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Sunday 26 October 2014 • 2 Muharram 1436 • Volume 19 Number 6230 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780

AFC champions Aljazeera Forum Ecuador offers for Film Festivals launched DOHA: The Aljazeera Documentary Festival being Qatar help in held at Ritz-Carlton hotel saw the launch of Aljazeera Forum for Film Festivals, a first of its kind initiative globally. The Aljazeera Festival Director, food security Abbas Arnaout said this initia- tive represented a big step into the world of documentary films. Ties to be bolstered in various areas This new body will enhance the exchange of expertise, foster the BY JABER AL HARAMI Middle East. We didn’t have an documentary film culture, and embassy in the Middle East. Now encourage innovative people and DOHA: Qatar and Ecuador are we have an embassy in Qatar and producers. Arnaout was elected passing through the best phase Qatar has an embassy in Quito.” an executive director to the forum of their relationship, which goes He said the relations between the first meeting of which will be beyond mutual interests and Qatar and Ecuador surpassed held in Doha. An internal charter is based on shared values and economic interests. will be created defining the duties principles like supporting the “Our relations are not focus- and the conditions of joining and Palestinian cause, president of ing only on the economic aspect membership. Membership shall Ecuador Rafael Correa Delgado but extend to culture, science be open to all types of film fes- has said. and other areas. We know trade tivals worldwide. The forum will Delgado said both the coun- and investment are very impor- Members of Qatar’s Under-19 national team, which won the AFC U-19 Championship in Myanmar, wave also provide moral support to all tries have agreed to strengthen tant. Ecuador is producing large from the team bus at Hamad International Airport yesterday. The jubilant team was received at the airport by new directors and producers. cooperation in trade, tourism, amount of food and we have the excited fans and senior sports officials. (SALIM MATRAMKOT) THE PENINSULA petrochemicals, mining, food, ability to provide our surplus See also page 28 education, among other sectors. food to other friendly countries. “My visit to Qatar is to show We may be able to help Qatar respect to the Arab world and the in achieving food security,” said Arab-Islamic culture. Last year Delgado. the Father Emir H H Sheikh On boosting relations in the Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani vis- education and tourism sectors, Four DFI-funded films in race for Oscars ited Ecuador and we were keen to the president said, eight stu- BY SACHIN KUMAR reciprocate,” Delgado said in an dents from Ecuador are studying ‘Invasion’ by Abner Benaim the world of cinema. This year, 83 voices from the Arab world,” interview with Al Sharq. in Qatar and this number can be is from Panama, ‘Timbuktu’ countries have submitted entries said Benkirane. “This remains a During his recent visit, he said, increased manifold in the years DOHA: This year’s Oscars directed by Abderrahmane in the foreign-language film cat- central principle to our funding agreements have been signed to come. He said there are more have a Qatar connection. Sissako, is Mauritanian and ‘Eyes egory. Of these, five nominees for decisions as well as our focus on between the two countries on opportunities for cooperation in Four films, which received of a Thief’ directed by Najwa the Oscars will be announced supporting local talent here in double taxation, tourism and sports, tourism and investment. Doha Film Institute’s (DFI) Najjar, is the official Palestinian on January 15, 2015. The winner Qatar and the Gulf and also our waiving visa requirements for The tourism sector in Ecuador financial support, are in race entry in the foreign-language film will be announced in the awards recent expansion to allow some holders of diplomatic and spe- has witnessed 15 percent growth for the top honours in cin- category. ceremony on February 22 at the other countries to participate cial passports. Asked how the which is three times higher than ema. The official submis- “These four films were sup- Dolby Theatre at Hollywood and which helps us to further extend two countries can play a positive the international growth rate. sions of Lebanon, Mauritania, ported through the Doha Film Highland Center in Hollywood, our international reach within the role on Middle Eastern and Latin “We have discussed with the Panama and Palestine for the Institute grants programme,” USA. film industry,” he added. American issues, Delgado said, Emir a proposal to set up joint 87th Academy Awards were Khalil Benkirane, Head of Grants, “The grants programme was The four entries is the highest “This is the best opportunity in companies for food exports and financially supported by the DFI, told The Peninsula. established in 2010 and since then, number of submissions in a year history. Ecuador was not known imports,” Delgado said. DFI in 2013. These films will face fierce com- more than 180 films have received for DFI. to the Middle East earlier and we THE PENINSULA ‘Ghadi’ directed by Amin Dora, petition for the Oscars, consid- funding. The original mission of THE PENINSULA didn’t know about GCC and the Continued on page 7 is the official Lebanese entry, ered the ultimate recognition in the programme was to support Continued on page 7 SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2014 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Qatar condemns Ministry criticised over camping sites Sinai explosions DOHA: The Foreign Ministry has expressed Qatar’s denun- Residents claim allocations not based on first-come first-serve basis despite announcement ciation and condemnation of two explosions in Sinai in which DOHA: The Ministry of it should be based on the princi- applications since the first day of Al Wakra, Umm Salal and Al Parachute games of fire or scores of Egyptian army per- Environment has been criti- ple of equal opportunities for all registrations on October 14 and Rayyan are receiving applications balloon burning and paraglid- sonnel were killed or injured. cised for not being transpar- citizens to enjoy the short stay at about 1,600 citizens had applied based on the availability of spaces ing are banned. It is mandatory In a statement, the minis- ent in the allocation of winter the sites they choose, not those and booked sites. and authorities are making efforts to remove tents within 48 hours try said both attacks aimed at camping sites to citizens. imposed on or simply allocated Specific sites like Sealine and to make registration smooth, with after the end of the season. undermining security and stabil- Residents have complained that to them. Al Khor — both with about 600 no congestions at the units. Campers are required to allow ity in Egypt, and described them the ministry had announced that Some citizens said sites should camps — received the largest The ministry’s new unit in Al inspectors access to camps and as contravening humanitarian sites would be distributed on the not be treated as private prop- number of applications and the Wakra is also helping reduce con- denial will lead to forfeiture of the principles and values. It reiter- first-come first-serve basis to erty where some citizens camped ministry had to stop registration gestion in Doha. licence. ated Qatar’s firm position reject- those who register first but even every year. for these and other places which The ministry is also receiving The ministry is deploying about ing violence in all its forms and citizens who showed up on the Citizens also called on the min- witnessed huge demand such as applications through its website. 200 inspectors to monitor sites manifestations. The ministry first day of registration found istry to double the sites on sea East Coast, Al Marouna and Al This year’s season has some and violators will be prosecuted. extended Qatar’s condolences to most of the good sites had been shores and land to cope with the Nouf. new rules to ensure safety of About 55 citizens were banned the bereaved families and wished taken or closed, Arabic daily Al growing demand from citizens Registration continues until campers and the environment. from camping this year after the injured speedy recovery. Raya reports. and residents. December 17. The camping season They include the start of building being black-listed for violations They called for a review of the A source from the ministry said is from October 28 until April 18. tents in 30 days after receiving last year, according to the minis- Qatar construction distribution mechanism and said it had received a large number of The ministry’s units in Doha, the licence. try. THE PENINSULA specifications forum opens today DOHA: Under the patronage of the Prime Minister and Interior WMDs workshop held for university students Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, the two-day Conference DOHA: To raise awareness among and Exhibition of Qatar university students about the dan- Construction Specifications gers associated with nuclear, biologi- (QSC 2014) opens today at Qatar cal, and chemical weapons, Georgetown National Convention Centre. University in Qatar (GU-Q) held the The fifth edition of these spec- fourth Weapons of Mass Destruction ifications will also be launched (WMD) Awareness Workshop, co-organ- with the participation of over ised with Qatar’s National Committee 500 experts and specialists from for the Prohibition of Weapons (NCPW). Qatar and abroad. They will be Participants were provided with infor- briefed on latest innovations and mation about the types of WMDs, the role technical engineering projects of NCPW as a representative body of Qatar to be presented by commercial in the field of the global WMD disarma- companies while topics relevant ment movement, and briefed on opportuni- to these areas will be discussed. ties to work with NCPW. QCS 2014 is the first step Brigadier (Air) Hassan Saleh Al Nesf towards ‘Qatar international said, “The workshop falls within the activi- specifications for construction ties of NCPW related to raising awareness 2017’ as an urgent need for the in the area of disarmament. This is based Participants in the workshop. community to maintain the health on the establishment of the resolution of and integrity of human beings and the committee, and within its cooperation Atlantic-Qatar, Qatar Community College, “Hosting this student-focused workshop reliance on WMDs.” their property. QSC 2014 is in framework with universities to raise risk and other Hamid Bin Khalifa University with NCPW creates an environment for Following presentations by NCPW and line with Qatar National Vision awareness of such weapons. partners in Education City took part. dialogue with experts on aspects of nuclear, GU-Q experts on conventions related to 2030 and the sustainable devel- “This reflects Qatar’s transparency and Dr Gerd Nonneman, Dean, GU-Q, said, biological, and chemical weapons that could nuclear, biological, and chemical weap- opment underway in all areas to policy regarding disarmament,” Brigadier “The university has long been at the fore- have major impact on Qatar, the region ons, as well as goals and achievements of achieve security and public safety Al Nesf said. front of the study of international affairs and the world. NCPW, students split into three groups to as part of the national strategy The workshop was held at the and global security - subjects that are cen- “We look forward to working with NCPW discuss these topics further with experts, for building safety and improving Georgetown campus. Students from GU-Q, tral among the broad range of topics cov- to foster debate and raise awareness about followed by a plenary discussion. occupational health. Qatar University, College of the North ered in our curriculum. policy options to reduce proliferation of and THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA/QNA QRC project for Jerusalem families

DOHA: Qatar Red Crescent economic, social, and psychologi- the local market. (QRC) has finalised the first cal conditions; create more job Thirty-five sewing machines phase of the economic empow- opportunities and employ more were distributed to poor families erment project for poor families labour in local community; and whose breadwinners are widows, in Jerusalem, with QR300,000 reduce poverty and unemploy- so that they can generate some funding from the General ment rates among Jerusalem’s money and afford the cost of Directorate of Endowments. Arab population. living. The project is implemented by Having empowered 46 families In coordination with the Zakat QRC’s representational office in so far, the project pursues social Alquds Committee, a survey was West Bank and the Zakat Alquds development by establishing small conducted to identify beneficiaries Committee income-generating projects in from among the poorest families Signed last June and lasting 10 various fields. and families with orphans, who months, the project aims prima- Eleven families received five were given priority in receiving rily to help the target families find sheep each in addition to feed and the assistance, increasing human- a stable source of income, improve water troughs, so that they can itarian needs with the approach their standard of living as well as sell meat and milk products on of the winter. THE PENINSULA

International universities exhibition today

DOHA: The Minister of Education and Higher Education and Secretary- General of Supreme Education Council H E Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi will open today the 5th Qatar International Exhibition of Universities under the theme ‘Towards diversity to stimulate creativity and innovation’ at Qatar National Convention Centre. The three-day exhibition aims to enhance aware- ness of students, parents and academics of the importance and benefits of university education by bringing them and officials in charge of acceptance in universities and job sectors responsible for scholar- ships in the state, together to brief them on university education, their academic and professional future, terms and requirements of acceptance at participating universities and the best ways to apply. It also aims to familiar- ise students with proce- dures for obtaining visas, the academic environment and cultural and social context in the countries of those universities. QNA SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03

Ambulance Service accredited by JCI Shisha research forum opens today for second time DOHA: Hamad Medical Global experts to analyse ‘collision of two epidemics’ of water-pipe and cigarette smoking Corporation’s (HMC) Ambulance Service has been re- DOHA: The Second Scientific Study Proposal’ was accredited by Joint Commission International Conference on held yesterday with more than 60 International (JCI). Water-Pipe Tobacco Smoking participants from Qatar, other The Ambulance Service first (Shisha) Research opens today GCC and Arab countries, the US received accreditation in 2011 and to describe and analyse ‘colli- and Europe. three years on has been consist- sion of two epidemics’ of water- It was chaired by Professor ently performing at a high quality pipe and cigarette smoking Wasim Maziak from Florida level consistent with JCI expecta- globally. International University (Syrian tions. HMC’s eight hospitals and Over 100 consultants and spe- Center for Tobacco Studies). their homecare service are also cialists from Qatar and around Other speakers are Professor accredited by JCI. the world will attend. Rima Afifi from American Dr Robert Owen, CEO, Dr Hajar Ahmed Albinali, University of Beirut; Professor Ambulance Service, said: “My former minister of health and Thomas Eissenberg, Virginia team is delighted to be re-accred- Director, Cardiology Department, Commonwealth University; ited by JCI. It is an international Hamad Medical Corporation Professor Scott Sherman, New benchmark that demonstrates (HMC), will deliver the open- York University; Professor Ghazi that our Ambulance Service is ing lecture on ‘Smoking and Zaatari, American University of among the best in the world. Cardiovascular Diseases.’ Beirut; and Professor Kenneth Accreditation is possible through Dr Tawfiq bin Ahmad Khowja, Ward, University of Memphis, collaboration, team work and Director-General, Executive the US. commitment, especially a com- Board of GCC Health Ministers’ Conference Chairman and mitment to continuously improve Council, will speak about ‘GCC Head of Smoking Cessation quality.” Legislation and the Role of Media Clinic, HMC, Dr Ahmad Al Mulla, Participants in the pre-conference training workshop yesterday. Founded in 1994, JCI identifies in Shisha Control.’ The two-day said the event aims to review and measures and shares best prac- event is hosted by HMC. synthesise scientific evidence of public policy determinants; build linkages and collaborative part- on Smoking Cessation to be held tices in quality and patient safety A pre-conference training smoking epidemics on health capacity in research on tobacco nerships globally; and promote under the theme ‘Smoking or with the world. workshop on ‘How to Write (biologically, physiologically, use, particularly in the eastern wider regional presence at the Health?’ in Abu Dhabi in March Its standards were devel- a Summary or Abstract for a socially and economically) and Mediterranean region; enhance 16th International Conference 2015. THE PENINSULA oped by international experts to set up consistent and attain- able expectations for healthcare organisations. Ooredoo facilitates High property prices pushing up rentals money transfers to Kenya via M-Pesa DOHA: Unjustified increase in investments, local Arabic daily quoted as saying. Al Musalman said at a time “Rentals for properties, the prices of properties, espe- Al Raya reported yesterday. He said: “Since the prices of when the country needs more including housing, will increase DOHA: Ooredoo Mobile Money cially plots of land, has pushed They say that despite high plots of land and other prop- housing units, developers are by about 10 percent in the second has announced that its custom- rentals through the roof, for demand and shortage for hous- erties have gone through the withholding their projects and quarter. ers can send money directly housing units and commercial ing units and commercial space, roof, developers and investors investment decisions, hoping for “Most of the rise in rentals to M-Pesa wallet accounts space. real estate transactions during are finding them less attractive the prices to come down. has been witnessed in newly- in Kenya from their mobile If the trend continues, rentals the third quarter of the year to invest as they expect a very Referring to reports, Al Raya built properties,” Sheikh Fahad phones, thanks to an agreement may increase by 10 percent by remained low, largely due to the negligible profit margin on their said even the prices of high-end bin Hamad Al Thani was quoted with the popular African trans- year-end, say experts from the high prices of properties. capital.” apartments, such as those in by local Arabic daily Al Watan. fer service and MoneyGram. industry. Many investors see the prices He said investors are also the Pearl-Qatar and Lusail have Sheikh Fahad also suggested Customers can also send money Analysts believe indis- highly inflated and fear price reluctant to put their money increased, and may continue to that the government needs to with Ooredoo Mobile Money via criminate rise in the prices of bubble in the real estate market. in new projects due to inflated go up further next year. come out with amicable solu- MoneyGram to chosen recipients properties is not only putting “The market slowed down in prices. This is the reason the Experts suggest that there is tions to control the rising prices who can then collect cash at over inflationary pressure on rent- Q3, 2014, and the same trend is real estate market has slowed an urgent need of intervention of properties at the earliest, and 940 key locations in Kenya. als, but also negatively affecting expected to continue over the down, he added. “If Lusail and by authorities to develop new cit- new areas should be developed New customers can register supply, as developers are discour- next couple of months. Sales may Pearl-Qatar transactions are ies and provide basic facilities in for housing and related projects for free for mobile money by vis- aged to start new projects due pick up momentum only in the excluded, the combine value of dedicated areas on the outskirts to ease pressure on the existing iting any OoredooShop or dialling to thin profit margins and lower beginning of next year,” Khalifa weekly deals will not be more of Doha and its suburb on a pub- areas. *140# and entering their QID#. levels of expected returns on Al Musalman, an real expert was than QR200m,” he said. lic-private partnership model. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05

ARC’14 invites Documentary on forced experts to address disappearances in Sri Qatar’s challenges DOHA: Qatar Foundation’s Annual Research Conference Lanka to be shown today (ARC’14) is calling on the local science and research community to help address BY FAZEENA SALEEM missing in Sri Lanka over the Qatar’s grand challenges by decades — in the 1980s, during the participating in the event next DOHA: Indian filmmaker armed revolt of Janatha Vimukthi month. Leena Manimekalai will screen Peramuna and later as the civil Organisers are look- her documentary feature White war between the Tamil rebels and ing forward to many local Van Stories that highlights the government intensified in the experts joining international forced disappearances in Sri 1990s up to recent time. peers at the two-day event Lanka, at the 10th Al Jazeera White Van Stories, filmed in which be held on November International Documentary August 2013, features a rally 18-19 under the patronage of Film Festival today. organised in northern Jaffna town H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, The documentary features close to the visit of the then UN Chairperson, Qatar Foundation first-person accounts of people high commissioner for human (QF). whose relatives have gone miss- rights, Navi Pillay, and stories of The forum will bring together ing for political reasons in long seven women with different eth- experts from Qatar and QF’s history of unexplained disap- nic backgrounds, whose relatives Dr Hanan Al Kuwari (centre), Managing Director, HMC, honouring one of the employees. Research and Development key pearances in the country, where have gone missing from different entities, in addition to interna- victims were taken away in a parts of the country. tional experts, to address the white van, never to be heard of According to Manimekalai, the country’s cyber security, solar again, Manimekalai told this daily documentary is not just about and renewable energy solutions, yesterday. people who have gone missing, but integrated healthcare and social “The festival is the perfect also about decades-long experi- HMC presents Stars grand challenges. forum to launch the film, as Al ence of living with a conflict, It hopes delegates will pro- Jazeera has broadcast about the internal displacement, political vide compelling solutions and conflict in Sri Lanka when the instability and fear. “They have a technologies for the greater whole world was deaf. Al Jazeera horrifying past and present but good of Qatar, the region and has reached out to stories which they still live lively,” she said. of Excellence awards the world. were never heard,” she said, add- The 90-minute documentary ing that it is the first international will be screened at 9am at Ritz- QA official carrier premier for her documentary. Carlton Doha’s Al Wosail Hall. “The festival gives an opportu- Another 29 films will be shown Staff involved in 10 projects recognised for hard work for jazz festival nity to talk to people who don’t today. know about problems faced by Organised under the patron- DOHA: Hamad Medical improvements resulting from the Guided Brachytherapy under DOHA: Qatar Airways (QA) people in Sri Lanka. Some don’t age of Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Corporation (HMC) has project, and how the project has the Clinical Practice category; is the official airline for the know that there are people who Al Thani, Chairman, Al Jazeera awarded top honours to 10 win- impacted patient care and overall Safe Transfer of Patients to their upcoming Katara European speak Tamil,” she said. Media Network Board, the festival ning projects at the fifth annual patient experience. Home Country was awarded Jazz Festival which brings Thousands of people have gone is held under the theme ‘Steps,’ Stars of Excellence staff award Dr Hanan Al Kuwari, Managing under Collaborative Achievement; together some of the finest showcasing 34 long, 51 medium, ceremony. Director, HMC, said the awards Operational Performance Award performers of European Jazz 45 short and 31 new horizon films. The Venous Thromboembolism ceremony is an important plat- was given to Lighting Power music to Doha, the airline said At the closing ceremony today, (VTE) Prevention Program won form to recognise and reward the Saving for Better Environment; in a statement. awards will be given away, includ- the Managing Director’s Special hard work of HMC staff. the Patient Experience Award The three-day event from ing Al Jazeera Golden Award Award. The prevention of VTE, “Every year the quality of sub- went to Paediatric Home Total October 30 is organised by the and Jury Award as well as spe- which can lead to Deep Vein missions we receive speaks vol- Parenteral Nutrition; the Quality embassies of France, Austria, cial awards, including Al Jazeera Thrombosis (DVT), is a key umes about the excellent work and Patient Safety Award was Germany, Italy and Switzerland, Documentary Channel Award, patient safety initiative by HMC. being done at HMC. given to Implementation of the in cooperation with Katara Public Liberties an Human Rights This year, the winning projects “It is important to acknowledge MPDS at Accreditation Level; Cultural Village and Jazzy Colors Award and Child and Family were selected from among 372, and reward teamwork in organi- the Education Award was won in Paris. Award. which sets the record for the sations, as successful partnerships by the Baby Friendly Hospital The event in Katara Cultural The festival has also introduced highest number of submissions are crucial to an organisation’s Project and the Research Award Village will consist of three Best Director Award and Best ever received for the awards. success. I am always impressed was given to Best Translation of consecutive jazz evenings as Camerawork Award to be given Each year, winners are cho- by the commitment shown by Research into Patient Benefit. well as workshops by interna- in three categories this year. sen based on their performance the staff to raise the standards The event was held at St Regis tional musicians at Qatar Music A winning film will be screened against key criteria such as the of healthcare in Qatar.” Hotel, attended by about 500 Academy. to conclude the festival. application of international best Other winning projects employees and officials. THE PENINSULA Indian filmmaker Leena Manimekalai THE PENINSULA practices, evidence of direct included Implementation of MRI THE PENINSULA

SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 80pc of breast, cervical cancer treatable: Experts

DOHA: Aster Medical symptoms, self-examination, is diagnosed at an early stage. with the cervix, pain during Centre (AMC), a division screenings and treatments of There are symptoms which a intercourse and vaginal dis- of Aster DM Healthcare, breast and cervical cancer. woman can identify. Breast charge tinged with blood are the leading conglomerate in Dr Khanna also provided lumps or underarm swelling, symptoms. “Cervical cancer the Middle East and India, insights on how women tend pain or tenderness, change in can be avoided if regular Pap organised an interactive ses- to neglect their health con- size, colour, texture and tem- Smear tests are conducted to sion on breast and cervical cerns and risk factors of these perature, change in nipple and detect abnormalities in the cer- cancer to enhance awareness. life-threatening conditions. She unusual discharge from it are vix which might cause cancer. With October being said, “Breast cancer is a very symptoms that should not be Vaccinations are also available marked as the Breast Cancer common form of cancer among underestimated. Women can to prevent HPV from causing Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa Delgado is speaking to Jaber Al Harami, Editor-in- Awareness Month, the session women. Earlier, it was detected conduct self-examination once cancer,” she added. Al Sharq Chief, , during the interview. was held for female staff of only among women between in two to six months for any Dr Sameer Moopan, CEO, Scholars International School, 40 and 50 and above, in post- unusual changes.” DM Healthcare-Qatar, said Al Rayyan, on October 22. menopausal stage. Now, women Dr Khanna said: “Cervical breast and cervical cancer are Ecuador backs Palestinian state It was headed by Dr Jyoti between 20 and 30 are also at cancer is also common, caused treatable and understanding of Khanna, a gynaecologist and high risk, which is increased if by HPV Virus. Abnormal these conditions is important. Continued from page 1 On Ecuador’s policy laws. We support the obstetrician from AMC, Al a woman has a family history bleeding from vagina, change What is important is having “We need to build towards Middle Eastern Palestinian people and Rayyan, with over 17 years of of breast cancer. in menstrual cycle which can- been diagnosed with cancer is infrastructure in hospi- issues, he said, “Our for- condemn Israeli aggres- experience as a medical prac- “About 80 percent of breast not be explained, bleeding when not the end of life. tality sector and Qatar eign policy is based on sion. We recognise an titioner. It highlighted causes, cancer cases are treatable if it something comes in contact THE PENINSULA has a good experience in values and principles, not independent Palestinian the field. Qatar can also on vested interests. We state with 1967 borders. help us develop our boom- reject any violence against Occupation cannot be ing real estate sector,” the Arab peoples and any legitimised by force.” added Delgado. violation of international THE PENINSULA

Counterfeit lotions, shampoos seized DOHA: Inspectors from the Ministry Suwaidi, Assistant Director, Consumer of Economy and Commerce have Protection Department, and Head, Anti- seized 119 counterfeit skin care lotions Commercial Frauds Department, said and shampoos of global brands. the ministry is keen to develop an annual The products were seized mainly from plan that includes all business activities shops in the Central Market, according and hold workshops with businesses to Aster officials with staff of Scholars International School during the interactive session. to a ministry statement yesterday. equip inspectors with knowledge to iden- Once legal procedures are completed, tify counterfeit products. the violators will face fines of between He said the ministry will intensify QR6,000 and QR1m depending on the inspection and continue to refer violators violation, said the statement. to authorities for legal action. He urged The seizures came after inspec- consumers to report any suspicious tors held training workshops with products to both departments which traders and monitored the supply receive complaints and suggestions. chains of the products. Yousef Saad Al THE PENINSULA

DFI focuses on talents in Arab world Continued from page 1 The Academy Award talents in the Arab world Other movies submit- for Best Foreign Language to realise filmmaking ted for the Oscars and Film is given to a feature- aspirations and filmmak- financially supported by length motion picture ers are also approaching the DFI were Lust by produced outside the US the institute for supports Khaled El Hagar (Egypt) with a predominantly In 2011, the DFI received and Where Do We Go non-English dialogue about 190 applications for Now? by Nadine Labaki track. grants and this year about (Lebanon). The DFI is helping 350. THE PENINSULA

HBK hosts interns from QU

Officials and students at the event.

DOHA: HBK engineering and con- They were supervised Contracting Company, in struction industries. by managers and mentors. cooperation with Qatar The students, selected The students com- University (QU) has from various disciplines, piled reports which were launched its Summer were trained in many well received by their Internship Programme departments at the head professors. for Qatari students as office and on construction They were also awarded part of its commitment sites where they gained certificates of achieve- to and social responsi- experiences within HSE, ment in a ceremony bility initiative towards quality management, organised by the company, the country’s progress. engineering, planning and under the patronage of The company hosted construction activities, in its President Sheikh Ali a group of students from fields such as high quality bin Hamad Al Thani and College of Engineering, buildings, water pipelines, attended by some profes- introducing them to pumping stations, utility sors from QU. work experiences in networks and roads. THE PENINSULA

Sana Fashions offers up to 50pc discount

Sana Fashions yesterday launched its first sale with up to 50 percent discount on a large collection of women, men and kids clothing. Sana Fashions has been a value clothing brand since 1987 in the region, offering quality goods at unbelievable prices for the entire family. The clothes are great for gifting as well as they don’t hurt your pocket! SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2014 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Gun control Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

he shooting at a school in the United States elicited its share of shock and surprise laced with an underlying fear at the state of gun-ownership in the country. THowever, either due to fewer deaths and injuries or because of more such incidents robbing them of the shock A handout divides Brazilians value, the reaction to the shooting in the Washington school has BY DOM PHILLIPS been relatively muted. This however does not take away from as Gonçalves, who say Entre Rios is also Oliveira, of the Social Democratic Party, the concern that the issue of gun control has triggered in the a microcosm of some of the party’s fail- said the Workers’ Party is more inter- country, which has internationally been at the receiving end of he men loading fresh lob- ures: Entre Rios still desperately needs ested in propaganda than in encourag- criticism for intervention in geopolitical conflicts. ster onto a pickup truck in more jobs, better security and a more ing enterprise that can create jobs. The shooting occurred at Marysville Pilchuck High School this far northeastern coastal responsive government. “We could make it so people live with- town joked as they talked “Dilma is finishing off Brazil,” out the Family Allowance, encouraging near Seattle. A high school student emptied his handgun in a politics, but one central Gonçalves said. them to grow, encouraging them to pro- cafeteria, killing one and injuring four other students, before Tissue in the country’s upcoming presi- Josefa dos Santos, 55, gave birth to 14 duce, and not producing dependence,” turning the weapon upon himself. Though the motive of Jaylen dential runoff clearly divided them — children in Bahia’s rural outback. Now he said. Fryberg for perpetrating the ghastly act is not clear, police the federal Family Allowance income she lives in a neat and simple house The municipality has some fish- may not have a hard time piecing together the puzzle as two of support that has been paid to millions with a flat-screen television and a DVD ing and tourism in its coastal region, of poor Brazilians since the governing player in Cidade Nova, a dusty, rural an hour from the city. But inland, the those injured are his cousins. Workers’ Party took over in 2003. slum just outside Entre Rios. Life before main economic activity aside from farm- Fryberg’s uncle yesterday spoke to media saying that the Jorge Conceicao, 28, said he will vote Lula was much tougher, said dos Santos, ing is producing oil from small wells — student’s motive was not just to spray bullets randomly; he in tonday’s runoff to re-elect President who added that she has collected a $53 bobbing pumpjacks are visible around had targeted his cousins. The motive of this killing may be Dilma Rousseff, the Workers’ Party monthly allowance for about eight years. town — and harvesting eucalyptus for- different from the other school gun incidents in the United candidate, whom he described as “rid- “In other times, who had enough ests. But the tree harvesting takes place States, but it does not make the crime any less alarming. ing high” in his fishermen’s colony. He money to buy this?” she asked, point- only every six years, providing minimal said one reason is the allowance that his ing to the tiled floor. Like most in the employment. Unemployment in Bahia The American fascination with guns has become a pressing family of five collects. area, she said she will vote for Rousseff. was 8.5 percent in 2013, compared with domestic issue and raises eyebrows across the world, especially But Valneivaldo Gonçalves, 43, who Also in Cidade Nova, a federally funded 6.5 percent nationally. when such incidents happen. owns two fishing boats, dismissed the family health center — another Workers’ While poverty is declining, homicides Students randomly spraying stipend as a vote-buying mechanism. Party point of pride — is being expanded. in Bahia are increasing. The murder The latest school bullets in schools and other gun He vowed to vote for Rousseff’s busi- Its resident doctor came to the area as rate more than tripled between 2002 rampages in the United States ness-friendly part of a government program through and 2012, according to the Violence shooting in the challenger, Aécio which about 14,000 doctors, with Cubans Map produced by the Latin American have triggered an uproar and Neves, from the heavily represented among them, were Faculty of Social Sciences, based in Rio United States a furious public debate over center-right hired to work in poor, remote areas. de Janeiro. whether gun laws need to be Brazilian Social “It is a beautiful experience, because I De Oliveira and Aurea Mercia, his challenges refixed. While poverty Democratic Party. work with a very needy community,” said secretary for economic development, Even after President Barack Gonçalves is in the doctor, Havana native Grisel Torres. tourism and the environment, are bet- is declining, a minority here Even so, Bahia has not improved its ting on an ambitious plan to create an the Obama Obama tried to tighten laws homicides in Bahia state, health services as much as it could have, industrial park. In June, after a four- administration’s related to gun ownership, the heartland of said Gustavo Morelli, associate director year court battle, the municipality handling of gun rampages haven’t abated. This in Bahia are Workers’ Party of the Brazilian consultancy Macroplan, bought about 250 acres of land previ- points to a deeper malaise increasing. The support. The which specialises in public management. ously used to grow eucalyptus. Twenty- control. in American society which state’s residents “In health, they evolved but at a nine companies have indicated they celebrates freedom and individual voted overwhelm- slower speed than the rest of the coun- intend to operate there, Mércia said. murder rate ingly for Rousseff try,” he said. That also is true for educa- But de Oliveira and Mercia said the liberty of the highest level. more than tripled in the first round tion, Morelli said, describing Bahia as state government has given them no Since December 2012, when a gun rampage at Sandy of the presiden- having “not met targets.” support. “In their view, this was an un- Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut killed 20 between 2002 tial election Oct. On a hot morning, students spilled realisable dream,” de Oliveira said. The children and six adults, this is the 75th instance of school 5 and kept her out of the Duque de Caxias state high city, and not the state, is funding infra- shooting,according to Everytown for Gun Safety, an umbrella and 2012. party at the helm school and loitered in the shade of trees structure works such as roads, he said. group started by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. of the state gov- in its overgrown front yard. Resources “We have paving to do,” said Mercia. ernment. Many were not lacking, said the school prin- On a recent evening, a convoy of If school shootings are to become an exception than the in Entre Rios say Rousseff is the only cipal, Maria da Fatima dos Santos. But police vehicles patrolled Cidade Nova. norm, Washington has to formulate a policy that not only choice, because they were worse off she said projects often stalled or were The previous week, a man died in a focuses on gun ownership and ways of clipping the wings of the before she and her predecessor, Luiz not implemented because of paperwork. shootout with police. Maj. João Himério, gun lobby, but also devotes itself to social science research. It Inacio Lula da Silva, took office, help- “Our biggest problem is bureaucracy,” the commander of military police for is not only the security establishment that has to decide how ing to slash the national poverty rate she said. She showed off a crumbling con- Entre Rios and surrounding cities, posi- by 55 percent as Brazil’s economy grew. crete auditorium, no longer safe for use. tioned his officers as a group of young fewer guns Americans must own. The academia along with The Family Allowance, collected by Since 2012, the school has had the money men leaned, legs spread, against a wall leading social scientists and criminologists must come together 1.8 million families in Bahia and half in its account to renovate the auditorium, to be searched. The khaki-clad offic- to devise a plan to reduce gun crimes that not only consume the population in Entre Rios, is widely but the bureaucratic process involved, ers cradled machine guns as red police lives but also show the most powerful nation in a poor light. credited as a key driver of the drop in managed by the state government, has lights swirled. “They have to rob for the It was the US that led the way in the discipline of public poverty. Yet, despite the popularity of yet to be completed. “The system leaves drugs that they consume, because many administration. It is now for Washington to show how it can the Workers’ Party here, there is no us restricted,” dos Santos said. of them don’t work,” he said. shortage of criticism from voters such Entre Rios Mayor Fernando de WP-BLOOMBERG deal with an issue that reflects on its quality of governance• The other side Quote of Accelerated billing the day

OR months now, rumours have years 2012-13, old meters have been important questions. For instance, it is middle of an audit being run by three been swirling that the new exchanged by the new one [sic] which far from clear how they became aware different companies on the state of bill- meters being installed by the runs at least 30-35pc faster,” says of this problem in the first place. Is the ing in the power sector. No doubt he Fpower distribution companies the letter. It goes on to list a number commission simply investigating the will feel that the commission ought to run faster than the old ones. People of problems with the meters and their rumours that have been circulating for a have waited till this audit was complete have reported receiving higher bills speed, which in some cases is faster while now, or do they have more exten- before raising fresh concerns on their the moment the new meters are and in others “slower than standard”, sive information to suggest that there own initiative. But the problems in the Patients can installed. Now we have a letter written meaning the commission sees large- are defects in the new meters? If the hardware are not being investigated on government letterhead, sent to the scale defects in the manner in which former is true, we cannot say much until under the audit. beat this disease chief executive officer of the Lahore the sale of electricity at the final point of the findings have been reported. But if it The government needs to realise Electric Supply Company from the consumption is being measured. is the latter, then we need to know how that the problems in the power sec- (Ebola). And we Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission Rumours of the new meters being it is that the commission chose to act tor are large, and comparable to, if can beat this asking for details regarding this issue. faster than the standard ones might be on this problem before the water and not larger in scope than, the problems In the days to come, the same letter corroborated by the data available with power ministry did. that plagued public-sector banks in disease. will be sent out to CEOs of other the commission, but it is a little too early The water and power minister the 1990s. What is required is a strong distribution companies as well. to say exactly what information they appears to have been taken by sur- and coherent response under a unified Barack Obama “It has been learnt that in the last few are acting on. The letter raises some prise since the letter has arrived in the authority. DAWN US President SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2014 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Fighting IS, militias threaten Iraq’s stability

many Fallujans end up in the hospital By turning a blind but stay only briefly because the hospital itself has become a target for the Iraqi eye to the abuses army. Disturbingly, the imam made clear that the Iraqi air force is still using indis- committed by criminate “barrel bombs” to “go after IS” in Fallujah, despite instructions from Iraqi government Baghdad to stop using them. Other gov- ernments, including that of the US, have condemned the use of these horrendously forces and its destructive bombs across the border in Syria but have said nothing about them proxy militias, in Iraq. Many Fallujah residents who initially fled the fighting in Anbar have had to key partners may return home because they’ve run out of resources and receive little or no govern- be helping push ment or international assistance. Back at home, they’ve faced the perfect storm of reluctant Sunnis into death: Homes are so hot without electric- ity that most families sleep outside, even if it means a greater risk. the IS camp. As the US and other countries engage in a campaign President Barack Obama said is intended to “degrade and ulti- BY SARAH MARGON mately destroy” the IS, the armed group’s cruelty and swift territorial gains have he traffic on the road to Tuz perpetuated a double standard among Khurmato, a town about an coalition members who have joined the hour south of Kirkuk, was effort. Indeed, by turning a virtual blind light on a recent morning eye to the abuses committed by Iraqi gov- when we set out to meet sen- ernment forces and its proxy militias, key Tior officials from the Kurdish security partners may be helping to push reluc- forces, the pesh merga. Their fortified tant Sunnis into the IS camp. bases, lean-tos flying various Shia militia A more balanced approach would flags and makeshift camps for displaced acknowledge atrocities by all sides while families dotted the side of the high- Coordinator of the international effort against the Islamic State extremist group John Allen (left) of the US and French Foreign Affairs exerting greater pressure on the Iraqi way. Official Iraqi security forces were minister Laurent Fabius speak during their meeting at the French Foreign Ministry in Paris on Friday. government to carry out long-overdue nowhere to be seen, even at checkpoints. reforms — including genuinely inclusive Inside a dusty office at the pesh merga Iraq, a point only reinforced by the recent and, according to local sources, the dis- Over the past year, government-backed politics and steps to overhaul the crimi- base, a field commander relayed what he appointment of Mohammed Ghabban, a placement of more than 7,000 families in militias have increased kidnapping and nal justice system. had seen during recent weeks of fight- Shia politician with strong links to the recent months. killing of Sunni civilians throughout It would mean urging the Iraqi gov- ing. “They don’t respect human rights, Badr Brigade, a notorious militia, as When we pulled over to the side of the Baghdad, Diyala and Babil provinces, ernment to take an unambiguous and they arrest anyone,” he said. “They kill, Iraq’s interior minister. highway to speak with a family living in seriously escalating sectarian violence. public step away from battlefield tac- they behead, they burn houses.” He was In certain parts of Iraq under siege by an abandoned strip mall, a man in his Even in areas where Iraqi security tics that violate the laws of war and referring not to the IS but to the gov- the IS, the militias continued the fight late 40s told me, “I am no more afraid forces are still somewhat intact they to commit publicly to security sector ernment-backed Shia militias alongside even after US-led coalition air strikes of Daesh” — the Arabic acronym for the are increasingly led by militias, mainly reform — including a plan for meaning- whom the pesh merga are fighting the shifted to other targets. They did this IS — “than I am of the Shia militias and Kitaeb Hezbollah and Asaib Ahl Al Haq. ful accountability. Sunni extremist group in an uneasy mar- primarily by attacking Sunnis who didn’t the Iraqi government.” In Irbil, I met with an imam and The US has tried much of this before riage of convenience. flee the IS advance, considering any This lawless behaviour, of course, is not former businessman who recently fled — and at great cost — but it clearly failed. The lines between Shia militias and remaining families “collaborators,” and a new phenomenon but a pervasive part Fallujah because of the anti-IS campaign. Things need to be different this time, official security forces have been blurred ransacking, burning and even demolish- of post-Saddam Hussein Iraq. A congres- He painted a vivid picture of civilians which means making clear that achieving for years. But with the Iraqi army’s near- ing scores of Sunni villages. In some cases, sionally mandated US report from 2007 under siege: Since at least July, there has genuine stability in this unstable region total collapse this summer, their strength they travelled from village to village in presciently concluded that “sectarian been no running water and no electricity won’t be gained by protecting one group has increased. Politicians, security force US Army-issued Humvees, which were militias are a fact of life in Iraq. They in Anbar province. at the expense of another. As the fight- personnel and civilians alike have told probably obtained from the Iraqi gov- pose as much danger as Al Qaeda in The absence of running water forced ing continues and the atrocities mount, Human Rights Watch that these militias ernment. This relentless arson and pil- Iraq and may even be a greater threat people to drink from a contaminated the path for doing something about that “control security” throughout much of laging has resulted in death, destruction to Iraqi’s long-term stability.” river, which made people sick. As a result, reality is fading fast. WP-BLOOMBERG SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2014 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL

Suspects in acid Iran hangs woman despite retrial plea attacks freed Activists say Jabbari’s confession came under duress; US, Amnesty condemn execution due to lack

TEHRAN: Iran has ignored an should have had a retrial. testified that a man was present that appeared aimed at counter- of evidence international campaign to spare Ahmed Shaheed, the UN’s in the apartment where his father ing sympathy for Jabbari. It said: the life of a 26-year-old woman human rights rapporteur on Iran, was killed but she had refused to “Jabbari had repeatedly confessed TEHRAN: Several Iranian men convicted of murder by hanging said in April that the killing was reveal his identity. to premeditated murder, then tried arrested on suspicion of com- her at dawn yesterday. an act of self defence. Sarbandi He said in April that his fam- to divert the case from its course by mitting horrific acid attacks on Reyhaneh Jabbari had spent had offered to hire Jabbari to ily “would not even contemplate inventing the rape charge. women have been released due to five years on death row for stab- redesign his office and took her mercy until truth is unearthed”. “But all her efforts to feign inno- insufficient evidence, the interior bing a 47-year-old surgeon who to an apartment where he tried “Only when her true inten- cence were proven false in various minister revealed yesterday. had previously worked for the to sexually abuse her. tions are exposed and she tells phases of prosecution. Evidence The attacks in Isfahan, Iran’s intelligence ministry, the official Iranian actors and other prom- the truth about her accomplice was firm. She had informed a top tourist destination, have IRNA news agency reported. inent figures had also appealed and what really went down will friend through text message of her shocked the public and provoked a The execution drew condemna- for a stay of execution. Efforts we be prepared to grant mercy,” intention to kill. It was ascertained major protest there on Wednesday tion from the United States and for clemency had intensified in he said at the time. that she had purchased the murder from citizens who demanded bet- human rights monitor Amnesty recent weeks. Jabbari’s mother Jabbari’s plea of self-defence weapon, a kitchen knife, two days ter security and action over such International, which dubbed it “a was allowed to visit her for one failed to persuade judges at vari- before committing murder.” violent crimes. bloody stain on Iran’s human rights hour on Friday, Amnesty said — ous stages of the appeal process Amnesty said Jabbari had Justice officials previously said record” and “an affront to justice”. a custom that tends to precede up to Iran’s Supreme Court and admitted stabbing the man once that four men had been arrested The UN and bodies including executions in Iran. she remained in prison through- from behind, but she inisted in connection with the attacks. A December 15, 2008 file picture the European Union and Amnesty However, Sarbandi’s family out. Her last chance of reprieve another man killed him. The But Interior Minister Abdolreza shows Reyhaneh Jabbari speaking International had said that the insisted the murder was pre- lay with the supreme leader, human rights group said her Rahmani Fazli, quoted on state to defend herself during the first interior designer’s confession for meditated and that Jabbari had Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but he claim was never properly inves- television’s website, said those in hearing of her trial for the murder killing Morteza Abdolali Sarbandi confessed to buying a knife two failed to intervene. tigated. According to the UN, custody had been freed. of a former intelligence official at a in 2007 was obtained under days before the killing. After the execution was car- more than 250 people have been He also denounced what he intense pressure and threats According to Jalal Sarbandi, ried out, the Tehran state pros- executed in Iran this year. called “a foreign media campaign” court in Tehran. from Iranian prosecutors, and she the victim’s eldest son, Jabbari ecutor’s office issued a statement THE GUARDIAN/AFP to link the attacks to hijab, saying that acid attack victims are usu- ally targeted for reasons of “per- sonal motive or revenge”. Prosecutor general Ebrahim Turkish mothers hold 500th Raissi, meanwhile, vowed that the attackers would be caught and protest for missing kin Clashes in Jerusalem; funeral delayed dealt with, even if the victims were to grant clemency. “These crimes ISTANBUL: A group of Turkish mothers yes- JERUSALEM: Israeli police are unforgivable. While victims can terday led their 500th protest since the mid- clashed with Palestinians across grant forgiveness, there is no way 1990s remembering relatives who disappeared east Jerusalem yesterday ahead of a we will give up rights of the state allegedly at the hands of the state during one of potentially explosive funeral that was against those who caused fear in modern Turkey’s most turbulent periods. delayed for a day and tight security the population,” Raissi said. “They Around 3,000 people turned out to support the conditions imposed. will be severely punished. We will protest, held as always on the bustling Istiklal ave- Relatives of Abdelrahman Shaludi, the not allow people, under any pre- nue in central Istanbul. The group, known as the Palestinian driver who ploughed into a text, to disrupt security,” he added. “Saturday Mothers” for the timing of their weekly Jerusalem crowd on Wednesday, killing The attacks in Isfahan come after protest, has been holding the action on Saturday an Israeli baby, were told to be ready to a new bill in parliament proposed mornings since May 27, 1995. bury him tonight, their lawyer said. greater powers for morality police Seated on the street outside the gates of Police branded as a “terror attack” the and volunteer militias to ensure Galatasaray University, they held placards with incident on Wednesday in which Shaludi, compliance with hijab. AFP the faces of their relatives who disappeared in the 21, from east Jerusalem’s flashpoint 1980s and 1990s and are believed to have died in Silwan neighbourhood drove at high police and army detention. The disappearances speed into a crowd of Israelis. Iran re-arrests happened at the peak of the rebellion by the Three-month-old Haya Zissel Braun Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) demanding self- was killed and six others injured. Shaludi rights lawyer rule in the mainly Kurdish southeast. was shot dead by police as he fled on foot. “Bahri Budak, 61 years old, disappeared after He was first to have been buried on DUBAI: Iranian security being detained in April 1994,” read the words on Friday evening but Israeli media said forces arrested world-renowned a picture held by a woman at the protest. The security authorities wanted to impose human rights lawyer Nasrin Saturday Mothers group is demanding a full open- draconian security conditions, fearing Sotoudeh and several others on ing of the state archives to uncover what happened violence. Palestinians protesting the killing of a teenager throw stones during clashes with Israeli their way back from a protest to their loved ones, prosecution of the perpetrators Tensions have been running high security forces in the West Bank village of Silwad, north of Ramallah, yesterday. yesterday, her husband said. and the abolition of the statute of limitations for since the incident with nightly clashes “While returning from the sit- abuses committed by the security forces. across Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem. army shot dead a West Bank teenager on neutralise the danger... and confirmed in outside the Bar Association AFP As evening fell, violence again erupted. Friday, there were also reports of ston- a hit,” a spokeswoman said. Palestinian in Tehran, Nasrin was detained Silwan residents stoned a sanitation ing of Israeli vehicles on roads around officials said Hammad was shot during a along with several friends and vehicle sent to clean up debris from Ramallah. stone-throwing protest against troops, a colleagues,” her husband, Reza Friday’s stone-throwing, and police Relatives of the dead 14-year-old, regular occurrence in Silwad, which lies Khandan, said on his Facebook responded with “non-lethal means of Orwa Hammad, said his funeral would close to the Jewish settlement of Ofra. page. “They photographed and dispersal,” spokeswoman Luba Samri take place today, to allow his father time Washington expressed its “deepest ran identity checks on all the said, using a term generally alluding to to travel from the United States where condolences to the family of a US citi- detainees and then released eve- tear gas or stun grenades. he is a resident citizen. They said the zen minor who was killed by the Israeli ryone but Nasrin, who is still In Al-Tur on the Mount of Olives, teenager was also a US national, as was Defence Forces”. State Department detained wantonly and without a masked Palestinians blocked the road the baby girl killed on Wednesday. spokeswoman Jen Psaki called for “a court order.” with garbage bins, and threw stones The army said Hammad had been speedy and transparent investigation” Sotoudeh, who has represented and petrol bombs, police said. Near about to hurl a petrol bomb at Israeli into the teenager’s death. Iranian opposition activists, was the Shuafat refugee camp stones were motorists near Ramallah when he was “We continue to urge all parties to sentenced to six years in jail in throne at the Jerusalem light railway, shot by troops on a stakeout in the vil- help restore calm and avoid escalat- 2010 and banned from practice a frequent target. Police said a carriage lage of Silwad to protect a road fre- ing tensions in the wake of the tragic after being convicted of spread- window was damaged but no one hurt. quently used by Jewish settlers. recent incidents in Jerusalem and the ing propaganda and conspiring to With tensions further stoked after the “The forces fired immediately to West Bank,” she added. AFP harm state security. REUTERS

Tunisia warns of jihadist attacks on electon eve TUNIS: Tunisia warned of possible jihadist attacks during today’s landmark parliamentary election, deploy- ing thousands of soldiers and police to guard a vote the prime minister said offers hope to the entire region. “We know that this will be a target (for jihadist groups) because it is unique in the region. It brings hope,” Mehdi Jomaa said during an inspection of security forces yesterday. Tunisia’s transition to democracy since the 2011 toppling of longtime strongman Zine El Abidine Ben Ali “is the alterna- tive to these people and these groups”, Jomaa added. “They know that the success of (this election) is a threat to them, not only in Tunisia but throughout the region.” The North African nation is set to deploy around 80,000 soldiers and police to secure polls for the first election of a parliament since the uprising three years ago that inspired the Arab Spring revolutions. Tunisia has been hailed as a beacon of hope compared with other chaos-hit countries like Libya and Egypt, where revolutions inspired from the Arab Spring toppled veteran autocrats. But its transition has been tested at times by militant attacks blamed on Islamists long sup- pressed under Ben Ali, and by social unrest. On Friday, Tunisian police killed six suspected mili- tants, five of them women, in a raid on a house on the out- skirts of the capital in which there were also children. A policeman was also killed in a gunfight before the assault. Today’s election pits the Islamist Ennahda party — which was in power for two years after the revolution — against secular opponent Nidaa Tounes. The main rivals will fight it out with a number of parties run by former Ben Ali stalwarts, as well as a host of leftist and Islamist groups. More than five million voters are to choose 217 deputies in an election that will be followed by a presidential vote on November 23. Fearing possible terrorist attacks, Tunisia has also closed its border with violence-wracked Libya for three days from Friday. Jomaa said he was confident Sunday’s poll would pass peacefully in spite of the rising tensions as election offi- cials voiced concern. He insisted that Tunisia has “a secu- rity apparatus that is growing in power and effectiveness”. AFP SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2014 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Iraqi forces and Kurds gain ground against IS Kurds retake town; US ups pressure with air strikes

BAGHDAD/ARBIL: Iraqi secu- a rural area surrounding Jurf Al some of the territory the insur- rity forces made significant gains Sakhar, where Islamic State had gents seized in the north. against Islamic State in a strate- used roadside bombs and snip- The Kurds retook the town of gic area near Baghdad yesterday ers to keep its enemies from Zumar and several nearby villages and Kurdish fighters retook a approaching. after heavy coalition air strikes northern town after heavy coali- Sunni insurgents have been against the insurgents, security tion air strikes against the Sunni moving fighters, weapons and sources said. Islamist insurgents. supplies from western Iraq If the Kurds manage to hold Iraqi troops seized most of Jurf through secret desert tunnels to Zumar, that could enable them Al Sakhar, the biggest advance in Jurf Al Sakhar, Iraqi officials have to disrupt Islamic State supply months of battles against Islamic said. Now it appears government lines to nearby towns and cities. State in the town about 60km forces have come closer than ever A Kurdish intelligence officer south of Baghdad, senior local to disrupting that network. in Zumar said peshmerga forces officials said. A victory could Some Islamic State fighters had advanced from five directions allow Iraqi authorities to pre- had fled towards the western in the early morning and encoun- A new born baby that was given the name Muhammed Obama Muslim at the Suruc Rojova refugee camp in vent the Sunni insurgents from city of Falluja, which is held by tered fierce resistance, but ulti- Sanliurfa. Sultan Muslim, a Syrian Kurd, had no doubt what to name her seventh child when he was born, safely in edging closer to the capital and the group, while fighting still mately prevailed. A spokesman Turkey, after a month-long flight from her home in the Syrian town of Kobane, also known as Ain Al-Arab: Obama. maintaining connections to their raged near a bridge linking Jurf for the peshmerga ministry also strongholds in western Anbar Al Sakhar to Anbar, said a com- said Zumar was now in Kurdish Helped by the air strikes, bomb had exploded when they Friday and yesterday, the US province as well as infiltrating mander and spokesman for Iraqi hands. Kurds have regained ground but approached the vehicle, killing Central Command said. the mainly Shia south. security forces. Zumar was one of the first progress has been hampered by seven peshmerga. US warplanes also destroyed an “We have managed to push out “There has been a significant col- Kurdish-controlled towns to be a lack of heavy weaponry and by In another village, Ayn Al Islamic State artillery piece near Islamic State terrorists from the lapse among Islamic State fighters. overrun in August by Islamic homemade bombs and booby- Helwa, the peshmerga said 17 Kobane, Syria, officials said. The town of Jurf Al Sakhar and now Attacks by Iraqi army helicopters State who went on to threaten traps laid by the militants. militants had been taken captive, Syrian town near Turkey’s border we are raising the Iraqi flag over have not stopped since yesterday,” the autonomous region’s capi- Gains can be easily lost in the all of them Sunni Turkmen. appears in less danger of falling, the government offices,” provin- said Raad Hamza, head of the Hilla tal, prompting air strikes by the war against Islamic State. The While American air strikes but the threat still remains, US cial governor Sadiq Madloul said. Provincial Council. United States — a campaign since Kurds claimed victory in Zumar have had some impact on the officials said on Thursday. Speaking to state television in Speaking by telephone, Hamza joined by Britain and France. in September, only to withdraw insurgents, it’s not clear whether The 22 strikes in Iraq included the town, Prime Minister Haider said he was in Jurf Al Sakhar If the Kurds are able to keep from the town again after suffer- they will be enough to secure a attacks in the frequently tar- Al Abadi said Iraqis forced out with Iraqi security forces. Zumar, it would also make it eas- ing heavy losses. defeat in the long term in major geted areas near the vital Mosul by fighting would soon return to While Iraq’s army and Shia ier for them to advance on Sinjar, One peshmerga fighter oil producer Iraq, and Syria. dam, the city of Fallujah and the their homes. militias have resisted Islamic where Islamic State are besieging deployed in the area said a The United States and its allies northern city of Baiji, home of an State television broadcast foot- State efforts to move closer to members of Iraq’s Yazidi minority sniper was still at large in a vil- conducted 22 air strikes against oil refinery. age of Iraqi forces moving through Baghdad, Kurdish forces regained on a mountain. lage adjacent to Zumar, and a car Islamic State forces in Iraq on REUTERS

Lebanon army fights gunmen ‘Foreign hands’ behind Sinai attack, says Sisi CAIRO: Egypt’s President curfew in the restive northern violence decades ago, has con- in Tripoli, six Abdel Fattah Al Sisi said yes- part of the peninsula. No one has demned the attacks and denied terday that an assault on an yet claimed responsibility for the any involvement. soldiers killed army checkpoint in the Sinai attack, but it bore the hallmarks A Muslim Brotherhood alli- Peninsula that killed 30 troops of the extremist group Ansar Beit ance issued a statement on Friday BEIRUT: Six Lebanese soldiers was a “foreign-funded opera- Al Maqdis, which has carried out offering sincere condolences to were killed as the army clashed tion” and vowed to take drastic several attacks on security forces. the “families of the martyrs and with Islamist gunmen in north- action against militants. Sisi said the aim of the attack victims of the treacherous coup.” ern Lebanon for a second day In thundering remarks delivered was to “break the will of Egypt and It said the soldiers were killed yesterday, using helicopters to before cameras ahead of a military the Egyptians as well as the will of in a “new massacre added to the fire rockets in the first such air funeral for the slain troops, Sisi the Egyptian army, which is con- black record of the military junta attack since the war in neigh- said there are foreign powers that sidered a pillar of Egypt”. He called that has thrown the army into the bouring Syria began. want to “break the back of Egypt”, on Egyptians “to be aware of what political arena and put the Sinai Soldiers exchanged heavy fire without elaborating. He vowed to is being hatched against us” and to under siege, isolation and schemes with the gunmen in the city of take drastic measures to uproot the be “vigilant and steadfast with the of displacement”. Tripoli in the morning and moved militants and said Egypt is engaged army and the police.” Sisi, earlier in the day, presided in on their positions in the after- in an “extensive war” that will last “All that is happening to us is over an extraordinary meeting noon. Three soldiers were wounded a long time. “There is a big con- known to us and we expected it of the Supreme Council of the in a nearby incident when gunmen spiracy against us,” he said while and talked about it before July Armed Forces to discuss the opened fire on an army vehicle near standing with army commanders 3,” he said. He claimed some suc- recent developments in Sinai. the northern village of Bahneen, ahead of the funeral. cess in the fight against militants, The Council issued a statement the sources said. One soldier later Militants launched a complex saying “dozens of terrorists have reaffirming the armed forces’ died from his wounds. assault on the checkpoint on been killed in the past weeks and “determination to eradicate ter- An officer was killed in Friday that involved a car bomb months... hundreds of terrorists rorism from this precious part of another attack near the town of possibly detonated by a suicide have been liquidated”. Egypt”. “The Council agreed on Al Minya, also in the north. The attacker, rocket-propelled gre- The government has blamed a plan formulated by the armed military used two helicopters to nades and roadside bombs placed much of the violence on Muslim forces to combat terrorism in fire two rockets at militants in Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi gives a speech outside the Supreme to target rescuers. Brotherhood, which it blacklisted Sinai and other strategic areas,” the area after the attack, secu- Council in Cairo yesterday. Egypt declared a state of emer- as a terrorist group last year. The the statement said. rity sources said. A third soldier gency and imposed a 5pm to 7am Brotherhood, which renounced AP died from wounds sustained in fighting on Friday. At least four militants and two civilians were also killed, and about 14 soldiers wounded, the sources said. Turkey monitoring Gunmen also took one soldier captive in Tripoli as he was rid- Clashes, drone strike 24 over ‘powder’ ing in a taxi, security sources said. In statements published by the scare in consulates National News Agency, the army kill dozens in Yemen leadership said: “The pursuit of ISTANBUL: Turkey is keeping terrorist gunmen in Tripoli is SANA’A: Fighting between the combat zone were struck by a 24 people under observation at continuing and will not be pulled Shia rebels and Sunni tribes- missile fired from an unmanned clinics after a suspicious pow- back until after the terrorists are men allied to Al Qaeda has left drone, leaving 10 dead, according der was sent to five consulates eliminated.” REUTERS dozens dead in central Yemen, to tribal sources. in Istanbul whose countries are while a suspected US drone Yemen is a key US ally in the involved in the coalition against Three Turkish strike killed 10 jihadists, tribal fight against Al Qaeda, allowing IS jihadists, the health ministry sources said yesterday. Washington to conduct a long- said yesterday. soldiers shot dead The rebels, known as Houthis, standing drone war against the Previously, officials had said have been facing fierce resist- group on its territory. that 16 people had been hospi- in ‘terrorist’ attack ance from Al Qaeda fighters and At least 60 people were killed talised after the yellow powder tribesmen as they seek to expand in two days of fighting last week was delivered to the consulates ISTANBUL: Masked gun- their areas of control after seiz- around Rada as local tribesman on Friday. The nature of the men yesterday shot dead three ing the capital Sana’a and the Red and Al Qaeda gunmen sought to substance is being examined by Turkish soldiers in the restive Sea port city of Hudeida. halt the Houthi’s advances. experts from Turkey’s disaster Kurdish-majority southeast Clashes broke out on Friday The Houthis have seized on management agency AFAD. of the country, the army said, evening when Houthi fighters chronic instability in Yemen The 24 people under obser- blaming separatist “terrorists” trying to wrest control of the since the 2012 ouster of long- vation are being monitored at for an attack that threatens to mountains around the central serving autocratic president Ali clinics specialising in infections undermine a fragile ceasefire. town of Rada, in Baida province, Abdullah Saleh to take control of and microbiology in Istanbul, The three soldiers were shot met resistance from Sunni mili- large parts of the country. the official Anatolia news agency dead on the street in the town of tias, tribal sources said. President Abd Rabuh Mansur quoted the health ministry as Yuksekova in Hakkari province “They were repelled each time Hadi’s Sunni-led government saying. Their general condition of Turkey’s extreme southeast with heavy losses,” a tribal source has failed to stop their advance, is good, it added, without giving bordering Iraq and Iran. The said. “The fighting killed dozens, despite a UN-brokered peace deal further details. attackers escaped but a security particularly among Huthi ranks.” that was supposed to see them Five foreign citizens work- operation was underway to appre- Another tribal source said withdraw from the capital. ing for the consulates are being hend them, the official Anatolia Houthi rebels had been trying The fighting has raised fears monitored, as are 19 Turkish agency said. to bolster their presence in the of Yemen — located next to oil citizens, the statement added. Reports said that the victims province after failing to take full kingpin Saudi Arabia and impor- Three foreigners and 15 Turks had been shot in the head, from control of Rada. tant shipping routes in the Gulf from the Canadian consulate are behind, while walking in the cen- The source said Houthi fight- of Aden — collapsing into a failed being monitored, along with two tre of the town to collect electrical ers were assisted by artillery units state. The Houthis have also Turks and two foreigners from equipment from a police station. from the Yemeni army, although been accused by media watchdog A gunman loyal to the Shia Houthi movement stands beside graffiti the German consulate and two There was no claim of responsibil- this could not be independently Reporters Without Borders of protesting US drone operations a day after a US drone killed suspected Turks from the Belgian consu- ity for the attack. verified. Two vehicles carrying harassing journalists in Sana’a. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) militants, in Sana’a, yesterday, late, it said. AFP suspected Al Qaeda militants near AFP AFP SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2014 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL

Mali seeks to 2 US students contain Ebola fears; girl dies fight for lives BAMAKO: Mali authorities yesterday scrambled to calm fears over Ebola after the dis- ease claimed its first victim in the African country, a con- after shooting tagious toddler who took a 1,000km journey on public buses before seeking treatment. The World Health Organisation Schoolmate kills teen, self in attack warned the situation in Mali was an “emergency,” and said in its LOS ANGELES: Two teen- 15-year-old boy, in serious condi- latest Ebola situation report that age US girls were fighting for tion after he was shot in the jaw. the biggest outbreak on record their lives yesterday after they Both boys were being treated at has now killed 4,922 people, the were both shot in the head by Harborview Medical Centre. vast majority of them in Guinea, a schoolmate during a deadly A student identified as Austin Liberia and Sierra Leone, with attack at a Washington state told KING 5 television how the 10,141 cases reported. high school a day earlier. shooter was initially quiet before The US states of New York and The girls, both 14, are among opening fire. “He was just sitting New Jersey ordered mandatory four victims who were hospital- there. Everyone was talking. All quarantine for medics who had ised after Friday’s bloodshed that of a sudden I see him stand up, Members of a district electoral commission carry a ballot box at a polling station in the Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk. treated victims of the disease in left one student and the young pull something out of his pocket,” west Africa, after a doctor who shooter dead in yet another US he said. had returned from the region school attack. “At first I thought it was just became the first Ebola case in Joanne Roberts, a doctor at someone making a really loud Ukraine gears up for vote today New York City. Providence Regional Medical noise with like a bag, like a pretty US President Barack Obama Centre in the city of Everett, 50km loud pop until I heard four more KIEV: Ukrainian leaders made to enter parliament, symbolising In a combative speech on sought to calm a jittery public north of Seattle, said both girls after that, and I saw three kids final appeals to voters ahead of what Poroshenko, elected presi- Friday, the Kremlin leader by hugging one of the two nurses had undergone surgery for head just fall from the table like they snap parliamentary elections dent in May with 55 percent of lashed out at the United States who became the first to contract wounds. “The next three days are were falling to the ground dead.” today that are intended to give the vote, hopes is an irrevers- and said Ukraine was showing Ebola on American soil after going to be crucial,” Roberts said, Many in the community were impetus to democratic reforms, ible political shift. Polls show a a “lack of goodwill” to end the treating a patient, but has now explaining the surgery aimed to baffled by the shooting. Fryberg but are overshadowed by deep- majority of Ukrainians support conflict “by peaceful means”. been declared free of the disease. relieve brain swelling. was a popular student who had ening conflict with Russia and economic and democratic reforms The tug-of-war over Ukraine, Mali President Ibrahim The shooting unfolded on played on the football team and pro-Russian rebels. — especially a crackdown on cor- a country of about 45 million, Boubacar Keita aimed to ease Friday morning when 14-year-old had been named a homecom- “At last we will elect a pro- ruption — leading eventually to has propelled nationalist parties fears after the death of a two- Jaylen Fryberg, a popular first- ing prince just a week ago, local Ukrainian and not pro-Moscow, an European Union membership. to the fore in today’s vote, mean- year-old girl, the first Ebola year student at the Marysville- media reported. anti-corruption and not pro-brib- However, the optimism and ing that Poroshenko will be under case in the landlocked country, Pilchuck High School, opened fire “When I saw him, I was like, ery, a pro-European parliament,” energy of the revolution have been pressure to deliver on anti-cor- who travelled from Guinea. “We in the school cafeteria, classmates oh my gosh, that’s Jaylen. I would President Petro Poroshenko said. sucked out by Russia’s seizure of ruption promises and a solution are doing everything to prevent and officials said. have never expected it would have His Petro Poroshenko Bloc was the Crimea region and an upris- to the armed conflict. panic and psychosis,” he said in “I could see Jaylen standing been him out of all people,” stu- forecast to emerge as the biggest ing by pro-Russian rebels in the Ukraine had 36.5 million vot- an interview with French radio. up with a gun, and he started dent Rachel Heichel said. party in the 450 seat legislature, industrial Donbass region that ers, but lost about 1.8 million The girl and her grandmother shooting,” fellow student Josiah Fryberg, a Native American, although without an absolute has killed more than 3,700 people. after the annexation of Crimea in travelled by public transport from Gould, 14, told the Seattle Times. had left a series of tortured posts majority, meaning he will have to With no military victory in March, while about three million Keweni in Guinea through the “They were sitting down and he on Twitter, suggesting a teenager form a coalition, probably with sight, Ukrainians may face the more live in separatist-controlled towns of Kankan, Sigouri and was behind them shooting. After used to handling guns, and hint- harder-line nationalists. same kind of frozen conflict areas of Lugansk and Donetsk Kouremale to the Malian capi- that I just ran.” ing that a failed romance may The elections were called to severely weakening other ex- provinces. Twenty seven seats in tal, Bamako. “The two stayed in The gunman shot four students have triggered the shooting. cement the pro-Western course Soviet states, such as Georgia. parliament from the conflict areas Bamako for two hours before before killing himself, police said. One post on Instagram showed launched in a February street Western governments blame will remain empty. travelling on to Kayes,” in Mali’s The student that died was a girl, him brandishing a hunting rifle. revolt that overthrew the cor- Russia for the turmoil and have Insurgent leaders are not allow- southwest. The Malian authori- though authorities did not imme- “Probably the best BirthDay ruption-tainted, Moscow-backed slapped painful economic sanctions ing polling stations to open in their ties were tracing everyone who diately release her name. present ever! I just love my par- president Viktor Yanukovich. on Moscow. However, President areas and instead are holding their had contact with the girl and her The wounded also included a ents!!!!,” he posted in a message For the first time since the Vladimir Putin accuses the West own election, which Kiev does not grandmother and 43 people had male student, shot in the head accompanying the photo. collapse of the Soviet Union, the of stirring up the conflict as part of recognise, on November 2. been placed under observation, and in critical condition, and a AFP Communist Party is not expected a strategy to weaken Russia. AFP the WHO said. AFP Brazil run-off vote today Deep rifts remain at UN talks on climate pact

BONN: With a 2015 deadline looming large for a global pact on curbing climate change, six days of UN talks closed here yester- day with delegates and observers deflated over a lack of progress. Rifts over responsibilities for galloping emissions of Earth- warming fossil fuels remain deeply entrenched, they said, preventing detailed negotiations on a new agreement. The meeting of senior officials in the former West German capi- tal was meant to lay the ground- work for December’s round of ministerial-level UN talks in Brazil’s presidential candidate Aecio Neves of Brazilian Social Lima, where a draft of the deal Democratic Party (PSDB) waves to supporters after visiting the grave must be outlined for adoption in of his grandfather, former president Tancredo Neves, in Sao Joao Del Paris a year later. Rei, in Minas Gerais state yesterday. Neves is running neck-and-neck It was also intended to start with leftist incumbent Dilma Rousseff on the eve of a run-off vote that identifying what information countries will be required to sub- will decide Brazil’s presidential election, a poll said. mit when they lodge their pledges for curbing emissions. A long list of speakers com- plained at yesterday’s closing session of an opportunity lost. Scottish opposition Ecuador’s negotiator Walter Schuldt, on behalf of a group of 30-odd Like-Minded Developing Countries that include major pol- leader Lamont quits luters India and China, said they were “thoroughly dissatisfied” LONDON: Johann Lamont, the union. “Scotland has chosen with the outcome. leader of the opposition Labour home rule — not London rule,” “We lost valuable negotiating Party in Scotland, quit yester- Lamont told the Daily Record time this week with open-ended day, branding the wider UK newspaper. discussions,” he said — a senti- party leadership “dinosaurs” “The Labour Party must recog- ment echoed by African and Arab who failed to grasp how the nise that the Scottish party has countries, among others that had independence referendum had to be autonomous and not just hoped for more detailed bartering. changed Scottish politics. a branch office of a party based Countries remain divided on Lamont said the party in in London. “There is a danger of such fundamentals as the legal Scotland needed greater auton- Scottish politics being between form that the 2015 agreement omy as more powers are trans- two sets of dinosaurs ... the will take, whether there will be ferred from London to Edinburgh Nationalists who can’t accept they different levels of obligation for following the narrowly-contested were rejected by the people, and rich and poor nations, and how referendum. some colleagues at Westminster to assess whether national carbon And her resignation with who think nothing has changed.” curbing pledges are enough, com- immediate effect highlights deep Lamont said she had been bined, to avoid the worst climate divisions within the left-of-cen- critically undermined by the change scenarios. tre party, led by Ed Miliband, central party. “Any leader Many said the Bonn meet- ahead of Britain’s May 2015 gen- whose general secretary can be ing merely restated well-known eral election. removed by London without any country positions on how respon- In last month’s referendum, consultation is in an untenable sibility for climate action must Scotland voted by 55 percent to 45 position,” she said. be shared, instead of discussing percent to remain in the United The 57-year-old added: “This has details like funding to help poor Kingdom. The pro-independence been orchestrated by people who countries shift to less polluting campaign was led by the Scottish do not understand the politics they fuels and adapt to change that can National Party (SNP), the gov- are facing. Scotland has changed no longer be avoided. erning party in Scotland, while forever after the referendum.” AFP Labour favoured staying within AFP SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2014 ASIA / PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13

South Korean activist Choi Woo-Won (right) shouts anti-North Korea slogans and (RIGHT) activists were blocked by local residents near Imjingak peace park on the border city of Paju, north of Seoul, yesterday. Bid to launch leaflets into N Korea foiled Riot police clash with activists planning to release balloons carrying about 40,000 propaganda materials

PAJU: Tensions flared yester- carrying around 20 activists after shelling if leaflets are scattered,” in by the activists, but local resi- were deployed in and around the system is taken again in South day as South Korean activists local residents hurled eggs at it, read another placard. dents and liberal groups teamed park, the South’s Yonhap news Korea, its consequences will be attempting to launch propa- shouting “Go back. Don’t put our The activists retreated after a up to foil their repeated attempts. agency said. very grave,” Rodong Sinmun, the ganda leaflets into the North lives in danger!.” two-hour protest during which “Those instigated by North Pyongyang, which refers to the North’s official newspaper, said in were thwarted by egg-throwing The activists had planned to they traded insults with the resi- Korea ambushed us to block our activists as “human scum,” has a commentary yesterday. residents of a border town, fol- release balloons carrying around dents and chanted slogans such as event today but we will come long condemned the launches and The North has warned that fail- lowing threats of retaliation 40,000 leaflets criticising the “Let’s terminate the dictatorship back,” Busan University profes- in recent weeks has stepped up ure to halt future launches could from Pyongyang. North’s government across the of (North Korean leader) Kim sor Choi Woo-Won, the main its demands for Seoul to ban the scupper the planned resumption Hundreds of riot police were heavily-militarised frontier. Jong-Un!.” organiser of yesterday’s event, practice entirely. of high-level talks between the deployed as the dispute erupted But with Pyongyang threaten- However they did not aban- told reporters. Two weeks ago, North Korea two Koreas. in the town of Paju, some 40 ing to retaliate over the launch, don their attempt entirely, park- Despite Seoul’s stance that the border guards attempted to shoot The local residents in Paju kilometres north of Seoul, when local residents set up road blocks ing their bus on a road leading activists have a democratic right down some balloons, triggering a insisted that the threats of mili- a dozen people with their faces with tractors and a placard to the park with some insisting to launch the leaflets, police inter- brief exchange of heavy machine tary retaliation by North Korea hooded seized an activists’ truck reading “Stop anti-North leaflet they should try again to float the vened to prevent a clash between gun fire between the two sides. are credible and that the activists carrying balloons and leaflets. launch jeopardising our lives!.” balloons. activists and residents. “If a rash act of scattering leaf- are putting their lives and busi- Police also surrounded a bus “We will become victims of Later new leaflets were brought More than 1,000 riot police lets slandering our dignity and nesses at risk. AFP

Taiwan rejects Iran lawsuit Myanmar army killed reporter in custody: Press Council YANGON: Myanmar’s press with a soldier and attempting to worked for several local news the military, because they can- Shawn Crispin, CPJ’s Southeast against bank council yesterday said the army steal his weapon” said the docu- titles but the MPC was unable to not show the dead body,” he said, Asia representative, in a had admitted to shooting dead a ment, adding that Aung Naing confirm his status as a reporter. also questioning why the group statement. man in its custody who activists was suspected of being a member The military statement issued had received news of the death “Any soldier found responsible over arms scam claim was a reporter detained of a local armed group. Thursday -- a first of its kind from nearly three weeks after the for his extrajudicial killing or mis- after covering clashes near the This was contradicted by activ- the army which ruled Myanmar shooting. treatment before his death must TAIPEI: Taiwan’s Supreme conflict-hit eastern border. ists and local media reports which with an iron fist for decades -- On Friday the CPJ said the be prosecuted to the fullest extent Court has reportedly rejected a Aung Naing was gunned down said he was a freelance journal- added the man had been buried death of Aung Naing was “repre- of the law.” bid by Iran to make a Taiwanese as he tried to flee detention in ist covering unrest in the region, in Shwe Wah Chaung village, near hensible,” adding that he was the Reporters were regularly bank refund $15m intended for Kyaikmaraw town in southeast- where fighting between govern- where he died. first reporter killed in the former detained under the junta, which an arms deal that disappeared ern Mon state on October 4, the ment troops and rebels has flared MPC secretary Kyaw Min Swe junta-run nation since 2007. meted out long jail sentences three decades ago, after it was interim Myanmar Press Council in recent weeks. said the burial meant it was dif- “Civilian authorities must to journalists while choking off apparently claimed by three (MPC) said citing a rare state- The US-based Committee to ficult to verify the army version investigate the military’s account- information with some of the mysterious con artists. ment issued by the military. Protect Journalists (CPJ) said of events. ing of his death, which has the ini- world’s most draconian censor- Iran’s defence ministry had He “tried to escape by fighting Aung Naing was thought to have “This is a big question to ask tial hallmarks of a cover-up,” said ship rules. AFP sued Taiwan’s Chang Hwa Bank over the deal to purchase arms from the island in 1981. Prayers for Ghulam Azam The deal, according to reports in several Taiwanese newspapers yesterday, was the brainchild Malaysia envoy remanded of Taiwanese businessman Wu Fu-jeou. Wu reportedly con- vinced the Iranian government in custody in N Zealand that he could help broker an arms deal with Taiwan. Wu requested WELLINGTON: A Malaysian stalking and attempting to molest funds be wired to a joint account military attache extradited 21-year-old Tania Billingsley at at Chang Hwa Bank, under the to New Zealand to face an her home in the same Wellington names of three Iranians repre- attempted rape charge was suburb where Malaysia’s High senting the government who were remanded in custody following Commission is located. supposed to withdraw the funds a brief court appearance. Rizalman, who was a defence in Taiwan to pay for the deal, Muhammad Rizalman Ismail, staff assistant at the High according to Apple Daily. But who stood silently in the dock as Commission, faces a jail term of when they went to do so, they Malaysian High Commission staff up to 10 years if found guilty. were told that the money had watched from the public gallery, Billingsley has waived her right been claimed by three people who will reappear in court on Tuesday. to anonymity granted in rape had reportedly presented bank Rizalman was flown from Kuala cases under New Zealand law to officials with correct documents. Lumpur to New Zealand under express her frustration at how the police escort on Friday and spent case had been handled. the night in custody in Auckland She said in a television inter- China to close before being put on a flight to view in July that New Zealand Wellington yesterday for his court officials appeared more con- plants for forum appearance. cerned about hushing the mat- He had fled home to Malaysia ter up and avoiding a diplomatic SHANGHAI: Chinese Vice in May after invoking diplo- incident than ensuring justice Premier Zhang Gaoli ordered a Bangladeshi activists and supporters of the Jamaat-e-Islami party gather outside the national mosque in Dhaka matic immunity when accused of was served. AFP temporary shutdown of facto- yesterday to offer prayers during the funeral of party leader Ghulam Azam. The 91-year-old, who was sentenced ries to ensure air quality during to 90 years in prison, died of heart attack in custody on Thursday. a meeting of Asia-Pacific lead- ers in Beijing next month. It is the strongest measure yet to curb pollution for the US to pay Philippines November 7-11 meeting in the Fight against China graft to continue capital. Zhang told officials that ensur- BEIJING: China’s fight against Commission for Discipline “A clean government and a ing air quality during APEC is the $2m for reef damage deeply ingrained corruption Inspection healthy and fair market offers the “priority of priorities,” although will never end, the country’s “This is just the beginning,” he best soft environment for invest- the task will be a “tremendous top official in charge of tackling said, adding that the party’s anti- ment,” it paraphrased Wang as pressure and challenge” given MANILA,: The United Del Rosario told the Senate finance graft said ahead of a key meet- graft campaign requires “con- saying. dropping temperatures and the States has agreed to pay the subcommittee deliberating on his ing to root out corruption in the sistency, intensified supervision, The party’s graft watchdog start of the coal burning season Philippines $2m in compensa- department’s budget. He said the world’s second-largest economy. discipline and accountability.” begins its annual plenum yes- in northern China, Xinhua said. tion for the damage one of its two governments agreed to set the Since President Xi Jinping Efforts to build a clean govern- terday. It is not clear how long it Zhang also said vehicle controls ships inflicted on over 2,000 amount at $2m based on “an inter- launched his high-profile cam- ment “will never be concluded,” will go on for. The party’s own ple- must be strictly enforced and square meters of Tubbataha agency mechanism.” paign against corruption upon Wang was quoted as saying by the num ended this week with vague residents should be encouraged Reef early last year, Foreign The minesweeper USS assuming office last year a series official Xinhua news agency late promises to boost the rule of law, to take public transportation. Affairs Secretary Albert del Guardian ran aground on of senior official have been felled, on Friday. but made no mention of the dis- To ease traffic congestion and Rosario said yesterday. Tubbataha Reef in the Sulu Sea including powerful former domes- Wang made the comments graced Zhou. curb pollution, Beijing has already “I received correspondence yes- on Jan 17 last year. The ship tic security chief Zhou Yongkang. while talking with overseas The party announced in July announced that public workers in terday that the US has agreed to had to be disassembled to extri- “All these efforts have gained members of the advisory board that it had launched a corruption the capital will be given six days pay the compensation, and what is cate it from the reef, which is a the support of the general public,” of the School of Economics and investigation into Zhou, following off during the APEC meeting. being done at this time is that the UNESCO World Heritage Site. said Wang Qishan, who heads the Management at Beijing’s elite months of speculation about his AGENCIES documentation is being prepared,” THE PHILIPPINE STAR ruling Communist Party’s Central Tsinghua University, Xinhua said. fate. REUTERS SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2014 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN Pakistan ‘will ‘Royal Mosque’ continue trade with India’ Govt keen to develop good relations

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Pakistan has already had a Free Federal Minister for Commerce Trade Agreement (FTA) with Khurram Dastagir Khan said China. yesterday that Pakistan will “The direction of this govern- continue trade with its neigh- ment is to encourage investment. bours, including India, despite A new change will be noticed if border tensions. Gwadar Port is linked with the The minister said that PML-N North,” he said. government is committed to Pakistan, he said, was also increase regional trade as part of planning to develop trading land promoting peace without compro- ports at Pakistan’s three neigh- mising on national sovereignty. bouring junction points - Wagha, “The vision of our government Torkham and Chaman - as gate- is that we must trade with our ways to regional trade. A view of the illuminated historical Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan. The ‘Royal Mosque’ was built in 1673 by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. It can neighbours,” he said. State Minister for Privatisation accommodate some 50,000 worshippers and is the second largest mosque in Pakistan. Speaking at a consultative Mohammad Zubair supported the meeting ‘Trade with Neighbours: notion of opening of border for Prospects and Challenges’, trade with India. “Pakistan should organised by the Sustainable trade with India for better stand- Development Policy Institute ard of living of its own people,” the (SDPI), the minister said that minister said. Sectarian clashes claim 4,900 in 25 years the country’s current tension “If we want to develop, we with India is casting a shadow on should contribute. It is not about ISLAMABAD: During the fallen victim to the monster of While many residents of chief ministers and ministers of economic ties. India’s domination on us, we abso- quarter of a century between sectarianism in well over five Baluchistan have lost lives since the time including the likes of the The minister said that Pakistan lutely want good relations with 1989 and 2014, more than 4,900 dozen incidents till date during 2003 after their vehicles had late Baluchistan Chief Minister would have to trade in energy for India,” the minister said. Pakistani citizens have perished the ongoing 2014. unfortunately hit land mines, Jam Muhammad Yousaf, another import of electricity from India “The privatisation minister in around 3,000 incidents of Following Wednesday’s unsuc- even schools, hospitals, mosques ex-Chief Minister Nawab Aslam to overcome the energy crisis. said that it was time to start with sectarian violence and close to cessful suicide attack aimed at and courts have not been spared Khan Raisani, former provin- The minister admitted that no a bold decision. No country in the 9,500 have sustained injuries. killing the JUI-F Chief Maulana by the merciless terrorists. cial Governor Nawab Zulfiqar doubt extraordinary concessions world can improve its relations The research shows that Fazlur Rehman in Quetta, it is It goes without saying that Magsi, Baluchistan’s ex-provincial were given to neighbours for trade without going into business,” he approximately 525 Pakistanis hence worthwhile to peek into the innumerable Nato oil tankers Finance Minister Asim Ali Kurd facilitation. said. had lost lives in 128 incidents of chronology and timeline of anti- have been torched during this and the Punjab-born Baluchistan “We have been trying to finalise Abid Qayyum Suleri, SDPI’s sectarian violence during 2013, state violence, sectarian killings, decade-long period under review Education Minister Shafiq Ahmed our projects with Iran as well,” Executive Director, while uphold- 509 people had died unnaturally election-related feuds, tribal shoot- and various guest Chinese engi- Khan etc) have till date been tar- the minister said, adding that ing the narrative that trade can in 57 such incidents during 2010, ings, ethnicity and terrorism etc in neers have been shot dead while geted with absolute ease since 2003. due to international pressure, bring peace, said that countries as many as 507 humans (in 173 Baluchistan during last 11 years. working on development projects Apart from Shafiq Ahmed his government is facing difficul- cannot change their neighbours incidents) were made to travel Research reveals at least 125 undertaken in Baluchistan, in col- Khan, who was killed on October ties according to modes of inter- and regional trade is all about towards their eternal abodes dur- major incidents have rocked this laboration with their country. 25, 2009 in what appeared to be national payments. Pakistan is neighbours, building alliance and ing 2012 because of their religious unfortunate province since June A good number of politicians an incident of ethic and linguistic already purchasing electricity at synergies for economic and social beliefs and 441 citizens had suc- 8, 2003, or the day when some 11 like Maulana Fazlur Rehman violence, all others named in the Gwadar Port from Iran. development to minimise conflict cumbed to this mode of terrorism police trainees hailing from the and Sanaullah Zehri (provin- above paragraph were favoured Regarding talks on trade with and promote peaceful coexistence. in 341 incidents during 2007. Hazara Shia branch were shot cial chief of the Pakistan Muslim by Lady Luck though. China, the minister stated that INTERNEWS More than 160 Pakistanis have dead at Quetta’s Sariab Road. League-Nawaz), some sitting INTERNEWS

Pakistan govt Sharif to strengthen party for next elections clears $1.74m ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister of the country, including his own The two agreed to enhance industrialist, he previously student loans Nawaz Sharif has decided to party leaders, to assess the agita- contacts with workers and leaders served as Prime Minister from reinvigorate the ruling Pakistan tion mode of certain elements out of the party. Raja Haq briefed the November 1990 to July 1993 and KARACHI: The apex commit- Muslim League-N (PML-N) in to harm the country’s interests prime minister on the working of from February 1997 to October tee of the Student Loan Scheme a manner that in the coming 30 internally and externally as well. the Senate, the source said. 1999. approved yesterday Rs173.57m months, it is ready for a coun- The meeting had taken place Earlier, PkMAP leader Sharif is the president of ($1.74m) worth of interest-free trywide campaign for the next in the backdrop of speculations Mahmood Khan Achakzai also Pakistan Muslim League (N), loans to be given to deserving polls. about a reshuffle/expansion in called on the prime minister and which is currently Pakistan’s larg- students so that they could pur- Nawaz, also the president of the federal cabinet. It is under- discussed the political develop- est political party, and has formed sue higher studies in Pakistan. the PML-N, had an extensive stood that the two discussed the ments. Achakzai expressed con- the government. The loans were approved dur- discussion with his party’s chair- performance of various ministers cern over the losses caused to the As the owner of Ittefaq Group, ing a meeting of the committee man Senator Raja Zafarul Haq and their contribution to the two nation due to the sit-ins that had a leading business conglomerate, held at the headquarters of the on the overall political situation houses of parliament. allegedly surpassed rupees 1,000 he is also one of the country’s State Bank of Pakistan. here at the PM House yesterday. Haq assured the prime minis- billion. wealthiest people. SBP Deputy Governor Saeed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Raja Haq is also the leader of the ter that the PML-N’s potential He was of the opinion that it He is commonly known as the Ahmad presided over the meet- House in the Senate. should not be underrated since was to be ascertained whether ‘Lion of the Punjab’. ing which was attended by repre- It has been decided in the meet- all cadres of the party were asked another high-level meeting next corruption has inflicted more loss Nawaz entered politics in the sentatives of the Finance Division, ing that brainstorming would to stay calm and they showed week. to the country or the sit-ins. 1980s when in the general elec- National Bank of Pakistan, MCB continue at all levels of the party. patience in the face of excesses. Raja Haq appreciated the Nawaz Sharif is the 18th tions of 1985, he won with an Bank, Allied Bank, Habib Bank Sources said that the prime The new role of the party to prime minister and the admin- and current Prime Minister of overwhelming majority, both and United Bank. The Rs500m minister has initiated consulta- deal with the upcoming develop- istration’s handling of the recent Pakistan in office since June 2013. in the National and Provincial endowment fund was created for tions with the political leadership ments will also be discussed in yet chaos created by some elements. A veteran politician and Assemblies. INTERNEWS the scheme in the fiscal year 2001- 02. The NBP operates the scheme by receiving and scrutinising loan Anti-polio campaign applications, disbursing loan and investing in the endowment fund. Loans approved will be dis- bursed among 1,072 students PM blames protests for rise enrolled by public sector universi- ties in the under-graduate, gradu- ate, MPhil and PhD programmes in metro bus project costs of 2012-13 session.

ISLAMABAD: Several construc- Pakistan (Nespak), Rawalpindi 37 rebels killed tion firms working on the Rawalpindi- Development Authority (RDA) and con- Islamabad Metro Bus Project have tractor firms has been formed, which will in Afghanistan submitted prolongation cost claims not only settle the prolongation claims running into millions of rupees due to but also work out a strategy to complete KABUL: At least 37 Taliban delays caused by the Pakistan Tehreek- the work on most-affected Package-V of militants were killed and 55 i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami the Islamabad-section of the project,” were injured following military Tehreek (PAT) sit-ins. said Rawalpindi Commissioner Zahid operations in the past 24 hours. A prolongation cost is claimed by a con- Saeed. The Ministry of Interior said struction firm on the basis of extended Saeed chaired a meeting at the RDA the operations were conducted by duration of work during which costs are office yesterday to review progress on Afghan National Police in coopera- incurred as a result of delay. the project. tion with Afghan National Army It includes costs for machinery and Though Zahid Saeed did not give any and Afghan intelligence, National labour which are paid for but unused dur- details he said major claim has been Directorate of Security (NDS) ing the delay period. made by a firm Remark-Reliable, which operatives, Khaama press reported The government has also decided to is working on Package-V where the work The statement further added extend the completion date of the project has virtually been suspended for the last the operations were conducted in by one month - from December 28, 2014, 75 days due to the sit-ins. Farah, Logar, Laghman, Parwan, to January 28, 2015. He said the sit-in participants remained Nangarhar and Ghazni provinces. The largest claims have been made present on 1.4 kilometres of the 2.4-kilo- “Also, during these operations, by construction firms engaged on the metre-long Package-V on Jinnah Avenue. Afghan National Police discovered Islamabad section of the metro bus project He said 30 days of extensive construc- and confiscated light and heavy along the Jinnah Avenue, the area most tion work will make up for the delay. rounds ammunition,” it said. affected by the two sit-ins at D-Chowk. He said Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Police discovered and defused Though the PTI’s sit-in continues, it Sharif, who had earlier ordered the two different types of IEDs placed has been decided to mobilise machinery authorities to complete the work by by enemies of Afghanistan for A paramedic administers polio drops to a child in a hospital in Islamabad. Polio is still endemic and staff at the site. December 28, will be requested to extend destructive activities in Helmand in Pakistan and efforts to stamp it out have been badly affected by attacks on vaccinators. “A separate committee represent- the deadline to January 28. and Takhar provinces. ing the National Engineering Services INTERNEWS AGENCIES SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2014 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Defence Ministry spurns US for Israeli missiles At least 8,000 Spike missiles and more than 300 launchers to be bought in a deal worth Rs32bn

NEW DELHI: India has opted India will buy at least 8,000 bottlenecks in the procurement order as part of a broader push to stealth and attack cruise missiles. 363 infantry fighting vehicle to buy Israel’s Spike anti-tank Spike missiles and more than 300 process should be addressed expe- deepen defence industry ties with A committee will be set up by BMP-2 for army units from the guided missile, a defence minis- launchers in a deal worth Rs32bn ditiously so that the pace of acqui- India by increasing the share of the DAC to decide on the ship- Ordinance Factory Board has also tr y s ou r c e s a id ye s t er d ay, r eje c t- ($525m), the source said after the sition is not stymied.” production done in the country. yards that will be issued RFPs for been approved. Another army pro- ing a rival US offer of Javelin meeting. Spike is a man-portable “fire The other proposals cleared these submarines which will study posal worth Rs662 crore for buying missiles that Washington had Prime Minister Narendra and forget” anti-tank missile that by the DAC include manufac- both public and private shipyards radio relay containers has also been lobbied hard to win. Modi’s five-month-old govern- locks on to targets before shooting. turing six conventional subma- over the next 6-8 weeks. All six approved. It also includes acquiring The Defence Acquisition Council ment wants to clear a backlog of It is produced by Israel’s Rafael rines worth over Rs500bn. The submarines will be made in one 1,768 critical rolling stock — open (DAC) approved defence procure- defence orders and boost India’s Advanced Defence Systems, Request for Proposal (RFP) will, shipyard. and closed wagons for transport ment proposals worth Rs800bn firepower, amid recent border which declined to comment. however, be open for “compliant The navy will also get 12 more of military equipment at a cost of ($13.1bn), many of which were tensions with China and heavy It beat out the rival US yards”, ministry sources said. The Dornier aircraft. These will be Rs740 crore. longstanding, at a meeting chaired exchanges of fire with Pakistan Javelin weapons system, built government aims at manufactur- built by the Bangalore-based Analysts estimate that India, by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, across the Kashmiri frontier. by Lockheed Martin Corp and ing all six submarines in the time defence public sector unit — the world’s largest arms buyer, the Press Trust of India said. “National security is the par- Raytheon Co, that defence secre- frame of a year. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will invest as much as $250bn in India, the second most popu- amount concern of the govern- tary Chuck Hagel pitched during These submarines will be Air — at a total cost of Rs1,850 crore. upgrading its Soviet-era military lous nation in the world, is in the ment,” the source quoted Jaitley, Modi’s visit to Washington at the Independent Propulsion (AIP) Dorniers are used for maritime hardware and close the gap on midst of a $100bn defence upgrade who also holds the finance port- end of September. capable that will enable them surveillance and the navy has a China, which spends three times programme. It cleared proposals folio, as telling the procure- Senior US officials had said they to stay underwater for longer fleet of 40 of these aircraft. as much a year on defence. worth nearly $3.5 billion in June. ment panel. “All hurdles and were still discussing the Javelin and will have features including The order for production of THE GUARDIAN/AGENCIES

Phased polls in J&K PM stresses and Jharkhand preventive NEW DELHI: Assembly elec- When we consulted all recog- health care tions in Jammu and Kashmir nised political parties there, they and Jharkhand will be held in were of the opinion that there is five phases beginning November no need to stall the election,” he to cut bills 25 and ending on December maintained. For the 849 people 20. By-elections to three Delhi who are still living in camps, voter MUMBAI: Prime Minister assembly seats w ill also be held on cards will be distributed to them Narendra Modi yesterday November 25. Counting for all the in their camps, he said. underlined the need to give seats would be held on December Considering that both the importance to preventive health 23, the Election Commission states are sensitive from the point care with simple habits like announced yesterday. of view of law and order, Sampath washing hands among children “The five phases will be on said the commission had made to reduce the burden on the November 25, December 2, efficient arrangements to avert nation’s health care systems. December 9, December 14 and any untoward incident. Inaugurating the swank December 20 in both states,” Chief “Both states are sensitive from renovated Sir H N Reliance Election Commissioner of India V the security point of view. We have Foundation Hospital in south S Sampath told the media at a taken all measures to identify the Mumbai here, Modi said treat- briefing held here. He said that security requirement by having ing illness and convalescence were the commission was mandated to suitable discussion with concerned expensive but preventive methods complete elections in both states authorities. There will be deploy- were very cheap. “For instance, if before the expiry of the term of ment of adequate forces to ensure we can provide clean pure drink- their respective state legislatures. free and fair polls,” he asserted. ing water, a majority of health The term of the legislative The model code of conduct problems can be solved. assembly of Jharkhand ends on comes into force with immediate “After the Sabarmati river January 3, 2015 and that of Jammu effect and shall be applicable to was revived with water from the and Kashmir on January 19, 2015. the union government and the Narmada Dam around 10 years ago, “Electoral rolls for Jharkhand states concerned, he added. there has not been an outbreak of were finalised on July 31 while The total number of electors in Prime Minister Narendra Modi arriving for an event to host journalists over tea, titled ‘Deepawali Milan’ in New Delhi. a single (water-borne disease) epi- the final electoral roll for Jammu Jharkhand is 20.74 million, and demic in the city (Ahmedabad). The and Kashmir was published on that in Jammu and Kashmir is people have got clean water and the October 15,” Sampath said. 7.22 million. “There will be 24,648 civic body has made savings of Rs15 Replying to a question whether polling stations in Jharkhand for Modi breaks ice with media crore in bills,” Modi said. it was the appropriate time to its 81 constituencies and 10,015 in Modi cited examples to show conduct elections in the flood- Jammu and Kashmir for 87 con- how a simple habit like washing affected state of Jammu and stituencies,” Sampath announced. NEW DELHI: Prime Minister complained of a lack of two-way Journalists are often asked to hands before meals among children Kashmir, Sampath said that the The three Delhi constituencies Narendra Modi reached out to communication with the new refer to official press statements can prevent many diseases. He decision was taken after consulta- where by-elections will be held on journalists yesterday for the government. and Modi’s Twitter feed for news, touched upon the need to manufac- tions with all recognised political November 25 are Krishna Nagar, first time since taking office, After an eight-minute speech leaving private news organisa- ture essential medical equipment parties there. Mehrauli and Tughlakabad. aiming to mend his rocky rela- in which he thanked the media tions grumbling over Modi’s one- in India with foreign investment “We are bound by the consti- Counting for all the seats would tions with the press. for its coverage of his ‘Clean way interaction which they say to bring down the cost. tution to hold elections before be held on December 23, the poll It was Modi’s first formal out- India’ campaign — aimed at tidy- offers no debate and shields him Earlier, the prime minister the term of the assembly expires. panel announced. IANS reach to the media after assuming ing up public spaces — he stepped from tough questions. inaugurated the hospital, now office and it broke the ice when he off the dais to shake hands and Modi was flanked by BJP in its 90th year, located in south met journalists, shook hands with briefly chat with top editors and president Amit Shah and Home Mumbai, which has been re-built them and smiled for selfies. reporters, who scrambled to pose Minister Rajnath Singh. by Reliance Foundation, led by its The right-wing leader has for “selfies” with the tech-savvy While Shah addressed the chairperson Nita Ambani, into never given a press conference premier. media, as is part of the custom a modern 19-storey tower with Kerala nurses want to return to Iraq and prefers using state media as But Modi faced flak from crit- that party president speaks, Modi two heritage wings. Nita Ambani THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala nurses who have a valid well as his huge Facebook and ics for not taking any questions was seen chatting with Rajnath termed it “a historic day” in the work visa for Iraq are urging the state government to arrange for Twitter following to communicate from the media. He has carefully Singh and smiling. Shah chose to life of the hospital which was re- their return to that country to join duty. These nurses were in India with the masses. controlled his communication talk about the recent victories of dedicated to the people of Mumbai. on annual leave when trouble broke out in Iraq in July this year. But in an apparent break from strategy since coming to power, his party in the assembly elections Founded in 1925 as Mumbai’s “By now I have received almost a dozen calls from such nurses, who are the approach passed on by his mostly choosing the state-backed in Maharashtra and Haryana. first general hospital, the 345-bed, asking us to see that we make arrangements for them to resume work in predecessors, he addressed more Doordarshan broadcaster and All The prime minister however multi-specialty tertiary care hos- Iraq as they have a valid visa and an employment contract,” said an official than 200 journalists at BJP head- India Radio to address India’s 1.2 kept politics at bay, and chose to pital has six thrust areas: Cardiac at the chief minister’s office. In July, around 350 Keralite nurses in Iraq quarters in New Delhi, pledging to billion-strong population. break the ice recounting how once sciences, nephro-urology, neuro sci- were brought back after militants took control of certain areas there. meet them more often. He is also immensely popular upon a time he was the one to ences, oncology, orthopaedics and The chief minister’s office has asked these nurses to approach the “I am looking for ways to on Facebook and Twitter — where make seating arrangements for spine, and women and child health. ministry of external affairs. P Sudeep, CEO of Roots Norka, said that strengthen my relationship with he has 24 million “likes” and 7.3 the media. Modi was referring to Mukesh Ambani, his wife Nita and currently no fresh ECR (emigration check required) clearance is you and... I will try to find time million followers respectively — his days in the BJP national head- other family members welcomed being given to anyone who wants to travel to Iraq for taking up a job. to meet you more often,” Modi and uses these websites as plat- quarters before he was made the Modi near the entrance to the However, sources at the airport here said that those passengers who said, an announcement wel- forms to express his views and chief minister of Gujarat. hospital, along with Maharashtra have a valid visa to Iraq are going. IANS comed by journalists who have make announcements. AGENCIES Governor C V Rao. IANS

Heavy rain in Bangalore Tharoor launches cleanliness drive

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: representatives of local bodies Senior Congress leader Shashi held brooms and took to the job Tharoor (pictured) yesterday of cleaning streets. launched a cleanliness drive “I am a Congressman and my on Kovalam beach, person- ideology is there should be clean ally collecting garbage in bags. surroundings. I first arrived in Prime Minister Narendra Modi this city when I was 10 years and praised his efforts and also at that time even after heavy retweeted the pictures. rains, the city used to be clean Tharoor, who was sacked as due to the excellent drainage spokesperson of the Congress facility. But today, urban planning party for tagging along with has failed and the place here has Modi’s Swachh Bharat campaign, become like a sewage dump,” said said that Mahatma Gandhi’s sani- Tharoor. tation drive was a national cause Tharoor said it was Mahatma and not aligned to any party. Gandhi who said sanita- Prime Minister Modi retweeted from Thiruvananthapuram, while tion is more important than the photos of Tharoor on his twit- launching the cleanliness drive independence. ter handle @narendramodi and on the beach tweeted: “Before “Cleanliness is a national pro- also praised him, writing: “A my actions today are distorted: a gramme... not the programme of great effort by @ShashiTharoor! clean India requires no label. Why any particular party,” he added. His active participation in cede Gandhiji’s sanitation drive Prime Minister Narendra Modi Motorists ride during heavy rain in the southern Indian city of Bangalore yesterday. Swachh Bharat Mission is very to any party? A national cause.” had nominated Tharoor to spread encouraging.” Tharoor and a few other the message of a clean India. Earlier, Tharoor, Congress MP Congress workers and IANS SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2014 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Flight of fancy

Fajr (Dawn) 4:21 Shorook (Sunrise) 5:38 Zuhr (Noon) 11:18 Asr (Afternoon) 2:33 Maghrib (Sunset) 4:59 Isha (Night) 6:29

WEATHER

Weather Today Monday Tuesday Conditions: Clear Clear Partly cloudy Hazy at places at first becomes High: 34° High: 33° High: 32° moderate Low: 25° Low: 27 Low: 27° temperature daytime with slight dust and nice by night.

DOHA - SUN & SEA

SUN TIDE SEA SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND Google’s Vice-President Alan Eustace is seen wearing a specially designed pressurised space suit as he prepares to make a record-breaking skydive 05:40 16:54 06:30 17:45 13:00 23:45 06-15/18 KT from the stratosphere over New Mexico Friday. Eustace was lifted up 41,420 metres by an enormous balloon, the Paragon Space Development Corporation said, and remained in a free fall for approximately 4.5 minutes before landing safely nearly 43.4km from his launch point, setting a THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW world record for the highest skydive and breaking the sound barrier in the process. Eustace landed safely on the ground just 15 minutes after he HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER was lifted into the air.

MUSCAT 35/24 Clear 34/24 Clear MAKKAH 38/25 Clear 39/25 Clear KUWAIT 33/19 Clear 33/19 Clear BAHRAIN 33/25 Clear 32/24 Clear SANAA 23/08 Partly cloudy 24/08 Partly cloudy Rumour mill in overdrive over actress’ face RIYADH 35/22 Clear 35/21 Clear DUBAI 33/24 Clear 34/24 Clear LOS ANGELES: rounded cheeks from itself for the pressure it imposes who have gone under the knife BAGHDAD 28/17 Partly cloudy 30/16 Partly cloudy The storm over Renee her turn as the eter- on actresses to meet traditional to maintain their youthful Zellweger’s (pictured) nal singleton Jones ideals of beauty. “In Hollywood appearance: Demi Moore, Nicole THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW new-look face has in the 2000 and 2004 it’s strange not to (have plastic Kidman, Meg Ryan, Jane Fonda, thrown the spotlight movies, replaced by the surgery) if you are a woman. Melanie Griffith... to name but a HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER on one of Hollywood’s 45-year-old’s impres- You can’t get work. Movie cast- few. Some have gone a little too eternal questions: how sively wrinkle-free and ing directors won’t hire you if far in this pact with the devil, ATHENS 17/13 Partly cloudy 17/13 Partly cloudy do you grow old in slimline face. you look old,” said Sasha Stone, finding themselves with slightly WASHINGTON 20/09 Clear 19/12 Clear Tinseltown? She became an founder of www.awardsdaily.com. over-rounded cheeks or “trout SYDNEY 27/17 Clear 28/14 Partly cloudy The “Bridget Jones” instant water-cooler It is a Tinseltown taboo, not lips,” with a little too much pad- LONDON 16/12 Mostly cloudy 18/12 Partly cloudy star, who won a best supporting and Twitter trending topic, with to be allowed to age naturally, in ding around the mouth. PARIS 17/09 Partly cloudy 19/08 Partly cloudy actress Oscar in 2004 for “Cold endless comments about what contrast to places like Britain and “When they do their face, they ISTANBUL 17/13 Chance of rain 16/13 Rain Mountain,” appeared unrecog- plastic surgery or botox she has France, Stone told AFP. hope to keep getting the A-list MANILA 32/24 Chance of storm 30/24 Partly cloudy nisable at a women in Hollywood had done, while others worried “It’s an American phenomenon, parts. They don’t want to play DHAKA 28/21 Cloudy 27/19 Cloudy awards show earlier this week. about her health. an American obsession,” she said. grandmothers. They want the DELHI 30/19 Clear 30/19 Partly cloudy Gone were the sulky pout and Some denounced Hollywood There is a long list of actresses leading roles,” said Stone. AFP ISLAMABAD 27/17 Clear 26/16 Clear Russia moves Show your parents what you do at work to permanent LOS ANGELES: When David Rich Stoddart, CEO of Leo Burnett North Henderson was 10 years old, he spent America. “Look, if our employees’ parents a day with his mother at the Lawrence appreciate the culture of the company winter time Livermore National Laboratory in and the kinds of things their children do, northern California, getting a close-up those employees are going to be happier MOSCOW: Russia today is set view of her work as an information tech- and more connected and more loyal to our to turn back its clocks to win- nology specialist. Twenty years later, the company.” ter time permanently in a move tables have turned. If there’s any common theme to why backed by President Vladimir Last November, Henderson brought companies have started involving parents Putin, reversing a three-year his mother to LinkedIn’s Mountain View, more, that’s it: Showing the workplace experiment with non-stop sum- California offices so she could learn more off to parents, and better communicat- mer time that proved highly about his job as a project manager there. ing with them, could stoke higher engage- unpopular. As part of LinkedIn’s first Bring In Your ment among employees and make them Russia will also tinker with Parents Day, Henderson’s mom got to meet less likely to leave. “If their kids say they its time zones in order to his colleagues and tour the company’s want to do something else,” Stoddart says, revert to the full 11 zones from 25-acre campus. Or Indian fare. Or local parents “might just ask, are you sure you Kamchatka in the Pacific to handcrafted Philz coffee. want to do that?” Kaliningrad on the borders of “She works in more of a government Some companies playing host to fami- the European Union — reduced workplace and we’ve got an executive chef lies are careful not to link the idea to mil- to nine by previous president that came from Mustards,” Henderson lennials. LinkedIn, for instance, casts its Dmitry Medvedev. says, referencing the landmark Napa Valley effort as both an employee programme and In one of his highest-profile restaurant where LinkedIn’s executive chef a branding exercise. Meanwhile, a Google reforms, Medvedev had backed once worked. “It wasn’t something she spokesperson says its Take Your Parents to Russia’s move to permanent could have imagined.” Work event, which began in 2012, is simply Summer Time (Greenwich Mean On November 6, LinkedIn will again roll LinkedIn employees at the Empire State Building in Manhattan, New York, bring their parents a fun way to share more about the com- Time plus four hours) in 2011 on out the welcome mat for its employees’ to work in November last year for Parents Day. pany with employees’ parents, whatever the basis that changing clocks parents, and has convinced more than 30 their age. upset people’s biorhythms and other companies to do so as well. Virgin Ubl, a consultant with BridgeWorks, a Older managers often saw this dynamic PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, for exam- made for “unhappy cows”. Group, SAP, British Airways and advertis- generational research and strategy firm. as dysfunctional and a workplace burden, ple, told Fortune earlier this year that she But the change provoked a ing agency Leo Burnett are among those “There’s this moment where companies are says Neil Howe, author of Millennials in writes letters to the parents of senior lead- rumble of protest, wtih many opening their doors on the same day, in a like, ‘We’re going to start working with the Workplace. So much so, in fact, that ers on her executive team, and she even Russians unhappy at getting up flip of sorts on the traditional corporate you rather than against you,’ and they’ve when he began predicting a decade ago that called the parent of one high-potential an hour earlier on pitch-dark career visit for kids. started doing this with parents.” companies would one day have events like candidate for help persuading him to join winter mornings. Other companies, such as Google and For years, after all, companies have wor- this, “everyone thought it was funny. It was the company. When the candidate tried In July, Putin — known for Northwestern Mutual, have launched sim- ried about the growing threat of an invasive utter disbelief.” A typical response? “Over to tell his mother he was going to take rarely making public appear- ilar programmes on their own in recent species known as the helicopter parent. my dead body.” another job, she told him Nooyi had called ances in the morning — signed years, inviting parents in for welcome days The hyper-involved moms and dads of Yet now that the oldest millennials have and said he should work at Pepsi. “I had no a law bringing back winter time or for open houses while their children are the millennial generation were said to be been in the workplace for a number of choice!” Nooyi recounted him saying. “Can (GMT plus three hours). He ruled interns. showing up at job interviews, calling hir- years, several companies are starting to you imagine going home every day after that the clocks henceforth would “It’s not like parents are popping in all ing managers on behalf of their kids and embrace employees’ parents as an asset that and a mom goes, ‘but you should have never change to summer time. the time for coffee, but I think it’s slowly even complaining to employers about their rather than a hindrance. “The fact of the accepted that offer!’ “ The seemingly random reforms becoming more accepted,” says Hannah children’s salaries. matter is it hasn’t been a problem,” says WP-BLOOMBERG have riled Russians. Moskovsky Komsomolets daily ran a cartoon of man hanging himself on the hands of a clock, saying: “I’m so sick of you chang- ing all the time.” But health officials reassured South Africans use owls to fight rising rat population citizens that the move back to winter time was harmless. JOHANNESBURG: A young ring is purely there so if the bird Two species of owls have been The owls are released from have been “rat horror” stories Russia’s full 11 time zones will barn owl looks bug-eyed in curi- is recaptured it can be identi- used — the barn owl, which has sites such as schools, where “owl in the South African media also be restored after Medvedev osity as a bird handler readies fied and we can get statistical a distinctive oval face, and the houses” are erected for them to about children being attacked had cut down the number of time it for a new life — to be spent information.” much larger spotted eagle owl. nest. This gets children involved, by the rodents which find zones to nine. AFP hunting the rats that plague After he has finished “band- Haw said barn owls are partic- creating awareness about the ideal conditions in the over- South Africa’s poor and mostly ing” the bird and two of its sib- ularly suited to urban conditions problem of pests and the role that crowded shantytowns that ring black urban areas. lings, the trio will be released at a because, as their name suggests, predators can play in controlling Johannesburg. The Township Owl Project later date, most likely into one of they have long been associated their numbers. Measuring success is not easy takes juvenile birds rescued from Johannesburg’s townships. with human habitation. Haw said schools are also ideal but one way is to examine owl perilous situations, such as when More than 200 owls have been This also makes them ideal for locations because they are quiet at pellets at to see what the birds a building where they nested in is deployed like this over the past the control of pests such as rats night, when the birds are active have been preying on. “They are demolished, and gives them a new decade, according to Jonathan because where humans go, rats and on the prowl. And rather definitely eating rats,” Haw said. home and a new job. Haw, head of EcoSolutions, a follow. than being located close to each Aside from analysing bird drop- Expertly clasping a metal private environmental planning “Barn owls and rats are inex- other, each school has a “terri- pings, pest control results can be ring onto the bird’s leg, handler company that has been steering plicably linked in evolution tory” - as do owls. seen in other ways. Craig Nattrass explains: “The the initiative on a pro bono basis. together,” Haw said. In recent months there REUTERS Sunday 26 October 2014 2 Muharram 1436 Volume 19 Number 6230 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Nakilat’s Gulf states risk nine-month deficit as oil profit grows by 25pc price falls: IMF DOHA: Qatar Gas Transport Company Ltd (Nakilat) recorded a net profit of QR693m for the first nine months of GCC has fiscal buffers now: Lagarde 2014, up 25 percent compared to QR553m reported during the KUWAIT CITY: Oil- because of a production glut, same period in 2013. dependent Gulf states will weaker demand and a gloomy Commenting on the results, face budget shortfalls if the world economic outlook. Nakilat’s board of directors said recent decline in oil prices per- The US benchmark West the strong results of the compa- sists, International Monetary Texas Intermediate declined to ny’s earnings clearly reflect the Fund chief Christine Lagarde about $81 a barrel on Friday strength and stability of the com- warned yesterday. on the New York Mercantile pany’s financial position. A sustained decline of $25 Exchange. The results also represent a barrel in the oil price would Lagarde called on GCC states the company’s prudent strat- reduce the revenues of most Gulf to implement reforms and egy in exploiting opportunities countries by 8 percent of gross stressed the urgent need for fiscal to develop and grow the com- domestic product, “and put many consolidation — an appeal echoed pany’s main business activities in of them into a fiscal deficit situa- by Kuwait’s finance minister. the field of liquefied natural gas tion,” Lagarde told reporters. Anas Al Saleh urged steps to (LNG) transportation to include But the six nations of the Gulf tackle rising public spending, international markets, which in Cooperation Council (GCC) have mainly on wages and subsidies, turn has resulted in an increase built up fiscal buffers to cope as well as efforts to boost the role Qatar Central Bank Governor H E Sheikh Abdulla Saud Al Thani (left) and Finance Minister H E Ali Sheriff Al in the number of operating ves- with the immediate impact of the of the private sector. Emadi take part in the annual meeting of the finance ministers and central banks governors of the GCC countries sels in Nakilat’s fleet during the reduction in revenues, she said “Comprehensive economic yesterday in Kuwait City. year 2014. after a meeting with regional reforms, including reforming dis- The board pointed out that the finance ministers and central tortions in the public finances, strong improvement in the LPG bank chiefs. should be enforced,” he said. vessels’ performance contributed The combined GDP of the GCC Saleh said the Gulf states must GCC finance ministers, central bank significantly to the achievement last year reached $1.64 trillion, diversify their economies and of these remarkable results. so in this scenario the annual “reduce dependence on oil”. In addition to the increased revenue of the six nations could Forecasts indicate a healthy operating activities at the ship- plunge by roughly $130bn. economic growth for the six GCC chiefs meet to discuss joint strategy yard facilities, which will continue The total revenue of the GCC nations averaging 4.5 percent in to underpin the future financial states — 90 percent of which 2014-2015, Saleh said. KUWAIT: GCC ministers of financial and eco- addition to enforcing collective precautionary meas- results of the company. come from oil — more than “But these forecasts should be nomic affairs and central banks’ governors began ures as well examining civil servants’ pay scales and The board has affirmed doubled from $317bn in 2008 treated with caution in light of here yesterday a joint meeting, aimed at reaching salaries in the regional states. Nakilat’s continuous commit- to $756bn in 2012. It declined fast-paced regional and inter- common perspective regarding key issues of com- Kuwait, late on Friday, hosted the 99th meeting ment to pursue its development slightly to $729bn last year, national developments, particu- mon interest in the banking and monetary fields. of the GCC committee of financial and economic and growth strategy in the long according to IMF estimates. larly the drop in oil prices which Agenda of the meeting, attended by Director- cooperation, discussing results of a previous meet- term, in order to achieve strong The GCC groups Bahrain, has started to impact the pub- General of the International Monetary Fund ing of the GCC commission of monetary authorities; returns to its shareholders. Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi lic finances of GCC states,” the Christine Lagarde, includes talks on issues of joint governors and central banks and some recommenda- Nakilat will exploit future Arabia and the United Arab Kuwaiti minister added. concern, with aim of formulating common perspec- tions on “completing the requirements for the joint opportunities to acquire new Emirates, which together pump Benefiting from high oil prices tives in this respect and offering technical sup- GCC custom federation.” vessels, serving the international 17 million barrels of crude oil per for more than a decade, the GCC port for Gulf Cooperation Council’s member states, It also hosted the joint meeting of the Committee marine sector, and to increase the day and depend on oil for about states have built fiscal reserves Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported. of Governors of Monetary Agencies and Central utilisation rate for the shipyard 90 percent of public revenues. estimated at $2.45 trillion by Looming high on the schedule are financial sta- Banks. Topics dealt in part with “latest develop- facilities at Erhama bin Jaber Al Oil prices have slumped by the International Institute of bility in the GCC countries, reforming the labour ments at the level of combating money laundering Jalahma Shipyard. about 25 percent since June Finance. AFP market to increase employment and productivity, in and funding terrorism.” QNA Nakilat is a Qatari marine transport company providing the essential transportation link in the State of Qatar’s LNG supply chain. Its LNG shipping fleet is the largest in the world, compris- ing 61 LNG vessels. Qatar’s real estate transaction value hits QR37.2bn Nakilat also manages and operates four large LPG carri- DOHA: Qatar’s overall real Al Sharq reported the total vol- growth in the transaction value. percent during the same month in total of 119 real estate transactions, ers. Via two strategic joint ven- estate transaction value dur- ume of real estate transaction dur- Total transaction value of the 2013. Al Arab reported citing property tures, Nakilat Keppel Offshore & ing the first nine months of 2014 ing the first quarter of 2014 grew month hit QR6.8bn, up 23.6 per- Market watchers forecast that developer Al Asmakh’s report. Marine (N-KOM) and Nakilat rose by 15.2 percent to QR37.2bn, by a whopping 35.2 percent against cent compared to July 2013. The the transaction value of real estate “Qatar’s real estate sector is Damen Shipyards Qatar (NDSQ), compared to QR32.3bn recorded the same period in 2013. The trans- value during the month of January deals in Qatar would jump to more witnessing an exponential growth. Nakilat operates the ship repair during the same period a year action volume during the second stood at QR4.8bn, up 71.8 percent than 20 percent in the run up to The transaction value of the coun- and construction facilities at ago. The total transaction value quarter was up by 8.5 percent to a year ago, but the trade value fell the 2022 Fifa World Cup. However, try’s real estate sector is expected Erhama bin Jaber Al Jalahma for third quarter of this year QR14bn compared to a year ago to QR2.9bn in February, down 6.5 the growing land prices are to grow by 30 percent by the end Shipyard. Nakilat also offers a (Q3,14) touched QR11.3bn against period. percent compared to the same expected to weigh on the country’s of this year,” Al Sharq quoted busi- full range of marine support serv- QR10.6bn or up 6.6 percent During the first nine months of month in 2013, before rebound- real estate sector, they warned. The nessman Mansour Al Mansour as ices to vessels operating in Qatari year-on-year. this year, July witnessed significant ing to QR4.2bn in March, up 44.8 week ended October 16, witnessed a saying. THE PENINSULA waters. THE PENINSULA

GWC posts 36.8pc rise in Q3 profit

DOHA: Gulf Warehousing profits,” said GWC Chairman dry, chilled and frozen warehous- Company (GWC) yester- Sheikh Abdullah bin Fahad bin ing solutions, as well as bulk and day reported a net profit of Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani. “We will open yard storage. The contract QR102.4m ($28.1m) for the third ensure continued strong returns on logistics, freight forwarding, and quarter (Q3) of 2014, register- our investments by excelling in the record management solutions ing a remarkable 36.8 percent solutions and services we already departments continue to provide growth (year-on-year) compared offer, while seeking out new oppor- high revenues, scoring major con- to QR74.8m ($20.5m) in Q3, 2013, tunities and untapped markets.” tracts with a number of ministries, according to a press statement. The completion of key asset financial institutions, the oil and Gross revenue reached QR505m development projects brought gas sector, technology companies, ($138.7m) during Q3, 2014, up 26.4 GWC’s assets to QR2.05bn, an and cultural organisations. percent compared to QR399.4m increase of around QR167m dur- This constant endeavour for ($109.7m) earned in the same ing the first nine months of 2014, achievement has not gone unno- period last year. Earnings per share marked by the launch of opera- ticed, as GWC earned a number of rose to QR2.15 per share during the tions of Phase IV at the Logistics distinctions this quarter. Earlier third quarter, growing by 36.9 per- Village Qatar (LVQ). The one mil- in the quarter, Arabian Business cent from QR1.57 during the same lion square metre fully-integrated magazine named GWC one of period in 2013. logistics facility witnessed capac- Qatar’s top 30 companies by “This capacity and desire for ity expansion by 81,000 square market cap. Soon after, the com- expansion is the main driver for the metres of newly-developed storage pany was awarded the Logistics growth in our operations, which in and distribution facilities comple- Excellence Award at the 2014 turn has generated this respect- menting LVQ’s existing full range Qatar Enterprise Agility Awards. A worker at the Gulf Warehousing Company. able increase in our revenues and of storage services such as ambient, THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2014 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Fannie Mae settles shareholder lawsuit Qatargas sells LNG NEW YORK: Fannie Mae has It resolves shareholder allega- September 5, 2008. Fannie Mae’s reached a $170m settlement of a tions that Fannie Mae defrauded market value peaked during that lawsuit accusing it of misleading shareholders and inflated its stock period at more than $60bn. It is shareholders about its finances, by issuing false and misleading now $2.71bn. “We are pleased to risk management and mortgage statements about its internal con- put this matter behind us,” Joseph cargo to China’s Jovo exposure before it was seized by trols, capitalisation, accounting, Grassi, Fannie Mae’s interim gen- the US government during the and exposure to subprime and low- eral counsel, said. “This is another 2008 financial crisis. documentation “Alt-A” mortgages. sign of progress as Fannie Mae First deal of this kind with private importer in China The settlement, which requires The settlement allocates continues our focus on serving the court approval, was disclosed in a $123.8m to common stockholders market and helping lenders make DOHA: Qatargas sold its first Friday filing with the US District and $46.2m to preferred stockhold- mortgage credit available to quali- cargo of liquefied natural gas Court in Manhattan. ers between November 8, 2006 and fied borrowers.” REUTERS (LNG) to Jovo LNG Storage and Transportation Co, Ltd, an independent LNG importer from China. The 64,000 cubic metre cargo was sold on a free-on-board basis and loaded on to the vessel LNG Lerici at Ras Laffan port on October 22 pursuant to the FOB Master Sale and Purchase Agreement signed by the parties earlier this summer. The cargo will be delivered to Jovo’s LNG terminal located in Lisha Island, Dongguan in the Guangdong province. Vessel LNG Lerici at Ras Laffan port. This represents the first deal of its kind concluded by Qatargas to major LNG players around the first LNG cargo from Qatargas is with an independent and privately globe, but also demonstrates our an achievement and it is also an owned LNG importer in China, ability to work successfully with important milestone for Jovo. The where until today Qatargas has small-scale buyers and cater to success of this business deal gave a only supplied LNG to Chinese their specific needs. This delivery powerful impetus to the realisation state-owned national oil and gas will undoubtedly encourage other of Jovo’s enterprise mission to pro- companies. The recent develop- potential independent players both mote the low carbon economy and ment in the Chinese market to in the People’s Republic of China to share the prosperous future. promote cleaner fuels has encour- and across the world to consider Jovo sincerely hopes that through aged and supported the growth Qatargas as a reliable source of the future good cooperation with of smaller LNG players like Jovo LNG no matter how big or small Qatargas, to provide better serv- which enjoys its niche market in their operations are.” ice to promote the development of the Guangdong province by provid- Jovo CEO Zhang Jianguo said: China’s clean energy.” ing its customers with LNG deliv- “After more than two years of Qatargas is the world’s largest ered by a fleet of trucks, as well hard negotiations and friendly LNG producing company with a as with LPG, methanol and DME. communications, vigorous sup- production capacity of 42 MTA. Qatargas CEO Khalid bin Khalifa port from China’s National and The State of Qatar, as the world’s Al Thani, said:“This is an impor- Guangdong Provincial Energy leading LNG producer, anticipates tant milestone for Qatargas. This Administration has created a that of China will become one of achievement highlights Qatargas’ new prospect for Chinese private the world’s largest gas markets. capability to supply LNG not only enterprise to import LNG. The THE PENINSULA Arab Bank nine-month net profit up 10pc AMMAN: Jordanian lender Arab Bank Group’s institutions, it said yesterday that total loans rose said its nine-month net profit rose 10 percent to 2.2 percent to $23.7bn at end-September, while $614m compared to last year, attributing it to a deposits grew 3.5 percent to $34.1bn compared to diversified portfolio with growth in key markets the same period last year. The bank gave no figures and a prudent risk strategy. for third quarter net profits. One of the Middle East’s major financial REUTERS SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2014 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 China’s stimulus measures good for global economy: QNB Group

DOHA: China’s latest stimulus meas- April and June, the central bank cut the offset by regulatory restrictions on lending retail sales grew at a slower pace of 11.6 liberalise interest rates and the financial ures seem to have been enough to avoid reserve requirement ratio for rural banks in the shadow banking sector and by weak percent in the twelve months to September sector more generally, introduce market– a hard landing, says a weekly report by and banks lending to the agricultural sec- global and domestic demand. 2014, compared with an average of 13.2 based pricing of resources and utilities, the QNB Group yesterday. tor and small- and medium-sized enter- The various stimulus measures have not percent in 2013. As a result, indebted com- allow greater private ownership in state- According to the National Bureau of prises. This was followed in September and resulted in higher overall lending to the panies and individuals are unwilling to owned enterprises, and ease restrictions Statistics (NBS), real GDP growth slowed October by two rounds of liquidity injec- economy. Total social financing, a broad borrow more, even at lower interest rates, on urban migration. This may over time to 7.3 percent in Q3 2014, which is broadly tions in the form of three-month loans to measure of lending in the official and given overall weaker demand. At the same change the economic model of Chinese in line with QNB projections of 7.5 per- banks amounting to more than $110bn. shadow banking systems, fell 4.6 percent time, the government is unlikely to engage growth, where private consumption is the cent for 2014. The global economy should, Finally, the central bank cut its bench- in the first nine months of 2014 year-on- in a new fiscal stimulus to boost growth. dominant contributor. therefore, be spared the negative impact mark lending rates on 14-day repurchase year. This was mainly due to a series of A $600bn stimulus programme launched “Given that these reforms will take time of a Chinese hard landing, thanks in part agreements twice over the last 30 days. regulatory measures introduced in the sec- in 2008 resulted in overinvestment and to have an impact, we expect growth to to repeated injections of fiscal and mon- These stimulus measures seem to have ond half of 2013 and early 2014 to restrict excess capacity in the economy. This has continue slowing for some time in China. etary stimulus this year. However, the days been sufficient to prevent a sharp drop lending in the shadow banking sector. led to over-indebtedness of corporations Current stimulus measures appear to of voracious Chinese demand driving up in growth, but the economy is still slow- Notwithstanding this decline, growth in and individuals and significant excesses be sufficient to prevent a hard landing. global commodity prices are probably over. ing at a gradual pace. Real GDP growth the traditional banking system (exclud- in the shadow banking system. To avoid However, the ramifications of the Chinese In light of slower global and domestic remained well above 7 percent throughout ing shadow banks) grew by a healthy 15.9 the mistakes of the past, the government slowdown will be felt in the rest of the demand, the Chinese authorities have the first nine months of 2014, compared percent year-on-year in August. is likely to accept a gradual slowdown in world. China has been the key driver of introduced a series of stimulus measures with an average of 7.7 percent in 2013. It is The effectiveness of stimulus measures growth in the short term. global growth since 2009 and its slow- in 2014 to achieve their growth target of expected to continue slowing gradually in may be waning as global and domestic Over the medium term, the government down will be a drag on the global economy. 7.5 percent. Following the release of Q1, 2015-16, which may result in a soft landing. demand for Chinese goods is weakening is counting on structural reforms to boost Weaker demand from China is also likely GDP data in April, the government pro- However, stimulus measures have been so faster than expected. The IMF has just growth through a shift to a more market- to be a drag on international commodity vided tax breaks for small companies, far insufficient to keep growth above the revised downwards its global growth pro- based, consumption-led growth model as prices, including oil prices, for some time spending on high speed railways and government’s 7.5 percent target. This may jections for 2014 to 3.3 percent, from 3.7 opposed to investment-led in the past. To to come,” the report said. increased financing for social housing. In be because stimulus measures are being percent previously. In addition, Chinese achieve this goal, the government plans to THE PENINSULA

Medvedev visits factory Bestway Group 25 European banks set completes Co-operative’s to fail health checks pharma buyout Up to 10 banks continue to have capital shortfall DOHA: Bestway Group has taken formal control of the FRANKFURT: A group of which will decide whether or not would wind itself down. Co-operative Group’s pharmacy 25 banks have failed European it gets the green light. Meanwhile, Deutsche Bank business. This follows July’s health checks, while up to 10 of A spokesman for the European passed the ECB-led stress test by announcement of the £620m those continue to have a capital Central Bank said the test results a wide margin with a core equity deal. The Group worked with shortfall, two people familiar had not yet been finalised, ratio of 8.8 percent compared to a JPMorgan and Nomura, sup- with the matter said, providing describing reports in the mean- minimum requirement of 5.5 per- ported by Barclays, RBS and its a snapshot of the health of the time as speculative. cent, two sources familiar with other relationship banks to secure region’s lenders. “The results will not be final the matter said. the financing for the acquisition. The health checks, led by the until they are considered by the Juergen Fitschen, co-chief Bestway, which has the right to European Central Bank, found Governing Council of the ECB on executive of Deutsche Bank and operate under The Co-operative that banks in countries includ- Sunday, after which they will be president of the BdB association Pharmacy brand for a transitional ing Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia published,” he said. of German private-sector banks, period of 12 months, has begun and Portugal had fallen short of European banking shares said the results probably gave developing and testing possible new a minimum capital benchmark at dipped briefly on Friday after his country’s banks a clean bill brands for the business. It expects the end of last year and that up Bloomberg News reported that of health. to confirm the new name for the to 10 remained in difficulty now, 25 banks within the euro zone Shares in the Italian banks business before the end of first the sources said. would fail the ECB “stress test”. considered most at risk of fail- quarter 2015. Banks in Spain and France had Portugal’s Finance Minister ing the eurozone health checks, In the meantime, the Group has fared, by and large, better than Maria Luis Albuquerque said including bailed out lender Banca identified a number of possible sites expected. that the Lisbon government was Monte dei Paschi di Siena, were in Manchester for the new HQ of The result, which has yet to confident that the country’s three sharply higher as investors the pharmacy business. be finalised by the ECB’s govern- largest banks had fared well in counted on them doing better Following this (and with the ing council today, provides the the stress tests. than expected. Group’s subsequent acquisition of most complete picture yet of the The Austrian Finance “Investors are betting that one Lafarge Pakistan Cement Ltd a robustness of the eurozone’s top Minister Hans Joerg Schelling, of the most problematic banks week after the announcement of 130 lenders. said only Volksbanken AG was in the eurozone could pass the The Co-operative Pharmacy deal), Those banks with shortfalls “stress burdened” and the test stress tests with fewer problems Russia’s Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev (centre), accompanied Bestway will now have an annual will now have two weeks to sub- revealed no surprises, accord- than previously thought,” said by Dmitry Pumpyansky (right), head of TMK, Russia’s largest turnover of approximately £3.6bn mit a plan to bolster their capital ing to the Austria Press Agency. Vincenzo Longo, strategist at maker of steel pipes for the oil and gas industry, takes a pic- and a global workforce of 33,000 to the European Central Bank, Volksbanken had already said it broker house IG. REUTERS ture during his visit to the Seversky Tube Works in the town of people, with over 11,900 people in Polevskoy, outside Yekaterinburg, yesterday. the UK. It is the UK’s eighteenth largest privately owned com- pany and seventh largest family- owned business. Along with The Co-operative Pharmacy, which is ECB tests find €800m-850m shortfall at Ireland’s PTSB the UK’s third largest pharmacy business, the Group now consists of the UK’s second largest whole- DUBLIN: European bank Finance Minister Michael Noonan percent to €171m. Two thirds of it said improved its regulatory impairment charges on loans to sale business, and both the largest stress tests have found that said last week that the 99.2 per- PTSB’s loan book is made up of capital position. It has appointed fall significantly in the second half cement manufacturer and second Ireland’s permanent tsb (PTSB) cent state-owned bank would be expensively funded and loss-mak- Deutsche Bank to advise on its of the year, allowing it to release largest private bank in Pakistan. had a capital shortfall of €800m able to raise any additional funds ing tracker mortgages, which are capital market plans. some provisions. The pharmacy acquisition marks to €850m at the end of 2013, a it might need from private inves- linked to the European Central In a trading update released “Notwithstanding that the the latest move in the Group’s con- source familiar with the proc- tors. All other Irish lenders passed Bank’s low interest rates. PTSB, after the stock market closed group has maintained a con- tinuing diversification strategy. ess said. the tests, the result of which are one of European 25 banks that on Friday, PTSB said that it had servative peak-to-trough fall Zameer M Choudrey, Bestway The shortfall will drop to to be released on Sunday. The have failed the tests, according reduced the amount of money set assumption of 55 percent for Irish Group CEO, said: “We are delighted around €200m ($253m) after tak- smallest and weakest of Ireland’s to two people familiar with the aside to cover losses on bad loans residential property prices, the to have brought The Co-operative ing into account the bank’s finan- three remaining domestically matter, said it would release a in the third quarter as it made group saw a net provision release Pharmacy business into the cial actions so far this year plus owned banks, PTSB remains the response to the test results today. further progress towards profit- in the third quarter,” the bank Bestway family, adding an exciting the potential conversion of €400m only loss-making lender. In the The state-controlled mortgage ability. PTSB, which forecasts a said, without specifying the level fourth pillar to our growing and of contingent capital notes, known first half of this year, however, lender recently sold two port- return to profit across its busi- of provisions it was writing back. diverse business portfolio.” as CoCo bonds, the source added. it cut its underlying loss by 62 folios of mortgage loans, which nesses by 2017, said it expected REUTERS THE PENINSULA

Volvo Group profits up

South Korean models posing during the presentation of the new Volvo Trucks range in Seoul. Swedish heavy vehicle maker Volvo said its third-quarter net profit had risen to 1.54bn kronor ($212m) thanks to strong demand in North America and Japan. SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2014 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Bank of Ireland Eurozone stares at recession: Draghi staff set for ECB chief warns leaders that they risk recession if they fail to go for structural reforms first pay rise BRUSSELS: The ECB’s presi- as a budget policeman, has until Draghi told eurozone leaders was only one part of an economic up a mirror for us once again.” dent warned divided eurozone next Wednesday to reject 2015 seated around a large oval table revival plan, the others being “Monetary policy can do some since crisis leaders they risked “a relapse budgets that fail to comply with in the EU summit’s red marble reforms, sound public finances things, that is the job of the inde- into recession” if they failed to EU fiscal rules. building that they could not just and healing the bloc’s sick banks. pendent European Central Bank,” DUBLIN: Staff at Bank of press ahead with structural eco- France and Italy are pushing rely on the ECB. Draghi said he wanted to see Merkel said. “But if fiscal policy Ireland , the country’s largest nomic reforms, a message wel- for more spending room in their “We avoided the collapse of the governments draw up a reform doesn’t react simultaneously, if bank by assets, are set to receive comed by German Chancellor budgets in return for new com- euro with a joint effort. Now our programme by the next EU sum- we don’t improve our economic their first pay increase in six Angela Merkel. mitments on structural reforms, focus should be to act jointly again mit in December. That appeared policies, our competitiveness and years after the part state-owned With a recovery coming to a and officials say that any changes to avoid a relapse into a reces- to be welcomed by Merkel, who our investment climate, then we lender reached an agreement halt in the second quarter and Paris and Rome make to their sion,” Draghi said, according to his has faced sustained pressure from won’t come out of this unsatisfac- with its largest trade union. depressed prices reflecting near budgets are likely to be small. spokesman, who quoted from his France and Italy and to some tory situation,” Merkel said. Irish banks have cut thousands record unemployment, France Many economists say nothing speech. “Hope is not a strategy.” extent the United States and the The summit underscored how of jobs and executive pay as the and Italy want to shift away from short of a large scale US-style He said a coherent plan for International Monetary Fund, to the eurozone has few quick fixes. result of a 2008 banking crash, the spending cuts that marked the bond-buying programme will economic growth had to involve agree to more government spend- Merkel said that a mix of private which led to the closure or merger bloc’s response to the 2009-2012 revive the economy that is still “concrete and credible” struc- ing to help the economy. investment, fiscal discipline and of half of its domestic banks, the crisis. But Germany says debt suffering a hangover from the debt tural reforms. Laying out a Merkel told a news confer- openness to fast-growing Asian exit of a slew of foreign lenders discipline must continue and the and banking crisis. But European four-pronged strategy, Draghi ence following the summit that economies was the way forward. and an international bailout that European Commission, which acts Central Bank President Mario emphasised that monetary policy she thanked Draghi “for holding REUTERS it completed last year. Bank of Ireland said the new proposals would increase sala- ries by 1.75 percent this year, Trans Pacific trade meet back-dated to July, and by 2 per- cent from January. Staff will also receive a one-off payment equiva- IMF fights negative lent to 5 percent of their current salary. The bank, Ireland’s only lender to escape nationalisation, reported a profit for the first time interest rates in five years in August. The Irish Bank Officials WASHINGTON: The negative level as well, a senior Association (IBOA), the coun- International Monetary Fund fund official explained. try’s largest banking union, will announced a minimum inter- “Under the current rule there ballot its members next week est rate on its unique SDR cur- is nothing to stop the SDR and recommend the proposals rency as it fights off the impact rate from going negative,” he be accepted. Bank of Ireland said of sagging interest rates and said. “Financially, it would be talks were taking place with other deflation from major economies. a somewhat perverse situation unions regarding their members. The IMF said that from because our creditor members “The proposals acknowledge the Monday it would maintain a floor would be paying for providing us major sacrifices made by Bank of rate of 0.05 percent, or five basis resources.” Ireland employees over the last points, on its special drawing But it also acknowledges a six years in terms of job cuts and rights or SDR currency, which worry the IMF, top central reduced earnings,” IBOA General represents a basket of the cur- bankers, and bond market trad- Secretary Larry Broderick said. rencies of its largest members. ers have been expressing of Broderick said that the develop- Currently the rate the Fund major economies sinking toward ment should set a precedent for pays on the money its members deflation. other financial institutions, which lend to it is 3 basis points. That is “This is a reflection of the fact are now returning to profitability also the basis for the global crisis that central banks have set very and facing similar issues in terms lender’s loan rate to borrowers. low interest rates, or even nega- of career and reward structures With short-term rates for key tive,” the official said. for employees. SDR components the euro and To meet the challenge of his- The salary increases will not the yen now running below zero, torically low rates as well, the apply to senior management at and the dollar and pound rates official said, the IMF will round Bank of Ireland, which has cut barely above zero, that risked its rates to three decimal points Trade representatives from 12 nations during the Trans Pacific partnership meeting in Sydney yesterday. staff by over a quarter since the pulling the SDR rate down to a instead of two as in the past. AFP last pay rises in 2008. REUTERS India’s finance Europe auto market minister favours interest rate cut to slow down: Ghosn SHANGHAI: French car- chief executive officer of Japan’s NEW DELHI: India’s Finance maker Renault Chairman Nissan Motor Co through an alli- Minister Arun Jaitley favours Carlos Ghosn said yesterday ance between the companies. a cut in interest rates to trig- that he expects slower growth Many foreign carmakers ger demand in the construction in Europe’s auto market next turned to China, the world’s larg- sector, a newspaper report said year as it continues to recover est auto market, in the wake of yesterday, but the central bank from the global economic crisis. the global crisis as their home has signal it will not ease pol- Ghosn, who is also Renault’s markets in the United States or icy until it is confident of lower chief executive officer, said the Europe collapsed. inflation. European market was growing China’s auto market is now In May, Prime Minister Modi at six percent so far this year — slowing as well, as weaker domes- was elected on promises that his the best since the 2007 crisis. “I’m tic economic growth and a cor- government would create jobs and expecting in 2015 this recovery to ruption crackdown take their rejuvenate the Indian economy, continue,” Ghosn told journalists toll. But Ghosn said Renault and but experts were disappointed by on the sidelines of an industry Nissan were committed to adding Jaitley’s first budget and a lack of forum in China’s commercial hub production in China. early progress on fixing structural Shanghai. In late 2013, Renault signed an economic problems. “I don’t see another six percent agreement with Chinese company “Currently, interest rates are increase. I think the increase will Dongfeng to set up a joint venture a disincentive. Now that inflation probably be more moderate than that will start production in 2016 seems to be stabilising somewhat, six percent... in line with GDP with initial capacity of 150,000 the time seems to have come to (gross domestic product) growth,” vehicles a year. Nissan has an moderate the interest rates,” he said, but gave no estimates for existing partnership with state- Jaitley said in an interview with Renault alone. backed Dongfeng, China’s second the Times of India. REUTERS Ghosn is also president and largest automaker. AFP

Vietnam inflation to dip

Customers shop at a Fivi mart in Hanoi yesterday. Vietnam is expected to keep annual inflation at a rate below 5 percent, or about 2 percentage points below a government target, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung told Parliament. The World Bank has lowered its forecast for Vietnam’s inflation in 2014 to 4.5 percent from 6 percent in a report this month. SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2014 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

It shouldn’t be painful The big blues of IBM BY HAROLD MEYERSON through buybacks and dividends. proved unsustainable. On Monday, Buffett’s to get a mortgage In 1993, IBM had 2.3 billion outstanding investment lost $1bn as Big Blue’s stock ig Blue’s got the blues. On Monday, shares; 20 years later, it had 1.1 billion. As sank. IBM’s stock tumbled by 7 percent the Wall Street Journal’s Dennis Berman What makes IBM’s decline a matter of BY BARRY RITHOLTZ after it unveiled a dismal quar- has pointed out, at that pace the company moment to more than just company share- terly earnings report that showed would have no publicly traded shares at all holders is that the course IBM elected to nder normal circumstances, approving my mortgage a 4 percent drop in revenue — the by 2034. follow is more the norm than the excep- application should be a no-brainer: High income, no B10th consecutive quarter of flat or declining The rise in earnings per share at IBM tion among US corporations. William debt, high credit score. The missus also makes a good sales. Revealing these mournful numbers, entranced big-time investors. No Carl Lazonick’s survey of the country’s largest Uincome, has an almost-perfect credit score and has been the company also announced it would aban- Icahns barraged its managers with com- publicly traded companies — those listed working for the same business for 28 years. don a policy that set it apart from all other plaints that it wasn’t returning enough to on the S&P 500 from 2003 to 2012 — found But these are not normal circumstances. firms: the 2010 pledge from then-CEO Sam shareholders (a complaint Icahn has repeat- that they devoted 54 percent of their net Let me jump to the end: Yes, we got our mortgage. We put 20 Palmisano to raise the earnings per share edly lodged against Apple and other compa- earnings during that time to repurchasing percent down, bought a house that appraised for more than the of its stock to $20 by 2015. nies more successful than IBM). Palmisano’s their own stock, and another 37 percent to purchase price and got a 3.25 percent rate on a mortgage that No other company had so explicitly prom- pledge, and the company’s history of buy- shareholder dividends. resets after seven years. We moved in last month. ised to raise the shareholders’ return on ing back its shares, even persuaded Warren Before the 1980s, by contrast, US corpo- But the process was surreal. Indeed, it was such a bizarre expe- their stock. Maximising shareholder value Buffett, who had previously shied away from rations retained more than half their net rience that I started hunting for explanations from people in the has been the North Star of US corporate investing in tech companies in a nod to the earnings for such things as new investments. industry about why mortgage lending has gone astray. I spoke policy for decades now, but no other firm sector’s penchant for creative destruction, That share steadily shrank as the goal of to numerous experts, many of whom spoke only on background. pursued it so openly — and disastrously — to become IBM’s biggest single shareholder. maximising shareholder value and pressure This column is about what I learned. as IBM. IBM’s appeal, Buffett explained to CNBC, from predatory large investors combined to By just about any measure, credit is tighter today than it has There are two ways to increase a compa- was clear: “They have this terrific rever- make increasing earnings per share more been in decades. Although former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben ny’s earnings per share: Either you increase ence for the shareholder.” Indeed, so great important than, say, research and devel- Bernanke’s inability to refinance a mortgage is merely anecdotal, the earnings, or you reduce the number was this reverence that IBM even incurred opment. (That share also steadily shrank consider instead the gauge CoreLogic developed. It used 1998 as a of shares. Unfortunately for IBM, it had major debt to finance its repurchases. as CEO pay became linked to rising share baseline and considered six quantitative measurements to evaluate trouble keeping up with the rapid pace of Over the past year, however, some ana- value.) how loose or easy mortgage lending is. By those metrics, this is the change in the high-tech world. Its earnings lysts began arguing that increasing earn- Not every company that has subordi- tightest credit market for mortgage lending in at least 16 years. flat-lined. To meet Palmisano’s pledge, the ings per share by decreasing the number nated expansion and investment to share- The absurdities of my experience are worthy of its own rant, company embarked on an orgy of buying of shares wasn’t really much of a strategy. holder payouts has suffered the fate of but rather than do that, I wanted to focus on what went wrong. back its stock. This had already been an David Stockman (once Ronald Reagan’s IBM, of course — and IBM itself remains The factors that led to the financial crisis were many, but let’s unstated policy at IBM; Palmisano merely budget director) called the company “a big enough to fund more productive invest- focus on three areas: 1) Changes in credit standards; 2) Automated made it more explicit. buyback machine on steroids.” A company ments, especially since it has now abandoned underwriting; and 3) Incompetent documentation. Since 2000, IBM has spent a mind-bog- that once employed thousands of mathema- Palmisano’s pledge. But its tale is nonethe- In each case, the mortgage-underwriting industry has gone gling $108bn — $12bn of that in the first half ticians and engineers to build the world’s less emblematic of a sad national story: how through several changes: In the 1990s, lenders and originators of this year — buying back shares. It devoted smartest machines had changed its focus a nation that once made the world’s smart- processed most mortgages manually; they had well-defined credit another $30bn to paying dividends. The from product to finance. est machines opted instead to try to make standards; and they gathered documentation for loans in an Financial Times calculated that from 2003 The engineering that mattered most at the world’s smartest deals — many of which orderly fashion. to 2013, the company devoted nearly 80 per- IBM was financial. But placing so high a pre- turned out to be abysmally dumb. But once the housing boom of the 2000s began, everything got cent of its cash to rewarding shareholders mium on rewarding shareholders ultimately WP-BLOOMBERG messy. It was a frenzy compounded by three big errors: 1) Credit standards shifted from the borrower’s ability to service the debt to the lender’s ability to sell the loan to a securitiser; 2) Automated underwriting was compromised by banking staffers; and 3) Overwhelming volume led to documentation errors. These issues created huge problems a few years later when the excesses began to unwind. The foreclosure process was corrupted, the rule of law ignored and property rights were trampled. Which leads us back to that pendulum. Bankers are still shell- shocked. They are suffering from post-traumatic credit-crisis disorder (PTCCD). A few examples: So-called stated-income and no-doc loans enabled just about anyone to get a mortgage in the 2000s. This was regardless of income, debt ratio, credit history or appraised value of the property. In the past, I referred to this as “Loan Origination Fraud.” The solution is obvious: Go back to verifying income, check- ing credit scores and requiring a down payment. What lenders do now goes beyond absurd. They don’t need to see every check written during the past 24 months. An explanation isn’t required for every $2,000 deposit into a family checking account. Three years of both personal and professional tax returns seems exces- sive. Yet that and more is what banks are demanding. Those in charge of originating mortgages aren’t dumb; rather, most of them work in large organisations where decision-making is scattered and responsibility is often in the hands of risk-averse commit- tees. Once an organisation the size of Wells Fargo or JPMorgan begins to implement tighter credit practices, employees get turned into paper-pushing bureaucrats. Fearful of more oversight, they engage in overkill. Perhaps what is needed is a good-faith exemption so bankers who have checked off the main boxes -- credit score, income, debt ratio, down payment, employment history and loan-to-value ratio -- can use a little judgment for a change. All of this is a sign that banks failed to learn from their mis- takes. Instead, they seem to be bent on making new ones. Federal rules put in place after the financial crisis to prevent reckless lending are being used as an excuse to do less lending. Extremes at either end of underwriting standards lead to bad outcomes. In the 2000s, banks ignored traditional underwriting to make reckless loans that went into foreclosure in record numbers. The lesson not learned: Smart mortgage underwriting, not extreme looseness or tightness, is the how banks make money in the housing sector. It also has the added benefit of giving a kick to the economic recovery. WP-BLOOMBERG Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

Ukraine poll, bank stress tests to decide Europe’s future BY ANATOLE KALETSKY or drastically cut spending in stagnation or to change course. and territorial integrity just with Russia should become pos- monetary stimulus at its next order to reduce its budget deficit When faced with this choice, cannot be re-established without sible, allowing sanctions to be meeting on November 6. urope is at a make or to 3 percent of GDP. The fiscal the German guardians of the risking an all-out war with Russia gradually dismantled or at least Finally, a U-turn on fiscal aus- break moment. Two compact rules, if applied literally, euro’s monetary and fiscal rule- that Western democracies will confirming that sanctions will terity is highly probable when the very different events would make economic recov- book defend the status quo, no not tolerate? expire by mid-2015, as currently Commission delivers its verdict Eon Sunday, occurring ery in France a mathematical matter how dismal. While politicians prefer to legislated. on the French budget on Oct 29, at opposite ends of Europe, will impossibility. Germany’s Bundesbank dodge these dilemmas, the fact Removing the threat of war or failing that, in mid-November largely determine the entire con- Yet bending these rules will and Constitutional Court are is that Europe has now reached or further sanctions in eastern after a symbolic “re-negotia- tinent’s direction for years ahead: provoke a German public back- steeped in the tradition of a point where some of its rules Europe will have a major ben- tion” leading to some cosmetic the parliamentary election in lash, and perhaps even a con- Ordnungsliberalismus which will have to be changed or reinter- eficial effect on businesses in strengthening of French struc- Ukraine and bank stress tests stitutional court challenge, that insists that rules must be obeyed preted and some of its principles Germany and Italy, which been tural reforms. and Asset Quality Review con- could even force Angela Merkel at all costs and that following the compromised. hurt much more by the confron- Putting these three events ducted by the European Central to renege on her commitment to letter of the law is more impor- The only real question is tation with Russia than European together, Europe has a decent Bank. Before explaining the sig- support the rest of the eurozone. tant than observing its spirit whether Europe arrives at the leaders expected. chance of breaking out in the next nificance of these two events, and Depending on how these three or achieving a desired outcome. necessary compromises through Sunday’s completion of the few weeks from its vicious circle their unexpected linkage, I need events turn out, Europe will But this legalistic philosophy conscious political decisions or AQR has always looked like of policy failure and economic to mention a third announce- either be on the road to a moder- is now running run up against waits for them to be imposed cha- a necessary, though not suffi- stagnation. Whether policymak- ment, due next Wednesday: the ate economic recovery next year the even more inexorable laws otically by economic and electoral cient, condition for a substantial ers seize this chance is, of course, European Commission’s verdict or it will condemned to perma- of mathematics, democracy and upheavals. improvement in monetary policy. open to question given Europe’s on the budget for 2015 submit- nent stagnation, possibly leading geopolitics. Which brings us back to the This is because the ECB wants long record of doing too little, too ted last week by the French to the break-up the euro or even What if it is mathematically three big events next week and to stimulate private borrowing, late. government. the European Union as a whole. impossible for governments in some reasons for optimism. as Britain did with the sub-prime If Europe again disappoints The Commission will next week Why are the stakes suddenly France and Italy to abide by EU Starting with the Ukrainian mortgage subsidies it announced expectations, the recession will have to come up with a Solomonic so high? With most of Europe budget rules, because raising election, a victory for President in March 2013, rather than sup- deepen, with no serious hope of judgment that somehow recon- sliding back into recession over taxes and cutting public spend- Poroshenko’s moderate party porting public debt, as in US and economic recovery next year. In ciles the French government’s the summer as a result of the ing would crush economic activ- should allow EU leaders to Japanese quantitative easing. that case, public opinion will veer determination to stimulate its war in Ukraine and the failure ity and thus widen budget deficits launch a genuine peace process For this plan to work, European onto a course of political national- economy by cutting taxes with to implement the sort of policies instead of reducing them? that recognises the loss of Crimea banks must be recapitalised and ism and economic disintegration, the German-imposed “fiscal of monetary and fiscal stimulus What if electorates refuse to as irreversible and acknowledges cleaned up, which the AQR is not just in Greece and Italy but compact” that former-President that revived the US, Japanese and accept a decade of austerity and Russia’s vital interests in main- designed to achieve. If Sunday’s also in France and Germany. By Nicolas Sarkozy rashly accepted British economies, Europe now stagnation simply for the sake taining the military neutrality of AQR plan proves convincing next year it may be too late to in a moment of desperation in has an obvious choice: stick to the of preserving the EU monetary its immediate neighbours. (admittedly still a big “if”) the reverse this. That’s what is meant the 2012 euro crisis and which failed policies which are almost and fiscal rules? And what if Once these basic conditions stage will be set for the ECB by a make-or-break moment. requires France to raise taxes certain to perpetuate economic Ukraine’s absolute sovereignty are satisfied, a rapprochement to announced some serious THE GUARDIAN SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2014 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com GECM & TENDERS

GLOBAL ECONOMIC CRISIS MAP (GECM) Every Sunday Youth unemployment now China GDP growth rate is at a six-year low French unemployment hits slowest in five years new record high LONDON: Statistics released BEIJING: China’s economy in the third Dollar weakens on sluggish US yesterday show 72,000 people PARIS: After a slight improvement quarter grew at its slowest pace in Japan’s economy floundering, inflation expectations aged 16-24 were unemployed in August, the number of jobless five years as it battles a slumping BOJ to widely miss in France once again increased in between June and August, a drop real-estate market and weak WASHINGTON: The dollar sank September, reaching a new record inflation goal of 29,000 on the same period last domestic demand and industrial against the yen, euro and British high of 3.43 million unemployed, TOKYO: Japan’s economy is pound Monday as investors took year. The figures mean Scotland’s government figures revealed Friday. production. The results on Tuesday floundering and analysts polled profits on short positions against youth unemployment rate has Data from France’s labor ministry make it increasingly likely that China by Reuters cut their annual major currencies ahead of a US fallen 5.6 per cent in the past 12 showed unemployment rose by will miss its annual growth target for growth forecast for a fifth straight inflation report this week that is months, a larger drop than the 5.1 0.6 percent last month, after the the first time since 1998, in the midst month, saying there is no chance predicted to push back expectations per cent in the rest of the UK. modest 0.3 rise it experienced in of the Asian financial crisis. the Bank of Japan will meet its 2 for higher interest rates. The euro August. percent inflation goal by the next rose 0.4pc versus the dollar, to fiscal year. $1.2807, while the British pound increased 0.5pc, to $1.6179. South Africa’s annual inflation rate drops to 5.9pc Indian Government to re-impose Brazil unemployment rate gold import curbs to check JOHANNESBURG: South Africa’s trade deficit nears lowest level at 4.pc annual inflation rate has dropped NEWDELHI: Barely months after BRAZILIA: Unemployment in from 6.4 percent in August to 5.9 gold import rules were eased, the Australian inflation falls Latin America’s largest economy per cent in September. government is looking to re-impose to 2.3pc fell by 0.1 percent last month This is the first month since curbs as the country’s insatiable to 4.9 percent, the lowest level February that the rate is below SYDNEY: Australian consumer-price appetite has led to a surge in the yellow for September in 13 years, the the ceiling of the South African inflation eased in the third quarter metal coming into India, threatening to Brazilian Institute for Geography Reserve Bank’s target. “The 0.5 after the conservative government undermine the improvement in external and Statistics, or IBGE, said percent drop in the rate was largely removed a tax on carbon emissions, balances. and wage growth remained weak Thursday. Even so, the rate because of a 67 cents per litre against the backdrop of a sluggish remains above the 4.3 percent drop in the petrol price. This is economy. Consumer prices rose recorded last December, which equivalent to a decrease of almost was the lowest monthly level ever. 0.5pc in the third quarter from the 5 per cent,” said Statistics South second and climbed 2.3pc from a Africa in a statement. year earlier, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said Wednesday.

TENDERS

TENDER TENDER CLOSING TENDER TENDER CLOSING No. COMPANY TENDER NO. SUBJECT No. COMPANY TENDER NO. SUBJECT BOND FEES DATE BOND FEES DATE

QR 01/12/2014 1 GT14113200 Provision of diving services QR 500 9/11/2014 10000000.00 Replacement of 48v battery chargers in Not later 20 LTC 831/2014 QR 100,000 QR 500 primary substations than 11:00am 2 LT14108900 Provision of coaching practice in QP QR 100,000 N/A 3/11/2014

09/11/2014 Prov. Of serv. For the est. of LTC Two (2) years price agreement for supply Not later 3 GT14111900 QR 300,000 N/A 19/10/2014 21 QR 125,000 QR 500 comprehensive competency map 848/2014 of personal computers and LCD monitors than 11:00am Charter of wireline support vessel for QR 4GT14113300 QR 500 9/11/2014 offshore operations 1000,000.00 Provision of interpreting services to Qatar 11th QF/2014/PD- 22 Foundation on call-off basis for 3 years QR 172,500 QR 500 November SS/19707 Gas well batch inhibition services on call- with option to extend up to 1 year 2014 5LT14108800 QR 100,000 QR 200 3/11/2014 off basis in Dukhan fields Provision of Translation services to Qatar 13th QF/2014/PD- 23 Foundation on call-off bassi for 3 years QR 198,000 QR 500 November 20/10/201 SS/19711 6 LT14MT0059 Price agreement for blind and pipe flanges QR 20,000 QR 500 with option to extend up to 1 year 2014 (12:00hrs)

Epic for elementary system upgrade/repl. 7GT14112200 QR 2000,000 QR 500 2/11/2014 For BH&MM field WHJS 6/11/2014 24 LTC 104-14 Provisioning-Grocery items QR 50,000 QR 1,000 Al Jazeera media (13:00hrs) network Epic for upgrading existing fire water 8GT14112100 QR 300,000 QR 500 19/10/2014 lagoons at QP refinery, Mesaieed

Epic of precast dust barriers in Dukhan 70 Supply of various gifts for the Public M o n day 9GT14113800 QR 600,000 QR 500 30/11/2014 25 QR 70,000 QR 500 fields 2014-2015 Relations Dept 27/10/2014

Epic for extension of metallurgical 10 GT14114000 QR 180,000.00 QR 500 30/11/2014 Ministry of laboratory building at QPAA, Dukhan Supply & installation of various device and Interior 71 Monday 26 equipment for Ministry of Interior Radio QR 130,000 QR 500 2014-2015 27/10/2014 Project FM99.9 11 GT14113700 Charter of wellhead maintenance vessel QR 750,000 QR 500 23/11/2014

Construction & completion of the third floor Miscellaneous instrumentation PCRs at RG AF/C/ 12 GT14113600 QR 400,000 QR 500 23/11/2014 27 extension to Aspetar Hospital at QR 250,000 QR 500 9/11/2014 and FAHAHIL sector plants in Dukhan fields ASP5578/14 Aspire Zone HMC/ AF/C/ Execution of Mural services on Villaggio 13 TCS/329/2014- Supply of drugs 5% of the bid QR 350 28/10/2014 28 QR 1,500,000 QR 2,000 9/11/2014 2015 AL5582/14 Mall roof in Aspire Zone

AF/C/ Provision of multipurpose dry non-air 29 QR 200,000 QR 2,000 2/11/2014 HMC/ Supply of the printing for the AL5579/14 conditioned warehouse to Aspire Logistics 14 TCS/284/2014- professionalism nursing and midwifery 5% of the bid QR 500 4/11/2014 2015 conduct (Arabic and English) booklets Construction, completion, maintenance Hamadamadadad MMeMediMedical AF/C/ & upgrading of operation theatres 30 QR 1,500,000 QR 2,000 9/11/2014 corporation HMC/ Rep for supply of vehicle recovery trucks ASP5577/14 & operational practices of Aspetar 15 TCS/303/2014- for ambulance service including 5 years 5% of the bid QR 500 4/11/2014 Orthopedic Hospital 2015 maintenance contract Fabrication, delivery and installation of AF/C/ 31 the proposed fence along Road No. 03 in QR 21,000 QR 200 2/11/2014 HMC/ AL5581/14 16 TCS/306/2014- Supply of blankets for Bair hugger system 5% of the bid QR 500 4/11/2014 Aspire Zone Aspire Zone 2015 Relocation of existing pre-cast concrete AF/C/ 09/11/2014 32 wall and installation of additional pre-cast QR 20,000 QR 200 4/11/2014 Three (3) years call-off contract for the AL5589/14 Not later concrete wall at Al Kass in Aspire Zone 17 LTC 845/2014 cleaning of water storage facilites in QR 150,000 QR 500 than 12:00 different locations noon Consultancy service for design and AF/D/ planning works for operation theatres 33 QR 50,000 QR 200 2/11/2014 09/11/2014 ASP0170/14 & operational practices at 3rd floor at LTC Supply of stainless steel pipe repair Not later Aspetar Orthopedic Hospital 18 QR 10,000 QR 500 867/2014 clamps and flexible couplings than 11:00am Comprehensive maintenance services for AF/M/ 34 the Torch Tower artifical flame at QR 50,000 QR 200 4/11/2014 ALAT3066/14 Aspire Zone 09/11/2014 LTC Supply of field survey equipment Not later 19 QR 22,000 QR 500 Comprehensive biomedical maintenance 870/2014 (total station with GPS) than AF/C/ 35 services agreement for Siemens imaging QR 50,000 QR 200 28/10/2014 11:00am ASP5505R1/14 equipment at Aspetar SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23

WTA mulling new women’s World Cup

SINGAPORE: Women’s ten- nis is considering introducing a new World Cup team event, its head said yesterday, a move which may bring competition for the soon-to-be-launched International Premier Tennis League. Stacey Allaster, chair and CEO of the Women’s Tennis Association, said plans envisaged a five-day team event “with all- star elements” in one location with ranking points and $4-5 mil- lion in prize money. Her comments came as the IPTL, Deena Al Tebaishi, winner in the women’s Skeet event, celebrates at the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association Cup at Losail Shooting Range yesterday. RIGHT: Khalid Rashid Al Muhanadi, brainchild of Indian former doubles winner in the men’s Skeet event in action during the final rounds of the event. PICTURES BY: WASFI player Mahesh Bhupathi, prepares for its debut with four three-day team events in Asia spread over two weeks in November-December. Allaster said the WTA had looked at successful team com- petitions like golf’s Ryder Cup, rugby sevens, NBA basketball Rashid on target at Losail and the UEFA Champions League football before coming up with the World Cup idea. Qatari shooters gear up for Asian Shotgun Championship in Al Ain “The market recommendation, the demand from sponsors, host nations, and fans, is a World Cup DOHA: Khalid Rashid Al event with all-star elements over Muhanadi has had come close a five?day period,” she said in a to clinching the top place in the “WTA State of the Tour” address Skeet competition on several in Singapore. occasions in the past but could “So we are going to go to mar- clear the final hurdle. ket and see if the market is really Yesterday, no one could stop there. We haven’t decided if we’re him at the Losail Shooting going to do it. I’ll say it again: we Range in the Association Cup haven’t decided if we will do it. of Qatar Shooting and Archery “However, we believe we have a Association, it was his day. responsibility. I think the demand After settling for second and is there. Others are doing it. If we third place finishes in the past, don’t do it, someone else is going to Khalid finally had the honour of do it. In fact, somebody is doing it.” topping in his favourite event. The IPTL, with city-based teams Khalid, an employee of RasGas, including star players and former who took to shooting some ten greats, will feature five one-set years back was delighted to be on matches of singles and doubles. the top. In the final, Khalid saw of Ties will be played in Manila, the challenge of Abdulaziz Saleh Singapore, Mumbai and Dubai. Al Attiyyah, while Rashid Saleh Al Allaster said the WTA has also Athba finished third. appointed a new president, Micky “It is a nice feeling after waiting Lawler, as it aims to push forward for so long for the title. Hopefully 41 years after its creation by I will be able to win many more. American legend Billie Jean King. The win is good for me for the She said other innovations upcoming championships,” the which may be tested next year 26-year-old said. included live-streaming practice, In the women’s event, Deena A young boy bites the gold medal while posing for a pic- and making players hold open ses- Al Tebaishi topped followed by ture for the photographers during the victory ceremony sions where they hit with fans and Sarah Gulam Mohamed and at Losail Shooting Range yesterday. RIGHT: The podium children. Players may also walk Hajar Gulam Mohamed. winners in the women’s Skeet Deena Al Tebaishi, Sarah out on court with young girls, The Qatari shooters now will Gulam Mohamed and Hajar Gulam Mohamed are seen adopting a tradition of football head to Al Ain, UAE for the Asian and other sports, and spectators with officials of Qatar Shooting and Archery Association Shotgun Shooting championship will be able to keep balls that are during the victory ceremony. which begins on November 1. hit into the stands, as in baseball. THE PENINSULA AFP

Stars soar past Devils, Ducks Royals hold off Giants tame Jackets

NEW YORK: The Dallas Stars to take Series lead recorded their first shoot-out win of the season when they SAN FRANCISCO: The beat the New Jersey Devils. Kansas City Royals followed Left winger Jamie Benn and their formula for success to per- center Jason Spezza scored for fection turning a tight game over Dallas in the shootout, while to their “monstrous” bullpen to Dallas goaltender Kari Lehtonen beat the San Francisco Giants stopped New Jersey wingers Mike yesterday and seize the upper Cammalleri and Jaromir Jagr to hand in the World Series. seal the win. After each team claimed a lop- Dallas, which did not allow sided win in the first two games a power play opportunity the of the best-of-seven, Game Three entire game, got second-period was a 3-2 nailbiter that gave the goals from Benn and right winger visitors a 2-1 lead in the series. Patrick Eaves. The pivotal victory was pre- Meanwhile, the Anaheim served by four hitless innings Ducks stretched their winning thrown by Royals relievers. streak to seven games when they “Monstrous,” Royals manager Pratyush Jain, the July Pretect Monthly Mug winner, is seen along with beat the Columbus Blue Jackets. Ned Yost said in describing the other winners at Doha Golf Club. Defensemen Sami Vatanen, firepower he is able to call on in center Ryan Getzlaf and right the late innings. winger Corey Perry each contrib- “The key factor in all of this for uted a goal and an assist. us is timely hitting, great defense, Kansas City Royals closer Greg Holland shuts down the San Francisco Rookie goaltender John Gibson really solid starting pitching, but Giants during the ninth inning of game 3 of the World Series at AT&T Golf: Jain wins July allowed just one goal, a wonky dynamic back of the bullpen.” Park in San Francisco yesterday. The Royals take a 2-1 series lead puck that fluttered in off an Of the previous 56 times a Fall defeating the Giants 3-2. Anaheim defender. In another Classic has been tied 1-1, the team match, left winger Jonathan that has won Game Three has Pretect Monthly Mug Drouin scored the first goal of his gone on to win the Major League game of the World Series at home Kansas City their third run. NHL career to spark the Tampa Baseball championship two-thirds on Tuesday, the upstart Royals “This is a huge win for us and DOHA: Pratyush Jain won the 39 points. Highlights of Michaels Bay Lightning to victory over of the time. have produced back-to-back wins hats off to the bullpen for holding recent July Pretect Monthly round were gross birdies on holes the Winnipeg Jets. The 19-year- Kansas City starter Jeremy and could take command of the it down for us.” Mug with a score of 33 stabl- 1, 6 and 14. old third overall pick in the 2013 Guthrie pitched five shutout series in Saturday’s Game Four The Giants found themselves eford points. The scoring in Flight C was NHL Entry Draft beat Jets goalie innings before wobbling in the in San Francisco. in an early hole when 39-year- In Flight A, three handicap- even better and winning with Ondrej Pavelec at 4:45 of the sec- sixth and turning the game over Alex Gordon, Lorenzo Cain and old starter Tim Hudson received per Jain`s score of 33 consisted 43 points was Timothy Bales. ond period as the Lightning went to the bullpen brigade. Hosmer each drove in a run for a rude welcome when Alcides of nines of 18 and 15 with gross Kenneth Hardman was runner ahead 2-0. REUTERS Unbeaten through the post- the Royals, in the playoffs for the Escobar stroked his first pitch birdies being recorded on holes up with 41 points. season until they lost the first first time in 29 years, while closer for a double to left and eventually 4, 9 and 16. The Ladies division was won NHL Results Greg Holland wrapped up the win scored on Lorenzo Cain’s ground Richard Filby finished runner- by Theresa Gow with 33 points. Results from the NHL games yesterday. World Series result in the ninth for his seventh save out. up with 31 points playing off an 8 She scored 12 points on the front Dallas 3 New Jersey 2 SAN FRANCISCO: Result yesterday from of the postseason. “It was high and probably out- handicap. nine and a sublime 21 points on Tampa Bay 4 Winnipeg 2 the 110th World Series, Major League “We’re just trying to get leads side corner or outer third (of the Flight B was won by Michael the back nine. and hand off to our bullpen,” said plate),” said Hudson. “He was just Colorado 7 Vancouver 3 Baseball’s best-of-seven championship final: Francis Zeglin (14 handicap) with Joshua Robinson won the long- Kansas City 3 San Francisco 2 Hosmer, whose single to center in swinging. He had his mind made 40 points and in second place on est drive and was also nearest to Edmonton 6 Carolina 3 a battling, 11-pitch at-bat against up. Give him credit, he hit it.” (Kansas City leads series 2-1) countback was Gerry Mulvey with the pin. THE PENINSULA Anaheim 4 Columbus 1 lefty reliever Javier Lopez gave AFP SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2014 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Swiss Open ATP Serena earns shot Results BASEL, Switzerland: Results from fifth day of the Swiss Indoors ATP tournament (x Spain’s Rafael denotes seeded player): Nadal reacts Quarter-finals: David Goffin (BEL x7) bt Milos at title, revenge during his Raonic (CAN x4) 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-4; Ivo Karlovic quarterfinal (CRO x8) bt Benjamin Becker (GER) 6-4, 6-4; match against Borna Coric (CRO) bt Rafael Nadal (ESP x2) 6-2, WTA Finals: American to clash with Halep Croatia’s 7-6 (7/4). Borna Coric Semi-finals: David Goffin (BEL x7) bt Borna at the Swiss Coric (CRO) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 SINGAPORE: Racquet- returned fired up and she Indoors tennis smashing Serena Williams WTA Finals Results shrieked and bellowed her way tournament Valencia Open Results fought back from a set down to to a love hold at the start of the at the St. SINGAPORE: Results from VA LENCI A, Spain: Results beat Caroline Wozniacki yes- second. Jakobshalle the season-ending WTA from the fifth day of the ATP terday and set up a chance for And the tables turned in her Finals in Singapore yesterday in Basel, Valencia Open (x denotes revenge against Simona Halep favour when she got a break for (x denotes seeding): Switzerland, seeding): in the WTA Finals title match. 3-2, her first lead of the match, Semi-finals: Serena Williams (USA x1) bt on Friday. The two-time defending cham- and then levelled proceedings Quarter-finals: David Ferrer (ESP x1) bt Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x8) 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 pion started poorly but after her at one set each when Wozniacki Thomaz Belluci (BRA) 6-1, 6-2; Andy Murray (8/6); Simona Halep (ROM x4) bt Agnieszka racquet paid the price, she domi- double-faulted on set point. (GBR x3) bt Kevin Anderson (RSA x7) 6-7 (3/7), Radwanska (POL x6) 6-2, 6-2. nated the second set and emerged Wozniacki won a 26-shot rally 6-4, 6-4; Jeremy Chardy (FRA) bt Pablo Carreno victorious from a tense deciding resurgent Dane. to fend off a break point in game Busta (ESP) 6-1, 6-2; Tommy Robredo (ESP) bt Pablo Andujar (ESP) 7-6 (7/4), 6-4. tie-breaker to win it 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 The American pushed “reset” four of an increasingly tense (8/6). after the first set but when deciding set, which crept up to Semi-finals: Andy Murray (GBR x3) bt David The 18-time Grand Slam- Wozniacki brilliantly saved a 4-4 before the Dane broke to go Ferrer (ESP x1) 6-4, 7-5. winner, seeking her third straight match point in the third, Williams ahead. But with Wozniacki serv- victory at the end-of-season needed a net cord to get into the ing for the match, Williams found championship, will play Halep in third-set tie-breaker after slip- another gear and she broke back Sunday’s final -- four days after ping to 1-4 down. for 5-5 with an overhead, cel- her humiliating 6-0, 6-2 loss to “I hate to lose a match when ebrating with a raised fist. Torrid season over as the Romanian. I have match point. It’s hard to There was incredible drama Halep continued her brilliant sleep. It’s hard to function,” she when Wozniacki, serving to stay run in Singapore with a 6-2, 6-2 said. “I thought, ‘Oh my God. She in the match, survived a match dismantling of Poland’s Agnieszka couldn’t play any better.” point with two consecutive volleys Radwanska as the Singapore “Then I hit the net cord and I to force the third-set tie-break. Nadal opts for surgery tournament’s surprise package was almost upset on it,” Williams Williams double-faulted to put made it to the final on debut. added. “I was like, ‘Why couldn’t Wozniacki 3-1 up but after the LONDON: Rafa Nadal’s The diminutive world number you have done that on match helpful net cord, the American announcement on Friday that four, backed by a phalanx of noisy point?’” reeled off five consecutive points he will miss the ATP World Romanian fans, belted 26 winners The players are close and to set up two more match points. Tour Finals because of appen- against just four conceded as she they sang along to “We Belong Wozniacki escaped both but dicitis ended a difficult year for broke Radwanska five times to Together” at a Mariah Carey con- when Williams brought up her the Spaniard during which he win in 68 minutes. cert on Friday, but friendship was fourth match point, the Dane’s has endured injury, illness and Williams, 33, said she would put on one side as a grim-faced luck ran out when she swept a worrying defeats. start out with “low goals” against Williams strode into Singapore’s forehand wide. The 28-year-old’s ninth French Halep, after winning just two Indoor Stadium. “It clicked today. I thought, ‘Ha! Open crown in June stands out games in their group match -- But the American was bro- I got you now.’ Not in particular to like a beacon in the gloom as for her worst performance since she ken in her first service game and her (Wozniacki), but in particu- most of the season Nadal has was 16. despite finding her range with her lar what to do against Serena,” looked like a mere mortal, far “I’m excited. My goal is to win serve, in the rallies she struggled Williams said, in what could be from the force of nature that col- three games. That’ll be my first with Wozniacki’s placement and an ominous sign for Halep. lected 14 Grand Slam titles. goal. I’m going to go from there,” court craft. But Wozniacki, who was On Friday, he was crushed by joked Williams. “Hopefully I can The pressure exploded when unbeaten in round robin play, Croatian teenager Borna Coric at Borna Coric of Croatia reacts after winning his match against Spain’s hold serve. That would be good. Williams furiously pummelled her had a very different perspective the Swiss Indoor event in Basel, Rafael Nadal at the Swiss Indoors in Basel on Friday. Most of all, I hope to break once.” racquet into the floor after losing after ending her season with a losing the first five games before While Halep cruised, Williams’ the seventh game to love to go 2-5 10th defeat in 11 matches against offering some instinctive resist- fourth win over Wozniacki this down, earning her a warning from Williams. ance in a 6-2 7-6 (4) reverse. his extraordinary movement and followed by an emphatic defeat year, including the US Open final, the chair umpire. “This really sucks. You know, Lacking power and timing, physical powers, not to mention by Spaniard Feliciano Lopez in was tough and it was the third The reigning champion was being so close and still losing, it hardly surprising considering he his warrior spirit, can ill afford to Shanghai, by which time Nadal’s time this season that she has broken again as Wozniacki took really sucks,” said the eighth seed. has been on antibiotics in a for- be less than 100 percent, as this decision to play on with appen- been pushed to three sets by the the first set 6-2, but Williams AFP lorn bid to delay surgery until year has proved. dicitis was looking more bizarre after the World Tour Finals next There was the Australian Open by the day. month, Nadal’s performance final defeat by Swiss Stanislas Nadal finally admitted defeat made uncomfortable viewing for Wawrinka when his back failed on Friday as Coric gave him the his legion of fans. him. kind of grilling he used to dish A few minutes later he made There were the almost out routinely. Simona Halep of the decision most had been unheard of claycourt defeats by “I knew it was going to hap- Romania reacts expecting by withdrawing from fellow Spaniard David Ferrer pen. I was ready for that,” said after defeat- the season-ending showpiece in and Nicolas Almagro in Monte the world number three. ing Agnieszka London having already pulled out Carlo and Barcelona respectively “I know I have to be better for Radwanska of of next week’s Paris Masters. and he was being rudely out-hit the beginning of 2015 and the Poland during Nadal said he would have his by Japan’s Kei Nishikori in the only way to be better is work and the semi finals of grumbling appendix removed Madrid claycourt final before his health. Without health you can- the WTA Finals on Nov. 3 before spending two opponent retired hurt. not work.” in Singapore months training hard for a return Nadal raised his game to win at Nadal’s absence at the O2 yesterday. at the Qatar Open in Doha on Roland Garros, beating arch rival Arena in London, where he has RIGHT: Serena Jan. 5 -- a tournament he won Novak Djokovic in the final, but twice reached the final, will take this year before his body started a few weeks later on the lawns some of the gloss off the event. Williams of the creaking. of Wimbledon he was blasted off He had already qualified, along USA in action After a career spent fighting court by Australian firebrand with Djokovic, Wawrinka, Roger against Caroline ferocious on-court battles against Nick Kyrgios in the fourth round. Federer and Marin Cilic, and Wozniacki of some of the best players ever to The defeat by teenager Kyrgios his withdrawal slightly eases the Denmark during wield rackets, question marks will was Nadal’s last match for three pressure on the likes of Ferrer, their semi-final accompany the Mallorcan’s lat- months as a wrist injury ruled Nishikori, Andy Murray, Tomas match. est comeback mission, although him out of the US Open. Berdych and Milos Raonic who at least this time it is not his When he returned in China it are vying for the remaining places suspect knees that are under the was clear not all was well. in the event. AFP microscope. In Beijing he lost to Slovakia’s A player who relies so much on Martin Klizan and that was Goffin ends Coric dream run to make Swiss final BASEL, Switzerland: David seventh seed who needed four Goffin ended the dream run of match points to close out Coric. teenager Borna Coric, the con- “It’s never easy to finish a Murray edges out queror of Rafael Nadal, 6-4, 3-6, match. I was nervous and I’m 6-3 yesterday to reach the final pleased that I won.” of the Swiss Indoors. Between Davis Cup, Challengers Croatian Coric, 17, and ranked and ATP play, Goffin has won his Ferrer in Valencia 124th, was brought down to earth last 16 matches since losing in the Belgium’s fewer than 24 hours after he won Wimbledon first round to Andy David Goffin VA LENCI A, Spain: Andy when he faces Jeremy Chardy or the match of his career, defeat- Murray. reacts after Murray took a huge step Tommy Robredo in the final on ing 14-time major winner Nadal His season has included ATP winning towards sealing his place in the Sunday. in the quarter-finals. titles at Kitzbuhel and Metz and his semi ATP World Tour finals as he One break of serve in the Goffin, who has exploded into four trophies on the lower-level final match beat top seed David Ferrer 6-4, opening game of the match was form since Wimbledon with a Challenger circuit. against 7-5 to reach the Valencia Open enough for Murray to take the 43-2 record, will face either five- “It’s a great period for me, I’ve Croatia’s final yesterday. first set as he looked polished on time champion Roger Federer or been playing better and better in Borna Coric Murray has put himself in serve to take it 6-4. Croatian Ivo Karlovic in Sunday’s each match, I have the confidence at the Swiss prime position for a seventh However, the second set was a final. now and that is helping me. I’m Indoors consecutive appearance at the rollercoaster as Murray appeared World number 28 Goffin, a low- able to just keep winning right season-ending tournament in to be cruising to victory when he tennis tour- key character at the best of times now.” London with a run of 17 wins in secured a double break to move nament whose baby-face disguises a killer Goffin will be playing in his his last 19 matches, including vic- ahead 3-0. instinct on court, credited his third ATP final and hoping to at the St. tory over Ferrer in the final of the Willed on by the home crowd, steady, calm demeanour with get- maintain an undefeated record Jakobshalle Austrian Open last week. though, Ferrer, a three-time ting him through against Coric. in title matches. in Basel, The Scot and Ferrer are cur- champion in Valencia, bounced “I’m pretty calm on and off the The Belgian won the first set Switzerland, rently eighth and ninth in the back to move 4-3 ahead. court,” said the Belgian whose but found himself level-pegging yesterday. race to London with four places Murray then had to save a Grand Slam main draw debut at in the second after Coric struck still up for grabs following Rafael break point to level at 4-4, but the Roland Garros in 2012 was ended back with his fifth and sixth aces Nadal’s decision to withdraw to match swung back in Murray’s by Federer in the fourth round. to earn the second set. have his appendix removed on favour when Ferrer fired long “I think my personality helps In the third, Goffin broke for Friday. to leave the Scot serving for the me manage on the big points. 3-1 and eventually earned three Murray can move as high as match at 6-5. Murray eventually I’m really happy to have won match points from a Coric error. fifth in the standings with his closed it out with a thumping and reached the final,” said the AFP third title in little over a month forehand winner. AFP SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Australia crumble against spin Younis, Shehzad hit hundreds, Pakistan set 438-run victory target for Australia

DUBAI: Pakistan took a huge at Headingley while their best step towards victory in the chase against Pakistan was 369-6 Younis Khan first Test by taking four key at Hobart in 1999. Australian wickets after hun- Australia had raced to 44-0 dreds from Younis Khan and before Babar struck twice in considered Ahmed Shehzad put them in the 14th over, inducing David the driving seat in Dubai on Warner, who had scored his sitting out yesterday. third successive test century in After setting an imposing 438- the first innings, to come out of Tests run target, Pakistan rattled the the crease for a smart stump- Australians through a brace of ing when he was on 29 with his DUBAI: Record breaking wickets apiece from spinners first ball and then trapped Alex century maker Younis Khan Zulfiqar Babar and Yasir Shah to Doolan (nought) leg before with yesterday said he consid- leave Australia tottering on 59-4 his last. ered skipping the Test series at stumps on the fourth day, need- Michael Clarke survived a against Australia after being ing six wickets for a 1-0 lead in review leg-before decision on left out of the preceding one- the two-Test series. nought off Shah before trapped day series. Chris Rogers (23) and Steven in front of the wicket in the leg- The 36-year-old right- Smith (three) were at the crease spinner’s next over for three. hander smashed an unbeaten as Australia need another 379 for Clarke was disappointed at his 103 as Pakistan reached 286-2 an unlikely win. failure. declared in their second innings Australia’s best chase to win a “I’m really disappointed with in the first Test, a lead of 437 Test was way back in 1948 when my personal performance in this before Australia slumped to at they made 404-3 against England Test match,” said Clarke who 59-4 at close on the fourth day. made two in the first innings. Australia still need another Scoreboard “I am not looking to blame any- 379 to win or bat throughout body else or criticise anybody else. 90 overs on Sunday. Pakistan (I innings): ...... 454 But if you look at all facets of the Younis’s 26th hundred and Australia (I innings): ...... 303 game we’ve been outplayed at this his second in the match helped Pakistan (II innings): stage. him overhaul Inzamam-ul Ahmed Shehzad lbw O’Keefe ...... 131 “We’ve got to fight our back- Haq’s record of most centuries Azhar Ali c Haddin b O’Keefe...... 30 sides off tomorrow and see what Pakistani batsman Younis Khan plays a shot during the fourth day of the first Test against Australia at Dubai by a Pakistani batsman. Younis Khan (not out)...... 103 happens.” International Stadium in Dubai yesterday. He also became only the Sarfraz Ahmed (not out) ...... 15 Shah made it 4-49 catching seventh Pakistan player to Extras (B-2, LB-3, W-2) ...... 7 nightwatchman Nathan Lyon in score twin hundreds in a Test Total (for 2 wkts decl) ...... 286 front of the wicket on a day domi- Pakistani batsmen, but first towards long-on to reach his sec- looked to stop the flow of runs and the first to do so against Fall of wickets: 1-71, 2-239. nated by Pakistan. against Australia, to score twin ond Test hundred. and had a good chance of breaking Australia. Bowling: Johnson 12-2-34-0; Siddle 14-5- Younis hit a record making 103 hundreds in a Test. Pakistan, 116-1 at lunch, cut through early, but Brad Haddin But it would not have hap- 44-0 (1w); Lyon 18-0-72-0; O’Keefe 27-3- not out and Shehzad 131 to bolster Hanif Mohammad (1964), Javed loose in the second session against failed to grasp a low catch when pened at all had Younis decided 112-2; Marsh 7-1-19-0. Pakistan to 286-2 declared. Miandad (1984), Wajahatullah a hapless Australian attack on a Shehzad edged one on to the pads not to play the Tests after being Australia (II innings): Younis added 168 for the second Wasti (1999), Yasir Hameed flat pitch. which popped out of the wicket- snubbed for the one-day series C Rogers (batting) ...... 23 wicket with Shehzad as Pakistan (2003), Inzamam-ul Haq (2005) Shehzad smashed a four and keeper’s hands. which Pakistan lost 3-0. D Warner st Ahmed b Babar ...... 29 plundered 248 runs after resum- and Mohammad Yousuf (2006) a six off O’Keefe and then hit But O’Keefe got his reward “I had thought that it was A Doolan lbw Babar ...... 0 ing at 38-0. had also achieved the distinction Mitchell Marsh twice to the ropes when he induced an edge off Ali easy to quit, it was an easy M Clarke lbw Shah ...... 3 Younis swept Steve O’Keefe to in the past. to enter the 90s. straight into the hands of Haddin option but I have never cho- N Lyon lbw Shah ...... 0 square-leg boundary for his sixth With his 26th hundred, Younis After reaching his hundred, with the score at 71. sen the easier option in my S Smith (batting) ...... 3 boundary to get to his second also edged ahead of Inzamam (25 Shehzad smashed two fours and Younis hit a six off Lyon and life,” said Younis after his twin Extras (LB-1) ...... 1 hundred in the match following hundreds) as the highest Test a six off Siddle to take the lead then drove Mitchell Johnson to hundreds. Total (for 4 wkts) ...... 59 his 106 in Pakistan’s 454 in the century maker for his country. past 370. cover boundary to complete his Younis said his family and Fall of wickets: 1-44, 2-44, 3-49, 4-49. first innings. It was actually Shehzad who He was trapped leg-before soon 29th half-century in Tests, before friends motivated him to play Bowling: Khan 1-0-6-0; Rahat 1-0-10-0; Australia conceded a big 151- set the tone for quick runs in the after tea by spinner O’Keefe, the cutting loose to his hundred. the Tests. Hafeez 5-2-12-0; Babar 9-3-22-2; Shah run lead after being dismissed for morning. only successful Australian bowler The second and final Test starts “Everyone backed me. It was 7-1-8-2. 303 in their first knock. Shehzad, 22, drove paceman with 2-112. in Abu Dhabi on October 30. a bad episode but my friends Younis became the seventh Peter Siddle for his eighth four In the morning, Australia had AFP and family motivated me saying that this is the time you can have a hundred and beat Inzi’s record and I didn’t have a hun- Six-wicket Shakib skittles Zimbabwe out in first Test dred against Australia so I took that challenge,” said Younis. DHAKA: Left-arm spinner Scoreboard “At one point I was thinking Shakib Al Hasan took six for not to go for the Test matches 59 as Bangladesh dismissed Zimbabwe (I innings): Bowling: S Hossain 14-1-45-1(nb-1); A Hos- because Australia are a top Zimbabwe for 240 on the open- V Sibanda c Rahim b S Hossain ...... 6 sain 8-2-22-0; S Al Hasan 24.5-5-59-6; T Is- ranking team.” ing day of the first Test in Dhaka S Raza c Mahmudullah b J Hossain ...... 51 lam 13-3-42-1; J Hossain 15-1-58-2; M Younis said he always stayed yesterday. positive. H Masakadza c J Hossain b Al Hasan ...... 13 Mahmudullah 1-0-2-0. Shakib, who made his Test come- “It all comes when you think B Taylor c T Islam b J Hossain ...... 28 Bangladesh (I innings): back after serving a three-month positively, and I was motivated E Chigumbura c M Haque b Al Hasan ...... 29 T Iqbal c H Masakadza b Panyangara ...... 5 ban for poor discipline, led a three- C Ervine c M Haque b T Islam ...... 34 by my family and now I am a pronged spin attack that strangled S Rahman (batting) ...... 8 proud Pakistani beating Inzi’s R Chakabva c Sh Rahman b Al Hasan ...... 25 M Haque (batting) ...... 14 Zimbabwe on the slow wicket at the J Nyumbu lbw Al Hasan ...... 14 record.” Total (for 1 wkt) ...... 27 Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. T Panyangara c (sub) b Al Hasan ...... 8 Meanwhile, Australian skip- Fall of wicket: 1-10 Debutant leg-spinner Jubair T Chatara (not out) ...... 14 per Michael Clarke praised To bat: Hossain claimed 2-58 and left- T Kamungozi c Sh Rahman b Al Hasan...... 5 M Mahmudullah, S Al Hasan, M Rahim, Khan as a “gentleman of the arm spinner Taijul Islam finished Extras (B-12, NB-1) ...... 13 S Hom, T Islam, S Hossain, J Hossain, A Hossain game”. with 1-42. Opener Sikander Raza Total (all out) ...... 240 Bowling: T Panyangara 5-0-20-1; T Chatara “Younis is a very good player was top-scorer for Zimbabwe with Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-31, 3-83, 4-128, 5-2-5-0; E Chigumbura 1-1-0-0; J Nyumbu and has been for a long time. I 51. Bangladesh were 27 for one in 5-142, 6-192, 7-200, 8-221, 9-230, 10-240. 1-0-2–0. found out yesterday this is only reply by stumps with Shamsur his 93rd Test match, I thought Rahman (eight) and Mominul Raza shared a 52-run stand elected to bat. Shahadat Hossain he’d played a lot more than Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim (second left) congratulates team- Haque (14) at the crease. for the fourth wicket with skip- accounted for the only wicket that. He’s one of the gentlemen mate Shakib Al Hasan (left) after the dismissal of the Zimbabwe’sTafadzwa Opener Tamim Iqbal was per Brendan Taylor (28), but that fell to a seamer, having Vusi of our game, a class player,” Kamungozi during the first day of the first Test match at the Sher-e Bangla dismissed for five, caught by none of the other batsmen set- Sibanda caught by wicketkeeper said Clarke of the Pakistani National Stadium in Dhaka yesterday. Hamilton Masakadza at second tled in to build a partnership after Mushfiqur Rahim in the first over batsman. AFP slip off Tinashe Panyangara. the tourists won the toss and of the match. AFP Marquez grabs record 13th pole in Malaysia

SEPANG, Malaysia: Recently taking a tumble in the fourth my timing considering the humid Grand Prix of crowned world champion Marc practice session. conditions. We did well with the QMMF’s West and Ramos Marquez will start in top posi- “Yes, I’m definitely motivated. set-up of the bike and will be Malaysia Grids tion for today’s Malaysian To achieve 13 poles is not easy, ready for both weather conditions MotoGP, surpassing the record and I’m happy with the record. tomorrow,” he said. SEPANG, Malaysia: Grids for for the most poles in a single But the main race is yet to come, Lorenzo clocked 2 min- struggle with rear grip today’s motorcycling Grand Prix of Malaysia season. and I want to be focused for that,” utes 0.203, while Germany’s after yesterday’s qualifying: The Spanish Repsol Honda the 21-year-old said. Stefan Bradl and Italy’s Andrea SEPANG, Malaysia: In blis- race, with the clear goal of hunt- MotoGP rider clocked a record lap time “Tomorrow won’t be easy Dovizioso qualified fourth and tering tropical heat, QMMF ing down as many other riders as 1. Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) 1min 59.791sec, of one minute 59.791 seconds in because Dani was also very fast fifth respectively. Racing Team riders Anthony possible and achieving a strong 2. Dani Pedrosa (ESP/Honda) at 0.182sec, 3. Saturday qualifying at Sepang, today, but I’m definitely looking to Lorenzo -- while happy with his West and Roman Ramos quali- result. 0.182 seconds ahead of his team- race in dry conditions. If it rains, lap time -- was cautious ahead of fied for 26th and 31st position “I was happy this morning Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/Yamaha) 0.412, 4. Stefan mate and compatriot Dani then it’s a different story.” Sunday’s race. on the starting grid for the because I went straight out and Bradl (GER/Honda) 0.681, 5. Andrea Dovizioso Pedrosa. The 5.5-kilometre (3.4 mile) “The temperature was high Malaysian Grand Prix. did the fastest time I’ve ever done (ITA/Ducati) 0.912, 6. Valentino Rossi (ITA/ In third place was Spain’s Sepang circuit is famed for its today, and we struggled a little Both riders rode significantly here, by quite a bit. I was quite Yamaha) 0.949, 7. Aleix Espargaro (ESP/ Jorge Lorenzo, while his Yamaha hot track temperatures and tropi- bit with the tyres,” the two-time faster in comparison to day one happy with that and we contin- Yamaha) 1.010, 8. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/Ducati) teammate Valentino Rossi, who cal afternoon downpours. But world champion said. on the fast and difficult Sepang ued to make small changes to the 1.328, 9. Bradley Smith (GBR/Yamaha Tech3) is battling him for the season’s Saturday’s qualifying remained “But I’m happy today. The team circuit, improvements that came bike,” West said. 1.472, 10. Alvaro Bautista (ESP/Honda) 2.503 runner-up title, qualified in sixth. dry. did a good job with the bike, set- alongside with crucial steps in “The temperatures being so hot Moto2 It was Marquez’s 13th pole of Pedrosa, who topped all three ting it up nicely for the corners.” the set-up of their Speed Up it was just difficult to get grip and 1. Esteve Rabat (ESP/Kalex) 2 minutes the year, breaking the previous practice sessions and has won the Crowd favourite Rossi trailed prototypes. drive out of the corners. I wasn’t 07.429sec, 2. Mika Kallio (FIN/Kalex) at record of 12 front-row starts in a last two Malaysian Grand Prix, 0.949 seconds behind Marquez. Australian West was especially able to put a good lap together in 0.158sec, 3. Sandro Cortese (GER/Kalex) season jointly held by Australians was the only other rider to fin- The Italian legend is currently happy with his bike in the cooler the second session, it was quite 0.277, 4. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Kalex) 0.325, Mick Doohan and Casey Stoner. ish below the two-minute mark, eight points ahead of Lorenzo, morning session, before both rid- hard with the hot tarmac. I just His flying lap toward the end clocking 1 minute 59.973. with only Valencia remaining ers ran into problems with rear didn’t have the confidence in the 5. Thomas Luthi (SUI/Suter) 0.420, 6. Takaaki of the session also broke his own The 29-year-old, who has yet after this. tyre grip in suffocating heat dur- rear grip in hot conditions. The Nakagami (JPN/Kalex) 0.446, 7. Julian Simon record from qualifying last year of to win a MotoGP championship Marquez, who last year became ing qualifying. race is a little later than usual, (ESP/Kalex) 0.457, 8. Johann Zarco (FRA/ 2 minutes 0.011 seconds. He came title, said he was content with his the youngest MotoGP champion, In the warm-up session today, which could help us. All things Caterham Suter) 0.527. 9. Dominique Aegerter second in last year’s race. second-place finish. already clinched this season’s title West and Ramos will try to make considered, I think we can still (SUI/Suter) 0.704, 10. Axel Pons (ESP/Kalex) Marquez said he was “definitely “I had a really good lap time two races ago in Japan. the final step with the set-up and be strong in the race,” he added. 0.715 delighted” with his position after and was actually surprised with AFP improve rear tyre grip for the THE PENINSULA SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2014 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Al Gharafa storm to victory, Al Ahli trounce Al Wakra in QSL Fedaily scores brace for Al Gharafa in 2-1 win over El Jaish; Al Khor edge Al Shamal

DOHA: An injury time goal from Moayad Hassan Fedaily helped Al Gharafa edge El Jaish 2-1 in the ninth round match of the Qatar Stars League (QSL) here yesterday. Fedaily had earlier given the lead for his team in the 37th minute while Mohamed Abdulla Methnani equalised in the 67th minute for El Jaish. Al Gharafa now have 17 points from nine matches while El Jaish remained on 15. In the other matches yesterday, Al Ahli trounced Al Wakra 3-1, while Al Khor edged Al Shamal 1-0 and the Al Arabi-Al Shahaniya match ended in a goalless draw. THE PENINSULA Qatar Stars League Results & Fixtures Yesterday’s Results Al Khor 1 Al Shamal 0 Al Shahaniya 0 Al Arabi 0 Al Gharafa 2 El Jaish 1 Al Wakra 1 Al Ahli 3 Today’s Fixtures Umm Salal vs Lekhwiya, Qatar SC Stadium, 5.30pm Qatar SC vs Al Sadd, Qatar SC Stadium, 7.45pm Al Kharaityat vs Al Sailiya, Al Arabi player Paulo Sergio (right) vies for ball possession with Mehrdad Jahanshah Pooladi of Al Shahaniya during their Qatar Stars League (QSL) match at Al Gharafa Stadium yesterday. Al Khor Stadium, 7.45pm RIGHT: El Jaish’s Keunho Lee and Bilal Rajab (right) of Al Gharafa during their QSL match at Al Gharafa Stadium yesterday. PICTURES BY: ABDUL BASIT Wanderers edge Al Hilal in ACL final first leg

SYDNEY: Australia’s Western the legs of Al-Sudairy into the net Sydney Wanderers beat Saudi Asian Champions amid wild scenes from the 20,000 Arabia’s Al Hilal 1-0 to seize the full house at Sydney’s Parramatta early advantage in the two-leg League Result Stadium. Al Hilal were feeling the AFC Champions League final in SYDNEY: Result of an AFC Champions pressure and Juric almost made Sydney yesterday. League final first leg match played yesterday: them pay when his volley came Substitute striker Tomi Juric’s At Sydney back off the left post with the 64th-minute goal gave the Western Sydney Wanderers (AUS) 1 (Juric goalkeeper on the ground. Wanderers a precious lead to take 64) Al Hilal (SA) 0 The Saudis had a couple of into the second leg in Riyadh next late chances to score a crucial week. Juric, who added the spark away goal but goalkeeper Ante required when he came off the been seven weeks since he played,” Covic made a point blank save to bench in the second half, almost Popovic said. deny Salem Al-Dosary and then gave the Wanderers a two-goal “Tomi scored a fantastic goal, made a diving save to prevent cushion but his shot came off the it was a great overlap and a real Yasser Al-Shahrani from scoring post with goalkeeper Abdullah striker’s finish. It’s just a shame moments later. Australian and Al Gharafa midfielder Mark Bresciano (left), Hani Balan, Qatar Football Association Executive Al-Sudairy well beaten. he didn’t get that second one. “We played a very good game. Committee Member and Pablo Kang (right), Australian Ambassador to the UAE and Qatar during Match “It’s definitely a big help for us “This result has filled us with We had a lot of chances, but we Australia, an International Sports Business Program organised by Australian Government, Australian Trade going there in those kind of con- confidence. We have to recover lost 1-0,” Al Hilal’s Romanian Commission and Australia Unlimited, held in Doha on Thursday. The AFC Asian Cup 2015 will be held from ditions and we have to perform well and we’re in for a tough bat- coach Laurentiu Reghecampf said. January 9 to 31 in Australia. well over there to finish the job tle next week. “In the second half we had off because it’s only half done at “But they’re going home tonight three or four chances.Their goal- the moment,” Juric said. knowing they’re up against a very keeper (Covic) did a great job and “If we go over there full of con- tough opponent who can win the I think that’s why the result is fidence as we are now and stick title over there.” only 1-0 for them. Normally we to our structure and our game The expensively-assembled Al have to score two or three goals. Asian Cup 2015: Qatar to plan I think we can bring this Hilal dominated the opening half “I’m sure after six days when one home.” and with Nasser Al Shamrani we play the next game my team Wanderers, in only their third going close to breaking the dead- is going to win. season, are bidding to become the lock in stoppage time. “We need only to score one goal first Australian side to win the But the match turned with the and we are going to see what the set up base in Canberra Asian showpiece after Adelaide introduction of Juric, who scored atmosphere will be in Riyadh.” United lost to Japan’s Gamba seven minutes after coming on for It was Western Sydney’s sixth DOHA: Qatar football team will 2015 Asian Cup Group Fixtures Osaka in the 2008 final. Brendan Santalab. straight win at home in this sea- set up their base in Canberra Coach Tony Popovic praised Defender Antony Golec’s teas- son’s ACL and their defence has Group A: Australia, Korea Republic, Kuwait, Oman ten days before the kickoff of Juric’s game-changing influence. ing cross from the left was met now kept a clean sheet in over 10 the AFC Asian Cup 2015, an 09 Jan 2015: Australia vs Kuwait at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium “His impact was fantastic. It’s by Juric whose shot went through hours of football. AFP official of the Qatar Football 10 Jan 2015: Korea Republic vs Oman at Canberra Stadium Association (QFA) said here. 13 Jan 2015: Kuwait vs Korea Republic at Canberra Stadium “We will be based in Canberra 13 Jan 2015: Oman vs Australia at Stadium Australia and we will go ten days before our 17 Jan 2015 Australia vs Korea Republic at Brisbane Stadium first match as we want to get used 17 Jan 2015 Oman vs Kuwait at Newcastle Stadium to the conditions in Qatar,” said Mansoor Al Ansari, Director of Group B: Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Korea DPR, China PR National Teams Committee of 10 Jan 2015: Uzbekistanvs Korea DPR at Stadium Australia QFA. 10 Jan 2015: Saudi Arabia vs China PR at Brisbane Stadium Salman Alfaraj of Qatar will face UAE in their 14 Jan 2015: Korea DPR vs Saudi Arabia at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium Al Hilal (right) and first match of the AFC Asian Cup 14 Jan 2015: China PR vs Uzbekistan at Brisbane Stadium Daniel Mullen of 2015 to be held in Australia from 18 Jan 2015: Uzbekistan vs Saudi Arabia at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium January 9 to 31. Sixteen teams Western Sydney 18 Jan 2015 China PR vs Korea DPR at Canberra Stadium from Asia have qualified for the Wanderers fight tournament. THE PENINSULA Group C: UAE, Iran, Bahrain, Qatar for the ball during 11 Jan 2015: UAE vs Qatar at Canberra Stadium the first leg of their Asian Cup Past 11 Jan 2015: Iran vs Bahrain at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium Asian Champions 15 Jan 2015: Bahrainvs UAE at Canberra Stadium League football Winners 15 Jan 2015: Qatar vs Iran at Stadium Australia match in Sydney Japan: 4 times (1992*, 2000, 2004, 2011) 19 Jan 2015: Iran vs UAE at Brisbane Stadium yesterday. Western Sydney Wanderers Saudi Arabia: 3 times (1984, 1988, 1996) 19 Jan 2015: Qatar vs Bahrain at Stadium Australia won the game 1-0. Iran: 3 times (1968*, 1972, 1976*) Group D: Japan, Jordan, Palestine, Iraq South Korea: 2 times (1956, 1960*) 12 Jan 2015: Japan vs Palestine at Newcastle Stadium Israel: 1 (1964*) 12 Jan 2015: Jordan vs Iraq at Brisbane Stadium Kuwait: 1 (1980*) 16 Jan 2015: Palestine vs Jordan at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium Iraq: 1 (2007) 16 Jan 2015: Iraq vs Japan at Brisbane Stadium NB: Israel was expelled from the AFC in 20 Jan 2015: Japan vs Jordan at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium the early 1970s and eventually became a member of UEFA 20 Jan 2015: Iraq vs Palestine at Canberra Stadium SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Real fight back to beat Barcelona in ‘Clasico’ Neymar gives early lead, Suarez returns without scoring

MADRID: Luis Suarez’s Barcelona debut ended in defeat as Real Madrid cut the gap on the La Liga leaders to just a Paris Saint-Germain’s Lucas Moura (centre) celebrates after scoring a point as they came from behind goal during a French L1 match against Bordeaux at the Parc des Princes to win El Clasico 3-1 yesterday Stadium in Paris yesterday. thanks to goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Karim Benzema. Playing for the first time in a competitive game since being Classy PSG make handed a four- month ban for bit- ing Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup, Suarez’s Barca career had Bordeaux pay penalty got off to a flying start as he set up Neymar to slide home the opening goal after just three minutes. PARIS: Two penalties by Lucas team, but I’d have liked to see 11 However, Real responded like Moura and a clever chip by against 11. There is such a thing European champions as Ronaldo Ezequiel Lavezzi helped cham- as a yellow card, and both play- levelled from the penalty spot pions Paris Saint Germain beat ers who were fouled were able to before second-half goals from Bordeaux 3-0 in Ligue 1 yester- play on. This is a contact sport,” Pepe and Benzema handed them day and put pressure on leaders he explained. a deserved ninth consecutive vic- Marseille. With Bordeaux deflated PSG tory in all competitions. Resurgent Marseille have 25 went on the offensive. “I am very happy to return points ahead of their game on From the ensuing free-kick to playing, it is a great relief to Sunday at Lyon, where they can Luiz was already turning to cel- have this time behind me,” said clinch a club record 10th straight ebrate a goal but saw his thun- Suarez, who was substituted after league win. PSG are second with derous shot come back off the 68 minutes. 21 having played a game more. post with the wall and ‘keeper “The feeling is bittersweet Bordeaux coach Willy Sagnol well beaten. PSG then spurned a because of the result but this had promised to take the game to series of chances before Verratti team has lifted itself many times the champions and his outfit went was brought down in the area as before.” into the game level on points with the pressure mounted. Barca boss Luis Enrique the Parisians. With Ibrahimovic and Cavani insisted he didn’t regret his deci- Real Madrid’s Pepe (left) But with Brazilian interna- absent penalty duty fell to Lucas, sion to start the Uruguayan. celebrates with James tional centreback pair Thiago who stepped up in his pink boots “I don’t regret it at all,” said Rodriguez (centre) and Marcelo Silva and David Luiz holding firm, and sent Stephane Carrasso the Enrique. “He did more than I after scoring against Barcelona Paris always looked superior in wrong way, his spot-kick ripping expected. He played more and during their La Liga ‘Clasico’ that part of the pitch. into the opposite corner. with rhythm. We brought him match at the Santiago Bernabeu With Edinson Cavani sus- Five minutes into the second- off because it is very difficult to Stadium in Madrid yesterday. pended and Zlatan Ibrahimovic half Lucas himself was brought play the 90 minutes after such a injured, PSG coach Laurent down as he beat the offside trap BOTTOM: Barcelona’s Luis long time.” Blanc started with a makeshift and PSG were awarded another Suarez vies for the ball with Real Madrid coach Carlo front three of Javier Pastore, penalty. Ancelotti, meanwhile, lauded his Sergio Ramos yesterday. Lucas and speedy youngster Jean- The Brazilian coolly planted side’s reaction to conceding early to captain Iker Casillas midway Christophe Bahebeck. his second spot-kick in the other on. through the half as he spread Bordeaux had reason for corner, Carrasso diving the right “We didn’t lose our head after himself to stop Lionel Messi early cheer on 27 minutes when way but unable to deal with the losing the early goal,” he said. becoming the joint top goalscorer Gregory van Der Wiel delivered venom of the shot. “I liked many things about the in La Liga history from a tempt- a wild studs-up kick to Wahbi Lavezzi, who was return- team, above all the high tempo we ing cross from Suarez. Khazri’s heel with the ball gone ing after being out injured for played with. The team recovered Just when Barca had appeared and the referee right behind him. a month, completed the scoring well with just two days rest after to have taken the sting out of up the Madrid defence a couple hobbled off to be replaced by Sergi He was sent off, but the numer- nine minutes from time when his Wednesday and played very well.” Madrid’s pressing, though, they of times as Suarez slipped after Roberto. ical advantage would last a mere close-range chip took a deflection Suarez proved his worth within gifted the hosts a route back into turning Sergio Ramos in the box Madrid comfortably saw the 10 minutes. off defender Maxime Poundje on three minutes as his cross-field the game as Marcelo’s low cross before Ramos made a last-ditch game out in the final 20 min- Andre Poko’s complete miss as its way into the net. AFP pass was taken down by Neymar was blatantly handled inside the tackle to prevent Messi turning utes to inflict Barca’s first league he swung at a stray ball would who skipped inside Dani Carvajal area by Gerard Pique. home Neymar’s cut-back. defeat of the season. AFP have been comical if the Bordeaux and Pepe before sliding the ball Ronaldo stepped up and confi- Casillas then produced another midfielder hadn’t ended up con- Ligue 1 Results into the far corner for his 11th dently buried the resulting spot- stunning save to prevent Jeremy necting with Marco Verratti’s Paris Saint Germain 3 (Lucas 45+3-pen, goal in as many games this season. kick to become the first man to Mathieu’s rising drive finding the La Liga Results knee, and while he was unfortu- 50-pen, Lavezzi 81) Bordeaux 0; Evian 0 The goal sparked Madrid into score against Barcelona in nine top corner. All times in GMT nate, he had to walk too. Nantes 2 (Veretout 42-pen, Bammou 75); life as Benzema failed to find the league games this season. However, in their haste for an Sagnol was furious with the red Almeria 0 Athletic Bilbao 1 (Etxeita 56) Reims 1 (Moukandjo Bile 90) Montpellier 0; target from a narrow angle as he The home side could even have equaliser, Barca were caught on card decision against Poko. Bastia 1 (Maboulou 21) Monaco 3 (Germain was pressured by Claudio Bravo gone in at half-time in front as the counter-attack from their Real Madrid 3 (Ronaldo 35-pen, Pepe 50, “If that was a red card then 5, Kondogbia 78, Ferreira-Carrasco 84); Caen before the Frenchman crashed a James Rodriguez’s header drifted own corner as Isco, Ronaldo and Benzema 61) Barcelona 1 (Neymar 3) maybe (instead of playing foot- 2 (Nangis 3, Duhamel 53-pen) Lorient 1 (J. header off the bar from Ronaldo’s just wide from another Marcelo Rodriguez combined to play in Valencia 3 (Mustafi 13, Parejo 18, Lomban ball) we should dance or do figure Ayew 24-pen) cross. cross. Benzema to fire home his seventh 64-og) Elche 1 (Jonathas 92) skating. The referee had the red Friday’s Match Both Messi and Neymar were It took Ancelotti’s men just five El Clasico goal. card out before Veratti even hit Today’s Matches Toulouse 0 Lens 2 (El Jadeyaoui 11, booked for late challenges on Toni minutes to go in front after the Suarez’s debut was then the deck,” he complained. Bourigeaud 27) Kroos and Carvajal as the hosts break as Kroos’s out-swinging brought to a premature end as Malaga vs Rayo Vallecano (1000), Espanyol Blanc agreed with Sagnol sug- upped the pressure in search of corner was powered past Bravo he made way for Pedro Rodriguez vs Deportivo la Coruna (1500), Sevilla vs gesting neither foul had been Today’s Matches an equaliser. by Pepe. and matters got even worse for Villarreal (1700), Getafe vs Atletico Madrid worth a straight red. Rennes vs Lille, Guingamp vs Nice, Saint- However, they were thankful Barca came close to opening the visitors when Andres Iniesta (1900) “The sending off motivated the Etienne vs Metz, Lyon vs Marseille West Ham shock champions City, Arsenal rout Sunderland

LONDON: West Ham United tap-in after a brilliant low spin- ball but we were very unlucky and a penalty by Mile Jedinak. and Southampton maintained ning cross from Enner Valencia because we had a lot of chances.” Albion hit back in the second their unlikely but impres- after 21 minutes. Southampton’s fairytale start half with a header from substitute sive starts to the season when Senegalese Sakho became the to the season is turning into a Victor Anichebe and a stoppage- the Hammers beat champions first West Ham player to score credible challenge for a top-four time penalty by Saido Berahino. Manchester City 2-1 and Saints in six successive Premier League finish after they beat Stoke. Swansea ended a run of five moved up to second with a 1-0 games when he made it 2-0 with Although they were never league games without a win when win over Stoke City yesterday. a goal given after goalline tech- likely to reproduce last week’s they beat Leicester at the Liberty Chelsea, who visit Manchester nology showed his header had 8-0 win over Sunderland, Sadio Stadium with a goal in each half United on Sunday, lead the crossed the line in the 75th. Mane’s 33rd-minute strike sepa- from Wilfried Bony. Premier League title chase with Silva pulled one back for City rated the teams at St Mary’s as They are now sixth while 22 points from eight matches with a great solo effort as he Southampton won for the sixth Leicester, without a win in four while Saints are second with 19 weaved through the defence two time in nine matches. matches since a 5-3 defeat of from nine games. minutes later. “The first half was fantastic,” Manchester United a month ago, Manchester City are third on 17 “It wasn’t a lucky victory by said manager Ronald Koeman. have slipped to 16th, two points after losing at West Ham through any stretch of the imagination “We played very well and domi- above the relegation zone. goals from Morgan Amalfitano today because our commitment nated the game, scored a good REUTERS and Diafra Sakho. The champi- and desire to play against the goal and had other good oppor- ons could trail Chelsea by eight big boys and the present league tunities in the first half but we points by Sunday night if Jose champions was there for all to did not kill the game and it was English Premier Mourinho’s men maintain their see,” West Ham manager Sam difficult to the last seconds.” unbeaten start to the season and Allardyce told BT Sport. Last week Southampton scored League Results win again at Old Trafford. “After David Silva scored their their biggest league win since 1921 Liverpool 0 Hull 0 In yesterday’s other after- outstanding goal, for me it was when they thrashed Sunderland noon games Arsenal won 2-0 at about the squad’s determination but Koeman said: “Maybe this Southampton 1 (Mane 33) Stoke 0 Sunderland, Liverpool were held to make sure of what is a famous win is more important than last Sunderland 0 Arsenal 2 (Sanchez 30, 90) to a goalless draw at home by victory for us.” week’s because it’s not always that Swansea 2 (Bony 34, 57) Leicester 0 Hull City and West Bromwich City manager Manuel Pellegrini easy and you have to fight for it”. West Brom 2 (Anichebe 51, Berahino 90-pen) Albion fought back from 2-0 down denied he was under any pres- Arsenal won for only the sec- Crystal Palace 2 (Hangeland 16, Jedinak to draw 2-2 at home to Crystal sure after his side also let slip a ond time in eight league matches, 45-pen) Palace. 2-0 lead against CSKA Moscow beating Sunderland with Alexis West Ham 2 (Amalfitano 21, Sakho 75) West Ham did not have it easy to draw 2-2 in the Champions Sanchez scoring twice. Manchester City 1 (Silva 77) against Manchester City who League in midweek. Liverpool’s woes continued Today’s Matches dominated possession but hit the He said: “I always feel the pres- when they were held by Hull with Burnley vs Everton (1330GMT), Manchester bar twice through Yaya Toure and sure exactly the same from the Mario Balotelli missing an open Utd vs Chelsea (1600GMT), Tottenham vs West Ham’s Diafra Sakho (centre) celebrates with team-mates after scoring only scored once through David first day to today. goal with almost the last kick. Newcastle (1330GMT) Silva. “West Ham played very well West Brom rallied against a goal during the English Premier League match against Manchester City Monday’s Match at Upton Park in London yesterday. Frenchman Amalfitano put especially in the first half and Palace who led at halftime thanks the Hammers ahead with a they did not allow us to move the to a volley from Brede Hangeland QPR vs Aston Villa (2000GMT) Sunday 26 October 2014 2 Muharram 1436 Volume 19 Number 6230 Sport Price: QR2

Shooting: Real beat Khalid on Barca on target at Losail Suarez debut

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ABOVE: The Qatar under-19 national team poses with the AFC U-19 Championship trophy at Hamad International Airport in Doha yesterday. LEFT: Two fire trucks greet the aircraft carrying the Qatar under-19 team with a water cannon salute. Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, H E Sheikh Saoud RIGHT: Coach Felix Sanchez Bas bin Abdulrahman Al Thani (left), Minister of Youth and Sports H E Salah emerges from the aircraft with his bin Ghanem bin Nasser Al Ali (centre) and patron of Aspire Academy boys. PICTURES: SALIM MATRAMKOT H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani wait for the arrival of the Qatar under-19 national team at Hamad International Airport in Doha yesterday. Asian champs get heroes’ welcome Qatari boys return with AFC U-19 trophy

BY D CHAKRABORTY would send out a message to FIFA and the world about foot- DOHA: Proud parents dabbed ball’s growth in Qatar. “We can teary eyes and delighted coaches now tell them that we are not and officials beamed with joy as just investing on nice stadiums Qatar’s under-19 national team and buildings. We are building returned home to a heroes’ wel- a strong team. There are lots of come yesterday, after winning countries with millions and mil- the country’s maiden Asian lions of people, yet they are not Football Confederation (AFC) doing anything.” Under-19 Championship in Al Sulaiteen said now the focus Myanmar. will be on training these players Two fire trucks greeted the Aspire Zone CEO Khalid Al for the Under-20 World Cup in Qatar Airways plane carrying the Sulaiteen speaks at Ministerial New Zealand next year. “When young stars with a water canon Lounge of Hamad International we went to Myanmar, we weren’t salute at Hamad International Airport yesterday. expecting to win. But, now, if you Airport and a band began playing go back and analyse the team’s Qatar’s national anthem as cap- said: “I feel great that the best performances, you will see we tain Ahmad Moein emerged with player in the championship was have scored 14 goals and we have the winners’ trophy and stepped from Qatar. I was not confident the best players, best defenders. onto the red carpet that had been about winning the best player tro- So all the statistics give a very laid on the tarmac. phy in the beginning…but with the proud indication of what we have. With expressions of elation support of my team-mates and And we really need to concentrate and surprise, some young players the way I played during the tour- on this team and support them waved to family members while nament, my dream came true.” and put them on a plan for the others fought back tears of joy Told to name their tough- 2015 Under-20 World Cup in New as they posed with the trophy in est opponents, the Qatari skip- Zealand,” he said. front of a jubilant crowd that had per said: “The toughest match Aspire Zone’s CEO said now gathered to welcome them. was the semi-final against hosts parents would also be more The Qatari skipper, who was Myanmar, the crowd was so loud.” eager to send their kids to Aspire voted the tournament’s most val- It was a particularly sweet Academy. “Before people thought uable player, dedicated the victory moment for the officials of Aspire it was a normal football club. But to the Emir, H H Sheikh Tamim Academy for Sports Excellence. now they see what we do for bin Hamad Al Thani. “It feels The entire squad, which did them. Lots of people are amazed great. I want to thank God and all so well in Myanmar, was from after seeing how we design the my team-mates. This is the first Aspire Academy. programme for each player from time Qatar has won the AFC U-19 Aspire Zone CEO Khalid Al a scientific point of view, from an Championship and I think this is Sulaiteen seemed very pleased. educational point of view and per- the beginning of a new era for us. “We have been waiting for some- formance point of view.” I dedicate the trophy to H H the thing like this for a very long time. Al Sulaiteen also hoped that the Emir and hopefully we will con- You can see people are so happy future would bring more success tinue to keep performing,” Moein for what Qatar has achieved. We and extended his congratulation said before boarding the bus that have been criticised for a long to H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad was waiting to take the team to time but it is not easy to change Al Thani and the Qatar Football Corniche for further celebrations. the mindset of people. To tell Assocation (QFA). “Now our Qatar remained undefeated them that they need to sleep on expectations have been increased. throughout the championship this time, eat this kind of food. I would like to thank Sheikh and overcame heavyweight teams What you see today is the result Jasim bin Hamad bin Khalifa such as China on their way to the of 10 years’ work. This is the 10th Al Thani who is behind all this. final where they outclassed DPR year of the academy, which is Also, I would like to congratulate Korea 1-0. really not that long, and now we the QFA and Sheikh Hamad bin When asked how it felt to are getting champions in football, Khalifa bin Ahmad Al Thani and be chosen as the most valuable athletics, squash, table tennis.” all his board members. player of the tournament, Moein He also hoped that this victory THE PENINSULA