the SIWAR Choir and musicians language of the country in which ing France, Canada, Belgium, Senegal exerting all efforts to ensure the suc- artistic events to achieve this com- from Qatar Music Academy at Katara they perform. In 2015, they received and Tunisia, among others. cess of these events which not only munication and cultural interaction LILONGWE: Malawi’s President Opera House. It was sponsored by the Senghor-Césaire prize for their Faleh Al Ajlan Al Hajri, Director, target the French-speaking people but and the programme includes Qatari Arthur Peter Mutharika yesterday Nexans. work and were decorated with Chev- Culture and Arts Department at the also aim to create a state of integrated folklore reflecting sea and desert arts, received new Qatari Non-resident The week is also supported by alier of the Order of la Pléiade by the ministry, said the event carries a mes- cultural dialogue, out of the belief that Tunisian fashion, and French concerts Ambassador Extraordinary and FNAC and Fifty One east and includes Parliament of Francophonie. They sage of love and peace to the world. intercultural dialogue opens doors for with participation of a Qatari music Plenipotentiary Abdullah bin Jas- a photography exhibition, poetic have illustrated themselves in the He said the ministry is keen to interaction and communication among band. sim Al Moudadi who presented his credentials. Al Moudadi also conveyed greetings of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Ministry in deal to raise awareness about consumer rights in KidZania Mutharika and wishes of fur- ther progress and prosperity to the government and people of Malawi. Mutharika entrusted Al The Peninsula strategic government partner and is part of Children will be educated on commercial fraud through its participation at KidZania, the ministry Moudadi with greetings to the its efforts to promote children’s understand- and how to distinguish between original and coun- aspires to instil economy, commerce and consumer Emir, wishing him the best of ing and raise awareness about the services terfeit products. They will also learn about the rights principles in children aged 4-14. health and happiness and the offered by the ministry. ministry’s role in consumer rights and consumer Children will be educated on the importance of government and the people fur- DOHA: The Ministry of Economy and Com- KidZania has been designed in the form protection. trade and introduced to economic concepts in an ther progress and prosperity. merce has signed an agreement with Qatar of a small town which mimics a real city The ministry will also highlight the rights and interactive, fun and safe environment. Entertainment Company (Tasali), for allo- and has its official currency, the “KidZo” for duties of traders and customers and its inspection Programmes are designed to teach children cating 14 meters of space at the edutainment children in the city. It also contains streets, campaigns to detect violations of the consumer pro- responsibility and accountability, allowing them Qatar-Costa Rica city, KidZania, Doha under construction at cars, houses and public national institu- tection law and combat commercial fraud. to take on adult roles and experience a realistic work Aspire Zone to raise awareness among chil- tions such as police department, hospitals, Simulation programmes will be introduced environment. ties reviewed dren about consumer rights. schools, banks, a TV studio, a radio station, for other services provided by the ministry, along Xavier Lopez, CEO and Founder, KidZania, said, The deal makes the ministry the first and medical clinics, among others. with age-appropriate information and tips to instil “ The signing of the agreement proves that gov- SAN JOSE: The Minister of Justice entrepreneurial and leadership skills and traits in ernment institutions are as committed as we are and Peace of Costa Rica, Cecilia children. to inspiring children and giving them the oppor- Sanchez Romero, met Qatari Kids will also be introduced to investment fun- tunity to experience working in different areas, Ambassador Mohammed bin Kurdi damentals that will benefit them in their future within advanced facilities, and offering them a Taleb Al Marri. investment projects and business ventures. highly entertaining educational experience that They reviewed relations Tariq Abdulaziz Al Sada, Director, Public Rela- will assist in boosting their confidence and impart between both countries and ways tions and Communications at the ministry, said a sense of belonging to their community.” of enhancing them. PHCC to raise awareness about benefits of triage system at heath centres

The Peninsula

DOHA: The Primary Healthcare Corporation (PHCC) said yesterday that it is planning a campaign to raise public awareness about the importance and benefits of the triage system at heath centres. All available means will be used for the campaign including social media. There is also a dedicated team to receive and monitor the complaints and suggestions of reviewers and patients and respond to it immedi- ately and rapidly. PHCC said that the recent revisions and improve- ments on triage system, is part of the Corporation’s keenness to support patients and reduce the conges- tion in some health centres. These improvements come in response to the feedback from visitors, many of whom expect that all patients attending health centres will get an appoint- ment on the same day, with giving priority to the urgent and emergency cases. PHCC has confirmed that the patients will not be turned back without receiving the required health care, in accordance with the procedures followed by health centres and according to patient classification system (triage). The criticisms directed to the triage system have resulted from the sudden change in the working sys- tem of health centres, said a statement. The triage system has allowed fast attention for cases that need urgent medical advice, which reduces the chance of complications and the deterioration of patient’s condition. The triage service is provided through trained staff of doctors, nurses and other staff to provide support for all patients who come to the health centres without prior appointments, added the statement. HOME MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 05

QIB begins road safety campaign to promote Heritage ‘protection a global concern’

Continued from page 1 use of seat belt and contracting works that are ongo- “I would like to stress that Qatar ing,” he added. has been great partner to Unesco Qatar has been thoroughly engaged “When our young citizens fully in supporting and promoting herit- The Peninsula in this campaign, as its leadership and discover and appreciate the depth of age worldwide. The campaign was people believe that the protection of our our history and the importance of our launched to put an end unprecedented intertwined, cultural heritage is truly a indigenous archeological sites, they attack on heritage sites by extremists” global concern,” said Al Kawari. have the realization of bearing the said Bandarin. DOHA: Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has “Our opening ceremony today falls responsibility of preserving them, as He said in past years, Unesco introduced a road safety campaign to within this newly envisioned interna- they become more conscious, respon- organised several activities and raise awareness about the importance tional campaign, which is launched sible and enthusiastic about the future national campaigns under the cam- of wearing a seat belt while driving. from Barzan Tower, a historic land- without breaking away from the rich- paign at several places in Iraq, Syria, The campaign under the theme ‘Seat mark witnessing the noble decent of ness and traditions of the past,” he Mali, Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan. belts save lives. Let’s make them part of Qatar’s population and the creativity added. Many people participated through Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari, Cultural Adviser to the our culture’ aims to change traditional of our ancestral lineage and one of our Bandarin lauded Al Kawari and their support on social media and by mindsets and behaviours regarding seat Emiri Diwan and Qatar’s candidate for Director-General of country’s numerous historical sites that Qatar for playing a key role to protect organising unite4heritage events and belt use. Unesco, speaking at the event. embodies our culture and highlights and promote the culture and heritage donating to heritage emergency fund, The ad campaign coincides with GCC Pic: Abdul / The Peninsula the necessary constant maintenance especially in the Arab region. he added. Traffic Week being observed across the Gulf to promote safer driving habits and methods to avoid traffic accidents. Ads for QIB’s campaign, featuring seat belts woven into a classic Islamic geometric motif, have appeared in local 32nd GCC Traffic newspapers and magazines, on social media, and the bank’s ATM screens and on signage at its local branches. “As a leading national financial insti- tution, QIB has a responsibility towards Week begins at the people it serves. We take our role as a community leader seriously,” said Bas- sel Gamal, CEO, QIB Group. “We chose to address the issue of seat belt use in Qatar because it’s an ongoing Darb El Saai problem that needs to change. Wearing a seat belt is an easy and important way to safeguard your future.” Decision Determines Your Fate’, a Each year in Qatar, around 200 peo- Traffic awareness reference to how a motorist can be ple are killed and 550 seriously injured careful while driving. in traffic accidents, many of whom could campaigns aim to The opening ceremony was have been spared if they had been wear- spread the culture attended by Brigadier Mohamed ing a seat belt. Saad Al Kharji, Director, Traffic A study last year by Hamad Medical of road safety and Department, and senior traffic and Corporation showed that the risk of dying reduce accidents. interior ministry officials from other in a car crash is five times higher for driv- GCC countries. ers and four times higher for front seat Some ambassadors, diplomats Staff Major-General Saad bin Jassim Al Khulaifi, Director-General, Public Security, and other officers passengers who do not wear a seat belt and officials from local companies during the opening of the 32nd GCC Traffic Week at Darb El Saai yesterday. Pic: Baher/ The Peninsula than for those who do. By Sidi Mohamed and institutions also attended. “While seat belts aren’t the ultimate The Peninsula Staff Major-General Al Khu- protector, they play an important role in laifi toured pavilions such as those traffic awareness levels and many month, the penalty is halved. The the violation. preventing needless traffic fatalities. The of Police College, Mowasalat, Civil motorists now follow traffic rules measure aims to encourage motor- GCC Traffic Week activities are statistics is clear: Seat belts save lives,” Defence and Woqod, among others. in the absence of police patrols and ists not to repeat a violation because being held from 8am until noon and said Gamal. DOHA: Staff Major-General Saad Brigadier Al Kharji told report- this is a positive sign, he added. they remember and would try not 4pm until 10pm. “QIB hopes that the campaign bin Jassim Al Khulaifi, Direc- ers: “We have been conducting The number of traffic accidents to repeat it. According to officials, more changes people’s minds about wearing tor-General, Public Security, traffic campaigns every year and and casualties has also decreased, If a motorist waits for a year to than 60 government departments, seat belts. We want using a seat belt to inaugurated the 32nd GCC Traffic our goal is to spread the culture of he said. pay the fines, for example, he would agencies and ministries, semi- become part of Qatari culture,” Gamal Week at Darb El Saai yesterday. road safety and reduce accidents.” On fines for traffic violations, he forget for what kind of violation he government entities and private added. The theme of the event is ‘Your There has been an increase in said if one pays the fines within a was penalised for and he can repeat companies are taking part. 06 MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 HOME Unstable weather and scattered rains likely

Office yesterday. The Met Office has forecast high The Met Office urges There are chances of scattered winds and high seas offshore today rains in some areas tomorrow. and said the day inshore will be people to avoid sea The showers may be accompa- partly cloudy to cloudy with chances voyages. nied by thunder at times. of scattered rains. The day is likely to be partly Day temperatures have been cloudy to cloudy today, said the Met increasing and are likely to vary Participants at one of the workshops. Office, urging people to avoid sea between 24 degrees C in Al Ruwais The Peninsula voyages and keep tracking weather and 30 degrees in Abu Samra. forecasts from time to time until In Doha, the day temperature is tomorrow. expected to peak at 28 degrees, while The wind direction will be north- the night temperature is forecast at Qatar University organises DOHA: Unstable weather is expected westerly to northeasterly and the 21 degrees. in the country from this morning speed from light to moderate. Elsewhere in the country, nightly until tomorrow night, according to However, during rain and thun- temperatures are expected to vary a special bulletin issued by the Met der, high winds are expected. between 20 and 22 degrees. risk management workshops

The Peninsula for ISO 27001 and ISO 22301. Mohamad Eljazzar, Manager, She said risk management Information Security and Com- applies to any activities or operations pliance, stressed the importance and is not restricted to information for organisations to understand DOHA: Qatar University Informa- technology or security; that every and analyse major risks that may tion Technology Services (QU-ITS) QU department or operation can threaten the continuity of their held workshops on risk management face risks and should have a proc- business. to orient the department’s teams on ess to identify, assess and mitigate “A holistic risk management risks definition, expected risks in them in an effective manner. process that is repeatable and meas- daily activities and ways of manag- Trevor Moore, Chief Information urable is a tool that can help focus ing them. Officer, ITS, presented participants resources where they matter most. Over 10 participants attended with letters of appreciation. He “The results of the risk manage- the workshops conducted by Hend expressed support for QU’s risk man- ment workshops should enhance IT Hammad, ITS Information Systems agement activities and envisioned and information security manage- Specialist and Certified Lead Auditor them embedded in all IT operations. ment at QU,” Eljazzar added.

A thick cloud formation in the skies over Umm Salal Mohamed yesterday. The Met Office has forecast unstable (cloudy and wet) weather in the country from this morning until tomorrow night. Pic: Abdul / The Peninsula

Officials at the event. Spice Boat hosts scrumptious gala to mark three years

DOHA: Spice Boat, one of the top multi- The restaurant in West Bay is popular The restaurant marked cuisine restaurants in Doha, has celebrated among the foodies in Doha for its authen- the third anniversary with its third anniversary. tic Indian delicacies. an invigorating feast. Spice Boat also announced its six new res- taurants in Doha. The venture is man- aged by the Rotana Group, Qatar, since last few months and has made some technical improvements. “We are happy to be part of this success and are always eager to serve more people in Doha with our experience in the industry,” said the Rotana Group CEO. “We are very excited to launch five new res- taurants in Qatar,” said Mallika Sukumaran, CEO and Executive Chairper- son, Spice Boat. “We want more peo- ple across Doha to be able to have a taste of the most authentic and tantalising multi-cuisine experience on offer in the city,” she added. Spice Boat restau- rants are now open at five locations across Qatar, including Al Jazi Village- Al Jazi Sports Academy, Gharaffa; Al Areen Tower, West Bay; Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum, Shahaniya (2); Mashreq Bank New Head Office, Bank Street Doha. Indian cinema super- stars Prithviraj, Indrajith, Mallika Sukumaran, Abdu Rahiman Haji, Ajmal and Gafoor were present at the event and vouched for the restaurant’s unique and savoury treats. HOME MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 07 Destruction ‘of sites more economic than ideological’

Continued from page 1 On bringing in contemporary art complete respect for our tradition and from around the world as the coun- conservative culture.” She said there are many stake- try witnesses tension between local Asked on her view on cultural holders but “the vision is one in terms and global and between tradition vandalism in conflict areas where of developing and preserving our cul- and innovation, she said: “I think as there is rampant destruction of world ture so we are looking forward to a nation that’s’ growing very quickly, heritage sites and historical buildings, hosting the World Cup in 2022.” embracing global culture and join- she said “I think the situation is very Although preparations for World ing in the narrative of global art, it is sad to see historical buildings that Cup have brought a host of innova- quite obvious for us to bring in con- belong to the world being destroyed. tions, she admitted it has had a share temporary artists. That doesn’t mean But I think the bottom line is eco- of controversies. that we are trying to create controver- nomic factors that are leading people “It has already brought a lot of sial moments as you have expressed, I to act in this way. I hope one can pre- innovative and interesting architects think that’s the trending media com- serve what is left.” but at the same time it has caused ment but that is completely opposite She agreed on the view that controversy. There’s the Zaha Hadid to what we are trying to do. destruction of heritage sites is more building which everybody didn’t like “In fact We are trying to bring economic than ideological. but we liked it so we went ahead and contemporary artists here to inspire “I believe it is. I mean if you don’t we’re starting to construct Al Wak- young artists to see what’s happening have anything to survive on, nothing rah Stadium. I think art is a matter of around the world because not every- really matters...I think anywhere in taste, just like fashion and anything body can travel around the world but the world, if there is economic sta- H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson, Qatar Museums, with other officials else and It would be interesting in 10 we can organize exhibitions from the bility there is no reason for political at the opening panel discussion of ‘The New York Times Art for Tomorrow’ conference on the topic ‘Culture years’ time to see the results of our world, and that’s what we have tried movements that go against progress,” – Towards a New Urban Agenda’. innovative efforts today.” to do and will continue to do so with she added. Contemporary art exhibition from China opens

The Peninsula immersive experience, and through to Doha, we are continuing to deliver a shared appreciation of art, estab- our promise at Qatar Museums to lish a stronger relationship between inspire, educate and excite the local Qatar and China. community about the role and value DOHA: What About the Art? Con- “The exhibition is intended to of contemporary art from around the temporary Art from China, which is inspire and resonate with young Arab world and encourage an indigenous a major highlight of Qatar China 2016 artists who are pursuing creativity culture of creativity, innovation and Year of Culture, opened yesterday at and reflecting on their own contri- participation in Qatar. the Qatar Museums (QM) Gallery Al bution to global culture. “We hope that this exhibi- Riwaq. “At a time when major exhibitions tion helps to not only build bridges Curated by the internationally and biennials are focused on popu- between cultures, but also show that acclaimed New York based Chinese lar topics such as the environment, Qatar is open to the world and pro- artist Cai Guo-Qiang, the exhibition violent conflict, or on textual anal- mote improved intercultural dialogue presented by QM features works by 15 ysis of the artists’ cultural identities and mutual understanding between contemporary Chinese artists. and the external context of the works, the two historic cultures of China and The artists include Jenova Chen, there continues to be a lack of direct Qatar.” Hu Xiangqian, Hu Zhijun, Huang inquiry into the art and artists’ prac- Sefa Saglam, Chief Museums Yong Ping, Li Liao, Lian Shaoji, Liu tices themselves. Officer at Qatar Museums, added, Wei, Liu Xiaodong, Jennifer Wen Ma, “The exhibition raises this ques- “The scale and ambition of What Sun Yuan, Peng Yu, Wang Jianwei, tion to the contemporary art world,” About the Art? is a clear indication Xu Bing, Xu Zhen, Yang Fudong and Cai said. of the world class quality of exhibi- Zhou Chunya. This exhibition is supported by tions organized by Qatar Museums to Cai Guo-Qiang has spent three the China National Arts Fund, Beijing educate local audiences about inter- years to the curatorial research Municipal Bureau of Culture, Artron national art. Showcasing works of art and development of the exhibition Art Group, and Beijing Imaginist Time from some of China’s most significant which presents a diverse mix of art- Culture Company. contemporary artists helps not only works including painting, sculpture, Mohammed Al Othman, Public to bridge cultures, but also to show installation, video, performance and and International Relations Director that Qatar is a truly significant arts interactive video game design. at Qatar Museums said: “By bringing and cultural hub.” Officials at the exhibition organised by Qatar Museums at Al Riwaq Gallery. Pic: Salim / The Peninsula The curator hopes to pro- the works of 15 of the most signifi- The exhibition is open to the pub- vide visitors with a powerful and cant contemporary Chinese artists lic until July 16. Vodafone to launch Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge today with great data offer

The Peninsula camera has a faster shutter speed and overheating. Game Launcher, a new The Galaxy S7 and S7 edge will for Galaxy S7 is QR2,499 and Galaxy samsungmobilepress.com, news.sam- a more accurate auto focus even in add-on, allows users to manage be available at all major retailers in S7 edge QR2,799. For more prod- sung.com/galaxy or www.samsung. low-light conditions. battery consumption and minimise Qatar. The recommended retail price uct information, visit http://www. com/galaxy. Motion Panorama, a new camera notifications. DOHA: Vodafone Qatar will launch mode, brings movement to tradi- Users can record gaming expe- the newest additions to the Galaxy tional panoramic photos, giving the rience or share screen to play with family of products, Samsung Galaxy user a completely immersive visual others. Paired with Galaxy S7 and S7 and S7 edge today. experience. S7 edge, Vulkan API gives users the Created for today’s consumer life- The 5.1-inch Galaxy S7 and 5.5- ability to play high-performance style, Galaxy S7 and S7 edge lead the inch S7 edge are built with 3D glass graphic games with lower battery industry with a refined design, more and metal — in a sleek design with consumption. advanced camera, streamlined soft- durability and ergonomic curves for Samsung Gulf Electronics has ware functionality and unparalleled a comfortable grip. also announced the launch of the connectivity to a galaxy of products, From work to play, the device’s Galaxy Entertainer app. services and experiences. new Always-On Display gives users The partnership with the Enter- Customers will also get a fantastic a simplified, zero touch experience tainer maximises the user experience data-packed offer upon the purchase where they don’t need to worry for consumers in the Gulf, by offering of their preferred smartphone with about missing a call or important over 1,000 ‘buy 1 get 1 free’ offers that postpaid customers enjoying 15GB a notification. provides unparalleled access to glo- month for three months for free and Without compromising design, bal hotspots, including restaurants, prepaid customers enjoying 6GB for Galaxy S7 and S7 edge have increased cafes, premium spas, leisure attrac- free for 90 days. utility with IP68 water and dust tions, golf courses, luxury hotels and Galaxy S7 and S7 edge are avail- resistance. much more. able at all Vodafone retail stores and Edge UX, the advanced edge The combined value of the ben- online via www.vf.qa/S7 experience available on Galaxy efits, inclusive of international Luke Longney, Director, Market- S7 edge, provides convenience locations, is estimated to be over ing, Vodafone Qatar, said: “This is one and increased efficiency by cre- QR390,000 worth of savings. of our biggest launches this year. ating easy shortcuts to users’ most Samsung continues to push “The Galaxy S7 and S7 edge are loved functions such as email, selfie the boundaries of hardware, soft- very bold representations of Sam- mode, panorama mode or third party ware and services to create devices sung’s commitment to the hundreds applications. designed to improve how consum- of millions of people around the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge deliver fast ers connect, share, organise and get world. wired and wireless charging technol- more out of life. “We share the same commit- ogy. The hybrid SIM card tray allows The company is redefining what ment and have reflected that with users to insert a microSD card for up is possible, beyond the limits of an unbeatable data offer that gives to 200GB of additional storage and in today’s technology, by introducing our customers the chance to enjoy some select countries, the tray can be a constellation of seamless mobile a great Internet experience over our used with a dual SIM card. experiences. super-fast network.” Samsung also made hardware Whether it’s the seamless con- Galaxy S7 and S7 edge intro- and software updates to optimise nection between Galaxy S7 and S7 duce the first dual pixel camera on a gaming performance on Galaxy S7 edge and the new Gear S2 Classic smartphone, delivering brighter and and S7 edge. and Sport to monitor fitness, or con- sharper images even in low light. The powerful processer and big- necting with Gear VR to “travel” the Thanks to the revolutionary Dual ger battery capacity ensure longer world — Samsung redefines what’s Pixel technology, brighter lens with playing time, and the internal cool- possible for the mobile experience wider aperture and bigger pixel, the ing system keeps the device from and beyond. 08 MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 GULF / MIDDLE EAST Syria talks set to struggle despite pressure

negotiations are due to start today Mohammad Alloush said in a joint in Geneva, the latest international interview in Geneva. “It cannot start Talks in Geneva push to try to end Syria’s five-year with the presence of the regime, or will coincide with conflict, which has killed more than the head of this regime still in power.” 270,000 people and forced mil- Today’s talks will coincide with next week’s fifth lions from their homes. Government next week’s fifth anniversary of a war anniversary of a negotiator Bashar Al Jaafari arrived that has killed more than 250,000 yesterday in Geneva, where delegates people, created the world’s worst war that has killed from the main opposition group, the refugee crisis, and allowed for the more than 250,000 High Negotiations Committee (HNC) expansion of the Islamic State mili- are already preparing. tant group.They are part of the first people, created Analysts say much has changed diplomatic push since the Russian the world’s worst since the last round collapsed in Feb- air force intervened in September refugee crisis, ruary as fighting raged, but that the to support Assad, tilting the war the huge regime-opposition divide will Syrian government’s way and helping and allowed for complicate a settlement. Damascus reclaim significant terri- the expansion of A fragile February 27 truce tory in the west. brokered by the United States and “It’s important now for those who the Islamic State Russia has largely held despite each support President Assad to make sure militant group. side accusing the other of viola- that he is living up to this agreement,” tions, a development US Secretary Kerry said. “And therefore, as a result of State John Kerry said was “very that they are living up to this agree- significant”. ment too.” Agencies But key obstacles remain, includ- Moualem said on Saturday the ing the fate of Assad, the holding of government delegation would be elections within 18 months and the willing to discuss UN special envoy shape of any new government. Staffan de Mistura’s agenda, but as far PARIS/DAMASCUS: Syria peace talks “We will not talk with anyone as the government was concerned, due to begin in Geneva today look set who wants to discuss the presidency... “political transition” meant a tran- to struggle with the sides showing no Bashar Al Assad is a red line,” Syrian sition from the existing constitution Syrian girls play with a mobile phone at a mechanic shop where their older male siblings work and live with sign of compromise over the issue at Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said to a new one, and from the existing the heart of the five-year-long con- in Damascus on Saturday. government to a new one with par- the rest of their family members in the top floor, in the capital Damascus, yesterday. flict: the future of President Bashar “If they continue with this ticipation from the other side. Al Assad. approach, there’s no reason for them “There is an urgency to put in inside Syria in a “rampant” military Lavrov told broadcaster Ren-TV. of a secure zone 10km inside Syria. Syria’s warring sides prepared for to come to Geneva.” place a real political transition. That expansion across its conflict-riven “That is rampant expansion,” Such remarks have sparked anger in fresh peace talks after locking horns The HNC has repeatedly called will be at the heart of negotiations,” neighbour’s border. he charged. “While demanding that Turkey, which last month pledged to over the fate of Assad, with the regime for Assad’s departure as a prereq- Ayrault said, adding that a return to “According to information we Kurdish positions are not reinforced keep up retaliatory artillery strikes insisting his ouster was a “red line” uisite for any deal. “We believe that the previous status quo was not pos- have, (Turkish forces) are fortifying in Syria, Turkey has been claiming on Syrian Kurdish fighters to defend while the opposition vowed to see him the transitional period should start sible. “Things must change,” he said. their positions hundreds of metres its sovereign right to create ‘security its “territorial integrity” despite a go — dead or alive. with the fall, or death, of Bashar al- Meanwhile, Russia yester- (yards) from the border, inside Syria,” zones’ on Syrian soil,” said Lavrov. truce which came into force on Feb- The UN-brokered indirect Assad,” chief opposition negotiator day accused Turkey of operating Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Turkey has called for the creation ruary 27.

Hamas shutters Armed woman group headed by shot dead by Saudi Gaza Shia leader forces during raid AFP GAZA CITY: Gaza’s interior minis- Agencies responsibility for a series of bomb- try said yesterday it had dissolved ings and shootings in Saudi Arabia an association led by the head of since Nov. 2014 that have killed more the only Palestinian Shia group for than 50 people. conducting “political activities” DUBAI/RIYADH: Saudi security In August 2015, a suicide bomber under the guise of charity. forces shot dead a woman armed killed at least 15 people in an attack “Al Baqiat Al Salihat asso- with a machine gun during a raid on a mosque used by members of ciation was recently dissolved to arrest a man suspected of involve- a local security force in southwest because its administration had ment in attacks on Shias and on Saudi Arabia, in an assault that an violated the law governing the security forces, state news agency online statement said was carried actions of charitable organisations SPA reported yesterday. out by Islamic State. by engaging in political activities,” The agency quoted the interior A statement from the inte- said a spokesman for the ministry ministry as saying that the man, rior ministry said the woman had controlled by the Islamist Hamas identified as Sweilem al-Ruwaili, surprised security forces with a movement. The spokesman, Iyad had been hiding at one of his com- machine gun, and was subsequently Al Bozom, did not provide details rades from the “deviant group” in the hit in the raid and died in hospital of on the activities. Israeli border police inspect the purse of a Palestinian woman with her children at Damascus Gate of northern Al Jawf region when he was her wounds. She had been married A month ago the association, Jerusalem’s Old City, yesterday. captured in the raid on Thursday. to another wanted man who “is in which receives Iranian funding, Saudi Arabia uses the term deviant areas of conflict abroad”, the state- had been warned to comply with group to refer to militants from Al ment said. the law, Bozom said. “Since that Qaeda or Islamic State. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia exe- did not happen, the association is Israel stops Indonesian foreign Ruwaili was on a list of 16 cuted one of its nationals convicted now considered dissolved,” he said. wanted people published by the of murder yesterday, bringing to 72 The head of Al Baqiat Al Sal- kingdom last year in connection the number of people put to death in ihat, Hisham Salem, whose home minister’s West Bank visit with two deadly mosque bombings the conservative kingdom this year. was targeted by a bomb last claimed by Islamic State in May. The Hadian Al Qahtani was found month, in a statement condemned authorities offered a cash reward of guilty of shooting dead Abdullah the “arbitrary decision lacking five million riyals ($1.3m) for infor- Al Qaoud following a dispute, the a clear legal basis” against his AFP statement from the Palestinian for- Benjamin Netanyahu’s office did mation leading to their arrest. interior ministry said in a statement association. eign ministry. not immediately respond to a Islamic State has claimed carried by state news agency SPA. The Hamas rulers of Gaza had She also planned to open an hon- query. Israeli newspaper Haaretz targeted it with “a tyrannical pol- orary consular office, it said. Malki reported that Marsudi was refused icy contrary to public interest and RAMALLAH: Israel yesterday instead travelled to Jordan to meet access to Ramallah after declining that doesn’t take people’s needs refused to allow Indonesian Foreign her. Indonesian foreign ministry to visit Jerusalem and meet Israeli into account unless it’s in its own Minister Retno Marsudi to visit the spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir said in officials there. IS fighters flee Iraqi town interest,” Salem said. occupied West Bank, where she was a statement that “Israel did not grant The incident follows a call by the Shias are considered a foreign to hold talks with Palestinian leaders, the overflight permit for the helicop- Organisation of Islamic Cooperation BAGHDAD: The Islamic State group has pulled most of its fighters out of import from Iran among Pales- the Palestinian foreign ministry said. ter” that was to take Marsudi from earlier this month for a ban on prod- Hit, a large town in western Iraq on which security forces were advancing, tinians who are exclusively Sunni Israeli authorities control access Jordan to the West Bank. ucts from Israeli settlements in the a military spokesman said. “The majority of Daesh (IS) fighters in Hit, Rutba Muslims or Christians. Salem to the West Bank, where the Pales- It provided no further details on occupied territories. and Kubaysa have fled through the desert to other regions,” Yahya Rasool, formed Al Sabirin, the only Pal- tinian political capital Ramallah is why she was denied entry. The call came at the end of an Iraq’s top security spokesman, said. Kubaysa is a smaller town that lies west estinian Shia movement, in 2014. located. Marsudi was to hold talks in Israel and Indonesia do not have OIC summit held in Indonesian cap- of Hit while Rutba is a desert town on the road to Jordan. He is a former member of Islamic Ramallah with Palestinian President formal diplomatic relations. ital Jakarta. Indonesia is the world’s “There is an operation to hunt them down with Iraqi aircraft,” said Rasool, Jihad — a group that also takes Mahmoud Abbas and her counter- Israel’s foreign ministry declined most populous Muslim-majority who is the spokesman for the Joint Operations Command coordinating the inspiration from tIranian revolu- part Riad Al Malki, according to a to comment and Prime Minister country. fight against IS in Iraq. tion, but which is Sunni. Tobacco off Saudi shelves amid price rise reports Palestinian teachers suspend three-week strike

Reuters Jeddah on Saturday and yesterday. as tobacco, soft drinks and the like,” prices had doubled, but there was RAMALLAH: Teachers at public schools in the West Bank were back at Some suggested retailers were hold- but gave no date for the increased no notice of that on the government work yesterday after suspending a three-week strike that challenged the ing back stock until the government prices. body’s website, or that of the Com- cash-strapped Palestinian Authority. An education ministry spokesman said announced higher cigarette prices. Saudi Arabia wants to reduce the merce and Industry Ministry. Neither that “100 percent of classes have resumed” after teachers agreed to return RIYADH: Cigarettes had disap- In Dammam, the capital of East- bill for state-subsidised healthcare body could immediately be reached to work following a pledge from Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas to peared from the shelves in some ern Province, at least one shop was for its citizens, who suffer globally by telephone. improve conditions. Facing mounting pressure from teachers and parents, Saudi cities yesterday amid spec- already selling packets of Philip Mor- high rates of obesity and related dis- An executive at a tobacco dis- Abbas on Saturday promised teachers a 10 percent pay rise, a management ulation on social media that the ris-branded cigarettes for 15 riyals eases such as diabetes. Its budget tribution company said that Saudi review and the implementation of a 2013 work agreement. government was about to raise ($4) instead of the 10 riyals previ- strained by low oil prices, the gov- Customs had doubled its import fee “The strike was suspended in response to the appeal of president Mah- prices on tobacco and other prod- ously charged, a smoker there said. ernment is also trying to boost its for a consignment that he tried to mud Abbas,” one of the strike organisers said on condition of anonymity, ucts that are harmful to health. The Finance Ministry said in the non-oil revenues. bring into the country yesterday. adding that teachers were ready to go back on strike if the authorities do not Three Riyadh shops said they country’s 2016 budget statement in The local Sabq.org news website Shoppers in Riyadh said sug- meet their commitments. Abbas’s promised changes will only take effect had no cigarettes for sale and social December that it would apply “addi- quoted the Saudi Customs Authority ary soft drinks were still available in from September but he asked them to return to work this Sunday, the first media users reported the same in tional fees on harmful goods such as saying on Saturday that tobacco stores with no change in price. day of the Palestinian working week. MIDDLE EAST MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 09

EU could impose sanctions over 27 dead and Iran missile tests: France

75 injured in Reuters

PARIS: The European Union could impose sanctions on Iran Ankara blast over its recent ballistic missile tests, France’s foreign minister said yes- terday. The United States, France and other countries have already military that killed 29 people, claimed said that, if the missiles are con- The attack comes by a dissident faction of the oulawed firmed as nuclear-capable, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). tests, conducted last week by Iran’s weeks after the The provincial governor’s office Revolutionary Guard Corps, would city was hit by a said there were 27 dead and 75 violate UN Security Council reso- wounded in yesterday’s attack. lution 2231. suicide car bombing “The blast was caused by a vehi- Asked whether this could trig- on February 17 cle packed with explosives close to ger sanctions from the European Kizilay square,” an official statement Union, French Foreign Minister targeting the military said. Jean-Marc Ayrault said: “We con- that killed 29 Medical sources said the wounded demn ballistic missile tests and, had been taken to 10 different hos- if necessary, sanctions will be people, claimed by pitals around the city, with a dozen enacted.” The tests are due to be a dissident faction said to be in a very serious condition. discussed by EU foreign ministers of the oulawed Turkey has been hit by a spate Forensic police work near burnt-out vehicles at the scene of a blast in Ankara, yesterday. at a meeting today. US Secretary of deadly attacks since the middle of State John Kerry, whose coun- Kurdistan Workers’ of last year, most of them blamed and since December security forces in Yuksekova, Nusaybin and Sirnak, in “terrorist activity”, local author- try in January imposed sanctions Party (PKK). on the Islamic State (IS) group, have been waging a major campaign a third Kurdish city, are imminent. ities said. Several hours before on 11 companies and individuals including a double suicide bomb- against the PKK in the southeast of Turkey yesterday slapped a cur- the curfew was to start, an explo- for supplying Iran’s ballistic mis- ing in Ankara in October that left the country. few on two border towns in the sion rocked Yuksekova, injuring sile program after a series of tests 103 people dead. Strict 24-hour curfews were Kurdish-dominated southeast ahead four people, Dogan news agency at the end of last year, said the lat- AFP Coming so soon after the Febru- imposed in a number of Kurdish- of a looming military “clean-up” reported. The cause of the blast was est tests were a clear violation of ary bombing, yesterday’s attack will dominated towns and cities to allow operation as it eased a lockdown in not immediately clear. UN Resolution 2231. raise fresh questions about Turkey’s the military and police to pursue the Diyarbakir. Turkish troops have been Ankara has vowed to wipe out the The United States plans to raise ability to manage the twin security fight against fighters who had dug waging a major — and controversial PKK, classed as a terrorist organisa- the issue in UN Security Council ANKARA: A car bomb ripped threat posed by IS and Kurdish rebels, trenches and put up barricades. — offensive against the outlawed tion by Turkey and its Western allies, consultations this week and is urg- through a busy square in central as Ankara presses the European Yesterday’s attack came hours Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) since and has said “clean-up” operations in ing other countries to help thwart Ankara yesterday, killing at least 27 Union to speed up its membership before curfews were due to take effect December, imposing strict 24-hour Yuksekova, Nusaybin and Sirnak, a Iran’s missile programme. people and wounding 75, officials process in return for help with the in two more towns in the southeast as curfews in a number of towns and cit- third Kurdish city, are imminent. As “The missiles are a violation said, the latest in a spate of attacks migrant crisis. a prelude to fresh military operations. ies in the southeast. the new restrictions were announced, of the UN Security Council resolu- to hit Turkey. The Kurdistan Freedom Falcons Authorities said restrictions would Ankara has repeatedly imposed Turkey eased the curfew in part of tion because they are longer than Ambulances rushed to the scene (TAK), linked to the PKK, said it car- be slapped on Yuksekova, near the curfews for military operations in Diyarbakir, the biggest Kurdish the distance allowed for ballis- on Kizilay square, a key commer- ried out the February bombing in Iranian border, and Nusaybin, on the southeastern urban centres, and on majority city, which has been under tic missiles and, because of that, cial and transport hub close to the Ankara as revenge for operations by frontier with Syria, to “restore order Sunday said restrictions would be lockdown since December. they represent a potential threat city’s embassy area, where the blast the Turkish military in the southeast and security” following an increase slapped on two more towns — Yuk- From 8am yesterday, residents of to the countries in the region and reduced several vehicles including a of the country and warned foreign in “terrorist activity”. sekova, near the Iranian border, part of the city’s historic Sur district beyond,” Kerry said. bus to burnt-out wrecks. tourists not to visit the country. Ankara has vowed to wipe out the and Nusaybin, on the frontier with were allowed back onto the streets, “We have made it very clear The attack comes just weeks A two-year ceasefire between PKK, classed as a terrorist organisa- Syria. where some buildings have been that the missile concerns remain after the city was hit by a suicide car the government and Kurdish rebels tion by Turkey and its Western allies, The aim was to “restore order badly damaged in the operation, a part of sanctionable activity with bombing on February 17 targeting the collapsed in the middle of last year and has said “clean-up” operations and security” following an increase correspondent said. respect to Iran. If Iran chooses to violate that, they will invite addi- tional sanctions, as we put them in place just a month ago as a result of the prior tests.” Deadly clashes in Aden as govt loyalists press Taiz offensive Resolution 2231, adopted last July as UN sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear program were lifted, “calls upon” Iran to refrain AFP jihadist stronghold of Mansura, a res- Dozens of gunmen in balaclavas insurgents and pro-government civilians, the sources added. from certain ballistic missile activity. idential area which loyalist forces carrying the Al Qaeda flag deployed forces to reinforce their presence in Officials are hoping to break Western diplomats say this amounts backed by aircraft from a Saudi-led to push back police trying to enter the the south, including in Aden. the siege in order to deliver desper- to a clear ban, but acknowledge that coalition have been trying to recap- central Aden neighbourhood, wit- Meanwhile, pro-government ately needed humanitarian aid to the Russia, China and Iran probably ADEN: At least 17 suspected Al Qaeda ture since Saturday. nesses said. forces clashed with Houthi rebels yes- nearly 200,000 residents trapped in interpret it as an appeal for vol- militants and two policemen have Coalition fighter jets and Apache The police said in a statement that terday as they tried to break a siege of Taiz. untary restraint, and that Russia been killed in two days of clashes in helicopters carried out air strikes fighting against the “armed terror- Taiz after retaking the city’s southern More than 6,100 people have died and China would be likely to block Aden, the temporary base of Yemen’s overnight that hit at least three ist gangs in Mansura will continue to and western suburbs on Friday, loy- — half of them civilians — since the any action by the Security Council. government, security sources said. vehicles and a local council office ensure the safety of residents” in Yem- alist military sources said. coalition launched air strikes against Iran says none of its missiles are The clashes, which resumed early occupied by the jihadists, security en’s main southern city. Coalition aircraft provided sup- the Shiite rebels and their allies in designed to carry nuclear weap- yesterday, came as loyalist forces sources said. Security sources estimate that port and hit a military convoy that March 2015, according to the UN. ons. Prime Minister Benjamin pressed an offensive to retake third “At least 17 Al Qaeda fighters and around 300 heavily armed Al Qaeda was trying to bring reinforcements US Secretary of State John Kerry Netanyahu of Israel, which sees city Taiz in the southwest of Yemen two policemen have been killed since fighters are entrenched in Mansura. to the rebels, the sources said. on Saturday said that he and Saudi Iran’s missiles as a direct threat, which has been under siege for Saturday,” a security official said, Al Qaeda and the Islamic State At least 94 people have been killed Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir had on Saturday urged world powers months by Houthi rebels. adding that most of the jihadists were group have taken advantage of the in the offensive since Friday, including agreed to work towards a ceasefire to take “immediate punitive steps” The fighting in Aden raged in the killed in air raids. conflict between Iran-backed Huthi 24 rebels, nine loyalist forces and four in Yemen. against Iran over the tests.

Moroccans rally to protest UN US and European allies urge swift Libya handover chief’s remarks AFP However last month, 100 law- makers from the internationally AFP recognised parliament said they sup- ported a UN-backed unity government PARIS: The United States and its Euro- but were “forcibly prevented” from pean allies yesterday called on Libya’s putting a new reduced cabinet line- RABAT: Hundreds of thousands new unity government to swiftly move up to a vote of confidence. of people protested against Ban to Tripoli and take up power, threat- Al Sarraj said in a statement on Ki-moon in Rabat yesterday after ening sanctions against those who Saturday that the majority petition Morocco’s government criticised the undermine the political process. signed by lawmakers was equivalent UN chief for remarks made on the “We call on all Libyan public insti- to a vote of confidence. disputed Western Sahara region. tutions to facilitate a peaceful and He urged institutions “to imme- Carrying banners denouncing orderly handover of power so that Lib- diately make contact with the unity Ban’s alleged “lack of neutrality”, ya’s new leaders can begin to govern government in order to organise the protesters waved Moroccan flags from Libya’s capital,” US Secretary of modalities of passing over power in a and sang the national anthem. Offi- State John Kerry said in Paris after a peaceful and organised way”. cial news agency MAP said more meeting with his counterparts from In Paris, the foreign ministers and than three million people had par- France, Britain, Italy and the Euro- European Union top diplomat Federica ticipated. Ban sparked anger in pean Union. Mogherini warned that any individuals Morocco earlier this month when In a joint statement released after who “undermine the political process” he visited a camp in Algeria for ref- the meeting, the allies said the UN- will face sanctions. ugees from Western Sahara, which backed unity government should move “We are working with the EU is under Moroccan control. to Tripoli as soon as possible. and with the United States to quickly The UN has been trying to The presidential council, headed adopt sanctions if it proves necessary, oversee an independence refer- by Fayez al-Sarraj, announced Sat- against those in both camps who pre- endum for Western Sahara since urday it was taking power despite vent the new government from taking 1992 after a ceasefire was reached lacking parliamentary approval. power,” said French Foreign Minister to end a war that broke out when Libya has had two rival admin- Jean-Marc Ayrault. FROM LEFT: The EU Foreign Policy chief Federica Mogherini, Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni, German Morocco sent its forces to the istrations since mid-2014 when the The EU’s 28 foreign ministers will Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, US Secretary of State former Spanish territory in 1975. recognised government was forced discuss the sanctions tomorrow, which John Kerry and British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond in the Paris meeting, yesterday. The Algerian-backed Polisario from Tripoli after a militia alliance could include the freezing of assets Front is seeking independence for including Islamists overran the capital. and a travel ban within Europe. the territory, a demand ruled out A UN-brokered agreement in They are likely to target the National Congress and its head extremist organisations including dislodge IS from Europe’s doorstep, by Morocco. During his visit, Ban December between representatives speaker of Libya’s internation- Khalifa Ghweil. the Islamic State group to gain sig- but world powers want a national announced plans to re-launch UN- of the rival parliaments provided for ally recognised parliament, Aguila Libya descended into chaos after nificant ground. unity government installed to request sponsored talks between Rabat a power-sharing government to be Saleh, as well as Nuri Abu Sah- the 2011 ouster of longtime dicta- Western countries have agreed help before formally intervening. and the Polisario Front. based in Tripoli. mein of the Tripoli-based General tor Muammar Gaddafi, allowing that military action is needed to 10 MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 OPINION

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL Arab-ness is a cultural, not a racial category Iran missile test

ran’s recent launch of ballistic missile has caused trenchant attack on Zionism which miserable state of the indigenous productively in Palestine. In the end he accused of having destroyed Jewish population in ways that are the author of the document recom- international concern. The tests will confirm fears of the relationship between the Arabs reminiscent of nineteenth century mends that the Alliance use French some countries that Iran may not be genuinely interested (Muslims and Christians) and Jews Orientalist descriptions of Muslim as the language of instruction, this in abandoning its nuclear programmes and might look in Palestine. Palestinians in the countryside, the being a foregone conclusion given at clandestine ways of going ahead with its plans. If Evidence of this rootedness of fellahin as they referred to them, the provenance of the organisation Iconfirmed, the launch of ballistic missiles amounts to a clear Jewish Palestinians in Arab culture the archives go on to describe the and its commitment to a European- violation of the UN Security Council resolution 2231 which can be found in the most unlikely festering enmity between the two style Jewish enlightenment through Tehran is supposed to abide by. Resolution 2231, adopted last July of sources. Imbued with the ideals Jewish communities. the language. of the Enlightenment, the French It would be a distortion of his- The idea that a Jew could be as UN sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear program were statesman Adolphe Cremiéux tory to ascribe the antagonistic an Arab may be seen as counter- lifted, calls upon Iran to refrain from certain ballistic missile By Professor Yasir Suleiman established the Alliance Israél- relations between the two com- intuitive from the perspective of activity. ite Universelle in Paris in 1860 as munities solely to different ethnic/ the present, but it should not be The western nations are viewing Iran’s action with concern a charitable organisation to pro- national imaginings, one Palestin- so, as the discussion above sug- and are taking measures to register their protest and avoid mote secular values among Jews as ian/Arab and the other Russian, but gests. In fact, Arab nationalism in its a repetition . The US has decided to raise the issue during n the minds of many Western- well as to nurture self-reliance and the archives make clear that these proto-gestations in the nineteenth ers, there is little difference professional development through different imaginings could not be century was aware of this possi- UN Security Council consultations next week and has urged between being Arab and education. excluded as a factor in inter-com- bility and did allow for it. In fact, countries to cooperate on undermining Tehran’s missile being Muslim. The fact that One of the most important munal relations. Arab nationalism, based around programme. “We will raise these dangerous launches directly Isome Arabs are Christians does not achievements of this organisation The Alliance archives comment language, history and culture was at Council consultations, which we have called for, on Monday. impinge in any transformative way was the setting up of European/ on the language situation among the mooted precisely to override the These launches underscore the need to work with partners on this imagining of Arab-ness. It French style schools for the children two communities and note that the divisions of faith in the Arab body- around the world to slow and degrade Iran’s missile program,” would also be very difficult these of Jews in various parts of the Otto- Russian Jews had a much greater politic, as Sati Al-Husri (1882-1968), the US envoy to the United Nations Samantha Power said. days, if not well-nigh impossible, man Empire and in Morocco, which facility in Hebrew than Jewish Pales- one of the foremost thinkers in the to convince Westerners as well as was not under Ottoman rule. Alli- tinians. The archive also reveals that pan-nationalist field, reveals in his Iran’s tests will only create tensions in a region which has Arabs that there was a time within ance Israélite Universelle schools Arabic was the dominant language extensive output on the ideology. already expressed concern about its interference and aggressive living memory when Arab-ness as a were established, among other among the native Jews of Safed. In Had it not been for the devastating stances in some regional issues. Tehran should have exercised category of affiliation included Jews. places, in Morocco, modern-day one document, the author concludes intervention of European Zionism, restraint and refrained from actions In Palestine, before the Turkey, Iraq and Palestine. that Alliance should focus its atten- a settler-colonialist movement in that would provoke the international encroachment of Zionism as a In my research on the language tion on establishing a school that is Palestine, there would not be any community and its neighbours, European political ideology at the situation in Palestine since the start aimed at Safed’s native Jews. contradiction between being an beginning of the twentieth century, of the twentieth century, I have been This same document goes on to Arab and being a Jew today. especially because the world has just being Arab/Palestinian and Jewish keen to understand how Palestinian discuss which language to choose Arab nationalism was not built lifted sanctions imposed on it over its was a real-life category without any Jews imagined themselves or were as the medium of instruction at the on race but on Arabism as a cul- The recent nuclear programme. of the contradictions that would imagined by other Jews, using ‘lan- school. It identifies three local pos- tural edifice that can accommodate launch of The latest tests can invite punitive be associated with it nowadays. guage’ as a prism. In the course of this sibilities: Turkish as the language people of different faiths or of none. ballistic measures which Iran may not be Indigenous Palestinian Jews spoke research, I read parts of the archive of the Ottoman administration in Arab nationalism accepted Juda- prepared to go through at a time when Arabic in their daily lives, reserv- of the Alliance Israélite Universelle’s Palestine, Hebrew as the language ism as an indigenous component missiles by it is reaping the rewards of the end of ing Hebrew for liturgical purposes. mission to establish a school in Safed of the Jewish faith and Arabic as of Arab life, but it rejected Zionism In Jerusalem towards the end in northern Palestine in the 1900s. the language of the majority. The as an outside force that sought to Iran has sanctions. When UN sanctions on Iran of the nineteenth century and Safed was a mixed city at the time. document quickly discounts Turk- alienate the Arab Jews from their caused were lifted in January, the Security beginning of the twentieth century, The majority of the residents were ish owing to what it says was the native cultural environment. It is international Council’s Iran sanctions committee was Palestinian Jewish intellectuals Muslim, with smaller numbers of impending and inevitable demise therefore paradoxical that German shut down. But, according to diplomats, stood shoulder to shoulder with Christians and Jews. of the Ottoman Empire. It then dis- Jews in Israel today can publicly dis- concern. the former chair of that now-defunct their fellow Muslim and Christian The Alliance mission archives cusses the case for Hebrew, but it play their German-ness, in spite of committee, Spain, can take on the Palestinians to resist the Zionist ide- note this composition, but devote a quickly discounts it as being of little the Holocaust, but that, sadly, Arab ology of the incoming Ashkenazi lot of space to describing the Jew- use to the native Jews of Palestine in Jews move in the opposite direction task of overseeing the monitoring of Jews in the city, who in fact con- ish population of this small city. their daily lives, as well as because in spite of the fact that Arab-ness Tehran’s compliance with resolution tinued to live as foreigners, with The archives note that the popula- its promotion would entrench a has been historically open to their 2231. European passports, in their new tion consisted of two parts: Jewish ‘premodern’ ethos among native incorporation with Christians and The Security Council members need provenance. Palestinians, this is how they refer Jews that contradicts the enlighten- Muslims in one political culture. to take the Iranian tests very seriously. The Council will first have Abraham Shalom Yahuda to them, and new Jewish immi- ment mission of the organisation. to await confirmation from national intelligence agencies about (1877-1951) was one such Pales- grants who came mainly from Moving to Arabic, the docu- The writer is a Professor who works for the University of Cambridge whether the missiles fired were nuclear-capable. Russia and tinian Jew. In his posthumously Russia, with support from influ- ment acknowledges it as the main published book Dr Weizmann’s ential Jews back in back in their language of the Safed Jews and and the Doha Institute for Grad- China, which had opposed continuing UN restrictions on Iran’s Errors on Trial (1952), he launched a home country. Commenting on the the most important tool for living uate Studies missile programme, would likely block council action. That will send the wrong message to Iran and our region. But the United States and some of its allies have the option of taking action in the form of unilateral national sanctions against , something Washington has done previously. France and some other Cyprus economy: Turning the page countries too have said they could impose sanctions if the tests are true. The European Union too must take action. By Nikos Christodoulides now referred to as a role model of operates under stricter supervi- years, Cyprus has proven that it economic reform and consolidation. sion and oversight. With strong has learned from past mistakes, Key to this success is the fact recapitalization, achieved mainly that its economy and its people are vercoming an unprece- that Cyprus managed to successfully through significant foreign invest- resilient, that it has the commit- dented financial crisis, turn the crisis into an opportunity ments, and with new management ment and the capability to build OCyprus has recovered to effectively address and correct in most of the Cypriot banks, it is and sustain a stable economy and Quote of the day impressively following a three long-term weaknesses, and to re- fair to say that the Cypriot banking to be a credible member of the EU year period of robust reform, bank build a strong economy anchored system has turned the page. Equally and the euro-zone. restructuring and fiscal consoli- on solid foundations. This was done significant, if not more so, is the The results of this effort have The United States dation. Following the March 2013 not by increasing taxes, but rather strategic reorientation of the busi- undoubtedly been a product of close unusual decision to use the “bail- by cutting public spending, freez- ness and financial services sector, cooperation between the Gov- and myself remain in” instrument for the first time as a ing new hiring in the public sector which no longer relies on an over- ernment, political parties, social remedy to the Cyprus banking cri- and rationalizing welfare spending sized banking sector, nor on notably partners and above all the Cyp- deeply, deeply sis, very few could had predicted through completely reforming the high foreign deposits. riot people. This collective effort that three years later Cyprus would welfare system. A policy of privatiza- Notwithstanding the leaps of will continue. The completion of committed to a two- register economic growth of 1.6%, tion and licensing encompasses the progress, it is certainly acknowl- the aid programme is therefore not state solution. a nearly balanced budget with a ports, an integrated casino resort, edged that challenges remain, the end of the road for Cyprus but primary surplus of around 2.5%, new marinas, the national lottery such as high unemployment and signifies the continuation of our a steadily reducing public debt, a and partially the telecoms sector. non-performing loans. As Cyprus plans, with a strong emphasis on John Kerry well-capitalized banking sector The banking sector has been decisively continues to reform and sustainable reforms US Secretary of State and that the country would not be transformed through restructur- restructure, we are confident that requesting an extension of the sup- ing, resulting in a smaller yet much we will overcome the remain- The writer is Government Spokes- port programme. In fact, Cyprus is healthier banking sector, which ing challenges. In the last three man of the Republic of Cyprus

All thoughts and views expressed in these columns are those of the writers, not of the newspaper. All correspondence regarding Opinion page should be mailed to the Editor-in-Chief.

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Scribes from Philippines Military Academy graduation ceremony Australia held in Malaysia

Razak over corruption scandal,” the programme’s executive producer Reporter Linton Sally Neighbour tweeted yesterday. Besser and camera Reporter Linton Besser and camera operator Louie Eroglu had operator Louie Eroglu approached Najib on the street had approached before their arrest, the broadcaster added. The pair were detained on Najib on the street Saturday night but released on Sun- before their arrest. day without charge. Neighbour said Police said that the their passports, which were initially seized, had been returned to them arrest was made but they “can’t leave Malaysia”. after they crossed “We will discuss with the Attor- ney General’s Chambers (whether) to a security line and charge them,” national police chief aggressively tried to Khalid Abu Bakar was quoted as saying by Malaysian news agency approach the prime Bernama. minister. “Police are responsible for the prime minister’s security. So we do Filipino President Benigno Aquino III (right) and Vice-president Jejomar Binay (left) gesturing during the graduation ceremony not want anything untoward hap- pening to him,” he said, adding that of the elite Philippine Military Academy (PMA), in the northern resort city of Baguio, Philippines, yesterday. AFP the journalists were barred from leaving Sarawak state while inves- tigations were underway. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad KUALA LUMPUR: Two Australian Zahid Hamidi said local and foreign journalists were detained overnight media would not be sanctioned for and have been barred from leaving covering events but “must perform Filipino kidnapper of Irish priest slain Malaysia after they tried to “aggres- their duties according to the jour- sively” question Prime Minister Najib nalism ethics”. Razak about a corruption scandal, But veteran opposition MP Lim police said yesterday. Kit Siang said he was “horrified by AFP Sibugay province. He may have had Sinnott in 2009 and Australian War- deadline for millions of dollars in ran- The pair were detained after the very clumsy and ham-fisted links to the Abu Sayyaf, a Muslim ren Rodwell in 2011. som to be paid. In a video posted on a they crossed a “security line and manner” in which the affair was extremist group known for kidnap- While Sinnott was released after local jihadist group’s Facebook page, aggressively tried to approach the handled. Footage posted online by ping foreigners and Christians, said about a month through the interces- the emaciated victims warned they prime minister” who was visiting a The Star showed Besser asking ques- MANILA: The leader of a southern Tan. The Abu Sayyaf, founded with sion of a larger Muslim rebel group, would be killed unless the ransom mosque in Kuching on Borneo island, tions at a tense press conference in Philippine gang behind the kidnap- seed money from Al-Qaeda founder Rodwell spent 15 months as a hostage was paid. according to a police statement. Kuala Lumpur earlier on Saturday ping of an Australian ex-soldier and Osama bin Laden, has been desig- and was only freed after ransom was Canadian tourists John Ridsdel “Both of them were subsequently relating to the still-murky 2006 an Irish priest was shot dead by secu- nated as a terrorist organisation by paid. The Abu Sayyaf were blamed for and Robert Hall, Norwegian resort arrested for failing to comply with murder of a Mongolian woman. rity forces yesterday, the military said. the United States. It has been blamed the Rodwell kidnapping. manager Kjartan Sekkingstad and police instructions not to cross the Two of Najib’s bodyguards were Waning Abdusalam was killed for the worst terror attacks in Philip- Kidnapping for ransom is fre- Filipina Marites Flor were seized from security line,” it said. The journalists convicted of the murder and sen- after he resisted arrest by a combined pine history. quent in the southern Philippines, yachts at a marina in the southern work for the Australian Broadcasting tenced to death. Najib, who was the military and police team in the strife- Tan said Waning had been where Muslim separatist insurgents Philippines in September. Corporation’s Four Corners investi- then defence minister, has strongly torn island of Mindanao, said military involved in the kidnapping for ran- and bandits have been active for dec- The Philippine government has gative programme. “ABC 4Corners denied any involvement in the mur- spokesman Major Filemon Tan. som of numerous people in Mindanao, ades. Early this month suspected Abu stressed its position of not paying ran- team arrested in Malaysia last night der and said he did not know the The suspect was gunned down including several Filipinos as well Sayyaf militants holding two Canadi- som. Police said they are continuing after trying to question PM Najib woman. in the town of Naga in Zamboanga as Irish missionary Father Michael ans and a Norwegian set a one-month efforts to rescue the hostages.

Birdman Rally in Melbourne China premier urges more efforts in restive Uighur Australian family

sues Malaysia Reuters Airlines

Sydney: The family of BEIJING: China’s violence-prone MH370 passenger New western region of Xinjiang needs to Zealander Paul Weeks is make more efforts at development in suing Malaysia Air Lines its ethnic Uighur heartland to ensure in an Australian court for young people there have “something the “sudden shock” and to do and money to earn”, Premier Li “mental harm” they suf- Keqiang (pictured) told its top offi- fered after the plane cials. vanished, a report said. The government says it faces a Weeks, who was serious threat from Islamist militants based in the West Aus- and separatists in energy-rich Xin- tralian city of Perth, was jiang, which sits strategically on the one of 239 people on borders of Central Asia and where board the Boeing 777 hundreds have died in violence in Kuala Lumpur-Beijing recent years. Aaron Eidelson flies the The Ballonaful Birman into the Yarra River during the Birdman Rally in flight when it disappeared However, exiles and rights money to earn,” he said. on March 8, 2014. Under Melbourne yesterday. The Birdman Rally is a charity competition. groups say China has never pre- Recognising the economic roots international agree- sented convincing evidence of the of some of the violence and frus- ments, families have up to existence of a cohesive militant tration of many young Uighurs at two years to sue over air group fighting the government, and missing out on China’s economic accidents. much of the unrest can be traced boom, Beijing has increased its back to frustration at controls focus on southern Xinjiang, pump- over the culture and religion of the ing in money and encouraging Two dead Beijing plans maritime judicial centre Muslim Uighur people who live in development. Xinjiang. China’s fourth-ranked leader, Yu in Indonesian Speaking to Xinjiang delegates Zhengsheng, called southern Xin- AFP of sovereignty. The new mari- over maritime territory in the East to China’s annual meeting of par- jiang the “main battle ground in the floods time judicial centre will help China and South China Sea, where it has liament, including the region’s anti-separatist struggle” during a “implement its strategy of becoming aggressively pursued its claims Communist Party chief and gov- visit last September. Jakarta: At least two peo- a powerful maritime country”, Zhou through an increasingly muscular ernor, Li said Xinjiang occupied an Li said education was also an ple were killed, three went BEIJING: China will establish an Qiang, head of the Supreme People’s military posture. In recent years, “especially important strategic posi- important part of development and missing and around 3,000 international maritime judicial Court, said in a report to the annual the waters of the South China Sea tion”, the official Xinjiang Daily said stability. “You must pay attention forced to flee their homes centre, a report from the country’s session of the Communist-control- have become the stage for a tussle on Friday. to education work, especially in as floods hit Indonesia’s top court said yesterday, as it seeks led National People’s Congress (NPC) for dominance between Beijing and “Xinjiang’s development and sta- southern Xinjiang, send educators Java province, official said to shore up territorial claims to the legislature. Washington, the world’s two largest bility ... have bearing on national and to southern Xinjiang, nurture well yesterday. South and East China Sea at the cen- The centre, Zhou said, will “res- economic and military powers. ethnic unity and national security,” the next generation.” The floods occurred as tre of a growing regional dispute. olutely defend” China’s “national China has never clearly defined Li said, adding he thought Xinjiang He did not elaborate, but China heavy rain caused waters The decision comes as an inter- sovereignty, maritime rights and its claims to the strategic region was “generally stable” at present. has been enforcing in Xinjiang more of the Citarum river in national tribunal prepares to decide interests, and other core interests”. through which about a third of all Turning to the topic of the heav- teaching in Mandarin, the national Bandung district to over- a case related to the country’s claims The country already has a sys- the world’s traded oil passes. ily Uighur southern part of Xinjiang, tongue, rather than the Uighur’s own flow and submerge large in the South China Sea, where it has tem of maritime courts, which have The Philippines and several other where much of the unrest has Turkic language, hoping to better areas in the district, (Xin- built a series of artificial islands adjudicated more than 225,000 cases littoral states have competing claims occurred in recent years, Li said integrate Uighurs into the Chinese hua) quoted an official of capable of hosting military facilities. since 1984, the Supreme Court’s in the region, as does Taiwan. companies which “suit actual local society. disaster agency as saying. Beijing has refused to participate spokesperson said last year. Zhou’s Manilla’s decision to take its dis- conditions and are good for the envi- Some Uighurs have seen that as The flood waters in the arbitration brought by the Phil- comments provided no details about pute with China to an international ronment” needed to be “guided” to another way for China to repress affected over 24,000 ippines in hopes of settling competing how the new centre would differ from tribunal based in the Hague has set up there. their culture. China strongly denies people in the district. territorial claims in the region, where the existing institutions. infuriated Beijing, which insists the “Let the people, especially the any repression or human rights China has made sweeping assertions China has long-standing disputes matter is outside the court’s remit. young, have something to do and abuses in Xinjiang. 12 MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 ASIA / AFRICA Women from Nepal trapped in Syria Myanmar army AFP who travelled to the Middle East on a Dhaka hospital bed recovering from than half the population. Begum the easiest solution, it basically allows the promise of a good job, only to be her seven-month ordeal after being eventually developed kidney disease, them to wipe their hands of the issue,” frees 46 child trafficked into Syria, wracked by five trafficked into Syria as a slave. prompting traffickers to contact her said Bharati Pokharel, ILO national years of civil war. “I was sold to a Syrian man who ageing mother to demand money for project coordinator in Kathmandu. NEPAL: Sunita Magar, a villager from Nepal’s top diplomat in the region tortured and raped me every day, her safe return home. “India has much more diplomatic soldiers Nepal, thought she was heading to a said nationals from the Philippines, sometimes along with his friends,” Lieutenant Colonel Golam Sar- clout than Nepal or Bangladesh and Yangon: Myanmar’s pow- safe factory job in Kuwait, but only Indonesia and other countries, which, Begum, also a single mother-of-two, war said his team from Bangladesh’s traffickers are aware of this. They erful military released 46 when she landed in Damascus did like Nepal and Bangladesh, have large said. “I begged for mercy, but they elite Rapid Action Battalion are know Nepal is weak and that they will child soldiers from serv- she realise “something had gone very migrant labour populations, stopped didn’t have any. Instead they used investigating her case and two oth- face no legal action for their activi- ice, state media reported wrong”. working in Syria because of the dan- to beat me so badly that I broke my ers -- although families of 43 other ties,” Pokharel said. yesterday, the latest move Frequently beaten with a baton gers involved. “Since then traffickers arms,” she said. women have lodged similar com- A foreign ministry official said towards ending a scourge and given only one meal a day, Magar have been targeting Nepalis,” said Accompanied by labour agents, plaints. “Bangladesh is apparently a Neupane’s request had been for- that has long beset the says she spent 13 months working as Kaushal Kishor Ray, head of Nepal’s the 28-year-old and several other soft target for the traffickers,” Sar- warded to its overworked embassy nation. a maid for a Syrian household and diplomatic mission based in Cairo. women left Bangladesh on the prom- war said. Criminal networks target in Cairo, which covers nine coun- The military are com- pleading to be allowed to go home. “The numbers have gone up ise of working as maids in Jordan. nationals from Nepal and Bangladesh tries including Syria. But an apparent mitted to ending the “I was just in shock, I couldn’t hugely in recent years, we estimate But they too were taken to Syria, in part because their governments nexus between local labour brokers recruitment and use of stop crying,” the single mother-of- there must be around 500 Nepali where fighting between the regime have little diplomatic influence in involved in trafficking and corrupt children in its “Tatmadaw” two said. Magar is among scores of women in Syria,” Ray said. In nearby and rebel forces has left more than the region and no embassy in Syria. Nepali officials means they operate army following a June poor Nepali and Bangladeshi women Bangladesh, Shahinoor Begum lies in 260,000 dead and displaced more “Nepal’s government thinks a ban is freely, according to experts. 2012 pact with the UN. But progress has been slow. Burundi’s spy China’s criminal claim dismissed by Rwanda convictions Kigali: Rwanda yesterday dismissed as “childish” and baseless a claim by neighbouring Burundi that a man arrested on double in 2015 the border was a spy. Burundi security forces paraded before journal- -- attempts to advocate inde- ists the man they said was pendence for regions of China. an army corporal on a China aggressively The national security convictions spying mission to “desta- increased pressure occurred as the courts “actively took bilise” the country. But part in anti-terror, anti-separatist Rwandan army spokes- on civil society last and anti-cult struggles”, Zhou said. man Joseph Nzabamwita year. The moves Chinese courts sentenced 1084 said the allegation was people for “violent terrorist crimes” nonsense. came as the country and another 335 for other crimes passed a new related to “endangering national national security law security”. Kenya drafts bill The report did not detail crimes that experts feared included in the second category, but for swapping Chinese legal expert Susan Finder would expand the A nuclear-powered super carrier makes a port visit to Busan, 450km southeast of Seoul, South Korea, to said that “if you look at the list of prisoners government’s power national security crimes, human join the 7-18 March Key Resolve military exercise between South Korea and the United States, yesterday. to prosecute political rights activists would have been con- Nairobi: Kenya is draft- victed of some of them.” ing a bill that will allow dissidents. China aggressively increased nationals serving jail pressure on civil society last year, N Korea denies cyber attacks on South terms in foreign countries carrying out mass detentions of civil to be repatriated to serve rights lawyers and campaigners. the remaining years or AFP The moves came as the country months of their sentence passed a new national security law Reuters said yesterday. It accused the South long-range rocket launch last month, in local jails, an official that experts feared would expand of making the cyber attack claim in triggering new UN sanctions. statement said yesterday. the government’s power to prosecute order to justify a controversial new Tensions are also heightened on “If bilateral agree- BEIJING: Convictions for state political dissidents. The majority of “anti-terrorism” law. the Korean peninsula as South Korea ments and treaties with security crimes including “vio- the convictions, however, seem to be SEOUL: North Korea yesterday “There is nothing to expect but and the United States conduct annual the sentencing countries lent terrorism” nearly doubled in related to Beijing’s launch last year denied that it conducted cyber the sound of eating corpses from a joint military exercises that the South are put in place, then it 2015, figures from China’s top court of a “strike hard” campaign in Xin- attacks against officials from rival crow’s mouth. However, we cannot says are the largest ever and on Sun- will be made possible for showed yesterday, following a “strike jiang aimed at stopping unrest that South Korea, calling the South’s accu- just overlook the South’s abrupt, pro- day included the arrival in South Kenyans to be brought hard” campaign to quell unrest in has claimed hundreds of lives. sation that it did so a “fabrication.” vocative, and heinous accusations Korea of the nuclear-powered air- back to the country and the largely Muslim region of Xinjiang In recent years, violence in the South Korea’s spy agency told against its neighbor,” the article said. craft carrier USS John C Stennis. charged here,” said the and crackdowns on civil society. region has led to hundreds of deaths lawmakers on Friday that North South Korea’s National Intelli- North Korea has denounced the statement from Attorney- Chinese courts convicted 1,419 that Beijing attributes to Islamic Korea had recently stepped up cyber gence Service also said North Korea exercises as “nuclear war moves” and General Githu Muigai’s on charges related to “endangering extremism and foreign influence, but attack efforts against the South and had tried to hack into email accounts threatened to respond with an all- office. national security and violent ter- which activists say are a response to succeeded in hacking the mobile of South Korean railway workers in out offensive. The North denied South It is estimated that rorism” in 2015, Zhou Qiang, head draconian restrictions on the area’s phones of 40 national security offi- an attempt to attack the transport Korea’s previous accusation that it close to 3,000 Kenyans of the Supreme People’s Court, said religious and cultural life. cials, according to members of system’s control system, although conducted cyber attacks against the are serving jail sentences in a report to the annual session of Since the starting the cam- parliament who received a closed- it said had interrupted the hacking South’s nuclear operator. in various countries with the Communist-controlled National paign in 2014, the government has door briefing. attempt against the railway workers The United States accused North Kenyan prisons also hold- People’s Congress (NPC). jailed hundreds, put scores to death, “The South is claiming the North’s and closed off their email accounts. Korea of a cyber attack against Sony ing similar number of Last year, the country reported and perhaps killed hundreds more cyber attack and using it for its own South Korea has been on height- Pictures in 2014 that led to the studio foreign nationals. that its courts had convicted 712 on in police actions that have been political purpose,” an opinion piece in ened alert against the threat of cyber cancelling the release of a comedy broadly similar charges of “violent widely decried by human rights the Rodong Sinmun, the official daily attacks by North Korea after it con- based on the fictional assassination terrorist attacks” and “splittism” campaigners. newspaper of the North’s ruling party, ducted a nuclear test in January and a of the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un. 23 fishermen from India Buddhist monk Galagama Attadassi dies Heist: FM to act against arrested Colombo: At least 23 Indian fishermen were arrested in Sri Lanka for Bangladesh Bank poaching in the country’s waters, yesterday. The fishermen were Bloomberg was working with local authorities. arrested by Sri Lankan Muhith said last Tuesday the Fed was navy in the seas off the responsible for the missing money town of Mannar and were and planned a legal fight to retrieve handed over to the police, DHAKA: Bangladesh finance minis- the funds. a news agency reported. ter pledged to act against its central A Fed spokeswoman said after- The police said that bank for not informing him about a ward that instructions to make the the navy handed over cyber heist in which hackers broke payments from the central bank’s the fishermen and three into a Bangladesh Bank account with account followed protocol and were boats to them in Mannar. the Federal Reserve Bank of New authenticated by the SWIFT codes York last month. system. There were no signs the Fed’s Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, the systems were hacked, she said. 2 peacekeepers Finance Minister, told reporters in The central bank has retrieved Dhaka yesterday that he was going to $20m of the money, while another killed in Mali meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina $81 million has yet to be traced, it and planned to issue a statement on said in a March 11 post on its Face- Bamako: Two UN peace- the matter, which involved the unau- book page. “Cyber attacks are not keepers were shot dead thorised transfer of at least $100m unexpected,” Muhith said Sunday. “It and a third slightly from the central bank’s account with appears that our protection systems wounded by one of their the New York Fed. have some flaws.” Bangladesh is the colleagues in northern “I will certainly take some action 20th most-cyber attacked country, Mali, the UN mission said against Bangladesh Bank,” Muhith according to a real time cyber threat yesterday, less than three said, without elaborating. “Bangla- map developed by Kaspersky Lab, weeks after a similar inci- desh Bank has the audacity not to an international software security dent. inform me.” company. The incident occurred The central bank said last Mon- Unknown hackers breached the in Kidal region in which Sri Lankan Buddhist monks walk behind the coffin of senior monk Galagama Attadassi, 94, during his day the funds had been stolen by computer systems of Bangladesh a peacekeeper fired on funeral in Kandy, yesterday. Sri Lanka declared a day of mourning after his death. hackers and that some had been Bank, and transferred $81m from its three of his colleagues. traced to the Philippines, where it account at the Federal Reserve Bank. PAKISTAN MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 13 Lawyers degree now to be 5-year course

next three years while the evening classes will be abolished and dis- The three-year study tance learning programmes programme will be regulated. discontinued in next Last week, Shaheen presided over a meeting attended by rep- three years while resentatives of 19 law colleges, the evening classes including Director General of Higher Education Commission (HEC) Raza will be abolished Chohan to discuss how to stop and distance the deteriorating quality of legal education. learning programmes He apprised the participants regulated. about the concern over the deterio- rating standard and quality of legal education because of rapid growth of private law colleges and even uni- versities in the private sector. Internews The participants agreed that the implementation of rules would discourage sub-standard private Supporters of Pakistan’s second largest Islamist party the Jamaat-e-Islami carry banners and shout slogans as they take part in a protest colleges and would substantially against the execution of convicted murderer Mumtaz Qadri in Karachi yesterday. ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Bar contribute to ensuring quality legal Council (PBC) has told the representa- education. According to the stand- tives of the country’s law colleges that ards developed by the PBC, Shaheen after 2018 it will not accredit institu- said, the law colleges should prefer- tions that fail to switch to the five-year ably be opened in a spacious 2,500 Captors freed Shahbaz on their own will: Inquiry Legum Baccalaureus (LLB) course. square yards premises having spa- “We have categorically told the cious classrooms with Internet representatives of the law colleges facility and library which should be Internews a report submitted to Interior Min- claim credit for Shahbaz’ recovery.” The provincial police chief also told that PBC will close such institutions upgraded constantly. ister Nisar Ali. “Facts and evidence Shahbaz was abducted at gun- the interior minister that Shahbaz was by force if they failed to switch to The faculty should be based on show that Shahbaz Taseer has not point in Lahore on August 26, 2011, rescued in a police raid. A section of five-year legal course instead of permanent teachers instead of visit- been recovered through any opera- months after his father was assassi- Pakistani media, however, reported the existing three years or did ing professors. The representatives of QUETTA: An official inquiry com- tion, but his captors set him free on nated by Mumtaz Qadri for opposing that Shahbaz was recovered by the not improve the quality of educa- the law colleges urged the commit- mittee established by the Pakistan their own.” the blasphemy laws. He was found Taliban from Afghanistan’s Zabul tional standards in their colleges,” tee to develop a centralised system of government has concluded that The release of the report coin- by security and intelligence offi- province, where he was being held Chairman of PBC Legal Education inspecting colleges and not to force Shahbaz Taseer was not rescued in cided with the Afghan Taliban’s denial cials in the Kuchlak area of Quetta by Uzbek insurgents. Committee Shoaib Shaheen says. them to have 35 students per college. a security operation, as originally that they played a role in either kid- on March 8. Aitzaz Goraya, the head Taking notice of the conflicting Under the newly promulgated Under the new rules, universities claimed, but rather was freed by his napping or releasing Shahbaz. of Balochistan’s Counter-Terrorism accounts, Nisar constituted a high- PBC Legal Education Rules, 2015, or law colleges intending to impart kidnappers of their own will. The committee recommended Department, claimed Shahbaz was level committee, comprising an and the PBC (Recognition of Univer- legal education at the postgraduate It is premature to say ransom was issuing an official rebuke to the offic- rescued during a raid on a compound additional interior secretary and the sities) Rules, 2015, on the affiliation level – LLM or PhD – will have to paid to secure the release of slain ers who had informed the minister in Kuchlak. He claimed police and director general of the National Cri- of law colleges, the three-year study seek permission or approval from Punjab governor Salmaan Taseer’s that Shahbaz was rescued in an oper- intelligence officials had raided the sis Management Cell, to ascertain the programme will be discontinued in both the PBC and the HEC. son, says the inquiry committee in ation. “No institution has the right to compound after receiving a tip-off. facts surrounding Shahbaz’ recovery. Sindh identifies 53 seminaries with ‘militant leaning’

Internews have been ordered to take ‘appro- ‘having links with terrorist organi- been named in the updated report, divisions. The officials reiterated that priate action.’ sations’. Sources said the government information had been shared with the they were planning to take legal action Officials of the Home Depart- did not name militant groups to which Sindh police and the Rangers to take against the madrassas. It emerged that Torrential rains ment say they had got reports from the seminaries had ties with. ‘appropriate action’ against them, the the number of seminaries increased KARACHI: The government in Paki- intelligence sources which found 53 The latest report, submitted to sources said. The latest report, more threefold in Sindh during the past leave 28 dead stan’s southern Sindh province ruled madrassas – religious seminaries – Chief Minister Qaim Shah, used the than half of the seminaries with mili- one year. More than 4,000 seminar- by Pakistan People’s Party of Bilawal with ‘leaning towards militancy’ and term “leaning towards militancy” tant leanings were situated in Karachi, ies had been recorded until April last ISLAMABAD: The death Bhutto has identified 53 seminaries a majority of them were in Karachi. unlike the previous report that stated while a dozen others were in Hydera- year, while their number jumped to toll from torrential rain in having ‘leaning towards militancy’ In last year’s report, the govern- “links with terrorist organisations”. bad. The rest of the seminaries were 9,590 in October and around 12,000 Pakistan rose to 28 yes- against which security agencies ment had identified 49 madrassas While the militant groups had not functioning in Sukkur and Larkana according to the latest report. terday after more homes collapsed in the south- west and northwest, officials said. They said 17 peo- Coalmine collapse Pakistan and Afghanistan ple lost their lives over the past three days in the southwestern prov- resolve to eradicate polio ince of Baluchistan, while six died in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Internews data and improve cross border map- the northwest and five in ping,” he said. adjacent tribal areas. Dr Rehman said that he had Four women and six informed Afghan officials that the children were among the QUETTA: Pakistan and Afghani- virus found in Qilla Abdullah could dead. More than 50 peo- stan have agreed to batten down the be traced to the southern Afghan ple were injured in both hatches in their struggle to eradicate province of Helmand. regions. Officials in the the polio virus from their border- He said around 37,174 children, central province of Pun- ing areas by increasing coordination who crossed into Pakistan, were vac- jab said they were still between health workers. cinated in February at six permanent estimating damage there. “Officials of the two countries checkpoints at Pakistan-Afghanistan have agreed to administer polio border. “Our target is to improve the Photography drops to all children on both sides performance of Permanent Transit of the Pakistan-Afghanistan bor- Points (PTP) along the border,” he contest: Three der and to improve the coordination said. between the polio teams in border- He said he was satisfied with the shortlisted ing areas,” Balochistan’s Emergency performance of the PTPs deployed in Operation Centre (EOC) coordinator Pakistan’s bordering areas, especially ISLAMABAD: The photo- Dr Saifur Rehman said. at the Friendship Gate. graphs of three Pakistani Dr Rehman was speaking after “I have issued clear directives to young photographers, a meeting with senior Afghan offi- improve the performance of the offi- Zohaib Tariq (Cultural People gather around a coalmine that collapsed following heavy downpour in Orakzai tribal agency, cials in Kabul. The meeting was cials on the Pakistani side,” he said. Youth), Shahzad Khan in Kohat, yesterday. At least seven miners were killed while 27 people were rescued from the coal also attended by Unicef, WHO and He added that it was necessary to Tajik (Portrait Youth), mine that collapsed due to heavy downpour. N-STOP officials. improve the performance of the PTP Khumail Rizvi (Envi- “Islamabad and Kabul will share to control the outbreak of the virus. ronment Youth) have been shortlisted among top 10 in their respec- tive category for the 2016 Sony World Pho- Membership drive of Imran Khan’s party faces hacking threat tography Awards, the world’s biggest photog- raphy competition. A Internews third-party evaluation to ensure com- He said it was identified that any details like name, CNIC number, been hired, but we are looking for record-breaking 230,103 plete security of the whole process, hacker can get access to the data to be address and photograph to apply for some experts for third-party eval- images were submitted party sources say. gathered through networks of the cel- PTI membership. uation of the digitalised system this year, from 186 coun- “A foreign based Information lular companies that may disrupt the When contacted, senior party developed for the membership drive,” tries. The total number of ISLAMABAD: The use of cellular Technology (IT) expert who is close whole process of membership. leader Asad Umer said there is no he said. entries received by the networks to carry out its member- friend of Imran Khan recently vis- PTI is the first political party in precedent in the country to use the To a question, he said they would Sony World Photography ship drive is no more ‘easier’ task for ited Pakistan and pointed out threats the country utilising cellular services cellular networks for membership make it sure that there is no threat Awards since its launch Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf of hacking in the digitalised system for raising its membership. drive that is why they are facing some from hackers because any such act has now surpassed one (PTI) party in the face of hacking of developed for membership drive of Pakistanis are eligible to send kinds of problems in this respect. can cause grave damage to the mem- million. entire data that has forced it to go for the party,” an official said. messages at number 80022 with “At the moment, no IT firm has bership drive. 14 MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 INDIA

More than 3 crore Protest against water crisis cases pending in courts: Pranab

“Justice delayed is justice denied. The governments, judges and law- Justice delayed is yers must work hand in hand to justice denied. The make justice a living reality,” he added. governments, judges The president also said that and lawyers must increasing the number of courts and judges and judicial officers at all lev- work hand-in-hand els is the first step towards achieving to make justice the objective of timely delivery of a living reality: justice. “The government and the judici- President ary are collectively addressing this issue through an ongoing increase in the sanctioned strength of judges both at the level of the high courts IANS as well as district and subordinate courts. These sanctioned posts need Residents throw earthen pitchers onto the ground in protest against shortage of drinking water outside the municipal corporation office to be filled quickly so that requisite in Ahmedabad yesterday. judicial manpower is available for ALLAHABAD: Expressing con- timely disposal of cases,” the pres- cern over long-pending cases in the ident said. courts, President Pranab Mukher- He said that out of a sanctioned jee yesterday pitched for speedy and strength of 1,056 judges in all the affordable justice to all. high courts, the working strength Non-bailable warrant issued against Mallya Addressing the 150th foundation throughout the country as on March day of the Allahabad High Court, he 1, 2016 was only 591. also said that sanctioned posts in “Similarly, the sanctioned IANS Hyderabad International Airport Ltd them to appear before it on March was not on the run but was also in no the higher judiciary need to filled strength of judicial officers in dis- seeking prosecution of Mallya for 10. However, none of them appeared. hurry to return to India. quickly. trict and subordinate courts in the defaulting on payments and cheat- When the matter came up for hearing Mallya told the Sunday Guard- “Our courts are today over- country is about 20,500 out of which HYDERABAD: A city court has issued ing the company by issuing cheques on Saturday, Mallya’s lawyer pleaded ian in an email interview that he burdened on account of the large the working strength is only about non-bailable warrants against now that bounced. The airport officials for exemption from appearence for had done no wrong and that he was number of cases pending before 16,000 at present,” he said. defunct Kingfisher Airlines chair- had filed 11 cases against Kingfisher some more time. The lawyer also being victimised. Asked whether them. There are over three crore Chief Justice of India T S Thakur, man Vijay Mallya and chief financial for non-payment of dues to the tune brought to notice of the court that his departure from India on March 2 cases pending in various courts Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, officer A Raghunath in an alleged of Rs8crore. Cheques issued for Rs50 there are indications that Mallya was related to his failure to pay back throughout the country. Out of these Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, West cheating case. lakh had bounced and a case in this had left the country despite a lookout loans, he said he left on a personal about 38.5 lakh cases are pending Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Trip- The 14th Additional Chief Met- connection was filed against him notice being issued. He cited a state- visit along with a friend. in 24 high courts. The pendency of athi, and Chief Justice of Allahabad ropolitan Magistrate G S Ramesh under provisions of the Negotiable ment made by the attorney general “It wasn’t a business visit. Lots of cases in the high courts has slightly High Court D Y Chandrachud were Kumar directed police to produce Instruments Act. in the Supreme Court a day earlier people have written that I was car- declined from 41.5 lakh in 2014 to also present during the occasion. Mallya in court by April 13. Mallya is The court had issued warrants about Mallya’s flight from the country. rying seven luggage bags... For two 38.5 lakh in 2015, but we still have a Various prominent personalities currently in Britain. The court issued against Mallya, the CFO and the com- Meanwhile, the business tycoon people, I don’t think that’s too much. long way to go,” said Mr Mukherjee. were also present. the NBW on a petition filed by GMR pany’s authorised signatory, asking said in comments yesterday that he I pack heavy. That’s how I travel.”

Bear kills three before being shot RSS opts for trousers over traditional khaki shorts

AFP IANS told the media. normal life. We are the people who exercise and drills of swayamsevaks over the recent happenings at the The RSS also opposed the tradi- move with the times and that’s why (volunteers). Jawaharlal Nehru University cam- tion of ban on the entry of women in we have no hesitation in changing the “Cricket and judo-karate players pus in Delhi, including raising of NEW DELHI: A bear killed two some temples in the country. dress code,” he said. and people who do yoga also wear anti-national slogans at the third villagers and a wildlife officer sent NAGAUR: The Rashtriya Swayam- “If there is any unfair tradition, Many view the move an attempt track-suits and full pants. So it is anniversary of the execution of par- to tranquillise it before being shot sewak Sangh (RSS) yesterday said it should be done away with through to attract more young people towards wrong to say that wearing pants will liament terror attack convict Afzal dead in a forest in central India, its members will now do away with dialogue and discussion,” Joshi said. the RSS. “It may take four to six affect training or exercise of swayam- Guru on February 9. police said yesterday. the traditional khaki shorts and opt The decision to change the dress months for the dress code change to sevaks,” Joshi said. “Slogans against the country were The sloth bear mauled the vil- instead for a pair of trousers. code to wood brown/coffee colour take effect as the message has to be Joshi said there was no specific raised there. What kind of mentality is lagers late on Saturday, sparking “We have taken the decision to trousers was taken at a three-day communicated to at least 50,000 vil- reason to opt for brown colour for this? It’s a matter of worry. We should a police hunt for the beast after change the dress code for swayam- annual meeting of Akhil Bharatiya lages, towns and cities in the country,” trousers, except the fact that it was think who allowed such mentality to fearful locals in Chhattisgarh state sevaks. We have decided to replace Pratinidhi Sabha, the highest deci- Joshi said. easily available and the colour looks grow,” Joshi said. “The way our society demanded its capture. the khaki shorts with brown pants,” sion-making body of the RSS. The RSS leader felt that trou- good. reacted over the issue was a welcome Police shot and killed the RSS general secretary Bhaiyyaji Joshi “Trousers are more common in sers would in no way affect the The RSS leader expressed concern move,” he added. female bear after it also fatally attacked the wildlife offi- cial who had been sent to trap and tranquillise it, said Rajesh Kukareja, deputy police chief of Heroic welcome to the Dalai Lama IAF expects to induct Mahasamund district. “The bear was very aggressive and killed the officer at the spot. indigenous air-to-air We had no option but to shoot it,” Kukareja said. “It was on a ram- page, attacking everyone,” he said. missile Astra next year Tribal villagers found the bod- ies of the two men after they failed to return from a trip to the forest IANS performance,” the official said. to pick edible flowers, triggering a The missile can be fired from search for them. Mahasamund is beyond visual range, honing in and home to numerous animal species, locking on to the target with the help including hundreds of black sloth NEW DELHI: With the indigenous of the seeker. With high-energy pro- bears, according to its website. beyond-vision air-to-air missile pellant, it has the capability to follow Sloth bears are found in India, Astra set to be fired in public view it, despite complicated manoeuvres. Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan but for the first time, the Indian Air “The missile has given high per- shrinking habitats and rampant Force expects to induct the high-tech formance, even intercepting a target poaching have reduced their num- weapon into its inventory next year. which was making high-G manoeu- bers, according to the International The missile, which took more vres in more than one trials,” the Union for Conservation of Nature. than a decade to develop, is under- official said, adding this showed its The IUCN has put them on going trials which are likely to finish enhanced capability. its red list of threatened species by the year end, an official from the The tests ahead include full and their total estimated popu- IAF said. . configuration firing at actual lation is 20,000. They can grow Tibetans living-in-exile in India, wearing traditional costumes, welcome the Dalai Lama (in car), as Astra will be on display at IAF’s manoeuvring targets that will mimic up to 1.8metre (six feet) in length he arrives at the Gagal airport near Dharamsala, yesterday. The Dalai Lama returned to his official fire-power demonstration Iron Fist enemy fighters. The missile also has and weigh up to 140kilogram residence at Dharamsala after medical treatment at Mayo Clinic in US. in Pokhran, Rajasthan, on March 18, the ability to overcome jamming by (310pound). where a Su30 MKI jet will fire the hostile aircraft -- a critical feature. missile. Prime Minister Narendra The Astra is a single-stage solid- Modi is to scheduled to witness the propellant missile that is 3.57m long fire-power demonstration. and 178mm in diameter, with a 154 According to scientists, the kg launch weight and a 15 kg con- Hindus and Muslims settle 25-year-old land dispute technology for this missile is more ventional explosive payload. It has sophisticated than that of ballistic active radar terminal guidance, elec- missile Agni, as it works on a ter- tronic counter-countermeasures and IANS temple and an Imambara (congre- pending with the Indore bench of the — both met twice before making minal active radar-seeker and an smokeless propulsion. gation hall for commemoration Madhya Pradesh high court, he said. way for other community leaders to updated mid-course internal guid- The missile has been designed to ceremonies of Shia Muslims) of the Tired of the lengthy judicial process, reach the consensus. According to the ance system that helps the missile in engage high-speed targets at short INDORE: Hindus and Muslims in Lakhera Muslim community in Betma the two communities decided to sit agreement, 1,395sq ft of the 2,160sq locating the target. range, up to 20km in tail chase mode this Madhya Pradesh’s district have town, a police officer said. together and thrash out a solution to ft vacant land would be turned over The seeker, said the official, was and long range, up to 80km in head- in a precedent-setting act resolved “Both the Hindu and the Mus- the vexed problem. to the Sheetala Mata temple and the one reason why the missile, being on chase mode, according to the through mutual agreement a land lim communities were claiming the The Hindu community was repre- remainder to the Imambara of the developed by the Defence Research DRDO. At sea level, it has a range of dispute that had evaded a judicial vacant land as their own,” said Raj- sented by Dharmvir Singh Chauhan, Lakhera Muslim community, said and Development Organisation up to 20 km but has a range of 44 km solution for the past 25 years. kumar Yadav, station house officer also president of the town council, Yadav. The temple is currently built (DRDO), was delayed for so long. if launched from an altitude of 8,000 The dispute related to a plot of (SHO) of Betma police station. and the Lakhera Muslim community on 450sq ft of land while the Imam- “The trials are going on well metres and 80 km when fired from vacant land lying between a Hindu The dispute is currently lay by Haji Faqeer Mohammad Sheikh bara occupies 630sq ft. and the missile has given a great an altitude of 15,000 metres. INDIA MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 15

Thunderstorms in Bhopal India and Nepal Joint parliament meet today to save tiger panel meet on in region land bill today IANS KATHMANDU: Senior forestry officials from India and Nepal are came into effect in January 2014. meeting in New Delhi from today to The committee has The 2013 law, in turn, had chalk out a joint strategy to save the replaced the colonial era Land tiger population along the trans- been given a number Acquisition Act, 1894. The committee boundary corridor after 14 of the of extensions after has been given a number of exten- felines were killed during the last sions after it failed to evolve general one year. it failed to evolve consensus on various provisions. Officials said both countries general consensus on The National Democratic Alli- were mulling a joint strategy to ance (NDA) government had initially save the endangered animal after various provisions. brought in a few drastic changes in an increasing number of cases of the legislation, especially in terms tiger-poaching along the Nepal- of compensation for land owners as India border were reported. against what was in the 2013 law, The two-day meeting in New IANS but climbed down after facing wide- Delhi will focus on saving tigers spread protests of the opposition and on both sides of the interna- the farmers’ organisations. tional border, said Akhileshwor Union Rural Development Min- Karna, who is leading the Nepali NEW DELHI: A parliamentary ister Chaudhary Birender Singh has, delegation. panel, headed by BJP MP S S Ahl- however, denied that the change Between January 2015 and uwalia, is meeting today to try to in the government stance on the February 2016, at least 14 tigers reach consensus in sorting out the sensitive bill was any kind of “climb- were killed in the border areas land acquisition imbroglio which down”. A Bharatiya Janata Party causing panic on both sides. Six of remains unresolved even after a (BJP) member of the panel echoed the endangered specie were killed colonial era law was replaced in the minister, saying, “no question on the Nepal side. 2014 by a new law. of climb-down or climb-up as par- With the increase in tiger- The 21-member Joint Commit- liamentary committees discuss and poaching cases across the region, tee of Parliament examining the debate the bills only to bring in over- the ambitious project to double the Right to Fair Compensation and all qualitative improvement in it”. tiger population in the region by Transparency in Land Acquisition, Three NDA allies have voiced Streaks of lightning in the sky during rainy weather in Bhopal. The city faced heavy thunderstorms 2022 has hit a roadblock. Rehabilitation and Resettlement concern over removal of the consent on the intervening night of 12-13 March. Surmounting the challenges (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015, is clause and social impact assessment in the trans-border area is key to have a crucial round of meeting, provisions from the 2013 law. to the success of the project, said sources said. Today’s meeting assumes impor- Karna adding that apart from “The committee members have tance as it comes at the fag end of the this the officials will also dis- already been circulated the replies first half of Budget session. cuss the joint strategy for saving received from the state governments “The Congress party, which has Congress and Left reached deal in all but 7 seats the tiger. on land acquisition proceedings the advantage of numerical strength Tigers from India’s Dudhwa that had been initiated under Land in Rajya Sabha, had opposed gov- National Park and Balmiki Tiger Acquisition Act, 1894, and the other ernment’s move to bring about any IANS seven constituencies,” Chowdhury Meanwhile, hectic parleys were Reserve and from Nepal’s Chitwan status of land acquisition proceed- changes in the retrospective clause told the media. He said three seats of on between Left Front spearhead National Park, Bardiya National ings,” a committee member said. of the bill dealing with compensa- Murshidabad (Domkol, Hariharpara Communist Party of India-Marxist Park and Shuklaphanta Wildlife The panel was granted extension tion,” a member of the committee and Bharatpur), two in Malda district and the Congress to narrow down reserve, regularly cross the inter- on December 16, 2015, after replies said. The Congress and the BJP KOLKATA: The Congress’ West (Harishchandrapur and Malatipur), the disputes. CPI-M state secretar- national border with officials on from various state governments did members clashed on a number of Bengal unit president Adhir Ran- one each in South Dinajpur (Tapan) iat member Rabin Deb met Congress both sides facing similar diffi- not reach it in time. occasions during the sittings of the jan Chowdhury yesterday claimed and Kolkata (Belaighata) will see leaders Somen Mitra, Pradip Bhatta- culties in saving the endangered The bill under consideration was panel. In a meeting in August last an understanding has been reached friendly fights between the Congress charya and Abdul Mannan to arrive specie. passed in the Lok Sabha in March year, former rural development with the Left Front in all but seven and the Left Front. at some compromise formula on the In India and Nepal, over 2015, but was stalled in the Rajya minister Jairam Ramesh (Congress) constituencies for polls to the 294- Chowdhury said the Congress disputed seats. 45,000 sq km land in the trans- Sabha and then referred to a joint staged a brief walkout after he and seat assembly. would leave the Joypur seat in Purulia “I hope now the matters will pro- border area from Bagmati to parliamentary committee in May. his party colleagues were charged Chowdhury said that as per the district to the Left. The party had ceed smoothly. The complications are Yamuna rivers is home to 15 It seeks to amend the Right with “delaying” the business of the understanding, the Left Front would earlier declared it would name its over,” said Bhattacharya, a former conservation areas and wildlife to Fair Compensation and Trans- committee. contest 189 seats, and the Congress nominee from the seat. He announced state Congress president. parks. The tiger population in parency in Land Acquisition, On November 23, 2015 meet- would be in the fray in 90 constitu- a fresh list of 16 seats where his party Deb said most of the issues have Nepal is estimated at around 200 Rehabilitation and Resettlement ing, the opposition members also encies. In eight seats, support would would put up candidates. been resolved. “Only a few more are and in India at 2,200. Act, 2013, which was passed by the had demanded that Prime Minister be extended to independents and The Congress is yet to declare its still pending. It is a seven-phase elec- The tiger population in Nepal Congress-led United Progressive Narendra Modi be summoned before intellectuals. candidates for any of the seats it is tion. We will hold discussions on the is estimated at around 200 and in Alliance (UPA) government and the committee to be quizzed. “We will have friendly fights in contesting in the assembly polls. seats in phases.” India at 2,200.

Six of 8 missing Ready to perform at cultural festival Many smaller parties trekkers rescued

IANS knock at LDF’s doors

SHIMLA: Six of the eight trekkers ahead of Kerala polls who went missing in the Manali area of Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh were rescued yesterday IANS Nikesh Kumar, the late Raghavan’s evening while two others were son, met CPI-M leaders. spotted to be safe, officials said. Adding to the confusion are Seven students of Sant the moves of R Balakrishna Pil- Longowal Institute of Engineer- THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: More lai, founder of the UDF in the early ing and Technology in Punjab’s and more leaders of smaller parties 70s. His Kerala Congress (Pillai) has Sangrur along with their trek- and estranged partners of the rul- wound up its activities in the UDF king instructor lost their way due ing UDF are trying to join the Left and his son, the lone party legislator to inclement weather while trek- Democratic Alliance (LDF) ahead of K B Ganesh Kumar, is certain to get king to the Chanderkhani peak. assembly elections in Kerala. the nod of the CPI-M to contest from “The six have been airlifted by As it is, the LDF, led by the the seat he holds: Pathanapuram in a chopper. They were spotted dur- Communist Party of India-Marxist Kollam district. ing an aerial recce in the morning (CPI-M), is a crowded house. Then there is six-time legislator itself but the chopper had to return The alliance also includes the P C George, who was disqualified as due to bad weather,” area Subdivi- Communist Party of India (CPI), a legislator last year after moving out sional Magistrate Jyoti Rana said. Nationalist Congress Party, Janata of the Kerala Congress (Mani), the Rana said the rescued students Dal-Secular and Kerala Congress third biggest ally of the UDF. were brought to Rungsu near Nag- (Skaria Thomas). He too has met top leaders of the gar ahead of Manali and given first A Japanese participant reacts to the camera as she waits to perform a dance with others during the The Indian National League and CPI-M. He wants to be a candidate aid, after which they were taken last day of World Culture Festival on the banks of the river Yamuna in New Delhi, yesterday. Forward Bloc have been fellow part- from his traditional seat Poonjar in to Kullu. “They are all fine,” she ners but are not full-time members Kottayam district with LDF backing. added. She said two students — LDF members. The Revolutionary Socialist Hitender Sharma and Anil Kumar Now the Janadhipathya Sam- Party (RSP), a UDF ally with three — were spotted near a cave-like rakshana Samithi (JSS) and the legislators, split last month, with structure where all eight had ear- Communist Marxist Party (CMP), one of its legislators Kovoor Kunju- lier taken shelter. Both were safe, Need to create 115m non-farm jobs: Pranab both founded by former veteran mon quitting his membership and she said. “We could not airlift them CPI-M leaders K R Gowri and the late moving over to the LDF. Recently, a today (Sunday) as the weather M V Raghavan respectively, want to group of four leaders led by former turned bad again. But we have IANS being held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, a Development (R&D), the President be LDF partners, after having been Lok Sabha member Francis George dropped food packets for them and statement said yesterday. said our current investment levels with the Congress-led United Dem- and his associates from the Kerala will airlift them in the first aerial He also said many of the advanced in R&D are a fraction of what world ocratic Alliance (UDF) for decades. Congress (Mani) who have formed a sortie in the area,” the official said. nations have capitalised on their edu- class companies spend. With Kerala’s electorate tightly new party — Kerala Congress (Dem- Three teams of the Indo- NEW DELHI: Indian economy needs cational network to assume leadership “The major contributor of R&D divided between the LDF and UDF, ocratic) — have decided to join LDF. Tibetan Border Police were to generate 115m non-farm jobs over positions in the area of innovation, expenditure is the government. With- smaller parties know that they need A CPI-M leader who did not wish pressed for search and rescue after the next decade to employ its work- start-ups and research. “India, with out a substantive stepping up of these one of the larger umbrellas to win. to be identified said that the LDF will teams from a local mountaineer- force, President Pranab Mukherjee an educational network of over 700 expenditures, we cannot expect to be Gowri last week visited her old discuss “how best we can satisfy all ing institute and the police failed has said. universities and 35,000 colleges, is at the higher end of the value chain,” party headquarters after a gap of 22 the new groups who have come to us. to find them due to inclement “Encouraging and promoting optimally placed to capitalise on its he said, calling upon the private sec- years to see if her party can get a Meanwhile, the BJP released weather. A helicopter was pressed self-employment as a career option intellectual seed capital,” he said. tor and institutes of higher learning to few seats to contest as part of the its first list of 22 candidates, which into service on Saturday, but it too for young people will be of para- Highlighting the issue of low devote a larger part of their resources LDF family. The CMP has split, with includes veteran O Rajagopal and failed to make much headway due mount importance,” the President levels of investment by Indian firms for R&D to enable innovation and job one section leaning towards the Left. newly-appointed state unit presi- to the bad weather. said at the Festival of Innovations and businesses in research and creation across the country. Recently media entrepreneur M V dent Kummanem Rajasekheran. 16 MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 EUROPE / UK

SNP to start German-born MP to lead EU exit campaign independence

Stuart, an MP with the main opposi- vote for—and kick out—the people hundred days of the campaign.” by Protestants after the Irish state campaign this Gisela Stuart, an tion Labour Party, will take over from who make our laws. If we take back Opinion polls indicate that the secured independence from Britain 1980s finance minister Nigel Lawson control we will be safer as a country.” race is finely balanced. “Remain” is in 1921, is campaigning for Britain to MP with the main as the chair of Vote Leave. Johnson and Gove, who disagree on 51 percent and “Leave” on 49 per- remain inside the EU. summer opposition Labour Meanwhile influential London with Conservative Party leader Prime cent, according to a poll of polls by “If Britain votes to leave the Euro- Mayor Boris Johnson and Justice Sec- Minister David Cameron over whether the What UK Thinks research project. pean Union then that could have huge Party, will take over retary Michael Gove, both from the Britain should stay in the EU, will be Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s implications for the entire island of Reuters Nigel Lawson as the governing Conservative Party, will part of a senior Vote Leave group that nationalist deputy first minister had Ireland and, given all the predictions, take up key roles with the group. will meet daily. said Britain should commit to hold- would run counter to the democratic chair of Vote Leave. Voters will be asked in a June 23 Meanwhile John Longworth, who ing a vote to unite Ireland if its citizens wishes of the Irish people,” McGuin- referendum whether they want Brit- quit as head of the British Chambers choose to leave the European Union ness said in a statement. GLASGOW: The Scottish National ain to remain a member of the EU or of Commerce business group after in a referendum in June. “If there is a vote in Britain to leave Party (SNP) will start building a leave the 28-country bloc. he backed Britain pulling out of the A so-called “Brexit” would repre- the EU there is a democratic imperative new case for independence from AGENCIES “I’m delighted to be leading the EU—the BCC is officially neutral on sent a “political and economic game to provide Irish citizens with the right the United Kingdom this summer, campaign to take back control from the issue—will sit on the campaign changer” for the island of Ireland, to vote in a Border Poll to end partition party leader and Scottish govern- the EU,” said Stuart, who moved to committee. Martin McGuinness of the Sinn Fein and retain a role in the EU.” ment head Nicola Sturgeon said Britain in 1974, the year after it joined The movement’s chief executive party said, calling for an immediate Although pro-British Protes- yesterday. LONDON: A German-born lawmaker the European Economic Community. Matthew Elliott said: “I am delighted border poll if Britain voted to leave. tants still make up a majority of the However, that a second Scot- is taking over as head of one of the “If we Vote Leave we will be able that Vote Leave will be led by such Sinn Fein, which is predominantly Northern Irish population, Sinn Fein tish referendum after the one main campaigns pressing for Brit- to spend our money on our priorities a strong and experienced group of supported by Catholic Nationalists has been gradually increasing a push the party lost in September 2014 ain to leave the European Union, the like the National Health Service. campaigners, business leaders and who remained part of the United for a border poll which is allowed no would not take place quickly, she group announced yesterday. Gisela “We will be able to once again political heavyweights for the final Kingdom in a province dominated more than once every seven years. added. “We want to be in the driving seat of our own destiny,” Stur- geon told 3,000 delegates at the SNP’s spring conference, she told Police hunt for Protest against UK Housing Bill reporters. “We will not achieve our mystery Shard dream of independence just by wishing that the outcome of the referendum had been different. Or parachutist wishing we could do it all again next week.” “This summer the SNP will LONDON: London police were embark on a new initiative to build hunting for a man who parachuted support for independence,” she off The Shard, western Europe’s said, to a standing ovation. tallest skyscraper, then scarpered Senior British politicians have from the scene. The daredevil van- said that if Britain votes to leave ished following his dramatic jump the European Union in a June from the 310-metre (1,000-feet) vote but Scots show they want to high glass-clad building. stay, this could provide a trigger Video footage of the man’s for a second Scottish secession- descent were later circulated on ist drive. social media. “I saw him making Success would depend on the his way down between the build- strength of the arguments for inde- ings and land, and then pack up his pendence this time around, she chute and bolt,” said Justin Knock, said, a nod to the fact that some 41, who works nearby. “Someone party insiders have criticised was there and gave him a bit of a the last campaign for being too hand to pull his chute in.” dependent on the value of North “A man , who knew what he Sea oil. was doing, and I imagine he’s Scots voted 55 to 45 percent gotten away with it,” Knock added. against independence in 2014, A spokeswoman for The Shard but the collapse of the Labour said: “We are investigating the and the Conservative parties incident. All parts of the building in the country vaulted the SNP remain open.” to unprecendented gains in the A police spokesman said they British national election in 2015, were called at about 10:20 am to A man driving a mini holds a placard which reads “Kill the Housing Bill” as he goes past protesters marching through the streets of London where it won almost all the seats reports that a man had parachuted demonstrating against the government’s Housing Bill in London yesterday. assigned to Scotland in the par- off The Shard. liament at Westminster. Europe and Russia embark Mass murderer Breivik sues over prison conditions

on search for life on Mars AFP held apart from the rest of the prison “One of his main things to do the state at trial, Marius Emberland, population and his contacts with out- (in prison) was to study and he has said, citing Breivik’s contact with side world strictly is controlled. stopped that now, and I feel that is a penitentiary staff. AFP chemical processes in hot liquid His mail is censored by prison sign that isolation has been negative Breivik was in August 2012 water under the surface. OSLO: Norwegian mass murderer officials to prevent him from estab- to his psychological health.” handed a maximum 21-year sen- TGO will analyse Mars’ meth- Anders Behring Breivik returns to lishing an “extremist network”, The office of the attorney general, tence for killing eight people in a ane in more detail than any previous court tomorrow to accuse the Nor- according to authorities, and his vis- however, has insisted that Breivik’s bomb attack outside a government PARIS: Europe and Russia are set mission, said ESA, to try and deter- wegian state of violating his human its, which are almost exclusively with prison conditions are “well within the building in Oslo and then murdering to launch an unmanned spacecraft mine its likely origin. rights by holding him in isolation. professionals behind a glass partition. limits of what is permitted” under the another 69 people, most of them teen- today to smell Mars’ atmosphere for Another key element of ExoMars The right-wing extremist is serv- He has previously likened his prison Convention. agers, in a rampage at a Labour Youth gassy evidence that life once existed 2016 mission is Schiaparelli, named ing 21 years for the murder of 77 conditions to “torture”. He has access to three cells— camp on the island of Utoya. on the Red Planet, or may do so still. after a 19th century Italian astrono- people in a bombing and shooting The proceedings, which are likely one for living, one for studying, and Breivik’s shooting spree lasted an ExoMars 2016, the first of a two- mer whose discovery of “canals” on assault in July 2011. to reopen painful wounds for victims’ a third for physical exercise—as well hour and 13 minutes, as he method- phase Mars exploration, will see an Mars caused people to believe, for a He accuses the Norwegian state families, are due to open tomorrow as a television, a computer without ically stalked and killed many of orbiter hoisted from Kazakhstan at while, that there was intelligent life of breaching two clauses of the Euro- and run until Friday. Internet access and a game console. the 600 up-and-coming leaders of 0931 GMT today on a Russian Pro- on our neighbouring planet. pean Convention on Human Rights, For security reasons, they will He is able to prepare his own food Labour, Norway’s dominant political ton rocket. Schiaparelli is a “demonstra- one which prohibits “inhuman or be held in the gymnasium of Skien and do his own laundry. party, which he blamed for the rise of With its suite of high-tech instru- tor” module to test heat shields and degrading treatment or punishment”, prison, about 100km southwest of “There are limits to his contacts multiculturalism. His sentence can ments, the Trace Gas Orbiter or TGO, parachutes in preparation for a sub- and one which guarantees the right Oslo, where the killer is incarcerated. with the outside world which are of be extended if he is still considered a should arrive at the Red Planet on sequent rover landing on Mars, a to respect for “private and family life” Breivik’s lawyer Oystein Storrvik course strict... but he is not totally danger to society. In 2014, he threat- October 19 after a journey of 496 feat ESA said “remains a significant and “correspondence”. said his client was “very stressed due excluded from all contact with other ened to go on a hunger strike if his 12 million km. challenge”. Since the killings, Breivik, 37, is to his isolation”. people,” the lawyer who will defend demands were not met. Its main mission to photograph During its few live days on the the Red Planet and analyse its air, surface of Mars, Schiaparelli will the TGO will also piggyback a Mars also measure atmospheric parti- lander dubbed Schiaparelli. cles, wind speed and temperatures. Five paintings “Rocket rollout—our #ExoMars The TGO’s main science mission Basque separatists protest 2016 mission is at the launch pad!” is scheduled to last until December the European Space Agency (ESA) 2017, but it has enough fuel to con- stolen in Madrid tweeted yesterday.. tinue operations for years after, if all ExoMars is a two-step collab- goes well. MADRID: Five paintings by Brit- oration between ESA and Russia’s As for the next phase, ESA direc- ish artist Francis Bacon worth an Roscosmos space agency. tor general Jan Woerner has mooted estimated €30m euros have been The second phase, a Mars rover a possible two-year delay, saying stolen from the Madrid home of due for launch in 2018, seems likely in January: “We need some more their owner, daily El Pais reported to be delayed over money worries. money” due to cost increases. yesterday. But the first phase is going ahead The rover has been designed to Sources close to the investiga- as planned, and with high expecta- drill up to two metres into the Red tion said the theft appeared to have tions: “Determining whether Mars Planet in search of organic matter, a been a highly-professional oper- is ‘alive’ today”, according to an key indicator of life past or present. ation which took place while the ESA document. A key goal is to ana- Scientists widely accept that liq- owner was away, with the perpe- lyse methane, a gas which on Earth uid water, an essential ingredient for trators disabling the alarm system. is created in large part by living life, once flowed on Mars. The thieves, who left no trace microbes, and traces of which were Last September, researchers of their handiwork, had tracked observed by previous Mars missions. unveiled “the strongest evidence yet” the owner’s movements to ensure Methane, the ESA said, is nor- the planet may still host water in the he did not return to his apart- mally destroyed by ultraviolet form of super-salty streaks of brine. ment to catch them red-handed, radiation within a few hundred Today’s Martian surface is they said. years, which implied that in Mars’ considered too dry and radia- El Pais quoted the sources case “it must still be produced today.” tion-blasted for living organisms as saying the artwork, compris- Methane can either be gener- to survive, but conditions would ing portraits and landscapes, was Hundreds of Armed Basque separatist group ex-prisoners raise their arms during a meeting to present ated in a biological process, such have been much more comforta- stolen last June. It was not imme- the statement “In the direction of the amnesty, Basque prisoners and refugees home” in Usurbil, as microbes decomposing organic ble—warmer and wetter—some 3.5 diately clear why news of the theft Spain, yesterday. matter, or geological ones involving billion years ago. was not made public until now. EUROPE MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 17 Setback for Merkel’s CDU as backing for AfD surges

caused a storm by suggesting police anti-migrant outfit. Chancellor Angela may have to shoot at migrants to stop Welcoming yesterday’s outcome, them entering the country, recorded AfD party leader Frauke Petry insisted Merkel’s Christian double-digit support in the first elec- that “we have competency and have Democratic Union tions they have stood for in all three not only spoken about migration pol- regions. icies in our election campaign”. lost in two out AfD is projected to garner as much “But that was the theme for all of three states in as 21.8 percent of the vote in the east- parties and the people because it is ern state of Saxony-Anhalt—making such an emotional issue,” she added. regional elections, it the second biggest political force Although the upstart party has scoring a historic there after the CDU. seats in five regional parliaments and The elections, which also included is represented in the European Par- low in its stronghold polls in the southwestern region of liament, it has so far made its biggest Baden-Wuerttemberg Rhineland-Palatinate, are the biggest gains in former communist eastern where it came in since Germany registered a record states that still lag behind western influx of refugees, and are largely Germany in jobs and prosperity. after the Greens. regarded as a referendum on Mer- But its inroads into western states kel’s decision to open the country’s have sparked alarm in a Germany doors to people fleeing war. mindful of its Nazi past. With 1.1 million asylum seekers On the eve of the vote, Interior AFP arriving in 2015 alone, Merkel’s pol- Minister Thomas de Maiziere joined icy has polarised the country. the calls from both the political main- Despite facing intense pressure to stream as well as civic and religious change course and shut Germany’s groups, urging the electorate to shun STUTTGART, GERMANY: Chancel- doors, Merkel has resolutely refused AfD. “AfD has no political programme lor Angela Merkel’s party suffered to impose a cap on arrivals, insisting and no capacity to resolve problems,” a major setback in key state polls instead on common European action he told Die Welt daily on Saturday. yesterday over the German leader’s that includes distributing refugees “We must make it clear—this party liberal refugee policy, while the right- among the EU’s 28 member states. hurts our country.” wing populist AfD scooped up support She reiterated her point, insist- Merkel herself described AfD as from angry voters. ing that imposing a limit on refugee a “party that does not bring cohesion Merkel’s Christian Democratic numbers was merely a “short-term in society and offers no appropriate Union (CDU) lost in two out of three pseudo-solution”, and that the only solutions to problems, but only stokes states in regional elections, scoring a measure that would sustainably bring prejudices and divisions”. historic low in its stronghold Baden- numbers down was a “concerted She has also shrugged them off Wuerttemberg where it came in after European approach”. as a temporary diversion saying that the Greens, according to estimates As dissent has grown over her once her government’s policies show published by public broadcasters ARD stance, AfD has capitalised on the results on reducing migrant numbers, Winfried Kretschmann, a candidate of the Greens (Buendnis90/ Die Gruenen) for the state elections in and ZDF shortly after voting closed darkening mood. “I’m convinced that from there, the at 1700 GMT. The populist Alterna- Founded in 2013 as an anti-euro support that AfD is enjoying right now Baden-Wuerttemberg casts his ballot next to his wife Gerline at a polling station in Sigmaringen-Laiz, tive for Germany (AfD), which had party, AfD has since morphed into an will drop off.” southern Germany, yesterday. Migrants in Greece being shifted to sheltered camps Germanwings crash: France

Reuters recent days as people scrambled for Leaflets would also be distributed conditions of the camp in Idomeni calls for tougher checks food and firewood, while many have in ports and on islands to discour- have given rise to infection. A nine- been sleeping in the open, often in the age people from going to Idomeni, the year old Syrian girl was diagnosed rain amid low temperatures. government official said. with Hepatitis A. Reuters “In Germany and in France, doc- ATHENS/IDOMENI: Greece Greek authorities handed out “Greece will offer you accommo- “Conditions at Idomeni are inde- tors are very attached to this notion increased efforts to move thousands leaflets in Idomeni informing peo- dation, food and healthcare,” read the scribable ... it’s a swampland created of medical secrecy, but I hope there of migrants near the border with Mac- ple that the main route to northern leaflets which were written in Arabic, by the rain,” the head of Greece’s Cen- will be some moves there,” BEA edonia to sheltered camps, as the Europe was shut. The pamphlets Farsi and Pashtun. tre for Disease Control and Prevention PARIS: French investigators have Director Remi Jouty said speaking spread of infection became a con- urged them to move to buildings and Deputy Defence Minister Dimi- (KEELPNO), Thanasis Giannopoulos, recommended tougher medical at a news conference. cern with one person in a sprawling hospitality centres across Greece that tris Vitsas, in charge of coordinating said yesterday. The girl was in a stable checks for pilots after uncovering At the same time, the BEA called tent city diagnosed with Hepatitis A. have been set aside for the purpose, Greek efforts to tackle the refugee cri- condition, Giannopoulos said, adding fresh evidence of unreported con- on airlines to find ways to ease the Stranded in filthy conditions near according to a government official sis, said 400 people were moved from that the centre had taken action to cerns over the mental state of a risks for pilots who may fear losing the northern border town of Idomeni, from the country’s refugee crisis Idomeni to camps and the numbers prevent spread of the disease. Some German pilot who crashed his jet their job for medical reasons, such at least 12,000 people, among them management coordination body. would increase in the coming days. 300 to 400 people would be vacci- into the Alps last year, killing all 150 as loss-of-licence insurance. thousands of children, were waiting “Our aim is not only to relieve “Many of them are waiting for a nated in an initial phase, he said. people on board. Germanwings parent Lufthansa to cross the frontier although Mac- Idomeni from the people, our aim is decision by the (EU) summit on March To ensure water quality, seven France’s BEA air accident said it already offered insurance edonia and other nations along the that no Idomeni (camp) even exists 17. We are saying that regardless of water transportation vehicles, three investigation agency said a doctor against medical grounding for young so-called Western Balkan route have anymore. There are structures, why this decision, there are three camps deployed by the Greek army, started consulted by Germanwings co-pilot pilots. closed their borders. should people stay in the mud?” he very close (to shelter them),” he said. operating in Idomeni, the govern- Andreas Lubitz had recommended The report threw the spotlight on Scuffles broke out at the camp in said. The squalid, overcrowded ment said. two weeks before the disaster that medical confidentiality guidelines he should be treated in a psychiat- in Germany in particular, a country ric hospital. where privacy is a highly sensitive The unidentified private physi- issue due to extensive surveillance cian was one of a number of doctors under Communism in East Germany Fresh polls will Heavy snowfall in Spain seen by the 27-year-old as he wres- and during the Nazi era. tled with symptoms of a “psychotic Prosecutors have found evidence not break depressive episode” that started in that Lubitz, who also had eyesight December 2014 and may have lasted problems and may have feared los- political deadlock until the day of the crash, it said. ing his job, had researched suicide Investigators believe Lubitz, who methods and concealed his illness. in Spain: Survey had a history of depression, barri- Lubitz had been flying on a caded himself into the cockpit and medical certificate that contained deliberately propelled Airbus jet into a waiver because of a severe depres- Reuters a mountainside on March 24, 2015. sive episode from August 2008 to The BEA said in its final report July 2009. The waiver stated that the yesterday that neither Lubitz nor any certificate would become invalid if of his doctors had alerted aviation there was a relapse into depression. MADRID: Spaniards would vote the authorities or his airline about his ill- But the BEA cited a “lack of clear same way as they did in a Decem- ness, for which he was being treated guidelines in German regulations” ber 20 election in the event of a new with anti-depressants. on when a threat to public safety poll, resulting in no clear mandate It urged the World Health Organ- outweighs the requirements of med- to govern and continued political isation and European Commission ical confidentiality. deadlock, a survey published in El to draw up rules to oblige doctors to It said Germany should not Pais newspaper showed yesterday. inform authorities when a patient’s wait for action at a European level Spain’s parties have failed to health is very likely to impact pub- to remind all German doctors they form a government after more lic safety: if necessary against the have the option to breach medical than two months of fruitless patient’s consent. It also called for confidentiality and report public negotiations and two unsuccess- tougher inspections when pilots with safety risks. ful parliamentary votes to back a a history of psychiatric problems are The German pilots’ union Socialist-led coalition government. declared fit to fly. Vereinigung Cockpit said strict rules People must return to the None of the doctors who treated on data protection must be devel- polls if the impasse is not resolved Cars pass on a road after heavy snowfall between Las Machorras and the ski resort of Lunada, near Lubitz agreed to speak to French or oped at the same time as drawing before a May 2 deadline. But a sim- Espinosa de los Monteros, in the northern province of Burgos, Spain, yesterday. German crash investigators, the up criteria for suspending medical ilar inconclusive result could mean agency said. secrecy rules. months of lost leadership when the country is trying to cut debt and sustain economic recovery. The centre-right party of the former government, the Peo- Polish minister says foul play behind president’s jet crash ple’s Party (PP), would continue to win most votes with 26 percent although this would fall far short of the absolute majority to form a Reuters comments were made in a passage led by Kaczynski’s twin brother Jaro- said in a lecture at a conference on Ossetia, which had effectively been government, the survey said. of his speech referring to a number slaw, has said an onboard explosion warfare and terrorism. beyond Tbilisi’s control since 1990. The Socialists, who failed to of events blamed on Russia, including could have caused the crash. Though “But there is no doubt that the Russian troops pushed through South gain enough support to form a violence in shared neighbour Ukraine. his party never openly accused Mos- (Russian) attack on Georgia was one Ossetia deep into Georgia before coalition government, would come WARSAW: Poland’s defence minis- They also come at a politically cow of orchestrating the death, it has that was first preceded by internal withdrawing. second with 23 percent. The two ter appeared to suggest the death of sensitive time, months before Poland said the Kremlin benefited from it. sabotage, inside of Georgia. There’s no “After (the) Smolensk (plane newcomer parties, market-friendly president Lech Kaczynski in a 2010 is due to host a Nato summit where it “I don’t want to rule on whether ... doubt that what happened over Smo- crash), we can say that we were ... the Ciudadanos (C’s) and leftist plane crash in western Russia was the will push for the alliance to station political enemies of the current Rus- lensk was aimed at depriving Poland first victim of terrorism in the mod- Podemos, would come third and result of foul play, an allegation that more troops on its eastern flank to sian authorities, who accuse (them) of the leadership who led our nation ern conflict, that’s playing out right fourth respectively, with C’s show- is likely to test already troubled rela- counter the newly assertive Russia. of reaching the highest positions by towards independence.” before our eyes,” Macierewicz said. ing a marked improvement after it tions with Moscow. An inquiry into Kaczynski’s death using armed terror against their own The five-day Georgia-Russia war Earlier this year, the government of made a pact with the Socialists to Antoni Macierewicz did not by previous government blamed pilot population, are right, perhaps it’s not of 2008 saw Moscow strengthen its the Law and Justice party relaunched form a centre-left coalition. spell out who he suspected, but the error. But Poland’s new government, true,” Defence Minister Macierewicz grip over largely pro-Russian South an official inquiry into the crash. 18 MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 AMERICAS Thousands in Brazil demand Rousseff’s exit

two government sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the The demonstrations demonstrations could be bigger than were the latest anti-government rallies in March 2015, which gathered as many as 1 in a wave of anti- million people. government rallies The demonstrations were peace- ful, with tens of thousands wearing that lost momentum the national yellow and green col- late last year but has ours and holding banners that gained strength as a read “Dilma out” and “Stop with corruption.” sweeping corruption “I support her impeachment and investigation nears new elections because the presiden- tial vote in 2014 was financed with Rousseff’s inner dirty money from corruption,” said circle. Alexandre Cortes, a 39-year-old engineer draped in a Brazilian flag in a festive rally in Sao Paulo, the country’s biggest city and financial Reuters capital. Many blame Rousseff for sinking the economy into its worst recession in at least 25 years. Opinion polls SAO PAULO/BRASILIA: Protesters show that more than half of Brazil- poured en masse onto the streets of ians favor the impeachment of the Brazil’s major cities yesterday to president, who was re-elected by a demand the removal of President slim margin for a second four-year Dilma Rousseff, raising the stakes term in 2014. for the leftist leader as she struggles Rousseff is the latest leftist leader to pull the country out of its worst in Latin America to face social Thousands of protesters gather at the Copacabana beach, Rio de Janeiro, yesterday demanding resignation of President Dilma Rousseff. political and economic crisis in a upheaval as a decade-long commod- generation. ities boom that fueled breakneck The demonstrations were the growth rates comes to an abrupt end. The Brazilians, who form the tradi- inflated a giant doll of Lula wearing a well as top business executives. currency have surged in recent latest in a wave of anti-government Ahead of the demonstrations, tional base of her ruling Workers’ Party striped prison uniform and chained to Discontent grew after a ruling weeks as investors bet that a change rallies that lost momentum late last tensions were high after Sao Paulo have not turned out in great numbers a ball that read “Operation Carwash,” party lawmaker reportedly testified in government would lift business and year but has gained strength as a state prosecutors requested the at the recent protests, but their support the name of the investigation centred under a plea bargain and accused consumer confidence and rescue an sweeping corruption investigation arrest of Rousseff’s political men- has faded as the recession has deep- on state oil company Petrobras. Police Rousseff and Lula of trying to ham- economy that contracted 3.8 percent nears Rousseff’s inner circle. tor and predecessor, Luiz Inacio ened and inflation has climbed. estimated about 100,000 protesters in per the Petrobras investigation. last year. The magnitude of protests Lula da Silva, on money-laundering “This government helped many Brasilia alone. The two-year-old probe has Rousseff, whose popularity is near could be crucial in the country in charges. A judge still has to decide on people buy homes, cars and elec- A few hundred government sup- strained Rousseff’s ties with her coali- record lows, has said she will not quit persuading a divided Congress to the request, which can be rejected. tronics, but we still don’t have health, porters wearing red shirts and holding tion partner, the Brazilian Democratic and blamed her opponents for creat- back ongoing impeachment pro- As in previous protests, yester- education and basic sewage,” said banners that read “There will not be Movement Party (PMDB). At its national ing the crisis. Political tensions have ceedings against Rousseff. day’s rallies were led by middle-class Paulo Santos, a waiter who stopped a coup” stood outside Lula’s home on convention, the PMDB threatened to stalled Rousseff’s legislative agenda, No official estimates for the Brazilians angry over growing alle- at the demonstration in Rio de Janeiro the outskirts of Sao Paulo. break with her government and join which included measures to limit public number of protesters across Bra- gations of corruption in Rousseff’s before heading to work. The probe has implicated senior the opposition. spending and overhaul a costly pension zil were immediately available. But administration. In the capital, Brasilia, protesters politicians from Rousseff’s coalition as Brazilian shares and its real system to regain investors’ trust.

Canadian charged Theatre festival opens Trump accuses Sanders for trying to join terror group of inciting protests

MONTREAL: Canadian authori- ties have charged a Quebec man AFP would happen to them.” for attempting to leave the country Sanders yesterday denied his to take part in a terrorist group, the campaign had directed supporters Royal Canadian Mounted Police to protest Trump rallies. said. WASHINGTON: Donald Trump “Trump’s words must be taken Ismail Habib, 28, was also yesterday blamed Democratic pres- with a grain of salt because I think as charged with making a false state- idential candidate Bernie Sanders almost every knows, this man can- ment to obtain a passport, the of instructing his supporters to dis- not stop lying about anything,” he RCMP added. He faces 10 years in rupt Trump rallies, and appeared to said, adding that Trump is inciting prison. threaten to respond in kind. violence because poll numbers show “This case clearly demon- Refusing to tone down the he would not win a general election. strates that the RCMP and its inflammatory rhetoric critics say is “People in America know that we partners are committed to inves- fueling the potential for dangerous cannot have a president like Trump tigating and prosecuting those violence, the Republican presiden- who insults Mexicans, who insults who threaten Canada’s national tial frontrunner tweeted, “Bernie women, who insults Muslims,” he security,” police Assistant Com- Sanders is lying when he says his said, also on CNN. “People are catch- missioner James Malizia said. disruptors aren’t told to go to my ing on to Donald Trump. That’s why Habib, who has an Afghan events. Be careful Bernie, or my sup- he’s getting reckless.” father and a Canadian mother, porters will go to yours!” Other politicians across the was trying to reach Syria, where His accusation came after a his political spectrum have called on his wife and 5-year-old daughter rally in Chicago was called off amid Trump to tone down his rheto- have been living for a year, local scenes of violence that included fist- ric, saying he is fanning division media reported. fights and people throwing bottles. . by exploiting anger among the The authorities had revoked Speaking on CNN later, Trump electorates. his passport in 2012 after he was called protesters at his rallies “bad Marco Rubio, his rival for the A theatre group participates in the inauguration parade of ‘Theatre Ibero-American Festival’ in Bogota, detained in Turkey and deported people that are looking to do harm Republican nomination who is trail- Colombia. to Canada. to our country.” ing in third place, called Trump’s “When these people come into actions “reckless and dangerous.” (my rallies), you know, everybody “If we reach a point in this coun- thinks I’m a bad guy,” he said. try where we can’t have a debate “If my people went into one of about politics without it getting to US and Colombian militaries eye post-conflict future (Sanders’s) rallies, they’d say, ‘oh, levels of violence and anger,” he this is a terrible thing.’ They would told CNN, “we’re going to lose our be arrested and all sorts of things republic.” AFP ending five decades of conflict. campaign is winning the peace, and successor George W Bush. Since 1999, a US programme that starts with the accord, it doesn’t Colombia had been so plagued called Plan Colombia has seen about end,” Dunford recounted his Colom- by drug violence and corruption that $10bn in military aid flow to Colom- bian partners as saying. officials say it was almost a failed BOGOTA: Now that a historic peace bia’s security services, fortifying the US President Barack Obama last state, and they credit Plan Colom- accord with leftist FARC guerrillas state against well-armed and and month announced a $450m plan to bia with an instrumental role in its could be signed within weeks, Colom- rebel groups. fund Colombia’s peace process, high- turnaround. bia’s government is eager to ensure US military academies have lighting a new focus on post-conflict “If you look at where Colombia ties to the US military endure in a trained Colombian troops, and major realities. was in the mid-1990s and you look post-conflict future. arms deals have ensured the Colom- A March 23 deadline had been at where they are today... they are a President Juan Manuel Santos bian military is a well-equipped, set for the peace talks to conclude, solid democracy in South America, this week rolled out the red carpet modern fighting force. Speaking designed to bring to an end a five- they are a force for stability in the for the Pentagon’s top officer, Gen- to reporters after his trip Dunford decade conflict that has killed region and they are now also con- eral Joe Dunford, honouring him with said Colombia’s leaders stressed the more than 260,000 people and tributing broadly in the international three ceremonies during a brief visit importance of military ties. displaced 6.6 million others. But community ... so yes, it was worth it,” to Bogota. “Their main message was, ‘Hey Santos on Thursday said more time Dunford said. The question looming over the look, you can’t look past us, it’s not was needed. But the policy has also been fanfare is how the relationship over,’” Dunford said in Florida. Hailed in Washington as a bipar- fiercely criticized inside Colombia Police stand guard outside Trump Tower in Manhattan, New York City, between Colombia and its top mili- “Please don’t think now you tisan success story, Plan Colombia and by rights groups, who say it made tary partner will evolve after Bogota can take your eye off of Colom- was launched by president Bill Clin- internecine conflict bloodier and left yesterday following an earlier protest against Republican presidential and the FARC finally strike a deal bia, the most important part of the ton and continued by his Republican a trail of abuses. candidate Donald Trump.

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER Minimum: 21o C Maximum: 28o C

FAJR 04.29 am ZUHR 11.43 am MAGHRIB 05.44 pm HIGH TIDE 08:15 - 21:45 Strong wind and high seas. Partly cloudy to SHOROOK 05.45 am ASR 03.08 pm ISHA 07.14 pm LOW TIDE 03:00 - 14:45 cloudy with chance for scattered rain and hazy to misty later.

20 MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 MORNING BREAK

ONLINE CHART BUST Panda-monium in Bangkok www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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TWEET OF THE DAY

People take pictures in front of papier-mache pandas created by French artiste Paulo Grangeon at Sao Chingcha, The Giant Swing in Bangkok, yesterday. The event, consisting of placing 1,600 of the pandas in cities around the world in collaboration with the WWF, is aimed at raising awareness about the endangered species. INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY

The Ministry of Culture and Sports, in part- Home-made flying contraptions take to the air in Melbourne nership with Qatar Museums Author- ity and Unesco held AFP quirky competition, with some con- The contestants jumped off a costumes, including a man flying a the inauguration of testants dressed as a toilet bowl and four-metre high platform above the bird made from balloons, another #UNITE4HERITAGE a space shuttle. river, staying in the air for as long dressed as a shooting star and a programme at Barzan MELBOURNE: Thousands of people The charity Birdman Rally held as possible before crashing into the woman holding a giant paper mache Tower. yesterday lined the banks of an Aus- at Melbourne’s Yarra River involved water. towel bowl, with the crowd cheer- Pic by @basitqu tralian river to watch home-made participants flying homemade glid- Several of the 12 competitors ing in the distance and many splitting flying devices take to the air in a ers without mechanical assistance. turned up in colourful and bizarre their sides.

Big 5 off the cards as S Africa closes Eat Offbeat: Refugees dish out delicious fare in US

2016 leopard those in the country to be sent back to their Nepalese or Iraqi, migrants homelands. hunting season A plan by President Barack Obama to admit find their feet in kitchens in some 10,000 Syrian refugees has been met with United States — considered resistance by many politicians and pundits. Reuters Despite the at-times hostile context, Eat Off- a land of dreams — where beat has found success through its tantalising anti-immigrant sentiment tastes and hard work, said co-founder Wissam JOHANNESBURG: For the first Kahi. It received more than 1,200 orders since time in decades, hunters with has recently sizzled in a soft launch in November. A smartphone app deep pockets cannot target the wake of the presidential to take orders is in the works and expanding to so-called “Big 5” game animals primaries. other cities is a possibility, he said. in South Africa because the gov- “[The refugees] are bringing a skill to this ernment has imposed a ban on country and they are contributing,” he said. leopard hunts for the 2016 season. “They don’t necessarily have to be a bur- The temporary ban comes in den. It could be the opposite. They bring a lot of the wake of a global uproar last Reuters value,” added his sister Manal Kahi, also a co- year over the killing of Cecil the founder. Across the country at the Spice Kitchen Lion in Zimbabwe by a US dentist. Incubator in Salt Lake City, Utah, refugees from The decision, however, was Somalia and Iraq also are learning the food busi- driven by science, not emotion. NEW YORK: Beaming with pride, a Nepalese ness. Among them is Nour, who moved to the South African Environment Min- refugee in the kitchen of a New York caterer United States less than a year ago to escape the ister Edna Molewa is a vocal holds up cauliflower florets she has steamed, civil war in Syria and has astonished organis- advocate of the hunting industry, battered and fried, part of a cooking repertoire ers with his talents. He, like Rachana, asked to which the government estimates she says earns her a living and keeps her spir- be named by his first name only to protect fam- contributes 6.2 billion rand its up. ily members. ($410m) annually to Africa’s most At home in Kathmandu, explains Rachana, “His food is exceptional,” said Grace Henley, advanced economy. Leopard is one who did not want to give her full name, cook- who manages the Spice Kitchen programme of five game most desired by hunt- ing once brought her pleasure as she fed her for the International Rescue Committee (IRC), ers, along with lion, rhino, buffalo family delicacies from recipes inherited from a humanitarian aid organisation. The IRC runs and elephant. her mother. Spice Kitchen and offers help to Eat Offbeat, The South African National Then political violence struck, leaving a which is private. Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), a close relative dead and forcing her to flee the At Spice Kitchen, Nour has dubbed one dish government research organisation, country. Now her happiness returns, she says, “East meets West,” fusing rice, chicken and recommended the temporary ban when she prepares traditional specialties for Eat beef with Syrian spices and Tex-Mex flavours because it said leopard numbers Offbeat, a New York food company where ref- to reflect his move to the American West from Dhuha Jasim, a refugee from Iraq, makes traditional Nepalese dumplings for Eat Offbeat, could not be firmly established. ugees make and deliver ethnic fare. Damascus. a New York food company where refugees make and deliver ethnic fare, at their kitchen “There is uncertainty about The start-up company is one of several “All this food diversity in our community the numbers and this is not a per- initiatives across the country appealing to area in the Queens borough of New York. makes it a more interesting place to live,” Henley manent ban, but we need more the appetites of Americans and giving refu- said. “It makes it a more delicious place to live.” information to guide quotas,” gees opportunities to make a living. Others are Still, some refugee culinary projects have John Donaldson, SANBI’s direc- located in California, Utah and Texas. Although the cauliflower is a Chinese dish, Now she tells other Eat Offbeat workers: met resistance. tor of research, said. Given their “It’s a very, very good feeling when people Rachana, 53, said she developed her own ver- “Don’t worry, you can get whatever you like At Eat Offbeat this year, a handful of hate secretive and nocturnal nature, come to eat my food, and they talk about how it sion in Nepal. “From the age of 16 years old I’ve here. This is America.” mails saying “go home, stay there, make America leopards are not easy to count. is so good,” Rachana said, clad in a white apron. been cooking,” she said. Initiatives such as Eat Offbeat can serve as great again” came to the company, its Lebanese SANBI drew on studies and On a recent day in the company’s kitchen, A half dozen refugees have found work at counterpoint to anti-immigration sentiment, co-founders said. data from a number of sources she paced between a counter and stove top Eat Offbeat. their proponents say. The messages prompted the owners to but Donaldson said most was where oil heated for the cauliflower, to be served Until Rachana became a full-time chef, she The US presidential race has been marked remove the company’s street address from its from protected areas and national with a tangy tomato and tamari sauce flavoured scraped by for nearly a decade in New York, by candidates in the Republican Party call- website. “Nothing serious, but better to be on parks, not private lands. with the herb fenugreek. speaking no English at first and taking odd jobs. ing for immigrants to be kept out and for the safe side,” Wissam Kahi said. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 • 5 Jumada II 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Qatar’s insurance premium reaches $2bn in 2015

leading risk and insurance annual remains relatively resilient to the eco- forum organised by the Qatar Central nomic slowdown that means majority Sector registered Bank, QFC and Global Reinsurance. of executive polled expect insurance an 11% compound Jaida said that Qatar’s insur- to grow faster than underlying econ- annual growth rate ance market offers huge potential omies” said Dr Kai Uwe Schanz, to grow for private sector as insur- Chairman & Principal Partner at Dr since 2007. ance penetration is less compared to Schanz, Alms & Company. other countries. “Most of the market According to the survey, slow- potential remains untapped. Insur- ing economic growth and continued ance premium (in Qatar) accounts for geopolitical instability weigh on By Sachin Kumar just 1 percent of Qatar’s gross domes- executive sentiment in the Mena The Peninsula tic product (GDP). The global average insurance markets. However, the is 6 percent,” he added. industry is believed to remain resil- The Mena Insurance Barometer is ient, with 61 percent of executives an annual survey based on in-depth polled expecting regional premiums DOHA: Qatar’s Insurance premium interviews. In 2016, senior executives to outgrow GDP. Survey participants reached $2bn in 2015, registering 11 of 36 regional and international re/ continue to be particularly bullish percent compound annual growth insurance companies, intermediar- about personal lines business which rate since 2007. Qatar’s insur- ies and trade associations operating benefits from additional compul- ance sector, along with Middle East in the region were interviewed. sory insurance requirements as well and North Africa (Mena) region, is “On the back of the sector’s as corrective pricing and reserving expected to remain resilient in coming above-average growth performance, measures. However, as a result of years despite economic headwinds, insurance is set to further increase its economic headwinds and fiscal tight- according to ‘Mena Insurance Barom- share in Mena economies. This is the ening, the outlook for commercial eter 2016’ released yesterday. main finding of the most recent edi- Dr Kai Uwe Schanz, Chairman & Principal Partner at Dr Schanz, Alms & Company, and Yousef Mohamed Al lines such as marine and engineer- “Since inception of Multaqa, mar- tion of the Mena Insurance Barometer, Jaida, CEO of Qatar Financial Centre at the event yesterday. Pic: Kammutty VP/The Peninsula ing has deteriorated. ket values almost tripled to $2bn, a which we have been publishing since Respondents considered the compound annual growth rate of 11 2013,” said Al Jaida. “A greater role of region’s strong direct insurance percent,” said Yousef Mohamed Al insurance in absorbing and transfer- markets,” he said. driven by the low insurance pene- compulsory insurance schemes in market growth as its most important Jaida, Chief Executive Officer of the ring risk is a welcome development. The 2016 edition showed that tration in the region, with premiums motor and healthcare, the gap is current strength, followed by a rela- Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) while It generally goes hand in hand with between 2009 and 2014 the region’s accounting for just 1.5 percent of slowly narrowing. From 2009 to tively moderate natural catastrophe releasing the findings ‘Mena Insur- more risk-conscious behaviour of total non-life and life insurance pre- GDP in 2014, less than a quarter of 2014 Mena insurance markets have exposure and continued govern- ance Barometer 2016’. individuals and companies as well as mium volume expanded from about the global average. However, as the expanded more than twice as fast as ment spending on construction and Multaqa Qatar is the region’s deeper and broader domestic capital $32bn to more than $51bn. Growth is region’s governments introduce the region’s economies. “Insurance infrastructure.

Ooredoo announces strategy to be US Blackstone Qatar’s economic leading integrated ICT provider to sell luxury outlook positive hotels to The Peninsula development of an The Peninsula have the rare opportunity to design enhanced technology Chinese group world class cities from an early stage ecosystem will create bringing in smart concepts and solu- a number of important tions using new technologies from DOHA: Ooredoo yesterday unveiled benefits. As well as con- WASHINGTON: US invest- DOHA: Despite a considerable the ground up. This gives Doha a its ambitious vision to be the leading tributing to the growth ment company Blackstone reduction in oil and gas revenues, huge advantage in its plans to build integrated ICT provider in Qatar and of the knowledge-based Group is close to selling a Qatar seems to be holding on to its a world class city worthy of hosting the region, aiming to fully transform economy, which is part portfolio of American lux- position as one of the fastest grow- global events such as 2022 and any its offering for businesses and gov- of the Qatar National ury hotels to China’s Anbang ing economies in the region and the plans it may have beyond 2030 and it ernment institutions. Vision 2030, it will Insurance Group, news Middle East due to continued gov- will ensure a healthy pipeline of new To accomplish this vision, the also open new oppor- reports said yesterday. ernment spending on infrastructure projects providing numerous new company is set to become an “ICT tunities for ambitious Blackstone’s deal to sell and tourism projects, in addition to opportunities for all in the sector.” innovation engine” for Qatar, building young people looking its stake in Strategic Hotels Qatar’s fiscal buffers and sizeable In a separate report Bank of best-in-class capabilities in-house to build a career in IT. & Resorts would amount to assets. America Merrill Lynch yesterday while engaging with an ecosystem Waleed Al $6.5bn, USA Today reported, The country’s position as one of recommended a Marketweight on of world-leading innovative part- Sayed said: “Today’s adding that the invest- the most financially secure econ- Qatar EXD. ners. The goal is to fundamentally announcement begins ment firm agreed to buy omies; anchored by long-term EXD is an equity ratings tied to transform the depth and range of ICT a new chapter in the the hotel owner for nearly liquefied natural gas (LNG) contracts a country’s exchange rate. services offered to organisations and history of Ooredoo. We $4bn, including debt, only and robust financial reserves, Qatar “We have a Marketweight rec- enterprises in Qatar and in the region. fully understand our in December. will remain relatively strong over ommendation on Qatar EXD. Given Waleed Al Sayed (pictured), CEO, customers changing Chicago-based real the next two years, Faithful+Gould, the country’s still strong balance Ooredoo Qatar and Deputy CEO, needs and our ambition estate investment trust Stra- a subsidiary of the region’s leading sheet, bonds are likely to continue Ooredoo Group, explained: “The is to deliver world class tegic Hotels & Resorts owns consulting firm Atkins Group , noted to trade generally in line with US moment is right for Ooredoo to take economic uncertainty created by customer experience for our B2B cus- 16 luxury hotels with a total yesterday. Treasuries, BofAML’s research note the quantum leap from its position as lower oil prices, companies are con- tomers in line with their expectations. of nearly 7,500 rooms. Some Mark Aigner; Country Direc- said. the leading operator in the country, tinuing to seek improved efficiency, We will transform our company and of its hotels are managed by tor for Qatar at Faithful+Gould said BofAML has an Underweight rec- to becoming the premier informa- better communication and enhanced our portfolio of services in order to Fairmont, Ritz-Carlton and “Despite the drop in oil prices Qatar ommendation on Dubai EXD. “We tion technology company in Qatar productivity by deploying the latest deliver the very best for the people other chains. is going to remain relatively strong find Dubai’s EXD at tight spreads and ultimately the region. IT and technologies. and the companies of Qatar, and will Anbang, which once over the next two years and Qatar’s given still-high leverage and refi- telecoms are converging around the For Ooredoo, which has long- help raise Qatar’s profile as a hub specialised in car insurance, spend on physical infrastructure is nancing challenges and we expect world, and Ooredoo has partnerships standing links with companies and for innovation and ground-break- stormed onto the interna- estimated at $200bn between now the local bid on the shorter-end to with almost all of the world’s lead- organisations across Qatar from the ing technology, including becoming tional property market by and 2022 however most are unaware weaken due to low oil prices and ing technology companies, supported largest enterprises to small local a world-reference for smart-cities acquiring New York’s Wal- that only 10 percent of this spend supply risk. Downside risks are a by incredible infrastructure assets businesses, this dynamic demand and in the rollout of IoT (Internet of dorf Astoria Hotel for nearly is dedicated to preparing for 2022 prolonged period of low oil prices, such as the Ooredoo Supernet. This creates the opportunity to be a Things) solutions” $2bn a year ago. The Chi- World Cup leaving the remainder; a regional geopolitical threats, loss means that we can provide a fully- “one-stop-shop” for all ICT services. In addition to Qatar’s businesses, nese group bought the significant amount which has been of competitiveness due to stronger integrated offering that is unmatched Customers will be able to come to Ooredoo plans to work more closely luxury hotel from Hilton allocated to infrastructure projects US dollar, material domestic liquid- by any other company.” Ooredoo’s highly-trained specialists with Qatar’s governmental entities to Worldwide Holdings, of in transport, building up urban ity tightening, real estate collapse, Across the region, the IT services and seek everything from connec- help streamline current ICT systems which Blackstone is the areas, housing, health and education. increased borrowing for projects market is growing nearly twice as fast tivity to data centres, through to full to be more efficient, and contribute to largest shareholder. And unlike western cities that have with low return and global risk aver- as the traditional telecoms connec- system integration services. enhance the service levels provided been around for hundreds of years, sion, which may cut market access tivity sector. Even with the current For Qatar, Ooredoo’s role in the to the companies and people of Qatar. developing cities in the Middle East to Dubai Inc.” 22 MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS

Kalyan Jewellers to foray Kuwait central bank may into Qatar with 7 outlets act if budget gap isn’t cut inaugurated in a single day in the the group turnover to the 40 percent company’s history. Kalyan Jewellers’ mark, which is our medium-term tar- Qatar presence is global brand ambassador and film get. Qatar is a robust retail market of critical to push the icon Amitabh Bachchan will inau- $12.4bn, driven by a growing popu- KUWAIT: Kuwait’s central gurate the showrooms in his maiden lation and an increasing expatriate bank governor has warned GCC share of the visit to Qatar. He will be accompanied population. We also believe that the that authorities may have group turnover to the by popular brand ambassadors and country’s affinity for luxury goods to change monetary policy 40% mark. film stars Nagarjuna, Prabhu Gane- makes it a compelling proposition for if the government does not san and Manju Warrier for the launch. Kalyan, given our strong portfolio of act urgently to cut a budget Kalyan has been steadily expand- high-end fashion jewellery as well as deficit caused by low oil ing its presence in the region since jewellery for daily wear in contempo- prices. it launched its international opera- rary and traditional motifs.’’ Mohammad Al Hashel The Peninsula tions. Within a span of two years the ‘’Qatar’s focus on expanding the said the legislative and company has opened over 40 show- non-hydrocarbon sector and recent executive branches of the rooms in India and the GCC. Kalyan infrastructure initiatives to add one government needed in the Jewellers is also slated to achieve a million square metres of retail space sector in India in 2014. Kalyan had million members. Kalyan Jewellers next two months to prove DOHA: Kalyan Jewellers, one of the milestone of 100 showrooms by the in the next two to three years augurs made an emphatic entry into the GCC has developed a deep connect among to the rest of the world that most trusted and leading jewellery first half of the year. well for the growth of the retail sec- by launching six showrooms on a sin- its stakeholders with its brand prom- public finances were sustain- brands in the GCC and India, has TS Kalyanaraman (pictured), tor,’’ Kalyanaraman added. gle day in the UAE. ise of ‘Trust is Everything’. able, finance minister Anas Al announced its foray into Qatar. Chairman and Managing Director of Kalyan has been rapidly expand- Kalyan Jewellers has established Kalyan Jewellers is one of the Saleh told state news agency The company will make an Kalyan Jewellers, said, ‘’We have reg- ing its distribution operations, both benchmarks when it comes to inno- largest jewellery manufacturers and KUNA yesterday. emphatic entry by opening seven istered a healthy double digit growth in India and West Asia. The company vation, quality, transparency and distributors in India. The company If this does not happen, showrooms in Doha on a single rate in our business in the GCC and was the first to attract the largest pri- customer service. The company has leverages its strong roots of over a “it will reflect negatively on day later in the month — marking believe that the Qatar presence is crit- vate equity investment of $200m one of the largest customer loyalty century in the business of textile trad- the credit rating of the state the largest number of showrooms ical for us to push the GCC share of by Warburg Pincus in the jewellery programmes with more than 2.8 ing, distribution and wholesaling. of Kuwait because of the negative consequences on financial institutions, and then it may affect monetary policy,” Hashel was quoted as saying. The central bank gov- Cost of living expected to increase in Qatar: Survey ernor did not elaborate on how monetary policy might change, but the Kuwaiti dinar, The Peninsula 31 percent plan to buy a ‘villa/town- in the next six months. 34 percent of which is pegged to a weighted house/bungalow’ and 23 percent will employed respondents feel that the basket of the currencies of purchase ‘commercial property’. More number of employees in their com- major trading partners, has than half (51 percent) of the respond- panies over the past six months has been under pressure in the DOHA: Majority of respondents in ents who are planning to invest in ‘increased’, while an equal propor- foreign exchange market Qatar (nearly 60 percent) expect property in Qatar plan to buy new tion (34 percent) believe the opposite since late last year. business conditions to improve in the property in the next 12 months, while to be true. Over the course of the next The finance ministry pro- next year, while 43 percent expect the 26 percent say they will invest in pre- six months, a third (33 percent) of jected in January that because country’s overall economy to improve owned property. employed Qatar respondents expect of low oil prices, the govern- in the near future, according to a lat- Regarding consumer goods, 27 the number of employees in their ment would run a deficit of est survey. When it comes to the cost percent of Qatar residents plan to organization to ‘increase’. KD12.2bn ($40.7bn) in the fis- of living in the next six months, 71 purchase a ‘tablet or smartphone’ “While the region as a whole cal year starting on April 1, percent of respondents expect it to in the next six months, while almost has seen a relative dip in consumer nearly 50 percent higher than increase, while 16 percent expect a quarter (24 percent) will invest in confidence, future expectations the deficit estimated for the the cost of living ‘to remain the same’. a ‘desktop or laptop’. 21 percent are amongst respondents remain pos- current year, after govern- The survey, conducted for ‘Mid- months, outnumbering the 24 percent ‘increased’, while three in 10 respond- planning to buy ‘furniture’ over the itive and bright,” said Suhail Masri, ment contributions to the dle East and North Africa Consumer who expect it to ‘get worse’. ents (31 percent) reveal that their same period. An ‘LCD or Plasma VP of Employer Solutions, Bayt.com. sovereign wealth fund. Confidence Index’ by Bayt.com and According to 43 percent of poll savings have ‘remained the same’. TV’ (15 percent), air conditioner (11 “At Bayt.com there are currently more Earlier this month, YouGov, highlights the country’s over- respondents in Qatar, their financial As far as consumer spending is percent) and washing machine (9 per- than 10,000 jobs posted on the web- Moody’s Investors Service all economic outlook. It says that 30 situation is the ‘same as it was six concerned, 29 percent are planning cent) are also among the respondents’ site on any given day. This augments put the credit ratings of four percent of Qatar respondents believe months ago’ (28 percent say it is ‘bet- to invest in a motor vehicle in the next list of priorities this year. the tremendous amount of recruitment Gulf oil exporters including that business conditions are either ter’ now, while 19 percent claim that 12 months. Of those, 28 percent are On current job perspective that takes place via the Bayt.com.” Kuwait on review for a pos- ‘good’ or ‘very good’, while 14 per- it is ‘worse’). The outlook is positive planning to buy a new vehicle, while in Qatar, presently, 40 percent of Elissavet Vraka, Research sible downgrade, citing the cent believe that business conditions though: almost half of respondents (48 57 percent are planning to buy a used respondents surveyed believe that Manager, YouGov, said: “Gauging con- impact of cheap oil. are ‘bad’. percent) believe that their personal one. 58 percent of Qatar respond- there are plenty of jobs available in sumer opinion is a powerful tool for Kuwait has called for Some 18 percent of Qatar financial situation will ‘improve’ in ents are not planning on purchasing Qatar, with an equal proportion of 20 revealing the current attitudes and budget cuts and better man- respondents believe that the country’s the next six months. a vehicle. When it comes to investing percent claiming availability across sentiments about the business and agement of spending but it economy has ‘improved’ in the last six About 45 percent of Qatar in property, 24 percent of respond- multiple industries and 20 percent economic conditions in a specific has been slower than several months, while 47 percent believe that respondents say that their savings ents in Qatar are planning to invest in claiming availability across a lim- country. Despite the positive outlook neighbouring states to intro- it has ‘receded’. However, 43 percent have ‘decreased’ when compared the next 12 months. Of those who are ited number of industries. 26 percent on the future, the rising cost of liv- duce austerity policies. of respondents expect the country’s to last year. 18 percent of respond- planning to buy property, 46 percent of Qatar respondents expect the job ing is negatively impacting residents’ economy to ‘improve’ in the next six ents claim that their savings have will invest in an ‘apartment’, while availability in the country to ‘increase’ ability to save.”

Gulf Air recognises procurement staff Ex-employee sues Volkswagen in US over data deletion

Reuters deleting data, German broadcasters emissions during tests. A German WDR and NDR as well as newspa- spokesman for Volkswagen said: per Sueddeutsche Zeitung, which are “These are legal proceedings con- working together on the case, cited cerning labour law on which we don’t FRANKFURT: A former employee of court documents as saying. comment as a matter of principle.” Volkswagen’s US subsidiary is suing The reports did not say what The media reports said the the company for damages, claiming kind of data was being deleted. How- former VW employee said he was fol- he was unlawfully fired after flagging ever, the media reports said that the lowing his manager’s orders in trying internally what he alleged was illegal former VW employee was alleging the stop the deletions but he also said deletion of data, a group of German that VW in the United States had an ensuing row over the matter and media said yesterday. destroyed evidence in relation to VW’s fears he would alert the author- The former employee at the emissions scandal. VW is fac- ities led to his dismissal. Volkswagen Group of America’s ing a series of legal complaints and The media reports said the Mahmood Ahmadi, Director, Procurement & Logistics, Gulf Air, with employees of Procurement & data processing centre in Michigan regulatory investigations after reve- deletions took place after a U.S. Logistics Department, who successfully completed the requirements of three different industry is seeking unspecified damages for lations on September 18 last year that Department of Justice order to certifications in Procurement Principles, Contact Management and Managing Inventory. losing his job after he tried from Sept. the German carmaker manipulated stop any “routine” data deletion at 18 last year to stop a co-worker from engine control software to understate Volkswagen of America. Aamal expands maritime transportation fleet

The Peninsula was funded using internal sources. this expansion of the Aamal for Mar- we will be able to further enhance Sheikh Mohamed bin Faisal Al Thani, itime Transportation Services fleet revenues by leasing this new vessel Vice-Chairman of Aamal, com- will lead to further success.” to other companies.” mented: “The development of Aamal Tarek M El Sayed, Managing Aamal for Maritime Transpor- DOHA: Aamal for Maritime Trans- for Maritime Transportation Services Director of Aamal, added: “When tation Services was established in portation Services (AMTS), a is a demonstration of Aamal’s abil- we established Aamal for Maritime September 2015 in order to ensure subsidiary of Aamal Company, yes- ity to closely monitor market needs Transportation Services, we clearly security of supply for Gulf Rocks, terday announced the acquisition of and so find new sources of income. stated that its expansion strategy an Aamal Company subsidiary and a new vessel (pictured). Since it was established just a few would depend on market demand. a leading importer and provider The new Aamal for Maritime months ago, Aamal for Maritime This has been so positive that we are of high quality gabbro aggregates Transportation Services vessel has Transportation Services has seen today announcing the acquisition of which are widely used in the differ- a capacity of 56,859 tonnes and considerable demand for its services a new vessel to achieve optimal use ent concrete products necessary for will also be available for lease to and has proved what an important and meet the needs of the market. Qatar’s infrastructure development other companies. Its acquisition role it has to play. I am confident that When it is not being used by Aamal, programme. BUSINESS MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 23 Qatar’s investment in infrastructure to reach $150bn

The Peninsula maintaining a steady growth driven investment in stadiums; $8bn invest- security and safety systems, contract- said IFP PQ Project Manager, Rawad by the government’s long-term eco- ment on a deep-water seaport; and ing, trading and many others. Sleem, adding, “Project Qatar will Qatar is considered nomic development plan QNV 2030. about 10,000 hotel rooms to be built The four-day exhibition that will continue to contribute year after to be Middle East’s In this context, Qatar is considered in the upcoming years. The country be held from May 9 to 12, will bring year aided by the strong support of DOHA: Qatar’s investment in infra- to be Middle East’s most reliable econ- has set an investment programme together hundreds of manufacturers, the Qatari government, yielding value structure is anticipated to reach about most reliable omy to attract foreign investments which includes more than 700 indi- suppliers and industrial professionals to the construction industry in Qatar $150bn (about QR546bn) over the next economy to attract and businesses due to its abundance vidual projects of more than $30bn to from Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, and beyond.” few years leading up to the 2022 FIFA in terms of natural wealth, and its be implemented. This will make Qatar Canada, China, Cyprus, Czech “For this year we have already World Cup, and in line with Qatar’s foreign investments clear openness for attracting foreign capable of hosting Qatar 2022 and Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, registered a record number of stra- development plan, said a statement and businesses due investment. meeting the needs of growth beyond Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, tegic partners and sponsors such as issued by the organiser of the upcom- to its openness for It also has one of the world’s the Fifa World Cup. Iran, Italy, Jordan, Malaysia, Malta, Gulf Organization for Industrial Con- ing ‘Project Qatar’ event referring to a most comprehensive and ambitious Project Qatar (PQ), IFP Qatar’s Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, sulting, Ministry of Municipality and report published by First Qatar Real attracting foreign economic development and infra- annual exhibition, aims to support Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Serbia, Environment, Qatar Society of Engi- Estate Development Company. investment. structure programmes. the construction sector in Qatar, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, neers among others,” Rawad Sleem New studies and reports signal According to Qatar Investment giving local and international trad- Kuwait, Spain, Thailand, The Neth- said. continued evidence of Qatar’s con- Fund, Qatar is projected to witness ers in-depth insights into the latest erlands, Turkey, UK, Ukraine, USA For B2B matchmaking plat- struction growth despite the drop a super-normal pace for the next products and services in the field of and UAE. They will share their ideas form, this year’s edition of the event in oil prices, driven by the National 5-7 years, having already validated construction such as new building and experiences in the field of con- has been designed for profession- Vision (QNV) 2030 – the country’s the construction industry in terms a huge boom in the construction materials, heating ventilation and struction, while building strategic als to meet exhibitors that match economic diversification policy – as of quality and number of contracts sector resulting in a large number cooling (HVC), mechanical electrical collaborations and partnerships. their products and work profile, and well as the rapid approaching dead- awarded in infrastructure. It is cur- of infrastructure projects. This adn plumbing (MEP), heavy equip- “The country’s construction sector have enlisted a Canadian company line for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. rently poised for an extended period includes $20bn investment in roads; ment, stone technology, construction appears poised to continue its growth ‘B2B2GO’, one of the top international Qatar has set the benchmark for of even more heightened activity $40bn investment in railways; $4bn tools and technologies, interior design, towards the 2022 FIFA World Cup, experts in the field.

Activist investors Regional boom question United Airlines CEO’s in startups if oil board role prices remain low NEW YORK: The two hedge funds that launched a boardroom fight with United Continental Holdings Inc last week oppose the airline’s The Peninsula It is the reason we witness a rise of plans to give Chief Executive Oscar new entrepreneurs in France and Munoz the additional role of chair- Spain, where both countries are man and have concerns about his enduring the industrialised world’s compensation, according to a per- DOHA: BECO Capital, a regional highest unemployment rates,” he son familiar with the matter. Venture Capital firm that invests in added. The funds, PAR Capital Man- technology startups, expects entre- Dany Farha explains that despite agement Inc and Altimeter preneurship and VC activity in the a difficult second half of 2015, drawn Capital Management LP, tomorrow Arab region to surge if the global down by slumping oil prices and described United’s performance The emergency drill in progress at Qatargas Doha Head Office premises. and regional economies continue budget deficits, the region’s tech as “inexcusable” and asked to slow down. entrepreneurship landscape con- shareholders to consider six new There is a strong positive corre- tinued to move upwards. “The directors for the company’s board, lation between a weak economy and ecosystem is expanding and has Qatargas conducts emergency including former Continental Air- a booming tech industry, according witnessed a rise of the digital econ- lines chief Gordon Bethune. to BECO. The economic slowdown omy and the emergence of potential They are expected to lay out is what has allowed technology regional unicorns,” he affirmed. more specific claims about the companies to boom globally and The GCC governments are try- exercise with Qatar Civil Defence company in coming weeks that the same is projected to happen ing to replace oil-reliant economies address what they believe are the regionally. through economic diversification causes of the No. 3 US airline’s low “There is no better time to be a policies, in order to reduce their oil customer satisfaction scores and tech entrepreneur in the region than dependence. The UAE, in particu- The Peninsula greater risk, effectiveness of the res- manage emergencies. It provided an its sagging stock, down almost 14 now. During these difficult economic lar, has seen a lower oil price impact cue operations and medical aid. opportunity for continuous improve- percent in the past 12 months. conditions, there is a silver lining. as its successful decade-long diver- The exercise simulated a fire in ment in additional planning or The funds, which together It is when economic conditions are sification strategies are coming to one of the floors and focused on safe- changes in our response procedure.” own 7.1 percent of United, have challenging that consumers and fruition. DOHA: Qatargas’ Emergency Man- guarding the occupants and recovery Hassan Jassim Abu-Khamis, said they support Munoz as CEO, enterprises look for the most effi- The non-oil private sector con- agement and Security Services issues. The responders included staff Qatargas EMSS Manager, said: but their doubts about United’s pay cient and innovative solutions, and tinues to show strong growth. This (EMSS) Department, in coordination from Hamad Medical Corporation, “This exercise has proved to be an policies and its plan to make him these are provided by technology will further encourage governments with the Qatar General Directorate of Qatargas Initial Response Team, important medium for ensuring the chairman could become a flash- companies,” said Dany Farha, Chief to support the SMEs sector, and thus Civil Defence (GDCD), has conducted Qatargas Medical team and trained safety-readiness of our Company point as the long-running struggle Executive Officer of BECO Capital. the startup and entrepreneurship an unannounced emergency exercise Floor Wardens from both Qatargas and an opportunity for us to work over the airline’s management “We should continue to inno- environment. to ensure the emergency prepared- and Qatar Petroleum. The partici- together with Qatar Civil Defence to develops. vate at the early stage and help build “A weaker economy projects ness of the company’s Head Office. pants were not informed of the day preserve the security and the well- United has refused to appoint amazing businesses in the later ones. a new perspective in terms of Qatargas Head Office, located or time of the exercise, in order to being of our employees in the event Bethune as chairman, ending Those contribute substantially to diversification, as it fuels a more in the West Bay area, is a 52-sto- test and simulate a real emergency of an emergency. It is our responsi- months of talks with the funds in income, output and employment. entrepreneurial and innovative rey building which has offices for and response scenario. The exercise bility to make sure that Qatargas is early March, the source and two History has proved that a weak approach in a tough and competitive employees from both Qatargas and allowed Qatargas to validate its plans prepared for the variety of hazards other people familiar with the mat- economy spurs entrepreneurship work environment. The need to raise Qatar Petroleum. The company con- and capabilities, and to identify areas we may face, from a fire to a natu- ter said. That refusal led the funds and innovation. There is no better the bar on quality and service and to ducts regular exercises to ensure for improvement. ral disaster.” to take their objections public last time to fund SMEs and entrepreneurs become more efficient and effective that effective safety and security Randy Lee Stadler, Qatargas’ Brigadier Hamad Al-Duhaimi, week, the sources said. United than in a downturn,” he said. tend to inspire new ideas,” explained measures are in place and will work Chief Safety, Environment and Qual- Qatar Civil Defence Operations declined comment on the talks. “Higher Unemployment in a Dany Farha. “Some of the biggest properly in the event of an emer- ity Officer, said: “This exercise tested Director, said: “This exercise is The activist investors question slower economy triggers a positive leaps in technology were made in the gency. The latest exercise tested multiple elements of our emergency essential as Qatar Civil Defense whether Munoz, a former presi- cycle of young pioneering profes- second half of the 1980s” when oil emergency notifications, safety of response plan building on the capa- and Qatargas prepare to efficiently dent at railroad operator CSX Corp, sionals who create their own jobs by prices ranged from $25/bbl to $45/bbl staff within protected lobbies, phased bilities we have developed over the handle emergencies requiring multi- was guided well by United’s board starting their own small ventures. in inflation-adjusted terms,” he said. evacuation of personnel who are at past few years to respond to and agency coordination.” in allowing him to spend his first weeks after starting the job in Sep- tember talking to the media and workers rather than focusing on capital allocation, for example, the Memac Ogilvy & Mather Qatar wins 7 awards at Dubai Lynx first source said. The two funds called the board “underqualified” last week because it lacked what The Peninsula of the region,” said Samer Abboud, they consider experienced air- Managing Director, Memac Ogilvy & line executives. United rejected Mather Qatar. Memac Ogilvy’s awards the criticism, saying Munoz was were won for a public safety aware- “focused on getting out on the front DOHA: Qatar-based marketing com- ness campaign for QIB (1 Grand Prix, line to enhance the customer and munications agency Memac Ogilvy & 1 Gold, 3 Silvers and 1 Bronze), and a employee experience at United, Mather Qatar won the highest level Bronze for a film created for Tarsheed, and the results are evident in our award bestowed at the recent Dubai the National Programme for Conser- improved operational and finan- Lynx Festival of Creativity. vation & Energy Efficiency. cial performance.” The Grand Prix award was given Dinos Constantinides, Chief Strat- United’s unions represent- in the Print category by a panel of egy Officer, Qatar Islamic Bank, said, ing pilots, machinists and flight international judges who examined “We’re proud to have won the first attendants are supporting Munoz. hundreds of entries. In all, Memac Grand Prix for Qatar with our partners PAR and Altimeter also believe Ogilvy won seven awards on the Memac Ogilvy. The win is especially the board’s decision to give Munoz night off of 16 entries shortlisted for satisfying given the important mes- a signing bonus of $12 million clients Tarsheed, Qatar Islamic Bank sage of the campaign – that wearing should have been tied to perform- and Vodafone. a seat belt should be part of our daily ance goals, the person familiar One of the world’s most pres- lives. As Qatar’s leading Islamic bank, with the situation said. United tigious awards for creativity in QIB continuously seeks ways to com- declined to comment on that crit- marketing communications, Dubai municate on issues that touch our icism, though in a filing it had said Lynx attracts the participation of hun- customers and the community.” the award partially accounted for dreds of agencies and brands across “Creativity and effectiveness are pay Munoz forfeited at CSX. the Middle East and North Africa, necessary and essential to good work. The funds are set to oppose including the most prominent brands These Dubai Lynx metals motivate United’s plan to make Munoz from the region and around the world. us and should motivate others in the chairman by 2017, as specified in “It is a great honour to bring back market to raise the bar for world-class his employment contract signed a Grand Prix to Qatar, demonstrat- work in Qatar,” said Youssef Gadal- while Munoz was on medical leave ing that locally-based agencies can lah, Creative Director, Memac Ogilvy after a mid-October heart attack, Participants at the Dubai Lynx Awards 2016. compete and win against the best Qatar. the source said. 24 MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS

Energy Transfer Value of Saudi in talks to sell contracts hit Sunoco NEW YORK: Energy Trans- fer Equity LP, the US pipeline company that agreed to acquire Williams Companies Inc, has held SR223bn in 2015 talks to sell gas station and con- venience store operator Sunoco LP, according to three people familiar with the matter. for smaller shares of the value of While these discussions were Main contributing awarded contracts these include preliminary, they underscore commercial real estate (SR1bn), Energy Transfer’s efforts to bolster sectors in Q4, 2015 hospitality (SR0.4bn), residential its balance sheet after a plunge in were oil and gas real estate (SR0.3bn) and education oil prices made its pending acqui- (SR0.2bn). sition of Williams more financially (SR28bn), power The report said that the value of burdensome than it previously awarded contracts at SR223.4bn in envisioned. (SR9bn) and Officials at the meeting. 2015 undoubtedly bring a positive Energy Transfer held conver- industrial (SR5bn). end to the year, but risk masking the sations to sell Sunoco earlier this challenges ahead, which are attrib- year after it was approached by at uted to the lower government capital Oxy Qatar hosts board meeting for least one interested company, the expenditure and slower economic sources said this week, who asked QNA growth. not to be identified because the Government spending for 2016 deliberations were confidential. has been pegged at SR840bn, down Society of Petroleum Engineers Energy Transfer and Sunoco from SR975bn actually spent in 2015, did not respond to requests for JEDDAH: The value of awarded according to Saudi daily Arab News. comment. The potential sale would contracts during the fourth quar- Revenues for 2016 are forecasted have involved Energy Transfer’s ter of 2015 dropped by 25 percent at SR514bn, down SR608bn in 2015. The Peninsula technologies for the public’s bene- a voluntary basis”. ownership of the general part- in Saudi Arabia in comparison to However, it is important to acknowl- fit. The society also seeks to provide Sheikh Faisal welcomed the nership of Sunoco, which could the third quarter of 2015, to score edge that over the last few years, opportunities for professionals to board members and Young Profes- be valued at more than $2bn, the SR45.6bn, according to NCB Con- Saudi Arabia has made huge invest- enhance their technical and profes- sionals members. people said. struction Contracts Index Fourth ment in various sectors, including DOHA: Occidental Petroleum of sional competence. Oxy Qatar is also a proud spon- A 36.4 percent stake in the lim- Quarter 2015 report. oil and gas, petrochemical, power, Qatar Limited (Oxy Qatar) hosted Stephen Kelly, President and sor of the SPE Qatar Continuing ited partnership in Sunoco owned However, the report said despite transportation, and social and phys- this year’s first board meeting for the General Manager of Oxy Qatar, Education workshop “The Impact by Energy Transfer Partner LP, a the decline in the fourth quarter, the ical infrastructure. Society of Petroleum Engineers Qatar commented on the company’s spon- of Intrinsic Motivation on Business master limited partnership, would total value of awarded contracts While contractors, though with chapter. Sheikh Faisal bin Fahad Al sorship renewal for three years: Results” by 2005 SPE President, Gio- also have been divested, the people reached SR223.4bn in 2015, increas- varying degrees across the sec- Thani, Mearsk Oil Qatar Deputy Man- “Occidental has been supporting SPE vanni Paccaloni. The workshop is added. Sunoco has a market capi- ing by 1.2 percent compared to 2014. tors are already engaged in many aging Director, chaired the meeting. Qatar for many years. Our employees open to all members of the petroleum talisation of $3.3bn. The main contributing sec- projects under different faces of SPE Qatar’s mission is to collect, are active members and participate industry and young professionals are The discussions about a sale tors in Q4, 2015 were oil and gas implementation, the major head- disseminate and exchange technical in sharing knowledge or collaborat- encouraged to attend. It is sched- never advanced because of disa- (SR28bn), power (SR9bn) and indus- winds on the construction industry knowledge concerning the explora- ing to organise events. On behalf of uled for Tuesday, 5 April, from 9am greements over Sunoco’s valuation, trial (SR5bn). are unlikely to arise into 2016, the tion, development and production Oxy, we thank everyone involved in to 3pm at Education City, HBKU Stu- the people said, cautioning that The other sectors accounted NCB report added. of oil and gas resources and related SPE Qatar as so much of it is done on dent Center. Energy Transfer may choose to revisit the potential divestment if it receives new interest. Sunoco operates about 900 convenience stores and fuel out- lets in eight US states, offering Iran to join oil freeze talks after output at 4mbpd merchandise, food service and motor fuel. It also distributed about 7.6 bil- lion gallons of motor fuel across Reuters oil output freeze during a visit this lifting of international sanctions in the United States in 2015. week, Zanganeh said Iran may join January. The sanctions had cut crude Logical buyers for Sunoco’s gas the freeze after its production reaches exports from a peak of 2.5 million bpd station network could include Can- 4 million bpd. before 2011 to just over 1 million bpd ada’s Alimentation Couche-Tard DUBAI: Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh “They should leave us alone in recent years. Inc, Valero Energy Corp or Tesoro (pictured) said Iran would join dis- as long as Iran’s crude oil has not Iran’s oil exports are due to reach Corp, sources said. cussions between other producers reached 4 million. We will accom- 2 million bpd in the Iranian month An Alimentation Couche-Tard about a possible freeze of oil produc- pany them afterwards,” Zanganeh that ends on March 19, up from 1.75 spokeswoman, Karen Romer, said tion after its own output reached four was quoted as saying. million in the previous month, he said. the company was always looking million barrels per day (bpd), Iran’s Iran has rejected freezing its out- A meeting between oil producers for acquisitions, but would not ISNA news agency reported yesterday. put at January levels, put by Opec to discuss a global pact on freezing comment on whether the company Zanganeh said Iran saw $70 per secondary sources at 2.93 mil- production is unlikely to take place had approached Energy Transfer barrel as a suitable oil price, but lion barrels per day, and wants to in Russia on March 20, sources famil- with an interest in Sunoco. would be satisfied with less, ISNA return to much higher pre-sanctions iar with the matter said last week, Energy Transfer’s acquisition reported. Asked whether Russian production. as Opec member Iran is yet to say agreement with Williams in Sep- Energy Minister Alexander Novak It is working to regain market whether it would participate in such tember valued the latter at $33bn would try to convince Iran to join an share, particularly in Europe, after the a deal. in stock and cash. Cuba yet to BoJ may exempt $90bn in short British finance minister apply for IMF membership term funds from negative rates flags budget cuts

NEW DELHI: Cuba has not yet Reuters of making MRF an exception, sources AFP made a request for membership of say. the International Monetary Fund, BoJ press representatives could the fund’s chief said, adding such not immediately be reached for com- a request would be considered in TOKYO: The Bank of Japan’s pol- ment. “We expect a heavy flow of LONDON: British Finance Minister accordance with its rules. icy board is set to discuss this week funds seeking to avoid negative inter- George Osborne (pictured) warned Christine Lagarde’s comments whether to exempt $90bn in short- est rates ... into bank deposits under yesterday of further spending cuts came just days after the Euro- term funds from its newly imposed the current conditions,” Deutsche to come in the government budget pean Union and Cuba signed an negative interest rate, people familiar Bank analysts Masao Muraki and to be unveiled this week. agreement in Havana to establish with the matter said, after the securi- Hiroshi Torii said in a recent note to The chancellor of the excheq- normal relations, bringing the ties industry warned that investment clients. “Banks could ultimately place uer said he needed to find savings Communist-run island further into money would be driven into bank restrictions on large corporate depos- by 2020 equivalent to 50 pence in the international fold and paving deposits. its and money trusts.” every £100 the government spends. the way for full economic coop- Some in the BoJ are sympathetic The securities industry shows “The world is a more uncertain eration with the 28-member bloc. to the request, which came from the no sign of panic about outflows but place than at any time since the Cuba was one of the founding Investment Trusts Association, the has made clear it wants an exemp- financial crisis and we need to act members of the IMF until it quit sources said, because a flow from tomorrow).” But another of the tion, given the potential drying-up now so we don’t pay later,” he told in 1964. “We have not received a investment to bank accounts would sources said: “This is a touchy issue of funds. “We would like to ask (the BBC television. request by the authorities of Cuba go against a push by Prime Minister ... It raises the question of whether BOJ) to respond, giving full consider- “That’s why I need to find addi- to be included as a member,” Shinzo Abe (pictured) and the cen- (allowing an exemption) could lead ation to the nature of MRFs” in funds tional savings equivalent to 50 Lagarde told reporters at the end tral bank to move more of Japan’s to similar requests by banks.” settlement, Yoshio Okubo, vice chair- pence in every £100 the government all goods and services produced by a of a conference in New Delhi. immense savings out of deposits A BoJ spokesman said he could man of the trusts association, told a spends by the end of the decade country’s economy. “That’s a number She also said that countries and government bonds and into more not comment, citing a news blackout news conference on Friday. because we have got to live within out there last year because inflation should continue with unconven- productive investments, to kick-start before the policy meeting. MRFs totalled 10.07 trillion yen our means to stay secure and that’s was lower,” the chancellor said. tional monetary policies if they growth and defeat stubborn deflation. The debate highlights the diffi- ($88.5bn) at the end of February, the the way we make Britain fit for the GDP expanded by 2.2 percent were accompanied by structural But other central bankers worry culties facing the BoJ after its January trusts association says, or 11 percent future.” last year, down from 2.9 percent in reforms and low inflation. that granting an exemption from neg- 29 decision to push a key policy of Japan’s investment trusts. But he said the cuts are “not 2014. “All around the world every Lagarde’s comments came a ative rates for “money reserve funds” rate below zero for the first time by The Financial Services Agency, a huge amount in the scheme of Western country, and indeed in day after the Indian central bank (MRFs) – a low-risk product broker- imposing a 0.1 percent charge on the industry’s main regulator, last things”. big emerging countries like China, chief Raghuram Rajan called for ages offer investors to temporarily some of the excess reserves finan- month suspended a requirement on Osborne had slowed the pace Brazil, Russia, people are looking global central banks to adopt a sys- park their cash – could create a trou- cial institutions park with the BoJ. MRFs that had threatened to make of austerity cuts in his last spend- at economic prospects and think- tem for assessing the wider impact blesome precedent as the financial The decision, meant to spur lend- them post losses as a result of the ing review in November but has now ing they are not as rosy as they were of their actions. “The unconven- industry seeks to shield other invest- ing and put to work more of Japan’s BoJ’s negative-rate policy, a source clearly signalled fresh reductions are just a few months ago,” said Osborne. tional monetary policies should be ments from negative rates, the people 1.6 quadrillion yen ($14 trillion) in said at the time. The funds have no on the cards in Wednesday’s budget. Britain’s economy faces head- continued in those countries where say. “MRFs play an important role personal financial assets, instead explicit guarantee to protect the prin- Official figures out last month winds from slowing Chinese growth inflation is very low and where in fund settlement,” said one of the prompted a sharp rise in the yen, cipal of investments, but the industry showed that Britain’s economy and problems in the economies of monetary policy is accompanied sources. steep falls in shares and caused many would be loath to make investors slowed sharply last year. European Union countries. by other measures taken by poli- Another said: “I think it’s only individuals to hoard cash. suffer losses for fear of major out- Osborne said £18bn had been It also faces uncertainty ahead of cymakers in fiscal and structural natural (for the BoJ board) to debate The board has instructed the flows on what are viewed as safe revised off Britain’s nominal gross a referendum on June 23 on whether reforms,” Lagarde told reporters. it (at the policy meeting today and BoJ’s staff to discuss the feasibility investments. domestic product — the total value of to leave the EU. BUSINESS MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 25

Boeing delivers record Mobile phone in the shape of small robot 200 jetliners to China

Administration of China. Airbus said to as low as 740 this year. Boeing is last week that it delivered 158 planes halving output of its iconic 747 hump- The 200 deliveries to China. backed jumbo jet as it starts building set a record for the “While economic growth is slow- a new version of the single-aisle 737, ing, the growth of air travel correlates its best-selling and most profitable Chicago-based plane with the parts of the Chinese econ- jetliner. maker to a single omy that are growing, and we expect Chinese and Middle East- that gap to grow,” Hulst said. He ern carriers are likely to dominate market. Airbus said expressed hope for wide-body orders Asia-Pacific long-distance routes last week that it from Beijing-based Air China Ltd. and this year, taking market share from delivered 158 planes Guangzhou-based China Southern Asian, European and North Amer- Airlines Co. this year. ican rivals and pressuring fares, to China. As China re-balances its econ- Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Ian omy toward consumer spending McFarlane said. after its slowest annual growth rate Chinese airlines fly direct to 114 in 25 years, the government is trying long-distance destinations, up 150 Bloomberg to encourage air travel by building percent in the past five years, accord- scores of airports by the end of the ing to Boeing. Their market share in decade. Passenger traffic rose 11.4 that segment has climbed to almost BEIJING: Boeing Co delivered a percent last year in China to 440 mil- half from 36 percent in 2011. record number of aeroplanes to lion trips, according to the aviation Also, more long-distance trips are China last year, outpacing rival Air- administration. being flown from locations other than bus Group SE, and is predicting more It has projected 485 million pas- Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, wide-body orders this year as main- senger trips this year. Chinese airlines the country’s biggest cities. Boeing land carriers attempt to harness and leasing companies announced said 41 of the 90 new direct long-dis- booming demand for international orders for some 780 planes valued tance routes from China in the last travel. at about $102 bn last year. five years were from 15 secondary Of the 200 jetliners Boeing deliv- Boeing is due to announce the cities, with 66 of the total flown by ered to airlines and lessors based in location of a Chinese finishing facil- Chinese airlines. China last year, 28 were wide-bodies, ity for single-aisle jets. Airbus broke “We are not seeing airlines ask- Darren Hulst, the company’s man- ground last week on a similar plant ing us for bigger, bigger, bigger. You aging director for Northeast Asia for wide-body planes at the same need the perfect mix of size, scale and marketing, said on Friday in Beijing. Tianjin site that has housed its nar- efficiency,” Hulst said. The wide-body The 200 deliveries set a record row-body assembly facility for nearly 787 Dreamliner will be key to Boe- Japanese professor Tomotaka Takahashi next to his invention ‘Robohon’, a miniature robot, in Madrid, for the Chicago-based plane maker to a decade. ing’s strategy in China this year, he a single market. The country received The US plane maker delivered said. The company expects the coun- Spain, yesterday. ‘Robohon’ is a mobile phone in the shape of a small robot that dances and talks. 365 large aircraft in 2015, he said, a record 762 jetliners globally last try to overtake the US as the largest Takahasi is in Spain to present his new invention. citing data from the Civil Aviation year but said that number will drop aircraft market in two decades. Eni starts Arctic oilfield mired in delays and cost overruns Robots welcome visitors to

Bloomberg declined to be identified by name system. for the company declined to elabo- be made if they believed oil will stay Berlin travel fair according to company policy, said “If they had known back then rate on the details of its estimate or below $30.” the start of production is an impor- that it would be this expensive, they comment on Rystad’s figure. The project remains a break- OSLO: Goliat, the first oil field to start tant milestone for the company and wouldn’t have gone ahead with it,” Even if Eni fails to recoup its through for oil production in the Reuters output in Norway’s Arctic waters, has for Norway. said Erik Holm Reiso, a partner at investments and costs in the field, Barents Sea, a little-exploited area been a giant headache for Eni SpA. Goliat is only the second field Oslo-based consultant Rystad Energy with expected maximum produc- that Norway is counting on to sus- Production, which finally began in operation in the cold and remote AS. tion of 100,000 barrels of oil a day at tain output as mature fields in the BERLIN: Chihira Kanae is greeting late on Saturday, has been delayed by waters of the Barents Sea after the Eni needs oil prices to average maximum capacity, it will still gen- North Sea are depleted. The Nordic visitors to the world’s biggest travel more than two years and investments Snoehvit natural gas deposit. Eni $95 to $100 a barrel over the produc- erate cash flow, Rystad said. Eni’s country’s flow of crude has dropped fair in Berlin this week, answering have escalated to about 47 billion kro- decided to invest in the project in tion period of 15 years for the project spokesman couldn’t specify when the by half since 2000. questions and guiding people in ner ($5.6bn), almost 50 percent more 2009 amid the fallout from the to make a profit, according to Rys- company expects the field to reach its Statoil has managed to cut esti- the right direction. But one pas- than the initial plan. The field, holding financial crisis, but expenses quickly tad. That calculation includes capital maximum level target. mated development costs by as much ser by’s attempt to ask her out for about 180 million barrels of recover- escalated as crude prices recovered. expenditure, operational costs and a “When you’ve gotten this far, as 50 percent at another oil project in dinner is met with silence. able oil, is also starting at a bad time, The construction of the float- 10 percent return to account for the it would be unreasonable not to go the Barents Sea, Johan Castberg, giv- That’s because Chihira Kanae, with crude prices at about $40 a bar- ing production facility, the biggest cost of capital. through with the project,” said Rys- ing a boost to prospects in the area. despite her lifelike features and rel after the worst market slump in a and most advanced of its kind, was Rome-based Eni said its own cal- tad’s Reiso. “The capital expenditure Norway aims to award licenses this long brown hair, is a robot, the third generation. delayed several times, most recently culations show a break-even price on has now been sunk, and the decision year in another part of the sea that version of a robot in human form A company spokesman, who because of problems with its electrical Goliat of less than $50. A spokesman to stop the project now would only borders Russian waters. developed by Toshiba and can only answer pre-programmed ques- tions. She was joined at the ITB fair on Thursday by another robot host Mario, a small red and white robot Geneva Motor Show Japan regional banks made by French Aldebaran Robot- ics, showing how they might be put to use in the travel industry, such as checking in hotel guests. ramp up car loans “The point is to make peo- ple smile and give them a unique experience. It’s not to take the place of employees,” Fabrice Gof- Reuters “With interest rates falling on fin, co-founder of QBMT whose all other loans such as business and software powers Mario, told Reu- mortgage loans, they are pretty ters at the fair. The Marriott hotel TOKYO: Japanese regional banks much the only one we can make in Ghent has been trialling Mario, are aggressively expanding their profit on,” said an official at the using him to hand out room keys, unsecured retail lending business, bank. high-five guests and liven up lured by the segment’s fat margins While Bank of Yokohama’s unse- meetings held in the hotel by read- now the country’s central bank has cured loans make up only a fraction ing out presentations. Marriott was squashed already ultra-low interest of its overall retail lending of 4.9 keen to stress that Mario will not rates into negative territory. trillion yen, their margins are very replace any human staff. Unsecured loans, typically offer- attractive as borrowers are will- “For now it’s a great add-on ing up to 1 million yen ($8,800) in ing to pay a higher interest rate for service,” Roger Langhout, general fast cash for anything from shopping funds extended relatively easily and manager of the Marriot in Ghent, trips to vacations, can command quickly. said. Airline KLM is also testing a interest rates of close to 15 percent For instance, Bank of Yokoha- guide robot, in some cases - way above rates for ma’s 10-year fixed mortgage rate is Spencer, to help passen- business like mortgages or small 0.725 percent for borrowers rated gers navigate their way through firm borrowing. Car loans are also most likely to repay debt. Rates for Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport, one popular. free-purpose loans - unsecured of Europe’s largest hubs. Visitors gather at the Honda booth, during the last day of the 86th Geneva International Motor Show, Small-sized loans combined lending where users can bor- A survey of travellers across in Geneva, Switzerland, yesterday. The motor show presented more than 200 exhibitors and more with high profit margins make the row money to spend however they Britain, France, Spain, Germany, than 120 world and European premieres. risk of lending without collateral choose - can run from 1.9 percent to Canada, Brazil, Japan, the US and worth taking for the banks. In an as much as 14.6 percent. China, done by online travel and over-banked, low-return market, Ryoji Yoshizawa, director at entertainment deals site Travelzoo the hunt for domestic yield is much Standard & Poor’s in Tokyo, said showed that 80 percent of con- more pressing for Japan’s scores of demand for such loans is likely to sumers expected robots to play a regional lenders than global giants increase. He said consumers in Japan big part in their lives before 2020. US rejects Jordan Cove gas export plan like Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group face a lack of real wage growth, However, the survey also Inc, able to draw on overseas and despite Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s showed people still wanted the pipeline with Williams Partners LP the impacts associated with its con- investment banking. best efforts to prod employers in the human touch when on holiday to supply gas to the terminal. struction, the agency said. Bank of Yokohama Ltd, Japan’s world’s third-biggest economy into and in certain countries, such as Bloomberg Williams and Veresen failed to The rejection throws into ques- No.2 regional lender by assets, said paying staff more to stoke consumer Germany and France, consumers demonstrate that the pipeline’s ben- tion the future of a project that has its outstanding unsecured retail spending. were more sceptical. efits would outweigh the “adverse waited almost three years for regu- loan portfolio jumped 39 percent “In terms of profitability, it’s “Consumers still want humans effects on landowners,” the Fed- latory approval. A worldwide glut of year-on-year to 59.4bn yen ($527.5 almost the same as making 100 bil- in the picture, as otherwise there NEW YORK: US regulators rejected eral Energy Regulatory Commission liquefied natural gas is meanwhile million) for the first fiscal half ended lion yen unsecured loans as making is a genuine fear that cultural Veresen Inc’s multibillion-dollar said on Friday in an order denying emerging, threatening the econom- last September. 1 trillion yen mortgage loans,” said nuances, humour and irony will be proposal to build a terminal in Ore- authorisation. And without a pipe- ics of such export terminals in the US Continued growth at that rate one official at another large regional missed and the holiday experience gon that would export as many as line supplying gas, the Jordan Cove As much as half of the nation’s LNG would see it beat its own target of 70 lender, who declined to be identi- could become too impersonal,” two tankers of natural gas a week. export terminal “can provide no ben- export capacity is at risk of being shut billion yen for the 12 months through fied because he was not authorised Richard Singer, Travelzoo’s Euro- They also denied its plan to a build a efit to the public to counterbalance” between 2017 and 2020. March. to discuss the matter publicly. pean president, said. 26 MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS

QE INDICES SUMMARY QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE QE Index 10,327.84 0.56 % QE Total Return Index 16,429.43 0.56 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,867.3 0.27 % QE All Share Index 2,797.33 0.44 % QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,775.52 0.52 % QE All Share Industrials 3,074.63 0.60 % QE All Share Transportation 2,419.77 0.59 % QE All Share Real Estate 2,417.85 0.17 % QE All Share Insurance 4,517.09 1.10 % QE All Share Telecoms 1,097.81 0.48 % QE All Share Consumer Goods & Services 6,249.44 0.11 %

QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON 13-03-2016 Today 10-03-2016 Previous day Index 10,327.84 10,386.44 Change 58.60 7.74 % 0.56 0.07 YTD% 0.97 0.41 Volume 7,397,510 9,354,435 Value (QAR) 258,296,019.94 303,868,855.59 Trades 3,935 4,969 Up 18 | Down 18 | Unchanged 04

WORLD STOCK INDICES Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low All Ordinaries 5215.713 46.227 0.89 5379.6 4762.1 Cac 40 Index/D 4449.38 45.36 1.03 4586.11 3892.46 Dj Indu Average 16964.1 -109.85 -0.64 18351.4 15370.3 Hang Seng Inde/D 19996.26 -15.32 -0.08 21794.84 18278.8 Iseq Overall/D 6312.64 43.17 0.69 6791.68 5611.89 Karachi 100 In/D 32957.98 -74.87 -0.23 33304.4 29785 Nikkei 225 Index 16642.2 -140.95 -0.84 18951.12 14865.77 S&P 500 Index/D 1979.26 -22.5 -1.12 2134.72 1810.1

EXCHANGE RATE Currency Buying Selling US$ QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 UK QR 5.2077 QR 5.2838 Euro QR 4.0251 QR 4.1065 CA$ QR 2.7311 QR 2.7934 Gulf bourses end mixed as volumes decline Swiss Fr QR 3.6135 QR 3.6667 Yen QR 0.0321 QR 0.0327 Reuters Aus$ QR 2.7231 QR 2.7922 taking its year-to-date-gains to 7.9 per- fell 0.8 percent and Qatar National Bank Prime Holding estimated fair value for the cent. Dubai Parks, the amusement park dropped 0.9 percent. Cairo’s main index stock at 15.01 pounds under the new gas Ind Re QR 0.0534 QR 0.0547 builder, surged its daily limit of 14.3 percent initially rose but closed flat in moderate price structure, and classified it a “buy”. Pak Re QR 0.0350 QR 0.0351 DUBAI: Stock markets in the Gulf were to Dh1.44 in the heaviest trading volume volume. Last week, the index rallied 7.8 GB Auto climbed 1.7 percent to 2.37 Peso QR 0.0770 QR 0.0795 mixed yesterday as trading volumes shrank since June 2015. Analysts now consider the percent, breaking above its February peak, pounds. Analysts polled have a median SL Re QR 0.0248 QR 0.0255 from the previous week. Egypt closed flat, stock fairly valued, according to Thom- a bullish technical signal. target price of 5.05 Egyptian pounds for the ending six days of gains. Riyadh’s index son Reuters data; two analysts covering it The Egyptian pound held steady at an stock. On Thursday, independent equity Taka QR 0.0468 QR 0.4670 added 0.2 percent to 6,369 points, again calculate a median target price of Dh1.33. official auction on Sunday but strength- research firm Alphamena rated the stock a Nep Re QR 0.0336 QR 0.0342 shying away from technical resistance at its Blue-chip developer Emaar Proper- ened on the black market. The central bank “buy” with a target of 3.76 pounds. Beltone SA Rand QR 0.2346 QR 0.2393 100-day average, now at 6,510 points. The ties rose 2.8 percent to Dh6.27. The stock supplied the market with foreign currency Financial surged 8.3 percent, recouping petrochemical sector added 0.7 percent. has rebounded 50 percent from a multi- last week and eased restrictions on dollar most of Thursday’s 10 percent loss. Over Saudi Arabia Fertilizers (Safco) fell year low mid-January. But other heavily deposits and withdrawals. the past three weeks, its price has more GOLD AND SILVER 0.4 percent after saying it was consider- traded stocks failed to hold on to early With currency concerns easing - tem- than quadrupled in response to its buy- ing taking full control of chemical fertiliser gains; Arabtec and GFH Financial each fell porarily at least - foreign traders, who have out of CI Capital. GOLD QR146.8896 per gramme producer National Chemical Fertilizers Co more than 2.0 percent. In Abu Dhabi, the been largely absent from Cairo’s bourse in SAUDI ARABIA: The index added 0.2 SILVER QR1.7945 per gramme (Ibn Al Bayttar) by buying out the 50 per- index dropped 0.8 percent as local inves- recent months, were net buyers, bourse percent to 6,369 points. cent stake of Saudi Basic Industries (Sabic). tors booked profits in real estate stocks; data showed. DUBAI: The index rose 1.4 percent to Safco’s shares fell 0.4 percent, as Sabic rose Eshraq Properties and Aldar Properties Last Wednesday, Egypt’s central 3,401 points. 0.7 percent. tumbled 6.4 and 1.5 percent respectively. bank said it was removing caps on for- ABU DHABI: The index retreated 0.8 Retail shares regained some strength The largest listed stock by market eign exchange deposits and withdrawals percent to 4,462 points. after falling last week when Jarir Market- value, Etisalat , tumbled 2.2 percent. The for companies importing essential goods. QATAR: The index fell 0.6 percent to China’s largest ing, one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest retailers, telecommunications giant has been falling The government also said it would reduce 10,328 points. said its first-quarter sales could drop as since Thursday, when it said Chief Execu- the price at which it offers natural gas to EGYPT: The index flat at 6,564 points. much as 30 percent year-on-year. Jarir tive Ahmad Julfar had resigned and said it steel plants to $4.5 per one million ther- KUWAIT: The index added 0.1 percent steelmaker to cut rose 1.3 percent. But the banking sector, would restructure by June-end. It did not mal units, from $7. to 5,289 points. the largest segment by value, underper- describe the restructuring plans. Ezz Steel added 0.9 percent to 8.20 OMAN: The index edged up 0.3 percent formed the market. The largest retail bank, Qatar’s benchmark fell 0.6 percent to Egyptian pounds on Sunday after soar- to 5,308 points. up to 50,000 jobs Al Rajhi, declined 1.0 percent. 10,328 points in moderate volume. Barwa ing 20 percent on Thursday in its heaviest BAHRAIN: The index slid 0.3 percent Dubai’s index jumped 1.4 percent, Real Estate, the most heavily traded stock, trade since November 2013. Brokerage to 1,152 points.

AFP

BEIJING: One of China’s largest steelmakers plans to shed up to 50,000 jobs, its chairman said, as the coun- Strong US and weak world try struggles to reduce overcapacity while growth in the world’s second-largest economy slows. The comments by Ma Guoqiang, the head of picture challenges Fed state-owned group Wuhan Iron and Steel, are a stark illustration of the challenges facing Beijing as it seeks to retool the economy while avoiding social unrest — AFP two-day meeting on Wednesday. anathema to the leadership. Fed Chair Janet Yellen will The firm’s steel division currently has 80,000 also discuss the situation with employees but might retain only 30,000 of them, Ma WASHINGTON: Federal Reserve journalists after the meeting and said on the sidelines of the National People’s Congress, policymakers will hold their present new economic forecasts the country’s rubber-stamp parliament. “Probably finger away from the rate-hike from the panel. An improved out- 40,000-50,000 people will have to find other ways trigger when they meet next look is not certain. forward,” he told people.com.cn, a news portal run by week, analysts say, but chances The Fed is caught between the Communist Party’s mouthpiece the People’s Daily, are it could move a bit closer. crosscurrents and needs to wait according to a transcript on the website. Meeting after the European to see how those develop. One China’s economy grew at its slowest pace in a quar- Central Bank cut interest rates is the strength of the US econ- ter of a century last year and its outlook remains bleak, Thursday in the face of weaken- omy. Job creation and consumer with the government last week lowering its 2016 growth ing eurozone economic growth spending both remain strong and target to 6.5-7 percent, down from “about seven per- and inflation, the Fed is expected promise to keep driving domestic cent” previously. to heed caution even as it sees activity, after a winter slowdown. Authorities have prioritised reducing borrowing, good signs of strength in the US Inflation though is still very Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) overcapacity and inventory as they seek to maintain economy. weak. But Fed Vice Chair Stanley growth and make it more sustainable. The government Those signs though, analysts Fischer said on last Monday that has announced a goal of cutting steel capacity by up to say, increasingly point to June—or he expects the negative drag on increasingly “dangerous” view the volatility in global mar- seeing the first stirrings of an 150 million tonnes within five years. possibly even April—for the next growth and inflation from the that policymakers worldwide kets and weak emerging market increase in the inflation rate— But much production is already inactive. Wuhan Iron increase in the federal funds rate, collapse of the oil market to dis- have exhausted their options for economies as signals the Fed something that we would like to and Steel is only running at 70 to 75 percent capacity, the Fed’s short-term benchmark, appear as oil prices bottom out. boosting growth or have simply should hold off and not risk more happen,” he said. Ma said. Global steel prices have plunged in the face of after December’s hike to 0.25- After that, the economy will lost their will. damage. Jim O’Sullivan, chief US a worldwide glut and both the United States and Euro- 0.50 percent. see more clearly the result of In recent months, he said, “Given weak and decelerat- economist at High Frequency pean Union, whose own steel industries are deeply “Given faster-than-expected strong job gains and consumer “risks have increased further, ing foreign demand, it is critical Economics, said he expects troubled, accuse China of selling underpriced steel in job growth in February coupled pocketbooks fattened by cheap with volatile financial markets to carefully protect and preserve the FOMC to be relatively posi- their markets. with another quarter of disap- gasoline prices, he said. And that and low commodity prices cre- the progress we have made here tive about the future path of the China’s minister of human resources and social pointingly slow productivity could justify higher interest rates. ating fresh concerns about the at home through prudent adjust- economy. security in February estimated there would be 1.8 mil- growth in Q4, the case for tight- But the other current is health of the global economy.” ments to the policy path,” she said “We expect officials will lion layoffs due to restructuring in the coal and steel ening is arguably stronger now the slowdown in growth in the He called on central banks to on Monday. continue to project much more industries, without giving a timescale. The prospect than in December,” said an rest of the world. Recent dire keep monetary policy loose and Fischer though said he sees tightening ahead than is being raises the threat of mass unemployment and the pos- analysis by economists at FTN warnings by the International governments to spend more to inflation picking up soon, sug- priced into fixed-income mar- sibility of protests as a result. Financial. Monetary Fund over this coun- boost growth. gesting he could be biased kets,” he said. Based on CME fed To cushion such blows, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang Markets will focus on how sel the Fed to be cautious about That view was reflected in towards tightening policy sooner fund futures, the market prices said Saturday the central government would allocate optimistic the Federal Open Mar- tightening policy. IMF Dep- recent speeches by Fed gov- to prevent price gains from get- sees only one quarter-point 100bn yuan ($15bn) over the next two years for a labour ket Committee (FOMC) is in its uty Managing Director David ernor and FOMC member Lael ting ahead of the central bank. increase in the fed funds rate resettlement fund. policy statement at the end of the Lipton said that there is an Brainard, who has focused on “We may well at present be this year. BUSINESS VIEWS MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 27

Panda bonds set to Myanmar’s economy is about lure borrowers from ready for its opening bell the land of kangaroo

By Benjamin Purvis seeking yuan investment options Bloomberg after the International Monetary Fund included the currency in its reserves and the market has ustralian borrowers been made cheaper for borrow- tempted by one of the ers by six interest-rate cuts since Aworld’s fastest growing late 2014. And although specula- pools of capital are consider- tion the yuan could drop further ing yuan bond sales in mainland may crimp demand for offshore China, according to HSBC Hold- renminbi products, investors ings Plc. in mainland China are eager to The bank is currently in “rea- diversify their portfolios. sonably deep dialogue” with “I think there will be demand about five or six Australian com- from domestic investors for panies regarding the process for Panda bonds because of higher selling so-called Panda bonds, foreign issuer quality and also according to Andrew Duncan, for diversification,” said Chen head of debt capital markets at Yiping, a Shanghai-based bond HSBC in Australia. While sev- fund manager at HFT Investment eral issuers from Australia have Management Co., which oversees sold Chinese currency bonds in 46.9bn yuan. “Our fund is also offshore markets such as Hong interested, but it depends on the Kong—securities known as Dim issuer and yield.” Sum notes—none of them have yet Australian borrowers have borrowed onshore. sold publicly about 19bn yuan of Borrowers from Australia Dim Sum notessince November would follow German automaker 2014, when the New South Wales Daimler AG, South Korea’s gov- state government did its inaugural ernment and the Canadian renminbi transaction, according province of British Columbia in to data compiled by Bloomberg. embracing Chinese debt issuance. Aside from New South Wales, all They have all sold Panda bonds public issues so far have been since 2014, helping to revive a done by one of the four largest A general view shows the Yangon International Airport’s new Terminal 1 in Yangon yesterday. market which has been dormant Aussie lenders or by investment for much of the period since it bank Macquarie Group Ltd. was established in 2005 and has At present the amount of seen total issuance of just 23bn funding in the renminbi repre- By Barry Porter to engage in institutional banking to facili- Myanmar Oriental Bank {MOBK}, KBZ yuan ($3.5bn). Kangaroo bonds, sents just a fraction of Australia’s Bloomberg tate the entry of foreign investors. The central Bank {KBZK}, Ayeyarwady Bank {AYAB}, an equivalent type of Australian overseas financing needs. In bank has said it plans to award a second and United Amara Bank {UABM}. dollar security sold by interna- 2015, Australian borrowers sold round of licences this year. The army’s rule left Myanmar one tional borrowers Down Under, the equivalent of $83bn of notes Myanmar’s currency, the kyat, was of the poorest nations in Southeast Asia. saw $24bn of sales last year alone. in international markets, in cur- yanmar has four currency pegged to the IMF’s special drawing rights As the country emerges from economic An Australian company sell- rencies ranging from euros and rates, no credit rating, and basket for much of the junta’s reign. The isolation, it will need $80bn of power, ing Panda bonds within the next dollars to pounds and Swiss a shiny new stock exchange official rate was set at about 6.4 kyat per transport, and technology projects couple of years is “almost a cer- francs, Bloomberg-compiled that doesn’t yet trade. Those dollar—which made it more than 100 times through 2030 to modernise its economy, tainty” if borrowers are willing data show. are some pieces of the finan- overvalued in comparison with rates avail- the Asian Development Bank estimates. to spend the time on the proc- Chinese investors have Mcial puzzle that Aung San Suu Kyi’s National able on the black market. Financing might be helped along by a ess, Duncan said in an interview increasingly been looking to Aus- League for Democracy inherited when it took After the country started moving toward credit rating. The government appointed last week in Sydney. “It’s really tralia as a place to put their money, control of Parliament on February 1. After civilian rule, the central bank in 2012 intro- Citigroup and Standard Chartered last the long-term strategic access to with buyers snapping up assets five decades of military rule, the former dis- duced a managed float, initially setting the year as its sovereign credit rating advisers, what is one of the biggest capital from commercial and agricultural sident’s party will need to grapple with those daily rate at 818 kyat per dollar. That regime but Myanmar still has no rating. markets in the world.” properties to companies such as and other legacies of the country’s isolation. is still in effect. Each morning, after commer- One thing Myanmar has is its own Australian companies need John Holland and the Hoyts Group. Investors see potential in the country of cial banks put in bids for the currency at an stock exchange. It was a long time coming. to source much of their funding China-based banks have also about 56 million people. Myanmar has a cap- auction, the central bank announces a ref- Daiwa Institute of Research Holdings, a from abroad and have histori- bolstered the amount of money italist culture—it developed a sophisticated erence rate. Banks are then allowed to buy unit of Japan’s second-largest brokerage, cally borrowed in the US, the UK they’re lending from branches black market during the junta’s rule—and and sell kyat in a trading band of 0.8 percent began laying the groundwork 20 years and Europe. While China is the Down Under to A$22.4bn as of Jan. natural resources. The country may end on either side of that rate. Commercial banks ago. After myriad delays, Myanmar largest destination for Austral- 31, a 72 percent increase from two up being among the fastest- growing in also have more competitive, unofficial cur- opened the exchange in Yangon in ia’s commodity exports, the ties in years earlier, according to data the world this year: The rency rates that they use on the quiet. Then December. financial services are more nas- from the Australian Prudential International Monetary there’s the black market rate, which accounts Six companies have been chosen to cent, with Sydney being declared Regulation Authority. Fund forecasts an 8.4 for most transactions. list, including two banks, according to an offshore clearing hub for the It’s not yet clear whether the percent increase in real The central bank aims eventually to the country’s Securities and Exchange yuan as recently as 2014 in con- embrace of Australia by Chinese gross domestic product unify all four rates. Last year it started a slow Commission. First Myanmar Investment, a cert with a free-trade accord investors will lead to yuan- in 2016. depreciation of official rates. “The formal conglomerate controlled by businessman between the two nations. denominated bonds becoming a Meanwhile, the Cen- and informal exchange rates are now not Serge Pun, aims to be among the first to China is working to open significant source of funding for tral Bank of Myanmar is much different,” says Win Thaw, the central trade, Pun has said. up its capital markets and the companies in the South Pacific The country may end racing to put into place bank’s deputy director general who heads its Trading on the exchange is expected onshore bond market has been nation, although HSBC sees them the financial infrastruc- currency department. “It is below 1 percent. to begin in March. Foreign investors won’t expanding, with 1.75 trillion yuan growing in importance. up being among the ture needed to cope with Some of the local banks and foreign banks have access at first. One of the fears is of debt sold so far this year by “I would say within three to fastest-growing in the an expected influx of for- that were awarded licenses have started that the bourse ends up like exchanges in local issuers. That compares with five years it’s a genuine alterna- eign investment and trade. forward and swaps trading.” The reference Cambodia and Laos, which have failed to about 966bn yuan in the same tive to US dollars, euro, sterling, world this year: The The central bank rate as of February 1 was 1,293 kyat per take off. Optimists argue that Myanmar’s period last year. In comparison, Aussie benchmark issuance,” said International Monetary granted preliminary dollar. Traded only onshore, the kyat tends market has a better chance of success, Dim Sum note sales have been HSBC’s Duncan. “Not for every licenses to nine for- to be insulated from global market swings. given that its $66bn GDP is more than about 28.3bn yuan compared with credit in Australia, I’m not sug- Fund forecasts an 8.4 eign lenders in October, To see the Central Bank of Myanmar’s three times that of Cambodia or Laos. 71bn yuan a year earlier. gesting that, but certainly for percent increase in including Australia & rates, run {CBMM} on the Bloomberg “Myanmar’s economy and population are Managers of the world’s more sophisticated top-end cor- real gross domestic New Zealand Banking Professional service. For the country’s not directly comparable to these nations,” $11 trillion of reserves will be porate Australia.” Group and Industrial Treasury bills, go to {MYANMM }. Four of says Melvyn Pun, a son of Serge Pun and product in 2016. & Commercial Bank of Myanmar’s largest local banks contribute a holder of First Myanmar Investment China. They’re expected their spot, cross, and deposit rates. They are shares. Micromax struggles and eyes growth outside India

By Himank Sharma are doing the same to Indian brands now, Alibaba disagreed on a future roadmap. Micromax outsources its manufacturing, were Reuters and over the next year we see tremendous Alibaba declined to comment. Former sharpening their focus on India. Samsung, competition for Micromax and other Indian executives said the lack of fresh funding too, began to introduce more affordable mod- smartphone makers,” said Tarun Pathak, ana- undermined a proposal by the new execu- els there. In 2015, Chinese brands doubled year ago, Micromax vaulted past Sam- lyst at Counterpoint Research in New Delhi. tives to move Micromax’s research and design their market share to 18 percent, according sung Electronics Co Ltd to become Micromax, which was founded in New operations, which had previously been out- to Counterpoint Research, taking away busi- AIndia’s leading smartphone brand. Delhi by four partners in 2000 but only sourced, in-house. The move was intended ness from Indian budget phone makers such Today, its market share has nearly halved, began selling mobile phones in 2008, built to help Micromax differentiate itself from as Micromax, Intex, Lava and Karbonn. Indian several top executives have resigned, and the its market share by working with Chinese generic Android clones. brands’ market share fell from 48 to 43 per- company is looking for growth outside India. manufacturers such as Coolpad, Gionee and “We hired about 80-90 people in Banga- cent last year. In Micromax’s slide to second place is Oppo to offer affordable phones quickly. In lore to do in-house software and design, but “Right now the whole industry is suffer- a tale of the promise and peril of India’s 2015, it launched more than 40 new models. with no money from the investors and little ing because of the Chinese phones,” Jain said. booming but hyper-competitive smartphone In 2014, the founders brought in outside interest from the founders, that team fizzled “We have seen large write-downs happen- industry. India is the world’s fastest-growing managers to lead the company at a time away and that office has been partially shut ing on inventory in China, and that inventory smartphone market. Shipments of smart- when Micromax was challenging Samsung down now,” said a former executive. is being passed on to India at a markdown.” In Micromax’s slide phones jumped 29 percent to 103 million to become the largest mobile phone maker in After Alibaba walked away, Micromax Chinese phone makers including LeEco, to second place is a units last year. India. But tensions arose soon after between struggled to attract other investors who would Xiaomi and Lenovo have also partnered with Rapid growth has helped nurture a founders and the newly hired executives, six have been key to Micromax’s plan to invest e-commerce companies including Amazon tale of the promise crop of local brands, led by Micromax, that former executives said. These conflicts under- in software R&D and hardware design. The India and Flipkart to sell phones directly to and peril of India’s outsourced production to Chinese manu- mined Micromax’s attempts to raise funds company was forced to scale down the in- consumers, saving on distribution and sales facturers. Now, as Samsung rolls out more for expansion, say former executives. Last house R&D project, a top executive involved and reaching new online shoppers directly. booming but affordable phones, the same Chinese factories May, Alibaba walked away from a mooted in the fundraising plan said. At least five sen- In the final quarter of 2015, Micromax’s ship- hyper-competitive are entering the Indian market with their own $1.2bn purchase of a 20 percent stake, citing ior executives have resigned since November. ments fell by 12.1 percent, against growth of 15.4 brands, depressing prices and forcing Indian a lack of clarity on growth plans, according The latest was Vineet Taneja, chief executive percent for the sector, according to industry smartphone mobile makers to rethink their strategies. to one executive involved in the discussion. since 2014, who quit last week. tracker IDC. Micromax’s share of the smart- industry. “What the Indian brands did to the global Micromax co-founder Vikas Jain said in an Meanwhile, Chinese handset mak- phone market fell to 13 percent in the fourth brands two years ago, Chinese phone makers interview this week that the company and ers, including Coolpad and Oppo, to which quarter from 22 percent at its peak in 2014. 28 MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS

BACK TO BUSINESS sight We’re about to see what’s Draghi’s lesson for Kuroda: Loose lips next for luxury watches sink policy ships

By Chris Rovzar Jaquet Droz watches, you’ll notice By Enda Curran last Tuesday confirmed Japan’s Bloomberg immediately that the simple face here Bloomberg gross domestic product shrank features a figure-eight pattern in the an annualized 1.1 percent in the overlapping hour-and-minutes dial, and final three months of 2015. the seconds dial. The JD watches have Instead of applauding the INCE March of 2015, proven very popular in China because ARIO Draghi pro- BOJ move, Japanese lawmak- exports of luxury watches of exactly this—the layout looks like vided a useful lesson ers and part of the public has from Switzerland have a lucky number eight. This “Off-Cen- last week to his Jap- responded with concern. Kuroda been steadily declin- tered” version is a new design, though anese counterpart has been called almost daily to ing. In January, the value the automatic movement is the same as MHaruhiko Kuroda: How you answer questions at the parlia- totaled 1.5bn Swiss francs, previous brand models. In this model, communicate your policy may ment in recent weeks. Swhich is down 7.9 percent from the the polished black onyx face adds a be at least as important as the “There are lots of concerns same month a year ago. The dampen- modern sleekness. actions you take. among households and busi- ing factors are well-known, starting Bulgari Diva: While Bulgari’s new After the European Central nesses about negative rates,” said with the spike in relative value of the women’s watch, the Diva, is powered Bank on March 10 unveiled a Kohei Iwahara, the Tokyo-based franc after Switzerland’s central bank by a quartz movement, it’s hard not more aggressive dose of mone- director of economic research at changed its policies in January 2015 to get titillated by so many diamonds tary stimulus than many analysts Natixis SA. “To put it simply, it is and stopped pegging its own currency handled in such an elegant, straight- had anticipated, financial markets quite unpopular here.” to the euro. forward way. Here, the Diva 102561 registered disappointment nev- Deputy Governor Hiroshi Watches by BRM (Bernard Richards Manufacture) at the BRM workshop To the rest of the world, suddenly dial consists of 233 brilliant-cut pavé ertheless. ECB President Draghi Nakaso said on March 3 that Swiss watches became more expen- in Magny-en-Vexin, France. diamonds and blued hands. The straps triggered a reversal in the euro’s markets need time to digest sive, while not much within the Swiss are satin, but you could replace them decline, and a slide in European the implementation of a nega- manufactures had actually changed. industry. The question on their lips: have been giving quartz watches a with whatever you like and still have stocks, by saying that further rate tive rate on a portion of the cash Followed by extreme global market Are you going to change your pricing? run for their money. a showstopper. cuts may not be needed. that commercial banks park at uncertainty later in the year, and Chi- Are you going to make more watches Regardless of whether the brands Chopard LUC Perpetual Chrono: Given the role of a weaker the BOJ, which became effec- na’s slowdown, the combined effect at entry-level price points? What Is will find a sweet spot in terms of This manual flyback chronograph and exchange rate in stoking record tive in mid-February. Only five was tough for an industry that had, Entry Level? price, and will evolve in the face of perpetual calendar is a new addition Japanese corporate earnings, of 40 economists surveyed by previously, been on something of a roll. According to a Federation of the changing global financial conditions, to Chopard’s L.U.C. line of watches. It’s and a rising stock market in Bloomberg expect additional And yet, international lux- Swiss Watch Industry report (PDF), what we’ve seen so far from sneak made with Fairmined 18-karat white helping to kindle confidence stimulus at the BOJ meeting that ury watch and jewelry brands will exports of watches made of gold and previews is promising in terms of gold (ethically sources from mines in the long-stagnant econo- ends on March 15. gather at Baselworld this week in other precious metals declined 14 per- technology and aesthetics. There in South America), and the Calibre my’s prospects, the reaction of Even so, now that the BOJ Basel, Switzerland, to show off their cent in January alone, steel watches will be a lot of exciting watches on 03.10-L is structured around a column financial markets poses a sensi- has adopted a negative rate, wares and try to gin up excitement for and steel alloy watches only declined the market this year, here are a few. wheel that serves as the backbone of tive issue for the Bank of Japan. there may be little option but to the coming year. We’ve been seeing 9 percent and 6 percent, respectively. Omega Planet Ocean 600m all of the chronograph operations. BOJ Governor Kuroda, who take it lower than the initial 0.1 a trickle of previews from compa- The latter could be a bright spot for Speedmaster: One of the many Only 20 will be made. led a divided board to follow the percent, or risk being seen as nies large and small, and it looks like many watch brands facing a retrench- watches to debut at Baselworld that Romain Gauthier Logical ECB in adopting negative interest admitting that the move failed. the major brands are still traveling ment among their ultra high net worth will experiment with rare and pro- One Natural Titanium: This par- rates on January 29, has already Eighty percent of analysts see in the same trajectories as last year: clientele. The introductory luxury prietary materials, this elegant tially skeletonized watch is another experienced market disappoint- a further reduction as the most Experimenting with new materials, timepieces still have opportunities Speedmaster from Omega is small experiment with an unusual mate- ment, and the Draghi episode will likely next step to expand stimu- tiptoeing into the smartwatch world, among the growing Chinese middle enough to be called “unisex” (39.5 rial: Titanium. While the metal is light, have underscored what’s at stake lus. Almost 90 percent see more and attempting to excite with new class, and an American upper middle mm), and boasts a new movement strong, and resistant to scratches, it’s for him this week. easing coming by the end of July. colors and skeletonized faces. class that is saving money on gas and for the series. The black enamel face just not common in high-end luxury The BOJ added negative “Compared to Draghi, Kuroda This is because watches take is enjoying a strong dollar. and bezel is an attractive match with timepieces. The movement is also rates to its record asset-pur- has the advantage of fairly low years to develop, and because riff- On the flip side, on the very lowest Omega’s proprietary pink Sedna Gold rare — it features a chain-and-fusee chase program in an effort to expectations for action at this ing on past successes is what these end, exports of watches in the 200 to — an alloy of gold, copper, and palla- style constant force system, and the stoke lending and give a fresh week’s meeting,” said Sean Cal- brands do best. But journalists, who 400 franc range ($203 to $408) also dium that’s scratch resistant and less winding is not accomplished through jolt to an economy that contin- low, a senior foreign-exchange travel from appointment to appoint- slumped by 12 percent. That’s the likely to suffer from discolouration. a crown, but rather a pusher. Basel- ues to stutter. After falling into strategist in Sydney at Westpac ment over the eight-day fair, will be price range of an Apple Watch and Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde world takes place at the Messe Basel a recession in mid-2014, data Banking Corp. wondering about the future of the comparable smartwatches, which Off-Centered: Even if you don’t know from March 17–24, 2016.

My message in this budget is that the Capital world is a more uncertain place than at any George Osborne, time since the financial crisis. We’re going Chancellor of the Comment to have to make further savings. Exchequer, UK

TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS Egyptian pound Market Talk stable in official Argaam Plus@ Wealth Adviser auction ArgaamPlus NAME IN THE MARKET: OIL VOLATILITY Value of #Saudi #realty CAIRO: The Egyptian pound held deals down 20% to steady at an official auction yester- SAR 24.6 bln Postnuptial agreements are day but strengthened on the black becoming more popular with market after the central bank wealthy couples. Like prenups, last week supplied the market Jim Yong Kim @ with foreign currency and eased postnups are contracts that restrictions on dollar deposits and JimKim_WBG primarily spell out how assets withdrawals. It’s time to get seri- The central bank held the pound ous. Combating and liabilities would be split steady at 7.7301 pounds per dollar, #ClimateChange is upon divorce or death. selling $38.8 million, at yesterday’s the challenge of our official auction. On the black mar- generation ket, the pound strengthened to 9.25-9.30 pounds per dollar from Moody’s InvestorsSvc @ 9.60-9.65 pounds on Thursday, three DealB%k traders said. MoodysInvSvc Egypt, which depends heavily Deleveraging will on imports, is facing a foreign cur- drive strong per- rency crisis and the central bank formance of UK has been resisting a devaluation, non-conforming New rules from British keeping the pound artificially RMBS in 2016 regulators can act as a strong through its weekly auctions. Last week, it lifted caps on with- guide for how to hold senior drawals and deposits of foreign Deutsche Bank@ managers accountable when currencies for individuals and com- DeutscheBank panies importing essential goods, Foreign companies their companies violate while keeping them in place for have 85% of #China’s regulatory requirements. other corporates. Last Sunday, the insulin market. Local bank held an exceptional auction, firms are now trying to offering $500m to cover imports of get a look in strategic goods. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 32 PAGE | 34 Afridi predicts Hend sees off another familiar local rally to take India contest Thailand Classic

MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 • 5 Jumada II 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar Qatar eyeing ‘best ever’ medals haul at Rio Games

The Peninsula

DOHA: Qatar will be eyeing their Mutaz Barshim best ever medals haul at the Olym- of Qatar shows pic Games, Dr Thani Al Kuwari, off his bronze Secretary General of Qatar Olympic medal he won Committee (QOC) said. in the high jump At the London Olympic Games, event of the 2012 Qatar picked up two bronze medals after shooting hero Nasser Saleh Al London Games in Attiyah and track and field star Mur- this file picture. taz Barshim made it to the podium finishes in their respective beats. Overall Qatar have won four bronze medals at the 1992, 2000 and 2012 editions of the Summer Games. The Rio 2016 Olympic Games will Paris Saint-Germain’s team celebrates after winning over Troyes during the French Ligue 1 match at the mark the 8th time Qatar has partic- Aube Stadium in Troyes yesterday. ipated in the Games, with the first appearance recorded in 1984 in Los Angeles – only five short years since the establishment of the Qatar Olym- pic Committee (QOC) in 1979. According to Dr Thani, Qatar has reaping the benefits of careful plan- PSG clinch French ning and training of its athletes at all levels in the last decade. “It is our mission to do as well as we can at the Olympic Games,” Al Kuwari said in an interview. “It is our ambition that we do better than how title in record time we done at the past Olympic Games in terms of number of athletes or when it comes to results,” he added. Unlike last season when Paris swamped Troyes. His third -- and “We have been planning metic- Paris giants clinch waited until late March to take over 100th in Ligue 1 action -- was equally ulously to get our best athletes top spot, the capital club have set sublime, the 34-year-old Swede qualified for the Olympic Games in fourth consecutive the pace uninterrupted since beat- meeting a Layvin Kurzawa cross at 2016 and beyond,” Dr Thani said. Ligue 1 title with ing Gazelec Ajaccio 2-0 in their full speed and unleashing a blinding Dr Thani said Qatar’s eques- win more Olympic medals in Brazil.” IPC Athletics World Championships. second game of the campaign. right-footed shot that swerved into trian squad and handball team have Qatar’s sports calendar is packed This year in October, the top names in eight games to spare, Three goals in six early first- the far corner of the net. already qualified for the Olympic with high profile events. Last year in cycling will arrive for the UCI World obliterate Lyon record half minutes settled PSG’s nerves at Matthieu Saunier compounded Games. January, hosts Qatar lost to France in Road Championships. Troyes’ sun-kissed Stade de l’Aube. Troyes’ woes with an own goal, while The QOC official said in the inter- the final of the Men’s World Hand- In December last year, Qatar’s for the quickest First up was Edinson Cavani, Lossemy Karaboue saw red for haul- view posted on Al Kass website: “The ball Championships after a blazing national handball team beat Iran league victory the Uruguyan capitalising on a ing Cavani down in the box with 16 Qatari Olympic Committee is look- run to the title clash. Last October, 28-19 in the final game of the Asian poor back pass to sneak in to beat minutes to play. Dreyer did well to ing forward to its new era under the Qatar hosted the AIBA World Boxing qualifying event that saw the Middle goalkeeper Matthieu Dreyer on the save Cavani’s penalty, but the striker chairmanship of H E Sheikh Joaan Championships 2015 just days before East nation seal their 2016 Olympic second attempt. Pastore made it 2-0 tapped in at the second bite. bin Hamad Al Thani. Our aim is to welcoming the athletes for the 2015 Games berth. shortly after, a David Luiz intercep- It was left to Ibrahimovic to wrap Dr Thani underlined the impor- AFP tion played quickly to Ibrahimovic, up the 9-0 rout, the striker showing tance of Qatar’s popular ‘Schools whose sublime backheel found the great strength to ride a tackle and Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Olympic Program’ (SOP), saying the Argentinian who toe-poked a looped unleash an unstoppable shot after a Attiyah celebrates after project launched in 2007 has pro- finish past a despairing Dreyer. Pastore through-ball. vided platform for schoolchildren winning his bronze medal PARIS: French giants Paris Saint- No sooner had the game been “I’m very lucky to play with good eyeing professional sport at a young in the skeet event at the Germain, inspired by four stunning restarted than Adrien Rabiot was players,” a modest Ibrahimovic said, age. Zlatan Ibrahimovic goals, turned on the welcome recipient for PSG’s third walking off with the ball wedged 2012 London Games in The SOP was launched by the the style yesterday to beat Troyes 9-0 after following up on a Cavani shot under his arm. “The referee gave it this file picture of August Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad and clinch a fourth consecutive Ligue that rebounded off Dreyer. to me!” 2012. Al Thani. 1 crown in record time. It was then time for Ibrahimovic The Ligue 1 title was the fourth “We consider this programme Just four days after advancing to take centre stage in 10 magical time Blanc has won it as a manager as a way of supporting kids when it to the Champions League quarter- minutes. having also guided Bordeaux to the comes to playing sports. It spreads a finals, PSG wrapped up the club’s The towering Swede made it 4-0 2008-09 title. culture of exercise and healthy liv- sixth French title with eight games just seconds into the second-half The gulf in class has never been ing among the youth,” Dr Thani said. to spare by beating a Troyes side des- after Cavani intercepted another more apparent since Qatar Sports Dr Thani said sports remains a tined for an immediate return to the poor clearance, “Ibra” gifted too Investments purchased PSG in the vital part of Qatar’s 2030 Vision and second tier. much space on the edge of the box summer of 2011, in what has become that SOP will go a long way in pro- Laurent Blanc’s men obliterated and making no mistake as he drilled a landmark moment in French moting the spirit of sports among the the French record for the quickest the ball low into the left-hand corner. football. youngsters in the country. league victory, currently held by Lyon Ibrahimovic’s second was a gem, With a budget of close to 50m Dr Thani also highlighted the who won the 2007 title under Ger- a first-time mid-air volley of an inch- euros ($558m), PSG’s financial role in women in pushing the sports ard Houllier with five games to go. perfect Angel di Maria cross as PSG supremacy has enabled them to movement in Qatar. He said QOC spring well clear of the rest of the continuously strives to add new competition in Ligue 1 and render last events for young girls. He said women year’s keenly-contested title race a athletes represented Qatar at the 2012 distant memory. Olympic Games in London. PSG have set records tumbling He said training women athletes this term and surpassed Nantes’ and encouraging them to participate 32-game unbeaten run set during at events of represent the national the 1994-95 campaign, only for a 2-1 squads was ‘showing encouraging defeat at Lyon last month to end their results. sequence at 36 matches and with it any hopes of earning the invinci- bles tag. Qatar’s list of medallists But PSG’s ambitions go beyond at Olympic Games simply retaining the league title, with Bronze - Mohammed Suleiman, 1992 the club also through to the League Barcelona, Athletics, Men’s 1500 metres Cup final on April 23 and set to face Bronze - Said Saif Asaad, 2000 Sydney, Lorient four days earlier for a place Weightlifting, Men’s 105 kg in the French Cup showpiece as they seek to defend last year’s his- Bronze - Nasser Al-Attiyah, 2012 Lon- don, Shooting, Men’s skeet toric treble. PSG forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic (centre) vies with Troyes defender However, conquering Europe rep- Bronze - Mutaz Barshim, 2012 London, Matthieu Saunier (left) and goalkeeper Matthieu Dreyer during the resents the top priority for a squad Athletics, Men’s high jump Ligue 1 match at the Aube Stadium in Troyes yesterday. assembled at vast expense. 30 MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 SPORT

Bangladesh humble Oman, enter World T20 Super 10s

AFP

DHARAMSALA, India: Tamim Iqbal’s maiden Twenty20 cen- tury helped Bangladesh storm into the World T20 Super 10s with a resounding 54-run win against Oman via the Duckworth/Lewis method in the last qualifier in Dharamsala yesterday. Put into bat in the knockout encounter, Bangladesh rode on Tamim’s unbeaten 63-ball 103 to post 180 for two. Oman were restricted to 65 for nine in pursuit of their rain revised target of 120 in 12 overs. Tamim, who has been in blaz- ing form with scores of 83 and 47 in the first two games, became Bangladesh’s only centurion in T20s. “The next stage is very impor- tant for us. The Pakistan game is very important. I hope I can Odion Ighalo scores the first goal for Watford during the FA Cup quarter-final match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium yesterday. Watford won 2-1. continue the form. I finally got a hundred, that was due,” said man of the match Tamim. The left-handed batsman made sure Bangladesh didn’t lose early wickets with the Oman bowlers Watford stun holders Arsenal in making the ball move on a mois- ture-laden track post evening showers. Making a composed start along with Soumya Sarkar, Tamim switched gears after registering his FA Cup, Martial saves Man United second fifty of the tournament and there was no looking back. Tamim, who clobbered 10 fours and five sixes, soon found company after Dimitri Payet put West Ham English FA Cup Results Watford made the breakthrough 2-0 loss at Liverpool in the first leg in Sabbir Rahman as the duo hit A 83rd-minute goal ahead with a stunning free-kick at Quarter-finals in the 50th minute as Deeney flicked of their Europa League last 16 tie, the ball to all parts of the pictur- Old Trafford, but French forward a left-wing throw-in to Ighalo, who United welcomed West Ham to Old esque ground during their 92-run earn Manchester Arsenal 1 (Welbeck 88) Watford 2 Martial spared manager Louis van (Ighalo 50, Guedioura 63) turned, held off Gabriel and beat Trafford needing victory to rekindle partnership. Gaal from another wave of unflat- David Ospina with a low shot. their season. The left-handed batsman, who United a 1-1 draw with Manchester United 1 (Martial 83) West tering headlines with a late volleyed Ham 1 (Payet 68) The visitors extended their advan- But Slaven Bilic’s visitors created bettered his previous highest of West Ham United equaliser. tage 13 minutes later in stunning the better first-half chances, with 88 not out, smacked an unbeaten “Our fantastic run has come to an Played on Saturday: fashion as Guedioura met Deeney’s Emmanuel Emenike shooting wide 63-ball 103 in his 49th match to end on a day where we felt that our Everton 2 (Lukaku 77, 82) Chelsea 0 lay-off with a blistering strike that from Andy Carroll’s lobbed pass and guide Bangladesh to a formida- performance deserved a win,” said Played on Friday: flew from his right foot into the top- heading straight at David de Gea from ble 180 for two in the knockout AFP Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, Reading 0 Crystal Palace 2 (Cabaye right corner. Welbeck reduced the Aaron Cresswell’s cross. encounter. whose side replied through substitute 86-pen, Campbell 90+4) arrears in the 88th minute, finishing West Ham took the lead in the Tamim, who has been in blaz- Danny Welbeck in the 88th minute. neatly after a one-two with Mesut 68th minute when French play- ing form with scores of 83 and 47 in “Credit to Watford, they created Ozil, but then squandered a golden maker Payet confirmed his status the previous two games, got to his LONDON: Holders Arsenal were few chances, but took them all. It’s sad Champions League last 16 return leg chance to equalise by shooting wide as one of the players of the season ton off a boundary against Oman dumped out of the FA Cup by Watford because we gave everything.” at Camp Nou. of an open goal from Kieran Gibbs’s by arcing a picture-perfect 30-yard pace spearhead Bilal Khan. yesterday, while Anthony Martial’s Triumphant in the FA Cup in 2014 Wenger named a strong team to pass. free-kick over the wall and in off the A veteran of 153 ODIs and 42 83rd-minute goal earned Manches- and 2015, Arsenal were beaten in the for the visit of Watford, but despite “I have memories on television left-hand post. But with nails being Tests, Tamim, 26, has also regis- ter United a 1-1 draw with West Ham competition for the first time since a dominating possession Arsenal strug- of the old Wembley and watching chewed to the quick by the home fans, tered four fifties in the shortest United. 1-0 fifth-round defeat by Blackburn gled to create chances in the first half, in Spain and seeing the finals of this Martial kept United in the competi- format. Odion Ighalo and Adlene Guedi- Rovers in February 2013. with Mohamed Elneny sweeping one competition,” said Watford’s Span- tion by charging in to convert Ander Getting plenty of confidence oura ended Arsenal’s two-year reign It left them facing the prospect of effort over the bar. ish manager Quique Sanchez Flores. Herrera’s right-wing cross with a from their batting show, Bangla- as FA Cup holders as Watford won 2-1 a trophyless season, with Wenger’s Arsenal centre-back Gabriel, “Now it is a new Wembley. I’ve just close-range volley. Michail Antonio desh’s bowlers picked up regular at the Emirates Stadium to join Crystal side -- booed off at the final whis- meanwhile, was very fortunate to arrived in England and to get there is almost restored West Ham’s lead in wickets to flatten Oman’s rain-hit Palace and Everton in the semi-finals. tle -- eight points off the pace in escape without even a booking after exciting. I’m really happy for the fans stoppage time, but De Gea turned his chase. Manchester United looked set to the Premier League and 2-0 down flying into a two-footed challenge on and they deserve this kind of day.” low strike around the post to send the The Sultan Ahmed-led side, follow Arsenal out of the competition to Barcelona ahead of Wednesday’s Troy Deeney with his studs raised. Reeling from last Thursday’s tie to a replay. which mostly consists of Indian and Pakistani expats, never really got going and the two rain interven- tions during their stop-start chase didn’t help the cause either. Shakib Al Hasan picked up four EPL: Kane brace at Aston wickets while skipper Mashrafe Mortaza, Taskin Ahmed, Al-Amin Hossain and Sabbir bagged one each. Bangladesh will now meet Villa sees Spurs close gap hosts India, Pakistan, New Zea- land and Australia in Group 2 of the Super 10s. Meanwhile, Paul van Meekeren AFP Erik Lamela threaded a pass got the all-important breakthrough. bagged four wickets to help Nether- through to Kane, but while he timed Alli unlocked the Villa defence lands notch up a consolation 12-run his run perfectly, his chip over the with a smart free-kick and Kane win via Duckworth/Lewis method BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom: advancing Brad Guzan was too forced his way past Jores Okore in their final match of the World Harry Kane reignited Tottenham heavy and he watched in anguish as before firing a low shot beyond the T20 in Dharamsala yesterday. Hotspur’s Premier League title it clipped the top of the bar. reach of Guzan. Invited to bat in the incon- challenge with a well-taken dou- The first threat from Villa came Within three minutes of the sequential group tie, the Dutch ble as his side heaped more misery when Jordan Veretout produced a restart, Tottenham had gained fur- openers had to wait for more than on rock-bottom Aston Villa with a penetrating run down the right, but ther reward for their dominance as two and a half hours to take to the 2-0 win yesterday. Rudy Gestede could not make clean the Alli-Kane partnership struck field with the rain-affected game The prolific England striker took contact with his cross. again. reduced to 6-overs-a-side. his tally to 22 goals for the season That was only brief respite for The former Milton Keynes Dons Left-hander Stephen Myburgh by striking either side of half-time the home side as wave upon wave teenager ventured forward down the struck an 18-ball 27 to help Neth- at Villa Park as Spurs moved to of Spurs raids led to a succession of left and his low cross was side-footed erlands post 59 for five and the within two points of leaders Leices- clear-cut opportunities to take the into the roof of the net by the ever- bowlers did well to defend the ter City, who host Newcastle United lead. alert Kane. total. today. After Christian Eriksen had shot It knocked the stuffing out of Villa Medium-pacer Van Meekeren It was the perfect answer for inches wide from distance, Guzan and Spurs passed the ball around (4-11 from 2 overs) tore into the the doubters at the end of a week in came to Villa’s rescue with an with relative ease as they probed Tottenham Hotspur striker Irish batting getting good support which Mauricio Pochettino’s side had instinctive save to keep out a close- for another opening. Harry Kane (left) celebrates from left-arm spinner Roelof van squandered a 2-1 lead to draw 2-2 range effort from Kane following a It seemed almost too easy when der Merwe, who picked up two scoring his team’s second with Arsenal in the north London cross by Danny Rose. Lamela broke to the edge of the box, scalps, to restrict Ireland to 47 goal with team-mates Erik derby before crashing 3-0 at Borus- Tottenham were then left won- but his eventual shot lacked the sting for seven. sia Dortmund in the first leg of their dering how a goal did not arrive or direction to trouble Guzan. Lamela (centre) and Dele Alli “It’s special, I’m not sure if it’s Europa League last 16 tie. in the 32nd minute as Lamela’s A burst down the left by Rose teed during the English Premier happened yet. We had been prepar- Kane’s England team-mate Dele first-time shot from a Kyle Walker up an opportunity for Eriksen to try League football match against ing for this for the last three weeks, Alli set up both of his goals, firstly cross was pushed onto the post by his luck from long range again, but Aston Villa at Villa Park in maybe six months, and it worked with a quickly taken free-kick on Guzan. his left-foot volley was high and wide. Birmingham, central England, out well,” said an out-of-breath Van the cusp of half-time and then with The rebound hit the Villa goal- Villa’s torment was heightened yesterday. Meekeren after the win. a burst down the left wing in the 48th keeper on the shoulder before Alan by two glaring misses in the closing Both Netherlands and Ireland minute. Hutton managed to clear the loose stages as Gestede hit the underside were hard done by rain aban- Spurs exerted pressure on the ball. of the bar from point-blank range doned games in their respective Villa defence from the outset and Spurs had been knocking at the before Joleon Lescott somehow con- second outings after losing their should have gone ahead as early as door throughout the first half and trived to miss from a similar position opening matches to Bangladesh the third minute. right on the stroke of half-time, they moments later. and Oman. SPORT MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 31

Qatar International Taekwondo Championship 2016

A Qatari taekwondo player celebrates after winning a medal during the second edition of Qatar International Taekwondo Championship 2016 which is now in progress at Aspire Zone. The event is organized by the Qatar Taekwondo and Judo Federation. RIGHT: Fighters in action at Aspire Zone. Perisic, D’Ambrosio strike as Marseille stutter to draw AFP of fine stops to keep the visitors in the game as OM drew 1-1 for the fifth straight outing. PARIS: Marseille lost more ground Marseille have lost just once Inter eye Champions League in their bid to play in Europe next in their last 17 league matches, but season as a 1-1 draw at Lorient on Michel’s side have won just four Saturday extended their winless run games in that timeframe and are in Ligue 1 to six matches. still six points behind fourth-place two points behind Roma, who occupy Bologna created little in the open- safety as Miranda rose to head. Majeed Waris struck the opener Lyon, who are in action at Rennes on A 16th win moves the third and last Champions League ing period although Godfred Donsah It took until just after the hour for on 34 minutes at the Stade du Mou- Sunday and occupy what is currently qualifying spot. spurned a great chance on the quar- Inter to threaten again, but after cut- stoir as Walib Mesloub slipped in the final European spot. Nice climbed Inter up to fourth at Inter, whose last Champions ter hour when he fired wide with the ting in from the right side of the area the Ghana striker to steer the ball above Lyon into third on Saturday two points behind League appearance was in 2012, goal at his mercy after being set free Perisic’s curler was wide of the far beyond Steve Mandanda for his after snapping Montpellier’s five- suffered a blow in the opening min- down the right. post. Minutes later Emanuele Giac- fourth goal in three games. match unbeaten run as goals from Roma as they bid to utes when striker Mauro Icardi was Diminutive striker Eder did cherini broke through the middle But Chile international Mauricio Valere Germain and Alassane Plea end a four-year wait forced off after twisting his knee well to get his head to Adem Ljajic’s for Bologna but failed to outpace Isla levelled for Marseille immedi- gave Claude Puel’s team a 2-0 victory. while trying to reach Eder’s angled weighted delivery soon after, but Gary Medel, who soon bundled the ately after half-time as he fired Saint-Etienne’s top-three push strike towards the back post. Bologna ‘keeper Antonio Mirante was striker off the ball. Mancini was get- through the legs of Lorient goal- was dealt a blow though as they were But his absence did not overly alert to the danger. ting frisky and with 20 minutes on keeper Benjamin Lecomte from a soundly beaten 2-0 at Guingamp AFP curtail the hosts and the inspiring Perisic was a constant threat the clock replaced Ljajic with Rod- narrow angle. with Caen also suffering a costly Perisic nodded the hosts into a 72nd down the left and the Croatian’s pin- rigo Palacio. Mandanda was again superb in 1-0 defeat at relegation-threatened minute lead following D’Ambrosio’s point cross for Marcelo Brozovic was Two minutes later Perisic was the Marseille goal, making a string Gazelec Ajaccio. knock-on from a corner. D’Ambrosio’s only blocked yards from goal on the rewarded for his night’s work, the MILAN: Ivan Perisic and Danilo cool volley four minutes later looked half hour. stylish Croatian nodding into a vir- D’Ambrosio struck late to seal a 2-1 to have wrapped up the points but Ljajic then brought a fine reflex tually empty net from D’Ambrosio’s win over Bologna and inject life into Bologna ensured a nervous finish save from Mirante with a rasping shot header following a corner. Inter Milan’s desperate bid to end a when Luca Rizzo pounced on Geof- and the ‘keeper had to look lively on Inter could have had their second four-year wait for Champions League frey Kondogbia’s poor backpass the stroke of half-time when Joao when Palacio outmuscled his marker football. to Juan Jesus to help set up Franco Miranda attemped a cheeky flick on to set Perisic on a run down the left, Bologna, who lost striker Mattia Brienza for a last gasp strike. Brozovic’s weighted ball following a but Eder narrowly failed to make con- Destro to injury in the opening min- Roberto Mancini adopted a 4-2- corner. tact from close range. utes, looked to be heading for their 3-1 formation for the visit of Roberto Moments later Mirante got down But the hosts doubled their lead fourth consecutive stalemate at the Donadoni’s men but was forced low to smother Yuto Nagatomo’s on 76 minutes when D’Ambrosio, left San Siro. But Inter were rewarded for to tinker after French midfielder attempted cross after the Japanese unmarked on the edge of the six-yard a dominant display to claim a 16th Kondogbia replaced Icardi on nine left-back got deep, and at another box, calmly volleyed past Mirante and win that moved them up to fourth at minutes. corner came out to tip the ball to into the top of the net. Manchester City’s Chilean manager Manuel Pellegrini Pellegrini shifts sights to Champions League

AFP with Wilfried Bony, Jesus Navas and Silva all unable to to make signifi- cant attacking contributions. Silva, 30, has been a creative NORWICH: Manuel Pellegrini urged force for City in the last few sea- his Manchester City players to re- sons, but he has rarely met his own focus on the Champions League exacting standards in the current following their disappointing 0-0 campaign. draw against Premier League strug- “He is playing with some prob- glers Norwich City at Carrow Road. lem in his ankle, but not a problem Pellegrini’s men were frustrated that does not allow him to play,” Pel- by a resolute Norwich side battling legrini said. to retain their top-flight status and “He is not 100 percent comfort- were left nine points adrift of lead- able, but I think today (Saturday) he ers Leicester City, who host Rafael tried in different ways. I think that Inter’s Ivan Perisic (centre) scores the goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match against Bologna FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, Benitez’s Newcastle United today. Aguero also tried. All of our players Italy on Saturday. Pellegrini refused to rule his side tried, but we just couldn’t do it.” out of the title race, but said that Pellegrini added: “We are always Tuesday’s Champions League last talking with David and the doctor. 16 second-leg clash with Dynamo He wants to play. I don’t think it is Kiev at the Etihad Stadium, in which just the problem of David that we I did not bite Barry, says Chelsea striker Costa City lead 3-1, is now the immediate don’t create the space today. priority. “We have wingers who must “Every time you drop points in win the one-on-ones and we have the Premier League it becomes more the forwards that must try to create AFP mouth on his neck in an attempted his own in the dying minutes after Costa didn’t bite difficult,” the Chilean said after Sat- more space. When you cannot win, bite. However, Costa was adamant fouling Cesc Fabregas. urday’s encounter. it is the problem of the team and not that there was no foul play after Chelsea interim manager Guus me, says Barry “But it will not change my mind. one person.” a defeat which effectively ended Hiddink refused to condemn Costa We think we can do it, but the most Norwich manager Alex Neil was LIVERPOOL: Controversial Chel- Chelsea’s season. after the first sending off of his important thing now is to focus on the pleased with the point, but admits sea striker Diego Costa insisted “Diego spoke to club officials Blues career. AFP Champions League game that we play that he still has a huge fight on his yesterday that he did not bite the after the game and expressed regret Any FA punishment will depend on Tuesday night to try and qualify hands to avoid the drop. neck of Gareth Barry during his over his reaction to the challenge on referee Oliver’s report although for the next stage. After that we have Norwich remain in the relegation team’s 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final from Gareth Barry that led to his Hiddink repeated his often-stated LONDON: Everton midfielder Gareth to play against Manchester United on zone with eight games remaining, defeat at Everton. red card,” said a Chelsea statement. position of insisting he does not Barry stated yesterday that Chelsea striker Sunday and we try to win again the but they trail fourth-bottom Sun- The fiery Chelsea star was “But Diego was also very clear want Costa to alter his combative Diego Costa did not bite him during the three points. At the end of the season derland on goal difference alone, shown a second yellow card by that he did not bite him at any point style. Merseyside club’s 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final we see how many points we have.” albeit having played a game more. referee Michael Oliver after 84 min- during that altercation.” “I like him,” said Hiddink, who victory on Saturday. A concern for City has been the Relegation rivals Newcastle visit utes following an altercation with To add to the late drama at praised Costa for wanting to play “Seen a lot of talk about the incident recent form of Spanish playmaker Leicester on Monday, but Neil does the Everton midfielder in which he Goodison Park, Barry was also despite suffering injury in the mid- involving me and Diego Costa in the game David Silva. not believe that the arrival of Ben- moved his head towards his oppo- booked in the flashpoint and week Champions League loss to last night,” Barry wrote on the Fanzai app. Against Norwich, only Sergio itez at St James’ Park will have an nent and appeared to place his received a second yellow card of PSG. “For the record Diego did not bite me.” Aguero posed a genuine goal threat, impact on Norwich’s fate. 32 MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 SPORT

Windies still a Sri Lanka, strong threat Afridi predicts another Pakistan Reuters feisty India contest must address R E U T E R S : Despite off-field rows and a inconsistency steep decline at test level, West Indies have remained competitive in the shortest for- mat of the game and will enter the World no doubts that the onus, as spinners in Imad Wasim and Reuters Twenty20 with genuine hopes of going all always, will be on the Paki- Mohammad Nawaz. If you the way. The hard-hitting stani bowlers to trump an look at the entire bowling unit, Led by captain Darren Sammy, master- leg spinner is Indian lineup teeming with I’m very confident (of doing MUMBAI: Sri Lanka and Pakistan blaster batsman Chris Gayle and all-rounder enthused by match-winners. well),” said Afridi, who tops must overcome batting inconsist- Dwayne Bravo, the Caribbean team have “I think this has been the the wicket-takers’ list in the ency if they are to leave India with been drawn in Group One for the Super 10 Pakistan’s record case over the last 60 years,” shortest format with 93 scalps. a second World Twenty20 title, stage, along with England, South Africa, at Eden Gardens the all-rounder told reporters The leg-spinner was also with both sides coming into the Sri Lanka and a qualifier. The 2012 World in Kolkata. enthused by Pakistan’s record tournament on the back of unin- Twenty20 champions are currently ranked Pakistan, who begin at Eden Gardens, where they spiring performances at the Asia second in the world behind hosts India, far their Super 10 campaign on have prevailed in all four Cup. above their lowly test ranking of eighth. West Reuters Wednesday against Bang- matches against India. Defending World Twenty20 Indies have clearly benefited from talented ladesh or Oman, have never “We have good memo- champions Sri Lanka, who were players such as Gayle and Sammy having beaten India in a World Cup. ries of the ground,” Afridi said. also runners-up in 2009 and 2012, eschewed the longer formats to almost exclu- Afridi was confident that “We have played well at this bid adieu to batting stalwarts sively play the 20-over format. KOLKATA: It has traditionally his bowling unit, bolstered by ground, we know the condi- Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Gayle plies his Twenty20 trade in domes- been a battle between India’s paceman Mohammad Amir’s tions and the pitch suits us as Sangakkara from the format after tic leagues around the world, to great success batting and Pakistan’s bowl- return from a fixing ban, can well.” their 2014 triumph and have yet to and considerable financial reward, along ing whenever the arch-rivals help break the jinx with a Afridi denied the uncer- fill the void. with a sprinkling of controversy. have met on a cricket field slightly improved perform- tainty over their participation They come into the tourna- He has an international Twenty20 strike- and Pakistan captain Sha- ance from their inconsistent was a distraction for his team ment following series defeats rate of more than 142, captain Sammy betters hid Afridi reckons the trend batting colleagues. and said he always enjoyed in New Zealand and India and that with 152 while Bravo, who has not will continue in their World “Our bowling attack playing in India. a poor showing at the Asia Cup, played a test since 2010, scores at 119 runs Twenty20 contest on Satur- is pretty good. You have “In very few countries I where they lost to India, Pakistan per 100 balls faced. day. Mohammad Amir and enjoyed cricket more than and Bangladesh while only beat- All-rounder Andre Russell recently Pakistan were the last (Mohammad) Irfan. (Moham- I did in India,” the 36-year- ing United Arab Emirates. enhanced his reputation during Australia’s team to land in India, putting mad) Sami is also back and old said. The fitness of Lasith Malinga Big Bash League and took 3-36 for Islama- aside safety concerns that then there is Wahab Riaz. The “I would always remem- will have a major bearing on Sri bad United as they won the Pakistan Super led to the switching of their fast bowling attack overall is ber the love my team and I got Lanka’s chances. League final. match against India from very strong. from the fans here. The pace bowler gave up the Others to watch include Marlon Samuels, Dharamsala to Kolkata’s Eden “If our batsmen, according “We got a lot of love here, captaincy due to injury problems months due to a suspect action, but could be Gardens. to team plans, can give us a we did not get this much love this week, handing over the mantle a dangerous foe if he finds his game, wick- With the uncertainty defendable total, I’m confident even in Pakistan, I can tell to test and one-day skipper Angelo etkeeper-batsman Denesh Ramdin and, on around their participa- (the bowlers can clinch it). you. We always enjoyed play- Mathews. paper at least, West Indies have a line-up to tion finally over, Afridi had “We also have two quality ing here.” All-rounder Mathews will hope challenge to become the first country to win his side can find form when it mat- two World Twenty20 titles. ters but addressing his batting unit’s inconsistency is a priority. The team have failed to cross the 130-run mark, considered a modest total in the T20 format, on four occasions in their last six South Africa get new chance games and were all out for 82 in the second of the three-match series in India. Pakistan, the 2009 champions, to remove unwanted tag have what could be the best fast bowling attack in the tournament but they too have been hampered by inconsistency at the crease. Reuters young wicketkeeper Quinton The left-arm pace unit of de Kock will open the batting Mohammad Amir, Mohammad South Africa’s Hashim with AB de Villiers. Irfan and Wahab Riaz are capa- Both have excellent Amla bats in the nets ble of wreaking havoc against any CAPE TOWN: South Africa records in South Asian con- during a training session side but their batting has let them will believe they have a chance ditions but perhaps Amla’s at the Wankhede Stadium down. to finally shed their image as greater experience will swing in Mumbai yesterday. Pakistan lost at least two wick- major tournament chokers it in his favour. ets in the first four overs in three when they head to the World Either way, the form of De out of four matches in the Asia Cup Twenty20 in India as one of Villiers will be a major factor and their wobbly top order has put the form sides. in any success the side has in enormous pressure on the middle The Proteas have often the competition. and lower order batsmen to push entered global champion- Leg-spinner Imran Tahir them to competitive totals. ships in limited-overs formats will lead the bowling attack, Capable of beating the best in among the more favoured having been the side’s most the world but maddeningly unpre- sides during the past two dec- effective performer in this dictable, Pakistan lost T20 series India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni ades, but bar a victory in the format in the last 12 months, against England and New Zealand now defunct ICC KnockOut and they will also rely on the before falling to arch-rivals India Trophy in 1998, have picked cutters and change of pace and Bangladesh in the Asia Cup. up an unwanted reputation for of all-rounders Davis Wiese Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Dhoni eyes more self capitulation and blowing and Chris Morris, who have Chairman Shaharyar Khan their chances. emerged as valuable assets slammed the team’s performance Not short of form ahead of with bat and ball. at the Asia Cup but admitted it was the trip to South Asia, the Pro- Fast bowler Dale Steyn has too late to make sweeping changes silverware teas have won nine of their last been included in the squad ahead of the World Twenty20. 11 completed Twenty20 games despite a run of injuries that Selectors have already made since January 2015, including has seen him play very little, changes to the original squad at World T20 series wins on spinning wick- while young seamer Kagiso twice in the hope of addressing ets in Bangladesh and India, as Rabada has emerged an the problems and will hope Sha- well as home successes against important cog at the begin- hid Afridi’s men will come good Reuters shorter formats, seems to have all the England. ning and end of the innings. in India. necessary resources to triumph once “I honestly don’t feel that South Africa open their Afridi, who is able to win more in the final phase of his career. we have a hole in our team,” campaign against England matches with his bowling and Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dha- captain Faf du Plessis said. on Mar. 18. They also play Sri power-hitting, will be concerned NEW DELHI: Mahendra Singh wan have forged a potent right-left One key decision that still Lanka, West Indies and a qual- about his own form with the bat, Dhoni has grown a reputation combination at the top followed by needs to be made, however, ifier in their Super 10 stage with a high score of eight in his last as a notorious hoarder of souve- batting mainstay Virat Kohli, all is whether Hashim Amla or pool. four innings. nir stumps and considering India’s three capable of winning matches imperious form going into the World single-handedly. Twenty20, few would be surprised In Suresh Raina and Dhoni, India if he adds one more to his formida- are lucky to have two batsmen who ble collection on April 3. can effortlessly shift gears, while Australia’s batting power gives them a chance After all, inaugural champions all-rounder Hardik Pandya can also India go into the sixth edition of the bash a few out of the ground. tournament as the top-ranked team Much to Dhoni’s relief, the team in the world, having won 10 of their seemed to have finally fixed their Reuters spin-friendly pitches of South Asia, Perhaps heeding Finch’s words tracks, while James Faulkner’s fin- 11 matches this year. death bowling issue. where teams will use three, and from a few days earlier, it was con- ishing with ball and bat makes him India started off the year blank- In Jasprit Bumrah, India have sometimes four, slow bowlers against trolled, not wild, aggression that an indispensable part of the team. ing Australia in a three-match series discovered a bowler who can bowl them. enabled them to get the better of The inexperience of parts of before following that up with an Asia yorkers almost at will, a virtue not SYDNEY: The World Twenty20 is “It’s no secret that teams are tar- Tahir and guide the team to a five- the team is compounded by the fact Cup triumph in Bangladesh. really common in India. Even better, the one major international crick- geting us with spin and rightfully so, wicket victory. that Australia’s third warm-up match Seeking to ride that momen- those are hurled with an unorthodox eting prize to have eluded Australia we haven’t played it all that well over After losing 3-0 to India in a T20 in Cape Town on Wednesday was tum all the way to a second World action which makes it even more dif- but with the batting firepower in the last little while in the shortest for- series on home soil in January, Aus- only their 11th outing in the format Twenty20 title, India’s most suc- ficult to pick them. their ranks, they cannot be ruled out mat,” Finch said after South Africa’s tralia’s selectors tore up the script since they crashed out of the Super cessful captain has the comfort of Ravichandran Ashwin’s cunning as contenders to grasp it at the sixth Imran Tahir took 3-21 in a warm-up and started again, dispensing with a 10 stage at the 2014 World Twenty20. being able to take on the challenge and control -- best combined in the attempt. in Durban last week. string of players and replacing Finch Former test bowler Ryan Har- on home soil. ‘carrom ball’ that he flicks with his With David Warner, Shane “It’s just about changing our with Smith as captain. ris believes that should not be to The flip side of India’s home finger -- has troubled the best in the Watson, Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Finch, mindsets slightly if we do have a few It was in the bowling depart- much of problem given most of the advantage is the burden of expec- business and the off-spinner will Usman Khawaja and skipper Steve dot balls... there were some times ment that the overhaul was greatest top players now travel to South Asia tations from an unforgiving 1.2 be a dangerous weapon in familiar Smith all able to take the game away when our ego probably took over a with left-arm spinner Ashton Agar every year to play in the Indian Pre- billion cricket fans but Dhoni has not conditions. from their opponents on any given little bit.” and leg-spinner Adam Zampa now mier League. earned his “Captain Cool” moniker Apart from the fitness con- day, the 50-over world champions When they get it right, though, making up an extremely inexperi- “Most countries have players for nothing. cerns around paceman Mohammed have every reason for confidence Australia’s batsmen can be devastat- enced unit. who have been in the IPL and know Five years after calmly hitting Shami, the team seem to have no heading to India. ing in the 20-over game, as Warner Youngsters Josh Hazlewood and the conditions really well and all the a six to seal India’s 50-over World real worries and Dhoni already The big question mark over and Maxwell showed with a record Nathan Coulter-Nile are most likely grounds, so it is going to be a good Cup triumph on a humid April night has set his eyes on collecting more their challenge is the fact that their 161-run stand in the second warm- to be given the chance to get what competition and good to watch,” he in Mumbai, Dhoni, who plays only memorabilia. batsmen have rarely thrived on the up against South Africa at Wanderers. pace they can out of the flat Indian said. SPORT MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 33 Flat pitches, big bats to test pacemen at World T20

the headlines as they smash cricket’s them to feel aggrieved, said former probably the best one in relation to their wicket-taking in the first few Master-blasters set sacred balance between bat and ball India batsman Rahul Dravid. conditions close to what I was used overs or face serious punishment later out of the park. “I think the balance between to.” in an innings. to take advantage Feared fast men like South Afri- bat and ball needs to be addressed,” Fast bowlers have not won the “Getting wickets with the new ball on batting-friendly ca’s Dale Steyn have complained T20 Dravid said last year. “Scores around World T20’s Man of the Series in its is important,” said Harris. “It can last threatens to turn pace bowling into an 160-170 make an exciting game five editions but a few have made a a few overs or six overs. As a bowler conditions in India as anachronism, pointing to the riches in T20. Some rules can surely be decisive imprint. you’ve got to accept that you’re going T20 World Cup gears lavished on those who can reverse changed.” Sri Lanka’s explosive Lasith Mal- to get hit but to slow the run-rate sweep rather than conjure reverse Since none have been, much will inga leads the all-time wicket-takers you’ve got to take wickets. for a rain of sixes swing. depend on the whims of the ground- with 38 while other yorker specialists “You’ve got to make sure that early The statistics at the last World skeepers at the seven venues from have made notable cameos. on, although you bowl different lines T20 in neighbouring Bangladesh Dharamsala in the Himalayas to Ban- Pakistan quick Umar Gul was the and lengths to certain players, you’ve make grim reading for quicks, with galore in the tropical south. first bowler to notch a five-wicket got to give yourself a chance to get as Reuters four of the five top wicket-takers Not all of them should prove a haul when he destroyed New Zealand many opportunities to get them out.” spinners. Unheralded Netherlands fast bowling graveyard, according with 5-6 in a devastating three-over They also need to charge in with seamer Ahsan Malik was the sur- to former Australia paceman Ryan spell in England in 2009. He sum- at least two deliveries in mind and prise exception. Harris, who also played five IPL tour- marised the art of T20 fast bowling then execute based on the slight- MELBOURNE: The combination of With T20 permitting only one naments from 2009-13. simply. “You have to be able to bowl est movement of the batsman at the India’s flat pitches and cricket’s most bouncer per over, compared to two “Although they’re quite flat to the yorker, bouncer and the slower crease, he added. trigger-happy batsmen is certain to allowed in one-dayers, fast bowlers bowl on, slow and low, most of the ball,” he said. “It seems unfair at times, the produce some torrid moments for fast have long complained they are oper- wickets are really good one-day Quicks who can execute such var- batsman can turn around and slog bowlers during the World Twenty20. ating with one hand tied behind their and Twenty20 wickets,” Harris told group matches there along with New iation consistently, while not losing it left-handed where a bowler can’t Pacemen have rarely been the backs. Reuters. Zealand, Pakistan and the hosts. their heads when being blasted to all come in and bowl left-handed. stars of the T20 show, a format which The big bats of the modern game, Mohali, in the northeastern state “Mohali actually had a bit of grass corners of the ground, are most likely “But they’re things the bowlers tends to have master-blasters like which can send mis-hits flying over of Punjab, may even offer something and actually reminded me of an Aus- to prosper in India, Harris said. are thinking about, trying to get that Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers hog boundaries, add further reason for for Australia’s seamers who play tralian wicket,” Harris said. “That was They will hope to do the bulk of step ahead.” Nadal fires back at cover-up claim

AFP

INDIAN WELLS: Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal (pictured) hit back at a claim on Saturday that he faked an injury in 2012 to cover-up a failed drugs test. The 14-time major winner said it was unfathomable that someone would accuse him of using a false injury to try and escape the wrath of the tennis’ anti-doping officials. “Me?,” he asked. “You can ask the ITF (International Tennis Fed- eration), you can ask WADA (World Nadal said. Nadal’s comments come Anti-Doping Agency), you can ask in the wake of former world number everybody.” one Maria Sharapova’s failed a drug Nadal has never failed a drug test test at the Australian Open which she in his many years on the ATP Tour revealed last Monday. and has always vehemently denied Sharapova tested positive for ever using a banned substance. meldonium, which was added to the “I never did and I will never do WADA’s banned list this year. and I don’t want to talk about that Nadal said Saturday he was again,” he said on Saturday night pleased to see all the support he has after his doubles loss to the Amer- received from sports organizations, icans Bob and Mike Bryan at the sports personalities, fans and fam- hardcourt tournament at Indian ily who have rushed to his defence Wells. after Bachelot’s comments. Roselyne Bachelot, France’s “Just thanks for the support from sports minister between 2007 and the people,” Nadal said. “It is great to 2010, claimed that Nadal had faked see the huge support from the world an injury in 2012, when he missed of sport.” Andy Murray of Great the final six months of the season Real Madrid coach Zinedine Britain in action against due to knee problems, to hide a pos- Zidane launched a staunch per- Angelique Kerber of Marcel Granollers itive drug test. sonal defence of Nadal, saying “he Germany in action against of Spain during his Nadal said he wants “justice” -- is a gentleman and a person that has Denisa Allertova of the Czech second round match his name cleared and for people to shown values”. Republic during their second at the BNP Paribas stop pointing fingers at him. Real Madrid also released a round match at the BNP Open in Indian Wells, “I have been working so hard statement and Nadal’s uncle Toni Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, USA on during the whole of my career to Nadal called Bachelot “an imbecile”. California, USA on Saturday. Saturday. Murray got have the success that I have and Nadal hopes that with the sup- World No. 2 and second seed his campaign off to a now is the moment to do justice. I port he has received he can now put Kerber crashed out of the flying start with a 6-4, am tired of that and I want justice,” the matter to bed once and for all. event, losing to Allertova in 7-6 (7/3) win. straight sets 7-5, 7-5. McEnroe doubts Sharapova was Top women seeds fall at Indian Wells unaware of meldonium ban while Murray safely through Reuters

AFP But Kerber’s biggest problem on she said. Kerber had no aces and four and the fifth time he has lost in an NEW YORK: Tennis great John the WTA Tour has been inconsistency. double faults Saturday. She had her Australian final. McEnroe (pictured) finds it hard to She played superbly in Australia but serve broken four times in the 98 Murray, who was the Indian Wells believe that Maria Sharapova was then lost her first match at Doha. This minute main stadium match. runner-up to Rafael Nadal in 2009, unaware she was taking a banned INDIAN WELLS: Australian Open is the third straight year she has lost “I had my chances in the second advances to the third round where he drug that led to her suspension, the champion Angelique Kerber, fourth her opening match at Indian Wells. set and I didn’t take them,” she said. will face Federico Delbonis who beat seven-times grand slam champion seed Garbine Muguruza and Span- “If you lose in the first round you Allertova, 23, advanced to the Joao Sousa 7-6 (8/6), 6-4. said on Saturday. ish star Carla Suarez Navarro were all always have the next week to make third round where she will face Great “I came out and served a good The player-turned-commenta- second-round casualties at the Indian it better,” she said. Britain’s Johanna Konta. game,” Murray said. “I had my serv- tor weighed in on the recent news Wells hardcourt tennis tournament “I achieved my goal of winning In other women’s matches, sev- ice game going, especially in the that Sharapova tested positive for a on Saturday. a Grand Slam. Nobody can take that enth seeded Belinda Bencic of tiebreaker.” newly banned drug meldonium that World No. 2 and second seed Ker- away from me.” Switzerland beat American Laura French Open champion Stan went into effect on January 1. ber crashed out of the joint WTA and The 28-year-old German said Davis 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, Eugenie Bou- Wawrinka defeated Illya Marchenko “Would be hard to believe that no Sharapova, 28, is facing a sus- ATP event, losing her opening match there are now more demands on her chard beat Sloane Stephens 7-5, 7-5 6-3, 6-2 to reach the third round. one in her camp, the 25 or 30 people pension of up to four years by the in straight sets 7-5, 7-5 to Czech Den- time since her victory in Australia. and Italian Roberta Vinci outlasted Third seed Wawrinka, who will that work for her, or Maria herself International Tennis Federation (ITF) isa Allertova. “The pressure is much differ- Margarita Gasparyan 6-3, 6-7 (7/9), turn 31 later this month, moves on had no idea that this happened,” and has already lost numerous spon- Former Wimbledon finalist ent than it was a few months ago,” 7-6 (7/5). to face unseeded Russian Andrey McEnroe told the Tennis Channel sorships in the aftermath. Muguruza was upset by American she said. “I will try to learn from this On the men’s side of the draw, Kuznetsov who beat Jeremy Chardy on Saturday during the BNP Pari- McEnroe joked that Sharap- Christina McHale 7-5, 6-1 and sixth experience. It was a busy week for world No. 2 and second seed Andy in straight sets 6-4, 6-2. bas Open. ova should only be banned for two seeded Suarez Navarro withdrew me. It is a new situation I have to try Murray got his campaign off to a fly- Czech Tomas Berdych defeated McEnroe noted that at the 1990 years because she says she did it from the tournament with a right to get used to.” ing start with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) win over Juan Martin del Potro 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 Australian Open he was ejected from unknowingly. ankle injury just prior to her open- Kerber said the trophy she won at Spaniard Marcel Granollers. and Canadian 12th seed Milos Raonic a match after he did not realise a “Lift the ban, there’s no sus- ing match against Daria Kasatkina. the Australian Open recently arrived Murray is playing in his fifth routed Inigo Cervantes-Huegun 6-1, rule change that reduced a player’s pension if when she comes back Kerber knocked off Serena Wil- at her home and now sits in the mid- ATP Tour tournament since losing 6-3. default from four steps to just three. she promises not to grunt,” McEn- liams in the Australian Open final in dle of her living room. to Novak Djokovic in the final of the Eighth seeded Richard Gasquet “Nobody told me, so it is possible roe added in jest. “If you don’t grunt January for the first Grand Slam tour- “It was a great feeling and it is Australian Open. It was his fourth beat Nicolas Mahut 6-4, 6-1 in an all- that Maria did not know that, though Maria, no suspension. If you continue nament victory of her career. the highlight of my career right now,” championship match loss to Djokovic French matchup and Gael Monfils. it’s extremely doubtful,” he said. to grunt, two years.” 34 MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 SPORT Spieth battles back but Haas grabs US PGA lead

Defending champion fights back into contention, Haas grabs his seventh career 54-hole lead

Scott Hend of Australia holds the winner’s trophy after the final round AFP of the True Thailand Classic golf tournament at the Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin, Thailand, yesterday.

MIAMI: Top-ranked defending champion Jordan Spieth fought into Hend sees off local rally contention but it was fellow Ameri- can Bill Haas who grabbed the lead after Saturday’s third round of the US to take Thailand Classic PGA Valspar Championship. Reigning Masters and US Open champion Spieth, frustrated after opening with a 76, fired a bogey- Reuters TRUE THAILAND free four-under par 67 on Saturday to reach two-under 211, 0head course CLASSIC FINAL at Innisbrook. Jordan Spieth reacts to a shot on the fifth fairway during the third round of the Valspar Championship at SCORES “I’m still in this golf tournament,” Innisbrook Resort Copperhead Course in Palm Harbor, Florida, yesterday. BANGKOK: Scott Hend continued Spieth said. “(I will need) something like Australia’s impressive run on the 270 Scott Hend (AUS) 68-64-70-68 seven-under tomorrow, which is feasi- European Tour this season by hold- 271 Piya Swangarunporn (THA) ble. So to think after the first round that I the course record of 61 even though it was a 6-, 7-under round.” ing off the course record charge of 68-68-72-63 go on Saturday night and be able to sleep the layout has been stingy this week. GOLF: VALSPAR Spieth opened with a tap-in home hope Piya Swangarunporn to 273 Thomas Pieters (BEL) with a chance to win the golf tournament, “I don’t even think we need to do CHAMPIONSHIP birdie, added a 31-foot birdie at the win the True Thailand Classic today. 73-66-66-68 I’m very pleased with that.” that tomorrow and we’re definitely 12th and sank a 51-foot eagle putt at The 42-year-old Queenslander 274 Peter Uihlein (USA) 64-71-69-70 Haas birdied the par-5 first and capable of it,” Spieth said. the par-5 14th hole. birdied his 17th hole and went on 275 Pelle Edberg (SWE) 65-67-73-70 par-3 fourth then began the back Spieth found all but two fairways “I was leaving everything short, to sign for a four-under-par 68 and 276 Joost Luiten (HOL) 70-68-70-68 nine with back-to-back birdies. He after reaching only seven in the first “My misses were still on the which you’ll see a lot this week here, 18-under total to edge Piya by one- answered a bogey at the par-3 13th two rounds and his greens in regu- greens today,” Spieth said. but started to be a little more aggres- shot after the unheralded Thai, 277 Jeev Milkha Singh (IND) 73-68- with a chip-in birdie at the par-3 15th lation has progressed from six to 10 “I drove the ball a bit better. To sive today on the greens, hitting my ranked 798th in the world, threat- 69-67; Simon Yates (SCO) to grab his seventh career 54-hole to 12. be honest with you, it really felt like longer putts harder and it was stress- ened an unlikely victory with a 67-68-72-70; Benjamin Herbert (FRA) 72-64-70-71 lead, his first since winning last year free pars for the majority of the blistering 63. at Palm Desert, California. VALSPAR CHAMPIONSHIP SCORES round,” Spieth said. “Really nice to Piya had already made six bird- “I made some nice putts early and 205 Bill Haas 71-67-67 have no blemishes.” ies and an eagle when he rolled in walked away with a key birdie after some loose shots on the back nine I Spieth, who won the Hyundai a tricky 15-foot to pick up another a solid short putt to go ahead for was able to get away with,” Haas said. 206 Graham DeLaet (CAN) 72-66-68 Tournament of Champions in Janu- shot on the final green and snatch good. “Overall somewhat solid. Very 208 Charley Hoffman 69-72-67, Ryan Moore 70-69-69 ary, was happy at his fightback from the lead for the first time, drawing a More power hitting saw him find pleased to shoot four-under.” Cana- 209 Patrick Reed 71-70-68, Charles Howell 67-72-70, Steve Stricker 71-66-72 a poor start. flurry of fist pumps and cheers from the green in two at the par five last as da’s Graham DeLaet, seeking his first 210 Charl Schwartzel (RSA) 71-70-69 “Very well could have packed it in the crowd. he took three putts to close out vic- US PGA title, was second on 206 after 211 Lee McCoy 74-71-66, Jordan Spieth 76-68-67, Jason Gore 72-72-67, John Huh and had some more rest this week,” But overnight leader Hend tory at the $1.75 million event and a 68 while Americans Charley Hoff- 71-71-69, Henrik Stenson (SWE) 71-70-70, Justin Thomas 72-67-72, Retief Goosen Spieth said. quickly responded, rolling in a birdie become the fifth different Australian man and Ryan Moore shared third (RSA) 70-69-72, Scott Brown 70-69-72, Daniel Berger 70-68-73, Will MacKenzie “But we did a great job of sticking two on the 14th at Black Mountain winner in 13 European Tour events on 208, a US trio of Steve Stricker, 70-67-74 to it and understanding that if we’re Golf Club in Hua Hin where he was this season. Patrick Reed and Charles Howell patient with our birdies out here and runner-up a year ago. Belgium’s Thomas Pieters (68) 212 Danny Lee (NZL) 70-72-70, Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 72-70-70, Kang Sung (KOR) were on 209 and South African Charl 72-68-72, Jerry Kelly 70-69-73 we just limit those bogeys and don’t The big hitting Australian, whose finished third on 15-under, with Schwartzel was on 210. take too many chances we can shoot previous European Tour win came American Peter Uihlein (70) fourth Then came Spieth in a pack of 10 213 Sam Saunders 74-71-68, Shawn Stefani 73-72-68, Daniel Summerhays 71-73-69, rounds of 3-, 4-under and maybe you at the 2014 Hong Kong Open, then and Swede Pelle Edberg (70) fifth at Danny Willett (ENG) 70-72-71, Jamie Lovemark 70-71-72, KJ Choi (KOR) 74-67- players on 211. The 22-year-old Texan get one at 6 (under) tomorrow and I drove the green with his tee shot the event co-sanctioned with the 72, George McNeill 74-66-73 said he wouldn’t rule out flirting with have a chance to win.” at the 330 metre par-four 17th and Asian Tour.

NHL Results Green lets it fly, Spurs soar past Thunder Boston 3 NY Islanders 1 Buffalo 3 Carolina 2 Detroit 3 Ny Rangers 2 Reuters Minnesota 4 Montreal 1 NBA ROUND-UP Ottawa 4 Toronto 0

LOS ANGELES: The NBA is a “shot- Florida 5 Philadelphia 4 making” league but part of that NBA Results Winnipeg 3 Colorado 2 equation is not being afraid to keep Indiana 112 Dallas 105 St. Louis 5 Dallas 4 shooting the ball even when they Charlotte 125 Houston 109 aren’t going in. Arizona 4 Edmonton 0 Detroit 125 Philadelphia 111 That’s the position San Anto- Vancouver 4 Nashville 2 nio Spurs guard Danny Green found Toronto 112 Miami 104 himself in on Saturday against Okla- Milwaukee 103 New Orleans 92 New Jersey 2 Los Angeles 1 homa City with the game tied midway Atlanta 95 Memphis 83 San Jose 5 Washington 2 through the fourth quarter. San Antonio 93 Oklahoma City 85 Green had missed all eight of his Denver 116 Washington 100 shots up to that point but hit on the Golden State 123 Phoenix 116 one that counted the most, pour- ing in the go-ahead 3-pointer that Portland 121 Orlando 84 Wings fly past opened the floodgates for the Spurs and pushed San Antonio to a come- credited Green, who had just five Rangers as Bruins from-behind 93-85 victory over the points and none until the fourth quar- Thunder in a matchup between the ter, with never losing his confidence. edge Islanders teams with the second- and third-best “(Green’s) a pro and we made it records in the Western Conference. clear to him there’s only two out- Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points comes -- it goes in or it doesn’t,” MIAMI: Detroit collected a second Oklahoma City Thunder player Russell Westbrook (right) and San Antonio Spurs player Danny Green vie and LaMarcus Aldridge added 24 for Popovich said. “He still gets his pay- consecutive come-from-behind San Antonio, which trailed by two check. His family still loves him, so for ball possession during the first half of their NBA basketball game at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, win when a Darren Helm goal with points after three quarters but dom- screw it, let ‘em fly -- and he did.” Texas, USA, on Saturday. 1:57 left in overtime gave the Red inated the final period as Oklahoma Oklahoma City (44-22) got a Wings a 3-2 home victory over the City went the final 3:53 without a game-high 28 points and eight assists City. The two teams jockeyed back The Spurs have dominated “We got good looks the whole New York Rangers. field goal and missed nine of its last from Kevin Durant while Russell and forth for an edge in the opening teams at home in the third quar- game but they weren’t going in. In the The Red Wings forced over- 10 shots. Westbrook scored 19 points but went quarter with the Spurs building an ter but Oklahoma City weathered fourth quarter, things turned for us.” time after centre Brad Richards The Spurs have posted a perfect five of 16 from the floor. The Thunder 18-14 lead before six straight points that storm and more than held its Three straight baskets by David tied it at 2-2 on a power play with 32-0 record at the AT&T Center this shot just 38 percent from the floor. from Westbrook pushed Oklahoma own, as the Thunder expanded their West to start the fourth quarter 28 seconds left in regulation. season and have won a franchise-best “San Antonio is the best defensive City ahead by two at the 3:40 mark. lead to 64-57 with 3:36 to play in the balanced a dunk and a step-back Meanhwile, the Boston Bru- 41 straight regular-season games at team in the league, and we generated San Antonio responded with a quarter on Westbrook’s driving fin- jumper by Durant and tied the game ins, playing their first game as a home dating back to last season. a lot of good looks tonight,” Durant mini-run of its own on two layups ger roll. San Antonio went more than at 74, setting the table for a furious first-place team this season, got The streak ranks fourth on the all- said. “Our defence was there and we and three free throws by Aldridge seven minutes without a field goal but finish. two goals from David Pastrnak and time longest home winning streaks in rebounded well. San Antonio hit some garnered the Spurs a 25-22 advan- its defense kept it within reach. In Oakland, California, the War- completed a sweep of the three- NBA history, and third all-time in NBA big shots in the fourth quarter - espe- tage at the end of the quarter. Patty Mills hit a 3-pointer for the riors stretched their NBA record game season series with the New history for the longest home winning cially Green’s shot from the corner Aldridge had 15 points in the Spurs at the 1:54 mark that seemed to home winning streak to 48 with York Islanders with a 3-1 home streaks to start a season and first all- - but we made them work for every- period as all of San Antonio’s points jump-start San Antonio. The Spurs their 30th home win of this season, victory. time in Western Conference history. thing they got.” were scored by three of its starters scored seven of the final 11 points 123-116 over the struggling Phoenix Goaltender Tuukka Rask Tim Duncan added 11 points for Reserve Enes Kanter had 11 points - Aldridge, Duncan (six points) and of the period and trailed just 68-66 Suns.But they, too, had to rally in stopped 25 shots and Loui Eriks- the Spurs (56-10), who didn’t get a and 17 rebounds for the Thunder, who Leonard (four points). going into the final quarter. the fourth, overcoming a nine-point son scored one goal and set up the field goal from their starting guards has lost two games in a row and four Westbrook paced the Thunder “We just stayed with it -- our deficit after three quarters with the other two for the victory as the until Green’s 3-pointer with 7:19 to of its past six on the road. Steven with eight points, including a five of guys stayed confident taking shots,” aid of a 14-0 fourth-quarter scor- Atlantic Division leading Bruins play. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich Adams added 10 points for Oklahoma six showing from the free-throw line. Aldridge said. ing run. improved to 39-23-8. SPORT MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016 35 Captain Banks leads Luthi, Loi fastest on Hurricanes to win

The Peninsula role and displayed skills beyond his years. The Camels 2 only try came from second day at Losail powerhouse Rakan Mutawaa. Muta- DOHA: The Hurricanes had a night was rarely saw the ball but when of a mixed emotions losing to the top he got it he showed his teammates seeded team before holding their what to do with it. He walked over The second day of own against the Camels 2 on Satur- his would be defenders and raced 50 day night at the Aspire warm up and meters to score a great solo try. Final testing witnesses purpose built rugby track. score Hurricanes 46 Camels (2) 7. winglets making In the opening match the Hur- Speaking about both matches ricanes were out classed by the Hurricanes, Banks said “Camels 1 Moto2 debut undefeated Camels 1 losing 70 – nil. are just a class apart, we are ama- The Camels 1 ran in ten unanswered teurs playing professionals. We converted tries to nil. dismissed that performance after However, the Hurricanes the game was finished, and concen- bounced back in their second match trated solely on the Camels 2 game.” The Peninsula against Camels 2 when they started An upbeat Banks continued “To with strong field position scoring take apart a much vaunted Camels 2 eight tries (8) to one (1). team, featuring many national play- Lead by Captain Issac Banks the ers in the aggressive fashion that we DOHA: It was another productive day Hurricanes posted first points and did really shows our never-say-die of testing for the Moto2 World Cham- never looked back. attitude.” pionship at the Losail Circuit Sports Banks was instrumental Banks played tribute to his Club on Saturday night. throughout the entire match scoring young guns saying “Tom Ayling Many riders were hesitant to two tries one which was in spectac- and Sam Higgs, coming back from head out in the first session, waiting ular diving fashion. He could have Qatar National Sevens duty, they for conditions closer to race day on added another when he came within have shown that they relished the March 20. a whisker before being pulled down National environment, and their play This saw only 11 riders head out Swiss rider Tom Luthi in action on short of the line. was very polished after international for the first session of the day. Unfor- the second day of testing at Losail Banks and his Hurricanes experience”. tunately this did not include Axel Pons International Circuit on Saturday. starved the opposition of ball pos- In the other played match Cam- (AGR Team) who decided to sit out the session and capitalised on every lose els 1 blocked out the College of North second day of testing due to injury. ball. He worked tirelessly all night Atlantic 57 nil. The second day of the Qatar Test chasing high kicks and defending Speaking to the media after the also saw the debut of winglets in the They are not the first team to session by Tom Luthi (Garage Plus well. His sterling performance won matches QRF General Secretary Al Moto2 class, although not in the con- experiment with disrupting the slip- Interwetten), the experienced Swiss MOTO2 & MOTO3 him the man of the match. Al Malki said: “We have reached the ventional position. stream; back in 2014 Caterham Suter rider producing a blistering 1’59.680, PRE-SEASON TESTING Banks had a helping hand from half way mark of our sevens rugby Dominique Aegerter (CarXpert had designed the rear of their body- half a second faster than his 2015 youngster and Qatar national rugby season. It’s hard to believe it has Interwetten) had two downward work to perform a similar function Qualifying time. This time gave Luthi sevens debutant Samuel Higgs who gone so quick. It is a tremendous facing winglets attached to the tail although they did not have winglets. a solid 0.126s advantage over Folger Marcel Schrotter (AGR Team), Lorenzo also bagged two tries. The 18 year feeling to see player’s progress week of his Kalex, these are believed to Session two of the day saw both who was second. Baldassarri (Forward Team), Danny old played a fundamental supporting in week out.” increase turbulence behind the bike Jonas Folger (Dynavolt Intact GP) and The German set a 1’59.806 to end Kent (Leopard Racing) and Franco and therefore disrupt any riders in the Takaaki Nakagami (Idemitsu Honda second on the time sheets of the sec- Morbidelli (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc slipstream. Aegerter’s team, CarXpert Team Asia) under the two minute ond day, his confidence with his new VDS) contesting the top ten. Interwetten, have developed these barrier and lead the session in first team and bike continuing to grow The second day of the Qatar Test in-house after running several wind and second. Their times were topped with each lap. His time was 0.144s saw riders in the Moto3 World Cham- tunnel tests. in the final half an hour of the third faster than Sam Lowes’ (Federal Oil pionship take to the track after the Gresini Moto2) best of the day, the Moto2 riders, the lightweight class British rider completing the top three avoiding the task of having to clean thanks to several rapid closing laps. the track for the second day. Focusing on consistency and race In Jerez several of the Mahin- pace, Lowes continues to enjoy life dra and Peugeot bikes were running on the Kalex and was inside the top winglets, these winglets were back in three in all sessions of the second day. action for the Qatar Test. While many The top three were the only rid- of the winglets in the MotoGP™ World ers to produce multiple 1’59 laps, all Championship are to help reduce three improving in the last session. wheelie, the ones on the MGP3O Fourth overall was Nakagami machine are used to help provide thanks to his 1’59.933 from the sec- down force in fast corners. It is still ond session, the Japanese rider unable as yet unknown how effective the to improve in the final session. On winglets are, but they are certainly the edge of the 1’59s was Alex Rins visually striking. Leading the day (Paginas Amarillas HP 40) who set overall was Livio Loi (RW Racing GP) a 2’00.079 on his 22nd lap of the last who set a 2’05.824 in the final ses- session to end the day fifth. sion. This was not only the fastest lap The Spanish youngster is showing of the day, but was also the lone 2’05 no ill effects from having much less lap and the fastest lap of the test so private testing than many of the other far. Loi had been pushed down the top riders and has once again found timing sheets but a rush of fast laps his pace which helped him finish sec- at the end restored him to first. ond in the championship in 2015. His time was 0.3s faster than the Action during the match between Camels 1 and College of North Livio Loi of RW Racing team in action on the second day of testing at Moto2 World Champion Johann 2015 Moto3 pole lap and under the Zarco (Ajo Motosport) was sixth and circuit best lap, set by rider Masbou Atlantic at the Aspire warm up and purpose built rugby track in Losail International Circuit on Saturday. 0.616s back on Luthi’s best time with in 2014. Doha on Saturday. Aspetar inaugurates new block for athletes

The Peninsula developments in sports medicine. This expansion houses a female rehabili- expansion will increase the capac- tation centre, with a current capacity ity of the hospital’s rehabilitation and of 50 patients per day, with plans to physiotherapy services, the services increase capacity to 70 patients per DOHA: Aspetar, the leading ortho- offered by its exercise medicine and day by the end of 2016. paedic and sports medicine hospital physiology clinics, as well as improve The first floor includes a male and member of Aspire Zone Foun- the performance of athletes”. rehabilitation centre, with a capacity dation (AZF), inaugurated its West The inauguration ceremony of 75 patients per day, which will be Expansion development that will included a tour of the services of the increased to 140 patients per day by enable athletes to achieve the high- new building with its state-of-the-art the end of 2016. By the end of 2017, the est levels of performance through its equipment that provide the highest centre’s full capacity will be increased facilities and advanced services. levels of treatment and rehabilita- to 300 patients a day. The inauguration was attended by tion services. Both centres contain a broad Mohammad Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Act- The guests also visited the ortho- range of exercise equipment for ing CEO of AZF, Dr Mohamed Ghaith paedic surgery-training centre, which recovery assistance from a variety of Al Kuwari, Acting Director General identifies the latest techniques in ath- musculoskeletal and sports-related of Aspetar, and a number of officials letic treatment methodology, and injuries suffered by athletes and active from AZF. toured the research and development people more broadly. During the inauguration cer- department. ‘Exercise is Medicine’ clinics, emony, Al Suwaidi said: “We are The total area of the expansion is which are located on the second floor proud of this new achievement for 10,080 sqm2 and includes the follow- of the West Expansion, are the first of Aspetar. Last year we inaugurated ing facilities and services. their kind in the region and have been the North Expansion of the hospital The basement level of the West accredited by the American College Top officials of Aspetar and AZF take a look at the facilities at West Expansion development that was and today we witness the opening of Expansion includes a Sports Surgery of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the the West Expansion as part of Aspire Training Centre for surgical training American Medical Association (AMA). inaugurated recently in Doha. Zone Foundation’s overall strategy and education, which is the Middle The “Exercise is Medicine” clin- to expand its facilities and serv- East’s first surgical and anatomical ics aim to encourage members of Exercise Physiology Laboratory and championships. The hospital’s West medicine experts who will be deliv- ices in line with its vision to become training centre specialised in sports the community to use exercise as a an Altitude Chamber that can simu- Expansion, which follows the com- ering state-of-the-art evidence-based the reference in sports excellence surgery. I tool for the treatment and preven- late atmosphere at altitudes of up to pletion of the North Expansion in assessment and treatment to meet the worldwide”. It is also a leading sports surgi- tion of many chronic diseases, such as 9,000m. 2015, is a testament to Aspetar’s con- individual needs of each patient. Meanwhile, Dr Al Kuwari said, cal training and education centre for blood pressure and diabetes, amongst Aspetar also has 25 altitude stant drive to offer the latest in sports This continued development con- “The West Expansion is a continu- surgeons available locally, regionally others. chambers that are utilised by elite medicine and scientific research to tributes towards the hospital’s vision ation of the ongoing modernisation and globally with a specified real time second floor houses the Research athletes and clubs who conduct train- patients. to become a global leader in sports and development undertaken by surgical training programme. and Studies Department, which ing camps at Aspetar in preparation The expansion will be staffed medicine and exercise science by Aspetar to stay in-line with the latest The ground floor of the new includes the Biochemistry Laboratory, for participation in international by highly skilled and trained sports 2020. 36 MONDAY 14 MARCH 2016

This February 14, 2014 file photo shows a Muaither player (left) in action against his Al Arabi Muaither return to QSL counterpart during a QSL match at Al Arabi Stadium.

The Peninsula commitment. The winter break deals that we signed, everything helped us in getting there,” he said. Muaither has 38 points from 15 DOHA: Qatargas League side Muaither games, while second-placed Al Sha- have secured their return to the Qatar haniya have 34 points. Stars League (QSL) for the 2016/2017 Ghanim said his team will play season with a feisty 1-0 victory over Al with same dedication in the last two Rayyan’s second division team. games of Qatargas League. The victory confirms promotion “We must maintain our top spot, for the side that previously played in that was something we aspired to do the QSL during the 2013-2014 season. when we started the season,” Ghanim Muaither could be joined by Al said. Shahaniya or Al Markhiya who will Al Rayyan who have already face each other next week in the clinched the this year’s title also Qatargas league. Mubarak Ghanim made return to the QSL after a year The winner of this game is likely of absence. to be promoted to the QSL. time. The fans will be thrilled whereas The football giants did so by win- Mubarak Ghanim, head of football the players and officials deserve all the ning the Qatargas League. at Muaither, congratulated his team credit for their hard work,” Ghanim Their feat must give Muaither extra on the qualification to QSL from next said in an interview. motivation to do well in the next year’s season. “This is a big occasion that “The team needed to show hard edition of Qatar’s top football league Muaither have qualified for the second work and they showed 100 percent event. Lekhwiya Qatar SC breathe life into QSL leave for Al Nassr tie today after stunner against champs The Peninsula

DOHA: The Qatar Stars League (QSL) side Lekhwiya has con- The ‘Kings’ keep the QSL: ROUND 22 REVIEW firmed their travel arrangements for their forthcoming AFC Cham- new champions Al pions league clash against Saudi Rayyan silent to pull team Al Nassr. the drop. Ahli will be looking to The third placed QSL side will off 0-0 draw and build on this result when they face head the Saudi capital Riyadh bring excitement in Al Arabi in the QSL match of the week today ahead of their match on for round 23. Wednesday evening at the King last stages of QSL Sailiya ship four goals Fahd International Stadium. Al Sailiya where comprehensively Djamel Belmadi’s side will be beaten 4-0 by Al Gharafa on Saturday looking to grab their first win in evening. Interestingly this is the third the competition this season, after The Peninsula time this season that the Peregrines picking up their first point drawing have lost 4-0 after suffering back to with Iranain side Zob Ahan 0-0 in back losses by the same scoreline to match day two. Al Rayyan and El Jaish in the first half Lekhwiya will go into the DOHA: For many, the 2015-16 Qatar of the season. match on good form domestically, Stars League (QSL) edition was over Before this defeat Sailiya had been defeating Al Khor 2-0 in round 22 when Al Rayyan thrashed Al Wakrah on a two game winning streak in the of the Qatar Stars League. to seal the title last week. league. Fans didn’t expect a stunning This pushed Sami Trabelsi’s side display of football after the giants to the front of the chasing pack for the secured their 20th win out of 21 Qatar Cup places. El Jaish prepare rounds for the QSL crown. The QSL’s longest serving man- But, Qatar SC proved there are ager will have to rally his deflated side for Nasaf test still a of lot of thrilling moments left in when they take on relegation threat- the prestigious league as they stunned ened Qatar SC in round 23. the new champions with a display of Weiss, Nemeth partnership The Peninsula defiance and brilliance. blossoming The, Sebastio Lazaroni’s team Al Gharafa’s impressive 4-0 win, perhaps pulled off the biggest shock underlined the good work that Pedro DOHA: El Jaish have started to of the round drawing 0-0 with Jorge- Caixinia has done since arriving to the prepare for their AFC Champi- Fossati’s team. Cheetahs in Janaury. ons League clash against Nasaf Keeper Mohammed Mubarak was Action from the QSL match between Al Rayyan and Qatar SC in Doha last Friday. The match ended in goal- Gharafa have lost only once in six on Wednesday. the star of the show for the ‘Kings’ less draw. QSL games, since the Portuguese tac- The Sabri Lamouchi’s side is pulling off a number of fantastic saves tician took over. currently top of group D after two in the second half to deny Al Rayyan. Central to this has been the opening wins against Al Ain of the This is the first time that Al rally his troops for their winnable registered a big win, defeating sec- round 22. Al Wakrah left it late to beat attacking duo of Vladimir Weiss and UAE. Rayyan has failed to score in the round 23 clash against Al Sailiya. ond placed El Jaish to push on in their Meisameer 3-1 with two goals in the Kristian Nemeth. El Jaish had a light training QSL season, and the first time that Al Arabi come up with the goods quest for a Qatar cup place. final two minutes to ensure all three Who have both chipped in with 6 session on Saturday evening fol- the Lions have drew in the league. Al Arabi fans have endured an Two quick-fire goals in the first points. The result has pushed Mauricio goals collectively for their new team. lowing their round 22 defeat at the Even more impressive for Qatar inconsistent season under the stew- half from Paulinho and Ashkan Larriera’s team to ninth in the league, Both players are set to represent their hands of Al Arabi, 2-0. SC is that in the first leg Al Rayyan ardship of Gianfranco Zola, for every Dejagah have pushed Al Arabi up five points away from the drop zone. respective countries of Slovakia and They will be hoping for a crushed them 9-0. big win against the top teams, like the into 5th place and are now five points While for Al Ahli, they surprised Hungary at the upcoming Euro 2016 third consecutive win the in AFC The turnaround from Qatar SC slender 1-0 win over Lekhwiya there behind Al Sadd in 4th. Umm Salal 4-2 on Saturday evening. tournament in France. Champions league when they face has been impressive coming from 7 has been a frustrating result against Wakrah, Al Ahli ease fears Braces from MouchineIajour and Gharafa will be hoping they can Nasaf on Wednesday evening at points adrift in week 16 to just now a lower side, take the 1-1 draw with Al Wakrah & Al Ahli have taken vetran midfielder Meshal Abdulla hold onto their two European stars, Lekhwiya stadium, one point away from safety. Al Khariitiyat. a big step to safety in the QSL for this mean that the Brigadiers are up to as Caixinia’s side start to prepare for The match will start at 6:45pm Sebastio Lazaroni will have to Thankfully in round 22 Arabi season, registering important wins in 10th and are four points away from the 2016/2017 season. local time.

QOC’s Schools Olympic Programme in full swing

Schoolchildren in action during an event hosted under the Qatar Olympic Committee’s (QOC) Schools Olympic Programme in Doha yesterday.