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Tuesday 17 December 2013 13 Safar 1435 - Volume 18 Number 5916 Price: QR2

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Emir visits Darb El Saai Ambassador attends Qatari flag flies Al Jaidah’s trial in UAE

DOHA: The Qatari ambassador to the UAE attended the proceed- ings yesterday of a UAE court that is trying a fellow Qatari for into Guinness alleged links to a banned local organisation. The envoy sat through the proceedings of the court that lasted about 40 minutes, the son of the accused Dr Mahmoud Al Jaidah, said on his Twitter account yesterday. Hassan said the court adjourned the World Records hearing to next week after a 40-minute session that began at around 1.30pm. According to Hassan, the attitude of the UAE authorities seems to be changing for the better towards his father. Al Jaidah was detained 101,978sqm flag weighs 9.8 tonnes at Dubai airport late in February this year while he was on his way to Doha from Bangkok. Hassan said he was kept in detention for almost DOHA: A Qatari flag, as big Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and nine months before charges were filed against him on November 18. as 19 football fields, yesterday the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Al Jaidah is accused of having links to Jamiat Al Islah, a UAE-based entered the Guinness World Hamad Al Thani for their efforts organisation that is banned by the authorities there. Records as the largest flag ever in achieving national develop- made. ment,” said Mukaim Rashid Al The maroon and white Qatari Khayarin, Executive Chairman Qatari, hoisting flag, falls to death flag unfurled in Lusail has a total of the project and owner of Broq area of 101,978sqm and weighs 9.8 magazine. DOHA: A 40-year-old Qatari died after he fell from the rooftop tonnes. It was laid on an area sup- Katara collaborated with Broq of his house while trying to hoist the national flag to mark Qatar’s ported by 5,000 bags of soil weigh- magazine to initiate the project in National Day. Comments posted in social media said yesterday ing eight tonnes and bearing the September this year. Saeed Rashid Al Sulaiti fell from the rooftop of his house as he same colour of the flag. The event, Al Khayarin said, lost balance due to strong wind while trying to hoist the national Marco Frigatti, Senior-Vice was held as an important part of flag. President of Records Management the National Day celebrations to The incident took place on Sunday and Al Sulaiti was buried in Abu Team, Guinness World Records, convey the message of loyalty and Hamour cemetery after evening prayers yesterday. announced the Qatari flag as the appreciation of the Qatari people Commentators, while mourning his loss, didn’t say where the largest in the world breaking the to the Qatari leadership. The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday visited Darb deceased stayed or whether he died on the spot or was alive and taken previous record of 79,000sqm set “We are filled with pride and El Saai to witness preparations for the National Day. The Emir toured to hospital after the fall. by Romania in May this year. dignity to see our National Flag various cultural and heritage events and witnessed schoolchildren per- THE PENINSULA The announcement was made represent the meaning of loyalty forming folklore shows. before hundreds of students, to Qatar at the highest sense. guests, dignitaries and repre- What we see now is the product sentatives of different diplomatic of the efforts and determination missions at a ceremony at the to overcome challenges in order Katara Amphitheatre. Prior to to realise this international the announcement students from record registering Qatar’s name Work on Sharq Crossing to begin in 2015 Independent schools and 300 chil- in Guinness World Records,” said dren from Shafallah were taken Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, DOHA: Work on a 12-km Katara Cultural Village in the programme management consult- H E Sheikh Abdulrahman bin to the site of the flag. General Manager of Katara. long ambitious infrastructure north and the downtown central ant to supervise the construction. Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Photos of the flag were taken by Through another initiative project comprising three iconic business district of West Bay. “Sharq Crossing is an engineer- the Minister of Municipality and the Es’hail satellite, the first time called “We fly together for chil- bridges interconnected by eight- The crossing will include three ing masterpiece of design, and Urban Planning yesterday. for a flag to be photographed by dren’s education” the flag will be km long subsea tunnels will interconnected bridges, named, while providing an important new Al Mawlawi declined to com- a satellite. made into school bags to be dis- begin in 2015 and is expected to ‘West Bay’, ‘Cultural City’ and artery to Doha’s existing road net- ment on the cost of the project, “We feel proud and happy tributed to more than 200,000 be completed by 2021, before the ‘Al Sharq’ between 600 and 1,310 work, it will be instantly recognis- saying that “it is not clear yet as for the success of “The Flag of students in 60 countries around FIFA World Cup. metres in length. able across the world and will be it is still in the early stages to cal- Gratitude and Loyalty” campaign. the world, he disclosed. The project, called Sharq The Public Works Authority an emblem for Qatar,” said Nasser culate the cost”. We dedicate this as a present to THE PENINSULA Crossing, will connect Doha’s new (Ashghal) has appointed US-based bin Ali Al Mawlawi, President THE PENINSULA the Father Emir H H Sheikh Picture on page 10 Hamad International Airport, Fluor Corporation as the of Ashghal in the presence of Continued on page10

TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2013 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Over 1m tourists visited Qatar last year QTA strategy to help promote tourism and maintain Qatar’s customs, traditions and culture: Al Muhannadi DOHA: Tourist arrivals in the Muhannadi, said in a statement customs, traditions and culture. QTA is keen to release tour- after London, and launched the a prelude to an agreement to country totalled over one million in issued on the occasion of the National He said QTA cooperated with ism statistics regularly to second stage of its ambitious approve Qatar as a tourist des- 2012, according to Qatar Tourism Day. specialist international institu- provide decisionmakers and partnership with Paris Saint- tination for China. Authority (QTA). He said Qatar will be a favourite tions such as World Tourism investors with latest develop- Germain to promote Qatar’s QTA also signed an MoU with The growth in tourist traffic in the and unique tourist destination after Organisation and Global Society ments in the tourism industry tourism sites. India to promote cooperation in third quarter was 20 percent, QTA QTA launched a strategy to help pro- of the Exhibition Industry to to help them set plans and strat- QTA is negotiating with joint exhibitions. Chairman, Issa bin Mohammad Al mote tourism and maintain Qatar’s develop a system of licensing for egies. Al Muhannadi said QTA important sectors in the state Marking the National Day, tourism products and services. developed its annual exhibitions to implement programmes of QTA launched a promotional QTA is also keen to pro- and supported the private sec- Qatar Airways, Qatar Museums campaign in the GCC to invite mote the industry of events to tor by allowing companies to Authority, Mowasalat and Qatar citizens to visit Qatar and enjoy boost tourism and the economic run exhibitions organised by 2022 Supreme Committee, events from December 15 to 19. movement in the state. QTA. he said. In cooperation with QTA also requested all hotels He stressed the importance Being responsible for the regional and international in Doha to raise the national flag of entertainment activities in promotion of Qatar as a tourist organisations, QTA took part and distribute it guests. It also the promotion of tourism and destination, QTA is also keen in developing the unified Arab launched a competition for the related sectors such as hotels to participate in international strategy for tourism adopted best decor for hotel entrance. and resorts. exhibitions, and support the during the Arab Summit. QTA allocated eight offices Al Muhannadi said inter- private sector by highlight- Al Muhannadi said memo- along the Corniche to help esting events attract a large ing its role in these expos, Al randums of understanding visitors and inform them about number of visitors and tour- Muhannadi said. in the field of tourism were the most important events and ists, such Wrestling World QTA also launched a website signed with Ecuador, Brazil and tours available during their stay. Championship, Disney on and applications for smartphone Argentina, which QTA consid- The offices are equipped with Ice, Qatar International Food for activities, festivals and exhi- ered future markets as part of screens to display participation Festival, Eid Al Fitr and Eid bitions in the state, he added. its new strategy. by citizens and residents in QTA Al Adha festivals and other It opened a representa- It also activated negotiations initiative in October. activities. tive office in Paris, the second with China to sign an MoU as THE PENINSULA

National Day broadcast launched for the world

DOHA: Qatar Amateur Radio Society (QARS) yesterday launched a special broadcast on the National Day, which could be listened by broadcast- ers in other countries. The broadcast was launched at the Corniche in the pres- ence of the Chairman of Administrative Control and Transparency Authority and President of Qatar Amateur Radio Society, H E Abdullah bin The Chairman of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority and President of Qatar Amateur Radio Hamad Al Attiyah. Society H E Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah and scouts pose for a photo during the launch of National Day Amateur radio operators programming by Qatar Amateur Radio Society on the Corniche yesterday. SHAIVAL DALAL in other countries would be listening to programmes 1,000 such operators could listen Russia if they wish to talk to lis- around 260 amateur radio opera- on air on signal A71QND to the programmes daily. teners in Moscow. tors within few hours today,” she until Wednesday. About QARS will have five amateur QARS has invited experts said. Experts also held a workshop radio stations with antennas on and amateur radio associations on starting an amateur radio as the Corniche to transmit National from Kuwait, Bahrain, Tunisia, a hobby. It taught participants Day events internationally. Denmark, India, the US and other how to develop communication “Our society is very active and countries. “Language is not a bar- skills by utilising the information we are taking the opportunity rier to us; we can talk to listen- technology. A lecture will be held to participate in the National ers who speak any language. We today for Qatar University stu- Day celebrations. We are proud use an international language — dents. The broadcast and other to introduce our society to the Qcode — to communicate with events are being held with the international community,” said our colleagues who can’t under- support of the Ministry of Youth Al Attiyah. stand English,” said D Bharathi, and Sports and the Ministry of The broadcasters have the Chief Coordinator, National Culture, Arts and Heritage in facility to choose and talk to their Institute of Amateur Radio in collaboration with the organis- colleagues in other countries. For New Delhi. ing committee for National Day instance, they can turn beam to “We have communicated with celebrations. THE PENINSULA

TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2013 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Activities lined up by Bahrain National Day marked public, private sectors

DOHA: Private and govern- Among the activities were a ment institutions have organ- cake-cutting ceremony which ised a number of activities included authentic Qatari food in line with National Day and Arabic coffee, an ‘Ardha’ celebrations. dance performance, a motorcy- Qatar General Electricity & cle parade, taking pictures of Water Corporation (Kahramaa) falcons and henna. yesterday celebrated Qatar The attendees were presented National Day at its head offices with gifts, including Qatari flags in Dafna with fun, educational and pictures of the Emir H H and cultural activities such as Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al falconry, henna painting, fishing Thani. and poetry composition, among Vodafone’s Al Johara all- others. women team held a competition A song composed on Kahramaa for schools to reward most crea- and its video presentation was a tive works of art by students of major attraction. Amna Bint Wahab Independent All staff were provided with Preparatory School, Al Khalij Al gifts and winners of photography Arabi Independent School, Umm Waheed Mubarak Sayyar, Bahrain’s Ambassador, (third left), the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari (fourth competition based on Tarsheed Salama Primary Independent left) and the Minister of Development Planning and Statistics H E Dr Saleh bin Mohammad Al Nabit (third right) cutting a cake to mark Bahrain’s theme in different categories School, Royal International National Day at the Ritz-Carlton Doha in the presence of other diplomats and officials yesterday. KAMMUTTY V P were announced. School and Lycee Voltaire. Katara Hospitality and The Held under the theme “Qatari Ritz-Carlton, Doha jointly organ- and Proud”, the competition saw ized a special Qatar National students of various ages recog- Day Festival within the hotel’s nised for Best Picture Taken in Lagoon Garden and Tent. Qatar for students aged 11 to 14; Dignataries, local media rep- Best Drawing for students aged QTA opens tent to host staff, resentatives, and top government 6 to 10; and Best Picture Taken officials were invited to join them in Qatar by parents. for warm Qatari hospitality and The Primary Healthcare enjoyment. Corporation (PHCC) is organis- The programme comprised ing National Day activities today people for National Day events traditional henna art, local falcon and tomorrow. The activities will handler, encounter with magnifi- be held from 4pm until 9pm at cent Arabian horses, children’s Aspire Park. Activities inspired by Qatari culture continue from 9am to 9pm today playground, including bouncing The programme includes castle, traditional Qatari lunch entertainment such as the DOHA: Qatar Tourism at The Lagoon Tent and a cake- preparation of popular dishes, Authority (QTA) yesterday cutting ceremony. games and competitions for kids, inaugurated a traditional tent Aspire Academy celebrated healthcare services like measur- to host its staff and the public in the National Day with events ing blood pressure and glucose, celebration of the National Day. attended by its student athletes and distribution of sweets and The tent in front of Doha and staff. gifts to participants. Exhibitions Centre features entertainment activities inspired by Qatar’s culture and heritage Ooredoo raises mobile data and will remain open from 9am until 9pm today. Admission is free and the tent will include a tradi- by 18 times for customers tional coffee shop, handicrafts and Qatar’s iconic falcons. DOHA: Ooredoo yesterday existing customers’ data allow- Students from Saud bin announced it will boost the ance during the three-day Abdulrahman Elementary School amount of mobile data avail- period. took part in the celebrations with able to Shahry and Hala In addition to using addi- traditional shows, including a customers by 18 times their tional data to surf the Internet, military parade, and performed normal data allowance, in Ooredoo is also asking cus- national songs and other activi- celebration of Qatar National tomers to share reasons why ties in addition to the traditional Day. they love Qatar on its special Ardha. The offer will enable custom- webpage – www.weareallqa- Qatar Riders participated with ers to share pictures and videos tar.com – or by tweeting their a motorbike rally which ended at of National Day celebrations on messages with the hashtag the centre. social media, and stay in touch #weareallqatar. QTA invited hotels to fly the with friends around the world. Ooredoo is collating differ- Qatari flag in front of their hotels Students performing the traditional Ardha dance at the tent yesterday. All Shahry Packs, Mobile ent reasons in a special giant and distribute flags inside their Internet Packs and Shahry mural, which will display 5,000 hotels in visible areas to tourists. BlackBerry customers will reasons why people love Qatar, Hotel staff will wear traditional Day competition for the best Volunteers representing QTA Qatari tent will offer Arabic coffee be eligible for the offer, along celebrating the “One Love” Qatari national dress or Qatar decorated hotel front. This com- will be waiting for visitors with and dates. Doha bus, sponsored with all Hala Weekly Packs, theme of this year’s National National Day pins, and female petition will put the spotlight on gifts and flags. by QTA, will be providing shut- Mobile Internet Packs and Hala Day celebrations. staff will wear Thoab Al Nashel. Qatar’s iconic building designs At Doha International Airport, tle services during National Day BlackBerry customers. The mural will be displayed White and burgundy bal- and architecture. QTA is planning a special tour- celebrations between Corniche This extra data will be valid online at the weareallqatar.com loons will be displayed at hotel The Abu Samra Border Post ism booth in the Arrivals ter- stations: Qatar’s Past Station – from December 17 to 19 and any website. It will also be printed entrances and reception areas will be decorated with patriotic minal where volunteers will give Al Bidda Promontory, Modern added data will be used first. and displayed at Landmark and traditional Qatari food and motifs and volunteers will be away national flags, National Day Qatar Station – Ory Jetty, Qatar’s It will be added and removed Mall. dishes will be put on main course appointed to distribute Qatari pins, maps and other promotional Future Station – Sheraton Park, automatically to all new and THE PENINSULA menus for the day. flags, pins and promotional items items to everyone arriving in and Darb Al Sai Station. QTA is also staging a National to guests entering Qatar. Doha on the day. A traditional THE PENINSULA

Bangla Victory Day marked

The Ambassador of Bangladesh, Syed Masud Mahmood Khundoker, hoisting his country’s flag to mark the Victory Day at the embassy yesterday. SALIM MATRAMKOT

TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2013 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Qatari flag sets world record

Two of the stamps launched by QPost yesterday. QPost launches first stamps with Emir’s picture

DOHA: The General Postal stamps reflect the Qatar envi- A Qatari flag, as big as 19 football fields, yesterday entered the Guinness World Records as the largest flag ever made. The maroon and white flag Corporation (QPost) launched ronment. A total of 100 000 unfurled in Lusail has an area of 101,978sqm and weighs 9.8 tonnes. It was laid on an area supported by 5,000 bags of soil weighing eight tonnes first postage stamps carrying stamps in each denomination will and bearing the same colour of the flag. the picture of the Emir H H be issued on the first day. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al The acting Chairman of QPost, Thani on the occasion of the Abdulrahman Al Aqeeli, said the National Day, which falls on stamps mark the National Day December 18. which is a dear occasion for all The stamps will be traded Qataris and their issuance is from today in all branches of post symbolic of National Day theme Al Jazeera America sees growth offices in the state. ‘Our Hearts Are The Source of The stamps are in QR30, Our Glory’. QR20, QR10, QR5, QR4, QR3, He said the stamps are part of AJAM hopes to cash in on Americans’ disenchantment with local channels QR2, QR1 and 50 dirhams a series bearing pictures of the denominations. The colourful rulers of Qatar. QNA DOHA: A majority of the Citing surveys by the network Americans are not happy with in the US, Al Shihabi claimed that the way news is covered and AJAM was filling a “void” left by presented by local channels and US channels. “More than 65 per QA unveils online system the four-month-old Al Jazeera cent of the Americans are not America (AJAM) hopes to cash happy with the coverage of news in on this disenchantment, a in the US. AJAM is trying to fill for tourist visas to Qatar senior official of the channel this gap with in-depth investiga- DOHA: Qatar Airways has and can be accessed at www. said yesterday. tions and covering real issues con- introduced a new online sys- qatarairways.com. Launched on August 20 with cerning the Americans and more tem to apply for tourist visas to It takes about 10 days to proc- access to 42m households, the focus as international news.” Qatar. ess the visa and the cost is $55 per channel has expanded its reach to Souag laughed off reports that “The new system eases the person. The option to fast-track 55m households in four months, the viewership of Al Jazeera process of applying for a tour- the application is available at $120 with half a million viewers daily, is declining in the Arab world ist visa to Qatar for eligible pas- per person and takes about seven according to Ehab Al Shihabi, as part of a well-orchestrated sengers,” said a Qatar Airways days to process. Application fees Interim CEO of AJAM. Ehab Al Shihabi and Dr Mustefa Souag ... hopes high campaign against the network. spokesperson. are non-refundable. “When we launched AJAM four Al Jazeera Arabic remains the “It also provides passengers Applicants need to have a con- months ago, there was strong lob- about Al Jazeera among the CNN, Fox and CNBC have leading channel in the region with the convenience of track- firmed ticket in and out of Doha bying to stop distributors (cable American audience are also achieved such growth in many with about 24.7m viewers and Al ing their visa application status on a Qatar Airways flight. They operators) from showing the changing gradually,” he added. years. CNN reaches 100m house- Jazeera English is gaining popu- online.” also need a hotel booking through channel. We have overcome this Dr Mustefa Souag, acting holds with 8m viewers daily, added larity in Europe, Asia and Africa, Only one-month single-entry Discover Qatar, the airline’s challenge and recently signed a Director General, Al Jazeera the official. he said. He said the network is tourist visas are available and the inbound holiday division, and the contract with leading distributor Media Network, said AJAM is The network also hopes to tap working to expand the reach of visa must be used within 60 days visa will be issued for the duration Time Warner Cable, which has still in its infancy but has great the potential of the US market to Al Jazeera English and Arabic in from the date of issue. The valid- of their hotel stay only. helped expand our reach to 55m potential for growth in the US generate advertisement revenue India but has no plans to launch a ity of the visa and the visa period The stay in Qatar must not households,” Al Shihabi said at a market. “We are expecting to for AJAM “without compromis- channel in an Indian language. He cannot be extended. exceed 30 days, and must be for media round table at Al Jazeera expand the reach of the channel ing the values and standard of Al hinted that the proposed French The service is available for pas- tourism only. headquarters. to 75m households next year.” Jazeera” to reduce “our reliance channel will take more time to sengers flying with Qatar Airways THE PENINSULA “The (negative) perceptions Other leading channels like on state budget’”. materialise. THE PENINSULA

Ashghal project ‘technical marvel’ QNB offers chance

Continued from page 1 The tunnel links will provide to customers to The bridge linked to West Bay expressway of three lanes in each will be between the Sheraton direction between the new air- meet PSG players and Four Seasons hotels and port and West Bay and between DOHA: Qatar National Bank the Cultural City bridge will be West Bay and Katara, there will (QNB) has announced that it between Katara and the St Regis be two lanes in each direction. will be offering its customers Hotel, while Al Sharq Bridge Heavy goods vehicles will not an opportunity through its Life will connect to Ras Abu Abboud be allowed on the crossing for Reward programme. Street near the new airport. safety reasons. The bridges have Every time they spend QR2,000 The bridges were designed been designed with a minimum domestically or internationally by Spanish architect Santiago number of supports to reduce using their Life Rewards credit Calatrava and inspired by natu- long-term impact to the marine cards, they will get the chance ral forms and drawings from the environment, the statement said. to enter a raffle draw with 15 image of flying fish, Ashghal said “Ashghal, in collaboration with winners to be selected to attend in a statement. its partners, is confident that a private dinner at The Torch The most intricately designed once complete, this technical and Hotel with five internationally of the three bridges, West bay, engineering marvel will be one of renowned Paris Saint-Germain will have a two-deck arched the most outstanding structures (PSG) football players. structure incorporating a rec- in the world,” said Al Mawlawi. The draw will be conducted reational park accessible via an Ashghal will work more on on December 24 at QNB’s Retail elevated walkway and a funicular detailed designs and finalise con- Cards Department at its Grand cableway. It will also include hos- tractors for the project in 2014, Officials view the Sharq crossing project at Katara yesterday. ABDUL BASIT Hamad Branch. pitality and recreation facilities. he said. THE PENINSULA Winners will be notified via a text message or a phone call, and they will be requested to submit their identification card, or pass- Msheireb Properties marks National Day Ashghal to close road for work port to claim the prize. All QNB customers with at DOHA: The Public Works 2015 to complete construction of least one Life Rewards credit Authority (Ashghal) has service roads and the new inter- or debit card will be automati- announced the temporary change. The interchange is part cally enrolled in the programme closure of a road between of the North Road Enhancement which is free for life, and has been Al Shamal Road and Umm Project. designed to maximise customer Salal Mohammed area from All commuters wishing to reach satisfaction and cater to all per- December 19. Umm Salal Muhammed area and sonal and banking needs. The Umm Salal Mohammed Al Shamal Road are advised to To encourage customers to use West road is expected to remain use Al Kheesa interchange. their Life Rewards credit cards, closed until the first quarter of THE PENINSULA each new applicant will be given five chances to enter the draw. French football giants PSG are in Doha as part of a four-day training camp which will culmi- nate in a match against Spanish club Real Madrid on January 2, 2014. QNB is always looking for ways to reward its customers, and this initiative comes as an extension of its general interest in sports with an emphasis on football. In 2012, this culminated in QNB announcing a three-year Msheireb Properties organised a gathering at its Msheireb Downtown development and distributed vouchers shirt sponsorship arrange- to the best performing workers as part of National Day activities. The workers from the Middle East, India, ment with The French Ligue 1 Pakistan, Nepal and the Philippines and employees also displayed a giant Qatari flag. The development project Champions. It aligned with QNB’s will be showcased at the ‘Qatar Future Station’ on the Corniche in collaboration with the Qatar National Day international profile and expan- Organising Committee. Msheireb Properties will also launch a social media competition where participants will sion strategy which extends to 26 countries worldwide and across upload photos that embody the National Day spirit and decorate them with ‘My National Day’ logos. 570 locations. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2013 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

Bahrain marks National Day UAE court US sends two Saudi adjourns trial of US maker of Gitmo detainees home comic video

WASHINGTON: A UAE 15 Saudis among160 prisoners still in Guantanamo jail court yesterday adjourned until December 23 the trial WASHINGTON: Two the facility have been thwarted and his counterpart from the of an 29-year-old American inmates from the US prison at by a ban on transferring them State Department, Cliff Sloan, jailed since April after making Guantanamo Bay in Cuba have to US soil. In the meantime, are “committed” to transfer- a YouTube video poking fun at been sent home to Saudi Arabia, Obama’s special envoys on clos- ring additional detainees, “to Dubai teenagers, his family said. the Pentagon said yesterday, ing the prison are working within the maximum extent possible as Shezzane Cassim, known as Shez bringing the total number the current regulations to send we work to reduce the detainee by his friends, has been held for remaining there to 160. inmates home. population and ultimately close eight months after being charged President Barack Obama is Saad Muhammad Husayn the facility.” with endangering the UAE’s trying to accelerate repatriations Qahtani and Hamood Abdulla A statement from Sloan echoed national security under a federal in order to close the prison, nearly Hamood were designated for this sentiment: “These transfers cyber crimes law. 12 years after it was opened at a transfer after a “comprehen- are an important step on the road “This is the sixth consecutive US naval base on the southeast- sive review” of their cases by an to closing the Guantanamo Bay postponement of a final judge- ern tip of the island. interagency task force, Pentagon detention facility.” ment. Another court appearance The prison was opened in the spokesman Todd Breasseale said. The State Department con- has been scheduled for December wake of the September 11, 2001 The Defence Department’s spe- firmed both men were Saudi 23,” his family said in a statement. attacks on the United States to cial envoy for Guantanamo, Paul nationals. A Defence Department “We were hoping that since the house suspects captured by US Lewis, said the US and Saudi document said Hamood was 48 court finally got a translation of forces and spies in anti-terror Arabia worked together to ensure years old. the video that the court would operations around the world. “these transfers took place with A document released by anti- see the video is fictional - as it Its use has been controver- appropriate security assurances secrecy website WikiLeaks indi- says on the initial screen shot,” sial and hurt the United States’ and in a way that is consistent cated that Qahtani was 35 years said Cassim’s brother Shervon global standing. Detainees have with our humane treatment old. A Pentagon official said there in the statement. “But now we complained of mistreatment, and policy.” are still 15 Saudis in Guantanamo, are in wait-and-see mode again many were held for years without “The US has made real some of whom are not eligible and Shez won’t be home for trial while others faced military progress in responsibly trans- for release. Those include the Christmas, which has been our tribunals. Lawmakers are debat- ferring Guantanamo detainees self-declared mastermind of the mother’s prayer,” he said. ing measures to ease restrictions despite the burdensome legislative September 11 attacks, Khalid The silly 19-minute comic on sending detainees home or to restrictions that have impeded Sheikh Mohammed. video, called the “Satwa Comedy third countries, but plans to close our efforts,” he said. He added he AFP Fireworks are seen in the skies of capital Manama, as Bahrain cel- School,” gently parodies Dubai ebrated its 42nd National Day, yesterday. teenagers from the Satwa dis- trict who styled themselves as tough “gangstas” wearing hip-hip clothes and listening to rap music, but who in reality were known for Amnesty accuses Bahrain of torturing detained children very mild behaviour. In the mock documentary, Cassim and his friends learn the DUBAI: Amnesty International “By rounding up suspected Sunni Al Khalifa dynasty. international obligations on a rou- to consider “alternative penalties latest techniques of “Satwa G’s accused Bahrain yesterday of under-age offenders and locking It said that sentenced children tine basis by resorting to extreme for children who have commit- combat” which include the cor- torturing children who have them up, Bahrain’s authorities are under the age of 15 held at a juve- measures such as imposing harsh ted internationally recognisable rect way to throw a shoe at a been arrested on suspicion of displaying an appalling disregard nile centre face abuse at night, prison sentences on children,” criminal offences, such as proba- newspaper, and how in extreme participating in Shia anti-gov- for its international human rights when social workers finish their said Boumedouha. tion and community service.” cases to use a mobile phone to call ernment protests. obligations,” said Said Boumedouha, day shifts and police take over. Bahrain is a signatory to the In March 2011, security forces for back-up. “Children are being routinely Amnesty’s deputy director for the It said the Gulf kingdom UN Convention on the Rights of crushed a month-long upris- “Shezzane and his friends detained, ill-treated and tortured Middle East and North Africa. amended its juvenile law in the Child, which defines a child ing that demanded democratic are in jail because the UAE has in Bahrain,” the rights watchdog The group said at least 110 chil- August, allowing the jailing or as anyone below the age of 18. reforms in the Shia-majority a dysfunctional justice system said. It claimed that scores of dren aged between 16 and 18 are fining of the fathers of children Amnesty said the convention kingdom. But sporadic pro- and deeply repressive laws,” children, including some as young held at the Dry Dock Prison, an who take part in demonstrations. explicitly prohibits torture or tests have broken out across the charged Nicholas McGeehan, as 13, “were blindfolded, beaten adult facility, pending investi- “Bahrain’s government pur- other cruel, inhuman or degrad- island since then and authorities Gulf researcher at Human Rights and tortured in detention over gation or trial, over taking part ports to respect human rights ing treatment or punishment. have banned demonstrations in Watch. the past two years.” in protests against the ruling yet it is brazenly flouting The organisation urged Bahrain Manama. AFP AFP TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2013 12 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Less bread, more guns Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

HE International Rescue Committee has reported that starvation is threatening the Syrian population. So a glut of guns and missiles in the country has Ukraine protesters show Treplaced bread, or so it seems. The shocking report came as the United Nations launched a record $6.5bn humanitarian appeal for the battle-scarred nation led by a recalcitrant Bashar Al Assad. leaders how to govern The aid appeal by the world body comes as the Syrian conflict enters a phase wherein both sides are in a virtually BY LEONID BERSHIDSKY sustainable battle mode. Killings and plunder continue to the police that ruled out beatings and reason to resign and no potential nego- ravage the West Asian nation of 22.4 million. The conflict that projectiles. After a pushing fight in tiating partner at the Euromaidan, has been precipitated by the refusal of Assad to give up power hether or not the which 20 people were injured, the police because the opposition leaders do not amid the Arab Spring revolts is the most complicated one with throngs of protesters in retreated and jubilant protesters rebuilt really represent the protesters. The EU Kiev succeed in oust- barricades, filling bags with snow and and the US, for their part, see no point ethnic, religious and political rivalries stoking tensions. Wing Ukrainian President pouring water over them to create in talking to Yanukovych anymore, but As the snow kept large parts of Syria under a white shroud, Viktor Yanukovych, they have proven strong walls of ice. also no opposition leader to support. “I Syrians endured one of the harshest winters amid the rattle of one thing: Their civic sensibility is in Recognising that the Euromaidan have heard it said on the square, ‘We gunfire. UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos yesterday said many ways more mature than that of would not yield without bloodshed, don’t need a messiah,’” former Czech that Syrian refugees ask her why they have been abandoned the political establishment. Yanukovych made some unsatisfying foreign minister Karel Schwarzenberg Demonstrators occupying the city moves toward compromise. At a “round told Theinsider.ua. “Maybe a messiah is by the world. Bread prices have increased by 500 percent since center have created what is possibly table” meeting with opposition leaders, really not needed, but at least a driver the conflict started in early 2011. Though far from being so the largest self-organising, self-sus- the president promised to refrain from is necessary sometimes.” severe, it is a reminder of the days of the 1930s’ Depression in taining revolutionary commune the using force, to release jailed protesters, For the protesters, any concessions Germany when galloping inflation made the Deutsche Mark world has seen since the 1968 riots in to punish officials responsible for previ- from Yanukovych are too little, too late. lose its value so much so that the price of bread would rise Paris. The Euromaidan — as the pro- ous violence and, strangely, to fire the Squeezed into the self-imposed straight- many fold as one left home for the testers’ camp in Maidan Nezalezhnosti, authors of the EU agreement, which he jacket of peaceful protest, they can or Independence Square, is known — is said went against national interests. neither force a breakthrough nor leave baker. increasingly looking like a nation within Protesters were displeased with without achieving their goals. They can, With bread The images of Syrian children a nation. the opposition leaders for listening to however, turn their camp into a make- becoming scarce — gaunt and chubby— being fed by The pro- Yanukovych “like diligent students,” shift model of the future they want for their parents in refugee camps in tests began as journalist Leonid Shvets put it on Ukraine. That, if nothing else, is work- amid a food neighbouring Jordan, Lebanon and on November Facebook. The opposition leaders, for ing out surprisingly well. crisis in Syria, it Turkey, present an opportunity for Yanukovych 21 after the their part, found the president uncon- The camp has an autonomous power offered up some Ukrainian gov- vincing. “We heard only slogans, calls supply from a network of generators, is time for the the world to introspect the meaning ernment back- and declarations,” Vitali Klitschko, a well-organised food supply and an of war. The United Nations’ plea sacrifices, firing pedalled from Wladimir’s brother and head of the accommodation service for people arriv- international for humanitarian help for Syrians two officials for signing an asso- opposition Udar party, said after the ing from other cities. When Yanukovych community to reeks of a desperation propelled by ciation and free meeting. “We are returning to the bused in supporters from Eastern an inability to do much about ending allegedly ordering trade deal with square to keep up the pressure on the Ukraine for a counter-rally, some of hold Assad to police to beat the European government. I call on everyone who does them went to Independence Square the conflict. Union. Now they not want to live in a dictatorship to take to eat because the protesters’ camp account. The incessant support of Iran, up the peaceful have swelled into to the streets.” was much better equipped. There is a China and Russia for Assad and students on a movement that Yanukovych offered up some sacri- smoothly-functioning volunteer medical his supporters has emboldened the attracts hundreds fices, firing two officials for allegedly team and a cleaning detail that keeps leader who calls fighters “terrorists”. The world wouldn’t have November 30. But of thousands on ordering police to beat up the peace- the camp as tidy as any I have ever seen. forgotten the online shopping binges of the Alawite leader he stopped short weekends, and ful students on November 30. But he Entertainment includes top-flight con- EU integration stopped short of touching prime min- certs with impeccable sound and an and his wife Asma even as Syria burned during the early days of touching Prime is no longer the ister Mykola Azarov or other powerful open- air movie theater. An “IT tent” of the revolt. International humanitarian organisations had minister Mykola central issue. figures, including National Security and provides WiFi service and charging sta- warned of an impending crisis in Syria — but no one imagined The Euromaidan Defense Council chief Andriy Klyuev tions for mobile devices. At the camp’s it would come to this. Probably, there is no dearth of guns and Azarov. wants the presi- — who, if leaked transcripts of the two “open university,” protesters can attend bullets in the country. However, bread now seems scarce. Four dent to go and the fired officials’ interrogations are to be lectures by well-known academics and of five Syrians believe bread would become unavailable. constitution amended to turn Ukraine believed, oversaw the violent attack on businesspeople such as Information into a parliamentary republic. protesting students. Technology multimillionaire Yevgeny As international politics becomes more complex, the Yanukovych’s attempts to apply force On December 17, Yanukovych is fly- Utkin. humanitarian side of a crisis is often ignored. As the world’s have failed or backfired. Early last week, ing to Moscow for further talks with “It is an amazing anthropological attention was fixated on the Iran nuclear talks and the death riot police and athletic young men Russian President Vladimir Putin that phenomenon,” Kiev public relations of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, the focus on the dressed up as city janitors managed only may win some money but will also fur- manager Alexandra Kovaleva wrote on Facebook Syria conflict likely became hazy. Now is the time when the temporarily to remove some of the pro- ther anger the protesters, who feel the . “It is a lively, self-organising, testers’ barricades in downtown Kiev. Ukrainian president is “giving up” the well-functioning society.” Outsiders, too, United Nations should whip up a frenzy of support for the Rebel leaders, including heavyweight country to Russia. have noticed the protesters’ remarkable humanitarian crisis in Syria. This might help shore up support boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko, Politically, Ukraine appears to have success at building their small nation. for rebels fighting Assad and bring his egregiousness into negotiated terms of engagement with hit a dead end. Yanukovich sees no WP-BLOOMBERG focus • Letters Turkey did not invade Cyprus but exercised its rights and obligations AM dismayed by the Greek Cypriot its collaborators in Cyprus. In accord- Cypriots to apply for legal redress for Some have gained restitution in view of General is engaged in a new effort the UN Secretary-General called upon the Ambassador C Panayides’ letter ance with the Voluntary Exchange of their former properties located in North the circumstances pertaining to the prop- to revive the process of negotiations international community to eliminate the (December 10, 2013, Letters) which Populations Agreement reached between Cyprus in the form of compensation, erty in question. It should be noted that between the two sides, it is disheartening unnecessary restrictions that have the Ilevels unfounded political accusations the two sides in 1975, Turkish Cypriots exchange or reinstatement. This being while this mechanism is available in the to see that the Greek Cypriot side is still effect of isolating the Turkish Cypriots. at my country. North Cyprus and Turkey, moved to the North and Greek Cypriots the case, the number of Greek Cypriots North, no such remedy exists in the South dragging its feet and pursuing a policy The letter of Mr Panayides echoes the in response to my recent interview which moved to the South. Hence, there is no who have filed applications with the for Turkish Cypriot property owners. of hostility against the Turkish Republic well-known views of the Greek Cypriot dealt exclusively with economic and question of any community being “forcibly Immovable Property Commission have The claim that the Greek Cypriot of Northern Cyprus. It should be recalled side which challenge the fundamental commercial as well as educational matters expelled” from their homes, or their prop- already exceeeded 5,600 and the number administration has “jurisdiction” over the that the Greek Cypriots rejected over- parameters of a solution in Cyprus. concerning the TRNC and GCC countries erties being “illegally” used. is continuing to rise every year. The IPC entire island is both legally and factually whelmingly the comprehensive settle- Our hope is that the Greek Cypriot in general. Indeed, both communites have left has been working efficiently as a domestic untenable. ment plan (known as the Annan Plan) administration and its representatives First, Turkey did not invade Cyprus, as properties on either part of the island. remedy and has settled a considerable As for the Ercan Airport in Northern in 2004. will refrain from engaging in such harm- alleged by Mr Panayides, but exercised Both administrations have adopted laws number of Greek Cypriot applications. Cyprus, which Mr Panayides has described Had the Greek Cypriots voted “yes” ful rhetoric which creates an atmosphere its rights and obligations under the 1960 to control and regulate such properties As of December 2013, a total amount of as “illegal”, it would suffice to say that it has in the separate, simultaneous referanda, not conductive to dialogue and reconcili- Treaty of Guarantee to protect the Turkish with the understanding that this issue £143m has been paid to Greek Cypriots been serving millions of passengers every as the Turkish Cypriots had done, all the ation as called for the by the European Cypriot people and to stop the annexation will be fully addressed in the context of in compensation, while several applicants year and, it is equipped with the latest issues that the Greek Cypriot side seems Union and the United Nations. of the island to Greece which was immi- an eventual comprehensive settlement. have reached agreement for exchange of technology, has been providing air control to be complaining about, would have been — Aytug F Plumer nent in the face of the bloody coup d’etat However, the Turkish Cypriot authori- their properties in Northern Cyprus with services to all aircraft using TRNC airspace. resolved almost a decade ago. It is signifi- Representative of the Turkish staged by the Greek Junta in Athens and ties have provided the option for Greek Turkish Cypriot properties in the South. At a time when the UN Secretary cant to recall that following the referanda, Republic of Northern Cyprus in Doha. TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2013 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Mandela laid to rest but his legacy must not As Mandela was laid to rest on Sunday the issue of how he should be remembered remains very much in play. How those debates play out matters globally and nationally.

BY GARY YOUNGE While Barack Obama was cloaking himself in King’s moral authority dur- uring the late 1960s, as Martin ing the 50th anniversary of the March Luther King increasingly drew on Washington, he was simultaneously connections between racism, contemplating bombing Syria. Deconomic inequality and mili- The version of King that the nation tary imperialism, his popularity plum- had settled on – “the dreamer” – was meted. In the first half of the decade, in stark contrast to the King who stood Americans were evenly split on their against militarism. So the latter was con- view of him. By 1966, twice as many had veniently forgotten. an unfavourable view of him as a favoura- Such distortions are not the work of ble one. The next year, in a speech against malign individuals so much as the benign the Vietnam war, he branded the US victory of mythology. “It’s not a person “the greatest purveyor of military vio- [who does this],” the Uruguayan author lence in the world today.” By the time Eduardo Galeano explained to me in a he died in 1968, he was a marginalised recent interview. figure. He had been defending garbage “It’s a system of power that is always Helicopters carrying the South African flag fly over a nine-metre bronze statue of former president Nelson Mandela which was unveiled workers in Memphis, and when strike deciding in the name of humanity who on Sunday on the Union Buildings, the seat of government in Pretoria, where he was inaugurated as the first black president in 1994. protests turned violent a Dallas Morning deserves to be remembered and who News columnist branded him “the head- deserves to be forgotten … We are much that “many black South Africans are poor them. Nor was liberation the work of one apartheid and disparage the ANC. line-hunting high priest of nonviolent more than we are told. We are much today because of apartheid’s legacy”, and man. Indeed, how could it have been when They may have changed their attitudes violence.” more beautiful.” more disagree with the statement that the struggle continued throughout his to Mandela since he emerged from jail, Three decades later, when Americans What was true for King is no less “reconciliation is impossible without eco- imprisonment. but there’s little evidence that they’ve were asked which public figures they true for the late Nelson Mandela. As I nomic redress” than agree with it. “This Mandela could do what he did precisely changed the broad thrust of their foreign most admired from the 20th century, he wrote in my recent book, The Speech: is important,” the report points out. “If because he stood at the head of a move- policies today. came second to Mother Teresa. When his “White America came to embrace King South Africans do not agree on the con- ment dedicated to democratic transfor- Meanwhile, those who they continually memorial was unveiled in the National in the same way that most white South nection between economic exclusion and mation. It’s simply not tenable to praise demonise were doing exactly the oppo- Mall in Washington in 2011, 91 percent Africans came to accept Nelson Mandela our historical legacy, they are not likely him as a negotiator and reconciler with- site. Mandela himself pointed this out to of Americans (including 89 percent of – grudgingly and gratefully, retrospec- to agree with the need to address that out also claiming him as a military chief George W Bush after the US president whites) approved. tively, selectively, without grace but with legacy.” and a radical. urged him to sever links with Yasser Public memory does not commit itself considerable guile. By the time they real- As Mandela was laid to rest on Sunday Nor is it feasible to laud him personally Arafat, Fidel Castro and Muammar to the task of recalling events in an objec- ised that their dislike of him was spent the issue of how he should be remembered without also acknowledging the mass of Gaddafi. tive, disinterested manner but with great and futile, he had created a world in remains very much in play. How those South Africans who made his achieve- “When we came to you and asked prejudice. People sift through the avail- which admiring him was in their own debates play out matters both globally ments possible. for assistance, you called us terror- able facts, refract them through their self-interest. Because, in short, they had and nationally. The desire to remember These things are connected. The gen- ists,” Mandela told Bush, according to own perspective and then arrange them no choice.” his contributions as those of a unique and erosity of spirit and lack of vengeance Ahmed Kathrada, who spent 26 years in in their own self-interest. The result is Recent polling bears out the degree to brilliant individual who single-handedly that has been championed this past fort- Robben Island with Mandela. “It would several versions of events, never settled which South Africa has experienced a guided the nation to democracy and sta- night finds its counterpart in the patience be immoral and ungrateful to break with but highly partial and always contested white flight from historical responsibility. bility is understandable, but neither accu- of black South Africans, still waiting for old allies.” – constantly vying for hegemony, authen- The annual Reconciliation Barometer, a rate nor helpful. the government to adequately address Mandela’s long walk to freedom ended ticity and credibility. survey by the Institute for Justice and Not because he wasn’t unique or bril- entrenched inequalities, who will never on Sunday under the vast sky and lush The significance of how things are Reconciliation, reveals that whites are liant, but because these qualities on their have a square named after them or for- slopes surrounding his childhood home remembered goes beyond historical accu- considerably less likely than blacks to own would never have sufficed. South eign dignitaries appear at their graveside. of Qunu. May he rest in peace. But his racy to contemporary politics. The past think “apartheid was a crime against Africa was never lacking in gifted peo- Internationally, those – such as the US, legacy still lives. has a legacy and the present has conse- humanity” or that “the government ple – Steve Biko, Chris Hani, Albertina Britain and Israel – who pose as stand- And, in the interests of those who must quences: our understanding of how we got wrongly oppressed the majority of South Sisulu, Ruth First… the list goes on. ard-bearers for human rights, freedom live with it, the struggle to remember it here and why is crucial to our decision Africans.” What it lacked was a system capable of and democracy today are among the honestly continues. about where we go next and how. As a result, 54 percent do not believe unleashing those gifts instead of crushing very nations that did most to support THE GUARDIAN

North Korea’s politics: UK civil service in need of reform Kim Jong Un’s guillotine The civil service should matter to anyone who believes in effective BY NICHOLAS EBERSTADT striking feature of North Korean communism has been the remarkable measure of physical security enjoyed by the government and management of uppermost reaches of the brutal and repressive regime. A Elsewhere in the communist world, the highest tiers always the public space. enjoyed physical comforts. But the tumultuous, cutthroat nature of communist politics meant that their physical fate, up to and including cause of death, remained perilously contingent. (As the Bo Xilai affair BY CHRIS HUHNE end of reviewing government suc- in China underscores, this is still the case under “reform socialism.”) cess against its own objectives. Sir By contrast, North Korea’s “Great Leader” Kim Il Sung laid down a avid Cameron is dead Alan Beith, MP, who chairs the system of dynastic succession that protected not only the revolutionary against an inquiry chairs, highlighted the problem royals but also those aristocrats closest to them. into the civil service, of managing contracts. Civil serv- To be sure: North Korean generals and other functionaries to Dbecause he believes ants do not have enough people Pyongyang’s royals have ended up in front of firing squads. But top Francis Maude’s reform plan is with the skills needed to specify, families were exposed only sparingly to the routinised violence and ter- enough. This is increasingly hard negotiate and then litigate (where ror they counted on to maintain their rule — and often transgressions British Prime Minister David Cameron travelling in a train for a PM Direct to defend when all the chairs of necessary) over contracts with that would have resulted in the ultimate sanction for commoners were the parliamentary select com- outside suppliers. event across the northeast and northwest of England. pardoned or ignored for blue bloods. Unlike the French Revolution, mittees join together to ask for a Bernard Jenkin, MP, who which was famously said to “devour its own children,” and almost any parliamentary commission. This chairs the public administration servants should expect. In my Bad workmen blame their tools, other communist revolutionary descendants, the North Korean model, institution is sick. It needs more committee, said our system of experience, the blame is often but the tools need to be updated until this week, had followed Kim Il Sung’s hallowed injunction to grant than another round of politically government showed “some of the political. Too many ministers for a modern world. The select “special favours” to “those who have performed feats... for reunification appointed special advisers with characteristics of a failing organ- think you can pull a lever and the committee chairs are also right of the country [and to] their descendants.” dubious expertise. isation”. The new Border Force civil service will shunt the train to highlight Whitehall’s demar- This brings us to the defenestration of Jang Song Thaek, Pyongyang’s The civil service should matter is missing eight of its 19 seizure on to the right track. cation lines. Many problems cut putative second in command, by Kim Jong Un, the young Dear And to anyone who believes in effective and detection targets. The GoCo But government is a people across departmental responsibili- Respected Leader who is Kim Il Sung’s grandson and Jang’s nephew. government and management of defence procurement company business, not a series of cogs and ties, but ministers and senior civil On Monday, before a hall packed by his Politburo comrades, a passive the public space. On the progres- recently collapsed. You could add wheels. To accept change, peo- servants are bad at co-ordinating Jang was repeatedly denounced for “anti-party activities” and other sive side of politics, a well-func- the west coast rail franchise cock- ple have to be coaxed, wooed and a response. Look at bed-blocking crimes, then frog-marched out of the chamber by uniformed guards. tioning state is the first building up. Rural broadband delays. The motivated by a clear vision set out in the NHS because local social On Thursday, North Korean media announced the execution of “traitor block of ambition for change. If tagging of dead offenders. by the minister. services did not take patients for all ages Jang Song Thaek.” This spectacle of public humiliation — government does not work, it can- A new Northcote-Trevelyan Stein Ringen’s new book, quickly. Look at knife crime and liquidation — of a royal marks a radical departure from business not deliver reform. Government – the seminal 1854 report that Nation of Devils, is a good start to because not all hospitals report as usual. The North Korean state has its internal code of honour, and that is seen to fail is a gift to those established the modern civil the debate. He quotes President anonymised data on where it hap- its paramount precept had always been that The Royals Stay Safe. who do not believe that it can service – is essential because the Harry Truman handing power to pens, allowing police to stamp it But no longer can a regent and adviser in chief like Jang expect to be solve problems, and simply want world that government is trying his successor, General Dwight D out. Look at climate change, which pensioned off to some posh inconsequential place once his services are less of it. to influence is so much more com- Eisenhower: “Poor Ike. He’ll sit needs more departments on side no longer needed. Palace politics have suddenly become life-and-death. That is why the polling on pub- plex. How do you measure success right there, and he’ll say do this, than any problem short of win- There are three immediate implications of this affair. First: There lic trust in government is so dis- and failure? What are the staging do that! And nothing will happen ning a war. There are many easy is no obvious reason that a purge of the North Korean aristocracy, piriting. This year, Eurobarometer posts? How do you ensure compe- – it won’t be a bit like the army.” wins from working together, but once begun, should necessarily end with Jang. And if it is open season found that just 22 percent of the tence and institutional memory? Plans for change have them- departments often prefer iner- on Pyongyang royals, Kim Jong Un has ample motive for doing away British trusted their government. How do you abandon public serv- selves to be changed as they come tia or a good fight. A senior civil with a great many of his nearest and dearest. We lack the long historical ices that no longer meet modern across the real world they are try- servant once told me our depart- Second, there is the potential impact on regime cohesion. Up to now, data to show the UK trend, but challenges? ing to influence, and it is crucial ment was good at policy, but not cohesion among North Korea’s elite has been extraordinary. That may I suspect it would be similar to A generalist civil service is to have the implementers on side at implementation. I put my head help explain why this otherwise failing communist state is still with the horrifying United States Pew no longer appropriate in many and clear about what the minister in my hands. Policy is implemen- us when so many others have been swept into the dustbin of history. polling which shows that “trust in technical areas. Too often, the is trying to achieve. tation. If things do not change on The third implication concerns Kim Jong Un’s judgment, or lack the federal government to do the civil service moves people on as They have to be prepared to tell the ground – a messy and itera- thereof. There is scant reason to accord him the benefit of the doubt. right thing most of the time” has soon as they understand their ministers when plans are going tive business that involves tell- North Korea occupies a high-tension, high-stakes niche in the inter- collapsed from 73 percent in the job. Officials should see projects awry. If civil servants think minis- ing truth to power about its own national system wherein there is precious little margin for error. It is late 1950s to just 19 percent today. through, and carefully acquired ters are merely trying to off-load inadequacies – then policy has incalculably dangerous to have a decider prone to miscalculations run- The 33 chairs of the cross- specialist knowledge of an area blame, the chances of success are failed. We need a new Northcote- ning the show. But in the regime’s next crisis, who is going to counsel party select committees matter should be rewarded. already slim. I fear that is where Trevelyan. Public service is too the Dear And Respected Leader that his preferred option is a dumb because they oversee depart- An inquiry also needs to make we are now with Iain Duncan important to be allowed to decay. idea? Not Uncle Jang. ments, and they are at the sharp clear what politicians and civil Smith’s universal credit. THE GUARDIAN WP-BLOOMBERG TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST

We are ready UN launches $6.5bn Syria appeal for Gulf union: Bahrain King Seventy-six people including 26 children killed as regime forces bomb Aleppo MANAMA: Bahrain’s king said yesterday he is strongly in LONDON: The UN has in Syria’s second city of Aleppo favour of a Saudi proposal to launched its biggest appeal yet Bombing raid in Aleppo yesterday morning after Syrian upgrade the Gulf Cooperation for humanitarian aid to Syria Seventy-six people, including 28 children, were killed on air force helicopters dropped Council into a union. on Sunday when Syrian army helicopters dropped after exhausting funds raised for "barrel bombs" on the northern city of Aleppo, the Syrian improvised explosives, known as “Bahrain is ready from this day 2013, with a warning that nearly Observatory for Human Rights said on Monday. barrel bombs, on three opposi- for the declaration of the union, three-quarters of the country’s DISTRICTS HIT tion neighbourhoods. Activists to assert our firm will and our population will need humanitar- reported that 26 of those killed solid determination,” HM King ian support next year. SYRIA Ard al-Hamra were children. Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa said in The global body is aiming to Opposition groups claimed that an address on the occasion of the Hadariya raise a total of $6.5bn for Syria more than 20-such bombs were kingdom’s National Day. alone — 50 percent more than the Sakhour dropped on the east of the city “We look forward to the call $4bn target it set during its last Al-Shaar in the early hours, in the most for a special Summit in Riyadh appeal in June, which was only 60 Aleppo intense blitz for many months. to announce the establishment of percent funded. Muhammad Bek Aleppo and other parts of the this union,” he added. Al-Assad Al-Nayrab Already, the UN estimates that Military Academy airbase north have also been regularly The six Arab members of the close to half of Syria’s population Sheikh Saeed hit by medium range ballistic mis- GCC — which includes Saudi has been displaced, while the World 2 miles siles, including scuds, fired from Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Food Programme says a similar 2 km nearby Damascus. the United Arab Emirates and number need “urgent, life sav- Source: Reuters Observatory director Rami Oman — sit on 40 percent of ing food assistance”. Former UK Abdel Rahman said it was “one the world’s oil and a quarter of foreign secretary David Milliband crises in modern times”. She added of the heaviest tolls from air raids its natural gas. The proposal to now President of the International that Syrian refugees “think the since the beginning of the war” upgrade the bloc from a coordina- Rescue Committee, said large parts world has forgotten about them”. that flared after a brutal regime tion council to a union was put for- of the Syrian population were Milliband described the conflict as crackdown on Arab Spring- ward by the Custodian of the Two threatened by starvation. “the defining humanitarian crisis inspired democracy protests that Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin The staggering scale of suffer- of this century so far”. After 33 erupted in March 2011. Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia in 2011. ing has risen constantly through- months of ever-increasing sav- Explosive-laden barrels were Bahrain’s Sunni monarchy, out the past two years as war has agery, there is no end in sight to dropped on six rebel-controlled which at the time was grappling taken hold across Syria, its impact the war, which poses a serious risk districts in the east, includ- with Arab Spring-inspired pro- reverberating widely across the to the unitary boundaries of Syria, ing Sakhur, Ard al-Hamra and tests by its Shia majority, strongly region. Lebanon and Iraq and conitues to Haydariyeh, Abdel Rahman said. supported the proposal. More than 2.3 million refu- raise sectarian tensions across the Communities in parts of Aleppo But other Gulf states have gees have fled to neighbouring Middle East. A wounded Syrian woman walks with her children following airstrikes on a and its surrounds have in recent shown less enthusiasm, with Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Medical agencies also complain rebel area of the war-torn northern city of Aleppo, yesterday. months increasingly fallen under Oman threatening last week to the Kurdish north of Iraq, where of chronically limited access to the sway of jihadist groups, who quit the loose alliance if the union many have struggled to find shel- war-torn parts of the country, been killed in the fighting, which more for much of the past year, joined the insurgency to fight proposal is pursued. Divisions ter, heating and food as winter blaming both regime forces and has descended into a series of making the conflict more deadly the Assad regime, but for differ- have surfaced within the bloc — has taken hold. opposition groups for prevent- stalemates in which neither side than at any point during the ent purposes — to transform the established in 1981 to put up a UN humanitarian chief Valerie ing deliveries of medicines and in can make meaningful advances. height the insurgency in neigh- war in Syria into the epicentre united front against Iran — just as Amos said the ever-deteriorating some cases hijacking convoys. Daily death tolls across Syria have bouring Iraq. of Al Qaeda-inspired global jihad. Tehran has managed to break its situation was “one of the biggest More than 125,000 people have persistently hovered near 100 or Seventy-six people were killed GUARDIAN NEWS/AGENCIES isolation, reaching a preliminary deal with world powers on its con- troversial nuclear programme. Meanwhile, democracy activists yesterday urged the Gulf Arab monarchies to undertake wide- EU vows ranging political reforms includ- Shias targeted as Iraq unrest kills 66 ing the establishment of elected parliaments and constitutions and aid if Israel, BAGHDAD: Car bombs highly secure. Violence in Iraq after the annual commemora- Iraqi security forces surrounded allowing political parties. ripped through Shia pilgrims has reached a level not seen tion marking the death of the the building, and then carried “The Gulf people should be near Baghdad while militants since 2008, when the country was Prophet Mohammed’s (peace be out an assault that Counter- allowed to elect their repre- attacked a city council head- emerging from a period of brutal upon him) grandson Hussein. The Terrorism Service spokesman sentatives in a democratic way Palestinians quarters and a police station, in sectarian killings, and has raised 40th day, known as Arbaeen, falls Sabah Noori said freed 40 people and through a direct ballot,” said Iraq-wide violence that killed at fears it is slipping back into all- on December 23 this year. who were held inside. the liberal Gulf Forum for Civil least 66 people yesterday, offi- out conflict. Sunni militants including those “We freed all the hostages” and Societies. Such elections should make peace cials said. In the Rashid area south of linked to Al Qaeda frequently killed one suicide bomber, while also lead to the establishment The killing of the pilgrims Baghdad, two car bombs targeted target members of Iraq’s Shiite two others blew themselves up, of parliaments with supervisory BRUSSELS: The European underscored the danger of sec- Shia pilgrims, killing at least 22 majority, whom they consider to Noori said. A police major and and legislative powers, it said in Union yesterday pledged tarian violence in Iraq, while people and wounding at least 52, be apostates. a doctor said that a city coun- a statement. The group sits on “unprecedented” levels of sup- the attacks on the city council security and medical officials said. In the city of Tikrit, militants cil member and two police were about 40 percent of global oil port to both Israel and the and police station in Salaheddin Hundreds of thousands of detonated a car bomb near the killed, though it was unclear reserves and a quarter of natural Palestinians should the two province showed the impunity people, many of them on foot, city council headquarters and whether they died during the gas deposits. Together they pump parties reach a final status with which militants can strike make pilgrimages to the holy city then occupied the building, with initial attack or the later assault just under a fifth of world crude. agreement. Commending US even targets that should be of Karbala during the 40 days employees still inside. by security forces. AFP AFP Secretary of State John Kerry for his efforts in launching direct talks between the two, EU foreign ministers said the 28-nation bloc would “contrib- ute substantially” to post-con- flict arrangements to ensure the South Sudan coup defeated sustainability of a peace deal. “The EU will provide an unprecedented package of European political, economic and after heavy fighting: Report security support to both parties in the context of a final status agreement,” the ministers said in JUBA: South Sudan’s president former vice president Riek such incidents once again in our a statement. announced yesterday he had Machar who was sacked from the new nation. I strongly condemn “In the event of a final peace defeated a coup attempt following government in July. He branded these criminal actions in the agreement the European Union a night of fierce fighting between him a “prophet of doom” and strongest terms possible,” said will offer Israel and the future rival troops in the capital of the vowed to bring him to justice. Kiir, who was dressed in military state of Palestine a Special world’s youngest nation. “Your government is in full uniform rather than his trade- Privileged Partnership including The clashes broke out in a control of the security situation mark suit and cowboy hat. increased access to the European barracks close to the city cen- in Juba. The attackers fled and Army spokesman Phil Aguer markets, closer cultural and sci- tre shortly before midnight and your forces are pursuing them. I also told local radio that troops entific links, facilitation of trade spread across the city, diplomats promise you justice will prevail,” loyal to the president were “in and investments as well as promo- and witnesses said, adding that the president said in a televised control of the situation”. tion of business to business rela- heavy machine guns and mortars address to the nation. Officials said some arrests had tions. A senior EU official said it were used. He said an overnight curfew been made, and there were uncon- was too early to talk about num- The United Nations said hun- would be imposed from 6pm to firmed reports of several former bers after Israeli daily Haaretz dreds of terrified civilians had 6am (1500 to 0300 GMT), and ministers being detained. But last week said the package would sought refuge in a UN compound, would remain in force until fur- the fate of Machar was unclear be worth “billions of euros” while while across the city residents ther notice. A diplomat in the city — with the US embassy in Juba also helping to end Israel’s inter- locked themselves in their homes said troops loyal to the president and the UN dismissing specula- national isolation. or tried to flee to safer areas, a had been posted at major intersec- tion they had given him shelter. A military tank patrols along one of the main roads in the South Sudanese reporter said. tions, while civil aviation sources There was also no word on cas- capital Juba yesterday. The South Sudanese president declared a curfew President Salva Kiir blamed said that Juba airport had been ualties from the fighting. Lebanese, Israeli in Juba. troops loyal to his arch-rival, shut. “I will not allow or tolerate AFP officers meet to restore border calm BEIRUT/JERUSALEM: Senior Israeli, Lebanese and United Nations military officers Nine officials accused in Oman graft trials met yesterday to defuse tension a day after a “rogue” Lebanese soldier shot dead an Israeli sol- DUBAI: Nine state officials and on Sunday. The nine accused all and Communications, is accused Refineries and Petroleum contact a spokesman for Larsen & dier on the border. private sector executives have denied the charges when they by state prosecutors of receiv- Industries Co, which now owns Toubro Oman were unsuccessful. Sunday’s incident jarred the gone on trial in Oman on charges appeared at the Court of First ing a bribe from Faithi Alaaiddin Oman Oil Refinery’s assets, said Oman is a significant oil producer, relatively stable standoff between of taking or offering bribes, in a Instance in the capital Muscat. and Rizq Mustafa, executives at that current management had pumping around 950,000 barrels the two neighbours, which last widening crackdown on corrup- Eight individuals, including Consolidated Contractors Co - no details about the case. In a per day of crude, with oil and gas saw major hostilities in the tion in the Gulf sultanate’s oil former or serving state officials, Oman (CCC-Oman), to facilitate third case, prosecutors allege an sector revenues providing the vast 2006 war between Israel and industry and related sectors. face similar charges in four other several projects. Spokesmen for the executive they named simply as majority of government revenues. Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas. Corruption is a politically sen- trials that have opened in the past ministry and CCC-Oman could not Muthukumaraswamy of Larsen & The country is spending heav- “We discussed concrete steps to sitive issue in Oman, which saw six weeks. Sunday’s hearings were be reached for comment despite Toubro Oman, an affiliate of Indian ily to develop its energy and strengthen the existing security sporadic street protests against postponed to December 26 after repeated attempts. In a second engineering firm Larsen & Toubro, industrial infrastructure in an arrangements (on the border) to graft and unemployment in 2011 defence lawyers sought time to case, prosecutors allege Alaaiddin paid a bribe to Mukhtar Al Muraza, effort to create jobs for its citi- prevent the recurrence of such as political unrest gripped other review evidence presented by the of CCC-Oman paid a bribe to Adil senior manager at Oman Gas Co. zens. On Monday, international incidents,” the commander of Arab countries. prosecution. al Kindi, former chief executive of Yousuf al Ojaili, chief executive of oil giant BP signed 30-year deals the UN Interim Force in Lebanon The charges, mostly involv- Among Sunday’s cases, Qasim Oman Oil Refinery Co, to facilitate Oman Gas, said: “I have no com- to develop an Omani gas project (Unifil) said in a statement. ing infrastructure projects, were Al Shizawi, director-general of CCC-Oman operations. ments at this point; the cases are with an estimated investment of AGENCIES outlined in six trials that opened ports in the Ministry of Transport An official at Oman Oil in the court’s hands.” Attempts to $16bn. REUTERS TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2013 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Bomb scare forces Harvard evacuation Exams cancelled; no report of blasts

NEW YORK: A bomb scare freshman dining hall where they yesterday forced Harvard were told that exams would be University to evacuate four cancelled,” he said. buildings, call in police and can- Asked about growing media cel final exams under way at the speculation on whether the call elite US university in the north- could have been a hoax, Weinstock eastern town of Cambridge. refused to speculate. An alert on its website “We have no idea what the announced the evacuations at nature of the call was or what the Science Center, the Thayer the nature of the threat is now,” dormitory, the Sever classroom he told CNN. and lecture hall and the Emerson Juniors Alexander Ryjik of building, home to the philosophy Alexandria, Virginia, and Diego department. Abrahao of Sunny Isles Beach, “Please evacuate those build- Florida, said their professor ings now,” it said. was handing out exam booklets “Out of an abundance of cau- for their Politics of American tion, the buildings have been Education class shortly after 9am evacuated while the report is when the alert went out that they investigated. Harvard’s focus is on had to leave Emerson Hall. the safety of our students, faculty “I have a good guess somebody and staff,” it added. called it in so they wouldn’t have Police immediately scrambled to take an exam,” Ryjik said. “It’s Protesters rest in a makeshift camp set up by the Ukrainian opposition in the centre of Kiev yesterday. to the affected buildings. frustrating because now the exam But an hour and a half after will have to be postponed.” the original alert, the report Yesterday’s scare comes three Ukraine ruling party demands govt reshuffle remained unconfirmed and police days after an American schoolboy have “no reason to believe there armed with a shotgun opened fire is a threat to any other side on and wounded two fellow students KIEV: Ukraine’s ruling party Yanukovych had tried to meet the entire cabinet. German added decisive steps necessary to solve the campus,” the university said. before killing himself at a high demanded yesterday a sweeping two top opposition demands by that Azarov’s own resignation was problems,” he told reporters. Harvard also tweeted that school in Colorado. cabinet overhaul in a sign that promising to amnesty those pre- not discussed. But there were signs that there had been “NO reports of It also comes less than a month the authorities were feeling the viously detained at rallies and But opposition leaders pressure was also growing on explosions”. after Harvard’s great rival Yale pressure of month-long pro- sacking several senior officials appeared implacable a day after Yanukovych from Ukraine’s Harvard, one of the most pres- went on a four-hour lockdown tests and seeking to end a crisis over the police’s use of force. gathering nearly 300,000 support- powerful business leaders whose tigious universities in the world, after an anonymous caller said his sparked by a rejected EU pact. But the pro-EU opposition has ers on Kiev’s iconic Independence support is instrumental to any dominates the Massachusetts roommate was planning to shoot President Viktor Yanukovych’s dismissed the moves as half-meas- Square—the heart of the 2004 government. town of Cambridge near Boston. people on the campus. decision to scrap a historic ures and is demanding the resig- pro-democracy revolt. Ukraine’s richest man Rinat Harvard’s Science Center is Teams of police scoured the EU agreement and subsequent nation of Prime Minister Mykola “We believe that Viktor Akhmetov — believe to control home to the mathematics, statis- sprawling Yale campus in New police violence against protesters Azarov as well as early presiden- Yanukovych has made no step a large group of lawmakers in tics and history of science depart- Haven, Connecticut but there sparked the largest demonstra- tial and parliamentary polls. toward the resignation of the the Regions Party’s parliamen- ments. The university is currently were never any reports of shots tions in the ex-Soviet country “We have put forward a demand government and we are awaiting tary faction — in a rare state- in session, going into recess on fired nor of any injuries. Nor was since the 2004 Orange Revolution. before Azarov to reformat the the president’s decision regarding ment Friday called for talks and December 21. the presumed gunman found. Yesterday’s announcement government by 90 percent,” ruling this cabinet,” said protest leader expressed sympathy with the pro- Sam Weinstock, incoming pres- Harvard was founded in 1636 by Yanukovych’s Regions Party party lawmaker Anna German said Arseniy Yatsenyuk. test movement. ident of student newspaper the and has around 21,000 students. appears to be a move to appease after yesterday’s talks with Azarov. The president’s parliamen- “It depends on the oligarchs Harvard Crimson, told CNN that It has educated current and the opposition after the first “Azarov said that he will today tary representative Yuriy and particularly on Akhmetov final exams scheduled on Monday former leaders from all over the direct talks between the presi- let the position of the faction be Miroshnychenko said the details whether it will be possible to in three of the affected buildings world and a string of American dent and three main opposition known to the president and con- and timing of any reshuffle have influence Yanukovych so that he had been canceled. presidents, including Barack leaders failed on Friday to defuse clusions will certainly be made,” yet to be hammered out. “An emo- removes Azarov,” said political “Students were removed Obama. Ukraine’s deepest crisis in a she told reporters after the tional conversation based on prin- analyst Volodymyr Fesenko. from those exams, taken to the AGENCIES decade. closed-door meeting attended by ciples was held. We have to take the AFP

French panel Russia moves nuclear-capable missile closer to EU recommends MOSCOW: Russia has moved first reported over the week- artillery forces,” Russian news threats from so-called “rogue region. Stratfor added that the nuclear-capable Iskander mis- end that Russia had deployed agencies quoted defence ministry states”. long-mooted but never-before legalising siles closer to Europe’s bor- about 10 Iskander systems in spokesman Igor Konashenkov as But Moscow fears the system implemented “Kaliningrad deci- ders in response to the US-led its Kaliningrad exclave, wedged saying. — whose components include mis- sion is highly political, since deployment of a disputed air between Poland and Lithuania, He added that Russia’s deploy- sile-positioning satellites — may (the Iskander) could reach assisted suicide defence shield, the defence min- at some point over the past 12 ment “does not violate any inter- one day be turned into an offen- into Germany or take out any istry said yesterday. months. national treaties or agreements” sive weapon that targets Russian American (ballistic missile PARIS: A panel set up at the The announcement is almost A top Russian defence official and should therefore not be sub- soil. defence) system”. request of President Francois certain to irritate the former said in response to the report ject to protests from the West. The Kremlin also believes The advanced version of Hollande yesterday recom- Communist states of Eastern that several Iskander batteries The Kremlin warned in 2011 the shield could in the future be the missile — known as the mended legalising assisted Europe and add another layer to had been stationed in Russia’s that it could station the short- and expanded to a point that makes Iskander-M — was one of Russia’s suicide in France, where the the tensions in Moscow’s fraught Western Military District — a medium-range ballistic missiles Russia’s own vast nuclear arsenal first major post-Soviet weapons debate on euthanasia has re- relations with Washington. region that includes the exclave along the European Union’s east- ineffective. and is now among its most prized emerged after several end-of- The advanced version of the and also borders the European ern frontier in response to Nato’s A report prepared by the military exports. life tragedies. Russian missile has a range of Union’s three Baltic nations that missile defence programme. US-based Stratfor global intelli- Russian military analysts said The suicides of two elderly cou- 500km and could potentially be were once a part of the USSR. Both the United States and gence consultancy and published cash constraints have prevented ples in November and the heart- used to take out ground-based “Iskander operational-tactical the Western military alliance by the WikiLeaks website said the armed forces from deploy- wrenching testimony of a politician radar and interceptors of the new missile systems have indeed been have argued that the shield is not most Iskander missiles had pre- ing as many Iskander systems as who watched her terminally-ill Nato shield. commissioned by the Western aimed at Russia but is designed to viously been stationed in Siberia originally envisioned. mother die after taking pills have Germany’s Bild newspaper Military District’s missile and protect the West from potential and the volatile North Caucasus AFP shocked and moved France, where euthanasia is illegal. “The possibility of committing medically assisted suicide... is, in our eyes, a legitimate right of a patient close to death or suffering Mandela statue unveiled from a terminal pathology, based first and foremost on their lucid consent and complete awareness”, on Reconciliation Day said the panel, made up of 18 citi- zens picked by polling firm Ifop to represent the population. PRETORIA: On a public holi- gesture denoted that “South The so-called “Conference of day dedicated to reconciliation, Africa is now a democratic Citizens” said the patient’s lucid- South Africans started coming country, he is embracing the ity would have to be evaluated by to terms with the loss of Nelson entire nation, he is advancing to at least two doctors. Mandela, unveiling a giant the nation to say: ‘let us come The “Conference of Citizens” statue yesterday to honour his together, let us unite’.” said it was in favour of euthana- struggle for equality. “Yes, he has a history of strug- sia in very specific circumstances, A day after the democracy icon gle, and yes, he used to be a sol- such as when the patient is not was buried with full honours at dier, but now we wanted to create able to give his or her direct con- his boyhood village nearly 1,000km a peaceful figure that embraced sent, but ruled out legalising the away, a 30-foot bronze likeness the whole nation, the whole South practice as a whole. was unveiled in the vast gardens Africa,” sculptor Andre Prinsloo, The panel also called for more of the Union Buildings, the seat of who helped assemble the colossus, palliative care in France, where it government in Pretoria. said. The 4.5-tonne statue is the said only 20 percent of people who This is where generations of largest of many erected around need it have access to it. apartheid heads of state signed the world in honour of the anti- Assisted suicide, which is legal many of the racial laws Mandela apartheid hero. in Switzerland, allows a doctor spent most of his life fighting “When one looks at comrade to provide a patient with all the against. Madiba’s statue out there... it is necessary lethal substances to end President Jacob Zuma presided almost like we are hitting the their life, but lets them carry out over the unveiling of the effigy of last nail in the coffin of apart- the final act. a smiling Mandela in mid-stride, heid,” Cyril Ramaphosa, deputy Euthanasia goes a step further, arms outstretched in a welcom- president of the ruling African and allows doctors themselves to ing gesture, sporting a trademark National Congress (ANC), told administer the lethal doses of Dignitaries unveil a bronze statue of the late Nelson Mandela as part of the Day of Reconciliation celebrations at “Madiba shirt”. the ceremony. medicine. the Union Buildings in Pretoria, South Africa, yesterday. Zuma said the open-armed AFP AFP TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2013 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES US urges action against N Korean troops pledge loyalty Pyongyang execution S Korean military on alert for possible ‘reckless provocations’ SEOUL: Washington called The latest purge in the isolated for a united front against North communist state was carried out SEOUL: Tens of thousands of Korea after the “ominous” exe- in an extraordinarily public and North Korean troops pledged cution of leader Kim Jong-Un’s brutal manner, with Pyongyang their loyalty to leader Kim uncle. releasing images of Jang being Jong-Un yesterday as Seoul put US Secretary of State John dragged out of a party meeting. its forces on alert for “reckless Kerry said the purge showed the After the recent dramatic provocations” after its commu- world “how ruthless and reckless” events, Kim Jong-Un spent a nist rival staged a political purge. Kim Jong-Un is, voicing concerns whirlwind weekend making public The mass rally in Pyongyang over the nuclear weapons under appearances around the country came ahead of today’s second anni- the control of the “spontaneous, in a move apparently intended versary of the death of longtime erratic” leader. to demonstrate his firm grip on leader Kim Jong-Il, whose sudden “It’s an ominous sign of the power. demise thrust his young son to the instability and of the danger that State media have reported since helm of the secretive state. exists,” Kerry said during a trip Saturday Kim’s “field guidance” Kim has been making efforts to Vietnam. trips to venues including a lux- to demonstrate his firm grip on “To have a nuclear weapon, ury ski resort and a military fish power following the shock execu- potentially, in the hands of some- warehouse as well as attending tion Thursday of his uncle Jang body like Kim Jong (Un) -- just the wake for a late senior party Song-Thaek, prompting both becomes even more unaccept- official. He was photographed Seoul and Washington to warn able,” Kerry said. smiling and laughing with top that vigilance is needed against S Korean President Park Geun-hye (second left) attends a meeting with secretaries at the Blue House yesterday. Last week’s events showed the military cadres who accompanied any surprises by the nuclear- urgent need to get “China, Russia, him during the trips. armed regime. Some soldiers held flags bear- Jang, a veteran fixer and politi- President Park Geun-Hye said in Japan, South Korea, all of us to “I think Kim is trying to boast Photos from state media showed ing portraits of founding father cal eminence grise who was seen a meeting with advisors yesterday. stay on the same page and to put that he’s fully in control of the tens of thousands of troops carry- Kim Il-Sung while others carried as playing a key role in bolstering “We also can’t rule out the pos- as much effort into the denuclear- regime and reassure the North’s ing red flags marching in a large a giant banner urging all troops to the leadership of the young and sibility of contingencies such as isation as possible,” he said. public that the regime is stable square in front of the Kumsusan hold his grandson Kim Jong-Un in inexperienced Kim. reckless provocations,” she said, In Pyongyang, preparations even after Jang’s death,” said Palace of the Sun, the spiritual “high esteem as the party centre.” “Given the latest development urging the military to step up were underway to commemorate Shin In-Kyun, head of the Korea heart of the regime which houses Public support from the mili- in the North, it is uncertain to vigilance near the heavily forti- the second anniversary of death defence Network think tank. the embalmed bodies of Kim tary is likely even more impor- what directions its political situa- fied border with the North. of Kim Jong-Il. AFP Jong-Il and his father Kim Il-Sung. tant following the execution of tions would evolve,” South Korean AFP US offers $32m aid for maritime security China police kill 14 HANOI: The United States initiatives” between China and nothing to do with a recent Still, Kerry said the United yesterday offered $32.5m in Japan on resolving differences in announcement by any other States opposed “coercion and assistance to Southeast Asian the East China Sea. country,” Kerry told a joint news aggressive tactics” to advance in terror gang riot nations to boost maritime secu- Kerry said up to $18m of the conference with his Vietnamese territorial claims, saying any dis- rity which comes as tension funds would go toward strength- counterpart, Pham Binh Minh. putes should be resolved through BEIJING: Chinese police shot The regional government said grows with China over rival ening Vietnam’s coastal patrols to “This is part of a gradual and international institutions. and killed 14 people during a police were attacked by a mob claims in the South China Sea. help its coastguard react quicker deliberate expansion that has China claims almost the entire riot near the old Silk Road city throwing explosive devices and On his first visit to Vietnam to search and rescue missions, been planned for some period of oil- and gas-rich South China Sea, of Kashgar in which two police- wielding knives when they went as secretary of state, John Kerry and for disasters. The funding time which we have been working overlapping in different places men were also killed in a region to arrest “criminal suspects” in a denied that the assistance had would also be used to buy five on,” he said, adding: “This is really with claims made by Taiwan, that has a substantial Muslim village near Kashgar. anything to do with China. He “fast” patrol boats for Vietnam’s an ongoing policy and not some Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines population. “Police responded decisively,” however called for “intensi- coastguard in 2014, he added. kind of quickly-conceived reac- and Vietnam. China has previously called adding that two people had been fied negotiations and diplomatic “This announcement has tion” to increased tension. REUTERS some of the violence in the far detained and that an investigation western region of Xinjiang the had been launched. work of Islamist militants plot- The official Xinhua news agency ting holy war. said in an English-language report Thailand okays Describing the incident which that “terrorists” were responsible. happened late on Sunday, Hua It did not elaborate. mafia banker’s 22 die as bus falls off Philippine skyway Chunying, a spokeswoman for A police officer in the county the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where the incident occurred, extradition MANILA: At least 22 peo- “It was not clear how this acci- been killed in more than 85,000 stopped short of directly blaming called Shufu county in Chinese, ple were killed when a speed- dent happened,” she said. road accidents in the Philippines. Islamist militants but said a “vio- said it was “not convenient” ROME: A businessman ing commuter bus crashed off One witness reported seeing Yesterday’s crash caused traffic lent terror gang” attacked police to provide any additional convicted of laundering an elevated motorway onto a the bus speeding in poor weather. chaos in the sprawling city of 11.5 with explosives. information. money for the Sicilian Mafia delivery van in the Philippine Rescue workers were still pull- million people. “It once again showed the true Earlier, at least nine civilians will be extradited to Italy capital, Manila, early yesterday, ing bodies from the wreckage in While police said they were face of violent terror. It should and two policemen were killed from Thailand where he was emergency authorities said. a Manila suburb and at least 20 investigating the cause of the be condemned by all people who when a group of people armed arrested in 2012 after many At least a dozen bodies had been injured people had been rushed to crash, one witness told Philippine love peace and stability,” she told with axes and knives attacked a years on the run, an Italian pulled from the twisted debris of hospital, Velasquez said. radio she saw the bus speeding a daily news briefing. “This con- police station also near Kashgar prosecutor said on Sunday. the overturned bus, police spokes- In 2011, the Asian Development moments before the crash. spiracy does not enjoy popular last month, state media has said. Vito Palazzolo had appealed woman Elizabeth Velasquez said. Bank said nearly 1,900 people had AFP support and is doomed to failure.” REUTERS against a previous extradi- tion order from a Thai court in December 2012 after his detention in March of that Bangladesh Victory Day year. “It has been a very long procedure,” Leonardo Agueci, the deputy chief prosecutor in Palermo in Sicily, was quoted by Italian media as saying. Sicilian-born Palazzolo pre- viously worked as a banker in Switzerland and was convicted in the 1980s of laundering mafia revenues from drug traf- ficking in an operation named the “Pizza Connection.” Global concern over air zone TOKYO: Japan called on China yesterday to see “real- ity” and “accept” there are international concerns over Beijing’s controversial air defence zone. The comment by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s right-hand man came A total of 27,117 members of Bangladesh army, defence officials and volunteer schoolchildren form the world’s after China singled out Japan largest national flag to mark the country’s Victory Day in Dhaka yesterday. Bangladesh won independence from for criticism when 11 Asian Pakistan after a nine-month war in 1971, led by the country’s founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. countries stressed the impor- tance of freedom of over- flight at a summit in Tokyo, in a move seen as targeting Beijing. China’s rover sends first photos from moon “We think China should see the reality that many countries CHINA: China’s Jade Rabbit and using space “for peaceful Chinese flag to the camera. share concerns about the Air rover sent back its first pic- purposes.” The space agency also China is the third country to Defence Identification Zone tures from the moon, as offi- offered to step up cooperation complete a lunar rover mission and accept it,” Chief Cabinet cials yesterday lauded the first with other countries in the field after the United States and the Secretary Yoshihide Suga told lunar soft landing in nearly “to utilise outer space and benefit former Soviet Union. a regular briefing. four decades as a step forward mankind as a whole.” The landing is a key step A statement by Japan and for “mankind as a whole.” Images released by Xinhua forward in Beijing’s ambitious leaders of the Association “Exploration of outer space show the lander standing in space programme which include of Southeast Asian Nations is an unremitting pursuit of the Sinus Iridum or Bay of plans for a permanent orbiting “agreed to enhance cooperation mankind,” China’s space agency, Rainbows, its solar panels open station by 2020 and eventually in ensuring freedom of over- the State Administration to generate power. sending a human to the moon. flight and civil aviation safety”. of Science, Technology and The silver rover is named The projects are seen as a While the statement did Industry for National Defence Yutu or Jade Rabbit after the symbol of China’s rising glo- not name China, it was seen said in a statement. pet of Chang’e, the goddess of bal stature and technological as a rebuke to Beijing, which The successful mission reflects the moon in Chinese mythology. advancement, as well as the has sovereignty disputes with “the new glory of China to scale The imprints of its tracks in Communist Party’s success in Japan and four members of the the peaks in world science and the dark soil of the lunar sur- reversing the fortunes of the economic bloc. AGENCIES technology areas,” it said, add- face can clearly be seen after it once-impoverished nation. ing it was committed to exploring rotated to proudly display a red AFP TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2013 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17 Pakistani Shia cleric shot dead by Taliban Attack a reprisal for killing of Sunnis a month ago

ISLAMABAD: A prominent religious gathering in the city of his direct involvement in the Pakistani Shia Muslim cleric Lahore on Sunday evening. Rawalpindi killings,” said the a has been shot dead in what “It’s a targeted attack. The gun- Taliban spokesman, Ahmed Ali Taliban militants said was a men shot him from close range Entiqami. reprisal attack for the killing of when he was driving home along “We plan to carry out more Sunni Muslims a month ago. with his driver and a friend,” Shi’ite killings on a large scale.” Sectarian violence has been Lahore police chief Chaudhry In Lahore, hundreds of peo- on the rise in Pakistan, adding Shafeeq said. ple gathered yesterday to offer to the list of concerns for Prime “Abbas died on the way to hos- funeral prayers of the Shi’ite Minister Nawaz Sharif at a time pital. His driver and friend were cleric, paralysing traffic in when security forces are already unhurt.” Pakistan’s political and cultural stretched fighting an escalat- The Pakistani Taliban, who are capital. Shia Muslims make up ing Islamist insurgency in the Sunni Muslim militants, claimed about 20 percent of Pakistan’s 180 northwest. responsibility, saying the killing million population. Allama Nasir Abbas, leader of was revenge for an attack in the More than 800 Shia have been Tehreek Nifaz Fiqah-e-Jafaria, city of Rawalpindi in which eight killed in attacks in Pakistan since a banned Shia organisation, was Sunnis were killed a month ago the beginning of 2012, according Supporters of Tehreek Nifaz Fiqah-e-Jafaria, a banned Shia organisation, raise their hands as they mourn Allama shot by gunmen on a motorbike as during a Shia procession. to Human Rights Watch. Nasir Abbas after he was killed in Lahore yesterday. he drove home after addressing a “We have killed this man for REUTERS Afghan poll must stay out of schools, clinics: Aid groups KABUL: Aid groups in Afghanistan Hamid Karzai. At the last presidential forces will be involved in the protec- school facilities should under all circum- are vying to succeed him. Among the yesterday called for the government to election in 2009, polling booths were tion of voting centres and the fact that stances be avoided,” said the group, which leading contenders are former foreign ban election offices from schools and targeted by the Taliban and other the current political process is strongly has 120 NGO members ranging from Save minister Abdullah Abdullah, who ran health clinics for next year’s presiden- armed groups, roadside bombs killed contested (means that)... voting centres the Children to small local organisations. against Karzai in 2009, the president’s tial vote, over fears they could be tar- election staff, and abductions, illegal present a high risk of being attacked,” Afghanistan’s election on April 5 will low-profile elder brother Qayum Karzai geted by militants. checkpoints and threatening “night let- ACBAR said in a statement. be the country’s first ever democratic and former finance minister Ashraf The Agency Coordinating Body ters” were rife. It said that using healthcare facilities transfer of power, and a credible vote is Ghani. for Afghan Relief and Development Government officials and police also and schools as a “political space” could seen as a test of 12 years of international The 2004 Afghan presidential election (ACBAR) said that many schools and ordered people how to vote and stuffed undermine their civilian status and drag intervention since the fall of the Taliban was relatively peaceful, in which Hamid clinics had been designated as voter ballot boxes with bundles of voting papers, them into an election process likely to in 2001. Karzai won in the first round with 55.4 registration centres and polling stations according to independent observers. be violent. President Hamid Karzai cannot stand percent of the votes. for the April poll to replace President “Afghan and international security “We ask that this abuse of health and for a third term, and 11 candidates AFP Seven killed in oil tanker crash Last Australian military combat troops leave Afghanistan ISLAMABAD: At least seven people, including SYDNEY: Australian combat were expected to be home for high price -- 40 dead and 261 seri- said of those remaining to work sympathisers had been driven out women and children, were troops have completed their Christmas. ously wounded -- but that sacrifice with the Afghan police and army. of their safe havens, and a degree killed and three sustained withdrawal from Afghanistan, “This war is ending, not with has not been in vain,” Abbott said, Asked whether he was con- of stability had returned to the injuries in an unfortunate Prime Minister Tony Abbott victory, not with defeat, but with referring to the 12-year mission. fident local authorities could region. traffic mishap yesterday said yesterday, marking the hope that Afghanistan is a better “Uruzgan today is a very signif- take over security, Abbott said Defence Minister David morning near here. end of the nation’s longest war place and Uruzgan in particular is icantly different and better place Australians troops were happy Johnston said the drawdown was Police said that a head-on which left 40 of its soldiers dead. a better place for our presence,” than it was a decade ago.” with the progress made by the an enormous logistical achieve- collision between an oil taker Abbott announced that more Abbott said. “I firmly believe that Some 400 Australians will Afghan National Army (ANA) ment but the Australian mission and a car coming from the than 1,000 troops would pull out to be the case.” remain in Afghanistan in non- brigade they had mentored. there had closed and the majority opposite direction left seven from the restive southern prov- Canberra first committed combat roles, mostly in Kabul and “The ANA has performed with of troops had left the country. persons killed and three sus- ince of Uruzgan before the end troops to Afghanistan following Kandahar, but the bulk of the 1,550 considerable distinction over the More than 25,000 Australians tained injuries near village of the year during a surprise the September 11, 2001 attacks on Australians who had been serving last fighting season.” Abbott said have served in Afghanistan since Khan Bagh here. visit to their base at Tarin Kot in the United States, but they have there were now out of the country. since the war in Afghanistan had 2001 when Australia joined close Police said the incident October. The drawdown was com- been in Uruzgan since late 2005. “None of them are expected to begun, the Taliban regime had ally the United States to fight the occurred due to thick blanket pleted Sunday and most soldiers “We know that they’ve paid a be involved in combat,” Abbott been replaced, Al Qaeda and their Taliban and Al Qaeda. AFP of fogs causing poor visibility. Landmine blast kills four kids $4.7m to raise KABUL: A landmine explo- sion left four children dead anti-narcotics in the Dehrawood district in Afghan central Uruzgan force in KP province, an official said yesterday. PESHAWAR: Pakistan’s The governor’s spokesman northwest province of Abdullah Himat told (Pajhwok) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will Afghan news agency that spend Rs500m ($4.7m) the explosion took place last to raise an anti-narcotics evening, killing four children, force in accordance with aged between 6 and 8 years. the 18th Constitutional The victims were playing in Amendment that also the area where the explosive requires it to have its device had been planted. own narcotics interdiction He blamed militants for law, according to official planting roadside bombs that sources here yesterday. often killed innocent civilians, The work to formulate Pakistani security officials attend the funeral ceremony of the victims who including children. However, the provincial anti-narcot- were killed in a roadside bomb blast targeting a vehicle of a bomb disposal the Taliban have not yet com- ics law is already in progress unit in Peshawar yesterday. mented on the incident. whereas the homework for Landmine blasts have surged setting up the force has also across the country, causing been undertaken. civilian casualties. Several The 18th Amendment, Bomb disposal officer, two people died in such incidents adopted in April 2010, has in Kunar Paktika, Logar and devolved several depart- Nangarhar provinces. ments and functions from cops die in Peshawar blast the federal government to Sharif balks at the provinces. PESHAWAR: A roadside bomb province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, The devolution of anti- yesterday killed a senior bomb praised Haq as one of his best and fuel hike appeal narcotics apparatus from disposal officer along with two most professional operatives. the centre to the provinces other policemen in Pakistan’s “We are losing our best offic- ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has also become a legal troubled northwest, police said. ers. More than 10 officers of BDS Prime Minister Nawaz necessity, which remains Abdul Haq, 43, who had defused (bomb disposal squad) have lost Sharif and his cabinet col- unfulfilled. more than 60 bombs in his career, their lives while serving their leagues are divided over a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was headed to the suburb of motherland,” Malik said. proposed substantial increase according to officials, has Badhaber in the city of Peshawar Haq was made bomb disposal in gas tariff from next month undertaken an exercise to after being called out to deal with chief for Peshawar after his under an agreement with put in place a legal mecha- a device. predecessor Hukam Khan was the International Monetary nism before taking over the “He was on his way to defuse a killed while defusing two bombs Fund (IMF). responsibility to control the bomb when his vehicle was hit by in the same area in September The prime minister said illegal use and business of another bomb. Abdul Haq and a 2012. that the government was narcotics. police driver were killed on spot,” The Tehreek-e-Taliban already facing severe criti- The provincial efforts are Najeebur Rehman, a senior police Pakistan and Al Qaeda-linked cism over the general price aligned with the process car- official said, adding that a police militants have led a bloody cam- hike, particularly of electric- ried forward by the federal constable wounded in the attack paign against the Pakistani state ity, and it would not be advis- authorities concerned. later died in hospital. in recent years. able to increase gas tariff Once the proposed law is TV channels later showed other They have carried out hundreds when its supply to most of the ready, it would be enacted bomb disposal officers defusing of attacks on security forces and consumers was being reduced through legislation by the the device. government targets, mainly in the because of shortage. provincial assembly. Shafqat Malik, bomb dis- northwest. AGENCIES INTERNEWS posal chief for the northwestern AFP TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Telangana bill Raging protest in assembly sparks bedlam Legislators nearly come to blows

HYDERABAD: The bill to carve it back with its views by January 23. Telangana out of Andhra Pradesh The legislators from Telangana was yesterday tabled in both Rashtra Samithi (TRS) stood as a Houses of the state legislature wall to fend off their counterparts amid unprecedented acrimony, from Seemandhra who were rais- as legislators of Seemandhra and ing slogans against the bifurcation Telangana regions nearly came to of Andhra Pradesh. blows outside. Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar The Andhra Pradesh Reddy, who is strongly opposing a Reorganisation Bill, 2013, sent by break up of Andhra Pradesh, was President Pranab Mukherjee, was not present in the House. The moved in the assembly as well chief minister is reported to be as the legislative council amid unwell. strong protests by lawmakers from Similar scenes were seen in the Seemandhra (Rayalaseema and legislative council where Chairman coastal Andhra). A Chakrapani tabled the bill. Holding Though the bill in the assembly placards, Seemandhra lawmakers was tabled at 10am and the Speaker raised slogans against Telangana. adjourned the house for half-an- Trouble broke out soon after the hour, the house only reassembled at bill was tabled in both the houses. 3pm as the clash between the two Seemandhra members came out groups outside led to tension. and tore up and burnt copies of the Protesters during a candlelight vigil to mark the first anniversary of the Delhi gang rape, in New Delhi, yesterday. As the noisy scenes contin- bill. Taking offence, legislators from ued, Legislative Affairs Minister Telangana tried to stop them. D Sridhar Babu rose to urge The YSR Congress party’s the chair to initiate the debate Seemandhra lawmakers, after tear- and appealed to all parties to ing the copies of the bill, set them Woman delivers cooperate. on fire. Congress replies to AAP queries Slogan-shouting Seemandhra Telangana legislators led by 10 stillborn babies legislators tore the bill papers and Congress leader and government NEW DELHI: The Congress In identical letters to Gandhi AAP and not “unconditional” BHOPAL: In an extremely tossed the shreds at Deputy Speaker chief whip G Venkatramna Reddy yesterday told AAP that 16 of and BJP president Rajnath support as claimed by Kejriwal. rare case, a 28-year-old Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, who was rushed towards the media point to the 18 points it has raised in Singh on Saturday, AAP founder “In your letter, you have woman in Madhya Pradesh in the chair. He called Leader of stop them. a bid to form a government leader Arvind Kejriwal sought repeatedly mentioned our delivered 10 babies — but Opposition N Chandrababu Naidu The two sides tried to push each in Delhi needed no legisla- assurances that both parties will ‘unconditional support’. But our all stillborn, a doctor said to speak on the bill. As Naidu was other. In the melee, YSR Congress tive backing. The AAP, under back the 18 points if the AAP letter to (Delhi’s) Lt Governor yesterday. not present, he adjourned the House legislator Srikant Reddy fell to the intense pressure to take were to form a government does not mention that. Anju Kushwaha from Koti for the day. ground. power, said it would take a and end the capital’s political “We talked about outside sup- village in Satna district was Sridhar Babu later told report- At the media point in the coun- decision in 48 hours. stalemate. port which means we will not be being taken to the Sanjay ers that Speaker N Manohar could cil premises, TDP leader from Making light of the issues Yesterday, the Congress part of the government,” it said. Gandhi Memorial hospital, not chair the proceedings as Telugu Seemandhra, N Rajakumari, also flagged by the Aam Aadmi responded that 16 of the The Congress, which won 125km away in neighbour- Desam Party (TDP) legislators took a tumble during the clash. She Party, Congress general secre- demands were “administra- eight seats in the Delhi elec- ing Rewa district, after she from Seemandhra staging a sit-in later lodged a complaint with the tary Shakeel Ahmed said the tive” in nature — which could tions, earlier offered its sup- went into labour but she inside his chamber did not allow him council chairman. letter addressed to party presi- be tackled by any government. port to the AAP — which with delivered nine stillborn babies to leave. The Congress, TRS, TDP, dent Sonia Gandhi only betrayed “The permission of the leg- 28 seats finished second in the on the way. He claimed that the debate on Bharatiya Janata Party and AAP’s political immaturity. islative assembly is not needed 70-member legislature — to A doctor attending to the the bill had already started. Even Communist Party of India leaders AAP leader Yogendra Yadav for their implementation once form a government in Delhi. woman said the medical team after the house was adjourned for from Telangana urged the Speaker yesterday said the party will the government is formed,” said Ahmed said yesterday: “AAP was awestruck when Anju’s the day, the TDP legislators were sit- to immediately allow debate on today consider and take a deci- the Congress letter to Kejriwal. is a new party, so (there is) a husband Sanjay presented ting inside to protest the “undemo- the bill. Seemandhra lawmakers are sion on the Congress’ reply to Signed by Ahmed, the lack of experience. They did before them the nine still- cratic” manner in which the bill was demanding that a special session be their Delhi-related points. Congress letter said the other not know that 16 points are born babies. When the medi- tabled. They had plans to spend the called next month for the debate. “Congress has responded two issues — support for a Jan administrative. cal team examined her, they night inside. Those from YSR Congress are today (Monday) on the 18 points Lokpal bill and full statehood for “The 16 points are not leg- found one more foetus in the Earlier, on the direction of the insisting that the House first on which we asked them to clear Delhi — were outside the pur- islative, so our support is not womb. It was delivered early Speaker, legislature secretary Raja pass a resolution to urge the fed- their stand. On Tuesday, we view of the Delhi government. needed. Rest two we support yesterday but again turned out Sadaram introduced the 65-page bill eral government to keep the state have a political affairs commit- The Congress, however, too but are out of Delhi’s gov- to be stillborn, said a senior and read out the message from the united. tee meeting. The final decision pointed out that it had offered ernment’s reach.” hospital official. IANS president, asking the House to send IANS will be taken in it,” he said. outside legislative support to the IANS

Pole play SC asks high court judge to free daughter

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Rathore herself had also Court yesterday ordered a judge emailed police and the courts release his 30-year-old daugh- during her month-long deten- ter who was being detained tion at the family home in Jaipur because he disapproved of her city, seeking their help to get her marrying her boyfriend from a released and reunited. different caste. Acting on the boyfriend’s peti- The Supreme Court ordered tion, the court ordered police on Supriya Rathore be reunited with December 12 to transport Supriya her boyfriend who was forced to New Delhi for yesterday’s to take legal action to have her hearing. released from her father, a high “I have no complaints against court judge in the northwestern anyone including my parents,” state of Rajasthan. Supriya told the court during the “She is a major and has the hearing. liberty to make her choice in “I love them all but I want to go marriage,” judges H L Dattu and with Siddharath Mukherjee as I C Nagappan told the couple, who want to marry him,” she said, as were in the court in New Delhi the court offered her protection for the ruling. if she felt threatened in any way. The boyfriend, Siddharath India has officially banned its Mukherjee, had petitioned the hereditary caste hierarchy but court, saying the father, who the rigid system still exists. Young belongs to the Hindu Rajput war- couples are targeted by their fam- Electricians adjust cables set up temporarily on the banks of rior caste, opposed his daughter ilies, clans or communities who the river Ganga in preparation for the annual Hindu religious marrying a man from the Bengali- disapprove of relationships out- fair of Magh Mela in Allahabad, yesterday. speaking Brahmin caste. side of their own castes. AFP After bail, Lalu Prasad saunters out of jail

RANCHI/PATNA: RJD chief and former “I have faith in the judiciary,” a relieved the Deori temple on the outskirts of Ranchi, Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad, jailed 76 Lalu Prasad told the media after coming about 50km away, and offered prayers to days ago in the fodder scandal, yesterday out of the Birsa Munda Central Jail in the Goddess Durga. This is the same temple walked out of Ranchi’s prison on bail and Jharkhand capital. He made light of his stay where Indian cricket captain M S Dhoni prepared to return to Bihar today. in prison, saying even Krishna was born in visits. The Supreme Court granted Lalu The joy in Lalu Prasad’s household in captivity. Prasad bail last week. Along with another Patna was, however, muted because of the A former leading light of the Congress- former chief minister Jagannath Mishra death of a relative two days ago. But that did led UPA, Lalu Prasad appealed — obviously and others, Lalu Prasad was convicted of not prevent party supporters from saying with the Bharatiya Janata Party in mind — to illegally withdrawing Rs3.7bn from the that their leader would get a grand recep- political parties to keep “communal forces” Chaibasa treasury in 1994-95 when he was tion as he reaches Patna. at bay. From the jail, the politician went to the Bihar chief minister. IANS

Tuesday 17 December 2013 13 Safar 1435 Volume 18 Number 5916 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Qatar raises 2013 growth forecast, economy to expand by 6pc DOHA: Qatar’s economy is pro- production and in non-oil and in infrastructure and real estate, of the non-oil and gas economy inflation is seen low. Upward infrastructure programme, ramps jected to expand by 6 percent gas activity. sizeable fiscal spending and steep will continue to become more pressure on residential rentals up. Dr Saleh observed that, “while this year, about half a percent Hydrocarbon growth in 2013 is population growth are poised to pronounced.” is likely, but may soften. And a robust outlook for oil prices is point higher than in 2012, and set to benefit from higher gas out- sustain growth momentum. While population growth and although rising material costs will central to our forecasts, we see by 4.6 percent in 2014. The fig- put, which will more than offset The update expects moderate fiscal spending were stoking exert upward pressure on project downside risks as remote and ures are up on those presented the impact of a slight decline in inflation in 2014 of 3.5 percent, a growth, new business opportuni- costs, the impact is unlikely to this means that we fully expect in June 2013, the Ministry of oil production. Services sector will little higher than the 3.2 percent ties were also being carved out in spill over into consumer prices. to maintain adequate fiscal space Development Planning and continue to be the main driver projected in 2013. areas such as financial services, The government’s fiscal posi- in the upcoming years”. Statistics in its updated “Qatar during the current year. The Minister of Development transport and communications, tion will remain solid, with an The document noted Qatar’s Economic Outlook 2013-2014” Qatar foresees a likely fall in Planning and Statistics H E Dr and tourism, he noted. overall surplus projected in both external position will remain noted yesterday. hydrocarbon production pulling Saleh Mohamed Salem Al Nabit, Measures to curb abuses of 2013 and 2014. healthy and a current account The upward revision for 2013 its growth down next year, despite said: “The overall economy is set market power in local consumer However, the surplus is likely to surplus of close to 23 percent of reflects higher than anticipated solid expansion of the non-oil and to expand during the foreseeable markets are expected to help keep nudge down next year as capital GDP is expected in for 2014. growth in both hydrocarbon gas economy. Huge investment future, at a time when the profile price rises in check, and imported spending, related to the country’s THE PENINSULA

Business confidence up in Japan Commercial real estate sector witnesses boom Rent-induced inflation likely to stay next year

BY SATISH KANADY rising rental costs. “Inflationary will also entail heavy spending. pressures are unlikely to sub- Private construction activity DOHA: Qatar’s commercial side in 2014, and consumer price centred on residential and com- real estate sector witnessed inflation is forecast to average 3.5 mercial real estate development, a significant revival this year. percent. A continuing influx of including new malls, hotels and The vacancy rates dropped to foreign labour may push rental labour accommodation through- 10 percent in the much sought- prices still higher, especially in out Qatar, will also fuel growth. after Diplomatic District affordable to middle-income The services sector is expected reflecting net take-ups of prime housing, where availability is to be the largest contributor to office accommodation, which tighter. growth in both 2013 and 2014, and grew at 2.5 times the five-year “Brisk, double-digit, expansion its share of aggregate output will average during the first nine in the non-oil and gas economy rise sharply. months of 2013. is expected in both 2013 and Financial services are expected The majority of prime retail 2014. This growth will be broad- to carry on expanding as insur- mall space is fully occupied and based with contributions from ance and Islamic financial serv- headline rental rates have held construction, manufacturing ices continue to develop, while steady in 2013. and services. It will be primed banking will benefit from the A worker walks beside newly produced cars at Keihin industrial zone in Kawasaki, south of Tokyo yesterday. But with numerous shopping by Qatar’s large infrastructure business generated by real estate Japanese business confidence improved over the three months to December to its highest level in six years, malls under construction, the spending programme, invest- development and infrastructure a central bank survey showed, suggesting Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ‘Abenomics’ stimulus policies are supply of retail space is expected ments in the wider economy and projects. gaining broader traction across the economy. to soon increase, and this has rapid population growth… popu- Trade and hospitality are also curbed rising rents, Qatar’s lation could grow from 1.8m at expected to grow with lively con- updated Economic Outlook noted. the start of 2012 to about 2.2m by ference activity and an increase The real estate market has end-2014. New arrivals will boost in tourist arrivals from within exhibited upward price momen- demand for a raft of non-traded the region. Saudi inflation to fall below 3pc Commercial tum for over three years, follow- services,” the document noted. The opening of Hamad ing the setbacks associated with Construction activity is now International Airport will provide DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s central bank expects annual inflation to Bank eyes local the global financial crisis. projected to expand by 13.1 per- a boost to a range of logistical and continue falling to below 3 percent in the final quarter of this year, Most of the price inflation is cent in 2013, accelerating to 15.7 service-support activities. it said in a report yesterday. tie-ups: Chief concentrated in the residential percent in 2014. Manufacturing is also set to “It is expected that the general inflation in the kingdom will con- segment, especially in the pre- The government is set to invest expand, but not at the pace of tinue going down to below 3 percent during the fourth quarter of 2013, DOHA/DUBAI: Commercial mium tier. heavily in economic infrastruc- other parts of the non-oil and especially with the decrease of inflationary pressures in the food and Bank of Qatar is open to tie-ups Inflation, as measured by the ture over upcoming years, par- gas economy, mainly reflecting a beverages group and the continuation in the decrease in the prices of with local financial institutions change in the consumer price ticularly local roads, expressways, projected decline in production of main commodities on the global markets,” it said. and could sell bonds next year index, is expected to average 3.2 the Doha metro and rail, and fertilisers, and a levelling-out in Consumer price growth in the world’s top oil exporter has been eas- to fund infrastructure lending percent in 2013, up from 2012’s drains and sanitation. production of petrochemicals and ing gradually since hitting this year’s peak of 4.0 percent in April. It in Qatar, its recently appointed 1.9 percent. The construction of new health refined products in 2014. edged up to 3.1 percent in November from 3.0 percent in the previous chief executive was quoted as This pick-up is primarily due to centres and education facilities THE PENINSULA month. REUTERS saying. The lender, which earlier this year completed the purchase of a 74.2 percent stake in Turkey’s Alternatifbank, is also open to further foreign acquisitions but will wait to see the performance QFMA receives requests for 2 new listings, 5 IPOs of the Turkish business before deciding on new deals, Abdulla DOHA: The regulator of the It also participated in the devel- NEW IPO RULES On the control of financial serv- by the Authority. The Authority Saleh Al Raisi has said. Qatari bourse said yesterday opment of a new mechanism for ices companies or their employees also received 12 complaints dur- He did not specify what kind it has received two requests cooperation and coordination with The QFMA has also and the listed joint-stock compa- ing the fiscal year 2012-2013 and of tie-up with local institutions for new listings and five for regulators of other financial sec- adopted the new listing nies’ disclosures, QFMA is closely conducted 30 investigations into the bank would seek. Mergers launching initial public offerings tor including Qatar Central Bank and IPO rules, which following up the compliance with the irregularities attributed to between banks in Qatar, like much (IPOs). (QCB) and the Qatar Financial include various chapters the terms of the licence granted financial services companies or of the region, are extremely rare The Qatar Financial Markets Centre Regulatory Authority to any of them by asking for data their employees and the listed as majority shareholders — often Authority (QFMA), however, did (QFCRA) in the areas of legisla- related to definitions, IPO and documents on the company’s companies. powerful local families — are not give details of the applicants tion, regulation, supervision and and listing requirements, activities and its financial posi- It also referred seven vio- reluctant to cede control except or elaborate whether the requests control, through the Financial disclosure rules, tion, such as the financial solvency lations to the Audit Bureau. for extremely high valuations. were being processed for approval. Stability and Risk Control suspension, cancellation weekly reports. On the local, regional and inter- The last merger attempt The QFMA said in a state- Committee control established QFMA also monitors the trad- national cooperation, QFMA has in Qatar, between Al Khaliji ment issued on the occasion of under the Article No. (115) of the and re-listing of ing on the stock exchange to gained full membership of the Commercial Bank and the National Day it received 12 Law No. (13) of 2012 of the Qatar companies. maintain the market integrity and International Organidation of International Bank of Qatar, col- complaints during the financial Central Bank and the Regulation the compliance with the legisla- Securities commissions (IOSCO), lapsed in June 2011 after more year 2012-13 and conducted 30 of Financial Institutions. tion in force, as well as the follow- took part in its 37th meeting and than a year of negotiations as the investigations into irregularities The QFMA has also completed the inclusion of securities of the up of listed companies’ disclosures hosted the 6th meeting of the two parties couldn’t agree terms. attributed to financial services a number of draft projects with listed shareholding companies or in the local newspapers and on the Council of the Union of Arab Qatari banks have recorded companies or their employees and respect to the acquisition and those interested in listing to the Qatar Exchange website through Securities Commissions. The strong lending and profit growth the listed companies. merging as well as the regulation Qatar Stock Exchange, QFMA a daily review of newspapers and Union presidency moved to the in recent years, thanks to huge It also referred seven alleged and licensing of the Qatar Central has approved the procedures for verification of disclosures received State of Qatar in 2012. government spending on improv- violations to the State Audit Security Depositary, the rules of the completion of four acquisitions in order to enhance the level of QFMA plans to review and ing infrastructure, and such Bureau, QNA reported yesterday. margin trading and the listing of joint stock companies listed on transparency. update the systems relating to spending is set to continue as the The QFMA has also adopted of real estate investment funds, the stock exchange and six capital It also reviews the corporate the disclosure of listed compa- country prepares to host the 2022 the new listing and IPO rules, corporate governance rules for increase operations of some listed governance reports issued by the nies, complete the XBRL system soccer World Cup. which include various chapters companies listed on markets as companies, in addition to approv- companies listed on the Qatar for the preparation of the financial The country plans to spend related to definitions, IPO and well as licensing and regulating ing three requests for the inclu- Exchange and prepares statis- reports of listed companies and about $140bn in the coming years listing requirements, disclosure the activity of the credit rating of sion of bonus shares, distributed tics on their compliance with develop corporate performance to build stadiums, roads, railways, rules, suspension, cancellation and securities. by some companies to the existing the corporate governance code management and technology. a new airport, a seaport and other re-listing of companies. Concerning the issuance and shareholders. for public listed entities, issued THE PENINSULA infrastructure. REUTERS TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2013 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Qatar, Dubai Ukrainian delegation at Qatar Chamber bourses slip; region mixed Saudi market remains sluggish

DUBAI: Dubai’s bourse suf- 1.24 percent to QR167.40) and fered its largest loss in a month Vodafone Qatar (down 1.04 per- yesterday as investors sold blue cent to QR11.40). chip Emaar Properties in a The Banking and Financial delayed reaction to the prospect sector index lost 0.11 percentage of dilution from a convertible points while Consumer Goods bond. Other regional markets and Services sector index fell were narrowly mixed. 0.27 points. The industrial sector Emaar dropped 3.3 percent dropped 0.50 points while insur- to Dh7.14 a day after the com- ance sector was down 0.09 per- pany said it would discuss today centage points. whether to convert the bond into In Kuwait, the index climbed shares, after bond holders asked 0.2 percent from a 10-week low for the conversion. The developer to close at 7,656 points, holding issued a $500m convertible bond major technical support on its in 2010, with maturity in 2015. 200-day average, now at 7,648 However, if full conversion points. takes place at Dh4.38 per share, The market, which has been A Ukrainian delegation led by Vice Chairman of International Commercial Chamber, Igor Gres, meeting members of Qatar Chamber at the chamber there should only be a slight dilu- underperforming the region in headquarters in Doha yesterday. SHAIVAL DALAL tion of 2.2 percent in the stock recent months, showed little price, analysts at NBK Capital reaction to progress on one of estimated in a note. the major projects in the govern- “Emaar has been going up ment’s economic development too fast and if the dilution pro- plan. National Bank of Kuwait QNB ranked Qatar’s best IKEA unveils new kids range vides a break in that, it’s not a said the country was set to secure bad thing,” said Sanyalaksna $1.43bn in financing from a con- DOHA: Qatar National Bank overcame strong competition DOHA: Swedish furniture IKEA’s four cornerstones. The Manibhandu, senior analyst at sortium of banks for the Az-Zour (QNB) has been named the best from AlRajhi Bank in Saudi retailer IKEA, part of Al first and probably most impor- NBAD Securities. The stock is North Power and Desalination capitalised Financial Institution Arabia to secure the top finan- Futtaim group of companies, tant point of focus is child safety. up 90.4 percent year-to-date. Plant. and the second largest capital- cial ranking while being a credible has unveiled a newly redesigned IKEA has zero tolerance for any Manibhandu also said an early Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia’s mar- ized “Corporate” in the Middle second to Saudi Basic Industries children’s department. health risks and has implemented bond conversion would be ben- ket remained sluggish overall East region by Gulf Business Corporation (Sabic) in the entire Customers and children can this position in our designs,” said eficial for Emaar by allowing a with the main index slipping 0.1 magazine’s annual survey 2013, Middle East Ranking League now expect to see a revamped John Kersten, Managing Director reduction in the firm’s interest percent as most banks and pet- a statement said yesterday. Tables. area and a much larger product IKEA Qatar, UAE, Egypt and payments. The bond has a coupon rochemical shares weighed. But The findings, which confirmed Overall, QNB improved its selection. The range has been Oman. of 7.5 percent. insurance stocks surged, with QNB as the best capitalised market capitalisation standing by enhanced to include children He said the second was their NBK put Emaar’s fair value at Saudi Re up 8.1 percent, as short- company in Qatar, was carried one place over the 2012 perform- between the ages of 8 and 12. understanding of a child’s per- 6.88 dirhams, a minimum esti- term traders turned to that sec- out in conjunction with market ance and this reflects the ongoing While complementing the spective — for example the low mate since two new developments tor in the absence of other cues. research agency Markaz. It took strong financial fundamentals in existing range of children’s fur- product baskets and see-through now underway are not included in Rabigh Refining and into consideration the prevailing place across the group. niture targeting the 0-2 and 3-7 containers allow young shoppers the calculation. Dubai’s index lost Petrochemical (PetroRabigh) domestic economic trading condi- Underpinning a prudent age categories, the revamp sig- to see what they have on offer. 1.6 percent, falling from Sunday’s soared 9.9 percent for a second tions, the financial fundamentals domestic and international strat- nals IKEA’s entry into a new age The IKEA store in Doha has five-year high. session to a 19-month high, after and the business performance egy is a robust financial per- bracket of 8-12 years. The range rolled out the new children’s Qatar Exchange ended in the the firm said it expects 2013 rev- of companies over the past 12 formance. The group recorded introduces over 100 new articles. IKEA products encouraging an red area when trading closed at enues to rise by almost SR1bn months before making their final net profit, for the nine months Segmented into five distinct easy flow through the department 10,475.39 points (0.49 percent) ($267m) as its parents boost recommendations. ended September 30 of QR7.1bn themes, the new range caters for across the age groups of 0-2, 3-7 down 51.56 points from the pre- their marketing support for its QNB Group is among the high- ($1.95bn), up 14.1 percent com- diverse styling tastes and layouts and 8-12 years. vious closing of 10,526.95 points products. est rated of Regional Banks with pared to the corresponding period based on children’s interests from “Designed to help them touch, on Sunday. In Oman, Dhofar International international credit ratings of last year. ‘Music and Performing’, ‘Arts and feel and choose their own prod- The volume of shares fell to Development & Investment Standard & Poor’s (A+), Moody’s This strong growth demon- Crafts’, ‘Sports and Adventures’, ucts, we hope this change will 9,706,992 from 10,292,912 on Holding rose 1.3 percent after (Aa3), Fitch (A+) and Capital strated QNB’s success in gener- to ‘Online and Gaming’ and fulfill our aim to extend IKEA’s Sunday and the value of shares it said it had received board Intelligence (AA-). In addition, ating growth across a range of ‘Animals and Nature’. inspiration to our young custom- decreased to QR354,119,566.66 approval for the purchase of the bank has been the recipient revenue sources. “The revamp for the children’s ers,” John added. from QR463,037,080.71 on Sunday. a 35 percent stake in Oman of many awards from leading In addition, total assets department is designed around THE PENINSULA Among the top losers were Investment & Finance, subject to specialized financial publications increased by 24.5 percent from Qatar Islamic Bank (down 1.55 regulatory approval. OIF gained in 2013 and was recently ranked September 30, 2012 to reach percent to QR69.70), Industries 2.8 percent, outperforming the amongst the “World’s 50 Safest QR437bn ($120bn), the highest Qatar (down 0.88% to QR168), overall market which climbed Banks in Emerging Markets”. ever achieved by the Group. QATARI MARKET Electricity and Water (down 0.4 percent. QNA/REUTERS The state-backed bank THE PENINSULA Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 101.38 0.63 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 104.88 1.50 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 119.38 2.62 % Aa2 AA UBL and Omani firm mark Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 112.25 3.03 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 106.13 3.62 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 153.75 4.95 % Aa2 AA 30 years of association Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 114.75 5.34 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 105.63 5.36 % Aa2 AA DOHA: This Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 104.00 0.97 % Aa2 AA year marks the completion of Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 109.88 3.32 % Aa2 AA three decades Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 103.63 1.00 % A1 A- of association Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 103.88 2.16 % A1 A- between Maqbool QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.25 1.46 % NR NR bin Hameed Al QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.50 1.27 % Aa3 A+ Saleh, Chairman QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 103.75 2.15 % Aa3 A+ OUECL and Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 104.00 2.21 % A2 A- OHI Group of Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.25 1.47 % A2 A Companies and United Bank Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 123.25 3.22 % A2 A Limited, in the Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 105.75 3.82 % A2 A ongoing partner- Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 100.38 4.96 % A2 A ship at Oman Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 103.50 0.99 % Aa3 A United Exchange Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 106.88 3.23 % Aa3 A Company. Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 107.75 3.98 % Aa3 A In apprecia- tion of this asso- SOVEREIGNS ciation, UBL Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P President Atif R Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 101.63 0.13 % Aa2 AA Bokhari, presented Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 122.63 2.21 % Aa2 AA a plaque to Al Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 108.38 1.92 % NR NR Saleh, at the lat- Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 106.50 2.87 % NR NR est Shareholders UBL President Atif R Bokhari presenting Meeting of OUECL a plaque to Chairman of OUECL and OHI Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 119.63 4.38 % NR NR in Dubai. Group of Companies and United Bank Limited, Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 111.75 4.73 % NR NR “I thank Maqbool bin Hameed Al Saleh. Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 103.50 0.76 % Aa2 AA Maqbool bin Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 113.38 3.31 % NR BBB Hameed Al Saleh Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 103.13 4.91 % NR BBB for his leadership, vision and support in guiding OUECL in its Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 95.25 6.68 % Caa1 B- journey,” Bokhari said. He also said that he greatly values UBL’s association and strategic alliance with Maqbool bin Hameed Al Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 101.88 4.18 % NR BBB- *Periodic Distribution Amount Saleh and Mohammad Al Zubair, Chairman Zubair Group of IMPORTANT NOTE: Companies Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which Head of International UBL, Wajahat Husain, said: “This asso- is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services ciation has stood the test of times, and has developed into a Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary unique bond in terms of corporate governance”. data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not The journey with OUECL began when in 1983, UBL became take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds a shareholder in the company along with Maqbool bin Hameed can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant bin Saleh and Mohammad Al Zubair. Along with the stake, UBL liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not was also awarded a management contract to run the company. a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and OUECL has evolved into a trusted name in foreign exchange consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. and money transfer services in Oman. Starting operations from a branch at Ruwi Muscat, on May 1, 1983, OUECL recently enlarged its footprint, growing to seven branches with plans to open more to enhance its geographical reach. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 India seeks financial guarantees from Iranian vessels

NEW DELHI: India has asked Iran still faces in maintaining In September India granted Affairs and Finance Ministry on UCO Bank as “a precautionary Insurance Co and Kish P&I Iran to provide financial guar- steady oil shipments. a three-month extension to December 10 ahead of a renewal measure to cover any poten- Club beyond December 27 and antees before Delhi continues International sanctions on Iran Iranian underwriters Kish P&I of approval to the Iranian under- tial claims that may arise due promote bilateral trade, the let- to allow vessels with Iranian have made it difficult to insure and Moallem Insurance Co for writers on December 27. to maritime incident in Indian ter said. Deepak Kapoor and the insurance cover to enter Indian refineries and ships involved in insuring oil tankers and ships India imported 47 percent less waters”. head of India’s shipping regula- waters, the latest sign of diffi- trade with Iran and forced India calling at Indian ports after oil from Tehran in October from India imports oil from Iran tor, Gautam Chatterjee, did not culties Iran is facing in export- to settle 45 percent of oil pay- Tehran provided a $1bn sover- a year ago, helping New Delhi get in Iranian vessels, while Indian respond to calls for comment. ing oil. ments in rupees through state- eign backing. a six-month waiver from the US exports to Iran of non-oil com- EU sanctions against Iran in Iran and world powers reached owned UCO Bank while refiners India has sought financial sanctions in December. modities and industrial goods place since mid-2012 bar mem- a breakthrough agreement last are withholding the remainder. security in the form of bank At the end of November Indian use the vessels of Iran’s Hafiz bers of Europe’s International month over Tehran’s disputed India is the second-biggest guarantees from Iran as sanc- refiners owed about $2.2bn for Darya Shipping Lines (HDS) and Group of Protection and nuclear programme that allowed market for Iranian oil after tions by the United Nations, the partial payments to Iran, while Safiran Payam Darya Shipping Indemnity (P&I) Clubs — who the Middle Eastern nation to China and India and Iran last US and the European Union about $3bn worth of rupees paid Lines (SAPID). include most insurers that cover continue oil shipments at current week held discussions on ways to have reduced acceptability of the by refiners is lying in Tehran’s An early submission of a bank the tanker market - from insur- levels of about 1 million barrels settle oil trade in hard curren- Iranian rial, according to a letter. account with UCO Bank. guarantee would enable India’s ing Iranian oil and other ship- per day (bpd). cies like dollars and euros. But India’s Deputy Nautical India has asked Iran to pro- shipping ministry to consider ments, leading to the emergence India’s latest request, however, no mechanism has been finalised Advisor, Deepak Kapoor, sent vide a bank guarantee for Rs23bn further extension of condi- of untested insurance providers. shows the struggle Opec member yet. the letter to Iran’s Economic ($369.98m) from its account with tional authorisation to Moallem REUTERS

Developing at a rapid pace BP inks $16bn Oman gas project deal 300 wells set to extract 1bn cubic feet of gas per day

MUSCAT/DUBAI: BP will fracturing technology developed expected in late 2017 and pla- drill some 300 wells to flush gas in the US. teau production of around 1 bcf, trapped deep under the Omani BP expects to invest around or 28.3m cubic metres, per day desert over the next 15 years in $9.60bn over the full field devel- expected in 2018. a $16bn project that Oman is opment, in accordance with its This would be enough to meet relying on to keep its economy 60 percent stake in the $16bn around a third of the country’s growing. project, a BP spokesman said. current domestic gas needs. But The Khazzan tight gas project, State-owned Oman Oil Omani energy demand is rising which aims to extract around one Company Exploration & rapidly and Muscat also hopes to billion cubic feet (bcf) per day of Production (OOCEP) will have a import Iranian gas in a 25-year gas from sandstone at depths 40 percent stake. The $16bn total deal signed in August. of up to 4,500 metres in central investment estimate includes “The country needs the gas to Oman, is a showcase for BP’s around $1.5bn already spent. develop its economy,” Al Ruhmy tight gas extraction technology. After months of haggling, told journalists. “Our needs for Its success is vital for a coun- Muscat agreed in mid-2013 on the gas increase day by day.” try whose own gas exports have price at which BP could sell gas it BP expects to develop around been eaten away by its voracious can squeeze from deep under the 7 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas in Workers at a construction site in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday. Malaysia is placed the highest develop- appetite for energy. desert of central Oman. the Khazzan project, and to pump ing Asian economy despite its lowered ranking in the Global Competitiveness Index 2012-2013 by the World “Today’s signing is an impor- Neither side would reveal the around 25,000 barrels per day Economic Forum according to Idris Jala, a minister in the prime minister’s office. tant step in the Sultanate of price they had agreed to make (bpd) of gas condensate, a light Oman’s plans to meet growing the project worthwhile for BP, but oil, helping ensure a good rate of demand for energy over the com- BP Chief Executive Bob Dudley return from the investment. ing decades and to contribute to said the price was competitive The 30-year production shar- economic development in Oman,” within BP’s global investment ing and gas sales agreements the country’s oil and gas minis- portfolio. also allow BP to appraise more ter, Mohammed Al Rumhy, said “We are a company who have gas resources in Oman’s Block in a statement after the signing said that we will use a very dis- 61, which it expects to develop in in Muscat. ciplined capital framework and later phases. “The Khazzan project is the for the rest of the decade we will The Omani government will largest new upstream project in keep BP’s capital investments take 55 percent of the gas sales Oman and a pioneering develop- between $24bn and $27bn a year,” revenues, while the rest will be ment in the region in unlocking Dudley told reporters. split between the project part- technically challenging tight gas “There are other projects that ners, with 60 percent for BP and through technology.” we have put aside but this is one 40 percent for (OOCEP) after BP will have a 60 percent oper- that is big, it is important and deducting costs, the minister told ating stake in the project, which it is a good partnership... It fits the news conference. involves a 15-year programme with our strategy as a company BP shares rose from close on of drilling into sandstone thou- to develop large reservoirs.” Friday at 465.55 pence to around sands of metres below the surface Construction is expected to 470.35 pence at 1430 GMT yes- to extract gas using hydraulic begin in 2014, with first gas terday. REUTERS

Amazon’s German workers strike

BERLIN/DUESSELDORF: Hundreds of Amazon.com Inc workers in Germany went on strike yesterday, just as pre- Christmas sales were set to peak, in a dispute over pay and conditions that has raged for months. Germany is Amazon’s second- biggest market behind the US and sales there grew almost 21 percent in 2012 to $8.7bn, a third of its overseas total. Amazon took its most daily orders in Germany last December 16, when almost 4 million articles were bought, with shipments peaking on December 17. Amazon, which employs 9,000 warehouse staff in Germany plus 14,000 seasonal workers at nine distribution centres, said 1,115 A worker collects items to pack into boxes at Amazon’s logistics centre in staff had joined the strike at three Graben near Augsburg, Germany, yesterday. sites, but there had been no delays to deliveries. “Our customers can continue to performance pressure and short- guarantees the rights of work- rely on us for the prompt deliv- term contracts,” Verdi board ers,” said Philip Jennings of global ery of their Christmas presents,” member Stefanie Nutzenberger trade union UNI. a spokeswoman said, adding said in a statement. Verdi has organised several that Amazon uses its whole A delegation of German work- short stoppages this year to try European logistics network over ers was due to rally at Amazon’s to force Amazon to accept collec- the Christmas period to ensure headquarters in Seattle along tive bargaining agreements in the delivery times. with US unions. mail order and retail industry as The Verdi union said up to In addition, workers in benchmarks for workers’ pay at 700 workers joined the strike Amazon’s centre in the German Amazon’s German distribution in Amazon’s logistic centre in town of Werne will protest today, centres. Bad Hersfeld, plus 500 to 600 in while strikes are expected to con- But Amazon’s German country Leipzig. tinue all week in Leipzig and until head Ralf Kleber said the com- For the first time, the union tomorrow in Bad Hersfeld. pany would not bow to pressure also called a strike in Graben, “Amazon must realise it cannot from striking workers and was where Verdi said 600 workers export its anti-union labour model more worried about bad weather took part. to European shores. We call on hurting Christmas deliveries, he “The Amazon system is charac- the company to come to the table said in an interview last month. terised by low wages, permanent and sign a global agreement that REUTERS TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

US oil output to surge Oil above $110 to 9.6m bpd by 2016 WASHINGTON: US oil pro- duction will continue its surge to hit a record 9.6m barrels as Libyan ports per day (bpd) in 2016, the US Energy Department said yes- terday in its annual forecast. Riding the gains in production from “tight” oil — such as shale remain closed reserves tapped by hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, US crude output will add another 800,000 Concern ahead of US Fed meeting barrels a day over the next two years, the department’s Energy Information Administration said. LONDON: Brent crude oil rose protesters at oilfields across the After the 2016 peak, which will above $110 a barrel yesterday desert country, have cut its oil top the previous high set in 1970, as supply concerns resurfaced exports to around 110,000 bpd oil production will stabilize and after Libya failed to reach a from more than 1 million in July. then begin tailing off beginning in deal with tribal leaders to end “This means that approxi- 2020. But, meanwhile, natural gas a blockade of several oil-export- mately 600,000 bpd of poten- production will also continue to ing ports. tial exports will remain off the surge mainly from fracking-based The closure of the Libyan oil market,” JBC Energy Managing exploration, with the EIA predict- ports is preventing export of Director David Wech said. ing a rise of 56 percent between several hundred thousand bar- Analysts worry that Libya is 2012 and 2040. rels per day (bpd) of high qual- sliding into chaos as the govern- The forecast “shows that ity, light crude, tightening an oil ment struggles to rein in militias advanced technologies for crude market that might otherwise be and tribesmen who helped top- An employee of a petrol station refills a car in Tripoli yesterday. Libya is importing more fuel to make up for local oil and natural gas production are fairly well supplied. ple Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 shortages caused by strikes and shutdowns at oilfields and ports, officials said yesterday. continuing to increase domestic Brent futures for January rose but kept their weapons and con- supply and reshape the US energy $1.97 a barrel to a high of $110.80 trol parts of the Opec-member economy as well as expand the before easing to around $110.25 by country. threats by the government to use the gradual tapering of its stim- March 2014 but with increased potential for US natural gas 1300 GMT, up $1.42. The contract “This latest disappointment force only risk exacerbating the ulus programme and opinion is prospects of an earlier tapering, exports,” said EIA administrator lost 2.5 percent last week. only reinforces our view that situation.” divided on whether it will move markets will continue to be jit- Adam Sieminski. US crude futures rose 70 cents Libyan production will struggle Investors awaited a US Federal this week or wait for early next tery,” analysts at Phillip Futures “Growing domestic hydrocar- to $97.30 after ending 90 cents to exceed 800,000 bpd in 2014,” Reserve decision on how soon to year. said in a note. bon production is also reducing lower on Friday, down 1 percent Morgan Stanley oil analyst Adam end its monetary stimulus, which A cut in its stimulus would Data yesterday showed China’s our net dependence on imported for the week. Longson said. has helped drive investment in boost the dollar, weighing on most factory sector expanded for a fifth oil and benefiting the US economy Libyan port blockages, along “Resolving deep disagree- global commodities. commodities, including oil. straight month, but the reading as natural gas-intensive indus- with strikes by oil workers, civil ments will likely require material The US Central Bank meets “Markets were initially expect- in December slowed to a three- tries boost their output,” he said. servants, tribesmen and other changes at the federal level, and today and tomorrow to discuss ing tapering to be announced in month low. REUTERS AFP

Greek property agents warn new tax will hit prices Russia ready to grant Ukraine loan ATHENS: Greece’s real already stalled transactions,” said ($414,000). For the first time, the advantage of foreign inves- MOSCOW: Russia could grant credit could be provided.” Ukraine estate agent association Omase head of Omase Ioannis Revithis agricultural plots will also be tors who want to buy at very Ukraine a loan if Kiev asks for is seeking help to cover an exter- warned against a possible col- during a press conference. taxed. Until 2011, only owners of low prices,” said Omase member it, Interfax news agency yester- nal funding gap of $17bn next lapse of the sector in big cities Real estate prices have already large properties were taxed. But Michalis Georgiou. day quoted Russian presidential year — almost the level of the because of new property taxes dropped between 30 and 50 per- the crisis-hit country, under pres- Investing in property is a tradi- aide Andrei Belousov as saying. central bank’s depleted currency in a controversial law submitted cent in recent years. The law, sure from its international credi- tion in Greece, as it is considered “The situation in Ukraine is reserves. Ukrainian President to parliament. which should be approved by par- tors to increase state income, a fall-back against shortages in now such that without loans, Viktor Yanukovich, who has faced “In view of recession and taxes, liament by the end of the week, needed to introduce a more com- state welfare. Greece has one of fomr one side or another, they will street protests since Kiev opted this law leads to the collapse of includes a tax for all properties prehensive property tax. the highest property owner rates simply fail to maintain economic last month not to sign a free trade the market instead of reducing and an additional tax for prop- “Over-taxation causes prop- in Europe, with more than 70 per- stability,” he said. “I do not rule deal with the European Union, is the excessive taxation which has erties worth more than ¤300,000 erty devaluation, which works to cent. AFP out that, if there is a request, a visiting Russia today. REUTERS

China Airlines Chairman Sun Hung-Hsiang (centre right) and Tigerair CEO Koay Peng Yen (centre left) in front of a Tigerair A-320 passenger jet at a media conference at the Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei, Taiwan, yesterday. Chinese and Singaporean carriers to set up Taiwanese budget airline

SINGAPORE: Singapore “China Airlines’ knowledge of in three years. The formation of budget carrier Tigerair and the Taiwan market coupled the new carrier comes just a Taiwan’s China Airlines yes- with Tigerair’s expertise in the month after TransAsia Airways, terday said they would set up no-frills sector should stimulate Taiwan’s first private airline, a new no-frills airline to tap demand in the civil aviation mar- secured government approval to growing demand for cheap ket here.” set up a so-far unnamed budget travel in Asia. In a press conference at one of subsidiary. Tigerair Taiwan will have its hangars in Taiwan’s Taoyuan Demand for discount flying has a paid-up capital of Tw$2bn airport, Sun said China Airlines been rising in Asia. Currently 12 ($67.5m), with the Singapore- had been considering investing foreign budget airlines, includ- based carrier holding a 10 per- in a low-budget carrier for four ing Malaysia-based AirAsia and cent stake, the two airlines said or five years. Japan’s Peach Aviation, offer in a statement. He said the time was now services to and from Taiwan. China Airlines, Taiwan’s lead- right, given the improved rela- Singapore’s Tigerair, which ing airline by fleet size, will hold tions between Taiwan and China was previously known as Tiger the remaining 90 percent. and the “opening skies” of coun- Airways before a rebranding Tigerair said in the statement tries in the region. exercise this year, has been look- the new airline will be managed Sun said the airline would ing for expansion opportunities as a standalone entity but will benefit from Taiwan’s location in Asia. utilise its website as well as sales some four hours’ flying time Last year it bought a 33 and distribution platforms. from Northeast Asia, Southeast percent stake in beleaguered “The new JV (joint venture) Asia, Hong Kong, Macau and the Indonesian carrier PT Mandala will allow us to extend our pres- Chinese mainland. Airlines. In March, it raised ence into the new untapped He said the joint venture was more than Sg$297m ($237m) to markets of Taiwan, Japan and expected to become operational fund its Asian expansion plans. Korea,” said Koay Peng Yen, in 2014 with three A-320s, and Its shares rose 2.00 percent group chief executive of Tigerair. the fleet would expand to 16 to Sg$0.51 in mid-day trade yes- Sun Hung-Hsiang, chair- planes in 2016 or 2017. terday after the announcement. man of China Airlines, said: He expected it to turn a profit AFP TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2013 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

Corporate Treasury – Is there a way around a constant challenge BY IMTIAZ the sale of blood gold?

HE demands on corporate treasury departments are BY MATTHEW HART unsafe, often hellish conditions, paying them taint from the murderous diamond fields undergoing constant change, driven by regulators and a pittance to loot the country’s gold mines. of then-war-torn countries such as Angola the organizations themselves. Requirements for increased ooking for the perfect holiday gift The torrent of bloody gold is indistin- and Sierra Leone. Ttransparency, better control and enhanced performance for that special person in your guishable from innocent gold because of What’s more, they sold them at a pre- means treasury leaders need to, continuously update their techni- life? You can pick up an 18-karat the way that gold refiners take gold from mium. But how would clean gold work? First, cal knowledge, reduce costs, minimize volatility, deliver value and gold designer bracelet at a swanky multiple sources. A refiner’s concern is not the refinery would have to stop its cycle, ensure clear lines of communication. Treasurers need dedicated Fifth Avenue jeweller that is sure origin, but purity. In London, the world’s clean the plant, and introduce the gold from information systems to support those challenges. Lto do the trick. Yours for $995. biggest bullion market, the standard known the mine that wanted to keep its production Shareholders are increasingly putting the spotlight on the These days, even if gold prices are down as “London Good Delivery” stipulates bars stream discreet from other gold. treasury function and how it monitors and manages financial a bit from recent highs, it’s hard to find a refined to a gold purity of 995 parts per Is this likely? “We just couldn’t do that,” resources and risks. Cash management and bank relationships trinket that doesn’t swallow the paycheck. thousand. Refiners typically buy gold from a spokesman for Johnson Matthey, a are, more than ever, key to securing a company’s financing. Now there’s something else you have to con- many mines, and also from scrap dealers — respected firm of gold refiners, told me. “We It is high time for organisations to focus on process optimisation sider: it could be dripping in blood. the “gold for cash” trade. couldn’t run our business that way; it would through system integration and deeper organisational changes, As 2013 draws to a close, gold is at the end Few laws are in place to control the flow cost too much.” Others disagree. “It would including the centralisation of the set-up of payment factories. of a 13-year price party that has powered a of stolen gold. In the United States, the be expensive,” said Marguerite Nadeau, a It is becoming increasingly important for organizations to adopt burst of exploration and gold mine develop- Dodd-Frank Act makes companies account vice president of the Royal Canadian Mint, an integrated, holis- ment on every continent except Antarctica. for the origin of minerals they buy that which operates a gold refinery as part of its tic approach to their It has also driven some of the world’s most might come from the war zones of central business, “but we have done it.” It is high time for treasury activities, brutal mining practices, as armed militias Africa. This makes it harder for militias to When the Canadian government started rather than pursue enslave whole populations, driving them to sell such minerals as tin or tungsten. But selling gold coins in 1979, the enabling leg- organisations to temporary solu- mine at the point of a gun. In the circles that gold is so portable — you can stuff $30,000 islation stipulated that the coins be struck tions for individual monitor such activity, a phrase has emerged of it in a pants pocket and $700,000 in a from Canadian gold. But demand out- focus on process issues. Shareholders that should send fear into the hearts of min- briefcase — that smugglers move it easily stripped the supply of purely Canadian gold, demands for ers and bullion dealers: blood gold. to countries that are not scrupulous about and they dropped the practice. Nevertheless, optimisation increased transpar- According to the Washington, DC-based where it comes from. they showed it could be done. ency and better con- Enough Project, the infamous M23 rebel This raises the question: is a stream of A separate clean-gold stream is possible if trol are driving a group is still mining conflict gold in the “clean” gold possible, so a purchaser could demand appears either from jewellery man- through system global trend toward Democratic Republic of Congo, despite the know that her ring or bracelet was made ufacturers looking for a way to add value the centralization of surrender of its leader, Bosco Ntaganda, of gold mined only from knowable sources? to their products, or from bullion dealers integration and treasury activities. to war crimes investigators in The Hague The answer is yes. whose clients, such as bullion funds, were Today, treasurers this year. The M23 and other armed groups The diamond industry’s history suggests threatened with disinvestment because of deeper organisational also need to cope with in the Congo’s goldfields smuggle gold to how it might work. When the campaign bad press about blood gold. the growing com- Uganda and Burundi, where they sell it to against blood diamonds was at its height, That press could be just around the cor- changes, including plexity of financial international buyers. The gold flow out of Canadian diamond miners and polishers ner. A UN expert panel studying conflict instruments, volatile Congo is about $500m a year. This illicit gold created a rigorously monitored separate gold has just delivered its report to the financial markets joins another $2bn worth from South Africa, stream of “ice diamonds” — gemstones Security Council, which is expected to pub- the centralisation of and the introduction where criminal syndicates employ miners in mined in the Arctic and certified free of lish it in January. REUTERS of new regulations the set-up of payment and accounting prac- tices. Hot industry factories. topics include the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR) for over-the-counter deriva- tives, Basel III, REMIT, MiFIR/MiFID, IFRS 9 and IFRS 13 for derivatives accounting and valuation, tax matters for cash pooling and payment factory implementation, and the Single European Payment Area (SEPA). These regulations are placing increased pressure on treasurers’ time, presenting difficulties in monitoring and reporting exposures and the impact on financial statements. In such a challenging environment, organizations need to define the role and responsibilities of their treasury functions. A fully operational treasury function at a minimum should ensure that the following are kept up to date and are continuously evaluated on a regular basis: • Treasury organization and governance • Treasury performance assessment • Financial risk management (interest, foreign exchange, credit risks and commodity risks) • Cash and liquidity management, including cash forecasting • Corporate funding and capital management • Treasury technology, including treasury management system (TMS) • Valuation and accounting for financial instruments Organizations should have an appropriate organisational structure and infrastructure in place (such as policies, controls, processes and models), and develop methods and processes for quantifying, assessing and monitoring financial risks. In today’s environment, the optimization of a company’s finan- cial resources (cash management and funding) are of paramount importance. This will help in ensuring that cash is managed effectively from both a financial and tax perspective. In order to optimally utilize the financial resources, the organization should continuously stress test its cash forecasting model. Organizations need to prioritise actions within their treasury departments and define an action plan for implementation. The many facets of corporate treasury require a pragmatic interpreta- tion of relevant regulations, which need to be considered in the broader context of the company’s risks and its level of complexity. (Imtiaz is a partner with EY and does financial accounting advisory practice.) Fight for cheap drugs shifts from Aids to hepatitis pills

BY BEN HIRSCHLER expensive. How can we address also Roche’s flu pill Tamiflu. cause severe flu-like symptoms, it drug is not new, says it is taking he estimates a target price of this? I hope we can learn from the Gregg Alton, Gilead’s head of is still supposed to be given along- the action to push prices down between $100 and $250 for 12 new battle is looming lesson of HIV and find solutions corporate and medical affairs, side interferon in others. massively from the $84,000 that weeks of treatment is realistic, over access to antiviral without confrontations.” said his company was working There is little doubt the new 12 weeks of treatment will cost in including a margin for profits. medicines in develop- In the 1990s, HIV/AIDS drugs on plans to help ensure access to drugs will transform HCV the United States. Of course, drug prices take Aing countries — this costing more than $10,000 per Sovaldi in resource-limited coun- treatment — and prove hugely “We think it has to be below account of more than just the time for treating hepatitis C — patient a year were simply out of tries and aimed to set out details profitable. $500,” said Tahir Amin, the cost of goods. more than a decade after a global reach for millions of people in the early in 2014. In the developed world, they group’s co-founder. They also reflect the value showdown over the price of AIDS developing world. Other companies develop- are tipped to become major block- “We have seen with HIV that that medicines can offer society drugs in Africa. Today, thanks to cheap generics ing all-oral treatment regimens busters, with consensus sales only when you really bring the and Gilead argues its price is fair Modern pills being launched in from India, the cost for the poor for HCV — such as Johnson & forecasts for Sovaldi alone stand- price down do people really get based on the significant benefits western markets could cure the has been slashed to around $100. Johnson, AbbVie, Bristol-Myers ing at $6.8bn in 2018, according to access.” it brings. liver-destroying infection in tens Like HIV, hepatitis C (HCV) Squibb and Merck & Co — also Thomson Reuters Pharma. Medecins Sans Frontieres The total cost of the 12-week of millions of people from China can be spread through blood, recognise they need to tackle the Healthcare campaigners expect (MSF), a campaigning group regimen is also not so differ- to Congo, or even eradicate the often via contaminated needles. issue. corporate schemes for poorer which provides humanitarian ent to current treatment, which disease entirely. The WHO estimates that 150 “We are going to be responsible countries will focus on price dis- care, has thrown its weight requires 24 or 48 weeks of inter- But that will only happen if the million people worldwide are players to make sure that people counts in middle- and low-income behind the I-MAK patent chal- feron-based therapy and is less cost falls dramatically. chronically infected, putting get access,” said Paul Stoffels, markets — but they argue this as lenge and Leena Menghaney, effective. Drugmakers like Gilead them at risk of cirrhosis and liver head of pharmaceuticals at J&J. a poor substitute for full generic MSF campaign manager for And Gilead has ploughed an Sciences, whose product Sovaldi cancer. “There is a lot of pressure on us competition, which could send India, said a sub-$500 price was awful lot of money into this new won US approval this month with But whereas the burden of HIV to make this available.” prices tumbling. a prerequisite for many govern- medicine after paying $11bn in a $1,000 a day price tag, are under is largely in sub-Saharan Africa, Like Gilead, J&J is not yet In a bid to force the issue and ments to start considering use 2012 for Pharmasset, the com- mounting pressure to strike deals most cases of HCV are in middle- ready to disclose its access plans allow Indian generic manufactur- of the new drugs. pany that initially developed to avoid a rerun of the disputes income countries like China, India and Stoffels said in an inter- ers to make cheap copies of the Looking simply at the cost of Sovaldi. that stalled early access to HIV and Russia, where drug compa- view it would take a couple of drug for distribution at home and production, Andrew Hill, a phar- Still, the $1,000-a-day price tag therapy. nies are more reluctant to accept years before really simple all- in some other poor countries, a macologist at the University of has raised concerns even among “Affordability is an urgent and rock-bottom prices. tablet regimens suitable for use legal group has filed a motion Liverpool, thinks such a price some healthcare providers in the pressing issue,” World Health Chan said options for max- in poorer nations were widely opposing the patenting of Sovaldi target is certainly achievable. United States. Organization (WHO) Director imising use of the drugs could available. in India. In fact, he calculates that large- “Obviously, drug companies General Margaret Chan told include granting licences to low- While Gilead’s Sovaldi has bro- The New York-based Initiative scale production is possible for need to make a return on invest- Reuters during her visit to cost generic drug manufacturers ken new ground as the first pill to for Medicines, Access and just $1 a day — or one thousandth ment,” said Hill. “The question is London. in India and other countries, as treat some HCV patients without Knowledge, or I-MAK, which of the Sovaldi price tag. how much?” “These drugs are very has happened with HIV drugs and injections of interferon, which can claims the science behind Gilead’s For a three-drug combination, REUTERS TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2013 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 10,475.39 0.49 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 14,966.93 0.49 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,069.56 0.57 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,610.87 0.33 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,486.03 0.11 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5146.195 -2.23 -0.04 5453.1 4610.6 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 5,972.01 0.27 % QR146.6748 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 4129.83 -4.27 -0.1 4356.28 3575.17 QE All Share Industrials 3,451.47 0.50 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.9502 QR 6.0335 QE All Share Insurance 2,361.36 0.09 % Dj Indu Average 16025.53 5.33 0.03 16174.5 12883.9 Euro ...... QR 4.9750 QR 5.0448 QE All Share Real Estate 2,003.98 1.09 % QR 2.3649 CA$ ...... QR 3.3878 QR 3.4548 QE All Share Telecoms 1,466.51 0.28 % Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Transportation 1,929.93 0.64 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 4.0665 QR 4.1250 Hang Seng Inde/D 23744.19 -66.98 -0.28 24111.55 19426.36 Yen ...... QR 0.0351 QR 0.0358 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.2909 QR 3.3565 Today Previous day Iseq Overall/D 4409.38 1.9 0.04 4527.83 3396.67 CRUDE OIL 16-12-2013 15-12-2013 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0592 QR 0.0603 Index 10,475.39 10,526.95 Karachi 100 In/D 24878.68 -120.21 -0.48 25125.81 16036.31 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0333 QR 0.0339 Change 51.56 40.72 BRENT Nikkei 225 Index 15611.31 -38.9 -0.25 15942.6 10398.61 Peso ...... QR 0.0816 QR 0.0832 % 0.49 0.39 $ 109.88 SL Re ...... QR 0.0276 QR 0.0281 YTD% 25.32 25.94 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1813.55 1398.11 Taka ...... QR 0.0464 QR 0.0474 Volume 9,706,992 10,292,912 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0364 QR 0.0371 Value (QAR) 354,119,566.66 463,037,080.71 Straits Times/D 3081.72 -31.92 -1.03 3464.79 2990.68 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3501 QR 0.3571 Trades 6,466 6,219 Straits Times/D 2971.47 22.7 0.77 3035.78 2657.77 $ 107.24 Up 12 | Down 23 | Unchanged 04

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 16-12-2013

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED

A C C-A/D 1150.75 -14.85 35527 Cimmco-T/D 19.3 -0.9 7096 Hind Unilever-/D 564.35 4.25 652013 Klg Systel-T/D 4.08 -0.12 5870 Radico Khait-B/D 136.45 -1.1 13350 Kingfisher/D 368.8 3.4 7937650 Aban Offs-B/D 364.35 -5.2 399075 Cipla-A/D 388 2.65 69278 Hind.Petrol-A/D 230.05 -4.35 91974 Kopran-B/D 19.9 -1.35 47127 Rallis India-B/D 161.9 -6.6 37409 Land Secs Grou/D 944.3044 -3.5 196167 Ador Welding-B/D 127 -2.55 5347 City Union Bk-/D 48.3 -1.25 45961 Hindalco-A/D 125.05 1.15 1040730 Lakshmi Mach-B/D 2629.4 129.6 7118 Rallis India-B/D 161.9 -6.6 37409 Legal & Genera/D 206.4 -0.1 4352199 Aegis Logis-B/D 165.4 -2.15 20155 Colgate-A/D 1280 2.65 4438 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 808.35 -11.7 58538 Lloyd Metal-B/D 9 -0.06 1381 Reliance Indus/D 365 -8.55 70846 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 78.56 0.36 35777434 Alembic-B/D 14.3 -0.29 51284 Dhampur Sugar-/D 33.9 -0.9 15702 I F C I-A/D 25.25 -0.35 812121 Lok.Hous&Con-T/D 14.8 -0.21 12695 Ruchi Soya-B/D 32.95 2.1 331934 Marks & Sp./D 459.9 -1.1 1171726 Alkyl Amines-B/D 260 -2.05 1650 Dr. Reddy-A/D 2455.25 5.75 5132 Idbi-A/D 65.15 -1.75 216084 Lupin-A/D 872.45 19.65 99550 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 320 0.25 3290 Next/D 5460 10 33673 Alok Indus-B/D 7.48 -0.08 935343 E I H-B/D 54.45 0.5 36669 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 73.4 1.4 16868 Lyka Labs-B/D 9.4 -0.14 4556 Tanfac Indust-/D 7.5 -0.26 3450 Pearson/D 1283 -3 323462 Andhra Paper-B/D 255.75 -4.6 26455 E.I.D Parry-B/D 141 2.35 108244 India Cement-B/D 61 -0.35 730768 Mah.Seamless-B/D 165.55 -5.1 1427 Til Ltd.-B/D 146.75 -9.2 18691 Prudential/D 1286 20 1286229 Apollo Tyre-A/D 81.35 -0.05 845662 Eicher Motor-A/D 4700 16.15 1975 India Glycol-B/D 91.95 -2.7 19139 Mangalam Cem-B/D 109.45 -2.85 27860 Timexgroup-B/D 11.25 -0.45 9538 Rank Group/D 135.9 0 2524 Asahi I Glass-/D 43.8 -0.55 7319 Electrosteel-B/D 15.2 -0.2 26147 Indian Hotel-A/D 55.1 2.65 454129 Maral Overs-B/D 19.5 -0.85 2163 Tinplate-T/D 47.55 1.5 29872 Rentokil Initi/D 111.1 1.3 1185364 Ashok Leyland-/D 16.7 0.2 532642 Emco-B/D 17.7 -0.7 22582 Indo-Bcount-B/D 38.3 -0.05 6509 Mastek-B/D 139.15 0 10106 Ub Engineer-B/D 9.6 -1 2049 Rolls Royce Pl/D 1200 -6 890923 Bajaj Hold-A/D 879.7 2.6 1632 Escorts-B/D 129.55 -1.6 492076 Indusind-A/D 453.05 -13.9 160678 Max India L-A/D 206.9 2.65 31877 Ub Engineer-B/D 9.6 -1 2049 Rsa Insrance G/D 101.8 1.3 2512097 Ballarpur In-B/D 12.98 -0.38 157440 Essar Oil-A/D 53.85 -1.7 182670 J.B.Chemical-B/D 109.05 -1.9 31970 Mrpl-A/D 40.9 -1.1 83629 Ultramarine-B/D 42 0.8 2540 Sainsbury(J)/D 388.22 2.2 3462077 Bata India-A/D 1015.05 -13.05 22046 Eveready Indu-/D 36 0.35 667200 Jagson Phar-B/D 9.02 -0.22 24759 Nahar Spg.-B/D 110.1 0.2 12072 Unitech P -A/D 15.8 -0.2 3157712 Schroders/D 2466 25 46975 Bayer Crop-B/D 1700 55.9 2302 F D C-B/D 105.35 -1.6 16142 Jamnaauto-B/D 60 0 1300 Nation Alum -A/D 38.35 1.3 173531 Severn Trent/D 1689 24 289602 Beml Ltd-B/D 209.25 -5.4 61369 Federal Bank-A/D 80.2 -2.35 209339 Jbf Indu-B/D 76.75 -2.55 8985 Navneet Edu-B/D 55.2 -0.55 13399 LONDON Smith&Nephew/D 851.5 1.5 902932 Bharat Bijle-B/D 353.45 2.45 2190 Ferro Alloys-B/D 5.15 -0.03 13053 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.47 0.01 18446 Nepc India-B/D 1.7 -0.08 13753 Smiths Group/D 1400 22 397430 Bharatgears-B/D 41.25 -0.75 1561 Finolex-B/D 153.9 -0.5 26953 Jct Ltd-B/D 2.22 -0.08 66966 Neuland Lab-B/D 263.5 1.3 1113 3I Group/D 369.8 -0.4 704509 Standrd Chart /D 1295.5 -18.5 2619080 Bhartiya Int-B/D 181.45 -1.6 2424 Forbes-B/D 536 -10.5 1628 Jik Indust-T/D 0.6 0 19236 Nrb Bearings-B/D 34.25 -0.95 2309 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 2270.3505 6 103041 Tate & Lyle/D 778.5 -1 272632 Bhel-A/D 165.65 -6.05 1116730 Gail-A/D 350 -2.55 63632 Jindal Drill-B/D 189.85 -3.25 1509 O N G C-A/D 297.95 -6.9 184735 B Sky B/D 798 -2 729073 Tesco/D 334.2167 0.55 3774116 Bom.Burmah-B/D 113.35 0.1 17592 Gammon India-B/D 13.75 -0.23 19841 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 163.55 -0.6 148561 Ocl India-B/D 157 -0.9 13922 Barclays/D 267.2 0 9403669 Unilever/D 2469 -6 407809 Bombay Dyeing-/D 69.75 0.2 138490 Garden P -B/D 38.5 0.05 1119 Jmc Projects-B/D 82 3.25 4378 Oil Country-B/D 34.3 -0.5 3155 Bg Group/D 1242.5 5 2345812 United Util Gr/D 646.975 0 465275 Cable Corp.-B/D 18.1 -0.05 17291 Goodricke-B/D 128.5 -0.9 1931 Kabra Extr-B/D 29.5 0.2 34756 Onward Tech-T/D 52.05 -0.15 17861 Bp/D 475.55 -1.25 5882693 Vodafone Group/D 233.5 0.05 22944676 Canfin Homes-B/D 151.45 1.4 1040 Goodyear I -B/D 364.75 -11.25 8782 Kajaria Cer-B/D 278.7 9.8 45260 Orchid Chem-B/D 50.7 -1.05 103864 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3179 -2.5 863996 Whitbread/D 3497.8 -27 276360 Castrol Ind-A/D 303.65 0.55 14395 Hcl Infosys-B/D 21.25 -0.2 56191 Kalpat Power-B/D 92.2 -0.65 67057 Orient Hotel-B/D 16.2 0.25 9330 Bt Group/D 369.6 -1.6 2508447 Century Enka-B/D 146 -1.8 10908 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 8.16 -0.04 276805 Kalyani Stel-B/D 55.55 -1.1 52896 Orient.Carb.-B/D 118 -0.05 1875 Centrica/D 326.3 -1.2 2457263 Century Text-A/D 273.8 -6.4 108528 Himat Seide-B/D 48.5 -1.5 94159 Kanoria Chem-B/D 23.85 -0.1 5333 Orient.Carb.-B/D 118 -0.05 1875 Gkn/D 363.8 -0.2 756553 Chambal Fert-B/D 38.7 0.35 259902 Hind Motors-B/D 7.72 -0.02 70328 Kg Denim-B/D 14.11 -0.32 4242 Oudh Sugar-B/D 17.6 -0.4 5143 Hsbc Holdings/D 654.2 -3.5 9006696 Chola Invest-B/D 255 4.4 1231 Hind Org Chem-/D 11.3 -0.05 1947 Kilburnengg-B/D 14.5 1.25 6306 Patspin India-/D 6.82 0.32 1851 Imperial Tobac/D 2273 -2 187761 TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Europa League Round of 32 and 16 Nadal shines, Federer fades draw LONDON: Draw for the Europa League round of 32 and round of 16 made yesterday: Round of 32 Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk vs Tottenham Hotspur as big four becomes three Real Betis vs Rubin Kazan Swansea City vs Napoli Juventus vs Trabzonspor Maribor vs Sevilla The Spaniard caps a remarkable year; Britain’s Murray makes history Viktoria Plzen vs Shakhtar Donetsk Chernomorets Odessa vs Olympique Lyon PARIS: Rafael Nadal defied Lazio vs Ludogorets the career obituary writers Esbjerg vs Fiorentina with his stunning renaissance Ajax Amsterdam vs Salzburg in 2013 as he and fellow major Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Basel winners Novak Djokovic and Porto vs Eintracht Frankfurt Andy Murray cut struggling Anzhi Makhachkala vs Genk Roger Federer adrift. Nadal was sport’s comeback Dynamo Kiev vs Valencia man of the year, collecting 10 PAOK Salonika vs Benfica titles from 14 finals, including a Slovan Liberec vs AZ Alkmaar landmark eighth French Open, a Ties to be played on February 20 and second US Open which took his February 27 career majors tally to 13, and a Round of 16 record 26th Masters. Slovan Liberec or AZ Alkmaar vs Anzhi He ended the season with 75 Makhachkala or Genk wins against just seven losses and Lazio or Ludogorets vs Dynamo Kiev or another $14.5m banked to take his Valencia career earnings past the $60m mark. Porto or Eintracht Frankfurt vs Swansea City It was a rebirth that got off to a or Napoli faltering start when the Spaniard, Chernomorets Odessa or Olympique Lyon vs who had been out of action for Viktoria Plzen or Shakhtar Donetsk seven months, reappeared at the Maribor or Sevilla vs Real Betis or Rubin modest Chilean venue of Vina del Kazan Mar in February. Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk or Tottenham Hotspur His run to the final was ended vs PAOK Salonika or Benfica by Horacio Zeballos, ensuring Nadal bites the Musketeers’ trophy after he won the French Open final against Spain’s David Ferrer in this May 2013 file photo. INSET: Nadal lifts Maccabi Tel Aviv or Basel vs Ajax the journeyman Argentine a rare the trophy after winning the US Open final against Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the Flushing Amsterdam or Salzburg mention in despatches. neighbourhood of the Queens borough of New York City in this September 2013 file photo. RIGHT: Switzerland’s Roger Federer gestures during a Juventus or Trabzonspor vs Esbjerg or But from then on, Rafa was press conference after being beaten by Nadal in their singles semi-final match at ATP World Tour Finals in London in this November 2013 file photo. Fiorentina rolling. He swept to Masters titles in Ties to be played on March 13 and March Indian Wells, Madrid and Rome world number one spot for a third in 1936. Murray credited coach 20 with his defeat in the final of time. Ivan Lendl with his success, a the Monte Carlo Masters at the “It’s very special what happened second Grand Slam title to add Djokovic kisses the hands of Djokovic, which denied this year. For me, the emotions to his breakthrough 2012 win in Australian Open him a ninth successive triumph of this year after a tough time New York. trophy in this January Simunic to in the principality, an unexpected have been fantastic,” said Nadal, “He believed in me when 2013 file photo. The blip. shrugging off his ATP World Tour a lot of people didn’t,” said Serb became the first miss World Cup The 27-year-old then beat com- Finals loss to Djokovic in London. Murray. man in the Open era patriot David Ferrer in the final Djokovic started 2013 with It was a year to forget for to win three straight after receiving of the French Open to become a fourth Australian Open title, Federer, the record-setting titles (2011, 2012, the first man to win eight Roland then lost the Wimbledon final to 17-time major winner whose 2013) in Melbourne. Garros crowns. a history-making Murray and the decline appears to be irreversible. 10-game ban On the way to another Paris US Open championship match to He failed to reach a Grand triumph, he had stared down Nadal. Slam final for the first time since LAUSANNE: Australian-born Djokovic in a classic semi-final He ended it as ATP World Tour 2002 and won only a solitary title Croatia defender Josip Simunic duel, fighting back from 2-4 down Finals champion on a 24-match in Halle as his ranking slumped to will miss the World Cup after in the deciding set. winning streak and announced seventh in the world -- his lowest being banned for 10 matches by Nadal’s bittersweet relationship he would be marrying long-time placing for 11 years. FIFA for his pro-Nazi chants with Wimbledon took another girlfriend Jelena Ristic. His second round defeat at that marred his country’s play- twist two weeks later when the Four of the Serb’s seven titles Wimbledon at the hands of Sergiy off victory over Iceland last 2008 and 2010 champion crashed in 2013 came in the season’s clos- Stakhovsky, the world number month. to defeat on the first day to ing weeks, although defeat in the 116, was his worst defeat at the Football’s world governing Steve Darcis, the world 135 from Davis Cup final at the hands of All England Club in 11 years and “This is what I used to do as Doping issues proved a body confirmed yesterday that Belgium. the Czech Republic darkened the ended his run of 36 consecu- a little boy. It’s something that headache with Viktor Troicki Simunic’s ban will start at the Was that a sign all the old mood. tive Grand Slam quarter-final always is there in your DNA,” and Marin Cilic handed World Cup in Brazil, and that he physical frailities were about to Murray missed the latter part appearances. Federer said. suspensions. will also be banned from entering conspire once again against him? of the season after undergoing The 32-year-old then suffered The year also witnessed a series Troicki is serving a 12-month the stadium for any of his coun- Not really. He took a time-out, surgery on a long-standing back his earliest US Open exit for a of epic encounters. ban for failing to supply a blood try’s matches. headed off to North America, cap- problem in September. decade when Tommy Robredo, The pick was Djokovic’s five- sample on demand at the Monte The incident came after tured the Masters in Montreal But by then his work was done. who had lost all 10 previous hour win over Stanislas Wawrinka Carlo Masters in April when he Croatia’s World Cup qualifying and Cincinnati before claiming On an emotional July after- meetings with him, beat him in in the Australian Open fourth claimed he was too ill while Cilic play-off against Iceland in Zagreb his second US Open title with a noon, the 26-year-old brushed straight sets in the fourth round. round which was achieved 12-10 served a four-month suspension on November 19, which Croatia four-set win over Djokovic. aside an under-powered Djokovic But the Swiss star, who ended in the final set after the Swiss, after testing for banned stimulant won 2-0 to secure their place in By November, Nadal had to become the first British man to the season at six in the world, has one of 2013’s most improved play- nikethamide at the Munich Open Brazil. wrapped-up the year-ending win Wimbledon since Fred Perry no intention of quitting. ers, had raced to a 6-1, 5-2 lead. in May. AFP A FIFA statement said: “The committee took note that the player, together with the crowd, Women’s Rankings shouted a Croatian salute that was used during World War II by Wimbledon champion Murray Standings from the WTA Tour singles the fascist ‘Ustase’ movement. “As a consequence, the com- 1 Serena Williams(US) 13260 (points) mittee agreed that this salute was discriminatory and offended takes BBC award, sorry for voice 2 Victoria Azarenka(Belarus) 8046 the dignity of a group of persons concerning, inter alia, race, reli- 3 Li Na(China) 6045 gion or origin, in a clear breach LONDON: Andy Murray, the couldn’t have done it without you. of article 58 par. 1a) of the FIFA first British man in 77 years My team have been with me for a 4 Maria Sharapova(Russia) 5891 disciplinary code. to win Wimbledon, claimed long time and I also couldn’t have “After taking into account all the BBC Sports Personality of done it without them. 5 Agnieszka Radwanska(Poland) 5875 of the circumstances of the case, the Year award on Sunday and “And finally I’d like to thank and particularly given the grav- then apologised if he sounded all the public who voted, for giv- 6 Petra Kvitova(Czech Republic) 4775 ity of the incident, the committee bored. ing me so much support over the decided to suspend the player for Murray, 26, had defeated last couple of years. It has made 7 Sara Errani(Italy) 4435 10 official matches.” Novak Djokovic in straight sets a huge difference. I know some- The Dinamo Zagreb captain in July’s Wimbledon champion- times I’m not the easiest person 8 Jelena Jankovic(Serbia) 4170 has also been fined 30,000 Swiss ship match for his second career to support but I’ve had a lot of francs (24,562 euros) by FIFA. Grand Slam title. The Scot had pressure on me for a long time. 9 Angelique Kerber(Germany) 3965 Croatian prosecutors have won the US Open in 2012 as well I’m glad I managed to do it.” already fined Simunic 25,000 as the Olympic title. Murray took a 56 percent 10 Caroline Wozniacki(Denmark) 3520 kunas (3,200 euros, $4,400) for In Sunday’s awards, he beat share of the public vote with a inciting racial hatred, adding British and Irish Lions rugby total of 401,470. that the player was aware that union player Leigh Halfpenny Halfpenny claimed 65,913 votes the chant symbolised the official who finished second and horse- while McCoy receieved 57,854. Men’s Rankings salute of Croatia’s totalitarian racing jockey AP McCoy who was The British and Irish Lions regime. 1 Rafa Nadal(Spain) 13030 (points) third. Murray received the tro- carried off the Team of the Year Simunic said at the time he was phy from tennis legend Martina award while Warren Gatland was motivated solely by “love of my 2 Novak Djokovic(Serbia) 12260 Navratilova at his training base crowned Coach of the Year. people (Croatian) and homeland”. in Miami. Gatland guided the Lions to “The thought that anyone could 3 David Ferrer(Spain) 5800 “No matter how excited I try their record-breaking 41-16 win associate me with any form of to sound my voice always sounds in the third and final Test in hatred or violence terrifies me,” 4 Andy Murray(Britain) 5790 boring -- that’s just my voice, I’m Sydney. he said. sorry! I’m very excited right now! Four-time Formula One world “If anyone understood my cries 5 Juan Martin Del Potro(Argentina) 5255 Thank you very much everyone,” champion Sebastian Vettel Murray kisses the Wimbledon differently, or negatively, I hereby said an emotional Murray. was named Overseas Sports trophy after defeating Djokovic want to deny they contained any 6 Roger Federer(Switzerland) 4205 “Thanks to Martina Personality of the Year. in the final at the All England political context. Navratilova for giving this to me. To mark the programme’s 60th Lawn Tennis Club, in London, “They were guided exclu- 7 Tomas Berdych(Czech Republic) 4180 She’s possibly the greatest tennis year, Bobby Charlton presented Britain in this July 2013 file sively by my love for my people player of all time. a special Diamond Achievement photo. On Sunday, Murray was and homeland, not hatred and 8 Stanislas Wawrinka(Switzerland) 3730 “I’ve got a few people to thank award to Alex Ferguson, who named BBC Sports Personality destruction.” - my family first. They’ve sup- called time on his 26 years as Simunic was born to of the Year for 2013. 9 Richard Gasquet(France) 3300 ported me since I was a kid, mak- Manchester United manager this Croatian immigrant par- ing a lot of sacrifices for me. I year. AFP 10 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga(France) 3065 ents in the Australian capital Canberra. AFP TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2013 28 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

India busts 467 NFL: Seahawks drug cheats since 2009

NEW DELHI: Some 467 Indian sportsmen and women shut out Giants have been prosecuted for fail- ing drugs tests since 2009, with track and field athletes and Saints fall to Rams; Cardinals win weightlifters leading the pack, according to the country’s anti- doping agency. EAST RUTHERFORD, Eddie Lacy’s one-yard touch- The National Anti-Doping United States: Seattle embar- NFL Results down plunge with 1:31 to play Agency (NADA) posted the list rassed the New York Giants Seattle 23 NY Giants 0 completed the Packers’ epic on its website which showed that 23-0 yesterday in a perform- Chicago 38 Cleveland 31 comeback, achieved with starting 110 athletes and 85 weightlifters ance the Seahawks hope was Indianapolis 25 Houston 3 quarterback Aaron Rodgers still have been slapped with sanctions a sign of things to come in the Buffalo 27 Jacksonville 20 sidelined by a broken collarbone. over the past five years. Super Bowl at the same MetLife Miami 24 New England 20 With backup Matt Flynn Kabaddi, body-building, power- Stadium. Minnesota 48 Philadelphia 30 guiding the offense, the Packers lifting, wrestling, boxing and judo The play-off-bound Seahawks scored touchdowns on their first were some of the other sports Atlanta 27 Washington 26 intercepted Giants quarterback five possessions of the second half. that thew up drug cheats, the list Eli Manning five times and took San Francisco 33 Tampa Bay 14 Cowboys quarterback Tony indicated. another step toward securing the Kansas City 56 Oakland 31 Romo, meanwhile, threw inter- Indian Sports Minister Jitendra National Conference post-season Carolina 30 NY Jets 20 ceptions on Dallas’ last two Singh told parliament in August top seed. Green Bay 37 Dallas 36 possessions. that the government had a zero Richard Sherman and Byron St Louis 27 New Orleans 16 The Cowboys remained a game tolerance policy towards drugs in Maxwell had two interceptions behind NFC East division lead- sports and several workshops and Arizona 37 Tennessee 34 apiece and the Seahawks lim- ers Philadelphia, who fell 48-30 educational programmes were ited the Giants to 181 total yards Pittsburgh 30 Cincinnati 20 to Minnesota. conducted to raise awareness of in what New York coach Tom season. The Kansas City Chiefs locked the issue. Coughlin called “a pathetic offen- Marshawn Lynch added 120 up their playoff spot with a 56-31 Pittsburgh Steelers’ strong safety Troy Polamalu (43) breaks up a pass The most recent high-profile sive performance”. yards from scrimmage and a victory over Oakland. meant for Cincinnati Bengals’ wide receiver AJ Green (18) in the fourth cases of doping in Indian sports “It felt great to us,” Seahawks touchdown for the Seahawks, who Jamaal Charles racked up 195 quarter of their NFL match at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, yesterday. involved six female athletes, safety Earl Thomas said. “The went into the contest one game in receiving yards and five total including Ashwini Akkunji, who biggest thing is how much fun we front of New Orleans in the race touchdowns in a record-setting won gold medals in the 400m hur- had. Guys were out there playing for home field advantage. performance for the Chiefs. 24-20 upset of the New England Miami moved a half-game dles and the 4x400m relay at the free like it was backyard football.” The Saints stumbled yester- Four of Charles’ eight catches Patriots. Michael Thomas twice ahead of reigning Super Bowl 2010 Asian Games. It was the first time in 18 years day in a 27-16 loss to the St Louis were for touchdowns and he ran thwarted the Patriots’ bid for a champions Baltimore in the bat- Akkunji, along with team that the Giants were shut out at Rams. for another TD. He’s the first fourth successive come-from- tle for the sixth playoff spot. The mates Mandeep Kaur, Sini Jose, home. The Green Bay Packers kept player in NFL history to post behind victory. Ravens play at Detroit today. Jauna Murmu, Tiana Mary and The venue took on even more their play-off hopes alive as they four touchdown receptions and The Miami defender broke up New England missed a chance Priyanka Panwar, tested posi- significance since it is where matched the biggest comeback in one running TD in a game. a would-be touchdown catch then to clinch the AFC East crown tive for banned steroids such as the Super Bowl will be held on club history in erasing a 23-point The Miami Dolphins boosted intercepted Patriots quarterback and opened the door for Denver stanozolol and methandienone in February 2, in what promises to halftime deficit to edge Dallas their bid for an American Tom Brady in the end zone with to claim the top seed in the con- June, 2011. be a chilling climax to the NFL 37-36. Conference wild card spot with a two seconds to play. ference. AFP The women, who were banned for two years, blamed contami- nated food supplements supplied by their former Ukrainian coach Yuri Ogorodnik for the positive results. AFP English big guns eye League Cup last four NHL Results LONDON: Improbably kept United returned to winning team-mates to put their poor his first spell as Chelsea manager it’s great.” Manchester City illus- Washington 5 Philadelphia 4 apart in the League Cup quarter- ways in the Premier League after early-season form behind them. in 2005. He has confirmed that trated their title credentials by final draw, Manchester United, consecutive home defeats by win- “I think I played quite well and he will rest club captain John overwhelming Arsenal 6-3 at the Tampa Bay 3 Detroit 0 Manchester City, Chelsea and ning 3-0 at Aston Villa on Sunday kept the ball and kept us ticking Terry for the trip to Sunderland, Etihad Stadium on Saturday and Florida 2 Montreal 1 Tottenham Hotspur will have and manager David Moyes knows at a high tempo,” the England while Ashley Cole is expected in Leicester they face the only eyes on the last four when the success in the League Cup would midfielder told Sky Sports. to return to the side in place of non-Premier League side left in NY Rangers 4 Calgary 3 tournament resumes this week. buy him breathing space after a “I want to kick on from here Cesar Azpilicueta. the competition. Chicago 3 Los Angeles 1 City visit Leicester City and difficult start to his Old Trafford now and so does the team. “It’s great to be in the posi- Fernandinho, who scored his Chelsea travel to Sunderland tenure. Hopefully this is the start of a tion we’re in,” said goalkeeper first two City goals since signing Anaheim 3 Edmonton 2 today, with United away at Stoke United beat Stoke 3-2 when good run.” Petr Cech, whose side won 2-0 at from Shakhtar Donetsk against City and Tottenham hosting the sides met in October and they Chelsea laboured during their Arsenal in the fourth round. Arsenal, says that confidence at NBA Results London rivals West Ham United have won four and drawn one of 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on “We topped the group in the the club is now sky-high. Sacramento 106 Houston 91 the following day. their five games at the Britannia Saturday, but the victory means Champions League, we’re two “We showed we are a great Minnesota 101 Memphis 93 It has raised the prospect of Stadium since the Potters were that they can move to the top of points off the Premier League team, a very good team,” said the four of the country’s biggest sides promoted to the Premier League the table if they win at leaders leaders and we can be in the semi- Brazilian. Portland 111 Detroit 109 convening in the semi-finals next in 2008. Arsenal on December 23. final of a domestic cup if we win “We showed we can beat any Oklahoma City 101 Orlando 98 month, ahead of the season’s first Tom Cleverley scored his first The League Cup has particular on Tuesday. team. We showed very good foot- Denver 102 New Orleans 93 major final at Wembley Stadium goal for exactly a year at Villa significance for Jose Mourinho, as “All of this, and we know that ball. The performance was incred- Phoenix 106 Golden State 102 in March. Park and he has challenged his it was the first trophy he won in we haven’t reached our peak, so ible.” AFP

Rhythmic Gymnastics Arab Championship for women in Doha

Ali Al Hitmi (left) QGF president poses for a picture with the podium winners. BOTTOM: A gymnast in action. The champion- ship is being The podium winners at the Rhythmic Gymnastics held in two Arab Championship for women pose for a picture catogeries, with officials in Doha yesterday. The three-day cham- seniors and pionship hosted by Qatar Gymnastics Federation juniors. (QGF) began yesterday. PICTURES BY: WASFY

A gymnast shows some of her tricks during the Ball event at Rhythmic Gymnastics Arab Championship in Doha. The event will end on December 18. Besides hosts Qatar, Lebanon, Tunisia and Morocco are taking part in the championship. ABOVE: The offi- cials and guests watching the action of the Rhythmic Gymnastics Arab Championship for women. Officials of the Arab Gymnastics Federation and from the newly formed Sudan Gymnastics Federation are in Doha for the event. TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 29 Kuchar and English win Shootout China has ‘woken up’ with Nissan Cup win

NAPLES, United States: Matt the US PGA Tour’s 2013-14 season Kuchar and Harris English World Rankings resumes in Hawaii in January. combined to shoot 14-under- 1. (1) Tiger Woods (US) 11.69 Meanwhile, Chinese golf has par 58 yesterday for a record- 2. (2) Adam Scott (Australia) 9.60 finally woken up, said five-times setting victory in the Franklin Open Champion Peter Thomson 3. (3) Henrik Stenson (Sweden) 9.16 Templeton Shootout. after Team China pipped his Kuchar and English went into 4. (4) Justin Rose (Britain) 7.16 Asia-Pacific Select side to win yesterday’s final round of the 5. (5) Phil Mickelson (US) 7.06 the Dongfeng Nissan Cup for the unofficial event for two-man 6. (6) Rory McIlroy (Britain) 6.50 first time. teams with a four-stroke lead and 7. (7) Matt Kuchar (US) 6.15 Making light of cold and rainy finished on 34-under-par 182. weather, Team China overcame 8. (8) Steve Stricker (US) 5.72 Their 54-hole scored matched the Asia-Pacific Select side 12 Eid Ali Al Miraikhi (second right), General-Secretary of Qatar Karate Federation (QKF) addressing a press 9. (9) Zach Johnson (US) 5.45 the 34-under-par 182 tournament 1/2 - 11 1/2 in a contest that went conference at Al Bidda Tower in Doha yesterday. Assistant General-Secretary, Rashid Mubarak Al Hajri (right), record set in 1990 by Fred Couples 10. (19) Sergio Garcia (Spain) 5.31 down to the very last putt after Adel Ghanim Al Marzooqi (second left), Executive Manager at QKF, and Rashid Hilal, Technical Expert at QKF and Raymond Floyd when the the home side won Sunday’s sin- are also seen. PICTURE BY: KAMMUTTY VP event was staged at Sherwood led after Friday’s opening round. gles 7-5. Country Club in California. Kuchar and English took “I said last week that when It improved the low 54-hole charge in Saturday’s better-ball it comes to golf, China has been score since the event moved to format and never wavered in asleep for 40 years -- but they Tiburon Golf Club, which was a Sunday’s scramble. have certainly woken up now,” Arab Karate Championship kicks 33-under-par 183 by Brad Faxon In addition to their 12 birdies, said Thomson after the victory and Scott McCarron in 2001. the duo highlighted their round by the home side in the southern The seven-stroke margin of with an eagle at the par-five 17th. city of Shenzhen. off on December 21 in Doha victory also broke the tournament English split the fairway off the “I am very impressed with the record of six strokes set in 1989 tee and Kuchar landed the second progress they have made. They by David Duval and Fred Couples. shot within 10 feet of the pin, with are ready to take on anyone.” DOHA: Qatar will host the two- confirm their participation in a Team for men, besides Kumite “It was nice to come here and English converting the eagle putt. On Saturday they had taken day Arab Karate Championship day or two,” Al Miraikhi said. weight categories of -60kg, perform well,” said Kuchar. “We “Harris hit a great drive, only the foursomes 4-2 but gone down on December 21 and 22, it was The QKF official said they are -67kg, -75kg, -84kg and +84kg. In made a boatload of birdies. It was had 200 to the front, I think it 4 1/2 - 1 1/2 in Friday’s fourball announced here yesterday. looking forward to some TV cov- the women’s section, players will a fun three days for sure.” was 217 to the hole into a little encounters. Addressing a press conference erage for the event. compete in Kata Individual, Kata South Africa’s Retief Goosen bit of wind,” Kuchar said. “I had The OneAsia event pits 12 here, Eid Ali Al Miraikhi, General “We are in discussion with some Team, besides Kumite weight and teammate Freddie Jacobson a hybrid club that in those condi- Asia-Pacific players against a Secretary of Qatar Karate of the leading television chan- categories of -50kg, -55kg, -61kg, of Sweden shot 61 on Tiburon Golf tions needs to be hit well. I hit it China national team over three Federation (QKF) said around nels so that they can show some -68kg and +68kg. Club’s Gold Course to take second perfectly and knew that when I days of matchplay competition. ten countries have confirmed karate action on their channels. Teyseer Group and Seashore place on 27-under 189. hit it was going to turn out good, The visitors won the inaugural their participation in the tour- We are hopeful that the TV chan- Group are the two sponsors of the The english duo of Ian Poulter went to probably eight feet for 2011 tournament 12 1/2 - 11 1/2, nament but a couple of them are nels would reserve a small slot of championship, the organisers said. and Lee Westwood fired a 59 and eagle. and kept the title last year with likely to do so in the coming days. atleast recorded action, if not live In October this year, grabbed third at 26-under. “Again, it was another hole I a big 14 1/2 - 9 1/2 victory. “Besides hosts Qatar, the other action, in their programme,” said QKF hosted the Second Chris DiMarco and Billy didn’t have to putt. Harris poured Fellow members of Team China countries taking part in the cham- Miraikhi. Qatar International Karate Horschel placed fourth at another one right in the middle.” mobbed Su Dong after he sank a pionship are Saudi Arabia, Iraq, The championship will be held Championship in which around 24-under, one stroke ahead of English said he was looking nervous four-footer to halve the Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Lebanon, for both men and women cat- 170 players from 17 countries took last year’s champions Kenny forward to a short Christmas 18th and beat Scott Laycock by UAE, Yemen and Palestine. Two egories. The championship will part. Perry and Sean O’Hair, who had vacation with his family, before one. AGENCIES more countries are likely to be held in Kata Individual, Kata THE PENINSULA

Rugby: Gatland GCC Cyling Tour: Qatar Afif finishes third at fifth stage commits to DOHA: UAE riders Mansoor Al Tani and Tareq Obaid Murad Wales until overcame tough weather condi- tions to dominate the fifth stage of the GCC Cycling Tour in 2019 World Cup Doha yesterday. On a cold and windy day, the LONDON: New Zealander Emirati duo finished 1-2 at the Warren Gatland has extended end of the challenging 110km his contract as head coach of route. Wales until after the 2019 World Al Tani and Murad took Cup, the Welsh Rugby Union 2:53;32s and 2:53;33 to complete (WRU) announced yesterday. the route from Al Khor and Losail The 50-year-old former Ireland to the clinch top two places. and Wasps coach took up the post The local fans had something in 2007 and has since led Wales to to shout about as Qatar rider Six Nations Grand Slams in 2008 Hamad Afif finished with a time and 2012, as well as a semi-final of 2:53;44s to come third. place at the 2011 World Cup. Mohamed Al Murawwi grabbed Wales also triumphed at this the overall leader’s yellow jersey year’s Six Nations under interim and Ahmed Al Mansouri got hold head coach Rob Howley, while of the green one given for maxi- Gatland took charge of the British mum points to cap a spectacular and Irish Lions. day of cycling for the UAE. “I am proud and delighted to Compatriot Talal Sudain have been chosen by the Welsh brought more glory by clinch- The podium winners at the fifth stage of the GCC Cycling Tour celebrate in Doha yesterday. The sixth round of the tour will be of nine laps around Rugby Union to take charge of ing the white jersey for the best the Losail area today. The next two stages will take place in UAE and thereafter the riders will head to Oman for the concluding stages. Wales teams for the next two young rider. Rugby World Cup tournaments,” Qatar’s hope Afif got off to a Gatland said in a statement. good start but the UAE riders we will finish among the top two Afif is a talented rider and he was stage of the tour in Bahrain and overall team classification and are “I have chosen to stay in Wales caught up with him. teams.” very good in the fifth stage con- Ahmed Elbourdainy came second aiming to finish ahead of second- because of my confidence in the Afif was happy with the third Qatar’s coach Branko Fillip sidering the tough windy condi- in the second stage. Qatar failed placed Bahrain. However, it will players we have, the coaching place finish. said: “I am happy with my cyclists’ tions and more experienced UAE to finish at the podium in the next be tough to tackle Bahrain rid- structures we have developed and “It was a good day for us. After performance on the tour. We have riders as opponents.” two stages held in Saudi Arabia, ers during the next two stages in the succession plan of talent we winning a stage in Bahrain we are limited riders but it’s good to have Qatar’s Moosa won the individ- before heading to Doha. UAE,” Fillip added. now constantly update.” again at the podium. Hopefully third podium finish in five stages. ual time trial stage, the opening “We are at third spot in the THE PENINSULA Gatland oversaw the Lions’ successful tour of Australia ear- lier this year, which was their first series win in Australia for Qatar Volleyball Association League: Second successive win for Al Arabi 16 years. He was named UK Coach of the Year at the 2013 UK Coaching Awards and on Sunday won the award for Coach of the Year at the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards. “I know the other major rugby nations take us seriously as opponents who can play excel- lent rugby and that inspires me to take this group of players even further,” Gatland said. “There is an incredible amount of hard work ahead but, with the backing of the Welsh Rugby Union, the national squad now has the means to deliver what the Welsh public want.” He added: “I want to personally thank the WRU and the Welsh rugby public for the fantastic sup- port the national squad enjoys and I aim to return the compli- ment by devoting all my profes- Action from the Qatar Volleyball Asssociation League match between Al Arabi and Al Sadd at Al Arabi Indoor Stadium in Doha yesterday. Al Arabi won 3-1 to register their successive win sional energy to the success of our in the league. In the other match, Al Walra edged past Al Shammal 3-2. In another match, Al Ahli defeated Al Gharafa 3-1. PICTURES BY: MOHAMMED FARAJ national team in the years ahead.” AFP TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2013 30 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Man City to face Barca Al Sadd’s Ibrahim Khalfan (right) vies for the ball during his side’s Qatar Stars League in Champions League (QSL) match against Al Kharaitiyat at Al Sadd Stadium in Arsenal meet holders Bayern; Real drawn with Schalke Doha yesterday.

PARIS: Spanish giants Barcelona were handed the toughest possible draw yester- day when they were paired with Manchester City in the plum tie of the last-16 of the Champions League. Champions Bayern Munich QSL: Al Sadd were also given a hard draw as they plucked Arsenal for the sec- ond year in a row at this stage. For the English pair, who both finished second in their groups, drop points; it was yet again a harsh lesson in the importance of winning the group. Manchester United and Lekhwiya win Chelsea, both group winners, were given far more favourable draws against Olympiakos and DOHA: A controversial equal- Galatasaray respectively. iser by Al Kharaitiyat’s Waleed QSL Standings In fairness to Arsenal and City, Jassim prevented Al Sadd from P W D L F A Pts they did have the toughest possi- grabbing all three points in Al Sadd 13 7 4 2 28 14 25 ble groups facing one each of last the Qatar Stars League (QSL), season’s finalists. yesterday. Lekhwiya 13 7 3 3 26 15 24 City came within a single goal Tahir Zakariya Muhammad Eljaish 13 7 3 3 16 11 24 of pipping Bayern to top spot in gave the defending champi- their group when a 3-2 win in ons the lead just after the hour Al Ahli 13 6 3 4 23 20 21 Munich was one goal short of mark. Twenty minutes later, the Al Sailiyah 13 5 4 4 25 23 19 what they needed to overhaul the referee awarded a penalty after Qatar SC 13 5 4 4 16 18 19 Bavarians. Champions League’s final ambassador Portugal’s Luis Figo holds up the name of Borussia Dortmund during Mohammed Kasola was harshly Al Gharafa 13 4 6 3 22 17 18 Barcelona coach Gerardo the draw for the last-16 of the UEFA Champions League at the UEFA Headquarters in Nyon, yesterday. penalised for a foul despite win- Martino said neither side would ning the ball. Al Arabi 13 5 3 5 18 14 18 be delighted with the draw. Al Sadd now have a one point “City will not have wanted to “The last game we played in in recent years having been “We’re returning to Spain to lead after two-time champions Al Wakra 13 3 6 4 17 19 15 play against Barceona either,” he Munich, winning against the paired with AC Milan in 2012 and face a team we’re not used to play- Lekhwiya registered their third Al Khor 13 2 9 2 12 15 15 said. “What we need to concen- champions of Europe has given us Barcelona in 2011. ing, as opposed to Real Madrid or victory in a row courtesy of a 4-2 Al Kharaitiyat 13 3 5 5 16 16 14 trate on is being in good shape a lot of confidence. We have shown In 2010, having beaten Porto in Barcelona who we know very well. win over Qatar SC. The result when February comes around. we can score in all matches.” the last-16, they drew Barcelona “Atletico are a very dangerous moves Eric Gerets’ side up to Al Rayyan 13 3 3 7 15 25 12 We need to have a high level and Arsenal were within a couple in the quarter-finals. team going forward but it could second spot. Muaither 13 3 2 8 15 31 11 sustain it. of minutes of winning their group Olympiakos coach Michel did have been a worse draw for us, Elsewhere, Umm Salal beat Al “They are scoring goals with despite losing 2-0 at Napoli on not sound confident of causing an that’s for sure. Arabi 1-0. THE PENINSULA Umm Salal 13 1 5 7 13 24 8 ease so we are not going to dis- the final match-day but Borussia upset against United. “Atletico are currently playing cover them now. We want to play Dortmund’s late winner in “We like the idea of going to very well, they’re having a great QSL Results well in the tie and obviously win Marseille allowed them to snatch play at Old Trafford, it is a nice season and are a very tricky team it.” top spot there. destination for our fans,” he said. to play against.” Yesterday Despite drawing the 2009 and Last season Arsenal drew “Manchester United is a major Leverkusen sports direc- Al Arabi 0 Umm Salal 1 2011 champions, City director of Bayern in the last-16 and seemed club. We are talking about a huge tor Rudi Voeller admitted they Al Sadd 1 Al Kharaitiyat 1 football Txiki Begiristain said he to be as good as out when they lost football organisation. They will be will be up against it against was delighted. the first leg 3-1 at the Emirates. two tough matches.” PSG. Lekhwiya 4 Qatar SC 2 “It’s very tough, but we are But they came within a whisker French giants Paris Saint- “We need to perform better Played Sunday happy because we are here and of making the quarter-finals when Germain pulled Bayer Leverkusen than we did against Manchester we will fight for the trophy,” he taking the second leg 2-0 at the while AC Milan will face Atletico United (a 5-0 home group stage Al Khor 1 Eljaish 0 told Sky Sports. Allianz Arena, going out only on Madrid. defeat) but I’m convinced we’re Al Sailiyah 2 Al Ahli 5 “It’s a wonderful draw and away goals. Milan’s sporting director capable,” he said. Al Rayyan 0 Muaither 3 these are two big teams so it’s Arsenal have rarely had much Umberto Gandini was cautiously Last year’s semi-finalists Real going to be great, great matches. luck in the knockout stage draws optimistic. will play Schalke 04. AFP Al Gharafa 2 Al Wakra 1 Last-16 draw Tottenham Hotspur PSG-Real PARIS: The draw for the Champions League Your TV guide for last 16 made yesterday: tickets now Manchester City (ENG) vs Barcelona (ESP) live matches today sack coach Villas-Boas Olympiakos (GRE) vs available at LONDON: Andre Villas-Boas of the Premier League era last Manchester United (ENG) Event Competition Time Channel (pictured) has been sacked as season (72), they missed out on a shopping malls AC Milan (ITA) vs Atletico Madrid (ESP) manager of Tottenham Hotspur Champions League place to arch- Elche vs Villareal Copa del Rey 21:30 HD2 after 17 months in the role, the rivals Arsenal. DOHA: Paris Saint-Germain Bayer Leverkusen (GER) vs Paris Saint- English Premier League club Speaking after the drubbing by will take on Real Madrid Germain (FRA) Osasuna vs Málaga Copa del Rey 22:00 +4 announced yesterday. Liverpool, Villas-Boas had vowed in an eagerly anticipated Galatasaray (TUR) vs Chelsea (ENG) The news arrived a day after that he would not walk away from friendly match at Khalifa Levante vs Recreativo Copa del Rey 22:00 +2 Spurs were thrashed the club. International Stadium on Schalke 04 (GER) vs Real Madrid (ESP) Getafe vs Girona Copa del Rey 22:00 +1 5-0 by Liverpool at “The call to make January 2, 2014. Zenit St Petersburg (RUS) vs Borussia White Hart Lane, that decision is not Tickets for the game, which Dortmund (GER) Guangzhou vs Bayern Munich FIFA Club World Cup 22:30 HD4 which left the north mine because obvi- kicks off at 5.45pm are already London club five points ously I won’t resign on sale on the Qatar Football Arsenal (ENG) vs Bayern Munich (GER) Sunderland vs Chelsea English League Cup 22:30 HD6 below the Champions and I’m not a quitter,” Association website: www.qfa. League places in sev- he said. com.qa (First legs on February 18-19 or February Nantes vs Auxerre French Cup 22:45 HD5 25-26; returns legs on March 11-12 or enth in the Premier “The only thing I There are three categories League table. can do is work hard of ticket available - QR100, QR March 18-19) Leicester vs Man City English League Cup 22:45 .TV “The club can with the players to 150 and VIP QR 300. announce that agree- get them back on Tickets are now available ment has been reached track. This is a top- at the Ooredoo store at City Robson visits Aspire Academy Striker Aguero with head coach, four squad but in our Center and Villaggio Mall and Andre Villas-Boas, for Premier League form Ooredoo HQ2 (near departure ruled out for the termination of his we are not there.” airport). The ticket booth services,” read a state- While Spurs have operating times are: one month ment on the Tottenham website. misfired in the league, they Ooredoo City Center – “The decision was by mutual qualified for the last-32 in the Saturday to Thursday, 9:30am consent and in the interests of Europa League after winning to 10.00pm LONDON: Manchester City’s all parties. We wish Andre well all six of their group games and Ooredoo Villaggio Mall – Premier League title chal- for the future. We shall make a were paired with Ukrainian side Saturday to Thursday, 9.30am lenge was dealt a setback yes- further announcement in due Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk in yester- to 10.00pm terday when manager Manuel course.” day’s draw. Ooredoo HQ2 - Sunday to Pellegrini announced that Sergio Villas-Boas, 36, had also They are also due to play West Thursday, 8.00am to 8.00pm Aguero will be out for “at least seen his side demolished 6-0 at Ham United in the quarter-finals THE PENINSULA one month” through injury. Manchester City last month, of the League Cup tomorrow. The 25-year-old Argentina despite Spurs having invested Villas-Boas becomes the fifth striker has been in stunning form around £105m ($171m, €124m Premier League manager to lose of late, scoring 12 goals in his last euros) on new players during the his job this season. 11 games to take the 2012 cham- close season. Paolo Di Canio was the first to pions to within three points of That expenditure was, how- go at Sunderland, followed by Ian league leaders Arsenal. ever, offset by the sale of Gareth Holloway at Crystal Palace and However, after opening the Bale to Real Madrid, but Spurs Martin Jol at Fulham, while West scoring in Saturday’s 6-3 vic- have scored just 15 goals in their Bromwich Albion parted company tory over Arsenal at the Etihad 16 league games this season since with Steve Clarke on Saturday. Stadium, he had to come off in the the Welshman left the club. Russia manager Fabio Capello, Former England star and current Global Ambassador for Manchester 49th minute with a calf problem. Villas-Boas’s dismissal repre- the former England head coach, United, Bryan Robson is seen during his visit at Aspire Academy in “I think he will be at least one sents his second consecutive fail- was swiftly installed as the British Doha. The former Thailand national manager was given a tour by Markus month out,” Pellegrini told a press ure at a London side as he was bookmakers’ favourite. Eager, Director of Strategic Projects at Aspire Academy and Stephen conference, ahead of City’s League sacked by Chelsea in March 2012 The agent of Guus Hiddink Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa Bourke, Manager of Quality Management. The former Manchester Cup quarter-final tie at second- after only nine months at the ruled the Dutchman out of the celebrates after scoring against United and Middlesbrough player was surprised by what he saw of tier Leicester City today. Stamford Bridge helm. running as he is due to become Valencia at Vicente Calderon the fantastic facilities on offer. Robson represented England 90 times, “He has a calf injury. Maybe the He joined Spurs the follow- coach of the Netherlands for a Stadium in Madrid on Sunday. scoring 26 goals between 1980 and 1991. doctor can say exactly how many ing July but despite leading the second time after next year’s Atletico won 3-0 weeks he will be.” AFP club to their highest points tally World Cup. AFP LATEST NEWS UPDATES FROM PHILIPPINPHILIPPINES

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FOR ADVERTISEMENTS CONTACT: TEL: 4465 0600 EMAIL: [email protected] PCB seeks PM’s help on Australia close in on Ashes cricket revival The hosts only need five more wickets to regain the famous urn in Pakistan

PERTH, Australia: Rookie were away, but were extremely KARACHI: Pakistan’s cricket Ben Stokes kept England’s faint confident with the new ball just chief has sought the help of hopes alive with his maiden 13 overs away. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as Test half-century as the visitors “This is a special moment for he tries to revive international fought to save the Ashes series everyone in the Australian team, cricket in the troubled coun- against a rampant Australia to be in the position that we are,” try after a hiatus of nearly four yesterday. he said. years. Set an improbable 504 to win, “But we know that the English Pakistan has not hosted any England were 251 for five at are always going to fight until the international cricket since a stumps on day four, still 252 runs end.” deadly militant attack on the Sri behind with just five wickets in Most of the lingering optimism Lankan team bus in March 2009 hand on a heavily cracked Perth for England dried up after tea, in Lahore, which prompted for- pitch. when Kevin Pietersen again fell eign teams to boycott tours to the Stokes, playing in just his sec- to a rash shot and then Bell was troubled country. ond Test, was providing resist- given out on a successful decision Pakistan twice tried to arrange ance on 72, with wicketkeeper review by the home side. limited-overs series against Matt Prior on seven and all of After a catastrophic day for Bangladesh last year, but on both England’s top order back in the the tourists on Sunday, when occasions the tour did not come pavilion. they conceded a big lead to the off because of security fears. Australia will be heavily Australians, things only got worse The Pakistan Cricket Board’s favoured to mop up England’s on day four. interim chairman Najam Sethi tail on the final day and regain Watson and George Bailey said he has sought Sharif’s the famous Ashes urn for the humiliated the England attack help. first time since 2007 after their before Australia declared on 369 “We have requested the prime big wins in Brisbane and Adelaide. for six, making England the first minister to help us in this regard But senior England batsman team to be set a target of more and we are going to meet him Ian Bell said all hope was not yet than 500 in three successive Tests. very soon,” Sethi told reporters lost. England’s chase got off to a late Sunday. “We are still hanging in there, disastrous start when captain With no team willing to tour that is the important thing,” Bell Alastair Cook fell for a golden the country, Pakistan have said. duck, the first of his 100-Test Australian bowler Shane Watson (centre) celebrates with team-mates after dismissing England batsman Michael been forced to play their home “We need to take tomorrow as career, from the first ball of their Carberry on the fourth day of the third Ashes cricket Test match in Perth, yesterday. series at neutral venues in the deep as we can and keep playing second innings. United Arab Emirates and some shots. Cook, clean-bowled by a beauty England. “The two guys that are out from Ryan Harris, also became spinner Nathan Lyon and tried Scoreboard “We have been endeavouring there now need to bat until lunch the first player to suffer the igno- to loft him down the ground for to host matches, we want our and we need to keep fighting.” miny of a first-ball duck in their six, as he had done in the previ- Australia (I innings) ...... 385 14-3-53-2, Stokes 18-1-82-2, Swann 27-8- grounds to be full of fans and we Bell conceded Australia had centenary match. ous over. England (I innings) ...... 251 92-1, Root 9-1-24-0. want our fans to cheer the teams, outplayed England in all facets Fellow opener Michael Instead, he got under the ball Australia (II innings) England (II innings) so meeting the PM will help,” said on the game so far in the series. Carberry again looked solid, but and hit it high to long-off, where Chris Rogers c Carberry b Bresnan ...... 54 Alastair Cook b Harris ...... 0 Sethi, who took over in July this “We are hugely disappointed was trapped lbw by Shane Watson Harris remained composed and David Warner c Stokes b Swann ...... 112 Michael Carberry lbw Watson ...... 31 year. and we haven’t shown anyone for 31, while Joe Root defended took a safe catch. Shane Watson run out (Bresnan) ...... 103 Joe Root c Haddin b Johnson ...... 19 The opposition Pakistan the kind of cricket that we can grimly for 125 minutes before Bell and Stokes set about trying Michael Clarke b Stokes ...... 23 Kevin Pietersen c Harris b Lyon ...... 45 People’s Party last week submit- potentially play,” he said. being caught behind off Mitchell to rescue the cause, putting on 99 Steve Smith c sub (Bairstow) b Stokes ...... 15 Ian Bell c Haddin b Siddle ...... 60 ted a parliamentary motion call- “Hats off to Australia, they Johnson for 19. for the fifth wicket before Bell, on George Bailey (not out) ...... 39 Ben Stokes (batting) ...... 72 ing for the revival of cricket in have batted better than us, Root called for a review but it 60, was adjudged caught behind Brad Haddin c Swann b Bresnan ...... 5 Matt Prior (batting) ...... 7 the country, and urged the ruling they’ve caught better than us and showed a clear edge through to on the evidence of the “snickom- Mitchell Johnson (not out) ...... 0 Extras (B1, LB11, W5) ...... 17 Pakistan Muslim League-N to act they have bowled better than us.” wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who eter” audio technology. Extras (B8, LB5, W5) ...... 18 Total (5 wickets, 67 overs) ...... 251 swiftly. All-rounder Shane Watson, took a fine diving catch. Umpire Marais Erasmus ini- Total (6 wickets Decl.) ...... 369 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-62, 3-76, 4-121, 5-220. Sethi welcomed the motion. who thrashed his fourth Test Pietersen looked in good touch tially turned down the appeal, but Fall of wickets: 1-157, 2-183, 3-223, 4-301, Bowling: Harris 10-1-51-1, Johnson 15-3- “It’s a welcome sign and it will century earlier in the day, said in cruising to 45, but yet again Australia’s decision to risk its sec- 5-331, 6-340. 52-1 (5w), Lyon 15-2-49-1, Siddle 18-6-56-1, help,” said Sethi, who also urged the Australians were trying not fell victim to a rush of blood as ond decision review paid off when Bowling: Anderson 19-5-105-0 (5w), Bresnan Watson 9-1-31-1. a clean-up of the domestic cricket to think how close the Ashes he advanced down the wicket to “snicko” revealed an edge. AFP structure. AFP Boycott India begin life without Pakistan strive to berates keep momentum ‘selfish’ Tendulkar against South Africa JOHANNESBURG: India begin life with- matches. Instead, Tendulkar is now likely to be out the “Little Master” tomorrow, taking on missed even more, given the masterly way he pre- against Sri Lanka Pietersen top ranked South Africa in the first of a two- viously dealt with the South African conditions, in Test series in their first contest since Sachin sharp contrast to India’s batting capitulation over SHARJAH, United Arab well.” Pakistan will be without LONDON: Outspoken former Tendulkar’s retirement. the last weeks. Emirates: In-form Pakistan are lanky paceman Mohammad Irfan England batsman Geoff Boycott After nearly a quarter of a century of cricket, “They (the Indian team) have always had issues seeking to build on their recent -- who stands seven feet one inch (pictured) described Kevin Tendulkar retired last month with more than playing pace in South Africa,” South Africa coach thrilling one-day triumph in (2.15 metres) tall -- after the Pietersen as “selfish” after 34,000 international runs against his name to go Russell Domingo said. South Africa when they take on bowler fractured his hip bone he again conceded his wicket with a slew of batting records. “We wanted to put doubts in their mind in terms dangerous but rusty during the Twenty20 cheaply as the tourists slumped The absence of international cricket’s most pro- of the way they play pace,” he said of his team’s Sri Lanka in a five- series against South towards defeat lific batsman, whose retirement last month pro- aggressive bowling in the ODI series. match series starting Africa last month and in the Ashes voked an emotional farewell in India, is just one South Africa hope to extend the same domina- in the United Arab was ruled out of the yesterday. of several concerns for captain Mahendra Singh tion in the much anticipated Test series, contro- Emirates tomorrow. series. With Dhoni ahead of the series opener at the Wanderers versially curtailed to just two matches following a Pakistan last month Sri Lanka will England chas- in Johannesburg. spat between the controlling bodies of world’s top sealed their first-ever be missing former ing an improb- The speed, bounce and swing of South Africa’s two test nations. ODI series win against captain Mahela able target of all-pace attack saw India’s batsmen struggle while In Tendulkar’s absence, the likes of Rohit the Proteas, beating Jayawardene and 504 to avoid there was also a hammering for their bowlers in Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli will them 2-1 just weeks left-arm spinner defeat in the three one-day internationals between the two sides carry Indian hopes of dealing with an expected after a 4-1 drubbing Rangana Herath, who third Test in over the last fortnight. barrage of hostile bowling on pitches vastly differ- against the same both opted out of the Perth, Pietersen put on a brisk 45 Having won the first two one-dayers and domi- ent from those they usually play on. opposition in the UAE. one-dayers. before holing out to Ryan Harris nated the third as well before the match was “It’s not Mumbai where the ball doesn’t get Skipper Misbah-ul Sri Lanka have on the long-on boundary off the washed out, South Africa will have a massive psy- higher than the stumps. It’s going to be hard (for Haq, whose side lie been frustrated by a bowling of Nathan Lyon. chological edge going into the test series but it was them) to play here,” South African strike bowler sixth in the one-day lack of match prac- Misbah-ul Huq England finished the fourth day supposed to have been the other way round. Dale Steyn warned at a media conference. rankings, two places tice after their drawn on 251-5, leaving Australia just Before arriving in South Africa, Dhoni said play- “He was a big player for them and a calming lower than Sri Lanka, three-match ODI five wickets short of an unassail- ing without Tendulkar would be a challenge but the influence in the dressing room. It will be great hopes they can build on their con- series against New Zealand last able 3-0 series lead, and Boycott one-day series was an opportunity for the team not having to get Sachin Tendulkar out,” added fidence-building suc- month was disrupted once again pointed the finger at to settle and gain confidence ahead of the Test Domingo. REUTERS cess, saying his players by rain. Pietersen. thrive under pressure. “We’ve done as “You could see it coming with “We have good con- much as we can to Kevin Pietersen,” the 73-year-old fidence before another make sure we are Yorkshireman, a regular critic of Broad cleared Windies spinner Shillingford tough series and we sharp and ready but the South Africa-born batsman, hope to carry the nothing’s quite the told BBC radio. of broken foot momentum we gained same as being match- “Brad Haddin turned to suspended for illegal action in South Africa,” said tight and match- (Michael) Clarke to say some- PERTH, Australia: England Misbah. sharp,” said coach thing, and they brought long- fast bowler Stuart Broad was DUBAI: West Indies spinner Shane Shillingford has been sus- “It is the Pakistan Graham Ford. on up to mid-on. Pietersen took yesterday cleared of a broken pended from bowling in international cricket after his delivery team’s quality that “They have got an the bait and got away with it; a right foot and is set to bat in action was found illegal, the game’s global governing body said they produce better advantage from that mis-hit for three. His brain was the ongoing third Ashes Test, yesterday. results when they point of view and scrambled. officials said. Shillingford’s team-mate and part-time off-spinner Marlon Samuels’ are under pressure. they have got some “He won’t play in a careful, There were fears Broad’s bowling action while sending down his quicker deliveries has also We were under pres- fantastically talented controlled manner. It’s as selfish Ashes series could be over been found illegal, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a sure before the South Graham Ford cricketers,” Ford as you can get. You wonder what after he was struck a stinging blow statement. Africa tour and when added. (head coach) Andy Flower and on by Australian paceman Mitchell Shillingford and Samuels, who have previously been suspended for the confidence is bet- The Twenty20 (batting coach) Graham Gooch Johnson on Sunday, the third suspect actions, were reported during the Mumbai Test against India ter we play well,” he added. series between the sides finished are saying to him. Are they strong day of the match in Perth. last month and the duo visited Perth for a bio-mechanical analysis of But Misbah warned his side all square at 1-1. enough to say something to him?” Initial X-rays were incon- their bowling actions. against complacency. The remaining ODIs will be Pietersen, 33, has performed clusive, but further scans “The analysis revealed that for both his (Shillingford) standard “We must not relax,” he said. played in Dubai (December 20), fitfully in Australia, with a sec- cleared him of serious injury, off-break delivery and his doosra, the amount of elbow extension in “Complacency comes when you Sharjah (December 22) and Abu ond-innings 53 in the second Test although he will be unable to his bowling action exceeded the 15 degrees’ level of tolerance permit- beat a bigger opponent so we Dhabi (December 25 and 27). in Adelaide his highest score in bowl for the remainder of the ted,” the ICC said of the 30-year-old who has taken 65 wickets from must guard against that because The one-day series will be fol- the series to date. AFP Test. AFP 14 Tests. REUTERS Sri Lanka know these conditions lowed by three Tests. AFP