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Monday 17 February 2014 17 Rabial II 1435 - Volume 18 Number 5978 Price: QR2

Tasweeq, Double delight ADNOC sign for Al Attiyah in contract Dubai

Business | 17 Sport | 24

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 GCC states to Halep wins Qatar Open step up fight against graft Panel to prepare draft agreement

DOHA/ KUWAIT: The GCC This mechanism could help in states yesterday agreed to step tracking criminals in the mem- up efforts to jointly fight cor- ber countries as well as the flow of ruption, and decided to form an funds resulting from corruption. It ad hoc committee to prepare a also underlines the importance of draft GCC agreement on com- having a common law to fight cor- bating corruption. ruption and joining international The decision was taken at the efforts in this regard, he added. first meeting of the heads of agen- Abdul Latheef Al Ziyani, the cies responsible for promoting GCC secretary general, also said integrity and fighting corruption that the meeting showed the con- in the GCC states, held in Kuwait cern of the GCC countries about yesterday. the prevalence of corruption, H E Abdullah bin Hamad which has now become a very Al Attiyah, Chairman of the complex issue and has acquired Administrative Control and many new forms. Transparency Authority, rep- The meeting discussed whether resented Qatar in the two-day the GCC as regional body should Simona Halep of Romania holds her trophy beside H E Ali Sherif Al Emadi (left), the Minister of Finance, and Nasser Al Khelaifi, President of Qatar Tennis meeting. ratify the UN Convention against Federation, after defeating Angelique Kerber of Germany in the women’s singles final match of Qatar Open tennis tournament in Doha. See also page 28 An important decision taken Corruption, and asked member at the meeting was to form an ad countries to give their opinion to hoc committee with representa- the general secretariat before the tives from the member states and end of next month. The officials the GCC general secretariat to also decided to form an expert OPINION prepare a draft GCC agreement panel to study decisions and Egypt attack kills 3 S Koreans on combating corruption, Qatar agreements in this regard. News Agency reported yesterday. The meeting called upon mem- CAIRO: A bomb tore through South Koreans, along with the The explosion blew off the front Ministries and The general secretariat was ber countries to enhance interna- a bus carrying South Korean Egyptian driver. of the yellow bus and tore out asked to circulate the draft agree- tional cooperation and exchange of sightseers near an Egyptian The South Korean foreign min- parts of the roof. performance ment to the member states for information, and build their anti- border crossing with Israel yes- istry confirmed the death of two The interior ministry said the their views and suggestions for corruption capabilities. terday, killing three tourists of its nationals, saying they were tourists had set off from Cairo assessments amendments. The participants agreed to and the Egyptian driver, a sen- members of a Christian church and were waiting at the crossing The meeting accepted an invi- develop a unified integrated sys- ior official said. on tour. to enter Israel when the explosion n the tation extended by H E Abdullah tem for exchange of experience It was the first attack on tour- A doctor who had been wait- happened. weekly bin Hamad Al-Attiyah to hold the between the anti-corruption bod- ists since the ouster of Islamist ing for a bus nearby witnessed “Terrorism has no religion. The Cab- second meeting of the GCC panel ies of the GCC countries and give president Mohamed Mursi by the the blast. police and the army are working Iinet in Doha in February next year. their proposals on this issue to the army in July sparked civil unrest “There were body parts and to eliminate it,” Fouda said. session In his opening address, Abdul GCC general secretariat. and a spate of attacks across the corpses. I saw the corpse of a man A spokesman for the Israel held last Rahman Al Nams, chairman The meeting accepted a pro- country that have mainly targeted who appeared to be Korean, with Airports Authority, which is Wednesday, of the anti-corruption body of posal by Oman to organise security forces. a leg missing,” said Ahmed Ali, responsible for border security, a very Kuwait, said that the establish- workshops to discuss the annual The bomb exploded in the front who runs a clinic in a neighbour- said the Taba crossing had been important ment of the GCC panel reflected corruption indices of the GCC part of the bus at the Taba bor- ing resort. closed in the wake of the blast. decision Khalid Al Sayed EDITOR-IN-CHIEF the will of the Gulf countries to countries issued by Transparency der crossing with Israel in south A health ministry spokesman No one immediately claimed was taken jointly fight corruption and cre- International, in collaboration Sinai, the interior ministry said. said 15 were wounded in the responsibility for the attack. – that all ate an integrated mechanism for with the GCC general secretariat. South Sinai governor Khaled attack, and were in stable condi- AFP ministries from now on must this purpose. THE PENINSULA Fouda said three of the dead were tion in hospital. See also page 7 submit quarterly reports to the Cabinet about the imple- mentation and progress of their various projects and plans, and inform it about obstacles to implementation, Syrian foreign minister says Geneva talks ‘did not fail’ if any, and on the remedial actions and best solutions. DAMASCUS: Syria’s Foreign Minister headed back home from Switzerland. by mediator Lakhdar Brahimi, beginning could be solved quickly. And he accused It is an excellent step and Walid Muallem denied yesterday that a The second round of peace talks between with the first item, which is on violence and Britain and France of being involved in a has been widely welcomed as second round of peace talks with the oppo- the Syrian regime and the opposition broke the fight against terrorism,” he said. “conspiracy” against Syria, and said the it will contribute to efficiency sition had failed, insisting that “impor- off on Saturday in Geneva, with no date set “The talks did not fail, we achieved what United States “tried to create a very nega- and transparency at the tant progress” was made in Geneva. for a third round. we have called for constantly, which is an tive atmosphere for the talks in Geneva.” ministries. These perform- “The second round did not fail, contrary “The second round accomplished a very agenda to be discussed in the Geneva meet- The opposition has said that a new round ance reports will give an idea to media analyses that have appeared and important point,” Muallem said, in state- ings to come,” he added. that fails to discuss a transitional govern- about the activities of these the reactions of the foreign ministers for ments carried by the state news agency Muallem said it was “delusional” to imag- ment “would be a waste of time.” ministries and the progress France and Britain,” Muallem said as he SANA. “Syria approved the agenda proposed ine that a problem as complex as Syria AFP of their projects. But there is an important question: will these reports be published in the media so that the public, Alpine skiing too, is informed? The answer people are expecting is: YES. Workers held for altering It is very important that these reports are not kept exclusively with the Cabinet because people need to evalu- expiry dates of hair oil ate and compare the perform- DOHA: The Consumer Protection Department (CPD) at the ance of various ministries. Ministry of Economy and Commerce caught a group of workers of They would like to find out if a private company as they were tampering with the expiry dates we are on track to achieve our of a brand of hair oil that was on sale. The CPD inspectors grew National Vision 2030, espe- suspicious about stickers carrying the expiry dates of the product, cially since some ministries which was on display in a shop. Investigation about the source of the haven’t yet published their product led them to a warehouse, where they the workers applying strategy. There is another stickers on bottles of hair oil with new expiry dates. question: when are we going to evaluate the national devel- Iran, powers aim for final N-deal opment strategy 2011-2016, since we have a new Cabinet VIENNA: Iran and world powers embark Tuesday on the Herculean and new mechanisms for task of transforming their interim nuclear deal into a long-term efficiency? These quarterly accord satisfying all sides and silencing talk of war for good. reports, if properly imple- The scheduled three-day meeting in Vienna between Iran and the mented, can serve as indica- United States, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany is the first tors of the performance of Canada’s Jan Hudec competes during the Men’s Alpine Skiing Super-G at the Rosa Khutor Alpine Center in what is expected to be a series of tricky encounters. ministries and ministers. during the Sochi Winter Olympics yesterday. See also page 10 Continued on page 6 THE PENINSULA & AFP MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Emir appoints envoy to Italy Katara announces

DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has QR600,000 annual issued the Emiri decision No.12/ of 2014 appointing Abdullah Eid salman Al Sulaiti, as Qatar’s Ambassador to Italy. The deci- handicraft award sion is effective and operative as of the date of issue and to be DOHA: As part of its five- innovation in the society. published in the official gazette. year strategy, Katara yester- “We care for handicraft pro- day announced a QR600,000 fessionals and innovators and annual Award for handicraft we are keen to let them par- Emir ratifies and traditional industries ticipate in different events and under the umbrella of public festivals organized by Katara. cabinet decision heritage. It is time to honour them and The award is the second their contribution through this DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh such initiative by Katara fol- award which will provide an Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani lowing the announcement of incentive for them to encour- has ratified the cabinet decision the $200,000 Award for Arabic age creativity and production,” No. 15/of 2014 extending the novel recently. he said. lease contracts of some parts of The new award for handi- The annual award will the non-residential areas. craft and traditional works is cover areas such as engraving, aimed at honouring artisans embroidery, weaving, wood- and encouraging innovation work, jewellery, and tradi- Emir, PM greet and continuous production of tional clothes. The award will crafts and traditional works as be under a special committee Lithuanian leader well as developing their skills to grant the award based on a in different areas of arts and set of criteria and conditions. DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh crafts. Dr Al Sulaiti added that the Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani The award was also estab- award is expected to encourage has sent a cable of greetings Asian Houbaras. lished to give craftsmen and and develop the handicraft and to President of the Republic of those involved in the produc- traditional industries, intro- Lithuania Dalia Grybauskait tion of traditional works the duce the excellent works of on the occasion of her country’s status they deserve and pro- artisans and promote exchange National Day. vide them chance to take part of knowledge and experience The Prime Minister and Breeding centre gets in exhibitions and related on latest techniques and mate- Interior Minister H E Sheikh events in Qatar, the GCC and rials in production. Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa at international level. The award, which is the first Al Thani has also sent a similar Katara General Manager Dr of its kind in Qatar, will also cable to Lithuanian leader. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti help create a database of these 1,065 Asian Houbaras said the launch of this award products, contribute to enrich shows the attention Katara traditional heritage and con- Qatar condemns gives to different fields char- solidate national identity, he IFHC programme targets full breeding in Qatar acterised by creativity and added. THE PENINSULA Taba explosion DOHA: Qatar’s Rawdat Al Director General of IFHC said: Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s strategy to DOHA: Qatar has strongly Faras Houbara Breeding “IFHC’s Houbara programme is ensure that there are sustainable, condemned the explosion which Centre has received 1,065 at the cutting-edge of conserva- wild populations of the iconic bird targeted a tourist coach at Taba Asian Houbaras from the tion. As a result of the great suc- across its entire range. land crossing in Egypt’s Sinai International Fund for Houbara cess we have achieved in breeding Mohamed Al Bowardi, Deputy Winners of EED Awards yesterday, killing at least three Conservation’s (IFHC) captive the Houbara in captivity, we are Chairman of the IFHC Board, people and wounding 13 others breeding programme in order able to share our unparalleled said: “This is a ground-breaking DOHA: The Minister of Education and Higher Education H E mostly Koreans. to establish a full breeding flock knowledge and understanding of move in the history of Houbara Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi, who is also the An official source at the Foreign in the country. the Houbara with other conserva- conservation. The leadership and Secretary General of the Supreme Education Council and the Ministry expressed Qatar’s soli- The 1,065 Asian Houbaras are tion projects in the bird’s range, commitment of Sheikh Khalifa Chairman of the Education Excellence Day (EED) Award’s Board darity with the Egyptian and in addition to an initial 334 pro- which, subsequently, increase the ensures that Abu Dhabi con- of Trustees, has approved the final and official names of the EED Korean peoples. “Qatar condemns vided to Qatar in March 2013. As chances of ensuring we reach our tinues to build upon over thirty awardees for the academic year 2012-2013. such acts that aim at undermin- a result the 1,399 birds will form ultimate objective for wild popula- years of experience and expertise, The awards cover six categories: The “Distinguished Secondary ing security and stability and ter- a significant initial breeding flock, tions of the Houbara to thrive in which enables us lead the way in Student”, the “Distinguished University Graduate”, the “Distinguished rorising civilians and denounces from which to produce Houbara the future.” this important endeavour. I want PhD Holder”, the “Distinguished Teacher”, the “Distinguished School”, the killing of innocents, the source chicks for future breeding and The provision of the birds to express my thanks to the and the “Distinguished Secondary Research Paper”. said, offering Qatar’s condolences release. Last year IFHC also gave to another country for captive Government and people of Qatar The EED Board of Trustees previously submitted the final reports to the two countries and the fami- 1,000 Asian Houbara to Qatar for breeding represents a consider- in helping us spread the effort to to the office of the Emir for approval in preparation for the celebra- lies of victims,” the source said. release into protected zones. able expansion of the President conserve the Houbara.” tion of the winners during the award ceremony that will be held on 3 QNA Mohamed Saleh Al Baidani, of the UAE, H H Sheikh Khalifa THE PENINSULA March 2014. THE PENINSULA

Qatar second in Al Bayt to showcase hosting foreign video experiences students in region DOHA: Qatar along with UAE has the highest net flow ratio of Qatari life of inbound (overseas students studying in the country) and outbound students (nation- DOHA: Qatar Foundation York City spent six days filming als studying overseas) students International (QFI) will launch across locations in Qatar and when compared to other Arab Al Bayt, or “home” in Arabic, an interviewing a diverse array of countries, said a report. interactive space that will serve students, educators and profes- The UAE ranked first in Arab as a hub for Arabic language sionals from the region. These world with a ratio of 30 followed and culture in the Americas. short films showcase the history, by Qatar in the second spot with Al Bayt will initially be language, culture and future 9.7, according to Unesco Institute launched as an online experience vision of Qatar and the greater Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani (left), being interviewed for the programme. for Statistics (UIS). through an interactive website. Middle East. The ratio of the rest of Arab In its next phase of development, A Qatar Foundation- ambassador for Al Bayt and be in American audience. The ambas- place in the region and Qatar world is as low as 8.1 for Morocco, QFI is expanding its community supported concept, Al Bayt will a position to teach others around sadors spoke about their language, specifically. Featuring inter- 4.5 for Tunisia, 5.4 for Lebanon, of partners in order to evolve Al be modelled on a Qatari home, the world about Arab culture and religion, lifestyles, family and the views with Qatar Foundation it added. Bayt into a physical space in the through which American stu- to show people what it is really environment of their region and leadership, such as Fahad Saad The UAE has 34,122 inbound heart of Washington, DC at the dents will learn about Arab and like over here aside from what the homes. QFI and production com- Al Qahtani, Group Executive students (overseas students soon-to-be-opened City Center Qatari culture. The videos, fea- media shows them!” pany Radical Media also inter- Director of Qatar Foundation studying here), against 7,719 DC, financed by Qatari Diar Real turing Qatari as well as other Sahar is one of four excep- viewed a diverse range of experts, Administration, and Dr Amal outbound students (local stu- Estate. Arab voices, will be a vital ele- tional QFI students from Qatar professionals, and academics in Al Malki, Executive Director of dents studying abroad), said the Al Bayt will be a state of the ment of this experience. that will be featured as “Virtual order to present Qatar’s and the the Translation and Interpreting UIS study, which is the primary art, interactive experience that “As a Qatari, I think it is very Ambassadors” to the Al Bayt Arab world’s rich cultural herit- Institute as well as a Professor source for cross-nationally com- will immerse students in different important for us to represent space. As Qataris, the virtual age. A highlight from the six days at Carnegie Mellon Univeristy – parable statistics on education aspects of the culture, language, Qatar and teach others around ambassadors will be the voice of production was an hour-long Qatar, the short films will high- in more than 200 countries and architecture, design and more. As the world about this country and of Al Bayt, recordings of them interview with Sheikh Faisal bin light the work Qatar Foundation territories. a “home”, it will be a place where the Arab world,” says Sahar Al guiding people through the space Qassim Al Thani and a tour of the has done in this arena through These figures have put the people can gather, discuss and Ansari, sophomore at Virginia while demonstrating their differ- Sheikh Faisal Museum. initiatives such as Al Shaqab and emirates at No.1 position in net share. Commonwealth University – ent perspectives and experiences, The short films will also show- Hamad bin Khalifa University. flow ratio of inbound and out- A professional crew from New Qatar. “I’m very proud to be an as well as their similarities, to an case the transformations taking THE PENINSULA bound mobile students, while most of the other Arab countries have a negative ratios, dropping to -52.1 in the extreme case of Djibouti, it added. These were recently highlighted by Carian College Advisers, the Biomedical engineering conference begins UAE’s leading independent edu- cational consultancy focusing exclusively on US admissions, as DOHA: Dr Chad Mirkin, member of Qatar Foundation to all scientists and engineers than 550 manuscripts and more of Translational Neuroscience; it announced a scholarship com- adviser to US President Barack Research and Development (QF affiliated with Qatar Foundation than 900 patent applications Mustafa Khammash, Professor of petition for high school students Obama on science, technology R&D). for Education, Science and worldwide (243 issued), Dr control theory and systems biology in the UAE. and innovation is among a host MECBME’14 will present Community Development, and Mirkin serves as an adviser to in the Department of Biosystems Peter Davos, the manag- of internationally renowned recent research on a broad range the local academic institutions. US President Barack Obama on Science and Engineering at ETH- ing director of Carian College scientists attending the sec- of topics in biomedical engineer- Dr Thomas Zacharia, Executive science, technology and innova- Zurich; Hicham Fenniri, Professor Advisors, said the UAE topping ond Middle East Conference ing and healthcare technologies Vice President for QF R&D tion in his role as a member of the and Principal Investigator at QBRI; the list among Arab countries on Biomedical Engineering relevant to the national health will open the conference. The President’s Council of Advisors on and Curtis L. Lowery, Chairperson speaks volumes for the high (MECBME) which begins today priorities reflected in the Qatar opening session will include Science and Technology. of the University of Arkansas for demand among the Emiarti stu- at Hilton Hotel. National Research Strategy a keynote speech by Dr Chad Four plenary addresses will be Medical Sciences’ Department of dents to pursue university degrees The four-day event is hosted by including applications for diabe- Mirkin, Founder and Director delivered over the course of three Obstetrics and Gynecology. A gala in reputed, quality-driven uni- Texas A&M University at Qatar tes, cancer, genetic diseases, and of the International Institute for days including presentations by dinner will be held for all con- versities within or outside the (TAMU-Q) and Qatar Biomedical cardiovascular diseases. Nanotechnology at Northwestern Mimoun Azzouz, Professor and ference delegates on Wednesday country. Research Institute (QBRI), a The event is free and open University. The author of more Co-Director of Sheffield Institute evening. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Qatar Airways launches Instagram contest 1.6 million frequent flyer miles and two pairs of business and economy class trips offered

DOHA: Qatar Airways has • Dubai, UAE – (Dubai World • Miami, USA (#MIA) 4 flight tickets and recently launched its first Central #DWC) • Dallas/Fort Worth, USA 1.6 million Qatar international Instagram con- • Sharjah, UAE (#SHJ) (#DFW) Airways Privilege test—Destigram. Visitors • Philadelphia, USA (#PHL) Visitors simply share their Club Qmiles. are encouraged to share a • Larnaca, Cyprus (#LCA) photos taken from any of Prizes include photo of one of the eight new • Istanbul, Turkey (Sabiha these eight cities or regions. eight lucky-draw Qatar Airways destinations GkçenJ International Airport Users then add the hashtags prizes of 200,000 announced by the airline. These #SAW) #Destigram and a hashtag for Qatar Airways destinations include: • Edinburgh, Scotland (#EDI) the corresponding city/airport Privilege Club code. Entrants are also Qmiles each, which encouraged to tell the are valid on all 13 world something great oneworld airlines about their photo. worldwide. This multi-platform In addition, the contest is hosted on the two best photos airline’s social media sites based on a com- – www.instagram.com/ bination of public qatarairways, www.twit- votes and a third ter.com/qatarairways, and party voting panel at www.facebook.com/ of judges will receive tickets. destinations. will be announced on March 3, qatarairways. The two winners will receive a Entrants are encouraged to 2014. There is an amaz- pair of Qatar Airways Business participate and get votes from For Image: http://www.flickr. ing line-up of prizes for Class or Economy Class flights their social networks to increase com/photos/qatarairways/ #Destigram participants; on the airline’s maiden voyage to their chances of winning. No sets/72157641056647574/ 10 prizes in all, including or from one of the eight featured purchases are necessary. Winners THE PENINSULA

Ooredoo cuts messaging prices

DOHA: Ooredoo has announced reduction of local messages sent The Business Messaging plat- a new revamp for its Business on the service, offering rates as form can be integrated into Messaging Service, reducing low as QR0.08 per SMS. a client’s internal systems to the price for international mes- Now, with the new upgrade accept any kind of data as input sages sent on the service so that from Ooredoo, businesses can from Web, API, SMPP, Firefox, Qatar’s businesses can connect send international SMS for as IE, Lotus and Outlook, provid- with the world. little as QR0.20 per SMS — an ing incredibly flexibility for the Ooredoo’s Business Messaging incredible saving for companies user. Service is a mobile marketing looking to deploy the service to Companies in Qatar are tool that offers companies a cost- market their products and serv- increasingly deploying the serv- effective and efficient way to send ices around the world. ice to connect with employees and Saad Al Hudaifi bulk messages to mobile devices As well as the new enhanced customers and, with the enhanced and smartphones. pricing, Ooredoo has added new value for international SMS, the Companies can contact large features, so that companies can service is set to be increasingly JCC interacts groups of people using the service, use Ooredoo Business Messaging useful for local businesses with and personalise group messages to send links within an SMS to global ambitions. with global with its adaptable Mail Merge recipient’s smartphones, and Customers can call 800 8000 or functionality. use special “flashing” SMS that visit the website at www.Ooredoo. media firms In November 2013, Ooredoo appear instantly on the targeted qa for more information. launched an impressive price device. THE PENINSULA at Kidscreen Summit DOHA: Al-Jazeera Children’s Channel (JCC) took part in a world-class challenge through its par- ticipation at the Kidscreen Summit held in New York from February 9 to 12. By such a participation, JCC seeks to expand its inter- national network through establishing partner rela- tionships with more than 1600 global companies from different media sectors. In addition, it seeks to know the market’s needs of pro- grammes, movies, and series. Saad Al Hudaifi, Acting Executive General Manager and Channel’s Director said: “The con- tinuous presence in global content industry events helps JCC establishing new relationships that give the opportunity to cooperate and interact with leading global companies in the field of media industry. Our channels provide a variety of in-house production and acquisition programmes that are prudently picked from the global markets, in accordance with JCC strategy that aims to meet the current needs of Arab children and the new gen- eration of media and mod- ern communication means users, through a compre- hensive and well-developed program content based on the 360-degree strategy. He added: “In this sum- mit, our spectacular pro- grammes that gained children and families’ admiration such as Tijan Annour “global competition for Holy Quran Recitation”, Olamaa Al Muslimeen “Muslim Scholars”, Uncle Mosleh’s Tales, Min Qessas Al Saleheen “Righteous People’s Tales”, Everything’s Rosie, Nan-wa-Lili, Kalila & Dimna, Jawla, Shams and Rami, and Discover Science were presented. Such pro- grams seek to enrich chil- dren’s life and attract their attention through preserving the Arab cultural identity and instilling proper values that contribute to raising up a promising generation”. THE PENINSULA MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05

Olympic and First robotic peace education hysterectomy at meet at MIA DOHA: The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum is organising a conference about Women’s Hospital Olympic and Peace Education called Body2Mind on Thursday and Friday at the Museum of Islamic Art auditorium. Surgeons to get training in robotic skills “Olympic education embodies a sports ethic by which it fulfils DOHA: A team of surgeons at an integral educational objective. Women’s Hospital has success- Here, two basic premises play a fully performed the hospital’s substantial role: The idea of peace first hysterectomy procedure and the ideology of Olympism, using robotic surgical tools. which encompasses the relation- The operation was performed ship between sport, culture and by Dr Thomas Bosmar, a con- education,” says Dr Christian sultant of robotic surgery and Dr Wacker, Director of 3-2-1 Qatar Moayyad Younis, consultant of Olympic and Sports Museum. endoscopic and robotic surgery The conference sets the stage at the hospital. The procedure to present Olympic education typically takes 40 to 45 minutes programmes, discuss the phi- to perform, which is roughly half losophy behind them and cre- the time of a conventionally per- ate a platform for participants formed procedure. to network and learn from each Nour, the 40-year old patient Dr Moayyad Younis other’s experiences. The confer- was referred to Women’s Hospital ence will also be an opportunity after visiting a primary health similar procedures in the future,” for the guests to know more care centre and exhibiting strong he added. The surgeon’s expertise, about the local institutions that internal pain in her womb over a the efficiency of the surgical instru- are actively working to promote period of three years. Following ments used, and the pre-operative/ Olympic education in Qatar and her diagnosis, it was con- post-operative safety measures across the Mena region, such as firmed that a hysterectomy was taken throughout the process all the Qatar Olympic Academy, the imperative. play a pivotal role in the success of Qatar Olympic Committee, the “I was reluctant at first, but the procedure, said Younis. Supreme Education Council and the doctor assured me that in Robotic surgery is becom- the Aspire Academy. my case robotic surgery would be ing more commonly utilised in Affiliated international safer and faster than conventional cases involving the removal of organisations are the United surgery. My daughter researched tumors, lymph nodes, hysterec- Nations Office on Sports for robotic surgery on the Internet tomy, and oophorectomy (removal Development & Peace, the and it helped convince me. I am of the ovaries). It is also useful International Olympic Academy, happy with the outcome of the for exploring latent diseases that the International Olympic Truce procedure, and advise patients may not otherwise be discovered Centre and the International with the same condition not to through conventional surgery, and School Sports Federation. hesitate to undergo robotic sur- guiding the surgeon to suspected “This conference is a first not gery,” said Nour. tissues to take biopsies. only in Qatar, but the region as a Dr Younis explains: “This par- The hospital is coordinating whole, and I believe that creat- ticular patient was unacquainted with Qatar Foundation’s Robotic ing such a platform for Olympic with robotic surgery, so a thor- Surgery Centre to conduct train- education while including all the ough explanation of the proce- ing sessions geared towards stakeholders involved, will build dure helped to assure her of the upgrading surgeons’ skills in the a better understanding of the benefits of this type of operation use of robots in surgery. Hamad idea of peace and the ideology of being a quicker, more accurate Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Olympism,” explains Hamda Al and safer option. “Success rates Surgery Training Centre, which Mohannadi, Manager of Education, of robotically performed hyster- will help to improve surgery 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports ectomies exceed 95 percent. With techniques in Qatar, will soon be Museum. Admission is free of more patient education, we antic- opened, said Younis. charge. ipate an increase in the number of THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Assessments the different services they provide. The Al Attiyah attends GCC meeting Continued from page 1 ministries and other organisations in the country need to be more open with If the government can publish these the media and public about their activi- reports, people can compare them with ties and must share information freely. the situation on the ground, because It is a good step and we hope we can every day we hear complaints in the see improvements and reforms in the media about various ministries and communication system.

The Chairman of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority H E Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah (fourth right), with other dignitaries at the first meeting of heads of the agencies responsible for protecting the integrity and anti-corruption in the GCC states, in Kuwait, yesterday. Rota starts ICT training in 12 Indonesian schools Plan to expand QP-supported programme to more schools

DOHA: Reach Out To Asia programme socialisation activity praised the efforts of the pro- ICT Indonesia Programme. (Rota) in partnership with was held in October 2013, which gram’s partners in Indonesia, “We have consistently solidi- Qatar Petroleum (QP) has offi- brought together teachers and namely Titian Foundation fied our commitment to the cially launched the Information administrators from participat- along with its associates, INTEL promotion of primary and and Communication ing schools along with repre- Indonesia and INFEST, which secondary education in Qatar, Technology (ICT) Indonesia sentatives from the Ministry of were assigned as service provid- and we are proud to have Programme to improve access National Education (MoNE) for ers for participating schools. extended the scope of this com- to modern technology and an overview of the programme’s “We have full faith in Titian mitment to Asian countries quality education. mission and objectives. Foundation, our strategic part- through our sponsorship of The programme will provide The programme socialisation ner in Indonesia. We have con- Rota’s ICT Indonesia Program,” ICT infrastructure and train- was followed by the preparation fidence in its capacity to carry said Abdulrahman Abdulla Al ing to 12 schools in Indonesia’s of school infrastructure. out the ongoing program and Obaidly, Manager for Public Jogjakarta region, with plans of “We are proud to say that expand its scope to other schools Relations and Communications rolling it out to other schools in although in its early stage, and regions in the country,” of QP. “We firmly believe that the future. Rota’s ICT Indonesia Program added Al Mannai. quality education using modern The first assessment and has received an overwhelming Al Mannai also thanked QP technologies is a key driver for implementation phase of the response from participating for continuously supporting human development, economic Program was completed in schools, teachers and students,” Rota’s missions and initiatives, prosperity, and world-changing April, and the implementation said Essa Al Mannai, Rota and for helping with the suc- innovations,” he added. phase has already started. A Executive Director. Al Mannai cessful implementation of the THE PENINSULA Lulu named one of world’s fastest growing firms DUBAI: Lulu Group, which increased consumer spend. This Iraq, Algeria, Morocco and Libya. runs the Lulu chain of super- has served to provide a much To scale up up its retail and markets, is one of the fastest needed boost to global revenues exports business, the group is also growing retailers in the world with nearly 80 percent of the investing heavily in developing a over a five-year period, accord- top 250 (199 companies) retail- logistics centre and cold storage ing to Deloitte report. ers posting an increase in retail facility in Kochi. Deloitte said UAE-based Lulu Group, which revenue,” he said. that despite tough economic con- is headed by Indian Yusuffali MA, The group has plans to open ditions, revenues for the world’s was ranked 11th in a list of the 42 new Lulu Hypermarkets in 250 largest retailers reached $4.3 biggest growing retail businesses the next two years. Yusuffali MA, trillion for the last fiscal year published by Deloitte. The retailer who was ranked the 40th richest (June 2012 through June 2013). averaged compound annual growth Indian on the planet with a fortune “Latin American retailers led rate of more than 25 percent dur- of $2.2bn, said despite numbering the way with 15 percent retail ing 2007-12, according to Deloitte. 104 stores in the Middle East his revenue growth followed by retail- “The global retail industry Abu Dhabi-based company had no ers in the Middle East/Africa got off to a difficult start in the signs of slowing down. It will open region at 13.5 percent. Retailers last year,” said James Babb, cli- seven new hypermarkets in the are successfully adapting their ents and industries leader at UAE in 2014-15, six in Oman, four strategies to adequately cater to Deloitte Middle East. “However, each in Qatar and Kuwait, three the growing middle-class consum- it is encouraging to see that the each in Bahrain and Egypt and 15 ers in emerging economies where world’s leading retailers were able in Saudi Arabia. there is strong demand for con- to plough on through the difficult New markets were also being sumer goods,” added Babb. period to reap the rewards of pursued in Malaysia, Indonesia, THE PENINSULA MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07

Shell-shocked Shia cleric Mursi trial Moqtada Al Sadr quits adjourned politics NAJAF, IRAQ: Powerful Shia cleric amid furore Moqtada Al Sadr (pictured), Deposed leader calls trial a farce leader of a major politi- CAIRO: Egypt’s deposed presi- The latest court case is part of cal move- dent Mohamed Mursi charged a relentless government crack- ment and he was being muzzled in a down targeting Mursi and his a key figure in post-Saddam soundproof dock at the start of Islamist supporters since he was Iraq, has announced his exit his trial on espionage charges ousted by the military after a sin- from politics two months before yesterday, as his defence law- gle year in power. elections. yers staged a protest walk-out. Mursi and 35 others, includ- The decision, if confirmed as The court adjourned the trial, ing leaders of his Muslim permanent, brings to a close a the third for the Islamist since Brotherhood, are accused of political career that began with his July 3 ouster, to February 23 espionage “for the international his fierce opposition to the US to allow the lawyers’ syndicate to organisation of the Muslim military presence in Iraq, and appoint new lawyers. Brotherhood, its military has spanned more than a decade. Mursi, who has shouted that wing and (Palestinian) Hamas “I announce my non-interven- he was Egypt’s legitimate and movement.” A woman reacts over damage after what activists said was shelling from forces loyal to Syria’s President tion in all political affairs and that elected president in hearings of If found guilty, the defendants Bashar Al Assad in Al-Atareb, Aleppo countryside, yesterday. The shelling killed six people and wounded there is no bloc that represents other trials against him, said the could face the death penalty. over 20, activists said. us from now on, nor any position court was trying to silence him. Mursi, who was Egypt’s first inside or outside the government “We are in a farce, all this democratically elected and civil- nor parliament,” Sadr said in a because you are afraid of me. ian president, is already on trial written statement received by You are afraid that the president for alleged involvement in the AFP yesterday. speaks,” Mursi cried out. killing of opposition protesters Ahead of legislative elections “If this farce continues, don’t in December 2012. British banker who made Dubai a in April, Sadr’s movement cur- come to the court,” Mursi told his Along with 130 others, includ- rently holds six cabinet posts as defence. ing dozens of members of Hamas well as 40 seats in the 325-mem- Mohamed Selim Al Awa, a and Lebanon’s Shia militant financial powerhouse dies at 92 ber parliament. member of the defence team, told group Hezbollah, he is separately He also said his movement’s AFP: “We have withdrawn until being tried on charges linked to DUBAI: The British banker Finance, helped to establish the on trips to Scotland together. It political offices will be closed, the court removes the glass cage, a jailbreak during the 2011 upris- who helped transform Dubai emirate’s electric utility, and was more than a business rela- but that others related to social we will not get in the room today.” ing that toppled strongman Hosni into a financial powerhouse, was later instrumental in cre- tionship — it was a friendship as welfare, media and education will The soundproof dock is Mubarak. serving as an adviser to the ating the Jebel Ali Free Zone, well,” said Duff’s daughter, Sheila remain open. designed to stop Mursi and other The ousted leader also faces government, has died at the age which includes the biggest port Duff-Earles. It was not immediately clear defendants from interrupting trial for “insulting the judiciary”. of 92. in the Middle East. The emirate Anthony Harris, a former if the move was temporary or the proceedings with outbursts. A date for that has yet to be set. William Duff, a Scot, came to is now the region’s top financial British ambassador to the United permanent, with Sadrist officials Yesterday, 20 defendants were In the espionage trial, the pros- Dubai after a stint as a banker centre, with a population above Arab Emirates, said: “He really saying they had been taken by brought to court, including ecution aims to implicate Mursi in Kuwait and became financial 2 million. played a key role in the growth of surprise and could not clarify. Mursi, who was placed in a sepa- in a vast conspiracy involving for- adviser to the late Sheikh Rashid An Oxford-educated Arabist the UAE. The drive was all Sheikh One official from Sadr’s office rate dock with a former aide, and eign powers, militant groups and bin Saeed Al Maktoum in 1960. and classical Arabic speaker, Duff Rashid. But around Sheikh told AFP that no one wanted to the Brotherhood’s supreme guide Iran to destabilise Egypt. At the time, the emirate’s popu- navigated the inner circle of the Rashid were these loyal servants, discuss the issue “because it was Mohamed Badie and his deputy The defendants are accused of lation was about 50,000; it sur- ruling family in the days when his loyal in the sense that whatever a surprise decision.” Sadr’s politi- Khairat Al Shater. “espionage for foreign organisa- vived largely on fishing, herding employer and other senior royals ideas were outlined, they made it cal career began with his fierce The accused include former tions abroad to commit terrorist and small-scale trade across the spoke little English. happen.” opposition to the presence of for- presidential aides and renowned attacks in the country”, a pros- Gulf in wooden dhows. “He went to meet Shekih Duff retired in Dubai and will eign troops in Iraq after the 2003 political scientist Emad Shahin, ecution statement said. Duff set up the Dubai Customs Rashid, and they got on straight be buried there this week. US-led invasion of the country who is being tried in absentia. AFP Department and Department of away. They used to enjoy going REUTERS that toppled Saddam. AFP MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Progress on Iran Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

ALKS between Iran and the world powers are entering more crucial stages. The next round scheduled to start tomorrow will embark on the Tgreat task of transforming their interim nuclear deal into a long-term accord satisfying all sides and In Russia, World War II putting an end to war talk. Such a result, though difficult, is achievable. Having travelled thus far in the quest for a solution to the nuclear crisis, Tehran and the West will is everywhere again find it more difficult to go in reverse mode than finding a permanent solution. The optimism is high on both sides. After a decade of BY WILL ENGLUND and that neighboring Latvia was already The author of that post was a failure and rising tensions, US President Barack Obama moving in that direction. loose-cannon satirist named Viktor has put the chances of agreement at 50:50 while Iranian HE pageant of Russian his- On the other hand, Pushkov warned Shenderovich. He said his point was that Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif has predicted tory presented in the Olympic Friday on Twitter that soon the Putin, who was photographed congratu- difficult discussions. Both leaders were just practical and opening ceremonies passed Western allies would also give them- lating figure skater Julia Lipnitskaia, being savvy about the prospects of the talks, though could Tover the Soviet victory in selves all the credit for vanquishing the was likely to exploit her victory just World War II to the consternation of Nazis — unless Russia stood up for itself. as Adolf Hitler had capitalized on the be expecting much more. more than a few patriots. But the war Phil Black, CNN’s Moscow corre- achievement of the handsome blond The scheduled three-day meeting in Vienna between seems to be making the news these days spondent, was summoned to the foreign shot putter Hans Woelke. Iran and the US, China, Russia, Britain, France and more than ever nonetheless. ministry last week after his network Shenderovich said he was warning Germany -- the so-called P5+1 -- is the first in what Russian sacrifices in the fight against ran an intentionally cheeky list of the against fascism in Russia, but political is expected to be a series of tricky encounters in the the Nazis 70 years ago were stupendous, 10 ugliest monuments in the world that leaders here said he was besmirching coming months. It comes after foreign ministers struck and feelings still run deep. Every family included one dedicated to the defend- Russia’s victory in the war. (Other com- paid a price, and the war haunts every- ers of the Brest fortress against the menters simply suggested that he was a breakthrough deal in Geneva on November 24 that saw day life here in a way that short-mem- German attack in 1941. way off base, and tone deaf to boot.) Iran agree to curb for six months ory Americans would find startling. And even though that monument, His post appeared on the website some of its nuclear activities in But there’s another side to its legacy: unveiled by the Soviets in 1971, is actu- of the radio station Ekho Moskvy, the exchange for minor relief from For decades after the war, Soviet lead- ally in Belarus, CNN delivered an favorite news source of Russia’s liberal painful sanctions. The talks also ers sought to reinforce their legitimacy apology to the Russian ambassador middle class, run by a canny editor Talks between follow talks in Geneva to find a by exploiting the in Washington. In a comment on that named Alexei Venediktov. memory of the issue, the foreign ministry’s human A deputy speaker of parliament Iran and the solution to the Syrian crisis, which titanic struggle. rights ombudsman, Konstantin Dolgov, demanded that the station apologize, has stalled due to the intransigence And today the said Russia will continue “to decisively but Venediktov said the station had a world powers of the Syrian side. The pageant of Russian govern- cut short attempts to falsify history and policy of not interfering with bloggers, Under the comprehensive deal Russian history ment appears to belittle the role of the Soviet Union in had not put the offending post on the are entering now being sought, which both sides be turning in the achieving victory in World War II.” air and would not apologize. During the presented in the same direction. Then the incoming head of the gov- years, he has earned enough credibility more crucial aim to conclude by November, the Olympic opening President ernment-run RIA Novosti news agency, that the controversy faded away. powers will want Iran to scale back Vladimir Putin’s Dmitry Kiselyov, strongly implied on Pushkov’s proposal to legislate his- stages. its nuclear activities permanently. ceremonies Kremlin has por- his television show this week that tory could have the most significant These might include closing the passed over the trayed Russia as Arlington, Va.’s Iwo Jima Memorial effect of any of the controversies. He Fordo facility, slashing the number Soviet victory in being under ide- portrays gay sex among the Marines was angered, he said, by a similar his- of centrifuges enriching uranium, ological attack. raising the flag. tory-writing bill in the Latvian parlia- World War II to the The West, it says, Dozhd TV, an independent television ment that would make it a crime to cutting its stockpile of fissile material and altering a new consternation of wants to impose channel that has garnered the Kremlin’s deny either Nazi or Soviet occupation reactor being built at Arak. Leaders in our region and some a different and ire for its coverage of political protests of that country. The Soviets — and after hardliners in the West are highly sceptical about Tehran’s more than a few alien value system in Russia, lost virtually all access to them the Russians — always portrayed intentions to dismantle its nuclear capabilities. For the patriots. on the Russian cable providers after it came under themselves as liberators of Latvia and same reason, the forthcoming agreement must set out people. Critics fire in January for asking a provoca- the two other Baltic nations. That is not in clear terms what Iran is supposed to do, and close all say Putin has tive question — too provocative, as it how Latvians, Estonians or Lithuanians been warning against demons abroad turned out. see it. At the outbreak of World War II, loopholes. There should not be a second option to Iran than as a way of shoring up his own standing Would Leningrad have been better off the Soviets moved into the region, to be fully comply with the terms and its compliance must be during uncertain times. surrendering, the channel asked, rather replaced by the invading Germans, only independently verified. And there could be no more potent than enduring a 900-day siege during to push the Germans out again. The Iranian President Hassan Rowhani is known as a denunciation of the West’s alleged the war? The official outrage that fol- three formerly independent countries moderate whose election last year has helped thaw relations motives than to compare them to those lowed was intense. were absorbed into the Soviet Union. of Nazi Germany. The future of Dozhd is now in doubt. They broke free in 1991. with the West. He retains the backing of supreme leader Alexei Pushkov, the head of parlia- And a blog post this week, compar- Russia, Pushkov said in a speech Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for now. He must use his influence ment’s international affairs committee, ing a young Russian Olympic champion to parliament, needs legislation “that with the supreme leader for a complete dismantling of has proposed a bill criminalizing what to a German medal winner in the 1936 would protect our history and our view- nuclear facilities. There is no alternative to a permanent he characterized as misinterpretations Berlin Olympics who was later con- point on historical events, because there deal. Having tasted the fruits of a partial deal, a going back of Russian history. He said such a move nected to war crimes in Ukraine and are quite a lot of those wishing to distort to the full sanction days will be suicidal for the government is necessary because “Europe” is push- killed by partisans in Belarus in 1943, them both abroad and, unfortunately, ing an agenda to rehabilitate Nazism sparked another furor. inside Russia.” WP-BLOOMBERG of Rowhani. The other side Quote of Lebanon finally gets a government the day lthough Lebanon finally will not resolve the state of polarisation faces a near-impossible mission to This schism will continue to affect seems to be moving forward that could – and, in all likelihood, will – continue this level of political har- Lebanese politics, inhibiting the ability with the formation of a new resume. The balance of the cabinet is mony while simultaneously seeking and effectiveness of those who seek to Agovernment, ending 10 a good act of pleasing all but satisfying to end the worsening security situa- get beyond immediate issues of stabil- months of stalemate, nobody should none, and effectively assures that each tion and begin work tackling the many ity and security so they can begin to It will be extremely expect the country’s political, economic group has the power to stymie the socio-economic challenges facing his tackle the nation’s real problems and and security problems to suddenly other, with the likely end result of para- country. help foster economic prosperity. difficult to get the disappear. Addressing these profound lysing its ability to make a difference. Presidential elections are due in Within this context, how ought one approval of all the challenges will require tremendous For now, the formation of the new May, and will involve a new chapter in to react to the formation of a govern- efforts from all parties involved. government is expected to bring some the jostling for advantage between the ment in Lebanon? Ending the stale- other member states The new 24-member government life to Lebanon’s governing institutions, competing political blocs that led to the mate is certainly a step forward, but it is of European Union to will bring together the Shiite organisa- and could energise the sagging econ- 10-month delay in forming a govern- one step in a very long journey. Nobody tion Hizbollah and its allies with the omy, breathing life back into a tour- ment. The conflict in neighbouring Syria believes Lebanon’s challenges will be have a new member Sunni-led bloc of former prime minis- ism industry reeling from bombings is mirrored in Lebanon, with Hizbollah solved simply by getting all the parties coming from one José Manuel Barroso ter Saad Hariri, each taking eight min- and assassinations in the country, a sending its fighters to bolster the Assad to sit around a table, but that is at least member state. istries. The final eight ministries go to spillover from the conflict in Syria. The regime while the Hariri bloc is support- a place to start. European Commission “neutral” candidates. Of course, this new prime minister, Tammam Salam, ing the Syrian opposition. The National President MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 For Democrats, how populist a post-Obama future? Democrats are most united on cultural and social issues, and it is here where the party has most obviously moved to the left. BY DAN BALZ and PHILIP RUCKER who are more willing to step out progressives see a president who on these issues,” he said. “But it is lacks the populist edge they say not a shift until it’s seen to work the times demand and who has ITH three in Minnesota or Wisconsin or fallen short of the promise of his years remain- New Mexico or Arizona.” first campaign. ing in the Adam Green, a co-founder of By many measures, the party presidency of the Progressive Change Campaign is certainly seen as more liberal Barack Obama, Committee, a grass-roots group than it once was. For the past Wthe party he has led since mes- that has helped propel Warren’s 40 years, the American National merising members with his 2008 rise, said the populist wing of the Election Studies surveys have campaign has begun debating a party is clearly ascendant. asked people for their perceptions post-Obama future. “There’s been consensus in both of the two major parties. The 2012 Though more united than parties since the 1990s Clinton survey found, for the first time, Republicans, Democrats never- days where big corporations run that a majority of Americans theless face simmering tensions the show and both parties suck describe the Democratic Party as between the establishment and up to them and everything else liberal, with 57 percent using that a newly energised populist wing, falls into place from there,” he label. Four years earlier, only 48 led by the unabashed liberal- said. “The Elizabeth Warren wing percent described the Democrats ism of New York Mayor Bill de really believes in challenging the as liberal. Blasio and the fiery rhetoric of current state of who has power Gallup reported last month Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth and who has influence.” that 43 percent of surveyed Warren. But other Democrats counter Democrats identified themselves The schisms are as much sty- that the party must be careful as liberal, the high water mark for listic as substantive. But however about how it shapes its message the party on that measurement. defined, they offer a challenge to and policies. Delaware Governor In Gallup’s 2000 measures, just the party’s next leader, whether Jack Markell, who came up 29 percent of Democrats labeled former Secretary of State Hillary through the centrist ranks of themselves as liberals. Rodham Clinton, Vice-President the party, noted that in the past Still, liberals are a plurality Joe Biden or any number of lesser- when the progressive or liberal of the Democratic Party, not a Barack Obama is introduced to speak by Representative Joseph Crowley at the House Democratic Issues knowns who await a decision by wings of the party were flourish- majority, which is strikingly dif- Conference in Cambridge, Maryland. Clinton before making their own. ing — he cited George McGovern’s ferent from the Republican Party, All will have to grapple with candidacy in 1972 and Walter where Gallup found that 70 per- obviously moved to the left. But to take the country to war. Obama the party increasingly is respond- this reality. The Democratic Mondale’s in 1984 — the party cent identified themselves as the party’s shift reflects overall has ended the war in Iraq and is ing to the special interests they Party, by various measures of suffered major defeats. conservative. changes in public attitudes that ending the war in Afghanistan, need to get elected — the mili- public opinion, has moved to the “The idea of us as a party not Joel Benenson, who was have kept the Democrats within but some progressives are at odds tary-industrial complex, big left in the past decade. But that continuing to understand where Obama’s lead pollster in 2008 a new political mainstream on with him over other aspects of his energy, pharmaceutical compa- does not necessarily mean that the people of the country are — and 2012, said Democrats are these issues. national security policies. nies, banks.” progressives have become the we ignore all of that at our own and always have been a progres- Women’s issues have provided Clinton may continue to disa- Yet in both policies and tone, party’s dominant force or that peril,” he said. sive party, but they have balanced even more cohesiveness within gree with part of her party’s base there are indications that the policies and messages they The Democratic Party of 2014 those ideas with practical policies the party’s coalition. on these issues. Her record in the Democrats have moved to the left. advocate can carry the day in a is one shaped both by the influ- that have attracted voters. “We’ve seen a gender gap for Senate and as Secretary of State Democratic candidates from all national election. ences of former President Bill Asked about claims by some two decades now, but what we saw is one where she has been, by evi- regions — including two poten- “Nothing moves a party more Clinton’s New Democrat ideas grass-roots progressives that in 2012 was a larger step toward dence available today, fully sup- tial rising stars running for the than copying successful peo- and the more liberal policy ini- the party is now Warren’s party, women voters standing with the portive of the president’s drone Senate in conservative states, ple,” said Andrew Stern, the tiatives and cultural changes that he said, “I don’t know what it Democrats in a much, much larger policy and the National Security Michelle Nunn in Georgia and former president of the Service have defined Obama’s presidency. means. Do you think that Harry way,” said Stephanie Schriock, Agency’s surveillance policies. Alison Lundergan Grimes in Employees International Union, as Obama’s tenure has intensi- Reid thinks it’s an Elizabeth president of Emily’s List, a On economic issues, the party Kentucky — have embraced rais- he pointed to the prominence of fied the debate over whether the Warren party? Do you think group that helps elect pro-choice is torn between two key parts of ing the minimum wage. This is de Blasio and Warren. “I think the Democrats are more ideologically Chuck Schumer thinks it’s an Democratic women. “There’s such its coalition. “One of the biggest a centerpiece of Obama’s agenda party tends to drift in the direc- liberal than they were a decade Elizabeth Warren party? Do you a contrast right now between the failings of the Democratic Party,” heading into this fall’s midterm tion of its successful innovators.” or two ago. think Hillary Clinton thinks it’s two parties on issues impacting Stern said, “is that its funders campaigns. But Stern cautioned that the Conservatives see a president an Elizabeth Warren party? Do women and families.” come from its traditional side of Democrats favour raising taxes bigger test of who holds power who has brought government you think Barack Obama thinks On issues of national security the economic spectrum and its on the wealthiest Americans, a inside the party is proving those much deeper into the health-care it’s an Elizabeth Warren party? and foreign policy, divisions remain. voters come from a more populist, rallying cry dating to the 1990s, ideas can attract voters beyond system, whose economic policies Or Nancy Pelosi?” Obama may be president because he distributive side of the economic but there are differences in the staunchly liberal states or cities. significantly increase the deficit Democrats are most united on opposed the Iraq War and Clinton agenda.” magnitude of tax increases and “It is fair to say that more lib- and whose bent is for more gov- cultural and social issues, and it voted as senator to give then-pres- Former Montana Governor whom they would impact. eral places find politicians first ernment and more spending. But is here where the party has most ident George W Bush the authority Brian Schweitzer said, “I think WP-BLOOMBERG

Public relations in Islam revolve around Umma Families hope North Korea

BY DR MOHAMED KIRAT the community and the commu- Public relations in Islam is based nity is the organization. holds to reunion commitment UBLIC relations in Islam Public relations in the Islamic revolves around the indi- on ethics, credibility and the Umma is the responsibility of BY SAM KIM Pvidual and the community. all –organisations and individu- Family reunions It seeks to build up individuals and als — to build up a public consent OR Kang Neung-hwan, a communities – Umma - within welfare of all and not only the rich and a social consciousness based 92-year-old retired sales- are as much a the principles and teachings of on the virtue of Islam, faith and Fman from Seoul, the chance Islam. Communication and public and the wealthy. the belief in Allah. The objective, of seeing his son for the first time relations are practices intended to here, is to strengthen the com- depends on North Korean dicta- political issue achieve the interests of all. These is subject to control, questioning solidarity, cohesion, spirit of the munity orientations of organi- tor Kim Jong Un. tools should be used within the and investigation. Citizens in the community and the welfare of all sations. Organisations can build Kang is the oldest of 100 South as they are a context of the morals and the Umma have also their duties vis- in a harmony dominated by faith schools, hospitals, homes for the Koreans chosen by lottery to see ethics of the Islamic society. The à-vis the ruler, and the commu- and belief in Allah. poor, the needy and the elderly, relatives left behind almost 61 philosophy of public relations in nity as a whole. Everybody works The success of organisations mosques and health centres. They years after the war that cemented humanitarian Islam is based on the following: within the confines and teach- in the community is assessed can sponsor cultural, educational the division of the two countries. Public relations in Islam is the ings of Islam for the welfare of through their success in develop- and sporting events… etc. In the The reunions, last held in 2010, one between task and responsibility of every the Islamic Umma. Furthermore, ing and advancing their relations broad Islamic concept of ibadah begin February 20 if the North Muslim in the Umma; it has a the Islamic state has to establish with the community, rather than (worship), all these activities are keeps its commitment. holistic and macro approach with healthy, ethical and fruitful inter- in terms of material profit making. acts of worship carried out to win “I can’t think of anything bet- these two the intention to build the Islamic national relations with countries This is what is called in modern the pleasure of God. An organi- ter that could happen in my life,” Umma on the principles and the and nations in the world built on public relations terminology social sation might sponsor the building Kang said as he gazed at a bas- countries. teachings of Islam. Public rela- mutual understanding, benefits responsibility. Both organisations of a school, a mosque, a cultural ket of gifts — vitamins, socks, tions in Islam is based on eth- and cooperation. The principles and publics are seen as homoge- club, or a health centre as a form underwear, toothpaste and cough before tours were suspended in ics, credibility and the welfare of of public relations in Islam are neous players committed to the of voluntary public support to the medicine — he prepared for his 2008 when a North Korean soldier all and not only the rich and the based on good conduct, mercy development of the community in community. The fact that such 62-year-old son. He only learned fatally shot a guest. Kim called for wealthy, and those who have the and forgiveness, modesty, justice, accordance with the command- sponsorship is highly encouraged the wife he left behind was preg- talks on Mount Geumgang to be means and the power. The princi- loyalty, and ethics. The objective ments of Islam. Public relations in Islam would serve as a cata- nant when he applied last year restarted on January 24, when he ple here is, once you have healthy here is to be a good Muslim to in Islam is best conceived of as an lyst for further attachment to for a slot in the reunions to see a offered to renew reunions. and decent relations between serve Allah, the Islamic Umma integral part of an intricate web the community on the part of the sister who has since died. Mount Geumgang was the members of the Umma and its and the Muslims. These apply of human relations prevailing in organization. While the original The reunions mark the most brainchild of Hyundai Group organisations you will reach a to the ruler, the organisation, the community, and therefore, are intention behind such support significant step in improved ties founder Chung Ju Yung, a refugee society based on the teachings the family and the citizen. All governed by Islamic principles and is based on religious convictions, in the year since the Kim regime from the North who spent much and the principle of Islam. Public actions undertaken by organisa- values. In its institutional mani- organisations may still benefit threatened a nuclear strike of his career promoting reconcili- relations in Islam starts from the tions toward their public in the festations (involving organisations from it in establishing relations against Seoul. The North has ation. He set up the Hyundai Asan family: This is a micro approach community are motivated by an and general publics), public rela- of trust and respect with their routinely used the visits as a bar- Corp to boost cooperation with to the philosophy and practice of ultimate conviction in the bet- tions is a process of reinforcing publics. Public relations in Islam gaining chip, and Kim Jong Un is the North and initially agreed to public relations in Islam where terment and empowerment of social solidarity “takaful”, and is conceived of as a vehicle of cre- trying to link future reunions to pay Pyongyang almost $1bn to the family is the corner stone of the community to help establish fostering a sense of affiliation and ating a healthy environment and reviving a tourist resort that gen- develop the resort. The fees were society. The family in Islam should the perfect Umma of believers. loyalty to the community. atmosphere for both the individ- erated hundreds of millions of dol- later lowered and calculated on a enjoy harmony, respect, solidarity Public relations in Islam is also It is now evident that an Islamic ual and the organisation to set up lars for his cash-strapped country. per tourist basis. – Takaful — and love. The conduct based on the general human rela- model of public relations would be and establish the Islamic Umma “Reunions are the North’s Kim has played politics with and the behaviour of the family tions that ought to prevail in the a community-oriented model in which should be characterised by feelers for any political conces- the planned reunions, demanding from inside and with the outside Islamic Umma, among individuals, which publics and organisations harmony, mutual understand- sions from the South,” said Kim that the United States and South world should be dictated by the and between socio-political and are not viewed as two opposing ing, mutual respect, and mutual Soo-am, a researcher at Seoul’s Korea cancel annual military teachings and principles of Islam. economic organisations, on the elements but rather as two com- interest governed by the Islamic Korea Institute for National drills due to start February 24. The methods and practices of one hand, and community mem- ponents of one community, work- principles and values. The final Unification. “Family reunions are He cancelled scheduled reunions public relations in Islam are cen- bers, on the other hand, though in ing together for its advancement objective is to reinforce social soli- as much a political issue as they in September four days before tred on love, care and harmony in an institutional framework. The and welfare. Relations with mem- darity and a strong community in are a humanitarian one between their start, accusing the South the Islamic Umma. notions of solidarity, mutual ben- bers of Umma, are viewed not as terms of faith and welfare. these two countries.” of putting up “obstacles to rec- efit, responsibility, trust, and fra- means of maximising the interests THE PENINSULA The influx of hundreds of people onciliation.” The ageing survivors Ruler and citizens ternity which characterise human of the organisation itself to the Kirat is a professor of public rela- to Mount Geumgang for the fam- can be caught up in the politics The duties of the ruler vis-à-vis relations in the Islamic commu- detriment of those of the commu- tions and Mass Communication at ily reunions will briefly breathe between two countries that tech- the ruled are clear. He is account- nity also mark public relations nity. In the holistic view of Islamic the College of Arts and Sciences, life into a resort that attracted nically remain in a state of war. able to Allah and to them and he in general. The end objective is community, the organization is Qatar University. almost two million South Koreans WP-BLOOMBERG MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST Iran talks set Kurdish protest to resume for final N-deal Tehran expects sanctions to be eased

VIENNA: Iran and world pow- Fordo facility, slashing the number ers embark tomorrow on the of centrifuges enriching uranium, Herculean task of transforming cutting its stockpile of fissile mate- their interim nuclear deal into a rial and altering a new reactor being long-term accord satisfying all built at Arak, diplomats say. sides and silencing talk of war This, plus tighter UN inspections, for good. would not remove entirely Iran’s After a decade of failure and ris- capability to get the bomb but it ing tensions, US President Barack would make it substantially more Obama has put the chances of an difficult — “impossible”, according agreement at “50-50”, while Iranian to Obama. Foreign Minister Mohammad In exchange, Iran would see all Javad Zarif has predicted “difficult” UN Security Council, US and EU discussions. sanctions lifted, but it remains to Getting a deal could also help be seen whether it will accept the bear fruit in other areas, not least in conditions. the three-year-old Syrian civil war Tehran has laid out a series of where Tehran has staunchly backed “red lines” including refusing to close President Bashar Al Assad. The lat- down any nuclear facilities or to stop est peace talks ended in acrimony in medium-level enrichment. Geneva on Saturday. Iranian negotiator Hamid The scheduled three-day meet- Baeedinejad told IRNA yesterday ing in Vienna between Iran and the that Arak, which Western countries Kurds demonstrate during a protest marking 15 years of the jailing of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan in Ras United States, China, Russia, Britain, fear could provide Iran with weap- Al Ain yesterday. Ocalan, who was captured on February 15, 1999, is currently serving a life sentence in Turkey. The words “APO” on the France and Germany — the so-called ons-grade plutonium, would be “one headbands refer to Ocalan. P5+1 — is the first in what is expected of the most important and difficult to be a series of tricky encounters in subjects” in Vienna. the coming months. He also said Tehran “will definitely It comes after foreign ministers not accept to be deprived from having struck a breakthrough deal in Geneva the right to replace the existing cen- Palestinian refugees won’t flood Israel: Abbas on November 24 that saw Iran agree trifuges with the new and advanced to curb — for six months — some of ones”. Iranian President Hassan its nuclear activities in exchange for Rowhani, a relative moderate whose RAMALLAH: Palestinian because it is an issue we must is, however, prepared for the eastern sector as capital of their minor relief from painful sanctions. election last year has helped thaw President Mahmoud Abbas solve to end the conflict,” he told refugees to live in a future promised state. That agreement, which came into relations with the West, retains the said yesterday he was not them, adding that any solution Palestinian state. “We will build a municipality force on January 20, extends the backing of supreme leader Ayatollah looking “to flood Israel” with must be “just and agreed upon.” There are approximately five in addition to the Israeli munici- theoretical “break-out time” needed Ali Khamenei — for now. returning Palestinian refu- “But we will not seek to flood million registered Palestinian pality and we have a superior by Iran — which denies seeking the “I am not fully sure whether gees, at a rare meeting with Israel with millions of refugees refugees, mostly descendants body to coordinate between bomb — to produce enough highly- Khamenei himself is fully commit- 250 Israeli students at his to change its social character. of the original 760,000 people them. What’s wrong with this?” enriched uranium for a nuclear ted to this process yet,” Siavush West Bank headquarters. This is a lie,” said Abbas, who is who fled or were forced out in Abbas said, winning a round of weapon. In return, Iran is due to get Randjbar-Daemi, Iran and Middle He also said there was no himself a refugee. 1948. Most refugees now live applause. over the six months some $6-7bn in East lecturer at Manchester need to “re-divide” Jerusalem Resolving the question of the in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the “This is the beginning of sanctions relief, including $4.2bn University, told AFP. in order to have a Palestinian right of return for Palestinian occupied West Bank and the coexistence, the beginning of in assets frozen in overseas bank Negotiators also have to take into capital in the Arab eastern families who fled or were forced Gaza Strip. real coexistence.” accounts. It was also promised no account hardliners in the United sector, a central demand of the out of their homes during the Abbas also stressed he did not But he warned that Israel’s new sanctions. States and in Israel, the Middle East’s Palestinians in US-brokered war which accompanied Israel’s want to “re-divide” Jerusalem, ongoing settlement building But Iran’s freeze is only temporary sole if undeclared nuclear power, and peace talks relaunched last independence in 1948 is one saying both peoples could live would complicate peace efforts. — although it can be extended — and also the Gulf states. year that have shown little sign of the most bitterly-disputed under their own authorities, “How do you want me to the bulk of sanctions remain, con- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin of progress. issues in the conflict. which would be overseen by coor- make peace with you when tinuing to deprive Iran of billions of Netanyahu was sharply critical of last “Propaganda says Abu Mazen The Palestinians have always dinating body. “We do not want you’re building here in Beit El dollars in oil revenues every week. November’s accord, and Obama has wants to flood Israel with five demanded that the Jewish state to re-divide Jerusalem, (we want (settlement) and saying ‘This is Under the “comprehensive” deal had to fight hard to prevent Congress million refugees to destroy the recognise their right of return to) leave Jerusalem open,” he said. my land’? Where do you want us now being sought, which the par- passing new sanctions on Iran. state of Israel,” he told the group to homes in modern-day Israel Israel captured east to build our Palestinian state?” ties aim to conclude and commence “I think both sides would be will- at his Muqataa presidential in keeping with UN General Jerusalem during the 1967 Six- he asked. implementing by November, the pow- ing to make compromises,” Richard compound in Ramallah, refer- Assembly Resolution 194. Day War and later annexed it “There is no other solution ers will want Iran to scale back its Dalton, the former British ambas- ring to himself by his nickname. But Israel rejects the idea, in a move never recognised by in this region but peace,” Abbas activities permanently. sador to Tehran now at think-tank “All we said is that we should saying it would erode the the international community, said, prompting another round These might include closing the Chatham House, told AFP. AFP put the refugee file on the table country’s Jewish majority. It but the Palestinians want the of applause. AFP 17 killed in attacks across Iraq UAE expels eight Kuwaiti students TIKRIT, IRAQ: At least 17 of the window, as bullets and one person in the Al Warrar people were killed in attacks blasts are not stopping.” area west of Anbar’s provincial for forming union across Iraq yesterday as Militants raised the black capital Ramadi. Police said they troops fought to evict Islamist flag of the Islamic State in had thwarted another attack militants from the northern Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) — east of Ramadi, shooting dead a DUBAI: The United Arab town of Sulaiman Pek, secu- a hardline Sunni group also suicide bomber driving a police Emirates have expelled eight rity sources and medics said. fighting in neighbouring Syria vehicle previously seized by Kuwaiti students from two uni- Armoured vehicles and — over parts of Sulaiman Pek, militants. versities for forming a union, special police forces with 160km north of Baghdad, on No group claimed respon- collecting donations and hold- heavy machineguns arrived Thursday. sibility for any of the latest ing unauthorised meetings, an in Sulaiman Pek to reinforce Sunni militancy has been attacks, but Sunni insurgents higher education official said. troops battling there for sev- on the rise over the past year, trying to undermine the Shia- The expulsion is a rare move eral days backed by helicopters especially in the western prov- led government often attack against students from a fellow gunships. ince of Anbar, where the army police and military targets. Gulf country. “Clashes are continuing today is besieging the city of Falluja, Gunmen killed five people at Kuwait’s Alrai newspaper spec- in the town centre,” the town’s overrun by insurgents on a police checkpoint in Taza, a ulated that the students were mayor, Talib Mohammed, told January 1. A suicide car bomber town 210km north of Baghdad, expelled due to suspected links to Reuters. “The situation is still blew himself up near a police a local police source said. the Muslim Brotherhood which is unclear. We can’t even look out checkpoint yesterday, killing REUTERS banned in the UAE. The University of Sharjah and the University of Ajman have expelled the students for “violat- South Sudan rebels ing the internal regulations of the universities,” the official from the ministry of higher education said late on Saturday. The students were involved in “forming a student union with a permit from the administration at both universities, in addition to collecting donations and hold- ing illegal gatherings in dormito- ries,” the state news agency WAM quoted the official as saying. “This represents a violation of UAE laws,” the unnamed official added, without disclosing the identities or the affiliations of the students. Kuwait’s Alrai reported on Saturday that the students were told they were “no longer welcome” in the UAE “on the assumption that they belong to the Muslim Brotherhood or simi- lar organisations.” The expulsion comes amid a Rebel fighters listen to their commander in a rebel-controlled territory in Upper Nile State of South UAE crackdown on Islamists over Sudan yesterday. the past two years. AFP MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 INTERNATIONAL www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

Florida man Protesters leave faces 60 years in prison for Kiev city hall, shooting teens

JACKSONVILLE, Florida: A Florida jury convicted a white, issue warning middle-aged man yesterday of three counts of attempted mur- der for opening fire on a car of black teenagers during an argu- Ashton hails release of demonstrators ment over loud rap music, but could not reach a verdict on a KIEV: Hundreds of angry dem- occupied government buildings in murder charge for the killing of onstrators in Kiev issued an four other cities in Ukraine had a 17-year-old in the car. ultimatum to authorities yest- also been vacated. Michael Dunn, a 47-year-old terday, demanding amnesty for But Kiev’s iconic Independence software engineer, fired 10 rounds fellow activists just hours after Square remained under opposi- at a vehicle carrying four teens in vacating the highly symbolic tion control — the sprawling anti- a Jacksonville gas station park- headquarters of a protest move- government enclave protected ing lot in November 2012, killing ment rocking Ukraine. on all sides against riot police by black teen Jordan Davis. “We are issuing an ultimatum manned barricades — as did sev- The jury deadlocked on the to authorities — if they do not eral other buildings in the capital. most serious charge of first- immediately announce the com- The evacuations were one of the degree murder against Dunn, plete and unconditional reha- conditions set in an amnesty law forcing Judge Russell Healey to bilitation (of protesters) in some approved by Yanukovich early this declare a mistrial on that count. 2,000 cases, we will retake city month, promising to heed opposi- Ruslan Andriyko (right), leader of Kiev’s city hall occupants, shakes hands with Swiss Ambassador to the Ukraine, The failure to reach a verdict hall,” Andriy Illenko, a lawmaker tion demands to release detainees Christian Shonenberher (left), during the signing of documents on the vacation of protesters from the city hall in on the first-degree murder charge from the nationalist opposition and drop charges against them. Kiev yesterday. is a blow for the prosecution and Svoboda (Freedom) party, told Some protesters — including the Davis family. But Dunn still protesters. at least one disabled man and a week,” she said. But many tak- Vitali Klitschko, another key sold calendars and magnets faces at least 60 years in jail for “This ultimatum expires in sev- retiree — have been slapped with ing part in a mass rally yesterday opposition figure, acknowledged depicting scenes of the months- the attempted murder convictions eral hours,” he warned, as around charges carrying a sentence of up near city hall were unhappy with that many thought the evacuation long unrest. But protesters still against the three other teens, 150 protesters gathered in front to 15 years in jail. the decision to evacuate what had was a tough price to pay for fellow have a host of unmet demands, legal analysts said. of the building, some wearing hel- On Friday, just as negotia- become the “headquarters of the activists to be released. “But when including a major reform of the Prosecutors told a press confer- mets and army jackets, hitting tions between the warring par- revolution.” you’re behind bars, you don’t have constitution to reduce presiden- ence after the verdicts were read metal batons on the ground. ties had wound down, authorities “It’s a bad decision... We can’t the same outlook,” he said. tial powers in favour of the gov- that they plan to retry Dunn, who The opposition had occupied unexpectedly announced they trust the authorities, they’re Both men will be travelling ernment and parliament. has been in jail since his arrest in Kiev’s city hall since December had freed all 234 people detained crooks. The opposition is making to Berlin to meet with German Andreas Umland, a political 2012, on the first-degree murder as part of anti-government unrest in the protest movement and a big mistake,” said Volodymyr Chancellor Angela Merkel scientist at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy charge. that has raged in Ukraine for close promised to drop charges too if Penkivski, a 56-year-old protester on Monday and press her for in the Ukrainian capital, said the to three months after President some occupied parts of Kiev were who had come from northern European financial assistance. government and opposition were Body found in Viktor Yanukovych ditched a key vacated. Ukraine. The opposition has also agreed thought to be negotiating a form EU trade pact in favour of closer In Brussels yesterday, EU “Yanukovych will take other to vacate part of Grushevsky of power-sharing to be imple- jet wheel well at ties with Russia. foreign policy chief Catherine (protesters) hostage. We can’t Street, where deadly riots took mented before early presidential But in a conciliatory gesture Ashton hailed the release of the beat a retreat. Otherwise we will place in late January, to allow elections are held. Virginia airport early yesterday, up to 700 pro- detainees but called on Kiev to all go to prison.” traffic to move freely. “For now the main question is testers evacuated the building in keep its word and drop all pend- In a bid to reassure them, oppo- Yesterday, an opening had been whether Yanukovych will agree WASHINGTON: A man’s body response to a last-minute conces- ing court cases against protesters. sition leader Arseniy Yatsenyuk carved out in one of the street’s to power-sharing, what kind of was discovered yesterday in the sion by authorities who on Friday “I expect such action to be said that unless all charges barricades, but this was still power-sharing and how much wheel well of a South African released all protesters detained taken without delay so as to against protesters were dropped, fiercely guarded by a row of pro- power will be left to the office of Airways jetliner parked at in unrest. facilitate the political dialogue “we will launch a peaceful offen- testers in combat gear. the president,” he said. Dulles International Airport The interior ministry said in (Ukraine’s) parliament this sive.” He did not elaborate. Nearby, opportunistic vendors AFP outside of Washington, and investigators are seeking to determine when and how he died, officials said. A ground crew assigned to the Britain faces plane, an Airbus A340, found the Difficult for an independent Scotland to join EU: Barroso body at about 1.30pm local time, threat from Syria according to a statement from the Metropolitan Washington returnees: Minister LONDON: European “I believe it’s going to be democratic discussion here, but The comments drew a sharp Airports Authority. Commission President Jose extremely difficult, if not impossi- of course it will be extremely dif- rebuke from Scotland’s Deputy The plane arrived at Dulles in LONDON: British Immigration Manuel Barroso warned yetser- ble” for Scotland to win approval ficult to get the approval of all First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Virginia on Thursday morning Minister James Brokenshire day that it would be “difficult, from all other member states in the other member states to have “This is a preposterous asser- from Johannesburg, South Africa, said yesterday the country faces if not impossible” for an inde- order to join the European Union, a new member coming from one tion—as the ridiculous compari- after a stop in Dakar, Senegal, a major security concern from pendent Scotland to join the Barroso told BBC television. member state,” Barroso said. son with Kosovo illustrates,” authority spokesman Christopher people who fought in Syria and European Union. Scots are due to vote on inde- “We have seen Spain has been said Sturgeon, who oversees the Paolino said in an email. have since returned to Britain. Barroso’s blunt statement ramps pendence on September 18 in a opposing even the recognition Scottish government’s referen- The plane was parked in a The minister told the BBC that up the pressure ahead of Scotland’s historic referendum that could of Kosovo, for instance. So it is dum strategy. remote parking area at the air- Britain’s security services were key referendum on independence result in scrapping its 300-year to some extent a similar case “Scotland is already in the EU port, the authority said. Airport “vigilant” about those travelling from the United Kingdom, after link with the UK. because it’s a new country and so and has been for 40 years. police, fire and rescue crews between Britain and Syria, add- Britain’s warning that it will not be The SNP is campaigning for a I believe it’s going to be extremely “As Mr Barroso rightly says, the responded to the scene, along ing the issue was a “big problem”. allowed to keep the pound sterling “yes” vote to independence, while difficult, if not impossible, a new question of Scotland’s independent with the FBI and US Customs The comments came after the if it votes to break away. the Conservatives, Labour and member state coming out of one membership of the EU is a matter and Border Protection officers. Sunday Times reported that secu- The pro-independence gov- the Liberal Democrats are in the of our countries getting the agree- for the democratic wishes of the The body was turned over rity services were “closely moni- erning Scottish National Party “no” camp and want Scotland’s ment of the others.” people of Scotland and the views to the Fairfax County Medical toring” 250 British-based jihadis (SNP) criticised Barroso’s com- 5.3 million people to stay. But he added: “It’s for the of other member states—not the Examiner’s Office, according to who trained and fought in Syria ments amid growing anger over “I don’t want to interfere on Scottish people... to decide about European Commission,” she said. the airport authority. and have since returned home. Britain’s stance on the currency. your referendum here, your the future of Scotland.” AFP AGENCIES The paper cited senior security officials as saying that the high number of so-called returnees highlighted the serious danger Britons brace for more floods posed by “extremist tourists” in Syria. “I think the security concern LONDON: Sodden communities along the the worst was not yet over as he visited the linked to Syria is likely to be River Thames braced for more floods yester- Thames-side village of Chertsey, west of London, with us for the forseeable future,” day, as Britain counted the cost of a storm that to see how the military were helping bolster flood Brokenshire said yesterday. claimed several lives and left tens of thousands defences. “What we do in the next 24 hours is “This is a big problem that the of homes without power. vital because tragically the river levels will rise security services and the police At least three people were killed in separate again. So every sand bag delivered, every house are actively faced on.It is why incidents in Ireland, Britain and the English helped, every flood barrier put in place can make they are vigilant, why they are Channel after violent winds and heavy rain swept a big difference,” Cameron said. taking the steps that they are in from the Atlantic on Friday. More than 3,000 members of the military are around the border on monitor- Pulling down power lines and disrupting involved in the flood relief effort, according to ing travel to and from Syria, in transport networks across the region, the storm the defence ministry, as the government seeks to the way that they are, rightly, in brought fresh misery to flood-hit communities counter criticism that it was too slow to respond guarding our national security....” in Britain. to the crisis. AFP Prime Minister David Cameron warned that AFP US law firm ensnared in NSA surveillance: NYT

WASHINGTON: An unnamed US law firm was caught up in the global surveillance of the National Security Agency (NSA) and its overseas partners in Australia, according to a newspaper report. A top secret document obtained by former NSA con- tractor Edward Snowden shows the firm was monitored while representing a foreign government in trade disputes with the United States, according to The New York Times. The government of Indonesia retained the law firm for trade talks, which were under surveillance by the Australian Signals Directorate, said the report, citing the February 2013 document. The Australian agency notified the NSA that it was conducting surveillance of the talks, including commu- nications between Indonesian officials and the US law firm and offered to share the information, according to the Times. The Australians said that “information cov- ered by attorney-client privilege may be included” in the intelligence gathering, according to the document, which the Times described as a monthly bulletin from an NSA liaison office in Canberra, Australia. REUTERS MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES

Couple kidnapped Thai protesters, police fail to reach deal by Abu Sayyaf Govt using request to reopen roads as an excuse for crackdown, says protest leader Group in Jolo MANILA: Armed gunmen BANGKOK: Thai police and a televised video conference, Naret that’s why we have to reclaim been killed and hundreds hurt in will meet with government repre- kidnapped a couple on Jolo prominent protest leader failed Nanthachot, Commissioner of the sites starting next week,” sporadic violence since the pro- sentatives today to discuss how island in southern Philippines to reach a deal yesterday to reo- Provincial Police Region 1, said Chalerm said at a news confer- tests began in November. to complete voting that has been early this morning, the military pen state offices and roads in police would not use force. “I am ence yesterday. The protests are the latest epi- marred by violence and resistance said. Bangkok that have been occu- asking for your kindness and under- The security operation has so sode in an eight-year conflict that from protesters. The couple, both employees of pied for months by protesters standing... tens of thousands of peo- far avoided larger sites in the city broadly pits Bangkok’s middle class The commission has said it will a local water district, were kid- seeking to overthrow Prime ple are frustrated each day by their centre occupied by the main pro- and royalist establishment against try to hold elections on April 27 napped by six suspected terrorists Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. inability to use roads,” said Naret. test group, the People’s Democratic supporters of Yingluck and her in areas where the February vote of Abu Sayyaf Group in front of Talks with Buddhist monk Both sides agreed to talk at a Reform Committee (PDRC), brother, former premier Thaksin was disrupted. their house in San Raymundo vil- Luang Pu Buddha Issara, a pro- later date. focusing instead on state offices Shinawatra. An election on February Prompong Nopparit, an adviser lage in Jolo at around 5.30am, said test leader, failed to free up an Hundreds of riot police began on the outskirts of Bangkok. 2 failed to break the deadlock. to Yingluck’s party, said at a Ryan Laquesta, an officer of the occupied government complex an operation to reclaim key Authorities say the protest Protesters, aligned with the news conference that the com- 2nd Marine Brigade based in Jolo. in the north of the capital as a intersections and state buildings movement is dwindling in size, opposition Democrat Party, mission needed to ensure voting The couple just arrived from third day of a security operation in Bangkok on Friday in what giving security forces an oppor- blocked voting in a fifth of con- can take place by late April to Zamboanga City when they were designed to retake sites occupied authorities said would be a slow tunity to try to re-open major stituencies, a result that left avoid propelling Thailand even forced to board a jeepney by the by protesters drew to a close. operation to take back areas that thoroughfares and remove barri- parliament without a quorum to deeper into crisis. “If the Election suspects and fled toward Anuling Buddha Issara said the govern- have been occupied by protesters cades that have blocked access to approve a new government. Commission doesn’t listen to all village in Patikul town. ment was using a request to reopen for several weeks. ministries and prevented the gov- The protesters are demanding sides...this might be detrimen- Authorities are now conduct- roads as an excuse to crack down Labour Minister Chalerm ernment from functioning fully. that Yingluck resign to make way tal to Thailand and the election ing pursuit operation to locate on protesters. “If there is blood Yoobamrung, who is charge of the Security forces put up lit- for an appointed “people’s coun- may be voided,” said Prompong, and rescue the victims, Laquesta loss... will the authorities take operation, said the government tle resistance when protesters cil” to overhaul a political system echoing sentiments expressed by added. responsibility? Or will you blame it would continue with its operation moved to occupy ministries and they say has been tainted by her commission member Somchai The 380-strong Abu Sayyaf on provocateurs?,” Buddha Issara and try to reclaim five protest major intersections over the past brother, who lives in exile abroad Srisutthiyakorn that the whole group, founded in the early 1990s asked police representatives. sites next week. “This gathering few months, but despite efforts to avoid a jail term for graft. vote may need to be re-run. by Islamist extremists, is noto- Speaking to the monk during a has caused distress to others... to show restraint 11 people have Thailand’s Election Commission REUTERS rious for kidnappings, bombings and even beheadings in southern Philippines over the past decade. Pyromusical competition Comelec urged Kerry warns Indonesia to decide on vote counting machines of climate change MANILA: A poll watchdog is urging the Commission on JAKARTA: US Secretary Kerry’s public push takes place Elections (Comelec) to decide of State John Kerry warned against the backdrop of a nego- at the soonest time possible if it Indonesians yesterday that cli- tiation among nearly 200 nations intends to use a new technology mate change could threaten about a possible new global treaty in the 2016 elections and junk their “entire way of life” as he on climate change that is sched- the precinct count optical scan called for all nations to do more uled to be agreed next year and to (PCOS) machines. to stop global warming. address greenhouse gas emissions Parish Pastoral Council for Speaking to students, Kerry from 2020. Responsible Voting (PPCRV) derided sceptics of the view In Beijing on Friday, Kerry chair Henrietta de Villa over the that human activity causes glo- announced that China and the weekend said the Comelec must bal warming as “shoddy scien- United States, the world’s larg- resolve immediately whether to tists” and “extreme ideologues” est emitters of such gases, had reuse the PCOS machines or not, and he said big companies and agreed to intensify information- so that stakeholders would have special interests should not be sharing and policy discussions on enough time to prepare if ever a allowed to “hijack” the climate their plans to limit greenhouse new technology would be used to debate. gas emissions after 2020. avoid problems in the conduct of Aides said the US secretary of US officials made clear they the polls. state had chosen Indonesia for hope that the example of the two “If there shall be change in the first of what is to be a series countries, historically on differ- machines, then the Comelec has of speeches on the topic this year ent sides of the debate, working to decide before the end of March, partly because as an archipelago together might inspire other so it can be factored into the 2015 of more than 17,000 islands it is nations to do more to combat cli- budget,” De Villa noted. particularly at risk from rising mate change. “PPCRV is ready for any option. sea levels. Despite evidence that human Same or change. But time is the “Because of climate change, it’s activities that emit carbon diox- essence Comelec has to consider,” no secret that today Indonesia is... ide contribute to climate change, she added. De Villa noted that one of the most vulnerable coun- some sceptics believe a rise in deciding early would also help tries on Earth,” Kerry said in global temperatures is due to ensure the success of voters’ edu- speech at a high-tech US-funded natural variability or other non- A firework display of the Philippine team lights up the sky during the opening ceremony of the 5th Philippine cation since the PPCRV and other cultural centre at a Jakarta mall. human factors. Others question International Pyromusical Competition outside the Mall of Asia in Pasay City, south of Manila, yesterday. groups would have more than a “It’s not an exaggeration to say whether temperatures are in fact Teams specialising in pyrotechnics from Australia, Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, China, Germany, year to make voters familiar with that the entire way of life that you rising. Finland, Canada, and the United States are participating in the events. a new system. live and love is at risk,” he added. REUTERS THE PHILIPPINE STAR N Korea prison camp survivor awaits UN report

SEOUL: After a year of investigation, the atrocities”, comparable with Nazi abuses Criminal Court, but the UN Security Council United Nations is set to release a detailed uncovered after the Second World War. can ask the Hague-based court to investigate report on human rights violations in “The entire body of evidence gathered so alleged abuses by non-signatories. North Korea that could pave the way for far points to what appear to be large-scale China, the North’s major ally and main criminal prosecution in an international patterns of systematic and gross human benefactor, stands ready to veto any attempt court. rights violations,” Kirby, a former justice of to mobilise the Security Council to open an But defectors from the country who have Australia’s top court, told the UN General investigation against Pyongyang. provided first-hand testimony of atrocities Assembly’s human rights committee last “In some respects I have been disappointed are deeply sceptical the report, to be issued October, adding that Pyongyang had refused with the United Nations, although the U.N. is today, will have any effect on the regime in to cooperate with the inquiry. trying to resolve the issue” said Shin Dong- Pyongyang. The UN Commission of Inquiry But any attempt to follow up the final hyuk, a North Korean defector who has given on human rights in North Korea was set report with prosecution will most likely be the U.N. panel harrowing accounts of his life up last March to begin building a case for blocked by China. North Korea itself labels and escape from a prison camp. As a 13-year- possible criminal prosecution. any attack on its human rights record as a old, he informed a prison guard of a plot by Michael Kirby, who chairs the inde- US-led conspiracy. his mother and brother to escape and both pendent inquiry, said after preliminary The preliminary report did not say what were executed, according to a book on his life findings last year that inmates in North kind of prosecution might be considered. North called Escape from Camp 14. Korea’s prison camps suffered “unspeakable Korea is not a member of the International REUTERS

Heavy snow kills 12 in Japan, Myanmar journalists’ trial begins disrupts flights YANGON: Myanmar police have charged facility built in 2009 consisted of tunnels bur- five journalists with “disclosing state secrets” rowed under 3,000 acres of land and quoted TOKYO: Heavy snow hit Tokyo after their newspaper carried a story about an workers as saying the factory produced chemi- and other parts of eastern Japan alleged chemical weapons factory, state media cal weapons, according to the CPJ, which noted over the weekend, leaving 12 reported yesterday. reports that authorities confiscated copies of the people dead, hundreds of thou- The trial of four reporters and the head of publication. sands of households without Unity Journal began on February 14 in Pakokku, Myanmar’s former junta, which handed power electricity, and causing major a town in the country’s central region where the to a quasi-civilian government in 2011, has repeat- disruptions to air and ground military facility is located, the state-run New edly denied accusations that it used chemical traffic. Tokyo saw as much as Light of Myanmar newspaper said. weapons against ethnic insurgent groups. 27cm of snow, on par with last The New Light of Myanmar said charges under In 2005, British-based rights group Christian weekend’s snowstorms, which the Official Secrets Act also included “trespass- Solidarity Worldwide said it interviewed five eth- were the heaviest in 45 years. ing on the restricted area of the factory”, but nic Karen rebels who suffered symptoms consist- ANA Holdings, Japan’s largest the newspaper did not disclose the nature of the ent with a chemical weapons attack, as well as carrier, said 338 domestic flights facility. two government soldiers who defected after the and 12 international flights were Government spokesman Ye Htut told local alleged attack took place. The soldiers told the cancelled due to the heavy snow. media last week that the factory did not produce rights group the use of chemical weapons was In Kawasaki, west of Tokyo, a chemical weapons. He could not be reached for widespread, and one said he was ordered to carry train crashed into another after comment yesterday. boxes of chemical weapons to the front line. the snow rendered its brakes The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Ahmet Uzumcu, head of the Nobel Peace ineffective, leaving 19 passengers on February 3 called for the suspects’ release, Prize-winning Organisation for the Prohibition injured. It also snarled traffic saying “journalists should not be threatened or of Chemical Weapons, said in December that on some of Tokyo’s most heavily arrested for reporting on topics of national and Myanmar was preparing to join the convention travelled roads. international importance”. banning chemical weapons. REUTERS The Unity Journal story claimed the secret REUTERS MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Bilawal calls Record-setting gathering on Taliban to respect statute ‘Peace talks unlikely to bear fruit’

KARACHI: Bilawal Bhutto “failed”. “We tried to negotiate Zardari, the son of Pakistan’s peace with militants in Swat but assassinated premier Benazir we failed and we established writ Bhutto, slammed the Taliban of the state there through a mili- yesterday for trying to drag tary operation,” he said. the country back to a “stone- “Ask the nation’s daughters age era”, as peace talks between what terrorism means, will the the government and militants nation’s daughters be treated continued. like Malala?” he said, referring Addressing a gathering dur- to Malala Yousafzai. ing the closing ceremony of a Malala, now 16, survived a two-week cultural festival in his Taliban assassination attempt in home province of Sindh, Bilawal the country’s restive northwest also urged the country to rise up in 2012 and has become a global against militants’ threats. champion for the struggle for all “The Taliban want to impose children to go to school. the law of terror in the country, The start of 2014 has seen a but I want to tell them, if you have surge in militant violence with to live in Pakistan you will have more than 130 people killed. to follow its constitution,” he said. Negotiators for Pakistan’s gov- “We don’t accept the law of ernment and the Taliban called terrorists,” he added. “Some peo- for a ceasefire after meeting last ple are trying to bring back the week in the first round of talks Pakistani youths gather to form the biggest national flag ever shaped by people, at the National Hockey Stadium in Lahore yesterday. Pakistan has stone-age era in the country in aimed at ending the militants’ successfully broken a world record by forming the largest national flag shaped by people thanks to the participation of 29,040 youths in Lahore the name of Islam.” bloody seven-year insurgency. and Guinness World Records representatives were present to confirm the record. Landmark peace talks between Bilawal’s comments came as the Pakistan government and the about 40 clerics gathered in Taliban aimed at ending a seven- Lahore Saturday for a meeting year insurgency continued into aimed at bolstering the confidence their second week but critics have of religious leaders in the peace Unauthorised mosques spread in Islamabad voiced scepticism while a fresh talks. wave of violent attacks has also The meeting was chaired by undermined the discussions. Maulana Samiul Haq, chief of ISLAMABAD: For the last mosque which has been built by He said he was unaware of the enforcement, different reli- Bilawal, who has spoken in the Taliban negotiating commit- four years Niaz Saleemi, 55, the Deobandi sect on government fact that the mosque administra- gious groups have constructed favour of military action against tee who is known in the west as has been offering prayers in land. tion did not get approval before 71 mosques on state land in the the Taliban in the past, said he “father of Taliban”. a mosque built on a greenbelt “I also follow the Deobandi sect construction. “I was happy that city. Out of these, 52 mosques are believed the talks were unlikely In a joint statement issued near his I-10/2 house. that’s why I offer prayers in this a Barelvi mosque has been built located in developed sectors and to bear fruit. after the meeting, the clerics Sometimes, he pauses for a mosque,” Nawaz added. near my home but now I am 19 in the katchi abadis. The Taliban’s demands include “appealed to both the government moment and thinks if it is right He said it was difficult to worried if my prayers would be In the developed sectors, 36 of the nationwide imposition of and Taliban militants to imme- to offer prayers in a mosque believe that the mosque had been accepted by Allah,” he said. the 52 mosques were constructed Shariah and an end to US drone diately announce a ceasefire and constructed on state land. The built on government land without He said the CDA should stop during the last five years. strikes, conditions the govern- pursue negotiations to restore mosque has been raised with- approval. illegal construction of mosques According to the list, 26 ment and army are unlikely to peace in Pakistan”. out the Capital Development However, Nawaz said the imam in the initial stages as later it mosques in the developed sectors be able to meet. “Peace talks are the only via- Authority’s approval. of the mosque had told him becomes difficult to remove a are in the possession of Deobandi “The terrorists should think of ble solution...war can never bring “I know that a mosque should that he can offer prayers in the worship place. sect, 18 are under the control the time when the whole nation peace,” said Haq, flanked by sev- be built after purchasing land for mosque. Sajjad Naqvi, 45, of F-11/1, said of Barelvis, five are with Ahle will stand against them,” Bilawal eral other conservative religious it but no one paid a penny before “But now I will consult another he offered prayers in a mosque Hadith and one is controlled by added Saturday in Makli, around leaders. the construction of this mosque religious scholar about offering constructed by a group of Shias the Shia community. 100km to the north of Karachi. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s by Ahle-Hadith sect,” Saleemi prayers in a mosque constructed on a greenbelt four years back. Two mosques are not affiliated “We are Muslims and the ter- government has been under fire said. without approval of the authori- He said there was no mosque with any sect. rorist groups should not try to from political opponents for fail- “Often I think I should talk to ties concerned.” in the surrounding area for the When contacted, Maulana Qari teach us Islam.” ing to mount a strong response to the Imam sahib to know about the He said it should be the respon- Shia community so the greenbelt Mohammad Hanif Jalandhari, Referring to a former peace the upsurge in attacks. status of the mosque and whether sibility of the CDA to inform peo- was used for the construction of the General Secretary of Wafaqul deal with militants in the Swat Former premier Benazir Bhutto my prayers would be accepted by ple about the status of mosques. the mosque. “I agree that we built Madaris, said that Islam did not Valley in 2008 that resulted in was assassinated in December Allah. But I don’t have the cour- Like Nawaz, 35-year-old it without approval of the CDA allow anyone to construct a mosque the Taliban taking control of the 2007 by the Pakistani Taliban age to put such a question to him,” Rizwan Cheema of I-9/4 offers but it was the responsibility of the by occupying land. “Muslims region, Bilawal said the nation after leaving a campaign rally of he added. prayers in a mosque built within a authorities to stop its construc- should avoid offering prayers at had experimented with peace her Pakistan People’s Party. Haji Rab Nawaz, 60, a resi- park area near Bismillah Market tion,” he added. such mosques,” he added. talks in the past but they had AFP dent of G-9/1, says he goes to a without approval. According to the CDA INTEREWS Teachers to be Nawaz, Zardari avoided court hearings sent back to ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s former ruler the three-member bench that he would try to schools from General (retd) Pervez Musharraf is not the persuade the retired general to comply with its only individual avoiding appearance in the order. court. There are other high-profile personali- Exactly a month before that date — January administration ties as well, including Prime Minister Nawaz 18 — Zardari appeared before the accountability Sharif and former president Asif Ali Zardari, court in connection with five corruption refer- PESHAWAR: The Khyber who have remained absent from court pro- ences pending for over a decade. Pakhtunkhwa province gov- ceedings a number of times. The last time that Zardari appeared in the ernment has planned to send Sources privy to the Ogra corruption refer- accountability court was in 2004. He then went teachers holding administra- ence claimed that former prime minister Yousuf abroad after obtaining bail. tive positions in the provincial Raza Gilani, who has been summoned by an The five corruption references were filed secretariat back to their schools accountability court on February 18, intends against Zardari 17 years ago. They are related and colleges. to seek exemption after putting in a one-time to the Cotecna, Société Générale de Surveillance The officials said yesterday appearance. (SGS), ARY Gold, Ursus tractors and polo that many teachers had long On the same day former president Pervez ground cases. been serving in the secretariats Musharraf is to appear before the special court In October last year, the accountability court of different departments, espe- constituted to try him for high treason. The had reopened proceedings against Zardari in cially those of the elementary and court had decided to indict him on December compliance with the Supreme Court judgement secondary education department 24, but the retired general has been seeking passed in the National Reconciliation Ordinance and higher education department, exemption from every hearing on one pretext (NRO) case in Dec 2009. though the government schools or another. In the judgement, the apex court had ordered and colleges they belonged to were The special court expects that Pervez revival of the cases which had been closed after short of teaching staff. Musharraf will appear on February 18 as his promulgation of the NRO in 2007. They also said many teach- counsel Anwar Mansoor Khan had assured INTERNEWS ers were associated with differ- ent projects of donors agencies away from their educational institutions. The officials said the chief min- ister had directed the establish- No punishment for Net hackers ment department to gradually send all teachers holding admin- istrative posts in the provincial LAHORE: “My Facebook account has been information or illegal access to an information secretariat back to their schools hacked. The hacker has posted objectionable system) on the complaint of a former top official and colleges. material on it causing a lot of stress to me, my of the Pakistan Television Corporation. They said the secretariat family members and friends,” says a complain- The host is accused of developing a fake was also told to appoint offic- ant, a woman. Facebook account and a website page in the ers of provincial management The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has no name of the ex-MD of PTV and tampering with service (PMS) and Pakistan remedy to redress the complaint in the absence record and posting objectionable material about administrative service (PAS) of a law to check cybercrime, including fake and him and his family. After taking a considerable previously called district and stolen identities on Facebook, Twitter and other time (about two years), the FIA has submitted management group to the social media links. The complainant is asked to go to the case in a court in Lahore. administrative posts to be either the Ministry of Information and technology In another case, the FIA traced a man who was vacated by teachers. or the police. In 2013, the FIA received more than operating a fake Twitter account of a well-known The officials said currently, the 1,000 such complaints, but it was unable to take up TV anchor. The account was used to make some elementary and secondary edu- most of them because of lack of an effective law. In anti-government tweets. A source in the FIA says cation department lacked 14,000 exceptional circumstances, the FIA took up a few the man was let off after he apologised. teachers and the higher educa- cases invoking the insufficient Telegraphic Act or The FIA has problems in acting against a fake tion department around 1,150 Electronic Transaction Ordinance (ETO). Facebook account since it has to be done through teachers. The agency registered a case against a female authorities in the US. INTERNEWS TV host under section 36 of the ETO (privacy of INTERNEWS MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA

Ready for the budget At least 11 AAP lists Lok killed as bus falls into gorge Sabha vote JAMMU: At least 11 people were killed and 32 injured yes- terday when an overloaded mini bus fell into a deep gorge on the Jammu-Srinagar highway in candidates Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. A police officer told IANS that Twenty heavyweights in the fray the mini bus was going from Ramban to Banihal, when the NEW DELHI: Medha Patkar, will be in charge of the party’s driver lost control of the vehicle Anjali Damania, Yogendra efforts for Haryana’s assembly near Battery Chashma, 160km Yadav, Meera Sanyal and polls, which are scheduled later from here. Kumar Vishwas are among 20 this year. Six passengers died on the spot. people who feature in the first In the first list, over a dozen A rescue operation was list of the Aam Aadmi Party’s candidates are to fight from con- launched by the civil administra- candidates for the Lok Sabha stituencies that are currently rep- tion and the army and the injured elections announced here resented by the Congress. Only passengers were taken to hospital. yesterday. one BJP-held constituency figures Some passengers with serious The announcement took in the list. injuries were airlifted to Jammu place barely two days after AAP The AAP’s first list of Lok for specialised treatment. founder leader Arvind Kejriwal Sabha candidates includes party Traffic on the highway was resigned as chief minister of Delhi spokesperson and former jour- halted for several hours till the after his party’s efforts to pass the nalist Ashutosh, who will contest rescue operation was completed. Jan Lokpal bill were stalled in the from Chandni Chowk, a con- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assembly. stituency currently represented has expressed shock over the “Today we have announced by Law Minister Kapil Sibal. accident and announced financial the names of 20 candidates. The Another journalist, Jarnail Singh, relief to the kin of the deceased selection of all these candidates who hurled a shoe at then home passengers and for the treatment has been done on the basis of their minister P Chidambaram, will be of those injured. IANS work for the society,” AAP leader in the fray from west Delhi. Manish Sisodia said at a press Mukul Tripathi will fight from conference here. Uttar Pradesh’s Farukkhabad Husband, wife The over a year-old AAP had constituency that is represented Finance Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram (centre) with his staff before giving the final touches to the made a stunning debut in last by External Affairs Minister interim budget for 2014/15 in New Delhi yesterday. year’s Delhi assembly elections, Salman Khurshid. and son shot bagging 28 seats. It went on to Baba Hardev Singh, a former form the government that lasted Uttar Pradesh state civil serv- dead in Delhi 49 days. ice officer, is being fielded from Social activist Medha Patkar Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh. The Certificate can be issued after NEW DELHI: A middle-aged will contest from Mumbai constituency is represented by couple and their 26-year-old Northeast constituency while Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam son were shot dead outside former banker Meera Sanyal Singh. their house here out of personal will fight the electoral battle from Khalid Parwez, a social activ- couple marries on video: Court rivalry, police said yesterday. Mumbai South, which is currently ist, is to contest from Moradabad Om Prakash Mishra, 50, his represented by Milind Deora of constituency, which Congress MP 45-year-old wife Shanti Devi the Congress. From Mumbai and former cricketer Mohammad NEW DELHI: Paving the way the way we view the world today underlying the Information and their son Amit Mishra alias Northwest, Mayank Gandhi will Azharuddin represents. for couples, especially those liv- were “unimaginable” and perhaps Technology Act is based on these Rinku were attacked by a group be the party candidate. Lawyer H S Phoolka will con- ing abroad, to register their “beyond comprehension of the developments,” the judge said in of men at their house in south Anjali Damania will contest test from Ludhiana, the con- marriages in absentia, Delhi rule makers”. his January 30 order, which has Delhi’s Jaitpur area on Saturday from Nagpur constituency, a stituency of Information and High Court has said that these The court was hearing a plea only now been made available. night. stronghold of former BJP presi- Broadcasting Minister Manish certificates can be issued via filed by Ravinder Chadha, who “In these circumstances the Rinku died on the spot, while dent Nitin Gadkari. Tewari. video-conferencing. sought permission to exempt his inaction or indifference of the his parents died at the All India Sisodia said: “While choosing Subhash Ware will fight from Justice Manmohan, allowing Canada-based daughter and son- state to recognise these develop- Institute of Medical Sciences the candidates, we have tried to Pune, which is represented by this to a newly-wed couple based in-law from personal appearance ments and provide for a suitable (AIIMS). prevent corrupt and people with Suresh Kalmadi. in Canada, said that the rule man- for registering their marriage mechanism to facilitate (what is Police said two attackers — Bir criminal charges from entering Ashutosh told IANS that every dating physical presence while and asked if they could do so via required to be done), i.e., regis- Singh and Sachin — who live in politics.” challenge was big and he believes applying for registration was video-conferencing. tration of marriage of spouses the same locality have been iden- AAP leader Yogendra Yadav the party will do well in general “framed at a time when technol- The court in its judgment said: separated by distance, has to be tified as the assailants but they will contest from Gurgaon in elections. ogy was nascent”. “It is possible for a person living addressed,” Justice Manmohan are on the run. Haryana while poet-turned- “I take it as a challenge and we The court said the family thousands of kilometres away observed. Rinku’s elder brother Surjit politician Kumar Vishwas will will get success as we got in Delhi. members could take delivery of from Delhi or anywhere in India The court directed the reg- told police that Bir Singh and be fielded from Uttar Pradesh’s I have not planned what would be the marriage certificate once to simultaneously communicate istering authority of the Hindu Sachin had regular fights with Amethi constituency, which is my strategy but will think about the couple confirms this through with another party. Also, tech- Marriage Act to accept the appli- his father and brother on petty a Congress stronghold and cur- it,” he said. The decision on the video-conferencing. nology has enabled parties today cation for registering the mar- issues including parking outside rently represented by its vice candidates was taken after a “The law has to adapt to chang- to attest documents digitally and riage of Chadha’s daughter and their house. president Rahul Gandhi. meeting of the party’s political ing times,” the court opined. ensure digitally secure transmis- son-in-law through their power When Mishra, who worked in AAP leader Sanjay Singh also affairs committee (PAC) earlier It also said that developments sion through the internet.” of attorney holders. a garment manufacturing unit, announced that Yogendra Yadav yesterday morning. IANS that have changed the world and “The objective and philosophy IANS returned home Saturday, he spot- ted Bir Singh and Sachin in a car carrying weapons in their hands. He called both his sons on the phone cautioning them to be alert about the two, police said. Millions attend Kerala festival As Rinku reached home around 9.30pm, both the attackers opened KOCHI: Close to four-and-a penultimate day of the 10-day- pots, bricks (for the hearths) fire at him. He received three bul- -half-million women devotees long Attukal Pongala festival and kindling seemed to have let injuries that led to his death cooked sweet pongala — a — known as the Sabarimala overwhelmed the city to cook on the spot. On hearing the com- concoction of rice and jaggery pilgrimage for women. pongala for the occasion. motion, Mishra and Shanti Devi — on simple hearths on road- The festival began with the Post noon, the temple priests came out of the house and the sides to offer to the presiding chief priest lighting the tra- sprayed holy water on pongal attackers then opened fire at deity at Attukal Bhagavathi ditional hearth at 10.30am in cooked by women as part of them and fled the scene. temple here yesterday. presence of devotees. the ritual. A home maker from Yesterday, residents blocked The temple — in the heart The sacred fire was then Kottayam, who was attending a road adjoining Mathura Road of the city — is dedicated to passed on to the devotees, who the festival for the first time, demanding the arrest of the Attukal Bhagavathi, believed to were lined up on either side of said: “...trust me, this is some- accused. Police calmed them down be an incarnation of Kannaki, the road, to cook their offering thing that has to be seen to be after assuring swift action. the central character of the using rice, jaggery and coconut. believed....I am sure my prob- IANS Tamil epic “Silappathikaaram”. Dressed in new clothes, lems would be resolved....” The event takes place on the women laden with earthen IANS Delhi police to Demanding justice start online FIRs NEW DELHI: Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi said yesterday they will soon launch a new initiative that will allow people to file FIRs online for crimes such as theft and for- gery and also a new helpline to ensure the safety of foreigners here. “A special initiative has been taken through which peo- ple will be able to file the FIR (First Information Report) for crimes such as theft and forgery sitting at home, through the police website,” said Bassi at the 67th Raising Day of Delhi Police. “The facility will be launched on February 18-19,” added Bassi. The commissioner said the new four-digit helpline number for for- eigners would also be introduced soon to make it easy for them to register their complaints as the previous 10-digit number was dif- ficult to memorise. Bassi also announced on Friday A young daughter of a member of the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) wears a the setting up of a special cell and black band across her face during a protest against the closure of the Pathribal ‘fake encounter’ case, helpline number — 1093 — for the in Srinagar yesterday. With the demonstrators demanding the reopening of the case, the APDP is call- northeastern people in the city. ing for the setting up of a commission to probe the disappearances of people in Kashmir since 1989. The total strength of Delhi Police is 83,762. IANS MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 For whom will Henna for marriage I be corrupt, asks Modi BJP leader tears into Congress

SUJANPUR (HIMACHAL Telangana state. PRADESH): Taking on “The whole of Andhra Pradesh the Congress-led United is burning. The way it (Congress) Progressive Alliance (UPA) wants to create Telangana, nei- government for “its failure to ther Telangana is happy nor check corruption”, BJP’s prime Seemandhra,” he said in an hour- ministerial candidate Narendra long speech. Modi yesterday asserted that Modi expressed confidence that “person like me who does not the NDA (National Democratic have any family bond can only Alliance) would form the next fight it (corruption)”. government at the centre, and “Black money stashed abroad added: “Our agenda is National belongs to the people of India. Development Alliance.” These people (Congressmen)have On price rise, he said: “The looted the poor and put money (central) government promised there,” Modi said at a public rally to reduce price rise within 100 here in Hamirpur district, 175km days. Have the high prices came from Shimla. down? Has any Congress leader Muslim brides show their hands decorated with henna during a mass wedding ceremony in Ahmedabad yesterday. A total of 181 Muslim couples “If the Congressmen are not given any reply (in this regard).” from across Gujarat took their wedding vows yesterday during the mass wedding ceremony organised by a Muslim voluntary organisation. corrupt then what is the problem Like price rise, corruption in getting back the black money. is ruining the nation, he said. If we need freedom from corrup- “The nation needs freedom from tion, we need freedom from the corruption.” Shoe hurled corrupt,” he said. Accompanied by the party’s Congress disrupting House: Jaitley “And for whom should I be cor- national president Rajnath Singh, rupt... I have nothing... This mind Modi said the Congress leaders at Haryana CM and body is totally devoted to the were least bothered about the NEW DELHI: Blaming when they have lost majority in parliament. The houses are dis- nation.” common man. Congress for non-functioning both houses. In a blog post, Jaitley turbed on account of the issues In a bid to woo salaried class, Recalling the contributions of parliament, the Bharatiya said most of these legislations relating to bifurcation of Andhra CHANDIGARH: A shoe was Modi said: “On coming to power, of former prime minister Atal Janata Party (BJP) yester- and several other laws such as Pradesh which is pending con- hurled by a man at Haryana we will bring back black money Bihari Vajpayee to the state, he day attacked its vice president one relating to protection to be sideration. The speaker and the Chief Minister Bhupinder and deposit it in the public said: “When Atal-ji was the prime Rahul Gandhi for seeking to provided to street vendors or set- chairman of the houses regularly Singh Hooda during a function exchequer. We will disburse a minister, the apple growers of the blame the opposition for dis- ting up of a central university in adjourn the houses since proceed- at Dabwali town yesterday. The percentage of it among salaried state were getting remunerative ruptions, saying he should come Bundelkhand are not subject mat- ings cannot be conducted in this man was arrested. people, who have been honestly prices for their produce.” and see what happens himself.. ters of any controversy and can environment,” Jaitley said. The shoe, however, fell well depositing the income tax,” “Now, the apple growers from Refuting Gandhi’s statement be passed after some discussion. “I don’t think Rahul Gandhi short of its target. It landed near he said. Taking on the Congress- Himachal are not getting good that his party has blocked anti- He said while BJP has “no res- has had time to either come to the media enclosure at the venue led United Progressive Alliance prices. But the apple imported graft legislations in the parlia- ervation” against most of these the house or acquaint himself of the “Rail Pull rally” in Dabwali (UPA) government on the from foreign countries is getting ment, BJP leader Arun Jaitley legislations and is ready to sup- with the disturbance being cre- in Sirsa district, 265km from here. Telangana issue, Modi said: “The good prices,” said Modi, donning said the BJP is not opposed to port them, and not a single BJP ated by his own party members.” Haryana Police personnel Congress is indulging in divi- a Himachali cap for the occasion. most of the legislation and is member has disturbed the pro- Taking another dig at Gandhi, immediately pounced on the sive politics. It’s doing ‘zeher ki The Gujarat chief minister said ready to support them if Congress ceedings of either of the houses Jaitley said that while he has attacker and took him away from kheti’ (sowing seeds of poison that sadly a country with a popu- members let the house function. but “a large number of members never spoken on any major scam, the venue. The middle-aged man, on Telangana).” The Congress lation of 1.25 billion has failed to He took a jibe at Congress say- of the Congress Party disturb the he has “only belatedly realized identified as Raja Ram, is a resi- has chosen to bifurcate Andhra make a mark at the international ing they brought the legislations Houses every day”. that corruption is a major issue dent of Nathusari Chopta village Pradesh and create a new level. IANS at the end of their 10 year rule, “We assemble every morning in in Indian politics”. IANS in Sirsa. IANS MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BREAK

PRAYER TIME Castaway extends hospital stay

Fajr (Dawn) 4:51 SAN SALVADOR: The Shorook (Sunrise) 6:08 Salvadoran fisherman who sur- vived 13 months drifting in the Zuhr (Noon) 11:48 Pacific will undergo additional Asr (Afternoon) 3:03 medical tests and stay in hospi- tal until at least today. Maghrib (Sunset) 5:30 Doctors who have seen Jose Isha (Night) 7:00 Salvador Alvarenga since the 27-year-old returned to El Salvador on Tuesday say he is in ITION remarkable physical shape but MPET WEATHER needs psychological attention fol- S KU CO lowing his ordeal. UDO “We will conduct a new medical Today Tuesday Weather Wednesday Conditions: evaluation by Monday, and a deci- Partly cloudy Partly cloudy Clear sion on when he will be discharged Partly cloudy to will be based on this,” San Rafael cloudy at times public hospital director Yeerles High: 25° High: 25° High: 22° with chance of Ramirez said from Santa Tecla, Low: 16° Low: 15° Low: 14° scattered rain. outside the capital San Salvador. He said doctors would conduct new tests and a neurosurgeon would examine the results of an WIN MRI brain scan performed on DOHA - SUN & SEA Friday in the castaway’s lumbar region. EXCITING CASH PRIZES SUN TIDE SEA Alvarenga emerged in the SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND Marshall Islands two weeks ago following a 12,500-kilometre jour- AND SOUVENIR 06:08 17:30 06:30 & 18:30 13:00 & 00:00 05-15 KT ney in a fibreglass boat. On Thursday, psychiatrist Angel THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW Fredi Sermeno said the fisherman was now terrified of the sea, add- HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER ing that he was suffering from FIRST PRIZE QR 10,000 post-traumatic stress disorder MUSCAT 25/17 Partly cloudy 25/18 Partly cloudy and mental exhaustion that often KUWAIT 23/13 Chance of rain 21/12 Partly cloudy made him break into tears. SECOND PRIZE QR 5,000 BAHRAIN 22/17 Clear 22/17 Partly cloudy “It wouldn’t be advisable for SANAA 24/09 Partly cloudy 24/09 Chance of storm now” for him to see the ocean, RIYADH 27/11 Partly cloudy 24/10 Clear Sermeno said, noting that THIRD PRIZE QR 2,500 DUBAI 25/17 Clear 27/18 Partly cloudy Alvarenga was suffering from fear BAGHDAD 21/09 Chance of rain 20/08 Partly cloudy of the sea. “He doesn’t want to have any- thing to do with the ocean. He THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW wants to avoid being in front of HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER the sea as much as possible.” AFP Last Day to Register ATHENS 16/11 Clear 18/12 Clear WASHINGTON 03/-7 Partly cloudy 03/0 Chance of snow 15/03/2014 SYDNEY 28/19 Chance of storm 25/18 Chance of rain LONDON 08/03 Clear 09/06 Chance of rain PARIS 13/06 Partly cloudy 14/06 Partly cloudy ISTANBUL 10/05 Partly cloudy 12/11 Clear mail your entries to MANILA 30/22 Chance of rain 30/21 Partly cloudy [email protected] DHAKA 21/16 Chance of rain 25/13 Partly cloudy DELHI 19/09 Clear 20/08 Clear or call: 4455 7741 ISLAMABAD 18/04 Partly cloudy 20/04 Partly cloudy Monday 17 February 2014 17 Rabial II 1435 Volume 18 Number 5978 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Tasweeq, ADNOC sign first IQ posts QR8bn full-year profits condensate term contract Revenues touch QR5.8bn; QR11 cash dividend recommended

DOHA: The industrial giant credit ratings with Standard & price deflation, in line with inter- On the group’s profits and Industries Qatar (IQ) recorded Poor’s and Moody’s were main- national trends, and heightened profitability, Al Shaibi said: “The a strong full year earnings of tained at AA- and Aa3 respectively fertiliser operating costs follow- group recorded full year earn- QR8bn for 2013, reflecting the in the companies’ annual reviews — ing increases in natural gas rates ings of QR8.0bn, a decrease of group’s ability to generate strong placing IQ one notch beneath the under the supply and purchase QR0.4bn, or 5.1 percent, versus profits during the difficult inter- State of Qatar’s sovereign rating, agreement with Qatar Petroleum.” 2012. Although earnings were national market conditions. and in a very select group of inter- The QR5.8bn revenue shows a moderately down on 2012, they The Group’s revenue reached national industrial conglomerates, decrease of QR 0.3bn, or 5.4 per- still represent the group’s second QR5.8bn during the period. Dr Al Sada noted. cent, on the restated results of highest results on record.” The board of directors meeting “These resolute financial results 2012; however, on a like-for-like EBITDA was QR 8.2bn, a recommended a cash dividend of serve to vindicate the previous basis under the previous account- decrease of QR0.5bn, or 5.1 per- QR11 per share, equivalent to a decisions of the board of directors ing standard, reported revenue cent, on the same period last year. total payout of QR6.7bn. to invest heavily in improving the would have been QR19.3 billion, an “Benefits gained from higher sales In his comments issued efficiency of existing facilities and increase of QR 0.6bn or 3.1 percent. volumes following the commercial to the Qatar Exchange after in expanding capacity, and lend Revenue in the petrochemi- launches of Qafco 5, 6 and LDPE- Saad Al Kuwari (left) and Sultan Al Mehairi at the signing ceremony. the group’s first board of support to the future investment cal segment for the year was 3, weak prior year comparatives directors meeting for 2014, plans as outlined in the recently QR5.4bn, an increase of QR0.6bn, due to extended fuel additives DOHA: Qatar International Petroleum Marketing Company H E Dr Mohamed bin Saleh Al announced group growth strategy or 12.3 percent, versus 2012. The shut-downs in 2012 and improved (Tasweeq) yesterday announced that it has recently entered into Sada, Minister of Energy and — sustained growth throughout fertiliser segment closed the operating results at several of the its first term contract with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company Industry, Chairman and Managing the commodity cycle can only be year with revenue of QR6.1bn, group’s local and regional invest- (ADNOC) for the sale and purchase of Qatar Condensates. Director of Industries Qatar, said assured through judicious, yet bold, up QR0.1bn, or 2.4 percent, on ments, were offset by general price Tasweeq, in a press statement, said that the agreement was signed the IQ closed the year with strong investment in improving capacity.” 2012. The moderate segmental weakness and increased fertiliser by Saad Al Kuwari, Tasweeq’s CEO and Sultan Al Mehairi, ADNOC’s full year earnings of QR 8bn fol- Commenting on the finan- improvement occurred as incre- and, to a lesser extent, petrochemi- Director of Marketing and Refining in the presence of senior repre- lowing the record-breaking 2012 cial results for the year, mental urea sales volumes fol- cal, operating costs”. sentatives from both companies here. results with the second highest Abdulrahman Ahmad Al-Shaibi, lowing the commercial launch The QR8bn net profit showed Al Kuwari expressed his gratification in support of this agreement net profit on record.” Chief Coordinator, IQ, said: “The of Qafco 5 and 6 during the sec- a decline of QR 0.4bn or 5.1 per- and said: “Under the guidance of H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al This year was also noteworthy group recorded strong year-on- ond half of the previous year and cent compared to the same period Sada, Minister of Energy and Industry and Tasweeq’s Chairman, we for two other reasons. Firstly, it year sales volume growth fol- subsequent ramp-up were largely in 2012. Significant incremental signed the agreement with ADNOC, which will not only reinforce the marked the first full year of opera- lowing the launch last year of negated by urea prices continu- depreciation and finance charges relationship between ADNOC and Tasweeq, but will also fortify the tion for QR12.8bn of petrochemi- new petrochemical and fertiliser ing their negative trend, in line following the capitalisation of the economic association between our companies. It is important we carry cal and fertiliser facilities launched facilities, while also maintaining with international prices, closing new fertiliser and petrochemical forward this partnership to new heights in the coming years.” during 2012 which added 2.0 million exceptional petrochemical and 17.9 percent down on 2012. Full assets in 2012 accounted for the Al Mehairi added: “I am pleased to announce the success of the first MT / PA of urea and 240,000 MT steel EBITDA margins. Results, year steel revenue was QR5.8bn, additional movement in net profit condensate term contract between ADNOC and Tasweeq”. He affirmed / PA of LDPE to the group’s exist- however, were adversely impacted a decrease of QR0.3bn, or 5.4 per- vis-à-vis EBITDA. that this cooperation will lead to further developing business relations ing capacity. Secondly, the group’s by continued significant fertiliser cent, in comparison to 2012. THE PENINSULA between ADNOC and Tasweeq. THE PENINSULA MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS QE index climbs to five-year high Institutional buying pushes bourse up for seven consecutive sessions to close at highest level since August 2008

DOHA: Qatar’s index rose 0.3 Bank, Vodafone Qatar and Islamic (ADX) said that stock markets in especially in the DFM stock itself, Deyaar also said its capital was percent through a bonus share percent, up for seven consecu- Insurance. the United Arab Emirates should which broke the resistance level “appropriate in light of its future issue. Riyad Bank gained 0.5 per- tive sessions to close at its high- The Banking and Financial unify their back office operations of Dh3.30,” said Hisham Khairy, plans for growth and expansion,” cent, up almost 10 percent since est level since August 2008. sector index was down 0.18 and processes for settlement and head of trading on the institu- following last week’s statement January 30 when it proposed to Institutional investors have points while Consumer Goods regulation. tional desk at MENA Corp. that it would discuss capital double its capital by giving one become more bullish on Qatar’s and Services sector index up The two exchanges have been “The larger market will con- restructuring and reduction. bonus share for each held. market as the country hikes 0.89 points. The industrial sector discussing a merger since at least tinue to test the resistance levels, Abu Dhabi’s bourse was little Samba Financial Group last infrastructure spending ahead of gained 0.68 points while insurance 2010, but talks appear to have but we have to wait and see how changed, trading in a tight range month proposed one bonus share hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022, sector lost 0.03 points. advanced considerably in recent the stock will perform tomorrow since Monday’s 66-month high. for every three held and has according to Reuters’ January Meanwhile, Dubai’s exchange months. Last year Abu Dhabi and in order to confirm the break and In Saudi Arabia, the index gained 5.9 percent since. It added survey of fund managers. extended gains yesterday as bets Dubai hired banks to advise on prove it has the strength to con- gained 0.5 percent, up for a third 1.9 percent yesterday. Shares in Commercial Bank on the country’s two bourses the possible merger, which would tinue its climb.” consecutive session and reach- “There is a dividend play, inves- and Barwa Real Estate rose 3.2 merging boosted sentiment, while be one of the biggest reforms in Property firm Deyaar ing its highest level since August tors are taking note of that and and 3.1 percent respectively. banks’ dividends helped lift Saudi the UAE’s financial industry in Development led trading, rising 2008. Heavyweight sectors of going into blue chips,” said John The volume of the shares Arabia in a mixed regional trend. recent years. 8.1 percent to a three-week high banking and petrochemical were Sfakianakis, chief investment traded fell to 19.58m from 19.99 Dubai’s measure climbed 2.2 The price of DFM’s stock rose after its board recommended the main support. strategist at Saudi investment and the value of shares increased percent, up for a second session, 7.4 percent to Dh3.30, its highest loosening share ownership Al Rajhi Bank climbed 0.7 per- firm MASIC. “There is also a to QR778m from QR761m. to reach its highest close in five since September 2008. restrictions to allow non-Gulf cent after the Capital Market fresh inflow of money, which is Among the top gainers were years. The chief executive of the “We can see that the market nationals to hold up to 25 percent Authority approved the lender’s giving (the market) momentum.” Commercial Bank, Qatar Islamic Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange has priced in the DFM merger, of its shares. plan to increase its capital by 8 REUTERS/QNA

Searching for jobs Qatar infrastructure spending to touch QR87.4bn this year DOHA: Qatar is expected to awarded as part of the Doha Qatar National Bank is the des- witness a significant rise in metro project. ignated Headline Speaker. project activity this year, espe- “We have structured the pro- Other experts invited to cially the infrastructure sector, gramme in 2014 in a way that will speak at the event include from with contract awards antici- help attendees learn directly from the Ministry of Municipality pated to peak at about QR87.4bn senior decision-makers about the and Urban Planning, New ($24bn). upcoming project opportunities in Doha International Airport At the upcoming 11th Annual Qatar as well as address key chal- (NDIA), QNB, Manateq, Qatar Projects Conference 2014, lenges and achievements made Supreme Council of Health, which is scheduled to be held here thus far,” he said. Hamad Medical Corporation, from March 17 to 19, over 400 Supported by the Public Works ExxonMobil Research Center, local, regional and international Authority (Ashghal), the three- Qatar Exchange, Nakilat, Total, stakeholders will find out the lat- day conference will feature over 90 Oryx GTL, Schlumberger and est developments, timelines, and speakers and two dedicated streams, TNO Qatar. These speakers procurement requirements to focusing on commercial opportuni- will present project commercial successfully win contract bids in ties emerging from Qatar’s infra- opportunities tied to Qatar’s mas- Qatar’s growing projects market. structure and transportation and sive road, ports, rail, construction “The Qatar’s projects market the oil, gas, power and water sec- and social infrastructure plan accelerated in 2013, overtaking tors. Conference attendees will hear worth over QR226.5bn ($62.2bn). the UAE in terms of contract the latest details on projects to be After having successfully com- awards midway through the year awarded over the next five years pleted its 20-year investment pro- with QR44.43bn ($12.2bn) in new and the stakeholder’s plans towards gramme to develop its natural gas awards,” said Edmund O’ Sullivan, fulfilling Qatar’s National Vision resources in 2011, becoming one of Chairman, MEED Events, organ- 2030 (QNV-2030). the world’s most important energy isers of Qatar Projects 2014, in a The keynote address will be producers, Qatar has embarked press statement yesterday. delivered by the Governor of on an infrastructure investment O’ Sullivan said that the bulk Qatar Central Bank, H E Sheikh programme in its non-oil and gas of contract came from the multi- Abdulla Saoud Al Thani, while Ali sectors driven by the QNV-2030. billion-dollar tunnelling packages Al Kuwari, Acting Group CEO of THE PENINSULA College students line up outside a job fair in Zhengzhou, Henan province in China. Around 50,000 people attended the job fair.

Libyan crude IQ plans QR5.4bn capital expenditure over five years output falls to DOHA: Industries Qatar’s (IQ) of the group’s 10-year growth 2014. The project is expected to EF1 and EF2 for an additional project is designed to capture five-year business plan envis- strategy.”, Abdulrahman Ahmad boost the group’s billets capac- year, before decommissioning over 500 MT per day of carbon ages accumulated capital spend Al Shaibi, Chief Coordinator, ity by an additional 1.1 million those old facilities in early 2015. dioxide produced by the group’s 390,000bpd of an estimated QR5.4bn from Industries Qatar announced here MT/PA, ensuring that as Qatar Qatar Steel’s Saudi Arabian- fuel additives joint venture, Qafac, 2014 to 2018. The plan includes yesterday. continues its ambitious construc- based 31.03 percent associate, and utilise it in the production of TRIPOLI: Libya’s oil produc- completing construction of all Giving an update of the group’s tion programme in the run-up to SOLB Steel Company, com- methanol. tion has fallen to 390,000 bar- of its current major projects, current major capital expendi- the World Cup 2022, Qatar Steel menced commercial operations The project is expected to not rels per day, some 70,000bpd including a 2.0 million MT/PA ture and investment projects, he will maintain its position as the of a 1.0 million MT/PA steel melt only reduce Qafac’s greenhouse less than last week, as protests integrated steel mill in Algeria, said that in Q2, 2011, the group’s country’s predominant steel shop and a 0.5 million MT/PA gas emissions, but simultaneously have partly blocked flows from and a mixed-feed steam cracker steel subsidiary, Qatar Steel, supplier. rolling mill in January 2013, with boost the group’s production of the El Sharara oilfield, the state and petrochemical complex. commenced work on its EF5 The original intention was for construction of a second similar methanol by circa 46,000 MT/PA. National Oil Corp (NOC) said “This budgeted capital spend project consisting of a QR1.2bn the new steel melt shop’s electric rolling mill in progress and now When commercially launched in yesterday. may increase with the determi- green field steel melt shop built furnace to immediately replace due to be completed in the second the fourth quarter of 2014, the Armed groups, former rebels nation of final construction costs adjacent to its main facility in two of Qatar Steel’s old electric half of 2014. Qatar Steel’s total facility is expected to be the and tribes often shut down pipe- for existing projects, approval of Mesaieed Industrial City, Qatar. furnaces; however, Qatar Steel investment contribution was region’s largest of its kind and a lines or occupy oilfields to make projects currently under evalu- Commercial operations at the has subsequently confirmed its QR225.0m for both phases. source of incremental profits to demands on the state as Libya ation and the implementation facility commenced in February, intention to continue operating The QR0.1bn CO2 recovery the group. THE PENINSULA tries to overcome instability nearly three years after a NATO- backed revolt toppled leader Muammar Gaddafi. Bridge to push growth National production is around 390,000bpd, NOC spokesman Investment in new jobs Mohamed El Harari said. On Thursday output was 460,000bpd. He said the El Sharara oilfield was below its capacity of 340,000 to promote growth bpd because protesters partially shut down a pipeline near the DOHA: Focused and long- nationals available to enter the western town of Zintan lead- term investment in develop- workforce. ing from the field to the port of ing the skills and creating jobs EY will be the Strategic Zawiya. for young people is expected to Knowledge Adviser at the upcom- “We hope the government promote sustainable economic ing Jeddah Economic Forum (JEF) will solve the problem soon,” he growth in Saudi Arabia and the 2014 and will launch a report about said. Output at the El Sharara GCC as a whole, according to the perspectives on youth employ- field had been at 301,000bpd on Ernst & Young (EY). More than ment across the GCC. Wednesday. 15 million young people will “Our objective is to outline Harari said the El Wafa oilfield enter the workforce in Saudi areas for attention which can was again working normally after Arabia, Qatar, UAE and Egypt create an improved dialogue protesters had on Wednesday in the next 10 years. between educational institutions shut gas and oil pipelines from “GCC governments have been and employers. The study aims to the field, which produces around pushing on multiple fronts to offer insights into the opportu- 30,000bpd of very light oil address the issue of job creation nities for creating a more robust condensate. with efforts ranging from long- human capital infrastructure, in NOC has not published export term strategic policies, to short- order to bridge the training and figures recently but the state firm term desired outcomes,” said preparation of young people with normally uses around 140,000bpd Bassam Hage, MENA Markets the labor force requirements of of national production to feed Leader, EY. “Although these ini- the region,” said Ahmed Reda, refineries in Zawiya and Tobruk. tiatives had measurable success Office Managing Partner, EY The demands of protesters in Saudi Arabia and other GCC Jeddah. “It will look at ways to were not immediately clear. countries, it is evident that there sustain growth for the economy by Tensions in the country are grow- is the need for additional sector- merging the gap between business ing over the country’s interim specific efforts,” he said. needs and the workforce capabili- General National Congress, A general view of the construction site of Ivory Coast’s third bridge, the Henri Konan Bedie. The bridge cross- Policy makers and the private ties to support entrepreneurship whose mandate has officially ing the lagoon in Ivory Coast’s economic capital Abidjan will be completed in December and could add one sector need to collaborate to cat- and enhance work-related skills,” ended, but whose members have percentage point to economic growth, a senior executive at French construction company Bouygues said. alyse economic growth by capi- he said. extended its term to guarantee talising on the number of young THE PENINSULA stability. REUTERS MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 Saudi’s non-oil sector Protest against privatisation to drive growth: QNB Overall economic growth slowed to 3.8pc in 2013

DOHA: The non-oil private and consumer confidence and recovery in oil production lifting sector is expected to be the banks’ comfort in lending. real GDP growth to 4.4 percent key driver of growth in 2014 Oil production accounts for just in 2014. Leading indicators such in Saudi Arabia, boosted by under half of GDP. as point of sales transactions large public sector infrastruc- In terms of sectors, the budget and the Purchasing Managers ture investment and the rapidly announcement indicated that Index suggest that the private growing population. the fastest growing sectors in non-oil sector is continuing to The government-led nfrastruc- 2013 were the construction (8.1 grow strongly, and large projects ture projects such as the Riyadh percent), the transport and com- in transportation infrastructure metro and a high speed inter-city munication (7.2 percent), as well and the mining sector should help rail network currently under con- as the retail sector (6.1 percent). underpin a pick-up in private sec- struction will boost the spend- Saudi Arabia has been one of tor growth this year. Indeed, the ing, the QNB said in a report the best performing G20 econo- latest PMI reading for the month yesterday. mies in recent years with real of December (58.7 versus 57.1 in The ministry of finance in Saudi GDP growth averaging 5.9 per- November, whereby a reading Arabia in a budget announcement cent per annum during 2008-13. above 50 indicates expansion) sig- said that overall economic growth Based on a conservative oil nalled a sharp rise in activity and slowed to 3.8 percent year-on- price assumption of $80 per bar- new orders of non-oil producing year in 2013 owing to a decline rel, government revenues and firms, with the pace of expansion in oil output. Meanwhile, non- expenditures are expected to be at an eight month high. oil growth grew by a robust five $228bn in 2014. Going forward, there is a small percent year-on-year in 2013 as Overall, the near-term mac- downside risk of lower global oil consecutive years of elevated gov- roeconomic outlook for Saudi demand on slow economic growth. Members of labour unions wave Turkish flags in Ankara as they protest against the government’s policy ernment spending lifted business Arabia is positive with a small THE PENINSULA of privatisation of state-owned companies and its current use of subcontractors, which the protesters say will result in lower pay for workers at government-owned businesses. Du agrees terms on $720m five-year loan Luxembourg to pass

DUBAI: UAE telecom firm 140 basis points over the London Bank of Qatar, the Gulf Arab Reuters data. du has agreed terms on a interbank offered rate (Libor), state’s second-largest lender by It will also replace a $500m sukuk bill by April $720m loan which will be used the sources said. assets, is currently marketing facility raised in late-2012, which to replace two existing debt Bankers not involved in the a $600m loan, split between a is due to run until 2017 and pays LUXEMBOURG: the first Western country to issue facilities and lower the compa- deal remarked that the pricing two- and three-year portion, a margin of 175 bps over Libor. Luxembourg’s parliament could a sovereign sukuk. Last year, ny’s funding costs, two bank- which du ultimately got from which pays 120 and 140 bps The banks who funded that deal pass a bill as soon as two months Britain unveiled plans to sell a ing sources said yesterday. the three lenders was extremely respectively when the margin is were ADCB, Mashreq, NBAD from now to facilitate its first £200m sukuk and it has man- The five-year loan will be pro- cheap, especially as it had man- combined with the fees a bank and Samba. issue of sovereign sukuk, though dated HSBC to advise on the deal, vided by Abu Dhabi Commercial aged to negotiate a loan with a will earn. Du joins other companies an upcoming budget vote may giving a “2014-2015” timeframe. Bank, National Bank of Abu five-year lifespan. Du’s new loan will replace which are currently raising cash delay approval for five months, Legal filings show Luxembourg’s Dhabi and Saudi Arabia’s Samba “There have been talks for two existing debt facilities, the to refinance existing debt, even a legislative official said. sukuk would be denominated in Financial Group, the sources maybe 3-4 months between the sources said. if those facilities still have a sub- Last month, the Luxembourg euros and listed on an exchange, who both have knowledge of company and banks but while The first is a $220m three- stantial amount of time to run. government presented a bill to but such details are not final. the matter said. They spoke they wanted five years, the most year loan which expires in Emirates Steel is seeking parliament to allow the securi- Luxembourg’s Stock Exchange on condition of anonymity as that banks were prepared to June. That transaction paid a $1.3bn from banks to replace tisation of assets for a proposed was the first in Europe to list a the information is not public. offer was three years — espe- margin of 145 bps over Libor debt and fund the purchase of sukuk worth ¤200m, part of sukuk in 2002; it has since listed Du declined to comment when cially at the pricing levels they and was provided by Dubai assets from its parent firm, even efforts to boost the tiny state’s 16 with three of them currently contacted. wanted,” said one of the bankers lenders Emirates NBD and though the original deal has Islamic finance credentials. outstanding, said LSE secretary The interest rate which du not involved in the transaction. Mashreq as well as NBAD and more than three years to run. AAA-rated Luxembourg could general Maurice Bauer. will pay for the new loan will be By comparison, Commercial Samba, according to Thomson REUTERS pip Britain’s ambitions to become REUTERS MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

China’s consumer prices up Dubai’s Deyaar ADX for unifying seeks foreign back offices investments DUBAI: Dubai property devel- oper Deyaar said yesterday that it planned to allow foreigners to begin investing in its shares of UAE bourses and hold up to 25 percent of its share capital. At present, nationals from Gulf Single framework for trades eyed Cooperation Council countries can own up to 49 percent of Deyaar’s ABU DHABI: Stock markets He did not say when it might shares; they currently hold 3.7 in the United Arab Emirates take effect; the DFM declined to percent, bourse data shows. should unify their back office provide any immediate comment. Foreigners from outside the GCC operations and processes for Consolidating the back office have been prohibited. settlement and regulation, the operations of the ADX and the The Deyaar board’s recommen- chief executive of the Abu Dhabi DFM could cut costs and, by cre- dation will be subject to approval Securities Exchange (ADX) ating a single framework for set- by the company’s shareholders in said yesterday. tling trades, make it easier for an extraordinary general meeting Last year, Abu Dhabi and more foreign investors to enter to be held soon. The move is part neighbouring Dubai hired banks the UAE, fund managers and ana- of a trend by companies in the to advise on a possible state- lysts say. United Arab Emirates and Qatar backed merger of the ADX with Because of political sensitivities to review their foreign ownership the Dubai Financial Market and fast-changing valuations — caps before international index (DFM), which would be one of the DFM’s shares rocketed 142 compiler MSCI raises those coun- the biggest reforms in the UAE’s percent last year as trading vol- tries to emerging market status in financial industry in recent years. umes in Dubai’s market boomed May, which is expected to attract Rashed Al Baloushi, addressing — the two emirates could find it A labourer works inside a factory in Qingdao, Shandong province, in China. China’s consumer prices rose 2.5 fresh foreign money. REUTERS a news conference at a financial difficult to agree on a full merger. percent in January from a year earlier while producer prices fell 1.6 percent, official data showed. event in the UAE capital, declined A partial consolidation might be to comment on progress in the much easier. talks or say whether a merger “You can easily merge the back was likely. offices of Dubai and Abu Dhabi But he said that if a merger stock markets,” Jeffrey Singer, did not happen, consolidating chief executive of the DIFC Iran plans carbon emissions trading market the exchanges’ back offices, which Authority, which oversees Dubai’s handle record-keeping and other financial centre, told reporters at DUBAI: Iran plans to set up the world’s first carbon emis- efficiency at IFCO, a subsidi- of permits in the system that administrative tasks, would be a the event. “When international a carbon trading market to sions trading scheme in 2005 in ary of the National Iranian Oil encourages some companies to good alternative. investors look at the pool, they’ll reduce industrial emissions of the hope that forcing industry to Company, was quoted as saying invest in cleaner and more effi- Other bourses in the Gulf see more companies, more scale climate-warming gas, an official buy permits to emit carbon would yesterday. cient energy technology. Cooperation Council could unify and liquidity here.” from Iran’s Fuel Conservation spur them to reduce pollution. Under the planned scheme, Middle East oil producers like their back offices with the UAE’s Singer was formerly chief Organisation (IFCO) told oil The EU’s success has been lim- some industrial facilities will be Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United combined system later, the CEO executive of NASDAQ Dubai, the ministry news service Shana. ited because too many emissions allocated credits to emit a limited Arab Emirates still rely heavily added. smaller of Dubai’s two stock mar- Iran has some of the world’s allowances were issued, driving amount of carbon and will have to on oil export income and heavily “It is a good step forward and kets, which has already consoli- largest gas reserves and is major down the price of permits to levels buy permits on the carbon market subsidise oil and gas supplies. very important for the stock dated back office operations with crude oil exporter. that give little incentive to cut. to cover any further emissions, But there is a growing sense markets. At ADX we will con- the DFM. But rapidly rising domestic A short but growing list of Sharif said. around the Gulf that solar energy, sider that point,” Baloushi said, The ADX expects this year demand has created a gas sup- other countries — including China Sharif gave no further details in particular, could help dampen citing the example of Cairo and to introduce market makers, ply and vehicle pollution crisis in and India — are developing their and did not specify which indus- rapid fuel demand growth at Alexandria as well as European dealers which maintain trading some cities. own emissions trading schemes trial facilities would be included home that threatens long term exchanges. liquidity by undertaking to buy Although Iran has some large and now Iran is planning its own. in the scheme. oil export revenues. Baloushi said the ADX was ini- or sell at specified prices at all hydro-power plants, heavy sub- “Reducing energy consump- Carbon markets are supposed There is also growing accept- tiating the idea of combining back times, Baloushi said, adding that sidisation of fossil fuels means tion and capping carbon emission to encourage companies to reduce ance that excessive carbon emis- offices and was recommending the exchange was working closely there is little incentive for pri- are two sides of the coin. When their emissions of climate-warm- sions from unrestrained fossil it to all stake holders, including with the UAE regulator to estab- vate investments in wind or solar energy consumption declines, ing gas by creating a visible cost fuel burning contribute to global investors, listed companies and lish a legal framework for this. power projects. carbon emission will also fall,” for polluters. For such schemes warming. brokerages. REUTERS The European Union set up Mehdi Sharif, director of energy to work there must be a shortage REUTERS Cold weather disrupts US factory output, to hurt growth

WASHINGTON: US manufac- turing output unexpectedly fell in January, recording its biggest drop in more than 4-1/2 years, as cold weather disrupted pro- duction in the latest indication the economy got off to a weak start this year. Though consumer sentiment was steady in early February, there are worries the harsh weather, which has persisted in many parts of the country, could dampen the morale of households when it starts to stretch budgets through high bills for heating. “The big question is whether the US economy is slowing sig- nificantly or whether it is merely going through a soft patch caused by extreme weather. The evidence points to the latter,” said Chris United Auto Workers President Bob King (left) and Secretary-Treasurer Williamson, chief economist at Dennis Williams at the Chattanooga Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Markit in London. Centre in Tennessee. Factory production fell 0.8 percent last month, the Federal Reserve said. It was the first drop since July and the biggest VW works council for since May 2009, when the econ- omy was still locked in recession. Output had increased 0.3 percent in December. The Fed attributed labour representation the first decline in factory out- put since July to “severe weather HAMBURG: Volkswagen’s representation at the plant. that curtailed production in some works council said it would Opposition to UAW involve- regions of the country.” press on with efforts to set up ment stemmed from concerns Manufacturing joined weak labour representation at its among many workers that a retail sales and employment data Chattanooga, Tennessee plant, union would strain cordial rela- in suggesting that cold weather after workers there voted tions with the company, which had spurred a step-back in eco- against any such step involving pays well by local and US auto nomic growth early in the first the United Auto Workers union industry standards. quarter. Growth is also slowing (UAW). Some experts contend that VW after a strong performance in the Employees at the plant, in needs a labour union in the United second half of 2013. The flow of a region traditionally hostile States to help set up a works weak data come as the US central to organised labour, on Friday council in Chattanooga, where it bank reduces its monetary stimu- opted to reject representation builds the mid-sized Passat Sedan. lus. But given the distortions from by the union, whose membership “We were able to garner sup- the weather, economists believe has plummeted 75 percent since port from highly specialised US the Fed will continue to taper its 1979 and now stands at just under labour law experts and we will monthly bond purchases at its 400,000. start consulting with them in the policy meetings this year. “The outcome of the vote, how- next two weeks to define further Investors on Wall Street ever, does not change our goal steps,” Kilian said. shrugged of the manufacturing of setting up a works council in He added that he would travel report, sending US stocks higher. Chattanooga,” Gunnar Kilian, to the United States with Frank Prices for US Treasury debt fell secretary general of VW’s works Patta, secretary general of and the dollar was trading mar- council said in a statement yes- Volkswagen’s global works coun- ginally lower against a basket of terday, adding workers contin- cil, to hold talks. currencies. REUTERS ued to back the idea of labour REUTERS MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

Foreign banks bracing for Smaller planes in demand tough US capital rules BY DOUWE MIEDEMA as Asia travel booms VERSEAS banks look set to win only minor concessions when the Federal Reserve signs off on new capital rules BY MARTIN ABBUGAO sold almost 80 percent of its planes to that are underutilised and so many towns Onext week, as they become increasingly resigned to the fact Western countries in the past. that are underdeveloped in terms of the that the cost of doing business in the United States will go up. MALLER passenger planes are Four-month-old Indian carrier Air flying experience,” Patee said. The Fed, whose board of governors meets on Tuesday, will increasingly in demand in Asia Costa sprang the biggest surprise at the Poutissou of Bombardier said his com- require overseas banks to hold as much capital in the United as budget carriers cash in on the event when it ordered 50 E-Jets E2 planes pany is also aiming at a slightly larger air- States as their local rivals. region’s growing middle classes from Brazilian manufacturer Embraer craft class with its C Series of planes that The reform is designed to address concerns that US taxpayers by expanding their reach to less worth $2.94bn, with purchase rights for can seat up to 150 passengers, competing will need to foot the bill if European and Asian regulators treat Sprominent cities, industry executives say. 50 more. directly with popular single-aisle planes US subsidiaries with low priority if they need to rescue one of So-called “regional” jets — short to Air Costa wants to connect cities in made by Boeing and Airbus. their banks. medium-haul aircraft that generally seat southern India such as Bangalore, Chennai, The Airbus A320 and Boeing B737 — Foreign banks with sizeable operations on Wall Street such as under 100 passengers — were among the Hyderabad and Vijayawada, as well as key currently favoured by Asia’s major budget Deutsche Bank and Barclays have pushed back hard against the best-sellers at the Singapore Airshow which secondary cities in the country’s north and carriers — can seat between 126 and 200 plan because it means they will need to transfer costly capital ended at the weekend. northwest. passengers. from Europe. Jimmy Lau, managing director of show “Our philosophy is that we believe that Poutissou said regional jets and single- Fed Governor Daniel Tarullo, in charge of financial regulation, organiser Experia Events, said demand for 70 percent of the population, of the huge aisle planes can complement each other, and has given little sign the Fed will relent, however, and the financial smaller aircraft will rise as Asia’s burgeon- 1.2 billion population in India, still reside in he expects airlines to have a combination industry expects no wholesale change from when the proposed ing middle class sustains the growth in air these non-metros,” Air Costa chief financial of both. rule came out in December 2012. travel that began in metropolitan areas. officer Vivek Choudhary said. Boeing and Airbus are watching their “(He) certainly does not suggest that they’re moving toward “The people who will be likely mak- Bangkok Airways, which describes itself smaller challengers. greater leniency, at least for the largest institutions,” said Greg ing good inroads are the Embraers and as a “boutique” airline that serves popu- “They are moving up into that part of the Lyons, a partner working on banking regulation at law firm the Bombardiers who will be selling their lar tourist destinations in the country as market (single aisle) in order to compete Debevoise & Plimpton in New York. smaller regional jets to countries like well as the Maldives, Laos and Cambodia, directly with us,” said Randy Tinseth, vice The Fed declined to comment. Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia,” Lau told ordered six 72-600 planes from European president for marketing at Boeing. Europe and the United States have squabbled over how to reporters as the Airshow ended with deals plane maker ATR for $150m. Tinseth said Boeing and Airbus must apply their rules to overseas banking units, and the Fed’s plan, as totalling a record $32bn. Thai budget carrier Nok Air ordered two assume that one of the smaller aircraft well as its tougher reading of globally agreed capital rules, have Embraer, the Brazilian plane maker, fore- Q4 100 aircraft — which can seat 70-80 manufacturers, including some from China, widened the rift. casts that Asia-Pacific carriers will take passengers — from Bombardier to help it will become successful. The Fed proposal requires the largest overseas banks to set up delivery of 1,500 new jets in the 70- to 130- expand into smaller cities in Thailand and “It’s not a question of whether they will an intermediate holding company in the United States that will seat segment over the next 20 years, with a neighbouring countries, and may buy six be successful, but when,” he said. be subject to the same capital, leverage and other requirements total value of $70bn. This would represent more. John Leahy, Airbus chief operating officer, as US bank holding companies. nearly 20 percent of global demand. Nok Air chief executive Patee Sarasin said he was not “overly concerned” about This would give banks less flexibility to move money around Canada’s Bombardier expects the region said the airline’s strategy is to use 33-seater the upcoming competition. than under the current rules, which allow banks to use capital to get one-third of the 12,800 aircraft in planes to penetrate small towns and stim- But he added: “If you ask: Will Airbus legally allocated in their home country. In some cases, the U.S. the 20 to 150-seat segment it forecasts to ulate air travel, and then to increase fre- and Boeing be under threat in the next 10 rules are tougher than elsewhere. be delivered worldwide in the next two quency or use bigger aircraft as demand years? The answer is no. And 20 years? The One of the changes the Fed’s five-member board may make decades. rises. answer is probably yes.” when it votes on the final rule is to lower the number of banks Philippe Poutissou said that Bombardier “There are so many airports in Thailand AFP that need to comply with the strictest requirements, several people working in the industry said. “We believe ... that they ... carved it back to those foreign banks that have $50bn in assets here in the US,” said one industry source. So far, the cutoff was for US units with $10bn in assets, and the tweak would mean only the largest 18 foreign banks would fall under the final rule, a sharp drop from the 26 under the proposal, U.S. industrial output, capacity utilization this source said. The United States used to rely on foreign supervisors to watch Industrial production unexpectedly fell by 0.3 percent in January. overseas banks, allowing them to hold less capital than their domestic counterparts, on the assumption that the parent com- pany was sufficiently capitalized. INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT OUTPUT BY SECTOR But that policy ended after the Fed extended hundreds of bil- lions of dollars in emergency loans to overseas banks during the Month-on-month pct change Month-on-month pct change 2 financial crisis, which sparked fears foreign banks were not suf- ficiently capitalized in the United States. Utilities Deutsche could face a hefty capital shortfall because of the plans, bank analysts have said, though Germany’s largest bank 1 has said it is sufficiently capitalized under “all scenarios” after a capital increase last year. High tech Morgan Stanley in a recent research note said that funding 0 costs would go up for foreign banks, with Deutsche most heavily affected, and that it would also be forced to reduce its business -0.3% Ex. autos and see revenues and profits drop. -1 Now that the changes seem to have become inevitable, bank- 2012 '13 '14 ers are pushing for more time, because setting up a new legal structure is not an easy task. CAPACITY UTILIZATION Materials “Technically, (setting up) an intermediate holding company is intensely difficult,” said one senior banker, asking not to be identi- Percent fied by name or affiliation. 79 Europe has warned of tit-for-tat action, with European Manufacturing Union financial services commissioner Michel Barnier saying 78.5% in October the bloc would draw up similar measures if the Fed 78 pushed ahead with its plans. But Washington, worried that Autos/parts Europe’s plans to shield taxpayers from having to bail out a bank when the next crisis happens aren’t as far advanced as 77 those in America, has taken an uncompromising stance on such issues. Total And even some bankers see benefits in the new rule, given the 76 often-acrimonious past problems when different countries had 2012 '13 '14 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 to save a bank with operations across borders. “It simplifies the US part of the bank structure,” said a second Source: U.S. Federal Reserve senior investment banker, citing the example of the troubled S. Culp, 14/02/2014 rescue of Franco-Belgian bank Dexia. REUTERS US stock investors face Fed view, tech charts

BY RODRIGO CAMPOS rates seems stale now. The jobless a recent soft patch of economic data, that we have a return to Yo rk . neutralised and are now back to rate is just a notch higher at 6.6 data. what the underlying strength of He added, however, that “you overbought.” ITH economic percent. The Fed announced in the economy looks like, and then could make the argument that In the search for more cata- data being The Fed doesn’t expect to December that it would begin that might be overstated.” there were a lot of people ready lysts to influence the stock mar- shovelled aside start raising rates until at least to shrink the amount it spends to sell near the 50-day moving ket’s direction next week, traders like snow and late next year. So Wall Street monthly on asset purchases in its PULL OUT YOUR CHARTS average a few days ago, and the will have a few earnings to latch earnings season will focus intently on the Fed’s stimulus program to support the In the coming week, techni- market just blew past it.” on to, with Coca-Cola Co and Wwinding down, US stock investors manoeuvring over how to adjust economy. The beginning of the cal analysis could fill the vacuum The market’s momentum is Wal-Mart Stores, Inc as the could zero in next week on the this guidance, which is supportive end of the stimulus shifted mar- left by the uncertainty about how on the upside, coming off the headliners. Fed’s view of the economy and of higher equity prices. ket focus to fundamentals and economic numbers reflect the best two-week performance of Coca-Cola, the world’s larg- technical analysis charts as the “We want to see any discus- economic data. underlying strength of the U.S. the year. Unless stocks trade est soft drink company, will S&P 500 nears its record high. sion on the language moving away Traditionally market-moving economy. relatively flat for the week, sup- report fourth-quarter earnings Minutes of the Federal from the thresholds,” said Quincy numbers next week include US The S&P 500 traded on Tuesday port or resistance will have to on Tuesday before the US stock Reserve’s most recent meeting of Krosby, market strategist at housing starts on Wednesday and above its 50-day moving average give. market opens. its policy-setting committee will Prudential Financial in Newark, existing home sales on Friday, as for the first time since January 24. For the week, the Dow Jones Wal-Mart is expected to be published on Wednesday, the New Jersey. “It’s clear the thresh- well as producer and consumer That level, now near 1,811, served industrial average and S&P 500 post fourth-quarter results on second trading day of a holiday- olds are boxing them in.” price inflation on Wednesday and as support on a first test shortly each rose 2.3 percent, and the Thursday, and more importantly, shortened week in the United “The market wants to hear Thursday, respectively. after the open on Thursday. Nasdaq Composite climbed 2.9 the world’s largest retailer will States. The US stock market will they are flexible regarding data However if the recent pat- That curve is again trending percent. By Friday’s close, the give its 2014 earnings forecast. be closed todday for Presidents that perhaps continues to sof- tern continues, any weakness in higher. Next week, the S&P 500’s three major US stock indexes had With 398 S&P 500 companies Day. ten,” she said. “Any sense of what the numbers will be disregarded, trading range could tighten as it scored their biggest weekly per- having reported results so far, Investor interest in the January it would take for them to pause blamed on excessive cold weather, approaches the 1,850 area, near centage gains of 2014 - and their 66.3 percent have beaten earnings 28-29 meeting’s minutes will the tapering will be important.” and the market will move on. the intraday and closing record first back-to-back weekly gains expectations, above the histori- probably focus on discussions Fed Chair Janet Yellen said in “The market is getting used highs set in mid-January. this year. cal average of 63 percent. More surrounding the Fed’s forward her first congressional testimony to the bad weather, factoring it “The 1,850 area is very impor- “Positive momentum came than 64 percent have topped rev- guidance. The US central bank’s earlier this week that “unseason- in,” said John Canally, invest- tant. It’s safe to say there will be back into the picture, and peo- enue forecasts, above the long- threshold that the US unemploy- ably cold temperatures ... may be ment strategist and economist a good amount of sell interest up ple who missed the upturn put term average of 61 percent, both ment rate must hit 6.5 percent affecting economic activity in the for LPL Financial in Boston. there,” said Frank Cappelleri, some money to work,” Cappelleri according to Thomson Reuters before Fed policymakers will job market and elsewhere,” giv- “But the story is, it might get to equity sales trader and market said. “Indicators that were data. consider an increase in interest ing traders a reason to dismiss April, when we get the March technician at Instinet in New depressed have turned around, REUTERS MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 11,546.23 0.27 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 16,591.15 0.27 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,324.28 0.98 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,872.34 0.30 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,808.56 0.18 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5318.696 -1.122 -0.02 5383.4 5072.7 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 6,555.12 0.89 % QR151.8271 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 4281.9 -23.6 -0.55 4351.21 4080.6 QE All Share Industrials 3,745.1 0.68 % SILVER UK ...... QR 6.0244 QR 6.1083 QE All Share Insurance 2,733.2 0.03 % Dj Indu Average 15963.94 -30.83 -0.19 16588.3 13784 Euro ...... QR 4.9362 QR 5.0051 QE All Share Real Estate 2,029.29 2.15 % QR 2.3790 CA$ ...... QR 3.2812 QR 3.3458 QE All Share Telecoms 1,592.44 0.24 % Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Transportation 1,999.84 0.25 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 4.0515 QR 4.1079 Hang Seng Inde/D 22165.53 -120.26 -0.54 23469.33 21197.78 Yen ...... QR 0.0354 QR 0.0361 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.2335 QR 3.2980 Today Previous day Iseq Overall/D 4856.7 -62.46 -1.27 4919.98 4522.4 CRUDE OIL 16-02-2014 13-02-2014 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0578 QR 0.0590 Index 11,546.23 11,515.50 Karachi 100 In/D 26541.26 -136.01 -0.51 27213.21 25273.11 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0344 QR 0.0351 Change 30.73 62.53 BRENT Nikkei 225 Index 14534.74 -265.32 -1.79 16164.01 13995.86 Peso ...... QR 0.0803 QR 0.0819 % 0.27 0.55 $ 108.25 SL Re ...... QR 0.0276 QR 0.0282 YTD% 11.24 10.94 S&P 500 Index/D 1819.26 -0.49 -0.03 1850.84 1485.01 Taka ...... QR 0.0464 QR 0.0475 Volume 19,584,806 19,991,909 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0363 QR 0.0370 Value (QAR) 778,578,354.34 761,831,902.29 Straits Times/D 3039.9 4.45 0.15 3187.8 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3235 QR 0.3327 Trades 6,729 6,891 Straits Times/D 2971.47 22.7 0.77 3035.78 2657.77 $ 104.71 Up 25 | Down 11 | Unchanged 02

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 16-02-2014

Precious metals lead broad commodity strength this week

N A broad basis, com- the precious metals took the next than risks to demand from spotty weather developments and from modities were strong three spots. Weekly Commodity Update and inconsistent US data. The the positioning risk. The bigger this week, particularly Gold blasted higher this week, irony here could be that weather mover here from the weather has

Oin the precious met- rallying well above 1300 dollars/ is both boosting energy prices been KC Hard Winter Wheat, als sector, where gold and silver ounce by Friday morning, and BY OLE HANSEN and weakening the economic where the March contract is made very pronounced gains and thus moving just above its 200- (Head of Commodity data, which would normally act trading at a 77 cent premium to challenged key technical levels. day moving average (currently Strategy, Saxo Bank) as a headwind on prices. Products CBOT wheat, a rather elevated Contributing to the broad com- around 1303) for the first time in were generally higher on further level historically, though the win- modity strength, which saw all almost exactly a year. Weak US draws on inventories. The WTI/ ter and spring of 2011 saw this sectors higher on the week, was data has contributed to the mar- remain squarely in focus on yet thrall. Inventories are at their Brent spread shrank to its lowest spread move to well over a dollar, a weak US dollar that traded ket beginning to place bets that another wave of extreme winter lowest level for this time of the level by later in the week, at just and the weather related damage lower in the wake of the Fed’s the Fed may have to abandon the weather blasting the northeast- year in 10 years for key areas of below 8.50 dollars/bbl., since last to the winter crop could see this Yellen’s first major appearance taper at some point, encouraging ern and eastern portion of the the country and with yet another October on the North American spread continuing to widen. in semi-annual testimony before rising asset prices and hurting country, which is the most heav- large draw last week of -237 BCF weather focus. US Crude stocks Arabica coffee has consolidated Congress. A big retail sales miss the US dollar. Surging physical ily populated. The front March before another round of cold have come off their lows and in a rather tight range this week also weighed on USD sentiment demand in China has been there Natural Gas contract pushed back extremes hit this week. Traders remain at the upper end of their after last week’s moonshot that and boosted risky and precious all along as a backdrop as well. above the 5.00 dollar level in very will need to tread carefully as five-year range, though distillates was driven by fears that unsea- assets on the possible implica- Significantly, silver finally volatile trading. Meanwhile, daily the risk of a combination of low and propane are extremely low sonably warm dry weather in tions for Fed policy. Meanwhile, abandoned the flat and incred- closes in the back months have inventories and an unusually on exceptional demand driven by Brazil may have inflicted some menacing winter weather saw ibly persistent 19-20.50 range by remained capped by the techni- long winter could stretch prices cold weather. damage to the crop there as well spot natural gas ripping higher Friday morning as it poked its cally significant 4.65 area, which and spreads in wild swings. The The front CBOT wheat con- as the whiplash in speculative on the week. head just short of 21 dollars/ounce is a 100 percent extension of the timing of the switch to building tracts rallied strongly on fears positioning. Technically, the chart In the individual breakdown by Friday morning, and thus the previous rally from the November inventories from drawing on them that the coldest US winter in showed an orderly consolidation below, we can see NY natural gas highest level since mid-November. lows. The March to April roll is will be critical. recent memory may be inflicting this week which one might argue taking the top spot on another It is just short of its 200-day mov- a seasonally critical one as the WTI Crude was about flat for further damage on winter wheat is a flag formation that could lead round of extreme weather condi- ing average near 21 dollars/ounce timing of the US winter’s end is the week but is still trading at very crops. 2013 ended with short to another push higher in the tions in the most populated areas and a further technical level lies at stake. These two months could high levels just under 100 dollars a speculative positions in CBOT week or two ahead if the front of the US while inventory levels at 21.50. This is a key break until continue to swing wildly as they barrel and thus close to the highs wheat near historic extremes – months can find buyers above 145 remain perilously low. Otherwise, proven otherwise. have recently as weather fore- of the range since October as cold so there is room for a further cents/lb. as shown in the sector breakdown, Energy markets in the US casters hold the market in their weather remains a focus rather squeeze in wheat depending on THE PENINSULA MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Lavillenie beats Bubka’s indoor world record DONETSK: Olympic cham- pion Renaud Lavillenie of France established a pole vault indoor world record by clear- ing 6.16 metres at a meeting in Donetsk on Saturday. “World Record ! 6.16 at my first attempt ! That’s incredible, I’m still in the air,” Lavillenie wrote on his official Twitter feed after the French Athletics Federation had flagged up the new record. The previous mark of 6.15 was set by Sergei Bubka at the same event in Ukraine in 1993. “It’s completely unbelievable,” Lavillenie, who took his head in his hands when he realised he LEFT: France’s Renaud Lavillenie clears the bar to break Sergei Bubka’s 21-year-old indoor pole vault world record on Saturday night in Donetsk, at the same Donetsk meeting where the had done it, later told French Ukrainian great set the old mark in 1993. Olympic champion Lavillenie, seen signing autographs (centre), vaulted 6.16 metres at his first attempt to improve the record by one centimetre news channel BFM TV. and to make the moment sweeter, Bubka was present to witness it and was among the first to congratulate him (right). “I will need time to get back down on Earth. It was a mythical help athletes perform. Athletics win an outdoor world title, col- heard ding, ding, ding, ding (for 1,000 meters, did not threaten great Nurmi. “He achieved so record. I knew I had the potential are my life. I’m pleased for him lecting one silver and two bronze the bell lap) and I said ‘I gotta go, any records after a slow early much,” said Lagat. “To even be to do try it. But beat it so early, and for athletics,” added Bubka, medals. I’ve got a lot left.’” pace, but saw the race as another mentioned in the same line as that’s something else.” who is the vice-president of the Meanwhile In New York, US Lalang, of Kenya and the step in her development. Paavo Nurmi, to me that is the “I did not know what was hap- International Association of champion Will Leer put on a University of Arizona, held the “One thing that I struggle with greatest honour.” pening to me. The sound was Athletics Federations. brilliant closing kick to overtake lead until the last straightaway a lot is competing, being in a pack, Another world leader for this crazy. These are huge emotions. The 27-year-old Lavillenie had Lawi Lalang and Nick Willis and and finished second in 3:52.88 to running with a lot of bodies,” said season was set in the 1,000 meters I am in a new dimension.” made the world record his pri- win the featured Wanamaker set a US collegiate record. Cain, a local favorite who grew up by Frenchman Pierre-Ambroise Six-time outdoor world cham- ority of the season and started Mile in a season leading time of Two-time Olympian Willis in nearby Bronxville, New York. Bosse, who won with a time of pion and 1988 Olympic gold using longer poles last year. three minutes, 52.47 seconds at of New Zealand tried to pass “I’m 17, still not really kind of 2:17.63. medallist Bubka still holds the He has kept improving his the Millrose Games. Lalang on the inside going down used to it. So the goal today was American Wallace Spearmon outdoor world record of 6.14. best indoor in the past weeks Leer, who also won the 3,000 the stretch but was boxed in by to compete and race smart. was a no-show in the 300 metres Bubka, who on Saturday morn- and became the second highest meters at last year’s US indoor the Kenyan and finished third in “That’s what I did and I’m after having travel problems on ing had hoped Lavillenie would man in history two weeks ago in championships, was way back in 3:53.02. really happy.” another snowy weekend in New beat his record in his hometown Bygdoszcz, Poland, with a 6.08 the pack before making his move, “Will (Leer) ran a fantastic Also beaming was Bernard York, but the husband and wife of Donetsk if it had to happen metres effort. charging to third place and then race,” said the gracious Willis. “I Lagat, winner of the Wanamaker Eatons made it to Washington one day, stood up and clapped On Saturday, he went on the finishing with a stirring sprint to just got beaten by a much better mile a record eight times, who Heights and set personal bests. his hands along with the cheering brink of a disappointment after win the famed mile race. runner on the day.” won the rarely run 2,000 meters Olympic decathlon champion crowd after his mark was erased two failures at 6.01 metres, only “I kind of just lost track of the Missing from the race was in an event named in honor of and world record holder Ashton off the books. to eventually succeed and beat laps, you couldn’t hear a split,” world silver medalist Matthew Finnish great Paavo Nurmi, who Eaton cleared an indoor personal “That’s fantastic. It’s history the record on his first chance. the bearded Leer said after vic- Centrowitz, who withdrew due set a world record at the distance best 5.35 meters in the pole vault and I’m very happy that Renaud Lavillenie, who won the Olympic tory in the 107th Millrose Games to an upper respiratory problem. at The Armory in 1925. in finishing fourth. does it here, in Donetsk, my title at the London Games and his in front of a noisy crowd of about Rising teenage runner Mary Lagat, who set US records at World heptathlon silver med- town,” said Bubka, who came first indoor world title the same 5,000 at The Armory. Cain won the women’s mile in 5,000 meters and two-miles at allist Brianne Theisen Eaton on the track to congratulate the year, has an outdoor best of 6.02 “It was so loud in here, every- 4:27.73. the previous two Millrose Games, finished fifth in the women’s 60 Frenchman. metres. body was going nuts. I was mov- Cain, who recently broke her clocked a time of 4:54.74, and said metres hurdles in 8.17 seconds for “I’m happy because my job is to Lavillenie has so far failed to ing up and then all of a sudden I world junior indoor record for his victory was an homage to the her best time. AGENCIES

Northern Trust Baseball: Open Scores Tanaka Hot start lifts McGirt LOS ANGELES: Leading third-round scores on Saturday in the US PGA Tour’s $6.7m struggles Northern Trust Open (USA unless noted. Par-71): 201 William McGirt 69-67-65 with running 203 George McNeill 69-68-66, Charlie to Trust Open lead Beljan 67-68-68 at spring 204 Jason Allred 73-64-67, Brian Harman 67-69-68 All I can do is go out and play the best I can: McGirt 205 Bubba Watson 70-71-64, Cameron training Tringale 68-70-67, Jimmy Walker 67- 71-67, Jordan Spieth 72-66-67, Charl WASHINGTON: New York LOS ANGELES: William Brian Gay Schwartzel (RSA) 69-68-68, Dustin Yankees’ $155mn pitcher McGirt’s red-hot start at Riviera Johnson 66-70-68, Bae Sang-Moon Masahiro Tanaka showed that hits a bunker yesterday saw the American (KOR) 67-66-72 running is not his strong suit shot on the seize the lead in the Northern 206 Bill Haas 72-67-67, Charley Hoffman as the Major League Baseball 13th hole in Trust Open, where he’ll vie for 67-71-68, Brendan Steele 68-71-67, team opened spring training in the second his first US PGA Tour title on Aaron Baddeley (AUS) 69-65-72 Florida yesterday. round of the Sunday. 207 Luke Guthrie 71-69-67, John Senden The star Japanese rookie strug- Northern The 34-year-old birdied the (AUS) 71-70-66, Lee Westwood gled to complete four laps of the Trust Open first three holes and five of his (GBR) 69-70-68, Bryce Molder 69- practice field, not much more first six, finishing with eight bird- at the 69-69, Matt Every 69-69-69, Jim than a mile, at Tampa, Florida. ies in his six-under par 65 for a Riviera Furyk 68-68-71, Robert Garrigus 67- “Just the running part, that 12-under par total of 201. Country 67-73 was really hard for me today,” McGirt had a two-stroke lead Tanaka told reporters through Club in 208 Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 70-69- over George McNeill and Charlie an interpreter. “I actually didn’t Pacific 69, KJ Choi (KOR) 69-72-67, Harris Beljan in the $6.7m event. know that I was going to run this Palisades, English 70-69-69, James Hahn 71- McNeill posted a third-round much. And I’m a little bit of a slow California. 72-65, Blake Adams 67-70-71 66 and Beljan, who lost to John runner, so that part I really can’t Merrick in a play-off here last help.” year, posted a 68 for 203. Allred -- a Monday qualifier who winner Dustin Johnson and early Otherwise it was a solid start “Hit a lot of good shots and followed up a second-round 64 season sensation Jimmy Walker, McGirt ready to Super Webb for Tanaka, who was mobbed by starting out, the hole looked like with a 67 to stay in the hunt at who last Sunday notched his Japanese media. a washtub,” said McGirt, adding 204. third win in eight starts at Pebble make most of wins 5th He threw 32 pitches to catcher that he’d just try to maintain his The lesser-known names on Beach. Francisco Cervelli and partici- momentum today. the upper reaches of the lead- Watson had seven birdies with- his chances Aussie Open pated in a variety of spring train- “It’s just 18 more holes and erboard had a bevy of big names out a bogey in his seven-under ing exercises, according to MLB. whatever is going to happen is well within striking distance in a 64. Schwartzel posted a second LOS ANGELES: William MELBOURNE: Karrie Webb com. “As a player, I feel very hon- going to happen,” he said. “All I group of seven players on eight- straight 68 and Walker and Spieth McGirt has seen more than won the Women’s Australian ored to get this much attention,” can do is go out and play the best under 205. both signed for 67s. First-round his share of odd bounces on the Open for the fifth time yester- Tanaka said. “Some fans were I can.” They included former Masters leader Johnson carded a 68, and mini-tours, one-day tourna- day, shooting a 4-under 68 in the cheering today and I was very It was a further stroke back to champions Bubba Watson and Cameron Tringale carded a 67 to ments and charity events that final round to beat Chella Choi happy to receive those cheers. Brian Harman, whose 68 included Charl Schwartzel, rising US star join the group at eight-under. make up life for golf’s less-elite by one stroke. “But at the same time, I under- an eagle at the first, and Jason Jordan Spieth, eight-time US tour Overnight leader Bae Sang- professionals. Webb birdied the 18th hole stand that I haven’t given out any Moon of South Korea got there So taking a two-stroke lead to take the outright lead, then results on the field yet. So my with a one-over 72. into the final round of the $6.7m watched as Choi, who shot a focus is to train and go out there Although Bae opened with a US PGA Northern Trust Open, course-record 62 on Saturday to and try to get those results.” birdie, he struggled to build any which hands out a top prize of take a share of the third-round The Yankees won the race to momentum. A third birdie of the $1.2m, is something to savor. lead, pushed a 10-foot putt wide of lure Tanaka, 25, to the major Karrie Webb day at the par-five 17th got him “For guys that came through the hole at 18 to miss the chance leagues, signing him for $155m holds the back to even for his round, but he the mini-tours, I think we tend for a playoff. over seven years. He is coming closed with a bogey. to appreciate things a lot more,” Webb, who clinched her 40th off a triumphant season in Japan, trophy after Watson, seeking his first win McGirt said yesterday after post- LPGA title, finished at 12-under where he helped the Rakuten winning the since his 2012 Masters triumph, ing a third-round 65 at Riviera 276 overall. She previously won Eagles clinch the national cham- Australian said cutting down on mistakes Country Club for a two-stroke the Australian Open in 2000, pionship, finishing the year with Women’s golf was the key to low round. lead over George McNeill and 2002, 2007 and 2008. a flawless 24-0 record and a 1.27 Open played “Made some silly mistakes, Charlie Beljan. “I got off to a great start and earned run average. at the Victoria three double (bogeys) the first “We could be playing for less I just did a great job mentally Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs Golf club in two days,” he said. “Today was just than our own entry fee every today,” Webb said in a report have signed infielder-outfielder Melbourne, steady ... today just made a few week. posted yesterday. Emilio Bonifacio to a minor league Australia, putts, got some balls to bounce “So everything that’s out here, “I can’t think of another time deal, ESPNChicago.com reported yesterday. The my way on the greens and here nothing’s taken for granted.” when I held myself together as yesterday. 39-year-old we are.” McGirt, 34, knows what it’s like well as that.” Bonifacio, 28, batted .243 with won the event McGirt had moved two strokes to drive all day for a chance to try The win marked a remark- three home runs, 31 RBIs and 28 for the fifth ahead with birdies at 10 and 11, to qualify for a tournament, fail, able change of fortune for the stolen bases in 136 games com- time. and he rolled in a 10-footer at the and drive home overnight to make No. 8-ranked Australian, who bined between the Toronto Blue 13th to briefly stretch his lead to another tee time. was disqualified from last week’s Jays and Kansas City Royals last three. McGirt’s last significant win Australian Ladies Masters after year. The switch-hitting utility “I’ll take 65 any day, especially was in 2007 on the eGolf Tour, a signing an incorrect scorecard. player has a .262 batting average around this place,” said McGirt. third-tier circuit based in North She had been the defending cham- in seven major league seasons. REUTERS Carolina. REUTERS pion at the event. AGENCIES AGENCIES MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Double delight for Al Attiyah QMMF driver notches up second silver category win at Dubai Autodrome

DOHA: The unstoppable win- championship to be decided in The Dubai round was always of the series — Round 6, Race 2 ning form of Qatar’s Nasser Al Bahrain, the final round will be going to be one of the most excit- — with 25 points available for Attiyah has continued with his very special. I am going to enjoy ing of the season, but no one could first place in Race 1 and 25 points second silver category win in every second of it.” have predicted just how close the available in Race 2. The second Race 2 of Round 5 of Porsche Ahead of Al Attiyah, who weekend would become. The impli- place in each race will bring 23 GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East finished ninth overall, Zaid cations in the drivers’ standings points, the third place 21 points at the Dubai Autodrome. Ashkanani led from pole to the have been huge, with the series and the fourth 19 points. The Team QMMF (Qatar chequered flag. Ashkanani, the now set to go down to the very In the team standings, Al Motor & Motorcycling revelation of the 2013/2014 sea- last race in Bahrain next month. Nabooda Racing stays on top, Federation) driver collected his son, looked safe in front despite After taking maximum points but has lost ground to the Saudi fourth silver category trophy in being pushed all the way by Fahad in Race 2, Zaid Ashkanani has Falcons, who have cut the gap four outings, maintaining a 100 Algosaibi of Saudi Arabia. The leapfrogged Clemens Schmid into from 49 points to 22. Third placed percent record of reaching the young Kuwaiti had an excellent first in the drivers’ championship Skydive Dubai Falcons have also podium in all Porsche races. This start on the clean side of the and opened up a three-point gap reduced the distance between latest back to back success in the track, which helped him on his over his Al Nabooda rival with them and the second placed team Round 5 race weekend in Dubai way to victory and the top of the 199 overall points. Schmid’s lack from 16 to 10 points. was even more impressive con- drivers’ standings. of points from the weekend has The Dubai weekend results sidering the Qatari rally hero The drama behind was mainly also allowed two-time former have set up the most grand of had never even seen the demand- restricted to the opening laps, champion Abdulaziz Al Faisal to finales, with the region’s most ing Grand Prix circuit at the with Saudi Falcons’ Abdulaziz Al draw level on 196. professional racing series set to Autodrome until this week. Faisal jumping up a position from With one round to go, the come to a thrilling climax at the Showing increased confidence fourth to third, while Salman bin thrilling Dubai weekend results Bahrain International Circuit for and comfort each time he’s Rashid Al Khalifa dropped down mean the championship title can- Round 6 on March 7 and 8. stepped into the new Porsche to finish sixth. Producing one of not be decided until the final race THE PENINSULA GT3, Al Attiyah has been thrilled the drives of the weekend was with the opportunity to take his Skydive Dubai Falcons’ Sheikh motoring career onto the track Hasher Al Maktoum, who was with Team QMMF and the most pushed on by cheers from his professional race series in the home crowd. Starting ninth on region. the grid the Emirati driver had Speaking after another impres- shot up to fourth by lap 3 and sive drive, he said: “This weekend proceeded to pile the pressure on has been a fantastic experience, Al Faisal, who was forced into giv- and getting onto the podium twice ing up his spot, eventually finish- has been brilliant, considering ing where he had started, in the it was the first time I raced in fourth position. Dubai. I am still learning in the Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah on the podium after his silver category win in Al Maktoum’s teammate Saeed new car and the tracks, which Al Mehairi also made the best Race 2 of Round 5 of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East at Dubai are very technical, and hopefully of a few errors by others, mak- Autodrome. I can improve my results further ing his way past Al Khalifa and in Bahrain. In the second race, I Christina Nielsen to finish fifth. moved up three positions in the the first time. This is all a learn- “The pressure is very intense Al Nabooda’s Karim Al Azhari race and had Faisal Binladen in ing curve for me and preparation on the track, with each driver was unable to hold on to his fifth my sights and got quite close to for next season, and every time I fighting for points, which makes place qualification and ended the Al Attiyah in action during Race 2 of Round 5 of Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge him a couple of times. But I’m go onto the track I learn some- it a very competitive series, but race seventh, just ahead of Faisal Middle East at Dubai Autodrome. happy to finish in the top ten for thing new. that is why we all race. With the Binladen of the Saudi Falcons.

QAFAC to Abu Dhabi Racing coming sponsor Qatar International to Qatar with six cars Sailing 2014 ABU DHABI: After his par- of this competition,” he added. distinguished Emirati talent that DOHA: A s p a r t o f i t s C o r p o r a t e ticipation in Rally Sweden’s Rally Qatar starts with a new passes the trials of “Abu Dhabi Social Responsibility (CSR) second round of World Rally Super Special Stage that stretches Young Drivers Selection”, which activities, Qatar Fuel Additives Championship, Sheikh Khalid 2.27Km on Doha Corniche, after helps them hone their skills to the Company Limited (QAFAC) Al Qassimi, along with co- which all participating rally cars point where they become capa- has signed an agreement to driver Chris Patterson, is head- steer clear to the “Parc Femre”. ble of pursuing their journey. sponsor Qatar International ing to Doha to compete in Qatar The Rally consists of 12 stages The programme is not exclusive Sailing 2014, which will take International Rally, the first — three stages recurring twice to recurring drivers and runs in place from February 18 to 22. round of FIA Middle East Rally daily. The first day’s stages are: cycles to allow other young drivers Commenting on the signifi- Championship, on board their Umm Wishah (21.93km), Al to nurture their talent and per- cance of the event, Nasser Jeham Abu Dhabi Citroën Total DS3 Shabhana (19.47km), and Al form this great sport correctly”. Al Kuwari, General Manager of RRC (Regional Rally Car). Kharsaah (25.62km). The sec- When asked about what he QAFAC, said, “It is our privilege This year’s rally, to be held ond day’s stages are: Mkaines expects from ADR young drivers to be a part of this competition. between February 20 and 22, (20.90km), Salwa (15.33km), and at Qatar International Rally, Al Supporting local sports activities will witness the participation of QMMF (27.87km). Qassimi commented: “This is a is one of the most important com- three new Emirati drivers who Abu Dhabi Rally, headed by great learning curve for our young ponents of our CSR programme, qualified for the 2WD class after Sheikh Khalid bin Faisal Al drivers and a great opportunity Contributing to Qatar National Ali Al Suwaidi handing over the sponsorship cheque on behalf of QAFAC successfully finishing their trials Qassimi, has launched the “Abu for them to learn and benefit from Vision 2030, which emphasises General Manager Nasser Jeham Al Kuwari. under “Abu Dhabi Young Drivers Dhabi Racing — Citroen Middle the expertise of their co-drivers. sports activities in our lives. We Selection”: Saeed Bintouq, Juma East Trophy”, which aims at “It is a chance for them to constantly aim to sponsor a wide Al Falasi, and Mansoor Yahya encouraging and motivating a carefully listen to instructions range of tournaments to help countries, including Qatar, Italy, racing managers and referees led Bel Helei, along with Mohamed new generation of Abu Dhabi rally and notes and successfully trans- increase awareness about main- Portugal, Switzerland, Turkey, by Carlo Tosi Joalaano, chairman Al Mutawaa, and Mohammed Al drivers. late them during the rally stages. taining a healthy lifestyle. Russia, the Gulf states and of the organising committee of Sahlawi — graduates of the first Commenting on the participa- Seizing this big opportunity to Qatar International Sailing Egypt. the races, and Luigi Bertini, head batch. The initiative aims at build- tion of five Emirati rookie driv- improve their skills is much more 2014, which is very popular, is the The opening ceremony will be of the referees. ing a new generation of Emirati ers in Qatar International Rally important to me than achieving 22nd edition of the oldest sailing held tomorrow at Doha Sailing A boat will be available at 9am rally drivers by working on har- – 2WD class, Al Qassimi said: record speeds, and requires a great tournament in the Gulf region. Club. There will be 11 sessions for fans who wish to encourage nessing their talent and potential “Our programme creates oppor- level of discipline, especially in the This year’s event will have 204 of the race, which will be offici- the contestants. to achieve their best. tunities for new drivers to pursue early stages of the race, where the participants from more than 20 ated by a number of international THE PENINSULA Al Qassimi said: “My objective, their ambition in the challenging risk of aggressiveness could easily as in every participation, is to world of rallies, but we leave them translate to misfortune”. compete for the top positions in the liberty of choosing their pas- He added: “There is no call for Qatar International Rally and all sion in the world of motor sports”. demonstrating their abilities or rounds of FIA Middle East Rally He added: “It is noteworthy speed, and I will be extremely Championship”. that we at Abu Dhabi Racing happy when they all make it to the QSF to launch new league this year “Qatar International Rally is work on building a new generation finish line, and this in itself is a considered one of the tough ral- of drivers by providing opportuni- great accomplishment for all of us, DOHA: Qatar Squash juniors and also players falling in players competing against each lies due to the rough nature and ties for them to participate in the and will serve as a testimony for Federation (QSF), with an eye the under-12, and under-15 cat- other will be from the same age terrain of its stages. The com- Middle East Rally Championship, their capacity to learn and develop on grooming new talent, has egories will be competing in the group category,” added the QSF petition is really high, and I will and often times in a few World their skills while under pressure”. embarked on a plan to launch a tournament. official. work hard to be at the heart Rally Championship rounds, for THE PENINSULA new league this year, officials of “We have made sure that THE PENINSULA QSF announced here. Seven clubs will play in the league, which starts on February 19 and will end on May 14. Al Sadd, Al Ahli, Umm Salal, Qatar SC, Lekhwiya, El Jaish and Al Arabi are the seven clubs that will compete in the league. “The league will be played on a home and away basis, with all the matches played at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. It will serve as a big boost for local talent as it will give them increased opportuni- ties and test their skills against different players throughout the tournament,” said the technical secretary of QSF. File photo of Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi (pictured on right) of Abu Dhabi Rally “We have 35 players who will Qatar National team players from various categories with officials of Qatar in action during Dubai Rally 2013. be competing in the tournament. Squash Federation in this file picture. Players from the seniors category, MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Serena aims to Steady Berdych credits serve for Rotterdam win ROTTERDAM: Tomas Berdych credited his steady serve for helping him end a dispel anxieties 16-month title drought with a 6-4, 6-2 defeat of Marin Cilic in the Rotterdam World Tennis yesterday. 32-year-old heads the field at Dubai Open The Czech Republic third seed could not contain his satisfaction after finally lifting a title. DUBAI: Serena Williams’ hard matches on hard courts after title, and might have a semi-final “It feels so amazing, it’s been so bid to extend her phenomenal an absence are quite another. with Petra Kvitova, the former long, To win the title here is a real career into her 33rd year will Serena will be seeking reassurance Wimbledon champion against bonus. I’m extremely happy with take a tentative but crucial step about her fitness, and, almost as whom she recovered from 1-4 how I handled things throughout forward when she unexpectedly vital, match practice. down in the final set to regain the the week.” lines up at the head of the field Had she not accepted this world number one ranking after a The ATP number seven handed for the Dubai Open, which starts last-minute wild card and been two-year interval last year. Croatia’s unseeded Cilic his first today. prepared to travel to the Middle Venus, who held a match loss after nine straight wins which Tennis’ iconic female had East she would have had gone two point against Kvitova this week took him to the Zagreb title a planned to give the popular and months without competition. in nearby Doha and articulated week ago. lucrative tournament a miss until She withdrew from this week’s an enduring ambition to win big It was the ninth career title for a back injury at last month’s Qatar Open because of the bad matches, also starts against a the new champion, off to his best Australian Open altered the shape back, declined on principle to play Russian, Elena Vesnina. season start with a 12-2 record. of her year. She needs to prove at Indian Wells, and was sched- Her reward for winning would Berdych had not lifted an ATP that it won’t alter the shape of her uled to appear next at Miami in be a meeting with Angelique trophy since Stockholm, October, career either. mid-March. Kerber, the sixth seeded German, 2012. He suffered through 2013 Serena has already confounded All that follows two months of or Ana Ivanovic, the former world as the only player in the top 10 countless predictions by recover- the off-season. Without Dubai, number one from Serbia who beat not to win a title, losing finals in ing from a hematoma and a life- Serena would have played only her in the Auckland final last Marseille, Dubai and Bangkok. threatening pulmonary embolism, eight matches in four and a half month. “I’ve been serving well all week, and improbably regaining the months. Good as she is, that would The immediate future for both it was the strongest part of my world number one ranking a year have been risky if she aims to win sisters is uncertain. The medium game. My mental strength also ago. But injuries at this age, espe- big titles. term for Serena includes a desire saved me. This shows me that cially back injuries, can be a cause The 32-year-old American for one more Grand Slam title, my tennis is not based on just for anxiety. has never won the title at Dubai her 18th, which would put her one factor. I had a good all-round She is, however, making a and has not appeared there since level with the totals of Martina performance.” decent job of trying to dispel that. 2009, where she lost to elder sister Navratilova and Chris Evert, and The victory in 75 minutes She twittered a message this week Venus Williams in the semi-finals. four behind Steffi Graf’s profes- lifted Berdych to 5-2 over the precisely designed to show how Venus has also taken a wild card sional era record. 37th-ranked Cilic, a former top vigorous she feels she is. into Dubai. And in the long term Serena ten player who served a ban last “Hit today with @pmouratoglou Serena is seeded for a final with has already hinted that she wants year over a technical anti-doping not sure if he will want to hit with Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland, to play at the 2016 Olympics in Rio infraction. me again cauz I’m Crazy intense which would be a repeat of the and therefore to be around for at Berdych is the first Czech to on practice court,” it read, making 2012 Wimbledon final. least another three years. Next win the Rotterdam honours since Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic holds up his trophy after winning the a jokey reference to her French She could start against week may offer hints into how his Davis Cup teammate Radek final of the ABN AMRO tennis tournament against Marin Cilic of Croatia in coach, Patrick Mouratoglou. Ekaterina Makarova, the Russian likely that still is. Stepanek eight years ago. Rotterdam yesterday. But practice is one thing and who recently won the Pattaya AFP AFP

Al Shaqab International Equestrian Competition starts on March 10 DOHA: Qatar will host the sec- ond Chi Al Shaqab international equestrian competition between March 10 and 15, 2014 in Doha. At a press conference, Fahad Saad Al Qahtani, Executive Director of Al Shaqab, spoke of the importance of bringing a world- class event to Qatar. “The inaugural Chi Al Shaqab was a spectacular success, and this year will be even better. Al Shaqab supports Qatar Foundation’s vision Fahad Saad Al Qahtani, Executive Director of Al Shaqab, Omar Al Mannai, Al to promote the country’s herit- Shaqab Competition Manager, Fahad Al Hajri, Media Manager, and Bart Cahir, age by showcasing its equestrian President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar, at a press conference excellence,” Al Qahtani said. yesterday. International Handball Federation President Dr Hassan Mustafa at one of the venues being prepared for the 24th Omar Al Mannai, Al Shaqab Men’s Handball World Championship, which will be held next year. Competition Manager, said this year’s tournament will see around Bart Cahir, President and in the Middle East and Asia. 170 riders and 200 horses from 30 General Manager of ExxonMobil The Al Shaqab equestrian countries compete for a total of Qatar, confirmed that his company center was founded in 1992 by IHF chief visits Qatar 2015 venues €1,460,000 in prize money. was again proud to be the main the Father Emir, H H Sheikh Besides jumping, dressage and sponsor of Chi Al Shaqab. Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, to DOHA: International Handball Complex. He was accompanied efforts being made to ensure endurance, the competition will Chi Al Shaqab is also sponsored promote and enrich his nation’s Federation (IHF) President by Ahmad Al Shaabi, president that the sport venues and facili- feature vaulting for the first time. by Qatar Airways and organised traditional association with the Dr Hassan Mustafa yesterday of Qatar Handball Association ties are ready on the scheduled Fahad Al Hajri, Media Manager, under the patronage of Sheikh Arabian horse. It is a member paid a visit to the sports facili- (QHA) and vice president of date, while underlining that pointed out that Al Shaqab was Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar Foundation and serves ties that are being prepared the organising committee of achievements and efforts being working with the world’s media to and H E Sheikha Mayassa bint as the Gulf’s premier venue for for hosting the 24th Men’s Qatar 2015, as well as QHA sec- made under the chairmanship of achieve the highest standards in Hamad Al Thani. equestrian education, breeding Handball World Championship, retary general and director of H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad broadcast production in the his- The 2013 tournament was the and events. which will be held in Qatar in sport operations of Qatar 2015, Al Thani, president of the Qatar tory of equestrian sports. first Chi event ever to take place THE PENINSULA 2015. Mohamed Jaber Al Mulla. 2015 organising committee, to The IHF president visited Al Al Shaabi said the inspection have everything ready before the Sadd and Lusail Sports Halls and visit was successful and that the launch of the championship. the Qatar Handball Association IHF president was informed of QNA Qatar Golf Lovers

Table Tennis: Qatar Open from tomorrow

Prize winners in the Golf tournament organised by Qatar Golf Lovers over the weekend at Doha Golf Club with Qatar Table Tennis Federation President Khalil Ahmed Al Mohannadi, who is also an International Table Tennis QGL officials. CS Chandrasekaran and Doug Thomson emerged victorious in flight A and flight B, respectively. Federation (ITTF) senior vice-president, during a press conference in Doha yesterday. Qatar Open, one of the Sixty golfers participated in the event, played on a stroke play format. Leyon Williams won the ‘longest putt’, six ITTF Super Series events, will be held from February 18 to 23 at the Qatar Women Sport Committee Hall. John Anthony the ‘closest to pin’, Gavin Daley the ‘longest drive’, and CK Krishnan the ‘closest to rope’ prizes. More than 200 players from 35 countries will feature in the event, which has a total prize money of $500,000. Mike Saretsky, Richard Msweli, Jim Keith, Sohail Nawaz, Waneta MacNeil and PK Mathew won special prizes. MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Disgraced McCullum drops anchor to Ryder misses out on NZ’s stall India’s victory push World T20 New Zealand captain smashes 9th career century in bid to save Test selection WELLINGTON: Jesse Ryder’s WELLINGTON: New Zealand latest off-field indiscretion has captain Brendon McCullum LEFT: India’s Ishant predictably cost him a place in stubbornly provided a glimmer Sharma lies on the New Zealand’s squad for the of hope for his side on the third ground after missing World Twenty20 tournament in day of the second Test against a catch off his own Bangladesh next month. India as he battled to his ninth bowling during New Ryder, 29, was dropped from Test century to thwart the visi- Zealand’s second New Zealand’s squad for the sec- tors’ push for a series-levelling innings on day three ond test against India at the Basin victory today. of the second Test Reserve after being involved in a McCullum, troubled with what late-night drinking session on the cricket match at the appeared to be injuries to his left eve of the first Test in Auckland. Basin Reserve in shoulder and right elbow, blasted That indiscretion also counted the only six of his innings over Wellington yesterday. against his inclusion in the World long on off Ishant Sharma to Twenty20 squad, national selec- bring up the milestone about 45 tion manager Bruce Edgar told ABOVE: New minutes before the end of play. reporters at the Basin Reserve The 32-year-old McCullum Zealand’s Brendon yesterday. was 114 not out at stumps having McCullum celebrates “It certainly created a gap for shared in an unbroken 158-run his 100 against India us,” Edgar said, naming the side partnership with wicketkeeper while India captain for the tournament that starts on BJ Watling (52) that guided the M S Dhoni (left) talks March 16. hosts to 252 for five and stalled to Murali Vijay (not “Mike (Hesson) and I certainly India’s drive for victory at the seen) on day three of weren’t happy with his prepara- Basin Reserve. the second and final tion and therefore we have had to “It was hard work out there,” Test between the two exclude him. McCullum told Radio Sport. sides. “Character is really important “I thought they bowled bril- and if we feel ... it does not stack liantly and at five for 90 (odd), up we will not select a player.” things weren’t looking so good. Edgar said Ryder’s future “Thankfully BJ and I put selection, particularly for New together a partnership which was RIGHT: India’s Zealand’s tour of West Indies in undefeated at the end of the day,” Ishant Sharma May, would depend on the player he said. bowls to New himself. Corey Anderson was the only Zealand’s “It’s really up to Jesse to work wicket to fall during the final two Brendon through the process with New sessions, having joined McCullum McCullum Zealand Cricket, the players’ at the resumption of play follow- (not seen) in association and Otago Cricket,” ing the lunch break after New he added. Wellington Zealand had slumped to 87 for “Until that time I can’t really yesterday. four in the final over of the morn- answer that. ing session. “It’s up to Jesse.” Anderson had tried to work Top order batsman Kane Ravindra Jadeja into the leg-side Williamson, who has not played only to get a leading edge and it an international Twenty20 match ballooned back to the left-arm six hours while Watling was even five down. We have got a lot more Williamson (seven) and Hamish New Zealand won the first game since 2012, has been named in the spinner. more obdurate with his 52 com- ground to cover tomorrow.” Rutherford (35) to reduce the at Eden Park by 40 runs and team and would be considered Anderson’s dismissal reduced ing from 208 deliveries. He had New Zealand had resumed hosts to 52 for three inside the McCullum said he felt while the one of the candidates to open the the hosts to 94 for five and in been at the crease for more than the day on 24 for one, a deficit first hour. visitors were still in the ascend- innings instead of Ryder, Edgar danger of not seeing out a sun- four hours. of 222 runs, and slumped fur- Debutant Tom Latham was ancy the match could still turn said. drenched day, before Watling “It’s what the team required ther into the mire when Zaheer then dismissed by Mohammed the home side’s way. Left-arm pace bowler Trent and McCullum dropped anchors and as captain that’s what you try Khan grabbed two early wickets Shami in the final over before “Being five down was key for Boult, who missed several lim- and took their side through two and achieve,” McCullum added. to put India firmly in charge of lunch for 29, having avoided the us,” he said. “If we had been six ited overs matches against India sessions to ensure they would be “You’re not always going to do the match. dreaded pair in his first Test when or seven down I think the Test and West Indies, was named in back for a fourth day. it, but you have to try and work The 35-year-old left-armer he punched Zaheer through point was over. the squad while there were recalls The normally free-flowing your game to the situation. had the ball move slightly away for two runs. “It was a big couple of hours at for left-arm spinner Roneel Hira McCullum faced 237 balls and “I was just pleased to get off the seam to catch the thin- India must win the match to the end of the day there.” and all-rounder Anton Devcich. had been batting for just under through to the end of the day with nest of outside edges of both Kane level the two-Test series after REUTERS “Trent is a high quality player. We tried to get him into the ODIs Scoreboard but he had a quad strain and we weren’t able to expose him for the New Zealand (I innings): ...... 192 series against India,” Edgar told Johnson says hunger, attitude reporters. India (I innings): ...... 438 New Zealand (II innings): “We now feel confident that we P Fulton lbw Khan ...... 1 can get him into the side and give H Rutherford c Dhoni b Khan ...... 35 him that opportunity.” K Williamson c Dhoni b Khan ...... 7 Young fast bowlers Adam Milne key to bowling success in Tests and Matt Henry were unavailable T Latham c Dhoni b Shami ...... 29 B McCullum (batting) ...... 114 due to injury. New Zealand squad: CENTURION: Australian fast think our attitude at the moment C Anderson c&b Jadeja ...... 2 Brendon bowler Mitchell Johnson pro- is outstanding. We’re finding B J Watling (batting) ...... 52 McCullum (captain), Corey duced career-best match figures ways to get back into the game Australia’s Anderson, Trent Boult, Anton Mitchell Extras (B-2, LB-6, NB-4) ...... 12 as he sent South Africa crash- and ways to run with momentum Total (for 5 wkts) ...... 252 Devcich, Martin Guptill, Roneel Johnson ing to a humiliating 281-run when we have it.” Fall of wickets: 1-1 2-27 3-52 4-87 5-94. Hira, Mitchell McClenaghan, celebrates defeat on the fourth day of the But Clarke said the Australians Bowling: I Sharma 23-3-63-0 (nb-4); Khan Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, first Test at SuperSport Park on expected South Africa to fight as he takes 25-8-60-3; Shami 25-4-72-1; Jadeja 26-6- Colin Munro, James Neesham, Saturday - then said he is look- back. the wicket 49-1. Luke Ronchi, Tim Southee, Ross ing to improve. “We’re playing the number one of South Taylor, Kane Williamson. AFP Johnson followed up his seven team in the world and the only Africa’s for 68 in the first innings with five way to beat them is to be at your Alviro for 59 as South Africa were bun- best all day, every day. We started Petersen No scar but need to curb dled out for 200. well but we know we’ve got a lot (not seen) As he did in the first innings, of work to do,” he said. during the Johnson, says captain Smith Johnson took a wicket in his It was a match dominated fourth day first over and dismissed both almost entirely by Australia, who of their first PRETORIA: South Africa will turn their attention to finding a way South African opening batsmen thoroughly outplayed the team cricket Test to negate the formidable threat posed by fiery Australian Mitchell cheaply to set the hosts on a slide currently ranked number one in Johnson, captain Graeme Smith said following his team’s compre- match in from which they were unable to Test cricket. hensive 281-run defeat in the first Test on Saturday. Pretoria in recover. “We were outplayed from the “There is no doubt Mitchell Johnson was the difference in this game “I said to (captain) Michael word go,” said South African cap- this February and we have to find way to curb him and put him under pressure in (Clarke) after the first innings tain Graeme Smith. “It was one of 15, 2014, the next two Tests,” said Smith as South Africa licked their wounds that there was definitely room the most disappointing four days file photo. after losing the first of the three-Test series. for improvement,” said Man-of- we have had in my time.” Looking on Johnson’s 12-wicket haul came as a result of some vicious deliver- the-match Johnson. Smith said South Africa had a is South ies, one of which cut Ryan McLaren behind the ear and the other hit “You are always trying to good opportunity to take control Africa’s Hashim Amla full in the face. The left-arm paceman bowled consist- improve as a player, trying to get when they had Australia 98 for Graeme ently around the 150km mark and scythed through the home team’s better, and that’s what I’ll still four after sending them in. Smith. batting to produce career best figures. be trying to do throughout this But he admitted that he had “I believe the wicket played a big part,” said Smith, confirming the series. made the wrong decision at the assertion of the Australian captain Michael Clarke that the surface “Playing away from home, toss, condemning his team to bat- at SuperSport Park was “nasty”. that’s where you test yourself as ting as conditions deteriorated on difficult for South Africa to come over but then fell to a superb The wicket for the second Test at Port Elizabeth, which starts on a player. We’re up against the a dry, cracked surface. back in the two remaining Test catch by Alex Doolan when Smith Thursday, is expected to be docile in comparison. number one side so that’s good “I have never seen this wicket matches. clipped the ball firmly to short leg. Smith dismissed media assertions his side had been mentally scarred motivation for us to keep getting play like this before,” he said. South Africa have not been Faf du Plessis was the third by aggression of the Australian paceman, whose formidable form con- better.” Johnson’s match figures of beaten in a series since Australia man out, with the total on 49, tinued after being man of the series when they won the Ashes last Clarke said Australia’s per- 12 for 127 bettered his previous beat them, also in South Africa, falling victim to a ball which shot month after a 5-0 whitewash of England. formance over the four days match best of 11 for 159 against in 2008/09. through low from Peter Siddle “I doubt there is much mental scarring, we have lost a game of matched the cricket they played South Africa in Perth in 2008/09. As he did in the first innings, and trapped him in front of his cricket and were beaten comprehensively,” he said. “It’s important that in beating England 5-0 in the AB de Villiers, who made 91 in Johnson took a wicket in his stumps. we move away from that, there are still two big Test matches left in recent Ashes series. the first innings, again provided first over, having Alviro Petersen Hashim Amla made a solid 35 this series and we need to make sure that we perform really well in “Our batters deserve a lot of the only significant resistance caught behind for one. It was before he was caught at first slip the next one, that’s our focus. credit for the runs they got on to the Johnson-inspired bowling Johnson’s 250th Test wicket in off Ryan Harris. Johnson com- “I think our bowlers have got good time on their legs and hopefully quite a nasty wicket and our exe- attack, hitting 48 before driving his 57th Test match. pleted the third 10-wicket haul we will have a higher intensity going into the next game. From a batting cution with the ball was a lot bet- Johnson to short cover where Graeme Smith, who was of his Test career when Doolan perspective, I think we have some good things to talk about, if we can ter in the second innings,” he said. Steve Smith held a stinging catch. Johnson’s first over victim in the made another outstanding catch post some good totals which we have done in the last period of time “Two things we have spoken Given the performance of first innings, hit a four off a thick at short leg, again off the full face we will have the ability to put Australia under pressure,” Smith added. about is attitude and hunger. I Johnson in particular, it will be outside edge in Johnson’s second of the bat. REUTERS REUTERS MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Mourinho a ‘boring bully’, City victory not about says former Arsenal keeper Wilson revenge, says Pellegrini LONDON: Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is “disrespect- ful” and a “bully” for describing Arsene Wenger “a specialist in ‘I really don’t think we had tactical problems against Chelsea’ failure”, former Arsenal goal- keeper Bob Wilson said yesterday. MANCHESTER: Manuel the Barcelona tie and a League Mourinho was hitting back at Pellegrini, the Manchester City Cup Final date with Sunderland the Arsenal manager’s claims that manager, did not believe he pending. the Portuguese coach was playing had a point to prove over Jose Pellegrini, however, refused down Chelsea’s title credentials Mourinho despite knocking him to assess his team’s chances of Manchester because of a “fear to fail”. and Chelsea out of the FA Cup in capturing an unprecedented City manager “I think at it’s best it’s disre- a 2-0 fifth-round victory at the quadruple. Manuel spectful, at it’s worst despicable,” Etihad Stadium on Saturday. “We never talk about that,” he Pellegrini (right) Wilson told BBC Radio 5 Live. “I City’s Chilean manager had said. “I always say we try to fight and Chelsea find him boring in the extreme.” come under close scrutiny and in all competitions as far as we manager Jose Mourinho, who is in his second had his tactical acumen ques- can but it is one step more in one Mourinho (left) spell in charge of Chelsea having tioned after losing to Chelsea at competition. react during in rejoined the club in June, has home in the league two weeks “For me, the most important their FA Cup, wound up a number of Premier ago, the second time this season thing is we beat a great team but 5th round, League managers this season, he had lost to Mourinho and the I also had a lot of questions the match at the including West Ham’s Sam seventh defeat in nine career other day when we lost against Allardyce and Manuel Pellegriniof Etihad Stadium meetings between the pair. Chelsea about are we going to Manchester City. in Manchester, With City facing Barcelona in change the way of playing because “I think it’s personal,” con- the Champions League knock-out we lost 1-0? Britain, on tinued Wilson, who made 308 phase in Manchester tomorrow, “I repeat, this team will not Saturday. appearances for Arsenal. Pellegrini and City maintain an change the way it plays and today Manchester “To say West Ham play 19th interest in all four competitions was a very important test to keep City won 2-0. century football, to give Manuel but the Chilean insisted progress our style of play, always.” Pellegrini the abuse he has. This in the FA Cup did not provide him Opposite number Mourinho is a weekend when we honour a with any sense of revenge over saw his team turn in a sub-par gent - Tom Finney - I don’t like Mourinho. display and took off ineffective bullies.” “It’s easy for me to talk about striker Samuel Eto’o at the inter- Mourinho and Wenger have tactics when you win,” said val although the Chelsea manager endured a fractious relationship Pellegrini. “But it is not revenge. was in no mood to point blame at since the Portuguese coach called I really don’t think we had any individuals. Wenger a “voyeur” in 2005 after tactical problems against Chelsea “There are things I cannot say,” Rooney ‘deal not final’ the Frenchman repeatedly spoke the other day. said Mourinho. “There are things about Chelsea in the media. “We knew exactly the way I can think and keep to myself; it’s LONDON: Reports that the England striker languishing in seventh place in the Premier League. Wilson would like to see the end Chelsea play, they knew how up to you. “I don’t want to indi- Wayne Rooney has signed a record-breaking new Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s Switzerland mid- of the verbal sniping between the we play, but players always vidualise, speak about my striker contract with Manchester United are premature, fielder Xherdan Shaqiri will miss next week’s two and believes that Mourinho make the difference during the or my keeper or my left-back, club sources said yesterday. Champions League, last 16 match at Arsenal with should model his behaviour on match. Today was not a tactical whatever. We are a team, we win The Sun on Sunday newspaper reported that a thigh injury he picked up in the Bundesliga on former Liverpool manager Bill masterclass. as a team, we lose as a team.” Rooney had signed a new four-and-a-half year deal Saturday, the German champions said. Shankly. “We have two important games, Mourinho, whose own to stay at Old Trafford, worth £70m ($117m) which Shaqiri scored twice for runaway league leaders “He (Mourinho) is a hugely today and Tuesday, and so we Champions League date with would make him the best-paid player in the Premier Bayern in a 4-0 win at home to Freiburg but had talented, amazing manager but a mixed different players. Now we Galatasary is still over a week League. to come off just past the hour mark because of the self-publicist and it’s mainly inac- start thinking about Barcelona away, refuted the argument that “There is no deal, which is why we haven’t injury. curate,” Wilson said. but today was very important to exiting the FA Cup may help his announced it,” a United spokesman said. “A post-match medical showed the player rup- “I like people who have within have the performance we did in all side in that competition or in Negotiations are believed to be ongoing. tured a muscle in the back of his right thigh (and) them some humility as well,” he senses - defending, in possession, keeping their place at the top of The 28-year-old Rooney has been the subject of will now definitely miss the Champions League round added. attacking - I don’t think Chelsea the Premier League table. transfer speculation since the end of last season and of 16 first leg away to Arsenal on Wednesday and “Bill Shankly was, in his day, had a single chance to shoot at “I keep saying the same; we go Chelsea admitted an interest in signing him, but the following Sunday’s Bundesliga trip to Hanover,” like Jose Mourinho. He took every goal.” game by game, we are what we were told he was not for sale Bayern said on their website (www.fcbayern.de). opportunity to psyche you out. He City, FA Cup finalists in two of are. We try to win the next game, The retention of Rooney would be a major boost The injury is a blow for Bayern coach Pep would get at you, but in a lovely, the last three seasons, are now in it doesn’t matter the competi- for United manager David Moyes who has endured Guardiola who is already without France winger sort of competitive way.” the last eight of the FA Cup with tion,” he added. REUTERS a difficult first season in charge with the champions Franck Ribery. AGENCIES REUTERS Crowd violence Players mars Leon’s win at from Qatar’s Messi, Neymar on target El Jaish Monterrey celebrate after scoring MEXICO CITY: Mexican a goal against champions Leon beat Monterrey Al Qadsia of 2-0 away to end a run of four as Barca hit Rayo for six Kuwait during league matches without winning their AFC but their victory was marred by MADRID: Barcelona warmed Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas. Valencia or second-half against Championship crowd violence from fan group up for their highly anticipated Messi got his second of the Sevilla were as good as today. called The Addiction. Champions League clash with evening midway through the sec- “Obviously the most difficult League match Fans fought a running battle Manchester City in midweek ond-half to overtake Real Madrid thing is sustaining that for 90 at Suheim with riot police on the terraces in with a 6-0 thrashing of Rayo legend Alfredo di Stefano as the minutes and if we can continue Bin Hamad the final 10 minutes of Saturday’s Vallecano to remain on top of La third-highest scorer of all-time in that like we did today, it would be Stadium in match at the Tecnologico in the Liga on goal difference. La Liga on 228 goals. almost perfection.” Doha on northern city of Monterrey noted Atletico Madrid remain level And Neymar rounded off a Martino had handed a rest Saturday for its drugs-related violence. on points with the Catalans as perfect evening for the hosts on to Xavi Hernandez, Javier night. El Jaish Fans who tried to jump on to they too were 3-0 winners over his return from a sprained ankle Mascherano and Jordi Alba with won 3-0 to the pitch were caught by police, Valladolid on Saturday. when he blasted home the sixth the City clash in mind, whilst ensure there handcuffed and left lying at the Adriano got Barcelona off to a from long-range two minutes Neymar was named on the bench will be a full foot of the terraces until order flying start when he curled home from time. after a month out. Adriano was complement was restored, according to pic- the opener inside two minutes. “Today was probably the best one of those handed a start by of four clubs tures posted on the Record sports Lionel Messi doubled Barca’s (game of the season) because we the changes and he took just 90 from Qatar website (www.record.com.mx). lead before half-time with had intensity, we pressed well, our seconds to make his mark with a in the Group Monterrey were a man short a delightful lob over Ruben passing was good and we knew fine strike from 25 yards. Stages of for more than an hour after their Martinez. when and when not to play out Messi and Pedro were then the AFC former Olympique Lyon and The Argentine then teed up from the back,” said Barca boss unfortunate to both strike the Champions Argentina striker Cesar Delgado Alexis Sanchez to make it three Gerardo Martino. “Results always woodwork as Barca laid seige was sent off in the 27th minute. before Pedro rounded off a won- change the opinion of the game, upon the Rayo goal in the early League. REUTERS derful team move involving but for me the first half against stages. REUTERS

Basketball: Aspire Logistics introduces half-court contests FIM Seminar held at Losail Circuit

DOHA: Aspire Logistics’ premier street basketball tournament DOHA: The International FIM and CCR Seminar returns to Doha on Saturday, as defending champions, ‘The Heat’ was held yesterday at Losail International Circuit return with hopes of claiming the trophy once again. with an aim to get the Stewards and the Clerk of This year’s Doha Jam will see 16 amateur teams go head-to-head Course international licences that will be valid for in the ultimate three-on-three tournament at the outdoor basketball three years. courts in Aspire Park, between 3pm and 7pm. Over the last two days, discussions were held Rashid Al Abdullah is taking part in Doha Jam for this first time about rules and regulations in all categories includ- with his team ‘Al Shaqb’. ing the World Championships and the World Cup, “Our youngest player is 39. We have been playing basketball together safety on the circuit and legal aspects of the sport. for a long time. We have a lot of fond memories competing as a team, The attendees in the seminar were Isa Al Awadhi and we are hoping to relive some of these and win Doha Jam,” Abdullah from Bahrain Motorcycle Club, Osama Mubarak said. 0‘The Heat’ team member, Ziyad Omar said: “I love basketball Al Buflasa from Bahrain Motor Federation, Basil and regularly take part in competitions, and with this actually being Zarour, Omar Zarour and Khaled Zakaria from our third year competing in the Doha Jam tournament, we’re hoping Royal Motorcycle Club of Jordan, Ali Dagher to win first place again this year.” and Joe Chamy from Lebanese Motorcycles Club, Residents are encouraged to come down to Aspire Zone to join in and Hamad Al Saif from Kuwait International the fun and cheer on their favourite teams from the dedicated specta- Automobile Club. Marielou Cruz, Rashid Al Sulaiti, tor’s tribune. Iain Black and Clive Jacobsen represented Qatar A new addition to this year’s competition is the half-court contest Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF). in which five randomly selected audience members will be invited to The seminar was conducted by Franck Vayssie, make a free-throw shot from the half-court mark, before the start of the FIM World Superbike Safety Officer and the Franck Vayssie, the FIM World Superbike Safety Officer and the FIM Superbike Circuit Inspector, the final match. If the individual makes the shot, they will be awarded. FIM Superbike Circuit Inspector. during an FIM lecture at Losail International Circuit. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA Monday 17 February 2014 17 Rabial II 1435 Volume 18 Number 5978 Sport Price: QR2

Lavillenie Cup victory not breaks Bubka’s about revenge, world record says Pellegrini

Sport | 23 Sport | 27

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 B erdych Halep crushes Kerber to ends title drought with Rotterdam corner Qatar Open glory victory ROTTERDAM: Czech The 22-year-old Romanian bags her 7th career title in fine style Tomas Berdych claimed his first ATP singles title in over a year with a comprehensive DOHA: Simona Halep con- 6-4, 6-2 victory over Croatia’s firmed her status as the WTA’s Marin Cilic at the ABN Amro tour’s rising star yesterday as Simona Halep of Romania World Tennis Tournament in she collected the biggest prize holds up her trophy after Rotterdam yesterday. of her career with an impressive defeating Angelique Kerber The world number seven, 6-2, 6-3 victory over Angelique of Germany in their singles whose last title came in October Kerber in the Qatar Open final. final match at the Qatar 2012 and who lost three finals The 22-year-old seventh seed Open at the Khalifa Tennis last season, eased to victory in Romanian - who was winning her Complex in Doha yesterday. 75 minutes. third WTA title - eased to vic- Berdych held serve in a Halep won 6-2, 6-3. tory over the 26-year-old sixth 10-minute long game in the seeded German, to add her to first set, saving three break other impressive conquests this points, before breaking his week the second and fourth seeds, opponent in the next game and Agnieszka Radwanska and Sara significantly improving his first Errani. serve percentages in the second Once again the pace of Halep’s set. hitting, and her daring play, Berdych, who lost just one placed a more experienced and set all week, dominated Latvia’s more highly rated opponent Ernests Gulbis in the semi- under such continuous pressure finals and ensured there was that she forced uncharacteristic no repeat of 2013 where he was errors. Only briefly did she fal- the only top 10 male player not ter, at the start of the second set to win a trophy. when she went 1-2 down, but she For world number 37 Cilic, quickly regained the momentum. who knocked out Britain’s At the end the tenacious and usu- Andy Murray in the quarter- ally consistent Kerber concluded finals of the tournament, the the one-sided contest with a dou- defeat meant he missed the ble fault. chance of wining consecutive “I never believed I could win tournaments after success in the tournament when I came Zagreb last week. REUTERS here,” said Halep, who reached the world’s top 10 for the first time only last month. “I had been competing indoors, but mentally I am very strong and I got the feel of the balls and the court here very well. I have to enjoy this now as the best moment of my life.” She could hardly have made a better start. She broke Kerber’s serve at once, bulleting ground strokes with the same rifling Simona Halep speed and accuracy as in her con- LEFT: Simona quest of Radwanska on Saturday, Factbox Halep of and bouncing around the court as Residence: Constanta, Romania Romania (right) though she owned it. Date of Birth: 27 Sep 1991 and Angelique Halep consolidated with a com- Birthplace: Constanta, Romania fortable hold of serve, advancing Kerber of Height: 5’ 6” (1.68 m) to 3-1. She even summoned the Germany outrageous good fortune to coun- Weight: 132 lbs. (60 kg) pose with ter a Kerber net cord with a net Plays: Right-handed (two- their trophies cord of her own, opening up the handed backhand) after their court for another of her many % Coached by Adrian Marcu singles final. winners. * Aggressive baseliner whose RIGHT: Halep When Halep broke again and favourite shot is serve; likes all celebrates the held again for 5-1 the match surfaces * Speaks Romanian, Qatar Open title appeared to be heading for a rout. English * Enjoys music, movies win. But Kerber knew that getting the and handball * Favourite food is first good strike into the rally was pasta * Tennis idols are Justine more than usually important Henin and Roger Federer. against an opponent in such hot form and started to take more risks to do it. It helped her get into it more. Kerber held serve with a struggle but then, with a Hsieh, Shuai win doubles crown in Doha break-back point for 3-5, unac- countably failed to put a ball away DOHA: Hsieh Su-Wei and Peng Their 10 WTA doubles titles from right on top of the net. Shuai capped a dream week, not include one in 2008 (Bali), three in Halep duly closed out the set just winning the Qatar Total 2009 (Sydney, Rome and Beijing), and broke again at the start of Open, but improving to 10-0 in five in 2013 (Rome, Wimbledon, the second, before her momentum WTA doubles finals together Cincinnati, Guangzhou and the subsided a little, allowing Kerber and achieving historic rankings. WTA Championships) and now to break back. However a telling But first, the business side of Doha. phase followed in the fifth game, things - having won all three of But there was even bigger news when Halep’s pounding rhythm their previous rounds in straight for Hsieh and Peng this week - restored itself and Kerber was sets, the No.2-seeded Hsieh and by virtue of the week’s results, obliged to take even greater risks. Peng reeled off seven games in a they will replace Sara Errani and Eventually, break point down row from 5-4 in the first set to Roberta Vinci as the Top 2 dou- again, she attempted a drop shot completely shut the door on No.3 bles players in the world, Hsieh from so far back that Halep was seeds Kveta Peschke and Katarina rising to No.2 (the highest rank- able to make the kill with time Srebotnik in yesterday’s final, 64 ing ever for a player from Chinese for a thank you. Halep held for 60. Taipei, male or female, singles or 4-2 wrapped things up with ease. Hsieh and Peng now have 10 doubles) and Peng rising to No.1 Kerber said: “She played good Hsieh Su-Wei and Peng WTA doubles titles together and (China’s first World No.1, male or the whole week. As I said, I was Shuai celebrate after are a perfect 10-0 in finals, as well. female, and in singles or doubles actually not there at the begin- winning the doubles “Hopefully we’ll have more too). ning of the match, and she was up crown at Khalifa Tennis finals!” Peng said. “But it was a “I really want to thank all my very fast. I was then trying to find Complex in Doha great week for us. We played some team, my parents, my friends and my rhythm, and I couldn’t find yesterday. very good teams this week, espe- everyone who helped me and sup- it at the end. She played better.” cially today in the final, and we’re ported me all these years,” Peng AFP really happy to win this title.” said. WWW.WTATOUR.COM