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QIBQIB set to expand Wozniacki itsit operational survives scare at horizon Qatar Total Open

TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 • 14 Jumada I 1437 • Volume 20 • Number 6715 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Emir with Pakistan Army Chief of Staff Emir holds Yemen needs telephone talks with Putin $2.5bn for QNA DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held telephone conversation with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin urgent relief yesterday. They discussed bilateral rela- tions and means to enhance them and exchanged views on a number estimated over $2.45bn financial aid of regional and international issues required for relief work in six sectors. of joint interest. The talks also dealt Three-day special It was conducted in 14 provinces of with the situation in Syria and conference on the Yemen according to UN and World means to bring an end to the esca- Bank survey standards. lating crisis. They agreed to double humanitarian crisis in The report has estimated efforts and intensify contacts to Yemen, organised by required interventions as over contribute to finding a solution to $46.5m for water and sanitation, Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with Pakistan’s Army Chief of Staff General Raheel Sharif the Syrian crisis. Qatar Charity, began over $46.5m for health, over $790.7m at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. Talks dealt with bilateral relations and ways of developing them in yesterday in Doha for education, over $112.3m for live- addition to a number of issues of mutual concern. lihood, over $179.3m for shelter and Items worth displaced and over $1bn for food security and to address malnutrition. QR5.6bn on By Fazeena Saleem “The conference aims to unite The Peninsula the visions of partners about the display at humanitarian crisis in Yemen, as Registration for practising well as the exchange of information jewellery expo and ways to promote the follow-up DOHA: A special conference on mechanisms for determining the the humanitarian crisis in Yemen needs of those affected and the dis- alternative medicine opens By Raynald C Rivera that began in Doha yesterday esti- tribution of geographic areas in The Peninsula mated that about $2.5 bn is required order to develop action plans and to support urgent relief work in the initiatives among the partners,” conflict-torn country. said Abdullah Alwailly represent- The Peninsula homeopathy, ayurveda and situation in order to become fully The three-day conference organ- ing the King Salman Humanitarian acupuncture. registered and permitted to prac- DOHA: More than QR5.6bn worth ised by Qatar Charity in partnership Aid and Relief Centre, in his open- A workshop will be held at the tice legally in Qatar,” said a QCHP of jewellery and timepieces are on with 13 regional and international ing remarks. ministry headquarters on February statement. display at the 13th Doha Jewellery organisations seeks a joint plan action “We also aim for a Joint plan to DOHA: The Qatar Council for 28 to advise CM practitioners who are However, they all have to apply and Watches Exhibition, which on relief work in six main sectors address humanitarian needs in all Healthcare Practitioners (QCHP) at interested in being licensed in Qatar for registration/evaluation in the next opened last night, making it the including health and shelter. area and coordination, a follow up the Ministry of Public Health said and to provide guidance on the CM two months, after which they will be biggest edition yet and ranking The conference titled ‘The mechanism and to launch a range of yesterday that it has started regis- framework, registration requirements given their grace period. second in the world next to Basel, Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen: humanitarian initiatives in all sec- tration of healthcare practitioners and how to apply on the registration/ An adhoc advisory committee said Hamad Al Abdan, Director of Challenges and Prospects for tors,” he added. seeking a licence to practice com- licensing electronic system. was setup by the QCHP board to Exhibitions at the Qatar Tourism Humanitarian Response’ has brought “Partners behind the conference plementary medicine (CP) in Qatar. Those who are interested to review the regulatory framework, Authority (QTA). together more than 90 regional and shows how significant it is. We are The ministry recently has given attend the workshop may register compile scientific evidence related to “As per the Customs report, international humanitarian organ- reviewing and discussing six sectors official approval to practice comple- through [email protected] with the regulation, safety and efficacy of the value of goods the participat- isations and 150 relief experts. It about the present situation, chal- mentary medicine in Qatar which their name, place of work (if any) CM practices as well as measure the ing companies have brought for the focus on six main areas as educa- lenges and how collectively we can includes popular alternative medi- and reason for attending. scientific impacts and provide facts show is QR5.6bn. We can add those tion, health, water and sanitation, make a difference and agree on a cines such as ayurveda, homeopathy “Complementary Medicine and figures in relation to the usage that were cleared through the Cus- livelihoods and economic empow- road map forward,” Ramadan Assi, and acupuncture. practitioners have already started and impact of CM in the country. toms years ago bringing the total to erment, shelter and food security. Director of Global Strategy Inter- QCHP said yesterday that it has applying through the QCHP’s Regis- The regulatory framework will around $2.3bn,” Al Abdan told The The findings of a survey con- national Medical Corps told this started the implementation plan to tration/Licensing Electronic System. standardise the CM practice so that Peninsula, adding DJWE is second ducted by QC on the humanitarian newspaper. regulate CM practices in the country. Current existing practitioners in only licensed, qualified practitioners globally, next only to Basel. situation in Yemen were unveiled The initial list of scopes includes Qatar will be given a grace period will be issued a medical license and at the conference. The study has →Continued on page 2 Hijama (wet cupping), chiropractic, of ten months to correct and fix their allowed to practice in Qatar. →Continued on page 3

IMF chief urges Outlets warned against Gulf states to bring in taxes charging for ATM card use

AFP The Peninsula No additional commissions under any form should be imposed on clients when purchasing or returning products for using credit ABU DHABI: The International DOHA: The Ministry of Econ- and debit (ATM) cards through the Monetary Fund chief yesterday omy and Commerce has asked POS (Point of sale) system. urged yesterday oil-exporting Gulf all commercial outlets and serv- Officers from the ministry countries to introduce taxes, warn- ice providers not to charge any with judicial powers will inten- ing that low crude prices are likely additional fee on customers on sify their inspection campaigns to to stay for an “extended period”. payments using ATM cards. book perpetrators and legal action Gulf economies “need to This will be considered a seri- will be taken against them, said strengthen their fiscal frameworks ous violation of consumer rights the ministry. and reengineer their tax systems and shops that fail to comply will The ministry has asked store by reducing their heavy reliance have their contract with the bank managers and service providers A Syrian refugee family shows their newly issued German registration documents for migrants in Herford, on oil revenues and by boosting immediately revoked, the minis- to comply with the provisions non-hydrocarbon sources of rev- western Germany, yesterday. try warned in a circular issued to of this circular and explain its enues,” Christine Lagarde told a all commercial outlets. content to all staff members and forum in Abu Dhabi. The ministry is coordinating employees to avoid being subject Lagarde also called for a “greater with Qatar Central Bank in this to legal action and disciplinary emphasis” on corporate income taxes, US and Russia announce Syria truce regard. measures. as well as property and excise taxes. The ministry said that it has The IMF chief pointed out that oil received many complaints from exporters in the Middle East and AFP in the nearly five-year war, with 134 whether they would take part in the consumers who have been charged North Africa lost last year more people — mostly civilians — killed in a agreement by midday Damascus time additional commissions when pay- than $340bn in oil revenue from series of blasts near Damascus. on February 26. It said the opposi- ing for their purchases using credit Today’s edition their budgets, amounting to 20 per- In a joint statement, Russia and the tion and the Syrian government and debit cards. cent of their combined GDP. BEIRUT: Washington and Moscow United States said the cessation of hos- must agree to allow “rapid, unhin- The ministry has sent a includes special “Not only have oil prices fallen announced yesterday that a cessation tilities would not apply to the Islamic dered, and sustained” humanitarian circular to all outlets in this pages on Jewellery by around two-thirds from their of hostilities in war-torn Syria will go State group (IS) or Al Qaeda affiliate Al aid access and to cease all attacks regard. Payments using ATM cards most recent peak, but supply and into effect on February 27, as fierce Nusra Front. — whether aerial bombardment or should be considered as cash pay- and Watches demand-side factors suggest that clashes raged in the country’s north. The statement said other parties otherwise — on other parties to the ments, in line with Qatar’s vision to →P 10-11 they are likely to stay low for an The announcement comes just one engaged in fighting on the ground agreement. develop the banking services, said extended period,” she warned. day after the deadliest militant attack must indicate to Russia or the US →See also page 7 the ministry. 02 TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 HOME

Premier meets Power and water desalination forum opens Pakistan Army Chief of Staff

Qatar saved over QR1.3bn in QNA 2015 through rationalisation DOHA: Prime Minister and Inte- programme: Dr Al rior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah Sada bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani yesterday met Pakistan Army Chief of Staff General Raeheel Sharif and his delegation. By Sidi Mohamed Talks dealt with bilateral rela- The Peninsula tions, ways of developing and promoting them and matters of mutual concern.

DOHA: A two-day ‘Electricity and water desalination in Arab coun- All 2010- 2014 tries’ conference opened yesterday in the presence of Prime Minister Peugeot models and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani with other officials at the opening session of the recalled Al Thani . conference yesterday. In a speech at the open- ing session, Minister of Energy The Peninsula and Industry H E Dr Moham- years will see the country relying on the averages worldwide are set to half to complete the establishment of and natural conditions, including the med bin Saleh Al Sada said Qatar renewable energy, particularly solar. by 2050. regulatory frameworks for integra- scarcity of rain and lack of river water. believes that joint Arab work is The Minister said Qatar is also Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari, President, tion of energy and water policies to Arab countries’ demand for water DOHA: The Ministry of Economy the way forward for developing focused on rationalising the use of Qatar General Electricity & Water Cor- achieve the required sustainability and is estimated at about 261 trillion cubic and Commerce, in collaboration the Arab individual and stressed electricity. In 2015, individual ration- poration (Kahramaa) and Chairman encourage scientific research in the metres with a gap of 42 trillion cubic with Almana Motors Company, the importance of investing in alised use of electricity was an average of Arab Union of Electricity, called on areas of energy and water to cover all metres that will rise up to 319 trillion dealer of Peugeot vehicles, has electricity infrastructure to boost of 14 percent and an average of 17 the participants to come up with effec- aspects such as production and con- cubic metres between 2020-2030 with announced the recall of all Peu- development. percent for water which means the tive and enforceable recommendations sumption and increase renewable and a gap of 119 trillion cubic metres and geot models of 2010- 2014 due to Qatar is set to invest in improv- country saved QR825m on electric- to ensure achievement of water secu- new energies in power generation, in then demand will go up to 393 trillion a defect in the temperature sen- ing its smart electricity grid to ity and QR522m on water. This also rity and electricity for these countries. particular solar and wind energy. cubic metres in 2040-2050 with a gap sor. absorb energy from clean sources. decreased the carbon footprint by 3.5 Al Kuwari also urged attendees to Al Kuwari said despite water abun- of 194 trillion cubic metres. The ministry said the recall is The country under the leadership million tonnes. complete electrical networks between dance in the world, for human use it is Al Kuwari said desalination in the part of its efforts to protect con- of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin On the challenge of providing Arab region’s countries internally and now always available in good quan- Arab region is one of the traditional sumers and ensure dealers follow Hamad Al Thani achieved a 100 water, Dr Al Sada said the Middle externally to rationalise and reduce tity or quality at a suitable time or solutions to reduce the gap between up on vehicle defects and repairs. percent access to electricity sev- East is one of the driest regions in the water wastage in all types of its uses desired place. The geographical distri- supply and demand, particularly in the The ministry said it will coor- eral years ago, he said. world where the availability of water (agriculture, industry and domestic), bution of sources of renewable water Gulf states, which are suffering due to dinate with the dealer to follow Dr Al Sada said Qatar relies on average is 1200 cubic metres per raise efficiency of water use in agricul- in the world exacerbated the problem a huge shortage of water resources, as up on maintenance and repairs on natural gas as its only source person — much below the global aver- ture and review government subsidies of water shortage in the Arab region most GCC countries produce 57 per- and communicate with customers of electricity, which is the clean- age of 7000 cubic metres. for electricity and water. which is suffering due to a scarcity of cent of the worldwide desalinated to ensure repairs are carried out. est source of energy. The coming This represents a big challenge, as He urged the conference to work water resources as a result of climatic water. The ministry urged all cus- tomers to report any violations to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commercial Fraud Depart- Store fined and ment through hotline: 16001; email: [email protected]; Twit- closed down Over 12 million people hit by Yemen conflict ter: @MEC_Qatar; Instagram: MEC_Qatar; and the ministry’s mobile app for Android and IOS: for one month Continued from page 1 MEC_Qatar

Referring to challenges in the health sector, he The Peninsula said, “Our biggest issue is the insecurity factor, and Scattered rains many facilities are not available, many equipment are not functioning. Also the very challenging fac- and unstable tor is lack of staff and health personnel,” he added. DOHA: The Ministry of Economy Abdul Raqeeb Fatah, Yemeni Minister of Local weather likely and Commerce has shut down a Administration and Head of High Relief Committee, store in Industrial Area for one stressed that the conference is, for the first time, DOHA: The Meteorology Depart- month over sale of toilet paper establishing a clear and scientific relief database ment has forecast unstable packages displaying false labels. in Yemen based on scientific and field standards. weather conditions starting from Inspectors from the ministry He said such conferences are a real step tonight with chances of scattered fined the store and ordered its clo- towards achieving coordination between all part- rains. sure in line with Article 7 of Law ners through King Salman Center for Relief and “Due to a deepening low in the No. 8 of 2008, said a statement Humanitarian Aid, Qatar Charity, the Red Crescent upper levels of the atmosphere yesterday. organisations in the GCC states and other human- unstable weather is expected to The law stipulates that sup- itarian organisations and institutions. affect the country between Tues- pliers of goods must clearly “We look forward to seeing 2016 stage of relief day night and Wednesday evening display on product labels a clear work free of errors that usually occur during cri- Participants at the forum. with chances of isolated rains that description of the goods and their ses. We hope it would be based on coordination might become thundery at times,” ingredients and refrain from using and evaluation as two complimentary and con- said the department yesterday. any misleading or false statements. secutive processes,” he added. breadwinners in the families. Experts at the conference will also focus on Strong northwesterly winds The closure was published on More than 12 million people were affected by The United Nations Office for the Coordination sharing information about the humanitarian needs are expected to hit the coun- the ministry’s website and two the conflict directly, a million people were forced of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), in collaboration and resources, security and logistical challenges, try from tomorrow until Friday daily newspapers at the offend- to migrate, and over 42,000 people fled. with humanitarian partners, specified an action looking at ways of ensuring greater involvement evening. A slight drop in temper- ing company’s expense in line with Victims of conflict include civilians, women plan for rapid response, and developed a plan for of the Yemeni local civil society in response and atures is expected with maximum/ Article 3 of the law on consumer and children, but the death toll is of a large pro- humanitarian response in Yemen that met the most recovery activities and launching humanitarian ini- minimum at around 14-26 degrees protection. portion of adult males, resulting in the loss of male vulnerable needs of the population. tiatives to respond to the identified priority needs. C in Doha. Indian tennis star Sania Mirza meets students at DPS-MIS

By Sanaullah Ataullah administration and parents to extend for my 10th grade and subsequent The Peninsula the students the freedom to choose board exams. Thanks to my school, I what they like. “My school helped obtained first grades in both exams. If me in big way. I got extra classes and my school hadn’t helped me, it might was not bound to school attendance,” have been very difficult for me to com- DOHA: Indian tennis star Sania Mirza Mirza said. The visit was arranged by plete my education. yesterday told students at DPS-Mod- DPS-MIS, in collaboration with Qatar “You should do what you love, no ern Indian School (MIS) that a career in Tennis Federation. matter what. Do not let anyone tell you sport wasn’t a bad thing as long as they School President Hasan A K Chou- what you need to do. had the appetite for professional sport. gule and Principal Asna Nafeesa “If you don’t enjoy what you do, The hugely popular tennis player delivered keynote speeches, welcom- it is not worth doing it, I promise you also told the students irrespective ing the tennis icon. that. Even today at 29, I am enjoying of their career choices that seek- Chougule recited a stanza of a playing tennis. The day I stop enjoying, ing higher education must be their poetry in Urdu, recognising Mirza’s I will stop playing. Naturally, my par- ‘priority’. achievements in the tennis world. ents brought me up well. I hope your “I would like to suggest to the stu- To a question from a student, parents and school teachers inspire dents who want to take up sport as a Mirza said her principal and headmis- and guide you,” she said. Indian tennis star Sania Mirza poses in front of students during her visit to DPS-Modern Indian School professional career that they should be tress gave her a free hand to pursue “It is always nice to see so many yesterday. Pic: Abdul / The Peninsula talented first,” Mirza said in a speech her career as a professional tennis Indian faces in Dubai or Doha. I feel I at Al Wakrah campus of DPS. player. They told me that the school am coming home. I have been coming “All sportsmen believe that sport will support you. They helped me with here for many years. It does not feel I said to a loud cheer from the children. and watching Bollywood movies.” you should enjoy, otherwise do not can be a profession, even for the girls, attendance. They helped me attend am out of the country, so thanks DPS This is the place from where I began,” Mirza, married to Pakistan cricket play. My alternative dreams is to see but my advice is — no matter what you special classes. School for welcoming me,” Mirza said. she said. star Shoaib Malik, urged the kids to a lot of tennis players to come out in do, you must complete your educa- “Every time when I came back “I go to a lot of events around the Asked about her other hobbies, she play sport with passion and not for India. I have a tennis academy,” she tion first. Completing your education is after a month and a half or two world and we have a lot of media com- said: “I love sleeping, eating. These are seeking monetary benefits at a young said. Mirza will partner Swiss legend very important. I have done it,” Mirza months, they gave me extra classes, mitments. But for me, it is very special the things I do whenever I get the time. age. Martina Hingis in the doubles at this said. extra three hours. The teachers helped to meet schoolchildren and I meet kids I also love cricket and I am married to “You should not play for fame or week’s Qatar Total Open which ends She urged the school me so much. I studied 16 and 17 hours because I am one of you people,” Mirza a cricketer. It is in my blood, reading for money. If you are playing tennis, on Saturday. HOME TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 03 Doha Jewellery and Watches expo draws over 500 brands

Continued from page 1 from the most renowned local and Mulla, Chief Operations Officer, Elan international brands. Entertainment. Al Abdan also stressed the huge The participating brands are housed “Our brand exhibitors, special infor- increase in the number of exhibitors in huge pavilions, providing visitors mation seminars, workshops and the compared to the previous show. with an impressive visual journey into extraordinary creations on display con- “Last year we had 29 exhibitors the craftsmanship and creativity behind tinue to demonstrate why the exhibition and this year 50 from 27 countries with centuries of jewellery and watchmak- is celebrated as a world-leading lux- more than 500 brands,” he added. ing. The first jewellery and watches ury event,” he said. Among new features Under the patronage of Prime exhibition in the GCC calendar this year, this year is on-the-spot gem certifica- Minister and Interior Minister the luxury event will witness the unveil- tion through International Gemological H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin ing of creations of some of the world Institute’s mobile gem-testing lab. Khalifa Al Thani, the exhibition was famous brands. There are four seminars on the opened by Deputy Prime Minister and Spread over 29,000sqm of space process, choosing and maintenance Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs which is 16 percent more than last of astonishing creations on display; H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al year’s, the expo is expected to draw jewellery and horology workshops for Mahmoud at Doha Exhibition and Con- about 30,000 visitors from all over GCC. enthusiasts and designers; and special vention Centre. “It has been a superb first day, and viewing areas for privacy while tak- Organised by QTA and delivered by best visitor response. Some exhibitors ing a closer look at individual pieces. Elan Group and Fira Barcelona, the five- have noticed potential buyers for unique The exhibition is open to the public from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid day exhibition features an impressive one-off creations which will only be noon until 10pm today until Saturday collection of jewellery and timepieces publicly viewable here,” said Ahmed Al and Friday from 3pm to 10pm. Al Mahmoud at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. Pic: Baher / The Peninsula 66 women take part in QRCS empowerment training

The Peninsula management, problem-solving techniques, with QRCS, working together towards the and how to make personal and profes- higher and higher humanitarian accom- sional success. We also sponsor charitable plishments.” Dr Al Madhadi said, “The initiatives by Qatari young women to pro- programme aims to reach out to women DOHA: Qatar Red Crescent Society mote volunteerism and humanitarianism in the underserved areas outside Doha, in (QRCS) has concluded a 30-day women’s for the benefit of the vulnerable commu- the northern, southern and western parts empowerment programme, organised in nities around the world.” of the country. partnership with Qatar Development Bank He thanked QDB and the centre “We offer customised lectures and and Al Fursan Centre for Training and Con- for supporting the programme, which workshops to empower women, build their sultations. reflects their belief in QRCS’s humanitar- capacity and develop their personalities, The closing ceremony was attended ian mission and the value of partnership ensuring decent lives for them and pro- by Saleh Al Mohannadi, Secretary-Gen- in improving the standard of living for moting investment in human capital as a eral, QRCS; Hamad Khamis Al Kubaisi, nationals and residents in Qatar. fundamental basis for human development Executive Director of Advisory, QDB; and Al Kubaisi said, “The sponsorship pursued by Qatar National Vision 2030.” Dr Haya Al Madhadi, Director, Al Fursan of the programme by QDB is part of our Attended by 66 women, the pro- Center. responsibilities in society. Since its incep- gramme covered several age groups, Al Mohannadi said, “The programme tion, the bank’s vision has been to support educational backgrounds, social status, is part of QRCS’s services for the Qatari society and its institutions. We were right geographical areas and nationalities. Some society, especially in the field of women’s to sponsor this women’s empowerment 44 percent of participants were Qatari, 24 empowerment. We also have Spring- programme, as we believe that nations percent in the 30-35 age group, 56 percent board training programme and lectures are built by their basic unit: The family, housewives, 47 percent held secondary and courses to develop social skills, family which is centred around the woman. We school certificates and 44 percent were Some of the women with their participation certificates. and education, entrepreneurship, project look forward to continuing our partnership university graduates. 04 TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 HOME QU hosts students from China

members of QU community. The delegation visits Dr Khalid Al Khanji, Vice-Presi- dent, Student Affairs, QU, said: “We Qatar University as are pleased to bring students from part of Qatar-China Qatar and China together to foster better understanding of each coun- 2016 Year of Culture try’s culture, history, language and exchange programme society. Both countries boast rich Ministers and US Ambassador Dana Shell Smith cut a cake at the traditions and a vibrant cultural event. heritage, and the students are the fitting ambassadors to contribute to The Peninsula strengthening ties of goodwill, respect US embassy celebrates friendship and friendship celebrating Qatar- China relations this year.” Mohammed Al Othman, Director, and partnership with Qatar DOHA: The Student Activities Public and International Relations, Department at Qatar University QMA, said: “It is our pleasure to be (QU) hosted a delegation of 14 stu- working in partnership with QU The Peninsula personal level every day to deepen ties dents and one supervisor from the and PKU to bring together students between the US and Qatar. “Shared Students’ International Communi- from Qatar and China and facilitate appreciation for and understanding cation Association (SICA) at Peking learning, understanding and commu- of different cultures connects us in a University (PKU). nication between the youth of our two DOHA: The US embassy hosted its way that allows us to better conduct Organised in conjunction with great nations as part of Qatar China National Day reception at the Shera- all other conversations, whether on the Chinese embassy and Qatar 2016 Year of Culture.” ton Hotel last evening. diplomacy, trade, or politics. It allows Museums (QM), the visit was part of Lulwa Almalki, fourth-year Ambassador Dana Shell Smith us to understand each other as human Qatar-China 2016 Year of Culture undergraduate finance student at welcomed Guests of Honour Minis- beings and on a personal level,” said exchange programme launched by CBE, said: “It was a great opportu- ter of Municipality and Environment Smith. the Ministry of Culture and Sport Dr Hassan Rashid Al Derham, President, QU, with Chinese Ambassador nity to represent Qatar and QU and H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al The event also celebrated the and QMA to strengthen cultural ties Li Chen at the event. share with our visitors the beauty of Rumaihi, Minister of Public Health milestones of the bilateral relation- between both countries. It was also in the Qatari culture. I was pleased to H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, ship reached in recent years. line with the establishment of a part- learn about Chinese culture and get Ambassador Ibrahim Fahkroo and Last year, Emir H H Sheikh Tamim nership between QU and PKU in 2014 Sadiki, Professor of Political Sci- Museum of Islamic Art and visited a better understanding of Chinese Ambassador Mahmoud, Dean of the bin Hamad Al Thani had his first visit which included the launch of a Qatar ence; and Dr Haydar Badawi Sadig, landmarks such as Katara Cultural traditions.” Diplomatic Corps, and distinguished as Emir to the White House. He met Chair in Middle East Studies at PKU. Associate Professor of Mass Commu- Village, Souq Waqif, Education City, Xiao Yida, first-year undergradu- officials, fellow diplomats, business, again President Barack Obama at The delegation was joined by 10 nication, and discussed issues related Musheireb Museums, the embassy ate Arabic language student from PKU cultural and education leaders who Camp David. US Secretary of State QU students from colleges of Arts & to international relations between the and Brookings Doha Center. School of Foreign Languages, said: “I came in recognition of the strong US- John Kerry visited Doha and First Lady Sciences, Business & Economics (CBE), GCC and China, media in the Arab Participation certificates were was pleased to be part of these activ- Qatar relationship. Michelle Obama delivered the key- and Law (LAWC). world and Qatar’s history and social given to the students at a closing cer- ities in this multicultural programme The reception was the final note address at the World Innovation They attended lectures by Dr aspects. emony, in the presence of Dr Hassan which brings together students from event in a week-long celebration of Summit for Education. The US and Imad Mansour, Assistant Professor The delegation also attended a Rashid Al Derham, President, QU, various specialities from universities the ‘Discover America Week’. Smith Qatar inaugurated in Washington Eco- of International Affairs, QU; Dr Larbi workshop on Arabic calligraphy at Chinese Ambassador Li Chen and in China and the Arab world.” highlighted deep partnerships and nomic and Investment Dialogue, and friendship between the two nations Washington officials hosted Qatari and recognised the diplomats, Amer- ministers and the CEO of Qatar Invest- ican and Qatari businesses, students ment Authority to discuss ways to and educators, and men and women enhance the commercial relationship, in uniform who come together on a which continues to expand and grow. Ooredoo and Huawei to open innovation lab

The Peninsula Law on regulations of Railway Affairs soon

DOHA: Ooredoo and Huawei The Peninsula staff, contractors, sub-contractors, have signed a memorandum of third parties and the general pub- understanding (MoU) to open a lic and meet the lawful regulatory next-generation Innovations Lab requirements in Qatar. in Qatar, at a ceremony at Mobile DOHA: The Ministry of Transport and The scope of certification covers World Congress in Barcelona. Communications is bringing in a law two key areas during the project life The agreement was signed by relating to the regulations of Railway cycle — all project development stages Waleed Al Sayed, CEO, Ooredoo Affairs to be supported by the Devel- without passengers; and operations Qatar, and Eric Xu, Rotating CEO, opment, Certification and Right of and maintenance with passengers. Huawei, in the presence of senior Way (RoW) Protection guidelines. The guidelines and the process pro- Ooredoo and Huawei executives. The ministry has drafted guide- vide guidance on the principles to The agreement is the lat- lines covering railways and other help the owner and the developer of est in major deals and initiatives guided transport systems in Qatar to such systems to achieve compliance supported by Ooredoo to bring ensure development and operations of with the objectives and obtain safety cutting-edge technology to Qatar, rail systems are regulated and consist- certification(s) from the ministry. As and boost research and innovation ency is achieved across the network. part of the stakeholders’ consultation in the country. Certifications will be issued by the process, the ministry’s team con- Al Sayed said: “This is an ministry at various stages of projects ducted a workshop with Ministry of important step forward for Oore- to achieve compliance with the key Municipality and Environment, Minis- doo, for Qatar, and for our future objectives of safety of passengers, try of Interior, Qatar Rail, and Ashghal. young technology leaders, creating

Waleed Al Sayed (second left), CEO, Ooredoo Qatar, and Eric Xu, Rotating CEO, Huawei, exchange the agreement in the presence of Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al Thani (left), Group CEO, Ooredoo, and Leo Xu, President, Ooredoo Key Account, Huawei.

a research hub in our country that will explore the cut- ting-edge of network technology. “We thank Huawei for their partnership on the project and look forward to working with them to share knowledge and break new ground in network research,” he added. Based at Ooredoo’s state-of-the-art Qatar Data Cen- tre 5, the facility will develop, test and demonstrate next generation information technology and communica- tion solutions, including Mobile Broadband, 5G, digital transformation, Internet of Things solutions, 4K video enhancements, among others. Eric said: “Advances in network technology are delivering faster speeds and a better online experience, but more than that they are helping transform our dig- ital lifestyles and support the growth of the Internet of Things. We are proud that Huawei is making a sig- nificant contribution in Qatar through our work with Ooredoo.” The MoU outlines the companies’ intent to open an advanced facility that will contribute to Qatar’s knowl- edge-based economy and help train and develop the next generation of technology leaders. Huawei will provide technical support for Oore- doo’s research in the lab, including offering training courses and supporting knowledge transfer between the two companies. Huawei and Ooredoo will collaborate on an imple- mentation process for new young talent in Qatar, and regularly organise technical and management train- ing to deliver sustainable results. The lab will not only be a platform for proof-of- concept projects, but will also demonstrate innovative solutions to partners, enabling them to assess and ulti- mately use new technologies to enhance their business performance. Among the first-of-its-kind in the region, the facil- ity will host some of the most advanced communication solutions and cutting-edge experimental technologies. HOME TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 05 140 teachers attend workshops Biomedical Research Centre hosts seminar on stem cells

‘Dhia: Engineering The Peninsula and proliferating and became spe- Leaders’ partnership cialised to renew different cell types between TAMUQ forming the brain. He said the outcome of stem cells and Maersk Oil DOHA: Participants at a seminar on research at the centre had provided Qatar builds ‘Stem Cells and Regenerative Medi- strong evidence at the pre-clinical teaching excellence cine’ organised by Qatar University level (in animal model) for the possi- Biomedical Research Centre were ble use of NSC for cell-based therapy throughout Qatar taken through the basics of stem cells, for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and spi- induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSc) nal cord injury. Dr Marei said a critical technology, and the principles of issue is technological advancement that genome editing techniques. has permitted remarkable increase The Peninsula The seminar was presented by in human life expectancy and the Dr Hany El Sayed Marei, Professor and percentage of the adult population sur- Project Manager at the centre, who pro- viving into old age. vided a summary of his latest research “However, the extension of our lives DOHA: More than 140 teachers relevant to the therapeutic potential of has far outpaced our ability to maintain and principals from Independent OBNSC-based therapies for Alzheim- our minds as we age, and our rapidly schools completed a series of rig- er’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and aging population means we now face orous professional development spinal cord injury), and major imped- an impending wave of age-related neu- Some of the participants working on a project at the event. workshops and sharpened their iments against their successful clinical rodegenerative pathology. skills in delivering science and translation. “At the economic level, the cost maths education. He said there are two types of stem of Alzheimer’s treatment and care in The workshops, which were foundation for a knowledge-based 2030. and expertise to inspire and cre- cells in the human body: The embry- Qatar is not known exactly, but we can part of ‘Dhia: Engineering Leaders’ society. “Qatar is uniquely posi- “Qatar’s schools are preparing ate the scientists and engineers of onic stem cells and the adult stem cells. provide examples of the economic cost partnership between Texas A&M tioned to become a global leader young people to enter universities the future.” He said the geographic The embryonic stem cells are by examining the economic impact of University at Qatar (TAMUQ) and in innovative STEM education,” Dr that will educate this country’s range of schools represented at the derived from the inner cell mass of the disease worldwide.” Maersk Oil Qatar, taught teachers Strobel said. “The national develop- future leaders,” Kenimer said. workshops ensured that students five-six day-old human embryo whose According to World Alzheimer’s new skills and tools for integrating ment goals highlight the importance “We are proud to partner with in Qatar will have access to cut- cells are very active and have the ability Report 2015, the number of dementia problem-based learning exercises of science and engineering educa- Maersk Oil Qatar to support high- ting-edge teaching techniques to to renew themselves, and produce over patients in each region in 2015 was: and activities into science, maths tion, and through this professional quality teaching and learning for promote learning in maths and 200 types of cells that form the body. Europe 10.5 million, Americas 9.4 mil- and engineering teaching. development, we are providing high-tech fields, and grateful to the science. According to him, the adult stem lion, Africa four million and Asia 22.9 Dhia delivers strategic edu- teachers with the latest tactics for Ministry of Education and Higher Nouf Al Kaabi, Assistant Direc- cells are in various organs of the million. “With improvements in health cational outreach programmes integrating those disciplines.” Education for support for our tor, Training and Educational body, and responsible for the renewal care in Qatar and worldwide and the to motivate young Qataris to Dr Strobel said research studies activities.” Development Centre at the min- of damages cells/tissues when needed. increased number of aged people, the choose educational pathways for have identified elementary school Lewis Affleck, Managing Direc- istry, stressed the importance of Dr Marei said the research team at economic impact of Alzheimer’s and careers in the fields related to sci- as a critical crossroads for students’ tor, Maersk Oil Qatar, said the building teachers’ capacity in STEM the centre had succeeded in isolating other dementia is expected to rise ence, technology, engineering and attitudes toward STEM disciplines. company was investing in teach- education to enable students’ devel- the neural stem cells (NSC) from the significantly. mathematics (STEM) and supports “Students are motivated to learn ers’ development through the Dhia opment of critical 21st-century olfactory bulb of human during brain “This is a good justification to teachers and students through a as they see how science and maths portfolio to build capacity of the skills such as problem-solving and surgery; growing NSC in lab by cultur- search for more effective therapies,” broad portfolio of programmes and relate to real-world problems,” country’s technical workforce. critical thinking. ing them in specific media; genetically Dr Marei said. He said the current workshops. he said. “We are helping teach- “We are committed to sup- “Realising the importance of engineering the NSC to secrete nerve research at the centre about neural Dr Johannes Strobel, Lead ers connect those ideas in their porting the realisation of Qatar’s partnership in providing schools growth factor (which help in renewal stem cells is expected to provide new Facilitator for the workshops and classrooms.” National Vision 2030 for genera- and educators with quality profes- of nervous and brain tissues); and biological products of high commer- an internationally recognised Dr Ann Kenimer, Interim Dean, tions to come. Human development sional development programmes, developing animal (rat) model for cial value in the fields of neurobiology researcher in the field of STEM TAMUQ, said teachers’ professional is at the heart of building a knowl- the centre is delighted to work with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and spinal and biomedical research, including the education, said the enthusiasm of development is an essential compo- edge-based economy,” Affleck said. TAMUQ to provide public school cord injury. generation of primary Qatari specific teachers and administrators from nent of academic outreach efforts to “Through educational initia- teachers with cutting-edge profes- He said following transplantation of iPSC lines which could be used in drug the schools reflects Qatar’s com- support human and social develop- tives such as Dhia, we are equipping sional development programmes in NSC into the brain of the animal mod- testing and modelling of Alzheimer’s mitment to quality education as a ment towards Qatar National Vision schools and teachers with skills STEM education,” she said. els, the NSC had succeeded in surviving disease. QTA to organise two workshops for MICE industry professionals

The Peninsula substantial increase in activity in the busi- level of training and access to expertise. ness meetings and exhibitions sector, with QTA also works to build an understanding over 80 conferences and exhibitions con- of international conference associations in firmed so far to this year. the local industry and increase the number DOHA: Qatar Tourism QTA’s strategy to increase the number of Qatar-based members in International Authority (QTA) is inviting of visitors by 20 percent over the next five Conference and Convention Association. members of the local MICE years places emphasis on business events Recent estimates show that exhibitions in industry to workshops that as a priority sector to achieve the target. Qatar last year attracted 286,000 visitors, will enable them to lay a A key pillar of the strategy is to 14 percent of whom were international and strong foundation for con- empower the private sector to attract and featured close to 5,000 companies, half of ference business and win host global events by providing highest which were international. bids for large events. The first workshop ‘Building International Conference Business for Your Venue’ will be held on February 28 at Doha Exhibition and Conven- tion Centre and is open to directors and gen- eral managers of hotels and other venues. It will shed light on how venues can develop capabilities to attract international conferences and deliver practical techniques to help strengthen the ven- ue’s sales, marketing and servicing approach. The second work- shop ‘Successful Bidding’ will be held on February 29 and open to manag- ers and directors in the events industry, including professional conference organisers, destination management companies, MICE venues, hotels, travel agencies and event man- agement agencies. It will provide tips on developing a compel- ling bid strategy to secure the right to host interna- tional conferences and sell Qatar as a leading busi- ness events destination. The sessions will be delivered by Gaining Edge, a global consult- ing firm that specialises in business events, whose work focuses on enhanc- ing the performance and sustainability of the global meetings industry. Qatar has witnessed a 06 TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 GULF / MIDDLE EAST

Saudi seeks to Back to square one boost military ties with Muslim allies

run until March 10, involve more than 150,000 troops from the Gulf Arab The Northern Thunder nations, Egypt, Morocco, Pakistan, Bang- exercises, which began ladesh, Jordan, Sudan and Senegal. on February 14, involve “The council of ministers ... expressed the hope that these exercises achieve what over 150,000 troops was defined as their goals in exchanging from the Gulf Arab expertise and raising the level of military coordination,” Saudi Arabia’s cabinet said. nations, Egypt, Morocco, The statement also praised “the levels Pakistan, Bangladesh, of preparedness and administrative and supply capabilities” shown by the nations Jordan, Sudan and participating in Northern Thunder exer- Senegal cises. Saudi is concerned by the growing regional clout of Shia Iran, which has just emerged from years of international eco- nomic sanctions following an international Reuters deal over its nuclear programme. Riyadh, which is contributing the bulk of the troops in the war games, is also wor- ried by the reduced regional role of its key RIYADH: The Middle East’s largest ever war ally, the United States and is seeking to build games are now under way and will boost alternative military alliances as a counter- military cooperation between the 20 Mus- weight to Iran. Saudi Arabia is leading a lim nations taking part, host country Saudi coalition of Muslim countries, backed by Arabia said yesterday, as it seeks to check the United States, Britain and France, in a the growing influence of arch rival Iran. war in neighbouring Yemen and says it will A constructed pile of packed waste in the harbour of the Lebanese capital Beirut yesterday. Lebanon cancelled a plan to export its The Northern Thunder exercises, contribute troops if Washington leads land waste to Russia, sending Beirut’s six-month garbage crisis back to square one as mountains of trash choke the city’s air and streets. which began on February 14 and will operations against Islamic State in Syria.

Saudi tries 32 Two Iran ex-presidents urge voters to back moderate bloc from Iran-linked ‘spy’ ring AFP to send a message to voters. also opposed his broader outreach and former president Ayatollah Akbar step to secure the country’s dignity, “After the successful first step in to the West. Despite the ban on use Hashemi Rafsanjani in the second strengthen its security and stability 2013, this coalition should take the of his image or words in Iran’s print election taking place Friday, that of and improve the reform of its affairs.” AFP second step for the Majlis (parlia- and broadcast media, Khatami, who the country’s Assembly of Experts. In a barely veiled dig at hard- TEHRAN: Iran’s former president ment),” he said in a four-minute video, served as president from 1997 to A powerful committee of 88 cler- liners, Khatami’s predecessor, Mohammad Khatami and his pred- dubbing a joint ticket of reformists 2005, remains an important figure ics, the assembly oversees the work of Rafsanjani, said the elections were “a ecessor have urged voters to back and moderates as “a list of hope”. in the pro-Rowhani coalition, the Alli- supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khame- valuable opportunity to prevent insti- RIYADH: Thirty Saudis from reformists and moderates in Fri- He was referring to incumbent ance of Reformists and Government nei and is tasked with electing his tutionalisation of political radicalism a Shia-majority region of the day elections, saying a big turnout Hassan Rowhani’s 2013 presidential Supporters. successor, should he die during its and religious extremism in society.” kingdom have gone on trial for is needed to stop hardline conserv- election victory which led to a nuclear “I suggest that all blocs agree to eight-year term. Voters’ support for moderates allegedly spying for Iran, local atives. deal that ended a 13-year standoff present the list as the list of hope to “Those who are concerned about would “prove to the world” that rather media reported yesterday. Khatami, who is subject to a with world powers. the people,” he said. The message the country’s interests, progress and than the “extremism of a limited group” An Iranian and an Afghan are domestic media ban because of his In this week’s election, Rowhani was simultaneously distributed on removal of threats and limitations the true Islam “avoids war and blood- also accused, the reports said. support for defeated reformist leaders is looking to overturn the majority the smart phone messaging app, Tel- should vote for all individuals on both shed in favour of kindness, peace and The allegations come after Saudi in a disputed 2009 presidential elec- in parliament of conservatives who egram. Khatami said voters should lists,” Khatami said. “I repeat, for all brotherhood,” said Rafsanjani, who Arabia and some of its allies cut tion, took to YouTube late on Sunday resisted the nuclear deal and have also support lists headed by Rowhani individuals on both lists... and take a was president from 1989 to 1997. diplomatic ties with Tehran in Jan- uary during a crisis between the regional rivals. The decision came after demonstrators burned the Saudi Anti-Israel protest Libya parliament to vote embassy in Tehran and a consulate in Iran’s second city of Mashhad to protest the Saudi execution of Shi- today on unity govt ite cleric Nimr Al Nimr, a native of the Qatif area. AFP called the General National Con- The trials are taking place gress, while the internationally before a special criminal court recognised legislature is based in the in Riyadh, the Saudi Gazette and eastern city of Tobruk. The United Al Arabiya news channel’s web- BENGHAZI: Libya’s internationally Nations has been pushing both sides site reported. The 32 suspects recognised parliament is expected to back a unity government. allegedly committed high trea- to hold a vote of confidence yester- The Presidential Council, born son against the Sunni-dominated day on a UN-backed national unity of an agreement in December kingdom by collaborating with Ira- government for the conflict-ridden under UN auspices between repre- nian intelligence. North African nation, a lawmaker sentatives of the rival parliaments, They divulged defence secrets, said. proposed last week the formation of sought to commit sabotage, tried Deputy Aisha Al Aquri said the a unity government of 18 members. to recruit moles in government legislature wrapped up debate on Parliament has been meeting departments to send coded infor- Monday on the line-up proposed by a since Saturday to discuss the line-up mation, and supported “riots” in presidential council and would meet submitted by prime minister desig- Qatif, the reports said. again today “to approve the national nate Fayez Al Sarraj. They added that some suspects unity government”. UN envoy Martin Kobler trav- met Iran’s supreme leader Ayatol- Oil-rich Libya has had rival elled on Sunday to Tobruk saying lah Ali Khamenei. administrations since the summer he wanted to “help” with the vote The executed Shia cleric Nimr of 2014 when the recognised gov- of confidence but “not to interfere”. was a driving force behind protests ernment fled Tripoli after a militia Libya has been torn by strife that began in 2011 among the king- Supporters of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DLFP) shout slogans and hold flags alliance including Islamists overran since Muammar Gaddafi was over- dom’s minority Shias. Saudi Arabia of the movement during an anti-Israel protest marking the 47th anniversary of the organisation, in the capital. thrown and killed in 2011 following a alleges that Iran has a 37-year east of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, yesterday. That alliance has established its rebellion supported by Western mil- record of spreading “sedition, own administration and parliament itary intervention. unrest and chaos” in the region. For many Palestinians, Israel settlement work is the only option

Reuters Around 36,000 Palestinians work in set- international law because they are built on in Palestinian areas,” said Arbassi, pointing settlements,” he said, saying around half the tlements in the occupied West Bank, many land Israel seized in the 1967 Middle East war. out that a kilo of meat, the amount needed to 36,000 Palestinians doing the work don’t have in construction, earning up to three times as The zones, the report said, contribute feed his sons, costs 70 shekels. proper permits. “What reinforces the situa- much as the average Palestinian wage. to a two-tiered system that “provides pref- Ouda Daqdouq, 26, has worked various tion is the trade between settlements and the QIRA, WEST BANK: Mohammad Arbassi, a Many of the jobs are in large settlement erential treatment to Jewish Israeli settlers settlement jobs since he was 16, earning up private sector,” he said. “Even in some settle- 56-year-old father of five sons from the West blocs built close to the frontier with Israel, in while imposing harsh conditions on Palestin- to 250 shekels a day. Now married with two ment industrial zones, there are partnerships Bank village of Qira, has a diploma in finance areas Israel intends to keep in any final peace ians”. In many cases they also use Palestinian children, he can’t afford to stop, even if it frus- with Palestinian (businessmen).” and big plans for his children, two of whom agreement with the Palestinians. resources, especially quarries in the West trates him. “I had an accident while at work in Israelis frequently point out that set- are at university. It is here that Israel has established one of Bank the settlement of Borkan and I could not work tlement businesses benefit Palestinians by Yet, despite his education and personal several industrial zones, comprising around Arbassi and others like him feel there is lit- for a week, but there was no insurance and paying them more. But Saed calls it a false drive, for the past 12 years he has worked as 1,000 businesses in all, many of which benefit tle choice but to do the work, even if it makes they didn’t compensate me,” he says. “There argument, one that excuses the occupation a builder on construction sites in the Israeli from tax breaks and other business conces- them uncomfortable. The Palestinian econ- is no choice. We work in settlements so we and undermines the ability of Palestinians to settlement of Ariel, not far from his village, sions, including access to cheaper Palestinian omy is struggling, with unemployment at 27 can feed our children.” develop their own economy. earning 150 shekels a day ($38). It’s the best labour. percent. While settlement jobs may offer no Shaher Saed, the general secretary of “It does not help a worker build a decent job he can get. “You ask why I would accept In a report released last month, Human overtime, pension or work insurance, the the Palestinian Workers Union, is quick to job,” he said. “It is not an organised working such a poor job,” he says, pursing his lips. “I Rights Watch labelled the zones “Occupation, higher wages offset the shortfall. “Palestin- acknowledge the dilemma. “In principle, environment and at the end of the day, Pales- will say I didn’t have a better offer.” Inc.”, pointing out that they are in violation of ians pay only 70 or 80 shekels a day for work we would prefer to stop people working in tinian workers are being exploited.” MIDDLE EAST TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 07 UN chief welcomes Syria truce deal as ‘signal of hope’

that the cessation of hostilities would go into 260,000 dead, forced millions from their same that continue to feed the military esca- ceasefire to work, and Russian Defence Min- The United States and effect on Saturday and apply to Syrian gov- homes and devastated the country -- as the lation,” the 31-page report said. The HNC, ister Sergei Shoigu made a surprise visit to ernment forces and rebel fighters, but not to conflict approaches the five-year mark next meeting in Riyadh on Monday, has said any Tehran on Sunday, saying he was delivering Russia announced that the Islamic State group and other extremists. month. ceasefire must include provisions for Russia, a “special message” from Putin to President the cessation of hostilities The agreement on the ceasefire “is a long- US President Barack Obama and Rus- Iran and foreign militia forces that back the Hassan Rouhani. awaited signal of hope to the Syrian people sian counterpart Vladimir Putin are set to regime to stop fighting. Efforts have been intensifying to resolve would go into effect on that after five years of conflict, there may be speak “in the next days or so” on the terms of IS on Sunday claimed responsibility for Syria’s war -- which has killed more than Saturday and apply to an end to their suffering in sight,” said Ban in implementing the agreement, according to US two deadly attacks in regime-held areas, 260,000 people, forced millions from their Syrian government forces a statement. Once the cessation of hostilities Secretary of State John Kerry. which a monitor said killed 134 people near homes and devastated the country -- as the takes hold, the United Nations will work to Announced by top diplomats in Munich the Sayyida Zeinab shrine south of Damas- conflict approaches the five-year mark. and rebel fighters, but not secure “access to as many places as possible earlier this month, the ceasefire failed to take cus and at least 64 in the Al Zahraa district of The rise of IS, which has seized large parts to the Islamic State group in order to deliver humanitarian aid,” said UN hold by last Friday as initially planned. Homs. The bombings near the shrine marked of Syria and neighbouring Iraq and become the spokesman Stephane Dujarric. Part of a plan that also included expanded the deadliest jihadist attack since Syria’s con- preeminent global jihadist group, has focused and other extremists The 17-nation group backing Syria’s peace humanitarian access, the proposal aims to flict erupted in March 2011, said the Syrian attention on the need for a solution. process agreed at a meeting in Munich to pave the way for a resumption of peace talks Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain- The group has used its ultra-radical view implement a ceasefire within a week, but the that collapsed earlier this month in Geneva. based monitoring group. of Islam to justify kidnapping minorities, truce never materialized. The talks had been scheduled to resume Russia began air strikes in Syria last Sep- including Assyrian Christians in northeast AFP Ban said the truce announced Monday on February 25, but the UN Syria envoy has tember against what it said were “terrorists”, Syria. Yesterday, IS released 42 Assyrians, the “contributes to creating an environment acknowledged that date is no longer realistic. but has been accused of bombing non-jihad- last remaining hostages from a wide-scale conducive for the resumption of political nego- Yesterday, the UN commission of inquiry ist rebel forces in support of President Bashar kidnapping in the northeast province of Hasa- tiations,” which had been scheduled to resume said civilians remain the “primary victims” Al Assad, a longtime ally. keh nearly one year ago, the Assyrian Monitor UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General this week. UN envoy Staffan de Mistura has in Syria’s war and that accountability for war Iran has sent military advisers to Syria and for Human Rights said. But it also advanced Ban Ki-moon yesterday welcomed a ceasefire indicated that the new round of peace talks crimes must be part of the peace process. the Tehran-backed Lebanese Shiite movement against government forces in northern Aleppo agreement for Syria as a “long-awaited sig- is likely to be delayed. “Paradoxically, the international and Hezbollah has deployed at least 6,000 mili- province, cutting the only supply route linking nal of hope” and urged all sides to abide by it. Efforts have been intensifying to resolve regional stakeholders that are ostensibly push- tants to fight alongside Assad’s forces. the west of Aleppo with other government- The United States and Russia announced Syria’s war — which has left more than ing for a peaceful solution to the war are the Iran would have to be on board for any held territory, the Observatory said.

Commanders of anti-IS coalition Egypt minister meet in Kuwait apologises over AFP police abuses KUWAIT CITY: Top military com- manders from 30 nations fighting the Islamic State group gathered AFP law to toughen sanctions for police yesterday in Kuwait to discuss abuses. Police abuse was a key factor ways to defeat the jihadists who that sparked the 18-day uprising that occupy large areas in Syria and toppled longtime president Hosni Iraq. CAIRO: Egypt’s interior minister Mubarak in 2011. Chief of staff of host country apologised yesterday for human Five years on, human rights Kuwait, General Mohammad Al rights abuses committed by police groups are again denouncing the Khader, urged increased efforts after a policeman killed a driver police force after a string of torture to defeat extremists worldwide. with his service weapon in Cairo and deaths in police stations, arbi- “As military leaders, it is our last week. trary arrests and the disappearances responsibility to double efforts Magdy Abdel Ghaffar also said of Sisi regime opponents. and urgently work out suitable that authorities were exerting “huge Abdel Ghaffar said the author- Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford (left); Chief of Staff of the Kuwait Armed plans to eliminate all terrorist efforts” to investigate last month’s ities were exerting “huge efforts to groups threatening many coun- Forces, Lieutenant General Mohammad Khaled Al Khader, and US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander, torture and murder of Italian stu- reveal (circumstances of) the myste- tries in the world,” Khader said. General Lloyd Austin III at a meeting to discuss the situation in the region with the Chiefs of Staff of the dent Giulio Regeni, which media in rious” death of Regeni, a Cambridge The meeting was held under tight countries which are part of the international US-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS) group, in Kuwait Italy suspect to have been the work University PhD student from Italy security measures and made City yesterday. of Egyptian security services. who disappeared on January 25 in off-limit to reporters with only “We apologise to every citizen Cairo. photographers allowed to take the jihadist group. Countries attend- but the group still retains control of of their war against Iran-backed rebels who has been insulted,” the minister His body was found with signs pictures. ing the Kuwait meeting include the large parts of Iraq and Syria and has in Yemen. Officials say the campaign said at a joint press conference with of torture on February 3 in a ditch It comes less than two weeks United States, Britain, France, as well expanded its presence in Libya. is making the most progress in Iraq, Prime Minister Sharif Ismail broad- in a suburb of the Egyptian capital. after defence ministers of the as Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the During the Brussels meeting, Saudi where local security forces have cast live on state television. Italian media has charged that 66-nation US-led coalition bat- United Arab Emirates. Arabia and the United Arab Emirates retaken the city of Ramadi and clawed “We apologise for the acts of Egyptian security services were tling IS pledged in Brussels to The coalition has launched more promised to renew their air opera- back some 40 percent of territory pre- some policemen, we kiss the head involved in his death, a charge accelerate their campaign against than 10,000 air strikes against IS tions in Syria after a long lull because viously held by IS. of every citizen subjected to abuse rejected by Cairo. Prime Minister or insult or any unkind act by police- Ismail said the image of the police men, “ he said, in a rare apology by needed to be “transformed” in the Egyptian authorities. eyes of Egyptians. Iran holds talks Policeman Mustafa Mahmud “There will be no laxity and we is alleged to have shot dead driver will not cover up any (violation)” by with Russia over Mohamed Ismail with his police- the police, he said, standing along- issued firearm late Thursday in side Abdel Ghaffar. missile defence central Cairo after a row over the “This is a commitment from the fare for a delivery. The killing trig- police, a firm commitment. If there upgrade gered outrage on social media and is any violation from some individ- dozens of people staged a protest uals, they will be held accountable.” outside Cairo police headquarters. Over the past year, several Reuters A day after the shooting, Pres- policeman have been detained for ident Abdel Fattah Al Sisi said he violence against prisoners and some would ask parliament to amend the have been sentenced to jail terms.

DUBAI: Iran negotiated with Rus- sia at the weekend over buying an upgraded version of the S-300 sur- Downhill task face-to-air missile defence system, which it requires to meet its mil- itary needs, a foreign ministry spokesman in Tehran was quoted as saying. Iran was blocked from obtaining the S-300 before it reached a deal with world pow- ers last July on curbing its nuclear Lebanon’s former prime minister Saad Al Hariri speaks during a news conference in Beirut yesterday. programme, with Russia having cancelled a contract to deliver an older version of the system in 2010 under pressure from the West. Lebanon seeks to fix ties with Saudi Russia now hopes to reap eco- nomic and trade benefits from the nuclear deal and the lifting of sanctions on Iran last month. Agencies statement had been passed unani- “Likewise it will not forget that Russian Defence Minister mously. In response to a question on the kingdom, and the rest of the Gulf Sergei Shoigu visited Tehran on the attacks last month, he said “we Arab states ... embraced and continue Sunday. Commenting on the visit, strongly condemn” the attack on the to (embrace) hundreds of thousands ministry spokesman Hossein Jab- BEIRUT: The Lebanese government Saudi embassy. of Lebanese of all sects”, the state- eri Ansari told state news agency said yesterday it was necessary to fix “The cabinet deems it necessary ment said. IRNA: “Iran is negotiating with ties with Saudi Arabia after Riyadh to fix relations between Lebanon and The Gulf is a crucial source of Russia for providing its military last week suspended a $3bn aid pack- its brothers, and to remove any flaws employment for Lebanese. needs... One of the main issues is age to the Lebanese army, and tasked that may have emerged in recent Former Lebanese prime minis- buying the next-generation S-300 Prime Minister Tammam Salam with times,” the statement said. ter Saad Al Hariri also urged Saudi missile system.” making contacts to that end. It said Salam’s contacts should Arabia yesterday not to abandon Leb- Defence Minister Hossein Deh- Saudi Arabia suspended the aid “pave the way for a Gulf tour ... with anon, after Riyadh suspended a $3bn ghan was quoted as saying by the in response to Beirut’s failure to con- this aim”. aid package to the Lebanese army Fars agency on February 10 that demn attacks on Saudi diplomatic The statement said Lebanon last week. Iran would start taking delivery missions in Iran. The Lebanese would not forget Saudi Arabia’s spon- Hariri, a Saudi-backed politician of the S-300 within two months. national unity government groups sorship of the peace agreement that and Lebanon’s most influential Sunni Iran has also shown inter- both allies and enemies of Saudi ended Lebanon’s 1975-90 civil war, leader, called on King Salman “not est in buying the more advanced Arabia, including the Iranian-backed its role in rebuilding the country, and to forgo Lebanon and to continue to S-400 system, though no negotia- Shia group Hezbollah. its support for Lebanon’s “financial, support and embrace it”. tions were being conducted at the A member of a counter-radiation team uses a Geiger counter to Salam, speaking in a televised economic, military and security He was speaking in a televised moment, Russia’s RIA news agency search for missing radioactive material in Basra, Iraq, yesterday. news conference, said the cabinet institutions”. address. reported last week. 08 TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 VIEWS

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

ACTING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI [email protected]

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL Syria ceasefire Unevenness of Irish recovery weighs on February 26 polls S and Russia have agreed to a new ceasefire in Syria. The deal is the latest in a series of attempts to bring peace, at least temporary, to the war-torn country and follows Dublin a lot and you can see that investors who have taken over over half of the population still the failure of a ceasefire agreed recently in Geneva. But, it’s thriving but that’s counterbal- distressed assets in Dublin, it is feel that they haven’t actually felt coming from two major powers, the latest truce gives anced by what you’ll see in the rest now thriving with trendy lunch any impact,” said Richard Colwell Uhope because the joint statement by Moscow and Washington could of the country. It’s definitely more spots and technology startups. of Red C Research, which carried not have been issued -- after extensive talks – unless they had clear difficult on the ground here.” “Three or four years ago, we out the survey. The recovery is only slowly walked through this place and In two opinion polls on Sat- indications that the terms of the agreement will be accepted by the key trickling down, according to the there was nothing here,” said Dave urday, Fine Gael appeared to be players including the Syrian government, the opposition forces and the 36-year-old retailer, who has seen O’Donoghue, who with Cormac recovering from its recent slide in Syrian Kurds. The ceasefire deal excludes terrorist organisations like sales rise for the first time in seven Manning has brought Canadian popularity, but its coalition part- the Islamic State, Al Nusra Front and other groups. In another sign of the years over the past few months. healthy eating franchise Freshii ner Labour fell to its lowest ever deal getting some life, Russia and America have agreed to act as direct Unemployment in the midlands to CHQ. level. guarantors and monitors of the cessation of hostilities. Russian President region is 12.4 percent, compared “We’ve been blown away by Kenny’s hope is that nervous with an 8.6 percent national aver- the reaction, our customers have voters prefer to play it safe on the Vladimir Putin praised it as an example of action against terrorism. “I’m age, but is down from a peak of 19 good disposable incomes, there day after taking the pain of spend- convinced that the joint actions agreed with the American side are able percent in 2012 when Ireland was are good solid jobs and more are ing cuts and tax rises. to radically transform the crisis situation in Syria,” Putin said. By Padraic Halpin in a three-year EU/IMF bailout. being created. There’s a belief In Edenderry, the increasing Under the deal, the cessation of hostilities is set to come into force Reuters Away from the traffic jams, back that we’re on a recovery that number of commuters driving to on 27 February. There will be co-ordination between the two sides to packed restaurants and buzz- isn’t going to suddenly be knocked Dublin each morning gives some set out territories that are subject ing shops of the big cities, rural off for five years.” grounds for optimism. to the ceasefire, and therefore will n hour’s drive from the communities are still struggling O’Donoghue and Manning are “When I’m here at 6.30 in the now bustling centre and seeing more young people hoping to roll out 30 to 40 fran- morning, you wouldn’t get across not be subject to aerial bombing by of Dublin, Edenderry emigrate. chises in Ireland’s major cities, that street with the amount of Russia, attacks by the Syrian army bears more scars of They have missed out on the buoyed by retail sales volumes cars - lads back working having or the American backed opposition. Ireland’s recent eco- foreign direct investment which that rose at their fastest pace in not been for a long, long time,” Any violations will be reported on a Anomic collapse than signs of its companies like Google and Apple 15 years last year and consumer said Johnny Brady, who owns the The cessation of hotline to a special task force manned seemingly rapid recovery. have delivered to major cities. And sentiment that also hit a 15-year town’s local supermarket. by both sides. A ceasefire would With a population of 10,000, their souls have been ripped out high last month. “Three years ago, you could hostilities agreed the town has one of the highest by closures of bank branches and Kenny’s Fine Gael party chose have played football in that street also reduce some of the pressure on by US and Russia vacancy rates for commercial pubs and cuts to local services. CHQ as its election headquarters early in the morning. That was the Turkish border as refugees flee property in the country, with “Let’s be honest, there is a to illustrate the turnaround it has sad. But there’s a few more quid gives hope. Aleppo and seek sanctuary. close to one in four units stand- recovery but it’s not in rural Ire- overseen in the past five years. to spend now and you see it in the What Syria needs today is a ing empty since a property crash land,” said John Foley, a local The party has struggled to shop and in bars and the restau- ceasefire, however temporary. almost a decade ago devastated councillor who is running for elec- build momentum ahead of the rants again.” The lull in violence and aerial the Irish economy. tion as an independent candidate. vote on Friday, raising the pros- He’s voting though for Foley, bombardments can be used to deliver It is a scene replicated “The people in small towns pect of a post-election stalemate the independent candidate who throughout rural Ireland. The and villages do not feel it. We’ve as opposition complaints that the could be among the largest-ever the urgently needed aid to thousands two-speed patchiness of the been left behind. The business benefits of recovery are unfairly contingent of non-party members of people in besieged areas, especially revival in Europe’s best-perform- people in Edenderry, along with spread appear to resonate with of parliament. women and children, whose suffering has been unparalleled in recent ing economy has undermined all the other towns, are surviving the public. Brady, 46, believes the gov- history. As US Secretary of State John Kerry said, this ceasefire, if Prime Minister Enda Kenny’s re- through pure downright determi- A poll this week found that ernment should have done more implemented and followed properly, will not only lead to a decline in election message to “keep the nation but they’re crying out for a after years of austerity, 56 percent to help small businesses in towns violence, but can also support a political transition to a government that recovery going”. bit of help.” of adults have not felt the effects of like Edenderry. His son opened a “I can’t see it changing for the Dublin’s CHQ shopping mall the economic recovery personally tattoo shop which only lasted a is responsive to the desires of the Syrian people. next while,” said Michael Carroll was for years a monument to the and 79 percent believe the econ- month, after a large bill for serv- The responsibility for implementing the truce lies primarily with of the boarded-up, tattered shop crash, standing almost completely omy is recovering on a two-tier ices from the council rendered it Russia as its are forces are in the air and on the ground in Syria fighting fronts along the same high street empty in the city’s financial dis- basis. unsustainable. rebels along with the forces of Bashar Al Assad. Russia’s entry has as his family-run Carroll’s Mens- trict. Bought in 2013 by former “While the government keeps “He’s back on the social wel- complicated the Syrian crisis and a solution has been made difficult with wear store. Coca-Cola chief executive Nev- extolling the need to ‘keep the fare now. It’s demoralising,” he the strengthening of the hands of Assad whose overthrow is a must to “We travel up and down to ille Isdell, one of many foreign recovery going’, the reality is well said. bring peace to the country. Washington too has been insisting that Assad must stand down at the end of any peace process, and it should not go back on this demand under pressure from Moscow. China’s missile gambit

The Washington Post symbolism. Overhead satellite photography that Xi was not speaking technically of the shows that China has deployed two batteries Paracels. But the latest action calls into ques- Quote of the day of four launchers each to the island. The mis- tion the spirit of his pledge and China’s frequent tep by incremental step, China appears siles have an effective range of some 62 miles assurances that its intentions in the South China to be digging into disputed territories in and would be useful if China decided at some Sea are peaceful. This is a situation in which I m convinced that the joint Sthe South China Sea. That is the inescap- point to declare an air defense identification deeds speak much louder than words, and the ’ able conclusion from the latest report that it has zone, asserting control over air traffic. China deeds show a steady expansion of China’s mar- actions agreed with the stationed a modern surface-to-air weapons has built up Woody Island to a greater extent itime claims. Some have called it the Great Wall system, the HQ-9, on Woody Island, the larg- than the Spratly Islands, also disputed, where of sand. American side are able to est in the Paracel chain, controlled by China it has been filling in remote outcroppings and Secretary of State John Kerry reacted to radically transform the crisis but claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan. Though laying down airfields. China seems to think the China’s latest deployments by saying, “There the United States has no territorial claim, the best way to carry out this expansion is through is every evidence, every day that there has been situation in Syria. new Chinese installations seriously threaten a small actions, avoiding a confrontation with an increase of militarization of one kind or central goal of US policy in the region: to sail, the United States. But over time, small actions another. It’s of serious concern.” Kerry promised fly and operate anywhere that international add up. If the surface-to-air missiles are visi- to have more “conversations” with the Chinese. law allows. The installations also threaten to ble on one island, how long before they show Conversation is fine, but at this point, insuf- impose China’s unilateral resolution on claims up on another? ficient. The United States has twice in recent that the United States has urged be settled Last autumn, in the White House Rose months carried out freedom-of-navigation Vladimir Putin through negotiation. Garden, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged exercises in these waters; now, there should be It is no accident that China carried out to Obama that, when it came to construction progressively more challenging maneuvers. It is Russian President this move as President Barack Obama hosted activity in the Spratly Islands, China does not important to get the signals right. Failure to act allies from Southeast Asia at asummit in Cal- “target or impact any country, and China does would be exactly the wrong signal in the face ifornia on Feb. 15 and 16. But this is more than not intend to pursue militarization.” It is true of China’s ever-enlarging garrisons in the sea.

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 TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 09 Syria after the war – a polluted desert?

had so far on Syria and what are its wider consequences? Also what are the solutions? Obvious destruction of natural vege- tation, trees and farmland, and therefore wildlife The effect of war in Syria has been devastating to large areas of its natural vegetation, affecting both the ancient Pis- tachio mountain forests and the coastal forests. Amr Al-Faham of the Syria Recov- ery trust, described in January 2016, how a lot of this has been a part of military tac- tics-for example fighting parties clearing areas on the front lines, shelling forests of rebel controlled areas by the Assad Regime (including huge swathes of coastal forests), or cutting and extracting the valuable wood By Luzita Ball and then burning the remaining wood- land (both the regime and armed groups). According to a member of Latakia’s oppo- sition local council, the regime burned about 70 percent of rebel controlled for- he land of Ash-Sham, including ests by systematically shelling the areas. Syria, for thousands of years has Smuggling of timber and animal parts, been a beautiful country with provide an income for extremist groups and snow-capped mountains, dot- criminal groups. The markets for these are Tted with clear and sparkling springs,its strong, driven partly by the need in Syria slopes, in spring, covered with wild flow- for alternatives to increasingly expensive ers- a place of fresh air and cool breezes. fossil fuels for cooking and heating. This Having a balanced climate and pleasant requirement can explain the loss of much Unskilled rebels and civilians work in an unregulated and primitive way with hazardous materials. weather, there were many parks and gar- of the Pistachio forests in three areas- The dens with fountains and small lakes, and Bilas, Abu Rajmain and Abdel Aziz moun- the vital rivers of the Euphrates and Jor- tains. Hundreds of thousands of trees, and unexploded weapons that have con- how long it could persist as we have hope will eventually happen, dan and their tributaries. hundreds of hectares have been logged and taminated urban areas in particular, The countries whose air and water could hope lies in the ability of many plants Ancient, tall Pistachio, and twisted burned due to the combination of these the unexpected explosions cause injury be affected most by pollutants from the Syr- and trees, working with soil microbes, to old Olive and Fig trees, grew majestically factors. This could cause a combination of disability and death every day. Philippe ian war are obviously Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon, remediate soils, water and air, locking up along green river valleys and gentle slopes. floods, landslides and floods as has hap- and Houillat described the findings of a Occupied Palestine (Israel) and Jordan. Two and rendering harmless many toxic com- According to Syria’s Ministry of Tourism pened in other deforested mountainous 2015 report by Handicap International important rivers- The Euphrates going to pounds, even some that are radioactive. website, there were many fertile plains areas of the world. as ‘beyond our worst nightmares’. It said Iraq, and The Jordan, going to Lebanon, Even the areas surrounding Chernobyl such as Zabadani 45km north of Damas- Pollutants from weapons- chemi- that explosive pollution threatens 5.1 mil- Jordan and occupied Palestine, both flow have improved over the last 25 years due cus, known for the fruitfulness and spring cals and radioactivity lion Syrians, including 2 million children, through Syria. Many people depend upon to these factors. Indigenous species may blossom of thousands of trees- of peach, Particularly within urban areas of Syria, 75% of explosive weapons incidents taking the water in these rivers. need to be re-introduced to the Syria, and almond, apricot, pear, apple, cherry and pollution from toxins endangers the health place in civilian areas, in Damascus Gov- The pollution spoken of above is likely other remediating species from the sur- plum, and the famous Damascus rose. of civilians, a ‘toxic footprint resulting both ernate alone there were on average 7 deaths to be contaminating these rivers. Soil con- rounding region could be used. Ironically and cruelly, this abundant directly and indirectly from military ori- per day. In the city of Kobani, a combina- tamination in particular could last for A sustainable form of cultivation such land is right next to the now starved and gin contamination’.The research by Both tion of mortars, rockets, artillery shells, generations. as Permaculture or Agro-ecology should be dying town of Madaya, for many months and Zwijnenburg of PAX, a Dutch peace and aircraft bombs, as well as improvised Besides this,there has been high pres- established, to produce all the food and raw under siege by Assad’s army who were Organisation, showed in 2014 that artillery, explosive devices littered the ground- to sure on scarce underground water supplies biological materials needed. Food grow- offering food in exchange for giving up mortars and home-made weapons contain- as much as 10 munitions per square metre in Jordan and Lebanon, due to the needs of ing should be included in the regeneration land. Tragically the natural heritage, like ing known carcinogenic materials such as in the City Centre, where nearly 80 % of huge numbers of refugees from the Syrian plans of towns. The lack of human interfer- the architectural and cultural heritage in TNT and RDX, and toxic rocket propellants buildings had been destroyed. war,when housed in vast camps near their ence due to the emptying out of Syria may Syria is being severely damaged, and in are used by a range of missiles launched by Oil industry pollution borders. Peter Swartzstein highlights the help the spontaneous regeneration of nat- some cases lost forever, mostly as a result both the Syrian army and opposition forces. Due to lack of regulation and training, problem of the salt water leaking into fresh- ural vegetation where there are sufficient of the Syrian war. What is the degree of Also the intense use of large calibre weap- due to the occupation of oil fields as sources water reserves. For example in infamous rainfall and meltwater, as well as nearby environmental damage that the war has ons in the prolonged siege of cities such as of revenue for groups like Daesh, the pol- Shatila, in the suburbs of Beirut, a place remnants of ancient wildlife habitats. Homs and Aleppo had dispersed a variety lution from the oil industry in Syria is out for 40 000 refugees from Palestine and Another recent discovery that gives of munitions. These contain known toxic of control. Both and Zwiglinburg in 2015 now Syria. “People just don’t realise how me hope is that genes have actually got substances such as brain damaging heavy described how, in illegal oil production sites, critical the status of our water resources the ability to repair themselves from some metals, (genetically damaging) radiological unskilled rebels and civilians work in an is,” said Nadim Farajalla, a Professor of types of genetic damage caused by radi- Obviously none of these substances, and explosive residues. unregulated and primitive way with haz- Hydrology and Water Resources at the oactivity and chemical weapons, at least environmental problems can begin to Other sources of pollution include ardous materials. Unclean extraction and American University of Beirut. “Refu- when the body is given proper nutrition. pulverised building dust, which contains refining processes by local factions in rebel- gees arriving when there was already a I refuse to despair, and I trust that most be tackled until there is justice and asbestos and other toxins, especially when held areas are causing the spread of toxic drought really killed us.” religions agree on one thing- that to care peace in Syria. Even if the war can industrial zones are targeted, and chemical gasses, smoke, dust and leakages, leading Some solutions to prevent further for our future generations by caring for factories looted. This can be inhaled and to the pollution of air, soil, and now scarce destruction our environment is the only way to con- be stopped soon, future peace and cause lung cancer and other diseases. A lack water resources, thereby affecting local Obviously none of these environmen- tinue to live in this world. stability will depend upon managing of rubbish collecting services to areas of village communities and their cultivated tal problems can begin to be tackled until the environment sustainably. Caring conflict and violence means that toxic sub- land. Vast areas may be becoming unsuit- there is peace in Syria. Even if the war stances remain in residential areas, and also able for agriculture. Already, reports from can be stopped soon, future peace and for the environment means caring build up in soil and water, again impacting local activists warn of oil-related diseases stability will depend upon managing the for people. It is upon the natural the long and short term health of remaining spreading in Deirez-Zour. According to a environment sustainably. Caring for the r e s i d e n t s . local doctor, “common ailments include environment means caring for people. It is The writer is a freelance editor, an English heritage that future generations will Unexploded mines and grenades persistent coughs and chemical burns that upon the natural heritage that future gen- Muslim, with a Masters in Urban Regen- depend for their livelihoods. everywhere have the potential to lead to tumours.” erations will depend for their livelihoods. eration. She can be contacted at L.ball. Besides toxins, there are many How far this pollution can travel and Once peace and stability is restored, [email protected] Every outrage adds fuel to the fire

West Bank, Jerusalem and the homeless. In other parts of the continued to use them, claim- cause. Notably, Israel’s claim to to execute a long-standing plan Gaza Strip is now approach- West Bank, including East Jeru- ing that they are still part of the the holy city would be meaning- to re-adjust the demographic ing its 50th year; that in itself salem, thousands more are at law in the West Bank. Ironi- less without control over Al-Aqsa balance in the city. This requires makes it unique amongst the risk of displacement. In what is cally, when they were initially Mosque; it is precisely for this the removal of 28 villages from world’s humanitarian crises, described by the Oslo Accords enacted, the Jews in Palestine reason that the Netanyahu gov- the city’s municipality and forc- according to the UN Office for as Area C, there are 11,000 actually opposed the Emer- ernment has been encouraging ing their 200,000 Palestinian the Coordination of Human- outstanding demolition orders gency Regulations. The Jewish settlers to encroach upon what inhabitants out to the PA-con- itarian Affairs (OCHA). The affecting 13,000 structures. For Bar Association, in particular, they call the “Temple Mount” on trolled parts of the West Bank. members of the “Oslo genera- the generation living with the called for their repeal, insisting a daily basis. When this illegitimate tion” who lead the latest intifada unjust legacy of Oslo, the struggle that they “deprive the Palestin- Despite the gravity of the sit- manoeuvre is complete, Jews have known nothing but deceit today is truly existential. ian citizens of the fundamental uation, no one seems to have will form more than 80 per cent and lies; they have had enough. Is this the Third Intifada? rights of man”, undermined law control of events on the ground. of the city’s population, with This was the message conveyed Rising tensions in the Occu- and justice and established a sys- The Palestinian Authority (PA) the percentage of Palestinians By Dr Daud Abdullah by Chief of General Staff Lieu- pied Territories have led to tem of arbitrary rule. has long been reduced to a spec- dropping from 40 to less than tenant General Gadi Eizenkot dozens of deaths and hundreds Despite their widespread tator- there for the benefit of the 20 per cent. This may sound The region does at a conference at the Herzliya of clashes. use of house demolitions, occupier, not the occupied. An attractive to Netanyahu and his our months have passed Interdisciplinary Centre (IDC) Are we witnessing the Third administrative detentions and initiative by US Secretary of coalition partners but it doesn’t not need another and the Quds Intifada last week. He pointed out that 95 Intifada? deportations, the British had very State John Kerry to de-escalate take much intelligence to work inferno. In pushing Fshows no sign of coming per cent of the Palestinians who Not content with the Oslo little success in breaking the will tensions has failed. As for the Jor- out that it is a blueprint for dis- ahead with its to an end. None of the repres- have carried out knife attacks Accords which left it in full of the Palestinian people. It is danians, they are, apparently, too aster. It will be one outrage too sive measures adopted by the since October 2015 were young control of Area C (which con- clear, therefore, that Benjamin preoccupied with their domestic many and will fuel the flames Judaisation Israeli occupation authorities people and that he expects the stitutes 60 percent of the West Netanyahu has learnt nothing problems to bother about their that have already been lit. The plans, the Israeli have proven effective. The Netan- uprising to continue. Bank), Israel has taken advan- from history; 70 years on he is “custodianship” of the holy sites region does not need another yahu government is fast running Life under the occupation tage of other unjust historical resorting to the same measures in the occupied West Bank and inferno. In pushing ahead with government is out of options and becoming has become so intolerable that legacies. As with every upris- that now make the population Jerusalem. its Judaisation plans, the Israeli demonstrating that increasingly desperate. Hence, it would be unnatural if there ing in the past, it has resorted more embittered and defiant. All of this notwithstanding, government is demonstrating it has no interest in he has ordered his inner cabinet was no uprising. Consider, for to the British Defence (Emer- Although the worsening liv- a sense of desperation is taking that it has no interest in finding to carry out a review to deter- example, that on one day alone, gency) Regulations of 1945 which ing conditions contributed to the hold of Israeli society. If Isra- a peaceful solution to the Pal- finding a peaceful mine whether the intifada started 2 February, Israel’s occupation were enacted to quell unrest in eruption of the current upris- el’s government cannot benefit estine-Israel question. solution to the spontaneously or was planned. forces destroyed 24 homes in Mandate Palestine. Although ing there is no doubt that Israel’s from the current regional tur- Whatever conclusions are two Palestinian communities the British had revoked these attempt to change the religious moil to settle the Jerusalem issue, Palestine-Israel reached, the prospects are not in southern Hebron (Mas- regulations when the man- and demographic character of it probably never will. Hence, The writer is the Director of Mid- question. good. Israel’s occupation of the safer Yatta), leaving 134 people date ended in 1948, Israel has Jerusalem has also been a major efforts are now well underway dle East Monitor (Memo)

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. JEWELLERY & WATCHES

TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 The art of fusion with a feminine touch The limited-series watches are available at Al Majed Jewellery

he much praised inimitable character and technological excellence of Big Bang have made it the ultimate symbol of fusion. The brand has become the showcase for the run- away creativity that is the essence of Swiss manufacturer Hublot. A philosophy of luxury Tfreed from the established codes. The two new limited- series Big Bang 41 MM Broderie Sugar Skull and Big Bang years of research and development. This first Big Bang Big Bang 41mm Broderie Sugar Skull 41 MM Broderie, presented at the 2016 Geneva Show, bear Broderie is a symbol of confident femininity and glam- Turquoise, navy blue, pale pink, fuchsia, yellow, orange, witness to this ideology. They blend confident femininity our, blending two forms of Swiss expertise, which won the violet… lit with Lurex threads, silver or gold, or taking its with innovation at its peak and, for the second year run- prestigious Ladies’ Watch Prize at the 2015 Geneva Grand inspiration from the lines on the catwalks for the 2016 ning, consecrate Saint-Gallen embroidery on organza silk. Prix de l’Horlogerie. season, the skull motif, with 11 red spinels, and the ara- A new icon is born. Accompanying women for whom inde- besques on the strap create bold associations of colours. pendence is a question of style and a state of mind. The fusion of two Swiss crafts A remarkable exercise in style that is given its value by Hublot is ever at the forefront of research into the lat- Taking the Art of Fusion to its peak, when confirming its the power and the simplicity of its (41 MM) case adorned est hi-tech materials and guardian of traditional expertise. desire to take embroidery away from its traditional bonds in black ceramic with a bezel enhanced by 36 red spinels, It acts as a bridge between a past that bears the traces of and offering it a new identity, Hublot naturally turned to the purity of the steel enlivened by 36 pink sapphires or the most talented watchmakers and a future nourished on the master of Swiss embroidery: Bischoff. The Swiss firm the cat’s eye effect of the red gold highlighted by 36 blue visionary artistic concepts—testing with mastery all the Bischoff is at the cutting edge of innovation, performance sapphires. Echoing the bezel, the dial is graduated with 12 realms of the possible. With Hublot, there are no limits to and creativity, and has earned international renown as precious stones, red spinels for the ceramic, pink sapphires innovation. It is the company’s reason for being. The Big a major player in the field. In 2014, it won awards in the for the steel and blue sapphires for the red gold. Bang is the unrivalled icon of fusion; the brand was born to lingerie category with the prestigious title of Designer break established codes and over time has demonstrated of the year at the Paris Capitale de la Création trade fair. Big Bang Broderie, 41mm its ability to create exclusivity. Having incorporated com- Bischoff’s master craftsmen prepared the silk organza This year, ceramic, steel and yellow gold join the Big posite resin, carbon and ceramic, invented Magic Gold and embroidery of floral arabesques that subtly reveal the Bang Broderie’s wardrobe. The web-like material, embroi- borrowed denim, the basic essential from our wardrobes, skull motif for the dial in their workshops in Saint-Gal- dered in black or silver Lurex affixed on glossy silk, black the embroidered pattern do not touch. Based on carbon as part of its watchmaking proposals... in 2015, Hublot has len, near Zurich. for the ceramic, silver for the steel, golden for the yellow material, special layered sheets of carbon fibre, coated in a freed embroidered silk organza from the fixed notions and gold, sensually evocative and subtly erotic, could almost transparent resin, make it possible to compress the embroi- the traditional ideas that had held it for so long. And Hublot… created the Big Bang Broderie be fine lingerie sumptuously adjusted to the body. 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In 2015, reveal all of its modernity and creative potential for the art and the mastery of a craft, beyond the technical feat, for the first time in the history of watchmaking, “encased” second consecutive year with Big Bang for two new lim- The dial, a result of innovation and increasingly the creation is the result of a demanding process of devel- in carbon fibre, the embroidered web-like material acts as ited series: the Big Bang Broderie Sugar Skull 41MM and advanced technology opment and a human adventure. A meeting between two a shell to form the dial and the carbon bezel of the watch. the Big Bang Broderie 41MM, each of which comes in three In defiance of the laws of finesse, the dial offers a par- worlds where a passion for excellence are on first-name The execution of this technical prowess required several runs of 200 pieces. ticularly reduced working thickness so that the hands and terms with precision. A sapphire setting for the The subtle record-breaking movement beauty of grey The apparent invisibility of MP-05 “LaFerrari” Sapphire is so fascinating that it makes it a highly visible and desirable object.

hile the original design of the MP-05 “LaFerrari” was created to show off the beauty of its movement, its alter ego – with its case carved out of sap- phire – is a movement which appears to be literally suspended in mid-air. WAll the details of this record-breaking movement can be admired from all angles. With the MP-05 “LaFerrari” Sapphire, Hublot takes us into a supernatural world. A material presence which is almost intangible. “Today the All Clear concept pays tribute to our pro- prietary calibres and to all the watchmaking expertise that Hublot has developed over the last decade. “Visible Which grey best suits invisibility”, a philosophy which has culminated in suc- your personality? cess for Hublot,” Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, said. The story behind the myth ublot is releasing its Classic Fusion collection Unveiled in 2013, the MP-05 “LaFerrari”, created as a in on-trend yet timeless grey. Following on tribute to the eponymous supercar, showcased its unique Hfrom its Spring/Summer 2015 blue collec- and ultra-complex architecture. The lines of the MP-05 tion, the Classic Fusion quintet now boasts a total LaFerrari are the result of close collaboration between “Racing Grey” look. Less harsh than black, more the designers and watchmakers working on the Hublot timeless even than blue, this grey – inherently movement and Ferrari’s design director, Flavio Manzoni. neutral and universal – reinforces the model’s ver- The movement itself was fully designed, developed and satile elegance. An androgynous hue with many produced by the Hublot Manufacture engineers and watch- different facets. From yuppies to gypsetters, tweed makers. A record-breaking technical feat. Its tourbillon to iridescent satin, grey works with every style boasts an impressive 50-day power reserve – thanks to from the understated to the ultra-sophisticated. its 11 series-coupled barrels set in a spine formation down The case is available in a choice of four dimen- the centre of the watch. Its movement broke the record sions and with three movements, to suit any wrist for the highest number of components for a Hublot move- and are available at Al Majed Jewellery: ment to date – 637 in all. Boasting a futuristic design, the vertical tourbillon. The bridge of the movement even bears 33, 38 and 42 mm – with 3 hands and date at construction showed off the bold shape of its movement, the word “Hublot”, which the engineers carved into this 3 o’clock. The 38 and 42 mm models are driven even in its original version. transparent material, the hardest after diamond. In its by a HUB1110 self-winding mechanical move- vertical position, the small second is displayed via a trans- ment with a 42-hour power reserve. The fusion of art and technique parent cylinder fixed on the suspended tourbillon cage. The 33 mm case boasts a HUB2912 quartz With the MP-05 “LaFerrari” Sapphire, Hublot is writing The hours and minutes positioned to the right of the bar- movement. a new chapter in the history of the brand. The three-dimen- rels, and the power reserve to their left, are also displayed The 45 mm version, with 3 hands and date, sional construction of the case middle, in sapphire, provides via transparent cylinders. or chronograph with the date at 6 o’clock, house an exceptional setting for the movement. The movement the HUB1112 and HUB1143 automatic movements can now be admired from every angle. It appears to be Visible invisibility respectively. suspended in mid-air in this bespoke setting carved from A timepiece which plays with the visible and the invis- With its beauty enhanced by the “metallic” sapphire. In fact, this movement finally has the sculptured ible. Eye-catching. Surprising. Thought-provoking. Its flecks of the titanium or the vibrant bronze of bodywork it deserves! An ambitious project. The sapphire apparent invisibility is so fascinating that it makes it a King Gold, the “Racing Grey” is undoubtedly a case middle is composed of 7 components machined from highly visible and desirable object. piece with timeless elegance. Jeans, charcoal grey 7 blocks of sapphire and involved over 600 hours work. Complementing its exceptional design, the MP-05 cashmere sweater, beige trench coat, navy blazer, Carving the case’s ultra-complex architecture out of sap- “LaFerrari” Sapphire is teamed with a transparent silicon white shirt or little black dress: only the Classic phire using 3D machining presented a further challenge. strap, with a clasp which also features components carved Fusion “Racing Grey” is missing from your ward- The result of 18 months’ development weighs, a 53.5 grams from sapphire. In keeping with the ultra-futuristic look of robe basics. Easy to wear, it suits any style and is case on the wrist. this timepiece, the watch is wound by a mechanism using as masculine as it is feminine. a miniature power drill, modelled on the tyre-changing Luxurious, precious, chic, understated or The mechanics of time ticking by, in full view tool used in Formula 1. relaxed… which grey best suits your personality? Revealing its hypnotic nature, the HUB9005.H1.PN.1 A rare timepiece limited to 20 pieces, the MP-05 “LaFer- movement features 637 components and a suspended rari” Sapphire is already a collector’s item.

12 TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 ASIA / PHILIPPINES

China signals Harvesting water hyacinth no backdown in sea dispute

and tensions, especially over Chi- na’s “limited” military positions “China’s deploying there, she said. necessary limited “China’s deploying necessary, limited defensive facilities on its own defensive facilities territory is not substantively differ- on its own territory ent from the United States defending is not substantively Hawaii,” Hua added. US ships and aircraft carrying out frequent, close- different from in patrols and surveillance in recent the United States years is what has increased regional tensions, she said. “It’s this that is the defending Hawaii. biggest cause of the militarisation The US is not of the South China Sea. We hope that the United States does not con- involved in the South fuse right and wrong on this issue or China Sea dispute,” practice double standards.” Yesterday, a senior US naval said Hua. officer was reported as saying Aus- tralia and other countries should follow the US lead and conduct “freedom-of-navigation” naval oper- Reuters ations within 12 nautical miles (18 kilometres) of contested islands in the South China Sea. China claims most of the South BEIJING: China’s South China Sea China Sea, through which more than military deployments are no differ- $5 trillion in global trade passes ent from US deployments on Hawaii, every year. Vietnam, Malaysia, Bru- Partially-blinded Filipino Jose Katambay harvests water hyacinth along the banks of Laguna Lake in Taguig City, Philippines. Water hyacinth the Chinese Foreign Ministry said nei, the Philippines and Taiwan have yesterday, striking a combative tone rival claims. stems are the raw material for making slippers, arts and craft, home decors, bags, baskets and fashion accessories, among others. ahead of a visit by Foreign Minister Beijing has rattled nerves with Wang Yi to the United States this construction and reclamation activi- week. ties on the islands it occupies, though The United States last week it says these moves are mostly for accused China of raising tensions in civilian purposes. the South China Sea by its apparent The state-owned China South- EC probes Pacquiao for poll violations deployment of surface-to-air mis- ern Power Grid Company will set up siles on a disputed island, a move a power grid management station in China has neither confirmed nor what China calls Sansha City, located denied. on Woody Island in the Paracels, AFP on Elections (Comelec) chairman determine whether Pacquiao’s tel- presidential run in imminent future. Asked whether the South China which will be able to access micro- Andres Bautista said. evision appearances to promote While revered in the boxing Sea, and the missiles, would come up grids in 16 other islands, according to Bautista said Pacquiao’s promo- the Bradley fight should be counted ring for winning world titles in an when Wang is in the United States to China’s top regulator of state-owned tion of his April fight with Timothy against the 120-minute television air- unprecedented eight divisions, Pac- meet Secretary of State John Kerry, assets. MANILA: The Philippines’ election Bradley in Las Vegas was a “grey time limit for the campaign. quiao’s political track record has been Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua In the long term, the station will commission said yesterday it would area”, given the cap on radio and “We want to know if this violates lacklustre. Chunying said Washington should be able to remotely manage power consider a complaint accusing boxing television airtime for candidates dur- the equal time rule because in our Pacquiao is notorious for his not use the issue of military facil- for many islands there, the statement champion Manny Pacquiao of violat- ing the 90-day campaign period that view, this will give overwhelmingly absences in parliament, where he ities on the islands as a “pretext to added, without specifying which ing election regulations by promoting started this month. great hours to Pacquiao and put us at represents his wife’s impoverished make a fuss”. islands it was referring to. his upcoming fight in the thick of the A rival senatorial candidate a tremendous disadvantage,” Bello home province of Sarangani. “The US is not involved in the Wang is scheduled to be in the campaign. who has trailed Pacquiao in opinion said. In 2014 he attended only four con- South China Sea dispute, and this is US from Tuesday until Thursday. It was the latest blow to Pacqui- polls, Walden Bello, filed the com- Should Comelec decide to count gressional sessions and did not help not and should not become a prob- Hua said the minister is also ao’s bid for the Philippine Senate plaint against the boxing champion Pacquiao’s media blitz against his pass a single law, with boxing train- lem between China and the United expected to discuss North Korea, and after he drew global condemnation on Monday. airtime limit, Bello suggested the ing taking up most of his time. States,” Hua told a daily news she repeated China’s opposition to last week for describing a section of The most recent poll by Social boxer postpone the fight until after Pacquiao’s controversial com- briefing. the possible US deployment of an people as “worse than animals”. Weather Stations put Pacquiao in the elections. ment slur cost him a lucrative China hopes the US abides by its advanced US missile defence sys- “The complaint will be discussed eighth place in the race for 12 Senate Pacquiao’s Senate run is seen endorsement deal with US sports- promises not to take sides in the dis- tem following North Korea’s recent during the commission en banc meet- seats up for grabs in May. by his supporters and analysts as wear brand Nike, which called his pute and stop “hyping up” the issue rocket launch. ing tomorrow (Tuesday),” Commission Bello said the poll body should part of preparations for a possible comments “abhorrent”.

Prayers for world peace Research stresses China’s Torture victims excess use of antibiotics to derail Marcos son’s campaign

Reuters Organization (WHO). A WHO report MANILA: Angry victims of the late in November found that nearly two- Philippine dictator Ferdinand Mar- thirds of Chinese believed antibiotics cos vowed yesterday to derail his should be used to treat colds and flu, son’s vice-presidential bid as they SHANGHAI: Children in China’s while one-third thought antibiotics demanded long-delayed retribu- eastern Jiangsu province are being were effective against headaches. tion. widely exposed to antibiotics from Misuse of antibiotics is becom- Hundreds who endured tor- tainted food and drinking water, ing a global risk, making the drugs ture and imprisonment during potentially harming long-term much less effective at treating com- Marcos’ two-decade reign gath- health, local media reported yester- mon infections. ered in Manila chanting “No More day, citing research from Shanghai’s “Beyond the health system, the Marcos! Marcos Dictator!” as they Fudan University. economic costs of antibiotic resist- announced plans to dog Ferdinand The study, which tested for 21 ance are formidable - in China, one Marcos Jr’s electoral effort. common antibiotics, including those prediction estimates the loss of up to “We will hound his campaign,” used for animals, found traces of at a million lives a year by 2050,” the the group’s convenor, torture vic- least one type in 80 percent of a pool WHO said in the report. The study tim Bonifacio Ilagan said. “He will of 505 schoolchildren in Shanghai, from Fudan, one of China’s top uni- redeem the family, rewrite history China’s modern business hub with a versities, included both human and and bring back his father’s abusive population over 20 million. veterinary antibiotics. Some indi- leadership framework.” China suffers from serious vidual antibiotics, including those Human rights groups say tens Buddhist monks pray at Wat Phra Dhammakaya during a ceremony on Makha Bucha Day in Pathum overuse of antibiotics, with doctors normally used in farming, were of thousands of people were mur- Thani province, north of Bangkok, yesterday. The Dhammakaya temple is regarded as the country’s prescribing them to half of all out- detected in nearly one-third of chil- dered, tortured and imprisoned richest Buddhist temple. patients, far above recommended dren tested. The was published in the during Marcos’ tumultuous rule. levels, according to the World Health journal Environment International. The government estimates Marcos and his family stole $10 billion from the already desper- ately-poor country during his rule. The group Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses to Kazakhstan launches probe against top media figure Malacanang or CARMMA, said Marcos Jr was not the “guiltless son” that he claimed to be. Reuters was an attack on press freedom, fol- if found guilty, the anti-corruption businessmen, politicians and activ- website Nakanune.kz, Guzal Baid- Victory in the elections will lows a crackdown on local media and agency said in a statement. ists to hold press briefings. In recent alinova, has been under arrest since cement a remarkable political political activists who have been crit- In a separate statement, both years, the Central Asian country has December on charges of disseminat- comeback for the Marcos family, ical of the government. Matayev and his son denied any been tightening already limited press ing false information that threatened who held mostly local positions in ALMATY: Kazakhstan’s anti-corrup- President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s wrongdoing and described the freedoms, government critics and public order. Nazarbayev, 75, who has their home provinces until Bong- tion agency is investigating the head allies aim to retain control over the case as an attack on press freedom. rights groups say. run Kazakhstan since 1989, first as a bong won a seat in the national of the journalists’ union Seitkazy lower house in the March 20 vote. Matayev, who worked as Nazarbayev’s In late 2014, a Kazakh court Communist boss and then as pres- Senate in 2010. The Marcos family Matayev over suspected theft and tax Matayev, who was questioned spokesman in 1991-93, is best known shut down Adam Bol, a magazine ident, called the snap election last fled to exile in Hawaii after being evasion, it said yesterday, less than a along with his son Aset, chief exec- for running the National Press Club often critical of the government, month in what observers said was a ousted by a military-backed popu- month before a parliamentary elec- utive of local news agency KazTAG, in Almaty. The club, based a small on charges of “propagandizing for tactical move to avoid a poll later in lar revolt in 1986. Marcos Snr died tion. The move, which Matayev said could face six to 12 years in prison downtown building, is often used by war”. The owner and editor of news the year. three years later. ASIA / AFRICA TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 13

Ethiopian forces Blows up for illegal fishing crack down on protests : HRW

into crowds, summarily killed people during arrests, carried out mass More than 200 roundups, and tortured detainees,” people have the report said. The Oromos are the largest been killed since ethnic group in the east African November 12, 2015. country, estimated at 27 million people in a total population of some Security forces have 99 million. Their land encircles Addis shot randomly into Ababa and they also live on large tracts of the west, centre, east and crowds, summarily south of Ethiopia. killed people during Their language, Oromo, is arrests carried out distinct from Amharic, spoken by the Ahmara people and used by the mass roundups, and national administration. tortured detainees HRW noted that researchers were unable to determine how many people have been killed or arrested because access to Oromia is restricted. AFP “(Ethiopian) activists allege that more than 200 people have been killed since November 12, Indonesia Navy blows up a foreign fishing vessel caught fishing illegally at Batam Sea, Indonesia, yesterday. Indonesia sank 30 foreign 2015,” the rights watchdog said. In a ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopian security previous document at the beginning boats confiscated for fishing illegally in the country’s waters. forces are carrying out a relentless of January, HRW reported at least and bloody crackdown on peaceful 140 killings. protests in the Oromia region, at a Security forces have arrested cost of scores of lives, Human Rights several thousand people since Watch reported yesterday. November and are holding them “Almost daily accounts of without charge, the organisation Niger voting killings and arbitrary arrests have said. “The protests are still going Woman on trial in South African been reported to Human Rights on albeit in less locations. There Watch since 2016 began,” said the is also less and less information extended for New York-based non-governmental coming out from the areas where organisation. the protests are happening,” HRW’s baby snatching case The demonstrations began in Horn of Africa expert Felix Horne second day November due to a government told AFP. plan to expand the boundaries of “Many individuals who provided AFP biological sisters. being raised with love and kindness NIAMEY: Voting in Niger’s pres- Addis Ababa into the Oromia region updates and information have either The new girl was the daughter by the accused woman and her hus- idential and legislative elections surrounding the capital, raising fears been arrested, have disappeared, of Celeste and Morne Nurse, whose band, who she believed were her real stretched into a second day yes- among Oromo people that their or are afraid to provide further first child was snatched as a three- parents. Her whereabouts have been terday in areas where logistical farms would be expropriated. information,” Horne added. CAPE TOWN: A woman charged day-old baby named Zephany in April kept secret since she requested pro- problems prevented polling the Authorities dropped the urban “The Ethiopian government with stealing a newborn baby 18 1997 from Cape Town’s Groote Sch- tection from the media storm over previous day, delaying the pre- development plan on January 12 and should end the excessive use of force years ago appeared briefly in a South uur hospital. the case, a spokesman for the social liminary election results. announced the situation in Oromia by the security forces, free everyone African court yesterday, in a case that Police were alerted after Zepha- services department told AFP. President Mahamadou Iss- was largely under control. detained arbitrarily, and conduct came to light only when school pupils ny’s parents became convinced the The accused woman cannot be oufou, who has vowed to crush But the demonstrations an independent investigation into noticed a startling resemblance older girl was their missing baby. named, as that would reveal Zepha- Islamist militants and reduce the continued, along with the brutal killings and other security force between a student and a new girl. The parents looked on from the ny’s identity after she was kidnapped. country’s deep poverty, is run- response. abuse,” HRW stated. The case in the Cape Town High public gallery as the alleged kidnap- In a statement read on her behalf ning against 14 other candidates, “Flooding Oromia with federal “Ethiopia’s donor countries Court was postponed until today by per sat emotionless in the dock. by a lawyer shortly after Zephany including Seyni Oumaru, leader of security forces shows the authorities’ have responded tepidly, if at all, to Judge John Hlophe after prosecutors Without knowing it, the Nurse discovered the truth about her past, an opposition coalition. broad disregard for peaceful protest the killing of scores of protesters in said they needed time to formalise family had been living within a she said: “I want to say thank you Polls will be open in four of by students, farmers and other Oromia,” Lefkow said in the report. agreements on a number of admis- couple of kilometres (miles) of their to all the people who supported me the eight regions in the landlocked dissenters,” said Leslie Lefkow, “They should stop ignoring sions by the defence. kidnapped daughter, while celebrat- through this, for continuously pray- Saharan country: Diffa is under a deputy Africa director at Human or downplaying this shocking The accused 50-year-old woman ing her birthday every year and never ing and never giving up on looking state of emergency after Islamist Rights Watch. brutality and call on the government has been on bail since March last year giving up hope of finding her. for me. The suspect reportedly had militant group Boko Haram, based Protesters and witnesses told to support an independent after DNA tests confirmed that the Zephany, who was renamed by a series of miscarriages. She faces a in neighbouring Nigeria, staged a HRW that since mid-January, investigation into the killings and new girl at the school and a 17-year- her new family, is now approaching minimum of five years in jail if con- series of attacks there in recent “security forces have shot randomly other abuses,” he added. old final-year student were in fact her 19th birthday after reportedly victed of kidnapping. months. Fiji cyclone death toll rises to 21 as 8,000 still hunkered down

Reuters Almost 8,000 people remained said. A 36-hour curfew was lifted hunkered down in hundreds of evac- early on Monday, allowing the Fijian uation centres across Fiji where they military to ramp up efforts to reach had headed before tropical cyclone the more remote parts of the archi- SYDNEY: Fiji began a massive clean- Winston hit late on Saturday with pelago of about 300 islands. up yesterday after one of the most winds of up to 325kph (200 mph). “The Fijians are desperately trying powerful storms recorded in the “The death toll from Cyclone Win- to repair severed lines of communica- southern hemisphere tore through the ston continues to rise and reports of tion, but they hold grave fears that the Pacific island nation, killing 21 people, widespread damage are coming in news waiting for them will be dire,” flattening remote villages and cutting from across Fiji,” said New Zealand said Raijeli Nicole, Pacific regional off communications. Foreign Minister Murray McCully. “It director of aid group Oxfam. Aid agencies warned of a wide- is clear that Fiji faces a major cleanup “Given the intensity of the storm spread health crisis, particularly in and recovery operation.” and the images we have seen so far, low-lying areas where thousands McCully said a New Zealand there are strong concerns that the of Fiji’s 900,000 people live in tin Defence Force C-130 would leave death toll won’t stop climbing today shacks, after crops were wiped out for the Fijian capital, Suva, later on and that hundreds of people will and fresh water supplies blocked. Monday with relief supplies and an have seen their homes and liveli- The Fiji Broadcasting Corp, quot- emergency response team. hoods completely destroyed.” Food ing the country’s National Disaster The majority of the fatalities were and water supplies are a growing con- Management Office, said 21 people along the western coast and were cern, even for areas such as Suva that had died and four were still missing caused mainly by flying debris and did not suffer as much damage as the- A fruit and vegetable market damaged by Cyclone Winston in Fiji’s capital, Suva, yesterday. at sea. drowning in storm surges, authorities more remote regions. Congo to let 150 children leave country after 2-year wait

Reuters In 2013, Congo imposed a morato- according to the UN children’s agency Claude Pero Luwara said an inter- American children,” Luwara said, rium on exit visas to children adopted UNICEF, as well as lax regulation. ministerial commission had approved adding that the commission will In 2013, Congo by foreign parents, citing fears that The central African nation is min- the exit visas. In November, the consider about 900 more foreign imposed a the children could be abused or eral-rich but deeply impoverished. It commission signed off on exit visas adoption cases and plans to com- KINSHASA: Democratic Republic of trafficked. has suffered through two civil wars for about 70 children adopted by plete its work next month. moratorium on exit Congo will allow some 150 children The government has also voiced and armed groups continue to plague European, Canadian and Ameri- Parliament is expected to take up visas to children adopted by foreign parents, mostly concerns about adoptions by gay its eastern region. Between 2010 and can families. Congo’s government a bill this year to lift the moratorium Americans, to leave the country after couples. Congo became a favoured 2013, US adoptions from Congo rose has come under intense pressure and regulate foreign adoptions. adopted by foreign spending more than two years in legal international adoption destination 645 percent, the US Department of from those countries’ governments The US Embassy in the capital parents limbo, the interior ministry said yes- in recent years because it has more State said. to lift the suspension. “The dossiers Kinshasa could not immediately con- terday. than 4 million orphaned children, Interior ministry spokesman that were released ... it was mostly firm the interior ministry’s statement. 14 TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 PAKISTAN

Medicine to treat Lahore Literary Festival Hepatitis-C to be imported from US

year about 80,000 people die,” a senior health ministry official said. It is estimated that “These deaths are caused by some eight million advanced liver disease spanning over a period of 20-30 years,” he people are suffering added. from Hepatitis-C in “The government had to act urgently and even before the for- Pakistan and each mal registration of the drug in the year about 80,000 country, it gave special permission to import Sovaldi tablets from the US.” people die Another official at the drug registration authority said the gov- ernment was exploring the option of cheaper alternatives. AFP “We are encouraging local man- ufacturers to produce generic drugs on a priority basis which are safe, efficacious and affordable,” the offi- Women browsing books at the Lahore Literary Festival in Lahore. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has author- cial said. ised the import of an expensive Last October Pakistan’s drug Hepatitis-C drug from the United authority received 61 applications States to improve treatment for the from pharmaceutical firms to pro- estimated eight million people car- duce Sofosbuvir tablets. rying the blood infection, officials Sofosbuvir is the generic name of said yesterday. the drug, of which 14 manufacturers Regional language Pashto goes Google Hailed by experts as a game- were finally approved. changer, Sovaldi, which has been Gilead Sciences, which makes on the market since 2013, costs Sovaldi, has been criticised in the around $1,000 per pill in the US US for the drug’s cost. Internews and have termed it a big milestone in Pakhtuns across the globe celebrate majority young educated Pakhtuns or $84,000 for a single course of The lofty price, set by Gilead, the history of Pashto language. Google.Com’s development of enlist- are able to communicate in Pashto treatment, according to a US Sen- placed Sovaldi and its follow-up drug Pakhtun readers and schol- ing Pashto on its translation facility. script on social media including ate report released last December. Harvoni out of reach of many con- ars were quick to pass comments This is indeed a landmark achieve- Internetand mobile phones because The drug is now being sold sumers, the US Senate report said. PESHAWAR: The top Internetsearch on social media about inclusion of ment for Pashto speaking community of availability of Pashto software. nationally in a Pakistani pharmacy Hepatitis-C is a blood infection engine Google.Com enlists Pashto one Pashto in translation mode of Google. worldwide on this auspicious day.” PohantoonAdabiStori, a literary chain for around $314 per 28 tablets, transmitted via contaminated nee- of the many world languages. Now Before Pashto, Persian and Urdu had She requests Pakhtun users to organisation comprising young uni- while the government is urging local dles, sexual intercourse, and from any text of the languages available in found place on Google.Com transla- perfect Google.Com Pashto transla- versity graduates in Peshawar, said. manufacturers to produce generic pregnant mothers to their unborn Google.Com search engine translation tion mode. tion by contributing their expertise. “Pashto language has scaled new copies on an urgent basis. children. mode could be found being translated Angelina Merisi, an Irish research There are more than 400 Pashto web- heights after a global top Internets- “It is estimated that some eight Not only in Pakistan millions of in Pashto script. scholar and expert on Pashto, com- sites available on Internetworking on earch engine Google entered it on its million people are suffering from people across the world have been Pashto literary and cultural cir- ments, “UN celebrates, 21st February various aspects of Pashto language translation mode among others more Hepatitis-C in Pakistan and each suffering from this disease. cles have widely appreciated the step as the mother tongue day, lets us, and literature. They say that now than 100 languages.

Working with molten iron Call for treaty with India on innocent people in jails

IANS “With almost all talks regard- important to ensure the sanctity of ing any sort of diplomacy between borders, these fishermen are usu- both countries failing, it is clear that ally very poor and mostly lack the instances like these are not stop- equipment to ensure that they are ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India ping anytime soon,” said the daily. staying within the borders of their must have a treaty to ensure that The arrests are the third such inci- own country. innocent people do not languish in dent in three months after the two “These fishing boats that lack the each other’s jails, said a Pakistani countries agreed in December 2015 technology needed to be certain of daily which noted that civilians are to reinitiate the dialogue process their precise location and acciden- always going to be the victims in the when Indian External Affairs Min- tally cross boundaries.” tussle between the two countries. ister Sushma Swaraj visited Pakistan. The daily added: “All that is An editorial “The smaller issues” “However, the scheduled talks needed is a treaty that makes sure in The Nation yesterday said that the between the foreign secretaries of that innocent people on both sides clash between India and Pakistan the two countries were postponed do not languish in jails for such keeps growing more tentacles and after the Pathankot airbase attack in mistakes, as bigger issues like the civilians are always going to be the India last month. In the previous one, actual demarcation of territory victims. Pakistan’s marine forces arrested 66 around areas like Sir Creek remain The Maritime Security Agency Indian fishermen for allegedly violat- irresolvable.” (MSA) on Saturday arrested 88 Indian ing the country’s territorial waters in “Poor men in jail, for crimes of Afghan men work at an iron factory in Jalalabad, yesterday. fishermen allegedly for fishing in the Arabian Sea,” said the editorial. omission due to a lack of official clar- Pakistani waters. It noted that although it is ity, does no country any good,” it said. 3 million-year-old tusks found in village Quadrilateral group to fix date for Kabul-Taliban talks today Internews seismic activities in the region that both anancus and stegodon zoology in Punjab University about shift the earth and whatever is buried descended from the same ancestor three years ago. underneath with it such as fossilised - gomphothere. A part exposed, the tusks Internews The groundwork for this purpose bones,” Prof Akhtar elaborated. “By the time anancus was remained buried until February 16, was reportedly finalised during the ISLAMABAD: For the first time, This unique discovery was made becoming extinct, the stegodon was 2016, when the university got suffi- secret visit of a two-member Afghan researchers have found a pair of a month after the same team found flourishing. So far evidence suggests cient funds to support the excavation. Taliban delegation led by the head of intact fossilised tusks (pictured) that the tusk of a 1.1 million years old ste- that mammoths, now also extinct, Unfortunately, vandals have also ISLAMABAD: The date for resump- the group’s political office in Qatar. dates back approximately three mil- godon, also from the elephant family and modern-day African and Asian been attracted to the new find. Three tion of direct talks between Kabul Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanek- lion years in Pakistan. that is now extinct. The stegodon tusk elephants have descended from the days ago, they tried to steal the fossils. and Taliban is likely to be announced zai and QariDeen Muhammad “This discovery is a grand prize. was discovered 113 kilometres from stegogon,” he added. “We can see signs of illegal dig- this week when senior officials from travelled to Islamabad on February 6 We have never found a pair of tusks, this site in Rajo, Gujrat. However, the tusks of the anan- ging. They have stolen the four inches Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the when senior officials from Pakistan, intact with upper and some part of Prof Akhtar explained how cus were first found by a student of long tip of the left tusk. Luckily, no United States sit together as part of Afghanistan, China and the US last the lower jaws,” said Prof M. Akhtar major damage was done. ongoing efforts to strike a peace deal held talks to finalise the roadmap from the zoology department of the Now the 6.5 feet long tusk is in the war-torn country. for the Afghan reconciliation proc- Punjab University, Lahore. four inches shorter,” said PhD and The fourth meeting of the Quad- ess. During informal talks with the Over six feet long, the pair belongs research scholar Sayyad Ghyour rilateral Coordination Group (QCG) group, the Taliban delegation report- to anancus, an extinct species from Abbas, who first found the fossil will take place in the Afghan capi- edly shared a list of their negotiators the elephant family that walked on some 50 kilometres from Dina near tal today. and also agreed to sit across the table the earth roughly three to 1.5 million the Padri village. According to Assist- A senior Pakistani official famil- with Kabul’s representatives by the years ago. ance Prof Zoology Department, PU, iar with the working of the group end of February. Prof Akhtar, who is heading the Dr Abdul Majid, the exact date of the said the date for the formal resump- This was reason the QCG in its team of zoology students at the exca- fossil will be determined after labo- tion of Afghan peace talks will be last meeting expressed the hope vation site about 50 kilometres from ratory tests. disclosed after the four-way talks. that direct peace talks could take Dina near the Padri village, explained “After studying the rock forma- Although the official did not place by the month-end. An insider how museums were full of fossilised tions in the region, the relative age of provide any further details, the face- said the group was also contem- tusks, rhino horns and crocodile teeth the fossils can be put at roughly three to-face meeting between the Afghan plating whether to keep the meeting but complete skeletons have never million years old,” said the expert. government officials and Taliban between the Afghan government been found. Evidence suggests that this region interlocutors is likely within a week and the Taliban a secret until it “Finding complete skeletons are was home to numerous species, Dr after the QCG huddle. The venue may took place. The final decision will almost impossible because of heavy Majid said. either be Islamabad or Beijing. be made in the QCG’s next meeting. INDIA TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 15 Riots end as govt gives in to Jat demands

police said earlier that there were Deal reached with tensions in some towns as Jats tried to prevent other communities from state and federal reopening their shops. administrations In Bahadurgarh, to the west of Delhi, Jat protesters turned out in after violence force during the day to express their claims 16 lives anger against Modi and demand written assurances of more jobs for their community. Many Jats, who number more than 80 million across north India, Reuters are farmers whose livelihoods have suffered as families divide farms among their children. Two years of drought have harmed crops, and BAHADURGARH/NEW DELHI: they are also missing out on urban Leaders of a rural Indian caste jobs. reached a deal late yesterday to Their demands for government end protests that paralysed a north- jobs and student places are based ern state and cut water supplies to on affirmative action policies that Delhi’s 20 million residents, after are typically reserved for deprived winning a pledge of more govern- groups. ment jobs. Ramcharan Dekhara, a 52-year- Days of rioting and looting across old father of four, has sold his land to Haryana by the Jat community had pay for his daughter’s marriage and challenged Prime Minister Naren- now runs a tea shop near National dra Modi’s promise of better days for Highway 10. Indians who elected him in 2014 with “I am fighting for my sons’ future. the largest majority in three decades. The boys are sitting at home and A Jat leader said protesters had there is nothing they can do at the reached a deal with state and federal tea shop,” Dekhara said. “They stud- leaders to end their mobilisation, in ied hard to make a new life but now which 16 people have been killed and they are wasting time and watch- more than 150 injured. ing TV all day.” “The government has prom- The Supreme Court has previ- ised to meet our demands and we ously struck down an attempt to have promised our full cooperation,” classify the Jats as an Other Back- Ramesh Dalal, convener of the Jat ward Caste, or OBC, which would Army soldiers stand guard at Rohtak in Haryana yesterday. Troops were called in to quell riots over job reservations, a divisive issue in the country. Arakshan Andolan (Jat Reservation formally entitle them to a quota of Movement), said. jobs and student places. Thousands of troops were “There is a constitutional barrier deployed to quell the protests, in giving Jats OBC status but we will which had flared again yesterday find a way to fulfil their demands,” near Sonipat when a freight train junior agriculture minister Sanjeev Why does caste exist in a resurgent nation? was torched. In neighbouring Rajas- Balyan told Reuters. than, Jats attacked and burned buses. The Jats predominantly voted for Disruption has been huge, with Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party in the AFP Who was rioting and what do they want? 850 trains cancelled, 500 factories 2014 general election, when he won The Jat caste is the single biggest community closed and business losses estimated the biggest parliamentary majority in Haryana state bordering New Delhi, with nearly at as much as $5bn by one regional in three decades. Months later the NEW DELHI: Members of the Jat caste in a northern eight million members. Many are farmers who have lobby group. BJP won an outright majority in Har- Indian state have staged riots and arson attacks to suffered from falling crop prices and drought, and Dalal said he had appealed to the yana for the first time. demand preferential access to jobs and education. say their children are facing bleak futures. entire Jat community, which makes Although many of the state’s up a quarter of the population of chief ministers have been Jats, the Here are key questions about India’s caste How have authorities responded? Haryana, to return home. A senior current minister is not. Commenta- system: Thousands of troops were deployed on Satur- officer said state police still faced a tors have faulted him and other BJP What is caste? day after week-long protests turned deadly. After challenge to maintain law and order. leaders for failing to read the social India’s centuries-old caste system divides peo- meeting Jat leaders on Sunday night, the Haryana The army earlier yesterday mood and devoting too much atten- ple into four main classes starting with the priestly government agreed to the Jats’ inclusion in the retook control of a canal that sup- tion to issues like cow protection that Brahmins and ending with the Dalits. quota system. plies three-fifths of the capital’s are a core part of the party’s pro- Although the system has been officially abol- water. Delhi’s chief minister, Arvind Hindu agenda. ished, it still prevails in rural areas and determines What will happen next? Kejriwal, said the army had reo- In a familiar pattern, Modi com- where people live, who they marry and what type Jat leaders have agreed to call off protests com- pened the sluice gates of the Munak pletely ignored the protests, instead of work they do. pletely, and Haryana’s government will prepare a Members of the Jat community shout slogans as canal to the north of the city. Water launching a broadside on Sunday But it’s 2016! bill for Jats’ inclusion in the quota system. The bill was expected to reach the metropolis against unnamed conspirators he India is undergoing rapid economic change, but still faces hurdles since India’s top court mandates they block the Delhi-Haryana national highway early today. The Haryana govern- accused of trying to undermine his millions especially in underdeveloped rural areas a 50 percent cap on quotas for places — which Har- during a protest at Sampla village in Haryana, ment put the death toll at 16 while government. still live on less than $1.25 a day. yana has already reached. yesterday.

Subramanian Swamy moves Rescued bonded labourers to get more compensation

SC for Ram temple Reuters of Rs100,000 ($1,450) from Rs20,000 stuck in debt bondage or born into labourer is given Rs2,000 ($29) and state governments in India have ($290), a senior ministry official said. servitude, according to the 2014 Glo- immediately after being rescued collectively spent nearly Rs2bn on construction The first revision of the scheme bal Slavery Index. and sent back to their home with the rehabilitation assistance for those since 1999 also creates special cate- Nearly half — 16 million — are promise of an additional Rs20,000 rescued from bonded labour. CHENNAI: The Indian government gories to compensate young children, in India. Many are lured from poor, ($290). But with only 18 of 29 Indian IANS plans a five-fold increase in com- including orphans, disabled people rural areas with the promise of good “It’s too little and often comes too states following the scheme, a sub- pensation given to rescued bonded and girls rescued from begging rings jobs or marriage, but then sold into late,” said S Vasanthi, member of the stantial proportion of funds are labourers, but campaigners said more and brothels. domestic work, brick kilns or textile Thiruvallur district Released Bonded unspent. NEW DELHI: BJP leader Subrama- must be done to ensure vulnerable A category for eunuchs, who often industries. Most are unpaid or held in Labour Association in the southern The ministry official, who nian Swamy yesterday moved the people receive the money soon after end up begging on the streets, has debt bondage. state of Tamil Nadu. declined to be identified by name, Supreme Court seeking construc- being rescued, so they can start new also been created and they will be More than a quarter of a million “Some of us have waited for said the central government would tion of Ram temple at the disputed lives. provided with the maximum com- bonded labourers have been com- nearly two years for this amount, take over the scheme to ensure pay- site in Ayodhya. The revised guidelines, await- pensation of Rs300,000 ($4,360). pensated since the scheme was put which doesn’t really help us. How ments were made swiftly. Mentioning his petition before ing final approval from the Ministry Almost 36 million people are in place in 1978, according to govern- can anyone start afresh with just Part of the funds would be put in a bench headed by Chief Justice of Labour and Employment, would enslaved worldwide, trafficked into ment figures. Rs20,000?” an annuity scheme for rescued work- T S Thakur, Swamy said that the increase compensation to a minimum brothels, forced into manual labour, Until now, each identified bonded Between 1978 and 2015, the union ers to provide a monthly income. disputed mosque in Ayodhya could be shifted to a place across the river Saryu and the Ram temple constructed at the disputed site. He said that the report of the Archae- Floating bridge US backs India as global ological Survey of India says that originally there was a Ram tem- ple at the disputed site. The court said that the matter defence leader: Envoy would be listed before the bench already hearing other matters relating to Ram temple-Babri Mas- IANS “Here in India we are focused jid dispute. on helping Indian forces develop the Seeking the enforcement of capabilities and platforms that will his fundamental rights and that of NEW DELHI: India is the only coun- allow them to fulfill India’s stated other people belonging to Hindu try that the US is supporting as a goal of becoming a leading power religion under the constitution’s emerging global defence leader, US in the region and beyond,” he said. Article 26, Swamy has sought “the Ambassador Richard Verma, who Stating that for the US, this part- rebuilding and maintenance of the is of Indian-origin, said yesterday. nership was unique, Verma said: Ram temple at the Ramjanamb- “We are engaged in cooperation “There is no other country in the hoomi site at Ayodhya”. here in India that is not only unprec- world that we are supporting as an Besides this, Swamy has sought edented for this relationship but is emerging global defence leader.” direction for the expeditious hear- qualitatively different than those According to the ambassador, the ing of the appeals before the apex we share with any other country in US’ offers to provide Indian forces court challenging the Allahabad the region, or the world,” Verma said with Apache attack helicopters — High Court order. He said that the while delivering a lecture on “Indo- the most advanced helicopter in US status quo order passed on May 9, US strategic partnership: Present inventory — Chinook heavy-lift heli- 2011 was coming in the way of the A man carries a child on his shoulders while crossing a pontoon bridge in Allahabad yesterday. status and future trends” organised copters and M777 howitzers are akin enforcement of his fundamental by the Indian Association of Foreign to Washington’s defence relations right to have the temple. Affairs Correpondents (IAFAC). with its closest Nato allies. 16 TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 INDIA Police would not enter campus: University chief

Anirban Bhattacharya — said they went into hiding fearing lynching Delhi police chief and not the police. asks JNU students to They had disappeared from join probe and prove the JNU campus after the February 9 event held to mark the anniver- innocence saries of executions of parliament attack convict Afzal Guru and Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front co-founder Maqbool Bhat. IANS JNU has been on the boil over the arrest of its students’ union president Kanhaiya Kumar on sedition charges following the February 9 event. Anti- NEW DELHI: Jawaharlal Nehru Uni- India slogans were allegedly raised versity Vice-Chancellor M Jagadesh at the gathering. Kumar yesterday assured the Bassi told reporters that the five Umar Khalid, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student activist accused of sedition, in New Delhi yesterday. RIGHT: Private security guards teachers’ association that the admin- students should join the probe and istration will not allow police inside prove they are innocent. stand in front of Umar Khalid as other students hold up sheets to shield him at the university. the campus, while Delhi Police “They (the students) should join Commissioner B S Bassi said the the probe. If they are innocent, they five students, who are facing sedi- should present evidence of their tion charges for allegedly raising innocence,” Bassi told reporters. anti-India slogans, should join the Asked if police would enter the Persecution slur on govt as students seethe probe. JNU campus to arrest the students, The decision not to allow police Bassi said: “I am confident that my inside the campus came after a team is competent enough to deal AFP country against his arrest, accus- anti-establishment campus and ide- 42 researchers and faculty members general body meeting between the with the matter.” ing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ologically opposed to the BJP,” said from the leading Indian Institute of JNU Teachers Association (JNUTA) “The investigating officer would Hindu nationalist government of mis- JNU’s Gulshan Sachdeva, referring to Technology Bombay. and the vice-chancellor, in which go for the best available option. using the British-era sedition law to Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party “The state cannot dictate on the the teachers put forward five The world is full of opportunities NEW DELHI: A bitter row over a stifle dissent. (BJP). many meanings of what it is to be demands. and options,” he said. “Police have student’s arrest for sedition at a Modi’s ministers have stood firm, “They were looking for an excuse, ‘Indian’ or mandate the meaning of “The VC said he will respond to proper evidence against the one prestigious Indian university has warning of similar tough action it was intended to send a message,” ‘nationalism’.” the points put forward in the meet- who has been arrested, and in future exposed deep divisions between lib- against anyone engaging in “anti- Sachdeva, a professor at JNU’s School Since sweeping to power in 2014 ing tomorrow (Tuesday). He also too arrests will be made only after eral intellectuals and the nationalist national” behaviour, while in striking of International Studies, told AFP. general elections with a landslide vic- assured that police will not enter the proper probe,” Bassi added. government in the world’s biggest scenes, pro-government lawyers Others warn Kumar’s arrest is the tory, Modi has worked relentlessly to campus,” JNUTA General Secretary Khalid, who addressed students democracy. attacked Kumar at court and pelted latest in a string of incidents on cam- restore India’s place in the world and Bikramaditya Choudhary said. in front of the administration block Student union leader Kanhaiya journalists with stones. puses around the country aimed at boost national pride. The decision came after five of JNU late on Sunday evening, said Kumar is accused of shouting “anti- Academics and others fear muzzling dissent by branding them The prime minister has carried students accused of sedition sur- he was “not a terrorist”, adding that India slogans” during a rally at Kumar’s arrest is politically moti- anti-Indian or anti-national. out extensive foreign outreach and faced on the campus late on Sunday the BJP government “needed an Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) vated, part of a deliberate attempt “We condemn the overreach promoted traditional Indian practices evening. There was speculation that excuse to target the campus”. in New Delhi to mark the anniver- to crack down on liberal activism at of the state in the recent incidents including yoga and Ayurvedic med- they may be arrested. “My name is Umar Khalid and sary of the execution of a Kashmiri JNU, seen as the heart of a proudly in a number of institutions and the icine. But critics say his efforts have The five students — Umar I’m not a terrorist,” he said, con- separatist leader. independent-minded, left-leaning attempts of the Hindu right to stifle emboldened hardline Hindu nation- Khalid, Anant Prakash Narayan, demning the media trial that Thousands of students and teach- intelligentsia. dissent and suppress differences,” alists and fostered an atmosphere of Ashutosh Kumar, Rama Naga and branded him a terrorist. ers have since protested around the “In their minds, this was an said a statement signed last week by intolerance. Sonia Gandhi Three militants killed as siege ends in Kashmir complex says BJP-led IANS trainees and staff members were govt promoting safely evacuated from the complex. The army took over the opera- divisive agenda tion against the guerrillas, believed SRINAGAR: The 48-hour long to belong to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) gunfight in Jammu and Kashmir’s outfit, with a group of specially- IANS Pampore town in which six people, trained para commandos being including five security personnel, brought in to flush them out. were killed so far ended last evening However, two officers of the NEW DELHI: Congress pres- with security forces saying they had elite Para Regiment — Capt Pawan ident Sonia Gandhi yesterday killed three guerrillas hiding in the Kumar of 10 Para and Capt Tushar accused the BJP-led government JKEDI complex. Mahajan of 9 Para regiment — who of unleashing its “divisive agenda “Security forces have killed three were leading from the front were by generating a wholly unwar- militants in the JKEDI (Jammu and killed in the operation after they ranted debate on patriotism and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Develop- entered the multi-storeyed build- nationalism” and said it was the ment Institute) complex in Pampore ing which guerrillas were using as government’s responsibility to town and their bodies have been a fortified bunker. ensure that parliament functions. recovered. Captain Kumar belonged to Gandhi’s strong attack on the “Firing exchanges have stopped Haryana’s Jind district while Cap- government came at a meeting and room-to-room search of the tain Mahajan belonged to Udhampur of the Congress Working Com- multi-storeyed building where the town in the Jammu region. mittee (CWC) here ahead of the militants were hiding is going on,” Another commando identified as budget session of parliament that a senior police officer told IANS Lance Naik Om Prakash was injured begins today. here. in the operation and succumbed in The party issued a statement The 48-hour long gunfight hospital on Sunday. after the meeting, saying educa- between a group of heavily-armed A civilian, Abdul Gani Mir of tional institutions “have not only guerrillas and security forces had Gundipora village in Pulwama dis- been a target but high priority started on Saturday when guer- trict, who worked as a gardener at in the RSS’ nefarious agenda to rillas attacked a Central Reserve the institute was also killed in the impose their ideology on the uni- Police Force (CRPF) bus at Sempora gunfight. versities and colleges”. (Pampore) on the Srinagar-Jammu As many as 15 other security The Congress accused the national highway. personnel including an assistant Bharatiya Janata Party gov- Two CRPF troopers iden- commandant of the CRPF have been ernment in Haryana of “totally tified as head constable Bhola injured in the gunfight and are being mishandling” the situation arising Prasad and driver constable treated in hospital. out of the agitation by the Jats for R K Rana had died in that attack, and At least 15 protesters were quota and the central government the assailants had fled to the nearby injured in Pampore town yesterday of “murder” of the Constitution in JKEDI complex for shelter. in clashes with security forces. Arunachal Pradesh. Security forces immediately The protesters had defied cur- It said the party will raise these surrounded the complex, but the few-like restrictions and were trying The building, in which militants were holed up, in flames during a gun battle on the outskirts of Srinagar issues in parliament in cooperation operation against the guerril- to march towards the site of the with other like-minded parties. yesterday. las started only after around 120 gunfight. Gandhi said the Congress wants parliament to function but the government refuses to accept the democratic right of the opposi- tion to raise burning public issues. Actor Sanjay Dutt to be released from jail on Thursday Making a veiled reference to the controversies surrounding Jawaharlal Nehru University, the suicide of a Dalit youth in Hydera- IANS The 56-year-old celebrity pris- children and other family members. announced by his spokesperson in bad University and the violence in oner will be released after serving the The jail authorities have rejected June last year amid speculation that a Delhi court ahead of proceed- remainder of his five-year sentence a request for a small ‘welcome cer- the actor would be rewarded with ings concerning JNU student leader for possession of illegal arms in the emony’ planned by the family on an early exit from prison for his Kanhaiya Kumar, Gandhi said the PUNE: Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt March 12, 1993 Mumbai serial bomb security grounds, in view of a large good conduct. Of the five-year sen- CWC meeting took place in the (pictured) is all set to be released blasts case. number of the actor’s fans and media tence, Dutt has served more than 50 “most disturbing circumstances from the Yerawada Central Jail here Dutt is scheduled to step out of the contingent expected there, said the months in two installments, exclud- that are causing grave disquiet in Maharashtra on Thursday morn- jail around 9am on February 25 and official requesting anonymity. ing the parole and furlough granted across the country”. ing, an official source said yesterday. will be received by his wife Manyata, The release date of Dutt was first at various times on different grounds. EUROPE TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 17 Migrants trapped in Greece swell into thousands

massed at two locations in north- ern Greece, close to the border with Flow of people Macedonia, while aid groups urged across the border another 4,000, who arrived on the Greek mainland from outlying in Greece slowed islands, not to head to north for fear after Macedonia of creating a bottleneck. demanded additional “Our biggest fear is that the 4,000 migrants who are in Ath- identification from ens head up here and the place will people seeking become overcrowded,” said Antonis Rigas, a coordinator of the medical passage relief charity Medicins Sans Fron- tieres (Doctors Without Borders). Balkan states straddling the migrant route to western and northern Migrants rest as a policeman watches them near Hungary’s border fence on the Serbian side of the border near Morahalom, Hungary, yesterday. Reuters Europe have begun denying passage to individuals not coming from the con- flict regions of Syria and Iraq. One migrant, from Syrian town ATHENS: Thousands of migrants of Aleppo, said Macedonian police Austria takes fingerprints and discards them were stranded in northern Greece did not let him cross the border yesterday after neighbouring Mac- because he did not have a passport. edonia demanded additional “I lost everything in the war, I Reuters do what we’re asked to do.” fingerprints of everyone entering the The situation highlights how identification from people seeking have no documents,” he said. He said Austria, which saw 700,000 country, checks whether they have a European laws are far behind the chal- to cross the border and head to West- he had obtained Greek registration migrants last year, says it is not legally criminal record, but does not save the lenges of the continent’s latest crisis, ern Europe, witnesses said. papers at the island of Lesbos. allowed to save and share with other data if they want to move on to Ger- one that has already seen hundreds of European leaders are concerned Macedonia has erected a metal SPIELFELD: On the Austrian-Slove- European states more than 90 per- many, which most do. thousands of migrants and refugees, that migrants passing through aus- fence topped with razor wire at the nia border, one of the last stops on the cent of the fingerprint data it takes of Roz, a Syrian and mother of two, is mainly from Syria, flooding into the terity-hit Greece to more prosperous main crossing point for migrants along migrant route to Germany, a policeman migrants, a potential security prob- surprised to hear that her family’s fin- continent seeking a new life. countries could end up stranded if its southern border with Greece. Greek explains that after his 12-hour shift tak- lem at a major migrant hub. gerprints are neither saved nor shared. “That is a major problem, we have Greece’s northern neighbours tighten migration minister Yannis Mouzalas ing new arrivals’ fingerprints, most are It is only required to upload onto “They need to know who we are. no records on these people, there are so border controls. criticised his neighbours for shirking lost minutes after they are taken. Europe’s shared fingerprint database, If you record fingerprints of refugees, many moving around the bloc and we Greek officials say the flow of their responsibilities amid the crisis. “We are not allowed to save Eurodac, the data of those who actu- it guarantees security in this country,” have no trace of them whatsoever,” said people across the border slowed Austria has invited Balkan states the fingerprints,” the Austrian ally apply for asylum in the country, she said as she was shown by Austrian one diplomat in Brussels, adding that after Macedonia demanded addi- to a meeting on migration in Vienna on policeman, who wanted to remain which is less than 10 percent of those officials onto a bus that would take some EU countries have tried to push tional identification from people February 24, a day before EU interior anonymous, said as he sat in a tent crossing into Austria. her to the German border, her cho- for changes but they were blocked due seeking passage. About 5,000 people ministers will meet on the migrant crisis. at the Spielfeld border crossing. “We So Austria takes digital sen destination. to privacy protection concerns.

Traffic jams in Barcelona as Lawyers ask court to overturn Assange arrest warrant Reuters Assange, 44, took refuge at the “We consider that there have Ecuador has granted Assange asy- Prosecutor Marianne Ny said the metro strike hits embassy in June 2012 to avoid extra- arisen a number of new circum- lum and he says his rights have been UN panels’ non-binding ruling had no dition to Sweden, where he is wanted stances which mean there is reason infringed because he is unable to impact on the case. In 2010, WikiLe- major mobile fair for questioning over allegations, to review the earlier decision,” Tho- travel to the South American country. aks released more than 90,000 secret STOCKHOLM: Lawyers for Julian which he denies. mas Olsson, one of Assange’s lawyers, Both Britain and Sweden denied documents on the US-led military Assange have asked a Swedish court He says the accusation is a ploy said yesterday. A second lawyer rep- that Assange was being deprived of campaign in Afghanistan, followed by AFP to overturn an arrest warrant for him that would eventually lead to his resenting Assange said he remained freedom and the Swedish prosecu- almost 400,000 US military reports following a ruling by a UN panel that extradition to the United States, where willing to be questioned in the Ecua- tor in charge of the case has said she detailing operations in Iraq. This was his stay in Ecuador’s London embassy a criminal investigation into the activ- doran embassy, according to Sweden’s will renew an application to inter- followed by release of millions of dip- amounts to arbitrary detention. ities of WikiLeaks is still open. national news agency. view Assange. lomatic cables dating back to 1973. BARCELONA: Metro workers in Barcelona went on strike yester- day to demand pay increases and better job security, creating major traffic jams just as the world’s big- Royal honour Cameron in bid to sell gest mobile fair kicked off. Organisers of the Mobile World Congress, which gathers EU deal as London together more than 800 telecoms companies and close to 100,000 attendees, were forced to lay on special bus services for those Mayor backs Brexit depending on public transport. The strike, coupled with rain, sparked traffic jams of up to 12 Reuters profoundly wrong,” Johnson told the kilometres just outside the Span- London Assembly, the elected body ish beachside city, according to which holds the mayor to account. regional transport authorities. His decision to lobby against Metro workers laid on the LONDON: Prime Minister David Cameron was welcomed by lead- bare-minimum service, with half Cameron will try to sell his case ers of the ‘leave’ campaign, which of all trains operating at peak time for Britain staying in the European has been dogged by splits between and just 30 percent the rest of the Union to parliament facing hostil- factions and lacked a uniting polit- day. They are asking for a pay ity from his own lawmakers and ical figure to spread its message increase and for management to a plunging pound after London’s that Britain needs to regain its convert part-time contracts into mayor threw his support behind the sovereignty. full-time ones, and are also due exit campaign. “I’m delighted that he’s come out to stop work tomorrow. Boris Johnson, one of Britain’s for leaving the European Union,” Bus service employees are also most popular politicians, announced former finance minister and chair- planning to down tools today and he supported leaving the bloc, deal- man of the Vote Leave campaign Thursday, while on Friday it will be ing a blow to Cameron who vowed Nigel Lawson said. “He is a superb the turn of rail workers. The Mobile Spain’s King Felipe VI (second left) with Spanish major generals Fernando Fernandez de Bobadilla to campaign to stay in after striking campaigner so he’s a great asset.” World Congress is a major event for (left), Antoni Budino (second right) and Maximo Robles Diez during a royal audience granted at the a deal to reform Britain’s ties with the Odds of a British exit rose to a 33 Barcelona, earning the city some Royal Palace in Madrid yesterday. EU last week. percent chance from about 29 per- €436m ($482m) last year. Cameron shrugged off Johnson’s cent after his announcement. statement, saying the issue of EU While Cameron’s most senior membership cut through usual party cabinet colleagues have stuck with political lines. “The prime minister has him, six others have said they will been clear all along there will be dif- campaign for an exit, highlighting Spain Socialists face balancing act to form govt ferent views on different sides of the the deep divide in his Conservative argument,” his spokeswoman said. Party over Europe dating back to Mar- “Our message to everyone—bear- garet Thatcher. The scale of divisions AFP But Socialist party chief Pedro but no other party was willing to back iron out a joint programme and hope ing in mind that it is people up and should become clear when Cam- Sanchez, whom the king has nominated the PP, which has been tainted by cor- to reach an agreement this week. down the country that will have a vote eron, who hailed Friday’s agreement as candidate to be prime minister, says ruption scandals, so he declined an But a deal between the two would in this referendum rather than just one as handing Britain a special status in he is “reasonably optimistic” that he offer from King Felipe VI to lead the still leave them far from the simple individual—is that we want Britain to the bloc, is due to make a statement MADRID: More than two months will get enough backing to win a par- first round of coalition talks. The mon- majority needed to vote Sanchez have the best of both worlds.” to lawmakers. after inconclusive elections, Spain’s liamentary vote of confidence due on arch then turned to Sanchez. through, and Podemos with its 65 Johnson, who has held his post as But while many Conserva- Socialists are racing against time to March 2 or the next day. The challenge for the Socialists, seats is a key player given that the London mayor since 2008, defended tives may have turned against the win enough support from other par- The December 20 election pro- who came in second in the election PP has said it will vote against any his decision to go against his some- deal, the prime minister was due to ties to form a minority government duced a hung parliament as two new with just 90 seats, is to persuade government it does not lead. time ally, saying those who suggested receive a boost from business lead- while avoiding a risky alliance with parties—centre—right Ciudadanos enough parties to abstain during the The leader of Podemos, pony-tailed Britain could not thrive outside the EU ers who were set to sign a letter anti-austerity party Podemos. and far-left Podemos—grabbed votes vote of confidence to allow a minor- former politics professor Pablo Iglesias, were the same people who wanted the saying the country would be better Acting Prime Minister Mariano from Spain’s traditional parties, the ity government to be approved. refuses to get into a coalition with Ciu- country to make the “catastrophic off in the bloc. Many businesses are Rajoy on Thursday predicted the Socialists and Rajoy’s Popular Party Sanchez’s entourage makes no dadanos which it considers too much to mistake” of joining the euro single keen to end the uncertainty that has Socialists would fail, telling his Brit- (PP), which have alternated power for secret that he would prefer to gov- the right. He argues the Socialists have currency. weighed on markets and companies ish conservative counterpart David decades. The PP won the election but ern alone, or if this is not possible, no option other than to form a left-wing “There are people who don’t scrambling to come up with a ‘plan Cameron at an EU summit that he lost its absolute majority in the 350- with Ciudadanos which won 40 par- coalition government that takes in his think that Britain could stand on B’ if Britain votes to leave the bloc— believes Spain would “most likely” seat parliament. liamentary seats. Negotiating teams party and other smaller groupings with her very own two feet and all the a move that would transform the hold fresh elections in June. Rajoy tried to form a government from both parties have held talks to parliamentary seats. rest of it. I have to say I think that is country’s role in world trade. 18 TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 AMERICAS Apple urges govt Uber driver faces murder charges

AFP will come six counts of murder, two in any way that we can,” Uber’s chief picked up fares between shootings. to form panel on counts of assault with intent to com- security officer, Joe Sullivan, said. “I think as soon as we are able to mit murder, and eight charges of what Uber’s tracking system would latch on to the information about his we call felony firearm, using a firearm show the location of Dalton’s vehi- whereabouts in between the first and CHICAGO: An Uber driver who may during the commission of a felony,” cle during the chain of shootings that second shooting and second shooting encryption row have picked up fares during a week- Getting told reporters yesterday. left six people dead and two seriously and third shooting we will certainly end killing spree was headed to court “Murder charges carry life in wounded at three different locations. . understand where he traveled to and yesterday to face charges of murder- prison without the possibility of A woman was seriously wounded maybe lead us to other sources of ing six people in Michigan. parole. The others, life sentence with outside an apartment complex, two information,” Hadley said. The US Federal Bureau of Kalamazoo County Prosecutor parole.” people were killed at a car dealer- One passenger has described being Apple Chief Executive Investigation is seeking the com- Jeff Getting said local law enforce- Uber confirmed that Dalton was a ship, and four more were shot dead at taken on a wild ride by Dalton a cou- pany’s help to access Syed Rizwan ment agencies were still assessing all driver for the ride-sharing company, a restaurant, where a 14-year-old girl ple of hours before the rampage began. Tim Cook sent a Farook’s phone by disabling some of the crimes 45-year-old Jason Brian adding he had passed a background was also seriously wounded. “We were driving through medians, letter to employees, its passcode protections, which the Dalton will be charged with at an check and had no criminal record. Kalamazoo’s public security through the lawn, speeding along and government said are “non-encryp- arraignment. “We have reached out to the chief, Jeffrey Hadley, said police when we came to a stop, I jumped out making clear the tion barriers.” “I anticipate out of that review police to help with their investigation were looking into reports Dalton the car and ran away,” Matt Mellen said. company’s hardline The latest volley from Apple followed a highly unusual call stance addresses with reporters held by senior Apple broader issues, not executives to respond to the US Department of Justice’s motion ask- Marking scout’s centenary just the phone in ing Apple to comply with a judge’s question order to unlock Farook’s county- owned work phone. But prosecutors acknowledged that their order, also issued was “not Reuters legally necessary” since Apple had not yet responded to the initial court order issued last week. The motion instead targeted Cook’s open letter to custom- WASHINGTON: Apple Inc yesterday ers and criticised the company’s stance urged the creation of a government as a “brand marketing strategy.” panel on encryption to help resolve The Justice Department’s a standoff over national security manoeuvres over the past week, and data privacy that erupted last which included going public with a week after the technology company kind of case that typically would be refused a US government demand to sealed and soliciting victims to file unlock an iPhone linked to one of the their own legal briefs, have prompted killers in a mass shooting in Califor- some Apple supporters to suggest the nia in December. case is a public relations stunt while It was the latest move in a pub- noting that Farook’s work phone lic and symbolic showdown between likely contains little data of value to the US government and technology investigators. companies, both of which are keen Farook and his wife, Tashfeen to set a precedent over how far US Malik, destroyed their personal phones investigators can dictate tech firms before carrying out the shooting ram- handling of their customers’ data. page in San Bernardino, California, Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook which killed 14 and wounded 22. sent a letter to employees yesterday Authorities believe the couple was making clear the company’s hardline inspired by the Islamic State. The stance addresses broader issues, not phone at issue is an iPhone 5c issued just the phone in question. to Farook by San Bernardino County “This case is about much more in his role as a health inspector. than a single phone or a single inves- Privacy advocates have accused tigation,” Cook said in the email to prosecutors of choreographing the employees. “At stake is the data case to achieve a broader goal of security of hundreds of millions of gaining support for legislation or law-abiding people, and setting a a legal precedent that would force dangerous precedent that threat- companies to crack their encryption A scout holds balloons as they commemorate the centenary of Scouting in Haiti at Port-au-Prince, Haiti, yesterday. ens everyone’s civil liberties.” for investigators.

Dream fulfilled: Dancing at 106 Prosecutors seek Rousseff campaign consultant’s arrest with US president AFP The prosecutors office said it had He also advised the campaigns of currency evasion and money-laun- Kickbacks said to have been paid evidence that Joao Santana and his Venezuela’s late president Hugo Chavez dering resulting from a diversion of by construction companies to gain wife Monica secretly received $4.5m and his successor, Nicolas Maduro. funds from Petrobras.” contracts were allegedly used to pay AFP in payments in 2013 and 2014 from a Prosecutors said Santana and It alleged that funds were diverted off prominent politicians. The scheme BRASÍLIA: Prosecutors investigat- figure linked to the Petrobras scandal. his wife have not been arrested yet from Petrobras to Santana by a financial is estimated to have cost Petrobras ing corruption at Brazilian state oil Santana is one of Brazil’s best because they were out of the country. operator, Zwi Skornicki, and by offshore some $2bn over a 10-year period, WASHINGTON: Virginia McLau- giant Petrobras ordered yesterday known political consultants, having The G1 news website said the couple firms controlled by the Odebrecht Group, including years in which Rousseff rin, 106, has lived to see 18 US the arrest of a prominent political played a prominent role as marketing was in the Dominican Republic work- a Brazilian construction giant. chaired the company’s board. presidents, but the African-Ameri- consultant over multimillion-dollar director in the presidential campaigns ing on a presidential campaign there. Skornicki is suspected of having Rousseff has not been accused in can centenarian fulfilled her dream payments he received while working of Rousseff and her predecessor Luiz In a statement, the prosecutor’s paid bribes to Petrobras directors to the scandal, but it has ensnared top of a lifetime by meeting Barack on President Dilma Rousseff’s re-elec- Inacio Lula da Silva. Rousseff was re- office said it was investigating “pos- manipulate the awarding of construc- leaders of her Workers Party as well as Obama—a touching encounter that tion campaign. elected in 2014. sible crimes of corruption, foreign tion contracts. key members of the Brazilian Congress. quickly went viral. Video posted by the White House shows a spry McLaurin waving her cane and breaking Morales says into a jig as she is introduced to the Rubio wins Wall Street fundraising race president and First Lady Michelle result not clear Obama during a visit to the White House. In the footage, McLau- rin greets the first couple with Reuters PACs, fundraising groups that are not in referendum a boisterous “hi!” and her arms directly connected to their campaigns outstretched as her name is but which spend on their behalf. LA PAZ: The government of Evo announced by White House greet- More money could be on the way Morales urged patience following ers. “Slow down, now!” Obama WASHINGTON/NEW YORK: Repub- for Rubio as Republican field narrows. a referendum that would allow the tells the diminutive McLaurin as lican Marco Rubio’s presidential Within minutes of Bush leaving the Bolivian president to seek a fourth she bustles over to give the first run has drawn more money from race, for example, some of his donors term, saying the results were still lady an embrace. “She’s 106!” the Wall Street donors than any other said they were preparing to throw not clear despite media projections president exclaims. “No, you are candidate, according to a review their financial support behind Rubio. to the contrary. not!” Michelle Obama says in dis- of campaign finance disclosures, Wall Street donations, however, Local media projected that belief, clasping McLaurin’s hand. shoring up his position as his party’s can hurt as well as help a candidate, Bolivians had rejected a move to “I want to be like you when I grow establishment alternative to front- especially with voters who blame change the constitution and deny up.” “You can,” McLaurin cheer- runner Donald Trump. bankers for the 2008 financial cri- Morales a bid to seek a fourth term, fully replies. The US senator from Florida has sis and the ensuing Great Recession. potentially extending his presi- At one point in the meeting, all received more than $4m from the “The idea of raising cash from dency until 2025. Voters had their three hold hands as they join in her employees of banks and investment Wall Street is a tricky one,” said Uni- say on a constitutional amendment exuberant celebration dance. firms like versity of Iowa professor Tim Hagle. that would allow Morales and Vice “What’s the secret to still danc- Bank of America Corp, Deutsche “Even on the Republican side, there’s Marco Rubio speaks at a rally at a hotel in North Las Vegas, Nevada. President Alvaro Garcia to seek ing at 106?” Obama asks her, as Bank and Goldman Sachs Group Inc a certain mistrust among the base for another five-year term when their McLaurin giggles with delight. since launching his bid for the pres- that sector.” But Hagle added that the current one ends in 2020. Both The trio pose for a picture—the idency last year, according to the financial support could help Rubio as driven by donations to his allied Super Trump have received some of the have been in power since 2006. statuesque Michelle Obama bend- analysis of individual donations tota- he seeks to become the Republican PAC, Conservative Solutions. Billionaire smallest totals from Wall Street. Morales lost the referendum ing her knees slightly to fit into the ling more than $200 each. party’s anti-Trump candidate. investor Paul Singer endorsed Rubio in Sanders, who has blamed the vote 52.3 percent to 47.7 percent, frame with tiny McLaurin, who Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who “The advantages of having addi- October and contributed $2.5 million to financial crisis on Wall Street and according to unofficial figures barely reached chest-high on the dropped out of the race after poor tional funding at this time seem to be the Super PAC, according to the filings. has promised to break up big banks, cited on private ATB television. high-heel-clad first lady. Despite finishes in the early nominating con- worth the extra criticism that might In January, Rubio raised $9,792, raised $26,650 from bank employees Unitel television gave the “no” all the presidents McLaurin—who tests of Iowa, New Hampshire and come his way as a result,” Hagle said. the third-highest total for the month since launching his bid, a tiny frac- vote as 51 percent to 49 percent. lives in Washington—has seen South Carolina, came in second in Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, who in the presidential field behind tion of the $96 million he has raised Not so fast, Garcia said. “We occupy the White House, Obama Wall Street donations, accumulating won Iowa’s caucuses but trailed Rubio Clinton, with $51,000, and New Jer- from all sources. are facing a clear technical tie, and was the one she wanted fervently $2.45m in contributions, while Dem- slightly in South Carolina’s primary, sey Governor Chris Christie, with Trump, a businessman who is it is highly probable that these fig- to meet. The meeting was espe- ocratic hopeful Hillary Clinton took where he had hoped to win second $26,000. Christie has also dropped self-funding his campaign, raised ures will drastically change” as the cially meaningful for her this month third place with $723,361, according place, has drawn just under $85,000 out of the race. only $1,566 from employees of banks. official count proceeds, Garcia of February, when the nation takes to the review. from Wall Street employees, accord- Bush raised just $5,513 from the Most of Trump’s fundraising has come said, signaling that media projec- note of African American history The amounts include contributions ing to the review. sector in January. Democrat Bernie in the form of selling merchandise on tions showing that a no vote had and achievements. to the candidates’ respective Super The support for Rubio was largely Sanders and Republican Donald his website. prevailed could be wrong.

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Irish DJ and radio personality Annie Mac performs at the Sonar Reykjavik music festival in Reykjavik, Iceland.

INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY Eating less beef can help cut emissions

AFP most likely, unavoidable if the EU tar- he said. Dairy products are also such as oat milk, we would have a gets are to be met,” according to the problematic, according to the study. better chance of meeting our climate findings published in the Food Pol- Producing one kilogramme (pound) targets,” said Wirsenius. STOCKHOLM: EU climate targets icy journal. of protein from dairy results in emis- The authors also explored how won’t be met unless greenhouse gas But Stefan Wirsenius, one of sions four times greater than for an improvements in agricultural tech- emissions linked to beef and dairy the authors of the study written by equivalent amount of poultry. niques could reduce emissions. Halal Qatar consumption are dramatically researchers from Chalmers University “EU and US consumption of “Emissions from manure storage Festival keeps reduced, a Swedish study published of Technology and the SP Technical cheese and other dairy products is can all but be eliminated if the facili- tradition alive. yesterday said. “Reductions, by 50 Research Institute, said there was among the highest in the world. If ties are covered and waste gases are Pic: Baher Amin percent or more, in ruminant meat no need to give up meat completely. we were to replace some of the dairy flared (burned off),” according to lead (beef and mutton) consumption are, “Poultry causes quite low emissions,” products with vegetable products, author David Bryngelsson. Crimean Tatar from Ukraine takes on Stalin’s purges in Eurovision song

Reuters During World War Two, Tatars like Jamala’s KIEV: A Crimean Tatar who sings about Joseph Stalin’s deportation of hundreds of thousands relatives were accused of of people from her Black Sea homeland will being Nazi collaborators represent Ukraine at the Eurovision song contest, two years after Russia annexed the and transported to Central territory. Asia in freight trucks Jamala, a 32-year-old singer, won a domes- without food, water or tic competition on Sunday night to represent Susana Jamaladinova (left) poses for her country. a selfie after the Ukrainian national fresh air. After she finished her song “1944” — the qualification for Eurovision on Sunday. year of the mass deportation of Tatars from the Crimean peninsula — Jamala and one of Army soldiers and transported to Central Asia the judges on the panel struggled to hold back In a sign of simmering anger against Rus- in freight trucks without food, water or fresh tears as they talked about Russia’s annexation sia, protesters also smashed up two branches air. Her great-grandmother’s daughter died of Crimea 70 years later. of Russian-owned banks in downtown Kiev. on board and was tossed from the wagon “like Russia also participates in Eurovision, and While her choice of subject might seem garbage”, she said. Jamala’s presence at this year’s final in Stock- unlikely, Jamala said that telling her family’s Last year, Ukraine’s parliament approved holm in May could add a political edge to a story will help prevent the mistakes of the past a resolution that said the deportations were competition better known as an annual cele- being repeated. tantamount to genocide. bration of kitsch. “The main message is to remember and to Seven decades later, the plight of Tatars Jamala’s victory came on what was already know this story. When we know, we prevent,” was back in focus after Russia wrested control an emotionally charged weekend in Ukraine, she told Reuters in an earlier interview at a of Crimea and backed a pro-Russian separatist which was commemorating more than 100 music studio in Kiev. insurgency on the eastern mainland. protesters who were killed over two days dur- During World War Two, Tatars like Jamala’s Tatars are a Muslim people indigenous to ing the Maidan protests in 2014 that dislodged relatives were accused of being Nazi collab- Crimea who number about 300,000 in the Crimean Tatar singer Susana Jamaladinova, fondly called Jamala, rehearses in Kiev. a pro-Russian president. orators, thrown out of their homes by Red region’s population of two million. Oscar hopes rise for DiCaprio as heartthrob matures with The Revenant

Reuters gest celebrities, will finally take home the best “There are cases when a particular actor Gilbert Grape,” DiCaprio, 41, has swept every after the bear rips out his character’s throat. actor statuette on Sunday. is seen as overdue, and this year it’s definitely major prize in the long Hollywood awards cal- “He’s really good in the film. It’s not like DiCaprio’s fifth acting Oscar nomination, Leonardo DiCaprio,” said Dave Karger, chief endar for his role as taciturn Hugh Glass, who a throwaway award because of his career. I for his role as a fur trapper bent on revenge in correspondent of movie website Fandango. is left for dead in the wilderness after being would be really stunned if he doesn’t win,” LOS ANGELES: In a rollercoaster movie “The Revenant,” will prove the charm, awards “What is great is that he is going to win for mauled by a bear. said Variety reporter Tim Gray. awards season with no clear favourite in the pundits say, and crown the actor’s transfor- the right performance,” Karger said. The actor carries the two-and-a-half hour DiCaprio has tried for years to shake off Oscars best picture race, there is one sure bet mation from teen heartthrob to Hollywood Twenty years after his first Oscar nomi- film, which was shot in sub-zero temperatures his image as the young man who sent women — Leonardo DiCaprio, one of the world’s big- heavyweight. nation as a blue-eyed teen in “What’s Eating over seven months, despite barely speaking swooning in the 1990s with “Titanic”. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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QIB set to expand its operational horizon

manner replacing the existing core have led to attracting new customers banking system that was implemented from different segments, individual Shareholders approve back in 2000. This upgrade will help and corporate. QIB became a major to increase size of expand its operational horizons. competitor in the local market, The Bank did better than most attracting an expanded and diverse Sukuk to $3bn of its peer banks in terms of its asset customer base. Additionally, QIB took growth, financing assets, customer special care of its human resources deposits and net profit. QIB took in terms of training and development significant steps in improving its to help achieve customer satisfaction The Peninsula administrative and operational effi- by providing banking services of the ciency by adapting its organisational highest level. As a result, the Bank’s structure to suit its requirements and efforts were recognised by numer- the increase in the level of banking ous international financial institutions DOHA: QIB, Qatar’s leading Islamic activities. Internal accomplishments and publications. Bank, will expand its operational were headlined by the successful In terms of QIB’s international horizons and allow the bank to offer execution of the technological trans- presence, the business results reg- a range of advanced services to its formation project. istered by QIB’s affiliates and individual and corporate customers. QIB also completed a comprehen- subsidiaries have shown a qualita- This will enable the bank to develop sive renovation of its major branches tive transformation in terms of results innovative banking services and mit- supported by the new system in order and some of them have made positive QIB Chairman Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani (centre) addressing the AGM of the igate any possible operational risk, to provide a superior banking expe- results. “We continue to fulfil all QCB bank in Doha yesterday. QIB Vice-Chairman Abdullatif bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud (left) and CEO Bassel Gamal QIB Chairman Sheikh Jassim bin rience to customers, and started the requirements and Basel III Guidelines are also seen. Pic: Salim M/The Peninsula Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber AI Thani expansion to new locations in major regarding the capital adequacy ratios, announced yesterday. shopping malls, Hamad International in addition to making optimum utili- marked the beginning of a steady rise Customer Deposits registered a strong size of QIB Sukuk programme to $3bn Addressing the bank’s annual gen- Airport, and at key locations across sation of the opportunities in investing to a prominent and significant leap growth of 37 percent to QR92bn. from $1.5bn. It also approved the pro- eral meeting yesterday, Sheikh Jassim Doha, in addition, steps were also and financing in order to sustain our in the Bank’s journey. Total Assets The annual general meeting posal to distribute 42.5 percent cash said QIB moved to T24 core bank- taken to restructure non-performing growth,” Sheikh Jassim said. increased by 32 percent compared to approved the board of directors’ recom- dividends of the nominal value per ing system in a smooth and efficient branches. All these major initiatives The bank’s 2015 full-year results 2014 and now stand at QR127bn, while mendation to increase the maximum share, i.e QR4.25 per share. Oil price weakness continues to pressurise GCC equities

By Satish Kanady However, the The Peninsula investment bank do not see any major support- ing factors for DOHA: Weakness in oil prices will 2016 that could continue to keep GCC equities under trigger an upside pressure. The region’s markets would across the Gulf continue to face pressures in 2016 as exchanges. “We Qatargas Chairman Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, Qatargas CEO Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani, Maersk Group CEO well and have limited upside potential are ‘Under- Nils S Andersen and Shell International Trading Middle East Ltd GM Danny Leek at the signing ceremony. from here on, leading asset manage- weight’ on GCC ment and investment banking firm stocks, albeit Alkabeer Capital noted in its “Glo- the momen- Qatargas and industry leaders to bal Outlook 2016” issued yesterday. tum across these The Saudi-based bank recom- markets is highly mended investors to selectively dependent on oil invest in Gulf markets, with spe- prices and there- develop new markets for LNG cial focus on companies that are not fore any major largely dependent on the hydrocar- movement in bon sector. Also, considering that crude prices could have a significant buffers among the GCC countries GCC equities are underpinned by rel- bearing on Gulf bourses”. have eroded in this low oil price envi- The Peninsula MOU envisages LNG supplies for this industry in pioneering new applica- atively high dividend yields, it further GCC equity markets witnessed ronment, as GCC governments have pioneering initiative to be made avail- tions for LNG and maintaining the recommended investors to focus on high volatility in the year 2015. In the broadly maintained their spending able from Qatargas 4, a joint venture highest environmental standards. companies with good balance sheets first half of 2015, most benchmark levels despite a higher drop in reve- between Qatar Petroleum and Shell We have recently celebrated a glo- and ability to maintain their dividend bourses in the GCC region ended nues. Recent liquidity concerns in the DOHA: Qatargas, the Maersk Group Gas BV, with Maersk Line potentially bal first by proving the use of LNG as payouts for a prolonged period. in positive territory amid a partial banking sector have caused a spike and Shell signed a Memorandum of using the fuel for its merchant vessels. a reliable marine fuel in the converted “We are cognizant of the fact that recovery in oil prices. Opening up of in benchmark interest rates across Understanding (MoU) to explore the Saad Sherida Al Kaabi said: “We diesel engines of our time chartered GDP growth among the Gulf coun- the Saudi Arabian markets to foreign the Gulf countries. Higher borrowing development of LNG as a marine fuel are very proud to continue to pioneer vessel MV Rasheeda, now fitted with tries is likely to take a hit from low investors was one significant reform costs in the region could be a net neg- in the Middle East region. new and novel opportunities to uti- an M-Type Electronically Controlled oil prices and as regional govern- in early 2015 that supported regional ative for the region’s non-oil sector, The MOU was signed at a cere- lize Qatar’s LNG. We are also proud to – Gas Injection System. The signing ments take measures to scale back sentiment. However, GCC mar- especially with the GCC economies mony attended by Saad Sherida Al partner with industry leaders such as of this MOU is an important milestone expenditures in 2016. Additionally, kets more than offset their first half already pressurized by the develop- Kaabi, Chairman of Qatargas Board Maersk and Shell to create potential in this journey”. uncertainty about the future of oil gains and plunged in 2015 to trade ments in the hydrocarbon sector. of Directors, Qatargas CEO Khalid new market opportunities for Qatar’s Nils S Andersen said: “The pos- prices is likely to keep Gulf markets close to multi-year lows, with all key Forward contracts on GCC cur- bin Khalifa Al Thani, Maersk Group LNG and, at the same time, provide sible use of LNG as fuel for ships volatile during the course of 2016. Gulf indices, barring Abu Dhabi’s rencies, also a proxy to gauge investor CEO Nils S Andersen and Shell Inter- ship operators around the globe with presents an opportunity to reduce Any agreement around oil produc- exchange, dropping more than 10 sentiment towards the region, have national Trading Middle East Limited a cleaner fuel alternative to the heavy both SOx emissions and in reducing tion could result in investor interest percent. Mid-year geopolitical ten- risen to multi-year highs amid General Manager, Danny Leek. fuel oils currently in use. As part of the transport sectors CO2 foot print.” returning back to GCC equities”, the sions in Yemen weighed on regional speculation that the mounting fis- Through the joint relationship the the National Vision 2030, the State Michiel Kool, Managing Director research note said. bourses, while an unfavorable out- cal pressure might cause the Middle partners will explore the development of Qatar is committed to playing a and Chairman of Qatar Shell Compa- On the valuations front, the one come in December’s semi-annual Eastern nations to de-peg their cur- of new markets for LNG to be used significant role in preserving and nies said: “Shell is delighted to work in year forward price to earnings ratio Opec meeting triggered a major drop rencies. Most of the concerns on as propulsion fuel for merchant ves- protecting the environment as well partnership with Qatargas and Mae- on the Bloomberg GCC 200 index is in crude oil prices and sparked a sell de-pegging have partially eased sels. This can contribute to improve as researching and investing in new rsk to create new market development trading at 12 times, much lower than off across these markets. after central banks in Saudi Arabia, the environmental footprint of mer- and innovative ways to achieve this.” opportunities for the use of LNG as a the 10-year historical average of 15 According to the analysts, bor- Kuwait, UAE and Bahrain raised bor- chant shipping which currently relies Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani said: marine fuel in the Middle East region times, suggesting that valuations rowings in the GCC is expected to rowing costs to mirror the US Federal predominantly on heavy fuel oils. The “Qatargas is committed to leading the from its Qatargas 4 venture.” across these stocks are compelling. rise going forward. They noted fiscal Reserve’s move to hike interest rates. 22 TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS Cityscape Turkey eyes Qatari investments

30 percent of total transactions. attracting 37 million international vis- According to Turkey’s Ministry of itors in 2014. The country’s real estate Inaugural Cityscape Land Registry, 277 Qatari citizens pur- sector continues to attract significant Turkey exhibition will chased property in 2015 amounting to levels of foreign direct investment, be held from March 484,000 square metres. Investment reaching almost US$5 billion in the from the GCC state has more than first nine months of 2015, according 24 to 26 in Istanbul doubled in the last 24 months, and to Gyoder, the country’s association doubled again in terms of total square of real estate investment companies. meterage. Most interestingly, the total FDI inflow to the real estate and square meterage purchased per capita construction sector totalled $4.8bn The Peninsula is the highest among all countries at in 2015 and is expected to top $10bn over 1,700 square metres per person. in the medium term. Infrastructure “Turkey appeals to the Qatari development is also being priori- investor on multiple levels from the tised, with a third Istanbul airport DOHA: Qatari investors will have a comfort factor of cultural similari- in the pipeline, and with the Turk- unique opportunity to discover Tur- ties such as halal food and plentiful ish government is putting real estate Participants at the exhibition. key’s diverse real estate landscape mosques, through to the cosmopolitan development at the top of its economic and meet with leading local and positioning of a city like Istanbul, or agenda. bear the cost of their five-star hotel purchaser of real estate in the coun- Steady growth in terms of house international developers and market the upscale resort communities found The Turkey event will bring accommodation and airport transfers try, which confirms the attraction prices has been recorded over the last experts at next month’s inaugural Cit- on the various coasts, an abundance together over 50 high profile exhib- and arrange a series of pre-qualified of Turkey as a secure investment three years, with residential rental yscape Turkey exhibition, which will of quality retail locations and growing itors across 7,000 square metres of one-on-one meetings to fast track environment and a destination that rates in key cities also rising by 20 be held from March 24 to 26 at the presence from renowned interna- exhibition floor space, with more the experience and showcase a tai- delivers on quality, backed by a stable per cent over the last 24 months, as Istanbul Congress Center. tional hotel chains. Couple this with than 5,000 regional and interna- lored collection of quality projects economy and acknowledged regula- per Gyoder. According to Reidin, the The latest addition to the City- steady high returns and a wealth tional visitors expected to attend. In a and existing developments that tory transparency, both of which are online real estate information serv- scape portfolio of global events, the of prime developments that meet unique and innovative move, the Cit- meet clients’ exacting requirements,” also key to ensuring investor confi- ice, Istanbul, Antalya and Bursa have new destination showcase follows stringent international construction yscape Turkey team will also invite a remarked Molman. dence,” said Ali Agaoglu, Chairman demonstrated the highest monthly on the back of the success of the standards, and you have a formula select number of prospective Qatari Current investment hotspots for of Agaoglu. return on residential investment at Turkey pavilion at Cityscape Global for investment success,” said Wouter investors to attend through its exclu- Qatari nationals are Turkey’s capital, The 2012 amendment to Turkey’s 0.49 percent. Key exhibitors at the 2015, with a surge in investor interest Molman, Director, Cityscape Global. sive invitation-only hosted buyer Istanbul, as well as Trabzon on the reciprocity law, which made it easier inaugural showcase include Agaoglu, prompting the launch of a dedicated The sixth largest European econ- programme. Black Sea coastline, and Yalova and for foreigners to invest in the market, DAMAC Properties, DKY Insaat, EGE in-country exhibition. omy with current GDP in excess of “We want to connect serious Bursa in the northwest of the country. and purchase a maximum of 60 hec- Yapi, Green Valley Real Estate, Kuzu In 2015, over 500,000 GCC resi- $800bn, Turkey is also the 17th larg- investors with participating devel- “As of 2016, Qatar now ranks in tares – increased from the original 2.5 Group, Metropol Istanbul, Ofton, Piy- dents visited Turkey with investments est economy in the world and sixth opers and reputable brokers directly the top 10 of inward real estate invest- hectares - has also boosted demand alepasa, Polatyol, Quasar Istanbul, from the Gulf accounting for almost most popular tourism destination, and, under this programme, we will ment, and is the 17th largest foreign from Qatari investors. Sinpas and Suryapi.

Commercial Bank announces Deutsche Bank appoints new CRA attends Mobile winners of ‘Reward Points Millionaire’ leadership team for the region World Congress

The Peninsula The Peninsula The Peninsula consumers to raise industry stand- ards and improve mobile services, with the ultimate goal of contrib- uting towards Qatar’s development DOHA: Commercial Bank, Qatar’s DOHA: Deutsche Bank yesterday DOHA: The Communications into a smart digitally connected first private bank, has announced announced the appointment of Jamal Regulatory Authority (CRA) is partic- nation. the runner-up and the grand prize Al Kishi as Chief Executive Officer, ipating in the Mobile World Congress With MWC attracting the most winner of its exciting “Reward Middle East and Africa with immedi- (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain. The senior professionals and thought Points Millionaire” campaign. ate effect, replacing Ashok Aram who CRA delegation will be headed by leaders in the mobile industry, CRA Customers spending a total of as previously announced is relocat- Mohammed Ali Al Mannai, CRA’s is actively participating at the event QR10,000 or more using their ing to Frankfurt as Chief Executive President. to keep abreast of the latest mobile Commercial Bank Credit Card dur- Officer Europe, Middle East and Africa The MWC, organised by the GSM trends and developments to enable ing the campaign period ending (excluding Germany and the UK). Association (GSMA), is the world’s CRA to deliver on its mandate and 31 December were automatically Al Kishi, subject to regulatory largest gathering for the mobile ensure Qatar has competitive, effec- entered into a prize draw. approvals, will remain Chief Execu- industry with more than 95,000 tive and innovative mobile services Commercial Bank customer tive Officer Deutsche Securities Saudi attendees and 2,000 exhibitors for the benefit of all consumers in Sam T Rasheed won the final Arabia. Al Kishi will chair the Mid- Jamal Al Kishi (left) and Salah Jaidah. expected this year, among which are Qatar. Among other highlights of grand prize of one million reward dle East and Africa (MEA) Executive Qatari service providers. CRA Presi- interest to CRA is Ooredoo’s dem- points, with L Taher also winning Committee. Bank’s Middle East and Africa busi- University of Petroleum and Miner- dent is attending MWC as part of the onstration of 5G technology at the 500,000 Reward Points, in a sep- Deutsche Bank also announced ness operations, promoted from als in Saudi Arabia and a Bachelor event’s ministerial programme. event. arate draw for second place. the appointment of Salah Jai- within our existing pool of strong, Degree in Engineering from Arizona Aside from an exhibition, the The Communications Regulatory To ensure that all its customers dah as Chairman Middle East and local talent, will ensure clients in the State University in the United States. MWC Conference examines the Authority (CRA) is the communica- were rewarded during the cam- North Africa, to spearhead Deut- Middle East and Africa retain access Salah Jaidah joined Deutsche current and future of the mobile tions regulator in the state of Qatar paign period, Commercial Bank sche Bank’s comprehensive efforts to the Bank’s global expertise.” Bank in 2011 as Chief Country Officer industry, highlighting specific established by virtue of Emiri also gifted double reward points on with its core clients. Jaidah will con- Jamal Al Kishi joined Deutsche for Qatar and Vice Chairman for the areas of growth as well as the lat- Decree (42) in 2014. CRA regulates all local, international and e-com- tinue as General Manager, Deutsche Bank in 2007 as CEO, Deutsche Middle East and North Africa. Prior to est technological developments, next the communications & information merce Credit Card purchases until Bank AG Doha (QFC) Branch and as Securities Saudi Arabia and Head joining Deutsche Bank, he was Qatar generation of services and growth technology sector, postal services, the end of 2015, to thank cus- Chief Country Officer Qatar and will of Corporate and Investment Bank- Islamic Bank’s (QIB) CEO, a position strategies. Among the high profile and access to digital media. tomers for their loyalty in using continue as a member of the MEA ing. Prior to joining Deutsche Bank he held since 2005. Prior to joining MWC Conference keynote speakers CRA uses its regulatory pow- Commercial Bank’s products and Executive Committee. he spent over 12 years in Corporate QIB, Jaidah was General Manager of are the CEOs of AT&T Mobile, China ers mandated by the Emiri decree services. Remarking on the appointments, and Investment Banking in Saudi Doha Bank, and before that he had a Mobile, Ericsson, Facebook and Intel to protect consumer rights, ensure Commercial Bank reward Ashok Aram said, “The Middle East Arabia. He was a senior executive long and distinguished career with Corporation. competition, manage the resolu- points can be redeemed through and Africa remains an important at Arab National Bank for ten years the Commercial Bank of Qatar. Jai- As Qatar’s communications tion of disputes, and manage the Commercial Bank’s market-lead- part of the Bank’s global network and prior to that he worked in Cor- dah has a Bachelor of Business from regulator, CRA’s mandate includes electromagnetic spectrum. In all its ing loyalty programme, allowing with potential for significant growth porate Banking with Saudi American Texas Christian University and has fostering a thriving communications activities, the CRA seeks to ensure customers to redeem their points aligned with the execution of Strategy Bank, based in Riyadh. Al Kishi has a completed an Advanced Manage- sector, of which the mobile indus- the provision of advanced, inno- for flights to any destination, at any 2020. The new Regional Management Masters in Business Administration, ment Programme at Oxford Business try forms a large part. CRA works vative and reliable ICT and postal time, with no blackout dates. leadership team overseeing Deutsche Banking and Finance from King Fahd School. with both mobile operators and services across Qatar. Alternatively, customers can redeem their reward points for instant discounts at Qatar’s larg- est and most popular department stores, such as Sharaf DG, IKEA, Virgin, Damas, 51 East and many 12 finalist entries for Lexus Design Award 2016 more. Dean Proctor, EGM, Chief, Consumer and Private Banking said: “I congratulate our grand The Peninsula willingness to explore the unpredicta- and interdisciplinary designers Neri&Hu, prize winner and runner up on ble, the judges chose 12 finalist entries for along with designer Max Lamb will return their reward point prizes of 1Mil- their potential contribution to design as mentors, while designer/architect lion reward points and 500,000 innovation. Elena Manferdini and artist/architect rewards points, respectively. This DOHA: Lexus International has 12 final- According to Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Snarkitecture join as the mentors for the first of its kind has been success- ists for the Lexus Design Award 2016. First Chief Representative, Middle East and first time. ful in both securing new Credit launched in 2013 to foster the growth of North Africa Representative Office, Toyo- The Lexus exhibition at Milan Design Card customers and encouraging ideas that can contribute to society, this taMotor Corporation, “The Lexus Design Week will run from April 11 through April existing customers to use their international design competition aims to Award is an attractive showcase for tal- 17 at T32 Turneries/Carrozzeria, Via Tor- Commercial Bank Credit Card for support young up-and-coming creators ented designers from across the globe and tona 32, 20144 (ZonaTortona). their everyday spending.” from around the world. The fourth annual gives them a great platform to showcase The Grand Prix winner of the Lexus “By generously rewarding all staging of the Lexus Design Award drew their inventiveness and creativity in design. Design Award 2016 out of the four selected our customers during the cam- 1,232 entries from 73 countries under the The theme of design is central to Lexus as prototype finalists will be announced on paign period, we have also seen theme of “Anticipation.” a brand in keeping with the Lexus Design April 11 at a glittering award ceremony. an increase in customers enroll- A panel of world-renowned designers philosophy of L-finesse which defines Further details on the Lexus space ing into our rewards programme and creators gathered in November 2015 the core character of all Lexus products. at the 2016 Milan Design Week, which portal, which allows them to view to judge the entries. We look forward to highlighting these is the world’s largest design exhibition, and redeem their reward points This year, entrants impressed the talented individuals and elevate the dis- also known as Salone Del Mobile, will be through any channel, whether judges by creating designs as yet unseen cussion around progressive design in line announced in mid-February. that is through PC, mobile or or undefined but likely to be realised in with the chosen theme.” Last year, the “Lexus – A Journey of the tablet, giving our customers the the near future. The four finalists will produce proto- Senses”exhibit in 2015 earned high acclaim ultimate choice and flexibility,” After extensive discussion, and after types of their designs under the mentorship and won the “Best Entertaining” award at Designs from the international competition. Proctor added. noting the participants’ passion and of globally recognised creators. Architects the “Milano Design Award” competition. BUSINESS TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 23 QC and Moldovan team explore economic ties

bin Ahmed bin Towar Al Kuwari and the President of the Moldova Timpul Moldovan delegation Business People’s Club Igor Krapivka, invites Qatari who is also head of Moldovan del- egation along with a number of businessmen to visit businessmen from different sectors Moldova to discuss of the both countries, attended the meeting. partnerships Krapivka said that the time has come to strengthen economic ties between the two countries, express- ing the hope that the upcoming The Peninsula period would witness new eco- nomic partnerships between Qatari Qatar Chamber and the visiting Moldovan trade delegation in Doha yesterday. businessmen and their Moldovan counterparts as the State of Qatar is DOHA: Qatar Chamber (QC) and the witnessing a set of major projects that his visit to Qatar in 2010. Enterprises (SMEs) to create invest- and their counterparts from all over partnerships between businessmen visiting Moldovan trade delegation any investor desires to invest in, QNA Krapvika gave a background ment atmosphere in Moldova by the world. of both countries. discussed yesterday ways to enhance reported . about Moldova Timpul Business presenting proposals and amend- The Head of Moldovan delegation On the other hand, QC Board of economic relations between the two He added that his country’s People’s Club, explaining that it ments of the draft laws and decisions extended an invitation to Qatari busi- Directors issued a decision appoint- sides . relations with Qatar is witnessing a seeks to gather representatives of concerning investment, hold meet- nessmen to visit his country to learn ing Saleh Hamad Al Sharqi as Qatar QC Vice-Chairman Muhammed remarkable progress, especially since leading Small and Medium-Sized ings between Moldovan businessmen about existing projects and discuss Chamber General Manager. Oil prices unlikely to rise from current levels before 2017: IEA

AFP the International Energy Agency said quickly tapped will limit the scope of eventually be curtailed as investment any economy you care to look at down the road, possibly leading to in its medium-term report, which rallies,” the report said. cuts prompted by low prices translate could see its GDP growth prospects abrupt price spikes, the IEA warned. looks five years ahead. The IEA acknowledged that pre- into lower output. downgraded”. Only Saudi Arabia and Iran have “Only in 2017 will we finally see dicting the oil market “is today a Spending on oil exploration and Global annual average demand any spare production capacity left, PARIS: World oil prices are unlikely oil supply and demand aligned but the task of enormous complexity”, say- equipment is projected to drop by 17 growth over the next five years is and other countries are not investing to rise from current levels before 2017, enormous stocks being accumulated ing experts were still grappling with percent this year after a 24-percent expected at 1.2 million barrels per day enough even to keep current produc- and even then their recovery will be will act as a dampener on the pace of the implications of a dramatic drop in cut in 2015 “which would be the first (mb/d), down from a 1.6 mb/d increase tion going, let alone meet demand slow as massive oil stocks feed into recovery in oil prices when the mar- the oil price from over $100 per bar- time since 1986 that upstream invest- seen in 2015 when demand received growth over coming years. the market, the IEA said yesterday. ket, having balanced, then starts to rel in July 2014 to around $30 today. ment has fallen for two consecutive an initial boost from oil price falls. “The risk of a sharp oil price rise “We must say that today’s oil mar- draw down those stocks,” it said. A year ago, analysts predicted that years”, the IEA noted. But while the current supply/ towards the later part of our forecast ket conditions do not suggest that “While oil prices should start oil oversupply would end by late 2015, Demand for oil, meanwhile, will demand mix is keeping a lid on prices, (around 2021) arising from insufficient prices can recover sharply in the to rise gradually once the market “but that view has proved very wide continue to increase, but at a weaker the current slashing of investment in investment is as potentially de-sta- immediate future — unless, of course, begins rebalancing, the availability of the mark”, it admitted. pace amid financial market tur- oil producing facilities may well hit bilising as the sharp oil price fall has there is a major geopolitical event,” of resources that can be easily and The IEA’s view is that supply will moil and clear signs that “almost the market with bottlenecks further proved to be,” the IEA warned. 24 TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS HSBC results disappoint amid ‘seismic’ shifts

leave the European Union. Net profit for 2015 dropped 1.2 Global banking percent to $13.52bn from the previ- giant’s 2015 net ous year, HSBC said in a filing, while Gulliver takes pay cut profit down 1.2% pre-tax profit of $18.9bn missed ana- lysts’ forecast of $21.8bn. to $13.52bn Group Chairman Douglas Flint Bloomberg in the number of senior employ- described the performance as “broadly ees earning more than 1 million satisfactory” in a statement. But shares euros to 453, from 320 a year ago, slumped after the news, falling 2.19 after currency movements dragged AFP percent by the close in Hong Kong. LONDON: HSBC Holdings Plc more individuals into the category Analysts were troubled that the awarded Stuart Gulliver the low- of staff it must report to meet Euro- bank swung to a $858m pre-tax loss in est pay package since taking over pean bonus rules. HSBC said 1,309 the last quarter, compared to a $1.95bn as chief executive officer in 2011 as of its material risk takers and sen- HONG KONG: Global banking giant profit forecast from a Bloomberg News a larger share of senior bankers at ior managers earned a combined HSBC yesterday reported a shock pre- survey. “We didn’t expect they would Europe’s largest bank earned more $1.5bn, up from 1,178 individuals tax loss in the last quarter of 2015 with report a (quarterly) loss,” said finan- than €1m ($1.1m). earning $1.3bn a year ago. results for the year missing analysts’ cial analyst Jackson Wong of Simsen HSBC CEO Stuart Gulliver. Gulliver, 56, had his variable HSBC’s highest paid senior exec- expectations, as it grapples with “seis- Securities. pay for 2015 cut to £3m ($4.2m) utive, who wasn’t identified in the mic shifts” in the world economy. In a press conference yesterday, in Asia-Pacific” the report said. be in the best interests of sharehold- from £3.4m a year earlier, the Lon- annual report, was awarded total HSBC last year announced a radical CEO Stuart Gulliver pointed to high HSBC said it was cooperating with ers,” Gulliver said. “We have therefore don-based bank said in its annual pay and bonuses worth £10.3m. overhaul of its business to cut costs that loan impairment charges in the fourth the investigation. decided to retain and restructure our report yesterday. His salary and Chairman Douglas Flint’s total pay included shedding 50,000 jobs world- quarter — up 32 percent to $1.64bn com- It comes as the bank tries to move Turkish operations.” share allowances remained at was little changed at £2.5m, while wide, exiting unprofitable businesses pared with the same quarter in 2014. beyond recent scandals, including the Flint said China’s slower economic £3.6m, while benefits increased Finance Director Iain Mackay saw and focusing more on Asia. The bad-loan charges were partly rigging of foreign exchange markets. growth would create a “bumpier finan- to £662,000 from £589,000 a year his compensation rise by £176,000 Like many global banks, HSBC is driven up by the oil and gas sector, the Gulliver said in a statement that cial environment” in 2016, but the bank earlier. to £4.3m. combating turmoil in global finan- company said. In a new blow, HSBC also cost-cutting measures meant HSBC would continue to focus on the world’s HSBC cut the annual bonus pool Gulliver, who was given bank- cial markets that has seen stocks and revealed it is one of the banks being was now a “leaner business”. second-largest economy as it becomes to $3.5bn from $3.6bn in 2014 as owned accommodation in Hong commodities plunge, while stricter reg- investigated by the US Securities and But he admitted plans to sell HSBC’s more consumer orientated. profit was hit by loan-impairment Kong worth £281,000 and a car ulations have driven up costs. Exchange Commission in relation to its Turkey business, announced as part of HSBC earlier this month decided charges and fair-value losses on worth £87,000, met 45 percent of Last week Europe’s largest bank hiring practices in Asia-Pacific. the cuts, had been put on hold after the to keep its headquarters in London its debt. Overall employee com- his targets in 2015 leading to total said it would keep its headquarters The investigation is looking at hir- bank failed to find any buyers. after a 10-month review, but Flint last pensation fell to $19.9bn last year compensation of £7.34m. He could in London, despite concerns about ing practices of candidates “referred “We have received a number of week told the BBC it could shift 1,000 from $20.4bn. have earned more than £10.7mhad growing regulation in Britain and an by or related to government officials or offers for our business in Turkey since jobs to Paris if Britain votes to leave The bank reported an increase he met all of his targets. upcoming vote on whether it could employees of state-owned enterprises June, none of which were deemed to the EU in June. Samsung, LG unveil new devices in bid for smartphone recovery

Reuters prompting hundreds of people to rush to the stage to record the moment. LG, which lost money from its mobile business last year as its flag- BARCELONA: Samsung Electronics ship products struggled, introduced a Co Ltd and LG Electronics Inc unveiled modular design to its new G5 smart- their latest smartphones at the Mobile phones that allows users to replace World Congress industry show in Bar- or upgrade functions such as cam- celona, seeking to buck the slowdown era and audio independently. in industry growth. It also launched a virtual reality Phone makers face another tough headset and accessories including a year in 2016 as subdued global growth drone controller to pair with the G5. Facebook founder and Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg (left) is greeted by Samsung’s Mobile Communications Business President Dongjin Koh and persisting currency weakness in Analysts and investors cheered LG’s key emerging markets sap consumers’ features, which they said were differ- during the unveiling of the Samsung S7 and S7 edge smartphones at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona yesterday. RIGHT: A visitor takes spending power. A push by Chinese ent enough to possibly revive sales, a photo of the new Galaxy S7 mobile device at the show. manufacturers to expand overseas but were lukewarm about Samsung’s amid slowing growth in their domes- offerings, saying they only featured as much buzz,” Park said. growth to slow to 8.1 percent from 10.3 Pay, will launch in China in March, a “The challenge you have got in the tic market may also undercut margins incremental upgrades. Samsung shares were down 1.3 per- percent a year earlier. month after Apple launched its Apple smartphone market is breaking through further. “I think it’s possible for LG’s mobile cent as of 0212 GMT, underperforming Margin pressures are also expected Pay service in the world’s biggest smart- all that sameness. From a design and In a bid to recapture market share, business to recover on its new product a 0.2 percent fall for the broader mar- to intensify for the industry as Chi- phone market. functionality perspective, everything Samsung launched two new versions launch, since they delivered significant ket , while LG shares were up 3 percent. nese manufacturers seek to expand The company fell out of the top five looks and feels the same,” said Bob of its Galaxy S smartphone and brought changes with the G5,” said Seoul-based Revamps could prove key to smart- overseas to counter slowing domes- in the world’s top smartphone market O’Donnell, president of Technalysis in Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark HDC Asset Management fund man- phone makers as 2016 shapes up to be tic demand. last year but hopes that its easy-to-use Research. Zuckerberg for a surprise appearance ager Park Jung-hoon. “The Galaxy S7, another tough year: researcher Trend- Samsung on Saturday said its payments service will help it regain “So the challenge is finding things to tout the potential of virtual reality, however, doesn’t seem to be creating Force expects the smartphone market mobile payments service, Samsung sales momentum. that stick out.”

Vodafone CEO talks up benefits Tata Motors Transatlantic free-trade of going Dutch with Liberty renames treaty talks between Zica as Tiago US and EU begin Reuters MUMBAI: Tata Motors Ltd said yesterday it has renamed its Zica hatchback as Tiago. AFP involve setting up a special court. The car maker had said Opponents say TTIP is undem- BARCELONA: The chief executive it would have a new name ocratic and would lead to reckless of Vodafone underlined the benefits for the car, showcased at the deregulation at the expense of ordi- of the company’s plan to work with New Delhi motor show this BRUSSELS: Top negotiators on a huge nary citizens. Liberty Global in the Netherlands, an month, after the outbreak of transatlantic trade treaty between The two sides aim to conclude arrangement being closely watched the Zika virus. the EU and US opened new talks yes- TTIP this year, before the end of by analysts and investors who hope Tata Motors is seeking terday with the aim to tackle one of the Obama administration in the the two firms will one day reach a an image makeover with the deal’s most controversial aspects. US. President Barack Obama trav- wider deal. the curvaceous hatchback, The Transatlantic Trade and els to Germany in April to discuss Vodafone was in talks last year which is being endorsed by Investment Partnership (TTIP), under the deal with German Chancellor with John Malone’s Liberty about asset world soccer player of the negotiation since July 2013, would Angela Merkel. swaps or other tie-ups in Europe, which year Lionel Messi. create the world’s biggest free trade Washington and Brussels are potentially would have enabled allow The hatchback will zone, removing tariffs and harmo- thought to be close to agreement on both to offer a richer package of TV, compete with vehicles in a nising regulation between the Europe eliminating tariffs and barriers on 97 broadband and mobile in countries similar class from Maruti Union and the United States. percent of trade between the two sides. like Britain and Germany. Vodafone’s Chief Executive Vittorio Colao delivers a keynote speech Suzuki India Ltd and Hyundai EU sources said the negotiators But a raft of thorny issues remain Those talks collapsed, but a more during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona yesterday. Motor Co, where prices start would for the first time discuss in to be discussed, in particular Euro- limited joint venture in the Nether- at Rs400,000 ($5,830). detail a divisive proposal to create pean fears about accepting genetically lands was agreed earlier this month. Liberty Global should extend the joint tighter obligations on Openreach in India’s fifth-biggest an investment protection system that modified crops from America and “If we work well with Liberty of venture model to Britain. terms of performance and price. automaker, which owns would allow companies to sue gov- concerns about limits on data-shar- course it’s much better than if we But he said a deal would only Vodafone recently launched the Jaguar and Land Rover ernments when they believe their ing by global Internet firms. don’t, and if we get used to our own come after a review of BT’s fixed- fixed-line broadband using Open- brands, has struggled to dis- interests have been harmed. “The most sensitive issues have not different cultures, it is of course an line infrastructure arm Openreach reach’s network. “We are getting a pel perceptions of cheapness This idea has drawn fierce criti- been treated and we are a long way enrichment and a positive,” Vittorio is completed — findings are due on decent amount of customers each since releasing its Nano cars cism in Europe, especially in Germany, from an accord,” said Gerard Araud, Colao told journalists at the Mobile Thursday — and European regula- month, and when we are ready we seven years ago costing under where hundreds of thousands of peo- France’s ambassador to Washington. World Conference in Barcelona yes- tors rule on Hutchison’s purchase of will launch our own content-rich TV $3,000. Tata will apply for ple rallied in October to oppose the “There won’t be an agreement before terday. He said, however, that every Telefonica’s O2. offer,” Colao said, but he added the regulatory registrations and massive free-trade accord. the end of the Obama administra- country and every situation had to be In the case of BT, Colao said he company had not yet struck the con- is working towards the mar- The European Commission, which tion, which means nothing before looked at on its own merits. wanted the regulator to either rec- tent deals it wanted. ket launch of Tiago by March handles trade talks for the EU’s 28 2017/2018 at best,” he predicted. Analyst Sam Dhillon at RBC Cap- ommend that the company should “For the time being we have not end, it said in a statement. member states, will offer the US This week’s talks in Brussels are ital Markets said that Vodafone and be split up, or instead, impose much reached an agreement with BT,” he said. an alternative proposal that would the 12th round of TTIP negotiations. BUSINESS TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 25

Up to 90m Takata airbag Car fitted with tyre snow socks inflators may face recalls

occupants. The number of vehicles to recall the remaining inflators, affected remains unclear because said spokesman Gordon Trow- In all, as many many have more than one inflator, bridge. “This issue will take years as 120 million and not always from the same man- to resolve,” Trowbridge said. ufacturer. Before recent recalls of Takata produced between 260 Takata inflators 5.4 million inflators, federal regula- million and 285 million ammonium in US vehicles tors said about 24 million defective nitrate-based inflators worldwide Takata inflators were used in about between 2000 and 2015, of which contain the same 19 million vehicles that have been nearly half wound up in US vehicles. volatile chemical — recalled since 2004. Takata supplied those inflators ammonium nitrate The former managers described to more than a dozen carmakers. Its “chronic” quality failures at Taka- single largest client was Honda Motor — used in inflators ta’s North American inflator plants, Co, which still owns a minority stake that carmakers have an assessment reflected in dozens of in Takata and has recalled more than company emails and documents dat- 8 million defective Takata inflators recalled ing back to 2001. Those problems, in the US. Takata produced most of the former managers said, make it the inflators that regulators are now difficult for the company and reg- investigating at its main inflator plant ulators to pinpoint which inflators in Monclova, Mexico or at plants in Reuters — among tens of millions — pose a Georgia and Washington state. danger. Last month, Takata told NHTSA “You have no way of knowing,” in a filing that “manufacturing var- A car fitted with tyre snow socks drives on a snow covered road near the Lawers Dam in Scotland yesterday, said one of the former Takata man- iability” may have contributed to DETROIT/WASHINGTON: US auto agers, who has direct knowledge of the ruptures. The manufacturing safety regulators are examining the company’s history of manufac- problems are detailed in dozens of whether an additional 70 million to turing problems. Takata declined to internal Takata emails, spreadsheets 90 million Takata Corp airbag infla- comment when asked about the pos- and presentations. The records show tors should be recalled because they sibility of massive additional recalls the problems are more pervasive and may endanger drivers, according to a and whether another 70 million to continued for a longer period than Sysco to buy London’s Brakes Group person with knowledge of the matter. 90 million inflators still in vehicles those previously reported. That would nearly quadruple could endanger drivers. A torrent of Among the issues: metal shavings the 29 million inflators recalled so new recalls could cost the company inside some inflator parts; improperly far and linked to nine deaths in the billions of dollars and add years to welded inflator casings; bad propel- Reuters management on the timing of the Sysco’s Chief Financial Officer Joel United States. the replacement process. lant wafers, and bent or damaged deal, given the volatility in stock mar- Grade said. In all, as many as 120 million Takata cited its agreement with parts. Those problems eventually kets, and the price, 12 times Brakes’s The deal comes eight months Takata inflators in US vehicles con- regulators in November to pay a could allow moisture to contaminate adjusted earnings before interest, after Sysco dropped its 18-month long tain the same volatile chemical $70m penalty to NHTSA in a settle- the ammonium nitrate propellant, LONDON: Sysco Corp, the largest tax, depreciation and amortization pursuit of smaller rival US Foods after — ammonium nitrate — used in infla- ment that included its commitment to which in turn could lead to an infla- US food distributor, said it would (EBITDA). the Federal Trade Commission sued tors that carmakers have recalled, stop making inflators that use ammo- tor rupture. buy London-based food distribu- “This deal was totally consist- to block the $3.5 billion acquisition. according to company documents nium nitrate by 2018. It also pledged A 2006 internal log of quality tor Brakes Group from Bain Capital ent with how we have outlined our Sysco had bid for Brakes in 2007, reviewed by Reuters and verified by to declare all remaining ammonium issues noted problems with infla- Private Equity in a deal valued at strategy over time. In terms of why when Bain bought it for about $2.8 two former Takata managers. The nitrate inflators defective by 2019 tors sold to Mazda Motor Corp, Ford about $3.1bn to strengthen its pres- now ... when it comes to acquisitions, billion, but walked away at an early total number has not been previ- unless it can demonstrate they are safe. Motor Co, BMW AG, Honda Motor ence in Europe. it is usually the seller that controls stage. Sysco said that its latest offer ously reported. The National Highway Trans- Co, Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz, Sysco’s shares fell as much as 6.5 the time,” Sysco’s Chief Executive Bill for Brakes included the repayment of The Japanese supplier, one of the portation Safety Administration and Toyota Motor Corp. The log percent, their steepest intra-day drop DeLaney said. about $2.3bn of Brakes’s debt. Brakes world’s largest airbag manufacturers, continues to investigate all Takata listed problems including metal since May 2010, to $42.05 in midday Brakes’s EBITDA multiple com- put plans to list on the London Stock has said some inflators can rupture inflators using ammonium nitrate, shavings and contamination, bro- trading yesterday. pared favourably with those of its Exchange on hold in January due to and explode with excessive force, but it has not yet found sufficient ken or missing clips, and deformed Analysts, on a conference European peers, which are some- a slump in the global stock markets, spraying metal shards at vehicle evidence to direct automakers or misaligned parts. call, mainly questioned Sysco’s what higher than U.S. companies, the Guardian had reported.

Time running out Airbus workers protest Britain’s bankers step up for EU wheat opposition to Brexit exports after lost

Egyptian sales Reuters would back the campaign to leave the EU, a day after the referendum date was set for June 23. The mayor’s Reuters decision saw sterling and British bond LONDON: Britain’s financial industry prices fall. stepped up its campaign against the HSBC, Europe’s biggest bank, has PARIS: Wrangling over terms for country leaving the European Union already said it could move around sales to Egypt and slow demand yesterday after Prime Minister David 1,000 jobs to France if Britain quit the from Middle Eastern buyers hit Cameron named a date for the refer- EU and warned a Brexit could make by low oil prices have dampened endum on membership of the bloc. it harder to process large payments hopes for a rush of European Union London’s banking sector is denominated in euros and affect its wheat exports to trim large stock- among the industries with the most transaction volumes. HSBC Chairman piles, traders and analysts said. to lose if Britain leaves the EU, Douglas Flint said every big com- Competition from Russia, according to many economists who pany in Britain would be analysing Ukraine and Argentina in a world say an exit could hamper its ability the impact of a vote for Brexit. Sev- awash with record wheat supplies to operate in the single European eral major global investment banks has also limited the scope for EU market and lead to thousands of have donated money to the campaign exports to accelerate after a tepid jobs being shifted to the euro zone. to keep Britain in the EU. start to July-June marketing season. A deal struck by Cameron to Britain’s financial and pro- EU exports have picked up reform Britain’s relationship with fessional services sector employs in the past couple of months as the bloc last week was welcomed around 7 percent of the coun- benchmark prices approached by some executives as it ensured try’s workforce. The wording over five-year lows, but soft wheat UK regulators would continue to be the industry’s regulation was one export licences show the volume the main supervisors of the coun- of the final sticking points during exported so far in 2015-16 is still 15 try’s banks, rather than control being last week’s negotiations on Brit- An Airbus Nantes union flag flies as hundreds of Airbus employees gather in Bouguenais, western percent below last season’s pace. ceded to eurozone officials. ain’s relationship with the EU, with After a record 2015 soft wheat France, yesterday to protest against the aeroplane company’s will to force workers to punch in and But that relief was tempered Cameron seeking to ensure the Bank harvest, the slow exports mean out wearing work overalls. by London Mayor Boris Johnson’s of England would remain the main the EU is on course for its biggest announcement on Sunday that he supervisor of British banks. end of season stocks in seven years while top producer France its fac- ing its biggest stockpile in 17 years, according to official forecasts. Weeks of tensions between India set to seal $1.6bn power plant deal in Bangladesh Egypt and its suppliers have put a brake on trade. Egypt, the world’s largest wheat buyer, has sent con- tradictory messages about whether Reuters Pakistan to Djibouti on the African percent funding of the project’s costs tenders, it is very normal — either we The project, though, has raised or not it would accept wheat ship- coast where it is building a naval base. at a soft interest rate of around 1 per- win or lose the bids.” India and China environmental concerns, with activ- ments with any presence of the After years of negotiations, cent above Libor, the leading global have stepped up bids for infrastruc- ists warning that the movement of ergot fungus. India’s Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd benchmark for pricing transactions, ture projects in the region in recent coal posed a threat to the nearby Sun- The outlook for EU countries NEW DELHI/DHAKA: A state-run (BHEL) will sign a contract to build a an Indian government official said. years, with Indian Prime Minister darbans, the world’s largest mangrove such as Germany, Poland and the Indian firm is poised to seal a con- 1,320-megawatt (MW) thermal power On Friday, Libor stood at 1.13 per- Narendra Modi pushing for a greater forests. They said the government had Baltic states, which supply higher- tract to build a $1.6bn power plant in station in Khulna in southern Bangla- cent for a dollar loan for a year. “Exim engagement with smaller neighbours acquired the land and pressed on with quality wheat to Middle Eastern Bangladesh, beating out a Chinese desh on February 28, officials in New is very positive about it, very bullish after years of neglect. the power station even before the envi- markets, has been clouded by signs competitor in the latest commercial Delhi and Dhaka said. about it and looking to taking this for- The loss of the power project is ronmental assessment was completed. oil-dependent states are slowing tussle between the region’s two dom- China’s Harbin Electric Interna- ward,” David Rasquinha, the bank’s the second setback for China, after “This will have a devastating and purchases. Ongoing tensions over inant powers. tional Company Ltd, which has power deputy managing director, said of the Japan muscled into Bangladesh’s port irreversible impact on the Sundar- terms of tenders from Jordan have After China’s recent success in projects in Iran, Turkey and Indonesia Khulna project. sector last year, offering 80 percent bans, its ecology and biodiversity,” also weighed on EU exports. pushing development projects in Sri among others, lost the bid on techni- It would be the biggest foreign financing on easy terms for a seaport, said Anu Mohammad, secretary of Traders are especially wait- Lanka, a breakthrough in Bangladesh cal grounds, said a Bangladesh official. project by an Indian power firm, barely 25km from a $8bn deep water the National Committee to Protect ing for Saudi Arabia to return to would be welcome news for Indian But Anwarul Azim, a spokesman for the eclipsing a plant already built in port that Beijing was negotiating to Oil, Gas, Power, Port and Mineral the market after falling behind in officials who have long fretted over Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Rwanda and a planned one in Sri construct. Resources. “We need power but not its usual tender cycle. “The fall in Beijing’s encroachment on to terri- Company Ltd, a joint venture set up to Lanka. Officials at China’s Harbin who The proposed power plant will have at the cost of Sundarbans.” Bang- crude oil prices means govern- tory it considers its own back yard. build the coal-fired plant, said BHEL dealt with the bid were not immedi- two units of 660 MW that will generate ladesh Finance Minister Abul Maal ments do not have anywhere near India believes Bangladesh is a was the lowest bidder. ately available for comment. power for local consumption. Nearly Abdul Muhith, however, told report- the amount of funds they expected part of a “String of Pearls” China is The Indian government’s exter- But an employee in the after-sale two-fifths of Bangladesh’s 160 million ers recently that the necessary steps only a few months ago,” one Ger- building across the Indian Ocean nal lending arm, the Exim Bank, has service department said: “The com- people do not have access to electricity, had been taken to reduce the impact man trader said. that stretches from Gwadar port in backed up BHEL’s offer with nearly 70 pany has been involved in many such according to the World Bank. on the environment. 26 TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS

QE INDICES SUMMARY QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE QE Index 9,913.32 0.06 % QE Total Return Index 15,486.85 0.22 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,532.07 0.26 % QE All Share Index 2,655.23 0.32 % QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,699.86 0.39 % QE All Share Industrials 2,932.25 2.22 % QE All Share Transportation 2,357.61 1.13 % QE All Share Real Estate 2,143.64 0.69 % QE All Share Insurance 4,227.76 0.04 % QE All Share Telecoms 1,053.44 0.02 % QE All Share Consumer Goods & Services 5,878.65 0.67 %

QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON 22-02-2016 Today 21-02-2016 Previous day Index 9,913.32 9,907.82 Change 5.50 59.43 % 0.06 0.60 YTD% 4.95 5 Volume 14,575,025 12,888,526 Value (QAR) 495,972,569.64 458,482,305.99 Trades 6,140 5,182 Up 26 | Down 10 | Unchanged 03

WORLD STOCK INDICES Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low All Ordinaries 5056.558 48.278 0.96 5379.6 4762.1 Cac 40 Index/D 4293.42 70.38 1.67 4586.11 3892.46 Dj Indu Average 16391.99 -21.44 -0.13 18351.4 15370.3 Hang Seng Inde/D 19464.09 178.59 0.93 21794.84 18278.8 Iseq Overall/D 6168.71 43.34 0.71 6791.68 5611.89 Karachi 100 In/D 30677.68 -334.09 -1.08 33304.4 29785 Nikkei 225 Index 16111.05 143.88 0.9 18951.12 14865.77 S&P 500 Index/D 1917.78 -0.05 0 2134.72 1810.1

EXCHANGE RATE Currency Buying Selling US$ QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 UK QR 5.1067 QR 5.1795 INTERNATIONAL MARKETS - A LIST OF SHARES FROM THE WORLD Euro QR 3.9954 QR 4.0517 COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME CA$ QR 2.6235 QR 2.6756 NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED Swiss Fr QR 3.6313 QR 3.6829 Yen QR 0.0319 QR 0.0328 A c c-a/d 1287.65 11.5 10952 Escorts fin-b/d 3.78 -0.02 9461 Kalyani stel-t/d 146.7 5.5 35868 Thirumalai-b/d 147.4 -0.9 4103 Aus$ QR 2.5941 QR 2.6463 Aarti drugs-b/d 488.4 19.15 4004 Escorts-a/d 121.75 2.35 37197 Kanoria chem-b/d 53 -0.95 21397 Til ltd.-T/d 355 17.7 2106 Ind Re QR 0.0526 QR 0.0536 Aban offs-a/d 170.45 2.6 546570 Eveready indu-/d 220.65 4.3 24595 Kg denim-b/d 51.3 -0.4 12737 Timexgroup-t/d 26.85 -0.6 5809 Ador welding-b/d 254.4 5.3 3105 F d c-b/d 181.8 0.65 1949 Kilburnengg-xd/d 56.6 -1.8 15754 Tinplate-b/d 61.85 0.6 23875 Pak Re QR 0.0344 QR 0.0352 Aegis logis-b/d 86.9 1.05 5432 Federal bank-a/d 49.45 1.05 360927 Kilburnengg-xd/d 56.6 -1.8 15754 Ultramarine-b/d 108.8 7.1 25143 Peso QR 0.0759 QR 0.0774 Alembic-b/d 34.5 0.35 42879 Ferro alloys-b/d 4.7 0.03 13601 Kopran-b/d 45.75 0.95 68597 Unitech p -a/d 3.89 0.08 9095532 SL Re QR 0.0249 QR 0.0257 Alkyl amines-b/d 300.2 0.2 1933 Finolex-a/d 306.55 3.2 3268 Lakshmi elec-b/d 325.1 -2.6 1439 Univcable-b/d 70.25 0.65 1277 Taka QR 0.0459 QR 0.0469 Alok indus-a/d 3.89 0.03 971097 Forbes-b/d 1300.75 138 58094 Laxmi prcisn-b/d 32.85 -1.7 2175 Uppergsugar-t/d 56 1.6 1317 Apollo tyre-a/d 162.5 1.8 218946 Gail-a/d 321.8 -4.2 55998 Lloyd metal-b/d 13.7 0.58 24759 Nep Re QR 0.0330 QR 0.0337 Asahi i glass-/d 148.35 -2.1 8348 Gammon india-t/d 13.9 0 26277 Lok.Hous&con-b/d 5.78 -0.01 22904 LONDON SA Rand QR 0.2355 QR 0.2402 Ashok leyland-/d 92.2 1 800156 Garden p -b/d 22.75 0.3 2608 Lumax ind-b/d 378.6 -8 3296 Ballarpur in-b/d 13.2 0.05 129031 Godfrey phil-b/d 1121.35 61.85 101599 Lupin-a/d 1810.95 28 37140 Bata india-a/d 488.6 2.9 26606 Goodricke-b/d 163.6 3.9 10524 Lupin-a/d 1810.95 28 37140 3I group/d 426.5 5.7 359605 GOLD AND SILVER Bayer crop-a/d 3394.85 7.25 1733 Goodyear i -b/d 473 -6 2665 Lyka labs-t/d 70.75 3.95 60222 Assoc.Br.Foods/d 3308 53 315295 GOLD QR141.4850 per gramme Beml ltd-a/d 1040.45 67.35 74823 Hcl infosys-b/d 37.5 1.55 365245 Mafatlal ind-b/d 221.1 -3.8 2006 Barclays/d 163.9 2.2 9093725 Bh electronic-/d 1157.95 27.4 33159 Him.Fut.Comm-t/d 18 0.15 914811 Mah.Seamless-b/d 137 1.4 6640 Bp/d 352.6 9.35 9274850 SILVER QR1.7658 per gramme Bhansali eng-t/d 17.15 -0.1 56845 Himat seide-b/d 165.1 -5.35 29855 Maha scooter-b/d 1205 19 1044 Brit am tobacc/d 3863 33 601563 Bharat bijle-b/d 754.25 17.25 14622 Hind motors-t/d 5.09 0.06 35849 Mangalam cem-b/d 170 -8.4 5172 Bt group/d 468.05 10.2 4471522 Bharatgears-b/d 57.25 -0.55 2672 Hind org chem-/d 12.95 -0.15 6480 Maral overs-b/d 25 1.3 39483 Centrica/d 212.7 1.2 6785018 Bhartiya int-b/d 501 11.75 10811 Hind unilever-/d 858.85 33.2 149131 Mastek-b/d 114.8 6.9 26240 Gkn/d 287.9 8.7 1722435 Bhel-a/d 101.25 -0.65 1083506 Hind.Petrol-a/d 676.6 11.35 90995 Max india l-a/d 343 -2.4 13702 Hsbc holdings/d 438.2 -11.65 26828983 European stock Bom.Burmah-b/d 360.5 8.6 4734 Hindalco-a/d 69.5 0.4 751423 Mrpl-a/d 59.35 0.25 34037 Kingfisher/d 342.1 0 1137292 Bombay dyeing-/d 42.45 1.15 161423 Hous dev fin-a/d 1058.35 -2.4 66060 Nahar spg.-B/d 86.9 0.9 7791 Land secs grou/d 1018 -18 798934 Canfin homes-b/d 964 19.45 2573 I f c i-a/d 20.75 0.15 469894 Nation alum -a/d 34.05 0.6 92943 Legal & genera/d 224.3756 2.4 2958383 markets rally Caprihans-xc/d 80 -0.1 8570 Idbi-a/d 56.85 2 756357 Navneet edu-b/d 83.75 -0.5 2785 Lloyds bnk grp/d 63.09 1.29 61375318 Castrol india-/d 407.1 17.25 45945 Ifb agro-b/d 399.9 19.8 2559 Nepc india-t/d 1.64 0.07 7805 Marks & sp./D 435.2 2.8 708227 Century enka-b/d 154 -0.4 6572 India cement-a/d 72.75 0.55 186172 Neuland lab-b/d 550 -14 6186 Next/d 7069.8586 60 87126 AFP Century text-a/d 466.2 13.8 93007 India glycol-b/d 70 -0.35 5914 O n g c-a/d 214.4 3.25 288197 Pearson/d 812.6051 19.5 563606 Chambal fert-b/d 58.5 2.8 73734 Indian card-b/d 203 21.7 10709 Oil country-b/d 26 1.45 5479 Prudential/d 1242 12.5 928150 Chowgule st-t/d 16 0.65 9860 Indian hotel-a/d 99.35 -1.9 18224 Onward tech-b/d 65.65 -3.25 1656 Rank group/d 254.3 -0.7 17344 LONDON: World stocks rallied yesterday to extend Cimmco-b/d 84 0.05 18559 Indo-tcount-t/d 898.95 13.6 4105 Orchid pharm-b/d 39 0.35 71078 Rentokil initi/d 163 1.7 419832 their recovery after recent turmoil as oil prices gained Cipla-a/d 530.5 7.45 59269 Indusind-a/d 847.9 6.05 41624 Orient hotel-t/d 20.6 -0.25 5209 Rolls royce pl/d 653 11 1386937 and despite heightened fears that Britain could quit the City union bk-/d 84.4 1 242975 J.B.Chemical-b/d 250.4 0.9 6465 Orient.Carb.-T/d 412 -9.25 3038 Rsa insrance g/d 416.3 7.2 662229 European Union rattling the foreign exchange market. Colgate-a/d 832.1 -0.05 93171 Jagatjit ind-x/d 64.5 2.55 2783 Orient.Carb.-T/d 412 -9.25 3038 Sainsbury(j)/d 255.6 -5.3 4440011 Europe’s main indices displayed satisfying gains Container cor-/d 1159.4 38.3 11647 Jagson phar-b/d 35.3 1 8611 Oudh sugar-b/d 38.95 0.05 1104 Schroders/d 2505 45 114018 at closing, with the focus firmly on Britain as sterling Dai-tichi kar-/d 329.4 11.3 2763 Jamnaauto-b/d 133 3.4 68218 Patspin india-/d 8.16 -0.14 2450 Severn trent/d 2169 25 131458 plunged to a near seven-year low against the dollar at Dcm shram ind-/d 82.8 1.45 1492 Jbf indu-b/d 171.1 -1.35 9315 Punjab chem.-B/d 117.8 -3.5 1373 Smith&nephew/d 1164 11 352813 one point after the latest Brexit twist ahead of a British Dhampur sugar-/d 54.45 -0.9 18667 Jct elect p -b/d 0.33 0.01 66560 Radico khait-b/d 101.75 1.85 38812 Smiths group/d 981 8 281421 referendum in June on its EU future. Dr. Reddy-a/d 3100.95 38.85 25865 Jct ltd-b/d 5.41 0.21 318521 Rallis india-a/d 152 0.85 26080 Standrd chart /d 430.3 15.7 2600782 The development sent sterling falling heavily against E i h-b/d 103.65 1.05 7411 Jenson&nich.-B/d 7.23 -0.04 3279 Rallis india-a/d 152 0.85 26080 Tate & lyle/d 565.1 7 213095 the dollar in early afternoon trading to its lowest level E.I.D parry-a/d 162.7 2.95 197175 Jktyre&ind-a/d 81.7 1 120681 Reliance indus/d 394.9 9.1 130007 Tesco/d 186.3 3 5604891 since March 2009 — $1.4058 — before recovering Eicher motor-a/d 18861 235.6 1852 Jmc projects-t/d 195 -4.4 2376 Ruchi soya-b/d 24 0 88602 Unilever/d 3088 54 791215 slightly. The currency was also under pressure against Eimco elecon-t/d 331.5 15.5 3954 Kajaria cer-a/d 884.9 17.55 23960 S bk bikaner-b/d 468.7 -0.6 1188 United util gr/d 946.5 14.5 304533 the euro for much of the trading day. Electrosteel-b/d 18 0.3 46840 Kakatiya cem-b/d 121 1.8 9593 Salora inter-b/d 44.9 2.9 3022 Vodafone group/d215.586 2.65 12906572 In London, the FTSE 100 was up 1.47 percent at Emco-b/d 24.95 0.65 24886 Kalpat power-b/d 170.65 -1.3 2400 Saur.Cem-b/d 46 0.7 87870 Whitbread/d 3935 52 109911 6,037.73 points; in Frankfurt, the DAX 30 was up 1.98 percent at 9,573.59 points, while in Paris, the CAC 40 was also up 1.79 percent at 4,298.70 points. Stocks Milan exchange soared more than 3.5 percent, buoyed by banking shares. Shares on Wall Street also furthered opening gains to join the global equity rally. In New York, the Dow Robust volumes push major Gulf bourses higher was up 1.21 percent at 16,590.18 points in early trade. “US stocks are trading higher following an advance in Asia and widespread gains in Europe, despite a dis- Reuters respectively. Home appliance man- buy out CI Capital, the investment and RAK Properties each advancing the board proposed paying a cash appointing eurozone business activity report and ufacturer Shaker Group closed flat arm of Commercial International more than 3 percent in heavy trade. dividend of $0.02 per share and softer-than-expected earnings results from HSBC,” after falling as much as 2.6 per- Bank, and its plan to merge CI with In Doha the exchange was a stock dividend of 3 free shares analysts at Charles Schwab said in a note to investors. cent early in the session after the Beltone, which it acquired in late nearly flat, recouping earlier for every 100 held. Bahrain’s main Meanwhile in the eurozone, a closely watched sur- DUBAI: Strong trading volumes company announced that it would November, will create a financial losses in its heaviest traded vol- index edged up 0.2 percent. vey indicated private sector business activity slowing helped lift major stock markets not distribute dividends for 2015 powerhouse that can compete with ume of 2016. Oil drilling provider sharply in February and warned that the economic in the Middle East yesterday as to support future growth. the likes of EFG Hermes. OTMT Gulf International Services surged HIGHLIGHTS outlook could weaken even further. Data monitoring investors were encouraged by the United Electronics was also flat jumped 5.3 percent. 10 percent in its heaviest volume SAUDI ARABIA: The index rose company Markit said the downbeat data showed stag- recovery in oil prices and firmer after the electronics retailer said Dubai’ benchmark jumped 2.5 since the company was deleted 1.7 percent to 5,978 points. nation in France and slumping demand in powerhouse global bourses. it would suspend cash dividend percent in the heaviest volume since from MSCI’s emerging markets EGYPT: The index gained 1.3 Germany were adding to already significant deflationary Riyadh’s stock index gained 1.7 distributions for the fourth quar- June 2015. Trading activity picked index in late November 2015. percent to 6,086 points. pressures, which can be very damaging to the economy. percent, lifted by the petrochemical ter of 2015 to finance its expansion up late in the session as local trad- But Barwa Real Estate, the DUBAI: The index jumped 2.5 Markit said its closely watched Composite Purchas- sector, which jumped 3.5 percent. plans. The company paid 1 riyal ers bought their preferred stocks, second most traded stock, fell 4.5 percent to 3,170 points. ing Managers Index (PMI) fell to 52.7 points in February Saudi Basic Industries (Sabic), the per share in the first half of 2015. cutting the index’s 2016 losses to percent. Barwa’s board has rec- ABU DHABI: The index rose 2.1 from 53.6 in January, hitting a 13-month low. The reading largest listed petrochemical pro- Cairo’s main benchmark rose 1.8 percent. Builders Drake & Scull ommended paying a cash dividend percent to 4,297 points. was still above the 50-point boom-or-bust line, showing ducer, rose 3.9 percent. Brent oil 1.3 percent, its second day of gains and Arabtec, the two most traded of QR2.2 per share, the same pay- QATAR: The index edged up the 19-nation eurozone economy continued to expand, futures were trading above $34 as foreign and particularly non- stocks, added 7.4 and 1.7 percent out as the previous year. 0.1 percent to 9,913 points. albeit at a slower pace. a barrel when the bourse closed. Egyptian Arab traders accumulated respectively. Bahrain-based Islamic lender KUWAIT: The index added 0.3 Asian stock markets swept higher, with Shanghai Most small and mid-cap stocks shares, bourse data showed. Abu Dhabi’s index rebounded Al Baraka Banking Group dropped percent to 5,145 points. leading the charge after news China had replaced its in the insurance sector climbed as Beltone Financial surged 10 2.1 percent, trimming its loss in 1.8 percent despite reporting a 15 OMAN: The index edged up 0.5 securities regulator. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 was up local traders accumulated shares. percent. But analysts and inves- 2016 to 0.2 percent. The market percent rise in fourth-quarter net percent to 5,437 points. 0.90 percent at 16,111.05 points, while in Hong Kong, Insurers SABB Takaful and AlAhli tors are optimistic that Orascom was lifted by the real estate sector profit on Sunday. The bank made a BAHRAIN: The index added 0.2 the Hang Seng was up 0.93 percent at 19,464.09 points. Takaful surged 9.6 and 4 percent Telecom’s recent binding offer to with developers Eshraq Properties net attributable profit of $42m and percent to 1,174 points. BUSINESS VIEWS TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 27

For Opec, path from Syrian refugees fuelling oil freeze to output cuts is far from clear Turkish economic growth

By Grant Smith a day in the past year to near- Bloomberg record levels of more than 10 million barrels a day. While the Middle Eastern country has at least 1 million barrels a day of AUDI Arabia said its spare capacity, it probably doesn’t accord with Russia to intend to tap the reserve, which is cap oil production was held back to cover market disrup- “the beginning of a proc- tions, said Harry Tchilinguirian, ess,” but the path from a head of commodity markets strat- Sfreeze to the output cuts needed egy at BNP Paribas SA. to eliminate a global surplus is far For some observers, the Rus- from clear. When Saudi Oil Minis- sia-Saudi detente is the first ter Ali bin Ibrahim Al Nuaimi hinted tentative step toward something that the agreement in Doha was a bigger — the revival of the Organ- prelude to “other steps,” he fanned ization of Petroleum Exporting hopes that the kingdom’s resist- Countries’ appetite for market ance to production cuts was finally management. “Opec is not dead,” weakening. Oil’s recovery from a Olivier Jakob, managing director 12-year low last month was fueled at consultants Petromatrix GmbH, by speculation that major produc- said by e-mail from Zug, Switzer- ers were finally building a coalition land. “It’s back.” that could work to end the glut. Jakob described the freeze The problem with using a pro- as an interim measure that will duction freeze as the bedrock for culminate in agreement on new deeper cooperation is that none of production quotas at Opec’s next the parties involved have to make meeting on June 2. The organisa- any effort to comply. “The four tion’s last gathering ended with producers involved are already the abandonment of any limits producing close to their peak,” on output as members focused on said Miswin Mahesh, an analyst defending market share against at Barclays Plc in London. “The rivals both internal and external. freeze is the oil-market equivalent “This is a real, credible plan A Syrian man leaves a real estate agency in Istanbul, Turkey. of calling for a cease-fire when to get everyone on board,” said they’re running out of ammo.” Yasser Elguindi, oil analyst at The accord reached Tues- New York-based consulting firm day in the Qatari capital marks Medley Global Advisors. “If Iran By Nevzat Devranoglu growth, potentially creating jobs in the long in areas with large refugee populations. the first sign of the cooperation at some point freezes, then this Reuters term, would be welcome news for a govern- Annual consumer prices rose to 9.58 per- between Opec and non-mem- allows for a potential discussion ment struggling to integrate the migrants and cent in January in Turkey as a whole, but bers that Saudi Arabia has said is of cuts if they are needed.” seeking to make good on promises to stem in border areas such as Gaziantep, Adiya- necessary before it agrees to curb Iranian Oil Minister Bijan their flow to Europe in return for cash and man and Kilis the rate was 10.67 percent. production. The failure of previ- Namdar Zanganeh welcomed URKEY’S 2.6 million Syrian refu- a revival of EU accession talks. Simsek has said the main economic ous attempts at coordination, such the Doha accord without saying gees may be straining the housing “We have reasonable facts and evidence challenge this year would be battling infla- as when Russia offered to cur- if Iran would deviate from plans and jobs systems, but they’re also that either spending by 2.6 million Syrian tion, a task made more difficult by a 30 tail supply in 2008 only to keep to ramp up exports by as much as fuelling economic growth. The refugees or by government has been one of percent rise in the minimum wage that pumping, makes analysts doubt- 1 million barrels a day this year. world’s largest refugee popula- the key drivers behind the positive surprise went into effect this year. ful this latest union will go ahead. Even if the Doha pact doesn’t tion has had a positive impact on in economic growth in 2015,” said Muammer Until recently refugees have not had Divisions over the conflict in Syria develop into a deal to curb produc- TTurkish output, economists and government Komurcuoglu, an economist at Is Investment. the right to work legally. Now a new law are also an obstacle. tion, it marks a significant shift in officials say. It may be partly responsible for A senior economy official also said the has been enacted to give them permits Al Nuaimi may clarify what Saudi communications strategy, an unexpected rise in third-quarter growth Syrian refugees were supporting growth via with certain limitations over where and to expect from the agreement which was hitherto focused on pur- and stronger forecasts for 2016 output. consumer spending. The government is due in which sectors they can work. In addi- when he gives a special address suing market share, said Antoine The migrants, fleeing a civil war that has to release its official 2015 growth figures tion, refugees cannot make up more than at the IHS CERAWeek conference Halff, a senior fellow at the Centre raged for five years, have bought goods such in March. Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet 10 percent of a company’s workforce. in Houston on February 23. As on Global Energy Policy at Colum- as refrigerators and cookers, a well as cook- Simsek has referred to third-quarter growth Some refugees with access to money Russian Deputy Prime Minister bia University in New York. ing oil, bread, flour and building materials. figures of 4 percent as a “positive surprise”. when they arrived have set up their own Arkady Dvorkovich acknowl- The effectiveness of this While most Syrians have not been given After the release of the third-quarter figures, firms, but many more — an estimated edged on February 16, complying message faces an imminent test. work permits and end up working illegally, the government later revised up its expec- 300,000 — are thought to be working with the output freeze is no great Even if oil production remains the money they spend tations for 2016 growth to 4.5 percent from informally. That has lowered some wages stretch for the world’s second- frozen at January levels, there’s nevertheless feeds into 4 percent. and pushed some Turkish labourers out of largest crude producer. Most no shortage of other factors to the economy. The gov- Assessing the contribution of Syrian the work force. “The inflow of informally companies won’t have to take put pressure on prices. Seasonal ernment also says it migrants is difficult since at least some of employed Syrian refugees leads to large- any measures to comply and the demand typically peaks in Feb- has spent almost $10bn their spending is rooted in the cash-based, scale displacement of Turkish workers nation’s output was already on ruary and keeps falling until since the start of the informal economy. One way it can be loosely from the (large) informal sector, around track to remain stable this year May. Crude stockpiles in the US conflict, mostly on ref- estimated, say economists, is by using the 6 natives for every 10 refugees,” the World after recent tax increases reduced are the highest in more than 80 ugee camps, pumping “starvation line”, which is set by the Turkish Bank said in a recent paper. the potential for growth, he said. years and still rising, according more cash into goods Trade Union Confederation and represents However, the lower production costs “Freezing production does not to Energy Information Admin- and services. the bare minimum the average person would should eventually help boost output and really change our view on Russia istration data. Much of the public need to spend to avoid starvation — 346 lira increase the demand for formal workers, supply for this year,” said Jeff Cur- The output freeze should con- The migrants, fleeing debate in Turkey about ($117) a month. leading to an extra three Turks employed rie, Goldman Sachs Group Inc’s tinue for at least three months a civil war that has the economic effects Based on this, Turkey’s 2.6 million Syr- for every 10 refugees, it said. New York-based head of com- before considering actual reduc- raged for five years, of the influx has so far ians are spending at least 346 lira a month, A senior economy official confirmed modities research. The nation’s tions in supply. That could make centred on negative equivalent to 0.5 percent of gross domestic that more than 2.5 million refugees were output won’t grow any further Opec’s June meeting in Vienna the have bought goods aspects such as how it product (GDP). That would rise to as much as supporting growth via consumer spending. after it reached 10.84 million bar- venue for crunch talks on output such as refrigerators has increased competi- 1.7 percent of GDP if calculations were based “Migrants from Syria were consumers only rels a day last month, the bank cuts between Saudi Arabia, Rus- tion for low-paid work in on the “poverty line” of 1,128 lira a month - until recently. This was creating infla- estimates. sia and other major producers and cookers, a well a country with a jobless a measure of the minimum income deemed tionary pressure,” the senior economy Saudi Arabia already boosted — something they tried and failed as cooking oil, bread, rate of over 10 percent, adequate, including access to resources con- official said. “Now they are being given the output by about 500,000 barrels to achieve in November 2014. and driven up food sidered essential such as clothes, electricity right to work, and this will cause unem- flour and building prices and rents. and basic transportation. ployment but also ease the pressure on materials Signs that refugees But the influx of refugee is pushing up inflation because they will be in the pro- are beginning to boost prices, particularly for food and rent and duction process.” Pipeline fight sends woes downstream as US shale production sinks

By Tom Hals into infrastructure to serve the US fracking in a prolonged slump, up to a third of them are of dollars in coming years. Instead, a differ- Reuters boom. “It’s a hellacious problem,” said Hugh at risk of bankruptcy this year, consultancy ent midstream operator would be hired to Ray, a bankruptcy lawyer with McKool Smith Deloitte said in a Feb. 16 report. build a new system that Sabine’s lawyer told in Houston. Midstream operators have been con- the bankruptcy court would literally “wrap ITHIN weeks, two low- A judge on New York’s influential bank- sidered relatively secure as investors and around” Nordheim’s existing infrastructure. profile legal disputes may ruptcy court said on February 2 she was analysts focus on risks to the hundreds of bil- If Sabine gets the ruling it wants, it would determine whether an inclined to allow Houston-based Sabine to lions of dollars in equity and debt of firms immediately save the $35m owed to Cheniere unprecedented wave of end its pipeline contract, which guaranteed it most directly exposed to commodity prices. as a “deficiency fee” for failing to meet mini- bankruptcies expected to would ship a minimum volume of gas through That’s because firms such as Enterprise mal volume commitments since the gathering Whit US oil and gas producers this year will a system built by a Cheniere Energy subsidi- Products, Kinder Morgan and Plains All system went into effect in September 2014. imperil the $500bn pipeline sector as well. ary until 2024. Sabine’s lawyers argued they American relied upon multi-year contracts The infrastructure that midstream In the two court fights, US energy producers could save $35m by ending the Cheniere con- — the kind targeted in the two bankruptcies firms have built remains in high use so far, are trying to use Chapter 11 bankruptcy pro- tract, and then save millions more by building — that guarantee pipeline operators fixed fees including the more than 12,000 miles of new In two court fights, US tection to shed long-term contracts with the an entirely new system. to transport minimum volumes of oil or gas. pipelines commissioned since 2010. US oil pipeline operators that gather and process shale Fort Worth, Texas-based Quicksilver’s Now, with US oil output shrinking and gas production is expected to fall only modestly, energy producers are gas before it is delivered to consumer markets. request to shed a contract with another mid- production stalling, many of the cash-strapped and most analysts expect prices to rebound trying to use Chapter 11 The attempts to shed the contracts by Sabine stream operator, Crestwood Equity Partners, producers entering bankruptcy will be seeking somewhat in coming years. Oil & Gas and Quicksilver Resources are viewed is set for February 26. Last week, executives to rid themselves of pricey agreements, partic- Analysts at Credit Suisse said Williams bankruptcy protection to by executives and lawyers as a litmus test for from Williams Companies Inc and Enbridge ularly those with so-called minimum volume Partners could lose up to $400m in earnings shed long-term contracts deals worth billions of dollars annually for the Inc, two of the world’s largest pipeline oper- commitments that require paying for space before interest, tax, depreciation and amorti- with the pipeline operators so-called midstream sector. ators, sought to allay growing investor fears, even if it is not used. “They will be probably zation, or EBITDA, if Chesapeake Energy Corp Pipeline operators have argued the con- saying they were reviewing contracts or secur- among the first things thrown out,” said Michael uses creditor protection to shed its minimum that gather and process tracts are secure, but restructuring experts ing additional credit guarantees to minimize the Grande, director for US midstream energy and volume agreements. While Chesapeake has shale gas before it is say that if the two producers manage to tear impact of the biggest oil bust in a generation. infrastructure at Moody’s. denied any plans to file for bankruptcy, the up or renegotiate their deals, others will fol- So far, relatively few oil and gas produc- In bankruptcy court, Sabine’s lawyers head of the general partner of Williams took delivered to consumer low. That could add a new element of risk for ers have entered bankruptcy, and most were argued for undoing a pipeline and gathering time on Thursday to explain to analysts and markets already hard-hit investors in midstream com- smaller firms. But with oil prices down 70 contract with Cheniere unit Nordheim Eagle investors why he believed their deals were panies, which have plowed up to $30bn a year percent since mid-2014 and natural gas prices Ford Gathering that is worth tens of millions bankruptcy-proof. 28 TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS BACK TO BUSINESS

India’s $16bn wage bonanza sight may force Jaitley to cut capex Sterling sinks as

By Manoj Kumar EU exit campaign Reuters intensifies $16bn pay rise for India’s public serv- ants and costly food By Patrick Graham falls in the exchange rate shot up and farm programmes Reuters to its highest in more than four could force the coun- years and the Bank of England’s try’s finance minister trade-weighted measure of the Ato cut capital spending in its annual pound’s value hit a 15-month budget, officials and economists say. TERLING headed low. Sterling hit a 7-year low The spending pressure on towards its biggest of $1.4057 and fell 1.5 percent Finance Minister Arun Jaitley threat- loss in almost six years against the euro. ens to worsen imbalances in India’s against the dollar yester- Concern over Britain’s pos- $2 trillion economy as consumption Sday, hit by a rise in the odds on a sible departure from the EU outpaces investment, undermin- “Brexit” after a handful of sen- have been at the heart of a fall ing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ior ruling Conservatives joined in sterling since November and promise of better jobs for its 1.3 bil- the campaign to leave the Euro- several banks are now talking lion people. pean Union. up the chances of a slide to as A populist budget, ahead of The scale of the reaction little as $1.30. “We’ve not seen assembly elections in four states on sterling, a 2 percent fall to many Brexit trades being put on this year, could stoke inflation even a seven-year low against the (today) but our corporate desk is as structural measures such as Modi’s dollar, driven chiefly by the seeing more hedging being put proposed tax and labour reforms look defection of London Mayor Boris on by corporates who have ster- less likely. It could also eat into cap- Johnson to the “out” camp on ling exposure,” Morgan Stanley ital spending needed for railways, Sunday, also sent government analyst Jacob Nell said. roads, ports and power projects, seen bond prices lower. However blue Nell, who expects the pound as vital to India’s integration into the chip share prices were higher, to fall to $1.30 by the end of 2016 global economy. the 2016/17 fiscal year. People famil- will raise wages soon. Rajan, who cut with a cheaper pound seen as in the event of a Brexit, said he “It is not going to be a revolution- iar with the process say Modi is much policy rates by 125 basis points in 2015, helping exporters. would be watching for signs of ary or inspirational (budget) ... given more involved in setting the deficit tar- has said the pay commission award, Officials with direct Ratings agency Moody’s said how active Johnson plans to be the spending pressures,” said Shi- get than previous leaders. if implemented, could lead to higher knowledge of that it would consider shifting in campaigning in the months lan Shah at Capital Economics. “It is inflation for one to two years. the outlook on Britain’s credit ahead. Beyond the currency, most likely to lead to a sell-off in the COSTLY PROMISES Much depends on the timing of the budget discussions rating to negative while ana- the impact on business, bank- bond market if the salary increase is The promised pay hike, an government pay rises, which sources said Jaitley could lysts from the world’s biggest ing and policy of a four-month implemented.” increase in food subsidies and a new say could take retroactive effect on Jan. raise taxes on currency trader, US bank Citi, run-in to the June 23 vote looks Jaitley presents his third budget crop insurance scheme for farm- 1, 2016. Economists and ratings agen- told clients that the chances more nuanced. Some banks have on February 29 and is expected to ers would cost at least Rs1.2 trillion cies say the fiscal deficit target may services and of Britons voting to leave the raised the prospect of the Bank implement the recommendations of ($17.5bn) — equivalent to 0.9 percent have to be raised to 3.8 percent of GDP petroleum products 28-country bloc had risen to of England cutting record-low a government commission to raise of forecast GDP in 2015/16. Govern- to cover the hike. 30-40 percent. interest rates further to offset pay for 10 million federal govern- ment workers get a hefty wage hike Analysts say the country’s finances to help cover the Bookmakers have also any damage to economic growth ment workers and pensioners by every 10 years, a populist wage pol- and economic performance, a rare extra outlays raised the odds to 33 percent in the short-term. 23.5 percent. icy that dates back to independence, bright spot for emerging markets over from 29 percent before Prime That might weaken the While that hike would boost in addition to half-yearly and annual the past two years, are now under close Minister David Cameron sealed pound but could further inflate demand, economists question whether increments linked to prices. investor scrutiny. a deal on Friday with which to the value of other assets includ- a policy dating back to an era of dou- Unsurprisingly, government jobs Foreign investors have been net fight the June 23 vote. ing stocks seen as well-insulated ble-digit inflation is justified today, are highly sought after in India where sellers of Indian stocks and bonds this “Until now, the Brexit side against the negatives of a Brexit. when Reserve Bank of India Governor most private-sector employment is year, erasing all of the gains in the has lacked the backing of one U.S. bank JP Morgan recom- Raghuram Rajan has driven consumer informal: last year 2.3 million people Sensex since Modi’s landslide general of the heavyweight figures in UK mended buying British exporters price growth below 6 percent. applied for 368 low-level state jobs in election victory in May 2014. politics,” Citi’s chief UK econo- against domestically focussed Officials with direct knowledge of Uttar Pradesh that required only a pri- Despite the windfall of low oil mist Michael Saunders wrote. companies and blue chip stocks budget discussions said Jaitley could mary school education. prices, half of which was clawed back “That has now changed with over smaller-cap stocks. raise taxes on services and petroleum India’s cash-strapped state rail- through higher energy taxes, India’s the backing of (Justice Secretary “In the event of the UK leav- products to help cover the extra out- ways, which employ 1.3 million, are consolidated fiscal deficit exceeds 6 at 7.6 percent in the current fiscal Michael) Gove and, in particu- ing, the initial knee-jerk impact lays. He would still have some room also seeking federal funds to cover percent of GDP and the national debt, year, India’s banks are hobbled by lar, Johnson.” on the market could be quite to ease tax rules on foreign invest- higher pay — squeezing its investment at 68 percent, is high by emerging mar- growing bad debts and do not have The cost of hedging against negative,” JPM said. ment and hit his deficit target of 3.5 budget and creating pressure to hike ket standards. the means to fund new growth percent of gross domestic product in fares. Most of India’s 29 federal states And although growth is forecast projects.

Not only have oil prices fallen by around two-thirds from Capital their most recent peak, but supply- and demand-side factors suggest that they are likely to stay low for an Christine Lagarde, Comment extended period. IMF Managing Director

TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS Chinese graduates Market Talk face struggle as Moody’s InvestorsSvc @ MoneyBeat economy slows MoodysInvSvc NAME IN THE MARKET: US TAX HISTORY IANS Large inventory valua- tion losses will pressure Mutual funds that fall Japanese refiners’ credit quality less than a benchmark in BEIJING: Finding suitable employ- down markets often rise ment could prove difficult for China’s fresh college graduates less spectacularly when Deutsche Bank @ this year due to a slowing econ- stock prices go up–but omy, the media reported yesterday DeutscheBank Zhang Jingxiu, executive direc- EU referendum is a risk the protection they offer tor of Beijing-based employment for bank equity per- consultancy Newjincin Research formance because of in downturns can still put uncertain implications investors ahead over time. Institute, said the overall outlook of #Brexit. for the job market was negative due to downward economic pres- sures, the China Daily reported. Standard & Poor’s @ This, combined with the obses- DealB%k sion among recent graduates for standardpoors high-paying jobs in first-tier cit- ies and the competition offered by We estimate that over Chinese students returning from $4.1 trillion of U.S. cor- abroad, means that employment porate debt rated debt will mature by 2020. Abuse of interest rates and opportunities are drying up. the failure to address the “Demand for talent shrank as the economy slowed,” said Zhang. problem is one of the most Wang Huiyao, director of the Cen- World Bank @WorldBank expensive scandals to hit tre for China and Globalisation, said domestic students might face further To boost growth, we Wall Street since the financial struggles as the government consid- need to close produc- crisis. ers lifting the job cap for overseas tivity gaps between students studying in China, which females & males in could even extend to fresh college #agriculture: graduates from abroad. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 31 PAGE | 36 Fiery Bayern Djokovic cruises Munich face into second round Juventus in Dubai

TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 • 14 Jumada I 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

IAAF Ethics Board suspends Athletics Italian shooters impress in Qatar Kenya CEO Mwangi

QATAR OPEN SHOTGUN Agencies Rio-bound Innocenti CHAMPIONSHIP wins the top spot while Di Spigno of the new season with a title is always a MONTE CARLO, Principality of good thing,” said Innocenti, who is hop- Monaco: IAAF Ethics Board chair- finishes second, two ing to end his Games medal drought. man Michael Beloff yesterday other Italians finish The 37-year-old had to be two provisionally suspended Athlet- Games in 2000 and 2004 but is yet ics Kenya CEO Isaac Mwangi over among the top eight to win a medal. In Sydney, he finished a potential anti-doping violation. in the eight place and four years later The IAAF, the world athletics in Athens he came in the 17th spot. governing body, issued a statement Di Spigno said the mistakes he saying it had received informa- By Armstrong Vas committed in the first five shots in the tion “warranting investigation” The Peninsula final round of 30 shattered his title and that Mwangi was suspended hopes. “Did a little mistake in the ini- from all Athletics Kenya or IAAF tial stages and never recovered,” Di offices or positions for a period of Spigno said. 180 days. DOHA: A clinical finish helped Marco “With the 12 secs time there is not Mwangi is suspected of Innocenti of Italy to clinch the top spot much time to understand what you behaviour that could lead to the at the Double Trap event of the Qatar are missing, so you need two or three “potential subversion of the anti- Open Shotgun Championship. doubles to get a hang of what the mis- doping control process in Kenya” Yesterday at the Losail Shooting take is all about. After understanding and Beloff’s move was described as Range, Olympics Games-bound Inno- my mistake, Innocenti did not give being “in the interests of the integ- centi capitalised on early mistakes of me the opportunity for me to come- rity of the sport”. his training partner Daniele Di Spingo back. He (innocenti) is a good shooter “The Ethics Board stresses that to bag the $7,000 top prize. and he did not give any chance and as the imposition of an Order for Pro- Di Spingo, who is not among the you know the final is only of 30 tar- visional Suspension in this case in nine shooters selected by Itlay for the gets. I am happy for him, he is a good Marco Innocenti (centre) of Italy and compatriot Daniele Di Spigno (left), first and second place winners at no way prejudges the outcome of Rio Games, finished second. shooter and we always train together,” the Qatar Open Shotgun Championship, pose for a picture with bronze medal winner Mosin Vasily of Russia the investigation which will now Russia’s Mosin Vasily took the the 41-year-old said. at the Lusail Shooting Range yesterday. Abdulla Ali Al Mutawa Al Hammadi (right), Secretary-General of be carried out by the Board’s bronze, while two other Italians Yesterday on a windy day, the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association gave away the medals to the podium winners. appointed investigator, Mr Sharad Antonino Barillà and Alessandro Chi- 2004 ISSF World Cup champion Rao,” said an IAAF statement. anese finished among the top eight, walked into the final with the sec- “Mr Mwangi remains pre- to complete the domination. ond best qualification score of the win the third place. Third place fin- sumed innocent until the outcome Barillà, for whom Rio 2016 will day, 140 hits, and passed through isher Vasily said he always guns for of the investigation and the deter- mark the first Olympic participa- the semi-final with a score of the top prize. mination of any disciplinary tion, did not qualify among the top 28 targets, making it to the gold “Not satisfied completely with the charges which may follow from six shooters who made it to the semi- medal match. end result. My goal always in shooting that investigation.” finals, finishing in the eight place and There, he met the Di Spigno, who is to win gold. Personally, I feel sorry Alongside Russia, Kenya is one Chianese in sixth position. marked a score of 29 hits out of 30 for missing one extra target in the of two countries at the centre of For Innocenti, the Qatar title will targets in the semi-final after qual- semi-final. But allah give us according a doping scandal that has rocked serve as a big boost in the Games year ifying with a top score of 142 clays. to our efforts,” the 44-year-old said athletics since the end of last year. in his quest to bag his first Olympic In the final round of the event, Di The Russian aiming to better his The African country, which is medal. “My friend (Di Spigno)is very Spigno missed a couple of targets in London Games performance said he a powerhouse in middle-distance strong (shooter), today he was not the initial stages but recovered from is getting use to the new gun. running and for whom athletics is lucky , he missed three shots which the early setbacks to maintain a con- “I am confident after the world a major source of national pride, is very rare, slowly slowly we are sistent run in the round of 30. The two championship win, I have changed has been in the dock over its anti- preparing for the Olympic Games gold medal contenders shot neck and my gun for my sponsor and I am try- doping practices. and thanks to Qatar for hosting this neck right to the end of the match, ing this new gun. That‘s why there is It has been ordered to set up tournament,” Innocenti said, while Innocenti closed the contest with a some mental problem, not technical, an effective national anti-dop- talking to reporters during the vic- score of 28 targets to Di Spigno’s 27 . otherwise everything was OK, I am ing body and although Kenya tory ceremony. Earlier, Vasily, bronze medal win- satisfied with my Qatar performance. missed an initial deadline to do so “This title is very good for me and ner at the London Games defeated The new guns makes my work more by February 14, it was placed on for my games preparation and the start Ahmad Alafasi of Kuwait 26-24 to pleasant,” Vasily said. probation and given an extra two months to get its house in order. IAAF chairman Sebastian Coe insisted last week that Kenya could be banned from the Rio Olympic Games in August if they fail to demonstrate to the World Anti- Aspire Academy’s second Sports Science Doping Agency (WADA) that they can be compliant with its ethics code. Kenyan sports minister Hassan Conference kicks off in Doha today Wario responded by assuring the world the Anti-Doping Association of Kenya (ADAK) would be oper- ational within those two months. The Peninsula science. This all contributes towards More than 40 Kenyan athletes Aspire Academy’s goal of building a have been banned for doping over future generation of elite athletes and the last two years while three top DOHA: Aspire Academy’s second preparing them for the global sports Athletics Kenya officials -- pres- sports science conference will begin scene”. ident Isaiah Kiplagat, deputy today, running through February 25 Speakers at the conference president David Okeyo and former with the participation of renowned include Dr Carl Foster, Professor of treasurer Joseph Kinyua -- were local and international experts. Exercise and Sport Science from the suspended by the IAAF Eth- The topic of this year’s edition is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse ics Commission in December for “Monitoring Athlete Training Loads (USA); Dr Stephen Seiler, Dean of alleged corruption and covering – The Hows and Whys”. the Faculty of Health and Sport up of doping. The conference will give the par- Sciences at the University of Agder Meanwhile, African athletics ticipating experts the opportunity to (Norway); Dr Martin Buchheit, Head of chief Hamad Kalkaba Malboum share insights and expertise about Performance at Paris Saint Germain said on Monday he did not support the latest trends in sports science, Football Club; Dr Marco Cardinale, the total banning of Kenyan ath- specifically the best methodologies Head of Sports Physiology at Aspire letes from the Rio Olympics despite and theories on monitoring athlete Academy; amongst others. the recent doping scandal. training loads to protect athletes Aspire Academy first opened its Kalkaba, who is also an IAAF A file picture of last year’s Sports Science Conference at Aspire Dome. This year’s conference begins today. from injuries resulting from intense doors in 2004 and is considered to be vice-president, said they were training. one of the leading sports institutes in willing to support the efforts being A renowned group of sports sci- as football, swimming and cricket. monitoring athlete training loads. philosophy to provide a platform of the Middle East. made by the Kenyan government ence experts from around the world The conference is in line with In addition, six participants from collaboration for the world’s leading The Academy offers an integrated to reach a solution to the doping are participating in the conference. Aspire Academy’s focus on being the Aspire Academy Young Investiga- sports scientists and expert coaches. educational programme of sports issues. They will discuss the past, present a source of information on the lat- tor Award will be presenting a number We hope through the conference to be development, sports science and “Africa does not have the lab- and future of athletic monitoring est trends and developments that of abstracts during the conference. able to contribute to the performance academic learning to boys aged 12 to oratory to make those substances techniques, review case studies of contribute to improving athletic per- Commenting on the conference, of athletes around the world, whether 18. The school develops well-educated to give to the athletes; the dop- applied research in elite sports teams, formance and discussion around the Ivan Bravo, Director General of in training or on the field, as it offers a sports champions and aims to become ing substances. We don’t have the player tracking technology, as well as top challenges that face sports sci- Aspire Academy, said: “Hosting great opportunity to assess the latest the world’s leading sports academy scientific know how to do that,” assess monitoring tools for sports such ence – specifically when it comes to this conference stems from our developments and theories in sports for young athletes by 2020. Klakaba, a Cameroonian, said. 30 TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 SPORT

FIVE THINGS TO QTF President praises KNOW ABOUT Wozniacki survives scare, Vinci H H Emir’s QATAR TOTAL OPEN unlimited support

QNA 1) Doha is the first Premier 5 advances at Qatar Total Open tournament of 2016. The Qatar Total Open is a Premier 5 DOHA: Nasser bin Ghanim Al Khulaifi, event and part two of the WTA’s President of Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) fortnightly tour of the Middle East - The world number 22 and chief executive of Asian Tennis Fed- part one is the Dubai Duty Free Ten- QATAR TOTAL OPEN eration, praised the unlimited support nis Championships. There’s nearly $3 stretched to three sets as Order of play extended by Emir H H Sheikh Tamim million on the line, with the winner Roberta Vinci moves into CENTRE COURT start 2.00pm bin Hamad Al Thani to Qatari sports and pocketing $518,500 and a whopping Round 2 with easy win at [Q] K Bondarenko (UKR) vs [3] A Radwanska (POL); K Mladenovic (FRA) or B Strycova (CZE) vs tennis in particular, saying that this sup- 900 points for the Road To Singa- [5] P Kvitova (CZE); [1] A Kerber (GER) vs S Zheng (CHN) port contributed a great deal to achieving pore leaderboard. the $2.5m tournament Not Before 7.00pm remarkable successes in different tourna- [Q] E Vesnina (RUS) vs [2] S Halep (ROU); [4] G Muguruza (ESP) vs N Hibino (JPN) ments held in Qatar. Al Khulaifi expressed his thanks and 2) World No.2 Angelique Kerber COURT 1 start 3.30pm appreciation to H H the Emir for gracing plays her first event since win- D Kasatkina (RUS) vs [9] R Vinci (ITA); Possible court change - [14] J Jankovic (SRB) or [Q] J Ce- the first round of the Qatar Total Open cur- ning the Australian Open. pelova (SVK) vs M Niculescu (ROU); [7] L Safarova (CZE) vs [WC] C Buyukakcay (TUR); [13] C The Peninsula rently held at Khalifa International Tennis Kerber played a solid weekend in Fed Wozniacki (DEN) vs D Gavrilova (AUS) Cup - going 1-1 in her singles match- and Squash Complex. COURT 2 start 3.30pm The ongoing tournament will run until es against Timea Bacsinszky and [WC] E Bouchard (CAN) vs D Allertova (CZE); Possible court change - T Babos (HUN) or M Belinda Bencic - but the German February 27. DOHA: Former world number one Caroline Brengle (USA) vs [16] S Errani (ITA); C Vandeweghe (USA) vs [6] B Bencic (SUI); [1] M Hingis He also thanked the Prime Minister comes to Doha looking to build on Wozniacki of Denmark yesterday survived (SUI)/S Mirza (IND) vs C Chuang (TPE)/O Kalashnikova (GEO) or Y Xu (CHN)/S Zheng (CHN) and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah her early season momentum; she a scare before beating Croatia’s Ana Konjuh COURT 3 start 3.30pm bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and Their remains the only player to reach while US Open finalist Roberta Vinci of Italy [8] C Suárez Navarro (ESP) vs [Q] D Vekic (CRO) Excellencies ministers and senior officials more than one final in 2016. It won’t celebrated reaching the top-10 with an easy Not Before 5.00pm who attended the first day of the tourna- be easy for the 2014 finalist with her scalp at Qatar Total Open. [12] S Kuznetsova (RUS) or J Goerges (GER) vs J Ostapenko (LAT); [WC] O Jabeur (TUN)/O ment, adding that their presence was a fellow Top 8 seeds in tow: Simona Wonzniacki, ranked 22, lost the first set Mourad (QAT) vs [WC] P Kvitova (CZE)/B Strycova (CZE); K Jans-Ignacik (POL)/B Krejcikova great support and contributed to making Halep, Agnieszka Radwanska, Gar- but recovered in fine style to beat Konjuh (CZE) vs [2] B Mattek-Sands (USA)/Y Shvedova (KAZ) Qatar Total Open a prestigious global event biñe Muguruza, Petra Kvitova, Bencic, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 in 2 hours 35 minutes. COURT 4 start 3.30pm as well as an important event on the wom- Lucie Safarova, and Carla Suárez Na- “It’s nice to get through. It wasn’t really M Gasparyan (RUS) vs A Petkovic (GER); Y Putintseva (KAZ) vs B Mattek-Sands (USA) or [11] T en’s tennis association agenda. varro. pretty out there, but a win is a win,” Woz- Bacsinszky (SUI); D Jurak (CRO)/N Melichar (USA) vs [PR] G Dabrowski (CAN)/M Martínez niacki said. “And being able to win even if Sánchez (ESP) you don’t play or best is better than to lose 3) Agnieszka Radwanska is also COURT 6 start 5.30pm Serena number one when you play great. So I’m going to take hoping to build on her strong TBA - K Bondarenko (UKR)/O Savchuk (UKR) vs N Broady (GBR)/A Rosolska (POL); TBA - [5] A it,” she added. start to the season. Hlavackova (CZE)/L Hradecka (CZE) vs S Errani (ITA)/C. Suárez Navarro (ESP) for 157 weeks since Out since the Australian Open with a “Yeah, she (Konjuh) started off much left leg injury, the reigning BNP Pari- better. I started off really poorly. Just really 2013 Qatar Total Open bas WTA Finals Singapore presented needed to get myself going,” Wozniacki said. by SC Global champion was unde- Wozniacki fired five aces, four in the final set, to seal her win on Centre Court Agencies feated through the semifinals in Mel- at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash bourne, having won the title at the Complex. Shenzhen Open. Though she fell to Also yesterday, 9th seed Vinci pro- LONDON: It’s another milestone week for World No.1 Serena Williams in her duced a straight-set demolition of Ukraine’s the WTA with Serena Williams hitting 157 last match, the Pole has otherwise Lesya Tsurenko. Vinci won 6-2, 6-1 in just Caroline consecutive weeks at No.1, passing Martina looked good since last year’s US 64 minutes. Wozniacki of Navratilova for the second-longest streak Open, and is poised to rise to World Though Tsurenko served well but Vinci’s Denmark serves at No.1 in WTA history. No.3 on Monday. all-round prowess was too much to handle to Croatia’s Ana Williams’ streak began in 2013 after for the 25-year-old Ukrainian. Konjuh during defeating Petra Kvitova in the quarterfi- 4) Defending champion Lucie Sa- Vinci, who famously beat world number their Qatar Total nals of the Qatar Total Open; the American farova makes her 2016 debut. one Serena Williams in the semi-finals of the Open Women’s hadn’t been ranked No.1 in over two years Safarova’s stellar 2015 season start- US Open last year in September, said a windy Singles Round after a foot injury and pulmonary embo- ed off last year in Doha. The Czech Doha tested the players out on the court. 1 match at lism left her very career in question. earned back-to-back Top 10 wins “Today was a tough match. It’s always the Khalifa Overcoming incredible adversity, a and beat former No.1 Victoria Aza- tough to play first round. So windy. The court International near-perfect 2012 season the the stage for is little bit strange,” the Italian said. the now-21-time Grand Slam champion renka in the final, parlaying that re- Tennis and Vinci said she never thought she’d break to take back No.1 from Victoria Azarenka sult into a maiden Grand Slam final Squash Complex into the top-10 on the WTA Tour. “Three or just over three years ago; she hasn’t reli- at the French Open. A bacterial infec- yesterday. four years ago, I was ranked 11. I had a lot of quished the top spot since. tion derailed her season after the US chances to be (in the) top-10, but I never (got Wozniacki beat During this latest reign at No.1, Wil- Open, and though she qualified for there). So, no, I didn’t expect. But I try hard, Konjuh liams has won six major titles at all four Singapore, Safarova hasn’t played work hard, and now I’m pretty happy,” she 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. Grand Slam tournaments - including two since, but with several weeks of said with a smile. French and US Open titles - and remains practice in Doha, look for the defend- Vinci also said that her win over Serena one major victory away from tying Steffi ing champ to make some noise with at the US Open ‘had changed’ her life. Graff, who not only holds the Open Era her big lefty game. Russian qualifier Elena Vesnina also record at 22 Grand Slam titles, but also has advanced with a two-set win over French- the longest streak for consecutive weeks 5) Can Halep, Muguruza or Kvito- woman Caroline Garcia. Vesnina, winner of at No.1 (186 weeks). va kick-start their years in Doha? two Grand Slam titles in doubles, beat Gar- No.2 seed Halep has been looking for cia 6-3, 7-5 in 91 minutes. matches all season, but they were In other games, Denisa Allertová of the QATAR TOTAL OPEN WOMEN’S SINGLES ROUND 1 RESULTS hard to come by in Dubai; the Roma- Czech republic beat Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina teaching staff and other officials were also Eugenie Bouchard visited the Total booth at nian had to face former No.1 Ana 7-5, 6- in 80 minutes, while Japan’s Nao Hib- presented as Sania - the current World No. the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash 11-Timea Bacsinszky (Switzerland) bt Bethanie Mattek-Sands (US) 6-7(7) 6-1 6-3 Ivanovic in her opening round match, ino downed Kazakhstan Yaroslava Shvedova 1 player in women’s doubles - regaled the Complex, the venue of this week’s Qatar Total Barbora Strycova (Czech Republic) beat Kristina Mladenovic (France) 6-3 6-4 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 in 2 hours 13 minutes. audience with her stories of her career so far. Open tennis tournament. losing in straight sets. Muguruza has Timea Babos (Hungary) beat Madison Brengle (US) 3-6 7-5 6-0 American Coco Vandeweghe beat Bel- The Indian tennis star also took 10 ques- Bouchard posed for pictures with the been dealing with a foot injury that 16-Sara Errani (Italy) beat Tsvetana Pironkova (Bulgaria) 1-6 7-5 6-3 gium’s Kirsten Flipkens 7-5, 6-2 in 7-5, 6-2 tions from the students. young kids and later obliged the fans with has kept her from feeling prepared to in 65 minutes while Romania’s Monica Nicu- Sania - who is teams up with Swiss ten- autographs during her brief yet bright stop- 13-Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) beat Ana Konjuh (Croatia) 4-6 6-3 7-5 play her best tennis, while Kvitova lescu eased past Germany’s Sabine Lisicki nis legend Martina Hingis - is taking part at over at Total booth. Monica Niculescu (Romania) beat Sabine Lisicki (Germany) 6-2 6-2 has won just one match all season 6-2, 6-2 in one hour. this week’s Qatar Total Open. Sania - who The Canadian on Sunday opened CoCo Vandeweghe (US) beat Kirsten Flipkens (Belgium) 7-5 6-2 and has yet to name a replacement Australia’s Daria Gavrilova beat Japan’s is married to Pakistan cricket star Shoaib her Qatar Total Open campaign with a Nao Hibino (Japan) beat Yaroslava Shvedova (Kazakhstan) 6-3 6-7(5) 6-3 coach since splitting the David Ko- Misaki Doi 6-1, 6-1 in 58 minutes. Malik - later posed for pictures and gave hard-fought win over qualifier Anastasija Elena Vesnina (Russia) beat Caroline Garcia (France) 6-3 7-5 tyza. All three have the talent to win Earlier yesterday, India’s tennis queen away autographs. Sevastova of Latvia. Denisa Allertova (Czech Republic) beat 15-Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) 7-5 6-4 in Doha; can one or more catch fire Sania Mirza visited the DPS- Modern Indian Hingis and Sania have won 4 titles this Bouchard, who is appearing in Doha for 9-Roberta Vinci (Italy) beat Lesia Tsurenko (Ukraine) 6-2 6-1 this week? School, interacting with schoolchildren and season and they arrive as the top seeds in the the second time, on Sunday won 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 Daria Gavrilova (Australia) beat Misaki Doi (Japan) 6-1 6-1 engaging in tennis conversation. The school doubles. Also yesterday, Canadian rising star (7-4) in 2 hours 28 minutes. Halep says players feel they can win Grand Slams

By Rizwan Rehmat and she’s very strong. But as I said “Of course it’s not a magic word. If issues with her game. The Peninsula before, if Angelique won this, Pennetta you have confidence and you don’t play “I had a tough period since Decem- won the US Open, in my opinion, I can very well, you cannot win even if you ber. Beginning of December I was very believe more that I have a chance to have confidence,” Halep, winner of 11 sick. I couldn’t practice. I went to Aus- win. I think every player thinks the WTA Tour titles, explained. tralia taking antibiotics, so it was tough DOHA: Romanian tennis giant Simona same,” the Romanian added. “But when I say confidence, I for me to practice. But I wanted to play. Halep says players on the WTA Tour “It’s a chance for us to fight and describe it like you feel strong on the I didn’t want to stay home just to feel feel they can win Grand Slams pro- believe that we can win a Grand Slam,” court. Your legs, you feel your legs (are) sick,” Halep said. vided they remain confident about the world number four said. very strong, that you feel you can run “I went to Australia with confi- their game against top players like “I do now. We just need more time. a lot. You can stay there to beat every- dence, but I couldn’t win because it was Serena Williams. We just need more confidence. Why body, to hit the ball very strong. In this tough to practice. I was not prepared. In recent years, world number one not to believe that we can beat also way, I take the confidence,” she said. “Now I feel better. I had the good Williams has reached more Grand Serena,” she asked. “I have confidence in myself. I week in Fed Cup. Good matches. And Slam finals than any other player, Halep’s sentiments were echoed believe I can play good tennis because then I came to Dubai, I think in my allowing very few chances to other by Agnieszka Radwanska, one of the I did already. But sometimes when opinion, I played okay, but I was with- players of winning a major title. seeded players at this week’s Qatar you don’t pass a good period, you feel out confidence, but it was a good match However, with Italy’s Flavia Total Open. unsure when you go on court and play and I took the positives. Pennetta winning the US Open last “There’s a lot of players (who) the match. “I need time to get better, to get September and Angelique Kerber deserve to be top-10. We can also see “Maybe you don’t have the right stronger and to come back as I was lifting the Australian Open trophy in everything is changing every week Agnieszka Radwanska Simona Halep inspiration in the right moments and before,” she said. January, Halep feels times could be about the majors as well,” Radwan- you don’t take the best decision when And about the decision to cancel changing for those wanting to chal- ska said yesterday. you have to make the point,” she said. her nose surgery plans, Halep said: lenge Williams’ supremacy on the “I think we can see that every otherwise it’s open. champion, said confidence and belief Halep said her indifferent form in “Just one day before the surgery I said women’s tour. major is a bit different. Of course Ser- “For some players who have been were two key factors in her reaching 2016 has been the result of sickness I would cancel it because I wanted to “Yeah, I think now every tourna- ena is always there. She’s definitely in the top-10 for a while, it’s also tough two quarter-finals at the Australian bothering the Romanian since late play Fed Cup. Actually I felt pretty well ment is open to win. Everyone can dominating if she’s on fire. When she’s to stay there. This is another challenge Open (2014 and 2015) and semi-finals last year. after the treatment, after the antibi- win,” Halep, 24, said yesterday. playing her best tennis, she just play- for us to stay there,” the Polish star said. at Wimbledon (2014) and the US Open “No, Because I was sick,” Halep otics. I said I wanted to play, and after “I know that Serena is still there ing unbelievable and too good, but Halep, the 2014 Qatar Total Open (2015) in recent years. said when asked if he had technique Fed Cup, I will see.” SPORT TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 31

LAST 16 (FIRST LEG) FIXTURES Today In-form Barcelona continue title In London Arsenal (ENG) vs Barcelona (ESP) In Turin Juventus (ITA) vs Bayern Munich (GER) defence against old foes Arsenal Tomorrow In Eindhoven PSV Eindhoven (NED) vs Atletico Madrid (ESP) In Kiev The Catalans are on Dynamo Kiev (UKR) vs Manchester track to become the City (ENG) first side in 26 years to retain trophy; Arsenal must keep Wenger eyes more Suarez quiet, says possession against the giants today wary Wenger

Reuters

Reuters LONDON: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger used to dream about Luis Suarez, the signing that LONDON: Barcelona take a 32-match got away, and he will be hoping the unbeaten run to Arsenal for the first Uruguayan striker doesn’t give him leg of their Champions League last nightmares when holders Barce- 16 tie today as the Catalans continue lona visit in the Champions League their bid to become the first team to yesterday. retain the trophy in 26 years. Wenger, who was rebuffed by No team has won back-to-back then Liverpool striker Suarez in titles in the Champions League era, 2013, said he admired the strik- with Arrigo Sacchi’s all-conquering er’s ability to bring a team together AC Milan side the last to claim con- ahead of the Last 16 first leg fixture secutive European Cups in 1989 and at the Emirates Stadium. 1990. “I used to think ‘what if I Unbeaten since a 2-1 defeat to signed Luis Suarez’ before, but Sevilla in October, Luis Enrique’s side not now,” Wenger was quoted as look well-placed to repeat the feat. saying by British media yesterday. They come into the match at the “He gives camaraderie to a Emirates buoyed by a 2-1 win at Las team. He did it at Liverpool and Palmas on Saturday that has kept he did it playing with Edinson Cav- their closest challengers in La Liga ani and Diego Forlan for Uruguay, at bay, while they boast arguably and did it well.” Arsenal’s French midfielder Mathieu Flamini (centre) takes part in a training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 1st leg Europe’s premier marksman in the The 29-year-old, who joined 41-goal Luis Suarez. football match against Barcelona at Arsenal’s London Colney training ground yesterday. Barcelona in 2014, has been in Arsenal’s copybook was blotted imperious form this season as part on Saturday as they ended a 14-match of the Catalan’s formidable front winning streak in the FA Cup with a some moment, due to attacking, we the club’s website. Arsenal rotated Andrei Arshavin gave them a 2-1 vic- three of Argentine Lionel Messi disappointing 0-0 draw at home to suffered more counter-attacks than UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE their squad for the clash with Hull, tory in the first leg of their last-16 tie. and Neymar of Brazil. second tier Hull City. usual and the last 10 minutes were FIRST LEG OF LAST 16 leaving out Mesut Ozil who was suf- That victory ultimately proved Suarez tops the La Liga scor- Luis Enrique said Barcelona must more down to our rivals’ need to fering with an illness and restricting futile, however, as Lionel Messi, who ing charts with 25 goals and has iron out some defensive issues that equalise,” Luis Enrique said. former Barca forward Alexis Sanchez had scored four times to knock out notched another five in the Cham- were posed by a creative Las Palmas The onus will be on Arsenal to get his La Liga tally to 25 and 41 in all to a late cameo. Arsenal in the 2010 quarter-finals, pions League leaving Wenger side, who might have snatched a late a good home leg result against oppo- competitions, while rediscovering German playmaker Ozil will struck twice in the second leg to wary. “Individually, all their equaliser. The coach will be boosted, nents they have only beaten once in their cutting edge. “On Tuesday night, return on Tuesday, as will Aaron secure a 4-3 aggregate win. players are difficult to stop,” the however, by the return of defender seven Champions League meetings. we’ll need great solidarity because Ramsey, and Arsenal will need their The two sides also met in the Frenchman said. “We have to find Gerard Pique, who was rested at the To do so, they will have to shackle we’ll need to defend well, and make big guns in form as their only vic- 2006 Champions League final, with a way to do it collectively. We have weekend, and defensive midfielder Uruguay striker Suarez, who opened the maximum of our possession,” tory against Barcelona came in 2011 Barcelona scoring twice late in the to keep Suarez quiet on Tuesday Sergio Busquets from suspension. “At the scoring against Las Palmas to take Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger told when goals from Robin van Persie and second half to win 2-1. (tonight).”

Munich’s Franck Fiery Bayern meet stubborn Juve Ribery in action during a training session in Munich, Germany, yesterday. Reuters beat AC Milan. Both are unbeaten in “Every team has its weaknesses CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIRST Munich will meet all competitions since early Decem- and it’s our job to find them,” added LEG IN TURIN Juventus in the first ber and both have exactly the same the seasoned player. leg of Champions TURIN: Not much has thwarted record in their last 10 matches – nine Vidal has already promised he League quarter-final the predatory instincts of Bayern wins and one draw. will not celebrate if he scores and today. Munich’s Thomas Mueller and Rob- Bayern’s last reverse, one of told Gazzetta dello Sport that he was plays in the Italian Serie A with his ert Lewandowski this season but even only two all season for Pep Guar- relishing the prospect of facing Paul new team Lazio. that dynamic duo will have their work diola’s outfit, was against Borussia Pogba in midfield. “They’re very compact and their cut out to pierce the rock-solid Juven- Moenchengladbach on December 5 The teams last met in the quarter- defence is very organised even when tus defence today. while Juventus have not been beaten finals of the same competition three they lose possession but they also Mueller and Lewandowski since they lost 1-0 at Sevilla in the seasons ago, when Bayern won both have great quality in the centre and have scored a remarkable 56 goals Champions League on December 8. legs 2-0. Since that second leg, Juven- up front.” between them in all competitions There will also be a return to tus have played 16 European home “You don’t want to go a goal down this season but in today’s Champions savour for Bayern midfielder Arturo games without defeat. against them, that just makes it even League last-16 round they will be up Vidal, back at the club he helped to Overall, Juventus and Bayern have harder.” against a Juve rearguard which has four Serie A titles in a row, while Juve met eight times with only two wins He added: “Bayern might make kept nine successive clean sheets. striker Mario Mandzukic is also in line for Juventus -- the last in 2005. it difficult for Juve in their own half It is one of many reasons why the to face his former team-mates. Former Bayern forward Miroslav with aggressive pressing. They have tie at the Juventus Stadium is likely to “We know that Bayern are one of Klose summed up the difficulties fac- to disrupt their build-up play and be be a titanic duel between the champi- the three best teams in the world, but ing the Bavarians. quick on the break.” ons and leaders of Italy’s Serie A and we’re playing at home and Juventus “I know from my own experi- “This is Juve’s weakness if you can Germany’s Bundesliga, even though Stadium will give us a real boost,” said ence that it’s very, very hard to score call it one after so many wins,” said Juve could lose top spot should Napoli Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli. against Juve,” said Klose who now the German star. Turkish referee ‘shown red card’ in stormy top-flight clash

AFP Luis Cavanda was deemed to have Galatasaray chairman Dursun Trabzon after the away clash in Istan- brought down Umut Bulut in the pen- Ozbek admitted yesterday that the bul, television pictures showed. alty box in the 86th minute and was refereeing had not been up to scratch, Turkish football has seen a huge ISTANBUL: Turkish football faced himself dismissed. the Dogan news agency reported. influx of foreign talent in the last new questions over the credibility of Trabzonspor players remon- “There were decisions that were years and the game saw Netherlands the game yesterday after an anar- strated with the referee and in the favourable for both sides, there were star Wesley Sneijder and Germa- chic clash between Galatasaray and fracas Trabzonspor defender Salih decisions that went against them. The ny’s Lukas Podolski turning out for Trabzonspor ended with just seven Dursun pinched the referee’s card red Central Referee Commission will Galatasaray. footballers from the Black Sea side on and brandished it in front of Bitnel. meet today and evaluate the referee.” But the sport in Turkey remains the pitch and one of its players show- Bitnel then recovered the card, “A card that was 100 percent shadowed by the sometimes appall- ing the referee the red card. using it to send Dursun off and Selcuk right,” headlined the Fanatik sports ing refereeing, low attendances, The Sunday night Super Lig clash Inan stepped up to score the penalty, daily above a picture of Dursun show- the shadow of a 2011 match-fixing between Galatasaray of Istanbul and winning the game 2-1 to Galatasaray. ing the red card and listing six major scandal and the failure to make any Trabzonspor of Trabzon -- one of the “There are messages from all over errors the referee made in the game. impact in the Champions League. most venomous rivalries in the Turk- Turkey, saying ‘we are ashamed’” Tra- Far from sanctioning Dursun, Turkish media meanwhile noted ish game -- was marked by a litany bzonspor chairman Muharrem Usta Trabzonspor announced the club Dursun’s action had a precedent of penalties, ill discipline and poor said after the game. started printing T-shirts showing back in 1995 when English legend refereeing. “Tonight, Salih Dursun showed Dursun make the already iconic ges- Paul Gascoigne, playing for Rang- Trabzonspor’s Salih Dursun (right) shows a red card to referee Deniz Trabzonspor had already had the red card to Turkish football. This ture for sale in the official shop. ers, showed a yellow card to referee two players sent off by referee Deniz is not a symbol of rebellion. It is a The team was given a hero’s wel- Dougie Smith, in a Scottish Premier- Bitnel (left) during the Turkish Super League match against Galatasaray Ates Bitnel when Belgian defender symbol of rebirth,” he added. come by fans when they flew back to ship clash with Hibernian. in Istanbul on Sunday. 32 TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 SPORT

FACTBOX: FIVE FIFA PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES Sheikh Salman of Bahrain %Born in Bahrain on November 2, 1965 and a member of the Bahraini Royal family. According to bookmakers he is the front-runner in the race to become FIFA president. %Graduated from the University of Bahrain in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and History. %Although he never played the game at any elevated level, he rose to prominence as an administrator in Bahraini football and became vice-president of the Bahrain FA in 1998 and president in 2002. He was subsequently elected president of the Asian Football Confederation in 2013 and became a member of the FIFA Executive Committee. % He immediately made changes to the AFC constitution which in effect meant that Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan lost his seat as one of Asia’s representatives on the FIFA Executive Committee. The complicated political manoeuvring opened a rift with Prince Ali, who is also standing for election. %He has vehemently denied involvement in any wrong-doing, continually denying the allegations throughout his campaign, claiming “these are false, nasty lies, repeated again and again. Do you think that we needed a com- mittee to identify international Bahraini footballers ?” %Key points of Sheikh Salman’s FIFA election manifesto: - In line with the reform proposals, he has also advocated splitting FIFA into two at the governing level, with a finan- cial/commercial department to handle the business side of the organisation and a football department to oversee football development and the organisation of the World Cup and all of FIFA’s other competitions. - If elected he says he will take a non-executive stance as president, and have a more ambassadorial role, not want- ing to “micro-manage” the body, in line with the proposed reforms. Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein %Born in Amman on December 23, 1975, he is the third son of the late King Hussein of Jordan. His mother Queen Alia died in a helicopter crash in February 1977 when he was 14 months old. %Stood against Sepp Blatter in the FIFA election in May but, despite backing from Europe and other countries, was beaten by 133-73 votes in the first round. Although that did not give Blatter the winning margin he needed, Ali conceded defeat before a second round was held. %Also also lost his seat on the FIFA executive committee because the vice-presidency seat Ali occupied was re- allocated by the Asian Football Confederation to its own president, Sheikh Salman, who is also now standing in this election. %Decided to stand again following the crisis that engulfed FIFA last year and has repeatedly said on his world- wide campaign trail that “this is FIFA’s last chance to get it right”. % Prince Ali was educated in Jordan, the United States and Britain and holds the rank of Major General in the Jordanian Armed Forces. * He became president of the Jordan Football Association in 1999 and a year later, he founded the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF). * He successfully campaigned to lift the ban on female Islamic A combination of file pictures shows (from top left) UEFA Secretary-General Gianni Infantino, AFC President players wearing headscarves in competitions. * In 2011, he was elected FIFA vice president for Asia, becoming the Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Former FIFA Deputy General-Secretary Jerome Champagne, FIFA youngest member of the executive board at the age of 35. He was also elected vice president of the Asian Football Vice-President for Asia Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan and Chairman of the FIFA monitoring committee Confederation. for Israel and Palestine Tokyo Sexwale. Prince Ali, Champagne, Sexwale, Al Khalifa, and Infantino are all %Key points of Prince Ali’s FIFA election manifesto: competing for the post of FIFA president on Friday in Zurich. - Supports an expanded World Cup but has not specified how many extra slots he would like to see in the finals. Guarantees that no confederation would lose any slots they now have. - Would increase the grants FIFA gives to member associations from $250,000 to $1m every year . - Wants to “turn the pyramid upside down” giving more power to “the national associations, players, coaches, offi- cials, fans and sponsors.” %William Hill odds to win the presidency: 8/1 %William Hill odds for the other candidates: Sheikh Salman 8/15; Gianni Infantino 6/4; Jerome Champagne 66/1; FIFA facing its ‘most Tokyo Sexwale 66/1. Tokyo Sexwale %Born in Soweto on March 5, 1953, he grew up amid the turmoil of the township struggle against the Apartheid regime in South Africa. %Has run something of a lacklustre campaign and pointedly, has not been backed by his own African confeder- ation, with CAF (Confederation of African Football) making public in January its support of Asian president Sheikh significant’ week Salman. %Sexwale was a student leader who fled into exile and joined the armed resistance of the African National Con- gress, receiving training in Russia. %He was captured trying to get back into South Africa and sentenced to 18 years on terrorism offences, sent to Some odds makers have put Bah- Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was also incarcerated. FIFA PRESIDENTIAL rainian royal Sheikh Salman Bin % This coming week is ELECTION He spent 13 years in prison and after his release was elected to the ANC’s executive committee and became a Ebrahim Al Khalifa as the favour- regional chairman. the most significant ite, after he won the backing from % In 1994, after South Africa’s first democratic elections, he was appointed Premier of Gauteng Province, the in FIFA’s 112-year the Asian confederation he leads industrial heartland of South Africa, incorporating the capital Pretoria and the economic hub of Johannesburg. * Gianni Infantino, the acting head and from Africa’s top football man- Left his post in 1998 to go into business, quickly making millions in empowerment deals in the mining sector. Sex- history. The 209 of European football, made the com- agement. With dozens of football wale remained a member of the powerful ANC executive committee. Member Associations ments in a statement yesterday, five executives facing graft allegations, %Sexwale’s FIFA election manifesto: have the ability to days before the vote that experts Infantino stressed that this week was - His manifesto does not tackle anti-corruption issues but rather seeks more places at future World Cups for Africa say could determine whether FIFA “truly a crossroads moment for the and seeks to allow national FAs to make more revenue by allowing sponsorship on national team jerseys. define not just their emerges from months of unprece- FIFA.” - “After 112 years of its existence, FIFA needs to take a hard look, with sensitivity, at these imbalances - not in oppo- own destiny, but dented scandal to restore its battered “By the end of this week we sition to any grouping but in favour of football,” he says. reputation. will know whether FIFA has taken - He also promises a personal touch if elected. “Every FA’s President will have direct tele-contact with myself. They also that of FIFA and “This coming week is the most a full step towards reform, greater need not bang the door to see their own FIFA President on very serious matters.” global football, says significant in FIFA’s 112-year history,” transparency and a new era for the % William Hill odds to win presidency: 66/1 said Infantino, the Secretary-General world’s most played and watched Infantino %William Hill odds for the other candidates: 8/15 Sheikh Salman; 6/4 Gianni Infantino; 8/1 Prince Ali; 66/1 Jer- of the European confederation UEFA. sport,” Infantino said, asserting that ome Champagne “The 209 (FIFA) Member Associ- he was the best candidate to lead the Gianni Infantino ations have the ability to define not reform drive. % AFP just their own destiny, but also that of “A huge amount is at stake,” he Born in Brig, Switzerland on March 23, 1970. % FIFA and global football,” the Swiss- added. Studied law at the University of Friburg in Switzerland. Speaks Italian, English, French, German and Spanish. Italian national further said. Former FIFA deputy secre- %Before joining UEFA, he worked as an advisor to football bodies in Spain, Italy and Switzerland, then as Sec- While the race remains unpre- tary general Jerome Champagne of retary General of the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) at the University of Neuchatel. LAUSANNE: A leading candidate dictable, Infantino is widely seen France, and Jordan’s Prince Ali bin al % He joined European soccer’s governing body UEFA in 2000. In 2004, he was appointed director of UEFA’s in Friday’s election to replace Sepp as a front-runner after winning Hussein, an ex-FIFA executive com- Legal Affairs and Club Licensing Division. One of his tasks was to foster close contacts with the European Union, Blatter as FIFA’s president said this the endorsements from the exec- mittee member are also contesting, the Council of Europe and governmental authorities. week is the “most significant” in the utive committees of UEFA and the along with South African business- %Infantino became UEFA’s general secretary in October 2009, and right-hand man to president Michel Platini 112-year history of world football’s South American confederation man Tokyo Sexwale, who is now who in December was banned for eight years by FIFA’s ethics committee. governing body. (CONMEBOL). considered a fringe candidate. %His main task since then has been to implement UEFA’s Financial Fair Play policy, a break-even rule aimed at ensuring that clubs do not spend more than their generated revenue. It was initially intended to stop rich owners pumping unlimited amounts of cash into the clubs. %UEFA has said that the policy has been successful in reducing losses by professional clubs across Europe. Critics have said that it prevents smaller clubs from growing and cements a status quo in which the same teams dominate the Champions League and European domestic leagues. FIFA panel bans, fines Makudi %Infantino has also overseen an increase from 16 to 24 teams in the European championship, starting with Euro 2016 in France. Another innovation has been the League of Nations competition for national teams which critics says is bafflingly complex. Reuters %Key points of Infantino’s FIFA election manifesto: - The most controversial proposal is to increase the 32-team World Cup to 40 teams. Infantino said he would also encourage the idea of co-hosting World Cup tournaments between two or more countries in the same region. - Infantino says he wants to distribute $5 million every four years to each of FIFA’s 209 member associations for football development and a further $40 million to each of the continental confederations. ZURICH: Former FIFA executive % committee member Worawi Makudi William Hill odds to win presidency: 6/4 was banned again yesterday for fail- %William Hill odds for the other candidates: 8/15 Sheikh Salman; 8/1 Prince Ali; 66/1 Jerome Champagne; 66/1 ing to respect an earlier suspension Tokyo Sexwale. imposed during an investigation over Jerome Champagne alleged misconduct, soccer’s govern- %Born in Paris on June 15, 1958 ing body said. %The 57-year-old Frenchman held senior positions at FIFA before leaving the organisation in 2010. Worawi has been suspended %Was the first to declare he was running in the 2015 presidential election in January 2014, but later pulled out by FIFA’s ethics committee since when he could not get the backing of the mandatory five FAs needed to secure a place in the race. last October while it conducts the % Completed his education in 1981 after gaining degrees at the Institute of Political Sciences of Paris and the investigation. Institute of Oriental Languages. The ethics committee has not %Joined France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1983 and during his career as a diplomat served in Muscat in the given details of his alleged miscon- Sultanate of Oman, Havana, Paris, Los Angeles and Brasilia. duct and Worawi, the former head of %Became Deputy Consul General in Los Angeles where, during the build-up to the 1994 World Cup in the United the Football Association of Thailand States, he met the leaders of the Organising Committee for the 1998 World Cup in France, among them Michel (FAT), has denied any wrongdoing. Worawi Makudi is a former member of Fifa’s Executive Committee. Platini and later Sepp Blatter. FIFA’s disciplinary committee has %Left the French diplomatic service in 1997 and began working for the French World Cup Organising Commit- now added its own 90-day ban which tee as diplomatic adviser and Chief of Protocol under Platini. started yesterday, fined him 3,000 FIFA executive committee for 18 Sepp Blatter and European soccer % Blatter, then FIFA’s secretary general, invited him to join FIFA as his international adviser when he became Swiss francs ($3,009.03) and issued years as one of the Asian Football boss Michel Platini for eight years president in 1998. a warning after finding that he had Confederation’s representatives until each. %Since 2010, Champagne has worked as an independent international football consultant, often in association breached the conditions of the orig- he was voted off last year. Worawi had been due to stand with FIFA and has helped broker a new initiative in Cyprus involving the Greek and Turkish FAs who signed a dec- inal suspension. Switzerland’s attorney-general for re-election as FAT president on laration last November aiming to unify football on the island for the first time since 1955. “The Disciplinary Commit- has opened an investigation into the October 17. %In 2012 he issued a 26-page 20,000 word document entitled “What FIFA for the 21st Century?”. tee found that he was still involved bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 However, on October 16, FIFA %Key points of Champagne’s FIFA election manifesto: in FAT affairs during this period ... tournaments, part of a scandal which sacked the entire FAT execu- and has therefore decided to ban has engulfed soccer’s governing body tive committee, replaced it with a - Is against any expansion of the World Cup to 40 teams. him from taking part in any kind of which will elect a new president on “normalisation committee” and post- - He would re-organise FIFA’s current grants system which sees the richest FAs getting the same grants as the poor- football-related activity at national Friday. Worawi is among a number of poned the election. est. Most of the money, he says, would go to the poorest members. and international level for a period of former FIFA officials under investiga- The election went ahead earlier %William Hill odds to win presidency: 66/1 three months,” said FIFA in a state- tion by the ethics committee, which this month and was won by Somyot %William Hill odds for the other candidates: 8/15 Sheikh Salman; 6/4 Gianni Infantino, 8/1, Prince Ali; 66/1 Tokyo ment. Worawi, 64, had been on the in December banned FIFA president Poompunmuang. Sexwale. SPORT TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 33

F1 facing last chance for 2017 change, says Horner

BARCELONA: Formula One teams have a last chance to agree major changes for 2017 at meet- ings yesterday and must seize the opportunity to make the sport more exciting, Red Bull boss Chris- tian Horner said yesterday. Speaking to reporters at the start of pre-season testing, Horner said the meetings of the core Strategy Group and broader For- mula One Commission in Geneva needed to act decisively in the sport’s interests. Under Formula One rules, changes for 2017 can be passed by majority vote until March 1 but must be unanimous after that. Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel waits in his car at the Circuit de Catalunya yesterday in Montmelo on the outskirts ofBarcelona on the first test day of the Formula One With team bosses rarely agree- Grand Prix season. ing unanimously on anything, that would mean any changes being kicked down the road for another year. The agenda includes new con- F1: Vettel quickest in Barcelona test cepts such as awarding points for qualifying, with the top 10 reversed for the race, and techni- cal changes aimed at producing at the Circuit de Cataluyna track closer racing with more spectac- before racing gets underway for real ular and aggressive-looking cars. Defending champion at the Australian Grand Prix on March “We have got an opportu- Hamilton says new 20. nity to do something really good Mercedes feels like Red Bull and Williams showed and hopefully that is not missed,” early signs of what could be a bat- said Horner, who also cautioned the old one tle for the best of the rest as Daniel against artificial measures to liven Ricciardo edged out Valtteri Bottas up the sport that could damage its to third fastest. heritage. Mclaren-Honda made a signifi- Formula One’s commercial Agencies cant improvement on their disastrous supremo Bernie Ecclestone lim- performances in testing last season bered up for the meetings with which set up a hugely disappointing highly-critical comments about return season to the sport for the Jap- the way the sport had evolved. BARCELONA: Ferrari’s Sebastian anese manufacturer. In an interview published in Vettel outgunned reigning world Despite a few early teething prob- yesterday’s Daily Mail newspa- champion Lewis Hamilton to the lems which frustrated race director per, the 85-year-old billionaire fastest time as the 2016 Formula One Eric Boullier, Jenson Button was able said Formula One was “the worst season got under way with the first to log 82 laps, but the MP4-31 was still it has ever been”. test in Barcelona yesterday. well down on pace nearly two sec- Horner, who is close to Eccle- The Italian giants are expected onds behind Vettel in fifth fastest. stone, understood his frustration to pose an even stronger challenge Unsurprisingly, newcomers Haas, but suggested Tuesday was “an to Hamilton’s Mercedes this season the first American owned team in ideal opportunity” to do some- after Vettel showed signs of a Fer- Formula One for 30 years, Renault thing about it. rari revival by winning three races on their return as a constructor “It needs to be constructive last year. and Manor Racing struggled most, and positive so we have a clear The four-time former world although the three combined for over direction for the future, because champion was nearly half a second 100 laps on an uncharacteristically sitting here right now I am not sure faster than Hamilton in a time of 1min trouble-free first day of the season. what that direction is,” he added. 24.939sec. “It is better than being last Meanwhile, Hamilton said his new McLaren racing director Eric but (being fastest) is not really impor- Mercedes felt like a winner. Boullier, speaking separately, sug- Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team’s British driver Lewis Hamilton waves as he speaks to journalists at the tant,” said Vettel. “First impression? It feels good, it gested Ecclestone was reacting to “We were happy with the car and feels like last year’s,” the Briton told a Circuit de Catalunya yesterday in Montmelo on the outskirts of Barcelona on the first test day of the Formula declining television audiences how it felt, but it is better to be first in scrum of reporters at Barcelona’s Cir- One Grand Prix season. as the sport moved increasingly about a month’s time.” cuit de Catalunya when the morning towards pay per view and away However, after dominating the session ended. circuit -- without any obvious prob- Despite the strong showing, The Swiss team are testing with a from free-to-air. sport for the past two seasons, Mer- Mercedes won 16 of 19 races last lems. The 31-year-old Briton was not Hamilton -- who has won the past 2015 car and will not have the new “I got amused at first, but I cedes’ reliability sent another warning year, taking both titles, and have tri- the fastest -- Ferrari’s Sebastian Vet- two championships and is aiming to one ready until the second four-day understand his frustration,” he said shot to the rest of the paddock as umphed in 32 of the last 38 grands tel led the timesheets -- but lap times become the first Briton to win four test next week. of Ecclestone’s comments. Hamilton racked up a huge mileage prix. matter less than reliability as teams world titles -- said the season start- The US-based Haas F1 team made “Tomorrow is an important F1 of 155 laps - nearly twice as much as “It’s very encouraging,” added look initially for consistency over out- ing in Australia on March 20 would their debut, and triggered the first Strategy Group meeting in Geneva, anyone else. Hamilton after doing more mileage right pace. be tough. red flag of the season when Romain so we will see where we can vent History also favours Hamilton and than anyone else. “It’s a great job by Quadruple champion Vettel, in his “Every year you have to expect it Grosjean’s car shed its front wing and our frustration as well to make Mercedes. Ferrari posted the quick- the team. Usually in the first day you second season at Ferrari, did 36 laps. to be harder. In terms of my prepa- marshals were called in to sweep up the sport the best -- or better def- est time on day one of testing in each don’t get that many laps so I’m really Hamilton was 0.470 seconds ration, I’m preparing for the hardest the debris. Renault returned with initely -- and that is what we all of the last two years, whilst Mercedes happy.” slower than Vettel with Finland’s season I’ve had so far,” he declared. their own team. Red Bull-owned Toro want I guess.” clocked up the laps before moving up Hamilton managed 66 laps -- Valtteri Bottas third quickest in a Yesterday was the first day the Rosso, who have yet to finalise their The Frenchman agreed with a gear closer to the start of the season. exactly the same number as the Mercedes-powered Williams and new cars had been seen in public look, took to the track with a plain Horner that the meetings repre- Seven more days of testing remain Spanish Grand Prix held at the same completing 43 laps. with only Sauber yet to show theirs. blue car lacking any branding. sented a last chance for 2017. Watson claims second Riviera title in three years

AFP with Adam Scott. Australia’s Scott and Scott all opened with eagles. birdied 17 and 18 en route to a 67. PGA NORTHERN TRUST Scott had the best start of the day, Scott chipped out from 25 feet on OPEN SCORES going eagle-par-birdie-birdie to take PACIFIC PALISADES, United States: 18 for a birdie and looked for a while the lead at 14-under. Bubba Watson captured the North- like he could be headed to a play-off, 269 Bubba Watson 66-68-67-68 He cooled with a double bogey on ern Trust Open for the second time but Watson sealed the victory with a 270 Jason Kokrak 68-64-70-68, Adam the eighth but picked it up again with in three years on Sunday, emerging short two-foot putt on 18. Scott (AUS) 68-68-67-67 a birdie at 11. The Aussie made back- from a crowded leaderboard to win Rory McIlroy’s hopes of launching 271 Dustin Johnson 68-66-68-69 to-back bogeys on 14 and 15 which by just one stroke. his Masters preparations with a vic- 272 Marc Leishman (AUS) 68-67-68- he got back with birdies on the final The two-time Masters winner tory fell apart after the world number 69, K.J. Choi (KOR) 69-67-67-69 two holes. now heads to the first major cham- three from Northern Ireland fired a “I got off to a great start,” Scott 273 Chez Reavie 66-67-69-71 pionship of the season at Augusta final round 75. said. “I was right in the tournament National in seven weeks looking for Kokrak, Scott, Dustin Johnson, K.J. 274 Matt Kuchar 69-69-69-67, Kang the whole day. I played a good round his third green jacket. Choi and Marc Leishman all took runs Sung (KOR) 70-69-66-69 of golf around a pretty demanding The 37-year-old American, who at top spot on the leaderboard. 275 Ryan Moore 69-68-69-69 course today.” also won at Pacific Palisades in 2014, Watson moved into a tie for the 276 Martin Laird (SCO) 68-70-69-69, Like Scott, McIlroy, who was birdied two of his final three holes lead at 14-under with a birdie on the J.B. Holmes 71-66-69-70, Steve making his first start at Riviera, en route to a three-under 68 for a par-three 16th, landing his tee shot Stricker 71-68-67-70, Hideki Mat- eagled the first but then played 15-under 269 total. just five feet from the hole. suyama (JPN) 69-67-68-72, Troy the holes from four through 13 in “What I was looking for today was He had a 45-foot putt for eagle on Merritt 68-66-70-72 six-over. to make par and then throw in some the par-five 17th that stopped three “One of those days, I couldn’t lucky birdies,” said Watson, who now feet short, giving him another easy really get anything going after the has nine wins on the US PGA Tour. birdie. it. So I knew that I still had a shot if good start,” said McIlroy, who fin- “I want to get to 10 wins because Watson reached the green in two I could make some good swings and ished tied for 20th, ninth strokes back that is a big stepping stone in this day on 18 then two putted for the victory. some good putts down the stretch, of Watson. and age on the PGA Tour.” “Starting the day, it was anybody’s and somehow it worked out.” McIlroy was hoping to sharpen Watson’s playing partner, Jason ballgame, so I just held it together,” Several golfers got off to hot starts his game by switching his traditional Bubba Watson poses with the trophy after putting in to win on the Kokrak, fell just short in his quest for Watson said. on Sunday thanks in part to the par- pre-Masters schedule, but after three his first PGA title, closing with a 68 to “I looked at the leaderboard and I five first being the easiest hole on the rounds in the 60s, he plans a return 18th hole during the final round of the Northern Trust Open at Riviera finish at 14 under and share second saw nobody was running away with course this week. McIlroy, Justin Rose to Riviera. Country Club on Sunday. 34 TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 SPORT

Pattinson gets rocket McCullum gone for and New Zealand pay

AFP

good as Aussies CHRISTCHURCH: James Pattin- son, smarting from being bowled out after a no-ball error in the first innings, put Australia firmly in control of the second Test against New Zealand with a crucial triple- strike yesterday. scent victory Australia finished the third day at Hagley Oval in Christchurch eyeing a comprehensive victory SCOREBOARD with Pattinson ripping the top New Zealand off New Zealand as they tried to New Zealand (I innings): 370 Bowling: Southee 25-4-85-0; Boult 31-5- mount a second innings recovery. struggle as retiring Australia (I innings): 108-2; Henry 32-8-101-0; Anderson 22-2-66- Pattinson removed New Zea- skipper likely to be D Warner c Guptill b Boult 12 1; Wagner 32.1-6-106-6; Williamson 7-0-17-1; land openers Martin Guptill (0) J Burns c Guptill b Wagner 170 McCullum 4-2-3-0. and Tom Latham (39), both caught deprived of a happy behind by Peter Nevill, and Henry New Zealand (II innings): ending to the home U Khawaja c McCullum b Boult 24 Nicholls who was nabbed at second S Smith c Guptill b Wagner 138 T Latham c Nevill b Pattinson 39 slip by Steve Smith for two. Test series A Voges c Latham b Wagner 60 M Guptill c Nevill b Pattinson 0 The one wicket he missed was

N Lyon c McCullum b Williamson 33 K Williamson (batting) 45 Brendon McCullum, in his farewell M Marsh c Nicholls b Wagner 18 H Nicholls c Smith b Pattinson 2 innings, who fell to Josh Hazlewood for 25. It was a much more disci- B McCullum c Warner b Hazlewood 25 AFP P Nevill c Watling b Wagner 13 plined effort from Pattinson who J Pattinson c Boult b Anderson 1 C Anderson (batting) 9 had McCullum caught for 39 in the J Hazlewood c McCullum b Wagner 13 Extras (NB-1) 1 first innings only for the wicket to J Bird (not out) 4 Total (for 4 wkts) 121 be ruled out because of a no ball CHRISTCHURCH: Brendon Extras (B-9, LB-10) 19 Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-66, 3-72, 4-105. and McCullum added another 106 McCullum drew the curtain on his rapid runs before he was dismissed. Total (all out) 505 Bowling: Hazlewood 15-5-40-1; Pattinson illustrious batting career as a typ- “To come back from the dis- ically pugnacious but short-lived Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-67, 3-356, 4-357, 12-5-29-3; Bird 7-1-26-0; Lyon 2-0-8-0; appointment of the no ball in the innings yesterday was unable to 5-438, 6-464, 7-483, 8-484, 9-496, 10-505. Marsh 8-2-18-0 (nb1). first innings and to produce that loosen Australia’s firm grip on the today is a terrific effort,” team- second Test in Christchurch. mate Adam Voges said. New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum leaves the field after batting On an emotional day when game, he was gone for the last time. wickets for 106 by Neil Wagner had “The coach didn’t miss him players and fans marked the fifth It had been a memorable Test for helped engineer an abrupt end to the for the last time as he was dismissed by Australian bowler Josh after play on day one and that’s anniversary of the devastating McCullum with a rollicking 145 in the Australian innings after they reached Hazlewood on day three of the second Test Match at the Hagley Oval probably putting it nicely. He got Christchurch earthquake, the first innings, reaching his century in 464-5 and lost their last five wickets in Christchurch, New Zealand yesterday. a rocket. captain’s departure in his 101st and a record 54 balls, when he defied the for 41 in 12 overs. final Test left New Zealand staring accepted rules of cricket by lashing On a pitch offering little for down the barrel. out on a seaming wicket. the bowlers, Wagner fired up New At the end of the third day After that innings he said what Zealand when he removed Australia’s New Zealand were 121-4, needing mattered most was winning the Test, batting goliath Adam Voges in the Williamson stands between a further 14 to make Australia bat but that now seems unlikely. second over after lunch. again, but refusing to concede. A magical spell from James Voges, backing up from a double “It’s 1-0 in the series and we’ve Pattinson to rip through New century in the first innings, had got to go out there and try and win Zealand’s top order gave Australia a looked in total control until his Australia and victory this Test match,” BJ Watling said. sight of victory and a return to the timing deserted him in an attempt “We’ve just got to try and get a number one world ranking. to pull Wagner to the boundary and total on the board that we can win the Kane Williamson was not out 45 a leaping Latham grasped the ball game (with); that’s the ultimate goal.” at stumps with Corey Anderson on at square leg. Voges, out for 60, had Reuters batsman Williamson has looked “It’s obviously great that Kane’s still McCullum arrived for his farewell nine. seen Australia to a sound position out of sorts throughout the series there and Corey coming off a good innings at 72-3 but after 25 off 27 The Australians posted a after being set up by Joe Burns (170) against a disciplined Australian first-innings total. deliveries, the man who hit the fastest formidable 505 in their first innings and Steve Smith (138). attack, who have strangled his scor- “We’re definitely backing what ever Test century in the first innings for a 135-run lead and New Zealand’s “We’re in a great spot. To push on CHRISTCHURCH: Kane William- ing options and bowled a nagging we have left to put a total on the was out. attempt to fight back started past 500 and then take four wickets son was looming as the difference off-stump line. board. However many that is, we’re His second-to-last whack sent disastrously when Martin Guptill and them still be behind us, we’re in between a comfortable Austral- The right hander, however, just going to have to come out with Josh Hazlewood for a record- was caught behind off Pattinson for a good position,” Voges said. ian win in the second test against could also anchor a fightback for the ball and try and win it.” extending 107th six over square nought. Fans and players, wearing black New Zealand and a match situation the hosts as they try to post a tar- Australia batsman Adam leg. But when he danced down the Pattinson and gloveman Peter armbands, paused at 12:51 pm, the that could tip the scales either way, get their bowlers can defend at Voges who scored 239 at the Basin wicket for a repeat performance Nevill combined again to dismiss exact time the 2011 earthquake according to both sides. Hagley Oval, with wicketkeeper Reserve during the first Test, said off the next ball he was caught by Tom Latham with the young opener struck, for a minute’s silence for Williamson was on 45 not out BJ Watling expecting him to build Williamson would be a “huge” David Warner. making a start but unable to kick on. the 185 victims of a disaster which at stumps with Corey Anderson on on his innings today while others wicket for them to take on day four, After Australian captain Steve Henry Nicholls made just two destroyed much of Christchurch city nine with the hosts 121 for four, still helped. though they were also pleased that Smith ran over to shake McCullum’s before he edged a full delivery from centre. 14 runs away from making Australia “We’ve definitely got a few play- Josh Hazlewood had sent New Zea- hand and acknowledge the New Pattinson to the safe hands of Smith Today is the fourth day of the Test bat again. ers in the shed left to try and get a land captain Brendon McCullum into Zealand captain’s contribution to the at second slip. A career-best six match. The dashing 25-year-old total for us,” Watling told reporters. retirement already.

Clarke in talks with Sixers Tickets sold out as Gladiators ready over Big Bash spot

to take on United in the PSL final AFP

The Peninsula An action-packed HBL PSL packed crowd in Dubai, Quetta Glad- tournament has seen some thrill- PAKISTAN SUPER LEAGUE iators created history and became the SYDNEY: The Sydney Sixers yester- ing cricket and strong support from FINAL TODAY first team to qualify for the final of day said they have spoken to Michael cricket fans across the UAE. the PSL. Clarke (pictured) about his come- DUBAI: HBL Pakistan Super League TV ratings in Pakistan have also Led by Pakistani wicket-keeper back plans as the former Australia has taken the UAE by storm as tickets hit an all-time high, with the nation psl. In addition, fans across the UAE Sarfraz Ahmed, the Gladiators are skipper weighs up a tilt at Australia’s for the final between Quetta Gladia- fully gripped in the HBL PSL fever. had the option to buy tickets from 85 gearing up for the final with their Twenty20 Big Bash League. tors and Islamabad United have been Tickets for HBL PSL were made retail outlets. overseas players Kumar Sangakkara, Clarke, who returned to Sydney sold out completely. available globally on kyazoonga.ae/ In a nail-biting finish in front of a Kevin Pietersen, Grant Elliot, Nathan club cricket over the weekend with McCullum and Luke Wright forming Western Suburbs, has been linked a strong core. with the Sixers about reigniting a Sharjeel Khan scored the first T20 career in next season’s domes- hundred of the Pakistan Super tic competition. League as Islamabad United galloped Sixers general manager Dominic “It’s a long off season so we into the final with a comprehensive Remond confirmed preliminary will wait and see how things pan 50-run win against Peshawar Zalmi discussions had been held with the out in the coming months,” added on Sunday to join the Gladiators in batsman, who retired in August Remond. the final. after the disastrous Ashes series in Clarke, 34, scored what he Fresh from their resounding England. described as a “rusty” 48 in his victory, Misbah ul Haq’s Islamabad “We caught up with Michael comeback match for Western Sub- United will be looking for their fifth a few weeks ago to chat about his urbs on Saturday and followed up consecutive win to get the winning interest in the Sixers and what he with a quick-fire 30 off 17 balls in the trophy. was looking to do moving forward,” second innings on Sunday. With Brad Haddin, Azhar Mah- Remond said. He has maintained that he was mood, Mohammad Sami, Samuel Clarke said before his come- taking a wait-and-see approach to Badree, Sharjeel Khan and Andre back club match that he “missed the resuming his career elsewhere, but Russell part of United’s dressing room, game”, and wanted to have a crack has also made it clear that his focus the team has peaked at the right time at making his mark in T20s. from now on would be on the T20 in the tournament. “We only have a few positions format. The final of the first ever HBL available on our roster and we are That has been given more weight Pakistan Super League will take place just working through our review by the emergence of the approach today at the Dubai International Sta- process from last season. With the to the Sixers. dium, starting at 8pm Dubai Standard World T20 and IPL coming up, no While Clarke played in 115 Tests Time (16:00GMT). decisions on roster spots are likely and 245 one-day internationals, he Misbah ul Haq’s Islamabad United team celebrate after confirming The all-exciting final will be pre- to be made in the near future as only took part in 34 T20 interna- their place in the final of the inaugural Pakistan Super League, beating ceded by a spectacular fireworks we decide on what is going to work tionals during his first-class career, Peshawar Zalmi on Sunday. display at the stadium starting at best for our club for BBL06 and giving it a low priority compared to 6.30pm. beyond. Tests and ODIs. SPORT TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016 35 Davis scores 59 in Pelicans victory, Cavs rout Thunder

games behind Houston for the last The 22-year-old playoff spot in the Western Confer- ence, but Davis says New Orleans is forward becomes ready for a late-season surge. only the third NBA “A little tired but happy we got Dominican Yamaico Navarro in action during their American League that win. It’s very important,” Davis MLB baseball game in Toronto, between Baltimore Orioles and player since 1983 said. “We just try to come out and Toronto Blue Jays in this May 2013 file photo. Navarro was arrested play with a lot of energy. We’re trying with 50 points in Japan on Sunday for allegedly carrying a bullet, running afoul of to make a push to get in the playoffs.” or more and 20 At Oklahoma City, James scored the country’s strict weapons laws. rebounds in a game 25 points, passed out 11 assists and pulled down seven rebounds to power the Cavaliers’ rout of the Thunder. Dominican former MLB AFP Kevin Love had 29 points and 11 rebounds for Cleveland while Tris- player arrested in Japan tan Thompson had 14 points and 14 rebounds. WASHINGTON: Anthony Davis Durant had 26 points and West- AFP Chiba Lotte Marines, for whom he scored a career-high 59 points and brook 20 in a losing cause. signed last month. Navarro report- grabbed 20 rebounds on Sunday in Frenchman Tony Parker scored edly told police the bullet had come one of the NBA’s most epic perform- 22 points, Australian Patty Mills from the Dominican Republic and ances, powering the New Orleans added 21 and LaMarcus Aldridge TOKYO: A former Major League he had not been aware that it was Pelicans over host Detroit 111-106. had 19 points and 10 rebounds as Baseball player has been arrested in in his bag. On a day when LeBron James the San Antonio Spurs beat Phoe- Japan for allegedly carrying a bullet, Ownership of guns and ammu- powered the Cleveland Cavaliers to a nix 118-111, handing the Suns their running afoul of the country’s strict nition is strictly controlled in Japan, 115-92 rout of Kevin Durant and the 11th loss in a row. weapons laws. where firearms are exceedingly Oklahoma City Thunder, Davis stole Derrick Rose and E’Twaun Dominican Yamaico Navarro uncommon. Before joining Lotte, the show with an effort for the ages. Moore each scored 24 points while was stopped at an airport security Navarro played for South Korea’s The 22-year-old forward scored Pau Gasol added 21 against his check in Okinawa on Sunday, a local Samsung Lions. eight points in the first quarter, 18 former teammates in Chicago’s police official said. He has also had spells with the in the second, 14 more in the third 126-115 home victory over the Los The 28-year-old infielder was Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Roy- and 19 in the fourth quarter with the Angeles Lakers. Kobe Bryant had 22 leaving the subtropical island after als, Pittsburgh Pirates and Baltimore game still in doubt to produce the for the Lakers. playing a pre-season game with Orioles in the US Major Leagues. most points by any NBA player in a German star Nowitzki passed the game this season. 29,000 career point plateau, only the “Everybody on the bench was sixth NBA player to crack that bar- saying, ‘That’s a lot of points. He can rier, after scoring 18 points in Dallas’ score them all, you might as well get 129-103 victory over Philadelphia. 60,’” Davis said. “It’s great to finally Jahlil Okafor had a career-high 31 No beards for Marlins score 50. Now that I’ve got that off points in a losing cause. my shoulders, I can go out and just C J McCollum scored 31 points keep playing. and Damian Lillard added 30 as Agencies MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL “We play hard, play great Portland edged Utah 115-111. ROUND-UP defence, play with a lot of energy. Isaiah Thomas had 22 points We’re just clicking on all cylinders and 12 assists while Jared Sullinger right now.” added 16 points and 11 rebounds as MIAMI: New Miami Marlins man- December. To make room on the Davis became only the third NBA the Boston Celtics beat Denver 121- ager Don Mattingly has adopted a 40-man roster, the Dodgers placed player since 1983 with 50 points and 101 while DeMar DeRozan scored 21 policy prohibiting the team’s play- right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas 20 rebounds in a game, the first since points and Toronto downed visiting ers from having facial hair. on the 60-day disabled list. Chris Webber had 51 points and 26 Memphis 98-85. The Marlins were allowed to At the meantime, St. Louis Cardi- rebounds in 2001. Shaquille O’Neal Kemba Walker’s 28 points led have beards the past two years but nals right-hander Adam Wainwright had a career-high 61 points and 23 Charlotte over Brooklyn 104-96 Mattingly changed the organisation’s will be the starter on Opening Day, rebounds in a 2000 game. while Monta Ellis had 21 points and policy after being hired. manager Mike Matheny said. “It’s great to be in the category Paul George added 20 in Indiana’s “Guys will whine,” Mattingly told Barring an injury this spring, with those two guys who dominated 105-102 victory at Orlando. reporters on Sunday. Wainwright will face the Pirates on the game,” Davis said. “Some guys like it; some guys Sunday, April 3 at Pittsburgh. Davis connected of 24-of-34 won’t. As long as we’re consistent, I Wainwright, 34, missed most shots from the floor and still man- NBA RESULTS think it’s not that big of a deal.” of the last five months of the 2015 aged to pass off four assists and New Orleans 111 Detroit 106 The Los Angeles Dodgers signed season after tearing his left Achilles block a shot. He made both 3-point- Cleveland 115 Oklahoma City 92 Cuban right-hander Yaisel Sierra on tendon while batting during a game ers he attempted and went 9-of-10 Boston 121 Denver 101 Sunday, finalizing a six-year, $30 on April 25 at Milwaukee. Wain- from the free throw line. San Antonio 118 Phoenix 111 million contract. Sierra, 24, will get wright was 2-1 with a 1.61 ERA over “I just came out with a lot of a $6 million signing bonus. He will just 28 innings in seven appearances energy and played very well, shot Charlotte 104 Brooklyn 96 report to camp in Phoenix once his last season. He came back late in the real well,” Davis said. “My team- Indiana 105 Orlando 102 visa issues are resolved. season to pitch in relief. mates did a great job of setting me Toronto 98 Memphis 85 Dodgers manager Dave Rob- The Texas Rangers signed free up, getting me the ball so I could erts said Sierra was expected to be agent right-handed pitcher Jeremy Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots the ball during the Dallas 129 Philadelphia 103 score.Davis is doing everything he Chicago 126 LA Lakers 115 in camp either yesterday or today. Guthrie to a minor league contract game against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday at The Palace of Auburn can to keep the magic going. Sierra was granted free agency with an invitation to spring train- Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. At 22-33, the Pelicans are 5 1/2 Portland 115 Utah 111 by Major League Baseball in late ing camp.

R usher Klein strikes to make New York Rangers safe arrested for fifth time in Agencies NHL: SUNDAY’S GAMES 17 months

NEW YORK: Defenceman Kevin Klein scored with 3:01 remaining goal and two assist as the Wild won AFP in overtime to give the New York their fourth in a row, beating the Rangers a 1-0 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks 6-1 at TCF Detroit Red Wings at Madison Bank Stadium on the University NEW YORK: Former Dallas Cow- Square Garden on Sunday night. of Minnesota campus. boys running back Joseph Randle Klein snapped the winner Ducks 5, Flames 2 was arrested on Sunday for the home off a 2-on-1 rush, collecting Centre Ryan Kesler had two fifth time in 17 months and the a pass from centre Kevin Hayes goals and an assist to lead the third time since being dropped by and rifling a shot over the catch- Anaheim Ducks to a 5-2 rout of the the NFL club in November. ing glove of Red Wings goaltender Calgary Flames on Sunday night in Police apprehended Randle in Jimmy Howard. front of a sellout crowd 17,174 at the his hometown of Wichita, Kansas, Lightning 4, Hurricanes 2 Honda Centre. on three charges of aggravated bat- Centre Steven Stamkos scored Centre Ryan Getzlaf, left tery, one count of drug possession a tiebreaking power-play goal with winger Patrick Maroon and and one count of criminal property 5:43 remaining to send the Tampa defenseman Kevin Bieksa contrib- damage. The Cowboys dropped Bay Lightning to a 4-2 victory over uted goals while goalie John Gibson Randle reportedly in part for his the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday stopped 22 shots as the Ducks (31- involvement in sport gambling, an night at PNC Arena. 19-8) used their fifth consecutive allegation Randle has denied. Stamkos’ team-leading 25th victory and their 12th in 14 games On February 1, Randle was goal of the season, which gave the to move within two points of the arrested on a speeding charge. Lightning a 3-2 lead, came four first-place Los Angeles Kings in the Last November, he was arrested seconds before a high-sticking Pacific Division. following an altercation at a Kan- penalty on Carolina centre Jordan Canucks 5, Avalanche 1 sas casino on charges of assault Staal expired. Adam Cracknell scored his sec- of a law enforcement officer, bat- Wild 6, Blackhawks 1 ond goal in as many games and the tery, disorderly conduct, criminal It’s safe to say that few of the Vancouver Canucks beat the Colo- trespass, disorderly conduct and 50,000-plus fans in attendance rado Avalanche 5-1 at Rogers Arena interference with a law enforce- Sunday had as much fun as Minne- on Sunday night. ment officer. He was also arrested sota Wild wingers Jason Pominville It was the fourth-line centres’ last February in Wichita over a and Erik Haula. fifth goal of the season and his first domestic disturbance complaint With Minnesota hosting a Sta- in front of a home crowd. He pre- and in October of 2014 over a shop- Vancouver Canucks forward Jannik Hansen (left) scores against Colorado Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamaov dium Series game for the first time, viously went 28 games without lifting arrest for stealing underwear Pominville and Haula each had a scoring. during the third period of their NHL game at Rogers Arena on Sunday. The Vancouver Canucks won 5-1. and cologne. 36 TUESDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2016

Even Al Rayyan, Lekhwiya Djokovic cruises in Dubai eye superior QSL record

DUBAI TENNIS The Peninsula World No.1 crushes CHAMPIONSHIPS Spain’s Robredo 6-1, 6-2; the Serb now inside,” Djokovic said after advanc- DOHA: Current Qatar Stars League just a win away from ing in 65 minutes. (QSL) leaders Al Rayyan will play his 700th career “There are emotions, moments of Lekhwiya on Friday in what prom- confidence and doubts. ises to be one of the most interesting victory “It’s important to remain posi- clashes of round 20. tive. I came here a few days ago and Both sides are currently equal in trained hard to get ready. It’s been terms of performance ahead of their three weeks since I’ve played a match. tenth direct encounter in the QSL of AFP “I’m glad to be back with a solid their battle. Both teams have met on win.” nine occasions including this sea- The 123rd-ranked Jaziri knows son’s first leg fixture. his chances against the best in the In the first leg of the 2010/2011 DUBAI: Novak Djokovic hammered world will be extremely limited - season, the first match between the Spain’s Tommy Robredo 6-1, 6-2 at but he’s not totally without hope. “It sides, Lekhwiya defeated Al Rayyan the Dubai Tennis Championships yes- should be a good match. I will try to by three goals to one. While in the terday, winning the 699th match of enjoy it on court and I will play all my second half of the season, Al Rayyan his career. chances,” said the 32-year-old North gained the upper hand defeating The 2013/2014 season wit- The world number one now African. Lekhwiya 2-1. nessed the first and only goalless stands 13-0 this season as he bids “Novak’s playing his best tennis Lekhwiya defeated Al Rayyan draw between both sides. Whilst for a third 2016 title after trophies in now, and he’s beating everyone. But again in the first leg of the 2011/2012 in the second leg Lekhwiya pre- Doha and Melbourne. He last played I will be on court like all the matches. season 2-1 with goals from Ivorian vailed winning 2-0 courtesy of goals in the final at Melbourne Park, beat- In tennis you never know. That’s part striker Aruna Dindane and Algerian from midfielders Nam Tae Hee and ing Andy Murray. of this beautiful game. Who knows? defender Madjid Bougherra amongst Vladimir Weiss. The top seed will next face Tuni- Maybe I’ll wake up on a good day.” the goals. Al Rayyan fought second With the return of Al Rayyan to sian wild card Malek Jaziri, who Djokovic has played finals at his leg match securing a 3-1 victory, with the Qatar Stars League in 2015/2016 advanced over qualifier Mikhail last 17 events, winning 13. goals from Hamed Ismail, Rodrigo season, meant a renewal of rivalries. Youzhny 6-4, 6-1. Jaziri has plenty of previous time Tabata and Brazilian striker Afonso The first match of this season “I may have looked calm from the on court with Djokovic after practise Alves ensuring a famous win for the ended in a 3-1 with goals for the outside, but there is a lot of intensity sessions between the pair. Lions. Jorge Fossati (pictured) side after “In Doha (last January) I practised Al Rayyan continued their supe- goals from Victor Caceres, Sergio with him and in Australia. He’s play- riority during the first leg of the Garcia and Sebastian Soria. DUBAI RESULTS ing his best level, he’s winning maybe 2012/2013 season with a 3-1 win. Lekhwiya scored their goal First Round most all tournaments,” Jaziri said. They secured the win with goals through Tunisian midfielder Yous- Malek Jaziri (TUN) bt Mikhail Youzhny “I have nothing to lose, you know. from Rodrigo Tabata, Hamed Ismail eff Msakni. But first let’s see him win his match and an own goal from Idrissa Couli- So ahead of their round 20 clash (RUS) 6-4, 6-1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns the ball to Tommy Robredo of Spain and then we see.” baly and Sebastian Soria grabbed a at Al Sadd stadium both sides an Feliciano Lopez (ESP x6) bt Guillermo Djokovic is playing Dubai for a (not in picture) during their first round match of the Dubai Tennis conciliation goal for Lekhwiya. even both winning four matches a García-López (ESP) 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 tenth year in succession, now 35-5 Championships yesterday in Dubai. During the second leg, Lekhwiya piece. Hyeon Chung (KOR) bt Andreas Seppi in the Emirate. He owns Dubai titles fought back sinking Al Rayyan with With only one draw between the (ITA) 6-3, 6-4 from 2009-2011 and 2013; he lost the a 3-0 score-line. sides, it promises to be a fascinat- Vasek Pospisil (CAN) bt Lucas Pouille final to Roger Federer last year. Vasek Pospisil defeated Frenchman over Marin Cilic. The 20-year-old Two own goals from Rayyan ing clash when Al Rayyan take on (FRA) 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 South Korea’s rising player Chung Lucas Pouille 6-3, 5-7, 6-4. Australian starts his campaign from South Korean defender Cho Lekhwiya, with Al Rayyan knowing Hyeon made a winning Dubai debut, Marseille winner Nick Kyrgios tonight, facing Slovak Martin Kli- Young and Hamed Ismail, along with a win over their title rivals would all Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Tommy beating Andreas Seppi 6-3, 6-4 a day was due in Dubai later after winning zan, winner of the Rotterdam event a Sebastian Soria finished assured but secure them the falcon shield for Robredo (ESP) 6-1, 6-2 after the Italian turned 32. Canadian the first title of his career in France eight days ago. all three points for the Red Knights. the first time since 1994.