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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Qatar Airways, Shortage of other carriers move to new schools hits airport today DOHA: Qatar Airways is all set to move and commence flight operations from Hamad International Airport at 9am recruitment today. This will enable Qatar Airways’ passengers to experience the Prospective employees reject offers facilities at the world’s newest international gateway. DOHA: The severe shortage of found that their children would The move will mean that as of seats in some private schools, not get admission in an Indian 9am, all commercial passenger especially Indian schools, seems school here, they refused the job airlines operating into Qatar will to be reflecting negatively on offer,” he said. be arriving and departing from recruitments, say industry He said, on a daily basis, his Hamad International Airport. sources. section was getting a number of “The move of our entire opera- Many professionals who have inquiries from job seekers related tions to HIA is a momentous occa- been offered lucrative jobs in to school admissions. sion for Qatar Airways, and one Qatar are said to be turning them “Many professionals are ready that we have been preparing for down because they cannot find a to come if we ensure them a seat extensively for a long time,” said seat for their children in a suit- in an Indian school here but we Qatar Airways Chief Executive able private school. are not in a position to do that,” Officer, Akbar Al Baker. “Our move Also, newly arrived profession- he added. to HIA heralds a new beginning for als are apparently in a dilemma Indian school sources say that Qatar Airways, as we will now be whether to continue in their jobs the issue has already been raised The Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani (third left); Vodafone based in a world-class hub that has or quit since they are unable to with the SEC and the latter has Qatar Chairman Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani (second right); Minister of Communication and been entirely designed to meet the bring their families here for the promised to find a solution. These Information Technology H E Dr Hessa Sultan Al Jaber (right); and Minister of Finance, H E Ali Sherif Al Emadi needs and expectations of even the same reason. schools, which started their new (second left) at the QITCOM Exhibition yesterday. (SALIM MATRAMKOT) most discerning passengers. Indian families remain the academic year in April, have a “With the capacity to handle worst-hit, after most of the Indian long waiting list of new applicants 8,700 customers per hour, HIA schools stopped new admissions but could admit none or very few. will provide a seamless, hassle- due to a severe seats crunch. A The Private Schools Office at Qatar unveils tech strategies free experience to our passengers, new regulation of the Supreme SEC last week held a meeting from check-in to passport control Education Council (SEC) putting of Indian school officials, in the DOHA: The Prime Minister and its development plans to enhance country to coordinate efforts at and boarding. Qatar Airways pas- a cap on the maximum number presence of representatives from Interior Minister H E Sheikh the private sector’s participation the highest state levels to protect sengers will be thrilled to enjoy of students each private school the Indian embassy to discuss Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa in its implementation. its security . the comfort and functional design can admit has led to the current the issue. “The SEC officials have Al Thani yesterday inaugurated He said that the State of The Prime Minister also of the new airport, along with the crisis. promised to look into the issue the third Qatar ICT Conference Qatar’s e-Government Strategy declared the launch of Inclusion exceptional shopping and dining An official working with the and told us that no student should and Exhibition ‘QITCOM 2014’ 2020 is aimed at improving the through Technology Strategy choices it offers.” recruitment section of a lead- be left without education,” said and launched three national performance of government serv- which will be implemented by The HIA Passenger Terminal ing petroleum company told this the principal of an Indian school strategies — the Qatar e-Gov- ices, reduce public expenditure the Qatar Assistive Technology Complex will house a total of daily yesterday that recently he present at the meeting. ernment Strategy 2020, Qatar and achieve effective coordination Center, Mada, that strives to 138 check-in counters across five had come across at least two The officials, however, have not National Cyber Security Strategy and coherence among government empower and enable people with islands, including 108 counters cases in which two Indian engi- explained what specific measures and the Inclusion through agencies. The Prime Minister disabilities and take advantage of for Qatar Airways Economy pas- neers refused to accept job offers they would be taking to address Technology Strategy. announced the launch of the their energies and potential in the sengers and all other airlines, from the company because they the issue, he added. The Prime Minister disclosed national strategy for information development process . 16 counters for Qatar Airways couldn’t secure a seat for their He said applications from about a number of national strategies security that aims to protect the He said one cannot neglect the Business Class travellers and children in any of the nearly-a- 1,200 students are still pending within the framework of princi- information and biological sys- role of people with disabilities in 14 seated check-in counters dozen Indian schools in Qatar. with his school. ples of frankness and transpar- tems from piracy, stressing that technology. THE PENINSULA for Qatar Airways First Class “They wanted to come along THE PENINSULA ency, which makes it incumbent the constant threats facing cyber- Continued on page 6 passengers. with their families but when they Continued on page 10 on the government to announce space makes it incumbent on the See also page 25 THE PENINSULA

Hand of friendship Al Jazeera meet Foreign ownership limit gives short shrift to Egypt in companies raised DOHA: An annual Al Jazeera DOHA: Just days ahead of in the listed entities up to 49 Forum that opened here yes- being conferred the coveted percent. terday to discuss the changes MSCI Emerging Market status Qatar News Agency (QNA) taking place in the Arab world on June 2, Qatar has decided to reported that the Emir issued completely ignored Egypt. raise the limit of foreign owner- the above instructions as chair- The only way Egypt found a ship in listed companies. man of the Supreme Council for mention at the 8th Al Jazeera Foreigners (excluding nationals Economic Affairs and Investment Forum was when Dr Mustafa of other GCC states who are to (SCEAI). Souaq, Acting Director-General be treated on a par with Qatari The Emir also directed that of Al Jazeera Centre for Studies, nationals) can now own up to other GCC citizens be treated on talked of the four Aljazeera jour- 49 percent of the entire capital a par with Qataris in the matter nalists being detained there. of a company listed on Qatar of ownership of shares of Qatari “Al Jazeera will exert all efforts Exchange. The move is aimed at listed companies. to free our journalists so they can attracting more foreign capital It is, however, not known if the return to their families and col- into the Qatari equity market. initial public offerings (IPOs) that leagues with dignity and honour Rules until now permit foreign are open only to Qataris would and continue their media work,” ownership of only up to 49 per- also be open to other GCC nation- Souaq said in his address. cent of free float shares (listed als. The above announcements The three-day Forum was shares) of a listed entity. were made by the Minister of opened by Souaq. The keynote The Emir, H H Sheikh Tamim Finance, H E Ali Sharif Al Emadi, address was delivered by former Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) is greeted by his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif after Modi bin Hamad Al Thani, yesterday who is the secretary-general of Tunisian prime minister Ali took the oath of office at the presidential palace in New Delhi yesterday. Modi was sworn in in an elaborate issued directives to raise the per- the SCEAI, said QNA. Laarayedh, and Turkish Deputy centage of non-Qatari ownership THE PENINSULA ceremony after a sweeping election victory. Report on page 16 Prime Minister Bulent Arange also spoke. At last year’s Al Jazeera Forum (7th Al Jazeera Forum) held from March 16 to 18, 2013, Egypt’s Information Minister from the previous gov- ernment, Saleh Abdul Maqsood, Egyptians vote to hoist Sisi on president’s chair was present. On the opening day of the CAIRO: Egyptians voted yes- After the overthrow of Hosni only one challenger in the two- generation that drove the “Arab country to move forward and for Forum yesterday, speakers from terday in an election expected Mubarak in 2011 raised hopes of day vote: the leftist politician Spring” uprising — were conspic- the people to have bread,” said different countries spoke on sub- to anoint Abdel Fatah Al Sisi as new freedoms, the vote means Hamdeen Sabahi. Other candi- uous by their absence. Habib, a contractor. Despite calls jects mostly concerning the Arab president, with supporters hop- Egypt will likely revert to rule by dates who contested the 2012 elec- “We see Sisi as a real man. for a big turnout by Sisi and state world, the direction these changes ing another military strongman men from the military after Sisi tion won by Mursi did not run. Egypt likes a strong man,” said and privately run media loyal to would likely take, media freedom can end three years of turmoil toppled the country’s first freely Early into the election, it was 64-year-old Saber Habib, clench- the army, the turnout appeared and human rights. despite fears for democracy in elected leader, Mohamed Mursi of hard to find anyone who planned ing his fist to make his point as lower than in previous elections. THE PENINSULA the Arab world’s most populous the Muslim Brotherhood. to vote for Sabahi in lines of vot- he waited to vote in the city of REUTERS Continued on page 4 nation. Former army chief Sisi faces ers where young Egyptians — the Suez, east of Cairo. “We want the See also page 10

TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Tooth decay top dental issue among children

DOHA: A study conducted dental caries are dental plaque, that children consuming dairy raise children’s oral and gen- support school-based oral health the world database of oral health by Al Wakra Hospital’s which can contain harmful bacte- products in-between meals, con- eral health awareness would be programmes by recruiting oral and diseases maintained by the Prosthodontics Consultant Dr ria, carbohydrates in the diet, and suming tea in-between meals, through educating parents and hygienists on a full-time basis to WHO. Mohamed Sultan Al Darwish, susceptible teeth,” he explained, chewing gum in-between meals school teachers with accurate visit the schools, screen the chil- The organisation is currently has found that dental caries adding that tooth decay is com- and eating main meals (break- information. dren, refer to a dental clinic if making a comparison between the (tooth decay or cavity) is the monly measured by a value, which fast and lunch) regularly were “Parents and school teachers necessary, and also initiate appro- findings of the study in Qatar with leading oral health issue affect- is the sum of the number of at significantly less risk of tooth should be invited regularly for priate oral hygiene and dental similar findings in the Eastern ing children in Qatar. decayed, missing and filled teeth decay. presentations on oral and gen- educational activities. Mediterranean region and other A total of 2,113 students in (DMFT Index). However, the study recom- eral health,” Dr Al Darwish said It is expected that the findings regions in the world. 12 government and four private “The prevalence of dental caries mends that the optimal way to while recommending the need to of the study will contribute to THE PENINSULA schools, divided equally between among school chil- boys and girls schools, were sur- dren in Qatar is 85 veyed, finding that about 85 per- percent. The mean cent of students had some form value of DMFT of tooth decay. is 4.6, 4.8, and 5.5 for 12, 13 and 14-year-old chil- dren respectively. These values are well above the rec- ommended levels of the World Health Organization (WHO), which sug- gests no more than a DMFT of 3 at the age of 12 years,” he noted. “The DMFT level is widely used for assessing the oral health status of populations for public health plan- ning and policy- making purposes,” Dr Al Darwish said, adding, “the findings of the study suggest that Dr Mohamed Sultan Al Darwish awareness on the importance of oral Dr Darwish, who received health needs to be a PhD from the University of enhanced among Gloucestershire in the UK for schoolchildren in his research, enlisted the help Qatar.” of four dentists and six trained He said that over data entry dental assistants to 44 percent of chil- support him on this project. The dren in Qatar had results of the study have been instances of teeth published in a number of inter- crowding and 9.5 national journals. percent had spacing Dental caries (DC) is a multi- issues, which means factorial infectious disease caused over half of school- by plaque bacteria, which then children in Qatar diffuse into hard dental tissues, need orthodontic dissolving their mineral contents, therapy. according to Dr Al Darwish. Results from the “The three essential factors for survey also found TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Bloomsbury Call to improve launches short story contest pets’ condition DOHA: Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing (BQFP) has launched a short story writ- ing competition for aspiring authors in Qatar and Kuwait. at Souq Waqif The winner of the best short story will see their work published on the BQFP website, receive a Online petition seeks 5,000 signatures year’s worth of BQFP books, and have the chance to meet a BQFP DOHA: A petition signed by creator of the petition seeking editor to discuss their writing thousands of people urging to anonymity told this newspaper. aspirations. Entrants are invited improve conditions of animals “I am certainly hoping that it to write about an object which at the pet section of the Souq will raise awareness in the gov- is of particular significance to Waqif will be handed over to ernment departments to encour- them. This theme is inspired by officials in the first week of age them to make the difference BQFP author Mai Al Nakib and June. we are all hoping for,” creator of her collection of short stories The The petition posted on Change. the petition said further. Hidden Light of Objects. A sample org aims to receive 5,000 signa- The petition separately high- of her stories can be read on www. tures and had more than 3,000 lights about the conditions of bloomsbury.com. by last evening. reptiles such as, turtles, tortoises, The competition is open for It is addressed to Director of iguanas, small mammals such as The pet section at the Souq Waqif. entries in Qatar and Kuwait until Animal Resources Department guinea pigs, rabbits, chipmunks, July 23, 2014. The short stories at the Ministry of Environment, sugar gliders, squirrels and ham- of access to fresh water and may vendors at the pet section of the humane the way they are treat- should be between 800 to 2000 Head Veterinary Licence Com, sters, birds like African grey, par- be infected with disease and para- Souq Waqif are supplying false ing them and keeping them then words, in English or in Arabic the Ministry of Environment and rots, macaws, cockatoos, budgies, sites. This is a health hazard not information and documents with discarding them if they don’t get and must be submitted to bqfp. Director Souq Waqif, c/o Animal cockatiels, canaries chicks and only to the production animals in regard to an animal’s origins and bought,” says a signatory to the [email protected] Health Expert - Technical Office, ducklings dogs and cats Qatar, but also potentially to the state of health. petition. BQFP Head of English Animal Resources Department. It says that most of the ani- visitors. Some people had disclosed rea- Another signatory says “I have Publishing, Thalia Suzuma, said, “I am planning to deliver the mals are housed in unsuitable The petition says that most sons for signing the petition. been there and it’s appalling the “BQFP publishes authors of excel- petition and all the relevant docu- cages and fed a nutrient deficient vendors have little or no edu- “Animals are creatures which ways the animals are treated. I lence from throughout the Arabic ments and photos by hand by the diet and wrong diet for species. cation on how to care correctly feel pain and cruelty yet cannot wanted to take them all home.” world and we are proud of our end of the first week in June,” the They are dehydrated from lack for animals. It also claims that express their emotions. This in I THE PENINSULA richly diverse list. We are also keen to promote up-and-coming voices from within the region and we are constantly looking for the writers of tomorrow. From within Traffic diversion on Industrial Area Street the submissions, I will be eagerly looking out for anyone with a DOHA: The Public fresh, original voice that really Works Authority stands out from the crowd. We (Ashghal) announced a are equally interested in writers traffic diversion on the who choose to express themselves West Industrial Area in either Arabic or English; what Street in the direc- matters is their command of lan- tion from Roundabout guage and their ability to express 23 to Roundabout 15. themselves in a striking way.” The other half of the street in the opposite direction was wid- QF seminar on ened to allow traffic to flow in both directions children tomorrow without any interrup- tion due to the ongoing DOHA: Qatar Foundation for works, and will become Protection and Social rehabili- a two-way street as tation (QFPSR) will hold a sem- per the attached map. inar on ‘Our Children: What The closure will take Do They Want?’ at Wyndham place starting tomor- Regency Hotel, tomorrow. row and will last for 8 of a project to develop the Doha roads and support the traffic flow in This seminar aims at stress- months. This closure Industrial Area undertaken by the area, in addition to infrastruc- ing child right for total care by is part of phase one Ashghal to increase the capacity of ture work. THE PENINSULA parents, highlighting the problem of neglecting children by parents and relying on domestic servants to provide educate them and Gabbro, limestone import limit lifted meet their needs, and providing positive image from Qatari his- DOHA: The authorities have yesterday announced that gab- limestone and intensified moni- tory and reality about the value removed the limit imposed bro and limestone can now toring on primary consuctrc- of family and child education, in on importing key construc- be imported in any quantity tion materials like ready-mix, addition to the introduction of tion materials like gabbro and depending on the need of a asphalt QFPSR’s role and services pro- limestone. trader or user. Consignments of gabbros and vided in this concern. The upper limit of import on QNA reported yesterday that limestone will not be cleared at QFPSR seeks to identify the both gabbro and limestone was the Qatar General Organisation Qatari port without a certifi- roots of the problem and provide set at 150,000 tons for a com- for Standards and Meteorology cate of an ISO certified labo- suitable solutions to address it pany or individual importer. has removed the existing ceiling ratories from the exporting and to avoid its impact on chil- The Ministry of Environment on the import of gabbros and countries. THE PENINSULA dren. THE PENINSULA AlJazeera Forum: Focus on Syria; Egypt ignored

Continued from page 1 Many speakers focused on Syria but Egypt, where elections took place yesterday, was ignored in the whole agenda of the Forum. In his opening speech Dr Mustafa Souag, Acting Director General of AlJazeera Network, promised that “AlJazeera will continue to cover human rights issues wherever possible, and will strive, as it always has, to give every human a right to defend their rights and make their voice heard because it is a voice for the voiceless and a platform for those who have no outlet”. In his keynote speech to 8th AlJazeera Forum guests, Dr Ali Laarayedh, former Tunisian prime minister said that the situation in Arab countries would not regress to what it was at the end of 2010, despite setbacks and obstacles facing what have come to be known as the Arab Spring countries. He said Arab countries continued to face monumental factors on their path to reform, including weak inde- pendent parties and organisations, violation of private and public rights, oppression, victimisation, marginalisa- tion, unemployment, class-based rifts and poor economic development. Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arange said that “By virtue of its annual congregation, the forum plays a very important role by addressing issues of the Middle East and beyond, making the title particularly fitting. Looking at the Arab world, there is variation and diver- sity that does not allow generalisations. Morocco, Egypt, Libya and Syria, for example, all have their own unique characteristics despite their commonalities. The region has witnessed many changes and transformations, and despite the challenges, the spirit of change still exists. Participants in the forum’s first panel proposed that each country is acting in a vacuum, leaving the entire region exposed and allowing Iran to find a vital role in Syria. Some of the speakers said Iran was the primary ben- eficiary from what was happening in Syria and that the real danger lay in the fact that Syria may turn into a “Vietnam” for Iran. THE PENINSULA

TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Ooredoo starts online forum at Qitcom

DOHA: Ooredoo yesterday launched an online forum ‘Ooredoo Community’ for its customers at the opening day of Qitcom. The forum will offer a space for customers to ask and answer questions about services and technical issues with a commu- nity of members. It will provide 24/7 access to information for customers and enable mem- bers to talk to Ooredoo staff directly in a free and open environment. “Ooredoo has always been at the forefront of innovation in Qatar, and now we aim to use our experience to help our custom- ers get more from our services. The Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani inaugurating the third The Ooredoo Community is the Qatar ICT Conference and Exhibition (Qitcom 2014) at the Qatar National Convention Centre yesterday. RIGHT: The first and only dedicated customer Prime Minister during his visit to the Ooredoo pavilion. Also seen are Minister of Communication and Information forum in Qatar, and we hope it Technology H E Dr Hessa Sultan Al Jaber (second right), Ooredoo CEO Sheikh Saud bin Naser Al Thani (right) and will provide another channel for Public Relations Director Fatima Al Kuwari. SALIM MATRAMKOT customers to learn more about communication opportunities and access the information they need,” said Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari, Director of Community & Public Relations, Ooredoo. PM witnesses QNL’s digitisation process With the launch of the online customer forum, Ooredoo is add- DOHA: Qatar National with an explanation about how The techniques have so far been ing another key initiative to its Library (QNL) showcased the the library selects the most rel- applied to preserve important col- push to enhance the customer technology that is driving the evant books and manuscripts to lections from the nation’s history experience, which has seen the preservation and digitisation undergo the preservation proc- including valuable historic mate- company transform its shops and of valuable Qatari, Arab and ess. The experts then demon- rials digitised by QNL that are supercharge its social media pres- Islamic historical records, at strated how fragile and damaged accessible to the world through ence over the past year. the Qitcom 2014 Conference items are restored and conserved, the World Digital Library. The Ooredoo Community will and Exhibition. before taking visitors through the Speaking after a demonstration go live today and is available at The Library is a gold sponsor of process that scans and saves the of the operation, QNL’s Associate www.community.ooredoo.qa/. the ictQatar-backed event, where items for the historical record. Director for Administration and Customers using the commu- visitors to its exhibition booth, Participants were fascinated Planning Saadi Al Said said, nity will be able to crowd-source including the Prime Minister with the processes the QNL “Qatar National Library’s goal ideas and answers on a full range and Minister of the Interior H E experts use in order to enhance is to preserve the nation’s herit- of technical and communication Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin and standardise images and text, age for future generations. The issues, far beyond the scope of a Khalifa Al Thani, witnessed a live before entering a new item in the QNL’s cutting edge efforts make standard call centre. demonstration of the digitisation library’s digital catalogue. knowledge from around the Arab Ooredoo experts will be part process where QNL’s experts QNL’s preservation and digiti- and Gulf region available to mod- of the community, so they will be presented how they use state-of- sation efforts will enable modern ern users, and the technological able to communicate directly with the-art technology to preserve, day users to easily read and per- advanced capacities enable the customers to solve problems and conserve and provide the nation’s form computer search functions library to add additional useful manage technical issues. heritage for future generations. that assist academic research or information and context.” QNL’s Associate Director for Administration and Planning Saadi Al Saadi In addition, the Ooredoo The nine-stage process started even simple enjoyment. THE PENINSULA explaining the digitisation technology. Community will store and organise answers on key top- ics, so that members will be able to search a full database 30 new services added to Metrash2 of knowledge. The community has been DOHA: The Ministry of System Department, Saleh Khamis addition to the existing services. designed to highlight trusted Interior (MoI) participated in Al Kobaisi said that custom- Sponsors can register absconding answers, and mark them as solu- the third edition of Qitcom 2014 ers can now access a number of complaints against his employ- tions for customers. at Qatar National Convention eservices in MoI websites using ees, if found absconded, and Ooredoo is showcasing the Centre. The Prime Minister and smart card, like visa payment, contact the Search and Follow company’s latest technologies Minister of Interior H E Sheikh family visa extension, issue return up Department for further pro- at the event, such as Ooredoo’s Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, visa, fine payments, renewal of cedures. Registered users can award-winning Data Centre serv- who inaugurated the exhibition, visa approval, changing nation- avail required certificates, visas ices and the nationwide Ooredoo visited the pavilion of MoI and ality of domestic workers, instant and other official papers through Fibre network. listened to the latest e-services approval for servants and domes- Metrash2. The company will also be dem- rendered by the ministry to the tic workers etc. Company own- Capt Engr Abdul Rahman al onstrating the most up-to-date customers on its website. ers or authorised persons can Maliki, Assistant Director of ISD, cyber security solutions, such The Information System also make several transactions said that the new services were as the latest Distributed Denial Department of MoI has introduced through website. Residence, traf- added on ministry’s website as of Service Attack defences and several new electronic services, fic and civil defence services will part of implementing the strategy Cloud Security services, designed which can be accessed through be added soon. of MoI to keep the all eservices to provide a higher level of sup- The Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Ministry’s website and Metrash2. He added that 30 new services updated. port for companies. bin Khalifa Al Thani visiting the MoI pavilion. The Director of Information have been added to Metrash2, in THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA Telecommunications sector sees big growth

Continued from page 1 Center (QNCC) under the 9 percent to 12 percent in the for postal service networks and The Prime Minister praised theme “Innovating Today for coming five years. systems. “We will work on all efforts being exerted to the Future of Qatar”, the open- “We are moving with firm developing Q-Post to become a translate these plans into real- ing ceremony was attended by steps in the right direction reliable postal services operator ity reflecting positively on the a number of ministers, senior towards building the informa- capable of competition and self- economy and society in Qatar. officials and high-profile figures. tion society and knowledge- sufficiency by 2018.” He said: “We have made our The Minister of Information based economy,” she added. Al Emadi said the ICT sec- development in Qatar National and Communications Dr Al Jaber invited telecom- tor is among the most impor- Vision 2030, which focussed on Technology H E Dr Hessa Al munications companies to adopt tant pillars of Qatar National building the homeland and the Jaber welcomed the gathering new business models that could Vision 2030 due to its crucial citizen. The government is mak- and the Minister of Finance H enable them to provide innova- role in enhancing and accel- ing all efforts to build institu- E Ali Sharif Al Emadi delivered tive services particularly because erating the knowledge-based tions depending on management the keynote speech. the competition in the world of economy buildup process. Due resources effectively, relying Dr Hessa Al Jaber said the Internet has become fiercer. to the importance of the ICT on professional standards and digital landscape in Qatar is With regard to the postal sec- sector in economy, he remarked, excellence in productivity and healthy and dynamic in light tor Dr Al Jaber said there would many parties are injecting huge efficiency in rendering service of the legislation and regula- be work in the coming period investments to expand their busi- of the public interest”. tory frameworks, noting that to regulate the postal sector ness and foster their capabilities, Organised by the the Qatari telecommunications towards providing services that which took ICT sector’s contri- Ministry of Information and sector grew from 6 percent fulfil customers needs, be it indi- bution to the NGP from nearly Communications Technology in 2008 to 11 percent in 2013 viduals or corporates, as well QR5.5bn in 2007 to QR7.5bn in at Qatar National Convention and is expected to go up from as developing an infrastructure 2013. THE PENINSULA Cisco showcases latest technology solutions

DOHA: Cisco is showcas- and unprecedented economic leading Unified Computing electronic commerce, and accel- ing its growing portfolio for opportunity for businesses, indi- System (UCS) solutions, which erating business innovation by technology solutions that will viduals, and countries including are driving companies’ data enabling greater collabora- help to drive the company’s Qatar. centers globally. tion,” commented Mohammad focus around the Internet of Demonstrations at Cisco’s “Cisco is very proud that Hammoudi, General Manager Everything (IoE), at Qitcom stand at QITCOM include we have been able to show- of Cisco in Qatar. 2014. multiple industry leading plat- case our extensive portfolio Five years ago, Cisco Cisco defines the IoE as forms that form the cornerstone of the technology solutions at launched Unified Computing bringing together people, proc- of Cisco’s integrated approach QITCOM today. These solutions System (UCS) which today has ess, data, and things to make to security, a service provider are benefiting many individu- achieved its success by solving networked connections more Wi-Fi demo which shows how als and businesses in Qatar by the real business challenges relevant and valuable than easy it is to setup and maintain improving healthcare and edu- of integrating compute, stor- ever before—turning informa- technology solutions with very cation, through the democrati- age and networking within IT tion into actions that create new low initial costs and ease of zation of information, allowing infrastructure. capabilities, richer experiences, management and Cisco’s market for economic growth through THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 9pc rise in tourist arrivals

DOHA: The number of tourist sector stakeholders launch the the development of a sustain- arrivals in Qatar for the first Qatar National Tourism Sector able tourism sector in Qatar, and quarter totalled 387,022, rep- Strategy 2030. Formulated as growing tourism’s contribution resenting a strong nine per- the roadmap for the develop- to a diversified national economy. cent year-on-year increase, ment of the industry in the com- A diverse range of events and says Qatar Tourism Authority’s ing decades, it will guide QTA’s activities in Qatar, and increased (QTA) first quarter report efforts towards making Qatar regional and international pres- released yesterday. According ‘a world-class destination with ence during the first quarter of to the report, all key indicators deep cultural roots.’ QTA has a 2014 contributed to growth in the of the tourism sector demon- key role to play in coordinating leisure sector. THE PENINSULA strated improvement and growth from the previous year comparable period. Visitors increased from most corners of the globe, with particularly good performance coming from within the GCC countries. Overall, GCC tourists were up by 5 percent, with Saudi Arabia the largest single source of visitors with 188,621 travelers and Kuwait the fastest growing with 42 percent. Overall visitors from other parts of the world rose by about 26 percent. The average hotel occu- pancy rate rose from 68 percent to 75 percent, assisted by the 1.9 percent decrease in available rooms from 13,551 in Q1 2013 to 13,251 in Q1 2014 due to renovation-related clo- sures. Total Revenue at 4 and 5-Star hotels increased by 5.4 percent, reaching a total of QR999.4m for the quarter. For the first time, QTA included 3-star hotel revenue data in the quar- terly report, with total rev- enue reaching QR1m in a growing area of the hotel market. The total number of hotels under construction increased to 125 proper- ties in the first quarter 2014 from 124 at the end of 2013, corresponding to 21,812 rooms expected to be delivered. In a sign of further development, the first quarter of 2014 saw QTA and public and private TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Poroshenko’s victory Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

KRAINIANS handed chocolate tycoon Petro Poroshenko a commanding victory in its presidential election on Sunday. This was an Uelection that should have been marked with euphoria and huge enthusiasm, but the prevailing mood after EU election: This time it’s the results were announced was of cautious optimism. A revolution which Ukrainians launched for more freedom and the right to decide their future now lies undermined with their powerful leader cracking the whip. Poroshenko, who different, or maybe not is a pro-European billionaire, has his cup full and will have to struggle hard to bring the country back to normality and BY PAUL TAYLOR parliamentary groups and EU heads of “Euro-presidential hoax”. economic progress. It’s an irony of the revolution that an state and government meet separately Bourlanges compares the European oligarch like him is in power as he belongs to a class which RAPED down the side of the in Brussels to consider the results of the election to a dimmer rather than a light the Ukrainian revolutionaries wanted banished from politics. European Commission’s 28-nation election. switch. Because of its complex nature Still they rallied overwhelmingly behind him, with the headquarters, a 13-storey-tall Jean-Claude Juncker, Martin Schulz as a union of states and peoples, the EU fervent hope that the burly 48-year-old can rescue the nation Dbanner urged citizens to vote and Guy Verhofstadt, the leading candi- does not offer stark left-right choices but in the European Parliament elections, dates of the centre-right, Socialist and different shades of consensus. from the brink of bankruptcy, civil war and dismemberment proclaiming in English, French and liberal political groups respectively, have In his view, the Commission president, by its former Soviet masters in the Kremlin. Dutch: “This time it’s different.” been criss-crossing Europe for weeks whose powers are limited as chairman Though fighting still rages, the situation has improved Well maybe, but maybe not. addressing rallies and have agreed in of a college of fellow commissioners - a lot. Invasion remains no major threat, the extreme The unwritten sub-text was that vot- principle to support whichever one of equals appointed by member states - federalization which Moscow earlier wanted has faded and ers would be choosing not just their rep- them tops the poll. needs to remain above party politics to the separatists in the east have lost some of their momentum. resentatives in the European Union’s “One of the candidates here will be build a broad policy consensus through legislature but also the next president the next president of the European negotiation. The future will depend on the policies and tactics of the of the executive Commission, which pro- Commission,” Schulz said during a live The outcome of this power struggle new president. But the options aren’t many. With Russia poses and enforces EU laws. television debate among the frontrun- will likely set a precedent for the balance determined to tighten its grip and Ukrainians thirsting for A swathe of politicians, including ners or “Spitzenkandidaten”, declaring among the European institutions. freedom, Poroshenko will have to French President Francois Hollande that the era of back-room deals was over. In the eyes of federalists, the think before every move. He said and leaders of the main cross-border Juncker has said it would be a betrayal Commission, parliament and the Ukraine’s new yesterday that he rejected any European politi- of the electorate if one of those candi- European Central Bank are natural allies cal parties, have dates did not get the top job. “They might because they are to supranational bodies president will talks with ‘terrorists’ and said a said so explicitly. as well tell people never to bother voting independent of national governments. robust military campaign in the But it ain’t neces- again,” he said. The parliamentary power That is precisely what the more scep- have to tread east should be able to put down The battle broadly sarily so. grab is partly a reaction to perceptions tical governments, notably in Britain and cautiously to not a separatist revolt in ‘a matter pits those who want The banner is that Barroso, a former Portuguese prime the Netherlands, want to avoid. of hours’. He showed no sign of part of a power minister, has acted too much as the obe- They are looking to German “more Europe” struggle in which dient servant of the big member states, Chancellor Angela Merkel to support aggravate his heeding Moscow’s demand that against those who parliament is try- notably Germany and France, over the them on the principle of preserving EU countrymen’s he call off the operation against ing to seize con- last decade. leaders’ right of nomination, even though rebels in the east. “Protecting want to rein in the trol - in the name Critics of the parliament’s bid say she has given verbal backing to Juncker suffering. people is one of the functions of powers of Brussels of democracy - of national governments, elected on a far as the candidate for her political family. the state,” he said, promising to and keep the big the nomination of higher turnout, remain the primary British Prime Minister David Cameron invest more in the army. a successor to Jose source of democratic legitimacy in the has told his French and German coun- member states in the Manuel Barroso EU. They also argue that politicising terparts that neither Juncker, a former A direct fight with Moscow will not help Poroshenko win driver’s seat. from national the European Commission, which serves Luxembourg prime minister, nor Schulz, this battle. He will have to engage in dialogue, however tough leaders, based as Europe’s impartial competition ref- the German president of the outgoing it might seem, both with the rebels in the east and their on an ambiguous eree, sits in judgment on national budg- European Parliament, is acceptable to masters in Moscow. His most urgent task is finding a modus clause in the Lisbon Treaty, the updated ets and prosecutes governments that Britain, diplomats say. Vivendi with the giant neighbour that has seemed poised to rules that govern the EU. breach EU rules, would be unnecessary Both are seen as traditional federal- carve Ukraine up since mass protests in Kiev toppled a pro- The battle broadly pits those who and dangerous. ists, two sources familiar with Cameron’s want “more Europe” against those who Some warn that any perception that thinking say, and could be a liability in Russian president want to rein in the powers of Brussels the Commission is in the pocket of a Britain, where the conservative prime in February. Sorting out a dispute over the supply of and keep the big member states in the parliament led by federalists eager to minister has promised to negotiate a Russian gas to Ukraine will also be high on the agenda. driver’s seat. raise EU spending and fund it with dedi- repatriation of some EU powers and hold The new government in Kiev can heave a sigh of relief The treaty says EU leaders propose a cated European taxes would run coun- an in/out referendum in 2017 if he is re- temporarily because Russian President Vladimir Putin, candidate “taking into account the elec- ter to the public mood and fan rampant elected next year. tions of the European Parliament” and Euroscepticism. Even some veteran inte- Previous British prime ministers who last month described eastern Ukraine as ‘New Russia’, after appropriate consultation. The EU grationists have misgivings. blocked Belgian candidates for the has made more accommodating noises in recent days. He assembly must approve the nominee by Jean-Louis Bourlanges, a former Commission presidency in 1994 and 2004. promised at the weekend that Moscow would respect the will an absolute majority of its 751 members. French EU parliament member and London no longer has a veto, but vet- of Ukrainians, and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov repeated If not, the procedure starts again within ex-president of the pro-integration eran Brussels diplomats say it is hard that promise on Monday in saying Russia was ready for one month. European Movement, branded the to imagine fellow leaders forcing it to a dialogue with Poroshenko The tug-of-war begins in ear- attempt to turn the parliamentary vote voteand isolating Cameron. . nest on Tuesday when leaders of the into a U.S.-style presidential election a REUTERS Letters Quote of Fee hike at an Indian school unjustified the day HE Supreme Education has shocked parents who are already activities. How can we expect the satisfied with the SEC’s decision.” This Council (SEC) had stated overburdened due to the exorbitant overall development of children if they is again to the advantage of school that “school fees should be fee structure, especially at the BPS. don’t get a chance to play and are managements and they can still go Tbalanced with the quality of Moreover, schools penalize parents only burdened with studies? Also, the and appeal for further hike. educational services and students’ for late fee payment. The fee for every school is stingy in encouraging stu- It’s the parents who are always The entire world performance. From this year requests term is paid in advance, which means dents who win prizes in competitions victimized. School managements are from private schools seeking fee hike we are giving money for the serv- outside the school. Students who devising various ways to multiply their is watching us, will be studied based on a set of new ices actually not provided. How can win prizes at outside events are given profits. criteria, on top of which will be the a school impose fine on fees which those prizes in the classrooms. Kids The SEC must give schools enough how Egyptians students’ academic performance and they are paying in advance? always want to be recognized and time to expand their facilities and the the quality of educational services There is no justification for fee hike appreciated in front of their friends current cap on 30 students per class are writing provided by the school” at the BPS as it is already high com- and teachers. must be relaxed to admit more stu- history and their Last week, a fee hike was pared with some other schools, and On May 25, this newspaper car- dents. The authorities should give free announced at Birla Public School and it’s not justified going by the facilities, ried a report, quoting an SEC official, land and facilities to embassies to start future today and Abdel Fattah Al Sisi MES Indian School. The SEC has services and quality at the school. that “schools that had sought per- new schools. agreed to a four percent increase in There is no proper playground or other mission for a fee hike can lodge their A group of parents tomorrow. Egypt presidential fees at these two schools. The move amenities to promote extracurricular complaints by May 29 if they are not (Names withheld on request) candidate TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Western policy on Russia needs moral fibre Putin’s propaganda and suppression of press freedoms have allowed Moscow to misrepresent the treatment of Russian speakers in Ukraine and hide its role in instigating unrest in that country.

BY PAULA J DOBRIANSKY system’s legitimacy and portrays Russia as the virtuous and long-suffering victim y treating Russia’s aggression of Western plots, and therefore entitled against Ukraine as a discrete to special rights vis-a-vis neighbouring problem, the West has over- states. looked the broader strate- Western failure to appreciate Russia’s gic and moral dimensions of broader doctrinal narrative — whether in BMoscow’s behaviour. A new Western Crimea or eastern Ukraine — has led to strategy encompassing these dimensions a crabbed view of Moscow’s policy. and drawing on the Cold War lessons is While President Barack Obama and urgently needed. Only such a strategy Western officials have challenged spe- — articulated through a presidential cific aspects of Putin’s policies, such speech and subsequent communications as disregard for legal norms, no one by senior Western officials — can rally has delivered a comprehensive rebut- needed domestic support, be sustainable tal to Putin’s vision, recognising it as and succeed. a declaration of hostilities against the During the Cold War, the West had a West and exposing the full range of its strong moral narrative explaining why pathologies. Soviet behaviour was wrong and what Ignoring the ideological and moral the United States and its allies stood for. aspects of this confrontation undermines Armed pro-Russian militants ride on a truck to the international airport of the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk during combat with Winston Churchill defined it in his 1946 support for any robust Western policy — speech in Fulton, Missouri — the Soviets both within the United States, which is Ukrainian troops yesterday. sought subjugation of other countries; the preoccupied with domestic problems, and West aspired to establish freedom and among our European and Asian allies. Russia into Western institutions, Putin’s press freedoms have allowed Moscow to the United States must counter Putin’s democracy. Meanwhile, Putin’s xenophobia strikes regime must be treated as an adversary. misrepresent the treatment of Russian policies. This rationale galvanised Western poli- a responsive chord with Western right- Debunking Putin’s pseudohistorical speakers in Ukraine and hide its role in Failure to offer a countervailing narra- cies for decades, and an important com- wing groups. claims and reminding people that the instigating unrest in that country. tive would embolden Moscow’s aggression ponent of Western efforts was responding Furthermore, our failure to address Soviet Union was a “prison of nations” They are obscuring the extent to which against other countries with significant to the stated Soviet justifications for the moral pitfalls of Russia’s foreign and that numerous Central and Eastern Russia’s hostile foreign policy is under- Russian populations. Soviet actions. Moscow’s assertions were policy helps Putin retain strong support European countries have joined Nato mining the Russian people’s aspirations If Putin’s blatant instigation of eth- challenged and its falsehoods exposed. within his borders. and the European Union precisely to to live in a modernised country, with a nic unrest and aggression is left unchal- Although Russia is no longer a Marxist- The irony here is palpable. During the maintain their independence from diversified economy that does not depend lenged, the international system will be Leninist state, President Vladimir Putin Cold War, despite Moscow’s efforts to Moscow should be at the core of this predominantly on gas exports. destabilised, some countries will seek is seeking to reverse the consequences of jam Western broadcasts, we were able speech. The contrast between Putin’s support to acquire nuclear weapons as the only the Soviet Union’s dissolution, which he to explain to the people of the USSR that It should also expose the moral pathol- for federalism in Ukraine and central- guarantee of their security and other has termed “a major geopolitical disaster.” Soviet policies were illegitimate. Now, ogies of Putin’s government, including its ised control in Russia should be a key states may invade or dismember their Moscow’s aggression against Ukraine despite ample opportunities to commu- authoritarianism, xenophobia, religious part of this speech. Russian citizens, after neighbours. is a component of this strategic vision, nicate with the Russian people, we fall intolerance and bigotry against the trans- all, possess fewer freedoms than ethnic Even the most adroit ideological and not isolated misbehaviour. Putin outlined conspicuously short. gender community. Russians enjoy in virtually all of Russia’s moral narrative is no substitute for tough this vision in a March 18 speech, billed as The United States must lead in articu- Such a speech also would convey to neighbouring countries. policy decisions by the West. However, the “new Fulton speech” by the Russian lating a new Western strategy, beginning Russia’s people that Putin’s doctrine is For audiences in the United States without it, they will never be made and media. with a presidential speech that explains incongruous with true Russian interests. and elsewhere, the speech should explain implemented. Putin rejects the existing international why, after decades of efforts to integrate Putin’s propaganda and suppression of why, despite pressing domestic problems, WP-BLOOMBERG Bring in American Congress on Iran deal UK joins anti-EU tune Given Congress’ across the continent deep distrust of BY MARTIN KETTLE ritain likes to think that it marches to a different political drum from the rest of Europe. Yet the 2014 European par- Iran’s leaders, liament election has generated a great political paradox. In Bthese elections, British voters flocked in record numbers to any deal is likely the anti-Europe flagship party Ukip. And yet, as they voted against Europe, British voters have never seemed more part of the European mainstream than they do this morning. Across Europe, in one way to be far more or another, voters in most countries did very much the same thing. The European Union has never confronted a crisis of legitimacy credible on like the one that erupted in the polling booths of Europe this week- end. From Aberdeen to Athens and from Lisbon to Leipzig, and irre- Capitol Hill. spective of whether the nation is in or out of the eurozone, the 2014 Representatives of P5+1 Talks with Iran in Geneva, Switzerland. European elections were an uncoordinated but common revolt against BY ERIC EDELMAN, national governments and a revolt against the post-crash priorities of DENNIS ROSS & RAY the European project. This election wasn’t a revolt of Britain against TAKEYH the United States to awaken fully SALT I, from congressional In this sense, Congress, too, the EU. It was a revolt of European voters against the EU and against from its isolationist torpor, he scrutiny by claiming presidential must bear a burden of a meas- national governing parties. And British voters were simply one part of had to bring along a Republican authority. ure of responsibility and appre- it. That’s not to say that the popular uprising at the ballot box swept rms control has often Party sceptical of international To be sure, the Arms Control ciate that it cannot just criticise. the board. It didn’t, and it is extremely important not to exaggerate it. been a bone of conten- engagement. He cultivated influ- and Disarmament Act of 1961 Although the Constitution privi- In most EU member states, even in traditionally Eurosceptic Britain, tion between the White ential Republican lawmakers such stressed that all agreements limit- leges the president in the realm the majority of voters in another pitiful turnout voted for parties that AHouse and Congress. as Sen Arthur Vandenberg of ing the US arsenal had to be subject of foreign affairs, Congress is not support the EU and that want to see the European project survive, Presidents and their diplomats Michigan and paid close attention to congressional affirmation. Still, without prerogatives of its own. whether reformed or unreformed. prefer to reach agreements in to their advice and suggestions. SALT I was an executive agree- At times, Congress has Even today, and even in Britain, voters believe Europe is better off secret and then shield the accord Even a fierce partisan such as ment, and if he wanted to, Nixon embraced an assertive role when together. That will not be much consolation to the Liberal Democrats from congressional scrutiny, much John Foster Dulles was included could have made a murky case for it came to proliferation. as they survey the wreckage. But the anti-EU forces, even if you add less consent. It is all too tempting in the Truman administration’s not seeking Congress’ sanction. He Among the proponents of such the anti-EU left and the anti-EU right, remain dwarfed by those who for the Obama administration to inner circle on issues such as the thought better of it and submitted legislative activism was no less support the project. But not by as much as they did in the past. This follow this script as it negotiates peace treaty with Japan and the the agreement for approval. than Sen Joseph Biden Jr, who in was in no meaningful or moral sense a victory for the pro-European with Iran. But that would be a establishment of Nato. That meant negotiating with 2002, in an impressive gesture of parties or for the European project that they cherish and drive. These mistake. Notwithstanding partisan As a result of these efforts, the formidable Sen. Henry bipartisanship, drafted a letter parties have no sure mandate now. The momentum is all against them. difficulties, seeking congressional key initiatives such as the crea- “Scoop” Jackson, D-Wash, and with arch-conservative Sen Jesse The revolt against the system may not have won the majority, but it endorsement is essential lest any tion of the United Nations and the taking his concerns into consid- Helms, R-NC, insisting that the has surely changed the political realities of Europe. The European agreement rest on a shaky founda- Marshall Plan enjoyed widespread eration. The process may have George W Bush administration establishment’s reflexive belief that the answer to every crisis is “more tion and be difficult to implement. support from across the aisle — been tortuous, but the result was submit for congressional authori- Europe” has never been more fundamentally challenged than it was in Two of President Barack even though bipartisan support a public law that enshrined the sation its contemplated nuclear these elections. To ignore or defy that revolt would be suicidal. Obama’s predecessors offer a could not be assumed at that time. agreement in statute. agreement with Russia. Even if you add the strengthened support for the other big EU group- path worthy of emulation. Harry It is worth recalling that, for One point that may enhance The looming shadow of an ing, the European Socialists, to the EPP’s total, this election is still a Truman did much to anchor the the Republican Party, member- the Obama administration’s abil- Iranian bomb is no less important, setback for the main parties. The socialists – who include Labour, who institutions of the Cold War in ship in global organisations and ity to bring Congress along would and Congress needs to press its did well here compared with their 2009 disaster, again in keeping with a durable domestic consensus. offering aid to foreign countries be to offer an explanation about claims on this issue with no less the general shift to the left in the centre ground – now have 193 seats Richard Nixon, in turn, created had once been anathema. the consequence of cheating by force. As the negotiations between compared with 163 last time. But the two big parties together have still the modern arms-control archi- At this point, the Obama Iran if there is an agreement. Iran and the United States enter lost out to the parties on the margins – a familiar pattern in British poli- tecture and managed to persuade administration’s Iran policy rests Given Congress’ deep distrust critical stages, Washington needs tics over the last half century and now firmly the pattern elsewhere too. both parties on the importance of on no such national consensus. of Iran’s leaders, any deal is likely to develop a bipartisan consensus In every country, parties that oppose the system made gains in these nuclear restraint. The president can do much to be far more credible on Capitol about parameters of an acceptable elections. In each country, the revolt took a different form, reflecting Since 2005, Iran’s nuclear pro- to alter this reality by offering Hill if the administration has a agreement. local conditions. In Greece, the leftwing anti-austerity party Syriza gramme has become the subject detailed briefings on Capitol Hill clear plan to deal with cheating. No such consensus can come came top of the poll, with 26.7 percent of the vote. In Ireland Sinn of contention with the Western and even including Republican Such a plan could go beyond the about without the two branches Féin, was the lightning rod against Fine Gael. In Belgium the separa- world due to suspicions that Iran staffers in US delegations to the imposition of harsh sanctions and of government and the two politi- tist Flemish independence party played the same role. In increasingly could divert the civilian nuclear P5+1 talks. Although Nixon in for- include congressional authorisation cal parties working together. This Eurosceptic France, the rightwing anti-austerity and anti-immigrant technology to a weapons pro- eign policy circles is remembered for the use of force to respond to will require the White House to Front National was the big winner, with 25 percent. In Denmark, exit gramme. This has led the UN today mostly for the opening to violations of the agreement. take into account Congress’ per- polls gave the Eurosceptic Danish People’s party 23.1 percent. Security Council to impose sanc- China and ending the Vietnam In this way, the administra- spective and heed its warnings. To act as though nothing has happened would be folly, but not unpre- tions against Iran on select com- War, he did much to temper the tion would demonstrate resolve The failure to do so could mean cented. The great test of the European political class after these elec- panies linked to this programme, nuclear arms race at the height while also having Congress show that any agreement negotiated tions is whether they can summon the imagination to replace “more thus furthering its economic iso- of the Cold War. its support for use of force — a by Obama will not survive his Europe” with “reformed Europe.” On that, all our futures depend, to lation on the international scene. Nixon could have sought to pro- message that the Iranians would presidency. one degree or another. And that’s true in Britain as well. Truman appreciated that, for tect his signature achievement, be unlikely to miss. WP-BLOOMBERG THE GUARDIAN TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME / MIDDLE EAST French delegation in Qatar to boost ties Threesome hold talks with PM, attorney general BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB “France shares excellent rela- warm welcome they received tions with Qatar in all fields, during their visits to Qatar and DOHA: A three-member high- including economic, trade, diplo- Kuwait. Also present at the press level French delegation led matic and culture. We are here as conference was Jean-Christophe by Senator Philippe Marini, part of our official visit to Kuwait Peaucelle, the French ambassador chairman of the French-Gulf and Qatar to further strengthen to Qatar. Countries Friendship Group, is and continue our strong bilat- “This is my first visit to Qatar, on an official visit to Qatar to eral ties for mutual benefit,” said and I would like to come again FROM LEFT: French ambassador Jean-Christophe Peaucelle, Senator Philippe Marini, Chairman of the French- strengthen ties between the two Senator Marini, who is also presi- and again. I was surprised after countries. dent of the finance commission in seeing the level of development Gulf Countries Friendship Group, Senator Alain Houper, and Bariza Khiari, vice-chairperson of the French Senate, The delegation yesterday held the French parliament. Qatar has achieved. We are ready during a press conference at the French envoy’s residence in Doha yesterday. KAMMUTTY VP a host of meetings with several Speaking at a press confer- to extend all possible support to top government functionaries, ence, Marini said: “Qatar is one Qatar in its efforts to achieve a are very small in number and do cybersecurity, education and According to available data, trade including the Prime Minister and of the important partners of well-developed and sustainable not represent the popular voice many others.” volume between the two nations Minister of Interior, H E Sheikh France in the region. It (Qatar) society,” said Houper. of the country with regard to Laughing, he added: increased by nearly 20 percent in Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa always comes in the forefront, like Speaking on some negative Qatar.” “Unfortunately, there is no scoop 2012 over 2011, and the bilateral Al Thani; Minister of Culture, France, in resolving issues and reports on Qatar in a section of Asked if they expected to sign for the media. We are not here trade volume amounted to more Arts and Heritage, H E Dr Hamad challenges of regional and inter- the French media, Marini, said: any agreements for investment as sales representatives of com- than QR9.1bn in 2011. The value bin Abdul Aziz Al Kuwari; the national significance.” “These are part of the propa- and cooperation, the senator said: panies. As the government’s offi- of Qatari exports to France was Minister’s Assistant for Foreign The other members of his ganda machinery of some fringe “We have a scheduled meeting cial mission we are striving to estimated at QR6.4bn, led by dis- Affairs, H E Mohammed bin delegation were Senator Alain elements, especially from the with some top officials of Qatar continue and further deepen ties tillation products and mineral Abdullah bin Mutib Al Rumaihi; Houper and Senator Bariza extreme rightist group in France, Investment Authority. There between France and Qatar.” fuels, while imports amounted to and Attorney General Ali bin Khiari, who expressed their grati- who are envious of Qatar’s are a lot of areas for mutual France is one of Qatar’s major about QR2.7bn. Futtais Al Marri. tude for the Arab hospitality and progress and development. They cooperation such as defence, trading partners in Europe. THE PENINSULA

Lulu Mega Draw Iraq govt using Egypt vote more one-sided barrel bombs, hitting Fallujah than Mubarak’s days: Nour DOHA: An Egyptian liberal pol- hundreds of his supporters and itician jailed after he mounted a arresting thousands more. hospital: HRW challenge for the presidency in Secular dissidents have also 2005 said a presidential elec- been imprisoned. BAGHDAD: Iraq’s govern- tion that got under way in Egypt The authorities also shut down ment is dropping barrel bombs yesterday was more one-sided media outlets sympathetic to and may also be targeting a than the one he lost to Hosni the Brotherhood, including the hospital in its battle with mili- Mubarak. Qatari-run Al Jazeera network. tants in the conflict-hit city of Ayman Nour, a liberal who came The government has declared Fallujah, Human Rights Watch a distant second to Mubarak in the Brotherhood a terrorist has alleged. that election, said the vote which organisation and accused it of The Iraqi authorities denied the former army chief Abdel Fattah violence, a charge it denies. claims, which come with Baghdad Al Sisi is expected to win was tak- “The truth is these are not real locked in a months-long stand-off ing place in a “power monopoly” elections. It’s more of a process with anti-government fighters in without any real competition. that will just formalise the obvi- Fallujah amid a protracted surge “Even in Mubarak’s time ous leader without any form of in nationwide bloodshed, all of we didn’t see this obvious level competition,” Nour said. which is fuelling fears the country monopoly in the election proc- Shortly after he lost to is slipping back into the all-out ess,” Nour said on the sidelines of Mubarak, Nour was sentenced to conflict of 2006 and 2007. an event organised by Al Jazeera five years in prison on charges of The New York-based rights network in Doha. forgery that were widely viewed Lulu Hypermarket Operations Manager Shanavas, D-Ring Road Branch General Manager MHZ Abideen, watchdog also said abuses com- “Although there was a high as part of a political vendetta. Gharafa Branch General Manager Basheer, and Khaled Rashid Al Merri, an official from the Ministry of Economy mitted by the powerful Islamic level of corruption then, now we Mubarak was toppled by the and Trade, pose after the first Mega Draw of Lulu Mercedes Benz car promotion. The winners, Namira Shahid State of Iraq and the Levant are seeing a huge pressure being army following a popular upris- (Coupon No. 1930811); Jithin Antony (Coupon No. 1828244); and Beegom Fathima (Coupon No. 1236810) will jihadist group — among the main put on the media to change peo- ing in 2011. each get a 2014 model E 200 car. Al Merri supervised the draw yesterday at the D-Ring Road branch of Lulu. militant organisations in Fallujah ple’s view,” Nour said. Nour said the Brotherhood — likely amounted to crimes Sisi deposed the Muslim could not be excluded from politi- The second Mega Draw will take place at 7pm at the Al Gharafa branch today. SALIM MATRAMKOT against humanity. Brotherhood’s Mohamed Mursi, cal life. “We need to find a way out Iraqi army spokesmen did not Egypt’s first freely elected leader, of this dark tunnel and we need respond to requests for com- last July following mass protests to seek reconciliation which was SEC urged to ment, but HRW said in its report against his rule. Sisi has one chal- also a huge failing point for the Arab Water Conference that the military denied target- lenger in the election: the leftist Muslim Brotherhood,” said Nour. ing Fallujah’s main hospital, and politician Hamdeen Sabahi. Nour said he had been living in relax class rule the prime minister’s spokesman The two-day vote concludes Lebanon for the past six months From page 1 issued a statement on May 12 today. for medical reasons to treat an begins today denying the use of barrel bombs. The military-backed authori- injury which he had suffered dur- About 25 to 30 percent of the “In terms of what ISIL has ties have launched a fierce crack- ing his jail term. He vowed to go applicants are new students while DOHA: The Second Arab Water drinking water, given the highly taken responsibility for ... (they) down on the Islamist opposition back to Egypt soon. the remaining are those who want Conference opens in Doha today competitive nature of the sector. have committed horrible crimes,” since Mursi was deposed, killing REUTERS to change schools. under the theme “Toward the Corrosion in the potable water said HRW’s Iraq Researcher Erin School admission is not an issue Rational Management of Water distribution system is also a major Evers, pointing to the group’s limited to Indian expatriates, say Resources in Arab Countries concern and one of the sessions claims of having carried out sui- academic sources. The problem is - Sustainable and Creative will address this challenge within cide and car bomb attacks and caused by a severe shortage of pri- Solutions to Meet Current a market context, as well as look at summary executions. vate schools in the country. There Challenges.” factors affecting concrete barriers “But to equate them with the are about 130 private schools and The three-day event is being used in reinforcing dams. crimes of a government that has 70 private kindergartens in Qatar, held under the auspices of Qatar Food safety will be a major rescinded responsibility for pro- which are inadequate to meet the General Electricity and Water topic of discussion within the tecting its civilian population requirements of the rapidly grow- Corporation (Kahramaa) in coop- overall context of the Arab Water and ... rescinded responsibility ing expatriate population, they say. eration with the Arab Ministerial Conference’s first day, with inno- for respecting its own laws and According to recent data Water Council. vative techniques for water har- international law, there is no way released by the Ministry of Many high-level delegations vesting for agriculture, trickle the two can be equated.” Development Planning and representing Arab states are irrigation methods, furrow irri- The crisis in the province of Statistics, the expatriate labour already in Qatar, having partici- gation and surface runoff water Anbar, which borders Syria, force in Qatar has grown to 1.45 pated in many of the pre-confer- utilisation all being addressed. erupted in late December when million. At least a quarter of them ence sessions. One of the key sessions will be security forces dismantled a fall in the high-income bracket, The Prime Minister and a panel debate at 6.30 pm today, protest camp maintained by the although accurate data is not Minister of Interior, H E Sheikh which will be moderated by Fahad province’s mainly Sunni Arab available. Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa bin Mohammed Al Attiya, chair- population to vent their grievances The rising cost of education Al Thani, will attend the opening man of Qatar National Food against the government. coupled with the shortage of Arab session at 9am. Security Programme. This will Militants subsequently seized community schools has forced sev- Papers on a variety of topics feature ministers from the region parts of the provincial capital eral Arab expatriates, especially will be presented at the confer- in an open discussion about the Ramadi and all of Fallujah, the from Lebanon, to leave their fami- ence. One of the first sessions of challenges and opportunities that first time anti-government forces lies behind, say the sources. the day will feature a discussion on have to be embraced to make a dif- have exercised such open control An Egyptian academic told the state of drinking water qual- ference in tackling food and water in major cities since the peak of this daily recently that a large ity and ways to improve stand- security together. the deadly violence that followed number of Egyptian families were ards and maintain high quality of THE PENINSULA the US-led invasion of 2003. forced to teach their children at They have held all of Fallujah home because there were only since, and protracted battles have two schools in Qatar offering the continued over Ramadi. Egyptian curriculum. After taking Citing witnesses, residents and their lessons at home these chil- Saudi man to die for shooting at police a government security official, dren sit for national examinations HRW said in its report that since at their embassy here. KUWAIT: A court in Saudi Arabia has sentenced a man to death early May, Iraqi security forces As a solution to the admission for shooting at security forces in the kingdom’s Eastern Province had dropped barrel bombs on crisis, some parents have urged with a machine gun, a local newspaper said yesterday. populated areas of Fallujah. the SEC to relax rules regarding Minority Shia Muslims have staged sporadic protests in the province It said it also reviewed videos student numbers. for years. and photographs of what were “The schools should be given The man, whom activists said was a Shia, was also found guilty of buy- apparently the remnants of ample time to expand their facili- ing weapons and harbouring rioters, the Saudi newspaper Okaz reported, exploded barrel bombs. ties. The authorities should relax without giving his name. The paper said he shot at security forces in Barrel bombs — empty oil the rules, allowing them to admit the towns of Tarout and Darin, both east of the Qatif governate, which drums packed with explosives — at least 35 students per class for has been at the heart of recent protests. have reached notoriety after their another two years,” said a con- At least 21 people have been shot dead in the Eastern Province since alleged use by the Syrian govern- Former army chief Abdel Fattah Al Sisi casts his vote in the Egyptian cerned Indian parent. early 2011. ment in the country’s civil war. presidential election at a polling station in Cairo yesterday. THE PENINSULA REUTERS AFP TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Jordan, Syria Pope navigates Mideast minefield

JERUSALEM: Pope Francis navigated the minefield of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and expel envoys; humbly bowed to kiss the hands of Holocaust survivors yester- day, the last day of a successful Mideast trip laden with bold rebels advance personal gestures. “Never again, Lord. Never again!” he said in the dimly lit Hall of Remembrance in the Yad Al Nusra Front claims bomb attacks Vashem Museum which commem- orates six million Jews killed by AMMAN: Jordan yesterday after pro-Syrian regime protesters the Nazis in World War Two. expelled Syria’s ambassador attacked the Damascus embassy. The fourth pope to visit Israel, over his “repeated insults” to the Last June, Jordanian Foreign Francis had earlier became the kingdom, drawing a swift tit-for- Minister Nasser Judeh told first to lay a wreath at the tomb tat response from Damascus, Suleiman to stop criticising the of Theodor Herzl, seen as the which ordered Amman’s top country or risk expulsion, after founder of modern Zionism that diplomat to leave. he slammed Amman for host- led to Israel’s foundation. On the battlefield, Syrian rebels ing a meeting of the anti-regime At the request of Prime made advances in the war-torn “Friends of Syria” group, calling Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, country’s northwest, seizing sev- it “a meeting of Syria’s enemies”. he also made an unannounced eral army checkpoints and inch- He also sharply criticised detour to Israel’s “Memorial to the ing closer towards taking over Jordan after the United States Victims of Terror”, the day after two major bases, a monitor and decided last year to send the king- unexpectedly praying at a tower- activists said. dom a Patriot missile battery, F-16 ing Israeli security wall that is Jordanian foreign ministry fighters and troops to counter the despised by Palestinians. spokeswoman Sabah Rafi said threat posed by Syria’s civil war. In a mirror image of the halt at the government considers Syrian The envoy has in the past the graffiti-smeared wall, Francis ambassador Bahjat Suleiman described the estimated 600,000 put both hands on the neat stone Pope Francis during his visit to the Al Aqsa compound in the old city of Jerusalem yesterday. “persona non grata and has Syrian refugees in Jordan as and marble monument and bowed demanded he leave the country “terrorists.” his head, delighting his Israeli Palestinian leaders of incitement. Jews’ most revered shrines and survivors of Nazi concentration within 24 hours.” Damascus accuses Amman of hosts who had smarted in silence Israel says its barrier in the the sole remnant of their sacred camps and told of their stories “The decision comes after backing the three-year upris- over Sunday’s impromptu stop. occupied West Bank was erected to Second Temple, destroyed by the of struggle and near-starvation, Suleiman’s repeated insults to ing against President Bashar Al “I pray for all the victims of safeguard national security after a Romans in 70 AD. he bent slowly to kiss the hand of Jordan and its leadership, insti- Assad by training and arming terrorism. Please, no more terror- wave of Palestinian suicide bomb- There, he, a rabbi, and an each elderly person. tutions and citizens, through his rebels — a claim denied by Jordan. ism,” the softly spoken pope said at ings a decade ago. Palestinians see Islamic leader — both friends Francis’s final engagement meetings, writings and social On the ground, rebels advanced the memorial, which is engraved it as a brutal attempt to grab land from his native Argentina he saw him celebrating Mass in the media websites,” she said, cited in Idlib province as Al Qaeda’s with the names of Israeli civil- they seek for a future state. invited to make the trip with him Cenacle, a vaulted hall just beyond by state-run news agency Petra. Syria branch, Al Nusra Front, ians killed mainly in attacks by A day packed with political and — embraced in a sign of the inter- the walls of the Old City, which is Rafi said the government in claimed responsibility for two Palestinian militants. religious encounters began at the religious dialogue that Francis is revered by Christians as the room Jordan, which is hosting hundreds car bomb attacks that killed 12 Netanyahu, standing at his side, Dome of the Rock, the pope taking convinced can be a catalyst for of the Last Supper. The floor below of thousands of refugees from the people on Sunday in the central thanked him for his words. off his shoes before walking into peace in the region. contains what some Jews believe conflict across its borders, had city of Homs. “We don’t teach our children the Jerusalem shrine from which At Yad Vashem, the pope dis- to be the tomb of King David. “repeatedly warned Suleiman not Rebels, including Al Nusra to plant bombs. We teach them Muslims believe the Prophet played the type of humility that At the end of the Mass, the pope to exploit Jordanian hospitality.” Front, took over “the Salam peace, but we have to build a Mohammed climbed to heaven. has become his custom since being flew to Tel Aviv by helicopter and “Suleiman used Jordan as a checkpoint west of the town of wall for those who teach the Francis then went to pray at the elected pontiff in 2013. boarded his plane back to Italy. platform to question its positions Khan Sheikhun after fierce bat- other side,” he said, accusing adjacent Western Wall, one the As he was introduced to six REUTERS and make false accusations and tles against regime troops”, the allegations against the kingdom,” Syrian Observatory for Human she said. Right said. “He also used Jordan to directly The Syrian Revolution General insult brotherly and neighbouring Commission, a network of activ- Arab countries and insult their ists across the country, said the leaderships.” checkpoint was “the last regime PM must go: Renegade Libyan ex-general Around 100 Syrians held a position” in the area in the south sit-in outside Syria’s embassy in of Idlib province. TRIPOLI: A renegade former undisclosed location in east- as planned by the Libya’s parlia- Amman to express support for The Britain-based Observatory Libyan general says the coun- ern Libya, Haftar did not rule Journalist killed ment and election commission. Jordan’s decision. said opposition fighters have try’s new prime minister is not out talking to Prime Minister “We support elections but the Syria quickly reacted to blocked access to the highway capable of restoring stability Ahmed Maiteeq but dismissed TRIPOLI: Gunmen shot timing needs to be right. The Jordan’s move and announced it linking the south of Idlib province in the major oil producer and him as illegitimate and not up to dead a prominent Libyan time is not appropriate while we was kicking out of Damascus the to rebel-held Morek in the Hama. has called for a postponement the job. “We are open to talk journalist and critic of fight terrorism,” he said. Jordanian charge d’affaires. It said the latest advance brings of parliamentary elections to anyone who can defend the Islamists in the eastern He said his campaign would “The Syrian foreign ministry rebels closer to taking over the planned for June. nation,” he said. “(But) he is a city of Benghazi yesterday. last at least three months but will order the expulsion of the Wadi Deif and Hamidiyeh army Khalifa Haftar launched a businessman, not a man of war.” Muftah Bu-Zaid, editor-in- declined to discuss troop strength Jordanian charge d’affaires to bases in the area, which opposi- campaign more than a week ago Voted into office with his chief of Brnieq, an important or which areas he controls. Damascus,” said state TV chan- tion fighters have besieged for to rid Libya of what he calls “ter- cabinet with the help of a vote Benghazi newspaper, was “There is for sure progress... nel Al Ikhbariya. more than a year. rorists” and Islamist extremists, of confidence from the Muslim killed while travelling in his (but) it is not appropriate to tell It quoted the foreign minis- Also yesterday, three people who are especially active in the Brotherhood on Sunday, Maiteeq car in the morning. you this,” Haftar said. try saying the decision came “in were killed in an aerial barrel oil-rich east. has said he is ready to reach out REUTERS When asked whether he had response to the Jordanian govern- bomb attack in the Aleppo dis- Gunmen claiming loyalty to to Haftar as he also wanted to any political ambitions to lead ment’s baseless decision to declare trict of Bustan Al Qasr, as the him attacked the parliament focus on fighting terrorism. because the General National Libya one day, he said : “No, I the Syrian ambassador to Amman regime kept up its bid to reclaim building in Tripoli a week ago But Haftar, who helped Gaddafi Congress (assembly) which voted just want to rid the country of persona non grata.” opposition-held areas of Syria’s to demand lawmakers hand over into power and then rebelled for him is illegitimate.” terrorists, so that citizens can Jordan recalled its ambassador second city. power. against him in the 80s, said: “He Haftar also rejected the idea live unharmed.” to Syria, Omar Al Amad, in 2011 AFP Speaking by phone from an does not represent the people of holding elections on June 25 REUTERS

Turkish court seeks arrest of Israeli military officers Sudan bans news reports ISTANBUL: A Turkish court Eight Turks and a Turkish- “I won’t be visiting Turkey, just warrants were issued then. The issued arrest warrants yester- American were killed in the like I won’t be visiting Syria, Iran court said yesterday it would on detained former PM day for four former Israeli mili- operation. A Turkish man, or North Korea,” he said. seek the issue of Interpol “red tary commanders on trial in Suleyman Ugur Soylemez, died Turkish prosecutors have notices” for the arrest of the four KHARTOUM: Sudanese pros- negatively affecting the investiga- absentia over the 2010 killing in hospital on Friday after four already sought multiple life sen- former generals. ecutors yesterday banned jour- tion and course of justice, it said. of nine Turks on a Gaza-bound years in a coma since the raid. tences for the now-retired Israeli A Turkish relief agency said on nalists from reporting on the The National Intelligence and aid ship, Turkish media reports The Turkish court ordered the officers over their involvement in Thursday it would oppose what case of former prime minister Security Service (NISS) arrested said. arrest of former Chief of General the killings. it said was an imminent Israeli Sadiq Al Mahdi, detained after Mahdi, chief of the opposition The move came after months of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, ex-Navy Among the charges listed in offer to pay compensation in reportedly accusing a coun- Umma Party, on May 17. negotiations between Turkey and Commander Eliezer Marom, ex- the 144-page indictment are return for dropping lawsuits over ter-insurgency unit of abuses He had reportedly accused the Israel to end a diplomatic crisis Military Intelligence Chief Amos “inciting murder through cruelty the attack. against civilians in Darfur. Rapid Support Forces (RSF), over the Israeli commando raid Yadlin and ex-head of Air Force or torture” and “inciting injury A former Israeli official involved The order comes after a watch- which are under the authority of in 2010 on the Mavi Marmara, a intelligence Avishay Levi, the with firearms”. in efforts to reach a compensation dog, Reporters Without Borders, NISS, of rape and other abuses Turkish ship challenging Israel’s newspaper Hurriyet said on its Israel has dismissed the pro- deal, said the latest Turkish legal warned of authorities’ “increas- of civilians in the Darfur region naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, website. ceedings as a political show trial. move would make achieving an ingly repressive attitude to the of western Sudan. a Palestinian enclave run by the Yadlin, in a text message, Although the indictment was agreement more difficult. media”, despite government RSF commanders denied that Hamas Islamist group. shrugged off the court’s decision. handed down in 2012, no arrest REUTERS talk of greater freedoms in the their unit had raped, looted or country. committed arson. Mahdi is charged with trea- After his arrest, Mahdi’s party son-related offences and could pulled out of talks with the rul- Police detain 20 face a possible death sentence if ing National Congress and other convicted. parties aimed at resolving the over unrest State security prosecutors multiple crises gripping the ANKARA: Turkish police “banned the publication and the impoverished, war-torn country. yesterday arrested at least media’s dealing with the criminal President Omar Hassan Al 20 people across Istanbul for case” of Mahdi, the official SUNA Bashir appealed in January for taking part in last week’s news agency said. the national political dialogue. deadly anti-government pro- The decision was made to avoid AFP tests, local media reported. Anti-terror police units, backed by helicopters, sealed off the res- tive district of Okmeydani, where two people were killed during battles between law enforce- Kuwait court spares murderer’s life ment officers and protestors, KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait’s appeals court yesterday commuted the NTV television channel reported. death sentence of an Iraqi fisherman who killed a coast guard to life Turkey has launched an imprisonment, according to the court verdict. investigation into the deaths Taha Mahmud Sabhan was handed the death sentence by the lower of the two men, who were not court in November 2012 for killing a Kuwaiti coast guard in a shoot- among the demonstrators. out in January last year. Two of the seven were handed three-year Ugur Kurt, 30, was shot in the sentences by the court and a third, who is a minor, was jailed for a head while attending a funeral. year. The remaining four received life terms in absentia after they fled. Ayhan Yilmaz, 42, was hit by a hand Protesters gather outside an Ankara courthouse while police officers stand guard during the trial of a riot police But the appeals court yesterday commuted all the life terms to three grenade thrown during the unrest. officer accused of killing Ethem Sarisuluk, a Turkish man who died during an anti-government protest last June. years in jail and upheld the other sentences. AFP AFP TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL

Colombian Ukraine battles rebels at Donetsk airport candidates Air strikes after separatists force airport closure; Poroshenko says no talks with ‘terrorists’ seek alliances

KIEV/DONETSK: Ukraine truckloads of armed rebel fight- for runoff launched air strikes and a par- ers arrived and seized a termi- atrooper assault against pro- nal. Thick black smoke rose from BOGOTA: President Juan Russian rebels who seized an within the perimeter. Manuel Santos and opposition airport yesterday, as its newly The government said its jets challenger Oscar Ivan Zuluaga elected leader rejected any talks had strafed the area with warning scrambled yesterday to win the with “terrorists” and said a shots and then struck a location support of candidates elimi- robust military campaign in the where rebels were concentrated, nated from Colombia’s presi- east should be able to put down scattering the fighters before dential election and gain the a separatist revolt in “a matter paratroops were flown in to face upper hand ahead of a runoff of hours”. them. vote next month. Ukrainians rallied overwhelm- After three hours of fight- Zuluaga, a right-wing former ingly in an election on Sunday ing, a photographer saw three finance minister, won most votes behind Petro Poroshenko, a politi- Ukrainian Mi-24 helicopter gun- in the first round of voting on cal veteran and billionaire owner ships fire rockets and cannon at Sunday after campaigning to roll of chocolate factories, hoping the the terminal concrete and glass back Santos’ peace talks with burly 48-year-old can rescue the terminal. More plumes of black Marxist guerrillas. He now faces nation from the brink of bank- smoke shot up into the air as the Santos in a runoff on June 15. ruptcy, civil war and dismember- helicopters fired at targets on the Both men immediately began ment by its former Soviet masters runway. The gunships threw out seeking alliances and wooing in the Kremlin. decoy flares as fighters shot at supporters of the three candi- Monday’s rapid military them from the ground. dates knocked out of the race on response to separatists who seized The airport serves a city of one Sunday. All three were in con- the airport in Donetsk was a defi- million people that the rebels have sultations with their parties to ant answer to Moscow, which said proclaimed capital of an inde- determine who they will back. it was ready for dialogue with pendent “people’s republic”, and Zuluaga met yesterday with Poroshenko but demanded he where they succeeded in blocking third-placed candidate Marta first scale back the armed forces’ all voting in Sunday’s election. Lucia Ramirez, who is also scep- campaign in the east. Their attempt to seize the air- tical of the peace talks and could Even as the fighting was get- port may have been intended to throw her support behind him. ting under way, Poroshenko held prevent Poroshenko from trav- She won 15.5 percent of the vote a news conference in Kiev where elling there: he has said his first on Sunday, and Zuluaga described he said the government’s military trip in office would be to visit the A Ukrainian helicopter Mi-24 gunship fires cannons against rebels at the main terminal building of Donetsk their meeting as “very positive”. offensive needed to be “quicker restive east. international airport yesterday. Clara Lopez and Enrique and more effective”. Preliminary results, with 80 Penalosa, who came in third and “The anti-terrorist opera- percent of the vote counted, gave said Moscow’s “argument about functions of the state,” he said, invasion from tens of thousands fourth with a combined 23.5 per- tion should not last two or three Poroshenko 54.1 percent of the legitimacy has disappeared” as he promising to invest more in the of Russian troops massed on the cent of the vote, support negotia- months. It should last for a mat- vote — towering over a field of had also topped the polls among army. “The Ukrainian soldier frontier. Questions have also been tions with the FARC and so may ter of hours,” he said. 21 candidates with enough sup- those who were able to cast ballots should no longer be naked, bare- raised about Ukrainian forces’ be more inclined to side with the As for the rebel fighters: “They port to avert a run-off. His closest in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. foot and hungry.” training, equipment and loyalties. president. want to preserve a bandit state challenger, former premier Yulia “I hope Russia will support So far, Ukraine’s military forces Yesterday’s fighting began Seeking their support, Santos which is held in place by force of Tymoshenko, had just 13.1 per- efforts to tackle the situation in have had little success against after a photographer saw three said all three of the losing can- arms,” he said. “These are simply cent and made clear she would the east,” Poroshenko said. He rebels who have declared inde- truckloads bring dozens of armed didates had made “important bandits. Nobody in any civilised concede. said he planned to meet Russian pendent “people’s republics” in two men to the airport. “The rebels proposals” that could be made state will hold negotiations with Poroshenko’s most urgent task officials in the first half of June. provinces of the eastern industrial are in the terminal. The rest of “reality together” over the next terrorists.” is finding a modus vivendi with the But he also showed no sign of heartland where about 20 people the airport is controlled by the four years. Gunfire and explosions could giant neighbour that has seemed heeding Moscow’s demand that have been killed in recent days. Ukrainian national guard,” air- Zuluaga won 29.3 percent sup- be heard as a warplane flew poised to carve Ukraine up since he call off the operation against Ukrainian officials say they port spokesman Dmitry Kosinov port in the first round, 3.6 per- over Donetsk’s Sergei Prokofiev a popular revolt toppled a pro- rebels in the east. have held back from using full said before gunfire broke out. centage points more than Santos. International Airport, hours after Russian president in February. He “Protecting people is one of the force in part to avoid provoking an REUTERS REUTERS

Spain’s Socialist leader resigns Eurosceptic election surge gives EU a headache BRUSSELS: Stunning victo- immigration. While the centre- He rapidly countered by offering Chancellor Angela Merkel with- and Germany. But France is mov- after election ries in European Parliament right and centre-left will continue more tax cuts to spur an economy out a strong partner for the next ing the way of Italy or Greece in elections by nationalist, to control more than half of the which is flatlining. leg of European integration which economic terms and moving the Eurosceptic parties from 751 seats in the EU legislature, The anti-EU vote was ampli- economists say is vital to under- way of Britain in its relationship drubbing France and Britain left the they will face an unprecedented fied in many countries by a low pin a single currency but leaves with Europe.” European Union licking its challenge from noisy insurgents turnout of just 43.1 percent, but voters, who want hope of better Earlier, a jubilant Le Pen told MADRID: Spain’s Socialist wounds yesterday and facing a determined to stop business as the pro-European centre ground times to come, cold. cheering supporters the French opposition leader Alfredo Perez giant policy dilemma. usual in the 28-nation bloc. held firm in Germany, the EU’s “The legitimacy of Europe people had made clear “they no Rubalcaba said yesterday he Across the continent, anti- French Prime Minister Manuel biggest member state with the is weakened, the legitimacy longer want to be led by those out- was stepping down after the establishment parties of the far Valls called the breakthrough by largest number of seats, as well of France in Europe is weak- side our borders, by EU commis- party had its worst-ever elec- right and hard left more than Marine Le Pen’s anti-immigration, as Italy and Spain. ened further,” said Dominique sioners and technocrats who are tion result on Sunday with an doubled their representation amid anti-euro National Front, which France is one of the EU’s Moisi of the French Institute of unelected. They want to be pro- upstart rival leftist group grab- voter apathy, harnessing a mood topped a national vote for the first founder members and the weak- International Relations. tected from globalisation and take bing 8 percent of the vote. of anger with Brussels over aus- time and pushed his Socialists into ness of President Francois “To function, Europe needs a back the reins of their destiny.” Recession-weary voters, terity, mass unemployment and third place, a political “earthquake”. Hollande may leave German strong balance between France REUTERS unhappy with public-sector wage cuts, layoffs and corruption scan- dals also punished the ruling cen- tre-right People’s Party. Memorial Day The Socialists lost nine of their 23 seats in the European UKIP poll success turns Parliament while the ruling centre- right People’s Party lost eight of its 24 seats. Together, the two parties that have dominated Spanish poli- up heat on UK parties tics since the country returned to democracy in the 1970s, took less LONDON: The victory of the UKIP even picked up a than 50 percent of the vote. eurosceptic UK Independence European seat in Scotland, where “It’s clear that we haven’t Party (UKIP) of Nigel Farage in it has no tradition of support, regained voters’ confidence,” “historic” European elections in which Farage said showed it was Rubalcaba said in a televised news Britain added new heat yester- now a genuinely national force. conference. “There has to be new day to the debate about its EU “We’re going to get a good leadership that takes on change.” membership. number of eurosceptics elected to Rubalcaba — an ex-deputy UKIP, a party without a sin- the European Parliament,” Farage prime minister, former interior gle seat in Britain’s national said. “It’s going to make a very big minister and one-time chemis- parliament, became the first difference in the domestic politics. try professor - said he was disap- political grouping other than “Up until now, European inte- pointed Spaniards had turned to Prime Minister David Cameron’s gration... always seemed to be other leftist groups. The Socialists Conservatives and the opposition inevitable and I think that inevi- will choose new leaders at an Labour Party to win a nationwide tability will end with this result. extraordinary meeting on July 19 election for more than a century. “The people’s army of UKIP and 20, he said. The party has said Cameron said the outcome have spoken tonight. it will hold its first open primary showed voters’ “deep disillusion- “I promise you this, you haven’t vote this year, before general elec- ment” with the European Union heard the last of us,” he said. tions due by early 2016. and proved he was right to pledge UKIP will now try to capital- REUTERS US President Barack Obama participates in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to put Britain’s membership to a ise on its success in the European in honour of Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, yesterday. referendum. vote and a strong showing in local UKIP — which wants Britain to council elections last week by tar- pull out of the EU — won 27.5 per- geting a first Westminster seat in cent of the vote and 24 seats, leav- a by-election in Newark, central ing the main opposition Labour England, on June 5. Irish deputy PM to quit as party leader after poll rout second on 25.4 percent with 20 While UKIP benefited from the seats. system of proportional represen- Cameron’s Conservatives were tation used in the European vote, DUBLIN: Irish Deputy Prime at weekend local and European to end the previous administra- course for a wipeout in an election pushed into third on just short of Britain’s first-past-the-post sys- Minister Eamon Gilmore yes- elections. “I believe the work in tion’s adherence to “Frankfurt’s for the European Parliament as 24 percent with 19 seats. tem for general elections counts terday said he will quit as leader renewing the party is best done Way”, an austerity plan the party counting continued on Monday. It It was a disastrous night for the against it. of the junior government Labour under new leadership,” Gilmore, said was dictated by the European won three of the 12 seats on offer pro-EU Liberal Democrats, the Cameron said the outcome party, in a move that could who is also the country’s foreign Central Bank. five years ago. national coalition partners who showed the importance of his destabilise the coalition and its minister, told a news conference. However the centre-left party Ireland has taken almost 30 bil- were reduced to a single seat, two promise to re-negotiate the terms austerity programme following “We will ensure that there has angered supporters by pursu- lion euros or close to 20 percent fewer than the Green Party. of Britain’s EU membership and a major election setback. isn’t going to be an instability in ing the tough austerity required of gross domestic product out of With only the three seats then put the deal to an in-out ref- Eight members of Labour’s government,” he said, adding he under an EU/IMF bailout that the economy since 2008 and a in Northern Ireland still to be erendum if he wins the general parliamentary party, represent- would step down once his succes- ended last year and it captured further 2 billion euros of cuts are declared, UKIP were assured of election in May 2015. ing almost a fifth of the group- sor is elected by the party. just 7 percent of seats in the local needed to reduce its budget deficit what Farage had already called on “People are deeply disillusioned ing, had submitted a motion of Labour went into government polls, compared with 19 percent to an EU target of three percent Sunday “the most extraordinary with the European Union,” the no confidence in Gilmore’s lead- for the first time since the late at parliamentary elections three of GDP next year. result in British politics for 100 prime minister told BBC radio. ership after its support collapsed 1990s three years ago on a promise years ago. The party was also on REUTERS years”. AFP

TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PHILIPPINES Thai coup leader warns protestors General Prayuth Chan-ocha formally endorsed by king as head of military council that will run Thailand

BANGKOK: Thai coup leader would set up a council of advisers Yingluck to go home, although she General Prayuth Chan-ocha said but gave no details on the form of remains under military supervi- yesterday he had been formally a government that will run the sion with soldiers guarding her endorsed by the king as head of a country under his military junta, residence, a military official said military council that will run the the National Council for Peace on Sunday. But the easing of country, and warned he would and Order. restrictions on Yingluck will do use force if political protests “The country needs a prime little to dispel concern among her flared up again. minister,” he said. The military supporters that the military is Prayuth seized power on May ousted the remnants of a govern- intent on a crackdown for reasons 22, saying the army would restore ment that had been led by Prime other than simply restoring order. order after nearly seven months Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin, seen as the real power of sometimes deadly street dem- Thaksin’s sister, until she was behind his sister’s government, onstrations. The military has removed by a court on May 7 was ousted in 2006 after his big- taken into custody scores of poli- for abuse of power. Thaksin was spending policies had won him the ticians, activists and others. ousted as premier in a 2006 coup. passionate support of the poor but “Will we go back to where we The military has taken over the animosity of the establish- were before? If you want to do that, with a heavy hand, throwing out ment, who saw him as a corrupt, I will need to use force and impose the constitution, dissolving the authoritarian opportunist and a the law strictly,” Prayuth said in Senate and censoring the media. threat to the old order. a statement he read on television. Anyone who insults the monarchy The upstart former telecom- “You will have to forgive any tough or violates the military’s orders munications tycoon, who refused measures as they are necessary.” will be tried in a military court. to conform with the establish- He did not set a timeframe for how Despite warnings, small crowds ment’s ways, was also accused of long the army would stay in power, of people voicing opposition to the being disrespectful to the monar- although he said he hoped to hold coup have been gathering daily in chy and even a closet republican, elections soon. Bangkok since the takeover, as which he denied. The royal endorsement is a well as in the north and north- The former leader, who has significant formality in Thailand, east, strongholds of the ousted lived in self-exile since a 2008 where the monarchy is the most government. There have been no graft conviction, said on Twitter important institution. serious clashes. Thai army chief and junta head General Prayuth Chan-ocha (centre) speaks to journalists during a news conference he was saddened by the latest But Prayuth’s address would Yesterday, about 100 people at the Royal Thai Army headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. events, and called on the army to have provoked conflicting reaction gathered at Bangkok’s Victory treat everyone fairly. in a country polarised by nearly Monument where about 1,000 While the protests are a nui- for opposition. Authorities seized Earlier yesterday, Suthep The crisis between the estab- a decade of rivalry between the protesters massed on Sunday. sance for the army, a more serious weapons and detained activ- Thaugsuban, a former pro-estab- lishment and Thaksin comes amid royalist establishment, of which Some shouted “we want elec- threat would be armed resistance ists in the northeast last week. lishment politician who led pro- anxiety over the issue of royal Prayuth is a member, and Thaksin tions” and “coup get out”, others from Thaksin’s “red shirt” loyal- Yesterday, an army ranger was tests that undermined Yingluck’s succession. The king, the world’s Shinawatra, a populist tycoon who held up signs with messages such ists. They have always threatened killed in Trat province, near the government, was released on bail, longest-reigning monarch, is 86 broke the political mould. as “we want democracy”. Some to fight a coup but with so many Cambodian border, in a clash with his lawyer said. He had been held and spent the years from 2009 to Prayuth, wearing a formal police and soldiers blocked a of their leaders detained or in hid- suspected pro-Thaksin gunmen since the coup. 2013 in hospital. white dress uniform, said he nearby road. ing, activists say they have no plan during a search, the army said. The army has also allowed REUTERS

Storms in China Japan to make underground leave 26 dead China to scrap millions of cars BEIJING: Storms in south- ern and central China have ice wall at Fukushima plant left at least 26 people dead BEIJING: China plans to take “eliminated” this year, the docu- offered subsidies of between and 10 missing, state media more than five million ageing ment said. ¥2,500-¥14,500 to drivers who TOKYO: Japan’s nuclear reg- create the 1.5-kilometre frozen said yesterday, as emergency vehicles off the roads this year As well as the 330,000 cars in voluntarily hand in their ageing ulator yesterday approved a wall that will stem the inflow of measures were taken to deal in a bid to improve air qual- Beijing, 660,000 will be withdrawn vehicles to be scrapped. plan to freeze the soil under groundwater. with the extreme weather. ity, with 330,000 cars set to from the surrounding province of However, the subsidy didn’t the crippled Fukushima “We had some concerns, includ- In Guangdong province 15 be decommissioned in Beijing Hebei, home to seven of China’s cover “yellow label” cars that fail nuclear plant to try to slow the ing the possibility that part of the have died since Wednesday alone, the government said in smoggiest cities in 2013. to meet even minimum gasoline build-up of radioactive water, ground could sink,” one official and five were missing due to a policy document published According to Beijing’s environ- standards. officials said. said on condition of anonymity. the storms, the official Xinhua yesterday. mental watchdog, vehicle emis- Beijing currently forbids vehi- The Nuclear Regulation “But there were no major objec- news agency said, citing local Pollution has emerged as an sions in Beijing were responsible cles that do not meet required Authority examined plans tions to the project during the flood control authorities. urgent priority for China’s leaders for about 31 percent of the haz- standards from entering the city, by Tokyo Electric Power Co meeting, and we concluded that Xinhua said working teams as they try to reverse the dam- ardous airborne particles known but officials have admitted that (TEPCO) to construct an under- TEPCO can go ahead with at least and relief materials were sent age done by decades of break- as PM 2.5, with 22.4 percent origi- China currently lacks the moni- ground ice wall at the Fukushima part of the project as proposed to the affected areas as part of neck growth and head off public nating from coal burning. toring and policing capability to Daiichi nuclear plant starting in after going through further nec- an emergency response. anger about the sorry state of the Beijing plans to limit the total ensure all cars make the grade, June, regulatory officials said. essary procedures.” Seven people died and three nation’s air, water and soil. number of cars on the road to 5.6 and drivers have also found ways The wall is intended to block However, TEPCO may have to were missing in Hunan because In a wide-ranging action plan million this year, with the number to avoid detection. groundwater from nearby hill- review other parts of the project of the downpours, it added. to cut emissions over the next allowed to rise to 6 million by “Many vehicles have problems sides that has been flowing under amid fears it might affect exist- Storms also battered the two years, China’s cabinet, the 2017. Last year it cut the number and many didn’t even meet the the plant and mixing with pol- ing structures at the plant such southwestern province of State Council, said the country of new licence plates by 37 per- standards when they came out of luted water used to cool reactors as underground drains, he added. Guizhou, where three people had already fallen behind in its cent to 150,000 a year and is also the factory, and fining them on that went into meltdown after an The idea of freezing a section of died on Saturday night and pollution targets over the 2011- paying for another 200,000 ageing the streets isn’t the way to solve earthquake and tsunami in March the ground, which was proposed early Sunday. 2013 period and was now having vehicles to be upgraded. this problem,” said Li 2011. for Fukushima last year, has pre- to step up its efforts. The State Council document Kunsheng, an official responsi- Under the plan, which is funded viously been used in the construc- Man attacks As many as 5.33 million “yellow did not say how the plan would be ble for transport emissions at the by the government, the firm tion of tunnels near watercourses. label” vehicles that fail to meet implemented, but Beijing’s munic- Beijing municipal environmental will circulate a special refriger- AFP pop girl group Chinese fuel standards will be ipal government has previously bureau. REUTERS ant through pipes in the soil to TOKYO: A man wielding a saw slashed and injured two members of Japanese female pop group AKB48, rated by Bangladesh-Japan diplomacy Guinness as the world’s big- Hanoi’s claims to disputed gest such group, at a fan event in Japan, leaving the country stunned at the extremely islets ‘ridiculous’: Beijing rare violent crime. The group, known for its perky routines, was shaking BEIJING: China described Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry hands with fans at a meet-and- Vietnam’s claim to disputed held a press conference on Friday greet function on Sunday, when South China Sea islands as when officials stressed the coun- the man attacked them with a “ridiculous” yesterday, as ten- try’s historical claim to the weapon described variously as sion rises over competing claims Paracels. a 50-cm-long saw or a hatchet, of sovereignty in waters believed “Historical and legal evidence Japanese media said. to be rich in oil and natural gas. shows that Vietnam has absolute Group members Rina China claims almost the entire sovereignty in the Paracel and Kawaei, 19, and Anna Iriyama, South China Sea, rejecting rival Spratly archipelagos,” said Tran 18, received emergency surgery claims to parts of it from Vietnam, Duy Hai, deputy head of Vietnam’s for cut and broken fingers, with the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia National Border Committee. Iriyama also suffering cuts to and Brunei in one of Asia’s most Chinese Foreign Ministry the face, media said. intractable disputes and a possible spokesman Qin Gang disagreed. flashpoint. It also has a separate “Seeing that the Vietnamese Mall fire kills maritime dispute with Japan over Foreign Ministry held a press islands in the East Sea. conference last Friday on the six S Koreans The row with Vietnam intensi- subject, I felt it was extremely fied this month after China dis- ridiculous,” he said at a briefing SEOUL: A fire at a bus termi- patched an oil rig to an area near yesterday. nal and shopping complex in a the disputed Paracel islands. REUTERS busy suburban neighbourhood Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (left) toasts with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during a banquet killed six people and injured at Abe’s residence in Tokyo yesterday. Hasina is in Japan for a four-day visit. more than 40 yesterday, the latest in a series of accidents in South Korea, including a ferry disaster that killed more Indonesia’s religious minister resigns over pilgrimage graft case than 300. The fire broke out in the morning in the terminal com- JAKARTA: Indonesia’s reli- Suryadharma Ali had informed has thrown its support behind embezzling state funds allocated last year involving the procure- plex north of Seoul that houses gious minister, a prominent sup- the president he was stepping Prabowo in the July 9 election for the haj pilgrimage. ment of copies of the Koran. large shopping malls and a porter of presidential candidate down. to choose the next leader of Of the country’s four main Despite a string of successes by movie theatre. Prabowo Subianto, has resigned “The president asked Indonesia, home to the world’s Islamic-based parties, three sup- the anti-graft agency, corruption Fire officials said the blaze after being named a suspect in Suryadharma to give him a for- biggest Muslim population. port Prabowo. Another was linked remains endemic in Indonesia. started in the food court area, a corruption case over funds mal letter of resignation in the Last Thursday, the Corruption to a corruption case last year Ex-general Prabowo is running where renovations were being set aside for the main Muslim next one to two days for his con- Eradication Commission (KPK) involving imported beef. for the presidency against the carried out and a welding torch pilgrimage. sideration,” Silalahi said. imposed a six-month travel The corruption scandal is the popular Jakarta governor Joko was likely responsible. State Secretary Sudi Silalahi Ali, however, remains head ban on Ali while it investigates latest to hit the ministry, which “Jokowi” Widodo. AGENCIES told reporters yesterday that of the Islamic party PPP which allegations he was involved in was caught up in graft charges REUTERS TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Suicide blast kills 2 soldiers in Kabul Taliban extremists claim responsibility for the attack

KABUL: A Taliban suicide President Barack Obama made an I saw an army bus full of peo- bomber on a motorbike killed at unannounced visit to American ple covered in blood,” said local least two Afghan soldiers yes- troops at a major military base resident Faizullah, 25, who like terday in an attack on a mili- north of Kabul. many Afghans uses only one tary bus in Kabul as the country “Yesterday at around 3:15pm, a name. prepares to hold second-round suicide attacker riding a motor- Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban presidential elections. bike detonated himself against a spokesman said that one of their Ambulances rushed victims to ministry vehicle,” the ministry of suicide attackers targeted the bus. hospital after the blast wrecked defence said in a statement. “As a result, a number of the vehicle and left several other “As a result, two soldiers were Afghan soldiers, military person- soldiers badly injured. killed and nine others were nel and senior officers were killed The Taliban insurgent group, wounded.” and wounded,” he said. which has vowed to target Afghan The bus, which was badly dam- Obama’s covert night-time trip soldiers and officials during the aged with its windows blown out, to Bagram Air Base on Sunday election, claimed responsibility for was hit in the southeast of the evening provoked a new spat in the attack. city while travelling on a dirt road his tense relations with Karzai Afghanistan is gearing up for near a cemetery. as US-led troops end their war the June 14 run-off vote to choose The suicide attacker’s head was against the Taliban. a successor to President Hamid found on the ground some dis- Obama offered to meet the Karzai, who has ruled since the tance from the explosion, accord- Afghan leader at the air base, Taliban were ousted from power ing to a witness. but did not accept an invitation in 2001. “I heard this big bang and to visit the presidential palace in The attack came a day after US when I came out of my house, Kabul. AFP An Afghan soldier looks at the wreckage of a military bus at the site of a suicide attack in Kabul yesterday. Nearly 370,000 kids may US invokes 9/11 to justify sacrifice miss Pakistan polio drive BAGRAM: As he ponders leav- many of whom were mere kids training and anti-terror capacity. just how effective the Afghan force ing some troops in Afghanistan when Al Qaeda sent fuel-laden He simultaneously played the will be once Western troops have after longest US war, Barack airliners on suicide missions role of the commander-in-chief left, Obama’s bluntness was strik- PESHAWAR: Pakistan course to receive polio drops. Obama harkens back to the against targets in New York and bringing troops home and the ing. Defence officials have said they launched a fresh polio vaccina- But the official, speaking on September 11, 2001 attacks to Washington in attacks planned in statesman who would not leave are “encouraged” that the presi- tion drive in its restive tribal condition of anonymity, warned justify more than a decade of Afghan terror havens. Afghanistan to its fate. dent may be leaning toward a rec- belt yesterday, but officials that children in three of the four sacrifice. He said he had just visited the Washington has been frus- ommendation in the upper range warned that nearly 370,000 targeted areas “would not be able Whether the US president is new September 11 museum in trated for months by Afghan of their hopes. There are political children are likely to miss out to receive polio drops because of also using that imagery to justify the footprint of the World Trade President Hamid Karzai’s refusal as well as strategic reasons why because of security problems. the militancy and opposition to longer US military involvement Center Twin Towers in New York to sign a bilateral security agree- Obama may make that decision. At the start of May the World the immunisation”. in Afghanistan, senior political - and there was a sense that he ment (BSA) that would offer legal He was elected in 2008 on a Health Organisation (WHO) Violence has badly hampered aides will not say. But Obama, in was squaring a circle in his mind protections to a residual force of platform of winding down foreign declared a global “public health the campaign to stamp out polio in a surprise visit to Bagram Airfield on what to do next in Afghanistan. US troops. But US officials believe wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. emergency” after new polio cases Pakistan, where militant groups outside Kabul on Sunday, did not “Once again, we resolved to assurances by his two potential But he always made a distinction began surfacing and spreading with strongholds in tribal areas, sound like a man about to wash never forget what happened on successors, Abdullah Abdullah between the two conflicts. across borders from countries including the Pakistani Taliban, his hands of Afghanistan. that September day and to do and Ashraf Ghani, that they He branded Iraq as a “dumb” including Pakistan. see vaccination campaigns as a Aides hint the president will everything in our power to pre- would sign up. war, and recently in Manila said Pakistan’s seven semi-auton- cover for espionage. offer some “clarity” on his inten- vent something like that from Obama’s comments about it was “disastrous.” omous tribal areas along the “A total of 369,039 in three tions in a major speech at the ever happening again. September 11 were not the only He argued that Afghanistan Afghan border are the epicentre districts would not receive polio West Point military academy on “That’s why you are here. striking aspects of his rhetoric had been neglected because of of the country’s polio cases and drops because of the law and Wednesday meant to put his for- That’s why you are here.” during his Afghan trip. He can- Iraq and promised to fix it -- and the government has set up check- order situation,” the govt official eign policy in a wider context. Despite warnings last year didly said he was surprised at as president sent tens of thou- points to ensure anyone leaving said. On Sunday, he twice mentioned that the White House would the performance of Afghanistan’s sands of troops into battle. the belt is immunised. The three districts in ques- that he saw a poster of the Twin contemplate leaving no troops in fledgling armed forces, and There was always a suspicion A three-day vaccination drive tion are North Waziristan, South Towers in New York in a Bagram Afghanistan after combat soldiers stressed they were taking the lead that Obama’s bullishness on began yesterday in four tribal Waziristan and Mohmand, the trailer complex where he got a ship home by the end of the year, in actions against the Taliban. Afghanistan offered him political areas, a senior government offi- official said. briefing from top military and Obama said several times dur- “I will be honest with you, it cover in being anti-war on Iraq. cial in Peshawar, the region’s Part of the fourth district, intelligence officials. ing his four hours on the ground has gone better than I might have But the Afghan fight has per- main city, told reporters, with Khyber, would also be affected. Obama mentioned September Sunday that he was open to a expected a year ago,” he said. haps proven more bloody and pro- more than 620,000 youngsters on AFP 11 when talking to young troops, future role for US troops in a While skeptics might question tracted than he had hoped. AFP

Five national Abdullah’s poll speech troops killed in FATF urges Kabul to enact Kabul violence anti-money laundering law KABUL: At least five Afghan national army sol- diers were killed in the latest KABUL: Western coun- decisions by the regulator can- wave of violence. tries have told Afghanistan its not be delayed for legal reasons. Afghan Defence ministry banks will be put on an inter- “I strongly encouraged the gov- spokesman, Gen Zahir Azimi, national blacklist if it does not ernment to work closely together said the national army sol- pass an anti-money laundering with parliament in the national diers were killed in the past law within the next few weeks, interest of avoiding a financial 24 hours. the central bank governor said crisis,” EU ambassador Franz- Azimi did not disclose fur- yesterday. Michael Mellbin said after the ther information regarding The Financial Action Task meeting, declining to comment the exact location and circum- Force (FATF), an international on specific details. stances of the incident. body that sets standards on how “It can be - and should be The anti-government armed countries combat money launder- done.” FATF has previously told militants including the Taliban ing, is due to decide at its meeting Afghanistan to pass laws meeting rebels frequently use impro- on June 22 on whether to blacklist global standards against money vised explosive device (IED) Afghanistan. laundering and terrorist financing as the weapon of their choice That would cut Afghan banks or face the blacklist at its June to target Afghan and coalition off from most international meeting. forces. financial institutions, causing a The central bank has drafted IEDs are one of the main potentially devastating impact a law but it has been held up by contributors to civilian and on the country’s already weak discussions in cabinet for months, Afghan national security forces economy. leading to some key provisions casualties. Afghan banks were dealt being removed from the draft. another blow last week when As a result, in its current form Karachi attacks Chinese banks halted dollar even if it is passed, it will not save Afghan presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah speaks during an election gathering in Kabul yesterday. transactions with most Afghan Afghanistan from the blacklist, leave four dead Presidential candidates Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani will compete in the run-off on June 14 to determine who banks without warning, making the central bank and Western leads Afghanistan into a new era without the assistance of NATO troops to help fight the Taliban insurgency. it difficult for businesses to pay diplomats say. KARACHI: At least four for imports. It is unclear why some provi- people were killed yesterday “We will wait and see what the sions were removed. Diplomats in separate incidents of vio- parliament will come up with,” and analysts say it is possible that lence in Karachi, Dawn News US-based doctor shot dead in Pakistan central bank governor Noorullah certain provisions were removed reported. Delawari said. by Afghan officials worried about Three bodies were recov- He said he had hoped being targeted by international ered from Karachi’s Sarjani LAHORE: Gunmen shot dead Pakistani government in 1974 and scene. We are looking into the Western countries would sup- money-laundering laws. Northern Bypass. a doctor from the minority now suffer discrimination and vio- incident. It seems to be a targeted port Afghanistan’s bid to have Afghan banks have been The bodies bore torture Ahmadi community in central lent attacks. attack,” Ali said. the blacklist deadline delayed by struggling since FATF put marks and sustained multiple Pakistan yesterday, officials “Two gunmen riding on a Saleem Uddin, a spokesman the regulator because the coun- Afghanistan on a dark grey list bullet wounds. said, the latest attack on the motorbike shot dead a cardiac for the Ahmadi community, con- try’s presidential elections are early this year. They say the According to the police beleaguered group. surgeon, Dr Mehdi Ali outside firmed the incident and said the underway. move has affected their ability sources, all three of them were Mehdi Ali, a 50-year-old heart the Ahmadi graveyard in Chenab doctor’s family escaped the attack This was ruled out by Western to process transactions such as kidnapped before killing how- surgeon normally based in the Nagar,” local police official Ahmed unharmed. ambassadors on Sunday at an families sending money to stu- ever the bodies have not been United States, was attacked as he Ali said. The doctor was in Pakistan on emergency meeting with the dents’ abroad. identified as yet. visited a cemetery in the town of He said the incident occurred a short visit to do voluntary work country’s top security advisor, the Chinese banks were being used One person was also shot Chenab Nagar in Punjab province. early yesterday morning when the at the Tahrir Cardiac Hospital, a governor said. as a gateway by Afghan banks to dead near a hospital Chowrangi Ahmadis, who believe that the doctor was going to the graveyard private institution that he himself Western officials say process dollar transactions with in Landhi. AGENCIES founder of their sect was a prophet, with his family. helped build a few years back. Afghanistan has had plenty of other parts of the world. were declared nonMuslims by the “The assailants have fled the AFP time to meet the deadline and REUTERS TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Modi and team take charge New premier promises strong, developed and inclusive nation; 45 ministers take oath

NEW DELHI: With the set- Navinchandra Ramgoolam also ting sun forming a magnifi- attended the event. Their pres- cent backdrop, India got a new ence was a first for a prime min- prime minister yesterday as isterial inauguration Narendrabhai Damodardas Seconds after he took oath, the Modi, 63, took oath in a website of the Prime Minister’s 90-minute, open-air, business- Office carried his message to the like ceremony in the forecourt people promising to “script a glo- of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the rious future for India”, one that is presidential palace, attended by “strong, developed and inclusive” leaders of eight neighbouring and that engages with the global countries. community for the cause of world Among the 4,000-strong guests peace and development. at the epochal event were the Modi said he was choosing his Who’s Who of India — politicians, web site to deliver his first mes- business honchos, cinema stars, sage to the people as he was a inter-faith leaders — as well as “firm believer in the power of diplomatic representatives from technology and social media to over 100 countries. communicate with people across The oath of office and secrecy the world” and a “very important including pledge of allegiance medium of direct communication to the Indian constitution was between us”. administered in Hindi to Modi — There was a certain poignancy who wore an off-white kurta-chu- to the momentous occasion as the ridar and a fawn-coloured Nehru inauguration of a new prime min- jacket — by President Pranab ister happened 50 years after the Mukherjee. death of India’s first prime min- Modi becomes India’s 14th prime ister Jawaharlal Nehru on May minister, succeeding Manmohan 27, 1964. Singh, who was at the event, along Along with Modi, a 45-strong with his Congress president Sonia council of ministers that included Gandhi. Modi is the first prime 23 of the cabinet took oath. There minister born in independent were seven women in the minis- India — and the second from try, including six in the cabinet. Gujarat. Prominent ministers were Modi, who led the BJP to a BJP President Rajnath Singh, historic victory in the Lok Sabha the first among ministers to battle, is expected to move to his take oath, Sushma Swaraj, the South Block office at 8am today. former Leader of Opposition in Leaders of the members of the Lok Sabha, and Arun Jaitley, the South Asian Association the former Leader of Opposition for Regional Cooperation coun- in the Rajya Sabha. Najma tries who were present included Heptullah is the only Muslim in President Pranab Mukherjee (left) administers the oath of office to Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi yesterday. Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa the cabinet. of Sri Lanka, Hamid Karzai The setting was in many ways prime ministerial swearing-in in leaders, starting with a warm party colleagues and others jostled his becoming the leader of a coun- of Afghanistan and Abdullah unique. Contrary to earlier occa- India. handshake with Nawaz Sharif. to congratulate the new leader. In try of 1.2 billion people. Yameen of the Maldives as well sions when the short ceremony The ceremony was watched live The leaders then posed for a the background, his supporters As yesterday’s event ended, the as Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif was held in the stately Ashoka across the nation and in world photo-op with the new Indian chanted slogans of “Bharat Mata entire vista of Rajpath, from the of Pakistan, Tshering Tobgay of Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan, Modi, capitals, on TV and web casts. prime minister, the president and ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram”. lighted fountains of Rashtrapati Bhutan and Sushil Koirala of true to his style as a communica- Those on the move could get a Vice President Hamid Ansari. It was an amazing journey for Bhavan, down Raisina Hill, lead- Nepal. Bangladesh was repre- tor, chose to have it in the open real-time feed from the social With the reins of government the bespectacled and bearded Modi ing up to India Gate was awash sented by parliament speaker in order to be able to accommo- media. passing to Modi, the elite Special who sold tea in a railway station with lights, signifying the start Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury. date many more people, perhaps As soon as the ceremony con- Protection Group (SPG) formed a in Gujarat at a young age, before of a new era. Mauritius Prime Minister the largest such gathering for any cluded, Modi met the visiting protective ring around him as his embracing politics, culminating in IANS Pakistan premier talks of peace

NEW DELHI: South Asia’s swearing-in ceremony at the Wing, told Reuters that invit- bitterest rivals have an oppor- presidential palace, a colonial-era ing all the leaders of the South tunity to turn a page in their sandstone mansion. Asian Association for Regional history of troubled relations, Even before his inauguration, Cooperation (SAARC) was “an Pakistan’s prime minister said Modi made waves on the global astute” diplomatic gesture. yesterday after he and other stage, where once he was treated “This augurs well for the region, regional leaders arrived for by many with suspicion - and by and an improvement of relations the swearing-in ceremony of some as a pariah — for Hindu- all over the region is possible if Narendra Modi. Muslim violence that erupted 12 these moves are followed by other Modi’s invitation to leaders years ago in Gujarat, the western steps, bilaterally and multilater- from across the region means his state he ruled. ally,” he said. As a gesture of good- inauguration as prime minister in The BJP has long advocated a will following their invitations, New Delhi is as much a show of his tough stance on Pakistan, with Pakistan and Sri Lanka released determination to be a key player which India has a major territo- hundreds of Indian fishermen on the global stage as a celebration rial dispute in Kashmir, and Modi jailed for straying into their of his stunning election victory. has been seen as a hardliner on neighbours’ territorial waters. Nawaz Sharif said the nuclear- issues of national security. India is the biggest South armed neighbours, which were In that respect, Modi’s decision Asian nation, but friendships traumatically separated at the to invite Sharif for his inaugura- with neighbours have soured in end of British rule in 1947 and tion and bilateral talks came as recent years, allowing China to have fought three wars since, a surprise and raised hopes for fill the gap. should together rid their region a thaw in relations between the China has built a port in Sri of the instability that has plagued rivals, which have been particu- Lanka and is involved in upgrad- them for decades. larly frosty since 2008 attacks on ing another in Bangladesh, “We should remove fears, mis- the city of Mumbai by Pakistan- besides military and civil assist- trust and misgivings about each based militants. ance to long-time ally Pakistan, other,” he told the NDTV news Vikram Sood, former head heightening Delhi’s anxieties of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif (left) greets outgoing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (right) as former network in the Indian capital, a of India’s external intelligence being boxed in. president APJ Abdul Kalam (background) looks on during the swearing-in ceremony yesterday. few hours before Modi’s elaborate agency, the Research and Analysis REUTERS Obama vows to work with Tea vendors look upon PM with pride, hope

NEW DELHI: As Narendra He added, “There was such a to be named. “The elections or overnight but I am sure he will Modi ‘for years to come’ Modi, who began from humble noise about him. I am waiting to the cabinet formation is no more bring good governance in the roots as tea vendor in a railway see what he does for us.” than any other news to us,” he country,” he said. WASHINGTON: The US yes- effectively ended the visa ban on station in Gujarat, takes oath At the same time, there is also said, adding that he was scepti- Another boy Ritesh expressed terday came full circle as after him for his alleged role or inac- as India’s 14th prime minister the realisation that it was Modi’s cal that any government or prime his desire to meet the 63-year-old shunning Narendra Modi for tion during the 2002 Gujarat yesterday, tea-sellers are eyeing hard work and determination - minister will ever do enough for man who has “done the impos- over a decade, President Barack riots with an invitation to visit the occasion with a feeling of rather than destiny - which paved the poor. sible” by rising to the country’s Obama yesterday vowed to Washington. joy, hope and even kinship. his way to 7 Race Course Road, Yet, the media blitzkrieg that top post despite his humble work closely together with the Secretary of State John Kerry “Gareebi se utha hai, garibo ke the official residence of the prime the Bharatiya Janata Party had beginnings. new Indian prime minister “for echoed the invitation a couple of takleef samjhta hoga” (He was minister in New Delhi. launched for Modi in the run-up “I want to become a leader and years to come”. days later. himself poor once, so he must “It will not be wise to say there to the 16th Lok Sabha polls seems Modi ji has made me realise that “We look forward to work- Since then, other US officials be knowing what it means to be is any link between him and us tea to be on everybody’s minds and it is not impossible,” Ritesh, a ing closely together with the including Washington’s first poor),” said Shankar, a tea ven- sellers. He has risen to his stature lips. “Har har Modi, ghar ghar street dweller who works in a tea new government to continue Indian-American point per- dor in the national capital’s busy by his hard work and education,” Modi,” exclaimed a little boy stall in Lajpat Nagar, told IANS. to strengthen and expand the son for South Asia Nisha Desai Palika Bazaar area. Rakesh Kumar, who runs a tea assisting him in his tea shop. Though the meeting could not US-India strategic partnership Biswal have voiced US keenness “I am hopeful he will work for vend in busy Parliament Street, The boy added that after seeing be arranged, an NGO Chetna got for years to come,” the White to engage Modi. our upliftment,” he added. said. years of “mehangaai” or inflation in touch with the PMO. House said in a message of con- “The president stated definitely Tea vendors across the national Another tea seller by the road under the Congress-led United “The public relations officer gratulations from Obama. that we will be welcoming Prime capital region seem to have an side nearby Great India Place, Progressive Alliance government, Neha Bhatnagar at the prime As the two leaders “agreed in Minister Modi,” the US assist- impression that Modi did a lot of Noida, was relatively less opti- he was upbeat about the change minister’s office has said that their call after the election, as ant secretary of state for South development in Gujarat and he mistic in his assessmemt of Modi, at the centre. an invitation (for Ritesh) was the world’s two largest democ- Central Asia told reporters last would deliver similar good gov- whose swearing in ceremony “Isko mauka milna chahiye tha not possible as time is short and racies, India and the US share week. “We recognise the Indian ernance throughout India. is being attended by top-notch (this man deserved a chance),” he security arrangements are frozen. a deep bond and commitment to electorate has weighed in with a Murli, a tea vendor at Green Saarc leaders, including Pakistani told IANS. However, she said that in another promoting economic opportunity, resounding mandate for Prime Park, said it was a moment of prime minister Nawaz Sharif. Satish Dube, a 32-year-old 15-20 days they will try to explore freedom, and security for our peo- Minister Modi and we want to great pride for him to see a man “Hame kya karna hai, hum to hawker who sells tea at Rafi a meeting of Ritesh with Shri ple and around the world”, it said. work with him for advancing his like Modi rising from his humble thele pe chai hi bechenge (what Marg, said Modi may not change Modi in person,” said Dikshita Obama was quick to acknowl- goals for India as a regional and origins to lead the country. has his swearing-in to do with us, his life but he is likely to do good Rathor, project coordinator at edge Modi’s “resounding” vic- global player,” she said. “Modi has done us proud, I am we are destined to sell tea by the work for the country. CHETNA. tory in the Indian election and IANS happy for him,” Murli said. roadside),” he said, not wishing “Modi cannot change my life IANS TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17

Sri Lanka, India 151 fishermen united against terrorism, says return home Rajapaksa NEW DELHI: Praising new Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “inspira- from Pakistan tional qualities of leader- ship”, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said Freed prisoners thank Modi yesterday that Colombo was one with New Delhi against ATTARI, Punjab: Thanking Modi that we were released from terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra jails there. My son’s wedding In a message to Modi after he Modi for their release, 151 was postponed due to my arrest. took oath as India’s 14th prime Indian fishermen freed from Now, I will be back for the cel- minister, Rajapaksa said: “Your Pakistani prisons ahead of ebrations,” fisherman Jagdish, 55, victory rewards your tireless Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s from Gujarat said. commitment to serving the peo- visit to New Delhi crossed over Most of the fishermen belong ple of India. It recognises your into Indian territory yesterday. to coastal areas of Gujarat, Modi’s inspirational qualities of leader- Pakistan yesterday released on home state. ship and represents the hopes humanitarian grounds the Indian The release of the fishermen and aspirations of the Indian prisoners, who were detained from Pakistani prisons in Karachi polity. when they strayed into Pakistani and Hyderabad (in Sindh prov- “In electing (you) as their territorial waters while fishing in ince of Pakistan) came a day prime minister, the people of the Arabian Sea. ahead of Sharif’s visit to New India have unambiguously cho- After completing all formalities Delhi to attend the oath-taking sen the path of change, develop- at Wagah on the Pakistan side, ceremony of Modi. ment and effective leadership,” the fishermen started entering The Sharif government ordered Pakistani policemen stand guard as Indian fishermen, who were released from a Pakistani jail, hold their documents he added. Indian territory at Attari, 35km the release of 59 Indian fishermen and belongings while they wait to clear customs at the Wagah border. He said Indians had reposed from Amritsar. Most of them from Malir Jail in Karachi city “their steadfast faith in you, were lodged in Pakistani pris- and another 92 from Nara jail in international boundary between Indian fishermen, for the move. fishermen in Karachi as they and on your party and its alli- ons for terms ranging from six Hyderabad town. India and Pakistan, to complete “I welcome the step by Sri boarded buses to go to Lahore. ance partners, to preside over months to over one year. Pakistan also said 57 fishing formalities. Lanka and Pakistan to release our “The sea does not have their destiny for the next five Most of the fishermen bowed boats of these fishermen will be “They will be taken to their fishermen. I welcome our fisher- any boundary line. We were years with a strong and decisive as they stepped into Indian ter- released. respective destinations from here men brothers back home!” Modi arrested by Pakistani authori- mandate”. ritory again. The released fishermen were by buses,” a local official said here. said in a tweet. ties while fishing,” said Ismail Rajapaksa said: “Today, we are “It is a sweet homecoming for escorted by Border Security Force Modi praised Pakistan and Local activists in Pakistan gave from Gujarat. united in our struggle against us. We are thankful to Narendra (BSF) troopers, who man the Sri Lanka, which also freed five a warm send-off to the Indian IANS terrorism and nation building efforts. “Our two countries enjoy Modi ally Vaiko, 100 others detained over Rajapaksa visit a multifaceted relationship encompassing all areas of con- temporary relevance, and India NEW DELHI: Vaiko, leader parliament, waving black flags. BJP leaders to urge them to spike station for preventive detention. May 2009. has emerged as a pre-eminent of the MDMK that is an ally The group halted near the the invite to the Sri Lankan Modi’s decision to invite Formerly from the DMK, partner in development and of the incoming government of Parliament Street police station president. Rajapaksa along with other Vaiko, who later formed the commercial activities across Sri Narendra Modi, and about 100 where police had erected steel Dressed in black, a symbol of SAARC leaders had raised a MDMK, has been one of the most Lanka. of his Tamil party supporters barricades. “We have come to protest, MDMK activists raised storm in Tamil Nadu, with all vocal supporters of the Liberation “I am confident that the were detained here yesterday Delhi to protest against the visit slogans against Rajapaksa and Dravidian parties expressing their Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), warm and friendly relations while protesting against the of the butcher of Tamils,” Vaiko burnt his posters. Rajapaksa opposition. which was militarily crushed in that have long existed between visit of Sri Lankan President screamed, referring to Rajapaksa arrived here Monday to attend Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. 2009. our two countries will con- Mahinda Rajapaksa, police who is accused of ordering the the swearing-in ceremony of the Jayalalithaa has refused to attend The MDMK and four tinue to be strengthened and said. killing of thousands of Tamils new government. Modi’s inauguration. other smaller Tamil parties consolidated under your able Police rounded up the vocal during the civil war. A Delhi Police spokesman said The Rajapaksa regime has been had allied with the BJP-led stewardship. protesters in the heart of This is the second time Vaiko Vaiko, a former MP and a long- accused by critics of overseeing National Democratic Alliance “I keenly look forward to work- the capital when they began has visited New Delhi to regis- time supporter of the now van- the killing of thousands of Tamils (NDA) before the Lok Sabha ing with you in close cooperation marching from near the Jantar ter his opposition to Rajapaksa. quished Tamil Tigers, had been during the end stages of the Tamil election. to realise this goal.” Mantar observatory towards He is a BJP ally, and earlier met taken to Parliament Street police separatist conflict that ended in IANS IANS

Delhi High Court 2G: Raja, Kanimozhi agrees to hear plea against move bail application NEW DELHI: Former central are Swan Telecom Pvt Ltd (STPL), Kejriwal telecom minister A Raja, DMK Kusegaon Realty Pvt Ltd, Cineyug MP Kanimozhi and seven oth- Media and Entertainment Pvt Ltd NEW DELHI: A petition was ers, who are accused of money (Cineyug Films), Kalaignar TV filed yesterday in the Delhi laundering in the 2G spec- (KTV) Pvt Ltd, Dynamix Realty, High Court here seeking action trum allocation case, yesterday Eversmile Construction Company against former chief minister moved their bail application in Private Limited, Conwood Arvind Kejriwal for writing an a court here. Construction and Developers (P) open letter to his supporters DMK chief M Karunanidhi’s Ltd, DB Realty Ltd and Nihar from the Tihar Jail. wife Dayalu Ammal, who is Construction Pvt Ltd. Aam Admi Party chief Kejriwal Another accused in the case, did Authorised representatives of is currently lodged in the Tihar not appear before the court and these companies appeared before Central Jail as he refused to fur- sought exemption from personal the court. nish a bail bond in connection with appearance as she is not in a “fit The accused have been booked a defamation case. He May 24 mental condition”. under various sections dealing wrote the letter explaining circum- Central Bureau of Investigation with the Prevention of Money stances behind him being in jail. (CBI) Special Judge O P Saini Laundering Act (PMLA). Advocate Vivek Narayan allowed Dayalu Ammal’s plea for “The investigation revealed Sharma mentioned the matter exemption. that amount of Rs20bn was paid before a division bench of Justice Raja, Kanimozhi, Swan telecom by promoters of STPL, using their B D Ahmed and Justice Sidharth promoters Shahid Usman Balwa group entity Dynamix Realty, to Mridul, requesting it to direct and Vinod Goenka, Kusegaon KTV, through KFVPL and CFPL the centre to block the website of Rescue personnel work at the accident site in Khalilabad, some 700km east of New Delhi yesterday. Fruits and Vegetables Pvt Ltd (Cineyug Films) in the garb of AAP until open letter of Kejriwal is (KFVPL) directors Asif Balwa legitimate financial transaction, withdrawn from its website. and Rajiv Agarwal, Bollywood pro- that is as loan/share application The petition stated that after a 25 killed as trains collide in UP ducer Karim Morani, Kalaignar money,” the ED has said in the trial court sent Kejriwal to judicial TV director Sharad Kumar and charge sheet. custody, he instead of challenging P. Amirthan appeared before the It said the payment was illegal that order chose to instigate people LUCKNOW: At least 25 people general — were derailed. to Gorakhpur from New Delhi. court in pursuance of summons gratification for and on behalf of “to follow no rule of law and put were killed and 100 injured yes- District authorities confirmed The first six coaches of the issued against them May 2. Raja and his associates in lieu of baseless and deemed allegations terday when an express train that 15 bodies were taken out Gorakhdham train have been They moved their bail applica- illegal favours given to the STPL against judiciary”. “Kejriwal showed rammed into a stationary goods from the coaches while 10 pas- severely damaged. tion before the court of Justice for grant of UAS licence. gravely defamatory and contemptu- train in Uttar Pradesh, officials sengers died in hospital. They D D Pandey, the station mas- Saini, who has summoned them The ED told the court that ous conduct by issuing open letter said. said 100 people were injured in ter of Khalilabad railway station after taking cognizance of the investigation has revealed that from Tihar Jail,” the plea said. The accident took place in the accident. Senior railway offi- near which the accident took Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) the return of Rs.200 crore has The letter was circulated by the Sant Kabir Nagar district, about cials, however, refused to confirm place, absconded soon after the charge sheet in the case on May been done along with the addi- AAP office bearers to public at large, 230km from here, around 11am. the number of dead and said that accident. He apparently gave the 2. The court ysterday directed the tional amount in order to show various media and was also uploaded As a result of the impact of the priority as of now was to res- green signal to the passenger ED to provide documents to all this illegal payment in the guise on AAP website, the petition said, the collision, six coaches of the cue the injured and send them to train while the goods train was accused and fixed May 28 as the of legal and bona fide financial seeking direction to the centre to Gorakhdham Express — one hospital. standing on the same track. next date of hearing. transactions. take suitable steps to stop publica- AC coach, one sleeper, and four The express train was headed IANS Companies named in the case IANS tion and circulation of the letter. The letter is “dangerous for society and intended to create atmosphere against rule of law and courts”, advocate Sharma said. “The centre (home ministry) to Army-policemen ‘misunderstanding’ resolved in Kashmir initiate suitable legal action as per law against publication and circu- lation of open letter of Kejriwal or SRINAGAR: The army yester- was a scuffle between the army relations getting strained at the of staff of Chinar Corps, Monday of the army ground in Sonamarg. other similar matter to defame and day said it has amicably resolved and police personnel deployed at local level. “As soon as the mat- visited Sonamarg and presided “The misgivings prevailing over show contempt of courts for incit- a “misunderstanding” between Sonamarg,” defence spokesman ter came to the notice of Chinar over a meeting attended by the both the issues were ironed out in ing people to follow no rule of law, some soldiers and policemen in Lieutenant Colonel N N Joshi said Corps headquarters, it was deputy inspector general of police an extremely amicable manner,” the for asking people to release Kejriwal Sonamarg hill station in Jammu in a statement here yesterday. pro-actively taken up with sen- (Central Kashmir), Ganderbal spokesperson said. The army assured without rule of law and various and Kashmir that had resulted “Some sections of the media ior police officials and military deputy commissioner and police that strict disciplinary action will other offences committed by him in a scuffle May 23. misrepresented the facts about authorities of Sonamarg were superintendent and other officers. be taken after the court of inquiry and AAP and their office bearer and “On May 23, as a result of the incident, generating appre- ordered to investigate,” he said. The meeting discussed the inci- against the people found guilty. members,” plea said. IANS some misunderstanding, there hension about army-police Major General J S Cheema, chief dent and also the issue of fencing IANS

TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME All for the cheese Elderly to

Fajr (Dawn) 3:18 get help Shorook (Sunrise) 4:45 Zuhr (Noon) 11:31 in dying Asr (Afternoon) 2:56 ZURICH: A Swiss organisa- Maghrib (Sunset) 6:18 tion that helps people take their Isha (Night) 7:48 own lives has voted to extend its services to elderly people who are not terminally ill. Exit added “suicide due to old WEATHER age” to their statutes at an annual general meeting held over the weekend, allowing people suffer- Today Wednesday Thursday Weather Conditions: ing from psychological or physical Partly cloudy Clear Partly cloudy problems associated with old age Fine to some the choice to end their life. clouds. Assisted dying is legal in Switzerland and technically even High: 44° High: 43° High: 43° a healthy young person could use Low: 33° Low: 32° Low: 32° such services. However, organi- sations involved in this work set their own internal requirements. The move has been criticised by the Swiss Medical Association DOHA - SUN & SEA amid fears it will encourage sui- SUN TIDE SEA cide among the elderly. “We do not support the change of statutes SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND Competitors tumble down Coopers Hill in pursuit of a round Double Gloucester cheese during the annual by Exit. It gives us cause for con- 04:45 18:18 02:45 & 16:45 09:30 & 23:15 05-15 KT ‘Cheese Rolling and Wake’ near the village of Brockworth near Gloucester in western England yesterday. cern because it cannot be ruled With a disputed history dating back to at least the 1800s, the annual Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling involves out that elderly healthy people THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW could come under pressure of hordes of fearless competitors chasing an eight-pound Double Gloucester cheese down a steep hill. The taking their own life,” said the HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER winner of the race down the hill wins the cheese. association’s president, Dr Schlup. But Exit said that most peo- MUSCAT 47/33 Clear 47/33 Partly cloudy ple who would choose this option MAKKAH 34/25 Partly cloudy 36/26 Partly cloudy were already members of the KUWAIT 41/28 Mostly cloudy 41/28 Mostly cloudy organisation and had been look- BAHRAIN 42/28 Partly cloudy 42/28 Partly cloudy ing into assisted dying for years. SANAA 29/14 Mostly cloudy 30/15 Mostly cloudy Indian girl, 13, climbs Everest “Our members told us to get RIYADH 43/32 Partly cloudy 42/31 Partly cloudy active on this subject. It was ripe DUBAI 42/31 Clear 40/30 Clear NEW DELHI: A 13-year- climbed the mountain with ten officials had no details of the for a decision,” Exit’s vice-presi- BAGHDAD 41/26 Clear 39/28 Clear old poor Indian schoolgirl has Nepalese guides, before hoisting climb. dent, Bernhard Sutter, said. become the youngest female the Indian flag there, he said. The climb was made possi- “Assisted suicide is a lengthy THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW to summit Mount Everest, fol- “Poorna and Kumar ascended ble after the teenage girl, whose process. Doctors must take tests lowing a difficult and danger- Everest from... the Tibetan side father from an indigenous tribe and talk to patients for hours ask- HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER ous climb from China’s Tibetan early Sunday morning. They have earns just Rs35,000 ($600) a year, ing them to justify their motiva- side, her expedition organiser started their descent and will was sponsored by a government- tions...,” said Sutter. ATHENS 29/20 Clear 29/20 Partly cloudy said yesterday. reach north basecamp in Tibet on run social welfare organisation in THE GUARDIAN WASHINGTON 32/20 Chance of storm 29/15 Chance of storm Malavath Poorna, the daughter Tuesday,” Ansari said from India. southern India. SYDNEY 24/12 Partly cloudy 23/13 Clear of a tribal farm labourer, reached China’s official Xinhua news “She was strong and deter- LONDON 17/09 Partly cloudy 18/10 Chance of rain the top of the world’s highest peak agency said three foreigners “suc- mined to climb Everest. We are PARIS 18/10 Chance of rain 21/11 Clear on Sunday after climbing from cessfully climbed onto the top of very proud,” Ansari said. “She ISTANBUL 25/18 Clear 26/18 Partly cloudy the Tibetan side of the mountain, the world” over the weekend, wanted to take the risk. She said said Mohammed Ansari, technical citing Zhang Mingxing, head of that her community will gain rec- MANILA 35/27 Chance of storm 33/26 Chance of storm coordinator for her team. Tibet’s alpinism administration ognition if they succeed,” he said. DHAKA 36/27 Thunderstorm 34/27 Chance of storm Poorna and 16-year-old friend centre. The pair also won applause DELHI 42/28 Partly cloudy 42/27 Partly cloudy S Anand Kumar, a member of Zhang did not confirm whether from India’s new prime minister, ISLAMABAD 36/23 Partly cloudy 39/23 Partly cloudy India’s lowest Dalit caste previ- the Indian teenagers were among Narendra Modi. ously known as “untouchables”, the three foreigners and Nepalese AFP Tuesday 27 May 2014 28 Rajab 1435 Volume 19 Number 6078 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Pfizer quits $118bn AstraZeneca bid war US drugmaker abandons attempt after rejection

LONDON/NEW YORK: The biggest US drugmaker pipeline — backed the firm’s stan- Pfizer abandoned its attempt promised it would not go hos- dalone strategy. to buy AstraZeneca for nearly tile by taking its offer directly to AstraZeneca Chairman Leif $118bn yesterday as a dead- AstraZeneca shareholders, leav- Johansson welcomed Pfizer’s deci- line approached without a last- ing the fate of what would have sion to back down, which he said minute change of heart by the been the world’s largest ever would allow the British company British drugmaker. drugs merger in the hands of its to focus on its growth potential as The decision ends a month-long target, whose board would have an independent company. public fight between two of the had to make a complete U-turn What happens next will depend Officials and entrepreneurs at the event. world’s biggest pharmaceutical to get a deal done. upon whether AstraZeneca’s companies that sparked politi- “We continue to believe that share price deteriorates in the cal concerns on both sides of our final proposal was compel- coming weeks and how hard its Atlantic over jobs and corporate ling and represented full value for shareholders push for it to revisit tax manoeuvres. AstraZeneca based on the infor- a deal with Pfizer. Projects get QBIC support British rules now require mation that was available to us,” BlackRock, AstraZeneca’s an enforced cooling-off period. said Ian Read, Pfizer’s Chairman biggest shareholder, backed the DOHA: Qatar Business addition to an initial conditional idea of offering mini-golf fields in AstraZeneca could reach out to and Chief Executive. board’s rejection of Pfizer’s £55 a Incubation Center (QBIC) seed-funding worth QR100,000 public spaces; “Khaliji Startups”, Pfizer after three months and Pfizer’s final offer was at a price share offer, but urged it to talk announced today 15 projects while four scale-up projects will a portal to bring co-founders and Pfizer could take another run that many analysts and investors again in the future. chosen to be ‘incubated’ and be offered our services for two entrepreneurs together; “Mada at its smaller British rival in six had previously suggested would The proposed transaction ran receive its support. years in addition to potential Innovation” that enables to effec- months time, whether it is invited bring AstraZeneca to the table into fierce opposition from politi- QBIC will provide the winning funding opportunities.” tively exchange documents elec- back or not. for serious negotiations. But in cians in Britain, Sweden — where entrepreneurs with a range of The winners of the QBIC tronically; “E Grab”, an online Pfizer’s move came two hours rejecting an earlier offer of £53.50 AstraZeneca has half it roots — support services such as office include: “Barkom”, an applica- shopping portal; “Q-CAB” that before a 5 pm (1600 GMT) dead- as undervaluing the company, and the United States over the spaces and industrial workshops, tion for smart phones which enables people order taxi serv- line to make a firm offer or walk the British group indicated it likelihood that the marriage as well as administrative, techni- assists consumers’ purchasing ices via mobiles; “Social Media away, under UK takeover rules. Its needed a bid more than 10 per- would lead to thousands of job cal and financial assistance. It will decisions; “MoneyBuzz” for mobile Solution” that offers consultation decision to quit the stage, at least cent higher, or at least £58.85 per cuts. Ultimately, it was price and provide an integrated service for payments solutions; “AR Next”, and solution; “Nano technology” for now, had been widely expected share, for its board to consider a the lack of room for eleventh- entrepreneurs to ensure the suc- an application of playing Tarneeb; that allows event registrants; after AstraZeneca refused its final recommendation. hour manoeuvring by Pfizer that cess of their projects. “Embrace Qatar”, a cultural con- “Oryx lifestyle”, produces German offer of £55 a share. “Following Pfizer had urged AstraZeneca killed the deal. Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al sulting centre for Doha newcom- clothes made in Qatar; “Seero the AstraZeneca board’s rejection shareholders to agitate for engage- Pfizer had several reasons for Khalifa, QBIC Chairman and ers; “LEBES”, which produces Engineering Consulting” the pro- of the proposal, Pfizer announces ment and several expressed dis- taking aim at AstraZeneca for CEO of Qatar Development Bank, clothing for Muslim women. Also, fessional engineering company that it does not intend to make an appointment at its intransigence, what would have been its fourth said: “We will offer 11 start-up “Shaikha” project which aims that provides designs and consul- offer for AstraZeneca,” Pfizer said although others — encouraged by mega-merger in 14 years. projects with incubation services at producing natural perfumes; tation services in the transporta- in a short news release. AstraZeneca’s promising drug REUTERS and office space for two years in “Qatar Golf Ladies” provides the tion field. THE PENINSULA

Good chance of Moscow-Kiev gas deal: EU energy chief Emaar to list

BERLIN: Russia and Ukraine his Ukrainian counterpart Yuri adding that aid from the EU and to destabilise the Western-leading said Ukraine had amassed a gas mall unit on have a “good chance” of strik- Prodan. Under a proposed deal, International Monetary Fund transitional government by debt of $3.5 bn. Oettinger said ing a deal to resolve a standoff subject to approval in Kiev and would help Ukraine pay its debt, threatening to cut off gas supplies. that under the deal being consid- over Russian gas deliveries to Moscow, Ukraine would pay provided both Moscow and Kiev Amid the standoff, Russian ered, Ukraine would initially pay Dubai bourse Ukraine by June 1, European $2.5bn to Russian energy giant agree to the deal. “We make it energy giant Gazprom has hiked $2bn to Gazprom by Thursday, if Energy Commissioner Guenther Gazprom in coming days and possible, but the decision will be gas prices and toughened condi- the government in Kiev agrees, DUBAI: Dubai’s Emaar Oettinger said yesterday. weeks — about half the amount made in Kiev,” said the German tions for former Soviet satellite and Russia would then be ready Properties said yesterday it will “We made relatively good Russia says it is owned in back- EU commissioner. Ukraine. to renegotiate the price of future list up to 25 percent of its malls progress and have a good chance payments and for the month of Europe is locked in a con- Gazprom had warned Kiev it deliveries. business on the Dubai Financial of reaching an agreement by June June. frontation with Russia over would suspend its gas deliveries A $500m payment from Market (DFM), a shift from 1,” said Oettinger after a Berlin Oettinger said the goal was Ukraine, where Brussels believes on June 3 if Ukraine does not Ukrainian gas company Naftogaz earlier plans to list on the emir- meeting with Russian Energy to ensure “security of sup- the Kremlin has supported pro- by then settle its bill for June, to Gazprom would follow on June ate’s smaller Nasdaq Dubai Minister Alexander Novak and ply” and “to avoid disruptions”, Moscow separatists and worked worth $1.66bn. Moscow has also 7 under the proposed plan. AFP exchange. The builder of one the world’s largest malls — Dubai Mall — said it had received regulatory approval for the primary list- ing of up to a quarter of Emaar Malls Group. Companies listing QE index moves up, on DFM are normally required to float stakes of at least 55 percent but exceptions to the rule have lifts all-time high been made in the past. Nasdaq Dubai has a much lower free float requirement of DUBAI: S t o ck s ab out t o joi n t he , were the main drivers, posting 25 percent, but it attracts less MSCI emerging market index gains of 7.6, 4.9 and 3.2 percent trading activity than the DFM supported bourses in Dubai, respectively. All three banks will and has only 10 listed equities. Abu Dhabi and Qatar yesterday become part of the MSCI emerg- Timing of the offering and list- while Saudi Arabia posted gains ing market index at the end of ing would be announced later, the across various sectors as it hit a this week as MSCI upgrades the statement said. new six-year high. UAE and Qatar from frontier It is expected to raise Dh8bn Qatar Exchange pursued its market status. So will developer to Dh9bn, making it one of the upswing trend yesterday by add- Aldar Properties, whose shares region’s largest equity offers since ing 42.80 points, or 0.32 percent, added 4.3 percent. 2008. Company officials previously to advance to 13,393.34 points The MSCI upgrade has already said there might be a dual listing from 13,350.54 on Sunday. attracted hundreds of millions of on Nasdaq Dubai, the smaller of Among the top gainers were dollars in new foreign investment the emirate’s two exchanges, and Qatar Islamic Bank which was up and is expected to bring in more on the London Stock Exchange. 1 percent to QR101.10, Industries around the end of this week in It was not clear whether the Daum Communications CEO Choi Sae-hoon (left) and Kakao Corp CEO Sirgoo Lee yesterday. Qatar gained 0.53 percent to the form of passive funds track- company still plans to list in QR191, Commercial Bank of ing the emerging market index. London. Qatar added 0.44 percent to MSCI picks were also the main Dubai luxury developer QR68.80 and Masraf Al Rayan up supports in Dubai, where the main DAMAC, the only real estate firm S Korea’s top mobile chat app, portal to merge by 2.27 percent to QR58.60. index rose 1.9 percent. Developer from the emirate to list in London, Abu Dhabi’s bourse led the Emaar Properties added 3.7 per- got a lukewarm response to its SEOUL: South Korea’s top the merger with Kakao, which It said the swap ratio had been region, rising 2.5 percent and cent, Dubai Islamic Bank was up 7.5 share offering in a sign that inter- messaging service provider, runs the hugely popular mobile set at one Daum share for 1.55 again surpassing the psychological percent and bourse operator Dubai national investors are still wary Kakao Corp, and its second chat app Kakao Talk, would be Kakao shares. Kakao Talk is used barrier of 5,000 points as it con- Financial Market rose 4.2 percent. of the emirate’s property market largest Internet portal, Daum, completed in October through by more than 140 million people tinued to recover from a slump Saudi Arabia’s main index despite a recent recovery in prices. announced a merger yesterday share swaps. globally, including some 35 million caused by profit-taking last week. rose 0.5 percent to 9,822 points, Sources told Reuters in April to create a company with an The move was aimed at South Koreans — more than 90 The index closed at 5,049 points. its highest level since May 2008, that the developer is talking to estimated market value of $3bn. “enhancing core businesses and percent of the country’s smart- Three large lenders, Abu Dhabi with gains in all major sectors regulators about the possibility of Daum Communications, the creating business synergy”, Daum phone users. Commercial Bank, National Bank including petrochemicals, banks listing its shopping malls unit on operator of portal Daum.net, said said in a regulatory filing. AFP of Abu Dhabi and First Gulf Bank and retailers. QNA/REUTERS the DFM. REUTERS TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Q-Coat becomes Abu Dhabi gives largest producer of ECR steel

Etisalat $500m BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB

DOHA: Qatar Metals Coating Company (Q-Coat), the sole for Maroc deal supplier of anti-corrosion epoxy coated rebar (ECR) in Qatar, has emerged as one of the largest Govt support for local firms picks up producers of the fusion bonded ECR steel in the GCC region DUBAI: Abu Dhabi gave banks to arrange the issue, four with the installed capacity of Etisalat a $500m grant towards banking sources said. producing up to 100,000 tonnes its €4.14bn purchase of 53 per- It has chosen Deutsche Bank, per annum, said a senior official cent of Maroc Telecom, the Goldman Sachs , HSBC and Royal of the company yesterday. company’s prospectus for a Bank of Scotland to arrange the Q-Coat, located in Mesaieed planned bond issue shows. euro-denominated offering, the Industrial City, is a joint venture The grant provides further evi- sources said. These four banks between Qatar Steel Company and dence of Abu Dhabi’s support for could be joined by others from Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Officials at the technical seminar organised by Q-Coat yesterday. its companies’ foreign expansion among the company’s lenders as Company (with equal interest). but could draw complaints from “passive bookrunners”, three of The company was founded in 1990 of ECR as they are of the notion McDonald said that apart from must compare the prices of ECR rivals about the Gulf emirate the sources said, although they with a view to provide solutions that the product is about 20 per- North America, the ECR is also with the total cost of a project using its vast hydrocarbon wealth added that Etisalat had yet to to concrete reinforcement corro- cent more expensive and provides the most widely used corrosion rather than just comparing with to subsidise state-owned busi- decide how many banks would sion, which is one of the serious lesser bond strength. Within the protection system in Japan, China, the prices of black bar. If one opts nesses and distort competition. be given such a title. problems affected steel rebar in context of promoting the usage Middle East and India, where for using ECR in place of simple Fellow Abu Dhabi-based com- Under such a scenario, the the region. of epoxy coated rebar, a technical developers use it in many marine black bar, the project cost may go pany Etihad Airways benefited main bookrunners take charge of Despite having several benefits seminar was held here by Q-Coat piers and other structures. up by nearly two percent.” from a $3bn interest-free loan running the bond sale to inves- of using ECR in a building, espe- yesterday, which was participated Referring to the findings of Ali bin Hassan Al Muraikhi, from the emirate’s ruling family, tors. The passive bookrunners cially in the below surface part of by experts and researchers from forty years of research, he said: Managing Director and General the Australian Financial Review play little or no role, but both a structure (which is more prone USA, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. “The field performance of the Manager of Q-Coat also stressed newspaper said last week, leading will be paid an arranging fee by to corrosion due to intrusion of Dr David McDonald, Managing product has been excellent both that the company presents practi- to complaints from rival airlines. the issuer, with the main banks seawater), the use of ECR is not Director of the US-based Epoxy in marine and deicing salt.” cal and economical solutions for The Etisalat grant was men- usually receiving a greater sum. very popular among the private Interest Group of CRSI, during Another expert, Dr Khalid the protection of concrete struc- tioned in the prospectus for a The bond issue, should it mate- builders in Qatar compared to his presentation, said: “The use Butt, Manager, Projects Division ture against corrosion, by provid- bond issue to help to repay some rialise, will be Etisalat’s debut other parts of the world such as of ECR in North America is very at Qatar Steel, said: “Given the ing the high quality epoxy coated of the debt the company took on offering and is expected to attract North America and Japan. popular. The product was used in benefits of the product, such as rebar, which is the most effective to complete the Maroc Telecom significant investor demand, Experts say that there is a over 80,000 bridge decks (2013 low maintenance cost and much protection means, especially in transaction. “In connection given its rarity value and high lack of awareness and confusion NBI) covering over 89,000,000 longer life-expectancy of a build- the GCC corrosive environment. with the acquisition, the group rating. among developers about the use sqm.” ing using epoxy coated rebar, we THE PENINSULA received an amount of $500m as In a rating report last week, a grant from an entity owned by which classified both the com- the government of Abu Dhabi,” pany and the bond programme as the document stated. Aa3, Moody’s said that Etisalat’s Etisalat is 60 percent-owned rating was “amongst the highest China eyes more by the United Arab Emirates. for any rated global telecommu- Egypt projects higher growth, deficit Etisalat did not respond imme- nication service provider”. diately to a request for comment. Investors are likely to com- investments The grant comes on top of an pare the bond with other Abu CAIRO: Egypt’s government loans and petroleum products. aid from abroad totalling $20bn 8.7 percent stake taken by the Abu Dhabi state-linked entities, such BEIJING: China has simplified said yesterday it plans to cut The country of 85 million people so far this fiscal year, the min- Dhabi Fund for Development — a as Mubadala. Also rated Aa3 procedures for the government petroleum product subsidies remains in dire need of economic istry statement said. It said the state body which provides cheap by Moody’s, it issued a $750m to approve investment projects in the next fiscal year but still reform, most importantly on sub- 12 percent deficit estimate, com- loans and grants for projects in bond with a seven-year lifespan to increase transparency and expects the budget deficit to sidies that have eaten up around pared with 11.5 percent predicted developing nations — in the legal on April 23 at a spread of 120 efficiency, the country’s top eco- widen, signalling more tough a quarter of state spending in for this year “(takes) into consid- entity that will hold Etisalat’s basis points over equivalent US nomic planner said yesterday, times ahead. recent years. eration the possibility of declining Maroc Telecom stake. Treasuries. the latest effort to streamline It predicted economic growth “There will be a start in reform grants from abroad.” Sources had said in April that Meanwhile, Etisalat has administration and devolve more of 3.2 percent — up from an of petroleum product subsi- It also said the fiscal balance Abu Dhabi was providing a quar- also scrapped an offer to buy power to firms. estimated 2-2.5 percent this dies which is estimated in the was affected by the first phase of ter of the funding for the pur- the remaining shares in the The government will only vet year — and a fiscal gap of 12 new budget to be around 104bn constitutional reforms designed chase of the stake from France’s Moroccan firm, the UAE opera- certain aspects of projects con- percent of economic output in a (Egyptian) pounds,” the state- to raise spending on healthcare, Vivendi, with the rest coming tor said. sidered strategic, such as those final budget draft submitted to ment said. education and scientific research from bank loans. In a filing to Abu Dhabi’s pertaining to environmental pro- interim President Adly Mansour, According to calculations, that to around ten percent of GDP by Etisalat said last month that it bourse, Etisalat said it had been tection, economic security and the finance ministry said in a would mean a 22 percent decline 2017. had raised a €3.15bn loan facility exempted from making an offer monopolies, according to new statement. from 134.3bn pounds in the cur- Another factor weighing on the from 17 local and international to minority shareholders, which is rules. Companies will be given more Egypt’s economy has been rent year. deficit is a new minimum monthly banks, split between a €2.1bn usually required under Morocco’s autonomy in deciding matters such struggling since a mass uprising The budget draft forecast wage of 1,200 pounds for public one-year bridging loan and a takeover rules. as investment returns and financ- ousted Hosni Mubarak in early government spending at 807bn sector workers. €1.05bn three-year loan. An Etisalat spokesman sepa- ing, the government said, without 2011, with the deficit reaching 14 pounds ($113.1bn) in the year to Egypt is voting on Monday The bridging loan was always rately confirmed this meant the giving more details. It also said the percent of GDP last year. Prior to June 30, 2015, 65bn more than in and Tuesday in presidential elec- expected to be refinanced with company had now abandoned a government’s approval process and Mubarak’s removal, GDP growth the current fiscal year. tions which former army-chief a bond issue and Etisalat could provisional offer submitted ear- decision should be publicised to was running at above 5 percent. Revenues are seen falling to and presidential candidate Abdel start marketing that as early as lier to the Moroccan authorities improve disclosure and allow for It has been boosted by Gulf aid 517bn pounds. The country has Fattah Al Sisi is widely expected next week, having chosen four for approval. REUTERS greater supervision. REUTERS this year in the form of grants, received exceptional grants and to win. REUTERS

Russia spending on rise, budget risks not properly assessed: IMF GWC upgrades

MOSCOW: Russian public enough. The category includes The Fund did not give compari- liabilities of at least 127 percent transparency around its financial to new system spending that is classified as government entities and state- sons for all nations in the Group of gross domestic product in 2012. performance create significant secret will nearly double by 2016 controlled firms. The amount of of 20 developed and developing The Russian public sector fiscal risk for the government,” DOHA: The Gulf Warehousing to reach a quarter of all expen- hidden, unspecified expenditure in economies but said several of comprised 81,954 separate insti- the IMF said in its report done on Company (GWC) has completed ditures, the IMF said yester- the federal budget has increased them classify less than 1 percent tutional entities as of last year, the request of the Russian finance the implementation of INFOR day, urging more disclosure and in recent years, the Fund said of total budget expenditure as including 31,092 public corpo- ministry. W M S , a n E n t e r p r i s e Wa r e h o u s e analysis of budget risks. in a report, with more areas of secret. rations. Of the latter, 308 were The government itself, whose Management System geared The International Monetary spending now classified as secret In the 80-page report, the IMF purely government corporations expenditures account for about at automating and optimising Fund also said financial report- for national security reasons. gave good marks overall to the and more than 10,000 companies 60 percent of the public sector, its inventory base of over 450 ing on the public sector — which That share stood at nearly 14 finance ministry, which requested were “unspecified government- provides the most comprehensive customers under third party accounts for more than two- percent of total expenditure last the evaluation. But it said fiscal controlled entities.” financial reports but still leaves and fourth party logistics serv- thirds of Russia’s $2-trillion econ- year and is forecast to increase to reports left out a number of gov- “The size of the public cor- out some major entities. ices, under an umbrella of over omy — was not comprehensive close to 25 percent in 2016. ernment-controlled firms with poration sector and the lack of REUTERS 250,000 square metres of built- up facilities. GWC is the first logistics company in the Middle East to implement the latest version 10.2 of INFOR, including a fully cus- New Honda City unveiled tomised billing module that allows for flexible contract arrangements with customers in a wide variety DOHA: Marketing Services advanced cool sporty car that of business verticals. For imple- Company WLL(DOMASCO) has a stunning presence with its mentation, GWC partnered with announced the launch of the dynamic stance, outstanding fuel Supply Network Solutions (SNS), New 2014 model Honda CITY efficiency, comfortable and spa- a leading supply chain consultant in Qatar. cious interiors. in the Middle East. The all new CITY, which has It aims to reflect sophistica- With hundreds of thousands of been developed as a global sedan, tion and vigour while in motion stored items under GWC ware- encompasses the best of Honda’s and a striking charisma when housing, GWC needed a power- technologies to deliver advanced stationary. ful WMS to seamlessly capture sporty design, best comfort and The All New 2014 Honda CITY inventory attributes and auto- best fuel efficiency in the cat- lineup features three grades with mate the warehouse processes, egory. an introduction of a new base benefit from paperless RF wire- “We are very excited about grade namely, DX followed by LX less handhelds, and retain full the long-awaited arrival of the and the top of the line EX. traceability of their goods from all-new City. This is one of our All the three grades are pow- point of receiving to point of ship- best-selling Honda models and ered with a 1.5L i-VTEC Petrol ping from the warehouse. Qatar is the biggest seller of engine which delivers a maxi- The WMS system is hosted City across all Middle East mum power of 118 hp @ 6600 on servers at GWC’s own ISO countries,” said GreigRoffey, rpm and a maximum torque of 27000 certified Data Centre at Head of Sales and Marketing at 14.8 kg-m @ 4600 rpm. the Logistics Village Qatar. DOMASCO. This engine is mated to the “WMS is the technology back- Compared to the previous new generation CVT transmis- bone of our warehousing opera- generation CITY which was sion. It is also worth mention- tions, and our transition to the Faisal Sharif (second right), Managing Director of Domasco, Greig Roffey (second left), sales and marketing launched in 2009, the all new ing, the new CITY comes with a most advanced WMS in the world manager, Domasco, with other officials during the unveiling of the all new Honda City 2014 at Honda Showroom 2014 Honda CITY has under- threeyear or 100,000 kms war- is one that we are proud of,” said yesterday. KAMMUTTY VP gone a complete design change ranty as standard. Nader Hakim, COO, GWC. based on a grand concept of an THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23

First shipment from PNG LG Electronics Airlines seek real-time is No. 3 mobile phone company aircraft tracking plans SEOUL: LG Electronics Inc snatched the world’s No. 3 spot in earnings from mobile phone Airlines not worried about cost of tracking mechanism sales in the first quarter of 2014, the first such time for the South KUALA LUMPUR: Major ICAO’s Air Navigation Bureau, to track, prompting the country’s Korean tech firm, a report by airlines are united on the need told reporters in Kuala Lumpur. Prime Minister Najib Razak to a US-based research company for real-time tracking of com- “We are developing the vol- call for ICAO to adopt real-time showed yesterday. mercial aircraft following the untary path and a rule for the tracking of civilian aircraft. According to Strategy disappearance of Malaysia future. We intend to have regu- MH370 is believed to have Analytics, LG Electronics sold Airlines Flight MH370 and lation to support that globally.” crashed in the southern Indian more than $3.18bn worth of have not raised cost as a con- Asked whether the cost of Ocean off Australia. But no trace mobile phones in the three-month cern, a senior official with the implementing new standards has been found since it went miss- period, placing it after Apple Inc United Nations’ aviation agency was a stumbling block for airlines, ing with 239 people on board, and Samsung Electronics Co. said yesterday. Graham said: “Not at all, they’re despite the most intensive search Apple’s earnings stood at $26bn, Member countries of the absolutely in solidarity. There’s no in commercial aviation history. with numbers for Samsung reach- International Civil Aviation price you can put on safety or cer- Questions have been raised ing $23.1bn. Apple accounted for Organization’s (ICAO) governing tainty on where the aircraft are.” over how fast regulators can act 34.2 percent of the total earn- council agreed earlier this month Graham was speaking at the on tracking due to possible resist- ings from mobile phone sales on the need for global tracking, start of a two-day experts’ con- ance to some measures from worldwide, followed by 30.4 per- although they did not commit to ference sponsored by Malaysia’s manufacturers and airlines. cent for Samsung. LG’s portion a binding solution or timeline. government on real-time moni- A European proposal to stood at 4.2 percent. LG’s handset Instead, the global airline toring of flight data. increase the maximum amount sales were estimated to have hit industry group, International Air Malaysia has joined calls for of recording time on cockpit voice 16.4 million units from January Transport Association (IATA), reforms to the way commer- recorders to 20 hours from two through March, placing it at agreed to come up with proposals cial jetliners are tracked after hours ran into opposition from fourth place overall. Samsung sold for better tracking by the end of MH370, a Boeing 777 jet, vanished Airbus and pilot groups. the most phones with the com- September. IATA said its mem- from civilian radar screens less Some pilots expressed con- pany’s tally reaching 113 million bers would implement measures than an hour after take-off from cerns about longer recordings, units, followed by Nokia’s 47 mil- voluntarily, before any rules were Kuala Lumpur en route to Beijing saying they could be misused by lion and Apple’s 43.7 million. LG in place. “In principle the commu- on March 8. employers, released without their ranking in earnings was helped nity has agreed. There’s no ques- Malaysian investigators suspect authorisation or used in court significantly by demand for pre- tion this is something we need to someone shut off MH370’s data without their permission. The first shipment of liquefied natural gas from a landmark $19bn mium phones like its G series do,” Nancy Graham, director of links making the plane impossible REUTERS project in Papua New Guinea is ready to leave for Japan at Port lineup. QNA Moresby, US oil giant ExxonMobil said yesterday. Canada relaxes Sony, Shanghai Oriental to set up China PlayStation JVs restrictions on BEIJING: Japan’s Sony said in the filing to the Shanghai console markets like Japan, Sony and Shanghai Oriental Pearl One of the joint ventures will Corp and China’s Shanghai Stock Exchange. The joint ven- Europe and the US as Chinese are setting up the joint ventures have registered capital of 10m mobile devices Oriental Pearl Group Co Ltd tures, which will be in Shanghai’s gamers predominantly play PC in response to the suspension of yuan ($1.60m) and will be 51 per- will set up two joint ventures free trade zone, will be set up by and mobile games. the ban on game consoles within cent owned by Shanghai Oriental to make and market Sony’s a subsidiary of Shanghai Oriental Chinese games developers and Shanghai’s free trade zone, a Pearl Culture Development Co in flights PlayStation games console in Pearl and by Sony’s China arm. publishers have also adopted a Sony Computer Entertainment and 49 percent owned by Sony China, Shanghai Oriental Pearl But China is likely to be a “free to play” model where games Inc spokesman said. Nothing has (China). The other will have OTTAWA: Canada, following said in a stock exchange filing difficult market for games con- are free and they make money been decided regarding the devel- registered capital of 43.8m yuan the lead of the United States yesterday. soles, which were banned from by selling in-game upgrades like opment of operations, and details and will be 30 percent owned by and the European Union, One joint venture will be 2000 until last January. Piracy extra lives and special weapons. will be announced later, he said. Shanghai Oriental Pearl Culture yesterday relaxed official responsible for the console’s and smuggling of consoles is rife, Games consoles traditionally Sony Computer Entertainment Development Co and 70 per- restrictions on using mobile hardware, while the other will be and the Chinese gaming market make their money from the sale of Inc is the Sony unit responsible cent owned by Sony (China). devices in flight while main- focused on software, the company is very different to traditional the console and games themselves. for the PlayStation. REUTERS taining a ban on transmitting information. Transport Minister Lisa Raitt said air passengers could now use smartphones, cameras, elec- Ireland stares at tronic games, tablets and com- puters throughout a flight. Under current Canadian rules, all such devices must be lower jobs growth shut down during takeoff and landing. DUBLIN: Ireland’s unemploy- implement one last round of Passengers, however, will ment rate fell less than expected tax hikes and spending cuts in only be able to enjoy the new in the first quarter, data showed October to cut its still-high budget freedom if the airline they are yesterday, dropping only slightly deficit and prime minister Enda flying on updates their safety to 12 percent, in another blow to Kenny said on Sunday any hope of manuals and can guarantee that the government after bruising easing the cuts depends upon the during takeoff and landings all local elections at the weekend. strength of the economy. passengers are able to follow Unemployment eased back “The upward revision in the crew instructions. from 12.2 percent the previous unemployment rate to 12 per- “We wouldn’t have approved quarter and has now fallen for cent looks a little disappointing, this if we were concerned that it eight successive quarters from a as does the marginal 0.1 percent would affect either the safety of high of 15.1 percent two years ago. jobs gain on the quarter — espe- air travelers or of crews,” Raitt But support for Ireland’s coalition cially given exceptionally strong told a news conference. government fell sharply in local surveys of companies’ employ- She also said the ban on and European polls as voters reg- ment intentions,” said Conall sending or receiving e-mails istered their resentment over six Mac Coille, chief economist at and phone calls in flight would years of relentless austerity. Davy Stockbrokers “But exclud- remain in place. The governing parties desper- ing an erratic fall in part-time The US Federal Aviation ately need people to start feeling work, the underlying picture of Administration announced the effects of a tentative recovery strong improvements remains. similar measures for users of but the fall failed to match the We’re still confident that the personal electronic devices last 11.8 percent estimated in monthly Irish labour market is improving October. unemployment claims data, which but today’s data don’t provide the The European Union followed would have taken the rate down headline-grabbing figures the gov- suit in December. to the eurozone average. ernment might have hoped.” REUTERS The government must REUTERS

Malabar Group enters UAE property market

Sultan Al Shamsi, CEO, Sharjah International Investment, Wedad Abdullah Al Marzouqi, Manager, Chairman’s Office, Sharjah Economic Development Department and M P Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group, other directors and well-wishers of Malabar Group at the ground breaking ceremony of Malabar Group’s first property development project in the UAE. TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Fixed asset IMF asks central banks to work closely investment in Lagarde calls for better cooperation China to slow SINTRA: Christine Lagarde, advanced economies.” Managing Director of the The financial crisis has shown International Monetary Fund, that coordinated international down in Q2 called for closer cooperation action helped prevent disruption among the world’s central banks spreading to economies around BEIJING: China’s fixed asset to cope with the challenges of the globe, she said. And these investment is expected to grow increasingly interlinked and upsides should not be forgotten by 17 percent year on year in complex financial systems. as the crisis subsides. the second quarter, the China Speaking at a dinner in Sintra, “We need a concerted effort Securities Journal reported, cit- Portugal, to kick off the first to examine the effectiveness of ing a report from the State annual ECB Forum conference, cooperative policy responses, their Information Centre. Lagarde said the potential gains spillover effects, and their global The projection is a further from cooperation could be huge in welfare implications — also in slowdown from 17.6 percent for times of distress as seen during light of the evolution of the finan- the first quarter. the financial crisis. cial system,” Lagarde said. The report by the government “If policies are viewed only She also said advanced econo- think tank said investment in from a national perspective, we mies could help reduce volatility manufacturing and housing will may end up in a world of ad hoc by communicating clearly the grow more slowly while invest- intervention, less rebalancing, and course of their monetary policy. ment in infrastructure will pick the potential to export financial Discussing the link between up. Factors including capital instability,” she said in the text financial stability and inflation, constraints and declining house of her speech. Lagarde said the current envi- sales are taking a toll on fixed “This would be a world of pos- ronment in the eurozone was a asset investment, according a sibly large welfare losses in many sobering reminder of how balance report by China’s News Agency countries, with not just spillo- sheet weakness could constrain Xinhua. ver effects — from advanced to the ability of banks to support Property sales dropped 6.9 emerging market economies, but credit and investment, ultimately percent in the first four months also ‘spillbacks’ — feedback effects contributing to low inflation. IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde (left) at the ECB Forum on Central Banking in Sintra. from a year earlier in terms of from emerging market to large REUTERS floor space and fell 7.8 percent in value. Investment in property will slow because of decreasing sales and tightened lending. ECB alert to deflation risk, says Draghi If a deep correction takes place in the housing market, it Apple wants SINTRA: The European Central Bank is month, Draghi had said the ECB’s governing may cause “systematic risk”, the “alert” to the risks of persistently low infla- council was “comfortable” with the idea of eas- report said. tion, president Mario Draghi said yesterday ing monetary conditions next month. Rising risks include retail sales, retrial in amid speculation of further interest rates While council voted to hold its key interest expected to grow by 12.4 percent cuts to avert possible deflation. rate steady at its current all-time low of 0.25 year on year up from 12 percent Samsung case “At present, our expectation is that low infla- percent for the seventh month in a row this in the first quarter. tion will be prolonged but gradually return month, Draghi gave the strongest hint yet that There are also favourable NEW YORK: Apple is request- to close to 2 percent,” Draghi told a central further easing is on the cards. But a decision developments that could stabi- ing a retrial after a Californian banking forum organised by the ECB in Sintra, would depend on the central bank’s latest infla- lise fixed asset investment, the jury ordered Samsung to pay the Portugal. tion forecasts before taking concrete action. report said, citing government US company $119m in damages “Our responsibility is nonetheless to be alert One of the campaign arguments of anti- support for infrastructure for infringing two of its patents. to the risks to this scenario that might emerge European Union or nationalist parties in the projects such as railways, infor- Apple had been seeking dam- and prepared for action if they do,” Draghi said. European parliament election on Sunday was mation facilities, clean energy and ages of $2.2bn after accusing “What we need to be particularly watchful that the bloc’s key institutions — such as ECB petrochemical industrial bases, Samsung of copying five patents for at the moment is, in my view, the poten- — are too distant and too bureaucratic. among others. including the “slide to unlock tial for a negative spiral to take hold between Also speaking at the forum, the head of China’s invitation for social function”. The US company also low inflation, falling inflation expectations and the so-called Eurogroup of finance minister, capital to invest in about 80 infra- filed a permanent injunction to credit, in particular in stressed countries,” he Jeroen Dijsselbloem, called for policy measures structure projects will also help prevent Samsung using the pat- said. to boost growth in the region. investment. ents it was found to have infringed. Inflation in the 18 countries that share the “We need to have stronger growth and China’s economic growth Samsung filed court docu- euro is currently way below the ECB’s 2-per- we need to take some measures to pick that dipped to 7.4 percent in the first ments too but the contents have cent target, picking up only fractionally to 0.7 growth up,” he said. quarter of the year, the lowest not been made public. During the percent in April. ECB President Mario Draghi delivering a speech “Trust has returned to the eurozone, growth level since the third quarter of original trial Apple had accused According to the ECB’s latest forecasts, at a conference during the ECB Forum in Sintra. is picking up. In almost all the countries growth 2012. Samsung of “systematically” copy- area-wide inflation is projected to accelerate has returned. But we need a stronger growth Last month, the center forecast ing features distinctive to its iOS to 1.6 percent in 2016. But the ECB’s chief the spectre of deflation in the single currency to get those jobs back,” he said. China’s economy would expand by software. Samsung denied that it economist Peter Praet recently pointed out area, a phenomenon whereby households and But quizzed about the possibility of an addi- around 7.4 percent in Q2, with had copied Apple patents and said that since the beginning of the year inflation businesses put off expenditure in anticipation tional ECB rate cut next month, Dijsselbloem notable downward pressure and it was Apple who was doing the tended to come out lower than expected. The of falling prices, triggering a slump in activity. would say only that he believed “strongly in rising financial risks. copying. QNA persistently low level of inflation has raised At its policy meeting in Brussels earlier this the independence of the ECB.” AFP QNA

QATARI MARKET Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P Abraaj buys Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 105.44 1.03% Aa2 AA Bahrain plans IPO for port operator Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 121.25 1.95% Aa2 AA stake in Thai Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 115.13 2.37% Aa2 AA DUBAI: Bahrain plans an ini- under a 25-year concession. giving details of the deal. “The Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 110.50 2.95% Aa2 AA tial public offering (IPO) of The company is 80 percent- government’s role as the industry Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 163.13 4.27% Aa2 AA education firm shares in the company operat- owned by Netherlands-based regulator is to ensure the imple- Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 125.25 4.70% Aa2 AA ing its Khalifa bin Salman port, APM Terminals, the ports arm mentation of the agreement.” Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 116.13 4.70% Aa2 AA KPN Academy the Ministry of Transportation of Danish shipping and oil group Last month the Bahraini cabi- Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 103.44 0.48% Aa2 AA said, in what could be the island A P Moller-Maersk, and 20 per- net said it had approved a proposal kingdom’s first big IPO since cent by YBA Kanoo Holdings, a by the ministry on the conversion Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 112.75 2.73% Aa2 AA HONG KONG: Middle East 2010. family-controlled Bahraini busi- but did not elaborate. Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 101.88 0.99% A1 A- private equity firm Abraaj Though a listing would serve ness group. Officials at YBA Kanoo Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 104.50 1.76% A1 A- Group has bought into an edu- to fulfil a contractual agreement The ministry spokeswoman said Holdings declined to comment on cation provider in Thailand, made when the port opened in that under the operating agree- the IPO, while APM Terminals in QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.00 0.88% NR NR betting on a country that last 2009, it could benefit from a recent ment for the port, the operator the Netherlands referred queries QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.13 0.97% Aa3 A+ week saw the imposition of mili- recovery in the Bahrain stock was to convert from a closed to APM Terminals Bahrain. QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 104.63 1.64% Aa3 A+ tary rule after months of wran- market, where the main index is joint-stock company to an open “At the moment we are in a gling between government and up 17 percent year to date after joint-stock company within five very early stage and can comment Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 104.50 1.84% A2 A- anti-government activists. slumping between 2008 and 2012. years of the start of commercial so far that we have a close coop- Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.25 1.13% A2 A- Abraaj, which manages $7.5bn, Khalifa bin Salman, with the operations. eration with the government and Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 125.13 2.52% A2 A- said in a statement yesterday that capacity to handle about 1 million “This is purely an implemen- authorities over here in Bahrain,” Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 109.25 3.21% A2 A- it had bought a stake in out-of- 20ft equivalent units (TEUs) of tation of the agreement with said Marco Neelsen, chief execu- Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 106.63 4.26% A2 A- school education provider KPN container cargo annually, is oper- the port operator,” she said in tive of APM Terminals Bahrain. Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 101.75 0.29% Aa3 A Academy, without disclosing the ated by APM Terminals Bahrain an emailed statement, without REUTERS Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 106.63 2.88% Aa3 A purchase price. The deal comes at a time of Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 109.50 3.61% Aa3 A reduced corporate buying-and- SOVEREIGNS selling activity in Southeast Asia’s Atos to buy Bull Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P No. 2 economy, brought about by Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 122.50 1.88% Aa2 AA political instability. Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 107.75 0.91% NR NR The value of initial public offerings has tumbled 72 per- Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 109.63 1.52% NR NR cent so far in 2014 from a year Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 126.00 3.19% NR NR earlier to $647.6m, while that of Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 120.50 3.47% NR NR mergers and acquisitions has Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 102.13 0.67% Aa2 AA fallen 60 percent to $2.8bn, Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 116.50 2.37% NR BBB showed data. Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 109.75 3.63% NR BBB In April, consumer confi- dence hit its lowest in over 12 Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 104.38 4.89% Caa1 B- years. “The rising middle class in Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 107.75 3.13% NR BBB- Asia, and beyond, is increasingly looking to supplement their fam-

*Periodic Distribution Amount ily’s education with out-of-school IMPORTANT NOTE: services,” Srisant Chitvaranund, Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which an Abraaj managing director, is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services said in the statement Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary without mentioning the political data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not situation. take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds Established in 2000, KPN can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant Academy has over 103 cen- liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not tres across Thailand, offering a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. a variety of subjects including Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Social Sciences. The acquisition is Abraaj’s third CEO of the IT services company Atos Thierry Breton (right) and Philippe Vannier, new CEO of French group in education globally and sixth by Bull in Paris yesterday. Atos will buy Bull to take advantage of its expertise in cybersecurity and processing its current Southeast Asia Fund. huge amounts of data, to create a leading European company in Cloud computing services. REUTERS TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 QITCOM 2014 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani, Chairman of Vodafone Qatar, at QITCOM 2014. RIGHT: Vodafone has partnered with Alfardan Automobiles, the exclusive importers of BMW in Qatar, to introduce the first commercially fully-connected car with Internet in Qatar. PICTURES: SALIM MATRAMKOT Vodafone showcases technologies

DOHA: Vodafone Qatar, the National Vision,” he said. Users of the site can register and Pearl Sponsors of QITCOM Vodafone’s Smart will earn points for contributing 2014, yesterday showcased some Transportation area demon- the top ideas and participating of the world’s most advanced strates how Vodafone is continu- in the community. Vodafone’s technologies. ing strong ties and partnerships stand is located at Area B44 of Vodafone displayed at the exhi- in the automotive industry. the Qatar National Convention bition, the long awaited and latest Vodafone has partnered with Center and can be visited from telecommunication and IT pack- Alfardan Automobiles, the exclu- 1pm to 9pm. ages in Qatar which has till now sive importers of BMW in Qatar, Vodafone Qatar QSC is the achieved by the international IT to introduce the first commer- holder of the Second Public Mobile companies. Visitors to Vodafone cially fully-connected car with and Fixed Telecommunications Qatar stand will see the latest Internet in Qatar. With a BMW Networks and Services Licence technology, smart applications in 6 Series Gran Coupe on display, in the State of Qatar. transportations, communication, Vodafone is showcasing BMW Vodafone Qatar switched on its healthcare, business and town Apps connected by Vodafone. mobile network on March 1, 2009 planning. These include search find and and shortly after started deliver- Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin explore apps including live Google ing great value to its customers Abdullah Al Thani, Chairman of services and connected weather with a range of exciting products Vodafone Qatar, welcomed H E apps, connected offices through and services. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin BMW online applications. Music Having built a world class Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister streaming and social media are converged IP network, Vodafone and Interior Minister of Qatar, also featured in the car. launched fibre-based consumer to the Vodafone Qatar pavilion. As Vodafone’s fixed broadband and enterprise fixed-line serv- Accompanying Vodafone Qatar’s offering expands, Vodafone is ices commercially in October 2012 Chairman were Kyle Whitehill, dedicated to improve the daily and is expanding its fibre serv- the company’s Chief Executive lives of people in Qatar in their ices in conjunction with QNBN Officer, and Mohammed Al Yami, homes as well as in their business deployment of fibre to homes and Director of External Affairs. environment. corporates. “Vodafone supports the efforts In the Vodafone Smart Home Vodafone’s objective is to be the to build a knowledge based econ- area, Vodafone demonstrates the most admired brand in Qatar and omy in Qatar with a vibrant ICT latest advancements in Smart the company is committed to pro- sector so we are delighted to be Home technology. On show is a viding world class telecommuni- showcasing the latest innova- smart living room that contains cations infrastructure to support tive products and solutions at integrated technology around Qatar National Vision 2030. QITCOM,” said Sheikh Dr Khalid lighting, entertainment, security Mohammed Al Yami, Director bin Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani. that are seamlessly integrated of External Affairs at Vodafone “Qatar has emerged as one into a user-friendly tablet. Also future of healthcare to its visitors carrier, delivering 52 billion effective solutions to help compa- Qatar, in press statement said of the leaders in ICT penetra- on display is a range of state of and showcases solutions for dia- international minutes every year, nies operate efficiently. Vodafone that Vodafone Qatar is Pearl tion and usage, not only in the the art smart accessories, which betes management, cardiac moni- Vodafone is the only company that cloud offerings include a range Sponsor for this important event MENA region, but also world- are also offered at Vodafone’s toring and proactive care. can serve businesses’ mobile as of security and conferencing in Qatar which is being organised wide. Vodafone Qatar is in the Villaggio store. For businesses, Vodafone, with well as fixed requirements across suites to help companies work in country for the fourth time and privileged position to be able to Healthcare is changing and an un-paralleled global footprint, the world. the way they want, either inside shows the latest achievements take what’s best from Vodafone mobile technologies are at the is showing how it can help busi- Moreover, Vodafone is show- the office or when their employ- in telecommunication and IT in globally and bring it to Qatar heart of this change. Vodafone’s nesses in Qatar operate globally. casing its range of cloud services ees are on the move locally or Qatar and Vodafone is proud to to help realise the 2030 Qatar Smart Health area introduces the As the 2nd largest global voice for businesses in Qatar with cost internationally. display in QITCOM which is one Vodafone Qatar has aligned its of important exhibition in this goals to those of the Qatar 2030 region. Vision, and is clear that support- Vodafone showcases themes ing the Smart City deployments related to future of Qatar which in Qatar is a key pillar of its suc- include Smart Transportation, cess. With that, Vodafone Qatar Smart Homes, Smart Health, yesterday launched a unique and Smart Business and Smart innovative digital platform to Cities. In the first area we signed enable citizens of Qatar to par- an agreement with Alfardan ticipate in building Qatar into a Automobiles to introduce the first Smart City through a web site, commercially fully-connected car mobile site, and through their with Internet in Qatar. With a own Social media via a hashtag: BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe on #DesignYourQatar. display, Vodafone is showcas- The platform is designed to help ing BMW Apps connected by citizens learn about how exciting Vodafone. These include search new technologies can improve life find and explore apps including in their city and create unique live Google services and connected insights for government and weather apps, connected offices enterprises by crowd-sourcing through BMW online applica- ideas, bringing the voice of citi- tions. Music streaming and social zens, helping them dream big, and media are also featured in the car. make their mark on the future. This car, in case of an accident, The programme will run for over can be located easily because of 1 year and will bring knowledge the maps and other innovations. and input from global and local In healthcare, we are intro- Smart City experts and will be ducing the patients through included as part of Smart City their hospitals where they can events throughout the Country. be monitored at home from the The innovative website will hospital when the patient is using aggregate all ideas submit- sophisticated devices. The third ted to the site and submitted area, which is telecommunication, via Twitter using the Hashtag allows a car to be connected with #DesignYourQatar. The ideas other telecommunication devices can be commented on and sup- through which its activity can be ported via votes so that the top controlled. ideas are featured at the top. THE PENINSULA TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 13,393.34 0.32 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 19,972.36 0.32 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,448.03 0.07 % RATE QE All Share Index 3,368.27 0.01 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 3,301.85 0.46 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5490.444 20.184 0.37 5533.3 5072.7 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 6,589.16 2.75 % QR151.8693 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 4512.4 19.25 0.43 4512.62 4080.6 QE All Share Industrials 4,474.11 0.05 % SILVER UK ...... QR 6.0968 QR 6.1817 QE All Share Insurance 3,239.98 1.19 % Dj Indu Average 16606.27 63.19 0.38 16735.5 14551.27 Euro ...... QR 4.9478 QR 5.0165 QE All Share Real Estate 2,728.73 0.87 % QR 2.2909 CA$ ...... QR 3.3235 QR 3.3889 QE All Share Telecoms 1,788.75 1.98 % Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Transportation 2,277.28 0.93 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 4.0433 QR 4.1001 QE Market Summary Comparison Hang Seng Inde/D 22963.18 -2.68 -0.01 23469.33 21137.61 Yen ...... QR 0.0354 QR 0.0361 Today Previous day Aus$ ...... QR 3.3346 QR 3.4011 Iseq Overall/D 4873.5 37.12 0.77 5195.97 4522.4 CRUDE OIL 26-05-2014 25-05-2014 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0615 QR 0.0627 Index 13,393.34 13,350.54 Karachi 100 In/D 29020.48 264.48 0.92 29669.95 25273.11 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0365 QR 0.0372 Change 42.80 342.38 BRENT Peso ...... QR 0.0826 QR 0.0843 Nikkei 225 Index 14602.52 140.35 0.97 16164.01 13885.11 % 0.32 2.63 SL Re ...... QR 0.0277 QR 0.0282 YTD% 29.04 28.62 $ 110.01 S&P 500 Index/D 1900.53 8.04 0.42 1902.17 1560.33 Taka ...... QR 0.0463 QR 0.0475 Volume 27,693,174 26,831,300 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0386 QR 0.0394 Value (QAR) 1,538,569,722.14 1,326,532,665.32 Straits Times/D 3282.88 4.86 0.15 3284.7 2953.01 Trades 13,231 11,611 $ 106.62 SA Rand ...... QR 0.3472 QR 0.3574 Up 11 | Down 30 | Unchanged 02 Straits Times/D 2971.47 22.7 0.77 3035.78 2657.77

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 26-05-2014

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

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

A C C-A/D 1347.8 -33.45 60118 Colgate-A/D 1336.05 -37.8 20577 Hind.Petrol-A/D 437 2.9 273747 Lloyd Metal-T/D 10.84 0.51 39155 Ruchi Soya-B/D 44.15 0.95 1406588 Land Secs Grou/D 1048.105 -9 2035200 Aban Offs-B/D 656.25 -45.35 531245 Container Cor-/D 1168.95 -32.15 10476 Hindalco-A/D 147.15 -4.85 1102774 Lloydsfin.-T/D 0.57 0.02 17620 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 529 24.35 96490 Legal & Genera/D 225.1 0.5 7979407 Ador Welding-B/D 176 6.75 22864 Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 74.7 0.1 21038 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 926.5 -5.05 551775 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 16.12 -2.39 499258 Thirumalai-B/D 92.15 -4.2 72416 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 75.96 1.15 127033013 Aegis Logis-B/D 194.15 -9.25 62140 Dcm Shram Ind-/D 82.35 -1.8 13087 I F C I-A/D 38.65 -2.45 7914113 Lupin-A/D 909.3 -14.55 59889 Til Ltd.-B/D 274.45 -9.8 15452 Marks & Sp./D 443.2 -4.6 3594705 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 255.5 -6.45 88017 Dhampur Sugar-/D 51.6 -3.65 104264 Idbi-A/D 97.65 2.45 1327814 Lyka Labs-B/D 13 -0.94 50527 Timexgroup-B/D 13.96 -0.98 129503 Next/D 6550 -110 245261 Alembic-B/D 19.15 -1.6 719127 Dr. Reddy-A/D 2301.15 -6.25 78630 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 99.5 -9.7 31017 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 129.1 -0.8 11156 Tinplate-B/D 66.4 -5.95 177018 Pearson/D 1137 -7 1537818 Alok Indus-B/D 10.36 0.03 20478769 E I H-B/D 85.5 -2.45 74038 India Cement-B/D 98.65 -5 1514094 Mah.Seamless-B/D 279.15 -12.95 19394 Ub Engineer-T/D 15.45 -0.16 24891 Prudential/D 1384.5 -15.5 2875314 Apollo Tyre-A/D 178.35 -8.3 465539 E.I.D Parry-B/D 198.45 -4.8 92650 India Glycol-B/D 110.8 -3.9 118818 Mangalam Cem-B/D 177 -3 65705 Ucal Fuel-B/D 60.8 -3 24229 Rank Group/D 156.1 -3.9 19615 Asahi I Glass-/D 65.95 -1.85 51896 Eimco Elecon-T/D 337 -6.25 14546 Indian Hotel-A/D 89.8 0.1 279986 Maral Overs-B/D 21.45 -1.1 28005 Ucal Fuel-B/D 60.8 -3 24229 Rentokil Initi/D 118.55 0.1 4741261 Ashok Leyland-/D 31.9 -0.95 7403701 Electrosteel-B/D 32.85 3.65 3023547 Indo-Bcount-B/D 72.5 -3.75 119908 Mastek-B/D 171.7 -5.9 24903 Ultramarine-B/D 61.5 -4.6 34719 Rolls Royce Pl/D 998 -5 3017987 Ballarpur In-B/D 17.44 -1.19 981390 Emco-B/D 35.95 -3.65 206711 Indusind-A/D 549.85 -11.45 141451 Max India L-A/D 248.75 -5.65 36113 Unitech P -A/D 28.15 -1.45 16779041 Rsa Insrance G/D 476.4 -5.3 2409408 Bata India-A/D 1166 -36.6 15643 Escorts-B/D 127.75 -1.1 686718 J.B.Chemical-B/D 156.75 1.75 127714 Mrpl-A/D 69.9 -2.75 389851 Univcable-T/D 36.2 1.65 11151 Sainsbury(J)/D 343.7 1.2 5842415 Beml Ltd-B/D 610.7 17.6 949631 Essar Oil-A/D 83.7 -2.45 1438605 Jagson Phar-T/D 15.5 0.55 17553 Nahar Spg.-B/D 114.5 -3.4 67624 Schroders/D 2571 -3 158131 Bh Electronic-/D 1617.2 -25.05 78589 Eveready Indu-/D 60.55 -4.7 195557 Jbf Indu-B/D 113.3 2.25 101108 Nath Seeds-T/D 4.6 -0.21 24212 LONDON Severn Trent/D 1924 -17 366397 Bhansali Eng-T/D 16.94 -0.86 66494 F D C-B/D 123 -1.6 31667 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.58 0 115114 Nation Alum -A/D 53.2 -5.25 2876448 Smith&Nephew/D 944.6425 -8 1748636 Bhartiya Int-B/D 265.05 3.3 10095 Federal Bank-A/D 120.5 -6 627136 Jct Ltd-T/D 2.24 0.07 404403 Navneet Edu-B/D 73.8 -1.05 429019 Smiths Group/D 1322 7 1071635 Bhel-A/D 259.4 -13.05 2669127 Ferro Alloys-B/D 9.31 -0.5 473915 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 3.02 -0.33 44905 Nepc India-B/D 4.27 0.12 433070 3I Group/D 420.8 0.3 1975189 Standrd Chart /D 1341.07 1.5 3016151 Bom.Burmah-B/D 119.35 -10.8 57000 Finolex-B/D 248.45 -3.05 49060 Jindal Drill-B/D 257.6 -24.55 21189 Nrb Bearings-B/D 88.9 2.4 144913 Assoc.Br.Foods/D2983.5976 -53 855097 Tate & Lyle/D 682.8866 -7.5 947115 Bombay Dyeing-/D 74.2 -7.2 1334504 Gail-A/D 410.05 -15.5 208441 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 233.25 1.4 330593 O N G C-A/D 405.25 -2.25 646165 B Sky B/D 862.8596 -5 1966609 Tesco/D 304.13 0.7 10840595 Canfin Homes-B/D 341 1.3 67361 Gammon India-B/D 31.05 -1.6 502542 Jmc Projects-B/D 150.9 -2.3 35487 Oil Country-B/D 51.7 -2.65 27910 Barclays/D 242.6050085 3.1 35051503 Unilever/D 2664 -4 1516529 Cast.Bo/D 298.55 3.8 428163 Garden P -B/D 43 -3.2 15941 Kabra Extr-B/D 48.75 -0.4 55481 Orchid Chem-B/D 61.45 -6.25 605720 Bg Group/D 1213.44 -20.5 6254655 United Util Gr/D 845.96 -11 2140246 Century Enka-B/D 163.85 -6.35 70030 Goodricke-B/D 166.65 -10.15 46819 Kajaria Cer-B/D 545 -30.15 64833 Orient Hotel-B/D 21.75 -0.15 13176 Bp/D 506.97 -1.2 12248937 Vodafone Group/D 206.3561505 2.05 56630432 Century Text-A/D 490.9 -19.85 161003 Goodyear I -B/D 425.05 -3.05 15506 Kalpat Power-B/D 168.9 20.55 547651 Orient.Carb.-B/D 207 11.5 76080 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3515.68 -27.5 1530935 Whitbread/D 4124 -25 245888 Chambal Fert-B/D 48.6 -4 471409 Hcl Infosys-B/D 64.45 -4.3 3858869 Kalyani Stel-B/D 77.1 -2.65 287993 Orient.Carb.-B/D 207 11.5 76080 Bt Group/D 385.545 4.5 12329200 Chola Invest-B/D 347 -9 12100 Him.Fut.Comm-B/D 12.67 -0.11 7128280 Kanoria Chem-B/D 47.7 7 316066 Patspin India-/D 8.04 -0.42 39864 Centrica/D 328.28 -0.4 5209479 Chowgule St-T/D 14.95 -0.09 12151 Himat Seide-B/D 59.45 -3.6 96665 Kg Denim-B/D 15.16 -1.58 183224 Radico Khait-B/D 110.8 -1.4 306976 Gkn/D 388.3 4.3 2011122 Cimmco-T/D 37.9 0.55 64231 Hind Motors-B/D 11.97 -1.33 384353 Kilburnengg-B/D 29.5 -0.5 56366 Rallis India-B/D 185.15 -12.25 92611 Hsbc Holdings/D 614.8 -1.3 14597164 Cipla-A/D 382.8 -4.15 210152 Hind Org Chem-/D 20.76 -2.2 151880 Kopran-B/D 36.6 -1.2 308359 Rallis India-B/D 185.15 -12.25 92611 Imperial Tobac/D 2659.13 -13 1653387 City Union Bk-/D 71.7 -1.5 393551 Hind Unilever-/D 560.7 -0.55 129267 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 283.15 -18.45 14375 Reliance Indus/D 567.2 -19.35 557036 Kingfisher/D 412.7 -1 3169916 TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27

Japan beat Malaysia for Resurgent Thunder down first Thomas Cup title

NEW DELHI: Takuma Ueda prevailed in a thrilling decider Spurs to narrow deficit as Japan claimed their maiden Thomas Cup Badminton Championship title by edg- NBA: Serge Ibaka makes successful return from injury to play key role ing out five-times champions Malaysia 3-2 in a pulsating final of the men’s team event NEW YORK: The Oklahoma yesterday. City Thunder, buoyed by the NBA Play-offs World number one Lee Chong- return of Serge Ibaka from Wei salvaged personal pride by injury, recovered from two Semi-final Result beating Kenichi Tago 21-12 21-16 demoralising road losses to beat 1 2 3 4 T in the first singles but the contest the San Antonio Spurs 106-97 eventually boiled down to the fifth San Antonio 29 24 23 21 97 in Game Three of the Western match and Ueda held his nerve to Conference Finals yesterday. Oklahoma City 28 29 26 23 106 help Japan taste success in their The Spurs lead the best-of- (San Antonio lead the best-of-seven series maiden final appearance at the seven series 2-1 but the Thunder by 2-1) biennial tournament. at least breathed some new life to take a 14-point lead and the “I was under pressure before into their season, which was in Thunder were never in danger the start of the game but... was danger of ending with a whimper. from that point as San Antonio determined to win. I have not Power forward Ibaka, who coach Gregg Popovich rested most experienced anything like this missed the first two games with of his starters over the final few before,” a dazed Ueda told report- a left calf strain, scored 15 points minutes. ers after beating Daren Liew on 6-of-7 shooting from the floor Guard Manu Ginobili led the 21-12 18-21 21-17. in nearly 30 minutes of action. Spurs with 23 points, including After waging a grim battle for He also grabbed seven rebounds 6-of-9 from behind the arc, but one hour and 18 minutes, Liew and played strong defense, block- scored only three in the second dropped his racket in dismay ing four shots. half. when his smash sailed wide, dash- “I tried to give my team mates Popovich complimented Ibaka ing Malaysia’s hopes of winning some energy in defense and while also expressing disgust with their first Thomas Cup title since offense,” the 24-year-old from his own team’s performance. 1992. the Republic of the Congo told “Serge is always great in the Across the net, a jubilant Ueda TNT TV. paint. He blocks shots, he changes collapsed on the court before get- “I think I did pretty well. Also, shots, he did a great job,” Popovich ting up to join his dancing team my team mates too, we did a great told reporters. mates who had formed a ring job to make them take some tough “I thought our defense was around him. shots.” pretty poor. I thought our first “I could not win Thomas Cup as Following teh victory, Coach half was probably the poorest a player and I’m happy that I won Scott Brooks praised Ibaka for defense we’ve played in a very as a coach,” said Japan’s Korean his commendable return after long time. coach Park Joo Bong. the injury: “It was a miracle it was a one- Kenichi Hayakawa and “Serge gave us a big lift, not point game with 40 seconds to go Hiroyuki Endo eked out a 12-21 only on the defensive end but in the first half. The only thing 21-17 21-19 victory over Tan Boon the offensive end,” Brooks told that kept us in the game was Heong and Hoon Thien How in reporters. those threes (by Ginobili),” he 76 minutes to level before Kento “We obviously missed him the explained. Momota downed Chong Wei Feng last two games but that’s part The Thunder out-shot the 21-15 21-17 to put Japan ahead. of sport. You have to deal with Spurs from the floor, 46 percent Malaysia crawled back into the injuries. We bounced back to 40 percent, and also dominated the contest with Goh V Shem tonight.” the boards 52-36 in rebounds. and Tan Wee Kiong claiming the The Thunder, who lost the first Oklahoma City stars Russell second doubles 19-21 21-17 21-12. two games of the series by a com- Westbrook (26 points) and Kevin Ueda walked out for the decider bined 52 points in San Antonio, Durant (25 points) were not at against Liew, 41 rungs below him looked like a different team as their most brilliant but still in world rankings, and looked they played with energy and more top-scored. under pressure in the second than a touch of skill in front of a Guard Tony Parker had a poor Serge Ibaka of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts after blocking the shot of Tony Parker of the San Antonio game when he squandered a four- raucous home crowd. game for the Spurs, scoring only Spurs in the second half during Game Three of the Western Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Play-offs at point lead to his dogged rival who Oklahoma City started the final nine points on 4-of-13 shooting Chesapeake Energy Arena yesterday. forced the third game. quarter with a decisive 7-0 run from the floor. REUTERS REUTERS NHL: Rangers sail past Canadiens to extend lead

NEW YORK: The New York Dustin Tokarski from an acute at 1-1 midway through the second Rangers beat the Montreal angle, whipping the Big Apple period when Montreal defense- Canadiens 3-2 in an overtime into a frenzy of excitement. man Francis Bouillon rifled a thriller yesterday to move Hagelin had opened the scor- snap shot past the Rangers goalie within one victory of a first ing just seven minutes into the Henrik Lundqvist, who made 27 Stanley Cup appearance in two first period with a short-handed saves. decades. goal when his team mate Benoit New York regained the lead Roared on by a boisterous Pouliot was in the penalty box for when Dan Girardi fed Derick Madison Square Garden crowd, high sticking. Brassard and the Rangers center the Rangers gave their long suf- The Canadiens have strug- buried the puck past Tokarski fering fans cause for optimism gled with their power play dur- on the last minute of the second that an overdue NHL title could ing the series and their inability period. be close when Martin St. Louis to score was compounded when The Canadiens’ finally took scored the Game Four winner six Ryan McDonagh and Brian Boyle advantage of the extra man when minutes into overtime. got the puck to Hagelin on the PK Subban’s slap shot took a The result gives the Rangers breakaway. deflection past Lundqvist to tie a commanding 3-1 lead in the The Swedish left wing skated the game at 2-2 after two minutes best-of-seven Eastern Conference free then shot through the legs of of the final period. finals with the next game in Tokarski for his sixth goal of the Alex Galchenyuk almost won Montreal tomorrow. playoffs. Tokarski, called into the the game for the Canadiens with New York Rangers’ left wing Chris Kreider (left) crashes into Montreal Canadiens’ defenceman Josh Gorges in St. Louis sealed the win when starting lineup after Corey Price three minutes to go in regulation front of goalie Dustin Tokarski (35) during the second period in game four of the Eastern Conference Final of he combined with Carl Hagelin was ruled out of the series with a but his snap shot hit the crossbar, the 2014 Stanley Cup Play-offs at Madison Square Garden yesterday. and Brad Richards to slap the knee injury, made 26 stops. forcing the teams into overtime puck past Canadiens goaltender The Canadiens tied the game for second time. REUTERS

MLB: Beckett first no-hitter of Baseball Results Toronto 3 Oakland 1 the season as Dodgers win Texas 12 Detroit 4 Arizona 2 NY Mets 1

LOS ANGELES: Josh Beckett point in your career that you’re Since the beginning of 2010, Milwaukee 7 Miami 1 retired 23 consecutive batters on gonna do that.” there have been 20 no-hitters Baltimore 4 Cleveland 2 his way to the first no-hitter of Beckett’s pitch count had in baseball, including the posts- Dodgers 6 Philadelphia 0 the season and the Los Angeles climbed to 100 through seven eason. Sunday also was the 11th Washington 5 Pittsburgh 2 Dodgers beat the Philadelphia innings, but the three-time All- no-hitter in Los Angeles Dodgers Phillies yesterday. Star and former World Series history. Tampa Bay 8 Boston 5 “It’s something that you cer- MVP wanted to go the distance. In other game, Masahiro NY Yankees 7 Chicago 1 Yankees’ Derek tainly think about throughout “I went to check on him after Tanaka pitched a strong game to LA Angels 4 Kansas 3 your career, but very few people seven, and he’s like ‘You’re not help lead the New York Yankees Jeter throws out to San Francisco 8 Minnesota 1 have been able to do it,” Beckett taking me out’,” Dodgers manager to a decisive victory over the Chicago White Sox’s said after throwing 128 pitches, Don Mattingly said. “He was talk- White Sox in Derek Jeter’s final Houston 4 Seattle 1 Adam Eaton during striking out six and walking three ing about the no-hitter the whole regular-season game in Chicago. San Diego 4 Chicago Cubs 3 the eighth inning in his first career no-hitter. time.” Tanaka pitched 6 2/3 innings NY Mets 4 Arizona 2 at US Cellular Field “To be completely honest with The 34-year-old Texan’s no-hit- while giving up just one run on yesterday. Atlanta 7 Colorado 0 you, I was just waiting for them to ter was the first for the Dodgers five hits while striking out six in get a hit. You don’t think at this since Hideo Nomo in 1996. his first start. REUTERS St Louis 4 Cincinnati 0 TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 28 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Montgomerie Scott edges Dufner breaks American drought with to win at Colonial Senior PGA win

MICHIGAN: Colin World No. 1 defeats American in play-off Montgomerie broke his long American drought in style when he won the Senior PGA VIRGINIA WATER, to claim his fourth tour title when Championship by four strokes England: Adam Scott cel- Colonial he stuffed a nine-iron into four in Michigan yesterday. ebrated his first week as world feet at the second extra hole. Montgomerie, who never won number one in emphatic fashion Invitational scores But the newly-married Scott, on the PGA Tour despite a deco- by winning the Crowne Plaza Scores from the US PGA Tour 33, calmly drained his birdie rated career in Europe, fended Invitational in Texas yesterday. Colonial Invitational at the attempt to set the stage minutes off a mid-round charge from Last year’s Masters champion par-70 course yesterday in Fort later for his first victory of the Tom Watson to clinch the second notched his 24th professional Worth, Texas, Adam Scott wins year. major of the season on the over- victory, including 11 on the PGA play-off at the third extra hole “A ball-striker like Jason is 50s Champions Tour. Tour, by beating American Jason going to hit one in close sooner or The Scot carded 65 to finish 271 Adam Scott (Australia) 71 68 66 66 Dufner on the third play-off hole at later and he did on 17,” Scott said. at 13-under-par 271 and ever- Colonial Country Club after start- 271 Jason Dufner (US) 67 69 69 66 “To make the putt was huge.” green American Watson made ing the day two shots off the lead. 272 Fredrik Jacobson (Sweden) 67 71 67 67 The final round began with four birdies in five holes from the Scott made a clutch 15-foot putt Nicholas Thompson (US) 69 68 69 66 36 players within four strokes of turn to shoot 65 and claim second at the second extra hole to stay 273 David Lingmerth (Sweden) 72 69 66 66 the lead, but in the end the cream place. alive then sank a seven-foot birdie David Toms (US) 72 66 65 70 , Ryan came to the top. “It’s been a long time,” at the next to become the fourth Palmer (US) 69 69 68 67; John Senden Meanwhile, Tony Jacklin Montgomerie told NBC TV. “I Australian to win at Colonial, (Australia) 71 68 66 68; Brendon Todd believes the evergreen Miguel haven’t won a 72-hole event in joining Bruce Crampton, Bruce (US) 69 69 67 68 Angel Jimenez can create golfing America until today. It’s a very Devlin and Ian Baker-Finch. 274 Michael Thompson (US) 73 66 69 66 ; history. None of the four major special moment for myself and my “I certainly didn’t play perfect Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) 69 70 64 71; championships has ever been won caddie. We’ve been trying, my god this week, making a few errors, Jimmy Walker (US) 67 68 69 70; Kevin by a player in his 50s but Jacklin we’ve been trying. but it’s the way you come back Chappell (US) 68 73 63 70 believes the evergreen Spaniard “We’ve come close on a number and get it done and I felt like I 275 Graham DeLaet (Canada) 69 70 68 68; can make the breakthrough in the of occasions. It’s great to come certainly played like one of the Chris Kirk (US) 73 64 67 71; Dustin British Open at Royal Liverpool here as a senior and finally break best players in the world out Johnson (US) 65 70 74 66; Jordan Spieth in two months’ time. that duck.” there on the back nine,” Scott told (US) 67 69 70 69; Chris Stroud (US) 70 Jimenez became the first Montgomerie, who turned 50 reporters after becoming the first 64 69 72; Bo Van Pelt (US) 67 68 70 70; 50-year-old to win a European last year, has won 31 times on the player to complete the so-called Brian Davis (Britain) 68 67 70 70 Tour event when he lifted the European Tour, where he topped Texas Slam, following victories at Spanish Open title eight days the order of merit a record eight the Houston Open (2007), Byron But he recovered with three ago and Europe’s most decorated times, including seven seasons in Nelson Championship (2008) and quick birdies, including a 40-footer Ryder Cup captain says he has all a row. Texas Open (2010). at the 14th that gave him the lead the right credentials to succeed at But his only previous victory in “It’s a real honor for me to win and prompted a punch of the air the Hoylake venue. the United States was at the 1998 here. I was determined because with an outstretched index finger, “Miguel is amazing,” Jacklin World Championship Match Play I really wanted to win them all as if to offer a reminder that he is said in an interview during last event, which at the time was unof- here in Texas.” number one. He and Dufner shot week’s BMW PGA Championship ficial. Montgomerie teed off with The week was not all smooth 66 to finish on nine-under-par at Wentworth. a one-stroke lead yesterday and sailing for Scott, who was four- 271, one shot ahead of American “This guy, if he retains his form, Adam Scott of Australia poses with the Leonard trophy after winning effectively clinched the title with over after nine holes on Thursday Nicholas Thompson and Swede has the ideal game. The 69-year- on the third play-off hole on the 18th hole during the Final Round of the six birdies in eight holes, start- and also double-bogeyed the ninth Freddie Jacobson. old Jacklin won the British Open Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial at the Colonial Country Club in Fort ing at the eighth. Any lingering on Sunday to dig himself into Dufner, the reigning PGA in 1969 and the US Open in 1970. Worth, Texas, yesterday. doubts about the outcome disap- another hole. Championship winner, looked set AGENCIES peared when his second shot into the par-four 18th sailed long and left of the green, only to strike the grandstand and ricochet back onto the putting surface. Wentworth win could be my REUTERS World Rankings 2014 launch pad, says McIlroy 1. (1) Adam Scott (Australia) 8.94 2. (3) Henrik Stenson (Sweden) 7.78 3. (2) Tiger Woods (US) 7.64 LONDON: Former world from 10th to sixth in the world. Ryder Cup team mate Luke familiar with, maybe he could 4. (4) Matt Kuchar (US) 7.03 number one Rory McIlroy “I could feel my game sort of bub- Donald, who dunked his second forget those a little bit.” believes the confidence he bling and it was getting there - a shot into the water at the last as The big-hitting McIlroy returns 5. (5) Bubba Watson (US) 6.96 will gain from his BMW win validates that. he strained for the eagle three to the US Open next month, the 6. (10) Rory McIlroy (Britain) 6.91 PGA Championship victory “The game is waiting for one that would have forced a playoff, first major he won back in 2011, 7. (6) Jason Day (Australia) 6.50 at Wentworth could act as a or two guys just to kick on. I’d said the wedding may have been and is looking forward to taking 8. (7) Sergio Garcia (Spain) 6.16 launch pad to get him back on like to be that guy and I’d like on the Northern Irishman’s mind on the Pinehurst No. 2 course in 9. (8) Justin Rose (Britain) 6.05 top of the rankings. to think this is a springboard to for some time. North Carolina. 10. (9) Jordan Spieth (US) 6.00 The 25-year-old shrugged doing something like that. “My guess is that it wasn’t a “I can only go on what I’ve 11. (11) Phil Mickelson (US) 5.64 aside the midweek heartache of “There are still three majors to decision to break up with Caroline read and what I’ve heard about breaking off his planned wedding play this year, a lot of golf left,” which just came out of the blue,” Pinehurst because I’ve never been 12. (12) Jim Furyk (US) 5.42 to Danish tennis player Caroline McIlroy said after becoming the said Donald after finishing in there,” he said. “I hear it’s going to 13. (13) Zach Johnson (US) 5.24 Wozniacki by winning the first Northern Irishman to land third place, two shots behind be a long, long golf course. 14. (14) Dustin Johnson (US) 4.84 European Tour’s flagship event by the coveted BMW PGA title in the winner.“I’m sure it has been “I don’t mind that at all, get- 15. (22) Jason Dufner (US) 4.50 Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy one stroke from Ireland’s Shane the 60th edition of the champi- weighing on his mind for a while ting my driver in the hand would 16. (19) Luke Donald (Britain) 4.37 poses with the trophy after win- Lowry on Sunday. onship. “There are a lot of big and maybe just getting it out suit me.” McIlroy flies back across 17. (17) Jimmy Walker (US) 4.28 “I think it’s the start of some- tournaments to try and win, so released something. the Atlantic to continue his US ning the PGA Championship at 18. (15) Graeme McDowell (Britain) 4.25 thing,” twice major winner even though we’re nearly half- “The raw emotions were still Open preparations by competing Wentworth Golf Club in Surrey, 19. (16) Steve Stricker (US) 4.16 England, on Sunday. McIlroy told reporters after his way through the season I feel like there this week but being out at this week’s $6.2m Memorial emotional triumph lifted him mine’s just beginning.” McIlroy’s on the golf course, a place he’s Tournament in Ohio. AFP 20. (18) Charl Schwartzel (South Africa) 4.11 Wozniacki faces dissection at Roland Garros

PARIS: If having a broken Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium on WTA Tour Singles ATP Tour Singles heart was a viable excuse for Tuesday. withdrawing from a grand slam But then, win or lose, that Standings Standings tournament, Caroline Wozniacki serenity will surely be shattered might be tempted to use it. when the 13th seed has to satisfy 1 (1) Serena Williams (US) 11590 1 (1) Rafa Nadal (Spain) 12500 The Dane’s life has been turned the media’s desire to dissect why 2 (2) Li Na (China) 7540 2 (2) Novak Djokovic (Serbia) 11850 upside down since golfer Rory her love lies bleeding. McIlroy, like Wozniacki a former The 23-year-old has kept her 3 (3) Agnieszka Radwanska (Poland) 6360 3 (3) Stanislas Wawrinka (Switzerland) 5830 world No.1 in his sport, suddenly counsel since the breakup, only 4 (4) Simona Halep (Romania) 5140 4 (4) Roger Federer (Switzerland) 5125 broke off their engagement last turning to Twitter to report: week. “It’s a hard time for me right 5 (5) Victoria Azarenka (Belarus) 4741 5 (5) David Ferrer (Spain) 5030 The two had been heading for now. Thanks for all the sweet the altar after McIlroy proposed messages!”. 6 (6) Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) 4600 6 (6) Tomas Berdych (Czech Republic) 4330 at New Year in Sydney, but the One of those messages was 7 (7) Jelena Jankovic (Serbia) 4255 7 (7) Juan Martin Del Potro (Argentina) 4125 Northern Irishman said he got from Serena Williams, the cur- cold feet while sorting out the rent No.1 and defending champion 8 (8) Maria Sharapova (Russia) 4141 8 (8) Andy Murray (Britain) 4120 wedding invitations. at Roland Garros. 9 (9) Angelique Kerber (Germany) 3870 9 (9) Milos Raonic (Canada) 2975 McIlroy appeared distraught The American posted a photo at the split but recovered suf- on Instagram showing a dinner on 10 (10) Dominika Cibulkova (Slovakia) 3705 10 (10) Kei Nishikori (Japan) 2815 ficiently over four rounds at Sunday night with Wozniacki and Wentworth to win the BMW PGA other friends - “With my gang 11 (11) Sara Errani (Italy) 3590 11 (11) John Isner (US) 2600 Championship title on Sunday. having a blast” - hours after tell- 12 (12) Ana Ivanovic (Serbia) 3455 12 (12) Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) 2515 “Somebody asked me how I ing journalists that a breakup is feel an the truth is I don’t exactly far more painful than losing as a 13 (13) Flavia Pennetta (Italy) 3259 13 (13) Richard Gasquet (France) 2445 know. I mean, I’m thrilled I’ve professional. 14 (14) Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) 2790 14 (14) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (France) 2315 won obviously but it’s been a “Oh, I would rather lose any day weird week,” said the 25-year-old. than break up. It’s always hard,” 15 (15) Carla Suarez Navarro (Spain) 2785 15 (15) Fabio Fognini (Italy) 2155 “When I got inside the ropes the 32-year-old said after winning 16 (19) Eugenie Bouchard (Canada) 2640 16 (16) Mikhail Youzhny (Russia) 2065 this week I used it like a release. her opening match in Paris. I was on my own and doing what “It’s definitely easier to take a 17 (17) Sabine Lisicki (Germany) 2556 17 (19) Ernests Gulbis (Latvia) 2050 I do best, and that sort of gave me loss because you always have next five hours of serenity.” week. But at the end of the day 18 (20) Samantha Stosur (Australia) 2485 18 (17) Tommy Haas (Germany) 2005 Doing what she does best when you really are young, you 19 (16) Sloane Stephens (US) 2481 19 (18) Tommy Robredo (Spain) 1900 may give Wozniacki some peace always have next year and you when she starts her opening have the rest of your life.” 20 (18) Roberta Vinci (Italy) 2420 Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark seen in this file picture of March 2014. 20 (20) Kevin Anderson (South Africa) 1710 match at Roland Garros against AFP TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 29 Qatar Al-Anabi Racing reach final Qatar’s Langdon 145 points behind leader

TOPEKA, KANSAS: They Spencer Massey to cruise to the Top Fuel driver made an excellent may not have won the race, finish line for his second win in as first-round pass and dispatched but Shawn Langdon and the many races. the former champion easily. Qatar Al-Anabi Racing Top Despite his second final- In the second round, however, Fuel Team, the three-time and round appearance in four races, he faced No. 1 qualifier Brittany defending World Championship Langdon remains fourth in the Force who made a solid run, but team owned by Sheikh Khalid NHRA Mello Yello Top Fuel point alBalooshi’s gold Qatar Al-Anabi bin Hamad Al Thani, made standings, but he is now just 145 Racing Top Fuel car smoked the Ryan Hunter-Reay, driver of the Andretti Autosport DHL Honda (28), in action during the 98th running of the an excellent effort at the 26th points behind class leader Doug tyres early in the run giving Force Indianapolis 500 Mile Race at Indianapolis Motorspeedway in Indianapolis, Indiana, yesterday. RIGHT: Ryan annual NHRA Kansas Nationals Kalitta. an easy victory. Hunter-Reay celebrates with milk after winning the Indianapolis 500. yesterday, the eighth of 24 races “We were just trying to make Despite the quarter-final loss, that make up America’s 2014 another good run in the final alBalooshi remains sixth in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing like we did in the other three NHRA Mello Yello Top Fuel point season. rounds,” Langdon said. “We standings. With the final-round effort, weren’t trying to change too “Our team made a very good Hunter-Reay wins Indy 500 Langdon and his silver Al-Anabi much, but the sun came out run in the first round to beat team appear to have returned to and made the track a little bit Antron, and we were feeling INDIANAPOLIS: Ryan on the floor ... I’m thrilled,” said going a record 149 laps without the form that carried them to the warmer than it had been. good about the day,” alBalooshi Hunter-Reay became the first Hunter-Reay after chugging a yellow. 2013 World Championship. “The Al-Anabi car almost made said. American in eight years to win from the traditional quart of But the 2012 IndyCar cham- Langdon, the defending cham- it, but we smoked the tyres. At “Our hot rod was very good. In the Indianapolis 500 yester- cold milk in Victory Lane. “This pion methodically worked his pion of the NHRA Kansas the end of the day, we have our the second round against Brittany, day and denied hard-charging is American history this race, an way through the pack and when Nationals, was a man on a mission problems figured out, and we I think we were going to do some- Brazilian Helio Castroneves a American tradition.” a heavy crash by Townsend Bell yesterday marching through the made some very good runs this thing special, but the car smoked record-equaling fourth victory Staged on the US Memorial sprayed debris across the track first three rounds like a man des- weekend. We have our car back to the tyres. Brittany won the race. at the Brickyard. Day holiday weekend, the Indy to bring out the red flag with 10 tined for victory. He dispatched how it was last year where it made Our team made some very good Billed as “The Greatest 500 may indeed be a uniquely laps to run the 33-year-old was Pat Dakin, Doug Kalitta and great runs just about any time runs this week, and I think eve- Spectacle in Racing,” the Indy 500 American event but it had taken suddenly in position to take the J.R. Todd on his way to the final and responded to our changes. rything will be OK when we get to lived up to the hype with a heart- on an international flair with only win. round. We’ll just go to Englishtown next New Jersey next weekend.” stopping finish as Hunter-Reay two homegrown drivers reaching When the race was restarted The silver Qatar Al-Anabi weekend and get out first win of The Al-Anabi Racing team beat Castroneves to the check- Victory Lane since 1998. with a seething crowd of 250,000 Racing Top Fuel car was flawless the season there.” will be back in action on May ered by less than a car length to Hunter-Reay, who started the on its feet, Hunter-Reay and through the first three rounds, Khalid alBalooshi faced 2012 30 to June 2, at the 45th annual become the first American winner race well back on the 33-car grid, Castroneves staged a dramatic but in the finals, the dominant NHRA Mello Yello Top Fuel Toyota NHRA Super Nationals in since Sam Hornish in 2006. did not look to be the American two-car duel by swapping the lead dragster smoked the tyres in World Champion Antron Brown Englishtown, NJ. “I’ve been watching this race driver to end that drought as the over the final six laps. the middle of the run allowing in the first round. The third-year THE PENINSULA since I was in diapers sitting race got off to a blistering pace REUTERS Hamilton will come back stronger, says Button

MONACO: Nico Rosberg had Lewis that when we had a tussle retirement through no fault of and found no wrongdoing by is quite an emotional character, better brace for the backlash in a race, or there was an issue his own. the German but Hamilton was initially it might hurt but he will from Lewis Hamilton (pictured) between us or with the team, he Button said Mercedes were so clearly suspicious that Rosberg come back stronger than ever,” after ending his Mercedes team would have a really bad race and far ahead of the rest that their had pulled a fast one, knowing said the 2009 world champion. mate’s run of four wins in a row be quite outspoken and quite emo- drivers would have to ‘wipe each it would be nearly impossible to Button recalled how Hamilton and taking the Formula One tional about it,” Button recalled. other out’ for anyone else to have overtake in the race. had chafed at the Belgian Grand championship lead. “And the next race he would a chance of winning. “Whether he (Nico) did it on Prix, which Button won in 2012, Jenson Button, who partnered destroy me, he would come there That fact, with the drivers purpose or not, Lewis is going to over running a different down- Hamilton at McLaren from 2010 and be stronger than ever.” fighting for every advantage, is think that he did,” Button told force level to his team mate. to 2012, was sure from his own Monaco exposed more glar- turning the championship into Reuters. “And that’s the way it “It hurt him that weekend but experience that his fellow-Briton ingly than ever just how intense a round-by-round bout remi- is when you are team mates and the next race he came back and would come back harder than the rivalry has become between niscent of the duels between pushing that hard and fighting for he won it,” recalled the Briton. ever from his Monaco Grand Prix Hamilton and Rosberg, how much Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost at a championship. “He’s very good at turning it weekend. their relationship has cooled since McLaren in 1988 and 1989. “This has really helped Nico’s around and coming back because Mercedes, winners of all six the start of the season and how Rosberg won the latest battle championship, breaking Lewis’s he is a superb driver, he is very races so far this season, are much suspicion and intrigue is after he secured a controversial (run of) wins but is Lewis strong fast and he can wrestle a car in a class of their own and the going on behind the scenes. pole position on Saturday, skid- enough to come back? I really do around a circuit. next race in Canada is one of The two team mates have fin- ding off at a crucial moment in think he is. You will see an even “He won’t have any issues going Hamilton’s old favourites having ished the last five races one-two a mistake that forced Hamilton more determined Lewis at the into the next race with Nico, even won there three times in the last and would surely have done so to slow just when he looked like next race. if there are any games going on - six years. also in the Australian opener had going faster. “The mind games people play and I don’t think there are.” “I always remember with Hamilton not suffered a costly Race stewards investigated on him will not work. Initially, he AFP

Zimbabwe’s Kaino keen to regain Streak named All Blacks spot Bangladesh

WELLINGTON: Jerome next month’s test series against bowling coach Kaino always knew that com- England he will join an exclusive ing back to New Zealand from club. DHAKA: Bangladesh have Japan in an attempt to make the Kaino would be the third All appointed former Zimbabwe All Blacks again would be tough, Black, and first forward, to have Test captain Heath Streak (pic- not just because of the quality of left New Zealand rugby and tured) as a specialist bowling fellow loose forward contenders. returned to the country to force coach after agreeing on a two- The rise in intensity from his way back into the national year contract, the local cricket Japan’s top flight to the south- team since the game went pro- board (BCB) said yesterday. ern hemisphere’s Super Rugby fessional in 1995. The 40-year-old Streak, who competition has also been an The two previous players, Leon played in 65 Test matches and 189 eye-opener. MacDonald and Luke McAlister, one-dayers, had been Zimbabwe’s “I wouldn’t say it has been were both backs and only bowling easy,” the Auckland Blues for- MacDonald would be considered coach from ward said at All Blacks’ training to have made a successful return. 2009-13 and in Wellington yesterday. MacDonald played four more will join “It’s a lot harder getting up a seasons for the All Blacks after Bangladesh day after a game and having to returning from Japan in 2005. prior to next bounce back and then get pre- McAlister, who left after the month’s pared in a week. 2007 World Cup, returned to New three- “For me it was a lot harder Zealand in 2009 and played eight England Rugby 2015 CEO Debbie Jevans (fourth left), Japan’s rugby national team head coach Eddie Jones third match being in a game and having to hit tests, five of them from the bench left), the Japan team captain Michael Leitch (second left) and player Ayumu Goromaru (left) meet with Japan’s ODI series a ruck with everything you’ve got, but was not considered again. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (third right) and Yoshiro Mori (second right), former prime minister and Japan Rugby against then to hit the next ruck with the “I still believed that I had a bit Football Union president, and Canon Inc. Chairman and CEO Fujio Mitarai, 2019 Rugby World Cup Organizing India. same amount of intensity. of rugby left in me,” Kaino said. Committee head, in front of the Webb Ellis Cup, the trophy of the upcoming 2015 Rugby World Cup, at Abe’s “I look “The same goes with the tackle “The only nervous thing I had official residence in Tokyo, yesterday. The Cup was delivered to Abe’s office yesterday as the first stop on the forward to and carrying the ball. was where I fit in terms of the the chal- International Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour. Japan will host the Rugby World Cup in 2019. “In Japan you could switch on flankers in New Zealand and what lenge of and off with what you do physi- the rugby was going to be like.” working with the Tigers and cally but here you just can’t do Kaino’s confrontational pres- thank BCB for the opportunity,” that.” ence balanced the loose forward the former all-rounder said in a Kaino, one of the All Blacks’ mix with openside flanker Richie Borthwick takes up Japan role statement. standouts when they won the McCaw and number eight Kieran “It is exciting for me to be back 2011 World Cup, returned to the Read at the 2011 World Cup and LONDON: Former England character and has great trust Tokyo. The victory handed them into the international coaching Blues this year after two seasons his form for the Blues suggests he rugby captain Steve Borthwick from the players,” a Japan Rugby a seventh Asian Five Nations arena again. It is my passion to in Japan. has lost none of that edge. will take up a coaching role with spokesman said. title. coach at an elite level and I hope After coming off the bench in Tipping selection in his favour Japan after hanging up his play- “On the road to the World Cup, Japan will have appeared in I can bring my experience as a round six against South Africa’s is that he has started four of his ing boots with Saracens next forwards will be the key to a suc- every World Cup to date and former player and coach to the Cheetahs, the 31-year-old has last seven games at number eight weekend. cessful campaign and we believe they will join South Africa, Bangladeshi bowlers.” started all seven of the Blues’ - a position Hansen has worried The lock-forward will become Steve as a forward coach will Samoa, Scotland and the United Earlier this month, former games since, playing every minute about covering, with first-choice Japan’s forwards coach, as the play a vital role,” the spokesman States in Pool B of the 20-team Sri Lanka batsman Chandika in six of them. Read under a cloud. Cherry Blossoms prepare for next added. tournament. Hathurusingha was named as Should Kaino be named on “I’ll be happy if I’m there if he’s year’s World Cup in England. Japan on Sunday qualified for Japan say they will look to head coach of the Bangladesh Sunday by All Blacks coach Steve not available,” Kaino said of Read. “Being a former captain the 2015 rugby World Cup by Borthwick to hone their lineout national side. Hansen in the 31-man squad for AFP of England, Steve has a good thrashing Hong Kong 49-8 in skills. AFP REUTERS TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 30 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Friendlies commence to mark start of World Cup countdown This is an important part, preparations making sure you get in peak condition: Gerrard

PARIS: The countdown to the with a 3-0 success at the Stade Joachim Loew told reporters in 2014 World Cup begins in ear- de France, remains fresh in the the Italian Alps. nest this week as a raft of inter- memory and Newcastle United The Netherlands, 2010 run- national friendlies signals the midfielder Moussa Sissoko hopes ners-up, host another Brazil- final phase of preparations for to keep the momentum going. bound side Ghana on Saturday nations heading to Brazil. “We want to continue along the in Rotterdam as Dutch coach 1966 champions England, who same lines and try to win all of Louis van Gaal prepares for one head to Brazil with all-time low these games. last hurrah before departing to expectations, play the first of “These are three important take over the reins at Manchester three pre-tournament friend- matches to us in the build-up to United after the World Cup. lies against Peru on Friday at the World Cup,” said Sissoko. Four-time winners Italy, whose Wembley before heading to Miami Title-holders Spain host Bolivia coach Cesare Prandelli still has for subsequent warm-up matches on Friday, a final chance for fringe his final cuts to make from a pro- against Ecuador and Honduras. players to impress with coach visional 30-man squad, have an Captain Steven Gerrard Vicente del Bosque expected to exhibition match lined up against acknowledged these final few finalise his 23-man squad the fol- the Republic of Ireland in London weeks leading up to the tour- lowing day. on Friday. nament would be crucial ahead Del Bosque unveiled a list of Dark horses Belgium, a coun- of their June 14 opener against 19 players for the friendly, leav- try brimming with youthful talent Group D rivals Italy. ing out players from both Real but making its first appearance at “This is the important part, Madrid and Atletico Madrid for the global showcase in 12 years, the preparation making sure you the time being to monitor their face Sweden in Stockholm on get into peak condition and try to fitness. Sunday. find your form ready for that very Germany, losing semi-finalists As for Brazil, the hosts will play important game against Italy. in the last two World Cups, play two friendlies next week against “What’s important is we try to African hopefuls Cameroon in Panama and Serbia prior to open- put on a good show in the three Moenchengladbach on Sunday. ing the World Cup against Croatia friendly matches and try to gain The Germans have been in on June 12 in Sao Paulo. some early belief and confidence. Italy for a 10-day training camp Argentina’s players convened Hopefully that has a snowball with notable first-team regulars for a training camp just out- effect going into the tournament,” Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm and side Buenos Aires on Monday. said the Liverpool midfielder. Bastian Schweinsteiger still nurs- Lionel Messi and his teammates Meanwhile, 1998 world champi- ing their way back to fitness. have friendlies scheduled against ons France will emerge from their “The players are working very Trinidad and Tobago (June 5) and secluded Clairefontaine training well and as it stands now I am Honduras (June 7). camp to face Norway in Paris on very satisfied. Uruguay, who are sweating Tuesday. “Some are still injured and can- over the fitness of Luis Suarez France’s dramatic World Cup not fully train with the team but after the striker underwent French forward Franck Ribery (centre) takes part in a training session yesterday in Saint-Denis, northerm Paris. play-off victory over Ukraine they are all training individually arthroscopic knee surgery last RIGHT: Colombian national football team goalkeepers David Ospina (right) and Camilo Vargas taking part in a in November, when they over- and I am very confident that it week, play Northern Ireland in training session in Cardales, Buenis Aires, as the squad gets ready for the World Cup. turned a two-goal first-leg deficit will work out,” Germany boss Montevideo on Saturday. AFP Venezuelan player shot Dutch fit and raring to go Ibrahimovic worried dead after about Swedish side at World Cup: Van Gaal STOCKHOLM: Swedish star has he played this season?” added argument striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic (pic- Ibrahimovic, referring to the LAGOS: Dutch coach Louis my players. We are on the same being out of shape. “He arrived tured) said yesterday he was 22-year-old Manchester City van Gaal (pictured) expressed wavelength. This has been good at this training camp in top, top very worried about the future of forward. CARACAS: Venezuelan soc- his satisfaction with the fitness to experience and it could lead to condition.”Van Gaal said he was the national side because young “It is hard to select players who cer player Jhonny Perozo has of his squad as they continue something positive (in Brazil)” still not certain of his final squad players were not being given a aren’t first choice at their club. been shot dead along with a with their World Cup prepara- he added, no doubt picking his choice but knew the identity of 20 chance in the domestic league. “Everyone wants us to qualify friend after an argument, public tions and said he had already words for maximum effect know- of the 23 who will travel to Brazil. The 32-year-old, who is fresh for the Euro finals and the World prosecutors said in a statement decided on the bulk of his selec- ing what has gone on in the past. He has chosen a preliminary from helping Paris Saint-Germain Cup. “But we can’t throw inexpe- yesterday. tion for Brazil. Van Gaal singled Arjen Robben squad of 30 and will watch four retain their French championship rienced players into such matches, Perozo, 29, who was a free agent “We’ve created a top sporting and Wesley Sneijder as his two of them in action for the Dutch title, said that throwing raw play- it is not the right way to get the after leaving first division club environment because we know under-23 side against Scotland ers into Euro quali- players to mature.” Zulia in December, was killed at our players have to be in the best tomorrow in a European fiers was not the Ibrahimovic, who a sports center yesterday morn- possible condition,” he said in Championship qualifier. way that they were will not be at the ing along with Jaime Alberto Tey. Lagos in Portugal yesterday at the “I’ll make my final choice after going to qualify for World Cup finals “According to the prelimi- conclusion of a week-long train- this game but I’m not struggling major tournaments. as the Swedes nary information, the two were ing camp where they did intensive with any dilemmas.” Ibrahimovic, who were knocked out involved in an argument with a physical and tactical work. It had been planned the final has scored 48 goals by Portugal in the man who opened fire,” said the “The players showed that they 23 would be announced on June 2, in 97 appearances play-off for a place statement. are top sportsmen and gave eve- on the deadline imposed by FIFA, for his country in Brazil, said that Venezuelan media said that rything. Every player endeav- but Van Gaal suggested an earlier and has appeared the great players got incident happened outside a bar oured to give of his best. announcement might be made. at three successive their chances to shine at the sports centre in the town “I’ve seen the first signs of a “In principle the team I’ll play European cham- early. of Lagunillas. good team spirit developing. I against Ghana will be the starting pionships, has yet “When (Lionel) Zulia, the Venezuelan Football can see it in the way my players eleven for the World Cup,” he said to announce how Messi was just 16 he Federation (FVF) and the players’ communicate with each other,” he key players for Brazil. of their next warm-up match. much longer he will continue to was already in the first team at union (AUFPV) all issued state- told a media conference relayed “There are few players who The Dutch also host Wales play at international level and Barcelona,” said Ibrahimovic. ments offering their condolences. by Dutch NOS television. look after their body in the way in Amsterdam on June 4 before made clear how the lack of expe- “Why can’t the young Swedes Perozo, a defender, had previously That is just as well for the that Robben does. The way he departing for Brazil, where they rience of those vying to replace play in the first teams competing played for Carabobo FC. Dutch have a long history of does everything, starting with his share a group with world cham- him was a problem for Sweden. in the Allsvenskan (Swedish First “The footballers of Venezuela falling out with each other and warm-ups, I find it all fantastic.” pions Spain, Chile and Australia. “I am very worried,” said Division)? “There is only Malmo express their heartfelt condo- shooting themselves in the foot Asked which player’s fitness They leave their Portuguese Ibrahimovic, who was speaking on (where he began his career) lences and repudiate the violence in past major tournaments. and conditioning had surprised training camp on Tuesday and the eve of Sweden’s friendly with who give them a chance. The which affects the country and “Everyone feels we are coming him most, he said Sneijder, will have time off before assem- Denmark in Copenhagen. other teams should follow their claims the lives of Venezuelans,” closer together as a group. who he had dropped during last bling again in Rotterdam on “People talk about John example.” said the AUFPV. REUTERS “I can see it in the reactions of year’s qualifying campaign for Thursday. REUTERS Guidetti, but how many matches REUTERS

Didier Drogba Miroslav Klose Four old-timers eyeing World Cup send-offs

LONDON: Italy goalkeeper at the previous two (World Cup) “It would be very stupid and naive Klose has scored 68 goals in 131 Dino Zoff had to wait until he tournaments was very difficult,” of me to stand here and say we’re appearanaces for Germany and was 40 to win the World Cup, said the Galatasaray striker, going to win it,” he said. needs just one more to become his proving that age is no barrier whose side were hindered by “What I can guarantee is that country’s top all-time scorer. to success in the sport’s most unfavourable draws in 2006 and we will go there and give 100 per- Andrea Pirlo (Italy) prestigious competition. 2010. cent.” Gerrard scored his first Pirlo’s career appeared to be on Here are four players among “We have a realistic chance to international goal in a 5-1 win the wane when he was allowed to such campaigners hoping to roll do better in Brazil and get past over Germany and has scored 21 leave AC Milan in 2011, but he has back the years and make an the first round.” in 109 international appearances. inspired Juventus to three succes- impact at this year’s tournament Drogba has scored more than Miroslav Klose (Germany) sive Serie A titles. in Brazil: 60 goals for his country. Klose, 35, could not want for It is now eight years since Pirlo Steven Gerrard Andrea Pirlo Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) Steven Gerrard (England) more motivation as he heads to played a pivotal role in Italy’s tri- For all the achievements of After a superb season in which Brazil for his last World Cup. umph at the 2006 World Cup in his glittering eight-year spell he excelled in a new, deep-lying Already the only player to have Germany, but although he is now with Chelsea, two-time African midfield organiser role with scored at least four goals at 35, his extraordinary passing Footballer of the Year Drogba, Liverpool, England captain three different tournaments, the range and laser-guided set-piece 36, has never tasted success on Gerrard will attempt to put spring-heeled Lazio striker needs ability still set him apart. the international stage. Captain several years of international just one goal to tie Ronaldo’s all- As the former Juventus mid- of the Ivory Coast since 2006, heartache behind him at almost time goal-scoring record of 15. fielder Zbigniew Boniek once Drogba scored his country’s first certainly his last World Cup. “I can’t say that (the record) remarked: ever World Cup goal at that year’s The Liverpudlian, who turns doesn’t interest me,” he admit- “To pass the ball to Andrea tournament in Germany. 34 this week, will be playing at ted to Munich daily Sueddeutsche Pirlo is to hide it in a safe.” But he has twice seen his side his sixth major tournament. He Zeitung recently. He has played 108 games for beaten on penalties in the Africa has never previously got further “I’m too ambitious for that, Italy with 13 goals. Cup of Nations final. “Competing than the quarter-finals though. but the team always comes first.” AFP TUESDAY 27 MAY 2014 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 31 Zamora win Depleted South Africa hold Venezuelan league title

CARACAS: Zamora won the Venezuelan Championship for the second year running despite Socceroos to a 1-1 draw losing 2-0 to Mineros in the sec- ond leg of a volatile final which saw three players dismissed. Patosi’s goal cancelled by Australia’s Cahill in international friendly Zamora held on for a 4-3 aggre- gate win against their nine-man opponents thanks to a hugely con- SYDNEY: Australia showed fluency to his young team before troversial 4-1 first leg win a week few signs they might buck their Australia’s third successive earlier. underdog status at the World World Cup finals campaign and it Alejandro Guerra put Mineros Cup when they struggled to showed in a ragged performance. in front after 38 minutes of a tepid 1-1 draw in an inter- South Africa opened the scor- Sunday’s game with a long range national friendly against an ing after Tokelo Rantie drove shot which bounced in front of under-strength South Africa at the heart of the defence at Zamora goalkeeper Alexis Angulo yesterday. pace and, when his progress was and flew into the net. More than 50,000 turned out at stopped, stabbed the ball back for Zamir Valoyes set up a dra- the Olympic Stadium to bid fare- Ayanda Patosi to slide the ball matic finale by converting an well to the Socceroos before they into the net. 81st minute penalty for Mineros, depart for the finals but the home Australia’s response was imme- but they were reduced to 10 men side struggled to break down a diate and it was no surprise that when substitute Jose Manuel Bafana Bafana team weakened it came from the head of Cahill, Velasquez was sent off for a wild even from that which went out who rose above goalkeeper Senzo challenge in the 88th minute. in the second round of African Meyiwa to steer Tommy Oar’s Zamora had Jhon Murillo qualifying. ballooned cross into the net for dismissed for a second bookable Both the goals came inside a his 32nd goal in his 68th appear- offence in stoppage time and minute early in the first half with ance for his country. Mineros goalkeeper Tito Rojas, Ayanda Patosi’s 13th minute effort South Africa grew in confidence standing in for the injured Rafael for South Africa cancelled out by and had the better of the second Romo, was sent off for denying an Australia’s stand-in captain Tim half with what rhythm Australia opponent a clear scoring chance Cahill almost immediatly. had mustered disrupted by the in the 94th minute. With world champions Spain, inevitable string of substitutions. Zamora’s first leg win included 2010 runners-up the Netherlands Postecoglou will cut three play- a controversial second goal when and Chile lying in wait in Brazil, ers from his 30-man provisional Juan Falcon scored into an open Australia would have been hop- squad before the remainder fly to goal with Romo signaling that he ing for a different conclusion to South America - one certain to was injured, leading to a mass on- the evening than the slow hand- be central defender Curtis Good. field brawl. “Unfortunately, they clap that rang around stadium Australia will start in Brazil were champions thanks to an towards the end of the match. against Chile on June 13 before anti-fair play goal,hich is some- Socceroos coach Ange playing the Netherlands on June thing negative for our football” Postecoglou was always up against 18 and Spain on June 23. Mineros coach Richard Paez told it with just eight months to bring REUTERS Tim Cahill (left) beats Thulani Caleb Serero of South Africa during their friendly football match in Sydney yesterday. reporters. REUTERS Qatar-Ireland friendly France to play Norway friendly sans stars

PARIS: France’s World Cup a dramatic play-off win against before departing for their sum- squad will emerge from the iso- Ukraine back in November, when mer break. lation of their secluded train- they triumphed 3-0 to overturn a For the likes of Lyon cap- ing base to play Norway today two-goal first-leg deficit, and now tain Maxime Gonalons and in the first of three friendlies Sissoko is hoping to give fans at Montpellier attacking midfielder before departing for Brazil. home more to shout about in the Remy Cabella, the last week has Didier Deschamps’ squad have coming warm-up matches. been about ensuring that they spent the last week working at “We want to continue along remain in the coach’s plans going Clairefontaine, the national foot- the same lines and try to win all forward to Euro 2016 on home ball centre hidden away in the of these games. These are three soil. woods an hour’s drive south of important matches to us in the “I’m not disappointed,” said the the capital as they gear up for build-up to the World Cup,” added highly-rated Cabella when asked the World Cup. Sissoko. about missing out on the final Such peaceful surroundings The team that faces Norway 23-man squad. “I am preparing could hardly feel further removed today will almost certainly not myself fully to be ready if needed. from what awaits them in Brazil, be that which takes to the field Cabella admitted that team but when they take to the field against Honduras, with Franck spirit has been good, perhaps against the Norwegians at the Ribery having sat out collec- aided by the absence of the divi- Stade de France they will start to tive training over the weekend sive Manchester City midfielder feel like the World Cup is finally because of a back problem. Samir Nasri, who was omitted just around the corner. In addition, Karim Benzema from the squad by Deschamps. Les Bleus begin their Group and Raphael Varane will both “The atmosphere is good. It is E campaign against Honduras arrive at the team camp on important that everyone gets on in Porto Alegre on Sunday, Wednesday having been given a well with one another and every- June 15, before going on to face short break after helping Real one is happy and smiling,” he said. Switzerland and Ecuador. Madrid win the Champions The 24-year-old Cabella also To prepare, Deschamps’ side League final against Atletico emphasised his hope that Les have three friendlies lined up Madrid in Lisbon on Saturday. Bleus can go on to win the World on home soil, with the Norway The likes of Arsenal striker Cup for the second time, but it clash followed by encounters with Olivier Giroud, Real Sociedad may not be too easy to gauge their Paraguay in Nice next Sunday winger Antoine Griezmann prospects against a Norway side and Jamaica in Lille on June 8. and Saint-Etienne goalkeeper ranked joint-55th in the world “It is the biggest competition Stephane Ruffier, who has just now. that any player can imagine replaced the injured Steve Per-Mathias Hogmo’s Norway taking part in. It is a boyhood Mandanda in the squad, could won just three times before fin- dream come true,” admitted the therefore start. ishing fourth in their World The Qatar Olympic squad celebrate their goal as they drew 1-1 against Ireland in a friendly match in Aachen, Newcastle United midfielder Meanwhile, the six play- Cup qualifying group, which was Germany. Al Rayyan striker Ahmed Alaa scored Qatar’s lone goal on 32nd minute. The squad is currently training Moussa Sissoko when asked what ers on Deschamps’ standby list topped by Switzerland, and have in Aachen where the players will stay until the end of this month, according to Qatar Football Association (QFA) it means to participate in a World will leave the rest of the squad registered a solitary victory in website. Qatar will also play against Macedonia juniors in Aachen. Cup on Brazilian soil. on Wednesday, so this might their last eight outings. To get there, France needed be their one chance to impress AFP Japan edge out Australia to claim Women’s Asian Cup

HO CHI MINH CITY: the heroine in the semi-finals, scoring and as the final whistle World champions Japan edged when she scored at the end of blew, the Nadeshiko hugged each Australia 1-0 to win their first extra time to settle a thriller other in delight while Australia’s Women’s Asian Cup title in against eight-time winners China. players sat glumly on the pitch. a hard-fought final in Ho Chi The 27-year-old was on tar- Earlier, China rallied from Minh City yesterday. get in the 28th minute for a goal their heartbreaking semi-final Azusa Iwashimizu got the which was ultimately enough to loss to Japan to beat South Korea game’s only goal from a corner in relieve Australia’s Matildas of the 2-1 and claim third place. the first half and despite waves of Asian title. Yang Li headed the winner in attack from the defending cham- Mid-way through the sec- the dying seconds as the Steel pions, Japan’s Nadeshiko held ond half, Yuika Sugasawa’s shot Roses recovered from Thursday’s firm. cannoned off the underside of rollercoaster semi, settled by The win swelled Japan’s already the crossbar and onto the line, Iwashimizu’s extra-time winner. impressive list of honours which and shortly afterwards Yuri “Especially after playing 125 includes the 2011 World Cup and Kawamura cleared the ball off the minutes on Thursday it was very Olympic silver at the 2012 London Japanese line to deny Australia special to win this game,” said Japan’s Captain Aya Miyama (centre) holds up the trophy as she celebrates with other Japanese players after Games. an equaliser. China’s coach Hao Wei. they defeated the Australian team 1-0, winning the Women’s Asia 2014 Football Championship yesterday. Defender Iwashimizu was also But there was to be no more AFP Tuesday 27 May 2014 Sport 16 DAYS TO GO

Scott edges Hunter-Reay Dufner to win cruises to Indy at Colonial 500 win

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Pakistan to probe ‘missing’ Djokovic and Nadal cruise $200,000

LAHORE, Pakistan: Pakistan’s cricket chiefs yes- terday began an inquiry into the spending of $200,000, which on day two of French Open they said was not accounted for during the tenure of former chairman Zaka Ashraf. Dark horse Nishikori loses on a rainy day; Sharapova advances The spending relates to Ashraf’s rocky 22-month tenure, during which time he was sus- PARIS: Novak Djokovic played pended by the Islamabad High the funny man as he slith- French Open Court before being restored to ered to a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 win over the post twice and finally sacked Order of play today Portugal’s Joao Sousa on a rain- again. interrupted second day at the Order of play on the third day of the French The musical chairs at the top French Open but defending Open today (all matches first round, prefix of the Pakistan Cricket Board champion Rafa Nadal slipped numbers denote seedings): (PCB), which has seen the chair- into his customary role of cold- Court Philippe Chatrier (play starts at 0900 manship alternate between eyed assassin on clay. GMT/5 AM ET, number denotes seeding): Ashraf and veteran journalist Nadal, bidding for his ninth Alisa Kleybanova (Russia) vs 4-Simona Najam Sethi, has led to wide- title at Roland Garros, hunted Halep (Romania) spread ridicule both at home and down Robby Ginepri during a Igor Sijsling (Netherlands) vs 5-D Ferrer (Spain) abroad. first set that ended 6-0 in the Caroline Garcia (France) vs 11-Ana Ivanovic Yesterday’s move came after Spaniard’s favour. (Serbia) the compilation of an internal The American greeted his audit report, according to a board 23-Gael Monfils (France) vs Victor Hanescu capture of the first game of the statement. (Romania) second set with a clenched fist of “The management commit- mock celebration but defeat, while Court Suzanne Lenglen (0900 GMT/5 AM ET): tee took note of the outstanding somewhat delayed, was inevitable K Mladenovic (France) vs 2-Li Na (China) arrears of approximately 20 mil- as he folded 6-0, 6-3, 6-0. 12-Richard Gasquet (France) vs Bernard lion rupees detailed in the inter- Dark horse Kei Nishikori was Tomic (Australia) nal audit report for the period the first top 10 seed in the men’s Andrey Golubev (Kazakhstan) vs 7-Andy Ashraf was chairman,” the state- or women’s singles to miss out on Murray (Britain) ment said, adding the committee the second round, the ninth seed Madison Keys (United States) vs 10-Sara would attempt to recover the from Japan losing 7-6(4), 6-1, 6-2 Errani (Italy) sum. to Slovakia’s Martin Klizan. Court One (0900 GMT/5 AM ET): Ashraf was first appointed The start of play was delayed chairman in October 2011 but 11-G Dimitrov (Bulgaria) vs Ivo Karlovic (Croatia) for about one hour, and Maria later suspended by a court over Sharapova managed to finish off 15-Sloane Stephens (United States) vs dubious elections. fellow Russian Ksenia Pervak for Shuai Peng (China) After a new national govern- the loss of only three games on Michael Llodra (France) vs 24-Fernando ment took office in 2013, Ashraf Verdasco (Spain) the Philippe Chatrier show court Serbia’s Novak Djokovic (right) shares a laugh with a ball boy during his French Open first round match at the fell out of favour. He lost his post before rain returned to stop play Roland Garros Stadium in Paris, yesterday. 23-Lucie Safarova (Czech Republic) vs for a third time after a Supreme for another hour. Mandy Minella (Luxembourg) Court order last week which Djokovic was leading 4-1 at restored Sethi, an appointee of the time and, on the resumption, “We waited for around 10 min- but his relentless power and attri- before the four-times grand slam in the gym last week. Nishikori, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. broke Sousa to love. He then utes in the pouring rain on the tional accuracy from the baseline champion emerged with a 4-1 lead coached by 1989 Roland Garros The case will be heard at length recovered from 0-40 on his own court, so I felt there’s something I proved too much for the wildcard. and took the set in 27 minutes. champion Michael Chang and in the Supreme Court today. serve to wrap up the first set with should do and make a new friend. “Obviously coming from Sharapova broke early in the tipped as one of the dangermen in The internal audit report, two crushing first serves. He accepted the offer to sit down, Tallahassee Challenger no one second set and won 6-1, 6-2 to the draw after an impressive clay- shows several unaccounted ticket Rain began to fall again with which I didn’t think he would do. is hitting like that,” Ginepri told show she had recovered from her court season, crumbled to defeat purchases during Pakistan’s 2012- the Serb, who is strongly fancied So he’s very spontaneous little reporters. thrashing by Ana Ivanovic in the against Klizan after serving for 13 tour of India and during the to end Nadal’s hold on the title, boy, and I hope I see him my next The last few games were played third round in Rome. the first set at 5-3. Champion’s Trophy in England preparing to serve for the set at match.” in weak sunshine but the forecast “It’s good to play the first The injury-prone Japanese said in June last year. 5-2. Djokovic sat, looking slightly Djokovic, who beat Nadal in the is for further periods of rain dur- match and hopefully you’ll be able he had not been able to prac- “Tickets worth of 759,047 ridiculous, in a white hooded Italian Open final in Rome this ing the first week of the second to finish the match today with tise enough after retiring in the rupees ($7,600) were bought by waterproof jacket as the umpire month, also criticised the state grand slam of the year. the weather conditions being as Madrid Open final where he had the PCB and there is no record of decided whether to take the play- of the court after several days of The warmup on Philippe they are. It’s always nice to get been leading Nadal. whom they were given to. Another ers off court. rain in the French capital. During Chatrier featured seventh seed through,” said Sharapova. “It really sucks, I have to say. Rs. 2.5m ($25,000) were spent Djokovic made a series of faces his match, the players’ first serves and 2012 champion Sharapova in Slovakian ninth seed Dominika It’s tough for me, but I guess this during the Champions Trophy at the camera before inviting a kicked up sprays of wet clay. fetching pink and Pervak in what Cibulkova, the Australian Open is my tennis life. I have to take 2013 on tickets, again without ball boy to share his seat, and a “The court is not in great shape looked like army camouflage trou- runner-up, beat France’s Virginie care of my body and injury will records of the beneficiaries,” the soft drink. They chatted under a at the moment, balls get heavier, sers and jacket. Razzano 7-5, 6-0. come again, for sure,” Nishikori report stated. large umbrella to the amusement and the more difficult it is for you Winner of the Stuttgart There were also wins for seeds said. With international cricket of the crowd. to move, to penetrate the shots. and Madrid claycourt titles, Sabine Lisicki, last year’s los- Miloslav Mecir, the son of the teams refusing to play in Pakistan When play resumed after Everything becomes slower,” he Sharapova went on the attack ing Wimbledon finalist, Flavia 1988 Olympic gold medallist of since an attack on the Sri Lankan five minutes, they shook hands said, “so it is more effort on your early, moving her left-handed Pennetta, the winner at Indian the same name, was knocked out team bus in Lahore in 2009, the politely before resuming their body.” compatriot around the court to Wells this year, and Australia’s by Tobias Kamke of Germany 7-5 PCB has been hard pressed for previous roles. Nadal, playing on the Court break at the first opportunity. Sam Stosur who thrashed 7-6(2), 7-6(1) in his first match income. “It was a nice, fun time, some- Suzanne Lenglen, was held in But a wild volley at the net, Monica Puig of Puerto Rico 6-1, in a Grand Slam, after coming Ashraf has denied any wrong- thing unusual for the grand check by world No.279 Ginepri for with the whole court open, 6-1 despite playing with stitches through the qualifiers. doing and termed the allegations slams,” said Djokovic. several games in the second set allowed Pervak to break back in her leg following an accident REUTERS “a smear campaign”. AFP Krakow drops Olympic bid following referendum

KRAKOW, Poland: thirds of those who voted in a ref- ($6.6bn) in infrastructure invest- “In people’s minds, there prob- a candidacy. Meanwhile, a probe blood-booster EPO. “We have Authorities in the Polish city of erendum on Sunday, leaving bid ments, but many residents believe ably was the negative role of the into allegations of widespread left our athletes in the hands of Krakow have said they are pull- officials with little option other that would happen with or with- widely broadcast huge expen- doping in Kenyan sports has foreigners,” the head of the task- ing out of the race to host the than to throw in the towel. out the Winter Olympics. ditures in Sochi, as well as the uncovered serious incidences of force, Professor Moni Wekesa, 2022 Winter Olympics after a “Today we are starting talks Poland’s sports ministry said in known difficulties accompany- drug use and sounded the alarm said. majority of the city’s residents with the Olympics Committee on a statement that Krakow’s deci- ing the preparations for the 2016 that the country’s athletes are at “Athletics Kenya (AK) only voted against the bid in a refer- how we can withdraw from the sion to drop out was “a missed Olympic games in Rio,” Chmelar risk of being manipulated by some organises the national events, endum over the weekend. Winter Olympics 2022 project. I opportunity not only for the said. foreign sports agents. including the African games and The head of the Olympic think it is bad news, but this was region but for the whole country.” Now that the people have spo- However the government- Olympics and have given the for- Committee in neighbouring the citizens’ will,” Krakow mayor Slovakia said it cannot afford to ken, the picturesque medieval appointed commission, which eign agents the free hand to man- Slovakia, which was bidding to Jacek Majchrowski told a news mount a bid on its own, but that town joins a growing list of poten- completed its work earlier this age the athletes in the Diamond be co-host, said he believed Polish conference yesterday. the formal decision on pulling out tial hosts to drop out of what has month and has presented its League and other international citizens were put off by the $50bn Many residents in Krakow, from the Games would be taken become a troubled race. findings to the Kenyan sports competitions. These are the peo- spent by Russia to stage the Sochi Poland’s second-biggest city, felt on May 30 when all the parties Stockholm withdrew just a minister, Hassan Wario, did ple who have the greater control Games this year. that some of the infrastructure involved will meet in Krakow. few months after launching a bid not uncover evidence of doping on what to give the athletes,” he With Krakow out of the race, needed for the Games - in par- “In my view, a similar oppor- last year, concerned over costs among its record-breaking dis- said. Ukraine’s Lviv, China’s Beijing, ticular an arena for curling, a tunity will not occur for a long and the environmental impact of tance runners. The reports has “Any drugs which we found to Norway’s Oslo and Kazakhstan’s sport barely played in Poland - time. I doubt that anybody will the world’s biggest winter sports blamed ignorance, lack of educa- have been used by the athletes Almaty are the last remaining cit- would turn into white elephants try in the foreseeable future in event. tion and manipulation by foreign was only through the influence of ies in contention for the hosting afterwards. this region,” Slovak Olympic Germany’s Munich and agents as the main reasons for the the foreign agents. These are the rights. Polish officials had promised Committee Chairman Frantisek Switzerland’s St Moritz did not recent upsurge in cases of athletes very sophisticated drugs only the The proposed bid from Krakow the Games would have brought Chmelar said in a statement on even file bids after referendum testing positive for performance- agents know how to administer,” was rejected by more than two with it more than 20bn zlotys the committee’s website. voters in those countries rejected enhancing drugs, including the he added. AGENCIES