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Sunday 23 February 2014 23 Rabial II 1435 - Volume 18 Number 5984 Price: QR2

G20 to set Al Attiyah, target for Bernacchini global growth win rally

Business | 17 Sport | 28

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Ooredoo accuses Ukraine president removed regulator of bias ictQatar orders removal of ‘4G For Free Forever’ ads DOHA: In an unusual move, dismiss the “4G For Free Forever,” subscriptions from February 2, leading telecommunications campaign, ictQatar said in a 2014 and thereafter should be services provider Ooredoo has posting on its website on Friday: reimbursed the complete value of openly questioned a decision of “The CRA (Communications the subscriptions of the 4G key. ictQatar, the telecommunica- Regulatory Authority) has con- Ooredoo responded to the tions regulator, to remove all ducted its own analysis of the ‘4G decision by claiming that it had advertisements for Oreedoo’s For Free Forever’ and has con- taken every effort to ensure that ongoing ‘4G For Free Forever’ cluded that the advertisement is customers fully understood the campaign. The move has put misleading and creates the percep- offer. “In addition to outdoor both on a collision course, with tion that the 4G service and data advertising, the company held Ooredoo accusing the regulator are for free. a press conference, had print of bias. According to tariff filing, it is advertising across media and More than 20 days after the only the 4G key that is free and kept an extremely active social launch of the campaign, the reg- the subscribers are to be charged media and online campaign. In Ukrainian opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko addresses anti-government protesters in Independence Square ulator on Friday said that the for data as per the data tariff addition, Ooredoo’s whole fam- yesterday after she was freed and parliament voted to remove President Viktor Yanukovich. See also page 10 advertisements were “inaccurate” lodged and approved by CRA.” ily of customer support staff in and “misleading”. Ooredoo yester- Ooredoo launched its advertise- shops and at its Contact Centre day denied the charges and alleged ment campaign for the 4G free briefed customers on the service that by going public with its deci- plan on January 30, 2014. Under in a fully transparent way,” the sion to suspend the campaign, the the plan, the company is offer- company said. Envoy denies regulator was creating confusion ing free the 4G key, for which “Each of these channels worked Two departments in the market. post-paid customers were earlier together to ensure that customers Dubbing the move unfair, charged QR60 per month and pre- were fully aware that Ooredoo’s arrest of Qataris Ooredoo even called for a public paid customers QR15 per week. 4G key was now being made avail- DOHA: Qatar has denied a discussion on the role of the regu- The regulator said that it had able for free and that terms and transferred from media report of the arrest lator in the growing telecommu- asked Ooredoo to remove all pro- conditions applied for the con- of six Qataris at Benghazi nications market in the country. motional materials for the 4G sumption and use of data, in line airport in Libya with false Ooredoo went to the extent of campaign and to rectify the adver- with global standards…. To date, papers and cash. Sheikh saying that it was ready to make tisement to clearly state that only Ooredoo has not received a single Mohamed bin Nasir Al public in the coming weeks “the the 4G key is free. The advertise- complaint from any customer who culture to sports Thani, Qatar’s ambassador process and policy failures that ment should also mention that feels misled or who did not under- to Libya, said the report was have prevented customers receiv- “data tariffs are applicable along stand the terms and conditions,” it DOHA: Following the Emiri ministries, and a lot of depart- totally baseless. ing the full benefit of new services, with other terms and conditions added, claiming that the campaign decisions on restructuring of ments remain unchanged. Reuters had earlier reported and have impeded the penetration that apply to this offer.” was a big success. ministries, public authorities New departments carved out at that Libyan police had arrested of new technology across Qatar.” According to the regulator, Continued on page 3 and foundations, the Minister the Ministry of Environment are six Qataris at Benghazi air- Explaining its decision to customers who have paid for 4G THE PENINSULA of Youth and Sports, H E Salah Department for Climate Change port yesterday as they tried to bin Ghanem Al Ali, has issued a and Department for Industrial board a plane to Turkey using decision to set up a committee. Inspection and Combating forged Libyan passports and The committee will facilitate Pollution. carrying almost $146,000. shifting of two departments (for The Department for Climate Libyans do not need a visa centres and activities) from the Change will propose policies and for Turkey, which is linked Ministry of Culture, Arts and make plans and programmes to to Benghazi by daily flights. Mursi urges ‘revolution’ in Egypt Heritage to the Ministry of Youth cut emissions that cause climate Security is often lax at the and Sports, Al Sharq reports. change, encourage use of clean small airport. The six men CAIRO: Egypt’s deposed presi- since the military overthrew him “The head of the coup, the Senior officials like heads of energy, and review and approve were held as they were about dent Mohamed Mursi yesterday in July, after just one year in office. defence minister, has killed more departments and their depu- clean energy programmes and to board a Turkish Airlines urged supporters from a court- “The revolution of the people than 3,000 people in the streets. ties are expected to move to projects to protect the environ- flight to Istanbul, from where room dock to continue their won’t stop — continue your peace- He is the one who killed them and their assigned departments ment. It will encourage national they had an onward book- “revolution”, as a protest move- ful revolution,” said Mursi during it was not investigated, but he will soon, followed by the rest of the initiatives related to climate ing to Doha, according to ment demanding his reinstate- the second hearing of the trial, one be held accountable,” said Mursi. employees. change and follow up and imple- the report. ment shrinks before a fierce of three under way for the leader. Defence lawyer Kamal Mandour Employees on tenterhooks ment international pacts on cli- THE PENINSULA police crackdown. Speaking from inside a glass demanded that Sisi be investigated awaiting the Emir decisions now mate change. The defiant call came during cage, Mursi also insisted that he for “toppling the regime” of Mursi feel relaxed. Some employees The Department for Industrial Mursi’s trial on charges related to remains the “president” of Egypt. and for detaining him. are happy that public relations Inspection and Combating jailbreaks and attacks on police, “I am present here by force,” he Mursi and 130 other defend- units have been turned into full- Pollution has been authorised as a separate court acquitted six said. ants including Palestinian and fledged departments, as happened to inspect industries and firms Iraq militants police officers of killing protesters He also blamed Field Marshal Lebanese militants are charged in the Ministry of Culture, Arts dealing in dangerous materials, during the 2011 uprising against Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, the army with organising jailbreaks and and Heritage, and the General inspect firms that deal with radi- occupy town his predecessor Hosni Mubarak. chief who led his overthrow and attacking police stations during Retirement and Social Insurance oactive substances, and certify BAGHDAD: Militants shot Mursi’s Muslim Brotherhood who is expected to stand in and the 2011 revolt against Mubarak. Authority. companies complying with envi- down a helicopter yesterday and still stages diminishing weekly win presidential elections this The trial was adjourned to The Emiri decisions made ronment protection rules after briefly occupied a town. protests despite a crackdown that spring, for the bloodshed across February 24. minor changes in some depart- inspecting their premises. All four crew members were has killed more than 1,400 people Egypt. AFP ments of the restructured THE PENINSULA killed when their helicopter was downed during a reconnaissance flight over the town of Karma in Iraq’s western province of Anbar, Syria’s tragedy where the army is engaged in a standoff with anti-government Bouteflika to seek fourth term fighters. Late on Friday, dozens of militants in SUVs drove into ALGIERS: Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the aging the small town of Al Sainiyah, independence veteran who suffered a stroke last year, will run in near Baiji, some 180km north of April’s election, the government said yesterday, in a vote likely to Baghdad, after bombing the local hand him a fourth term in power. police headquarters, and fought Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal said Bouteflika, 76, had decided troops for several hours over- to run. State news agency APS said he had registered his candidacy night, witnesses said. with the interior ministry, 10 days before the March 4 deadline to do so. REUTERS Backed by the ruling National Liberation Front (FLN) party, unions and other FLN allies, Bouteflika is almost sure to be re-elected. See also page 6 Venezuela unrest kills student, biker

CARACAS: A female student and a young supermarket worker were the latest fatalities from Venezuela’s political unrest as the death toll from 10 days of violence rose yesterday to at least eight. In the worst turmoil since President Nicolas Maduro narrowly won an election in April 2013 to replace the late socialist leader Hugo Chavez, the government blames “fascist groups” seeking a coup like the one that briefly ousted Chavez 12 years ago, while the opposition is accusing troops and pro-Maduro militants of attacking peaceful demonstrators. Opposition officials in central Carabobo state said a 23-year-old stu- TODAY’S EDITION Syrian men carry wounded children following an air strike by government forces on the northern Syrian city dent died in hospital after being shot in the face with rubber bullets. A INCLUDES 2013 YEAR END MAGAZINE of Aleppo. More than 140,000 people have been killed in Syria’s conflict since March 2011. See also page 6 29-year-old man was killed late on Friday. REUTERS SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2014 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Call for change Dar Al Sharq honours retired employees in policy to empower family Unrest affecting society: DIFI

DOHA: The Doha International Noor also highlighted potential Family Institute (DIFI) has called ways to build a family centered pol- for policy changes in the Arab icy framework which would include world to strengthen the family say- working to end poverty, mater- ing that the unprecedented levels nal mortality, child marriages and of conflict and unrest in the region domestic violence. Additionally, she continue to threaten the stability of stressed the need for policies that families. empower families to change their Speaking at the recent 52nd ses- own lives instead of those that seek sion of the United Nations (UN) to overtake their functions. Commission for Social Development The suggested policies include at the UN Head Quarters in New those that support relationship Dar Al-Sharq CEO Abdul Latif Al Mahmoud, Deputy CEO Ibrahim Al Sayed and Al Sharq Editor-in-Chief Jaber Al Harami with retired employees York, DIFI’s Executive Director, building through education for cou- of the company at a felicitation ceremony at Sharq Village and Spa in Doha yesterday. Noor Al Jehani said: “Although the ples and parents; to support rather family is confirmed as the basic unit than penalise two-parent families; of society in most constitutions in recognise the value of empowering the Arab world, and the family’s the role of men in families allow- strength, stability and commitment ing them to play an active role with University to its individual members is consid- childcare; recognise and respect Real estate market likely to ered the foundation of national and the equal rights of women within students regional development trajectories the family as well as their rights as — the reality is far removed from individuals; to recognise childbirth try to probe this ideal.” as a social function and guarantee double by year-end: Experts “Across the region, the family unit families the rights to social and eco- has not been an essential component nomic support for childcare, allow- green issues in the policy development as indi- ing couples to balance their family DOHA: With the award of con- the years to come,” Abdurrahman push the market to grow rapidly.” viduals remain the focus of national and work responsibilities; address DOHA: Students tracts for mega infrastructure Al Muftah, a leading Qatari busi- Al Khalaf also said that cur- strategies. Hence, across the region the needs of families who care for enrolled in the advanced projects like Qatar Rail, the nessman, and member of the gov- rently the supply in the real estate explicit family policies are rare and elderly and disabled family members; online storytelling real estate sector is witness- ernment’s elite Advisory Council market is more than the demand, do not meet international standards, and to support intergenerational liv- course at Northwestern ing unprecedented growth. The was quoted as saying by Al Sharq but given the sharp rise in the like maternity leave,” she added. ing arrangements. University in Qatar are value of real estate transactions yesterday. population growth in past few Noor went on to address the eco- DIFI also held a briefing at the UN launching a multime- jumped 71.4 percent to QR4.8bn Al Muftah, who is also the months, mainly due to the influx of nomic impact of family breakdowns about the upcoming Doha Conference dia news website www. in January this year compared member of the Central Municipal foreign workers, the demand will saying: “Failing to support and pro- themed ‘Empowering Families: A qatarvironment.org, which to QR2.8bn for the correspond- Council (CMC), said: “Growing continue to remain robust. tect family relationships results in Pathway to Development’ in which investigates Qatar’s envi- ing period last year. The size of supply, especially in the number “The real estate sector has eventual family breakdowns which H E Alya Al Thani, Ambassador and ronmental issues and the the market, according to indus- of residential units and commer- started the year 2014 with a rise, are extremely costly in economic Permanent Representative of the initiatives the govern- try experts, is expected to dou- cial space, has created a healthy thanks to the increased demand terms. The macro socio-economic Qatar to the UN praised DIFI and ment is taking to tackle ble by the end of 2014. and competitive environment in for land plots in order to imple- implications of such breakdowns need the UN Department of Economic and them. Industry analysts suggest that the market, which has caused a ment new projects to keep up to be quantified transparently with Social Affairs’ efforts aimed at a bet- “In 2012, Qatar hosted Qatar’s real estate market will downward pressure, or correction with the population growth and regards to their subsequent burden ter understanding of family issues. the COP18 conference, witness a further boom in 2014, in the prices of real estate proper- economic development of the on the economy and the taxpayers.” THE PENINSULA which I thought was really and the trend will continue over ties, resulting a further rise in the country. informative,” said Christina the next several years as a result demand, including for the plots These projects are also set to Paschyn, instructor of the of massive government invest- of land.” keep pace with the rising demand NU-Q journalism course. ments in the country’s infrastruc- Another prominent business- on real estate initiatives in the “Qatar has the highest per ture development and host of man, Ahmad Hussain Al Khalaf, coming years, especially to achieve capita carbon emission in 2022 World Cup related projects. had similar views on the market. goals of Qatar National Vision the world, and I think it “Latest figures suggest that the “The real estate sector will con- 2030 and meeting the needs of the is important for people to real estate market may double in tinue to remain bullish over the 2022World Cup,” Ezdan Holding’s cover the story and what 2014, compared to 2013, and the years. Government’s high spend- latest monthly report said. Qatar is doing to lower its trend is expected to continue in ing on mega projects will further THE PENINSULA environmental footprint.” According to the World Bank, Qatar emits an esti- mated 40.3 tonnes of car- bon dioxide per person. One of the steps Qatar is Building modelling forum at QU tomorrow taking to tackle this issue is to build one of the first passivhauses in the region DOHA: The 4th edition of ‘Qatar tomorrow at Qatar University. technology management for Despite Qatar’s sustain- Building Information Modelling The event, themed ‘BIM virtual design and construc- ability efforts, overfish- (BIM) User Day’ forum, which Policy — One industry, one lan- tion. René Schumann, General ing and overconsumption aims at providing a platform to guage’, is being hosted by the Manager of HOCHTIEF ViCon of energy are underlying share knowledge, discuss latest College of Engineering at QU Qatar, said: “As BIM can greatly concerns that the website technologies and identify new and co-organised by HOCHTIEF help manage complex projects, it Doha International Family Institute Executive Director Noor Al Jehani speaking at investigates. potentials for BIM in the con- ViCon, an international pro- is in high demand in Qatar.” the UN Commission for Social Development at the UN headquarters in New York. THE PENINSULA struction industry, will be held vider of business processes and THE PENINSULA

Bike derring-do New airport to have parking for 7,500 cars

DOHA: Hamad International 15, 2014, Hamad International Airport is expected to open Airport (HIA) is on track for a partially from the middle of phased opening by mid-2014,” it this year and will have parking said. space for more than 7,500 vehi- The parking space at the air- cles. Clarifying about the story port would include short term published in The Peninsula on parking for 3,400 vehicles, long February 10, 2014, that reported term parking for 2,600 vehi- the problems faced by visitors at cles and 1,700 slots for employee the double-deck parking facility parking. at the Arrivals Terminal, Doha About the double-deck parking International Airport (DIA), facility at the Arrivals Terminal, said that the parking facility is Doha International Airport said temporary. that the parking facility at DIA, “As the international five-star which can accommodate 650 gateway to Qatar and to the rest vehicles, was built in record time of the world, HIA’s state-of-the- and as a temporary solution, art facilities will include more to enhance the parking capac- than 7,500 vehicle parking spaces ity. Some passengers prefer an in the terminal area,” said the airy an open metal structure, Doha International Airport in a while others prefer a concrtete statement. “As announced by Civil structure. Aviation Authority on January THE PENINSULA

National vaccination drive begins

DOHA: The Supreme Council of Health (SCH) will launch a national campaign for vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis today. Organised in collaboration with the Supreme Education Council (SEC) and primary health care institution, the drive, which continues A motorcycle rider performs a stunt at the Qatar Racing Club until March 6, will target students of secondary schools (Grade 10) in on Friday. (SALIM MATRAMKOT) all independent, private and community schools in Qatar. QNA SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Tourism investment avenues to be unveiled next week

DOHA: Qatar Tourism dhow cruises; luxury coaches; 4x4 QTA is leading the matura- Authority (QTA) and Qatar leasing; cottage market; Meetings, tion and development of a sus- Development Bank (QDB) Incentives, Conferences, tainable tourism sector, which will unveil next week tourism Exhibitions (MICE) Destination includes increased private sector investment opportunities for Management Company (DMC); involvement via its high-impact businesses and the private sec- and integrated ticketing and programmes. The Qatar tour- tor in line with the country’s mobile information centres. A ism Investment Opportunities Tourism Strategy. procurement process will begin event in partnership with QDB On March 2, an event will be following the Qatar tourism is an initiative to showcase to held to provide entrepreneurs and Investment Opportunities event potential private sector inves- business leaders in Qatar details of to select a suitable developer for tors — entrepreneurs, SMEs and six investment opportunities, each each project. corporations — the potential this of which is intended to be devel- “Tourism is a growing pillar of rapidly growing sector offers, and oped by a private sector partner the expanding Qatari economy, the incentive available to par- with support from QTA and QDB. driven by the fact that Qatar ticipate in its growth,” said QTA The six projects will be the is one of the fastest develop- Chairman Issa bin Mohammed first phase of a series of invest- ing leisure and business tour- Al Mohannadi. ment opportunities and relate to ism markets in the world today. THE PENINSULA ‘ictQATAR creating confusion’ Continued from page 1 “The decision to announce the suspension of Ooredoo 4G adver- tising via a press release, and to aggressively pursue this press release with the local media with further negative comment against Ooredoo, goes against all previ- ous precedent. Furthermore, it is actively creating confusion in the marketplace, making customers feel uncertain about the services they are receiving,” the company said. “The time has come for a public discussion on the role of the regulator in the growing Qatar A hoarding with Ooredoo’s 4G advert on E-Ring Road. communications market. Ooredoo (QASSIM RAHMATULLAH) believes it should be an impartial arbiter, applying fair rules for the “However, this decision was not such misleading advertisements benefit of the people of Qatar, and publicised by ictQATAR. Indeed, to lure customers. applying these rules equally and it is not even publicly mentioned Another participant wrote without prejudice,” it added. on its website,” said the statement. that initially he thought 4G to Ooredoo said recently ictQA- Subscriber’s reactions were be totally free but after talking TAR had upheld a complaint for mixed on the regulator’s state- to the company’s call centre he misleading promotion against ment. A respondent posted a realised that only 4G key is free. “other licenced telecom opera- comment on Qatar Share, popular Another posting on the website tors” following inaccurate claims Qatari social networking site that said that the company’s advertise- about the penetration of their the company should be fined for ment was not misleading because fibre service in West Bay, Doha such misleading advertisements, it had mentioned that the 4G key and sanctioned both companies. alleging that it usually resorts to is free. THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2014 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Bid to promote Olympic QNB wins Patients cheer Disney three awards education programmes for private DOHA: Hundreds of partici- Center, and the International School characters at show banking pants attended the Body2Mind Sports Federation. The goal of the Conference organised recently by Body2Mind Conference was to bring DOHA: Qatar National 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports these worldwide and national fed- HMC hospitals hold fest to help in the healing process Bank (QNB) has bagged Museum at the Museum of Islamic erations and associations together six trophies for its pri- Art auditorium. in order to explore newer and more DOHA: As part of Hamad patients were seen cheering their The activity builds on the ambi- vate banking capabili- The two-day conference presented sustainable means of integrating Medical Corporation’s (HMC) favorite Disney characters includ- tion of the Art and Healing pro- ties and performance at the philosophy, history and imple- the Olympics in educational pro- Art and Healing programme, ing Mickey, Minnie, Daffy Duck, gramme at HMC, established in the ‘Annual Euromoney mentation of Olympic education pro- grammes, and raising awareness of which uses art to help in the Goofy, Aladdin and the Genie, partnership with UCL Qatar [a Private Banking Awards’ grammes, and created a platform for Olympic values in society. patients’ healing process, sev- The Little Mermaid, and Buzz centre of excellence for the study held in London on participants to network and share “The Qatar Olympic & Sports eral paediatric patients from Lightyear from the Toy Story. of cultural heritage, linked with February 13, said a press experiences. Museum is investing in new Hamad General Hospital and Several patients danced and Qatar Foundation], which believes statement yesterday. The participants learned more Educational initiatives as a way to Rumailah Hospital were given swayed to the beats through per- art is a vital tool in smoothing All of the awards, as part about local institutions that are offer opportunities to the people of an opportunity to attend Disney formances, while clapping zeal- the healing process for patients, of Euromoney’s Private actively promoting Olympic edu- Qatar and abroad for complete and Live Mickey’s Musical Festival ously and calling out the names especially children. In addition to Banking and Wealth cation in Qatar, such as the Qatar unforgettable educational experi- in Doha at the Qatar National of the characters from their seats. feeling enthused, the brief change Management Survey 2014, Olympic Academy, the Qatar ences with interactive approaches,” Convention Center. A patient’s mother, who decided in their daily medical routine were received for QNB’s Olympic Committee, the Supreme said Dr Christian Wacker, Director Many children invited to attend to join her children in the fun, reflects in a heightened spirit and domestic performance in Education Council, and the Aspire of 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic & Sports the music festival are undergoing shared in the excitement: “It was a psychological enrichment. Qatar and included: Best Academy. The event was also sup- Museum. long-term treatment at the two lot of fun to attend this show with “This kind of an activity is defi- Overall Private Banking ported by Qatar School Sports “This conference is a critical step hospitals. The opportunity to take my children. The kids truly loved nitely enriching for children who Service, Best Range of Federation, the Qatar Center for in changing how we perceive sports part in the festival allowed these it and they were very excited to are receiving treatment at HMC Advisory Service, Best Net- Voluntary Activities, as well as educational programmes, and pro- patients a break in routine and a see all the Disney characters. We hospitals. We give them a reason Worth Specific Services for international organisations like gressively developing them into chance to have fun. are thankful that HMC provided to smile and feel happy as they Super-Affluent Clients, the United Nations Office on Sport long-term platforms for people of all About 54 patients, accompa- us with this opportunity to be a can look beyond their illnesses for Best Fixed Income Portfolio for Development & Peace, the ages, cultures, and skill sets to benefit nied by their parents, siblings, part of this activity. The children some time,” said Dr Mohammad Management, Best Real International Olympic Academy, from,” he added. as well as nurses from the hospi- are feeling great and I see they Janahi, Chairman of Pediatrics at Estate Investment and International Olympic Truce THE PENINSULA tals participated in the even. The have greater energy!” HMC. THE PENINSULA Best Private Equity Investment. The performance review by Euromoney was based upon comprehensive cer- tified qualitative and quantitative criteria and standards across a range of measures. According to QNB, it was consist- ently rated highly with the Judges and was com- plimented on the levels of service provided to clients. “Winning up to six awards at an event of this caliber shows the impres- sive performance by QNB’s Private Banking to cater to the evolving and diverse needs of its growing client base. The bank is keen to continue to be the best pro- vider in Private Banking,” said the statement. Euromoney is both a Paediatric patients of Hamad General Hospital and Rumailah Hospital had a great time with Disney characters leading international mag- at Disney Live Mickey’s Musical Festival in Doha. azine and industry analyst. THE PENINSULA Engineering initiative to encourage students DOHA: Qatar University has launched the fifth edi- tion of Life is Engineering Project (LIEP), an initia- tive for high school stu- dents, winners of which will be awarded a trip to Japan to visit the Nissan and Toyota assembly plants. The initiative attracts students from schools in Qatar to its concept of accessible and fun science and engineering processes to build cars for a final race at Lusail International Circuit. In the lead-up to the final race in May, participating students will attend techni- cal workshops on Saturdays until the end of March, after which six schools will be selected to receive the car kits for assembly. “This project brings stu- dents in touch with CENG faculty and gives them the opportunity to learn about our engineering programmes and facilities. They are the future lead- ers who will take the reins of the energy industry and we are proud to guide them towards this goal which is in line with the national vision and development strategies. Thank you to all the sponsors for their continuous contribution to LIEP since its launch in 2009,” said College of Engineering (CENG) Dean Dr Rashid Al Ammari. The fifth LIEP is sponsored by Raytheon Company, Rasgas, QAPCO, ExxonMobil as Gold Sponsors, and Dolphin Energy and Qatar Shell as Silver Sponsor, and conducted in partnership with Qatar Motors and Motorcycles Federation (QMMF) and Lusail International Circuit. THE PENINSULA

SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2014 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST

Suicide car UN unanimously bomber kills two Lebanese approves Syria soldiers

BEIRUT: A suicide bomber killed two Lebanese soldiers aid resolution with a car bomb near an army checkpoint in a Hezbollah stronghold in northeast Lebanon yesterday, security Russia, China back SC move sources said. The latest bombing, in a coun- UNITED NATIONS: The UN sanctions removed. But other try destabilised by the civil war Security Council achieved rare contentious points including in neighbouring Syria, was the unity to act on Syria’s civil war a demand for an end to barrel third such attack in recent weeks yesterday when Russia and bombs, a demand for cross-border in Hermel, a predominantly Shia China supported adoption of a access and the naming of besieged Muslim area near the border resolution to boost aid access areas were included. with Syria. Fifteen people were in Syria that threatens to take “This resolution goes further wounded. “further steps” in the case of than we have been able to get It followed a suicide attack in non-compliance. in three years,” US Ambassador Beirut on Wednesday targeting Russia, supported by China, Samantha Power told reporters. the Iranian cultural centre. A has shielded its ally Syria on “But a resolution is just words, it radical Sunni group, the Abdullah the Security Council during the is implementation that matters Azzam Brigades, said it had car- three-year-long war. They had and that’s what we’re starting ried out that bombing, which previously vetoed three reso- measuring right now.” killed eight people, as a reprisal lutions that would have con- The resolution asks UN for the military involvement of demned Syria’s government Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Smoke billows from the site of reported air strike by pro-regime planes in the eastern Ghouta suburb of Damascus Hezbollah and Iran in the Syrian and threatened it with possible to report to the council in 30 days yesterday. war. sanctions. on implementation and “expresses There was no immediate claim Lithuanian UN Ambassador its intent to take further steps of responsibility for yesterday’s Raimonda Murmokaite, presi- in the case of non-compliance.” attack. The bomb was set off when dent of the 15-member council Diplomats say Russia is unlikely Kurds take town from Islamists soldiers at the checkpoint became for February, described the unani- to agree to any action if Syria’s suspicious of the man in the vehi- mous approval of the resolution, government was found to be in BEIRUT: A Kurdish group revolt against President Bashar were expelled. The town is com- cle, a Jeep Grand Cherokee, the drafted by Australia, Jordan and non-compliance. captured a town in Syria from Al Assad began three years ago. pletely controlled by the People’s sources said. Luxembourg, as a “moment of But several Western envoys Islamists yesterday in a bat- The People’s Protection Units Protection Units,” he told Reuters Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed hope” for Syria’s people. expressed a strong intent to push tle in which at least 28 fight- said in a statement they had by telephone, adding that nearby political and military movement, is Russia’s UN Ambassador Vitaly for Security Council action if the ers were killed, most of them taken Tal Brak after a midnight villages were also under the fighting alongside President Bashar Churkin told the council after the resolution is ignored. Islamists, a monitoring group assault on fighters of the Islamic group’s control. Al Assad’s forces against predomi- vote that Moscow supported the “Of course we would have liked reported State of Iraq and the Levant Islamists have eclipsed secu- nantly Sunni Muslim rebels in a move because “many Russian con- to have seen this resolution be If the Kurds can keep hold of Tal (ISIL) and other militants. lar groups in the revolt against conflict that has exacerbated sec- siderations were borne in mind even stronger than it is but we are Brak, on a highway between the It said Kurdish fighters were in Assad, but are also now at war tarian tensions in Lebanon. Assad and as a result the document took committed to coming back to the cities of Hassaka and Qamishli, it possession of the bodies of 16 of with each other in much of Syria, is a member of the Alawite sect, an on a balanced nature.” council to seek further action if would mark a significant advance the 50 “armed mercenaries” they with the Nusra Front and other offshoot of Shia Islam. China’s UN Ambassador the demands are not met,” British in their quest for wider control in had killed, and had taken 42 pris- Islamists fighting ISIL — a group Security is one of the main chal- Liu Jieyi said that Beijing was Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant the northeast. oners. It said three Kurdish fight- disavowed by Al Qaeda. They have lenges facing a new Lebanese gov- “gravely concerned” by Syria’s told reporters. Online Islamist activists said ers had also been killed. also fought the Kurds. ernment that took office a week ago worsening humanitarian situa- Australian UN Ambassador fighting was still going on, but the The Syrian Observatory, an Long oppressed by Damascus, after the country went for nearly tion. “We strongly urge all the Gary Quinlan said the Syrian con- British-based Syrian Observatory opposition-affiliated watchdog, the Kurds have been largely left a year without a cabinet because parties in Syria to implement flict was “the biggest and the most for Human Rights said the said at least 25 Islamists had been to their own devices by Syrian of political tensions fuelled by the this resolution in good faith,” he devastating humanitarian crisis Kurdish People’s Protection Units killed. government forces fighting rebels Syria conflict. Prime Minister said. we’re currently facing.” He said: had taken the town. Redur Xelil, spokesman for elsewhere. That has drawn accu- Tammam Salam, the highest-rank- The initial text was weak- “There will be consequences for Syrian Kurds have expanded the People’s Protection Units, sations that they have made a ing Sunni Muslim in the admin- ened during negotiations with non-compliance. We will remain their sway in the northeast, said: “The operation was over at de facto alliance with Assad — a istration, condemned yesterday’s references to the International determined.” where they are setting up their 5am and the armed groups and charge the Kurds deny. attack as an act of terrorism. Criminal Court and targeted REUTERS own administration, since the mercenaries that were there REUTERS REUTERS Iraq announces truce in Fallujah

BAGHDAD: Iraq’s defence premier a boost ahead of parlia- The defence ministry announce- ministry yesterday announced mentary polls scheduled for April. ment comes a week after Maliki a 72-hour halt to military oper- “Military operations taken visited Ramadi for talks with pro- ations in the city of Fallujah, against selected terrorist organi- vincial officials and the leaders of which has been held by anti- sation targets in Fallujah have powerful local tribes. government fighters for weeks. been stopped for a period of 72 The Iraqi government has also The announcement raises the hours” starting from the night pledged compensation for Anbar possibility of negotiations to end before, the defence ministry said residents whose property was the crisis, during which gunmen in a statement. The decision was damaged in the violence, and have also seized parts of Ramadi, taken “in response to goodwill training for tribesmen who fought capital of Anbar province, high- and frequent communications on the side of security forces. lighting both the reach of militants with the forces of good and people The measures were the latest in a and the weakness of security forces. calling for peace, and to stop the bid to placate people in Anbar prov- While the loss of control in bloodshed in Fallujah,” it added. ince, and Iraq’s broader Sunni Arab the two Anbar cities has posed Security forces have carried minority, who have complained of a major challenge for Prime out shelling and strikes inside marginalisation by the government Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s gov- Fallujah, just a short drive from and of being unfairly targeted by ernment, a successful resolu- Baghdad, and periodically clashed heavy-handed security measures. tion to the crisis could give the with gunmen in the area. AFP

Bouteflika to Shabaab says aim was seek fourth term in April to get Somali president ALGIERS: Algerian President MOGADISHU: Islamist mili- to impose order more than two Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the age- tants said yesterday their decades after the fall of dictator ing independence veteran who attack on the Somali president’s Mohamed Siad Barre tipped the suffered a stroke last year, will compound, in which at least 11 country into chaos. run for re-election on April 17, people died, was an attempt to Police said the attackers wore his premier said yesterday, a kill or abduct him. uniforms similar to those of the vote likely to hand him a fourth Al Shabaab fighters blasted presidential guards, and some term in power. through a gate with a car bomb wore suicide vests during the Bouteflika, who opponents say on Friday and fought a gunbat- well-coordinated attack. is too frail to govern, is expected tle with guards at the heavily- The chief of staff of the office of to announce his candidacy for- fortified compound known as the prime minister and a former mally later on Saturday, with Villa Somalia. President Hassan chief of intelligence were killed, Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sheikh Mohamud was unharmed along with all nine militants who Sellal running his campaign, a in the assault. staged the attack, the government source close to the presidency “The main objective of attack- said. said. ing the palace on Friday was to “In 2006, Ethiopian troops “Bouteflika will be a candidate,” assassinate the so-called Somali came but we chased them and Sellal said in the northwestern president or kidnap him,” Al by then we were weak,” said city of Oran. “Bouteflika’s decision Shabaab spokesman Sheikh Ali Rage. “But now we are strong to run comes at the insistence of Mohamud Rage said yesterday. and determined to fight back the people and after some deep “We sent well-trained muja- and eliminate the Ethiopian reflection.” hideen from our special forces troops.” State news agency APS said the to bring us the president dead or Somalia is preparing for a 76-year-old leader has officially alive.” planned military offensive led notified the Interior Ministry of In the past few weeks, the capi- by an expanded African Union his candidacy. tal Mogadishu has been hit by a peacekeeping force to drive the Sellal’s announcement series of suicide bomb attacks rebels out of their remaining appeared to end months of claimed by Al Shabaab, who were strongholds by the end of 2014. speculation over Bouteflika’s pushed out of the city in mid- The offensive could push Al future after his stroke last year 2011 but have continued to wage Shabaab into the dense bush put him in a Paris hospital and a guerrilla campaign. of the Lower Shabelle, a region intensified discussion of a politi- The strike was another that includes Barawe and lies cal succession after his 15 years reminder of the threat still posed between Mogadishu and the port in office. by the rebels and how Somalia’s of Kismayu to the south. REUTERS fragile government is struggling REUTERS

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ORMER Pakistani military ruler Perverz Musharraf has suffered another setback. The special court that has been convened to try FMusharraf for suspending the Constitution in November 2007 has turned down his demand to be tried Away from nuclear glare, under military jurisdiction. This means there will be no military court for Musharraf and with this ruling ends his hopes that his case would be handled with leniency. The former military strongman believes that the current Rowhani suffers setbacks court is handling his case with vendetta and shifting it to a BY KAMBIZ FOROOHAR military court would guarantee him justice. involves Mahmood Sariolghalam, a prospective reformist newspaper, was The special court’s decision has been largely welcomed tenured professor at Iran’s National denied permission to start. in Pakistan. Some experts believe that crimes against the WAY from the glare of the University, who was Rowhani’s senior “The closure of Aseman was a sig- Constitution, drawn up and approved by civilians, ought to nuclear talks between Iran foreign policy adviser — until he made nal by the conservative groups that be tried by a civilian court and moving it to the military and world powers, President the mistake of addressing a panel at they are willing to reluctantly make court will set a bad precedent. There should be no reason AHassan Rowhani has endured the World Economic Forum in Davos concessions on the nuclear issue but a series of setbacks and retreats on his wearing a tie. not on other issues,” said Aliasghar for Musharraf to distrust the country’s judiciary and such domestic agenda. Iran’s clerics banned the sale of ties Ramezanpoor, a former deputy minis- distrust should not come from a former president. This week, Rowhani lost a key for- after the 1979 Islamic revolution, pro- ter of culture. “The Supreme Leader’s The fact that the plea has been rejected by the special eign policy adviser, for the offence of claiming it a symbol of Western deca- biggest concern is the return of the court doesn’t mean that the path has been cleared for wearing a tie at Davos, and saw the dence and a reminder of the ousted reformists.” a trial and conviction of the former army chief. There judiciary, which is controlled by hard- Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s Iran and six world powers Thursday are different views about how the court is treating liners, shut down a reformist newspa- regime. agreed in Vienna on a framework for per that had supported his government. Sariolghalam was assailed by con- negotiating a comprehensive nuclear Musharraf. Some say the court has bent over backwards Following Rowhani’s election victory servative websites, and state television agreement, following up on November’s to accommodate the demands of Musharraf by giving last June, many Iranians expressed ran a report about his Western attire interim accord. him every possible right to due process and a fair trial. hopes he would allow greater politi- on Feb. 14. The next day, Hesamodin The same day, the International However, there is also a less cal and cultural freedoms. While his Ashna, a close Rowhani aide, wrote Atomic Energy Agency reported that generous view: the court, in government has won limited sanctions a public letter to the head of Islamic Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched to Former army endlessly delaying even the relief as part Republic of Iran Broadcasting, 20 percent — its most sensitive nuclear of November’s who’s appointed by Supreme Leader material — had fallen since the deal chief’s demand indictment of Musharraf, is interim nuclear Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, denying last year. The nation was also found to giving a high-profile accused a deal, he has had that Sariolghalam was ever an official have abided by its agreement to stop to be tried special treatment. This week, little success on adviser. installing additional centrifuges, halt under military The trial has been going Rowhani lost a the domestic Ashna’s intervention prompted work at its Arak reactor and increase on for some time and it’s front. protests from journalists and blog- cooperation with the agency. “Rowhani may gers. Some, like former vice president On this issue too, Rowhani is being jurisdiction time for the special court to key foreign policy have won the Mohammad Ali Abtahi, wondered if challenged by the Revolutionary has been expedite the hearing and give adviser, for the majority of the Ashna had missed a chance to push Guards. A week before the nuclear turned down a verdict, though the progress offence of wearing vote, but the pub- cultural freedoms. “If only he had the talks, the Guards tested a new gen- the court has made so far is a tie at Davos, and lic’s say in run- courage to say ‘what’s wrong with eration of ballistic missiles. That was in a welcome ning the country wearing a tie, that we need such a big in defiance of an order from Rowhani’s commendable. That a civilian saw the judiciary, development. court can decide to try a former is still very lim- debate,’” Abtahi wrote on his Facebook government to postpone the annual which is controlled ited,” said Alireza page. test, said Ali Alfoneh, a senior fellow army chief after an elected Nader, senior Thursday, Iranian authorities shut at the Washington-based Foundation civilian government carries out by hardliners, shut analyst at Rand Aseman, a reformist newspaper, less for the Defence of Democracies. an independent investigation down a reformist Corp. than a week after its debut, after it “The IRGC’s positions are consist- is a significant step forward for Pakistan’s transition to On the cam- published comments critical of the ently at odds with the stated goals democracy and civilian supremacy. These are great gains newspaper that paign trail Islamic law of Qasas, or retribution. of Rowhani’s diplomatic initiatives,” and these gains should not be squandered away with an had supported his Rowhani prom- The newspaper was banned for Alfoneh said in a report. ised to improve “spreading lies and insulting Islam,” the Even as Foreign Minister Mohammad inordinate delay in giving a verdict. Musharraf has been government. Iran’s economy by official IRNA news agency said, citing Javad Zarif was negotiating in Vienna, using every weapon within his means to delay the trial ending its global Tehran’s prosecutor’s office. Khamenei issued an order on February and escape the clutches of the law and he has succeeded to isolation, and has That was a reference to an article in 19 for all government branches to create some extent. At the same time, the special court has been made limited progress. Inflation eased Aseman by a political science profes- an “economy of resistance” to counter treading cautiously. It’s fully aware of the importance of to 30 percent in December, from a peak sor which described the eye-for-an-eye the sanctions. Khamenei has repeatedly of 45 percent last year, as Rowhani’s Islamic punishment as “inhumane.” said he doubted if the nuclear talks will the man under trial and is giving him enough freedom. election spurred a rebound in the cur- Aseman, a weekly paper for two succeed. It’s also remarkable that the army has been keeping a rency. The International Monetary years before its rebranding as a daily “The real problem is a political sys- distance from the trial and hasn’t upset the democratic Fund predicts growth of between 1 per- this month, is the second newspaper tem in which the highest powers, the applecart. As long as the trial is seen as just and its verdict cent and 2 percent in the Iranian year to be shut since Rowhani took office Supreme Leader, the Guards, and the in accordance with the law, there will be broad support starting next month, after two years in late August. Bahar was closed in clergy, are unelected and unaccount- from the military and the Pakistani public to the verdict. of contraction. October after critics said it misrep- able,” Rand’s Nader said. The president’s latest setback resented Islamic history. Neshat, a WP-BLOOMBERG It’s up to the court to act fast. The other side Quote of Attracting FDI into Saudi Arabia the day

HE drive to attract foreign probably with a Saudi partner. Other an international investor commits to manufacturers want. Once typically direct investment (FDI) into investments, generally through the a Saudi project is technology. It is Swiss or German, there are now major the Kingdom is about a great capital markets, are of shorter dura- the transfer of technology, most typi- Asian manufacturers whose machine Tdeal more than money. Of tion. Indeed they may be held for no cally in manufacturing processes, that tools are breaking new ground in manu- course, given the continuing flow more than days, even hours. These is often the key to a deal. The busi- facturing processes.’ This is a Ukraine of government surpluses, the high amount to speculation, which of itself ness of manufacturing is a constant Now when a foreign manufacturer profitability of Saudi businesses and the is not necessarily bad. Speculators can ferment of innovation, as companies sets up in the Kingdom, it is very likely of different people. substantial domestic funds looking for add volume and liquidity to a market in seek better ways to do things more to be bringing a degree of new technol- a profitable investment return, money good times. However, as Turkey is cur- cheaply, faster or in ways that have ogy, which will underpin the success The ones who is, by and large, the least of the issues rently finding out to its cost, when times never been attempted before. It is not of the venture. The direct investment that is on anyone’s mind when they go are difficult foreign indirect investment just about robotics, though this mat- here in Saudi Arabia is probably being died on Maidan out to seek foreign capital. can vanish with the speed of morning ters increasingly in sectors such as the made because the foreign company are our liberators, There are however two critical extra dew. Its disappearance drives down automotive industry. One of the most sees that, because the Kingdom is the inputs that come with direct foreign stock market indexes and generally important and little considered areas of regional economic powerhouse, it can our heroes for investment, by which is meant the allo- adds to the sudden lack of confidence innovation is the machine tool industry. reach new markets, not least in the Yulia Tymoshenko cation of capital on a long-term basis to in a country’s capital markets. These are the companies that make Kingdom itself and elsewhere in the centuries. Ukrainian Opposition a project that will be undertaken, very The first important element when the machines that make the things that GCC. ARAB NEWS Leader SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2014 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 What peace if Ukrainians are gearing for war?

shaped by which part of the country The fact that they’re from. And since these views are strongly reinforced by geopolitics, lan- Ukrainians in the guage and economics, the differences are not momentary, but deeply rooted. That Eastern Ukrainians aren’t taking East haven’t taken to the streets in defence of the govern- ment is about as meaningful as the fact to the streets in his that Richard Nixon’s “silent majority” of disgruntled conservatives in the United States didn’t take to the streets to dem- defence means that onstrate against 1960s radicals. To emphasise these complexities is they tacitly approve not -- as some would claim -- to deny Ukraine’s viability as a state. Nor does it imply that Ukraine ought to be carved of the opposition’s up into constituent units. Ukraine is per- fectly capable of continuing its existence handling of events. as a state if it can find an institutional framework that will take its political diversity into account -- instead of lurch- BY CHRISTIAN CARYL ing from one crisis to the next as it has over the past 15 years. Ukraine’s regional differences do, how- hursday’s news from Ukraine ever, mean that we should take the possi- was horrific. Government bility of civil conflict seriously. Reporters People attend a funeral service for two anti-government protesters who were killed after days of violence in Kiev yesterday. security forces gunned down in Kiev have already described the rise of dozens of protestors on the quasi-military “self-defence units” among streets of Kiev. There was Kiev as “a disgrace.” won with 49 percent over main rival to count on core support of some 30-40 the protesters. What has gone largely Ttalk of civil war. Friday dawned in a “If they go on for another two weeks,” Yulia Tymoshenko, who garnered 45 per- percent of the Ukrainian electorate. I unremarked is the rise of similar para- somewhat more hopeful mood. Three Chernov commented, “there will be no cent.) His political machine, the Party doubt this will change even if Yanukovich military groups in the East. As this map European Union negotiators announced pensions, no wages, the whole economy of Regions, increased its support among resigns from the presidency. by political observer Sergii Gorbachev that they had agreed with President will collapse.” Then there was Tatiana the electorate enough to win parliamen- Some observers argue that the long- shows, Yanukovich’s political machine has Viktor Yanukovich on a deal to end the Orekhova, a professor of economics at tary elections in 2012. It may well be that standing regional divides are exagger- been busily standing up “militia units” crisis. Meanwhile, many members of Donetsk University: “Now we have to those who supported Yanukovich then no ated or “oversimplified.” They say that throughout the East, sometimes with Yanukovich’s ruling party abandoned take a break and seek a compromise longer do, especially now that he’s shown Ukrainians are unified in their desire to overt ties to local gangland structures. parliament, handing over effective con- that balances our ties with Europe and himself willing to kill his compatriots. vanquish the corruption and authori- Here, for example, is a Russian- trol to the opposition, who immediately with Russia. . . . We need both markets, There are many indications that his tarianism embodied by the president. language interview with one ex-convict began to put their own policies into effect. and the protesters’ slogans provide no legitimacy is ebbing by the day. According to this interpretation, the who’s setting up his own pro-Yanukovich I hope that everything ends well. I have answers.” But his party isn’t going to disappear Ukrainian people are entirely unanimous militia in the Eastern city of Kharkov. He to confess, though, that I’m inclined to Now it’s possible that Chernov and even if the president leaves the scene. in their struggle against the arrogance of won’t say how many members the new be sceptical, since many protestors are Orekhova are ill-informed, or members That’s because it has deep roots in the one man: Yanukovich. By this logic, the group has, but he’s quite open about its unlikely to accept an agreement that of some stubborn, irrelevant minority, East. The Ukrainians who voted for fact that Ukrainians in the East haven’t aims: “I’m preparing my population and leaves Yanukovich in power. But for the or in the pay of Vladimir Putin. But I’m Yanukovich aren’t going anywhere, and taken to the streets in his defence means my people for war.” moment, the president is on the defensive inclined to doubt it. That Ukraine trades I’m really not convinced that they side that they tacitly approve of the opposi- In any case, acknowledging the exist- and his supporters are on the run. heavily with both Europe and Russia is with the protesters in the centre of Kiev. tion’s handling of events. ing divides, rather than trying to wish Is this the full story, though? I wonder. objectively true; some 60 percent of the A poll published earlier this month by If this view is correct, removing them away, is the first step to develop- A few weeks ago two Reuters journal- country’s trade goes to the republics of the respected Ukrainian pollster SOCIS Yanukovich will solve everything. As soon ing viable reforms. I’m glad to hear that ists published a report that looked into the former USSR, and most of its manu- showed that Yanukovich still enjoyed the as he’s gone, Ukraine can move forward there is once again talk of constitutional Ukraine’s regional divides. In the city factured exports come from the heav- highest approval rating of any potential to the wholehearted embrace of Western change in Kiev, and that many members of Lviv, in Western Ukraine, they found ily industrialised East. Many Eastern candidate for the presidency (about 21 norms. Corruption will evaporate. Those of the political elite understand that a plenty of people who approved wholeheart- Ukrainians have close personal ties with percent). To be sure, the combined forces Ukrainians who want to maintain closer new system is needed. The first purpose edly of the anti-government protests, and Russia and other ex-Soviet territories. of the opposition would still be enough to ties with Russia will quietly acquiesce. of any such reform should be to limit the who wanted to see Ukraine firmly in the Europe is far away. And as for corruption beat him (assuming they could agree on a Everything will be fine. powers of the president and give greater Western camp. But in Yanukovich’s home -- well, is the opposition really immune? common candidate, hardly a given in the This is wishful thinking. The fact of powers to parliament. Believing in the city of Donetsk, in the East, the reporters In 2010, there were enough Ukrainians highly fractious world of Ukrainian poli- the matter is that Ukrainians have deeply myth of happy national unity despite all came across a steelworker named Viktor like these to give Yanukovich a victory tics). Over the years, though, presidential divergent views on the future of the coun- evidence to the contrary, however, is not Chernov, who described the turmoil in in that year’s presidential election. (He candidates from the East have been able try, and that these views are strongly the way to go. WP-BLOOMBERG Yes, Obama will use force against Iran Church is angry about felt that it could push toward the attacks on the poor It’s a mistake nuclear threshold without mili- BY GILES FRASER tary consequence, it might be to assume that more tempted to do so. It is not making that push for a reason. hy are we so angry? By we, I mean the clergy. Because Much of the world has decided this is what the government has been hearing via our because he — based on Obama’s last- minute bishops and archbishops over the past few days. So let decision not to launch attacks on Wme explain. would not act Bashar Assad’s forces in response Apparently, benefit cuts are popular with the electorate. The idea to the widespread use of chemical has been sold to the public that there is a whole class of scroungers weapons against Syrian civilians which prefers to lounge around on the sofa all day, watching telly, against one — that there is no way Obama smoking spliffs and drinking lager. Going out and getting a job makes would use force against Iran’s little economic sense to such people. They are lazy and dissolute. An threat he won’t weapons of mass destruction insult to hard-working families everywhere. And nobody likes to have facilities. This is an unfortunate the piss taken out of them, which is what the sofa-lolling brigade have extrapolation and is apparently been doing to the rest of us. The “moral” case for benefit cuts is an act against one that the Iranians have not attempt to re-establish a culture of personal responsibility. It is an made. attack on the feckless. another. Samore, who was the most We are angry because this is such a distorted picture, an extrapola- militant White House official on tion from a tiny number of cases into some sort of general rule. And BY JEFFREY GOLDBERG the subject of Iranian intentions, this rule is now being used to disparage a whole class of vulnerable thinks the regime has a better people whose greatest crime in life is to find themselves struggling to understanding of Obama than get by in the chill winds of a financial climate that was absolutely not question I’m frequently some of his domestic critics do. of their making. asked — several times “I haven’t seen the Iranians draw Since Christmas, my church has turned itself into a homeless shel- a week during peri- the conclusion from the Syria epi- ter once a week. Volunteers cook large batches of shepherd’s pie for Aods when the Obama sode that they believe they can hungry people who have been wandering the streets most of the day. administration is especially do anything,” he told me. “They We provide a warm bed and a safe place to hang out for the evening. focused on achieving a diplo- haven’t advanced their nuclear Camp beds are set up in the nave of the church. And bacon rolls and US President Barack Obama matic solution to the Iranian programme. They’ve pulled it porridge are provided for breakfast. nuclear crisis — goes something back.” Samore believes that Unfortunately, business is thriving. There is a waiting list for beds. like this: “Do you still believe that nuclear finish line. But there are mountain, as it succeeded in doing the Iranian Supreme Leader, Homelessness has risen 60 percent in London over the past two years. there are circumstances in which certainly circumstances — two at the Fordow site, near Qom. The Ayatollah Khamenei, is “trying to And half a million people now rely on food banks. President Obama would use mili- immediately come to mind — in regime understands that the dis- avoid actions that he thinks would It’s not just churches that are volunteering in this way. And many tary force to stop Iran from gain- which I think he would use force covery of a facility could be cata- trigger an American attack. He who help out with us are not themselves religious. But given the local ing a nuclear weapon, given that to prevent the Middle East from strophic. But it’s within the realm can reasonably anticipate, for nature of the parish system, and given that churches have an outpost [choose one, or more] he didn’t falling into a destructive spiral of of possibility. instance, that kicking out the in every community in this country, the clergy are uniquely positioned enforce his own chemical weapons nuclear proliferation. Second, like Gary Samore, inspectors would dramatically to understand the effect that financial cuts are having on the ground. red line on Syria; he’s so eager for First, if Iran were discovered to Obama’s former Iran nuclear increase the risk of US attacks.” And what makes many of us so bloody angry is that the reality of what any sort of substantial achieve- have built, or be building, a hidden specialist, I think it is more Just this week, the United is happening is not being acknowledged by politicians in government. ment in the Middle East that he’s enrichment facility, this would likely that the regime would try Nations atomic energy agency They don’t feel the need to face this reality because the war against ready to make a bad deal with likely trigger a military response to sneak across the finish line reported that Iran’s stockpile of the scroungers is so popular. the Iranians; he’s abandoning from the United States. This than make an overt dash for it. uranium gas enriched to 20 per- So long as the right wing press keeps stoking our sense of indignation the US’s Sunni and Jewish allies is not an implausible scenario: An overt dash would mean the cent purity has decreased in size at those who exploit the system, the government has little incentive in the Middle East in favour of Iran has already built two secret expulsion of international weap- dramatically for the first time in to admit the much wider reality that austerity is turning pockets of Iran’s Shia; he is himself secretly nuclear facilities — subsequently ons inspectors and a fairly obvi- four years. This does not suggest Britain into wastelands of hopelessness. The scrounger tag has become a Shia, through a distant relative discovered by Iranian dissidents ous push to enrich uranium to that the Iranians have suddenly a way to blame the poor for their poverty. How convenient. Those who on his mother’s side?” and by the West — at Natanz and weapons-grade levels. Iran, at decided to embrace compre- created this financial crisis have got away scot free, protected by their The answer is, yes, I still believe at Fordow. The discovery of these this moment, could do this in a hensive denuclearisation. But it money and their lobbying power. So now we blame the poor, a much that there are circumstances in facilities led to heightened sanc- fairly short period of time, but I does mean, as Samore suggests, easier target. which Obama would use force tions, but not to military action. think initiating this dash would that the regime has a reasonable David Cameron, in responding to the churches, has insisted that to stop Iran from gaining pos- At this late stage, though, par- also trigger an immediate Obama understanding of Obama’s “red his is a moral vision too. But no moral vision worthy of the name can session of a nuclear weapon. It’s ticularly when Iran has prom- response. lines.” remain indifferent to the hunger and homelessness of others. This is no secret that he prefers a diplo- ised to negotiate in good faith, Obama will probably not face Like many people, I wish that morality 101. Indeed, far from operating out of a moral instinct, the matic solution (one brought about the discovery of a third such either of these scenarios. The Obama had been tougher, earlier, government has poisoned the wells of public sympathy by amplifying by a crippling sanctions regime he facility would prove once and for Iranian regime is most likely too on the Assad regime. But it’s a a fear that vulnerable people are actually sniggering cheats. orchestrated with significant help all that the regime is intent on smart to provoke him, either by mistake to assume that because he Nothing about this shameless sleight of hand is moral. In fact, it’s from Congress) to this problem. It sneaking across the nuclear fin- sneaking around or breaking out. would not act against one threat right out of the bullying handbook. Maybe – just maybe – he is feel- is also no secret that he believes a ish line and would most likely The goal of the regime continues he won’t act against another — ing a little bit guilty about all of this. And we often blame those who military strike might have unin- force an Obama response. I don’t to be to escape the burden of particularly one he has defined make us feel guilty. Or we just ignore them. It’s so much easier than tended consequences that could think it’s probable that Iran is sanctions while maintaining the as the most important national admitting our own responsibility for the misery of others. No, prime actually lead to a redoubling of building a large-scale secret ura- infrastructure of a nuclear pro- security challenge facing the US. minister: this is not moral – it’s a national scandal. the Iranian effort to cross the nium enrichment facility inside a gramme. However, if the regime WP-BLOOMBERG THE GUARDIANS SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2014 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL

Mexican drug Parliament removes Yanukovich kingpin Guzman Ukraine opposition leader Tymoshenko walks free from prison; election set for May 25 captured WASHINGTON/MEXICO: KIEV: Ukraine’s parliament In a television interview which Mexico’s most wanted man, voted yesterday to remove the station said was also con- drug kingpin Joaquin “Shorty” President Viktor Yanukovich, ducted in Kharkiv, Yanukovich Guzman, has been captured in who abandoned his Kiev office said he would not resign or leave Mexico by US and Mexican law to protesters and denounced the country, and called decisions enforcement officials, sources what he described as a coup by parliament “illegal”. said yesterday, in what would after a week of fighting in the “The events witnessed by our mark a major coup in a grisly streets of the capital. country and the whole world are fight against drug gangs. Parliament also freed his arch- an example of a coup d’etat,” he A US government source, who nemesis, former prime minister said, comparing it to the rise of the spoke on condition of anonymity, Yulia Tymoshenko, who walked Nazis to power in Germany in the said Guzman had been captured, free from the hospital where 1930s. He said he had also come without elaborating. A Mexican she had been jailed, completing under fire. “My car was shot at. I security source confirmed the a radical transformation in the am not afraid. I feel sorrow for my capture, saying it took place in former Soviet republic of 46 mil- country,” he told UBR television. Mazatlan, a seaside resort in lion people. Despite his defiance, the dis- Guzman’s northwestern home The apparent toppling of the mantling of his authority seemed state of Sinaloa. pro-Russian leader after blood- all but complete, with his cabinet In Mexico City, presidential shed in Kiev that saw 77 peo- promising a transition to a new spokesman Eduardo Sanchez ple killed and the centre of the government, the police declaring said authorities have “captured capital transformed into a blaz- themselves behind the protesters an individual in Sinaloa (state)” ing inferno, looks likely to pull and his arch-rival Tymoshenko whose identity had not been Ukraine away from Moscow’s going free. confirmed. orbit and closer to Europe. The newly-installed interior Local television broadcast a It is also a stark reversal for minister declared that the police photograph of a man it said was Russian President Vladimir now stood with demonstrators detained in the operation, who Putin’s dream of recreating as they had fought for days, when bears a resemblance to Guzman. much as possible of the Soviet central Kiev became a war zone. The man had a small black mous- Union in a new Eurasian Union, At the president’s head- tache, and was shirtless. There in which Moscow had counted on quarters, Ostap Kryvdyk, who were no apparent signs of violence. Yanukovich to deliver Ukraine as described himself as a protest Guzman, known as “El Chapo” a central member. commander, said some protest- (Shorty) in Spanish, runs Mexico’s Members of the Ukrainian ers had entered the offices but infamous Sinaloa Cartel and was parliament, which decisively there was no looting. “We will even included on a Forbes’ list of abandoned Yanukovich after guard the building until the next An opposition party member addresses the crowd outside the Ukrainian parliament in Kiev yesterday. billionaires. The cartel has been this week’s bloodshed, stood, president comes,” he told Reuters. fighting a brutal war with other applauded and sang the national “Yanukovich will never be back.” Radoslaw Sikorski, who negoti- and fully shares their strong concessions in the deal brokered gangs over turf and drug-traffick- anthem after it declared the pres- The grounds of Yanukovich’s ated concessions from Yanukovich desire for speedy change”. by European diplomats on Friday ing routes to the United States. ident constitutionally unable to residence outside Kiev were also with other European Union for- “The organs of the Interior after days of street battles that saw The US had placed a $5m bounty carry out his duties and set an being guarded by “self-defence” eign ministers in a deal on Friday, Ministry have crossed to the side police snipers gun down protesters. on Guzman’s head and authorities early election for May 25. militia of protesters. said the changes were not a coup, of the protesters, the side of the But the deal, which called for in Chicago last year dubbed him Moments later, opposition “The cabinet of ministers and and that the government build- people,” new Interior Minister early elections by the end of the the city’s first Public Enemy No.1 leader Tymoshenko waved to ministry of finance are working ings had been abandoned. Arsen Avakov told Ukraine’s year, was not enough to satisfy since gangster Al Capone. Nearly supporters from a car as she normally,” the cabinet said in a Ukrainian military and police Channel 5 TV. pro-Europe demonstrators on 80,000 people have died in drug- was driven out of the hospital in statement. “The current govern- leaders said they would not get Yanukovich, who enraged much Independence Square, known as the related killings in Mexico since the northeastern city if Kharkiv, ment will provide a fully respon- involved in any internal conflict. of the population by turning away Maidan, or “Euro-Maidan”, who former president Felipe Calderon where she has been treated for a sible transfer of power under the The interior ministry responsi- from the European Union to cul- wanted Yanukovich out immedi- sent in the army in 2007 to quell bad back while serving a seven- constitution and legislation.” ble for the police said it served tivate closer relations with Russia ately in the wake of the bloodletting. the powerful drug bosses. year sentence since 2011. Polish Foreign Minister “exclusively the Ukrainian people three months ago, made sweeping IANS REUTERS

Spanish judge summons monitors Centre-left leader Renzi takes over as Italy prime minister over ETA contacts ROME: Italian centre-left With an average age under 48, past decade. Business and union Party (PD) only in December, with the small centre-right NCD leader Matteo Renzi took office the 16-member cabinet is one leaders have repeatedly warned forced his party rival Enrico Letta party on which he will depend for MADRID: A judge in Spain yesterday as his country’s of the smallest and youngest in that the government must take to resign last week after repeat- a majority remains unchanged yesterday summoned interna- youngest prime minister, fac- recent Italian history. Half its urgent action to save Italy’s ailing edly attacking him for not moving from the one which hampered tional monitors who met with ing pressure to show immediate members are women, the highest industry with tens of thousands of more quickly on economic reforms. Letta’s efforts at reform and the armed Basque separatists results after he forced out his proportion ever, underlining the companies going out of business The new prime minister has he faces a fractious parliament ETA for questioning over the predecessor over the slow pace image of a fresh start on which and millions put out of work. laid out an ambitious agenda for which has proved difficult for past whereabouts of the group’s fugi- of economic reforms. Renzi has built his reputation. “The responsibility is enormous his first months in office, prom- governments to control. tive members, a court source The 39-year-old Renzi has But he faces a huge challenge and this must not fail,” said Rocco ising a sweeping overhaul of the The newly installed cabinet met said. named a low-profile list of min- with the eurozone’s third largest Palombella, secretary general of electoral and constitutional sys- for the first time on Saturday and Judge Ismael Moreno at isters with a mix of politicians economy struggling to emerge the UILM union, which repre- tem to give Italy more stable gov- Renzi is expected to go before the the National Court in Madrid and technocrats which included from its worst slump since World sents workers in the engineering ernments in future and reforms Senate tomorrow for the first of “summoned the six verifiers no figures capable of challenging War Two, weighed down by a sector. “If it does, there will be no to the labour and tax systems two parliamentary confidence votes as witnesses”, the source said, his control of the government. Its two trillion euro ($2.75 trillion) appeal,” he said in a statement. as well as the bloated public next week where he will give more referring to the members of success or failure will therefore be public debt and an industrial Renzi, who won the leadership administration. detail on his policy programme. the International Verification seen as his responsibility alone. base that has crumbled over the of the centre-left Democratic However, the unwieldy coalition REUTERS Commission. The commission, which includes an Indian, a Sri Lankan, a Briton and a South African, on Friday announced it had verified that ETA had given up a cache of More protests as Maduro weapons as the first step towards disarmament. It has been monitoring a cease- fire by ETA but is not recognised calls for talks with US by the Spanish government, which insists ETA disband with- CARACAS: Opponents of proven oil reserves, but under out conditions. Venezuela’s leftist government Maduro and his predecessor, the The commission released a prepared for a mass protest late Hugo Chavez the economy video filmed last month of masked rally in Caracas yesterday, one has tailspinned, street crime is ETA members presenting the day after President Nicolas out of control, and corruption is weapons cache to two members of Maduro issued a surprise call widespread. Maduro’s government the commission in an undisclosed for talks with the United States. warned it would cut off petrol sup- location in the Basque Country. At least nine people have plies to restless areas. been killed, 104 injured and 137 Capriles, who lost last year’s Pope Francis arrested in weeks of street dem- presidential election to Maduro onstrations that begin peacefully by a razor-thin margin, is again inducts new and often turn violent, according in the limelight following the to government figures. Tuesday arrest of another oppo- cardinals Pro-government “Chavista sition leader, 42 year-old Leopoldo women” are also scheduled to Lopez, on charges of instigating VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis march “against fascism” yester- violence, property damage and urged 19 freshman cardinals to day in Caracas. While pro- and criminal association. shun rivalries and factions at anti-government groups will On Friday, Maduro challenged an induction ceremony yester- march in a different part of town, Obama to meet him for talks. “I day where his scandal-plagued A computer generated image made available by the British Ministry of Defence yesterday shows the Royal Navy’s violence could erupt if they meet call a dialogue with you, President predecessor, pope Benedict, new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. at any point. Obama... between the patriotic made a surprise appearance. Henrique Capriles, Governor and revolutionary Venezuela and It was the first time Benedict of Miranda state and the main the United States and its govern- attended a papal rite since his Queen to name warship Queen Elizabeth opposition leader, has called on ment,” he said. resignation a year ago. His pres- marchers to focus on demanding “Accept the challenge and we ence offered the remarkable scene that authorities disarm pro-gov- will start a high-level dialogue of a former pope, a reigning pope LONDON: Queen Elizabeth Thousands are expected to line historic day, not just for the ernment “collectives” blamed for and put the truth on the table,” and a potentially future pope in St II will officially name Britain’s the banks of the Firth of Forth for Royal Navy but for the entire attacking demonstrators. Maduro told a news conference Peter’s Basilica at the same time. biggest ever warship, the HMS the event, including the workers nation,” Defence Secretary Philip Maduro, who denies any links with foreign reporters. Sixteen of the new appointees Queen Elizabeth, at a ceremony who helped to build it. More than Hammond said. to the armed groups, says the Caracas and Washington have are “cardinal electors” who will in July, the Ministry of Defence 7,000 people in more than 100 “It is great news that Her protests are part of a “coup d’etat not exchanged ambassadors since join 106 existing cardinals who are announced yesterday. companies around Britain have Majesty will officially name the in development” instigated by their respective envoys were also under 80 and thus eligible to The monarch will give the played a hand in its construction. first aircraft carrier Her Majesty’s Washington and conservative ex- withdrawn in 2010. Venezuela has enter a conclave to elect a pope 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier a The dock will be flooded later Ship Queen Elizabeth. Colombian president Alvaro Uribe. expelled eight US diplomats over from among their own ranks. They traditional champagne christen- in July so the 920-foot long ship “This occasion will mark a major The protests began on February the past year, including three on come from Italy, Germany, Britain, ing at the Rosyth dockyard near can be floated for the first time. milestone in regenerating the UK’s 2 in the western city of San February 16. Nicaragua, Canada, Ivory Coast, Edinburgh on July 4 to mark its Sea trials are expected to aircraft carrier fleet and its power Cristobal led by students angry Oil-rich Venezuela’s main cus- Brazil, Argentina, South Korea, completion. begin in 2017, with flight trials of projection capability, with the first over the soaring crime rate. tomer for its key export is the US, Chile, Burkina Faso, the Philippines The ship is named after both Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning Lightning II aircraft due to begin Protests quickly spread to Caracas yet Venezuela’s relations with the and Haiti. The non-electors come the 87-year-old monarch and II stealth multi-role fighters flight trials off the deck of HMS and other major cities, and inten- US, long strained under Chavez, from Italy, Spain and Saint Lucia. England’s Queen Elizabeth I, who starting the following year. Queen Elizabeth in 2018.” sified over the past two weeks. have worsened under Maduro. AGENCIES reigned from 1558 to 1603. “This will be a proud and AFP Venezuela has the world’s largest AFP SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2014 ASIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 China, Japan must talk to avoid errors US reinforces importance of dialogue and discussion between the two on Senkaku Islands: US

BEIJING: US Army Chief of Last February, Japan accused conducting “a short sharp war Staff Ray Odierno yesterday a Chinese frigate of directing to destroy Japanese forces in the said Beijing and Tokyo must a weapon-targeting radar at a East China Sea”. enhance communication to Japanese warship in the East Odierno, however, dismissed avoid “miscalculations” amid a China Sea. such reports when asked to simmering territorial dispute “We do have a treaty with comment. over islands in the East China Japan, a defence treaty, but the “I’ve seen no indications of that Sea. most important piece is that we at all,” he said. Odierno, a four star general, in fact emphasise the importance Odierno was scheduled for spoke during a visit to China of this continued dialogue to solve more talks yesterday, travelling where he has held talks with mili- this problem,” Odierno said. to China’s Shenyang Military tary officials aimed at establish- Dialogue between China and Region, which borders North ing a formal high-level dialogue Japan, however, has come to a Korea. between the US and Chinese virtual standstill as the island “For me, we had frank, honest, armies in the coming months. dispute has intensified. important discussions about secu- “We reinforced the impor- China’s President Xi Jinping rity, stability in the Asia-Pacific tance of dialogue and discussion and Japanese Prime Minister region” as well as beyond, he said between the Japanese and the Shinzo Abe have never held a for- of discussions in Beijing. Chinese regarding this issue,” mal bilateral summit, only short But Odierno emphasised that Odierno told reporters. “We have encounters at global and regional the talks centred on establishing to be careful and ensure that meetings. “army-to-army dialogue” and there are no miscalculations along The prospects for dialogue were spurred by meetings held the way.” dimmed further in December between Xi and President Barack Tokyo and Beijing are locked when Abe visited Tokyo’s Obama last year. in a bitter territorial row over Yasukuni Shrine which honours “Our visit has really focused on Japan-controlled Senkaku Islands Japan’s war dead including con- this dialogue and really working in the East China Sea which victed war criminals who were through our future military-to- China also claims and calls the executed at the end of World military relationship,” he said. Diaoyu. War II. Admiral Samuel Locklear, the Tensions between the two Beijing views the shrine as a top US commander in the Pacific, nations dramatically intensified symbol of Japanese war-time expressed concern last month US Army Chief of Staff General Ray Odierno (left) presents a West Point cadet miniature to Peking University after Japan nationalised some of militarism and Tokyo’s lack of that he has no direct line to his President Wang Enge during their meeting at Peking University in Beijing on Friday. the islands in September 2012, repentance for atrocities com- counterpart in China in the case with ships and aircraft from mitted in the last century. of a crisis in the region. both countries regularly patrol- On Wednesday, Japan’s Jiji The United States and China In December, a US-guided mis- Odierno said that greater “Throughout history miscal- ling waters around the contested Press quoted Captain James agreed to set up a direct tele- sile warship, the Cowpens, had to familiarity will lessen the chance culation is what’s caused conflict. territory. Fanell, intelligence chief for the phone link between the two coun- make a sharp turn to avoid col- of problems down the line. And our goal is to do all we can The dispute has also on occa- US Pacific Fleet, as telling a tries’ defence ministries in 2008 liding with a Chinese naval ship “I think that enables you to to make sure that we don’t have sion come perilously close to boil- forum that China has tasked its -- but it has yet to be tested in an that cut in front of it, according reduce the risk of miscalculation,” miscaclulation.” ing over into armed clashes. military to become capable of emergency. to the Pentagon. he said. AFP

Rallyists return SIM card linked Bhutan now a techno to Thai PM Beijing security head detained BANGKOK: Some Thai SHANGHAI: China has launched a sweeping crackdown accusations of corruption against anti-government protesters detained the head of Beijing’s on corruption since taking power, him. Zhou was a member of vanguard, says PM followed the advice of their state security bureau as part of warning that the problem is a the party’s Politburo Standing leader yesterday, shunning a wider investigation into pow- threat to the Communist Party’s Committee - the apex of power THIMPHU: It was the world’s the kind of pollution pervasive products of firms linked to erful ex-domestic security chief very survival. The newspaper said - and held the immensely power- last hold-out against television elsewhere in South Asia. the family of Prime Minister Zhou Yongkang, the New York the investigation into Liang was in ful post of security tsar until he and is regarded by travellers as Tobgay said Bhutan would Yingluck Shinawatra and Times said yesterday. connection with allegations of cor- retired in 2012. The government a Himalayan Shangri-La. never allow its environment to handing back cellphone SIM Liang Ke, director of the ruption and his dealing with Zhou, has not yet announced an official But Bhutan’s decision to make become a victim of economic cards. The protesters blocked Beijing Municipal Bureau of 71, who is the most senior Chinese investigation into him. itself the poster boy for electric growth -- an important princi- main Bangkok intersec- State Security, was taken into politician to be caught up in a graft The investigation into Zhou transport is further proof of its ple of Gross National Happiness tions with tents, tyres and custody last month by the anti- scandal since the Communist Party has been gaining traction, with willingness to embrace technol- (GNH). “Growth is important but sandbags, seeking to unseat corruption watchdog, the Central swept to power in 1949. a number of close allies coming ogy as part of its unique Gross it should be balanced with other Yingluck. Commission for Discipline “The official message sent down under scrutiny. Ji Wenlin, one of National Happiness development aspects of life including culture, This week, they targeted busi- Inspection, sources told the news- was that Liang Ke was suspected his former aides, is being inves- model, says its prime minister. spirituality, heritage and sustain- nesses linked, or once linked, to paper. State media on Friday of corruption,” one of the sources, tigated for corruption, the anti- After signing a deal with able development,” said the prime the Shinawatra family, sending announced that Liang had been identified only as a former secu- graft watchdog said this week. Nissan on Friday to import a fleet minister. stock prices tumbling. Some replaced, but gave no reason for rity official, told the paper. “But Several of Zhou’s political allies of battery-powered compact cars “During the development of the protesters answered leader the move or other details. as well, Liang Ke was detained are being investigated, including to the remote Himalayan nation, last 30-40 years, we placed a lot of Suthep Thaugsuban’s call to Sources said last month that because he is suspected of assist- former Vice Minister of Public Tshering Tobgay said Bhutan was emphasis to promote the environ- return their SIM cards belong- investigators had questioned ing Zhou Yongkang beyond Security Li Dongsheng and Jiang happy to be at the technological ment, clean industries. ing to mobile phone company more than a dozen senior officials, approved means and channels.” Jiemin, the top regulator of state- vanguard. “Technology is not “We are looking to become 100 Advanced Info Service Pcl (AIS). including the country’s top pros- Zhou reportedly had been owned enterprises for just five destructive. It’s good and can con- percent organic, (although) it The company promptly sent ecutor, about their links to Zhou. placed under virtual house arrest months until September. tribute to prosperity for Bhutan,” will take some time. And we are a text message to clients saying President Xi Jinping has while the party investigated REUTERS the prime minister said. looking to develop a zero emission it no longer had any connection It was not always thus. The goal. This formulates a narrative with the Shinawatra family. tiny kingdom was famously the of Bhutan, about what Bhutan is Aunjit Wongsampan, 65, Vessel runs aground last country to ever get television, about and where Bhutan wants to lined up in central Bangkok to finally embracing it in 1999, at a go.” Tobgay, who came to power hand in her SIM card. When time when less than a quarter of last July after winning Bhutan’s shown the company’s text mes- households had electricity. second elections, has previously sage, she said: “I don’t believe But it is rapidly shedding its voiced a degree of scepticism them any more. reputation as a technophobe -- it about GNH -- a philosophy origi- now exports electricity thanks to nally espoused by a former king China in talks an ambitious hydropower pro- -- as a distraction from tackling gramme, while smart phones the country’s problems. with Sri Lanka are a common sight, at least on But in his interview, the prime the streets of the sleepy capi- minister said addressing issues COLOMBO: Chinese officials tal Thimpu. “Internet, cellular such as corruption, unemploy- began three days of talks on phones, smartphones, they are ment and the environment would economic cooperation with Sri ubiquitous, you can’t do anything allow Bhutan to practice what it Lanka yesterday, as Beijing without them, now they are preaches. strengthens relations with essential tools,” said Tobgay. “GNH should guide us, this the Indian Ocean island that “Cellular phones became a real- philosophy should not be compro- is a focal point for its regional ity 10 years ago. We adopted it mised,” he said. “But my stance has rivalry with India. very well, almost everybody has been that rather than talking about “This visit will give an added a cellular phone, that’s the reality. the GNH and debate the philoso- impetus to opportunities accru- “Similarly today we launched phy, we have to operationalise it.” ing to Sri Lanka in the context the Nissan Leaf... Our goal is to With a population of just of promoting the country as a make the best of all options,” he 750,000, Bhutan is in many ways regional ‘commercial hub’,” Sri added. a study in contrasts with its giant Lanka’s external affairs minis- Under the deal with Nissan, neighbours India and China, with try said in a statement. dozens of battery-powered Leafs their billion-plus populations and China has increased its should soon be motoring along the mega-cities. investments in Sri Lanka, fund- A cargo ship lies on its side after running aground on rocks off Cheung Chau island in Hong Kong on Friday. streets of Thimpu, helping it avoid AFP ing airports, roads, railways All seventeen crew were rescued from the 90-metre Vietnamese-registered vessel, which was carrying cement and ports, something that has from Nansha to Indonesia. unsettled India, traditionally the closest economic partner of the island of 21 million people. The Chinese delegation Korean families hold tearful farewell in Mt Kumgang visit comes after Sri Lankan Foreign Minister GL Peiris, on a trip to China this month, SEOUL: The joy of being reu- The families, the first of two though direct exchanges of letters cry. Thank you for allowing me together since Thursday, includ- said a feasibility study on a free nited for the first time in dec- batches who are being allowed or telephone calls are prohibited to see you alive and well. Stay ing mass meetings over meals and trade pact “is on the verge of ades turned to grief for North to meet with each other 60 years across the border. healthy,” South Korean Lee a private reunion without media completion” and the deal could and South Korean families yes- after they were torn apart by the As the time for parting ways Myeong-Ho, 82, told his 77-year- TV cameras. be sealed by the end of the year. terday as a rare cross-border chaos of the 1950-1953 Korean drew near, the atmosphere old brother Lee Chol-Ho from the Two other South Koreans had Sri Lanka won China’s diplo- visit ended, with participants War, were given an hour to say became more heated, punctuated North, clutching his hands tightly. to cut their reunions short due matic support in a human right unlikely to ever see their rela- goodbye in a hotel dining room at by bursts of crying. After board- Park Yang-Gon, 53, knelt down to health issues, returning home row this month when Beijing tives again. a North Korean mountain resort. ing their coaches, the departing on the hotel floor and bowed Friday via ambulances, a media voiced support for Colombo In perhaps the most traumatic At the start of yesterday’s South Koreans waved through before his elder brother Yang- pool report said. Tens of millions after the United States said moment of the emotionally- meeting, many were already in closed windows at the loved ones Soo, a South Korean fisherman of people were displaced by the it would table a UN resolu- charged event, 80 elderly South tears, while others forced smiles they were leaving behind in the kidnapped and taken to the North sweep of the Korean War, which tion over human rights on the Koreans and their 174 Northern to hide pent-up emotions. North, displaying written mes- while fishing off the northwestern saw the frontline yo-yo from the island. relatives were separated, many Some took pictures, exchanged sages and forming their hands coast in 1972. south of the peninsula to the AGENCIES at first refusing to let go of their old photos and jotted down into the shapes of hearts. The families had spent a total northern border with China and loved ones’ hands. addresses of their relatives -- even “I’ve been trying hard not to of 11 hours on six occasions back again. AFP SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2014 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PHILIPPINES Australia gives aid to Philippine govt Sydney to provide education sector with Aus$150m

MANILA: Australia is provid- government for the $360m Ninoy The success of the PPP Center ing an additional $2.5m con- Aquino International Airport is serving as a model for the Asia tribution to the Philippines’ Expressway PPP benefited from Pacific Economic Cooperation’s Public-Private Partnership over $1m in Australian funding to pilot PPP Center in Jakarta. (PPP) Center and an Aus$150m facilitate the transaction. “Australia’s partnership with grant to the Department of “Australian support is help- the Philippines is delivering on Education (DepEd) to help the ing the Philippines use PPPs to our commitment of improved agency implement the Enhanced deliver better services to Filipinos infrastructure development and Basic Education Programme or and increase private sector par- sustainable economic growth,” K to 12. ticipation and investment in Bishop said. Australian Foreign Minister major infrastructure projects,” Meanwhile, officials of the Julie Bishop announced Australia’s Bishop said. DepEd and the Australian Agency further support for the Philippine “With dozens of PPP projects for International Development government’s PPP reform agenda in development and continuing (AusAID) signed yesterday the that has helped the PPP Center Australian support, the Aquino Memorandum of Subsidiary deliver five projects worth over administration is well placed to Arrangement for the Basic $1bn. deliver on its commitment to Education Sector Transformation The most recent con- sign 15 PPP contracts by 2016,” (BEST) Programme. Australian FM Julie Bishop (centre) interacts with students during her visit to a school in Mandaluyong City on Friday. tract signed by the Philippine she added. THE PHILIPPINE STAR

Drug dealer dies Philippines: The place where in Basilan raid Bureau of Customs seizes MANILA: Authorities raided yesterday morning an tourists get value for money alleged drug den, resulting to the death of a suspected drug MANILA: The Philippines has goods and services in those places 38 used cars in Cagayan pusher and wounding of two again been recognized as one of can cost up to seven times as policemen in Basilan, local the top 10 places in the world to much as tourists and travellers police said. visit, where tourists get “value would pay in Manila. MANILA: Customs agents taken out of the Freeport in com- last January 3. Elements of the Philippine for their money.” According to CIO Wealth seized 38 used cars as these pliance with a Supreme Court Sevilla said they are still study- National Police (PNP) and the According to an online survey Management Research’s Prices were about to be driven out of ruling. ing several proposals on what to Philippine Drug Enforcement by Huffington Post Travel 2014, and Earnings report, Manila has the Cagayan Special Economic Sevilla said they are still iden- do with the seized vehicles. Agency raided a house of the the Philippines is a top pick for some of the cheapest shopping Zone and Freeport (CSEZF). tifying the people behind the Two options are to destroy the suspected drug pusher at La “bargain hunters, outdoorsy types and upscale dining in the world. These included 2003 and 2005 attempt to bring the cars out of vehicles or to have them publicly Piedad village in Isabela City, and the food obsessed.” “For example, a couple can buy model Hummers H2, a 2000 CSEZF. auctioned, he added. Basilan at around 6.25am local Aside from the Philippines, a new wardrobe there for about Nissan Serena, a 2003 Honda Fit, “Filing an entry declaration is Sevilla said the Tariffs and time, said Chief Inspector Ariel other places that can “deliver big $410 – seven times less than what a 2001 Toyota BB, a 2004 Toyota an indication that you have the Customs Code of the Philippines is Huesca, spokesperson for the but cost little” are Greece; Mexico you have to pay for similar items Sienta, and a 2002 Toyota Alfard. intention of bringing the goods strict on how to dispose of seized Western Mindanao Police City; Bucharest, Romania; India; in Tokyo. And the average cost of Customs Commissioner John into the rest of the Philippines,” cars, when asked if it was possi- Command based in Zamboanga Sofia, Bulgaria; Nicaragua, and a three-course meal in a good res- Sevilla said bringing used vehicles he said. ble to donate them to areas that City. Riga, Latvia. taurant is a mere $18, compared outside the CSEZF is legal. Sevilla said he has sent a team Typhoon Yolanda had devastated. In the brief exchange of According to the same website to about $95 in Geneva or Oslo “It will only become illegal to Port Irene in Cagayan to exam- “It is not in the law,” he said. fires between the law enforc- article, the Philippines is one of (two of the cities featured in our when they bring out the used ine the vehicles and assess if they “The emotions have nothing to do ers and suspected drug dealers, the “10 Places to Go” because recent story on the world’s most vehicles from the CSEZF into the fall under the category of banned with this.” a suspect identified as Abi Jaji the combination of “cosmopoli- overpriced destinations),” it said. rest of the Philippines Customs used cars. Sevilla had instructed Port was killed and two cops were tan affordability and splendid The Huffington Post article territory,” he said. “As a result of the examination of Aparri acting district collec- hurt, while three others were nature” makes it a destination noted that there is no reason for Sevilla said the legal basis for they did not fall under the exemp- tor Leilani Alameda to stop the arrested, Huesca said. that offers a lot for the money. tourists to be afraid to visit the the seizure is Executive Order 156 tions, that is why we issued a war- processing of used vehicles being The Philippines was recently cho- Philippines after the series of issued during the Arroyo admin- rant of seizure,” he said. taken out of the CSEZF for com- Injured dolphin sen by Lonely Planet as one of the calamities that hit the country istration banning the importa- The 38 cars were reportedly mercial sale. top value destinations for 2014. recently. The government had tion of used cars except for light part of hundreds of second-hand Records show the 38 used gets treatment Shopping in Manila is a big earlier urged foreign tourists to trucks, buses and special pur- cars imported through Port Irene cars arrived from South Korea come-on, as prices are cheap. continue visiting the Philippines, pose vehicles like fire trucks and in three batches. last January 27 and were alleg- ZAMBOANGA CITY: A Manila was even compared to saying they could help in efforts to ambulances. The first shipment of 347 units edly imported by Fenix (CEZA) badly injured adult dolphin high-end travel destinations such rebuild areas damaged by Yolanda. He issued a warrant of seizure arrived last Dec. 14 and the sec- International, Inc. was rescued by the fisher as Tokyo and Geneva, saying that THE PHILIPPINE STAR to stop the vehicles from being ond batch of 266 units came in THE PHILIPPINE STAR folks, police and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the Pyromusical competition waters of Dumangguilas Bay, Zamboanga del Sur, accord- ing to an official. Eight US lawmakers visit Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, spokesman of Police typhoon-hit San Jose village Regional Office 9 (PRO), said the bottlenose dolphin was PALO: US Ambassador Philip Dan Suther of the US Agency spotted drifting off the waters Goldberg and eight American for International Development in the vicinity of sitio Asinan, lawmakers visited the village of (USAID) said the amendment Margos Thursday afternoon. San Jose here yesterday to see helped a lot, as it allowed them The elements of the Margos for themselves how the World to locally purchase food like Municipal police led by Senior Food Program (WFP) and its biscuits and rice for immediate Inpsector Jonathan Presto partners were distributing US distribution. Lladoc and BFAR technician aid and how this was impact- Royce told The STAR that the with the fisher folks conducted ing on the lives of survivors of amendment now allows the USAID rescue operation and brought Super Typhoon Haiyan. and its partner NGOs to buy sup- the wounded sea mammal The US lawmakers were Ed plies locally or from neighbouring near the wharf for medical Royce of California, Steve Chabot countries. Before, he said, all goods treatment. of Oklahoma, Brad Sherman of had to come from the US, thus California, Joe Wilson of South delaying emergency relief efforts. German tourist Carolina, Madeleine Bordallo of Sherman said the US courses Guam, Randy Weber of Texas, its relief assistance through the kicked out Joseph Kennedy of Minnesota, USAID, which, in turn, funds and Luke Messer of Indiana. humanitarian NGOs like WFP to MANILA: The Bureau of Royce said he was particularly deliver relief aid to the affected Immigration has kicked a interested in how the amendment families. For the Haiyan relief German tourist out of the he recently introduced to the US effort, the US Congress allotted country for disrespecting law governing foreign relief aid $83m, he said. and offending two female was helping the Haiyan victims. THE PHILIPPINE STAR immigrations officers at the Spectators watch as fireworks from a Spanish pyrotechnic company light up the sky during the 5th Philippine Ninoy Aquino International International ‘Pyromusical’ competition in Manila yesterday. Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 on Friday night. According to the Philippine News Agency, BI based at the NAIA Terminal 2 said Ayyildiz 4 Chinese surveillance ships back at disputed shoal Kenal, 49, was made to board Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight MANILA: Four Chinese sur- presence of the Chinese ships. “To the best that we can, we will from implementing its illegal rec- New Chinese ambassador Zhao PR-398 for Peking, which veillance ships have returned Armed Forces chief General support them, especially if there lamation projects in the region?” Jianhua is set to arrive on Sunday, departed at 8.55pm for showing to Ayungin Shoal after several Emmanuel Bautista has vowed to is more aggression and unneces- China claims Ayungin as part diplomatic sources said yesterday. rude behaviour as he stepped in months of absence. defend Filipino fishermen against sary use of force,” he added. of its maritime domain, although Zhao, former ambassador to the country early Friday night. A security official who asked any “terror or intimidation” in Bautista said that decision it is located very near Palawan Liberia, replaces Ma Keqing BI-NAIA reports said Kenal, not be named said two of the the West Philippine Sea (South risked angering China in the and within the territorial waters whose tour of duty ended last a telecommunications firm Chinese ships have the 306 and China Sea). short term, but that it was the of the Philippines. December. Zhao worked at the executive based in Peking, 363 markings on their bows, while In an interview with the right course of action. In May last year, Chinese ships Asia desk of the Ministry of China, arrived at around 6pm the two others look like frigates. Associated Press, Bautista said “They are a big country, we are took up positions near Ayungin Foreign Affairs of China, and his via PAL flight PR 359 with “They’ve been spotted near Chinese claims to islands just off a small country,” he said. “What Shoal and only left the area after a first ambassadorial assignment in other German friends. Ayungin since last week,” the the Philippine coast are “of course can we do? Bring it to court, solve series of typhoons struck the coun- Africa was to Liberia. Kenal allegedly offended two security official said. absolute nonsense.” “Just take a it through peaceful means.” try. Since then, Chinese ships were At an Investiture Ceremony uniformed female immigra- Another source said the Chinese look at the map,” he said. Ayungin Shoal serves as a sup- seen in the area while sailing south on December 6, 2013, Liberian tions officers after exiting from Navy is again maintaining an active “Our fishermen will continue ply route from mainland Palawan or north, apparently on patrol. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf the comfort room. Kenal was presence in the Spratlys. “They fishing, assert their rights on to settlers in Kalayaan town in China has been trying to occupy admitted Zhao into the Humane said to have grabbed the first were gone, but they have returned,” those areas. They should go Pag-Asa Island. the Ayungin despite a detachment Order of African Redemption, female officer by the hand, and the source said. on with their lives as fisher- Kalayaan Mayor Eugenio of Philippine Marines stationed with the grade of Knight Great touched the butt of the other. Filipinos continue to fish in men, not bow down to terror or Bito-onon Jr said: “With its vast on the grounded BRP Sierra Band. AGENCIES the area of Ayungin despite the intimidation. resources, who can prevent China Madre. THE PHILIPPINE STAR SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2013 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13

Inmate found Political tact hanging in Taliban say govt must Kashmir jail

SRINAGAR: A Pakistani prisoner who was arrested by embrace Islamic law authorities in India for tres- passing more than two years ago has been found hang- Sharif wants to reach settlement with extremists ing inside a jail in Indian Kashmir, an official said PAKISTAN: The Pakistani said, wearing an AK-47 bandolier surge of violence in Pakistan, yesterday. Taliban told the government across his chest. with Taliban insurgents stag- Showkat Ali, 42, a resident there was no chance of peace “If talks are to be held it would ing almost daily attacks and the of Sialkot in Pakistan, had been in the country unless Pakistan be only under sharia (Islamic army responding with force in the lodged in a jail in Amphala, changed its political and legal law). We have made this clear to volatile tribal areas on the Afghan about 300 kilometres from the system and officially embrace the government committee. We border where most militants are region’s main city of Srinagar, Islamic law. are fighting for the enforcement based. since December 2011. The government of Prime of sharia and we are holding talks The Taliban organisers asked He was arrested on charges Minister Nawaz Sharif wants to for the same purpose.” reporters not to identify the of illegally crossing the de facto find a negotiated settlement to Pakistan is a conservative location of the meeting. The area border between the two rival years of fighting with the mili- Muslim country and although its appeared tense and gripped by countries. tants but talks broke down this constitution is rooted in Islamic fear, with many shops and houses “An inmate informed the jail month after a string of attacks. traditions, the legal system is damaged by recent shelling. authorities last (Friday) night In a rare face-to-face meet- based on English common law and People at a local open air bazaar that Showkat was hanging ing with journalists on Friday the people are guaranteed their appeared too frightened to speak from the grill of a toilet in the in an undisclosed location in fundamental freedoms of speech frankly to visiting journalists. barracks,” jail superintendent Waziristan, a lawless region on and religion. Many in Pakistan are weary of Harish Kotwal said. the Afghan border, main Taliban Sharif came to power last year holding peace talks with a group spokesman Shahidullah Shahid on promises to persuade the which has killed more than 40,000 Pakistan to said there was still hope negotia- Taliban to stop fighting, effec- people since the start of its cam- tions might resume. tively proposing to legalise the paign against the Islamabad gov- review IPR law “Despite recent bombings in banned group as a political entity. ernment in 2007. North Waziristan and killing of He previously tried to introduce With violence surging, many are ISLAMABAD: With tech- our 74 men by the security forces sharia in the late 1990s just before puzzled by the continued insistence nical assistance from the during the peace talks, we are he was toppled in a military coup. by both sides that peace can still be US, Pakistan is consider- still serious about the talks,” he This year started with a negotiated. REUTERS Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (left) shakes hands with his ing changes in the existing Afghan counterpart Zarar Ahmad Usmani prior to their meeting at the law on Intellectual Property Foreign Ministry in Kabul yesterday. Rights (IPRs) to tackle the rising online piracy issues, an official said. Washington has also asked Lahore’s new Quick Response Force in action against terrorism Islamabad to enforce IPR law effectively that can fetch sub- stantial investment from for- LAHORE: The newly-raised in four areas of the Cantonment Yesterday, QRF officials set up He said eight Mohafiz (each Elite Police Training School. eign companies. Quick Response Force (QRF), police division. pickets on all entry-exit points comprises four policemen and two However, the force either “Before making investment- a batch of which passed out a On February 17, a batch of 219 of hot spots, where robberies and motorcycles) were usually part of remained in reserves or was related decisions in any desti- few days ago at Qilla Gujjar policemen completed a month- street crime take place frequently. patrolling in each police station deputed at static places or nations of the world, the US Singh Police Lines in Lahore, long professional and physical Cantonment SP (Operations) but the availability of QRF offi- assigned VVIP duties. It was not companies asked about the IPR was formally brought to the training course (combat, raids, Sarfraz Ahmad Virk said 90 QRF cials would be on alternate dates. used for combat operations or laws and its effective enforce- field assignments yesterday to ambush, anti ambush, repelling, officials flag-marched in North Sources said the experience crime fighting, they added. ment. To ensure innovation prevent crime against property weapon-handling and picket- Cantonment, Ghaziabad, Burki, to raise QRF was not new in the Sources expressed apprehen- and maximising shares in and terrorism in the provincial forming) with an objective to Baghbanpura and Harbanspura Lahore police as earlier similar sions that yet another experiment the world economy, Pakistan capital. curbing terrorist and criminal in the morning on the first day forces were raised at least four to raise QRF might be a futile requires effective enforcement A batch of 90 QRF officials elements. of their field assignment. times in the last five years or so exercise owing to a lack of incon- on IPR laws” visiting US Judge with the help of 45 motorcycles The trained personnel are He said the officials would keeping in view terrorist attacks sistent policies. Morrison England said, while performed patrolling and pick- being deployed for patrolling and be part of patrolling and pick- in the city. SP Headquarters Maroof Safdar talking to newsmen yesterday. eting duties to assist the local picketing in hot spots already eting duties in all hot spots in Around 300 police constables Wahla said out of 261 constables, AGENCIES police in the Baghbanpura police identified by the police in all the Baghbanpura circle from 7pm to were imparted commando train- 219 passed the QRF course. precinct and also held flag-march 84 police stations. 1am. ing by the army officials at the INTERNEWS Street food stalls Three killed in bomb blast in NW Pakistan

PESHAWAR: A roadside an Anti-Taliban village militia in bomb targeting a local leader of 2009. The head of that militia was a nationalist party in northwest later killed in a suicide attack in Pakistan killed three people November 2012. and wounded two others yester- Separately, at least nine mili- day, police said. tants were killed yesterday when The incident took place in Pakistani gunship helicopters Buner district in the troubled pounded Taliban hideouts in northwestern province of Khyber Thall village in Hangu district, Pakhtunkhwa, close to Swat near the tribal areas where mili- Valley where Taliban insurgents tants linked to the Taliban and Al shot schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai Qaeda have strongholds, a secu- in the head. rity official said. Police said the remote-control- “Gunship helicopters engaged led bomb hit the vehicle of Adalat the hideouts after confirmed Khan, a local leader of nationalist reports of the terrorists’ pres- Qaumi Watan Party, killing him ence,” the security official said. along with two associates. These were the second air “Adalat Khan and his two attacks against Taliban mili- associates have been killed. Two tants this month in retaliation at others in the car were critically strikes by insurgents, which have injured,” Asif Iqbal, a senior police derailed peace talks. official said. At least 30 militants were killed No militant group has yet on Thursday after Pakistan jets claimed responsibility for the carried out airstrikes on Taliban attack, but a local intelligence offi- hideouts in the northwest. AFP cial said that Khan had supported Pedestrians walk past street food stalls in Kabul yesterday. Afghanistan’s economy is recovering from decades of conflict but despite the significant improvement in the last decade it is extremely poor, and highly dependent on foreign aid. Nawaz delegates identical Punjab sends notice to Khan’s party over poll fraud tasks to two ministries ISLAMABAD: Former care- May general elections in favour that, Sethi’s notice was a blessing for verification of thumb impres- taker chief minister of Punjab of the PML-N. in disguise for the party. sions of voters in four National ISLAMABAD: The govern- sources said the commission also Najam Sethi has decided to take Sethi had reacted to what he A senior PTI leader said that Assembly constituencies NA 110, ment of Pakistan has delegated plans to establish a delivery unit, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) described as a blatant accusation “Sethi’s notice was a blessing in 122, 125 and 154. identical tasks to two different which had been already developed chief Imran Khan to court over and said he would take his accus- disguise for the party because All the four constituencies are ministries and announced MP-1 by the PM office. the allegation that the former ers to the court. it would allow us to pursue our in Punjab. scale salaries for the profession- According to the revised Terms had committed election fraud in It all started when the chief of claim that May 11 elections were Talking in a Television als being hired in these minis- of Reference (ToR), the restruc- favour of the ruling PML-N. staff to the PTI chief, Naeemul heavily rigged in favour of the talk show yesterday, Shafqat tries, official sources said. tured IERU will work in close Yesterday, the head of PTI’s Haq, tweeted about “35 punc- current ruling party at the centre Mehmood, the only winning can- This is likely to cause losses partnership with all stakehold- central media cell, Chaudhry tures” - an alleged telephonic and in Punjab.” didate of the PTI from Lahore, worth millions of rupees due to the ers, including the private sector. Rizwan, confirmed that the party conversation on election night For PTI leadership, the leader said the party leadership only duplication of work, officials said. The IERU will formulate a private had received the defamation between the PML-N chief and said, Sethi was a nonentity. wanted re-counting of votes, but The Finance Ministry sector development strategy. notice delivered on behalf of Sethi. now Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif However, his overreaction to the the demand was being resisted by has already established It will review existing laws, He said the party’s legal team and Sethi. accusation proves that there was using various tactics. Implementation and Economic rules and regulations pertain- was going through the notice and During the conversation which, some element of truth in the “And this reported story of 35 Reform Unit, while the Ministry ing to the business environment a formal response would be given according to Haq, was recorded alleged recorded call. punctures explains why the rul- of Planning has been renamed that are obsolete, overlapping, after the expected return of Khan by the intelligence agency of “This defamation notice has ers of Punjab and of the centre as the Ministry of Planning, and inconsistent or unduly add- from London on Sunday. a powerful country, Sethi was provided us an opportunity to are not interested in verification, Development and Reforms. ing to the cost of doing business, Sethi was not available for his heard saying “he had fixed 35 further whip up the controversy “he added. The prime minister had already revealed the details. comment. punctures.” surrounding the 35 punctures,” The PTI is a centrist, nationalist appointed an official for the IERU The name of the ERU was now Early this month, Imran Khan According to the PTI, Sethi the leader added. and communitarian political party for effective reform, and now the changed with the IERU and it was alleged that Sethi had been reap- changed election results of 35 The PTI has filed 64 petitions in Pakistan, which was founded by same job has been assigned to the placed under the Advisor to the pointed Chairman of the Pakistan National Assembly constituen- in election tribunals challenging former Pakistani cricket captain Ministry of Planning, Development Ministry of Finance. Cricket Board (PCB) as a reward cies from Punjab in favour of the the election results. The party had and philanthropist Imran Khan. and Reforms, the officials said. The INTERNEWS for manipulating results of the PML-N. A senior PTI leader said also moved the Supreme Court INTERNEWS SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2014 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA

Congress-BJP NDA front-runner nexus denying power bill relief in Lok Sabha to Delhi: AAP

NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party yesterday alleged polls: Survey the Congress and the BJP were hand-in-glove in denying Delhi residents the 50-percent sub- sidy in power tariff that was 73-92 seats projected for UPA extended when the Arvind Kejriwal government was in NEW DELHI: The BJP-led According to the opinion poll, office in the capital. NDA is likely to bag 236 seats 46 percent of respondents said “AAP is shocked over the with the main party getting 217 price rise/inflation affects their central government’s decision seats in the Lok Sabha elections. day to day lives the most, while to ignore the proposal of the The Congress will be reduced 34 percent identified corruption Kejriwal government to continue to double-digits at 73 of the 92 as the biggest problem and 18 the relief for the next six months seats projected for the UPA, percent felt unemployment was till September,” said an AAP while the Aam Aadmi Party is a major issue. statement. likely to get 10 seats, a survey It said the BJP was likely to get The party said that as per the said yesterday. around 80 seats of the 88 seats interim budget passed by parlia- While the Left parties are pro- projected for the NDA in north- ment Friday, the relief of 50 per- jected to get 29 seats, others are ern India. The AAP was likely to cent in electricity bills for those likely to collect 186 seats, accord- get 9 seats and Congress 17 seats consuming up to 400 units each ing to the ABP News-Nielsen of the 23 projected for the UPA. month, provided by its govern- opinion poll conducted in 129 con- Other parties were likely to get ment from January, will be dis- stituencies with 29,252 respond- 40 seats. There are 151 seats in Government employees scuffle with policemen during a demonstration in Srinagar yesterday. Police detained continued from April 1. ents during February 4-15. northern India. dozens of employees. “When preparations for the The projection said Bharatiya In western India, the BJP is interim budget started, the AAP Janata Party’s prime ministerial projected to get 79 seats of the government had clearly made a pro- candidate Narendra Modi was the 88 likely to go to the NDA. The Militant activity in J&K higher: Army vision for this relief to continue and most preferred face with 57 per- Congress was likely to get 15 the power department was ready cent of respondents backing him. seats of the 22 projected for the with a proposal,” the party said. Just 18 percent backed Rahul UPA and AAP was likely to get SRINAGAR: Militant activ- till they fire on us,” he said, stress- security for the election process.” “The Congress-led United Gandhi, while Arvind Kejriwal only one seat. Six seats will go to ity in Jammu and Kashmir has ing that the army is committed to He parried a query whether Progressive Alliance (UPA) gov- was a distant third with just 3 others. States in western India been higher in the beginning of ensure human rights while carry- the withdrawal of the US forces ernment’s decision to reverse this percent backing. together have 116 seats. 2014 and 11 terrorists have been ing out anti-militancy operations. from Afghanistan would impact pro-people’s measure is a betrayal The projected BJP tally has The opinion poll said the UPA killed and 13 apprehended so The corps commander said the security situation in Kashmir. of the people of Delhi,” it said. increased by 10 seats compared would lead marginally with 26 far this year, the army said here with melting of winter snow and “There are regional dynam- “The BJP is an equal partner to the opinion poll conducted in seats in southern India. yesterday. opening up of mountain passes, ics of the security situation. The in this anti-people decision,” the January by ABP News-Nielsen. The Congress was to get 23 Srinagar-based 15th Corps there would be more attempts by counter-infiltration grid is in AAP statement added. The National Democratic of the 26 seats projected for the commander, Lieutenant General the guerrillas to sneak into the place. The party said that despite the Alliance (NDA) is predicted to UPA. The BJP was likely to get Gurmit Singh said that last year Kashmir Valley. “We are ready for it. As secu- BJP promising a 30-percent cut get a vote share of 46 percent 20 seats of the 21 projected for the first terrorist was killed in “The army faces multiple rity force, I got to be ready for in electricity bills in its manifesto from western India and around the NDA in southern states. The April, but this year, it happened challenges confronting the secu- any security challenge. And for for the Delhi elections, it did not 38 percent vote share in north- Left was likely to get 15 seats on January 7. rity grid in Kashmir during the that assessment of the threat protest the central government’s ern India. Break-up of the pro- while others would get 72 seats. “So far, we have eliminated 24 current year as there might be and preparedness are important decision when the interim budget jected seats is NDA 236, United The southern states have a total terrorists of whom 11 have been increased infiltration attempts dynamics.” was tabled in parliament. Progressive Alliance (UPA) 92, of 134 seats. In eastern India, the killed and 13 were apprehended,” in view of the depleting militant Speaking about last year’s According to AAP, more than Left 29 and others 186. opinion poll said the NDA would he said, noting militant activity leadership and the forthcoming Keran operation which became 90 percent of the legislators in Among the regional parties, the lead with 39 seats, with BJP likely in the beginning of this year has elections, but I am prepared,” he controversial following varying the Delhi assembly, except for the projection of seats is AIADMK to get 38 seats. been higher in Kashmir as com- said. statements by the defence spokes- eight from Congress, had agreed 19, Trinamool Congress 29, Biju The Congress was predicted to pared to last year. About the forthcoming Lok persons, the corps commander that electricity bills should be Janata Dal (BJD) 16, Bahujan get 18 seats of the 21 projected for All the 13 arrested guerrillas Sabha and state legislative assem- said it was a large scale infiltra- reduced by at least 30 percent. Samaj Party (BSP) 13, Communist the UPA, the Left was likely to get are locals, he said. bly elections schedule this year, tion attempt from multiple points “Then how could the central Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) 14 seats and others would get 68. “The army always gives all (ter- Lieutenant General Singh said: by the militants which was foiled government ignore such an over- 18, CPI 7, DMK 13, and Janata Eastern India has 142 seats. rorists) the possible chances to “We will be very much concerned successfully. whelming majority,” it asked. Dal-United (JD-U) 9. IANS surrender. We don’t fire at them about providing environmental IANS IANS SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2014 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15

Saudi crown No force can prince to visit India from take Arunachal Feb 26 to 28

NEW DELHI: Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Salman bin from us: Modi Abdulaziz Al Saud will pay an official visit to India from February 26 to 28, the high- est level political visit from the China must change attitude: BJP leader kingdom after the 2006 land- mark trip by the Custodian of GUWAHATI: BJP prime min- Assam, Modi took up the burn- the Two Holy Mosques King isterial candidate Narendra ing issues of the two states and Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Modi yesterday countered appealed the people to give him as chief guest at the Republic China’s frequent claims over 60 months time (a five-year Lok Day celebrations. Arunachal Pradesh, saying no Sabha term) to resolve the prob- Crown Prince Salman, who is force in the world could take the lems and bring development to also Saudi Arabia’s deputy prime state from India. the region. minister and defence minister, is “It is because of the brave mar- Modi also expressed his arriving here at the invitation of tyrs of the state that the eastern grief over the recent killing of Vice President Hamid Ansari. frontier of the country is safe. Arunachal Pradesh student Nido He would be accompanied by Times are changing now and Taniam in New Delhi and sug- a delegation comprising cabinet China must change its attitude gested there be hostels for stu- ministers, senior officials and cap- towards Arunachal Pradesh. I am dents and job seekers from the tains of industry. here to assure you that no force northeast in plces like New Delhi, Bharatiya Janata Party prime ministerial candidate and Chief Minister Narendra Modi is garlanded by state party The crown prince will call on in the world can take Arunachal Bangalore and Chennai and other leaders during a mass rally in Agartala, yesterday. President Pranab Mukherjee and Pradesh from India,” Modi said places. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at a massive public rally in the Pointing to the hydro-power leader assured that if his party Gujarat. Now you have to decide come to Assam from Bangladesh. and also hold bilateral talks with state’s Pasighat town. potential of Arunachal Pardesh, comes to power in the general whether you want to continue One is those who escaped due to Vice-President Hamid Ansari, “In the east, Arunachal Pradesh Modi said that small projects elections, it would resolve the suffering due to Bangladesh or torture by fundamentalists. The said an external affairs ministry receives the first Sun rays in the could be built as the people burning issues like illegal infil- not,” Modi said. other category is who came as statement. country while in the west, Gujarat were opposing big dams that tration from Bangladesh, Hindu “Friends, I have come here for part of a political conspiracy. This will be crown prince receives the last rays of the Sun. were required for large power refugees and ‘D’ (disenfran- you. Trust me for once and if I However, when there is torture Salman’s second visit to India. He The Sun, while going down, prom- projects. chised/doubtfull) voters within come to power, I’ll end the system of Hindus across the world, the had come in April 2010 when he ises Gujarat every evening that it “Arunachal Pradesh can light 60 months. of detention camps in Assam. The Hindus have only one country was governor of Riyadh province. would come again in Arunachal up the entire country. However, “Assam is near Bangladesh and government here is violating the to come to,” he said, suggest- An official visit by Prime Pradesh the next day,” said Modi, the people are opposing big dams Gujarat is near Pakistan. While human rights of some people for ing that such refugees should be Minister Manmohan Singh to adding that Arunachal Pradesh is but there is no harm building the government in Assam has vote banks politics,” he said, add- equally settled across the country Riyadh in 2010 and the Riyadh the state that wakes up the coun- small projects to tap the potential forced the people to suffer due to ing that D voters should get back instead of Assam alone bearing Declaration signed February try every day. At the Pasighat of the state,” he said. Bangladeshi infiltration, Pakistan their rights. the burden. 28, 2010 elevated the bilateral ghat rally, as also at Silchar in At the Silchar rally, the BJP is creating problems for me in “Two categories of people have IANS engagement to “strategic partner- ship” covering security, economic, defence and political areas. Saudi Arabia is India’s fourth largest partner with bilateral trade of over $43 billion in 2012- Congress weighs ways to tackle post-Telangana situation 13. Saudi Arabia is also India’s largest crude oil supplier account- ing for about one-fifth of total NEW DELHI/Hyderabad: name his successor or wait for a Kumar Reddy, who come from minister, who did not defy the leadership is believed to be con- imports in 2012-13. Hectic consultations are on in few days to install two chief min- Andhra and Telangana regions leadership, held talks with some sidering various options including In recent years, there has been the Congress party to tackle isters in two states — Telangana respectively. central leaders few weeks ago. appointment of two presidents of the significant progress in bilat- post-bifurcation political situa- and successor state of Andhra Kanna’s name was doing Uttam Kumar Reddy is also con- party in the two states. It is also try- eral cooperation in key areas of tion in Andhra Pradesh. Pradesh. rounds for last few months as sidered a loyal and non-controversial ing to take Telangana leaders into mutual interest, including energy With Chief Minister N Kumar Congress President Sonia possible successor to Kiran Reddy leader. Sonia Gandhi on Friday held confidence for naming a leader from security, trade and infrastructure Reddy’s resignation, the Congress Gandhi yesterday held talks after the latter revolted against talks with former state Congress Seemandhra as chief minister for development projects, said the is in a dilemma to whether impose with cabinet Ministers Kanna the leadership over its decision chief D Srinivas and Minister Geeta the undivided state. statement. President’s rule in the state or Lakshminarayana and Uttam to split the state. The agriculture Reddy, both from Telangana. The IANS IANS SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2014 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BREAK

PRAYER TIME Louis Vuitton gets Marc Fajr (Dawn) 4:46 Shorook (Sunrise) 6:03 Jacobs’ Zuhr (Noon) 11:47 Asr (Afternoon) 3:05 replacement Maghrib (Sunset) 5:33 PARIS: Four months after Isha (Night) 7:03 Paris fashion bid farewell to Marc Jacobs, the man who transformed Louis Vuitton ITION into a global style giant, all MPET WEATHER eyes will next week be on his S KU CO successor. UDO Weather Former Balenciaga designer Today Monday Tuesday Conditions: Nicolas Ghesquiere’s first show Clear Clear Clear for the Parisian luxury brand Misty to foggy will be the highlight of nine days at places at of ready-to-wear catwalk shows for autumn/winter 2014-15 due to High: 25° High: 24° High: 25° first with some Low: 16° Low: 17° Low: 17° clouds. begin on Tuesday. In emotional scenes rarely seen in the rarefied world of high fashion, the US designer — under WIN whose stewardship “Vuitton DOHA - SUN & SEA mania” saw queues around department stores — received a EXCITING CASH PRIZES SUN TIDE SEA standing ovation on news that his SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND October show was to be his last. Credited with taking Vuitton AND SOUVENIR 06:04 17:29 09:15 05:15 & 16:30 05-15 KT from “stodgy luggage house” to one of the most sought-after THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW brands in the world, particularly in the lucrative Asian market, HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER Jacobs’ departure after 16 years FIRST PRIZE QR 10,000 marked the end of an era. MUSCAT 25/19 Partly cloudy 25/17 Partly cloudy “That’s one hell of an act to fol- KUWAIT 22/16 Partly cloudy 23/16 Clear low,” Vogue magazine commented SECOND PRIZE QR 5,000 BAHRAIN 26/15 Partly cloudy 26/15 Partly cloudy at the time, while website fash- SANAA 24/09 Partly cloudy 24/09 Partly cloudy ion.com warned that living up to RIYADH 27/13 Partly cloudy 27/13 Partly cloudy 50-year-old Jacobs’ “fearless and THIRD PRIZE QR 2,500 DUBAI 24/17 Partly cloudy 28/18 Clear fabulous” showmanship would be BAGHDAD 26/11 Partly cloudy 25/12 Clear among the many challenges his successor would face. The designer left Vuitton, THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW which marks its 160th anniver- HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER sary in 2014, to concentrate on a stock exchange flotation of Last Day to Register ATHENS 17/11 Chance of storm 12/07 Rain his own brand. Announcing the WASHINGTON 19/02 Mostly cloudy 09/00 Partly cloudy much-tipped Ghesquiere’s arrival 15/03/2014 SYDNEY 24/18 Mostly cloudy 24/18 Chance of rain at the brand in November, Vuitton LONDON 11/05 Chance of rain 10/06 Partly cloudy said the Frenchman would take responsibility for catwalk shows, PARIS 12/06 Partly cloudy 16/09 Partly cloudy ready-to-wear collections and ISTANBUL 16/09 Partly cloudy 08/07 Chance of rain shoes and accessories. mail your entries to MANILA 29/20 Scattered clouds 29/20 Clear Vuitton is parent company [email protected] DHAKA 30/18 Mostly cloudy 30/18 Clear LVMH’s most profitable brand, DELHI 22/11 Clear 22/11 Partly cloudy accounting for more than 70 per- or call: 4455 7741 ISLAMABAD 22/10 Mostly cloudy 23/08 Partly cloudy cent of annual sales of its fashion and leather goods division. AFP Sunday 23 February 2014 23 Rabial II 1435 Volume 18 Number 5984 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 HSBC set to G20 to set target for global growth announce Goal may be achieved through unpopular reforms

SYDNEY: The world’s top austerity. France’s finance min- year and four percent in 2015. $4bn bonus economies may agree to set an ister, Pierre Moscovici, welcomed The laundry list of reforms ambitious target for faster glo- a goal of lifting world growth by a run the usual gamut of liberal- LONDON: HSBC will announce bal growth at a weekend meet- total of 2.5 percentage points over ising product and labour mar- staff bonuses totalling just under ing in Sydney, where major five years, calling it ambitious but kets, lowering barriers to trade, £2.4bn ($4bn) globally for 2013 central banks are also being “not unrealistic”. attracting more women into the and is expected to report a sig- urged to coordinate policies A G20 source said Germany workforce and boosting invest- nificant rise in pretax profit, Sky to avoid “surprises” that could had dropped its opposition to set- ment in infrastructure. News reported on its website yes- further roil emerging markets. ting an overall target, as long as Still there were no details on terday without citing its sources. Opening the two-day meeting there were no goals imposed for how or whether the G20 would Europe’s biggest bank is of the Group of 20 finance min- individual states. However, not police each country’s progress on expected tomorrow to announce isters and central bankers yes- all the German camp seemed to the reforms, many of which would the size of its bonus pool, a sen- terday, Australian Treasurer Joe be happy, with Jens Weidmann, likely be politically unpopular at sitive issue as many Britons still Hockey said support was building head of the country’s central home. blame banks for the 2008 financial for setting a firm goal for growth. bank, calling quantitative targets Olli Rehn, European Union’s crisis after which the state was “I have a great sense of hope “problematic”. Economic and Monetary Affairs forced to bail out RBS and Lloyds. that this G20 meeting will be And Nhlanhla Nene, South Commissioner, said the bloc would Earlier this month, Barclays able to lay down a real and tan- Africa’s Deputy Finance Minister, back the growth target for the prompted an angry reaction from gible framework for an increase said the target would be meaning- G20 group that accounts for 85 politicians and labour unions in the growth of the global econ- less unless issues faced by emerg- percent of global economic output after it increased its bonuses omy over the next five years,” ing economies such as inequality, provided it came with a firm com- by 13 percent to £2.4bn even said Hockey, who is hosting the high unemployment, and volatile mitment to bold reforms. as it announced plans to axe Sydney gathering. global financial conditions were He suggested that reform 12,000 jobs. Sky said the rise in If adopted, the plan would be a addressed. progress could be monitored by variable pay at HSBC would be departure for the G20, as previous The plan borrows wholesale the IMF and the Organisation smaller than its likely increase in attempts to set fiscal and current from an International Monetary for Economic Cooperation and earnings. account targets have faltered. Fund paper prepared for the Development and that EU’s pol- A spokesman at HSBC declined And while Canada’s central bank Sydney meeting which estimated icy coordination and surveillance comment when contacted. chief Stephen Poloz called the goal that structural reforms would could serve as a model. If made, the bonus payments “aspirational” and doubts remain raise world growth by about 0.5 The onus would be on the rich would be marginally higher than about its implementation, it would percentage point per year over nations to pick up the baton on the bank’s 2012 bonus pool of give the group fresh focus and the next five years, boosting global growth from the developing coun- £2.2bn and would come only a mark a sea change from recent output by $2.25 trillion. tries, who had carried the world US Federal Reserve Chairman Janet Yellen (left) with International Monetary year before a new EU bonus cap meetings where the debate was The IMF has forecast global economy in the wake of the global Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde at the opening session of the G20 which Britain is resisting through all about growth versus budget growth of 3.75 percent for this financial crisis. REUTERS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Sydney yesterday. the courts. REUTERS SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2014 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Qatari banks lead asset, loan growth in GCC: QNB Higher lending due to large infrastructure projects, low cost of funding and foreign acquisitions helped growth

DOHA: The GCC banking GDP growth of 4.6 percent this ahead of the 2022 World Cup, the Saudi Arabia rolled out some 11 percent. Credit to private sec- reflecting stable macroeconomic sector grew robustly in 2013, year. The GCC’s traditional these trends are likely to continue major transport infrastructure tor companies and households conditions that have supported driven by large government-led strengths of strong fiscal positions going forward. Deposit growth projects and as trade-related expanded moderately by around low non-performing loans with infrastructure and investment and persistent current-account continued at a rapid pace, rising demand grew. The banking system 5 percent. However, lending to the 2.2 percent in the third quarter projects, with Qatar leading the surpluses are likely to support the by around 24 percent in 2013, with in Saudi Arabia has a solid and real estate sector was flat as the of 2013. The asset growth was pack, QNB Group said in its banking sector. GCC banks have the public sector being the key growing deposit base of 8.1 percent government introduced macro- estimated at 8.2 percent in 2013. weekly comment. adequate liquidity buffers based driver for overall gains, reflect- growth in 2013, primarily from prudential lending limits to help Omani banks have maintained Most banks in the GCC have on the highly liquid local deposit ing the large fiscal surplus. Higher the public sector. Saudi Arabian prevent overexposure to the real solid profitability with a return healthy funding profiles, with base as customer deposits grew by lending, a low cost base and low banks have sustained their prof- estate market, particularly in on equity of 13.1 percent in 2013. sound, high-quality assets in around 11 percent in 2013. provisioning requirements have itability, with a return on equity Dubai where property prices rose Looking ahead, the GCC’s posi- recent years. QNB Group expects In Qatar, higher lending asso- all supported the banks’ overall of 14.8 percent in 2013, owing to 26 percent in 2013. tive economic growth outlook, this to enable them to continue ciated with large infrastructure profitability, with a return on a prevalence of low-cost funding Kuwait’s banking sector contin- supported by high hydrocarbon to exhibit healthy credit growth projects, a low cost of funding and equity of 16 percent in 2013. and strong operational efficiency. ues to remain moderate, supported prices and strong government funded by high domestic liquid- foreign acquisitions have all sup- In the region’s largest banking The next largest banking sector, by high oil revenues and govern- spending, is expected to sup- ity. Looking forward, the GCC ported banks’ growth. sector, Saudi Arabia, asset growth the UAE, achieved asset growth ment spending. The banking sector port the continued expansion of banking system to grow robustly Loan growth in Qatar was 23 of 8.5 percent was achieved in of 8.5 percent in 2013. This was asset growth was 9 percent in 2013. the regional banking sector, with as major projects are rolled out percent in 2013. With the accel- 2013 primarily driven by a 10 driven by strong growth in lend- The banking system in Qatar leading the way. across the region, driving real eration of investment projects percent expansion in credit as ing to the government of around Oman remained benign in 2013 THE PENINSULA

LuLu Financial chief is ‘Indian Moody’s upgrades CEO of the year’ Spain credit rating DOHA: Adeeb Ahamed, Chief Executive Officer of the LuLu WASHINGTON: Moody’s raised the medium term and continued Financial Group, was conferred Spain’s sovereign credit rating improvements in the resilience of with the Indian CEO of the Year by one notch, citing progress in government finances.” Award in the “Financial Services” reforms to put the economy on a Spain’s economy shrank by 1.2 category in the ITP Publishing more sustainable track. percent over the whole of 2013, Group’s Indian CEO Awards in Moody’s Investors Service but exited recession in the third the 2014 edition in Dubai. upgraded the rating to Baa2 quarter with 0.1 percent growth. LuLu International Exchange from Baa3, and gave the country The eurozone’s fourth-biggest and its affiliates won the acco- a “positive outlook”, suggesting economy exited the European lade on account of its impressive the potential of a further upgrade. Union’s financial sector rescue growth and strategic objectives Spain has made faster-than- programme on January 23. that have propelled it to the top expected progress in rebalancing Moody’s said business invest- positions within the industry and the economy away from real- ment was adding momentum, con- the region. The annual event in estate investment, where a 2008 sumer confidence was improving its third edition, the Indian CEO price bubble crash sent the econ- and both the corporate and house- Awards 2014 recognise good com- omy reeling, towards exports, the hold sectors continued to reduce mercial leadership of the NRIs in ratings firm said. their high debt burdens. the Middle East. Moody’s highlighted the authori- “Moreover, competitiveness “It is an honour and a privilege ties’ progress in implementing gains have been substantial and to be recognized for one’s effort by broad structural reforms, especially will continue to underpin the such respected business stalwarts in the labour market and the pub- export sector as wage growth will in the industry. The award will lic pension system, as well as other likely remain very moderate in the help me reassert my commitment measures including the restructur- coming years,” the company said. to set management benchmark ing of the Spanish banking system. “Overall, the rebalancing of the standards in the region’s financial “These efforts support Moody’s economy has proceeded faster than industry” said Ahamed. Adeeb Ahamed (left), Chief Executive Officer of the LuLu Financial Group, receiving the Indian CEO of the Year Award expectation of stronger, more sus- Moody’s had previously expected.” THE PENINSULA in the Financial Services category in the ITP Publishing Group’s Indian CEO Awards in the 2014 edition in Dubai. tainable economic growth over AFP SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2014 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19

QU, IBN plan Fed wanted meet for Qatari entrepreneurs

DOHA: Aiming at promot- more power ing entrepreneurship among the younger generation, Qatar University (QU), in collabora- tion with Interactive Business Network (IBN), is hosting a two-day ‘Entrepreneurship in during 2008 Economic Development Forum’, which is set to kick start from tomorrow at the QU. Credit crisis records out in open The event, to be held under the patronage of the Minister WASHINGTON: US central The Fed, which is still dealing of Energy and Industry, H E Dr bankers thought they should with fallout from the crisis and Mohamed bin Saleh Al Sada, will get more regulatory powers in the 2007-2009 recession, released feature international experts in return for providing cheap cash transcripts of all 2008 meetings business, education, finance and to Wall Street banks during the of its FOMC on Friday after the government as keynote speakers. 2008 credit crisis, according to typical five-year lag. The conference themed ‘fos- Federal Reserve transcripts The US Securities and tering the new generation of released. Exchange Commission oversaw entrepreneurs in Qatar and the Powerful investment banks the securities activities of the big- Gulf”, will bring together young, such as Goldman Sachs and gest investment banks in 2008, and prospective business owners with Morgan Stanley had access to a only monitored the parent com- established business leaders to raft of measures to prop up mar- panies through a voluntary sys- Officials of Qatargas receiving the Gold Accreditation award. encourage and support the spirit kets during the 2008 credit melt- tem known as the “Consolidated of entrepreneurship in Qatar and down, but the Federal Reserve Supervised Entities” programme. the Gulf through practical advice. had little say over them. While Wall Street investment Speakers opening the confer- “I am just a little worried about banks were not regulated by the ence will be Dr Al Sada; Professor being taken advantage of here,” Fed, they could participate in the Qatargas wins IiP Gold Award Sheikha Al Misnad, President of Richard Fisher, head of the Federal central bank’s emergency meas- QU; Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Reserve Bank of Dallas, said in a ures to provide them with more DOHA: Qatargas became Chief Operating Officer, to join ‘Investors in People’ Al Thani, Chairman of Qatari March 2008 conference call of the collateral and to prop up short- the first company in Qatar to Administration, received the International and worked towards Businessmen’s Association and Fed’s policy-setting Federal Open term lending and prevent a fur- achieve Gold level accredita- Gold Accreditation award from accreditation for the department a Trustee of QU; Sultan Rashid Market Committee (FOMC). ther spreading of panic. tion with ‘Investors in People’ David Dale, Operations Director with the objective of raising its Al Khater, Undersecretary, “The question is, what do we get “My concern is that the safety- (IiP). The accreditation was of ‘Investors in People’ dur- performance in communications Ministry of Economy and in return, and how do we make and-soundness disciplines that we achieved in November 2013 ing a ceremony held recently at and customer services to the best Commerce (Qatar); Abdulaziz bin sure that, since we are not the apply don’t appear to be applied to by the Company’s Learning Qatargas’ Head Office building in international standards. Nasser Al Khalifa, CEO of Qatar regulator of these dealers, there is these broker-dealers,” the Dallas and Development (L&D) Doha. Adnan Al Shaibi, Qatargas All members of staff in Development Bank and Raed indeed discipline?” the transcripts Fed’s Fisher said at the March Department, which also makes Learning and Development the Learning & Development Chehaib, CEO of IBN. show Fisher as saying. meeting. it the only L&D Department in Manager and Abdulaziz Al Department were engaged in all Business experts who will be That concern foreshadowed During that year, the inde- any LNG company in the world Mannai, Qatargas Human aspects of process improvement leading panel discussions and later efforts to do away with the pendent investment banks all to receive this award. Resources Manager also attended and equipped with full under- delivering keynote presenta- expectation that the fear of a succumbed to the crisis in rapid ‘Investors in People’ is an the ceremony. standing and knowledge to be able tions during the forum include: financial meltdown would force succession. Bear Stearns was international business improve- The IiP framework has been to participate fully in the strate- Sheikha Hanadi Nasser bin governments to always stand rescued by JPMorgan in March, ment tool administered by UK developed over 21 years with gic aims of the department. Khaled Al Thani, Chairperson behind banks in a crisis, some- while Lehman Brothers went Commission for Employment some of the world’s leading busi- Each employee was inter- of Injaz (Qatar), Abdullah Saeed thing that Wall Street critics say bankrupt in September, setting and Skills and supported by nesses. Accreditation is awarded viewed over a three-day period, Al Darmaki, CEO of Khalifa can encourage reckless behaviour. off a global panic. the Department for Business, following a thorough assessment and challenged to give practical Fund (UAE), Amal Al Mannai, The 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Also that month, Merrill Lynch Innovation and Skills (BIS). It based on the ‘Investors in People examples of how the department Executive Director, Social Street reform law prohibits tax- was bought by Bank of America was launched in 1991 and is now Framework’ which sets out a communicates, how it demon- Development Center (Qatar), payer-funded bailouts of “too-big- , while Morgan Stanley and a network spread across over clear structure and benchmark strates the Qatargas values and Farhan Kalaldeh, Executive to-fail” banks, but some politicians Goldman Sachs changed their 70 countries, consisting of over for improvement, to help every how the it contributes to the bot- Director, Queen Rania Center have pushed for further measures legal status to become bank hold- 23,000 organisations of all sizes team be the very best they can be. tomline return on investment for for Entrepreneurship (Jordan and to ensure there is not a repeat of ing companies, putting them under representing all sectors. The Qatargas Learning & Qatargas. many others. the crisis-era bailouts. Fed oversight. REUTERS Ghanim Al Kuwari, Qatargas Development Department applied THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA Price weakness Volkswagen to buy Scania extending: ECB BERLIN: Europe’s biggest car- maker, Germany’s Volkswagen, FRANKFURT: Weakness The ECB, which holds its next said it was making a ¤6.7- in eurozone price pressures is policy meeting on March 6, has bn ($9.19bn) offer to grab the extending into the medium- set out two scenarios that could nearly 40 percent of Swedish term, the time horizon the trigger fresh policy action: a dete- truck manufacturer Scania it European Central Bank looks rioration in the medium-term does not already own. at when deciding on policy, ECB inflation outlook and an “unwar- Volkswagen currently has policymaker Peter Praet said. ranted” tightening of short-term nearly 90 percent of voting shares Praet, who holds the powerful money markets. in Scania, and owns 62.6 per- economics portfolio on the ECB’s A cut in interest rates is one cent of the company. It is telling Executive Board, told Portuguese option for dealing with low euro- shareholders of the outstanding newspaper Expresso: “If our man- zone inflation, or tight money stock it is willing to pay them date is at risk, we will act without markets. Another option the 200 Swedish kronor ($36.84) per hesitation”. ECB has discussed is to sus- share, a premium of more than The ECB’s mandate is to deliver pend operations to soak up the 50 percent that values the total price stability, which it defines as money it spent buying sovereign offer at ¤6.7bn. inflation of close to but below two bonds under its now-terminated The buy is conditioned on percent over the medium-term. Securities Markets Programme Volkswagen ending up with at Euro zone inflation is running at during the debt crisis. least 90 percent of Scania. If just 0.7 percent — well below the “When we issued our forward that happens, the German group target. “We do not see a risk of guidance last November, we com- will withdraw the listed Swedish deflation, but we admit that the municated that we will continue firm from the Stockholm stock pressures on prices are weak, to have a very loose monetary exchange. and that this weakness in price policy and we will do whatever is Volkswagen already owns development is extending to the necessary to fulfill our mandate,” German truck- and bus-maker medium-term,” Praet said. Praet added. REUTERS MAN. AFP

Barcelona’s Mobile World Congress

People walk past a Mobile World Congress entrance in Barcelona yesterday. The GSMA Mobile World Congress, representing the interests of the worldwide mobile communications industry, will take place from February 24 to 27 in Barcelona. SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2014 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Detroit files plan to get out of bankruptcy $1.5bn investment over 10 years to improve services

CHICAGO: The city of Detroit Up to third of those funds would income is “at or relatively near filed a plan to emerge from the be used to deal with the estimated the federal poverty level will not biggest municipal bankruptcy 80,000 abandoned buildings which fall below that level,” Orr said. in US history and reverse a litter the city. The Detroit Institute of Arts decades-long decline by slash- Emergency manager Kevyn — which houses a world class ing debt, improving services Orr acknowledged “there is still collection — would escape rela- and cleaning up miles of blight. much work in front of all of us” tively unscathed thanks to a deal Saddled with more than $18bn after months of negotiations with which would see the institute and in debt and a tax base depleted creditors. “We must move swiftly its supporters donate $465m to by decades of population loss and to emerge from bankruptcy so prop up the pension funds. urban blight, the birthplace of that the financial distress harm- There had been concerns that the US auto industry has been ing the city can end,” he said in a the institute’s collection — which so strapped for cash it can’t even statement. includes Diego Rivera’s remarkable keep the street lights on. “We maintain that the plan Detroit Industry frescos — could It filed for bankruptcy protec- provides the best path forward be sold off to cover the city’s debts. tion in July, the largest US city for all parties to resolve their The state of Michigan is also ever to do so. respective issues and for Detroit expected to make a $350m con- Honda Motor’s President and CEO Takanobu Ito (right) sits next to Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto as The plan of adjustment, which to become once again a city in tribution to the pension funds they watch ASIMO robot entertains the crowd during the opening of Honda’s new automobile plant in a suburb was immediately attacked by which people want to invest, live over the next 20 years to help of Celaya, Guanajuato. creditors, must win approval from and work.” keep it afloat. The bankruptcy is a federal judge and is expected to The proposed plan would give expected to make it harder for be subjected to months of court most unsecured creditors just municipalities in Michigan and battles. It was hailed, however, by 20 percent of what was owed to other US states to borrow money Honda opens second plant in Mexico Michigan Governor Rick Snyder them in the form of new munici- by undermining confidence in as “a thoughtful, comprehensive pal bonds. Pensioners, however, what used to be among the most blueprint directing the city back to would be much better off. trusted bonds available. CELAYA: Honda unveiled a North American Free Trade according to IHS Automotive con- solid financial ground, a crucial step Police and firefighters would The situation is being closely second factory in Mexico on Agreement (NAFTA), Mexico sultancy. In 2015, Mexico will out- toward a fully revitalised Detroit.” likely get more than 90 percent of monitored by government workers Friday, seeking to capitalise has free-trade deals with several pace Canada with 1.9 million units The 120-page plan details a what is owed to them while other across the country who are fearful on the nation’s rising power in regions in the world, including sold in the US, IHS estimates. $1.5bn investment over 10 years retirees would get 70 percent. that they too may see their retire- the sector and strengthen the Japan and Europe,” he said. IHS auto analyst Guido Vildozo to improve essential services for Efforts would be made to ensure ment benefits slashed by cash- Japanese car giant’s foothold in Mexican President Enrique said Honda’s focus on Mexico — the city’s 700,000 residents. that retirees whose household strapped states and cities. AFP North America. Pena Nieto was on hand to unveil where the firm is also building a The $800m plant in Celaya, in the sprawling factory — which $470m transmissions plant at the the central state of Guanajuato, will have 3,200 workers — along- same Celaya site, adding another will churn out 200,000 units per side state officials and Honda 1,500 jobs — was “a combination year, contributing to Mexico’s executives, including Ito. of things.” race to beat Canada and Japan Mexico is now the world’s Honda opened its first factory Coca-Cola vows SMEs to get more help in China as top car exporter to the United eighth-biggest car maker and in the western state of Jalisco in States. the number four exporter after the 1980s to produce motorcycles to press on with BEIJING: China said it will and clearance of goods at cus- For Honda, producing the Germany, South Korea and Japan, and later cars. take steps to boost bank lend- toms will be sped up to help small Honda Fit hatchback and a yet- according to industry figures. “People forget that Mexican layoffs in Spain ing and subsidies to small and exporters. China’s small- and to-be-named compact-sport util- “I am pleased to be here for labour is highly qualified. Mexico medium-sized businesses in medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) ity vehicle in Mexico will allow the the inauguration of this Honda has been building for competitive labour intensive industries, account for 60 percent of its gross company to expand its presence in factory, which recognises that we markets in the United States and MADRID: US drinks giant many of which are facing a domestic product and some 75 the Mexican and US markets. are creating the optimal condi- Europe for years,” Vildozo said. Coca-Cola vowed to press on tougher business environment. percent of new jobs created in the Latin America’s second-biggest tions to attract investments and US, European and Asian auto- with laying off workers at its A joint statement issued by country, but they are struggling economy has become an increas- to generate economic growth in makers have also flocked to bottling plants in Spain after nine government departments to cope with soft global demand. ingly favoured destination for car our country,” Pena Nieto said. Mexico. The new Honda plant is unions refused to strike a deal. outlined broadly how smaller Despite China’s rapid credit makers thanks to its lower wages, Ironically, the investments of near a Mazda factory that began Striking workers had until firms would be assisted, but did growth, loans have become harder skilled workforce and participa- Japanese car makers in Mexico operations last month, attracting Friday to reach a deal with man- not give specifics on what kind of to come by for small firms, as tion in a raft of free-trade pacts. is helping the Latin American auto part makers that are turning agers on the company’s plan to lending help will be extended. Chinese banks generally prefer “We have great expectations for country gain ground on Japan’s Guanajuato into an industry hub. close four factories, which labour The government would “develop to lend to big, state-linked firms. growth in the US market as well auto exports to the United States. Audi, the top-of-the-range unions say threatens nearly 1,200 financial products and services The industry and info-technol- as the Mexican market,” Honda Mexico is on pace to overtake company owned by German auto jobs. The company said many fit for small- and medium- sized ogy ministry said it would encour- chief executive Takanobu Ito told Japan for second place this year, giant Volkswagen, is building a workers had accepted its offer of firms in labor intensive industries age private investors to invest in reporters, adding that Mexico has exporting 1.69 million units to its factory in the state of Puebla that early retirement, relocation or and set loan rates reasonably”. labour-intensive industries. good growth potential for small norther neighbor, almost 200,000 will produce 150,000 cars per year voluntary redundancy for 1,190 It also said export tax rebates REUTERS cars. “In addition to having the more than the Asian nation, when it opens in 2016. AFP employees at the plants. “We are extremely surprised that, after the support shown for the company’s offer by most of the workers consulted, the union rep- resentatives rejected the condi- tions,” said Angel Lopez de Ocariz, US bans bidis made by Indian tobacco company communications director for Coca Cola’s subsidiary Iberian Partners, WASHINGTON: US regu- spokeswoman described as an further notice, the FDA said. students and 1.7 percent of mid- determine which new tobacco in a statement. lators banned four types of Indian company with headquar- “Companies that continue to dle school students smoke bidis, products may be sold and dis- “Iberian Partners will decide, small cigarettes known as ters in Illinois. The ban came sell and distribute these prod- according to a 2011 CDC survey. tributed under the law in order within the legally established bidis made by an Indian com- about because the products were ucts in the US may be subject to The FDA was granted author- to protect public health.” deadline of two weeks, in what pany, marking the Food and found to be substantially different enforcement actions by the FDA.” ity to regulate tobacco products The Campaign for Tobacco form the redundancy plan will be Drug Administration’s first- from existing tobacco products Asked for comment, a sales rep- in 2009 as a result of the Tobacco Free Kids commended the FDA, applied,” the statement added. ever oversight action against a on the market as of 2007, and did resentative for Jash International Control Act, signed into law by describing the order as “one of Unions ahead of Friday’s dead- tobacco product. not meet new regulatory require- said a spokesperson would not be President Barack Obama. the most important enforcement line rejected the offer since it Bidis are small, hand-rolled ments, the FDA said. available until next week. The law is aimed particularly actions the FDA has taken.” would not save the plants, where cigarettes that contain tobacco “This means they can no longer The Centers for Disease Control at curbing smoking among young “Today’s action sends a strong workers have been on strike all wrapped in leaves from a tendu be sold or distributed in interstate and Prevention has warned that people. “Historically, tobacco com- message to tobacco companies month. They said they would tree, and may come in various commerce or imported into the bidis contain higher levels of nic- panies controlled which products that the FDA will seriously bring legal action when the com- flavors. United States,” the FDA said in otine, tar and carbon monoxide came on and off the market with- enforce this critical provision of pany pushes on with the plan. US authorities say bidis contain a statement. than conventional cigarettes. out any oversight,” said Mitch the law, which is aimed at pre- “Coca-Cola is not ‘the Real levels of nicotine, tar and carbon The order applies to Sutra “Smoke from a bidi contains Zeller, director of the FDA’s venting manufacturers from Thing’ for Spanish society,” monoxide several times greater Bidis Red, Sutra Bidis Menthol, three to five times the amount of Center for Tobacco Products. introducing products that are Ramon Gorriz, one of the lead- than normal cigarettes. Sutra Bidis Red Cone, and Sutra nicotine as a regular cigarette and “But the Tobacco Control Act even more harmful, addictive ers of the CCOO labour union, The FDA move applies to Bidis Menthol Cone. places users at risk for nicotine gave the FDA, a science-based or appealing to children,” said a told a news conference on four varieties made by Jash Stores’ existing inventory may addiction,” said the CDC website. regulatory agency, the author- statement by the group’s presi- Thursday. AFP International, which a regulatory be subject to seizure without Two percent of high school ity to review applications and dent, Matthew Myers. AFP

Official brands Diehard gamers in Japan finally get PlayStation 4 German trade TOKYO: Diehard gamers in Entertainment, said to the first Japan who began queuing ear- buyers. surplus ‘unfair’ lier last week finally got their Some of the eager fans had hands on a new PlayStation 4 queued for two days to be among BERLIN: A leading German as Sony unleashed its console on the first in Japan to own the new foreign ministry official has home turf in a midnight launch. console. called the country’s massive The long-awaited Japanese “I want to play games with trade surplus “unfair”, joining launch comes after a stellar debut state-of-the-art technology,” others in Europe and the United in the United States and Europe, said Tetsuya Tamura, a 44-year- States in criticising Germany where more than 5.4 million units old IT engineer who arrived on for not boosting its domestic have been shifted since November, Wednesday with his son, Shion, demand and dismantling global offering a bright ray of hope to 19, to take first place in the queue. imbalances. Sony after years of gloomy sales Early adopters of the PS4 in Europe State Secretary Michael of its key consumer electronics Europe and the US have enthused Roth became the first senior goods. over its vast computing capacity government official to speak At midnight (1500 GMT and the cinematic graphics it out against the surplus, which Friday), the first 100 customers makes possible. has been defended by Finance were allowed to take home a new In the coveted US market, Sony Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble and console from Sony Building, a boasted that video game indus- Chancellor Angela Merkel. flagship display venue in Tokyo’s try sales data, reported last week “Just as the deficit coun- bustling district of Ginza, putting by NPD Group, showed PS4 is tries bear the responsibility to the lucky few fans hours ahead of far outselling Microsoft’s Xbox improve their situation, so the a nationwide mass release. One consoles, also released in so-called surplus countries also “Thank you for coming to this November. Ryo Watanabe (centre), holds up his PlayStation 4 game console after being the first in Japan to own the gaming bear a responsibility,” he said, in launch despite the cold,” Andrew Analysts say sales at home are console, next to Sony Computer’s President and Group CEO Andrew House (left) and Sony Computer, Japan, comments reported by Spiegel House, CEO of Sony Computer expected to widen the lead. AFP President, Hiroshi Kawano yesterday in Tokyo. Online. REUTERS SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2014 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

Beijing targets new The conflict that plagues foes: Economists

BY WILLIAM PESEK Obama’s wage increase

BY EUGENE SCALIA AND RACHEL he Communist Party’s assault on cyberspace and the minimum wages to optimise suppliers’ per- procurement law in the proxy war over MONDL international media is well known. But now, it’s turning formance? Just a year ago, Obama thought labour rights. on foreign researchers who dare challenge the official $9 was the correct across-the-board mini- The DC Circuit surmised as much, calling Tnarrative that China can grow 7 percent forever and n setting a $10.10 minimum wage mum wage. the link that Bush cited “attenuated.” But can’t crash. last week for workers on federal con- The real reason for the wage order, of the court considered itself bound by its lead- That’s the gist of a new effort detailed by the South China tracts, President Barack Obama acted course, is the president’s belief that workers ing precedent in this area, a 1979 decision Morning Post, one that aims to discredit and blacklist overseas on his State of the Union vow to use deserve a higher wage. In using the procure- upholding an executive order by President researchers. Expect the world’s biggest banks to start self- cen- executive powers to bypass Congress ment power as a pretext, he’s following a Jimmy Carter that sought to reduce infla- soring themselves to avoid upsetting Beijing. “whereverI and whenever” he deems it neces- practice of his predecessors that the courts tion by forcing contractors to abide by wage Think about it. If Jamie Dimon’s JPMorgan Chase was willing sary. But the legal basis for the president’s have indulged for too long. and price ceilings. to risk a scandal by hiring well-connected Chinese kids, what will order is shaky and, if challenged in court, President Bill Clinton, for example, Obama probably will invoke that decision it do if economists threaten its access to Beijing? That could hap- could diminish the presidential powers that based a 1995 executive order on the claim if his minimum-wage order is challenged pen simply by some strategist warning about the shadow-banking Obama seeks to expand. that companies are better off when they in court. Yet in both rationale and effect, industry. Will those now voicing scepticism about Chinese data The principal legal basis for the new allow themselves to be shut down by a the Obama order is the exact opposite of on everything from exports to bad loans to pollution be muzzled minimum wage is the federal procurement strike rather than hire replacement work- Carter’s: Carter sought to limit wages on the by top executives? If it’s happening in the media, you can bet it’s law, which authorises the president to ers to stay open. On the theory that this theory that if wages are low, the government happening at banks. issue directives for more “economical” and produces savings that are passed on to the spends less. Obama asks us to conclude that It’s a huge problem that the world’s second-biggest economy is “efficient” federal contracting. Accordingly, government, Clinton barred federal con- the government spends less when it requires becoming more and more of a black box. What can the world do Obama’s executive order makes claims about tracts with companies that hire replace- workers to be paid more. about it? To me, this is a job for the Group of Seven. It’s time the the government savings and efficiencies that ment workers. The point is not simply that in this United States, Japan, Germany, France, Britain, Italy and Canada would supposedly result from raising the The US Court of Appeals for the DC instance, at least, President Obama’s judg- stepped out of their nostalgic cocoon and welcomed China into minimum wage. Circuit struck down that order, but not on ment about basic economics is worse than the ultimate members-only club. A higher wage “increases [workers’] the grounds that it was a gift to organised Carter’s. It is also that presidents have been China is the biggest trading nation, the largest holder of cur- morale and the productivity and quality of labour that had nothing to do with effi- misusing their procurement authority by rency reserves ($3.8tr), the No 1 polluter and a fast-rising geopo- their work, lowers turnover and its accom- cient contracting. No, the court said that making increasingly implausible claims on litical power. Yet there’s no regular or manageable forum in which panying costs, and reduces supervisory Clinton’s order was pre-empted by federal matters they know little about so they can peers can sit across from Chinese officials to glean intelligence on costs,” the order says. This would yield “sav- labour law. further ends unrelated to saving taxpayer what’s really afoot. It’s vital for peers to be able to query Finance ings and quality improvements” that would President George W Bush had better dollars. Minister Lou Jiwei on the true state of reforms and central bank improve “economy and efficiency” in govern- luck defending his executive orders, includ- Executive orders under the procure- Governor Zhou Xiaochuan on China’s efforts to rein in a bad-loan ment procurement. ing one that required contractors to post ment law possess neither the democratic crisis that could dwarf Japan’s and form a united front against This explanation is not credible. No pur- notices about workers’ right not to join a pedigree of laws passed by both houses of China’s opacity. chaser insists that its suppliers pay workers union. Bush reasoned that “when workers Congress nor the nonpartisan expertise that Sure, these kinds of exchanges happen on a bilateral basis more in order to lower the cost of goods. are better informed of their rights. . . their is thought to characterize rules prepared now and again and at meetings of the Group of 20 nations. But To the extent that businesses can deliver productivity is enhanced.” by career civil servants. This most recent the G-20 is proving to be a bit too unwieldy for the task. It’s also better service at lower cost by raising Now, Bush did once own a business, and order, by creating a clear conflict with the awash in nations from South Africa to Brazil to Indonesia that, wages, they’ll do so themselves in response it’s possible that he regularly invited union leading precedent, gives courts a chance to frankly, might fear retribution if they demanded Chinese officials to market incentives, and their increased bosses and plaintiffs’ lawyers to talk to the begin placing limits on a power that has open their real books to the world. efficiency would result in a lower overall bid Texas Rangers to, say, boost their on-base been abused by Democratic and Republican The G-7 is a better forum for fact-finding and coordination. price. Moreover, what does the president percentage. But it’s a better bet that Bush, presidents alike. There are a couple of snags, of course. One is who to toss out. know about the specific level at which to set like Obama and Clinton, was wielding the WP-BLOOMBERG Sorry, Italy, but it’s you. No disrespect is meant here. But you’re part of a greater whole in Europe, shackled for better or worse to a single currency and central bank. Canada’s economy may be smaller, but its success in avoiding the crisis of recent years gives it more street cred in financial circles than Italy. The other problem is China might demur. It loves its role as huge shareholder in the global financial system, but it likes to avoid the whole stakeholder thing. Just as with efforts to curtail greenhouse gases, China wants the benefits of its rising clout but hopes to put off the responsibilities that accompany it. The G-7 should insist. The importance of China’s economy is growing in sync with its opacity. Foreign journalists are finding Chinese travel visas hard to come by, never mind work permits. China’s Internet censorship apparatus is growing apace to keep up with new microblogging and chat offerings. The government also has been working to help mainlanders doing business in Hong Kong conceal residential addresses and full identification num- bers that journalists and analysts use elsewhere to discern who owns or runs what. Why open accounts in the Cayman Islands when those looking for places to stash ill- gotten gains can do it in Hong Kong? Going after researchers will further obscure China’s outlook. When economists like Stephen Green of Standard Chartered in Hong Kong say China’s credit system is “a big black box, and it’s quite scary,” he’s not exaggerating. My question is, What happens now as such comments might put economic truthers on Beijing’s blacklist? Won’t top executives at Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Service trying to sell ratings to Chinese companies and municipalities tell analysts to tread carefully when assessing debt risks? Even before China’s economist clampdown, Carson Block of Muddy Waters was warning it had taken the side of fraud; Patrick Chovanec of Silvercrest Asset Management was worried growth is being driven by runaway credit fuelling giant projects whose purpose is to inflate economic statistics; former Fitch Ratings analyst Charlene Chu cautioned global risks emanating from Beijing; Pacific Investment Management Co’s Bill Gross was call- ing China “mystery meat”; and George Soros was talking about a “debt disaster that’s unfolding in plain sight.” China will be even less transparent if economists are under pressure to be nice to Beijing. That is, unless the G-7 can talk China out of it. The only way to do that is to put out the welcome mat. WP-BLOOMBERG Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate No broadband competition without regulation BY FELIX SALMON broadband than watching mov- amount of convenience involved created a system whereby the some hugely expensive new tech- internet connectivity to be able ies on Netflix, but what he doesn’t in just dealing with one company amount of bandwidth in the US nology to be built, nationally, in to provide a better service at a yler Cowen isn’t wor- really grok is that there’s more for both services. The result is the is more than enough to meet the parallel to the existing internet price of zero. Since the mobile ried about the cable to Netflix than watching movies barriers to entry, in the broad- needs of all its inhabitants. What’s infrastructure. The problem with operators weren’t willing to companies’ broadband on Netflix. band market, are incredibly high. more, as demand increases, the Cowen’s dream is precisely the bring their international text- Tmonopoly. His argu- Netflix has moved away from Cowen talks about pCells and supply of bandwidth quite natu- monopoly rents that the cable messaging prices down to zero, ment, in a nutshell: if you can’t the movies model (which was a Google Fiber, but really they prove rally increases to meet it. What companies are currently extract- they simply lost tens of billions afford broadband, that’s not the constraint of the DVDs-by-mail my point: pCells are untested we don’t need is anybody spending ing. If and when any new compet- of dollars’ worth of text messages end of the world: you can always model) to a TV model. And that technology which would surely hundreds of billions of dollars to itor arrives, the local monopolist to WhatsApp and other internet- go to the public library, or order makes sense, because Americans cost a mind-boggling amount of build out a brand-new nationwide has more room to cut prices and based messaging services. DVDs by mail from Netflix. And really love their TV. They love it money to roll out nationally, while broadband network. drive the competitor out of busi- In broadband, by contrast, it’s if the cable companies’ broadband so much that cable-TV penetra- it’s taking even the mighty Google What we do need, on the other ness than the newcomer has. the cable operators who could, if price is very high, then that just tion is still substantially higher a huge amount of time and money hand, is the ability of different In other words, the market in they wanted to, bring the mar- increases the amount of money than broadband penetration. to bring its own broadband serv- companies to provide broadband delivering broadband to the home ginal cost of broadband down that alternative broadband pro- As a result, any new broadband ice to a relatively small number of services to America’s households. is pretty much the opposite of to zero. (There’s no reason, in viders can potentially make in company will not be competing mid-size cities. And here’s where the real prob- the international text-messaging principle, why they can’t provide this “extremely dynamic market against the standalone cost of What’s more, all of that effort lem lies: the cable companies own market which was disrupted so broadband for free to anybody sector”. Indeed, he says, if regula- broadband from the cable opera- is redundant and duplicative: we the cable pipes, and the regula- effectively (and so profitably) by with a cable-TV subscription.) tors were to force cable compa- tors: instead, they will be com- already have perfectly adequate tors refuse to force them to allow WhatsApp. Meanwhile, any would-be dis- nies to decrease their prices, then peting against the marginal extra pipes running into our homes, anybody else to provide services The initial impetus for ruptor, needing to repay a mas- that would only serve to decrease cost of broadband from the cable capable of delivering enough over those pipes. This is called WhatsApp came in Europe, where sive capital investment, is going the amount of money that a com- company, for people who already broadband for nearly everybody’s local loop unbundling, it’s the lots of people want to communi- to have less ability to slash prices petitor could make, and thereby have — and won’t give up — their purposes. Creating a massive main reason for low broadband cate with their friends across bor- than the incumbents do. lengthen the amount of time it cable TV. parallel national network of new prices in Europe, and of course it’s ders: from Germany to Austria, So don’t count on competition will take “to reach a more com- If you’re a cable-TV subscriber, pipes (or pCells, or whatever) is, vehemently opposed by the cable say, or from the Netherlands to to bring down prices in the broad- petitive equilibrium”. the cost of upgrading to a dou- frankly, a waste of money. The companies. Belgium. Text messaging across band space. This is an area where The first big thing that Cowen ble-play package of cable TV and economics of wholesale bandwidth Local loop unbundling, in the borders is expensive, both to send the regulators — and only the reg- misses here is television. Cowen broadband is actually very low; are little-understood, but they’re broadband space, would be vastly and to receive, and WhatsApp ulators — can really be effective. knows that there’s more to what’s more, there’s a certain also incredibly effective, and have more effective than waiting for used those phones’ existing REUTERS SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2014 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com GECM & TENDERS

GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS MAP (GECM) Every Sunday

UK unemployment rate unexpectedly rises in German producer price inflation fourth quarter -0.1pc vs. 0.2pc forecast LONDON: UK unemployment BERLIN: Germany’s producer price China manufacturing US jobless claims fall 3,000 to unexpectedly rose in the fourth index fell unexpectedly last month, index falls to lowest level 336,000 quarter, reinforcing the case for official data showed on Thursday. in seven months Japan logs record $27 bn In a report, Destatis said that the Bank of England to keep its BEIJING: Chinese manufacturing Jan. trade deficit on surging WASHINGTON: Applications for German Producer Price Inflation fell index fell to the lowest level in imports unemployment benefits fell slightly key interest rate at a record low. to a seasonally adjusted annual rate seven months, adding to signs in the second week of February The jobless rate measured by of -0.1pc, from 0.1pc in the preceding TOKYO: Japan’s trade deficit but the level of claims appeared to International Labour Organization month. Analysts had expected of a factory slowdown that will swelled in January to another signal little improvement in the US methods rose to 7.2 percent from German Producer Price Inflation to limit growth in the world’s second- monthly record, data showed labor market. Initial jobless claims 7.1 percent in the three months rise 0.2pc last month. largest economy. Thursday, as once-bumper dropped by 3,000 to a seasonally through November, the Office for surpluses disappear under adjusted 336,000 in the seven National Statistics said in London. the weight of soaring post- days ended Feb. 15, the Labor Fukushima energy bills, an Department said Thursday. India records 8pc annual imbalance driven by premier average economic growth in Shinzo Abe’s cheap-yen policies. 11th plan NEW DELHI: India has recorded Rand weakens on inflation an average annual economic acceleration and unrest in other growth rate of 8 percent during emerging economies the 11th Five Year Plan (2007-12) compared to targeted 9 per cent. JOHANNESBURG: The rand weakened Argentina’s jobless rate at 6.4pc in Q4 India’s annual average economic for a second day after inflation growth rate remained at 8 per cent BUENOS AIRES: Argentina’s National Census accelerated more than expected in and Statistics Institute (Indec) reported compared to the targeted 9 per cent Australian dollar lower as Africa’s biggest economy and as for the 11th Plan. Wednesday that the country’s unemployment violence in Ukraine and Thailand wages data signals reduced rate stood at 6.4 percent in the fourth quarter soured investor sentiment toward inflation risk of 2013, down by 0.5 percentage points from emerging markets. South African SYDNEY: The Australian dollar a year earlier. The underemployment rate -- consumer prices climbed for a second was lower Wednesday after data workers who work less than 36 hours a week month to 5.8pc in January from 5.4pc showed that domestic wages -- went down to 7.8 percent in the quarter the month before. rose at a weak pace in the fourth from 9 percent in the previous year, the Indec quarter, which economists said said in a report. should help to keep inflation at bay, and forestall interest rate increases expected by some later this year, the Aussie was trading around S$0.9018, down from US$0.9040, late Tuesday. It traded as low as US$0.8990.

TENDERS

TENDER TENDER CLOSING TENDER TENDER CLOSING No. COMPANY TENDER NO. SUBJECT No. COMPANY TENDER NO. SUBJECT BOND FEES DATE BOND FEES DATE Sewer extension at Rawdat Al Khalil PWA/ Maintenance supply and install 1 area (JOB ref #436/2013) IA/D-HC/13- QR 80,000 QR 1,000 2/3/2014 STC/031/13-14 PWA/ street names and directional signage 14/C/080/1 24 QR 350,000 QR 1,500 11/3/2014 GTC/087/13-14 throughout Qatar, contract-2 AA-R/13- Sewer repair, replacement and 14/OM/044/C1/G PWA/ QR 2 rehabilitation framework AA/DOM/13- QR 3,000 25/03/2014 GTC/085/13-14 2,250,000 AF/M/ Maintenance of running track at warm 14/M/1591-4.07/G 25 QR 18,000 QR 300 16/03/2014 AL3065/14 up area in Aspire Zone Provision of vessel traffic service (VTS) 3 LT14102000 QR 43,000 N/A 16/03/2014 Aspire Zone EMC enterprise storage training 26 AF/C/AF5433/13 QR 40,000 QR 300 2/3/2014 upgrade Replacement & jointing of cables at Aspire Zone Foundation Network & 4ST14100600substation-1, NGL-3, GAS operations, QR 15,000 QR 200 17/03/2014 27 AF/C/AF5434/13 QR 240,000 QR 1,000 2/3/2014 security upgradation project Mesaieed Investigation and repairs of the roof Maint. support services for compressors AF/C/ 28 claddings at Aspire sports hall and QR 20,000 QR 300 2/3/2014 5GT14101700in Dukhan Gas Ops and QP refinery QR 500,000 QR 500 9/3/2014 AFAA5319R1/14 Aspire Sports Academy Mesaieed Aspire Zone Sale and removal of control valves, 17/03/2014 Design, fabrication, supply, delivery and 6ST14MT0010 QR 2,000 Free impeller, cam clutch and spider bearings (12:00hrs) 29 AF/C/AL5446/14 installation of fence barriers around filed QR 20,000 QR 300 2/3/2014 of play Nos. 10,11 & 12 in Aspire Zone Sale and removal of electrical cables, 17/03/2014 7ST14MT0011control panel, distribution board, skids QR 2,000 Free Maintenance, refilling and provision of (12:00hrs) AF/M/ & trolley. 30 relevant services of the fire extingushers QR 7,000 QR 200 2/3/2014 AL3058R2/13 Epic for refurbishment and revovation for Aspire Logistics at Aspire Zone 8LT14102100 QR 125,000 QR 200 16/03/2014 works at various clubs within Dukhan Call-off contract for energy efficiency Turn around maintenance works at and water efficiency retrolift CN 9GT14102700Khuff stations, point-N & Point-U in QR 250,000 QR 500 23/03/2014 department tenders for T Call-off Dukhan FLD contract services to supply & delivery materials at site of dertmined nurmber Sale and removal of ice maker machine, 17/03/2014 10 ST14MT0012 QR 2,000 Free of mosques and schools inside furnitures, kitchen items etc (12:00hrs) Qatar, together with required design/ engineering work, installation and Call-off for purchase, M&S for pvtsim QE 11 GT14101100 QR 323,750 QR 500 2/3/2014 31 GTC 592/2013 modifiation (adjustment/replacement/ QR 3,000 16/02/2014 software 300,000.00 repair)with all required accessories Portable explosion proof air conditioners 03/03/2014 for the below retrofits as applicable 12 ST14MT0190 QR 12,000 QR 100 & spot coolers (12:00hrs) as follows:- Different types of water Sale and removal of rubber marine efficient faucets-Water efficient hoses w/flanges, Davit/winches for life 17/03/2014 aerators- external and internal lighting 13 ST14MT0014 QR 2,000 Free boats, starter units complete & local (12:00hrs) bulbs -programmable thermostats in control panel applicable facilities -occupancy sensors -photo sensors Supply of CS/SS Ball valves (various 17/03/2014 14 ST14MT0018 QR 40,000 QR 100 sizes/class, QTY-96 pcs) (12:00hrs) 23/02/2014 Routine maintenance & third party LTC- Not later Maintenance of lighting installations on 32 certification of overhead cranes at QR 200,000 QR 1,000 15 GT14101600 QR 500,000 QR 500 2/3/2014 738/2013 than 11:00 call-off basis in Dukhan Fields various water pumping stations A.M Sale and removal of flow meters, valves, 17/03/2014 16 ST14MT0009 equipment, fax machines, card printers QR 2,000 Free Consultancy services for DMA motorized (12:00hrs) & spares etc valves & scada integration-Package (1) Preliminary and detailed design for 227 20/03/2014 Invitation for prequalification of optimized water management DMAs, 06/03/2014 17 GTC-616/2013 N/A 1000 Time: before full construction and commissioning of QR Not Later domestic and bulk smart water meters 33 GTC/ 580/2013 QR 4,000 12 noon one pilot area (13 DMAs) preparation 1,000,000 than 11:00 16/03/2014 of tender documents for construction, am Not later construction supervision of the 18 LTC 786/2014 Supply of plotters QR 15,000 QR 500 than construction contract and 6 months 11:00am operation & training for KM staff Motor control centers-phase 2 Two(2) years call-off contract for PWA/ providing customers assistants By noon of 34 (upgrading) AA/DOM/13-14/M/1581- QR 50,000 QR 500 3/3/2014 19 LTC 751/2013 QR 150,000 QR 500 STC/044/13-14 (cashiers) at Kahramaa tankers filling 13/04/2014 1.06/S stations Construction of Doha and Rayyan PWA/ sewerage scheme-Sewe Extension and 16/03/2014 35 QR 20,000 QR 500 24/02/2014 Not later STC/045/13-14 House connection at Muaither Area (JOB 20 LTC 778/2014 Supply of spa series protection relays QR 35,000 QR 500 than REF: B1203) IA-D/HC/12-13/C/063/S 11:00am Operation and maintenance of Rra Supply of buffer solution, sensor, PWA/ tunnel monitoring system and other 09/03/2014 36 QR 250,000 QR 1,000 25/02/2014 dissolved oxygen probe, turbity meter GTC/081/13-14 traffic contraol measures in Greater Not later 21 LTC 785/2014 instrument, PH electrode sensor, QR 15,000 QR 500 Doha AA-R/13-14/OM/039/C1/G than elect-rolyte solution bottle & Gateway 11:00am PWA/ Riw in South of Greater Doha Zone 90 to QR convertor 37 QR 3,000 25/02/2014 GTC/082/13-14 95 Phase-3 IA-R/13-14/C/052/G 1,700,000 30/03/2014 Consultancy for electricity distribution not later PWA/ Access road to Al Karaana PTP IA/13- QR 22 LTC 796/2014 QR 200,000 QR 1,000 38 QR 2,500 25/02/2014 networks planning than GTC/083/13-14 14/C/053/G 1,200,000 11:00am PWA/ Maintenance and improvement works in QR 39 QR 3,000 4/3/2014 GTC/084/13-14 expressways AA-R/13-14/OM/050/C1/G 2,100,000 Maintenance Supply and installation of PWA/ street names and directional signage 23 QR 350,000 QR 1,500 11/3/2014 Prov. of operation and maint services for GTC/086/13-14 throughout Qatar, Contract-1 AA-R/13- 40 GT141010200 QR 175,000 N/A 2/3/2014 two incinerators & accessories in Halul 14/OM/043C1/G SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Orlando prevail over New York Los Angeles Lakers beat Boston Celtics

NEW YORK: Rookie guard suffered their 10th successive loss. Victor Oladipo scored 30 points, NBA Results The Sixers, who made five deals made a career-high 14 assists at Thursday’s trade deadline, had Charlotte 90 New Orleans 87 and pulled down nine rebounds nine players in uniform but used Players and officials of Oman celebrate winning the four-nation West Asian Hockey Tournament, which was to lead the Orlando Magic to a Orlando 129 NY Knicks 121 only eight as coach Brett Brown Dallas 124 Philadelphia 112 played in Qatar. Oman beat Iran in the final 3-2 in a penalty shoot-out at Al Rayyan Stadium. Qatar Hockey double-overtime victory over the left newly acquired guard Eric Federation Secretary General Mohamed Abdul Nazer said the event will be an annual affair and the hosts of New York Knicks. Toronto 98 Cleveland 91 Maynor out of the team. the series would alternate between Qatar and Oman. Oladipo cored eight points in Detroit 115 Atlanta 107 Power forward Greg Monroe the second overtime, including Chicago 117 Denver 89 scored 22 points and had 15 two three-point plays that won Memphis 102 LA Clippers 96 rebounds, one of four Detroit play- the game. ers to post a double-double, as the Phoenix 106 San Antonio 85 Knicks forward Carmelo Pistons beat the injury-depleted Anthony, who scored 44 points and Portland 102 Utah 94 Atlanta Hawks. had 11 rebounds, scored all eight LA Lakers 101 Boston 92 Power forward Zach Randolph Rugby: England, Scots win of his team’s points in the second scored 21 points and added 11 overtime. longest in nearly four years. rebounds as the Memphis Grizzlies The Magic missed a chance to Center Al Jefferson scored 33 survived a parade of Los Angeles LONDON: A try by scrumhalf as can be,” Schmidt said. scoreline suggests with both sides win at the end of the first over- points and grabbed 10 rebounds Clippers to the free-throw line. Danny Care spurred England “(Italy) will be devastated today frequently going close to a try in time when center Nikola Vucevic as the Charlotte Bobcats beat the The Clippers shot 43 free to a 13-10 win over favourites and that makes them more for- the first half. missed a short shot just before the New Orleans Pelicans. throws to 15 for Memphis, includ- Ireland after a nerve-jangling midable in two weeks’ time,” he England crossed the line after buzzer sounded. The Bobcats led by as many as ing 16 in the fourth quarter alone. finish at Twickenham yesterday said after Italy had victory over five minutes and left wing Jonny Vucevic missed the final shot at 13 points in the fourth quarter but Forward Blake Griffin finished to leave a four-way tie at the top the Scots snatched away by a drop May, who joined an attack on the the end of regulation. ultimately needed four free throws with 28 points and 13 rebounds. of the Six Nations table. goal in the final minute. right, broke through only to lose Terrence Ross scored 20 points by guard Kemba Walker in the The Clippers, down 96-91 with Holders Wales, who beat France Saturday’s game at the ball as he was about to touch as the Toronto Raptors snapped final 8.9 seconds to hang on after 1:47 to play, scored their next 27-6 on Friday, the French, Twickenham was opened up in down. the Cleveland Cavaliers’ six-game the Pelicans had stormed back to five points from the foul line and England and Ireland all have four the second half by attacking runs Ireland, having withstood an winning streak. tie the score 84-84. closed to within two, at 98-96, with points after three matches. from the fullbacks after England early onslaught, then enjoyed a Toronto improved to 30-25 Forward Dirk Nowitzki 1:05 left, but would not score again. England coach Stuart led 3-0 at the interval from the period of sustained pressure and for the season, while forward scored 25 points as the Dallas Guard D.J. Augustin scored 22 Lancaster, whose team denied first of flyhalf Owen Farrell’s two gradually pushed the home team Luol Deng led the Cavaliers (22- Mavericks rolled past the points and rookie forward Tony Ireland the Triple Crown, hailed penalties. back against their line. 34), whose win streak was their depleted Philadelphia 76ers, who Snell added a career-high 20 his team’s ability to absorb pres- Ireland number 15 Rob Kearney There was enterprising running points as the Chicago Bulls rolled sure and come back from behind touched down under the posts from both sets of backs, especially to a big victory over the Denver to win a match that makes them early in the second period after the Irish who attempted short Nuggets. marginally favourites to beat taking a short pass from number kicks ahead and crossfield kicks Forward Markieff Morris Wales at home in a fortnight. eight Jamie Heaslip, flyhalf behind the defence looking for the scored 21 points and guard Ish “We showed maturity in seeing Jonny Sexton making the easy breakthrough. Smith keyed a run of 19 consecu- the game out, given the experience conversion. England ran at Ireland directly tive Phoenix points in the second and quality of the Ireland team,” A Sexton penalty put Ireland while the visitors relied more on quarter as the Suns pounded the Lancaster said. I think the main 10-3 ahead with 30 minutes criss-cross moves. travel-weary San Antonio Spurs. quality was not panicking after remaining before Farrell narrowed The home side had marginally The Suns (33-21) have won 11 going behind. the gap with another penalty. the better of the forward battle of their past 15 games, while the “We made a slow start against England went back in front with Ireland giving away penal- Spurs finished their nine-game New Zealand (in November’s when fullback Mike Brown broke ties, the first within kicking dis- road trip 7-2. defeat) and we made a slow start through in midfield. He took a tance converted by Farrell from Guard Damian Lillard scored 28 against France (three weeks ago) pass from captain Chris Robshaw the right to break the deadlock points and dished out seven assists and we came back into the game, and, as he was tackled, fed Care after 25 point-less but entertain- as the Portland Trail Blazers used we kept our composure and I think who scampered over the line. ing minutes. a fourth-quarter rally to overhaul our ambition to play paid off with Farrell extended the lead to The England flyhalf missed the Utah Jazz at home. the try by Danny Care.” three points with a conversion in another penalty from the left Utah out-scored Portland 34-21 Former England coach Clive front of the posts and the hosts as the interval neared, the ball in the third quarter to turn a four- Woodward, whose side won held on to claim victory. glancing off the outside of the left point halftime deficit into a 73-64 the World Cup in 2003, said Overall, the action was far more upright. lead heading into the final period, Lancaster’s team were on the exciting and absorbing than the REUTERS but the Blazers scored the first 10 right track for the 2015 tourna- points of the final quarter to hit ment they will host. the front. “That is the most significant win Guard MarShon Brooks pro- for this current England team... vided the fourth-quarter spark in that was a defining moment. I his Los Angeles Lakers debut as think England will really go on his new team snapped out of its now and become something spe- home funk with a victory over the cial,” he told the BBC. Boston Celtics. “I think the England versus The Lakers trailed by 11 enter- Wales game is absolutely huge but ing the final quarter but started it I just can’t see this England team with a 13-2 run fueled by Brooks, losing now.” who joined the team this week in Ireland have the easier task a trade deal with the Golden State on paper in two weeks’ time Warriors. when they face bottom team The Lakers halted their fran- Italy, who earlier lost 21-20 to chise-record home losing streak Scotland in Rome, but Ireland at eight games, and improved to coach Joe Schmidt warned tak- 19-36. The Celtics (19-37) were ing the Italians lightly would be denied their first road victory dangerous. Scotland’s Duncan Weir (centre) celebrates with his team-mates after Boston Celtics Jeff Green sinks a basket against the Los Angeles Lakers this season against a Western “We were not so secure scoring against Italy in their Six Nations Championship rugby union match Conference opponent. today, we must make sure in during action in their NBA game at Staples Center in Los Angeles. at the Olympic stadium in Rome. REUTERS our next step to be as secure Kenseth, Hamlin NHL: Zetterberg likely out for rest of season

SOCHI: The Detroit Red Wings hopeful that we can play our way Holland said. “But the surgery is for a return before the regular sea- favourites at Daytona don’t expect Henrik Zetterberg into the playoffs and that he’ll be something that needed to be done son ends on April 13. The playoffs to play again during the regular back, but that’s down the road.” and he’ll be as good as new.” begin April 16. DAYTONA BEACH: Joe qualifying race but also won a season. The Red Wings and Swedish Detroit, which is aiming to earn “We’re using the eight-week Gibbs Racing team mates Matt race on the track last Saturday. Zetterberg had back surgery Olympic hockey team captain a spot in a 23rd consecutive NHL period, but it could be six or seven Kenseth and Denny Hamlin Garage insiders consider the Friday in New York to remove a played once at the Sochi Games postseason, is competing for one or it could be longer,” Holland said. surged into the roles of favour- preliminary events good indicators fragmented disk. before pulling out because of the of the final playoff spots in the “In December, when Z was having ites for the Daytona 500 today for the 56th edition of the event “I don’t anticipate he’ll be ready injury. Eastern Conference. some issues and we shut him down, after roaring to victories in known as the Great American to play in any games of the regu- Holland is hopeful Zetterberg’s The team announced Friday we were aware there was a frag- preliminary races at Daytona Race. lar season,” Red Wings general back injury does not prematurely that Zetterberg’s status would be ment in there. We were hopeful Speedway. Under unique race rules, only manager Ken Holland told The end his career. “I’m told it has evaluated again in eight weeks, a he could get through the season. While Kenseth and Hamlin the front row of pole winner Associated Press on Saturday. “I’m nothing to do with his career,” timetable that likely ruled him out AP claimed the spotlight in their Austin Dillon and Martin Truex Jr. Toyotas, concerns grew that the had been locked into their start- Speedway could be turned into ing positions before the qualifying a collision course in NASCAR’s races. However, Truex wrecked his Tavares injury: Isles exec wants Olympic exit season-opening spectacular as car in the qualifier, sending him pack-racing has led to crashes to the rear of the 43-car grid in NEW YORK: A season-ending The Islanders expect Tavares, “Are the IIHF or IOC going to 10 points up on a playoff spot or that have wrecked 20 cars this his back-up car when they start injury suffered by star John third top scorer in the NHL, to reimburse our season-ticket hold- 10 points out. We lost our best week. on Sunday. Tavares while playing at the be back in time for next season’s ers now?” Snow told Newsday. “It’s player and he wasn’t playing for Kenseth, a two-time winner at Kenseth starts third and Sochi Winter Olympics has training camp in September. a joke. They want all the benefits us,” Snow said. the 2.5-mile, high-banked oval, Hamlin fourth in the second row. New York Islanders general But in losing team captain from NHL players in the Olympics “This is probably the big- won his preliminary 150-mile Despite the impressive show- manager Garth Snow wanting Tavares, the Islanders had their and don’t want to pay when our gest reason why NHL players race on Thursday, holding off ing, team owner Gibbs, the former National Hockey League play- hopes crushed for making a run best player gets hurt.” shouldn’t be in the Olympics. It Kevin Harvick and Kasey Kahne. three-time winning Super Bowl ers to stay home. at the NHL playoffs after losing While an Olympic insur- should just be amateurs.” In 2012, Kenseth went on to win coach of the Washington Redskins, The 23-year-old Canadian cen- 38 of 60 games before the NHL ance policy will ensure Tavares The crosstown rival New York the Daytona 500 after winning his was not overconfident about see- tre suffered a torn ligament and shutdown for the Olympics. receives his salary, it will not Rangers lost their top scorer qualifying race. ing one of his cars win Daytona torn meniscus in his left knee Snow aimed his ire at the erase the competitive disadvan- as well when Norway’s Mats Hamlin, who missed most for the first time since 1993 with when struck by Latvian defense- International Olympic Committee tage or lost ticket sales due to Zuccarello suffered a broken left of 2013 due to a back injury, Dale Jarrett. man Arturs Kulda in Canada’s (IOC) and the International Ice his absence. hand. not only won his crash-marred REUTERS 2-1 quarter-final triumph. Hockey Federation (IIHF). “It wouldn’t matter if we were AFP SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2014 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

The European Conference of Arab Horse Organisation held its 31st Annual General Assembly at the Ritz-Carlton, Doha yesterday. The Assembly was chaired by chairman Jaroslav Lacina, vice chairman Anna Stojanowska and treasurer Marek Trela. (RIGHT) QREC vice chairman Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al Malki presents a memento to Lacina. Nordqvist extends Oosthuizen, Furyk, lead to four strokes PATTAYA: Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist stretched her lead to Honda LPGA four shots in the third round of the $1.5m Honda LPGA Thailand Scores Thailand tournament yesterday Fowler in last eight with a five-under 67. Leading third-round scores at Nordqvist, whose last tourna- the Honda LPGA Thailand tour- ment victory was back in 2009, nament (par 72): moved to 11-under for the tour- 205 Anna Nordqvist (SWE) 66-72-67 nament — four ahead of defend- 209- Park In-Bee (KOR) 71-71-67, Michelle Wie South African in sizzling form at Accenture Championship ing champion Park In-Bee of (USA) 67-73-69 South Korea, who also shot 67, 210 Julieta Granada (PAR) 71-68-71 MARANA: South African debut this week in a World and American Michelle Wie, who 211 Tseng Ya-ni (TPE) 72-73- 66, Cristie Kerr Louis Oosthuizen coasted in Golf Championships event, and hit 69. (USA) 71-72-68, Lydia Ko (NZ) 72-70- sizzling style while Americans Northern Irishman Graeme Alone in fourth place at the 69, Lexi Thompson (USA) 68-74-69 Jim Furyk and Rickie Fowler McDowell, after a third succes- Siam Country Club in Pattaya 212 Catriona Matthew (SCO) 76-71-65, Pak both staged thrilling comebacks sive Houdini-like escape at Dove was Paraguay’s Julieta Granada Se-Ri (KOR) 72-72-68, Feng Shanshan to reach the WGC-Accenture Mountain. with a 71. (CHN) 71-72-69, Jenny Shin (KOR) Match Play Championship quar- Former British Open champion A further shot behind in 72-70-70, Caroline Hedwall (SWE) ter-finals in Marana, Arizona on Oosthuizen, who upset top-seeded joint fifth were Americans Lexi 69-73-70, Karrie Webb (AUS) 71-70-71, Friday. Swede Henrik Stenson in the Thompson and Kristie Kerr, along Ryu So-Yeon (KOR) 69-72-71, Jennifer Also advancing into the previous round, was a flawless six with New Zealand youngster Lydia Johnson (USA) 68-73-71, Angela last eight were Frenchman under for the day when he sealed Ko and two-time champion in this Stanford (USA) 68-73-71, Sandra Gal Victor Dubuisson, making his a commanding 5&4 victory over event, Tseng Ya-ni from Taiwan. (GER) 69-70-73 American Webb Simpson. The best round of the day came Oosthuizen eagled the par-five from Scotland’s Catriona Matthew, “I hit a lot of great shots today, WGC Match Play second and then added four birdies who shot up to joint ninth after a but I left four or five birdies out to tighten his grip on the third- sparkling seven-under 65. there,” she said. “My putter wasn’t Championship round encounter. Nordqvist said she was delighted as hot as my ball-striking.” “I’m playing some of my best to be leading the tournament for Park said that winning the Results (golf) now,” Oosthuizen told the third straight day. event last year set her up for a reporters. “I’m hitting the ball “To be in contention on the final great season. MARANA, United States: really good and just need to make day is all you can ask for,” she said. “If I can win this week, it would Results on Friday from the the putts.” She admitted her third round be a good lucky charm,” she added. third round of the $9 million Oosthuizen will next meet took a while to spark. Wie was happy to be in the mix World Golf Championships Australian Jason Day, who never “I played solid but was on even- for the final day. Match Play Championship (x trailed on the way to a comfortable par at the turn and knew I had to “It’s great to be in contention. denotes seed): 3&1 win against South African remain patient.” That’s what you work for in the Bobby Jones division George Coetzee. The Swede’s patience was first three rounds,” she said. Louis Oosthuizen (RSA x8) bt Webb Simpson PGA Tour veteran Furyk and rewarded with a magnificent Concerning her improved form, (USA x5) 5 and 4; Jason Day (AUS x2) bt emerging talent Fowler also second shot on the 10th that left Wie said she believed it was partly George Coetzee (RSA x14) 3 and 1 reached the last eight, but both her little more than a tap-in for a due to the off-season break. Ben Hogan division had their work cut out. stunning eagle. “I took a very nice mental vaca- Jim Furyk (USA x5) bt Harris English (USA Furyk came from three down “I hit a perfect fade,” she said. tion. I went home for five weeks after six holes to win a hotly con- “The 10th gave me the momentum and didn’t take my clubs.” x9) 1 up; Rickie Fowler (USA x14) bt Sergio Webb Simpson and Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa greet each other tested match with compatriot I needed.” Earlier in the day, with a bril- Garcia (ESP x2) 1 up during the third round of the World Golf Championships — Accenture Match Gary Player division Harris English one up, making She went on to sink three more liant round of seven birdies and an sure of the win with birdies at 16 Play Championship at The Golf Club at Dove Mountain in Marana, Arizona. birdies on the back nine, including eagle at the 15th, Matthew looked Ernie Els (RSA x8) bt Jason Dufner (USA x4) and 17 before recording a match- the difficult 18th. like she would equal the course 1 up; Jordan Spieth (USA x3) bt Matt Kuchar ing par at the 18th. pip Spaniard Sergio Garcia one up. his opening match and 18 in his World number one Park admit- record of 63, but she was thwarted (USA x2) 2 and 1 Fowler, who upset 2010 cham- The American piled up five second as he had to rally in both, ted she had been nervous in her by a painful double-bogey at the Sam Snead division pion Ian Poulter and in-form birdies in the last 10 holes to seize came from two down after 16 holes first tournament of the year, but tricky 18th. “I gave myself a lot of Graeme McDowell (NIR x4) bt Hunter Mahan American Jimmy Walker in his control and will take on Furyk in to edge American Hunter Mahan felt a lot more comfortable after chances and just holed them all (USA x8) 21 holes; Victor Dubuisson (FRA first two matches, rallied from the quarter-finals. after 21. shooting 67, which featured six today,” she said. x7) bt Bubba Watson (USA x3) 1 up three down after eight holes to McDowell, taken to 19 holes in REUTERS birdies and one bogey. AFP Al Balooshi, Langdon of Al Anabi team in Phoenix eliminations CHANDLER: It wasn’t exactly fresh off their season-opening win get a better starting position, and teammate earlier, Landgon’s sil- how the teams planned it, but two weeks ago in California. The I know everyone on our team will ver Al Anabi car simply produced both Shawn Langdon and Khalid team made two excellent efforts do his best to have us ready to more horsepower than the brand Al Balooshi have qualified for in Friday qualifying, yet neither race on Sunday. Jason (crew chief new racing surface could handle Phoenix NHRA eliminations for yielded results the team hoped Jason McCulloch) and the guys and smoked the tires. Langdon is the Qatar Al Anabi Racing Top for. In the first qualifying run, Al know what is wrong with the car currently eighth on the strength Fuel team, the three-time and Balooshi’s gold Al Anabi dragster so we hope to have our car running of his first-round effort. Pomona, defending NHRA Mello Yello simply produced more power than the way it was two weeks ago in California runner-up Doug Kalitta Top Fuel World Champions the new racing surface at Wild California and have another very is currently the No. 1 qualifier. owned by H E Sheikh Khalid bin Horse Pass Motorsports Park good weekend. And as always, I “The silver Al Anabi car made Hamad Al Thani. could handle and smoked the tires. thank Sheikh Khalid for giving a good run in the first round,” Langdon is eighth, and Al In the second round, Al Balooshi me this opportunity.” Langdon said. “But right before Balooshi is 14th at the mid-point appeared to be on a nice pass when 2013 NHRA Mello Yello Top the finish line, the blower belt of qualifying for the CARQUEST the engine experienced problems Fuel World Champion Shawn broke making the car stop accel- Auto Parts NHRA Nationals forcing him to abort the run. The Langdon had somewhat bet- erating. In the second round, we just outside Phoenix, the sec- third-year Top Fuel driver from ter results. In the first session, were going for that No. 1 quali- ond of 24 events making up the Dubai is 14th at the mid-point of Langdon was on a brilliant pass fier position, and just over-pow- United States’ 2014 NHRA Mello the qualifying process. when the engine experienced a ered the race track. We’ll be fine, Yello Drag Racing Series season. “The main thing for the gold parts malfunction right at the though. We still have two more Qualifying resumed yesterday Al Anabi team is to forget what end of the run, but Langdon’s qualifying sessions, and I know with eliminations set for today. happened on Friday and focus on 3.845-second effort was good the Al Anabi team will be ready to Al Balooshi, the current NHRA getting everything back to normal enough for third quickest. In the race on Sunday. Thanks to Sheikh Dubai native Khalid Al Balooshi begins his afternoon qualifying run in Mello Yello Top Fuel points leader, for Saturday,” Al Balooshi said. “I second run, Langdon and the sil- Khalid and everyone in Qatar for Chandler, Arizona, with the rear tires gripping the race track and the front and his gold Al Anabi Racing think everything will be OK. We ver Al Anabi team were going for their support. end of the car lifted perfectly off the track. (Photo Courtesy: Gary Nastase) Team entered the Phoenix event have two more qualifying runs to the No. 1 qualifier, and, like his THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

Prize winners in the Qatar International Endurance Cup pose with their trophies after the presentation ceremony yesterday. The Minister of Youth and Sports, H E Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser Al Ali, gave away the trophies to the participants. A group of 13 riders featured in the 120km competition. The next race — Al Shaqab International Ride 120Km FEI — will be held on March 15. Pictures: SHERIL BABU Nadal, Ferrer enter Isner labours, easy for Celic Rio Open semi-finals in Delray Beach

DELRAY BEACH: US sec- Zakopalova, Pereira advance in WTA event ond seed John Isner rallied ATP Delray Beach on Friday to reach the ATP Delray Beach Open semi-finals, RIO DE JANEIRO: Top- back, Nadal backed off. where he will try to deny Marin Results seeded Rafael Nadal reached “We’re not going to talk every Cilic his third final in as many DELRAY BEACH, United the semi-finals of the Rio Open, day about the back,’’ he said. ‘’I’m weeks. States: Results yester- showing no problems with a in the semi-finals.” Big-serving Isner fired 18 aces day from the $474,000 ATP sore back in defeating Joao Nadal tweaked his back warm- in outlasting US qualifier Rhyne Delray Beach Open (x denotes Sousa of Portugal 6-1, 6-0 on ing up for the final in Melbourne, Williams 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 while Cilic, seeding): Friday. eventually losing to Stanislas a seventh seed from Croatia, Quarter-finals: Kevin Anderson (RSA x4) No. 1-ranked Nadal, in his Wawrinka in a match he was dispatched Russia’s Teymuraz bt Marinko Matosevic (AUS) 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, first tournament since losing the favoured to win. Gabashvili 6-2, 6-3. 6-3; Steve Johnson (USA) bt Feliciano Lopez Australian Open final, played his He took several weeks off ‘’Trust me, I’d like to win it in (ESP x6) 6-3, 6-2; Marin Cilic (CRO x7) bt best match in Brazil and will face and is using Rio to tune up two sets,’’ said Isner. Teymuraz Gabashvili (RUS) 6-2, 6-3; John fellow Spaniard Pablo Andujar in for three months of clay- Cilic won his fourth career Isner (USA x2) bt Rhyne Williams (USA) 4-6, the semi-finals. Andjuar ripped court play leading to the ATP crown on home soil at 6-3, 6-2. through Tommy Robredo of French Open. Zagreb two weeks ago and last Spain 6-1, 6-1. Ferrer and Bellucci had to wait week reached the Rotterdam there and finally got that break- In the other semi-final, second- for more than an hour with the final, losing to Czech Tomas through in the second set. It was seeded David Ferrer will meet Spaniard leading 2-1 in the third Berdych. gusty and it was tough to get a unseeded Alexandr Dolgopolov. set when the lights went out at Hitting 12 aces and convert- rhythm. Ferrer defeated Thomaz Bellucci the outdoor stadium. ing five of six break points, Cilic “I’m in the semis and that’s a of Brazil 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 and “It was really tough,” Ferrer advanced in 79 minutes and took great feeling.” Dolgopolov of Ukraine advanced said. “When the match was the 2014 lead in match wins Anderson’s only other title against third-seeded Fabio stopped it was practically in my with 16. came in 2011 on home soil in Fognini 6-1, 6-1. hands. It was bad luck with what “Good times are rolling. It’s Johannesburg. Ferrer has won 21 ATP singles happened with the lights.” pretty good,” Cilic said. “This is Johnson, who upset top seed title and will be the favourite to Dolgopolov was asked if he my first time ever (reaching) two Tommy Haas in the second reach the final today against planned to return to Ukraine, finals in a row, and a semi-final, round, has reached his first ATP Nadal with 61 titles including 13 perhaps pulling out of the tour- so that’s huge for me. It’s very semi-final. He has already beaten Grand Slams. nament to go to a country bor- positive.” Anderson this year, ousting him “I think I have improved in dering on civil war. The other semi-final will send at Auckland last month. everything,” Nadal said. “I don’t think it’s going to South African fourth seed Kevin ‘’I’m playing composed tennis “I think I played a complete change a lot at this point if I just Anderson — who eliminated and staying within myself,’’ said match. I had my best game of finished playing and come back to Australian Marinko Matosevic Johnson, who helped USC to four the tournament, and not just my country,” said Dolgopolov, who 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-3 — against NCAA titles. that but I played at a very high lives in the wealthy European 142nd-ranked US qualifier Steve Johnson had to win two quali- level. Really, I did things I wasn’t enclave of Monte Carlo. Johnson, who eliminated Spanish fying matches to earn a spot in able to do a few days ago. I moved “It’s still going to be the same sixth seed Feliciano Lopez the 32-player main draw. better. I was more intense, more situation. I will just be closer. But 6-3, 6-2. “He’s going to have the experi- aggressive.’’ I am not considering that at this Anderson fired 10 aces and ence out there, but I played him Asked about the moment.” connected on 61 percent of his tough earlier this year,” Johnson In the combined ATP- first serves in a 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, said. WTA event, top-seeded Klara 6-3 victory over his 55th-ranked “It’s going to be a comfortable ATP and WTA Rio Zakopalova of the Czech Republic rival, who had nine aces but match for me because I’ve prac- reached the semi-finals, defeating also six double-faults and only ticed with Kevin. I’m hoping to Open Results Katarzyna Piter of Poland 6-4, a 49 percent first-serve success go out there and just be confident RIO DE JANEIRO: Collated 6-0. rate. and ready to go.” results on the fifth day of the Zakopalova will face Brazilian Seeking his second Delray Johnson did not drop serve and ATP and WTA Rio Open yes- Teliana Pereira, who defeated Beach title in three years broke Lopez three times. terday (x denotes seeding): Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania and third ATP career crown, “I stuck to the game plan and 6-4, 6-4. Anderson advanced to a matchup executed really well and in the Men Quarter finals: Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Joao Sousa of Portugal during their Pereira is a home favourite and with US qualifier Steve Johnson, end I was able to hold my nerves,” bt João Sousa (POR) 6-1, 6-0; Pablo Andújar men’s single match of the Rio de Janeiro Open tennis tournament in Rio the first Brazilian woman in 23 who eliminated Spanish sixth he told reporters. (ESP x8) bt Tommy Robredo (ESP x4) 6-1, years to crack the WTA top 100. de Janeiro, Brazil. seed Feliciano Lopez 6-3, 6-2 in Johnson, ranked 142nd in the 6-1; Oleksandr Dolgopolov Jr. (UKR) bt Fabio “She (Zakopalova) is the 73 minutes. world, will meet 2012 champion Fognini (ITA x3) 6-1, 6-1; David Ferrer (ESP favourite, the top-seeded player,” won seven Grand Slam singles 7-6 (5), and was leading the sec- Anderson, who lives nearby, Kevin Anderson in the semi- x2) bt Thomaz Belluci (BRA) 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. Pereira said. titles, the last in the 1966 US ond 2-0 when Spain’s Lourdes surrendered only one break finals on Saturday. Women Quarter finals: Klara Zakopalova “I have to play like I did today Open. Dominguez Lino withdrew with over two hours and 23 minutes Johnson might be the (CZE x1) bt Katarzyna Piter (POL) 6-4, 6-0; and keep my good rhythm. But I Zakopalova will be looking for a left leg injury. in improving to 12-3 all time at underdog against fourth seed Teliana Pereira (BRA) bt Irina Begu (ROM) have a lot of confidence and I will her third WTA singles title. None She will face Nastassja Burnett Delray Beach and 3-0 against Anderson, but will take confi- 6-4, 6-4; Kurumi Nara (JPN x5) bt Lourdes have the Brazilian fans behind of the other semi-finalists has of Italy, who defeated Paula Matosevic. dence in the knowledge he beat Domínguez (ESP) 7-6 (7/5), 2-0 – retired; me.” won a WTA singles title. Ormaechea of Argentina 5-7, “I’ve played him a couple times the South African in Auckland in Nastassja Burnett (ITA) bt Paula Ormaechea Brazil’s most famous female Japan’s Kurumi Nara also 6-2, 7-5. before and it’s a battle each time,” January. (ARG) 5-7, 6-2, 7-5. player is still Maria Bueno, who advanced. She won the first set AP Anderson said. “I just hung in AGENCIES SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2014 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Olympics: South Africa take control N Koreans welcome at 2018 Games, after Aussies fold for 246 says Seoul SOCHI, RUSSIA: South Hashim Amla strokes home side into strong position with fluent 93 Korean organisers of the 2018 Winter Olympics said yes- terday they would welcome PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH North Korean athletes at the AFRICA: South Africa moved South Africa’s Bangladesh’s Pyeongchang Games despite into a strong position on the batsman AB de Villiers fraught ties between the neigh- third day of the second Test plays a shot during Shakib bouring countries. against Australia at St George’s the second Test The next host city of the Park yesterday but lost one of against Australia at St punished for Winter Games is close to the their four specialist bowlers. George’s Park in Port heavily militarised border with Australia were bowled out for Elizabeth, yesterday. the North -- the world’s last great 246 in their first innings, giving lewd gesture Cold War frontier. South Africa a lead of 177, which Relations on the Korean penin- they stretched to 369 by the close on TV sula are currently enjoying a ten- of play, reaching 192 for four. tative thaw, but precedent shows Batsman Hashim Amla DHAKA: Bangladesh’s pre- that military tensions can quickly returned to form with a sparkling mier all-rounder Shakib Al surge to dangerous levels. innings of 93 not out. Hasan missed yesterday’s final Pyeongchang organising com- But South Africa will be with- one-dayer against Sri Lanka mittee chief Kim Jin-Sun said out left-arm fast-medium bowler and will be out of the first two the participation of North Korea Wayne Parnell when they attempt matches of the Asia Cup after -- which does not have athletes at to bowl out Australia a second being banned for making a lewd the Sochi Games -- in 2018 would time. gesture on live television. be a “very good thing”. Parnell, who on Friday took two Shakib pointed towards his “Currently the interest in win- wickets with his first three deliv- crotch and then towards the cam- ter sports is growing so I hope eries of the match, pulled up with era that was focused on him in that winter sports further develop a groin injury after bowling three the fifth over of the day when Scoreboard the players’ balcony soon after his in North Korea,” said Kim. balls in his ninth over. Philander had top-scorer David dismissal for 24 during the second “And I also hope four years Team manager Mohammed Warner caught at slip for 70. South Africa (I innings): ...... 423 Bowling: Steyn 13-3-55-1; Philander 13-0-68- one-dayer in Dhaka on Thursday. from now North Korean ath- Moosajee said Parnell had a Nightwatchman Nathan Lyon, Australia (I innings): 3; Morkel 17-0-63-3 (1nb; 1w); Parnell 8.3-2- The Bangladesh Cricket Board letes will be able to come to the strain, not a tear, but would nev- after standing up to a bumper C Rogers lbw Philander ...... 5 31-2; Elgar 0.3-0-1-0; Duminy 5-0-24-1. (BCB), which conducted a disci- Pyeongchang Games. ertheless be unable to bowl in the barrage from Morkel, chopped a D Warner c Smith b Philander ...... 70 South Africa (II innings): plinary hearing on Friday, sus- “If it’s realised I think that’s a second innings. ball from the tall fast bowler into A Doolan c De Villiers b Parnell ...... 8 G Smith b Johnson ...... 14 pended the 26-year-old for three very, very good thing.” It left South Africa with three his stumps in the next over. S Marsh c De Villiers b Parnell ...... 0 D Elgar c Haddin b Siddle ...... 16 one-day internationals and fined Hundreds of elderly South and specialist bowlers after bringing Steve Smith and Brad Haddin M Clarke c Elgar b Philander ...... 19 H Amla (batting) ...... 93 him 300,000 Bangladesh taka North Korean relatives met this in a batsman for an all-rounder both survived chances as they N Lyon b Morkel ...... 15 F du Plessis c Haddin b Siddle ...... 2 ($3,860). week after 60 years apart at a after losing the first Test in added 40 for the seventh wicket S Smith c De Villiers b Morkel ...... 49 Q de Kock (batting) ...... 9 “Shakib has been penalised reunion for families divided by Centurion by 281 runs. before Haddin was bowled by Dale B Haddin b Steyn ...... 9 Extras (B-2, LB-5) ...... 7 for breaching the BCB Code of the Korean War. The first of their Australia found themselves in Steyn. M Johnson b Duminy ...... 27 Total (for 4 wkts) ...... 192 Conduct,” the board said in a kind for three years, the reunions unfamiliar territory in a domi- Mitchell Johnson hit a quick R Harris c Du Plessis b Morkel ...... 26 Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-42, 3-112, 4-167. statement late Friday. “He admit- are widely seen as a possible first nant southern hemisphere sum- 27 before he was bowled in the P Siddle (not out) ...... 11 Bowling: Johnson 12-0-48-2, Harris 10-1- ted the offence and accepted step towards an improvement in mer, during which they have won over before lunch by off-spinner Extras (LB-4, NB-1, W-2) ...... 7 53-0, Lyon 12-2-31-0, Siddle 13-2-53-2. responsibility for the act. cross-border ties. six successive Tests, all by wide JP Duminy. Total (all out) ...... 246 Match situation: South Africa lead by 369 “Shakib was repentant for the Millions of Koreans were sep- margins. In the previous over Johnson Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-41, 3-41, 4-81, 5-120, runs with six wickets remaining in the second incident and readily accepted that arated by the 1950-53 war, and South Africa, though, looked had been struck a heavy blow on 6-128, 7-168, 8-205, 9-209. innings. the behavior was unbecoming of a the vast majority have since died more like the team that has the batting helmet by a bouncer player of his experience and stat- without having any communica- surged to the top of the inter- from Morkel. ure. We also reminded him that tion at all with surviving relatives. national Test rankings as they Smith made 49 before he was eighth time he has been out to a difficult chance from Haddin at his action was unacceptable,” the Last year Games organisers followed up a solid first innings given out caught behind off a faint the left-arm fast bowler in Test gully off Philander, struck the ball statement quoted BCB’s acting rejected the idea of sharing the with aggressive bowling to put edge from Morkel after a review matches. with superb timing as he made CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury as skiing events with North Korea Australia under pressure. by South Africa. The opening partnership of 20 his first Test half-century in eight saying. as unrealistic after North Korea’s The tall Morne Morkel was Australia struck back at the with Dean Elgar was the highest innings off 53 balls. Sri Lanka won yesterday to International Olympic Committee particularly hostile, peppering start of South Africa’s second by either side in seven innings of He and Faf du Plessis steadied sweep the series 3-0. member Chang Ung suggested the the batsmen with numerous short innings by dismissing both open- a series which features two strong the innings with a third wicket Shakib, who has played 34 Tests, North could host some events. deliveries as he took three wickets ing batsmen cheaply. fast bowling attacks. stand of 70. 131 one-dayers and 28 Twenty20 And South Korea’s Olympic for 63 runs. Captain Graeme Smith failed Elgar was caught behind off AB de Villiers helped Amla add games, is the senior-most player officials say there have been no Fast bowler Vernon Philander for the fourth successive innings Peter Siddle for 16. 55 for the fourth wicket. By the in the current Bangladesh team talks so far with North Korea claimed three for 68. when he was bowled off an inside Amla, who suffered a dislo- close Amla had faced 126 balls and and one of the top all-rounders in about forming a joint team for South Africa were on top from edge for 14 by Johnson - the cated left ring finger in dropping hit 12 fours. REUTERS the modern game. REUTERS the 2018 Games. The two countries have never Scoreboard fielded a joint Olympic team, but their athletes marched together BANGLADESH nayake 9-0-46-1 (w1); Priyanjan 6-0-42-0 at the opening of the 2000 and Revamped Sri Lanka 2004 Summer Olympics. A Haque c Chandimal b Prasad ...... 2 (w1); A Perera 3-0-17-0; Mathews 3-0-21-0. S Rahman c A Perera b Prasad ...... 25 SRI LANKA Speaking on the penulti- M Haque (run out) ...... 60 K Perera b Rubel ...... 106 mate day of competition at the M Rahim c Senanayake b Prasad ...... 30 L Thirimanne c Shamsur b Mahmudullah ....18 Sochi Games, Kim said the 2018 N Islam c Prasad b Senanayake ...... 32 K Vithanage b Mahmudullah ...... 9 Olympics would be a huge boost sweep Bangladesh 3-0 for winter sports in the region. N Hossain c Priyanjan b Lakmal ...... 38 D Chandimal c Anamul b Rubel ...... 64 Mohd Mahmudullah c Thirimanne b Lakmal . 5 A Mathews (not out) ...... 20 “In Asia, winter sports are rela- DHAKA: New-look Sri Lanka scored 64. Sri Lanka ended the Sri Lankan captain Angelo Sohag Gazi b T Perera ...... 23 A Priyanjan (not out) ...... 22 tively under-developed compared trounced Bangladesh by six month-long tour on a high, having Mathews said the series provided Shafiul Islam (not out) ...... 15 Extras (LB4, W3) ...... 7 with Europe and North America,” wickets in the third and final also won both the preceding Test useful preparation for the Asia Arafat Sunny (not out) ...... 1 Total (for 4 wkts in 47.3 overs) ...... 246 he said. one-day international in Dhaka and Twenty20 series. Cup, where the other contenders Extras (LB-2, W-7) ...... 9 Fall of wickets: 1-44, 2-60, 3-198, 4-205. “But recently the interest in yesterday to sweep the series But the victory yesterday was are India, Pakistan, Afghanistan Total (for 8 wkts in 50 overs) ...... 240 Bowling: Shafiul 4-0-27-0 (w1); Gazi 9-1-47- winter sports and related indus- 3-0. sweeter as Sri Lanka took the and the hosts. Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-62, 3-108, 4-130, 0; Rubel 10-0-69-2 (w1); Mahmudullah 10-0- tries has grown dramatically. Asia Seamer Dhammika Prasad field without either of their three “It was nice to win even with- 5-184, 6-200, 7-201, 8-232 38-2 (w1); Nasir 4-1-12-0; Sunny 10-0-42-0; has a great potential to become a claimed three wickets in his first veterans, Mahela Jayawardene, out the senior players,” said Bowling: Lakmal 10-3-24-2 (w1); T Perera Naeem 0.3-0-7-0. huge market for winter sports. In match of the series as the tourists Kumar Sangakkara and Mathews. “This was a good test 9-0-39-1 (w2); Prasad 10-0-49-3 (w2); Sena- Sri Lanka won by six wickets; sweep series 3-0. that sense I believe Pyeongchang restricted Bangladesh to 240-8 Tillakaratne Dilshan, for the first for our bench strength. It will put will offer a window of opportunity after electing to field in the day- time in a one-dayer since 2000. us in the right frame for the Asia for Asia.” night match. Jayawardene and Dilshan Cup.” Prasad was well-supported with a run-a-ball 60, while valu- And Kim said he hoped to see Kusal Perera, a 23-year-old were nursing injuries, while by new-ball partner Suranga able contributions from Nasir WI end Irish players from the National Hockey left-handed opener, then hit Sangakkara was rested ahead of Lakmal, who finished with two for Hossain (38), Naeem Islam (32) League at the Pyeongchang a maiden one-day century as the five-nation Asia Cup which 24 in 10 overs on the slow pitch. and skipper Mushfiqur Rahim Games, with the NHL still unde- Sri Lanka surpassed the target opens in Bangladesh on Tuesday. The hosts missed premier all- (30) gave the hosts their highest hopes of cided on whether to allow its play- with 15 deliveries to spare at the The bowling was also depleted rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who score in the series. ers to compete in 2018. Sher-e-Bangla stadium. Perera in the absence of pace spearhead was handed a three-match ban Kusal Perera made light of “Ice hockey is one of the most hit a belligerent 106 off 124 balls Lasith Malinga, who was given for a lewd on-camera gesture the target as he flayed the home history important sports on the Olympic with six boundaries and five sixes, a break, and the injured duo of during the second one-dayer on team’s attack till the 40th over KINGSTON, JAMAICA: programme,” he said. sharing a third-wicket stand of seamer Nuwan Kulasekara and Thursday. when he was bowled by Rubel Ireland’s flirtation with cricket- “NHL players have participated 138 with Dinesh Chandimal, who spinner Rangana Herath. Mominul Haque top-scored Hossain. REUTERS ing history came to a disappoint- in every Olympics since Nagano in ing end in Kingston’s Sabina 1988 and their participation has Park on Friday when they lost made a great contribution to the their second Twenty20 interna- worldwide expansion of winter tional against the West Indies. sports. Victory, following a famous six- “In that sense we sincerely wicket win on the same ground hope and believe that they will earlier in the week, would have come to the Pyeongchang Games given the Irish a first series win in 2018.” over a Test-playing nation. The Games, with an over- But the West Indies drew on all budget of about $9bn, would all their experience to win by 11 showcase South Korea’s remark- runs, hitting 96 for nine off their able transformation into a mod- 20 overs after Ireland had won ern industrial nation over the the toss and put them into bat, past few decades, Kim said. and then restricting the Irish to “Thirty years ago the world saw 85 for eight in theirs. a developing country... through Gary Wilson led Ireland’s run the 1988 South Korean Games chase with a brave 35 from 39 (in Seoul). balls after they had slumped to 25 “Just one generation later in for four and he moved them on to 2018 the world will be able to see a Sri Lanka’s players pose with the 72 for seven before being caught truly developed country of Korea trophy after winning the One- and bowled by Dwayne Bravo. through the Games.” Day International (ODI) series So, having gone so close, the Most of the venues to be used against Bangladesh in Dhaka Irish, coached by former West for snow sports are privately yesterday. Indies batsman Phil Simmons, owned and will be used for tour- had to settle for a draw in the ism and leisure after the Games. two-match series. REUTERS REUTERS SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Venus claims first title win since 2012

DUBAI: Venus Williams and be a better, smarter Venus.” crushed Frenchwoman Alize The American started slowly Cornet 6-3, 6-0 in the final of the against Cornet, who hugged the Dubai Championship yesterday, baseline just as she did against the veteran American bagging Serena to take the first break of her first singles title since 2012. serve and go 2-1 up after Williams QMMF President The seven-times Grand Slam made successive errors, the first Nasser bin Khalifa Al winner made light work of a loose volley at the net and the Attiyah joins drivers Cornet who stunned Venus’s sis- second a long forehand. who featured in the ter Serena on Friday to deny the The setback stirred Williams Qatar International siblings their first final meeting and she broke back immediately Rally wearing t-shirts in five years. with a ferocious return before to campaign for FIA’s “I think the difference between surging into a 5-2 lead by break- Road Safety slogan me and Serena was I put a few ing again. in Doha yesterday. more balls in the court,” said Cornet, 24, showed her despair Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah, Venus who has struggled for as she wilted under a barrage of who won the Qatar form since being diagnosed with brutal ground-strokes from her International Rally, was a fatigue-causing disease in 2011. opponent. also present. “Winning all those Grand Slam “The first set was very impor- titles, playing deep and getting to tant. That’s why I was a bit emo- the final so many times, it takes tional because I wanted to do a lot of nerve, mental prowess, so better,” said the Frenchwoman. I’d like to think I’m on that path,” “She was playing more she told reporters. aggressive. Williams, 33, has made a mixed “She was pushing me out of the start to 2014, suffering a first- court very far from the baseline round exit at the Australian Open and I didn’t play as deep as yes- Terry’s late effort cheers and more disappointment in Doha terday, didn’t serve as well.” last week. Cornet saved two set points She did not drop a set in Dubai, when serving at 2-5 only for though, and beat five higher- Williams to comfortably serve it ranked opponents including out, dragging the world number former world number ones Ana 26 out wide with a fierce back- Chelsea; Arsenal win 4-1 Ivanovic and Caroline Wozniacki. hand that she could only scuff “When things got tough I def- into the ground. initely got going this week. If I A double fault and a wild fore- Olivier Giroud nets twice for Arsenal against Sunderland was down break point, when push hand on successive points gave the came to shove I was pushing and American another break at the shoving,” added Williams who will start of the second set and she LONDON: John Terry (pictured right) climb from 44th in the world back broke twice more for a 5-0 lead. grabbed a stoppage-time winner as lead- EPL Results into the top 30 for the first time Cornet saved one match point ers Chelsea showed their Premier League since May 2013. with a backhand volley lob before title mettle by snatching a 1-0 victory over Arsenal 4 Sunderland 1 “I’m not looking to do anything a long forehand gave Williams Everton yesterday having looked set to suf- Cardiff City 0 Hull City 4 I did in the past because I already a 45th career title and a third fer another damaging blow. did that. I’m looking to improve Dubai crown. REUTERS Chelsea 1 Everton 0 The Chelsea captain strained every sinew to get a faint touch to a Frank Lampard free kick Crystal Palace 0 Manchester United 2 in the 93rd minute and keep his team a point Manchester City 1 Stoke City 0 clear of Arsenal who thrashed Sunderland 4-1 West Bromwich Albion 1 Fulham 1 and three ahead of Manchester City who beat Stoke City 1-0. West Ham United 3 Southampton 1 Olivier Giroud netted twice for Arsenal while Yaya Toure was the match-winner for SPL Results Manchester City who have a game in hand on their two rivals. Hearts 0 Celtic 2 Champions Manchester United, in sixth Kilmarnock 1 Hibernian 1 spot, are no longer challenging for the title Partick 3 Aberdeen 1 but manager David Moyes celebrated wildly as Robin van Persie’s penalty and a goal from Ross County 2 St Mirren 1 Wayne Rooney secured a 2-0 win at Crystal St Johnstone 0 Inverness CT 1 Palace. Played Friday After drawing their last league match against West Bromwich Albion and suffer- Dundee Utd 3 Motherwell 1 ing a chastening FA Cup defeat to rivals Manchester City, Jose Mourinho’s side were the free kick that led to the only goal. “It was Sunderland’s woeful defending cost them looking for a morale-boosting return to form. one of those situations where players were try- a fourth goal 12 minutes after halftime when Yet they looked sluggish for most of the ing to buy too many free kicks,” said Martinez. Laurent Koscielny was left in acres of space match and after finally sparking into life they “You need a strong referee ... you can see to power in a free header before the visitors came up against a stubborn Everton rearguard they are trying to get a dead-ball situation mustered a late consolation through Emanuele that only crumbled deep into added time. because they couldn’t get any joy from open Giaccherini’s smart volley. “The feeling when you lose points in the last play. You can see the reaction and the way he Manchester City also gained redemption minute, like we did at West Brom, is obviously loses his footing, it’s not because of contact, he for a painful 2-0 Champions League defeat by a bad feeling. When you win in the last minute is looking for the free kick,” added Martinez Barcelona on Tuesday by returning to winning it’s the opposite so this is basically compen- of Ramires. ways against Stoke although they had to wait sation for the points we lost at West Brom,” The bullied became the bullies at the until the 70th minute to break through. Chelsea boss Mourinho told reporters. Emirates Stadium as Arsenal recovered from Toure swept in an Aleksandar Kolarov cross With Chelsea having never lost a home the 2-0 home defeat by Bayern Munich in the to relieve the pressure on manager Manuel league match under the Portuguese, and Champions League on Wednesday to inflict a Pellegrini who had endured a difficult week Everton without a win at Stamford Bridge in bruising on relegation strugglers Sunderland. after being charged by UEFA for questioning 20 years, it came as a surprise to see Roberto Having spent most of their match against the impartiality of their referee in Europe. Martinez’s men make all the running in the the Germans chasing shadows, the home team At the other end of the table, Felix Magath, first half. Predictably Chelsea changed things jealously hogged possession against Gus Poyet’s Fulham’s third manager since December 1, up at the break and the energetic Ramires side, scything through them with a swagger was denied a winning start against West was prematurely summoned from the bench that has been absent recently. Bromwich Albion when Matej Vydra notched to replace an injured Oscar. With Mesut Ozil rested after his penalty an 86th-minute equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw It had an immediate impact on the flow miss against Bayern, Arsenal took the lead after Ashkan Dejagah had opened the scoring. of the game and the pressure built on the after five minutes when Giroud put the finish- Bottom club Fulham stay a point behind Everton goal but Chelsea’s attacking waves ing touch to a sweeping passing move. Cardiff City whose sorry season hit a new low broke down at the final hurdle until the third The Frenchman, returning after being after a 4-0 home defeat by Hull City, Nikica minute of stoppage time. benched in midweek, capitalised on shocking Jelavic scoring twice. At the final whistle Everton’s feeling of defending to double the lead after 31 minutes Hull are six points clear of trouble, one injustice was heightened as it looked like and Tomas Rosicky capped another excellent behind 10th-placed West Ham United who Brazilian Ramires had gone down easily under move to make it 3-0 three minutes before the continued their recent resurgence with a 3-1 a challenge from Phil Jagielka to bring about break. win over Southampton. REUTERS Venus Williams of the US poses with her trophy after winning the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in Dubai yesterday. Williams beat Alize Cornet of France 6-3, 6-0 in the final.

A high-level delegation from the International Handball Federation (IHF) visited the France’s Jo-Wilfried under-construction venues to be Tsonga reacts after used during the 24th edition of defeating Germany’s the 2015 World Men’s Handball Jan-Lennard Struff Championship which will be held at ATP Marseille in Doha next year. The delegation Open in Marseille, includes IHF Chairman of the southern France, Commission of Organising and yesterday. Tsonga Competitions (COC) Leon Kalin will meet Latvia’s and IHF competition’s director, Ernests Gulbis in the Patrick Strub and Philippe final today. Gulbis PANA, IHF member of COC. The yesterday beat delegation held a number of Richard Gasquet meetings and carried inspection of France 6-3, 6-2 visits yesterday. Qatar Handball 6-3, 6-2 in the other Association (QHA) President semi-final. Ahmad Mohammad Al Shaabi was also present. Sunday 23 February 2014 23 Rabial II 1435 Volume 18 Number 5984 Sport Price: QR2 Oman beat Iran South Africa to win hockey take control of event in Doha second Test

Sport | 23 Sport | 26

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Results and Standings Al Attiyah, Bernacchini win 1. Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah (QAT)/Giovanni Bernacchini (ITA) Ford Fiesta RRC 2hr 13min 11.4sec 2. Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari (QAT)/ Killian Duffy (IRL) Ford Fiesta RRC 2hr 13min 41.5sec Qatar International Rally 3. Khalid Al-Qassimi (ARE)/ Chris Patterson (GBR) Citroën DS3 RRC 2hr 16min 04.6sec 4. Yazeed Al-Rajhi (SAU)/ 11th win in 12 years for Qatar’s rally star Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah Michael Orr (GBR) Ford Fiesta RRC 2hr 38min 31.3sec DOHA: Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al 5. Abdullah Al-Kuwari (QAT)/ Attiyah is used to driving under Nicola Arena (ITA) Ford Fiesta pressure, but he and Italian co- R5 2hr 39min 01.2sec driver Giovanni Bernacchini 6. Mohamed Al-Mutawaa were pushed all the way to the (ARE)/Stephen McAuley (GBR) finish of a thrilling QMMF Citroën DS3 2hr 47min 00.4sec Qatar International Rally by 7. Mohammed Al-Sahlawi fellow countryman Abdulaziz Qatar’s Nasser (ARE)/Craig Parry (GBR) Al-Kuwari yesterday. Saleh Al Attiyah Citroën DS3 2hr 49min 29.9sec Separated by just 5.5 seconds and co-driver 8. Ala’a Rasheed (JOR)/Joseph at the start of the second day, Al Giovanni Matar (LBN) Ford Fiesta R5 Attiyah pressed home a slight 2hr 54min 46.3sec Bernacchini advantage once Al Kuwari and 9. Meshari Al-Thefiri (KWT)/ Irish navigator Killian Duffy celebrate after winning Fahad Al-Mutairi (KWT) suffered a drive shaft breakage. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X 3hr the Qatar The nine-time MERC champion, 03min 52.8sec driving a Ford Fiesta RRC, duly International 10. Mansoor Bel Helai (ARE)/ Rally, round secured his 11th Qatar win in 12 Khalid Al-Kendi (ARE) Citroën years and his 51st MERC success one of the 2014 DS3 3hr 13min 11.1sec on the 30th anniversary of the FIA Middle 11. Juma Al-Falaisi (ARE)/John championship. His winning mar- East Rally Higgins (IRL) Citroën DS3 3hr gin was 30.1 seconds. Championship, 23min 35.8sec “Everyone knows I enjoy com- in Doha 12. Edith Weiss (DEU)/Antoine peting here in Qatar and it’s a yesterday. special feeling to win here,” said Salem (LBN) Mitsubishi Lancer Al Attiyah, the winner of six of Evo IX 3hr 40min 06.7sec the timed tests. “It was not easy 13. Hitmi Khalifa Al-Hitmi – credit to Abdulaziz for his per- (QAT)/Kamal Khoder (QAT) formance. It’s always important Subaru Impreza N12 3hr 52min to get points on the board for 27.9sec the championship and winning is 14. Nada Zaidan (QAT)/Maja always special.” Loncar (CRO) Subaru Impreza Second-placed Al Kuwari is a N12 4hr 19min 42.1sec third generation driver, following loop of three stages with gearbox Friday’s stages, but clocked out Al Attiyah was the ‘road- he dropped a further 46.3sec to Al FIA Middle East Rally Championship – in the footsteps of his rally driv- issues of service late “after changing sweeper’ and posted a target time Attiyah and reached service trail- positions after round 1 : ing father Sadoon and grandfa- Drive shaft problems had side- an anti-roll bar” and incurred a of 10min 53.1sec, but Al Kuwari ing the Qatari by 49.6sec. Drivers ther Arhema, who took part in lined Yazeed Al Rajhi on day one, 10-second penalty, thus handing managed to get inside that and Fifteen of the 17 starters made 1. Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah (QAT) 25pts the first Qatar Rally with a Fiat but the Saudi hit back with con- a 4.5-sec advantage to Al Kuwari. extended his advantage to 5.2sec. it to service, but Saeed Al Mouri’s 2. Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari (QAT) 18pts in 1975. sistent stage times yesterday to This could have put him behind Al-Qassimi was even quicker disappointing challenge ended 3. Khalid Al-Qassimi (ARE) 15pts “I gave it my best shot and secure points for fourth place his rival on the road for the final than the Qatari duo to record his with rear suspension failure on 4. Yazeed Al-Rajhi (SAU) 12pts am pleased with my perform- after he overtook Abdullah Al day and given him a better stage second fastest stage time of the his Skoda and Kuwait’s Masoud ance,” said the Qatari, who won Kuwari on the final stage. running position, but article 45.4 weekend, but trailed in third after Al Saleh was not scheduled to go 5. Abdullah Al-Kuwari (QAT) 10pts five stages. “Nasser’s record Young Abu Dhabi Racing team of the regulations clearly states first day radiator and tyre issues. any further with a broken gearbox 6. Mohamed Al-Mutawaa (ARE) 8pts here speaks for itself and I am member Mohamed Al Mutawaa that the start order for subse- Spaniard Antonio Troncoso left and lost fifth place. 7. Mohammed Al-Sahlawi (ARE) 6pts delighted to have pushed him so won the battle of the five jun- quent legs is based upon the clas- parc ferme butfailed to start the Could Al Attiyah hold on to his 8. Ala’a Rasheed (JOR) 4pts hard.” ior Citroën DS3 drivers. He sification at the finish of the final special. 49.6-sec lead? Al Kuwari was not 9. Meshari Al-Thafiri (KWT) 2pts Radiator and tyre issues and Ulster navigator Stephen special stage of the previous leg. Al Attiyah was not to be denied going to give up without a fight, 10. Mansoor Bel Helai (ARE) 1pt plagued Khalid Al Qassimi; the McAuley finished a fine sixth and He duly began day two at the and a clean run through Salwa however, and the Qatari won the Co-drivers Abu Dhabi driver finished third pipped Mohammed Al Sahlawi front of the field and was forced to gave him the fastest time and the stage to reduce Nasser’s lead by and won two of the 13 special and his Welsh team mate Craig sweep the stage surfaces. In hind- outright lead by just 3.3sec. 3.5sec. He also won the shorter 1. Giovanni Bernacchini (ITA) 25pts stages alongside Ulster co-driver Parry by 2min 29.5sec. sight, Al Attiyah’s team manager Ala’a Rasheed dropped over Salwa re-run and headed towards 2. Killian Duffy (IRL) 18pts Chris Patterson. Jordan’s Ala’a Rasheed, Ken Skidmore admitted that the three minutes with a puncture the final special with a comfort- 3. Chris Patterson(GBR) 15pts After first-day gearbox woes, Kuwait’s Meshari Al-Thafiri and work should have been carried out and slipped back to ninth over- able lead of 46.6sec. 4. Michael Orr (GBR) 12pts Abdullah Al Kuwari and Italian third Abu Dhabi junior Mansoor yesterday morning. all, as Al Rajhi climbed to seventh There were no late dramas for 5. Nicola Arena (ITA) 10pts navigator Nicola Arena climbed Bel Helai rounded off the top 10. Eight SupeRally cars joined the and Abdullah Al Kuwari over- the defending champion and he 6. Stephen McAuley (GBR) 8pts into the top five in their Ford Germany’s Edith Weiss (12th) 10 surviving crew from day one hauled Al Saleh to snatch fourth. secured a maximum haul of 25 7. Craig Parry (GBR) 6pts Fiesta, edging the Kuwaiti duo of beat Qatar’s Nada Zeidan (14th) at the start of the 20.90km of the But Abdulaziz Al Kuwari was in championship points to get his 8. Joseph Matar (LBN) 4pts Masoud Al Saleh and Sulaiman to the top Ladies’ award. Mekaines stage, although engine- trouble with a broken drive shaft challenge for a 10th regional title Al Helal down to fifth before Al Early yesterday, Al Attiyah related issues forced Kuwait’s through the longest stage of the off to the perfect start. 9. Fahad Al-Mutairi (KWT) 2pts Saleh retired before the final trailed Al Kuwari by 5.5sec after Saleh bin Eidan to miss out. rally – the 27.87km of SS9 – and THE PENINSULA 10. Khalid Al-Kendi (ARE) 1pt Rooney signs blockbuster deal with Man United

LONDON: Wayne Rooney also become a club ambassador another great United team. The unhappy with Rooney’s failure Moyes has been unable to make (pictured) pledged his long- when he retires from the game,” fans have always been a huge part to keep himself match-fit. That a smooth transition from the term future to Manchester a statement on United’s website of this club and the support they was the second time Rooney had Ferguson era, despite taking over United after signing a block- announced. have given me since my debut apparently fallen out of love with a team which finished as English buster contract extension with Rooney, who had confirmed against Fenerbahce has been life at United. He also asked for a champions last season. the Premier League champions. the news on his Twitter feed just amazing. I am very grateful to all transfer and publicly questioned United are currently languish- Rooney had just 18 months before United’s official announce- United fans around the world for whether the club could match his ing in seventh place, 15 points left on his previous deal and was ment, admitted he was delighted their continued support. ambitions in 2010, before chang- behind leaders Chelsea and 11 a transfer target for Chelsea last to have finally signed the deal. “I am convinced that this is ing his mind and agreeing to stay. adrift of fourth-placed Liverpool. year, sparking speculation he The former Everton star also the start of another successful “I am thrilled that we have got The prospect of missing out on could leave at the end of this sea- said he is relishing the opportu- chapter in Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney to stay,” Moyes Champions League action next son, but the England striker has nity to inspire the next generation history.” said. “He has been fantastic. season hasn’t dissuaded Rooney agreed to prolong his stay at Old of United players in his role as one United manager David Moyes, Everyone would want him in their from remaining loyal to United, Trafford until June 2019. of the team’s senior figures. who gave Rooney his profes- team. There were clubs who did who will hope the forward now The new contract will report- “I am made up to be staying at sional debut during their time at want him. There were clubs who goes on to establish himself as one edly pay the 28-year-old £300,000 United. In August, I will have been Everton, was relieved to secure would have wanted him (had he of the club’s all-time greats. ($498,840, 363,534 euros) a week, at the club for 10 years and dur- his striker’s future and confirmed not signed a new deal) but there Rooney, who arrived from with Rooney also set to stay at ing that time I have played with that several clubs had chased was never going to be a chance Everton in August 2004, has United as a club ambassador some fantastic players and won Rooney since he took over from he was going to leave Manchester played 430 games for United, when he eventually retires. everything that I hoped I would Alex Ferguson last year. United, certainly not on my scoring 208 goals, a record which “Wayne Rooney has committed when I first signed,” he said. Ferguson had revealed last watch.” already puts him fourth in the his future to Manchester United “I now have the chance as one season that Rooney asked for Rooney’s decision to stay with club’s all-time goalscorer list by signing a four-year contract of the club’s senior players to a transfer following a lengthy United is a major boost for a club behind Jack Rowley (211), Denis extension, keeping him at the help the younger players com- spell as a bit-part player under enduring their worst season for Law (237) and Bobby Charlton club until June 2019. Wayne will ing through and to be a part of the Scot, who was said to be years. (249). REUTERS