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The Peninsula wishes all readers EID MUBARAK

FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016 • 3 SHAWWAL 1437 • Volume 21 • Number 6851 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar New green Remittances ACs arrive in rose by 40% Qatar market By Sanaullah Ataullah during Ramadan The Peninsula

DOHA: Some retail outlets at shopping malls have replaced or Eid-related expenses, he said. stocks of conventional window “We saw 15-20 percent growth and split Air Conditioners (ACs) Foreign currencies in remittances during Ramadan, with energy-saving starred ones. in high demand as which increased during the last However, ACs from most days of the Holy Month,” said Zuber famous brands are yet to reach people prepare for Abdul Rahman, Operations Man- retailers. The energy-saving ACs vacation. ager, Al Zaman Exchange. are slightly costlier than the con- “Majority of remitters were from ventional ones. Egypt, India, Pakistan, the Philip- The move follows a decision of pines, Nepal, Bangladesh, Morocco Kids Circus artistes perform during Eid celebrations at Al Khor Mall yesterday. Pic: Qassim R / The Peninsula the Ministry of Municipality and By Sachin Kumar and Sri Lanka,” he added. Environment to phase out all con- The Peninsula Remittances rise during Ram- ventional ACs from the market, adan as most Asian expatriates send that do not meet Qatari stand- money to their families to meet ards and specifications, starting expenses during the Holy Month Eid joy continues outdoors, too from July 1. DOHA: Remittances from Qatar and for Eid. The green 1.5-tonne window during Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr “Eid is an occasion when all AC of a famous brand at an out- jumped by up to 40 percent com- our relatives come together to By Raynald C Rivera the celebrations. provided with life vest for safety. let at a shopping complex costs pared to the previous month. celebrate it. My family organises The Peninsula Hundreds of families flocked to Cycling, pony ride and remote QR1,499 compared to QR1,399 Exchange houses saw a large special gatherings on Eid for our Aspire Park Zone yesterday to relax controlled car race are other activ- for the conventional AC and the number of expatriates lining up to family members and relatives,” said and engage in activities at a mini- ities available for Aspire park-goers 2-tonne starred AC costs QR1,679 send money to their families back Indian Mohamed Khalid, who works mal fee. during the Eid holidays. compared to QR1,699 of the con- home. for a construction firm. “I make it a DOHA: While many people have “We were here yesterday but Al Dosari Zoo and Game Reserve ventional type. “We saw around 35-40 percent point every Ramadan to send money spent Eid Al-Fitr holidays watching there were lots of people, there was in Al Shahaniya also started free Green 1.5-tonne ACs of some rise in remittances. “Ramadan is the to my family so that they can cele- shows in malls, theatres and other hardly any space to stay,” said Indian sightseeing tours yesterday after- brands at another shop cost best month for exchange houses in brate Eid with traditional fervour.” cool venues, some have preferred Sudeesh who came with his family noon. The zoo is this Eid from 4pm between QR1,200 and QR1,300 Qatar because maximum number Exchange houses revised work- to engage in outdoor activities, The to enjoy the evening weather. to 7pm until Sunday. and two-tonne ACs QR1,400 to of transactions in a year happen ing hours during Ramadan and were Peninsula has learnt. They were among some of those Other activities include aerial QR1,500. during the Holy Month,” said Shan open from 9am until midnight. The rich line-up of events and who started to fill the 880,000sqm paragliding at Sealine beach and An AC supplier has priced the Kamarudheen, Business Develop- Their branches at shopping malls activities Qatar Tourism Authority park at around 5pm when temper- horse riding at Al Samriya Eques- new products significantly higher. ment Manager, City Express Money were open for longer hours, to cope (QTA) has organised in partner- atures began to drop. trian Academy. The price of a popular brand’s Transfer. with the rush. ship with private companies and At Aspire Park Lake, families With the theme ‘Capture Joy’, this two-tonne split AC has increased “Maximum number of transac- Exchange houses also witnessed government entities for this year’s were seen lining up to avail of pad- year’s Eid Al-Fitr festival has been from QR2,699 to QR3,199, while tions happened in the last 10 days huge demand for foreign curren- Eid in Qatar Celebrations are being dle boats, which can accommodate tailored for the entire family keeping the 1.5-tonne AC of the same of Ramadan,” he added. cies as people are going abroad for held in 16 venues, mostly indoor, but up to four people and are available in mind promoting Qatar as a family brand is available at QR2,250 Many people were also seen vacation. some people choose to step out of the for QR20 for 15 minutes. destination of choice in the region. from QR1,850 earlier. sending money to others which comforts of air conditioned venues Passengers aged up to five are showed that it was meant for zakat → Continued on page 2 to visit other places designated for not allowed and all passengers are → Continued on page 2 → Continued on page 2

Another black Air raids on Aleppo Push for sanctions against Clinton man shot dead Reuters and aides Huma Abedin, Cheryl Mills, Jake by police in US Sullivan and other former State Department employees for security violations. Reuters The calls for sanctions come after FBI WASHINGTON: Top Republicans in the Con- Director James Comey rebuked her on Tues- gress pressed for sanctions yesterday against day for “extremely careless” in handling of MINNESOTA: A white police Democratic presidential candidate Hillary classified information while using private officer fatally shot a black man Clinton for mishandling classified informa- email servers for business while secretary during a traffic stop in Minne- tion, with House of Representatives Speaker of state during President Barack Obama’s apolis, law enforcement said Paul Ryan formally asking she be denied such first term. yesterday, and the victim’s fiancee information during the campaign. Comey recommended no criminal streamed live footage of the grue- Ryan sent a letter to Director of National charges be filed but indicated administra- some aftermath on the Internet. Intelligence James Clapper, saying deny- tive sanctions could be taken against Clinton The death of Philando Castile, ing Clinton access to classified information or her aides. 32, came hours after the US Justice would be an appropriate sanction for her Attorney General Loretta Lynch on Department said it had opened mishandling of classified data while she was Wednesday accepted Comey’s recommenda- an investigation into Tuesday’s secretary of state. tion that no criminal charges were warranted fatal shooting of a black man in A Syrian man carries belongings as he leaves a heavily damaged street following air Ten Republican senators said they had and closed the case. Republican lawmakers Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by two strikes in Aleppo’s rebel-held neighbourhood of Tariq Al Bab, yesterday. also written to Secretary of State John Kerry, and presidential candidate Donald Trump police officers. A woman, whom → See also page 5 asking that the State Department immedi- have expressed outrage that the case was family identified as Castile’s fian- ately suspend security clearances of Clinton not being pursued. cee, streamed a 10-minute video on Facebook and posted it on YouTube after the shooting. → See also page 14 Superstar Ronaldo a win away from realising lifelong dream Leadsom & May in race for UK PM By Fawad Hussain Fast forward to Euro 2016, Ron- final but is desperate to win it. “We The Euro 2016 trophy will also The Peninsula aldo gets another chance to fulfil his are there (in final) and that fills me give Ronaldo an edge over his co- LONDON: Interior Minister lifelong dream when his side reached with pride. Now we have to make this leading men in the sport — Lionel Theresa May and eurosceptic rival the final after overcoming spirited dream come true on Sunday,” he was Messi of Argentina — as nothing sep- Andrea Leadsom emerged yester- Wales 2-0 in the semi-final in Lyon quoted as saying by AFP after his arates the two football icons. day as the candidates for Britain’s DOHA: Three Champions League on Wednesday. The charismatic foot- team cruised into the final. The Euro 2016 trophy could make next prime minister and to lead titles and as many World-Player- baller played a key role in the victory “We are yet to win anything, but Ronaldo to achieve what Messi could the country out of the European of-the-Year awards make Cristiano by netting a goal with a powerful it is the final and I don’t think many only dreamed of. Union, reports Reuters. Ronaldo (pictured) one of the best header for Portugal’s opener. people thought we would make it to Messi team’s defeat to Chile in May won 199 votes and Lead- footballers of all times. But one feat In doing so, he also achieved the final,” said Ronaldo, who has so the recent Copa America final — his som 84 in a second ballot of that has been eluding the superstar a feat of equaling Michel Platini’s far scored three goals at this year’s fourth defeat in international finals lawmakers of the governing Con- is an international title for Portugal. record of nine goals in European finals. “I have broken many records — prompted him to announce his servative party. Justice Secretary In his early years in international Championship finals. Portugal faces before and I am still breaking records retirement from the national team. Michael Gove took 46 votes and football, the Real Madrid striker got a an uphill task to clinch their maiden for club and country, but that comes Sunday’s final will tell what lies was eliminated from the race. chance to earn one but Greece shat- international title and Ronaldo naturally and the most important being there. I have always dreamed in front of Ronaldo! tered his hopes in the final at Euro undoubtedly will be their key player. thing is to reach the final. “Me and of winning something for Portugal → See also page 12 2004 on home soil. Ronaldo is elated on reaching the the boys have always dreamed of and now it is just one match away. → See also pages 23 & 24 02 FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016 HOME

Families spoilt for Festive extravaganza delights audiences entertainment options this Eid

Continued from page 1

Participating malls are stag- ing classic fairytales and shows which capture children’s hearts and attract families from all walks of life. “As more families come out to ‘capture joy’ on the second day of Eid, we’re delighted to see such great attendance from visitors and residents at entertainment options across Qatar. “There’s something for every- one at Eid in Qatar Celebrations and with two more days of fes- tivities, there’s plenty of time for all the family to enjoy the holi- days,” said Hamad Al Khaja, Head of Events and Festivals Technical Support, Qatar Tourism Author- ity, yesterday. Dollar and

LEFT: A performer euro in high at the Kids Circus at Al Khor Mall yesterday. TOP: demand Families enjoy the circus. RIGHT: A Continued from page 1 comic show during Eid celebrations at Foreign currencies in high Hyatt Plaza. Festive demand were the dollar, euro and celebrations pound sterling, followed by Saudi across the country riyal and Emirati dirham. Demand entertained for these currencies shows the people of all destinations people are opting ages. Pic: Qassim for vacation. Rahmatullah and Most Asian currencies did not Kammutty VP see any volatility during Ramadan and were stable. Remittances from Qatar and GCC countries have continued to grow despite sharp drop in oil prices. HMC emergency units receive 1,822 cases on second day of Eid Remittances from Saudi Ara- bia and Qatar, which account for around half of the total from the The Peninsula General Hospital received 588 cases patients in critical condition. They hours— from 6pm to midnight, said remaining patients were discharged, GCC, increased by seven per- yesterday including four persons were transferred to Heart Hospital Al Mahin. said Qasim. cent through the third quarter of injured in road accidents. at HMC. The emergency unit at Al Wakra The paediatric emergency units 2015, according to the ‘Migration DOHA: Emergency units run by One person died in road accident, Number of those injured in Hospital received 332 cases yester- run by HMC received 902 cases, and Remittances Recent Devel- Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Al Sharq reported quoting a consult- road accidents increased slightly day, said Dr Muaid Qasim, Head of Dr Mohamad Al Amiri, Head of the opments and Outlook’ report received 1,822 cases on the second ant at Emergency Medicine at Hamad on the second day of Eid compared the unit. Only ten cases were referred Units, said. released recently. Total remit- day of Eid Al-Fitr from 6am to 6pm. Hospital, Dr Omar Al Mahin. to Wednesday. The emergency unit to the internal units of the hospi- All patients were discharged after tances by expatriates from Qatar The emergency unit at Hamad The unit also received 12 heart has 25 to 30 doctors during peak tal for further treatment and the providing medical care, he added. was around $11.2bn in 2014.

28 municipality Minister receives book on Yoga Day veterinarians Medical City signal closed assigned to for four days for works slaughter houses DOHA: The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ yesterday closed the Medical City signal on the The Peninsula Ahmad Bin Ali and Mohamed Bin Thani inter- sections for four days. The closure has been effected until the morning of July 13 to enable maintenance and DOHA: The Health Monitoring re-pavement works at the intersection. Unit at Doha Municipality yes- The intersection will be completely closed, terday said it has assigned 28 except for the slip roads which will stay open veterinarians to supervise work to traffic as shown in the map. at the slaughter houses in the cen- During this period, vehicles from TV tral market. Roundabout are advised to turn right to Sports Only two slaughter houses will Roundabout, and those from Sports Roundabout be open to the public during Eid are advised to turn right to Al Shura Council and the number of sacrifices on Intersection, while those coming from Al Shura the first day reached around 1,500 Council Intersection are advised to turn right animals. towards the Civil Defense Roundabout, and Five slaughter houses were those coming from the Civil Defense Round- open through Ramadan and about are advised to turn right towards TV received around 120,000 custom- Roundabout. ers during the month, Mohamad Ashghal has apologised for the Ahmad Bu Hashim Al Sayed, Head inconvenience. of the Health Monitoring Unit at Doha Municipality told Al Sharq yesterday. Slaughter of animals in homes, gardens or backyards is prohibited Conventional AC stocks and it can only be carried out at slaughterhouses run by Mawashi Company. The modern and traditional go back to suppliers slaughterhouses are spread in dif- ferent parts of the country. Continued from page 1 The municipality has also “We were told that a shipment of green ACs was assigned health inspectors to received by the company recently. intensify monitoring of food “All brands available at our shop are star-rated green “The new stocks might be available at stores but have outlets, food stores, vegeta- AC. The stocks of conventional ACs haver been returned not arrived at our showroom. The company might begin ble and fruit markets during Indian Ambassador Sanjiv Arora presented a book on worldwide to the suppliers, as per new rules,” said a salesman at an supplying the new stocks to its other showrooms across Eid Al-Fitr. celebrations on the First International Day of Yoga (IDY) observed AC shop in Old Airport Area. Qatar, I am not sure about it. Earlier this week, the munic- on June 21, 2015 to Minister of Municipality and Environment To a question on non-availability of some brands at “Our showroom is closed for Eid Al-Fitr holidays, ipality also announced that it H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi. The envoy visited the the outlet, he said, “So far, these brands are not availa- it will reopen on Sunday and we would be updated on has formed a team of experts to Minister’s Majlis to wish him on Eid Al-Fitr. The book also includes ble, old stocks have been taken away by the supplier but developments,” he said. receive complaints about viola- they have not replaced them with the new ones. Market players, including importers, suppliers and activities in Qatar on the First International Day of Yoga. The tions of health control rules by “We have no idea when the stocks of new brands retailers, were given a grace period by Qatar General Minister, then the Assistant Foreign Minister, was the Chief Guest shops, stores and restaurants, in will arrive,” he added. Authority for Specifications and Standardisation at the on the First International Day of Yoga celebrations in Doha, on addition to outlets selling meat, Another salesman at a showroom of an agency of a Ministry to replace their stocks with green ACs by July 1. fish, fruits and vegetables round- which Qatar Post had released commemorative stamps. very famous brand at Kutub Roundabout, Doha Down- As per new rules, only energy-saving ACs will be the-clock during Eid Al-Fitr. town, said star ACs have not arrived at the showroom. allowed in the market. ISLAM FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016 03 Zakat: Purity and growth

he greatness of Islam is clear in all the establishment of prayer, payment of Zakat, rites, acts of worship and obligations fast of Ramadan and pilgrimage to the House that Allah imposed upon His slaves. for those who are able.” (Al Bukhari and These obligations include the third Muslim) Tpillar of Islam which is paying Zakat. Since Besides, when the Messenger of Allah the blessed month of Ramadan is the month sent Muaath, may Allah Be Pleased with of generosity, kindness, spending, charity and him, to Yemen, he said: “Then inform them feeding the needy, it is suitable to speak about that Allah has made it obligatory upon them the obligatory Zakat Allah the Almighty asso- to pay Zakat from their property and it is to ciated with prayer in the Holy Quran on 82 be taken from the wealthy among them and occasions. given to the poor.” (Al Bukhari and Muslim) The religion of a Muslim is not correct Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar, may Allah Be unless he pays it because it plays a role in Pleased with them, narrated that the Mes- bringing together the rich and poor Mus- senger of Allah said: “I have been ordered lims, creating the spirit of sympathy and love (by Allah) to fight against the people until among the individuals of society, achieving they testify that none has the right to be wor- social solidarity in the Muslim community, shipped but Allah and that Muhammad is the securing the needs of the poor, the needy, the Messenger of Allah, and offer the prayers travellers, the orphans and the widows and perfectly and give Zakat, so if they act in protecting those who deserve it against need accordance with that, then their lives and and begging. property are sacred to me unless they vio- The scholars of Islam, the predecessors late Islamic laws and then their reckoning and successors, agreed upon the fact that the will be with Allah.” (Al Bukhari and Muslim) religion of a person is not complete unless he Abu Hurayrah, may Allah Be Pleased with pays Zakat. him, narrated that a Bedouin came to the Whoever denies that it is obligatory is a Prophet (PBUH) and said: “Tell me of a deed disbeliever. Whoever refrains from paying that will make me enter Paradise, if I do it.” it along with believing that it is obligatory, it The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Worship Allah, should be taken from him by force as Caliph and worship none along with Him, offer the Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, did (five) prescribed compulsory prayers per- with those who refrained from paying Zakat fectly, pay the compulsory Zakat and fast the after the death of the Messenger of Allah. month of Ramadan.” The Bedouin said: “By Him, in Whose Definition Hand my life is, I will not do more than this.” Zakat linguistically means growth. It also When he left, the Prophet (PBUH) said: bears the meaning of purification and the “Whoever likes to see a man of Paradise, then Indian faithful offer Eid prayer at the Jama Masjid in New Delhi yesterday. Several parts of India celebrated Eid Al-Fitr yesterday. meaning of reform. In the Shariah context, it he may look at this man.” (Al Bukhari and means giving a specific amount of money to Muslim) those who deserve it with certain conditions. The consensus “But whatever thing you spend (in His Evidence that it is obligatory It was mentioned by many scholars. Ibn cause) — He will compensate it; and He is Zakat was imposed in the second year of Qudaamah said: “Muslims at all times agreed The religion of a Muslim is not correct unless he the best of providers.” (Quran 34:39) Moreo- Hijrah. It is obligatory by virtue of the Holy upon its obligatoriness.” (Al Mughni). ver, the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Charity never Quran, the Sunnah and the consensus of pays Zakat because it plays a role in bringing to- reduces one’s money.” (Saheeh At Tirmithi). scholars. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. It Obligatory conditions Zakat plays a great role in achieving the is the associate of prayer in the Book of Allah. Scholars agreed that Zakat is obligatory gether the rich and poor Muslims, creating the principle of social solidarity in the Muslim upon every Muslim who is free (not a slave), spirit of sympathy and love among the individuals community. Allah the Exalted distributes sus- Evidence from the Holy Quran that it adult, in possession of mental faculties and tenance among His slaves according to His is obligatory who fully possesses the minimum amount of society, achieving social solidarity in the Muslim will and He favours some of them over oth- Allah the Almighty Says (what means): eligible for Zakat upon which a year passed ers in sustenance. “And establish prayer and give Zakat.” (Quran except for fruits and grains as it becomes due community, securing the needs of the poor, the He made among them the rich and 2:110) without the passage of a year. the poor and the strong and the weak. He “Take, O, Muhammad, from their wealth a They differed concerning the apostate, the needy, the travellers, the orphans and the widows imposed upon the rich a specific right and charity by which you purify them and cause child, the slave and whoever other than the an obligatory share that is taken from them them increase.” (Quran 9:103) completely possessing owner. (These mat- and protecting those who deserve it against need and returned to the poor so that money will “And those within whose wealth is ters are explained in detail in their original not be a perpetual distribution among the a known right for the petitioner and the sources in the books of Fiqh). and begging. rich and so that the poor people may lead a deprived.” (Quran 70:25) decent life. “And they were not commanded except Wisdom and virtue The rich person should not boastfully to worship Allah, (being) sincere to Him in Zakat purifies one’s soul and money, ele- remind the poor of his charity. It is the wealth religion, inclining to truth, and to establish vates ranks, brings about blessing, increases (for Islam) and for freeing captives (or slaves) (O, Muhammad), from their wealth a charity of Allah and it is He who imposed the right prayer and to give Zakat. And that is the cor- one’s reward, eliminates poverty, consoles and for those in debt and for the cause of by which you purify them and cause them of spending and consoling. This is one of the rect religion.” (Quran 98:5) the needy and bonds the Muslim commu- Allah and for the (stranded) traveller — an increase.” (Quran 9:103) most wonderful forms of solidarity in soci- nity together. obligation (imposed) by Allah. And Allah is It purifies money and completely treats eties. The Messenger of Allah said: “The Proofs in Sunnah Allah the Almighty specified its channels Knowing and Wise. (Quran 9:60). the diseases of miserliness, avarice, greedi- similitude of believers in regard to mutual The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Verily, Islam is of disbursement as He Says (what means): From its name, it is clear to us that it ness, selfishness and grudge. love, affection and sympathy is that of one founded on five (pillars): Testifying that there “Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and entails purification and growth (the root of Allah the Almighty promises the people body; when any of its limbs aches, the whole is none worthy of worship except Allah and for the needy and for those employed to col- the word Zakat in Arabic means “purify”). of Zakat and spending with blessing, increase body aches because of sleeplessness and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, lect (Zakat) and for bringing hearts together Allah the Exalted says (what means): “Take, and growth as He says (what means): fever.” (Muslim) Ruling on fasting six days of Shawwal — is it obligatory?

the reward of ten like it, and fast- actions of My slave from his volun- is not obligatory, it is Sunnah. An Nawawi (may Allah have his reward will not be lost, as Allah asting six days of Shawwal ing for six days brings the reward tary actions.’ Then all his actions And Allah is the Source of mercy on him) said: says (interpretation of the meaning): after the obligatory fast of of two months, and that is the fast- will be dealt with in a similar man- strength. May Allah bless our “Our companions said: It is mus- “We shall not make the reward Ramadhan is Sunnah Mus- ing of the whole year.” ner.” — narrated by Abu Dawud Prophet Muhammad and his fam- tahabb to fast six days of Shawwal. of anyone who does his (righteous) tahabbah, not wajib. It is The Hanbali and Shafi’i fuqaha’ And Allah knows best. ily and companions and grant them Because of this hadith they said: deeds in the most perfect manner to Frecommended for the Muslim to explained that fasting six days of peace. it is mustahabb to fast these days be lost.” (Al Quran 18:30) fast six days of Shawwal, and in this Shawwal after fasting during Ram- When should a Muslim start consecutively at the beginning of If someone has missed some of there is great virtue and an immense adhan makes it as if one has fasted fasting six days of Shawwal? When Do the six days of Shawwal Shawwal, but if one separates them the days of Ramadhan, he should reward. for an entire year of obligatory fasts, can I start fasting six days of Shaw- have to be fasted consecutively? or delays them until after Shawwal, fast them first, then fast six days of Whoever fasts these six days will because the multiplication of the wal, since we have annual leave With regard to the six days of this is permissible, because he will Shawwal, because he cannot follow have recorded for him a reward as if reward applies even to nafil fasts, right now? Shawwal after Ramadhan, is it still be following the general guide- the fast of Ramadhan with six days he had fasted a whole year, as was because each hasanah brings the a condition that they should be lines of the hadith. We have no of Shawwal unless he has completed reported in a Sahih Hadith from the reward of ten like it. You can start fasting six days of fasted consecutively, or can I sep- dispute regarding this matter, and his Ramadhan fast. Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him). Another of the important ben- Shawwal from the second day of arate them? I want to fast them in this was also the view of Ahmad And Allah is the source of Abu Ayyub (may Allah be efits of fasting six days of Shawwal Shawwal, because it isharam to fast three sessions, on the two days of and Dawud.” (Al Majmu’ Sharh Al strength. May Allah bless our pleased with him) reported that is that it makes up for any shortfall on the day of Eid. You can fast the the weekend. Muhadhdhab) Prophet Muhammad and his fam- the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: in a person’s obligatory Ramadhan six days at any time during Shaw- ily and companions, and grant them “Whoever fasts during Ramad- fasts, because no one is free of short- wal, although the best of good deeds It is not a necessary condition Can a person start fasting six peace. han and follows it with six days of comings or sins that have a negative are those which are done soonest. that they should be fasted consec- days of Shawwal when he still has Shawwal, it will be as if he fasted for effect on his fasting. On the Day of utively. If you fast them separately days to make up from Ramadhan? Does one have to fast six days a lifetime.” — narrated by Muslim, Resurrection, some of his nafil deeds The standing committee or consecutively, it is OK. The sooner If a person fasts six days of Shaw- of Shawwal every year? If someone Abu Dawud, At Tirmidhi, An Nisa’i will be taken to make up the short- received the following question: you do them, the better, because wal after Ramadhan when he has fasts six days of Shawwal, then one and Ibn Majah comings in his obligatory deeds, as Should fasting the six days be Allah says (interpretation of the not yet completed the Ramadhan year he gets sick or something pre- The Prophet (PBUH) explained the Prophet (PBUH) said: done immediately after Ramad- meanings): fast — because he did not fast ten vents him from fasting, or he is too this when he said: “Whoever fasts “The first thing for which peo- han, following the day of Eid or is “So compete in good deeds.” (Al days of Ramadhan for a legitimate lazy to fast, will there be any sin on for six days after (‘Eid) Al-Fitr has ple will be brought to account on it permissible to do it a few days Quran 5:48) reason — will he have the same him? We have heard that if a per- completed the year: (whoever does the Day of Resurrection will be after Eid in the month of Shawwal “And march forth in the way reward as a person who fasted all son fasts these six days one year, a good deed (hasanah) will have ten their salah (prayer). Our Lord, may or not? (which leads to) forgiveness from of Ramadhan and followed it with he must never give up this prac- hasanah like it).” He be glorified and exalted, will your Lord.” (Al Quran 3:133) six days of Shawwal, i.e. will he be tice thereafter. According to another report: say to His angels — although He They replied: These days do not “(Musa — PBUH) said: … and I like a person who fasted for a life- “Allah has made for each hasanah knows best — ‘Look at the salah of have to be fasted immediately after hastened to You, O my Lord, that You time? Please explain to us, may Fasting six days of Shawwal ten like it, so a month is like fast- My slave, whether it is complete or Eid Al-Fitr; it is permissible to start might be pleased.” (Al Quran 20:84) Allah reward you with good. after the day of Eid is Sunnah. It is ing ten months, and fasting six days incomplete.’ If it is perfect, it will be fasting them one or more days after And (you should hasten to fast not wajib (obligatory) on the person completes the year.” (An Nisa’i and recorded as perfect, and if some- Eid, and they may be done consec- these six days) because delaying The precise rewards for the who does this once or more often to Ibn Majah. See also Sahih At Targhib thing is lacking, He will say, ‘Look utively or separately during the may cause problems. This is the deeds which people do for the continue doing it. He is not guilty of wa’t Tarhib, 1/421). and see whether My slave did any month of Shawwal, according to view of the Shafi’is and some of the sake of Allah is something which is a sin if he does not fast these days. It was also narrated by Ibn Khu- voluntary (nafil) prayers.’ If he did what is easier for a person. Hanbalis, but it is OK if you do not known only to Allah. And Allah is the Source of zaymah with the wording: “Fasting some voluntary prayers, (Allah) There is plenty of room for hasten it and you delay it until the If a person seeks the reward strength. May Allah bless our Prophet for the month of Ramadhan brings will say, ‘Complete the obligatory manoeuvre in this matter, and this middle or end of the month. from Allah and strives to obey Him, Muhammad and grant him peace. 04 FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016 MIDDLE EAST

HRW urges UK press transparency from Iraq slams Blair AFP

BAGHDAD: Human Rights Watch called yesterday for over Iraq war transparency from Iraq over its promised investigation of alleged abuses, including was scathing of the former Labour executions of civilians, by its prime minister, who won three elec- forces during the recapture “For his own sanity tions but stepped down in 2007, as of Fallujah from the Islamic Blair still has to tell Iraq collapsed into sectarian vio- State group. lence, with his reputation in tatters. The New York-based himself the world Appearing close to tears, Blair had watchdog said that since mid- is ‘better and safer’ said he felt more sorrow than any- June it had asked repeatedly one could imagine for the conflict. for information from Bagh- for him joining In the left-learning Guardian, dad over what it was doing commentator Anne Perkins admit- to investigate the allega- George Bush’s Relatives of military personnel killed during the Iraq War during a news conference in London, yesterday. ted that “it feels cheap at such a time tions, but not even basic assault on Iraq. It to doubt someone’s sincerity”. details were provided and is a monumental “But I have seen him look the inquiry was “mired in delusion,” said an stricken before -- and like millions secrecy.” “Failing to hold of other voters, I don’t trust him any Howard justifies Blair fights for Bush praises fighters and command- editorial in The Sun. more,” she wrote, adding that he ers accountable for grave was guilty of “unbowed arrogance”. war decision his reputation abuses bodes very badly for Michael Deacon, the sketch Britain’s role the looming battle for Mosul,” writer for the conservative Daily HRW’s deputy Middle East AFP Telegraph, noted that Blair refused director, Joe Stork, said in a to apologise for the invasion. statement, referring to the “What to make of it all? An hon- last IS-held city in Iraq. est plea for understanding from a “Serious investigations LONDON: Tony Blair pleaded with broken man? Or a performance, an and prosecutions are essen- his critics to stop questioning his immaculately executed imperson- tial to provide justice to intentions over Britain’s disastrous ation of one?” he wrote. victims and their families, war in Iraq, after a blistering verdict John Crace, the sketch writer for and to deter atrocities by gov- by the Chilcot inquiry -- but com- the Guardian, said his performance ernment forces,” Stork said. mentators Thursday showed scant showed sorrow mainly for himself. At the end of last month, sympathy. “Me, me me. The war hadn’t Iraqi forces recaptured Fal- “For his own sanity he still has been about the 179 British soldiers lujah, a city 50km west of to tell himself the world is ‘better and several hundred thousand Ira- Baghdad, in a major setback and safer’ for him joining George qis who died. It had been about him for IS. But the United Nations Bush’s assault on Iraq. It is a monu- all along,” he wrote. SYDNEY: Former Australian leader LONDON: Former British prime min- WASHINGTON: Former US president human rights chief Zeid Ra’ad mental delusion,” said an editorial in Drawing on Monty Python’s John Howard yesterday defended ister Tony Blair yesterday defended George W Bush reiterated his belief Al-Hussein said earlier this The Sun, Britain’s top-selling paper. comic film “Life of Brian”, he added: his decision to go to war with Iraq his case for going to war in Iraq. yesterday that the world is “better off” week that there was strong It added: “Blair does admit the “Tony’s eyes burned with the con- alongside the United States and Brit- Blair mounted a passionate defence without Saddam Hussein, as a damn- evidence that Ketaeb Hezbol- post-war planning was a calamity. viction of martyrdom. He wasn’t a ain, saying it was justified at the time of his decisions telling reporters: “I ing inquiry blasted Britain’s part in the lah, one of the main militias That is his only concession. He sees naughty boy, he was the Messiah. and there was “no lie”. believe we made the right decision rush for war with Iraq in 2003. that fought alongside secu- no reason to apologise for his deci- “And he was heaven-bent on His comments follow an inquiry and the world is better and safer”. “Despite the intelligence failures rity forces in the operation, sion to go to war and insists he’d do carrying on fighting a war he lost into Britain’s role in the conflict His voice cracking with emo- and other mistakes he has acknowl- carried out atrocities. the same again. long ago.” Trevor Kavanagh, asso- which found its then prime minis- tion, Blair said he had “more sorrow, edged previously, President Bush The Iran-backed militia “He still believes he had no ciate editor of The Sun, said Blair ter Tony Blair took his country into regret and apology than you may ever continues to believe the whole world may have executed dozens choice. You could have said no, “was always obsessed with legacy a badly planned, woefully executed know or can believe” for mistakes in is better off without Saddam Hussein of civilians and kidnapped Tony.” After the publication of the as prime minister”. and legally questionable conflict in the planning of a war that deeply in power,” Bush’s spokesman Freddy hundreds more, the UN said, long-awaited inquiry report on “He may have hoped it would be Iraq in 2003. divided Britain. Anti-war protesters Ford said in a statement. citing witness testimony. Wednesday, Blair gave an emo- as a US war hero with all the lucra- Howard, prime minister from rallied in London as the report was “He is deeply grateful for the serv- PM Haider Al-Abadi tional two-hour press conference tive benefits associated with it,” he 1996 to 2007 and considered with released, shouting: “Blair lied, thou- ice and sacrifice of American and responded to allegations of in which he acknowledged mistakes wrote. Blair to be George W. Bush’s staunch- sands died” and “war criminal Tony coalition forces in the war on terror. abuses during the operation but defended his intentions -- and “Instead he will be remembered est ally in the US-led invasion, said he Blair”. The hugely anticipated Chilcot And there was no stronger ally than by promising to investigate said he would do it again. for inflicting a terrorist firestorm on regretted the loss of life but stood by report offered a damning verdict on the United Kingdom under the lead- and prosecute all such cases. Newspaper coverage yesterday a fragile and unstable world.” his decision. Britain’s role in the US-led war. ership of Prime Minister Tony Blair.” Israel wins Ethiopian Worker dead in support for AU Yemeni oil facility fire ‘observer’ role CAIRO: A fire that broke out at a domestic gas storage facility in Yemen’s AFP “Africa for us is a major strategic Marib province yesterday effort,” he said, repeating a man- killed a worker and seri- tra heard in Uganda, Kenya and ously injured four others, Rwanda in recent days. according to state media ADDIS ABABA: Israeli Prime Min- “All African countries can ben- and a local official. ister Benjamin Netanyahu’s push for efit from renewed cooperation with Firefighters were his country to be granted “observer Israel,” he said. “Israel is coming able to extinguish the status” at the African Union gained back to Africa.” blaze caused by an elec- the backing of continental heavy- Relations between Africa and trical fault which broke weight Ethiopia yesterday. Israel have been strained over the out close to Safer, an oil “Israel is working very hard in years. An Iraqi woman cries in front of a memorial for the victims of a bombing which claimed the lives of over industry compound in many African countries. There is no In the 1960s the Arab-Israeli Marib province about 200 people in Baghdad’s Karrada neighbourhood, yesterday. reason to deny this observer posi- conflict drove a wedge between 150km east of the capi- tion to Israel,” said Ethiopian Prime African countries, many of which tal Sanaa, said state news Minister Hailemariam Desalegn as were embroiled in liberation strug- agency, Saba, citing a Netanyahu began the last leg of his gles, and the Jewish state. Yemeni official. four-nation Africa tour this week. Later, wars between Israel and Baghdad blast toll hits 292 The position of observer is its neighbours in 1967 and 1973 led granted to some non-African coun- North African nations to urge sub- Two Syrians tries that wish to engage with the Saharan African states to cut ties AU, follow proceedings and address with Israel, which many did. dead in blast in AFP in the bombing have yet to be deter- following the bombing, and author- its gatherings. Israel’s support for the apart- mined, while 115 bodies have been ities also announced the execution Israel had been an observer at heid regime in South Africa -- which Turkey’s south handed over to families, according of five convicts and the arrest of 40 the AU’s predecessor organisation ended in 1994 -- also soured rela- to a statement from the ministry. jihadists in an apparent bid to limit but its status was not renewed at the tions with much of the rest of the ISTANBUL: Two Syrians BAGHDAD: A Baghdad bombing The attack also wounded 200 peo- the fallout from the attack. AU’s founding in 2002. continent, informed experts when accidentally blew them- claimed by the Islamic State group ple, Hamoud said. Ghabban criticised the security The 54-member organisation, asked. selves up while handling killed 292 people, a minister said The minister said on Tuesday system as fundamentally flawed and headquartered in Addis Ababa, Hailemariam said differences explosives in a house in yesterday, raising the toll of one of that the process of identifying all of saying he could no longer accept would be an important diplomatic can be overcome “by engagement the southern Turkish bor- the deadliest single attacks in Iraq the unknown bodies -- which she responsibility for the consequences, ally for Israel, as is Ethiopia which not isolation. der town of Reyhanli, since the US-led invasion. said at the time numbered 150 -- calling for a series of changes that begins a two-year tenure as a non- “Israel needs to come to Africa the privately owned A suicide bomber detonated an was expected to take between 15 would ultimately increase the min- permanent member of the UN and we need to engage with Israel,” Dogan news agency said explosives-laden vehicle in Bagh- and 45 days. istry’s power. Security Council in 2017. he said. yesterday. dad’s Karrada neighbourhood early People were already furious An official in Prime Minister Palestinian president Mahmoud Netanyahu, who was accompa- A woman who was on Sunday, ahead of the Eid Al-Fitr over delays in determining the fate Haider Al-Abadi’s office said on Abbas has used his country’s AU nied by a 70-strong Israeli business at the scene at the time holiday marking the end of the holy of loved ones, and with the number Wednesday that the premier had observer status since 2013 to attend delegation, praised Africa’s -- and of the blast was later Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. of unidentified bodies now bigger, it accepted the minister’s resignation, AU summits, deliver addresses and Ethiopia’s -- economic potential. detained by police, Dogan Officials had previously put at may take even longer. though there has been no official shore up diplomatic support in the “For too long Africa was treated said. Police were investi- more than 250 the death toll from The blast sparked widespread statement from him on the matter. long-running dispute with Israel. like an afterthought by much of the gating whether the two the powerful blast, which sparked anger among Iraqis, some of whom The attack has overshadowed Speaking in Addis Ababa, world. Many focused on its prob- Syrians had any links to infernos that gutted nearby build- have accused the government of fail- what would normally be a joyful Netanyahu bemoaned the “gap lems, few saw its opportunities. militant groups or Syrian ings in the popular shopping district. ing to do enough to protect them. holiday for Iraqi Muslims, instead between what is happening in No longer! We are cleary seeing rebels, the agency said. Health Minister Adila Hamoud Interior Minister Mohammed turning it into a time of mourning practice... and in multilateral Ethiopia’s potential and Africa’s said the identities of 177 people killed Ghabban tendered his resignation and sadness. institutions”. potential,” Netanyahu said. MIDDLE EAST FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016 05 Israel tightens security near Hebron City

reassure settlers while not being so comparison with younger Palestini- harsh that they fuel further Palestin- ans, some of whom look up to those Residents now have ian anger and violence. who carry out attacks, calling them to take a circuitous To settlers in Hebron, the army’s martyrs. The Palestinian Authority response is welcome, even if they has not condemned the girl’s killing. route to get to worry it will not last. To the residents “A youngster sees a martyr or a Hebron, dropping of Bani Na’im, the restrictions are col- female martyr and he feels he has to lective punishment that has ruined do more, he has to kill,” said Khaldoun off their vehicles the Eid Al-Fitr holiday that follows Manasra, 19. “The older generation at checkpoints and Ramadan. saw how Israel treated us and grew “Collective punishment is not used to it, but when a teenager learns walking, unless they something that’s immoral or illegal,” about it he has to defend his people have a four-by-four. says Uri Karzen, the director of the like martyrs in the past.” Jewish community in Hebron, where The Israeli army has occupied around 1,000 settlers, protected by the West Bank for nearly 50 years. At Israeli troops, live among around times it has pushed back against set- Reuters 230,000 Palestinians. “It has to be tler demands for tougher measures. done when you’re dealing with a real But some government ministers, espe- threat to life.” cially those with settler supporters, At the entrance to Bani Na’im, an want it to go further. WEST BANK: Israel has ramped up Israeli soldier kicks open the legs of a “We need to understand that security in the occupied West Bank Palestinian man and pats him down we are in an all-out war,” Transport since a Palestinian killed a 13-year-old against the side of an armoured vehi- Minister Israel Katz told the Haaretz Jewish girl in a settlement last week, cle. Another soldier signals to traffic newspaper. deploying more troops and setting up to turn around and leave. Near Bani Na’im, Palestini- checkpoints near the city of Hebron. Residents now have to take a ans could be seen trudging across a Attention is on Bani Na’im, a town circuitous route to get to Hebron, field carrying Eid gifts from Hebron. to the east where the girl’s killer, a dropping off their vehicles at check- Nearby, Israeli bulldozers dug up dirt 19-year-old who stabbed her as she points and walking, unless they have to block traffic. slept, came from. He was shot dead. a four-by-four. “Who can think of peace in these But a day after her death, a Jewish “These closures affect everyone,” conditions,” said Ali Al-Azzi, 23, inter- father driving nearby with his daugh- said Raad Nassar, 49, stopped at a rupted as he spoke by a bulldozer ters was shot and killed. His attacker, checkpoint as he carried home a TV, dumping dirt where he was stand- who remains at large, is also suspected an Eid gift from his Jewish employer. ing, forcing him out of the way. of coming from Bani Na’im. “This is not the way to peace.” In the heart of Hebron, where a Security clampdowns are common Since last October, there has been hard-core of settlers has lived since in the West Bank, yet they illustrate a a surge in Palestinian attacks on Israe- Israel seized the West Bank in 1967, Israeli soldiers patrol the immediate vicinity of the Kiryat Arba Jewish settlement in the West Bank city delicate problem for the Israeli army: lis, prompting fears of a new uprising. the concern is that the army’s clamp- how to impose strict measures that Nassar’s words were mild by down will only be temporary. of Hebron, yesterday.

Eid joy 50 Turkish aid trucks reach Gaza: Official AU to withdraw troops from Anatolia coming days. On Sunday, the Turk- ish aid ship “Lady Leyla” docked Somalia by 2020 in Israel’s port of Ashdod carrying 11,000 tons of humanitarian aid -- ADDIS ABABA: The Afri- GAZA CITY: Around 50 trucks including food, clothing and toys can Union says it plans bearing Turkish humanitarian aid -- destined for Gaza. to withdraw its forces arrived in the Gaza Strip yesterday Since 2007, the Gaza Strip has from Somalia by the via Israel’s Kerem Shalom border groaned under a joint Israeli-Egyp- end of 2020 after years crossing, according to a Palestin- tian blockade that has deprived the of trying to secure the ian border official. enclave’s roughly 1.9 million inhab- Horn of Africa country Mounir Ghalban, who oversees itants of their most basic needs, against extremist group the Palestinian side of the cross- especially food, fuel, medicine and Al-Shabaab. ing, said that the trucks -- carrying construction supplies. The AU’s Peace and nearly 2,000 tons of humanitarian The latest influx of Turkish aid Security Council state- aid -- had entered the strip early into Gaza comes within the context ment issued this week yesterday. of a deal signed last week between comes after a series According to Ghalban, the aid -- Turkey and Israel in which the two of challenges for the which includes basic foodstuffs, fuel agreed to restore diplomatic rela- 22,000-strong multi- and clothing -- will first be stored tions following a six-year hiatus. national peacekeeping in warehouses run by Gaza’s Social Turkish Prime Minister Binali force, including fund- Children having fun during Eid Al-Fitr celebrations in Tunis, Tunisia, yesterday. Affairs Ministry before being dis- Yildirim has said that Tel Aviv had ing issues that left some tributed to the strip’s neediest met all of Ankara’s preconditions troops without pay for residents. for normalising ties, which were the past few months. The Kerem Shalom border ter- severed in 2010 after Israeli com- The statement says that minal, which links Egypt, Israel mandos stormed a Gaza-bound under its exit strategy, and the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, is Turkish aid vessel. The attack security responsibili- 11 soldiers dead in Libya car bomb attack the latter’s only functioning com- resulted in the death of nine Turkish ties will be transferred to mercial crossing. activists and left another 30 injured, Somalia’s military grad- On Monday, the first four trucks one of whom succumbed to his inju- ually between 2018 and AFP under the command of controver- car bomb targeting a security chief bearing Turkish humanitarian aid ries nearly four years later. December 2020. sial General Khalifa Haftar drove that killed two people on Sunday entered the coastal enclave via At the time, Turkey had Islamist fighters out of most of the and a June 24 bombing that killed Kerem Shalom. This first aid con- demanded that Israel officially apol- BENGHAZI: A car bomb killed city earlier this year. four civilians. Meanwhile, a MiG- signment included toys for children, ogise for the attack, compensate the Egypt considers 11 soldiers in Libya’s second city Haftar refuses to recognise a 23 fighter jet of Haftar’s air force which were later distributed to Pal- families of those killed, and a lift its of Benghazi as they held evening joint military command set by the crashed in the west of Benghazi estinian orphans. longstanding blockade of the Gaza retaliating prayers on the first day of the Eid UN-backed unity government in on Wednesday, killing its pilot, a In previous comments, Yusuf Strip. In 2013, Israeli Prime Minis- Al-Fitr holiday, a military source said Tripoli, saying he still takes orders spokesman said. “The crash was due Ibrahim, undersecretary of Gaza’s ter Benjamin Netanyahu voiced his against Italy yesterday. from a rival administration based in to a technical fault,” Ahmad Al-Mis- Social Affairs Ministry, said a total regret to Turkey’s then-prime min- Benghazi has been hit by the far eastern city of Tobruk. mari, spokesman of the Haftar-led of 400 aid-laden trucks were ister (now president) Recep Tayyip CAIRO: Egypt said yes- repeated bombings since troops Wednesday’s blast follows a army command, said. expected to reach the strip within Erdogan over the incident. terday it was considering retaliating against Italy for halting military supplies to protest the killing of an Italian student earlier this year. Italy’s Senate voted Syrian forces encircling rebel-held parts of Aleppo last week to halt supplies to Egypt of spare parts for F16 warplanes, the first Reuters areas of the northern city. Aleppo, A senior official in another commercial steps taken which was Syria’s largest city before Aleppo-based group, Jabha Shamiya, against Cairo since the the civil war with a population of said the majority of the attacking death of Giulio Regeni. more than two million people, has forces were Lebanese and Afghan. Regeni, who was doing BEIRUT: Syrian government forces been divided for years into rebel and The Syrian Observatory for postgraduate research took a step towards completely encir- government sectors. Human Rights said the advance by on Egyptian trade unions, cling rebel-held parts of Aleppo Heavy aerial and artillery bom- pro-government forces in the Al- was last seen by his yesterday, capturing ground over- bardment had at times made the Malah Farms area had brought them friends on January 25. His looking the only road into the Castello Road impassable. But Thurs- to within 1km (less than a mile) of body, which showed signs opposition half of the city and effec- day’s advance brings government the road. of torture, was found in tively putting those areas under siege. forces the closest so far to the road, The army said what it described a roadside ditch on the The army’s advance towards making it even easier to hit and effec- as terrorist groups had tried to attack outskirts of Cairo on Feb- the Castello Road, which brought it tively cutting off the opposition-held army positions in the area, and that it ruary 3. Egypt’s foreign to within its firing range, came dur- sector of the city near the Turkish thwarted this assault and taken over ministry said the senate ing a 72-hour ceasefire announced border. the southern Al-Malah farms, com- vote would hurt cooper- by the Syrian army on Wednesday, “Currently nobody can get in or ing to within firing distance of the ation between the two which a monitoring group said had out of Aleppo,” Zakaria Malahifji of Castello Road. countries. “We regret been a ruse. the Aleppo-based rebel group Fasta- Pro-Damascus TV channels the decision and are Rebels said they were fighting to qim said. He said government-allied showed footage of tanks and troops considering taking simi- retake lost positions and re-secure forces were being aided by Iranian firing and of the areas captured, lar measures that affect the road. Its capture brings the Syrian fighters and that reinforcements on which consisted of flat farmland areas of cooperation with government closer to its long-stand- the government side had arrived and a number of buildings reduced Italy,” a statement said. ing objective of encircling rebel-held from further south. to rubble. Aleppo’s historic citadel as seen from a rebel-held area, yesterday. 06 FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016 ASIA / AFRICA 3 dead in attack during Eid prayer in Bangladesh

Up to 300,000 people had gath- and insecurity is making foreigners According to officials, ered for a prayer service to mark the nervous. Eid Al-Fitr festival in the town at the “This is very shocking. We are there was no claim time of the violence, nearly a week anxious. It is creating an image cri- of responsibility and after militants killed 20 people in an sis. Customers are worried,” said attack on a cafe in Dhaka claimed by Muhammad Saiful Hoque, who it was not clear what Islamic State. works for a garment exporter in group the attackers One policeman was killed in a Dhaka. blast and another was stabbed to “I fear clients will be reluctant to belonged to. death. A woman was also killed. come for a while. Every incident is Six policemen were in critical adding to that.” condition and had been flown to Muhammad Zamir, a former hospital in Dhaka, said Syed Abu senior foreign ministry official said Reuters Sayem, assistant police superin- the country was “going through a tendent of Kishoreganj. crisis”. Officials initially said two “It is a persisting trend of going DHAKA: Militants yesterday attackers were killed and three against principles of Islam,” Zamir attacked Bangladeshi police guard- arrested, but there was confusion said. ing the country’s biggest festival later about whether one of the three Zillur Rahman, a district council marking the end of Ramadan, killing reported dead might have survived administrator, said initial indica- three people and wounding 14, days and be in hospital. tions were the militants were young, after Islamic State claimed a major There was no claim of respon- probably in their early twenties or attack in the capital and warned of sibility and officials said it was younger. more violence. not clear what group the attackers The situation had been brought At least five militants launched belonged to. under control but police were still an assault on police in Kishore- The assault is the latest in a surge checking for other militants, he said, ganj town, about 140km from the in militant violence in the South adding prayers were held peacefully capital, Dhaka, with small bombs Asian nation of 160 million that after the attack. before setting upon them with threatens lives as well as its eco- Television footage showed “sharp weapons”, said chief district nomic wellbeing. crime-scene officers marking evi- administrator, Mohammad Azimud- The country depends heavily dence on a road splattered with din Biswas. on its $26bn garment export sector blood. Bangladeshi Muslims wait in a queue for a security check prior to Eid Al-Fitr prayer in Dhaka, yesterday. Nigerian oil facilities Japan voters seen Nine dead in Ghana stampede favouring Abe in hit in militant assault parliament vote AFP The party was organised on But Hamidan said there were Wednesday at a community centre conflicting reports about the cause AFP been repaired since the last strike. in the Asawase area of Kumasi as of the tragedy and a security meeting A military officer said the attack ACCRA: Nine people were killed in a the climax to the Eid Al-Fitr festival, had been called for yesterday after- AFP happened in the Warri North area stampede at a party in central Ghana which marks the end of a month of noon to determine what happened. WARRI, NIGERIA: The Niger Delta of Delta state, adding: “A controlled to mark the end of the Muslim Holy fasting and prayer. “People are saying so many Avengers militant group yesterday explosive device was used to carry Month of Ramadan, a public official Local member of parliament things. Some are saying that there TOKYO: Japanese voters are said it attacked more oil infrastruc- the attack. said yesterday. Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka was a lights out and the meter suspicious of the government’s ture in southern Nigeria, ignoring “These gives them (the militants) “We so far have nine people said carnivals were often held to sparked and the sound of the meter economic policies and don’t trust a call for unity from President ample time to detonate the device who are dead, six females and three celebrate the occasion but in the made people agitated,” he said. controversial plans to change the Muhammadu Buhari. even while they have long left the males,” said Nurudeen Hamidan, past have been marked by clashes “Others are saying that they pacifist constitution -- but they The group said in an email that scene of the incident.” the head of the Asokore Mampong between youths. finished the programme, they were are still expected to hand Prime it hit manifolds RMP 22, 23 and 24 The spate of attacks claimed municipal assembly, in the city of Organisers had told police the leaving and there was a stampede Minister Shinzo Abe’s coalition operated by Chevron NigeriaLim- by the Niger Delta Avengers since Kumasi. carnival would end by 9:00pm along the way. victory in parliamentary elec- ited in Delta state at about 1:20am February has hit oil production There was no immediate com- (2100 GMT) and a group, thought “As to what caused the actual tions. (0020 GMT). inNigeria, exacerbating a financial ment from the police in the city, to number about 300, moved to the stampede the security agencies are Analysts predict the ageing RMP 23 and 24 had previously crisis caused by low global crude which is 255km northwest of the community centre, where a fight working to unravel what happened and conservative electorate will been attacked on June 1. prices since mid-2014. capital, Accra. reportedly broke out, he added. and we will take it on from there.” back Abe as the only viable choice RMPs or remote manifold plat- The group wants international But Hamidan said three bodies “In a bid for people to rush out... On May 9, 2001, The Accra Sport faced with an opposition widely forms are where smaller oil and gas oil companies out of the region, have been identified so far and six there was this stampede,” said Stadium disaster occurred. It took criticised as ineffectual. pipelines converge before being sent whose people largely live in poverty people were injured, one of them Muntaka, from President John Dra- the lives of 127 people, making it the “The others are horrible,” said to larger lines. despite the billions of dollars gener- critically, and were receiving treat- mani Mahama’s National Democratic worst stadium disaster to have ever Tokyo resident Akira Hachinohe, It is understood the facilities had ated by oil extraction over decades. ment in hospital. Congress. taken place in Africa. 52, who plans to vote for Abe’s Lib- eral Democratic Party. “They are opposing the gov- ernment for the sake of opposing it,” he added. “I don’t have a choice other than to vote for the LDP.” Taiwan and China brace for super Typhoon Nepartak At stake in Sunday’s vote is half the 242-seat upper chamber of parliament. Reuters announced financial markets would Known as the House of Coun- be shut today as cities across the cillors, it is a motley crew of island, including Taipei, announced descendants of former lawmakers, TAIPEI: Taiwan and China began work and school closures. Airlines ex-sports stars and entertainers battening down the hatches yes- began cancelling flights and the bul- as well as former technocrats and terday ahead of the arrival of super let train service was suspended. grassroots activists. Typhoon Nepartak, the first of the The island’s weather authorities It wields less power than the year, with fears in China that storm estimated wind speeds near Nepa- lower, yet larger, House of Rep- could worsen already severe flood- rtak’s centre were at least 200kph. resentatives, which sits for a ing in the east of the country. Widespread flooding across four-year term unless dissolved The typhoon is expected to central and southern China over early. make landfall on Taiwan’s moun- the past week has killed about 130 Having been largely written tainous but sparsely populated east people, damaged more than 1.9 off after a failed 2006-2007 stint coast in the early hours today, where million hectares of crops and led as prime minister, Abe seized a it will loose much of its strength, to direct economic losses of more second chance after a left-lean- before crossing over the Taiwan than $5.70bn. ing government collapsed at the Strait and hitting China tomorrow. The city of Wuhan, home to 10 polls in late 2012. The typhoon has been labelled million people, has been particu- He promised to end deflation a category 5 storm on a scale of 1 larly badly affected, with flooded through public spending and easy to 5 by Tropical Storm Risk mak- subway lines and power cuts. money -- so-called Abenomics. ing it a super typhoon but it should The typhoon is expected to push He also sought to beef up weaken to a topical storm by the more rain into already flooded areas Japan’s defences, revise the Military units in the eastern county of Hualien preparing sandbags on a beach as weather forecasters warn time it reaches China. in and around Wuhan, the Xinhua constitution and promote con- of torrential rains and fierce winds from approaching Super Typhoon Nepartak. In Taiwan, authorities news agency said. servative social values. Graft watchdog gets extra funds Social media anger erupts into anti-Mugabe protests to probe Zuma & Gupta scandal Reuters His critics say he has presided He said the movement had found A drought has compounded the over the destruction of a once-prom- its voice and was planning more hardship, while an acute cash short- Reuters ising country with policies such as action in the wake of the success of age means those lucky enough to get HARARE: Organisers of a general the seizures of white-owned farms; Wednesday’s strike, which shut down paid are unable to get their hands on strike against Zimbabwean President his government blames foreign pow- much of the capital Harare. any money due to daily withdrawal JOHANNESBURG: South Africa’s anti-corruption watchdog said yester- Robert Mugabe pledged yesterday ers for sabotaging the economy and “We are getting to a place where limits at most banks of as little as $50. day it will receive additional funds to investigate whether President Jacob to continue action until he falls, as stirring unrest. we are now expressing that we have Central bank plans to circulate Zuma allowed the wealthy Gupta family to make government appointments. a spontaneous social media move- On Wednesday, much of the had enough. What we are doing is local bank notes later this year have The prominent business family is accused of being behind Zuma’s ment has coalesced into the biggest country was shut down by a “stay about one action, one voice con- caused further anxiety among a pop- abrupt sacking of former finance minister Nhlanhla Nene in December, uprising against his rule in nearly a away” general strike, organised by cerning our frustration. Enough is ulation that lost savings and pensions a move that rattled investor confidence and triggered calls for the presi- decade. a social media movement that com- enough,” he said. in 2008 when rampant money-print- dent’s resignation. Zimbabweans have been using plains of poor public services, 85 The government blames Zimba- ing pushed hyperinflation to more The scandal surrounding the Gupta family took a dramatic turn earlier the Internet in recent weeks to percent unemployment, widespread bwe’s precarious financial position than 500 billion percent. this year after deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas said they had offered mobilise for street protests against corruption and delays in getting state on Western sanctions and a slump Zimbabwe last witnessed pro- him his boss’s job. Zuma has said that the Guptas are his friends, but denied Mugabe’s government, bypassing tra- salaries. in prices of its export commodities. tests on this scale in April 2007 when doing anything improper. The Guptas have also denied making job offers to ditional opposition parties as anger The unlikely protest leader Ignatious Chombo, the ruling opposition leader Morgan Tsvangi- anyone in government. grows over his administration’s han- is a pastor, Evan Mawarire, who ZANU-PF party’s administration rai led anti-Mugabe demonstrations. Allegations of the undue influence over top echelons of government dling of a failing economy. launched the movement - #This- secretary, blamed Western embas- Mawarire’s #ThisFlag movement prompted opposition parties to call for an investigation by the watchdog, Mugabe, Africa’s oldest leader at Flag - to get Zimbabweans to rally sies in Harare and opposition parties says it will hold another strike next seeking to pile pressure on Zuma’s African National Congress party ahead 92, has led the former British colony round the national flag and speak late on Wednesday for trying to cause week lasting two days if demands of August 3 local elections that are expected to be closely-fought. since independence in 1980. out against Mugabe policies. anarchy. are not met, ASIA / PHILIPPINES FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016 07

10 dead as Islamist Ritual purification rebels clash with army

rushed in, backed by military air- the Norwegian, while a Filipina who craft and artillery, regional military was abducted with them was freed The gun battles spokesman Major Filemon Tan said. last month. followed orders “Continuous indirect fire support The Abu Sayyaf is a loose net- by Philippine new and air strikes are being done and work of a few hundred Islamic additional troops were deployed,” he militants, formed in the 1990s with leader to the security added without giving details. seed money from Osama bin Lad- services to go after Army troops hunting down Abu en’s Al Qaeda network, that has Sayyaf units clashed with about 130 earned millions of dollars from the Abu Sayyaf of the gunmen near the Jolo town of kidnappings-for-ransom. group. Patikul, killing a soldier and wound- Although its leaders have ing six others, Tan said. pledged allegiance to Islamic State, Military intelligence reports later analysts say they are mainly focused AFP determined that nine Abu Sayyaf on lucrative kidnappings. Nepali Muslims wash themselves upon their arrival for a mass prayer during Eid Al-Fitr celebration members were also killed and 13 Last month, as Duterte prepared others wounded, he added. to assume office after winning the at a mosque in Kathmandu, Nepal, yesterday. MANILA: Philippine government Meanwhile, up to 200 Abu May presidential elections by land- forces fought hundreds of Islam- Sayyaf gunmen have been fighting slide on a law and order platform, ist militants on two remote islands running gun battles with govern- he ordered the military defeat the yesterday, with the military aircraft- ment forces in three Basilan towns Abu Sayyaf. backed campaign leaving up to 10 since late Wednesday, Tan said, but “Our first priority is the Abu people dead, the army said. did not say if there were casualties. Sayyaf because that is the order of Duterte’s city ‘under Daesh threat’ The gun battles on the south- The Jolo militants are believed to our new president: address the Abu ern islands of Jolo and Basilan be holding a Norwegian resort man- Sayyaf immediately so we can neu- followed orders by new President ager abducted elsewhere in the south tralise them,” Delfin Lorenzana told Anatolia sworn-in president’s son said that already instructed the military and Rodrigo Duterte for the security in September last year and a Dutch reporters before he was sworn in as authorities were intensifying intel- police in the Davao region to beef services to go after the Abu Sayyaf, birdwatcher kidnapped in 2012. defence secretary. ligence monitoring to further verify up security. which recently beheaded two for- Tan did not reply when asked The Abu Sayyaf group is con- ZAMBOANGA CITY: A southern information about the threat posed A spokesman for Eastern eign hostages and is also blamed for about the impact of the fighting on sidered very violent and was Philippines city where President by Daesh -- to which some armed Mindanao Command, Major Ezra the worst terror attacks in Philip- the hostages. responsible for the Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte served 22 years as groups in Mindanao island have Balagtey, said that it had “directed pine history. The Abu Sayyaf beheaded in worst terrorist attack, the bomb- mayor is facing threats from Daesh, pledged allegiance. subordinates to intensify intelligence The fighting was continuing late April and June two Canadian tour- ing of Superferry 14 in 2004, which Davao City’s acting leader said. Calling on the public to remain and monitoring in Davao considering yesterday with more troops being ists who were kidnapped along with killed 116 people. Paolo Duterte, the newly calm and vigilant, he said he had that this is his [Duterte’s] showcase.” Cambodia dismisses report detailing PM’s family business

Reuters Global Witness, in its report titled Global Witness said Hun Sen and suggested they were politically of parliament Son Chhay said. “Now Police identifies “Hostile Takeover”, said Hun Sen’s family companies had links to well- motivated. it is all public.” family owns or partly controls com- known global brands. “From my recent memory, when- Recently, Hun Sen has come body in suitcase PHNOM PENH: Cambodia dismissed panies with listed capital of more The family’s interests were ever it is close to an election time, an under pressure from the European yesterday’s accusations by an anti- than $200m. concentrated in the energy sec- organization called Global Witness Union to end what it sees as judicial in Tokyo canal corruption pressure group that Prime That is likely to be a fraction of tor, and included fuel retail chains, has come up with very colourful harassment of opposition politicians. Minister Hun Sen and his family have the real fortunes theymhold through power plants and renewable energy accusations aimed at attacking the The EU has threatened to review TOKYO: A human body amassed $200m in business interests shell companies and the use of nom- projects, the group said. government and, in particular, mak- about half a billion dollars in aid if found inside a suitcase including some with links to land inee owners, the group said. “Huge network of secret deal- ing personal attack on my father,” the harassment continues. floating in a Tokyo canal grabs and environmental destruction. Government spokesman Phay making, corruption and cronyism” said the son, Hun Manet, in a Face- Hun Sen has for decades dismissed last month has been iden- The accusations, in a report by Siphan derided the report by a group has helped prop up Cambodia’s self- book post. accusation of rights abuses and links tified as that of a Chinese the group Global Witness, comes that has been investigating issues styled strongman, who has led the A senior member of the main to graft, and regularly shrugs off West- woman missing for over during a period of rising political such as illegal logging in Cambodia country for more than three dec- opposition party, the Cambodia ern pressure for reform while building two years, police said tension between the veteran prime for decades. ades, the group said. “The report National Rescue Party, welcomed the strong ties with China. yesterday. minister and the opposition hoping to “It has no quality,” Phay Siphan should serve as a warning to for- airing of what he said were widely China was the largest foreign The corpse, clad in a challenge his grip on power in local said. “It is just accusations. The report eign investors.” known details of the family’s wealth. investor in the fast-growing econ- camisole and short pants, elections in 2017 and a general elec- is personal propaganda against Hun One of Prime Minister Hun “We all knew it but nobody could omy in 2015, accounting for $864m was not badly decom- tion in 2018. Sen, the elected prime minister.” Sen’s sons rejected the allegations really talk about it,” party member of the $4.44bn pledged. posed when discovered on June 27, which local reports said indicated the woman had not been dead for long. China warns US on But police were una- ble to confirm the identity of the body as being that of 34-year-old Yang Mei sovereignty ahead until yesterday, a police spokesman said. Yang came to Japan of disputed sea ruling in September 2013 as a trainee, one of the tens of thousands of foreign- Reuters of the Chinese-occupied features, ers who participate in the the Navy Times reported. government’s Industrial The USS Ronald Reagan and its Trainee and Techni- WASHINGTON/BEIJING: The escort ships have also been patrol- cal Internship Program United States should do nothing to ling the South China Sea since last (TTIP). harm China’s sovereignty and secu- week. rity in the South China Sea, China’s “All of these patrols are Blue light foreign minister told US Secretary conducted in accordance with inter- of State John Kerry, ahead of a key national law and all are consistent spectacle at court ruling on China’s claims in the with routine Pacific Fleet presence disputed waterway. throughout the Western Pacific,” Indonesian volcano Speaking by telephone on Pacific Fleet spokesman Lieuten- Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Minis- ant Clint Ramsden said. BANYUWANGI: Brilliant ter Wang Yi told Kerry the US should China frequently blames the blue flames light up the stick to its promises not to take sides United States for stirring up trou- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (second left), his wife Yoo Soon-taek (left), Chinese President Xi night sky above Kawah in the dispute, China’s foreign min- ble in the South China Sea, where Jinping (second right) and his wife Peng Liyuan pose for a photo at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Ijen, casting an eerie elec- istry said. its territorial claims overlap in Beijing, China, yesterday. tric glow as they flow China hopes the United States parts with Vietnam, the Philippines, down the sides of the “speaks and acts cautiously, and Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. active volcano in remote take no actions that harm China’s Speaking in Beijing following a Indonesia. sovereignty and security interests”, meeting with Wang yesterday, UN Hot sulphuric gases -- Beijing frees activist during the statement paraphrased Wang Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon escaping at high pressure as saying. said that while he could not com- through cracks in this leg- Tensions and rhetoric have been ment on the Philippines legal case, endary mountain -- ignite rising ahead of a July 12 ruling by he called for a peaceful resolution upon contact with air, an arbitration court hearing the of differences. burning a fantastic, iri- UN chief’s visit to China dispute between China and the Phil- “I did stress to minister Wang, descent blue. ippines over the South China Sea in as I have with all other countries This strange natu- Reuters is the targeting of criminal acts. China consistently rejects any the Dutch city of The Hague. involved, the need to resolve their ral phenomenon can also In a brief statement on their offi- criticism of its human rights record, China is conducting military differences in a peaceful manner and create “blue lava” -- rivers cial microblog, police in the eastern saying it adheres to the rule of law. exercises around the Paraceln to avoid any escalation or misunder- of burning liquid sulphur BEIJING: Chinese police yesterday city of Tianjin said Zhao Wei would Nonetheless, the crackdown has Islands in the north of the region standings that could put security and that stream from the vast released on bail a legal assistant who be freed on bail given her good alarmed Western governments. this week, while US Navy officials development in the region at risk.” crater, giving the appear- worked for a prominent human rights behaviour and after she had con- Speaking to reporters after said yesterday that US destroyers Wang repeated China’s position ance of molten rock. lawyer after almost a year in deten- fessed to her crime and for her meeting Foreign Minister Wang Yi, had been patrolling around Chi- that it also wanted a peaceful reso- The gases burn day tion on subversion charges, as the “relatively good attitude”. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon nese-held reefs and islands in the lution, but that it would not accept and night at this spec- visiting UN secretary general called Zhao, 24, an assistant for the said he had personally witnessed contested Spratly Islands to the forced arbitration. tacular volcano in the on China to respect civil society. prominent detained lawyer Li Hep- China’s contributions to the United south. “This approach will not help extreme east of Java China’s leadership has over- ing, was detained last July. Nations and all its great successes. While not close enough to be bring about a peaceful resolution of island, but its character- seen a sweeping crackdown on She was released mid-afternoon, “As China continues along the within 12 nautical miles - a so- disputes. On the contrary, it would istic blue hue can only be activists since President Xi Jinping a person close to her said, asking not path of transformation and reform, called freedom of navigation only escalate the disputes and ten- observed once darkness took power, including detaining or to be identified. The Tianjin police I encourage China’s leaders to create operation that would require high sion and should be resisted by all has fallen. imprisoning dozens of rights law- declined to comment when con- the space needed for the civil soci- level approval - the destroyers oper- countries and people who uphold yers in what the government says tacted by telephone. ety to play its crucial role,” Ban said. ated within 14 to 20 nautical miles justice.” 08 FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016 VIEWS

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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EDITORIAL Praising the unworthy Tony Blair didn’t lie onald Trump’s veiled praise of dictators is shocking but not unsurprising. The leading man in the Republican presidential camp has been berated the umpteenth time for something he is not at all supposed to do, let alone declare it with aplomb. his way into Iraq DThe maverick Republican contender has now been found praising former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, who was a sworn enemy British side, it’s worth recapping chemical and biological agents.” of the United States and triggered a standoff with the West that is some of his findings. The closest Chilcot On nuclear weapons, the reed Let’s start with a February 27, is even thinner. The British dos- largely blamed for the current conflagration in Iraq. 2002, assessment from the Joint comes to criticising sier didn’t say Iraq had continued As is his wont, Trump started by saying how bad Saddam Intelligence Committee, the panel Blair’s use of a nuclear-weapons program, as Hussein was: “He was a bad guy — really bad guy. But you know that oversees intelligence prod- Blair said. what? He did well? He killed terrorists. He did that so good…” ucts for the UK government. It the intelligence Instead, it said Iraq had made These comments by the real estate tycoon attempt to legitimise says: “Iraq also continues with its produced by his covert attempts to “acquire tech- the former Iraqi president’s criminal acts against political chemical and biological warfare nology and materials which could (CBW) programmes and, if it has government is be used in the production of dissenters and anti-Saddam activists. The Iraqi dictator is known not already done so, could pro- that he at times nuclear weapons;” “sought sig- to have gassed thousands of Kurds who mounted a revolt against By Eli Lake duce significant quantities of BW nificant quantities of uranium his regime. Bloomberg agent within days and CW agents didn’t express from Africa, despite having no Trump has also spoken supportively within weeks of a decision to do the full nuance active nuclear programme that of Kim Jong-un, the North Korean so.” On nuclear, that assessment and uncertainty would require it”; and “recalled said Iraq continued a program to specialists to work on its nuclear Trump’s leader, known for his chronicled contained in those brutality and running the state like a develop a weapon, though it was programme.” praise for ir John Chilcot has some at best five years away from pro- You have to squint pretty hard fiefdom. He appreciated Kim for his reports. authoritarian bad news for the many Brit- ducing a warhead. to conclude that Blair was lying actions, saying that the North Korean ons pining for the day Tony These judgments, it should be here. A more reasonable explana- leaders is president may be a maniac, but “you’ve Blair will be tried for war said, were in keeping with British tion is that politicians use language Scrimes. The former prime minister and US intelligence assessments for intelligence, Chilcot’s criticism is so differently from intelligence ana- likely to queer got to give him credit.” The Republican the pitch for contender spoke appreciatively of Kim didn’t lie the UK into the Iraq war. years. Chilcot’s report concludes: mild, it barely registers. It revolves lysts. Blair was making the case for getting his uncle executed as part of a This is the clear conclusion of “The ingrained belief that around a September 2002 British a policy he believed. That policy a sweeping inquiry into the war Saddam Hussein’s regime retained government dossier on Iraq’s weap- was based on the view of the US him. purge. released on Wednesday by Chil- chemical and biological warfare ons of mass destruction. Chilcot and British intelligence commu- If Saddam and Kim are part of cot’s committee, a report that took capabilities, was determined to says this dossier was more nuanced nity (and for that matter, plenty of praise delivered by Trump, how can longer to produce than the British preserve and if possible enhance than a foreword to that document other national-intelligence serv- Putin be far behind. The authoritarian military involvement in Iraq. The its capabilities, including at some written by Blair. ices) that Saddam was concealing Russian President has been courted in speech by the Republican closest Chilcot comes to criticis- point in the future a nuclear capa- For example, Blair said the weapons programs, and intended who himself has an authoritarian streak about him. Trump has ing Blair’s use of the intelligence bility, and was pursuing an active assessment had concluded to restart them as soon as eco- repeatedly praised the Russian leader who has reciprocated by produced by his government is policy of deception and conceal- “beyond doubt” that Iraq “con- nomic sanctions collapsed. that he at times didn’t express the ment, had underpinned UK policy tinued to produce chemical and One didn’t need access to secret appreciating the tycoon. full nuance and uncertainty con- towards Iraq since the Gulf Con- biological weapons, that [Saddam] intelligence to reach this conclusion. It is rare for Trump not to say something that is tained in those reports. But Blair’s flict ended in 1991.” continues in his efforts to develop Saddam was already in violation uncontroversial. His take on foreign policy has been the most statements about Iraq’s chemical, Chilcot doesn’t let Blair off the nuclear weapons, and that he had of 16 UN Security Council reso- contentious part of his campaign. The businessman believes that biological and nuclear weapons hook. He says Blair was warned been able to extend the range of lutions pertaining to weapons of charting the country’s course on foreign affairs is like selling a programmes were consistent with that an invasion of Iraq could his ballistic missile programme.” mass destruction by the time of the luxury apartment. His casual approach to international relations what the professional analysts, strengthen Al Qaida. He con- The actual dossier wasn’t quite 2003 invasion. He kicked inspec- spies and military officers were cludes that Britain did woefully this definitive. “The assessed intel- tors out of the country on multiple not only betrays a lackadaisical approach to foreign policy but telling him. little preparation for the day after ligence had not established beyond occasions. He never allowed the UN also reflects a juvenile mindset that is not at ease dealing with “It is now clear that policy on the defeat of Saddam’s forces. And doubt that Saddam Hussein had access to his scientists demanded serious issues. Iraq was made on the basis of he uncovers a note from Blair to continued to produce chemical by the Security Council’s final res- Trump’s brusque and brazen praise for dictators has to be flawed intelligence and assess- Bush promising his support for and biological weapons,” Chilcot’s olution. Iraq’s dictator acted as if he seen in the light of his juvenile approach to serious issues. He ments,” Chilcot said in a statement. the Iraq war, whatever happens. report says. Instead, the dossier had something to hide, and Tony thinks he can probably hold foreign policy discourse on golf “They were not challenged and But on the issue of prewar said Iraq “had continued to produce Blair believed he did. course turf as a strong wind ruffles his untidy mop of hair. they should have been.” In this one sentence Chilcot The American establishment has been overtaken by a sense has obliterated a genre of Iraq war of dread over Trump. Americans need not fret. The American literature. Remember that for the political system is there to take care of mavericks like Trump. And “Bush Lied,People Died” crowd, the more astray he goes the better — as it will become easier for Blair and US President George Americans to reject him at the hustings. W Bush pressured analysts and manipulated intelligence to get the war they wanted. Instead, Chilcot said that Blair should have been more sceptical of intelligence on Iraq’s weapons programmes. And Quote of the day yet you still see this kind of thing all the time. Without real security in On the US side, the notion the Donbass (industrialised of cynical Bush administration information manipulation should eastern Ukraine) and an end to have been put to rest years ago. the bloodshed on the contact As two reports from the Senate line, the use of heavy weapons Select Committee on Intelligence and blockading of OSCE made clear, the US intelligence community — with a few dissent- access, Minsk is doomed to fail. ing agencies — agreed that Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein was John Kerry hiding chemical, biological and US Secretary of State even nuclear weapons programs. Chilcot’s report, though, includes so much detail on the

EDITORIAL TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR E-MAIL: [email protected] ADVERTISING TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 CLASSIFIED: 44557857 E-MAIL: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 E-MAIL: [email protected] OPINION FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016 09 Why police shootings so outrage black America

By Stephen Carter Bloomberg

t has become leaden and disheart- ening, the series of tragic slayings of young black men by police. One can accept the statistics suggesting that the Iproblem is not as bad as we think. One can buy entirely the existence of a “Ferguson effect” — the idea that increased scrutiny of police actions has led to increases of violent crime in cities. One can concede that the far greater problem facing black America is the way our young men are killing one another. And yet, somehow, the incidents of police shootings weigh heavily upon the soul. The latest well-publicised shooting occurred in Falcon Heights, a suburb of St Paul, Minnesota, and came just days after white officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, shot and killed a black man they were try- Clarence D Castile, uncle of Philando Castile, speaks outside the Governor’s Mansion following the police shooting death of a black man in St Paul, Minnesota. ing to arrest. In the latter incident, two separate bystander videos confirm that he was already pinned to the ground. The shot her boyfriend through the window killings of young black men by police each as coloured people, had really no rights as images themselves. Even what was done US Justice Department is investigating. of the car. “You shot four bullets into him, year when so many thousands of are killed citizens whatsoever. It left us very empty, to Emmitt Till we saw only in the grue- “Please, officer, don’t tell me that you sir. He was just getting his license and reg- by other young black men. Chicagoans for we knew in that hour that all for which some photograph of the young man in his just did this to him,” says the girlfriend of istration, sir.” didn’t march en masse to protest the 64 we had labored and sacrificed belonged casket. Earlier there was often only word Philando Castile, the black man killed in We know what she said to the shooter — that’s not a typo — shootings in their not to us but to a ruthless mob.” of mouth; even mere rumour. But there Minnesota. Her voice is calm and respect- because she made a video recording of much city over Memorial Day weekend. Federal Such events are living memories for are videos now. We can see the wounds ful as she speaks to the officer who just of the incident, which has been viewed a authorities didn’t rush in to investigate. many African Americans, and, for the rest, inflicted on Castile in the suburbs of St. million times on the internet. According to Don’t those lives matter too? are handed down, as stories and warnings, Paul. We can see the bullets striking Alton her account, Castile told the officers that It’s a reasonable question and deserves from generation to generation. Sterling’s body in Baton Rouge. And given he had a gun in the car, and that he was a reasonable answer. Let me suggest two The alarming rate of black-on-black our uneasy place in the nation’s tortured licensed to carry it. He then explained that explanations. Neither is entirely satisfac- crime threatens our concrete security. The racial history, we cannot help writhing he was reaching for his wallet. tory, but each, I think, points in the right killing of blacks by whites, particularly alongside. Would the nation be better off if The latest well-publicised shooting The unnamed officer has been placed direction. The first is history. For hun- police, touches something more elemen- tens of thousands marched every time one occurred in Falcon Heights, a suburb on leave. What follows will be as carefully dreds of years, the US has in large part tal, a sense of fragility within a race still young black man slew another? Probably. choreographed as a dance. In due course been defined by the sharp divide between struggling to throw off the burdens, both But there are reasons for the community’s of St Paul, Minnesota, and came just he will be charged or not charged; he will black and white. I do not speak here of sta- psychic and economic, of the nation’s tor- more visceral response to an interracial days after white officers in Baton be convicted or not convicted; and after tistics, although they obviously matter. I tured history. shooting -- especially when the killer is a the obligatory protests and condemnations have in mind, rather, the vividness of a past That some of the shootings may turn out police officer. Whether or not one agrees Rouge, Louisiana, shot and killed a by politicians, and the posting of Castile’s in which the violence of the dominant race to be justified is thus very much beside the with the reasons, it’s important to know black man they were trying to arrest. name on various walls of remembrance, was simply part of the American back- point. Each episode constitutes a reminder what they are. the issue of race and policing will fade into ground. My great-grandmother described of how the race itself remains but delicately What happens next is predictable. In the latter incident, two separate the background, displaced by seemingly the aftermath of the Atlanta riots of 1906, tethered to the mainstream of American Liberals will blame institutional racism. bystander videos confirm that he was more urgent matters. in which white mobs attacked the busi- life. The lives of blacks killed by blacks Conservatives will blame an aberrant already pinned to the ground. The US Until the next time it happens, and we nesses and homes of the city’s burgeoning are no less precious than those of blacks officer. Libertarians will blame the vio- all perform the same indelicate minuet. black middle class: killed by whites; but the symbolism, the lent culture of law enforcement. And black Justice Department is investigating. Critics often ask why African-Americans “In a moment our sense of security relationship of image to history, is different. Americans will be left wondering whether become so exercised over the handful of was gone, and we had to realize that we, This leads to the second point: the the pain of history will ever pass. Risk of war returns to Europe

heads of government meeting of the Politicians on both sides have their military forces in the region to make any Ukraine nor Georgia could count on that such an approach might make alliance, they will be doing so amid eyes as much on their domestic pol- conventional Russian assault difficult. Western military support when they a Nato nuclear response inevitable the most serious tensions with Mos- itics as anything else. The result is a Much of that is already happen- wound up fighting Russia in 2008 and — Russian exercises have tended to cow since 1989. chain of errors with potentially dev- ing, at least up to a point. The United 2014. The Baltic states are a different target a single purely military target, Virtually no one, it must be said, astating consequences. States has dramatically ramped up matter — under Nato’s founding char- for example a Nato flotilla of warships. thinks that either side is anything other These real-world tensions have its military activity in Europe since ter, an attack on one is an attack on all. A strike like that could kill thou- By Peter Apps than very keen to avoid a devastating been a long time coming. Even in 2014, sending tanks, special forces and During the Cold War, Nato’s sands if not more - and what would Reuters conflict. Europe remains home to more the 1990s, Russian opinion — both other personnel to frontline states as Supreme Allied Commander Europe happen next is almost impossible to than half the world’s nuclear weap- within the military and political elite well as making high profile deploy- — always the senior US officer who predict. Putin might well hope such ons. No one doubts that should a third and wider country — was incensed at ments of heavy military equipment. also commands all US forces on the an action might fraction Nato, leaving major war overwhelm the continent, it what felt like growing Western disdain That includes the return of US Army continent — had operational control countries hopelessly divided on how to century ago this weekend, my would almost certainly be worse than and encroachment into what Moscow tanks to Europe as well as visits by of European Nato forces facing Russia. respond. Already, opinion polls suggest great-grandfather - a corpo- any of those that preceded it. had long seen as its exclusive sphere state-of-the-art F-22 Raptor stealth That is no longer the case, however, German voters in particular would be ral in the Liverpool-recruited And yet, a growing number believe, of influence. Restoring what Russia fighters and aging Cold War-era work- meaning many decisions now also reluctant to fight to defend Nato allies, King’s Regiment — was wait- the risk is quietly increasing. In May, sees as its self-respect has been at the horses such as B-52 heavy bombers require political authorisation from while US presidential contender Don- Aing to go “over-the-top” at the Somme. retired British General Sir Richard heart of Vladimir Putin’s rule. and A-10 “tank busters”. member states. It’s the sort of messy ald Trump has explicitly questioned Sent to pick up the company rum Shirreff — who served as Nato’s Deputy In Crimea in particular, Moscow Baltic, Nordic and Eastern Euro- situation that would make handling the long-term survival and purpose ration before the assault, he wound Supreme Allied Commander at the time showed itself adept at what military pean nations are ramping up defense of confrontation much more difficult. of the alliance. up drinking it and woke up after the of the Russian annexation of Crimea thinkers increasingly call “hybrid war- spending — albeit several steps behind Russia has placed its nuclear arse- In the era of social media and action — or at least, that’s the story he in 2014 — wrote a book explicitly sug- fare”, using political manipulation and Moscow, which has poured oil revenue nal at the center of its strategic approach 24-hour news, however, it’s equally told the family after World War One gesting all-out war with Russia could deniable forces — particularly troops into its military over the last decade to this kind of confrontation. According easy to imagine a furious US elector- was over. happen as soon as next year. without insignia — to achieve effects with the specific aim of being able to to Western experts, its recent military ate demanding a savage retaliation. Perhaps his superiors were in an On the surface, the book is a novel without resorting to conventional force. deliver overwhelming force in its very exercises have relied heavily on what In the post-Cold War world, after all, unusually forgiving mood. Or perhaps, — but Shirreff has underlined in mul- It is an area, some Western officials say, immediate neighborhood. Already, it calls a single “de-escalatory nuclear the United States has become used like many others, he was just looking tiple interviews, including with this where Russia has developed a consid- some estimates suggest, Russia has strike”. to doing what it wishes. Nor, as the for a way to avoid retelling his experi- reporter, that he views it a highly plau- erable lead over the West. more than enough firepower to swiftly It’s a very simple — but possibly UK’s referendum has shown, is Euro- ences. By the end of the first day, the sible scenario. His former Nato boss, The lesson of the last decade, how- overwhelm local and Nato forces in its phenomenally dangerous — concept. pean politics currently particularly Allies had suffered almost 60,000 cas- US Admiral James Stavridis, underlines ever, has also been that when it does immediate neighborhood. The theory is that if Russian forces are predictable. ualties for precious little ground. By the point in a hard-hitting introduction. choose to escalate to all-out military As in Ukraine and Georgia, the most engaged with an enemy like Nato, once Miscalculation is not inevitable. But the time the offensive was canceled In Shirreff’s book, all sides are action — as it did in Georgia in 2008, likely flashpoints look to be regions they have won the conventional bat- it is arguably becoming more likely. later in the year, there were more than essentially operating from a position of Ukraine in 2014 and Syria last year with large ethnic Russian populations tle they would launch a single nuclear Just over a century ago, shortly 800,000, over half of them fatalities. weakness. His unnamed Russian Pres- — it tends to do so with much greater — essentially, the border districts of strike with the aim of intimidating the before the Somme, future Prime Min- With the two world wars increas- ident — clearly modelled on Vladimir force and speed than Western ana- Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The West into standing down and accept- ister Winston Churchill was a battalion ingly passing from living memory, it’s Putin — initiates hostilities with both lysts anticipated. governments of those countries have ing the results. commander on the Western Front. He becoming easier to forget just how much Ukraine and the Nato member Baltic The problem, of course, is that no already stepped up development and In major exercises in 2013 that sim- found himself in a briefing on the per- they dominated the lives of almost every states of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia to one really knows what the best way political efforts in those regions to ulated an invasion of one or more of ceived lessons of the Battle of Loos, family on the continent. distract from economic woes at home, of avoiding conflict is. For Shirreff and reduce the risks - but some analysts the Baltic states, the scenario appeared a bloody and unsuccessful earlier Quietly, though, that is changing. particularly a falling oil price. many others, particularly in NATO’s worry Nato’s activities may end up to end with a nuclear strike on War- engagement that used the same tactics. When Nato states meet in Warsaw at Western leaders, meanwhile, more exposed eastern states, the answer overly militarizing the situation. saw, Nato officials say. “I wanted to say ‘Don’t do it again,’” the end of the week for the annual overplay their limited military hand. is assertive deterrence, putting enough As non-Nato members, neither More recently — perhaps worrying he wrote to his wife after. “But they will.”

All thoughts and views expressed in these columns are those of the writers, not of the newspaper. All correspondence regarding Views and Opinion pages should be mailed to the Editor-in-Chief. 10 FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016 ASIA / PAKISTAN Conservatives close in on Australian govt rule

AFP sale of agricultural land to foreigners. polls, that should not be imposed upon At least two of them have ruled “I have had very constructive dis- the Australian people,” the Queens- out working with either the coali- The prime minister cussions with Katter and I thank him land MP said, which could happen if tion or the Labour opposition. The SYDNEY: Australia’s next govern- continues to for the support that he has given my none of the major parties can secure uncertainty follows national polls ment looked more likely to remain government,” Turnbull said in a state- enough support to form a government. on Saturday, with early counts giv- in conservatives’ hands yesterday hold talks with ment after the pair met in Brisbane. “I do so (give my support) with ing neither of the two major parties as they secured extra seats in an crossbenchers and Latest projections by the Aus- no great enthusiasm... I maintain my enough seats to govern. ongoing vote count after weekend independent MPs. tralian Broadcasting Corporation’s right to move at any point in time in The inconclusive result led global elections, and a key independent veteran analyst Antony Green said another direction.” ratings agency Standard and Poor’s to pledged his support. the coalition was on course to hold His announcement was not a place Australia coveted AAA-rating Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at least 73 seats, with Katter’s support surprise, with Katter backing the on negative watch from stable yester- has been meeting with independent a majority government. taking them to 74. Six seats remain coalition in 2010 when the nation was day, saying the outcome could lead to PM Malcolm Turnbull lower house politicians to shore up Yesterday, he won the support of too close to call. last faced with a hung parliament, further delays in efforts to reduce ris- backing for his Liberal/National coa- Bob Katter, a colourful rural MP who Katter’s backing means he would where no single political party has a ing budget deficits and debt. they would work hard to “ensure lition amid uncertainty that it will be recently sparked controversy after a get behind the government on budget majority in the 150-seat lower house. Treasurer Scott Morrison pledged that we can maintain the financial able to win the 76 seats required in campaign video showed him shoot- matters and on votes of no confidence. Four independents and one after the S&P statement that if his strength of the government and of the House of Representatives to form ing two political opponents over the “We do not want to go back to the Greens MP have won lower seats. government was returned to power, the country as a result”.

US returns to Taiwan gains Blocking the access Chinese legal aide held for a year linked to corrupt ex-leader released on bail

AFP Chen was arrested in Taiwan AFP in November 2008, less than six months after he left office, on cor- WASHINGTON: The United States ruption allegations. Both he and his BEIJING: A young assistant to a said yesterday it is returning $1.5m wife were subsequently jailed for Chinese human rights lawyer to Taiwan from the sale of two corruption. detained in a sweeping crack- homes bought with alleged bribes According to the US complaints down nearly a year ago will be by the family of disgraced former in the case, Yuanta Securities Co released on bail after she “con- president Chen Shui-bian. paid 200 million New Taiwan dol- fessed”, police said yesterday. The Justice Department said lars (about $6m) to Wu to ensure Zhao Wei, 24, will be released it had sold a condo in Manhattan that her husband supported “in the light of a confession to and a home in Virginia that were Yuanta’s bid to acquire another crimes and a good attitude,” police seized in 2012 under allegations that company. in the northern port city of Tianjin they were purchased with bribes Wu used Hong Kong and Swiss said in a short post on a verified paid to former first lady Wu Shu- bank accounts, shell companies and microblog. chen in 2004 during her husband’s a St. Kitts and Nevis trust to trans- She was one of the youngest administration. fer the bribe proceeds to purchase people held last July when more “We are committed to rooting the two properties. than 200 lawyers and activ- out foreign official corruption and “After many years of collabora- ists were detained in a swoop preventing corrupt officials from tive work, we are happy to return on those who had pressured enjoying their spoils in the United these funds to their rightful own- government officials through States,” said Assistant Attorney Gen- ers,” said Peter Edge, executive China’s tightly controlled court eral Leslie Caldwell in a statement. associate director of Homeland system. Pakistani policemen stop potential bathers from entering the sea at Clifton Beach as celebrations to “We appreciate the cooperation of Security Investigations in the US “The afternoon sun is really mark the Eid Al-Fitr holidays continue, in Karachi, yesterday. Taiwan law enforcement in this Immigration and Customs Enforce- good. To breathe freely feels matter.” ment agency. great,” she said on her own microblog. “A year is long and short, and I have had many reflections and experiences. At this time I just want to thank my family, and EU parliament urges Myanmar to protect Rohingyas thank the police investigators who just like family members gave me unlimited help and showed genu- AFP State, where tens of thousands of radical Buddhism is on the rise million people is one of the world’s Rohingya remain in more than 80 ine concern.” Rohingya are confined to squalid label the group “Bengalis,” casting- most persecuted minorities, officially internal displacement camps, for Release on bail is rare in Chi- displacement camps after waves of Myanmar’s more than one million stateless since the 1982 Burmese humanitarian actors, the United na’s legal system, and often signals STRASBOURG, FRANCE: The Euro- deadly unrest with local Buddhists Rohingya as illegal immigrants from Citizenship Law and unwanted by Nations, international human rights that a suspect will continue to be pean Parliament yesterday urged in 2012. Bangladesh. theMyanmar authorities and by organisations, journalists and other closely monitored but will not face Myanmar to end what it termed But she and her administration The European Parliament neighbouring countries,” the assem- international observers.” trial. “brutal repression” and “systematic have been widely criticised for not showed its deep concern by passing bly said in a resolution that decried They also called on the south Zhao was an assistant to persecution” against the country’s speaking up sufficiently for the group a resolution calling for the issue to the Rohingya’s “extremely vulnera- Asian country to “condemn une- human rights lawyer Li Hep- Rohingya Muslim minority. in a country where nationalists even be urgently addressed. ble situation.” quivocally all incitement to racial or ing, one of around 12 people who Myanmar leader Aung San Suu refuse to use the term “Rohingya”, “Parliament reiterates its deep European lawmakers said Myan- religious hatred and implement spe- remain detained and accused of Kyi insisted in May her new govern- which Suu Kyi herself has maintained concern about the plight of Rohingya mar must “as a matter of urgency cific measures and policies to prevent subverting state security. State ment was determined to address risks inflaming tensions. in South-East Asia. This ethno-reli- ensure free and unimpeded access to direct and indirect discrimination media have referred to them as a deep hatreds in western Rakhine Nationalists in a country where gious Muslim minority of about one Rakhine State, where some 120,000 against the Rohingya in the future.” “criminal gang”. US sanctions on leader ‘a declaration of war’: N Korea Lonely Kaavan battling AFP ‘mental illness’: Experts

SEOUL: North Korea said that the new US sanctions targeting its leader AFP Activists say he has insufficient Kim Jong-Un amounted to a “decla- shelter from Islamabad’s searing ration of a war” and vowed to take summer temperatures, which can strong retaliatory measures. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s lonely rise to above 40 degrees Celsius. The move by the United States elephant Kaavan has become the Asian elephants can roam thou- constituted “the worst hostility” subject of a high-profile rights cam- sands of kilometres through deep against the North, Pyongyang’s for- paign backed by music icon Cher, tropical and subtropical forests, eign ministry said in a statement, but efforts to improve the pachy- according to the World Wildlife carried by the official Korean Cen- derm’s lot appear limited. Fund. tral News Agency. The 32-year-old Asian ele- In contrast, Kaavan’s 90 by 140- Washington on Wednesday placed phant is suffering from “mental metre pen has almost no foliage, Kim on its sanctions blacklist, calling illness”, and without a better habitat and only limited shade is provided. him directly responsible for a long list his future is bleak even if a long- “Give Kaavan deep bushes and of serious human rights abuses. promised new mate finally arrives, artificial showering and you will see The sanctions are the first that experts said. him enjoying the environment,” said name the country’s “Supreme Outrage over Kaavan’s treat- Ahmad, who has written several Leader”, as well as the first target- ment went global -- with a petition research papers on the elephant. ing the reclusive state for rights garnering over 200,000 signatures Ahmad was backed by mam- violations. -- after it emerged he was being malogy expert Dr Wasim Ahmad In its first reaction to the move, chained at the Islamabad Zoo in Khan, who said captivity “will Pyongyang urged Washington Pakistan’s leafy capital. shorten his life if we don’t take care to retract the sanctions immedi- Zoo officials have said this is of his environment”. ately, warning that the North would no longer the case, and that Kaa- Arriving as a one-year-old in instantly cut off “every lever and van just needs a new mate after his 1985 from Sri Lanka, Kaavan was channel for diplomatic contact” previous partner died in 2012. temporarily held in chains in 2002 between the two countries if the US But his behaviour -- including because zookeepers were con- failed to do so. Schoolchildren stand beside North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as he attends "We Are the Happiest in the signs of distress such as bobbing his cerned about increasingly violent “The US dared challenge the dig- World", a performance of schoolchildren to celebrate the 70th founding anniversary of the Korean Children's head repeatedly -- demonstrates “a tendencies, but he was freed later nity of the DPRK supreme leadership, Union (KCU), in Pyongyang. kind of mental illness”, said Safwan that year after an outcry. an act reminiscent of a new-born Shahab Ahmad, the vice chairman His mate Saheli, who arrived puppy knowing no fear of a tiger,” “Now that the US declared a war US and neighbouring South Korea as hostility of the US”, but did not elabo- of Pakistan Wildlife Foundation. also from Sri Lanka in 1990, died in the statement said, using the official on the DPRK, any problem arising declarations of war. But the reference rating on what this could entail. Ahmad, who has conducted 2012, and last year it emerged that acronym for North Korea. in the relations with the US will be to “wartime law” is rare, and suggests Ten other top Pyongyang officials detailed research on Kaavan since Kaavan was regularly being chained “This is the worst hostility and handled under the latter’s wartime Pyongyang will officially treat the US were also blacklisted by the US on the 1990s, also slammed the lack of once more -- for several hours a day. an open declaration of war against law,” it said. as if they are engaged in a conflict. Wednesday, accused of being behind trained experts to care for the ele- Kaavan’s keeper maintains the DPRK as it has gone far beyond Strongly worded retaliation by The statement said the reclusive widespread abuses that have made phant, saying he needs more space that the pachyderm is not being the confrontation over the ‘human Pyongyang is not unusual, and it has nation will take “the toughest coun- North Korea “among the world’s most and a pen better adapted to his nat- mistreated -- but just longs for rights issue’.” previously described actions by the termeasures to resolutely shatter the repressive countries”. ural forest habitat. company. INDIA FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016 11 Smriti fails to hand over charge to Javadekar

IANS minister at a formal ceremony. till the last for Irani to show up before Javadekar, who was supposed to being said. I would only say ‘Kuchh to On Wednesday, but for Javadekar, taking the charge. take charge on Wednesday deferred log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna’ Smriti Irani seems all the other newly-appointed minis- “Javadekar ji called Irani twice it till yesterday and even held a meet- Javadekar was the only Minister to be unhappy over ters as well as those who were shifted in the morning. But she finally didn’t ing with HRD officials in the ministry of State to be elevated to cabinet rank NEW DELHI: Smriti Irani may have from their ministries went to their turn up,” a source told IANS. on Wednesday itself. in Tuesday’s reshuffle. scoffed at speculation over her ouster being displaced from new offices in the presence of the Irani’s absence was apparent of her On Wednesday, Irani, after taking Sources close to Irani said she with a Kuch toh log kahengey, but the the HRD Ministry. outgoing minister. unhappiness at being shunted out, but charge of the Textiles Ministry had had had an inkling she might be former HRD minister was missing from Following the tradition, Java- Javadekar downplayed the issue, say- denied rumours that her move to the shifted out from the HRD ministry. a ceremony yesterday to formally hand dekar himself handed over the ing “She was supposed to come today, new office was a demotion. When she met an Education Min- over charge of the ministry -- despite charge of Environment Ministry to but she was stuck in some personal She thanked Prime Minister ister of one of the BJP ruled states two phone calls to her by her succes- Yesterday, Irani failed to attend the newcomer Anil Madhav Dave, while work.”“I had a word with her in the Narendra Modi for placing her in few days ago, Irani indicated that sor Prakash Javadekar. charge-taking ceremony of the newly- Irani took charge of her new Textiles morning on phone,” the Minister said. charge of a sector that has immense she might not be in the HRD Minis- Irani, who was shunted to the appointed HRD Minister Javadekar at Ministry. But Javadekar’s assumption After the reshuffle, Javadekar had potential to generate employment. try when he visits her next. low-profile Ministry of Textiles in Shastri Bhavan despite being present of charge of the HRD Ministry was gone to meet Irani at her residence on On persistent questioning about Sources said Irani was shifted to Tuesday’s cabinet reshuffle, seems in Delhi and being formally invited. set for today. Javadekar was hopeful Wednesday morning. Sources said her being moved out of the HRD Min- Textiles because of many controversies to be “unhappy” over being displaced Traditionally the outgoing min- that Irani will turn up to hand over Javadekar had tried to soothe Irani’s istry, Irani said, “There have been so during her tenure as HRD Minister and from the HRD Ministry, said sources. ister hands over charge to the new the charge, but she didn’t. He waited dejection but his efforts were in vain. many questions and so many things the way she dealt with them. Congress: Modi Digvijay faces flak for govt rejected CAG audit of telecom lauding Zakir Naik

companies IANS explain that Islam is against inno- cents being killed.” Defending his presence IANS alongside Naik at the event, NEW DELHI: Senior Congress Singh tweeted: “My speech at leader Digvijay Singh, facing flak for conference organised by Zakir NEW DELHI: The Congress yes- having dubbed controversial Islamic Naik is being shown. I spoke terday alleged that the Narendra preacher Zakir Naik a “messenger of against religious fundamental- Modi government overstepped its peace” in 2012, yesterday said that if ism and appealed for communal limits to order an alternate audit the Indian or Bangladeshi govern- harmony.” by the telecom ministry rejecting ment found any evidence linking On Wednesday, Minister of State the Comptroller and Auditor Gen- Naik to the Islamic State terror for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on eral’s (CAG) scrutiny. group, they should act against him. indicated that the government was The audit by the CAG found Naik is under the scanner fol- contemplating action against Naik, under-reporting of income by six lowing revelations that two of the saying it was a “matter of law” and telecom companies to the tune of five young militants who massacred the agencies concerned will take Rs 46,045.75 crore from 2006-07 20 hostages, including an Indian, “appropriate action”. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviews a guard of honour with Mozambique’s President Filipe Jacinto to 2009-10. The six telecom com- at a popular cafe in Dhakha on July Union Information and Broad- Nyusi in Maputo, yesterday. panies that were audited by the 1, drew their inspiration from his casting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu CAG were Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, speeches. yesterday said Naik’s speeches are Reliance, Idea, Tata and Aircel. “If government of India (GOI) or objectionable. He indicated that the The Congress alleged the Modi the government of Bangladesh has government may take action against Three agreements signed with government opted for an alternate any evidence against Zakir Naik’s him. re-evaluation of these figures by involvement with IS (Islamic State) “The Home Ministry will ana- the telecom ministry through they should take action against lyse everything,” Naidu said. Mozambique as Modi visits chartered accountants who are him,” Singh tweeted. Naik, founder of Mumbai-based empanelled with them. Singh’s tweets came after Islamic Research Foundation, is “This reflects the apparent mal- an online video surfaced show- banned in the United Kingdom and IANS Modi alluded to the visit of a I bring with me the best wishes of intent of the government to dilute ing him at an event sharing the Canada for his hate speeches aimed Mozambican Parliamentary del- 1.25 billion Indians who share the or diminish the figures put forth by stage and a hug with Naik, and against other religions. egation to study India’s electoral democratic spirit with the people of CAG,” said Congress spokesperson at a conference in 2012 where Condemning the attacks in system in general and electronic vot- Mozambique.” Randeep Singh Surjewala. he called the Islamic preacher a Bangladesh, Naidu said terror- MAPUTO: Prime Minister Naren- ing machines in particular. India and Mozambique yesterday According to Surjewala, CAG “messenger of peace.” ism has no religion or region and dra Modi yesterday met President “He invited Macamo to lead a signed three agreements, including had initiated an audit of the six “I have heard many times the called for the entire world to unite of the Mozambique National Assem- delegation to India and also called one on purchase of pulses, follow- telecom companies for four years name of Zakir Naik. I am happy against it. bly Veronica Macamo and invited her for the formation of a group of young ing delegation level talks led by Modi from 2006-07 to 2009-10 at the to hear that he (Naik) is spread- Young militant Rohan Imtiaz, to lead a parliamentary delegation parliamentarians from both coun- and Mozambican President Filipe instructions of Congress-led UPA ing message of peace all over son of an Awami League leader, to India. tries,” the Spokesperson said. Nyusi. Nyusi also hosted a banquet in government. CAG submitted its the world,” Singh said, praising posted a message on Facebook last External Affairs Ministry The Prime Minister also signed honour of the visiting Indian Prime report in March 2016. “It specifi- the scholar in the controversial year quoting Peace TV’s preacher Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the visitors book in the National Minister. cally looked at under-reporting of video. Naik “urging all Muslims to be Modi and Macamo exchanged views Assembly in which he wrote: Modi was accorded a ceremonial income and non-uniform method The video was broadcast on terrorists”. on the practices and procedures of “India and Mozambique have shed welcome after his arrival in Maputo of accounting adopted by various Peace TV, which is run by Naik. Naik, founder of Mumbai-based their respective Parliaments. “The colonial legacies to chart new dem- on the first leg of his four-nation telecom companies and consequent Reacting to the controversy, Islamic Research Foundation, is Prime Minister lauded the fact that 93 ocratic courses. The Assembly of the Africa tour. He will meet members of lack of obligation to pay outstand- Singh in a tweet claimed that “the banned in the United Kingdom and out of 250 Mozambican parliamen- Republic plays a vital role in guid- the Indian community before leav- ing licence fee and Spectrum Usage conference was for communal har- Canada for his alleged hate speeches tarians were women,” Swarup said. ing Mozambique in this journey. ing for South Africa. Charges (SUC),” said Surjewala. mony and against terrorism. Also to aimed against other religions. Music director Omi of Salman skips second hearing at women’s panel Sonik-Omi duo dead IANS an affidavit explaining his recent a date with the NCW in New Delhi his explanation on the same issue. ‘abuse remarks’, the actor provided and it remains to be seen whether At the previous date on June 29, the same reason as last time, urging he responds to its summons. Salman’s lawyer submitted a letter IANS square meal and the uncle-nephew the MSCW not to hear the matter to Salman has been served summon to the MSCW urging that since the lived in a tiny slum room on the out- MUMBAI: Bollywood superstar avoid duplication since it was being by both MSCW and NCW to explain matter is before the NCW, it should skirts of Thane. Salman Khan yesterday skipped heard even by National Commission his recent ‘abuse remarks’ which not be continued with MSCW to avoid In the early 1950s, Master Sonik appearing before Maharashtra State of Women. kicked up a controversy ahead of his duplication. MUMBAI: Veteran music director got a break to direct music for films Commission for Women (MSCW) and “We can summon a person thrice latest mega-hit film Sultan, which hit “We have concurrent powers just Om Prakash Sonik, or Omi, of the like Mamta, Mehfil and Ishwar has been summoned again on July 14, and now he has been summoned to the screens on Wednesday. the way the NCW has. This matter well-known duo Sonik-Omi passed Bhakti”, but their music failed to a top official said here. appear before us on July 14,” MSCW He has bypassed two hear- can be heard at the state level too. away in a private hospital follow- catch the ears of the listeners. At the scheduled hearing yes- Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar told ings at MSCW— on June 29 and Therefore, his version is invalid,” ing a brief illness, a family member The young Omi also got an terday where Salman or his mediapersons. July 7—citing grounds of duplica- Rahatkar said then, flatly rejecting said yesterday. A widower, he was opportunity to assist the legendary lawyer was directed to submit However, today the actor has tion as even the NCW has sought his plea. 77 and is survived by his son Som composer Roshan for films like Taj and daughter Sudha. Mahal, Aarti, Barsaat Ki Raat and Omi was the nephew of blind many others. music director Master Sonik and The big break came in 1965 5 persons climb together they formed the noted from film-maker G L Rawal for his Eid prayers at Taj Sonik-Omi team which provided new venture, Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya tree to escape music to nearly 125 Bollywood mov- and the musical track composed ies in the 1950-1980s. by the Sonik-Omi team became Som said his father had a fall a rage. flood in MP around a month ago which led to A couple of years later, Rawal other multiple complications and offered them for Aabroo whose IANS late on Wednesday he suffered a music also proved immensely pop- cardiac arrest. He never recovered ular and Sonik-Omi became a noted and breathed his last around 6.25 name in Bollywood. REWA: At least five persons who am yesterday at the Bharatiya Aro- Later, they composed music for went fishing at the Tavsi river gya Nidhi Hospital, Juhu. films like Mahua (with the haunt- in Sirmaur district of Madhya Born and raised in Sialkot (now ing Dono ne kiya tha pyar magar), Pradesh yesterday were caught in in Pakistan), they moved to India Truck Driver, Mehfil, Beti, Dharti a flood after their boat capsized. after Partition in 1947 and lived Ki God Mein, Dharma (the famous In an attempt to escape, the men mostly in Delhi. qawwali Raaz ki baat keh doon climbed a tree. In 1950, Master Sonik arrived in to, jaane mehfil me phir kya ho), In a similar incident, five tour- Mumbai with his young nephew in Raftaar, Umar Qaid, Chowki No. ists on Wednesday were washed tow, hoping to make a career in the 11 (which had the memorable hit away in the fast current at the film industry. number sung by Shobha Gurtu, Purwa Falls which was trig- With many stalwarts already Kahin ho na mohalle me halla) and gered by continuous rainfall in holding sway over the listening Ladki Pasand Hai. the region. The five tourists were audiences, the Sonik-Omi duo faced Over the years, the uncle- still missing. For the last two days, an uphill struggle, fighting near- nephew pair made a formidable Rewa district has been receiving People offer Eid Al-Fitr prayers at the Taj Mahal in Agra. Several parts of India celebrated the festival starvation at times, Omi even joined reputation for themselves with com- heavy rainfall which has left riv- yesterday. in a female chorus group to afford a positions in over 125 movies. ers and streams inundated. 12 FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016 EUROPE

White powder Britain’s May and Leadsom in race for PM sparks security

becomes Britain’s first woman prime arrangement that has pushed immi- alert at UK minister since Margaret Thatcher was gration to record levels and was a Around 150,000 forced from office in 1990. powerful factor behind the success parliament grassroots The result of the contest is of the Leave side in the referendum. expected by September 9, meaning Supporters of the rival candidates Conservatives will businesses and investors must endure were quick to start making their AFP vote to decide two more months of uncertainty over pitches to the wider membership. who will lead the huge task of disen- May backer Chris Grayling described whether May or tangling Britain’s economy from the the MPs’ vote as ‘overwhelming’ and LONDON: Police locked down Leadsom becomes EU while trying to safeguard trade said “I hope members will be look- parts of Houses of Parliament yes- prime minister. and investment. ing carefully.” terday after a Muslim lawmaker Prime Minister David Cam- Leadsom supporter Owen Pater- was sent an envelope containing eron said last month he was son said: “It’s quite remarkable to come white power, sparking fears of a stepping down after voters rejected from absolutely nowhere to a strong chemical or biological attack. Reuters his entreaties to keep Britain in the second. I’m really confident that she’s Nazir Ahmed’s office in the EU and his warnings that leaving in tune with the members. She’s got House of Lords, the car park and would spell economic disaster. this tremendously optimistic view of the terrace were closed for an “This vote shows that the Con- Theresa May (left) and Andrea Leadsom. where this country is going.” hour and a half after he found the LONDON: Interior minister Theresa servative Party can come together, Leadsom has put her 25 years’ powder in a letter containing rac- May and eurosceptic rival Andrea and under my leadership it will,” May people are looking for. I think they’re the referendum campaign she took experience working in financial serv- ist abuse. Leadsom yesterday emerged as the told supporters after the results were fed up with the political elite,” said a low-key stance in favour of Britain ices at the centre of her leadership “They were treating it as a two candidates who will battle to announced. Leadsom backer Peter Bone. remaining in the EU—unlike Lead- bid, having worked at Barclays Bank chemical or biological incident,” become Britain’s next prime minis- Until a couple of weeks ago Lead- Bookmakers William Hill made som, who fought on the winning side. and fund manager Invesco Perpetual. the peer said, adding: “Thank ter and lead the country out of the som, a junior energy minister, was May the 1/5 favourite to win, implying Grassroots party members have But some of her career creden- God it was not dangerous. “I have European Union. barely known to most Britons, but an 83 percent chance, while Lead- strong eurosceptic leanings, a factor tials have been called into doubt. received racist, abusive, insulting May won 199 votes and Leadsom as one of the leading voices in the som was quoted at 7/2, or 22 percent. that could favour Leadsom. Journalists spoke to five former and Islamaphobic letters before, 84 in a second ballot of lawmakers successful Leave campaign she has Interior minister May, 59, has The 53-year-old, who entered Invesco colleagues, including four in but never with white powder. of the governing Conservative party. dramatically emerged as a serious served for the past six years in one parliament six years ago, said her top senior management positions, who “This was frightening, as our col- Justice Secretary Michael Gove took challenger as better-known rivals of the toughest portfolios in gov- priority would be to guarantee tariff- said Leadsom did not have a prom- league Jo Cox was murdered a few just 46 votes and was eliminated have been felled by political intrigue. ernment. Leadsom has never been free trade with the EU after leaving. inent role or manage client money. weeks ago.” from the race. “She’s the future. What you want a member of the cabinet. But the EU is likely to insist that She told the BBC that ques- The letter had been screened Around 150,000 grassroots Con- is someone who’s not been in the But despite her strong lead in this would only be feasible if Britain tions about her career record were before it reached his office, but servatives across the country will vote Westminster bubble, she’s had a real yesterday’s vote, May is far from continued to allow other EU nationals “ridiculous” and her CV was “all lawmakers are on heightened to decide whether May or Leadsom job in the real world and that’s what assured of winning the race. During to live and work freely in Britain, an absolutely true”. alert after Labour Party MP Cox was gunned down on the street in her constituency last month. Britain’s shock vote to leave the European Union on June 23 Irish opposition Marine life on ground came after a divisive campaign focused on immigration, and was followed by a surge in rac- ist incidents. poll surge piles Ahmed thanked the police and parliamentary authorities for their swift action. The Metropolitan Police con- pressure on Kenny firmed that officers were alerted to reports of a suspect package at 12:30 pm (1130 GMT). The security Reuters in February elections, Fine Gael alert ended around 2 pm. returned to power with the backing “It was a suspicious pack- of a group of independent lawmak- age that had been delivered the ers and facilitated by Fianna Fail. Houses of Parliament. There are DUBLIN: Support for Ireland’s main Fianna Fail, also centre-right no reports of any injuries or ill- opposition party has surged since its and a major political force which nesses,” a spokeswoman told AFP. decision to let Prime Minister Enda lost power over the 2008 financial A spokesman for the House of Kenny’s minority government sur- crisis, agreed to help Kenny’s gov- Lords added: “Peers’ car park and vive by offering qualified assistance ernment by abstaining on key votes parts of the terrace were closed in parliament, raising pressure on while being able to hand the gov- temporarily but have now been Kenny to announce when he intends ernment embarrassing defeats in reopened. to step aside. others. “The closure was put in place Kenny returned to office in May Backing for Fianna Fail rose to while a package containing a as head of a government that is due an eight-year high of 33 percent Women look at photographs by Paul Nicklen as part of the 2016 photography outdoor exhibition in white powder was investigated to run until the end of 2018. But he compared to the 24 percent it won La Gacilly, western France, yesterday. The exhibition focuses this year on oceans as the main theme by specialist police units, which has said he will not lead his Fine at the election, the Irish Times/IPSOS with Japan as guest country. is standard procedure. “The pow- Gael party into the next election - MRBI poll showed. der was found to be non-harmful.” though without committing to when Fine Gael fell two points to 24 he will stand down. percent. Fianna Fail’s surge came Lawmakers from the centre- mostly at the expense of independ- right party said planning for Kenny’s ent candidates who fell 8 points departure was brought up for the to 22 percent, which the survey’s 5 dead in industrial mishap in central England first time at an internal Fine Gael authors said may be partly due to meeting on Wednesday, a day before Britain’s vote to leave the European a poll showed it trailing rival Fianna Union. AFP that a wall had collapsed. Emergency “On our arrival, it was clear that our absolute priority will be to ensure Fail by nine percentage points. “It is impossible to avoid the services attended but the men could a large concrete structure contain- that the bodies of those who have lost “There will be a time in the not temptation to link the swing not be saved and they were pro- ing metal had collapsed, trapping a their lives are recovered in the most too distant future, I expect, when towards a more cohesive opposi- nounced dead at the scene,” the number of people,” the fire service timely and safe way possible,” fire leadership is going to have to be tion, and away from a fragmented LONDON: Five men died yesterday statement said. said in a statement. service spokesman Gary Taylor said. discussed in Fine Gael,” Simon Cov- one, to the uncertainty created by in an accident at a recycling centre Police spokesman Mark Payne “Very sadly, five people were “The scene is an extremely chal- eney, Ireland’s minister for housing the UK’s vote to leave the EU,” Ipsos on the outskirts of Birmingham in said: “We are still in the very early pronounced dead at the scene by a lenging one, involving significant and one of two clear bookmak- MRBI’s Damian Loscher said. central England and a sixth man has stages of this investigation to deter- doctor. One other person who was tonnage of concrete and metal and ers’ favourites to take over, told “It would also be foolish to stop been taken to hospital with serious mine exactly what happened this seriously injured was taken to hospi- a structure that is still unstable.” reporters. at Brexit in the search for an expla- leg injuries, police said. morning.” tal by the ambulance service.” According to an ambulance One Fine Gael backbencher nation. Independents are mavericks “Police can confirm that five men The local ambulance service was A team of 10 fire personnel, spokesman, the injured man was said he would like Kenny to give in opposition but can cause mayhem have died after an industrial acci- called to the site at 8:43am (0743 equipped with heavy lifting and cut- partially trapped by falling con- an outline of his intentions once the in government, and the precarious- dent at a recycling site at Nechells GMT) to attend to a patient “who was ting equipment, were conducting the crete “but managed to get out from budget for next year is introduced in ness of the current arrangement is this morning,” the police statement described as stuck and had suffered emergency operation. the rubble himself.” He was treated mid-October. not giving voters the added comfort said, referring to a suburb of the city. a cardiac arrest,” according to West “Once the police have finished at the scene by ambulance staff and After suffering heavy losses they need in a time of uncertainty.” “Officers were called... to reports Midlands Fire Service. their initial examination of the scene, doctor from the air ambulance.

Purging sins Russian President signs controversial anti-terror measures into law

AFP offences, lower the age of crim- an additional one percent and use inal responsibility to 14 for some the money to build the necessary crimes and extend prison sen- infrastructure. tences for online crimes like abetting Kremlin spokesman Dmitry MOSCOW: Russian President terrorism. Peskov told journalists yesterday Vladimir Putin has signed into law a The passage of the bills through that Putin also tasked the gov- package of controversial anti-terror Russia’s lower and upper houses ernment to monitor “how this amendments dubbed “Big Brother” of parliament sent shockwaves law is realised” and take meas- measures by critics that may cost through the internet and telecoms ures if there are “undesirable” internet companies billions. industries. consequences. The measures, posted online yes- In an interview with Kommer- The law inspired the former US terday by the government, boost the sant daily published yesterday, intelligence contractor turned pri- surveillance powers for the security Chief Executive Officer of Megafon vacy activist Edward Snowden to services by requiring communica- mobile provider Sergei Soldatenkov issue a rare comment on a domestic tion providers to store users’ calls, said that the law as it stands would policy in Russia, where he is cur- messages, photographs and videos require the company to spend 200 rently living in exile. for six months, as well as metadata bn rubles ($3.1bn) to ensure the data Snowden said yesterday on Twit- for up to three years. storage requirement—four times its ter it was a “dark day for Russia”. People jump over a campfire during a celebration on the traditional Ivana Kupala (Ivan the Bather) They also have to provide secu- annual profit. “Signing the #BigBrother law holiday, the ancient tradition, originating from pagan times, in Kiev, Ukraine, yesterday. The tradition is rity services with access to this data “This bill financially kills the must be condemned,” he said, add- usually marked with grand overnight festivities during which people sing and dance around campfires, and any necessary encryption mech- telecommunication industry,” he ing that he would criticise the law believing it will purge them of their sins and make them healthier. anisms necessary to use it. said, instead proposing that the despite fearing retaliation from Rus- They also criminalise several government tax the industry by sian authorities. EUROPE FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016 13 Kerry offers US help to Ukraine in dispute with Russia

progress on judicial, legislative, eco- Poroshenko stressed Ukraine’s nomic and anti-corruption efforts, and demands for the security. The US Secretary of on agreements to end the conflict in “There cannot be effective State met Ukrainian eastern Ukraine with Russian-backed progress without comprehensive and separatists. In 2014, Moscow annexed sustainable security,” he said. “We President Petro the Crimea Peninsula from Ukraine. insist on decisive implementation.” Poroshenko in On Tuesday, Kerry visited neigh- Putting in place the Minsk agree- bouring Georgia, where he signed ment was one of several topics Kiev to discuss an agreement to boost US military discussed in a telephone call between progress on judicial, cooperation and sent a not-so-sub- President Barack Obama and Russian tle message to Russia ahead of this President Vladimir Putin. Kerry said legislative, economic week’s Nato summit in Poland. that Putin said he wanted to move and anti-corruption US officials say Ukraine has com- forward. pleted most of its obligations under “We are hopeful that in the days efforts. the peace agreement — reached last ahead that we will, in fact, be able to year in Minsk, that relate to providing translate those expressions into real the east with greater autonomy. But actions that will make a difference,” AP the officials complain that Russia and Kerry said, repeating that if and when its proxies have not done their part on Moscow moves forward it will see a security matters, such as ensuring a proportional reduction in sanctions cease-fire, withdrawing heavy weap- that the US and the European Union KIEV: US Secretary of State John ons, providing full access to monitors have imposed on it. Kerry yesterday pledged sustained and restoring Ukrainian control to “If Russia chooses the path of de- American support to Ukraine and border crossings. escalation and full implementation of offered assurances that the United “Ukraine is making a good faith Minsk, the international community, States stands by the former Soviet effort to implement Minsk, there is no all of us, will welcome it,” he said. “If US Secretary of State John Kerry keeps his arm around Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin’s shoulder as republic in its territorial disputes with doubt in my mind about this,” Kerry Russia does not move in the direc- they tour a street market together with US Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland and US Ambassador Russia and as it embarks on an ambi- told reporters at a news conference tions of embracing that possibility to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt in Kiev, yesterday. tious programme of reform. with Poroshenko. and de-escalating, then the sanc- Kerry met Ukrainian President Unless Russia follows through, he tions will remain in place.” to follow Minsk deal by launching a status to rebel regions and preparing Putin “to take steps to end the uptick Petro Poroshenko in Kiev to discuss said, “Minsk is doomed to fail.” In the call, Putin argued Kiev needs dialogue with rebels, granting a special local elections there. Obama urged in fighting in eastern Ukraine. Russian actions caused ‘loss of trust’ with Nato: Merkel German court issues

AFP Merkel said that “Russia’s actions deployment would provide an first convictions in have deeply disturbed our eastern “additional guarantee” requested allies” and require a “clear reassur- by Russia’s neighbours whose “fears ance” of their safety under Nato’s are great” in the face of what they BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Article 5 on collective defence. consider to be a bigger threat. Cologne mob attacks Merkel (pictured) yesterday said The German leader—a Russian “In recent years we have seen a that Russia’s actions in Ukraine had speaker who has maintained dialogue deterioration of the situation in the eroded mutual trust with the West, with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin east, we have seen that Russia has Agencies accompanying the victim from speaking on the eve of a major Nato throughout the Ukraine crisis, despite massed troops in the west” of its ter- intervening to stop the attack and summit in Poland. their differences—also said the West ritory, the source added. asked him if he would “abandon the “If through words and deeds the must keep talking with Moscow. Vice chancellor Sigmar Gabriel, girl for 5,000 euros.” He was found validity of (international) law and “Deterrence and dialogue, the leader of the Social Democrats who BERLIN: A German court yester- guilty of being an accessory to the the inviolability of borders are ques- clear commitment to solidarity may challenge Merkel in a general day convicted two men of assault assault crime. tioned, then of course trust is lost,” with our alliance partners pursuant election next year, criticised Nato’s in a New Year’s eve mob attack on The Iraqi man, who was 20 at she told the German parliament. The US-led alliance plans to to Article 5 of the Nato Treaty, and tough stance on Russia. women in Cologne which sparked the time, was sentenced under juve- When Nato leaders meet in War- finalise its biggest revamp since the the outstretched hand of dialogue— “We need to ask ourselves whether outrage and hardened public opin- nile law and was ordered to take saw, “it will be in a phase in which collapse of the Soviet Union to coun- these are not contradictory, no they the world will really be better if the ion against Berlin’s decision to allow part in an integration course and the security situation has signifi- ter what it sees as a revanchist and are indeed indivisible,” she said. two sides conduct military exercises in more than one million migrants. serve 80 hours of community work. cantly changed in Europe,” she said, unpredictable Russia since the start A German government source at the border, add military equipment The District Court of Cologne In other cases related to attacks also pointing at turmoil in Syria, Iraq of the conflict in eastern Ukraine and who spoke on condition of ano- and threaten each other,” he told the gave a 20-year-old Iraqi and a on New Year, offenders were sen- and Libya. Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. nymity said that the battalions’ daily Passauer Neue Presse. 26-year-old Algerian a one-year tenced for theft and other minor suspended sentence each in a rul- crimes. ing that came just hours after the Earlier, the German parliament parliament in Berlin unanimously unanimously approved a new law France bids toughened abuse crime laws. making any form of non-consen- Festive fervour It was the first such conviction sual contact a crime. from the incidents in Cologne on The new law seeks to reassure farewell to New Year’s Eve, when hundreds of a public shaken by the attacks in women told police they had been Cologne and elsewhere, which were former PM Rocard groped, attacked and robbed by largely blamed on migrants. mobs of men outside the central The measures aim to close loop- train station. Police said the sus- holes that made it difficult to punish AFP pects were mainly of North African offenders if proof that they had used and Arab appearance. violence against their victims was The incidents took place as Ger- lacking or when victims did not PARIS: France yesterday bade many wrestled with the problem resist. farewell to former Socialist prime of accommodating more than one Under the new rules, all forms of minister Michel Rocard with Pres- million migrants last year, mostly contact will be punishable, regard- ident Francois Hollande praising people fleeing conflicts in Syria, less of the circumstances. him as “great and good” during a Iraq and Afghanistan. After years of anguished dis- sombre ceremony at Les Invali- The Cologne police chief was cussion on the need for tougher des in Paris. forced to resign and women’s treatment of abuse by the German Rocard, who died on Saturday rights activists launched the “no criminal justice system, the new aged 85, served as prime minis- means no” awareness campaign legislation finally came together fol- ter for three years from mid-1988 after the attacks, which prompted lowing a spate of physical assaults under Francois Mitterrand, the a debate about problems arising in crowds on New Year’s Eve in the two-term Socialist president who from trying to integrate the new western city of Cologne. led the country from 1981 to 1995. arrivals. Deputies gave a standing ova- The late prime minister was The court said the two men tion as the law passed the Bundestag “a great and good figure of the along with a group of 10 to 15 other lower house with an overwhelm- republic, a luminous person who An efigy of San Fermin is carried through the centre of Pamplona, in Spain, during a procession after men separated two victims from ing majority, following an emotional through his struggles left his the first running of the bulls through the streets or “encierro” of the San Fermin Festival, yesterday. one another. It added that the Iraqi debate. mark on several successive gen- The nine-day fiesta got underway to cries of “Viva San Fermin!” at city hall, followed by firing of a was found guilty of abusing one of All 601 lawmakers participat- erations,” Hollande said in the firecracker known as the “chupinazo”. the victims. ing in the debate voted in favour of military complex’s sun-drenched The Algerian prevented a man the new measures. Court of Honour. Hollande praised Rocard as a “brilliant intellectual” and a “cit- izen in awe of the world who saw his work only on a global scale.” While describing Rocard as Russia cracks down on HIV activists despite epidemic a man of compromise, Hollande said he succeeded in carrying out “audacious reforms”—notably by AFP needles and advice to drug addicts. million this year, double the rate in The crackdown first hit HIV pre- agents) list and with the list being so resorting 28 times to a measure “What sort of foreign agents are 2010, according to official statistics. vention activists in February when a long already, they don’t have much that allowed him to bypass par- we?” asked Maxim Malyshev, who Some activists say these figures may small regional group in Siberia was choice anymore.” liamentary votes. heads the programme at the Andrey be underestimated. blacklisted, followed two months “New amendments to the law After delivering the eulogy, MOSCOW: Despite a rising HIV epi- Rylkov Foundation. Russia’s top AIDS expert Vadim later by another in central Russia. make it very clear that any advocacy Hollande stood before Rocard’s demic in Russia, officials appear to be “We go out each day in the streets Pokrovsky said that in 2015 alone, Esvero and the Andrey Rylkov Foun- work constitutes political activity,” flag-draped coffin for several clamping down on few organisations to help our fellow citizens who suffer some 100,000 people contracted the dation were added in late June. she said. “This is particularly ironic in minutes before pall-bearers trying to fight the spread of the virus. from drug addiction and have been virus. He has previously warned that “We have already lost five part- the current situation, when the health carried it away. Rocard joined Mit- In recent weeks, authorities abandoned by the state.” within five years the overall figure nerships with other associations authorities actually acknowledge an terrand’s newly founded Socialist added two leading HIV-prevention AIDS activists in Russia have long could reach as high as three million. because people are afraid of being HIV/AIDS epidemic.” Party in 1974 and soon became a groups to a “foreign agents” blacklist, fought an uphill battle. The clampdown comes under a involved with us now that we are Esvero, the Andrey Rylkov Foun- vocal critic of the traditional left. as a broader crackdown on inde- Under President Vladimir Putin, controversial law, introduced in 2012 ‘foreign agents’,” Esvero’s Elena dation and other such groups say the But he decided not to stand pendent civil society hits the battle the country has taken an increasingly after mass protests against Putin, that Romaniak said. government has failed to respond to in Mitterrand’s way as the latter against HIV. Officials have already conservative turn that—along with blacklists groups that receive fund- “We want to switch to receiving the HIV crisis. If they are now forced successfully won a second term in targeted dozens of other NGOs in the influence of the powerful Ortho- ing from abroad and are deemed to financing purely from Russia, but five to close, they say it would be a seri- 1988.Mitterrand appointed Rocard fields from human rights to envi- dox Church—has seen official policy be involved in political activity. requests that we’ve made for pub- ous blow to already limited efforts to to succeed Jacques Chirac—the ronmental protection. promote abstinence and focused Already some 130 NGOs and lic financing have been refused,” she prevent the spread of the virus. future right-wing president— Yet last month, the label was exclusively on treatment instead of charities across Russia have been said. “We can’t continue using the after a period of unprecedented slapped on Esvero, an umbrella group prevention. branded “foreign agents”, a tag While HIV groups were spared methods for fighting it that we cur- left-right “cohabitation”. Rocard for organisations fighting the spread The activists say the latest moves reminiscent of the Soviet-era crack- until now, Tanya Lokshina from rently use. Access to treatment is served for three years before being of HIV in Russia, and the Andrey are sidelining their efforts. down on dissidents. This has forced a Human Rights Watch said that the becoming expensive and there are “fired” as he saw it, and went on to Rylkov Foundation, which runs Mos- The number of Russians regis- number to refuse vital foreign fund- authorities appear “compelled to add more and more sick people,” said a serve in the European Parliament. cow’s only programme offering clean tered with HIV rose to more than one ing or shut down. new organisations to the (foreign frustrated Romaniak . 14 FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016 AMERICAS

US police shoot another Teaming to tame the gang black man to death

Castile informed the officer he was who kept out of trouble. carrying a licenced gun, Reynolds “I think he was just black in The governor of the said, and was shot as he reached for the wrong place,” Valerie Castile northern US state his licence and registration. told CNN. “Every day you hear of She said the officer, whom she another black person being shot has asked the White described as an Asian male, made down, gunned down by the people House to order a conflicting demands of Castile—both that are supposed to protect us.” that he keep his hands in the air and “We’re being hunted every day. It’s federal probe into that he identify himself. a silent war against African-Ameri- Wednesday night’s “Nothing within his body lan- can people as a whole,” Castile said. shooting in Falcon guage said intimidation. Nothing In a 10-minute video with more within his body said, ‘Shoot me.’ than three million views after it Heights. Nothing within his language said, was streamed live on Facebook, ‘Kill me I want to be dead.” Reynolds—clearly in shock— Reynolds said her phone had methodically narrates the shooting been seized as evidence and voiced incident as an officer trains his AFP fear of a police cover-up. weapon on her. In the background, “They’re gonna tamper with evi- an officer is heard shouting: “I told dence,” she told reporters. “They’re him not to reach for it. I told him to gonna do whatever they have to do get his hands up.” Members of Territorial Intervention Force, a combined army-police unit, participate in a patrol after SAINT PAUL: A black motorist was to cover themselves.” Reynolds starts wailing as it their deployment to deal with gang violence in violent areas at the Valle del Sol neighbourhood in shot at close range by a Minnesota But Governor Mark Dayton becomes clear Castile is dying. Cas- Apopa, El Salvador, yesterday. cop and seen bleeding to death in a pledged to push for a full and inde- tile can be seen in the driver seat, graphic video shot by his girlfriend pendent inquiry by the Department large blood stains spreading through that went viral yesterday, the second of Justice—which is already inves- his white shirt. He was later taken to fatal police shooting to rock Amer- tigating the police shooting of a hospital and pronounced dead. ica in as many days. black man caught on video earlier “They didn’t let me see my son’s The governor of the northern US in Louisiana. “Justice will be served body, at all,” Valerie Castile said. US House probes response to state asked the White House to order in Minnesota,” Dayton said. In both the Minnesota and Loui- a federal probe into Wednesday America’s debate on police use of siana cases, the victims had a gun in night’s shooting in Falcon Heights, lethal force, especially against young their possession, though there is no near Minneapolis, as calls mounted black men, was set to hit fever pitch indication they pointed their weapon toxic chemical in drinking water for justice for the 32-year-old vic- as a fourth officer went on trial yes- at police at any time. tim Philando Castile. terday in one of the highest-profile In Sterling’s case, police said A four-year-old girl witnessed such cases of recent years. they intervened after an anony- AP took New York officials to take action was aware of the contamination “in the shooting from the back seat of Three officers so far have mous caller told police they had on the findings in Hoosick Falls and December 2014, but did not take any the car, as her mother—Castile’s escaped conviction in the case of been threatened by a man with a a possible communication break- action until nearly one year later, girlfriend—livestreamed the bloody Freddie Gray, a young black man gun. Sterling’s family lawyer said down at EPA. in November 2015.” That was when aftermath while an officer pointed who died last year in Baltimore after he was merely selling CDs outside ALBANY, NEW YORK: A congres- “The Committee is concerned Regional Director Judith Enck sent his gun through the window. suffering spinal injuries in the back a convenience store, with the per- sional committee is asking state that a sluggish response to the cri- village officials a letter saying they Speaking to reporters outside the of a police van. mission of its owner. officials and federal environmen- sis in Hoosick Falls at the state and should seek an alternate source of governor’s mansion in St Paul, after On Tuesday, a black father of A peaceful crowd of about 100 tal regulators for information about county levels caused residents to drinking water. Enck followed up a night in police custody, Diamond five, 37-year-old Alton Sterling, was people kept vigil through the night their responses to drinking water remain exposed to dangerous lev- with a December advisory that said Reynolds repeated what she asserted pinned to the ground and shot sev- outside the Baton Rouge store, where contaminated with toxic chemical els of PFOA for longer than was the water wasn’t safe for drinking or in the shock footage: that Castile was eral times at point blank range in a mural has been painted in his hon- PFOA in an upstate New York village. necessary,” according to the Cuomo cooking. Until then, state and village shot “for no reason.” Baton Rouge, Louisiana, prompting our. Officials appealed for calm after The House Committee on Over- Administration letter. “The Commit- officials had told residents the water “Not one shot. Not two shots. Not launch of a federal civil rights probe. protesters took to the streets in the sight and Government Reform said in tee is looking into whether residents was unlikely to cause health problems. three shots. Not four shots. But five Shocked family members aftermath of Tuesday’s shooting, letters to Governor Andrew Cuomo received misleading information that Enck said she wasn’t aware of shots,” she said in a forceful appeal demanded justice for Castile, a school and have promised a fully transpar- and US Environmental Protection indicated the water posed no health the potential problem until a local for justice to be served. cafeteria worker, whose mother ent probe led by federal civil rights Agency Administrator Gina McCa- risks, which exacerbated the crisis.” attorney brought it to her attention Pulled over for a broken tail light, described him as a law-abiding citizen investigators. rthy it is concerned about the time it The letter to EPA said the agency in November 2015. Brazil’s embattled Rousseff gives impassioned defence against impeachment Cunha quits lower Reuters the Senate voted to try Rousseff. focused on accusations that she injustice,” Rousseff said in her written house speakership Rousseff has repeatedly said her broke fiscal laws by disguising the defence. “What hurts most is to per- impeachment is an attempt by Temer size of the budget deficit to make the ceive that I am the victim of a judicial and other right-leaning members of economy look healthier in the run- and political farce.” Reuters BRASILIA: Brazil’s President Dilma her one-time governing coalition up to her 2014 re-election. Rousseff said she believes she is Rousseff (pictured) presented partner, the Brazilian Democratic Rousseff has said her budget being targetted because she “never her written defense to a Senate Movement Party (PMDB), to remove maneuvering was no different than gave in to blackmail. I never accepted BRASILIA: The corruption- impeachment trial on Wednesday, her because she did not impede a under previous presidents. But crit- ... the backroom deals so well known tainted speaker of the lower house denouncing the proceedings as a sweeping probe of corruption at ics have said Rousseff borrowed far in the traditional politics of our of Brazil’s Congress announced farce and saying her alleged crimes state-run oil company Petrobras. more money from state banks than country.” his resignation yesterday, ending were no more than “routine acts of That investigation has ensnared her predecessors to plug budget Rousseff warned that should the months of political bickering that budgetary management.” dozens of top politicians, includ- gaps and hide the real state of Bra- Senate vote to find her guilty, as it is threatened to deepen a legislative “Everybody knows that you are ing the former speaker of the lower zil’s economy. widely expected to do next month, stalemate blamed for keeping the judging an honest woman, a public house of Brazil’s Congress, who led Rousseff’s suspension in May had her permanent removal would result economy mired in recession. servant dedicated to just causes,” the the Workers Party that began in 2003 the impeachment campaign against ample political support because her in a Temer government that would An emotional Eduardo Cunha, suspended leftist leader said in a doc- under her mentor, former President Rousseff. popularity had plunged amid Bra- shift Brazil’s politics to the right with- who had already been suspended ument read aloud by her lawyer and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Rousseff herself is not directly zil’s worst recession since the 1930s out a win at the ballot box. from his speakership duties, said former Attorney General Jose Edu- Her defence made clear she is accused of corruption. But Brazil’s and public outrage over a string of She said that would turn back with a cracking voice that he ardo Cardozo. “I’ve honoured those sticking to the strategy of refuting the chief prosecutor has asked for her to corruption scandals involving her democratic gains made during the was the victim of persecution for who voted for me.” impeachment process as a soft “coup” be investigated for obstructing justice government. A recent poll showed fight against the nation’s long dic- starting the process to impeach Rousseff’s removal would mark led by her one-time Vice President in the Petrobras case. She has denied interim President Temer is also highly tatorship, during which Rousseff President Dilma Rousseff. an end to 13 years of leftist rule over Michel Temer, a conservative who any wrongdoing. unpopular. herself was arrested and tortured “Only my resignation can Latin America’s largest economy by has taken over since mid-May when Her impeachment is technically “What most hurts right now is the while spending three years in prison. put an end to this endless insta- bility. The lower house cannot bear to wait forever,” Cunha told reporters in a hastily called news conference. Capturing the glory FARC unit says not to Interim President Michel Temer, who replaced Rousseff while she stands trial in the Sen- ate, now faces the tough task of disarm under peace deal forging consensus from his broad centre-right coalition on new leadership. The new speaker must Reuters The First Front said the deals be elected by the lower house. being reached at talks in Cuba will A bruising leadership race not solve the social and economic could slow Temer’s efforts to problems which first motivated approve sweeping economic BOGOTA: A unit of Colombia’s FARC the Marxist group to take up arms reforms to pull the economy out rebel group said it will not lay down in 1964. of what looks to be its worst reces- arms or demobilise under a poten- President Juan Manuel Santos sion in more than a century. tial peace deal with the government, has said the peace talks, aimed at A congressional ethics com- the first public sign of opposition ending a conflict which has killed mittee last month recommended to an accord from within the rebel more than 220,000 and displaced stripping Cunha of his seat and ranks that may set back efforts to millions, may conclude as early as banning him from politics for eight end five decades of war. this month. Any deal will be put to years for lying about Swiss bank The statement by Armando Rios Colombians for approval in a pleb- accounts linked to a vast political First Front, a 200-strong guerrilla iscite vote. graft scandal. The full chamber was unit in southeastern jungle prov- The First Front, which is known expected to expel him in mid-July. ince of Guaviare, comes after leaders to have links to the drug trade, said Cunha is the only sitting law- of Revolutionary Armed Forces of it would respect any FARC rebels maker so far to be charged by the Colombia (FARC) and the government who agree to peace, but called on Supreme Court with corruption in announced ceasefire deal at their other units to join forces to continue sprawling bribery scandal focused more than three-year-old peace talks. the fight. on state oil company Petro- “We have decided not to demo- “We invite all the guerril- leo Brasileiro SA, also known as bilise, we will continue the fight las and the militia who are not Petrobras. In May the Supreme for taking of power by the people in agreement with demobilisa- Court removed Cunha temporar- for the people, independent of the tion and the laying down of FARC ily from the speakership for using Visitors take photos and watch from a balcony inside the Teatro Colon, one of the world’s best known decision taken by the rest of the weapons to join forces and con- his position to obstruct the graft opera houses, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, yesterday. members of the organisation,” the tinue united as an organisation,” investigation. unit said in a statement. the statement said. BREAK TIME FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016 1517

TV LISTINGS

8:30 The Cure 08:00 Ten On Ten 06:36 Meet The Sloths 08:35 Jessie 9:00 Al Jazeera World 08:30 Snack Attack - 07:00 Swamp Brothers 09:25 Liv And Maddie 10:00 News Firangi Twist 07:25 Too Cute! 10:15 Austin & Ally 10:30 Inside Story 09:30 Jamai Raja 08:15 The Wild Life Of 12:20 Miraculous Tales 11:00 News 10:00 Vishkanya Tim Faulkner Of Ladybug And 11:30 The Stream 10:30 Meri Saasu Maa 10:05 Tanked Cat Noir 12:00 News 12:30 Rangoli Gulf 11:00 Too Cute! 12:45 Shake It Up 12:30 101 East Season 5 11:55 Bondi Vet 13:35 Jessie 13:00 NEWSHOUR 13:00 Bollywood Business 12:50 The Wild Life Of 14:00 Jessie 14:00 News 13:30 Ten On Ten Tim Faulkner 14:25 Austin & Ally Yesterday’s answer 14:30 Inside Story 14:00 SaReGaMaPa 2016 13:45 Gator Boys 15:15 Disney Mickey 15:00 A Very Sicilian 16:00 Amma 14:40 Treehouse Mouse Justice 17:00 KumKum Bhagya 15:20 Gravity Falls Conceptis Sudoku: Conceptis Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle Masters based on a 9×9 grid. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in 16:00 NEWSHOUR 17:30 The Uma Show 15:35 Tanked 16:10 Violetta the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3×3 box 17:00 News 18:00 Tashn E Ishq 16:30 Wildest Africa 17:00 Backstage contains the same number only once. 17:30 The Stream 18:30 Kaala Teeka 17:25 River Monsters 19:20 The 7D 18:00 NEWSHOUR 19:00 Meri Saasu Maa (Best Of Series 19:55 Jessie 19:00 News 19:30 Yeh Vadaa Raha 1-5) 20:20 Backstage 19:30 Africa Investigates 20:00 Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi 18:20 River Monsters 20:45 Good Luck 20:00 News Rani 19:15 Tanked Charlie 20:30 Inside Story 20:30 Jamai Raja 20:10 Wildest Africa 21:10 H2O: Just Add 21:00 NEWSHOUR 21:00 KumKum Bhagya 21:05 Treehouse Water 22:00 News 21:30 Tashn E Ishq Masters 22:00 Binny And The MEDIUM 22:30 UpFront 22:00 Vishkanya 22:00 River Monsters Ghost SUDOKU 23:00 The French 22:30 Jazbaa 22:55 Gator Boys 22:25 Sabrina Secrets HAGAR THE HORRIBLE

Yesterday’s answer

CROSSWORD BLUES BABY

NOVO SHOWING AT VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2D/Action) 10:00am, 12:05, 12:30, TEL: 444933989 / 444517001 2:20, 4:20, 5:30, 6:40, 10:30 & 11:00pm Independence Day: Resurgence (Action) 10:00; 1:30am, 2:00, 3:00, 4:30; 7:00, 8:00, 9:30, 11:59pm & 12:55am Sultan (2D/Hindi) 10:00am, 1:15, 4:30 & 10:00pm Hoy en la Historia Finding Dory (2D/Comedy) 10:00am, 12:15, 2:15, 4:35, 6:35, 7:45, 8:40, 8:55pm & 11:00pm July 8, 1881 30 Years Ago (2D/Arabic) 10:00am, 12:50, 3:40, 6:30, 9:20pm The ice cream sundae was & 12:10am. invented as an alternative to ice Abo Shanab (Arabic) 10:30am, 3:10, 7:50pm & 12:30am cream soda drinks, banned on the Me Before You (2D Romance) 12:50, 5:30, 10:10pm Sabbath as soda was considered a The Purge: Election Year (Action) 12:30, 5:00 & 9:45pm controlled substance, like alcohol Now You See Me 2 (2D Comedy) 10:00am, 2:35, 7:10, 11:50pm 1497: Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama sailed from Lisbon in search of a MALL sea route to India Happy Wedding (2D/Malayalam) 1:00 & 5:15pm; Finding Dory 1994: Kim Il-sung, authoritarian “Great Leader” of North Korea since (2D/Comedy) 1:15, 3:00 & 4.45pm 1948, died of a heart attack at age 82 Swalef Tafash (Khaleeji) 2D 2:00pm 1997: Former Warsaw Pact nations Me Before You (2D Romance) 3:15 & 7:30pm Poland, Hungary and the Czech Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2D/Action) 4:00pm & 6:00pm Republic were invited to join NATO 30 Years Ago (2D/Arabic) 6:30pm 2006: The first manned flight of a Sultan (2D/Hindi) 8:00 & 11:00pm powered ornithopter – an aircraft Independence Day: Resurgence (Action) 9:15 & 11:30pm that flaps its wings – took place Abo Shanab (Arabic) 9:30pm Picture: Newscom © GRAPHIC NEWS The Purge: Election Year (Action) 11:30pm ROYAL PLAZA ALL IN THE MIND Swalef Tafash (Khaleeji) 2D 1:30pm; Finding Dory (2D/ Comedy) 2:15 & 4:00pm; The Purge: Election Year (Action) 5:30 & 11:30pm; Independence Day: Resurgence (Action) 6:00pm & 11:15pm; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2D/Action) 4:15pm & 6:15pm; Sultan (2D/Hindi) 8:15 & 11:00pm; 30 Years Ago (2D/Arabic) 8:15pm; Abo Shanab (Arabic) 2:00 & 7:30pm Me Before You (2D Romance) 3:30 & 9:30pm

ASIAN TOWN

Happy Wedding (Malayalam) 12:30, 3:00, 5:30, 8:00, 8:30, 10:30pm & 1:45am: Sultan (2D/Hindi) 12:45, 2:30, 3:15, 4:00, 5:45, 7:15, 9:00, 10;30pm & 12:15am, 2:00am, 2:00am; Kammati Paadam (Malayalam) 12:30 & 11:00pm School Bus (Malayalam) 12:30 & 6:15pm

APRIL, AQUARIUS, ARIES, AUGUST, CANCER, AL KHOR CAPRICORN, DECEMBER, FEBRUARY, GEMINI, JANUARY, JULY, JUNE, LEO, LIBRA, MARCH, MAY, Sultan (2D/Hindi) 11:00am, 2:15, 5:30, 8:45pm & NOVEMBER, OCTOBER, PISCES, SAGITTARIUS, 12:00midnight; Finding Dory (2D/Comedy) 10:30am, 12:45, SCORPIO, SEPTEMBER, TAURUS, VIRGO. 3:00, 5:15 & 7:30pm; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2D/Action) 11:15am, 9:45pm; Independence Day: Resurgence (Action) 12:15am Happy Wedding (Malayalam) 4:15, 7:00, 9:45pm & 12:45am

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER Minimum: 35o C Maximum: 46o C

FAJR 03.21 am ZUHR 11.39 am MAGHRIB 06.30 pm HIGH TIDE 07:00 - 20:00 Strong wind at places during daytime and ex- SHOROOK 04.50 am ASR 03.02 pm ISHA 08.00 pm LOW TIDE 02:45 - 12:30 pected poor visibility due to blowing dust.

16 FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016 MORNING BREAK

ONLINE CHART BUST Evidence of water clouds Swimming beauties www.thepeninsulaqatar.com found on brown dwarf

IANS MOST READ NEW YORK: An analysis of data obtained from a brown dwarf Eid celebrations capture joy has showed strong evidence of the existence of clouds of water 1 or water ice -- the first such clouds detected outside of our solar system. WISE 0855 is only 7.2 light-years from the Earth Bangladesh coal plant threatens World and is the coldest-known object outside of our solar system. 2 Heritage mangrove: Petition The brown dwarf is just barely visible at infrared wavelengths with the largest ground-based telescopes. Messi gets 21 months in jail for tax The scientists used the Gemini-North telescope in Hawaii 3 fraud, unlikely to serve time and the Gemini Near Infrared Spectrograph to observe the brown dwarf over 13 nights for a total of about 14 hours. “We would expect an object that cold to have water clouds, and this is the best evidence that it does,” said study lead author TWEET OF THE DAY Andrew Skemer from University of California - Santa Cruz. A brown dwarf is essentially a failed star, having formed the way stars do through the gravitational collapse of a cloud of gas and dust. With about five times the mass of Jupiter, WISE 0855 resembles that gas giant planet in many respects. Its tem- perature is about minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit. “Our spectrum shows that WISE 0855 is dominated by Women look at goldfish during a press preview of the 2016 EDO Nihonbashi Art water vapour and clouds, with an overall appearance that is strikingly similar to Jupiter,” he said in a paper published in Aquarium exhibition in Tokyo, yesterday. Astrophysical Journal Letters. Tarzan and The BFG drowned by Finding Dory

AP Given its low budget, the hor- $12,925 average, $36,139,295, 1 week. average, $95,950,251, 4 weeks. ror sequel “The Purge: Election Year” 4. “The BFG,” Disney, $22,716,809, 10. “Now You See Me 2,” Lionsgate, was the biggest winner of the new 3,357 locations, $6,767 average, $3,703,623, 1,788 locations, $2,071 openings, scaring up $36.1m over the $22,716,809, 1 week. average, $59,443,068, 4 weeks. INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY NEW YORK: Tarzan didn’t roar and holiday frame. The top 20 movies at US 5. “Independence Day: Resur- 11. “Swiss Army Man,” A24, The Big Friendly Giant didn’t stomp. and Canadian theatres Friday through gence,” 20th Century Fox, $21,681,926, $1,673,746, 636 locations, $2,632 aver- Traditional Hun- Instead, “Finding Dory” led the box Monday, followed by distribution stu- 4,091 locations, $5,300 average, age, $1,828,034, 2 weeks. garian horsemen office for the third straight week, tak- dio, gross, number of theater locations, $77,838,999, 2 weeks. 12. “Our Kind Of Traitor,” Roadside herd a team of ing in $51.4m over the four-day July 4th average receipts per location, total 6. “Central Intelligence,” Warner Attractions, $1,208,306, 373 locations, horses as the weekend according to final studio tal- gross and number of weeks in release, Bros., $15,405,059, 3,166 locations, $3,239 average, $1,208,306, 1 week. sun sets in the lies Tuesday. The weekend’s big-budget as compiled Tuesday by comScore: $4,866 average, $94,842,133, 3 weeks. 13. “X-Men: Apocalypse,” 20th Cen- Great Hungarian debuts, the King of Jungle makeover 1. “Finding Dory,” Disney, 7. “The Shallows,” Sony, tury Fox, $1,113,712, 630 locations, Plain in Horto- “The Legend of Tarzan” and Steven $51,436,383, 4,305 locations, $11,948 $10,528,240, 2,962 locations, $3,554 $1,768 average, $153,711,167, 6 weeks. bagy, Hungary June 29, 2016. Spielberg’s “The BFG” both failed to average, $381,785,985, 3 weeks. average, $36,779,887, 2 weeks. 14. “Me Before You,” Warner Bros., Picture taken on be major draws. 2. “The Legend of Tarzan,” Warner 8. “Free State Of Jones,” STX Enter- $1,014,281, 523 locations, $1,939 aver- June 29, 2016. “Tarzan” fared better than some Bros., $46,582,405, 3,561 locations, tainment, $5,302,556, 2,781 locations, age, $53,901,076, 5 weeks. REUTERS/Laszlo expected, though, grossing $46.6m. $13,081 average, $46,582,405, 1 week. $1,907 average, $16,368,267, 2 weeks. 15. “Captain America: Civil War,” Spielberg’s Roald Dahl adaptation sim- 3. “The Purge: Election Year,” Uni- 9. “The Conjuring 2,” Warner Bros., Disney, $951,229, 367 locations, $2,592 ply flopped with just $22.7m. versal, $36,139,295, 2,796 locations, $4,516,713, 2,008 locations, $2,249 average, $405,599,617, 9 weeks. Three astronauts on way to ISS Volcanic eruptions in India linked to dinosaur extinction AFP during her mission. “Rocket is on the launchpad, crew is ready to go! #AstroKate” the Nasa Astronauts IANS asteroid slammed into the Earth -- Twitter handle tweeted prior to her it’s consistent with an idea called the KAZAKHSTAN: Three astronauts launch. press-pulse hypothesis: a ‘one-two blasted off into the early morning Rubins’ launch caps an excit- NEW YORK: Combined impacts of punch’ that proved devastating for sky in an upgraded Soyuz spacecraft ing week for Nasa as the US space volcanic eruptions in India and an life on Earth,” Dutton noted. from Russia’s Baikonur cosmodrome agency’s unmanned Juno space- asteroid impact in Mexico brought Located in India, the Deccan yesterday, heading towards the Inter- craft entered orbit around distant about one of the Earth’s biggest Traps are one of the largest volcanic national Space Station (ISS). Jupiter Tuesday after a journey of mass extinctions that wiped out the provinces in the world. First-time astronauts Kathleen nearly five years. dinosaurs 66 million years ago, con- Dutton and her colleagues at Rubins of Nasa and Takuya Onishi Onishi, who trained as a pilot firms a new study. the University of Michigan utilised a of the Japanese space agency set off on Japan’s largest commercial “It’s quite likely both the volcan- new technique of analysis to recon- for a four-month mission at the ISS airliner, is the eleventh Japanese ism and the asteroid were to blame struct Antarctic Ocean temperatures with Russian cosmonaut Anatoly national to enter space. for the ultimate mass extinction,” that support the idea that the com- Ivanishin at around 0136 GMT. His journey to the ISS, where said one of the researchers, And- bined impacts of volcanic eruptions “All is well on board!” said mis- he will participate in experiments rea Dutton from the University of and an asteroid impact brought sion control in comments relayed by connected to the Japanese space Florida. “The Deccan Traps weak- about the mass extinctions 66 mil- Nasa TV, which broadcast footage of agency’s Kibo program, coincides ened the ecosystems before the lion years ago. the launch in Kazakhstan. with the Tanabata star festival cel- Footage also showed Ivanishin ebrated across his homeland. and Onishi giving each other fist The last Japanese astronaut to bumps to celebrate the successful spend time at the ISS, Kimiya Yui, launch. returned to earth from the ISS in A fur cut Features of the new Soyuz December alongside Nasa’s Kjell series include upgraded boosters, Lindgren and Russian cosmonaut an improved navigation system, Oleg Kononenko. strengthened shielding from debris Flight Engineer Anatoly Ivan- and more cells on the craft’s solar ishin has already logged over 165 panels. days in space following his first The trio’s launch was delayed by mission at the ISS in 2011 and 2012 two weeks as Russian space officials and has a background as a mili- carried out further software tests on tary pilot. the modified vehicle. Following docking at ISS, The craft’s journey to dock at the Rubins, Ivanishin and Onishi will ISS will take two days -- longer than join current ISS commander Jeff the usual six-hour flight -- to give Williams of Nasa and Russian ground control more time to monitor cosmonauts Oleg Skripochka and the tweaked system’s performance. Alexey Ovchinin. Nasa’s Kate Rubins will be the The ISS space laboratory first woman aboard the ISS since has been orbiting Earth at about Italian Samantha Cristoforetti 28,000km per hour (17,400 miles returned to earth with the record per hour) since 1998. for the longest single spaceflight by Space travel has been one of the a woman (199 days) in June last year. few areas of international cooper- The molecular biologist-turned Russia’s Soyuz MS-01 spacecraft carrying the crew to International ation between Russia and the West A groomer trims a dog’s fur at an animal clinic in Seoul, South astronaut will also become the first Space Station (ISS) blasts off to the ISS from the launch pad at Russian- that has not been wrecked by geopo- Korea, yesterday. person to sequence DNA in space leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, yesterday. litical tensions over Ukraine. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 18 QE 9,964.26 -15.85 PTS PAGE | 19 DOW 17,857.81 -60.81 PTS Temasek hit by No world recession first portfolio FTSE100 6,533.79 +70.20 PTS from Brexit but risks drop in seven years BRENT $45.25 -$2.18 high: Lagarde

FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016 • 3 SHAWWAL 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

UK banks spared GCC equities make gains downgrades by S&P in mass as oil prices rebound outlook cull Reuters

session, all GCC equity markets their much anticipated “Vision 2030” closed in the red but have since plan, which aims to diversify the Total GCC market weathered the big event better than economy away from oil and improve LONDON: Standard & Poor’s capitalisation stood their international counterparts. The the kingdom’s fiscal standing. The (S&P) carried out a mass-cull at $877bn at the end MSCI GCC total return index closed announcement of new Qualified For- of British bank rating out- the quarter up 2 percent, outper- eign Investors (QFIs) regulations and looks yesterday in the wake of the quarter, having forming most world markets. Total a potential partial listing of Aramco of the country’s vote to end gained $12bn during GCC market capitalisation stood at also gave a boost to the Saudi market. its membership of the Euro- $877bn at the end of the quarter, hav- Banking, the markets biggest pean Union, but stopped Q2 in 2016. ing gained $12bn during Q2, 16, NBK’s sector, is being pressured by declin- short of downgrading them ‘economic update’ report noted. ing liquidity. Some banks are also despite its brutal cut of Brit- Though the MSCI GCC total return dealing with capitalisation issues. ain’s sovereign rating. index closed the quarter 2 percent up, Meanwhile, lack of clarity regard- The country’s big By Satish Kanady performance varied notably across ing government spending plans, With banks and sovereigns now turn- it induces have introduced substan- institutions including HSBC, The Peninsula markets. The Qatari market was the including potential cuts, is not help- ing to fixed-income markets to issue tial uncertainty into markets and the Barclays, Lloyds and well worst performer regionally, closing ing sentiment. Basel III compliant perpetual and dust is yet to settle. The Fed’s upcom- as the UK arms of banks the quarter down 5 percent. Oman Dubai also underperformed and other bonds, and sovereigns looking ing meetings and the likelihood and like Santander all saw outperformed with its price index up was off 1 percent on the quarter but to tap capital markets to help finance timing of further rate hikes will keep their rating outlooks cut to DOHA: The GCC equity markets 6 percent followed by Saudi Arabia at remains one of the better markets deficits, some liquidity is bound to be markets excited. GCC markets will negative from stable, while recovered some ground in the sec- 4 percent. The Saudi market had suf- year-to-date. Dubai Financial Mar- directed away from equities. continue to follow up on govern- RBS dropped to stable from ond quarter (Q2, 16) as oil prices fered more losses than most markets ket (DFM) took the biggest hit on its Also, with GCC rates now start- ments’ fiscal and reform plans for positive. rebounded. Following a weak start when oil prices tumbled earlier in the first trading session post-Brexit. Its ing to rise in tandem with US rates, the coming years in order to gauge The decision not to to the year, most markets registered year and a stronger rebound was relatively large foreign investor base fixed-income assets are becoming the implications for non-oil growth deliver full downgrades is some gains in the second quarter of expected; nonetheless, Saudi contin- makes it more susceptible to inter- more attractive. Liquidity also tends and business in GCC economies. In likely to be of some relief. the year before shedding some of it ues to underperform the region year national markets volatility. Market to be lower in the summer and during the near term, focus will be on the S&P stripped Britain of in the aftermath of the Brexit refer- to date (-6 percent vs. +2 percent). liquidity continues to be low. The daily Ramadan and Eid period. Volatility upcoming Q2,16 corporate earnings. its last remaining top- endum. Sentiment in Saudi Arabia has turnover in Q2, 16 averaged $1.6bn, in equity markets is likely to remain Meanwhile, oil prices will remain a notch credit rating last In their first post-vote trading improved since authorities unveiled down 10 percent from Q1, 16 average. high. Brexit and the political changes primary factor for regional markets. month following the Brexit vote, slashing it an unprecedented two grades from “AAA” to “AA”. “In our view, the UK economy heading for marked slowdown after Q2 pick-up “leave” result in the UK’s June 2016 referendum on EU membership (“Brexit”) has increased the risks Reuters signs that businesses and consumers three-month calculation we should monetary stimulus into the economy of adverse economic might be suffering from uncertainty see a quick deterioration of growth, over the summer. developments,” S&P said in created by the June 23 vote to leave especially if the estimated contrac- Surveys of British firms published note following Thursday’s the EU. NIESR estimated Britain’s tion in June persists or accelerates by Markit/CIPS, conducted mostly banking outlook cuts. LONDON: Britain’s economy looks economy expanded 0.6 percent in the into July and beyond,” Jack Mean- before the June 23 referendum, sug- “We also believe that set for a significant slowdown after second quarter, up from a 0.4 percent ing, a research fellow at NIESR, said. gested Britain’s economy is growing the UK economy has now a strong second quarter, a think-tank increase in the first three months of The Bank of England has taken at a quarterly pace of just 0.2 percent. entered into a correction said yesterday, based on data mostly the year. But it warned the accelera- steps to ensure British banks keep NIESR warned before the June 23 phase, driven by our recorded before last month’s deci- tion was driven by a surge of activity lending as the financial conse- vote that Britain’s economy would revised expectation that sion by voters to leave the European in April, adding that gross domestic quences of the referendum decision likely end up around 1.0 percent imbalances will worsen as Union. product likely stagnated in May and began to materialise, especially in smaller in 2017 in the event of a Brexit credit growth slows and real The warning from the National contracted in June. commercial real estate. BoE Gover- vote than if the country decided to house prices contract.” Institute of Economic and Social “What it does suggest is that nor Mark Carney (pictured) has said stay in the EU, and would be 2.3 per- Research (NIESR) follows some early when April drops out of the he expects the Bank to pump more cent smaller in 2018. Samsung flags big jump in profit

AFP “Samsung’s mobile unit is smartphones — Galaxy S5 and S6 believed to have performed well launched in 2014 and 2015, respec- thanks to robust sales of Galaxy S7s tively — had largely met with tepid as well as an overhaul of its low- response, prompting concerns over SEOUL: Samsung Electronics yes- and mid-end handset line-up,” said the firm’s overgrown mobile business. terday flagged its biggest operating Peter Lee, analyst at NH Investment Samsung shares jumped yes- profit in more than two years, boosted & Securities. terday 2.04 percent to close at 1.45 by cost-cutting efforts and solid sales He estimated that the firm had million won in Seoul. of its latest flagship smartphone. sold about 26 million units of the S7 The firm’s aggressive cost-cut- The South Korean electronics since it hit stores in March ahead of ting in marketing played a key role giant — also the world’s top hand- new launches by competitors, includ- in the strong profit forecast, Greg set maker — predicted an operating ing Apple. Roh of HMC Investment said, but he profit of 8.1 trillion won ($7bn) in Samsung has bolstered its mid- warned of more competition from April-June, up 17 percent from a year to low-end smartphone line-ups in a Apple later this year. ago. It is the company’s biggest oper- bid to expand in fast-growing emerg- “With Apple releasing new prod- ating profit since the first quarter of ing markets. ucts in the latter half of the year... I 2014 and beat the average estimate The mobile business accounts for think (Samsung’s) earnings may drop of 7.4 trillion won from analysts sur- the lion’s share of the firm’s overall in the second-half,” he said. veyed by Bloomberg News. profit, which has been increasingly But the firm’s semiconductor Analysts attributed the figures squeezed by competition both from business, which produces memory to the firm’s aggressive cost-cutting Apple’s iPhone and by lower-end chips for Samsung gadgets as well efforts and brisk sales of the Galaxy devices from Chinese rivals such as as clients including Apple, is likely S7, the latest version of its high-end, Huawei. to help offset a slump in the mobile Women walk past an advertisement promoting Samsung smartphones at its headquarters in Seoul. flagship smartphone. Past editions of its flagship business, Lee said. 18 FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016 BUSINESS Conserving cash, Boeing slows payments to suppliers

Reuters spokeswoman Jessica Kowal said for Success, launched in 2012, Boe- Not all of Boeing’s efforts require in the statement. “In most, if not all ing suppliers cut prices 15 percent. price reductions. Some suppliers find cases, our new payment terms are in Now, executives at Boeing suppliers cost savings by re-engineering com- line with their payment schedules to say Muilenburg is pushing a renewed ponents, a process Boeing calls “value NEW YORK: Boeing Co is stepping up their own suppliers.” round of cost cutting. engineering.” Boeing saved $1bn a year efforts to conserve cash, cut costs in Boeing, which is marking 100 “I was in a meeting with Dennis in 2014 and 2015 through these efforts, its supply chain and trim inventory years in business this summer, and where he was quite specific about up from $60m in 2012, Kowal said. of parts in its factories, telling ven- its European rival Airbus earn lower needing to get continued cost reduc- “They’re very aggressive,” Tom dors it will take longer to pay bills, average profit margins on the airlin- tion from the suppliers,” said Dave Gentile, chief executive of Spirit Boeing and aerospace industry exec- ers they engineer and sell than many Gitlin, president of United Technol- AeroSystems Holdings, said in an utives said. of the companies that supply compo- ogies Aerospace Systems, one of the interview about price reductions. Under the new terms, Boeing is nents for the planes. world’s largest aircraft parts makers. “But Boeing is as hard on them- taking up to 120 days to pay, rather The company’s operating profit Gitlin said UTC did not agree to selves as they are on anyone else,” he than 30 days as in the past, these peo- margin averaged 6.9 percent over delayed payment terms because it was added. On a recent tour of Boeing’s ple said. The new payment schedules the last decade. Airbus’s figure was focused on its own cash flow. But as factories in Washington state, he said, are being rolled out this year. 3.7 percent. United Technologies Aer- Boeing searches for savings, he said, workers were under pressure to install Boeing also is reducing its factory ospace Systems’ comparable margin “it’s accurate to say that everything is new tools, reduce production time and inventory and is relying on suppliers to was about 16 percent. part of the discussion. I think they’re reduce inventory. hold parts instead, these people said. “It’s in Boeing’s DNA to build the looking under every rock.” Payment terms could be included A file picture of Boeing’s first 737 MAX named the “Spirit of Renton” The moves come at a time when inves- best airplanes,” Kent Fisher, vice pres- Major Boeing supplier Mitsubishi in a long-term agreement Spirit is tors are closely watching Boeing’s cash ident of supplier management, said in Heavy Industries said Boeing is seek- negotiating with Boeing, Gentile said. parked on the tarmac at the Boeing factory in Renton, Washington. flow. In a statement to Reuters, Boeing an interview. “But what we and suppli- ing a new round of lower prices and “There are a lot of levers to pull,” he confirmed the changes in payment and ers have to recognize is that we have to changes in payment terms. “I cannot said. But many suppliers have already because of concern about damaging the way we manage our cash flow inventory terms, saying they were nec- shift that dynamic and focus on reduc- say the number, but I would like to sat- accepted the changes. At a mid-sized relations with Boeing. and change the way we pay our sup- essary to compete when airlines want ing the cost to build the airplanes.” isfy as much as possible the required machining shop in Washington state When payments resumed, about pliers,” the owner said. “It is preventing more capable planes at lower prices. Boeing Chief Executive Den- cost reduction level from Boeing,” that makes parts for Boeing, payment 10 percent of the company’s annual us from buying equipment.” “To align with industry norms” nis Muilenburg has told investors he Shunichi Miyanaga, chief executive terms shifted this spring. revenue remained unpaid, he said, Boeing said small suppliers in the and remain competitive, “we are wants to lift Boeing’s profit margin to of MHI, said in an interview. On the “We went a whole month with no adding that Boeing now pays in 60 United States are exempt from the new in the process of adjusting the pay- the mid-teens by 2020. question of longer payment, he added, receivables from Boeing,” said the days, not 30, and pays twice a month, payment terms and that it is trying to ment terms of our large suppliers,” Under a program called Partnering “we have not decided.” owner, who asked not to be named not weekly. “We’re having to change accommodate suppliers overseas.

Nigeria’s central Temasek hit by first bank urges calm portfolio drop over bank crisis in seven years AFP LAGOS: Nigeria’s central bank has played down fears of a bank- AFP long-running growth slowdown. ing crisis, dismissing as without Both events wiped trillions of foundation suggestions that some dollars off company valuations high-street lenders were in trouble. worldwide. “The attention of the Central SINGAPORE: Singapore state invest- Temasek said in its annual report Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been ment giant Temasek Holdings said yesterday that the outlook was still drawn to malicious rumours and its global portfolio suffered its first tough, with the US economy head- unfounded speculations that annual loss since the financial cri- ing for a modest growth path while some banks in the country may sis seven years ago, as global stock China continues to see slowing have gone or may be going into markets were hit by a series of expansion. distress,” it said in an emailed China-linked routs. Europe’s growth outlook has statement late Wednesday. Temasek announced that been dented by Britain’s surprise “The CBN wishes to reiter- the value of its global assets was vote last month to leave the Euro- ate in the strongest terms that Sg$242bn ($180bn) by March, down pean Union, it said. these rumours and speculations nine percent from last year’s record “The external environment will are untrue and do not reflect Temasek’s presidents Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara (left) and Chia Song Hwee answer questions during the Sg$266bn. remain quite challenging for Singa- the actual health of the individ- The investment company said its pore given its intimate links to global annual Temasek Review in Singapore, yesterday. ual banks and, indeed, the entire net profit over the past year plunged trade and demand,” Temasek said in banking industry.” 43 percent to Sg$8bn. a statement. The chief executive, chairman Equity markets worldwide were “However, Singapore’s openness group SingTel, Singapore Airlines Song Seng Wun, a Singapore- also divested a record Sg$28bn as and 10 board members of Nigeria’s hammered last summer by fears also means exposure to both mature and banking giant China Construc- based economist with CIMB Private the company adjusted its holdings eighth-biggest lender, Skye Bank, over China’s economy as Beijing and growth economies, which can tion Bank. Banking, said Temasek performed amid the rapidly changing landscape. resigned on Monday after the big- announced a shock devaluation of provide opportunities for a balanced Total shareholder return, which better than expected as he had pro- Among its major investments was gest drop in the bank’s share price its yuan currency. growth in future.” includes dividends, was minus 9.02 jected global assets to decline 10-15 a $540m injection in Univar, a US- in more than six months. Another rout followed in Janu- Temasek — a strategic investor percent during the financial year percent. “It’s not so bad given the rout based distributor of commodity and The CBN last month allowed ary and February as questions were that stresses long-term performance ending March, but has averaged 15 in equities in 2015,” he said. specialty chemicals. Temasek also the naira currency to float for the again raised about China’s outlook rather than year-on-year gains — percent since Temasek’s inception Temasek said it made Sg$30bn continued its investments in biotech- first time, after sustained weak- and its leaders’ ability to handle a holds among its portfolio telecoms in 1974. in new investments last year but nology firms. ening against the dollar. Danone aims for organic top spot with US takeover Russia launches stake AFP sale of diamond giant

PARIS: French dairy giant Danone in fundraising drive said yesterday it had agreed to buy US organic foods producer White- Wave Foods with a view to creating a world leader for organic produce. AFP percent is held by regional authori- The all-cash transaction values ties. A 16 percent stake was already the US company at $12.5bn and will floated on the stock market in 2013 allow Danone to double its business but the move failed to generate as in the US, the French group said in a MOSCOW: Russia has begun selling much cash as the authorities hoped. statement, adding it expected to final- a 10.9 percent stake in the world’s Alrosa’s share have gone up ise the deal by the end of the year. biggest diamond producer Alrosa by around 34 percent since last Danone’s share price rose by as part of a privatisation drive December on the back of an over- nearly seven per cent in morning aimed at raising much-needed all improvement in international Paris trading on news of the deal. funds to plug a widening budget diamond prices. “Our perfect complementarity gap. Moscow decided at the end of will allow us to create a uniquely- In a statement released late 2015 to launch a huge programme positioned organic world leader,” Wednesday the mining giant of privatisations to try to shore up CEO Emmanuel Faber said in a con- announced it had started accept- its budget after the country plunged ference call. ing offers for 802 million shares into economic crisis over the drop Both companies’ board of direc- owned by the state. in oil prices and Western sanctions tors have unanimously approved the The company said that the gov- over Ukraine. deal, Danone said. ernment would use the proceeds Stakes are also set to be sold WhiteWave produces a range of from the sale on “general budget- off in oil producers Rosneft and organic dairy products and plant- FROM LEFT: Danone CEO Emmanuel Faber, WhiteWave Foods Company Chairman and CEO Gregg Engles ary expenses” as Moscow looks to Bashneft, with the state recently based dairy alternatives, achieving and Danone Chairman Franck Riboud pose before the start of a news conference in Paris, yesterday. bolster its cash flow in the face of controversially grabbing back con- sales of $4bn in 2015 with such brands falling revenue caused by the drop trol of the latter. as Silk milk and Earthbound Farm in oil prices. Authorities are struggling organic salad. growing categories in the industry,” transformation know-how,” Faber Eileen Khoo said the acquisition On the basis of the company’s to keep Moscow’s budget deficit Since its stock market flotation in Danone said. said. Danone said it had offered to reflected a “sound strategic rationale” share value yesterday morning the within three percent of GDP and 2012, WhiteWave has generated an Dairy products are already a core pay $56.25 per share “representing and was likely to increase Danone’s stake is estimated to be worth some the government is reportedly gear- annual increase in operating profit business for Danone, which employs a total enterprise value of approxi- sales by 18 percent. “We view this as a 54bn rubles ($844m). ing up to announce some serious of 20 percent, Danone said. 100,000 people worldwide and gen- mately $12.5bn.” It said the takeover very solid deal for Danone,” she said. Sources cited by Russian media cutbacks. The French company said the deal erated $22.4bn of sales last year. Its will be financed entirely by debt. It was, she noted however, a sur- have said the results of the oper- Media have reported officials would allow it to tap into consumer portfolio also includes baby food The deal, which is expected to prise for analysts who had expected ation will be made public on next are set to freeze budget spending trends “for healthier and more sus- and water. “The value-creation pro- produce annual synergies of $300m Danone to pursue growth by its own Monday. for three years, which business tainable eating and drinking options”. file is strong. We will contribute 100 by 2020, has yet to be approved by means and cost-cutting, rather than Currently, the Russian gov- daily Vedomosti estimated as “Organic foods and beverages and years of research and development WhiteWave’s shareholders and by acquisitions. At around 0830 GMT, ernment has a 44 percent stake in essentially being equivalent to a non-GMO plant-based alternatives to into protein fermentation, which competition authorities. Danone shares stood 6.8 percent the group based in the far-eastern 20 percent cut by 2019 if inflation milk and yogurt are among the fastest will be combined with WhiteWave’s Morgan Stanley equity analyst higher at 67.61 euros. city of Yakutia, while a further 25 is taken into account. BUSINESS FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016 19 No world recession from Brexit but risks high: Lagarde

On Brexit, she said: “The key word decent globalisation, one that not prosecutor said she should stand about this Brexit affair is uncertainty only increases the overall GDP but trial for negligence in the Tapie case. IMF chief said that and the longer the uncertainty, the that also looks after those who are While she was finance minister, Britain’s shock higher the risk.” at risk of losing.” a private arbitration panel accepted vote to quit the “We certainly hope that all par- On the IMF’s reticence to join to pay the controversial business- ties, the UK as well as the European Greece’s third bailout programme, man €404m ($450m) in taxpayer European Union has Union players, will decide to reduce IMF chief said: “The IMF is a conven- money as compensation in his dis- injected significant and eliminate that uncertainty by ient scapegoat in Greece. We would pute with the state-controlled bank giving predictability about the time- financially engage if under a reason- Credit Lyonnais over the handling of uncertainty into the line, how long will it take? When will able hypothesis of growth, there are his sale of sports gear giant Adidas global economy but it start?” serious reforms implemented, and in the 1990s. On Britain’s move to cut corpo- if we conclude that the debt is sus- A court later declared the arbi- is unlikely to cause a rate taxes to ease the impact of Brexit, tainable. But there are other options tration fraudulent because one of the world recession. Lagarde said: “The problem with and ‘no money’ from the IMF does arbitrators had links to Tapie, now 73. races to the bottom is that everybody not necessarily mean a bad economic A decision on whether to go to ends up at the bottom. It would be outcome for Greece.” trial is expected on July 22. If the much better to avoid that competi- Lagarde, facing a possible trial in order is upheld, 60-year-old Lagarde AFP tive race in terms of corporate tax.” France over a huge payout to tycoon will be tried in the Law Court of the On the European Union’s future, Bernard Tapie, says her conscience is Republic, which handles cases con- IMF chief added: “My optimistic clear in the case, whatever happens. cerning offenses committed by sitting approach to life tells me that Brexit Lagarde maintains that she government ministers. Lagarde, who WASHINGTON: In an exclusive inter- could also be a catalyst that could adhered to the law when she presided faces a year in jail if convicted as view with AFP at the beginning of her push the EU to deepen its economic over the payout as finance minister well as fine of €15,000, steadfastly IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde speaks during an interview second five-year term leading the integration and deliver results for the in 2008, and will make that clear if denies wrongdoing or that she acted at the IMF headquarters in Washington on Wednesday. International Monetary Fund, Chris- Europeans.” the case finally goes to trial. “I have on then-president Nicolas Sarkozy’s tine Lagarde expressed both worries “The EU has to do a lot more to always had a good conscience, I’ve orders. and hopes as Britain’s vote to leave explain what it does, what it means On globalisation, she said: “Glo- “The losers have to be helped always acted in accordance with the “It was not my duty to select the European Union raises new risks for people.... At the same time, mem- balisation has done a lot of good and and the IMF will continue to law, and I’ve always had in mind the the arbitration panel, to investigate to the global economy. ber states should avoid blaming the has lifted many people out of poverty pay more attention to issues like public interest,” she stressed. their past and history, and I had no She also said the IMF needs to EU for everything that goes wrong. but equally it has produced some los- excessive inequalities, women’s On last Friday, just days before reason to doubt their probity and show more concern for the poorest I’ve seen it myself and I might have ers, people whose job has been lost empowerment, climate change, and Lagarde began her second five-year honesty,” she said in her Washing- and for social justice. been guilty of doing it too.” to a cheaper supply chain.” corruption, in order to produce a mandate to lead the IMF, a French ton IMF office.

Don’t give UK single Intel to close all R&D centres in France Portugal and Spain risk EU market access: fines for missing German engineers deficit targets Associated Press

Reuters be to ensure that the other 27 mem- bers of the EU stick together. “The BRUSSELS: Spain and Por- bottom line is, let’s save the Euro- tugal face the risk of getting pean Union, that’s the first priority. fined by the European Union BERLIN: German engineers, key Let’s see that the UK stays as close for missing targets to get their to the country’s export-powered as possible to the internal market, finances in order. Portugal economy, expect uncertainty about but this cannot be achieved at any lashed back over the threat, Britain’s future ties with the Euro- price,” Kunze said. saying it would worsen pop- pean Union to drag on exports but Some VDMA members are ular views of the EU only days do not want future UK access to already concerned about bar- after Britain voted to leave. the EU’s single market to come at riers to free movement, Kunze The EU’s executive any price. said. One German firm which had Commission said that Spain Exports to Britain fell 4 percent recently concluded a contract to and Portugal had failed to in the first quarter in the run-up to build a plant in Britain was wor- take “effective action” to rein the UK’s June 23 vote to leave the ried about how its experts would be in their excessive deficits over EU, the VDMA engineering associ- able to travel there to follow up on the last two years. Madrid is ation said, and ensuing uncertainty construction work in the event of likely to miss its goals in 2016 Employees walk past the research and development (R&D) centre of American multinational technology is likely to further sap demand for Brexit. Separately, Eric Schweitzer, as well. Spain’s deficit stood at vaunted “Made in Germany” goods. president of the DIHK Chambers of company Intel in Toulouse, yesterday. Intel expects to close all R&D centres in France by 2018, that 5.1 percent of gross domestic “Companies are facing insecu- Commerce and Industry, said com- will result in around 750 job-cuts. product last year instead rity. What I am hearing now from panies wanted to scale back plans of the targeted 4.2 percent. companies I know is that some of for investment and employment in Portugal’s was 4.4 percent them are trying to relocate their Britain and feared barriers to trade. rather than 2.5 percent. business from the UK to the conti- “The political and legal uncer- Commission Vice- nent,” said Holger Kunze, director tainty in the transition period is President Valdis Dombrovskis of the VDMA’s European office in already leading to falling exports China forex reserves rise in June said that “lately the two Brussels. to Britain at one in four companies,” countries have veered off German firms exported goods he said in a statement. track in the correction of worth €89bn ($98.6bn) to Britain the DIHK said it now sees their excessive deficits and in 2015, making the UK their third exports to Britain to fall 1 percent AFP reserves would decline $20bn. remain down 20 percent from their have not met their budgetary most important export destination this year, down from a previous Part of the increase is explained $4 trillion peak in 2014. targets.” The Commission after the United States and France. forecast for a 5 percent rise. In 2017, by the rising value in recent weeks The yuan fell to its lowest since will present its assessment Kunze said the VDMA would it expects a 5 percent drop. of the Japanese yen, which makes 2010 this week, pressured by rising to EU finance ministers next prefer a “Norwegian model” for Schweitzer said he also believed BEIJING: China’s foreign exchange up some of China’s foreign exchange demand for the safe-haven dollar and Tuesday and await their future trade with Britain which it was important that negotiators reserves unexpectedly increased by reserves, while capital outflows from the yen after Britain voted to leave recommendations. would give the UK access to the found the right balance between $13bn last month, officials said yes- China seem to have slowed. the EU. That suggests that China will Dombrovskis said the single market in return for paying good future trade relations with terday, as pressure on its currency the “The latest numbers nonetheless begin to run down its reserves again Commission could decide a contribution to the EU budget and Britain and ensuring that the single yuan to depreciate apparently eased. underline that pressure on the cur- in the near future, to avoid more rapid after that meeting whether guaranteeing freedom of move- market continued to function well. The world’s largest currency rency has eased significantly, for now depreciation, analysts said. to impose any sanctions ment for EU nationals. “Brexit has made abundantly hoard rose to $3.21 trillion in June, at least,” research firm Capital Eco- “The yuan will drop further as and what action it thinks One of the major reasons cited clear what an important achieve- the People’s Bank of China said on nomics said in a note. Beijing apparently has a bias for Portugal and Spain must take for Britain’s vote to exit the EU was ment the integrated the European its website. The result follows months It added that the figures implied depreciation due to the weaker to correct the problem. uncontrolled immigration from the Union single market is for German of declines as China sold dollars to China received $19bn of net capital economy, which will lead to more He also sought to calm rest of the bloc. companies. The European Union defend the yuan against deprecia- inflows in June, the first time that outflows and pressure the reserves fears of heavy fines against Nevertheless, Kunze told Reu- should make every endeavor to tion caused by capital outflows as its such inflows have outpaced outflows in the second half,” Nathan Chow, an the two countries. Brussels ters, the priority in future Brexit ensure the cohesion of the 27 mem- economy slows. since 2014. economist at DBS Group Holdings Ltd has recently been lenient negotiations with London should ber states.” A forecast had predicted the China’s total forex reserves told Bloomberg News. with France despite its budget woes. “We certainly need to take into account that we are dealing with the aftermath of a financial and economic US trade chief says China offer falls short and UK could join TPP crisis. We need to take into account the effort done by both of the countries already,” Dombrovskis said. REUTERS Beijing is trying to work through difficult with Britain “until you know what its Portugal’s government issues to open up its economy. relationship with the EU is going to be,” is furious that it might be “It is still a fair distance away from adding that much depends on whether fined and has warned that being acceptable to us, but we are going to London pursues a model based on full such a move could turn the IDAHO: US Trade Representative Michael continue engage the Chinese and under- sovereignty over regulation and tariffs. Portuguese against the EU Froman (pictured) said on Wednesday score for them the kinds steps that are “We’re certainly going to want to do just days after British voters that China’s latest offer in bilateral invest- going to be needed both for the negative whatever we can to deepen our relation- chose to leave the bloc. ment talks is “a fair distance away from list and in terms of what kinds of disci- ship with the UK and as well as with the Portuguese Prime being acceptable,” but warrants contin- plines we need to put in the text to create EU, and ultimately that could mean the Minister Antonio Costa said ued engagement with Beijing. a high-standard agreement,” Froman said UK joining TTIP when it’s completed,” in a letter to the Commission, Froman, in a Bloomberg Television at an investment banking conference in Froman said. “And I’ve even heard some published Thursday, that interview, also said that it may be possi- Sun Valley, Idaho. people suggesting that they could join sanctioning Portugal would ble for Britain, once it separates from the Regarding Britain’s referendum to the TPP.” be unfair because its budget European Union, to join the 12-country leave the EU, Froman said that would He said the idea of the UK joining deficit is on a downward US- and Japan-led Trans-Pacific Part- not slow down talks with the EU towards the completed trade deal that is await- trend. He also said it would be nership (TPP) trade deal. a major US-European trade deal, the ing approval by the US Congress is one counterproductive because it Froman said that Beijing’s latest “neg- Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment of “multiple ideas” circulating for a new would hurt efforts to get the ative list” of sectors that it wants to keep Partnership (TTIP). He said that it would US trade relationship with the UK. The 12 economy back on its feet. off-limits from US investment presented be difficult for the United States to con- TPP countries represent about 40 percent last month is a “serious effort” that shows sider negotiating a separate trade deal of global economic output. BUSINESS VIEWS 20 FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016

Fed held its fire Fog of Brexit clouds over concern about weak jobs report clarity for central banks

By Steven Mufson markets on Wednesday. The Brit- The Washington Post ish pound sank to the lowest levels in more than three decades and interest rates for US, British and Jap- anese government bonds hovered nternational economic uncer- around their lowest levels ever as tainty and a “surprisingly weak” investors flocked to safe securities. IMay employment report helped The yield on Japan’s 20-year persuade the Federal Reserve to government bond fell below zero for hold back on plans to raise interest the first time, as nearly $12 trillion rates, according to notes of the cen- of government bonds have yields tral bank’s June meeting released of zero or below zero. Bond yields on Wednesday. sent signals that risk-averse inves- Although the meeting took tors are seeking safe havens while place before Britain voted to leave bankers are unwilling or unable to the European Union, the Federal lend more money because of legal Reserve notes said that most of the capital reserve requirements. participants in the meeting of the Meanwhile, the European Union central bank’s open market com- faced new threats even as it debated mittee “noted that the upcoming how to ease Britain out of the group. British referendum on member- Germany was pressing for sanctions ship in the European Union could against Spain and Portugal for fail- generate financial market turbu- ing to implement austerity measures lence that could adversely affect instead of letting their budget defi- domestic economic performance.” cits rise beyond EU guidelines. And The Fed minutes also said “it Italy’s prime minister Matteo Renzi The US Federal Reserve building in Washington, DC. would be prudent to wait for the is weighing whether to defy the EU outcome of the upcoming refer- and inject billions of euros into the endum . . . in order to assess the country’s ailing banks. consequences of the vote for glo- If the EU imposes tight restric- By Howard Schneider and Ann Saphir long that is going to last and indeed we don’t how to decipher short versus long term, and bal financial market conditions and tions over its remaining members, Reuters know the magnitude,” Federal Reserve Gov- also what is happening in the US domestic the US economic outlook.” political turmoil could spread well ernor Daniel Tarullo said on Wednesday. “I economy,” said Beth Ann Bovino, chief US They said that foreign econo- beyond London. Renzi, whose party doubt there will be a moment where peo- economist for S&P Global Ratings. “I would mies “appeared to be subdued, that recently suffered municipal elec- ple say, okay, Brexit is done.” say the Fed’s crystal ball is very, very cloudy.” global inflation and interest rates tion setbacks, faces a constitutional or much of this year, the dollar, oil Britain’s decision comes at time when If the US economy keeps growing and remained very low by historical referendum in October. prices, and economic conditions the Fed has grown more sensitive to inter- creating jobs as expected, the Fed’s job will standards, and that recurring bouts “If Brexit leads to the meltdown of largely behaved as the US Federal national events, postponing what seemed to become easier, said San Francisco Fed sen- of global financial market instabil- the Italian banks or to ‘Quitaly,’ then Reserve had expected, allowing pol- be imminent rate increases twice since last ior vice president Mary Daly. But any misses ity remained a risk.” Europe could fall into a recession icymakers to plot further interest summer because of events far from US bor- will raise questions whether the causes are At the same time, the Fed said and drag down the global econ- Frate increases. ders. In minutes of the June meeting, released, domestic or can be traced back to events such that the US economy continued to omy,” Edward Yardeni, president Not anymore. Since Britain’s June 23 vote policymakers explicitly tied consideration as Brexit, and if so, whether they will act as show signs of greater strength. It and chief investment strategist at to leave the European Union, every piece of of further rate increases to “additional data a temporary drag or could mark a funda- said that some members of the rate- Yardeni Research, said in a note economic, such as Friday’s jobs report, data on the consequences of the UK vote”. mental shift in the global economy. setting committee pointed to an to clients. “’Quitaly’ could be the comes with a question No one expects the United States to slip The IMF, which is expected to cut its glo- increase in core inflation (exclud- next crack in the EU’s foundation.” mark — how much does into a recession because of Brexit. How- bal growth forecast in a mid-July update, is ing oil and food) and a “firming World Bank data showed that it reflect domestic eco- ever, recent research by the Fed, the Bank already factoring the Brexit vote into its anal- in wages.” The May employment the ratio of nonperforming loans nomic developments and for International Settlements, the Interna- ysis. In a report on Germany released this figures were seen as a possible to total loans at Italian banks how much the short and tional Monetary Fund and some private week, the IMF noted that the strong trade and aberration. The notes said that grew to 17.3 percent during 2014, long-term implications economists has raised the possibility that financial linkages between Europe’s largest most Fed governors thought that up from from 5.8 percent during of an economic reorder- the Fed may be fundamentally constrained economy and the UK had the potential to “in the absence of significant eco- 2007. (By comparison, the ratio of ing that may take years by outside events, like the UK vote, that have “derail the growth momentum” in a country nomic or financial shocks, raising bank nonperforming loans in the to play out. made recovery slow and the Fed’s inflation whose success is central to lifting eurozone the target range” for interest rates United States peaked at 5 percent If the past is any For Fed policymak- goal elusive. growth, and, in turn, helping the world econ- “would be appropriate” if domestic in 2009 during the darkest days of indication, uncertainty ers it means balancing The dollar appears to have become more omy grow faster. trends continued. the financial crisis.) the mainly positive sensitive to global economic conditions, and The San Francisco Fed’s Daly said any “The Fed will probably keep Notes of the Federal Reserve surrounding Brexit flow of US indicators its rapid rise since 2014 has curbed US exports surprises would prompt policymakers to rates lower for longer than oth- meeting that took place in June could fog the lens against the risk that and upended the Fed’s inflation outlook. Long- go back to the Fed’s models and search for erwise would have been the case,” — before the Brexit vote — were major trading partners term US bond yields, which remained near domestic or international causes. Steve H. Hanke, professor of applied expected to show that the central for months to come. fall into recession, the record lows on Wednesday, have grown more “We are watching this carefully,” Daly economics at The Johns Hopkins bank was leaning against raising In mid-2011, when dollar surges again, or sensitive to global capital flows and less to said in an interview. “If the data don’t evolve University, said regarding the impact interest rates anytime soon, not only the terms of Britain’s Fed policy. Even the Fed’s key estimate of as we think and we don’t get consistent job of the Brexit vote. because of the tepid recovery in Italian bond yields divorce stress the global a neutral rate of interest may be anchored growth as we think, then of course we would Chris Rupkey, chief financial the United States but also because spiked amid renewed financial system. With by such rates in Europe and other, slower- say, it looks like another step down.” economist at the Bank of Tokyo, of concerns about turmoil abroad. concerns about the past overseas events growing, developed economies. Investors, who earlier this year had taken said that a strong jobs report this “The Fed was justifiably spooked of similar importance, If the past is any indication, uncertainty the Fed’s cue that a rate increase could come Friday could alter market sentiment by the prospects for a Brexit and the euro zone’s future, such as the eurozone surrounding Brexit could fog the lens for in June, have now pushed expectations for a and encourage the Fed to raise rates potential fallout against the back- the Fed added to its debt crisis, it has taken months to come. In mid-2011, when Italian policy move deep into next year. in September. “Stay tuned,” Rup- drop of what could be a weakening the Fed months to get bond yields spiked amid renewed concerns Ken Matheny, senior economist at Macr- key said. “This Friday’s jobs report economy in the US,” said Diane statement that “strains clarity. Brexit may prove about the eurozone’s future, the Fed added to oeconomic Advisers, said he expected Brexit is going to be a big one. A rebound Swonk, head of DS Economics, a in global financial just as difficult to deci- its statement that “strains in global financial to nick US growth, but that was all investors in jobs could really put a Fed rate consultancy. “They knew a vote to pher, already helping lift markets” had created “significant downside and policymakers will be able to say for a hike back on the table this year in Brexit could unleash a isolation- markets” had created the dollar and drive US risks to the economic outlook.” while. “I am not sure that in six months we will a hurry.” ist genie from its bottle. There is a “significant downside Treasury yields to his- The Fed kept the language for 16 months, know. Maybe we will have some understand- The Fed notes came out as the real push for economic disintegra- toric lows — both trends until well after the European Central Bank ing of what the settlement will be between British decision to exit the Euro- tion, which threatens growth in a risks to the economic making it harder for the had intervened with a forceful pledge to keep the eurozone and the U.K., but even if we pean Union continued to roil world global scale.” outlook.” Fed to move. the currency union intact. know the settlement do we know the eco- “You don’t know how “I would suspect they are really struggling nomic impact? I am not sure.” Wells Fargo’s partial tax victory may spur billions in refunds

By Lynnley Browning The financial-services and health-care percentage points, in 1998 Congress approved for the refund claim — arose, Reinstein said. Bloomberg industries may be particularly affected by legislation to allow corporations in that situ- At the same time, though, the panel ruled the ruling, since both have seen large num- ation to equalise the rates on each side. Such that Wells Fargo could not seek refunds stem- bers of recent mergers, said Robert Willens, “interest netting” gives companies an effec- ming from interest on underpayments and a tax and accounting specialist in New York. tive interest rate of zero on their overlapping overpayments by Wachovia and First Union ells Fargo & Co got less than it The case “will likely pave the way for some underpayments and overpayments. long before they merged with each other. The wanted in a federal tax-refund substantial refund claims,” he said. That rule specifies that the underpayment court said the two banks were separate tax- lawsuit, yet the bank’s partial Ancel Martinez, a Wells Fargo spokes- and overpayment must belong to “the same payers at the time of those payments, some victory may spur billions of man, declined to comment on the decision taxpayer,” but it’s been less clear how the rule of which dated to 1993, and that Wells Fargo Wdollars in similar refund claims from com- or to discuss how much the bank can expect applies to companies involved in mergers and couldn’t make claims on those payments for panies that have done repeated mergers and to recover. acquisitions. When one group of companies its own tax benefit. acquisitions, tax lawyers say. The ruling highlights a little-known rev- joins another, pre-existing group, can they The difference between the two examples The ruling effectively The bank had sought refunds — valued enue center in the world of corporate tax all be considered the same taxpayer? is that — unlike CoreStates and First Union allows companies that at about $350m as of 2011 — tied mostly to planning. Multinationals claiming interest- In the case of Wells Fargo, the three-judge — Wachovia and First Union “were distinct have grown through interest on tax bills over decades. The June 29 related refunds from the Internal Revenue appellate panel decided that under certain taxpayers” at the time of the underpayment decision by a federal appeals court in Wash- Service “is a big deal,” said Steven Dixon, conditions, they can be — broadly, when the and hadn’t yet merged, Reinstein said. “It acquisitions to tap certain ington allowed some, but not all, of the claims a tax litigation lawyer at Miller & Cheva- acquired company has made an overpayment doesn’t matter that they are later part of the tax benefits held by the to stand. lier Chartered in Washington. “Overlapping before a merger. In reaching that decision, the same group,” he said. At the same time, the ruling effectively underpayments and overpayments — there judges held that CoreStates Financial Corp The ruling offers a lesson in how large companies they acquired allows companies that have grown through are big claims out there, and it’s real money.” overpaid its taxes in 1992, then later merged companies may be able to mine tax benefits — widening access to acquisitions to tap certain tax benefits held Corporations’ federal tax bills include into First Union Corp, which subsequently from companies they acquire to reduce their by the companies they acquired — widening levies on their earnings and employment, as underpaid its own taxes. (First Union merged future tax bills going forward by offsetting refunds based on such access to refunds based on such interest cal- well as excise taxes and others. It’s not unu- into Wachovia Corp in 2001, and Wachovia interest, Reinstein said. interest calculations, culations, according to tax specialists. sual for a company to pay too little of one merged into Wells Fargo in 2008.) Cathy Stopyra, tax senior director at the “We’re talking about a lot of money,” said and too much of another -- meaning it owes Because CoreStates merged into First accounting firm BDO USA LLP, said multina- according to tax Todd Reinstein, a tax lawyer at Pepper Ham- the IRS money, with interest, while the IRS Union in 1998, the court considered both tionals would likely begin combing through specialists. ilton LLP in Washington — “probably in the owes it money, also with interest. Though the companies to be the same taxpayer when their tax returns in search of claims simi- tens of billions of dollars.” interest rates can vary by as much as 4 1/2 First Union’s 1999 underpayment — the basis lar to the CoreStates-First Union example. FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016 21

Coe calls for more Anderson out of first Pakistan Test whistle blowers after Stepanova comeback England’s all-time leading wicket-taker AFP ruled out of the 12-man squad for AMSTERDAM: Yuliya Stepano- next week’s first va’s participation at the European championships was proof of the Test at Lord’s IAAF’s consistency on anti-dop- ing whistle blowers, world track and field supremo Sebastian Coe AFP said yesterday. In an interview with a small group of journalists in Amster- dam, Coe launched a fresh plea LONDON: England’s all-time lead- for athletes to turn informants ing wicket-taker James Anderson should they encounter doping, was ruled out of a 12-man squad Captain of the Pakistan team Misbah-ul-Haq answers questions from the media during a press conference at Lord’s cricket ground in London, saying it was a “historic moment” announced yesterday for next week’s yesterday. Right: England captain Alastair Cook during the press conference. for athletics. first Test against Pakistan at Lord’s. Stepanova herself served a Anderson, 33, has not recovered two-year doping ban before she from a right shoulder injury sus- Joe Root taking Compton’s place at to be.” Roland-Jones, 28, has been in could now make his Test comeback from cricket and together with sports and her husband Vitaly made tained in the third Test against Sri number three. fine form for Middlesex this season, at Lord’s. agent Mazhar Majeed, jail terms. startling revelations about state- Lanka last month -- a three-match “Gary is mentally strong and with 30 County Championship wick- Amir took an impressive three Amir, who served three months sponsored doping in Russian series England won 2-0. we feel that he will add quality and ets at under 30 apiece. for 36, swinging the ball steeply at in an English young offenders insti- athletics. The Lancashire paceman’s place experience to England’s middle- He took six wickets during Mid- sharp pace, in Pakistan’s drawn tour- tute, has only featured in the game’s Associated, widespread cor- in the squad has been taken by order,” said England national selector dlesex’s win over Yorkshire this opener against Somerset earlier this shorter formats since his return to ruption with the International uncapped Middlesex seamer Toby James Whitaker. week, and hit an unbeaten 79 off 51 week. Pakistan duty in January. Association of Athletics Federa- Roland-Jones. Ballance made a run-laden start balls from No 9. Pakistan have one more three- But the 24-year-old left-arm fast tions (IAAF) plunged the body into He will now be pushing for a Test to his 15-Test England career before Ballance said of Roland-Jones: day game, against Sussex at Hove bowler’s career will come full circle its worst-ever crisis, just as Coe debut on his Lord’s home ground struggling last year against New Zea- “He’s been a quality bowler for the starting today, before the first Test. if he makes his Test return in the first was installed as president in place alongside Nottinghamshire quick land and Australia’s left-arm fast last few years for Middlesex, all of us Whitaker added: “Pakistan will of a four-match series at Lord’s next of now-disgraced Lamine Diack. Jake Ball, in the squad for the Sri bowlers. who play in county cricket know how give us a stiff challenge during this week. Russian athletes were Lanka series but also yet to make Pakistan’s attack is likely to good a bowler he is and obviously series and we can expect some fan- Amir took an impressive three for promptly suspended from inter- his maiden Test appearance. include two proven left-arm pace- he’s going to have good knowledge tastic cricket from both sides over the 36, swinging the ball steeply at sharp national competition in November “Jimmy has been touch and go men in Mohammad Amir and Wahab of bowling at Lord’s. He thoroughly next couple of months.” pace, in the first innings of Pakistan’s and now face a race a raft of cri- for a while, he is making really good Riaz. deserves his call-up.” Meanwhile, former England drawn tour-opener against Somer- teria to meet before even being in progress but it is the selectors’ view “It’s all come as a bit of a sur- This will be England’s first home captain Michael Atherton said Amir set earlier this week. with a chance to compete at the that he just won’t be quite ready for prise,” said 26-year-old left-hander series against Pakistan since the should be allowed to “move on with England squad: Rio Olympics. that first Test, hopefully for the sec- Ballance, who last played Test cricket infamous 2010 campaign. his life”,. Alastair Cook (Essex, capt), But Stepanova, now exiled in ond (at Old Trafford),” said England against Australia at Lord’s last year. That year’s Lord’s Test saw Paki- The gifted Pakistani’s career Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jonny the United States, was handed the captain Alastair Cook on Thursday. This week he scored 132 in the stan seamers Amir and Mohammad came to a shuddering halt during Bairstow (Yorkshire, wkt), Gary chance to compete as a “neutral” With struggling number three first innings for county champi- Asif, together with captain Salman a Test against England at Lord’s in Ballance (Yorkshire), Jake Ball as recompense for her speaking Nick Compton taking time out of ons Yorkshire against Middlesex at Butt, given five-year bans and jail 2010, when he and new-ball part- (Nottinghamshire), Stuart Broad out on the systematic doping at the cricket, the selectors sprang a sur- Scarborough. terms for deliberately bowling no- ner Mohammad Asif were caught (Nottinghamshire), Steven Finn heart of Russian athletics. prise by recalling Yorkshire’s Gary “It was about this time last year balls as part of a newspaper sting bowling no-balls to order on the (Middlesex), Alex Hales (Notting- “She fulfilled the eligibil- Ballance for the first of a four-Test when I got left out,” said Ballance. operation. instructions of captain Salman Butt hamshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Toby ity criteria set down by the series starting on July 14. “I’ve had some time away, the Left-arm fast bowler Amir as part of a tabloid newspaper sting Roland-Jones (Middlesex), James IAAF taskforce and anti-dop- Ballance is set to slot in at number chance to work on my game, and I returned to international cricket operation. Vince (Hampshire), Chris Woakes ing review board and the five, with his Yorkshire colleague feel like I’ve got back to where I want earlier this year and the 24-year-old All three received five-year bans (Warwickshire) invitation was at the behest of European Athletics,” Coe said of Stepanova, who tore a ligament in her heel during her 800m heat on Wednesday and was later disqualified. “Without her support and the Sri Lanka blame fitness issues for failure evidence she gave the taskforce, we would not have understood as much about the challenge to be AFP our battling, bowling and field- England tour. Mathews himself was due to play three Tests, five ODI confronted. ing,” Mathews told reporters in injured. matches and two T20 games. “You have to be consistent. Colombo. “We have to improve in He could not say how long the Mathews said the Australian If you are asking athletes to step all departments.” team would require to fully recover team was “tough”, but he hoped up to the plate and not just be COLOMBO: Sri Lanka skipper However, he thanked loyal local from the void created after the the home side advantage in sul- commentators sitting in the back- Angelo Mathews (pictured) yes- fans for not mocking them for their retirement of legends including try conditions would help local ground ... then I think you have to terday blamed fitness issues for the dismal performance. Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela players. say that those that are prepared team’s disastrous England tour, but “From the officials at the air- Jayawardene. “It (the series) is in our home to do that should be recognised said he hoped to use the advantage port (in Colombo) to others we met “It will take a bit of time. I conditions, but we have to prepare for that. of home conditions against a tough on the way, they have been very have been saying that for the well and prepare for a tough chal- “The athletes have a very Australian side. supportive at a time when we are past few months as well,” Math- lenge, and to overcome the tough clear role to play. I don’t mind Mathews returned home after down,” he said. ews said. Australia side we have to play our athletes showing passion and losing the Test series 2-0, the five “This support means a lot to us.” “But we are doing the right best cricket,” he said. being outspoken about this, but match ODI series 3-0 (with one tie Asked about preparations for things at the moment. We are not But he warned against raising they also have a responsibility and one no result) and also conced- the upcoming home series against winning games, but we are seeing expectations too high, noting that to help us and position them- ing the only T20 in chilly English Australia, Mathews said he wanted improvements day by day.” Australia had done well in Sri Lanka selves as part of the solution conditions. to address fitness issues plaguing His comments come with the during their 2011 tour when they rather than just sitting there and “Fitness was a big issue, as the the young team which saw five Australian team set to arrive Sat- won the Tests 1-0 and also claimed saying ‘Well I didn’t get a medal captain I am disappointed with bowlers suffer injuries during the urday in Sri Lanka, where they are victory in the ODI series 3-2. because....’ Cavendish eyes record books with 29th stage victory

AFP Cavendish. “I knew I could get a sprinters’ green points jersey from try -- if you’re in yellow you have They built a lead of over five sling-shot off Kittel.” Slovakia’s Peter Sagan. to fight for it in every second,” said minutes at one point but were Briton Dan McLay took a sur- It’s a jersey he should keep for the 31-year-old BMC rider. “The brought back 22km from the fin- prise third place on the stage several days as the Tour passes approach is easy but we’ll see how ish as the sprinters’ teams took no MONTAUBAN, FRANCE: Mark to show the future is bright through the Pyrenees, where the far I can go on a climb like this. chances. Cavendish took another giant step in British sprinting whenever overall contenders will finally start “Five minutes is a lot but when the Kittel seemed well set in the towards Tour de France greatness former world champion Caven- their battle. climbers really go, it’s not much!” sprint but Cavendish had his wheel by claiming his 29th stage win yes- dish decides to call time on his But Cavendish says he’s Spain’s Alejandro Valverde, and stormed past to take another terday in a dramatic sprint finish remarkable career. unlikely to hold it all the way to third at 5:13, is well placed to take memorable win. in sweltering heat. The Manx Missile had already Paris as Sagan can pick up points over the race lead but his Movistar Meanwhile, Cavendish insisted The 31-year-old Briton now beaten Kittel into second on Satur- in lumpy stages where pure sprint- team leader Nairo Quintana and the competition is getting tougher only has Belgian legend Eddy Mer- day’s opening stage to Utah Beach ers can’t keep up. reigning champion Chris Froome in sprint finishes despite winning ckx ahead of him on the all-time before also winning the third stage “He’s on a different level to will also be aiming to make their his 29th Tour de France stage. list of stage victories with a once- in Angers. everyone else. He can do what he mark. The 31-year-old claimed a seemingly unattainable mark of Kittel got his own back on wants,” admitted Cavendish. They are only another four third win in six stages this year to 34. Tuesday’s fourth stage when Cav- “If he decides to do something, seconds back. move clear in second place on the But having won three stages endish could finish only eighth he can do it. It’s nice to wear the On a scorching hot day, there all-time stage win list. out of six already in this Tour, but the Briton proved in Montau- green jersey but it will be with no- was a certain inevitability of a Only Belgian great Eddy Mer- Cavendish is coming up fast ban he’s the fast man to beat at one in Paris but Peter.” bunch sprint at the finish. ckx has more with 34 -- and he behind Merckx, a five-time Tour this Tour. Belgium’s Greg Van Avermaet With searing heat accompa- won five Tours. winner. “To be very honest, in the kept hold of the race leader’s yel- nying the riders all day, only two When Cavendish first broke Yesterday’s 190.5km sixth finals this year, there is no tactic. low jersey and maintains his 5min men found the courage to embark onto the scene in 2008 he was by stage from Arpajon-sur-Cere to It’s impossible to ride with a team 11sec lead over Frenchman Julian out on a lonely, long-range bid for far the best sprinter in the world, Montauban, Cavendish timed his here,” complained Kittel, who said Alaphilippe. glory. winning 23 Tour stages over the burst for the line to perfection Cavendish had produced a better But both will be hard pushed Japan’s Yukiya Arashiro was next five years. Stage winner Great Britain’s Mark Cavendish to streak past Marcel Kittel and sprint tactically. to maintain such lofty positions on joined by Czech Jan Barta on a He also became world then hold off a late surge by the “It’s pure chaos and that’s why Friday when the first major moun- day that began with a summery champion in 2011 in a sprint (right) is congratulated by French former German. you can win here with really smart tain, the Col d’Aspin, looms large. 25C (77F) temperature in Arpa- finish and won the prestigious cyclist Bernard Hinault as he celebrates on “It was a fast finish so I knew it positioning.” “Keeping the yellow jersey jon but ended in a sweaty 32C in Milan-San Remo “Monument” the podium after winning the sixth stage of was well worth going early,” said Cavendish took back the will be hard tomorrow but I will Montauban. race in 2009. the Tour de France race yesterday. 22 FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016 SPORT Serena, Kerber to meet in Wimbledon final

German defeats Venus in semi-final to gatecrash the Williams sisters’ party at All England Club

AFP

LONDON : Six-time champion Ser- ena Williams stormed into her ninth Wimbledon final in record time yesterday and will meet Angelique Kerber after the German ended Venus Williams’ hopes of becoming the old- est woman in the title match in 22 years. Serena, bidding for a seventh Wimbledon and an Open Era record- equalling 22nd Grand Slam title, took just 48mins 34sec, the fastest ever semi-final at the All England Club, Germany’s Angelique Kerber celebrates beating Venus Williams of the US during their women’s semi-final match on the eleventh day of the 2016 Wimbledon Championships at the to secure a 6-2, 6-0 win over world number 50 Elena Vesnina. All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, yesterday. Right: Serena Williams returns to Russia’s Elena Vesnina during their women’s semi-final match. But her hopes of meeting Venus for the fifth time in a Wimbledon Vesnina won just three points off determined to win one. I want Venus the board. But the set was over in 28 why I’m so happy to reach my first matches at Wimbledon without final and ninth time at a major were the Williams serve in the first set and to win, but Kerber would be another minutes courtesy of Williams’s sev- Wimbledon final,” Kerber said. dropping a set, has a WTA tour- shattered when fourth seed Angel- none in the second. good match.” enth ace. “It’s a really good feeling. I’m best 34 match wins in 2016 and is ique Kerber, the Australian Open “I’m very happy. I was really Vesnina, who was due to face The second set was wrapped up really enjoying my tennis life.” guaranteed to rise to a career-high champion, saw off the 36-year-old focused today. We’ve had tough Serena again in the women’s dou- in just 20 minutes with breaks in the Kerber, 28, stunned Serena to win second in the world rankings next 6-4, 6-4. matches before and I knew she could bles later Thursday, admitted she first, third and fifth games. her maiden Grand Slam crown in the week. Serena, playing in her 32nd Grand bring it to me on this surface,” said just wasn’t good enough. Saturday’s final will give Serena a Australian Open final in January. Venus had won all eight of her Slam semi-final, blasted last-four Williams, who has now defeated the “I felt like I had no chance. Ser- chance to win a first major of the sea- Kerber can now set her sights on previous Wimbledon semi-finals debutant Vesnina off the sun-kissed Russian five times in five meetings. ena was playing really good. She was son after losing to Kerber in the final becoming the first player to defeat dating back 16 years to her maiden Centre Court in front of Prince Wil- Despite the painfully one-sided in a great mood, and her serve was in Melbourne and Garbine Muguruza both of the American siblings in the appearance in the last four when she liam’s wife Kate watching from up in semi-final Williams, into her third working really well. She was plac- in Paris. same Grand Slam since Kim Clijsters defeated Serena. the Royal Box. Grand Slam final of the year, insisted ing it amazingly,” said the Russian. Kerber saw off five-time at the 2009 US Open. But in her first All England Club The American fired 11 aces, 28 it had been a tough workout. “She was just better all over the champion Venus in 71 minutes on If she can cause another upset semi-final for seven years, Venus -- winners and committed just seven “It’s never easy out there, every court.” Centre Court to reach her first All against Serena, Kerber would become the oldest woman to make the last unforced errors, breaking serve five point you have to fight for,” she said. Thursday’s contest saw Ser- England Club title match. the first German woman to win four since Martina Navratilova in times to reach her 28th Grand Slam “I can’t believe I’m in the final ena race to a 4-0 lead in the first set “Venus won so many times here Wimbledon since Steffi Graf in 1996. 1994 -- was unable to roll back the final. this year. I’m 0-2 this year so I’m before 29-year-old Vesnina got on and was playing really well. That’s She has raced through her six years one more time.

Free to race but India’s Lahiri targets British Open top 10 Hamilton, Rosberg

Reuters and I can play consistently through- but does not show up as frequently aspects of the game and sharpen it on last warning out the week. A top-10 or better as you would like. up for the majors and the Olympics. would be my goal this year. “In any case the first season on a “Hopefully I can pace myself just “I like playing links courses,” new tour is always the toughest and right to peak during the majors and AFP LONDON: India’s Anirban Lahiri Lahiri added. I’m satisfied that I am in a good posi- Olympics. That’s the goal.” has targeted a top 10 finish at next “You have to be creative and stra- tion to keep my playing privileges for Meanwhile, Australia’s Scott week’s British Open at Royal Troon tegically efficient to play well on next year.” Hend and Chilean Felipe Agui- SILVERSTONE, UNITED as the reigning Asian Tour number them. Also I am comfortable flight- While a number of top-ranked lar shared the clubhouse lead on KINGDOM: Feuding Mercedes one gears up for a bumper month of ing down my ball-flight, which is a male golfers have withdrawn from the first day of the Scottish Open team-mates Lewis Hamilton golf that ends with the Rio Olympics must in windy conditions. the Rio Games due to Zika fears, and then reaffirmed their com- and Nico Rosberg will be free to in August. Lahiri, whose tied fifth finish at Lahiri, ranked 62nd in the world, is mitments to next month’s Olympic race but under strict new “rules Lahiri, who turned 29 last week, the PGA Championship last year is excited at the prospect of represent- Games. of engagement”, starting at this finished tied for 31st in his British the best by an Indian golfer, feels ing India at the August 5-21 Games, Hend and Aguilar recorded weekend’s British Grand Prix. Open debut in 2012 and will make consistency has been lacking from which will see the sport return to the three-under-par 69s in bright but Four days after their last-lap his fourth appearance at the cham- his game in his first full season on Olympics after a 112-year gap. very windy conditions on the Castle crash in Austria, with defending pionships at the Scottish links from the PGA Tour. “Managing energy levels and Stuart course to the east of Inverness champion Hamilton going on to July 14-17. “It’s been a very slow and slug- conditioning are a big challenge this in northern Scotland. take victory, Mercedes team chief “The Open is truly a special tour- gish season. I have been inconsistent season,” Lahiri added. Their efforts come after Zim- Toto Wolff signaled the pair had nament,” Lahiri told the Asian Tour. and have got off to good starts on a “I will look to skip a few events babwean Brandon de Jonge been given a final warning about England’s Luke Donald during the “I’ve had a couple of decent outings few occasions only to have a disap- leading up to the big ones if I feel like and Colombia’s Camilo Ville- their on-track behaviour follow- but feel like I missed out both times pointing weekend. I need to take a break. gas brought the number of male first round Scottish Openat the ing a run of three collisions in five on a top-10 finish. “It’s frustrating when your ‘A’ “My coach will be here in Amer- golfers to withdraw from the Rio Castle Stuart Golf Links, Inverness, races. “Hopefully Troon suits my eye game feels right around the corner ica for two weeks to work on all Olympics to 15. Scotland, yesterday. Talking to reporters at a news conference in the paddock at Sil- verstone ahead of Hamilton’s home race, the team boss made clear the fierce title rivals would face punishment if they had another prang. Barcelona’s Messi to appeal tax fraud sentence Separately, in a statement following a meeting at team head- quarters on Thursday, Mercedes AFP Switzerland and Uruguay to avoid there is to it, because he didn’t want “The club, in agreement with said they had “strengthened our paying taxes on 4.16 million euros to pay his taxes,” he said. the government prosecution serv- rules of engagement to include of Messi’s income earned from his “It’s like a crime boss. At the ice, considers that the player, who much greater deterrents to con- image rights from 2007-09. very top is the bigwig who doesn’t has corrected his position with tact between our cars.” BARCELONA: Barcelona star Lionel The income related to Messi’s want to know about the details.” the Spanish tax office, is in no way Team orders would be Messi (pictured) will appeal and image rights that was allegedly hid- The court agreed, arguing in its criminally responsible with regards imposed only “as a solution of last vowed to clear his name after a den includes endorsement deals ruling that Messi “had decided to to the facts underlined in this case,” resort” and if the drivers failed court in Spain on Wednesday sen- with Danone, Adidas, Pepsi-Cola, remain in ignorance”. it added. “to honour the revised rules of tenced him and his father to 21 Procter & Gamble and the Kuwait “Despite all the opportuni- Messi is Barcelona’s all-time engagement.” months in jail for tax fraud, the Food Company. ties available to the player to show leading goalscorer. Rosberg was penalised by player’s lawyers said. The court found Messi and his interest in how his rights were man- His verdict comes just six the race stewards at the Aus- The prison sentences are likely father, who has managed his son’s aged, he did not,” the court added. months after a Spanish court trian Grand Prix for failing to to be suspended as is common in affairs since he was a child, guilty of The court said if the player was handed Barcelona’s Argentine give Hamilton sufficient “rac- Spain for first offences for non-vio- tax fraud and ruled that for each of not punished, “ordinary” citizens midfielder Javier Mascherano a ing room” when he was being lent crimes carrying a sentence of those three years they should serve could conclude that it was better one-year suspended sentence for passed by the Briton on Turn less than two years. a sentence of seven months. to “not show interest” in their tax tax fraud. Two of the final lap at the Red The Argentine’s lawyers feel an Messi, 29, a five-time world obligations. He was found guilty of avoiding Bull Ring. appeal would eventually succeed player of the year winner, was also Messi’s tax fraud trial has taken paying taxes on 1.5 million euros of In their collision, Rosberg’s in persuading the court that Messi fined 2.09 million euros while his place against a backdrop of sim- income related to his image rights. car suffered front wing dam- and his father have behaved cor- father was fined 1.6 million euros. mering voter anger over steep cuts Barcelona in June agreed to pay age and he fell from race leader rectly, the player’s representatives They can appeal the decision to to health and social spending, as a 5.5-million-euro fine in a deal to fourth. Wolff had branded told AFP in a statement. Spain’s Supreme Court and that is the government struggles to bring with prosecutors that sees the club the incident -- just the latest “The most recent laws from the what the pair’s lawyers indicated to be absolved, arguing there was Spain’s public deficit down. avoid trial on tax evasion charges between the championship rivals supreme court on the matter that on Wednesday they would, saying no evidence that the player was The player and his father made over its signing of Brazilian striker -- “brainless”. concerns us would seem to prove they felt confident an appeal would aware of how his income was a voluntary payment of 5.0 million Neymar from Santos in 2013. Hamilton’s victory cut the the argument of the defence,” Mes- succeed. managed. euros -- equal to the amount of the Last week Spanish authorities German Rosberg’s championship si’s lawyers Enrique Bacigalupo and Messi told the court during the The state attorney representing alleged unpaid taxes plus interest -- disclosed that Brazilian interna- lead to just 11 points. Javier Sanchez-Vera asserted. four-day trial that wrapped up on tax authorities in the trial, Mario in August 2013 after being formally tional defender Dani Alves owes The warring duo -- once Earlier Wednesday, the Barce- June 4 that he trusted his father Maza, said he found it unlikely investigated. 1.3 million euros in overdue taxes close friends -- also crashed on lona court had found the Argentina with his finances and “knew noth- that Messi knew nothing about the After the court delivered its ver- and late payment fines. the opening lap of the Spanish international and his father Jorge ing” about how his wealth was situation. dict, Barcelona issued a statement Alves left Barcelona in June Grand Prix, an incident that ended Horacio Messi guilty of using managed. “There is no deliberate igno- “giving all its support to Leo Messi after eight seasons to join Italian both of their races, and banged companies in Belize, Britain, Prosecutors had asked for Messi rance here, it’s fraud and that’s all and his father”. side Juventus. wheels in Canada but escaping unscathed. SPORT FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016 23

Time to give Portugal some credit, says coach Santos

Reuters a game inside 90 minutes at “They keep saying that mer- and the last World Cup, empha- team on the pitch who are the tournament and had been its belong not to Portugal but our sised that Portugal had not given sometimes pleasant to watch criticised for taking part in dull opponents such as Iceland.” an inch to their opponents once and sometimes less pleasant matches. Portugal have not lost one again. to watch,” said the 61-year- LYON: Portugal coach Fern- They struggled again to of their 13 competitive matches “Portugal always have a old who has coached several ando Santos (pictured) said it break down Wales but coasted since Santos was appointed in game plan, an attacking game clubs in both his homeland and was time to give credit to his home after Cristiano Ronaldo September 2014, although the plan and a defensive game plan,” Greece. team after their 2-0 win over and Nani scored early in the Wales game was the first time he said. “Portugal have done what Wales took them to the Euro second half. they have won by more than a “We know we aren’t the best we have to do, without worrying 2016 final on Wednesday. “At some point they will have single-goal margin under his in the world, but we also know whether we have been pretty or Portugal, who will face Ger- to say that Portugal had the leadership. that it will be difficult for any- ugly but instead worrying about many or France in Sunday’s merit of dismantling our oppo- Santos, who previously one to beat us. whether we have been good or final, had not previously won nents,” Santos told reporters. coached Greece at Euro 2012 “We have been an excellent bad.” Ronaldo’s nine Euro goals Portugal look for AFP

LYON: Cristiano Ronaldo matched Michel Platini’s record of nine goals in European Euro glory in Championship finals matches by scoring in Portugal’s Euro 2016 semi-final win over Wales on Wednesday. Here is a look at his nine goals across four separate Euros that saw him match yet another goalscoring record. historic final Portugal 1, Greece 2: 2004 Ronaldo’s first Portugal goal came in ignominious circumstances as he headed home a corner deep into injury time as However, victory in Paris on top scorer Antoine Griezmann Portugal’s start to Euro 2004 on home soil Sunday would cap a remarka- of France. But he also hailed got off to the worst possible start with a The Real Madrid ble career already boasting three the impact of Nani - who also shock 2-1 defeat to eventual champions star to lead his World Player of the Year awards notched his third goal of the Greece. and three Champions League tournament - as well as 18-year- country to maiden wins. old wonderkid Renato Sanches Portugal 2 Netherlands 1: 2004 international The victory was Portugal’s and Ricardo Quaresma, who A second, almost carbon copy, header first over 90 minutes in the made match-winning contribu- from a Deco corner followed to spark tournament win whole competition. tions in the previous two rounds. scenes of joy on Ronaldo’s return to Lis- Three draws were enough “When you think of Nani, bon’s Jose Alvalade - where he started his to see them sneak through the Renato, Quaresma...it is a team career with Sporting Lisbon - with the group stage in third place before effort. opening goal as Portugal reached their AFP they saw off Croatia and Poland “Today I was fortunate first ever major final. in extra-time and on penalties enough to score and I am happy respectively. because I helped Portugal qual- Portugal 3, Czech Republic 1: 2008 However, Ronaldo defended ify for the final.” Ronaldo was expected to shine in Aus- LYON: Cristiano Ronaldo hopes their route to the final, claiming Portugal coach Fernando tria and Switzerland fresh from winning to fulfil a lifelong dream and the tournament was a “mara- Santos said the final will be the the Champions League with Manches- lead Portugal to their first ever thon” not a sprint and that they highlight of his long career and ter United. international tournament win by had timed their return to form that he will study Thursday’s However, his solitary goal at Euro shocking hosts France or world to perfection. other semi-final between France 2008 came when he swept home from champions Germany in Sunday’s And after landing the Cham- and Germany to discover the key the edge of the box to ensure Portugal fin- Euro 2016 final. pions League on penalties with to victory. ished top of Group A with a 3-1 win over Ronaldo equalled Michel Madrid in May, Ronaldo believes “The final on Sunday will be the Czechs in Geneva. Platini’s record of nine goals in 2016 may be his lucky year. the highest point in my career,” European Championship finals “Personally speaking I am said Santos, 61. Portugal 2, Netherlands 1: 2012 matches by powering home the very happy. After winning the “It is my country, my flag, my Fresh from a 60-goal season with opener as Portugal overcame Champions League I believed fatherland, so from a personal Real Madrid, Ronaldo was kept quiet dur- Wales 2-0 in Lyon on Wednesday in my heart we would go far in point of view it is very important ing Portugal’s opening two group games to book their place in the final. the Euros. for me. Two very strong teams against Germany and Denmark, but came The Real Madrid star was “Maybe it didn’t start as we face off tomorrow. I will watch Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates to life with Portugal facing an early exit to on the losing side when Portu- wanted, but this is not a 100 the game very attentively to ana- after scoring the opening goal during the Euro fire home an equaliser in Kharkiv. gal lost their only previous final metre dash, it is a marathon.” lyse our opponent. We are in it to 2016 semi-final match against Wales at the to Greece on home soil at Euro Ronaldo’s header leaves him win it and I will set up the team Portugal 2, Netherlands 1: 2012 2004. just one goal off tournament with the best possible strategy.” Parc Olympique Lyonnais Stadium in D’cines- And he sent the Dutch home with Charpieu, near Lyon on Wednesday. three defeats from three matches by sweeping home at the end of a flowing counter-attack 16 minutes from time to ensure Portugal’s place in the last eight.

Portugal 1, Czech Republic 0: 2012 Portugal’s players celebrate after skipper The Czechs resisted Ronaldo’s con- Cristiano Ronaldo scored the opening goal Portugal not just about stant threat for 79 minutes at Warsaw’s during their Euro 2016 semi-final match against national stadium, but eventually the Wales on Wednesday. three-time World Player of the Year bullied his way past the defence to head me, says hero Ronaldo home Joao Moutinho’s cross.

Portugal 3, Hungary 3: 2016 Reuters The three-times world who have scored goals such Similarly to 2012, Ronaldo endured a player of the year has been as (Ricardo Quaresma) that nightmare start when he was shut out by criticised for hogging free national team is about eve- Iceland and then missed a penalty against kicks and penalties and for ryone and not just about Austria as Portugal started with back-to- LYON: Cristiano Ronaldo remonstrating with team me.” back draws in France. However, Ronaldo said he is not obsessed mates when their passes Ronaldo was also play- ensured third-place was enough to book by breaking records and fail to reach him. ing when Portugal reached their place in the last 16 as he beautifully believes Portugal have “The national team is their only previous Euro- back-heeled into the far corner to become reached the Euro 2016 final everything. I want to help pean championship final the first ever player to score in four edi- thanks to a team effort the national team as much on home soil in 2004, but tions of the Euros. after they beat Wales in as I can, not only with goals lost 1-0 to Greece. the last four on Wednesday. but also by running and “It was different, last Portugal 3, Hungary 3: 2016 Ronaldo equalled coming back to defend,” time I was 19, it was my Only 12 minutes had passed before Frenchman Michel Plati- he said. first final, my debut,” he Ronaldo notched his second of Euro 2016 ni’s record of nine goals in “I have given every- said. with a bullet header as Portugal equalised European Championship thing and the team work “Twelve years on and for the third time in the game. finals. has been excellent.” I’m in another final. This “The most impor- Ronaldo remem- makes me proud, I always Portugal 2, Wales 0: 2016 tant thing was that the bered that Portugal had dreamed about winning Billed as a battle between Ronaldo team believed we could started the tournament something for Portugal and and Real Madrid teammate Gareth Bale, get to the final,” added the poorly with a draw against I hope it will be this time,” it was the former who came out on top in 31-year-old. Iceland. the Real Madrid forward the semi-final in Lyon. His bullet header “Nobody thought Por- “This is a marathon, added. from Raphael Guerreiro’s cross broke the tugal could get to the final not a sprint. It has been “I’m very confident, I deadlock early in the second half before and but we are there, that shown not only by me but deserve it, the players as his shot teed up Nani for Portugal’s sec- makes me proud and also by Renato (Sanches), well and the supporters. ond that took them into the final. happy.” by Nani, both other players Portugal deserves it.” www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 22 PAGE | 23 Messi to appeal Portugal tax fraud look for sentence Euro glory

FRIDAY 8 JULY 2016 • 3 SHAWWAL 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Wales fans Griezmann’s double powers ‘heartbroken but proud’

AFP

France into Euro final CARDIFF: Wales fans danced and partied with pride into the night despite a heartbreaking Euro 2016 semi-final defeat in the nation’s Tournament’s top biggest football match ever. Some 27,000 impassioned scorer right on target fans who watched the 2-0 loss as Les Blues knock to Portugal on giant screens in Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on world champions Wednesday swallowed their dev- out to book Portugal astation and streamed out voicing unabashed delight at how far meeting on Sunday Wales had come. “If you can think of every emotion in the world, I’ve felt them all in the last 15 seconds: AFP happiness, anger, sadness, pride,” Conor Wall, 23, from Caerphilly, said. “No-one expected us to even MARSEILLE: Antoine Griezmann qualify. You can’t fault us.” scored twice as France beat world Bouncing around singing in champions Germany 2-0 to seal a the stadium concourses, fans were place in the Euro 2016 final against ecstatic at the previously unfan- Portugal yesterday. cied team’s extraordinary run at Having converted a controversial the 2016 European Championship first-half penalty for Bastian Sch- finals -- their best performance weinsteiger’s handball, Griezmann since reaching the 1958 World Cup put the result beyond doubt with a quarter-finals. sweetly struck second half shot. “It’s a contradiction of feel- “We suffered but we knocked ings because we’re devastated but them out,” said French coach Didier we’re so proud,” said Rhian Coles Deschamps after the game in which from Cardiff. Germany dominated possession. “It doesn’t make sense, this The victory in Marseille mean feeling. I feel bad for feeling bad Les Bleus face Cristiano Ronaldo- France’s forward Antoine Griezmann (second right) shoots to score his team’s second goal past Germany’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (left) -- we’ve made history.” led Portugal in Sunday’s final at the during their Euro 2016 semi-final match played at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille yesterday. Outside, men whipped off Stade de France. their red Wales football shirts and Griezmann is now the top scorer swung them around their heads, at the European Championship finals changes at the Stade Velodrome. A weak Griezmann shot and a letting Germany rule the midfield as the Germans became ever more singing “Don’t Take Me Home”, the with six goals. iverpool’s defensive midfielder Dimitri Payet free-kick straight at with Griezmann and Moussa Sis- frustrated. With 25 minutes left, Ger- terrace chant that Welsh fans have France’s first win over Germany Emre Can made his first start at Manuel Neuer were France’s best soko waiting to counter-attack with many coach Joachim Loew threw on taken around France throughout in their fifth meeting at major finals Euro 2016, winning only his seventh chances early on. little success. Mario Goetze for Can in the hope the Euro 2016. came out of a controversial penalty cap, for Khedira alongside Bastian At the other end, Germany were The penalty swung the game. World Cup winner could again pro- “It’s incredible. We’ve lost just before half-time. Schweinsteiger. sloppy with a string of chances in Mesut Ozil joined Schwein- duce some magic. 2-0 -- and are elated!” said Taz Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli’s Thomas Mueller started as striker front of goal while Schweinsteiger steiger in picking up a booking by Germany’s problems were com- Afsar, 46, from Fairwater in Car- took an eagle-eyed decision. for Gomez while Benedikt Hoewedes fired over from range. kicking the ball away while Mueller pounded as defender Jerome Boateng diff, as he captured the party on Schweinsteiger conceded the took Hummels place at centre-back The world champions first had to restrain a few of his German went off with injury with 61 minutes his mobile phone. penalty as replays showed his arm alongside Jerome Boateng. showed signs tempers were flaring team-mates. gone. Griezmann settled the matter “We’ve exceeded all expec- grazed the ball as he put his arms up France coach Didier Deschamps when Can picked up a 36th-minute Nevertheless, Griezmann showed when Paul Pogba’s cross from the left tations. It doesn’t matter who the while marking Patrice Evra from a kept faith with the same starting side booking for hauling Griezmann a cool head by gratefully slamming was cleared by Neuer into the Atletico cup goes to: we’ve already won. corner. which beat Iceland 5-2 in the last down. his shot past Neuer in the second Madrid stars path to fire home on 72 They will not match our pride. Germany’s stars crowded Rizzoli, eight, retaining Samuel Umtiti and Then there was panic in the Ger- minute of added time. minutes. “I’m so proud to be Welsh right furious with the decision. But it was Moussa Sissoko. man defence moments later when France led 1-0 at the break, In a last gamble to avoid their first now.” Conor Lewis, 23, added: a decisive blow from which the 2014 Both sides were far from clini- Olivier Giroud broke clean away. even though Germany had 64 per- defeat at a finals since the Euro 2012 “This is the Welsh spirit at its high- World Cup winners never recovered. cal in the opening exchanges with Only a perfectly-timed tackle cent of the first-half possession and semi-finals, Loew switched winger est. I’m optimistic. I’m not down With Mats Hummels suspended, French and Germans alike guilty from the furiously back-peddling 11 attempts on goal to France’s six. Leroy Sane for Schweinsteiger with about it at all. We’re going to take plus Mario Gomez and Sami Khedira of spraying passes wide of their Benedikt Hoewedes blocked his The goal breathed life through 10 minutes to go, but France held the 2018 World Cup by storm.” injured, Germany were forced into intended man. shot. France were content to sit deep, the French team for the second-half firm.

Wales’ Gareth Bale reacts Euro journey not the end for after losing their Euro 2016 semi-final match against Portugal at Stade de Lyon in Lyon, France on ambitious Wales, says Bale Wednesday.

AFP an incredible rise for Wales from took them so far in France for a can hold our heads high and give 117 in the world rankings less than World Cup qualifying group fea- it a go again.” five years ago to their first ever turing Austria, Serbia and the One of Wales’ few regrets semi-final in a major tournament. Republic of Ireland which starts was that they went down with- LYON: Gareth Bale believes Wales “It obviously hurts now, in September. out one of their star performers made a nation proud in their because it’s fresh, but we’ve “The hunger is there more during the tournament as Arse- unprecedented run to the Euro been on an amazing journey, than ever,” insisted Bale. nal midfielder Aaron Ramsey was 2016 semi-finals and backed which I think the whole nation “It obviously hurts to lose, missing through suspension. Chris Coleman’s men to reach has enjoyed,” said Bale. we have enjoyed the experience And he called on Coleman to the World Cup in Russia in two “I hope they have enjoyed it together, but there is a lot more to stay on as boss to build press on years’ time. as much as us. come and a lot more to improve with the momentum built up over Bale’s Real Madrid teammate “We want to thank them all on. the past four years. Cristiano Ronaldo ended Welsh for their support, it’s been incred- “Come the World Cup quali- “It’s brilliant. You can see the dreams of reaching Sunday’s final ible, our fans and staff have all fiers, which are not too far away, amount of fun we have on the as he powered home the opener been incredible. we’ll be raring to go. pitch, we enjoy playing together. before teeing up Nani for a quick- “These are moments none of “We wanted to test ourselves “We’re working hard for each fire second as Portugal emerged us will ever forget.” against the best countries in the other and playing with freedom, 2-0 victors in Lyon. Coleman called on his play- world, we have done ourselves so all the players enjoy playing However, Bale reflected upon ers to maintain the desire that and our country proud and we under him.”