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THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 • 18 Rabia II 1437 • Volume 20 • Number 6689 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar Emir swears in new ministers

the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning, while environ- The Supreme Council ment ministry was the Ministry of of Health (SCH) Environment. It now becomes the Ministry of Municipality and Envi- and the Supreme ronment. The Labour Ministry was Education Council earlier the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs whereas there was the (SEC) have been Ministry of Administrative Devel- disbanded. Their opment. They have been merged to become the Ministry of Administra- roles will be taken tive Development, Labour and Social over by the Ministry Affairs. of Public Health The other ministries merged were those of culture and sports and and the Ministry those that were related to transport of Education and and communications. They were four ministries earlier. The restruc- Higher Education, tured ministries have been renamed respectively as the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Ministry of Transport and Communications, respectively. Hamad Medical Corporation’s By Mobin Pundit terms of reference have been rede- The Peninsula fined and the Primary Healthcare Corporation has been reorganised. The Primary Healthcare Corpo- ration (PHCC) manages the various : The Emir H H Sheikh primary health centres in the coun- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yester- try. HMC and the PHCC are both Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani chairs the Cabinet meeting at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. day ordered the merger of several under the Ministry of Public Health. key ministries and restructuring of For the Cabinet reshuffle, the some others. Emir issued Emiri Decree (No 1 of The Supreme Council of Health 2016) while to effect the mergers of Newly appointed ministers (SCH) and the Supreme Education the ministries and restructuring of Council (SEC) have been disbanded. the two ministries and some state Instead, their roles will be taken over institutions, he issued an Emiri Deci- by the Ministry of Public Health and sion (No 4 of 2016). the Ministry of Education and Higher News Agency (QNA) Education, respectively. This was the reported that both, the Decree and case before the two special author- the Decision, become effective from ities (the SCH and the SEC) were set the date of their issue and are to be up more than a decade ago. published in the official gazette. The Emir also ordered a minor In reshuffle, H E Dr Khalid bin Cabinet reshuffle and later chaired Mohamed Al Attiyah, was made the the Cabinet’s weekly meeting and Minister of State for Defence Affairs welcomed the new ministers. and a Cabinet member, while H E H E Dr Khalid bin H E Sheikh Mohamed H E Salah bin H E Dr Issa bin Saad H E Jassim bin Saif H E Mohamed bin H E Dr Hanan The merged ministries include Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahmn Mohamed Al Attiyah bin Abdurrahman Ghanem Al Ali Al Jafali Al Nuaimi Al Sulaiti Abdullah Al Rumaihi Mohamed Al Kuwari those of municipality and environ- Al Thani was appointed as Foreign Minister of State for Defence Al Thani Culture and Sports Administrative Transport and Municipality and Public Health ment, and those of administrative Minister. Affairs and member of Foreign Affairs Development, Labour Communications Environment development and labour. Council of Ministers and Social Affairs The civic ministry was earlier →Continued on page 4

Al Jazeera sues over arrests HIA to sponsor German and seizures club Bayern AFP

By Mohammad Shoeb international hub. It was attended by Akbar Al The Peninsula Baker, Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways. : The pan-Arab TV net- He was joined by Badr Mohammed Al Meer, work Al Jazeera is suing Egypt, Chief Operating Officer of HIA-Qatar and Karl- saying the closure of its business Heinz Rummenigge, Chairman and Member of and harassment of its journalists DOHA: Hamad International Airport (HIA- the Executive Board at FC Bayern Munich, to there had caused losses of more Qatar) yesterday announced that it will be the announce the sponsorship, alongside a special than $150m (¤138m), its lawyers official platinum sponsor of the legendary Ger- surprise appearance by FC Bayern Munich team said. The international arbitration man football club, FC Bayern Munich, and they member Franck Ribéry together with Lena Lotzen claim on behalf of the Doha-based singed a partnership agreement for 2016-17 of FC Bayern Munich Women’s Team and the Ger- channel is being lodged under the football season. man National Women’s Team. jurisdiction of the International This is another key step towards the FC Bayern Munich is the most successful Centre for Settlement of Investment national vision of establishing a global lead- club in German football history and one of the Akbar Al Baker (second right), Group Chief Executive, Qatar Airways, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge Disputes in Washington.` ership in sports, as the country prepares to most successful European clubs internationally (right), Chairman, Executive Board of FC Bayern Munich and Eng Badr Mohammed Al Meer “Al Jazeera formally initiates host FIFA World Cup 2022. The announce- with a reported 300 million fans worldwide. arbitration case against the Arab (left), COO, Hamad International Airport (HIA), with players of the German club, during a ment was made at a press conference held at Republic of Egypt,” read a statement press conference at HIA yesterday. Kammutty V P/The Peninsula the HIA, aviation’s newest and most advanced →Continued on page 9 from the company’s London-based lawyers, Carter-Ruck. Thousands of activists, as well as several scribes, have been detained since then army chief and now President Abdel Fat- Qatar retains least corrupt country rank in Arab world tah Al Sisi overthrew his Islamist predecessor, Mohamed Mursi, in a 2013 coup. The statement said Egypt was The Peninsula yesterday. Qatar is ranked 22nd in Among the GCC states, the UAE don’t differentiate between rich and 10 countries in this year’s index are in breach of international law as the Index, up by four points from last came next to Qatar at 23, followed by poor, and that are truly independent from the conflict-torn MENA (Mid- well as a Qatar-Egypt investment year’s 26th position. The index covers Oman (45), (49), Bahrain (51) from other parts of government. dle East and North Africa) region treaty intended to protect busi- perceptions of public sector corrup- and (52). In addition to conflict and war, – Iraq, Libya and Sudan. Kuwait, Jor- ness interests. “A large number of DOHA: Qatar retained its position tion in 168 countries. Top performers share high levels poor governance, weak public insti- dan and Saudi Arabia all improved journalists working for Al Jazeera as the least corrupt country in the took the top spot of press freedom; access to budget tutions like police and the judiciary, slightly on last year’s performance. were subjected to harassment, Arab world and raised its ranking by for the second year running, fol- information so the public knows and a lack of independence in the Most countries have maintained the arrest and detention, either with- an impressive four points in the Cor- lowed by Finland and Sweden ,with where money comes from and how it media characterise the lowest ranked same poor score, and some (Egypt, out charge or on clearly spurious ruption Perception Index 2015 issued and Somalia the worst is spent; high levels of integrity among countries. Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia) and politically motivated charges.” by the Transparency International (TI) performers. people in power; and judiciaries that Once again, three of the bottom have deteriorated slightly. 02 THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 HOME Emir issues several decisions

QNA The Emir also issued Emiri Deci- Ministry of Health. The Emir issued sions No. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 on the Emiri Decision No. 11 of 2016 organis- organisational structure of the Minis- ing Hamad Medical Corporation and try of Municipality and Environment, defining its terms of reference. DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Ministry of Administrative Develop- He also issued Emiri Decision No. Hamad Al Thani yesterday issued ment, Ministry of Labour and Social 12 of 2016 organising the Primary Emiri Decision No. 4 of 2016, amend- Affairs, Ministry of Culture and Health Care Corporation (PHCC). ing some provisions of the Emiri Sports, Ministry of Transport and The decisions take immediate Decision No. 16 of 2014 setting the Communications, Ministry of Edu- effect and will be published in the competencies of the ministries. cation and Higher Education and Official Gazette. Qatar: UN Security Council must stop Israel’s illegal practices

NEW YORK: Qatar has demanded peace process. that the UN Security Council com- The statement also warned of pel Israel to respect the provisions of Qatar warns of continued suffering of Syrian civil- the international law and the inter- continued suffering ians as the international community national humanitarian law and reject of Syrian civilians is unable to alleviate their suffering all practices and illegal actions car- and stop war crimes against human- ried out by the Israeli occupation as the international ity committed by the Syrian regime authorities. community is unable and its militias. Qatar also stressed the need to The statement pointed to the take measures to stop such practices to alleviate their Security Council’s Decision No, 2254 and provide international protection suffering and stop which calls doe all appropriate steps for the Palestinian people. to protect civilians and allow safe The state emphasised that it has war crimes against arrival of humanitarian agencies spared no effort towards achieving humanity committed and relief aid for the needy in Syria. peace and stability in the region. It also calls for the release of This came in Qatar’s statement by the Syrian regime detainees, immediate cessation delivered yesterday by the state’s and its militias of any attack against civilians and Permanent Representative to the full implementation of the Council’s United Nations Ambassador Sheikha decisions concerning humanitarian Alia Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani before situation in Syria. a meeting of the Security Council provisions of the international law. None of those demands has been on the ‘Situation in the Middle East, The statement said Israel’s con- implemented, which calls for the con- including the Palestine Question’. tinued violations without taking sideration of additional measures in In fulfilment of its humanitar- into account the consequences of accordance with Paragraph 6 of Res- ian commitments, Qatar so far has the escalation of tension and the olution 2258, the statement added. carried out projects worth $230m undermining of a peaceful solution Qatar confirmed its participa- to rebuild Gaza, the statement said. to the Arab-Israeli conflict is a wor- tion with a high-level delegation in It warned of continuation of rying issue. the ‘Supporting Syria and the Region Israeli violations in the Palestin- The Security Council will be able Conference’ to take place in London ian territories, including unilateral to fulfil its responsibility for peace next month. measures, settlement activities, the in the Middle East if Israel ends its The statement also highlighted siege imposed on Gaza Strip, excess occupation of all Arab territories, the Qatar’s support to international restrictions to holy places in Jeru- statement said. It also called on the efforts to establish peace and stabil- salem and other violations that are Security Council to work effectively ity in the Middle East based on legal contrary to UN resolutions and the to achieve tangible progress in the and international terms of reference.

04 THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 HOME

Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the graduation ceremony of the 11th batch of officer candidates at Ahmed Bin MohamedMilitary College. Emir patronises military college graduation

QNA Prime Minister and Interior Minister the graduates. The ceremony began the college, Major General Hamad to other nationals from UAE, Kuwait opened the Watersports Complex at H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin with recitation of verses of the Holy Ahmed Al Nuaimi, expressed grati- and Libya, Al Nuaimi said. the college. It includes latest equip- Khalifa Al Thani, ministers, top army Quran and the graduates performed tude to the Emir for honouring and He said that under the Emir’s ment according to international officers, and commanders of mili- the parade in slow and normal march. gracing the ceremony and congrat- vision for the college to be a meet- standards for water sports and treat- DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin tary colleges of sisterly and friendly The Emir honoured the outstand- ulated the Emir on the graduation of ing place and a source of establishing ment and rehabilitation therapies. Hamad Al Thani yesterday patronised countries. As the Emir arrived at the ing graduates. The 11th batch handed the batch of Qatari cadets. friendship with sisterly states, the The Emir also met heads of mil- the graduation ceremony of the 11th podium, the band played the national over the flag to the 12th batch. An The batch includes 89 cadets for collage received for the first time stu- itary colleges from Gulf, Arab and batch of officer candidates at Ahmed anthem. The commander of the order for promotions was read out the Armed Forces, police, Internal dents from Jordan and Tunisia to join friendly countries at the college. Talks Bin Mohamed Military College. parade came forward and requested and the graduates took the oath. Security Forces (Lekhwiya), Emiri the 15th batch. dealt with topics of mutual interest. The ceremony was attended by the Emir to review the parade by In his address, Commander of Guard and State Security, in addition After the ceremony, the Emir The Premier was present.

Emir arrives in Rome Emir: Qatar aspires to achieve more

Continued from page 1 “However, serv- coming years will be ing fellow citizens and on strengthening inter- Emir appoints their lifestyle will not be nally not only economy H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali was affected by this situation,” and security spheres but made Minister of Culture and Sports; Defence Affairs the Emir told them. also other sectors such H E Dr Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi He called for simpli- as education and health Minister of Administrative Develop- Adviser fying rules and setting up and promoting military ment, Labour and Social Affairs; H E single-window systems of capacity and developing Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti Minister of licensing to quickly facil- Qatari Armed Forces. Transport and Communications; H E DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim itate foreign and local Deputy Emir H H Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi bin Hamad Al Thani yester- investment. Sheikh Abdullah bin Minister of Municipality and Environ- day issued Emiri Order No. 2 All hindrances facing Hamad Al Thani also ment; and H E Dr Hanan Mohamed Al of 2016, appointing H E Major local and foreign investors attended the meeting. Kuwari Minister of Public Health. General Hamad bin Ali Al Atti- must be removed, he said, In an important Later, addressing the Cabi- yah as his Adviser for Defence noting that there are some development, in the Min- net meeting, the Emir reiterated Affairs, with the rank of Prime complaints in this regard. istry of Administrative the importance of diversifying the Minister. The Emiri Order with There is the need to Development and Labour sources of state income in the light immediate effect will be pub- have a clear and timely and Social Affairs, a sepa- of falling global energy prices. He lished in the Official Gazette. plan to help achieve rate department has been described the volatility of the prices these objectives. There created whose job is to as normal and said there is no room is also the need to focus follow up on implementa- for fear or panic. first time. “Indeed, there is improve- on projects the state is tion of recommendations “Nevertheless what is needed is to ment in some sectors but the state committed to, he said. of international and take advantage of the lessons learnt aspires for more.” Unfortunately, though, the regional organisations. Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday arrived in Rome on an official in the past and deal with the current Qatar will press ahead with its economic advancement The International visit to Italy. The Emir and his delegation were welcomed at Ciampino Military Airport situation so that it reflects positively,” ambitious projects and plans. Call- has led to some slack in Labour Relations Depart- by senior Italian officials, Qatari and Italian ambassadors to both countries, heads of the Emir said. ing on the ministers, he said: “Your some sectors. “This is no ment will also be tasked diplomatic missions and Qatari embassy staff. He said he was not talking about responsibility in the light of falling oil longer acceptable”. with preparing reports diversifying sources of income for the prices is bigger.” The Emir said: “Mis- and responses on requests takes are natural and our from regional and global officials are known for organisations and collab- their integrity and trans- orate with local agencies parency, but I stress that concerned to do its job. financial and adminis- It will also hold con- trative corruption, which ferences and prepare is more dangerous as it papers for seminars and sags institutions, cannot conferences. Recruitment be tolerated”. office, labour relations The Emir also talked and labour inspection of challenges in infra- departments have been structure, education and retained as the ministry’s health projects and some separate departments. other areas and said he Agriculture and fish- was confident that those eries departments will in charge of these sectors be part of the envi- will work to overcome ronment arm of the them. Ministry of Municipality The focus in the and Environment.

QC unveils new version of website Rofaqa.com

The Peninsula

DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC) has launched a new version of its website (Rofaqa.com) under its Rofaqa initiative to give philanthropists around the world the opportu- nity to donate money and sponsor orphans. QC used latest technologies to develop the web- site now compatible with smartphones, computers and tablets with responsive design that makes it easy for users to share content on social media and electronic channels. The new and updated website is a compre- hensive informatics library that includes everything related to the Rofaqa Initiative Project that works on sponsoring children and orphans around the world. The website contains the numbers and statistics of orphans and needy children around the world. It also includes a media library that displays in photos and videos all the news, events, and campaigns of Rofaqa Initiative. HOME THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 05 Qatar Airways Cargo to start 3 freighter services in March

destinations and flies belly hold cargo and automotive parts, textiles, phar- on passenger aircraft to over 150 des- maceuticals and biotech products. Prague, Budapest tinations across its global network. “We are delighted to announce and Ho Chi Minh An A330F will fly twice a week our network expansion in / from Doha to Ho Chi Minh on Thurs- Pacific and Eastern Europe,” said services will take days and Saturdays and provide 120 Ulrich Ogiermann, Chief Officer QAC’s dedicated tonnes of cargo capacity to and from Cargo, QA. “We have identified a the city, in addition to 72 tonnes gap in the market in these regions freighter network to weekly belly hold capacity on the and look forward to supporting local 52 destinations daily passenger flights to the city. businesses in the areas with a more The new service to Ho Chi Minh robust service connecting them to our will support ’s growing influ- wider global network.” ence as a major exporter of garments, QAC’s network expansion this The Peninsula footwear and handicrafts to the US year began with the launch of a and Europe. freighter destination to Dallas/Fort The Doha-Budapest-Prague Worth, taking the airline’s number service will depart from Doha on of freight destinations in the US to DOHA: Qatar Airways Cargo (QAC) Thursdays and Sundays. The 120 13. A fourth-weekly freighter began will launch three new freighter routes tonnes of weekly cargo capacity serving Los Angeles on January 19, to Budapest, Prague and Ho Chi Minh on the A330F, which will fly to the complementing the new passenger in March. two new Eastern European cities, service to the City of Angels, which This will increase QAC’s freighter will be allocated evenly between commenced on January 1. Further destinations in Europe to 14 and in the two markets. The new route will network growth is planned later Asia/Pacific to six. The airline flies provide a major gateway into East- this year as more aircraft join the its fleet of 16 freighters to 52 cargo ern Europe from Asia for electronics expanding fleet. Ooredoo unveils new Public IP Key add-on

The Peninsula security cameras and servers, require consumers who want to have their a Public IP address. own Public IP address.” The new IP subscription has Public IP solutions provide been designed for small businesses mobile access to the public Inter- DOHA: Ooredoo yesterday launched that need to remotely access mobile net and remote access to the mobile a new subscription-based Public IP devices and connect to business-criti- device from any public Internet-con- Key add-on for business customers cal applications around the clock. The nected server. Public IP Key is ideal for across Qatar. service is available as an add-on for remote management, digital media, The subscription to be available existing plans for QR100 per month, telemetry systems, fleet management for Shahry and Mobile Broadband giving businesses Public/Dynamic IP systems, retail point of sales systems, customers will make access to busi- addresses for their devices. Machine-2-Machine (M2M) and more. nesses field devices using a Public Yousuf Abdulla Al Kubaisi, Chief With more businesses in Qatar look- IP address simpler. Public IP is an Operating Officer, Ooredoo, said: ing to deploy M2M solutions to support identification assigned to Inter- “Ooredoo continues to innovate to their business, Ooredoo continues to net-connected devices, which can support the needs and growth plans enhance its portfolio M2M services, be independently routed across the of our customers. We developed the launching a new range of fleet man- Internet. Most Mobile Broadband and IP Address service for businesses in agement, smart grid and metering, Mobile Internet connections are made response to the needs of local compa- asset tracking, security and surveil- using Private IP addresses. However nies looking to access remote devices. lance, and smart healthcare services some solutions, such as remote access We are also making it available for last year. 06 THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 HOME

Windy, dusty and partly cloudy today Local focus Every cloud has The Peninsula a silver lining

DOHA: It will be a windy, dusty and partly cloudy to cloudy day today, with he financial crisis that the wind gusts with periodical lulls likely world is currently facing in places. has made some coun- Northwesterly to northerly wind tries reduce their budgets, will move at 18 to 28 knots and the Tcut expenditures and rationalize windy conditions will prevail all over their spending in order to focus on the country, the Met office said, add- major and essential development ing the speed at times and in places projects. could exceed 40 knots. No doubt the recent significant It warned that the strong wind drop in oil prices has had nega- will kick up dust in some places at tive impacts on many countries of times, leading to visibility at 1km or this region in general, and the Gulf By Mohammed Al Jassem less in some places. Visibility will later States in particular. Many coun- improve to three to 7km. tries of this region have begun to The weather bureau said windy reduce their expenditures in order continuing decreases in oil prices, conditions may prevail today all over, to sort out the deficit in their pub- officials think that the situation will including offshore and the seas will lic budget. change. be rough. It is clear that under the current In this regard, we have to In the seas, it will be partly cloudy drop in oil prices, states which are remember the speech of the Emir and slightly dusty. Northwesterly wind heavily dependent on oil revenues H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al from the colder regions of Europe will suffer the most from the def- Thani, at the opening session of the may gather speed of 25 to 35 knots Fronds of palm trees along the waterfront on Doha Corniche wave in strong wind yesterday which was also icit in their budgets, and this will Advisory Council where he said we offshore. a cloudy day. Pic: Salim / The Peninsula be reflected in their lower expen- should not worry, but we have to The sea wouldn’t be so rough ditures on public services such be cautious. The Emir assured that near the shores as waves could rise and Al Ruwais, where peak day tem- The night will be cold all over Al Ruwais the temperature will be 15 as health, education and housing wasteful and extravagant misuse of up to one to four feet. In the deep seas peratures would be between 17 and the country as the mercury will vary degrees. projects. public money, disrespect of budg- waves could rise up to eight to 12 feet. 18 degrees Celsius. between 13 and 15 degrees. In Abu Samra, Dukhan and Al Oil prices are continuing to ets, and dependence on abundance There will be some chill during In Al Khor, the day temperature In Al Wakrah and Messaieed, the Khor, the nightly temperature will be fall as is resuming its supply of funds to cover the budget defi- the day, particularly in Abu Samra on will be 20 degrees, and 21 degrees in mercury will drop to 13 degrees, mak- 14 degrees, said the weather office. of oil to the market, now that the cit are all wrong practices which Qatar-Saudi Arabia border, Dukhan Doha, Al Wakrah and Messaieed. ing the night colder, and in Doha and Sunrise will be at 6.18 and sunset 5.15. sanction has been lifted. This is must stop. These practices must expected to cause trouble for the end whether oil prices are high or oil producing GCC states. low, he emphasised. Speaking more specifically The Emir also pointed out that about the local situation here in rationality in the expenditure is an 142,645 traffic violations last December: Ministry bulletin Qatar, there are many indicators economic matter in the first place, showing that the government will not only that but it is also civilisa- reduce and rationalise expendi- tional issue and is related to our tures on some unnecessary aspects future vision about the society we The Peninsula registration also dropped in Decem- The bulletin released by the Min- percent. In December 2014, the pop- within government institutions. A want and the type of individuals ber over the same month in 2014. istry of Development Planning and ulation was a little more than 2.23 recent ministerial decision has who will grow up in the State of The total number of vehicles reg- Statistics cited the details. million, said the bulletin. stopped some allowances and Qatar. So are we ready to learn istered was 10,317 while in December It said the December 2015 air- The ministry said the bulletin is advantages that have been pro- from the Emir’s speech and take DOHA: Some 142,645 traffic viola- 2014 it was 10,982, though the coun- craft movement figure for HIA was released to identify developments vided to Qatari employees for lessons from the current situa- tions took place in the country last try’s population went up 8.3 percent a record high. and changes in social and economic many years in accordance with tion? Yes we have to learn and be December. last year. In December 2014, aircraft move- aspects in the country. their scales and positions. rational in our way of life and stop But, the figure was 6.4 percent Hamad International Airport ments at HIA totalled 16,703, which Detailed information is availa- Thanks be to Allah and the chasing our personal desires and less than the previous month. (HIA) witnessed 19,252 aircraft move- were 15.3 percent less than those a ble on the ministry’s website (www. wise leadership of the state, Qatari emotions, so that we can control Qatar’s Monthly Statistical Bul- ments in December, up six percent year later. mdps.gov.qa) and Qatar Informa- citizens are still enjoying stability, unnecessary spending. letin issued for December gave these over the previous month. According to the bulletin, the tion Exchange website (www.qalm. security, well-being and prosper- figures, though it didn’t outline any Aircraft movements include take- country’s population peaked at more gov.qa). ity. However, under the current The author is a Qatari writer details. off and landing. In November 2015, than 2.42 million in December 2015 Email can also be sent to ICU@ instability in the market, and the and media personality The number of vehicle the movements totalled 18,168. showing an annual increase of 8.3 mdps.gov.qa to obtain details.

Ministry recalls Jeep Temporary traffic Al Jazeera Centre for Studies fifth Cherokee 2015 models among top think tanks in Mena diversion on part of Lijmiliya Road The Peninsula occupied the sixth rating in The Peninsula the competitive list of study from Sunday centres in the region with DOHA: Al Jazeera Centre more than 500 centres. for Studies has been ranked The global index of The Peninsula DOHA: The Ministry of Economy and Com- fifth among the most influ- research centres is con- merce, in collaboration with United Cars ential think tanks and study sidered to be one of the Almana, dealer of Jeep vehicles, has announced centres in the Middle East important tools to measure the recall of Jeep Cherokee 2015 models over a and North Africa (Mena) for the performance of these DOHA: The Public Works Authority defect in the air condition pipes. 2015, according to the World centres, and it depends on (Ashghal) will implement a tempo- The ministry said the recall is within the Index of research centres for several criteria, notably: rary diversion on part of Lijmiliya framework of its efforts to protect consumers the year 2015”, issued by the The effective management Road, running about 3km in both and ensure that car dealers follow up on vehi- research institutions and of research programmes, directions. cle defects and repairs. civil society organisations mobilising the neces- The closure starts on Sunday The ministry said it will coordinate with the programme at the American sary financial and human and lasts six months. Traffic will be dealer to follow up on maintenance and repairs University of Pennsylvania. resources to implement diverted to a new temporary road part of Lijmiliya, Leatooriya and Al safety in the area. It includes works and communicate with customers to ensure The index was released these programmes, the adjacent to the closed road, in collab- Sheehaniya Expressway project, will to develop the area’s infrastructure, necessary repairs are carried out. at United Nations headquar- impact of research outputs oration with the General Directorate provide permanent features, includ- and install intelligent transport sys- It urged customers to report any violations ters and the World Bank on society and policymak- of Traffic. ing a median island and pedestrian tems and a comprehensive drainage to its Consumer Protection and Anti-Commer- yesterday. This progress of ers, research and quality The diversion is required to allow and cyclist pathways. system. cial Fraud Department through hotline: 16001; Al Jazeera centre is after production and the number for the upgrade of the existing road The Lijmiliya, Leatooriya and Ashghal will install signs advis- email: [email protected]; Twitter: @MEC_Qatar; three consecutive years of visitors on the Internet and the construction of a new dual Al Sheehaniya project is part of the ing motorists about the diversion. It Instagram: MEC_Qatar; and its mobile app for in which the centre has digital platforms. carriageway with two lanes in each Expressway Programme, and aims urges road users to abide by speed Android and IOS: MEC_Qatar direction. The new road which is to enhance traffic capacity and road limits and follow signs for their safety. HOME THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 07

A performer entertains children at the Katara Winter Festival at Katara Esplanade yesterday. Five-day Winter Festival ends today at Katara Esplanade

The Peninsula Qatar Heritage and Identity Cen- Qatar Society of Al Gannas has tre featured an informative theatrical organised information sessions for show highlighting the winter season junior falcon hunters and sessions in addition to numerous entertaining on falconry and hunting using dogs. DOHA: The third edition of Katara activities for children and the gen- The festival also features events Winter Festival concludes today at eral public to get them acquainted and activities, including exhibi- Katara Esplanade. with Qatari cultural, national iden- tions and workshops by “Al Galayel” The five-day festivities have tity and natural environment. championship, instructional ses- attracted a large number of visitors To raise awareness about health- sions by Qatar’s motorcycling team from different age groups, including care during the winter season, two “Al Adaam”, birds and animals exhi- children who like to fill their leisure health campaigns were launched at bition by Kanari World pet store, time with useful activities during the the festival. performances by cultural bands, school break. Bin Muftah’s Medical Centre activities by the Ministry of Munici- This year the festival has drawn a started a campaign to raise visitors’ pality and Urban Planning, games at significant participation of the private awareness about common diseases the beach front organised by Katara, and government sectors in the state. during winter, foods to eat during the a photo exhibition, kids workshops, During festivities, the Childhood season, and healthy habits to follow. painting workshops for adults, a Cultural Centre organised several A campaign conducted by Al display of handicrafts by Qatar Uni- activities for children, including Rabee Medical Centre aimed to raise versity’s alumni association, and an competitions and games, with gifts awareness about skin care during the introductory expo by Qatar News for winners. winter season. Agency. 08 THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 HOME 20 new models at Qatar Motor Show 2016

model has been brought to life for the first time in partnership with Ali The country’s first Bin Ali Group. concept car unveiled Dr Hassan S Bazzi, Qatar Assist- ant Dean for Research at Texas at the exhibition A&M, said, “Texas A&M at Qatar places great value on student- driven research, which enhances the instruction students receive in The Peninsula the classroom to apply those learned concepts to real-world problems and explorations. We are grateful to the Qatar National Research Fund’s DOHA: The Qatar Motor Show 2016 Undergraduate Research Experi- opened at the Doha Exhibition and ence Programme, which supports Convention Centre yesterday, show- our vibrant, active undergraduate casing more than 20 new automobile research programme and makes Minister of Transport and Communications H E Jassim Seif Ahmed Al Sulaiti inaugurating the Qatar Motor Show 2016 at the Doha Exhibitions models seen in the country for the possible results such as this con- first time. cept car we are celebrating today. and Convention Centre yesterday. The show held under the patron- And we thank our partners Ali Bin age of Prime Minister and Interior Ali for their vision in supporting Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin innovation and entrepreneurship QIC launches insurance cover for off-road driving Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, was in nurturing young talent in Qatar.” inaugurated by the Minister of Imad Hashim of Ali Bin Ali’s Transport and Communications, Group Corporate Communica- The Peninsula can have complete peace of mind and thrill to the outdoor adventure.” H E Jassim bin Seif Ahmed Al Sulaiti. tions said, “We believe in keeping while enjoying the great outdoors. He added, “Though the majority The exhibitors and exciting our doors open to mentoring young Salem Al Mannai (pictured), of residents in Qatar love driving in display of new car and motorcy- people. Deputy Group President and CEO the desert, they worry about the dam- cle models were introduced to the “In line with our country’s DOHA: Qatar Insurance Company of QIC-MENA region, said: “We are ages. By introducing the Off Road 360 minister by officials of Qatar Tour- National Vision, we lay great (QIC) is the official insurer of Qatar delighted to partner with the region’s cover, we want to change this nega- ism Authority, ELAN Events and Fira emphasis on human capital and Motor Show, which opened here yes- premier motoring event. We acknowl- tive perception and add an element Barcelona during a tour of the show. in contributing to the creation of a terday. edge that the most enthusiastic of excitement and fun to their out- Among several new mod- diversified economy and congratu- At the Motor Show, QIC will drivers enjoy driving their 4-wheel in door adventure.” els, Qatar’s first concept car was late Texas A & M University at Qatar launch its latest offering, the Off-road the desert. Bearing in mind this trend, Customers can get an exclusive also revealed. Texas A&M at Qatar and the participating students for 360 Cover that covers driving on sand we are launching our latest product, discount valid until end of 2016 to graduate Abdulwahab Ziaullah taking part in the research experi- dunes and similar terrain. By pur- Off-road 360, which will not only purchase the new Off Road 360 cover conceptualised the car during his ence and for creating the first sports chasing this optional cover, customers protect the driver and his valued pos- by visiting www.qic-online.com or undergraduate research and the car to be designed in Qatar.” having cars with off-road capabilities session, but also add more excitement calling 8000742 or at any QIC branch. Indian envoy hosts reception on Republic Day aims to double number of Qatari

The Peninsula Minister of Transport and Commu- in bilateral relations between Qatar tourists to 300,000 by this year-end nications, H E Jassim Seif Ahmed Al and India in different spheres. He Sulaiti, Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif appreciated Qatar for its support to Fakhro, Head of Protocol at the For- India. Arora also shared the recent By Raynald C Rivera of services. Our cultures are similar DOHA: Indian Ambassador Sanjiv eign Ministry, Akbar Al Baker, Group achievements of India in several The Peninsula so they feel at home. We have fruitful Arora, together with the Indian Cul- CEO of Qatar Airways, ambassa- fields. tourist traffic from Doha,” Ekin said. tural Centre (ICC) held a reception on dors of several countries and other The dignitaries cut a cake to Among the destinations in Tur- Tuesday to mark India’s 67th Repub- dignitaries. mark the occasion and Indian tra- key, the most preferred by tourists lic Day at the Grand Hyatt Hotel here. While addressing the ceremony, ditional dances were performed by DOHA: Turkey aims to double the from Qatar is Istanbul followed by The event was attended by Arora highlighted the achievements students. number of Qatari tourists it attracts Bodrum and Bursa, she said, adding to 300,000 at the end of this year. “Now Trabzon is an emerging desti- “There were more than 120,000 nation because it is full of nature, all tourists from Qatar who visited Tur- green area.” key last year and tourist arrival is More than 80 guests attended the increasing every year. gathering which witnessed interac- “This year we are targeting tion between Tukish Airlines, leading 300,000 tourists from Qatar,” Melis Turkish hotels and top tour opera- Ekin, Director of Business Develop- tors in Doha. “The main aim is to ment, Valley of Tourism (VOT) Turkey, promote Turkey as a destination and told this daily yesterday. our tourism products and properties Ekin was speaking on the side- in Turkey in different areas like Bod- lines of a Turkish tourism roadshow Melis Ekin, Director, Business rum, Antalya and Istanbul. “The event VOT organised for the first time last Development, Valley of Tourism, will provide Turkish hotels with an night at Shangri-La Hotel Doha. speaking during an interview opportunity to meet top travel trade The Qatari market is a lucrative with The Peninsula. members along with other tourism for the tourism sector as Qatari tour- Pic: Baher / The Peninsula services suppliers,” she said. ists spend and stay longer, according The Turkish hotels that took part to Ekin. “Qataris prefer luxury prod- in the roadshow included Cornelia ucts. They are really looking for value destinations for Qataris because of Hotels Golf & Spa Antalya, Le Merid- for their money so they stay in lux- our key connections with Qatar, no ien Etiler Istanbul, Jumeirah Bodrum ury five-star properties and they stay visa required and easy access. Palace, Mandarin Oriental Bodrum, longer,” she said, adding Qataris pre- “Istanbul, for example, offers a lot The St Regis Istanbul and Regnum fer Turkey as a destination. to Qatari tourists such as halal food, Carya Golf & Spa Resort Antalya A classical dance performance at the event to mark India’s 67th Republic Day. “Turkey is one of the preferred nice hotels, easy access and quality which hosted G-20 Antalya summit. Empty Quarters trio arrives in Qatar

Sanaullah Ataullah The Empty Quarters is regarded by three camels and two pick-ups The Peninsula as one of the world’s hottest and dri- carrying water and other things for est isolated deserts. It spans an area of emergency. 650,000sqkm, covering the Arabian “We made 1.7 million steps from Peninsula, as it stretches across Saudi Salalah in southern Oman through DOHA: A team of two Omanis and Arabia, Oman, the UAE and Qatar. Saudi Arabia to Doha,” Evans told a an Oman-based British man who Its’ expanse is roughly the size of press conference on the sidelines of took on an adventurous camel trip , and the Netherlands the reception ceremony. “My team to explore the world’s largest sand combined. The temperatures in the members lost weight by seven to 10 desert, ‘Empty Quarter’ (Al Ruba Al Empty Quarter during the summer kg. I lost some 10 kg.” Khali) that crosses a major portion reach up to more than 50 degrees C, He said the team has to undergo of the Arabian Peninsula, arrived in while dropping below zero in winter. physical and mental challenges but Doha yesterday by 4pm. H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al mental challenge was more painful. The journey dubbed ‘Tahaddi Ara- Thani, President, Qatar Olympic Com- “When we got up by 5am to bia’ (Arabian Challenge) got under mittee (QOC), welcomed the team at 5.30am to resume our journey, our Mohammad Al Zadjali, Amour Al Wahaibi and Mark Evans crossing the Empty Quarter. way in Salalah, Oman, last Decem- Al Rayyan Castle (Qala). A traditional first question was how far our des- ber 10 and continued across Saudi welcome song was presented by a tination to Doha remaining. One day Arabia through to the Empty Quar- group of Qatari youth. The reception was very tough when the tempera- tough for me. I had severe stomach age. Their journey was more risky while retracing the footstep of the ter, culminating in Qatar. ceremony was organised by the Min- ture was some 30 degree and wind pain. When I tried to go to a doctor because they could die if their camels original fete in 1930. The ceremony The travellers attempted to retrace istry of Youth and Sport. stop blowing and our camels refused I was told that the hospital is some died due to lack of water. But we have was attended by Saudi Ambassador the footsteps of British explorer Ber- The explorers are Mohammad Al to go ahead,” said Evans. 200km from here,” he added. water in our pick-up for emergency.” to Qatar Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al tram Thomas accompanied by Sheikh Zadjali (32), Amour Al Wahaibi (38) The planning for the journey Comparing this trip to those in the The milestone marked only the Aifan, Omani Ambassador Moham- Saleh bin Klute from Oman who and Mark Evans, 54. began about a year ago, said Al Zad- old times, Al Wahaibi said, “We are second such instance of its kind in med bin Nasser Al Wahaibi, British sought to cross the Empty Quarters They walked 1,300km in 49 days jali. “I am proud to be part of the team. equipped with GPS system and backed the Arabian history, as the travel- Ambassador Ajay Sharma and sen- in 1930. at 30-40km a day. The team is backed A day in December (25 or 26) was very by two pick-ups unlike those in old lers covered an estimated 1,300km ior state officials. HOME / GULF / MIDDLE EAST THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 09

Curfew widened Talks in doubt as in southeast Turkey after Syria opposition clashes kill 23 awaits UN reply Reuters DIYARBAKIR: Security forces killed 20 Kurdish militants in southeast Turkey while a rebel spokesman Mark Toner said. attack killed three Turkish sol- Preparations have been beset by diers, the military said yesterday, US urges opposition difficulties, including a dispute over as authorities widened a curfew in groups to join who should be invited to negotiate the mainly Kurdish region’s larg- with President Bashar Al Assad’s gov- est city, Diyarbakir. talks without ernment as it claws back territory with The southeast has endured preconditions help from and Iran. the worst violence in two decades Kurds, who control a swathe of since a 2-1/2-year-old ceasefire northern Syria, were not invited and between the state and Kurdistan predicted the talks would fail. Workers Party (PKK) militants Reuters A Saudi-backed opposition council collapsed in July, reviving a con- that groups armed and political oppo- flict that has killed 40,000 people nents of Assad broke up a second day since 1984. of meetings in , saying it was The army said 11 PKK members /GENEVA/PARIS: Plans to waiting for a response from the United died in the town of Cizre, near the hold the first negotiations to end the Nations to demands before it decided Syrian border, and nine more in civil war in Syria for two years were whether to attend. Diyarbakir’s Sur district on Tues- in doubt yesterday after the opposition While it has expressed support for Members of Syrian pro-government forces in the town of Rabia in Syria’s coastal Latakia province yesterday. day, bringing the militant death toll said it would not show up unless the a political solution and talks, the oppo- in the two towns to some 600 since United Nations responded to demands sition High Negotiations Committee security operations began there for a halt to attacks on civilian areas. (HNC) says attacks on civilian areas their homes, creating a refugee crisis close to coastal areas that form the PYD as a terrorist group. last month. The Syrian government has must stop before any negotiations. in neighbouring states and Europe. heartland of Assad’s Alawite sect The PYD’s representative in Security sources said militants already agreed to join the talks that In a letter to UN Secretary Gen- With the war raging unabated, the and are of great importance to the France, Khaled Eissa, who had in Sur wounded two police offic- UN envoy Staffan de Mistura hopes eral Ban Ki-moon, it also called for latest diplomatic effort has been state he leads. been on a list of possible dele- ers when they opened fire with to convene in an indirect format in the lifting of sieges on blockaded areas overshadowed by increased tension While the Saudi-backed HNC gates proposed by Russia, blamed rifles and also wounded six sol- Geneva tomorrow with the aim of among other steps outlined by the UN between Saudi Arabia and Iran. includes powerful rebel factions regional and international powers, diers in a rocket-launcher attack. ending the five-year-old war that has Security Council in a resolution passed The Syrian government, aided by fighting Assad in western Syria, in particular Turkey, for blocking The military said three of the sol- killed 250,000 people. last month. Russian air strikes and allied militia Russia has been demanding wider the Kurds and forecast the talks diers subsequently died. Washington urged Syrian opposi- “We are waiting for the response including Iranian forces, is gaining participation to include Syrian would fail. The historic Sur district, tion groups to attend. of de Mistura first, and then Secre- ground against rebels in western Kurds who control wide areas of “You can’t neglect a force that enclosed by Roman city walls, has “Factions of the opposition have an tary General Ban Ki-moon, which is Syria, this week capturing the town northern and northeastern Syria. controls an area three times the suffered extensive damage in the historic opportunity to go to Geneva the most important ... If it is positive of Sheikh Maskin near the Jordanian The Syrian Kurdish PYD party, size of ,” he said. “We will fighting and much of it has been and propose serious, practical ways to maybe there will be an agreement to border. which is affiliated with the Kurdish not respect any decision taken under round-the-clock curfew implement a ceasefire, humanitarian go,” Asaad Al Zoubi, an HNC member, Russian air strikes that began YPG militia, was however excluded without our participation.” since December 2. access and other confidence-building told Saudi TV channel Al Ikhbariya. on September 30 have tilted the from the invitation list in line with Russian Deputy Foreign Minis- Turkey, US and the European measures, and they should do so with- Diplomacy has so far failed to resolve war Assad’s way after major set- the wishes of Turkey, a major spon- ter Gennady Gatilov said the PYD Union classify the PKK as a terror- out preconditions,” State Department a conflict that has forced millions from backs earlier in 2015 brought rebels sor of the rebellion which views the could join the talks at a later stage. ist organisation. UN urges Sudan Turkish prosecutors seek life terms for two top journalists to allow more aid into Darfur AFP conditions, including restricting a prisoner’s lei- Since then, they have both been held in the media were being “intimidated or imprisoned sure hours. Silivri jail on the outskirts of Istanbul ahead of for critical reporting” in Turkey. It is not unusual in Turkey for prosecutors to their trial, whose date is yet to be announced. “That’s not the kind of example that needs to Reuters seek a combined penalty of life sentences plus In the indictment, they have been formally be set,” said Biden, who also met with the wife ISTANBUL: Turkish prosecutors yesterday a term in jail, but this is done in cases involving charged with obtaining and revealing state and son and of Dundar in talks that hugely irri- demanded life sentences for two top journalists violent crimes, such as murder. secrets “for espionage purposes” and seeking tated the government. KHARTOUM: The United Nations from the opposition Cumhuriyet newspaper on Both Erdogan and the head of the National to “violently” overthrow the Turkish government News of the indictment coincided with the urged Sudan yesterday to allow charges of revealing state secrets with a report Intelligence Organisation (MIT) Hakan Fidan — as well as aiding an “armed terrorist organisa- publication in Istanbul of its annual report by more aid into the western region that had alleged President Recep Tayyip Erdog- the president’s hugely powerful but low-profile tion”, it said. US-based rights watchdog Human Rights Watch of Darfur where fighting that broke an’s government tried to send arms into Syria. ally — are named as plaintiffs in the 473-page The penalties demanded by the prosecutors (HRW), which denounced the prosecution of the out two weeks ago has displaced Prosecutors asked the Istanbul court to sen- indictment. are far heavier than expected. pair. about 34,000 people. tence editor-in-chief Can Dundar and Dundar and Gul were both placed under The case has amplified concerns about press “We are absolutely clear that Can Dundar About 19,000 civilians have bureau chief Erdem Gul each to a penalty arrest in late November over the report earlier freedom under the rule of Erdogan, who had and Erdem Gul, in publishing stories on that fled into North Darfur and up to comprising one aggravated life sentence, one in the year that claimed to show proof that a personally warned Dundar he would “pay a subject were doing their job as journalists 15,000 into Central Darfur, escap- ordinary life sentence and 30 years in jail, the consignment of weapons seized at the border price” over the front-page story. and nothing more than that,” HRW’s Tur- ing fighting in the mountainous Dogan news agency reported. in January 2014 was bound for Islamist rebels US Vice-President Joe Biden, on an official key representative Emma Sinclair Webb told Jebel Marra region that straddles An aggravated life sentence means tougher in Syria. visit to Istanbul last week, complained that reporters. three of Darfur’s five states, it said. “While it is encouraging that some humanitarian assistance is being provided, clearly much more is needed,” Marta Ruedas, Rowhani in Paris ‘HIA-Qatar designed UN Resident and Humanitar- ian Coordinator in Sudan, said in a statement. “We are therefore to be most advanced’ advocating for safe and unfettered access to provide timely assistance to those in need.” Continued from page 1 The United Nations says up to team, FC Bayern Munich. 300,000 people have been killed We welcome the opportu- in Darfur and more than 2.5 mil- The partnership will lead nities this relationship gives lion displaced in more than a to various joint ventures HIA-Qatar.” decade of fighting. Although the between HIA-Qatar and FC Al Meer said: “This is killings have ebbed since the war Bayern Munich over the com- the first sponsorship of its began in 2003, the insurgency ing years which will give the kind for HIA-Qatar, and we continues and Khartoum has esca- passengers of HIA and the could not have asked for lated attacks on rebel groups in the people of Qatar an opportu- better partners in FC Bayern past year. nity to engage with the world Munich. We at HIA-Qatar Unamid, a joint UN-African renowned team. see ourselves as playing an Union peacekeeping mission to Al Baker said: “We important role in facilitating Darfur, said the latest fighting designed HIA-Qatar to be our passengers’ journeys and broke out when an unidentified the most advanced, most effi- helping them create lifelong group attacked the village of Mouli cient and most comfortable memories. on January 9, displacing large global aviation gateway, and FC Bayern Munich also numbers of residents to nearby El Iran’s President Hassan Rowhani (left) attends a meeting with French employer’s body MEDEF union leader Pierre a facility able to handle up to figures significantly in their Geneina, where they held protests Gattaz (right) and French business leaders and politicians at a hotel in the French capital Paris, yesterday. 50 million of our own passen- fans’ lives, and together, we that led to the closure of local busi- gers every year, as well as the aim to continue inspiring our nesses and schools in the town. millions of fans that will visit fans, our passengers and the Doha for the 2022 FIFA World public to reach higher and go Cup. places together. HIA-Qatar Saudi soldier “This is perfectly aligned looks forward to building a Hunger-striking Palestinian to remain in jail with our national strategy to relationship with fans of the establish global leadership club, especially on their glo- dies in shelling in sports, by hosting world- bal travels.” class events such as the recent Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, AFP 63 days over his detention under Isra- military court to detain him was legal. ATP Qatar ExxonMobil Open CEO of FC Bayern Munich AFP el’s administrative detention law and his Boulus said the judges were “briefed and the International Par- AG, said: “As CEO of FC Bay- organs are at risk of failure any day, his on classified material and are convinced” alympic Committee World ern Munich, I am delighted to legal team says. that Qiq “constitutes a danger to the secu- Championships. To fur- welcome the Hamad Inter- RIYADH: A Saudi soldier has been JERUSALEM: A hunger-striking Palestin- The European Union yesterday said rity of Israel,” so declined to overturn the ther align the Group to this national Airport-Qatar as a killed in shelling from across the ian journalist is to remain in Israeli jail it was “especially concerned” about his military court’s ruling. national strategy, we took a new member of the team of border in Yemen, the Interior Min- despite warnings over his deteriorating deteriorating health. After 50 days of The evidence provided by the Shin creative approach by seeking our partners. The new Doha istry announced yesterday. health, the country’s top court ruled yes- a hunger strike, the risk of death grows Bet security services was presented to opportunities for HIA-Qatar Airport, that opened in 2014 He died on Tuesday in a strike terday. daily, experts say, with few able to sur- the judges without witnesses, who had to to partner with the best of with a capacity of 30 mil- on a border guards’ observation The Supreme Court said it would not vive beyond 70 days if only drinking water. leave the room. Under Israel’s controver- the best, and very happily lion passengers per year, is post in the Harth district of Jazan release Mohammed Al Qiq immediately but His lawyer Jawad Boulus asked the sial administrative detention law, the state we have created a Platinum impressive. Its architecture in the kingdom’s south, the min- would follow his health on a daily basis. Supreme Court to release him but the three can hold suspects for renewable six-month Sponsorship relationship with and its comfort set standards istry said. Qiq has been on hunger strike for judges ruled that an earlier decision by a periods without trial. Germany’s most-winning in my view.” 10 THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 VIEWS

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL Israel faces flak Please stop comparing the

srael has received an unusual censure over its settlement expansion which, understandably, has provoked a sharp reaction from Prime US to the fall of Rome Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The , European Union and the United Nations issued a stern criticism of Netanhahu’s policy in the 1500s. Sweden rose What was France like dur- the tax system and revital- towards Palestinians and stance on peace. to wealth during the expan- ing the Sun King’s reign? Lewis ise rural France, but Louis XVI IUN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was especially blunt. He described sion of the Swedish empire in -- the older brother of C.S. threw him out after two years Israel’s settlements as “provocative acts” that raised questions about its the 1600s, then began declin- Lewis -- is far from exhaustive and reversed his reforms. Then ing with the onset of the Great in his account. In the introduc- came revolution and decades commitment to a two-state solution, nearly 50 years after occupying lands Northern War. England started tion he apologises, for example, of turmoil and economic stag- the Palestinians seek for a state. He called the settlement building an affront a long rise after its civil war in for failing to include much of nation. It was only around the to the Palestinian people and the international community, questioned the mid-1600s. anything “on Colbert, Louis’ middle of the next century that Israel’s commitment to the two-state solution and rejected the prospect of After 1800, according to greatest civil servant, who France joined the great growth Israeli security measures on the West Bank bringing an end to the latest global databases maintained by worked with such unavail- boom of the Industrial Revolu- cycle of violence that began in October. What riled Netanyahu badly was the Maddison Project, economic ing energy to give France the tion. The France that Louis XIV growth accelerated, with the planned economy of a mod- left behind was particularly the UN chief’s candid observation that the Palestinian violence was the UK leading the way. ern totalitarian state.” Hmmm, ill-suited to adapt to chang- result of frustration. “Palestinian frustration is growing under the weight In the early 1900s, the US would have liked to read that. ing circumstances. I’ll leave it to of a half-century of occupation and the paralysis of the peace process,” began challenging Britain for Still, the book offers a lot you to decide whether the 21st- Ban told a UN security council meeting on Tuesday. “Security measures By Justin Fox the lead, and has stayed on top to chew on. France in the 17th century US is too. alone will not stop the violence. They cannot address the profound sense Bloomberg since the onset of World War II. century saw its share of inno- This column does not nec- of alienation and despair driving some But interesting things have been vation and reform. The military essarily reflect the opinion of Palestinians – especially young people.” going on just below the top, became stronger and more effi- the editorial board or Bloomb- with France and passing cient, although Louis, as he may erg LP and its owners. He said it was human nature to react The US, European eople who are wor- Britain for a time before relin- have admitted to his heir on his It’s also fun to have excuses Union and the to occupation, which often “serves as a ried about the future quishing their lead in the 1990s, deathbed, made far too much to learn about ancient Rome, potent incubator of hate and extremism”. of the US often find and China beginning its great use of it. The arts flourished; since people keep writing such United Nations The Israeli prime minister accused Ban parallels with the rise after 1980. medicine improved, if fitfully. great books about it. I’m itch- have issued a of supporting terrorism and said the decline and fall of the My choice of nations here is The towns, which had some ing to read “Dictator,” the UN has lost its neutrality and moral PRoman Empire. And oh the par- a bit haphazard, and past per- measure of independence, grew final installment in novel- stern criticism allels there are! Here are a few formance is no guarantee of and mostly thrived. ist Robert Harris’s great Cicero force a long time ago.” Ban deserves of Netanhahu’s I dredged up in a brief Inter- future results. Also, per-capita But then there was “the trilogy; Mary Beard’s “SPQR” praise for speaking the truth and for not net search: easy monetary gross domestic product isn’t the enormous chateau of Versailles, and Tom Holland’s “Dynasty” policy towards trying to mitigate criticism in diplomatic policy, excessive bureaucracy, only valid measure of national with its ten thousand inhabit- look really appealing too. I’ve Palestinians and language. entitlement spending, income success. Still, you get the picture: ants, in which was spent six out been making this we-aren’t- his stance on Speaking at a security conference inequality, extreme pleasure- Since the Commercial Revo- of every ten francs collected in Rome argument for a while, last week, US Ambassador to Israel seeking, high military spending, lution began in the late 1200s, taxes.” And the system for col- and I once got Fortune mag- peace. Dan Shapiro pointed out the double oppressive taxation, shady nations that have joined the race lecting those taxes, which “was azine to pay for me to spend campaign financing and priva- have lost ground to others, and in itself radically and incura- a few days drinking beer and standards of the Israeli government in tised public services. sometimes fallen back sharply bly vicious; as a contemporary eating waterzooi in , applying law: “At times there seem to be There’s surely something due to war (as did France and remarks, if the Devil himself had Belgium, to make the point that two standards of adherence to the rule of law: one for Israelis and another to all these concerns, and it is Japan in World War II). Some, been given a free hand to plan life in a former global financial for Palestinians.” This too elicited a sharp reaction from Netanyahu who handy that there’s at least one most notably Argentina, have the ruin of France, he could not capital isn’t bad. But Antwerp, doesn’t expect any US official to castigate his policies. to match pretty much any polit- gone from leaders to perennial have invented any scheme more while it accounted for an esti- Some European states have been staunch supporters of the Palestinian ical persuasion. Still, I have laggards. But none have fallen likely to achieve that object.” mated 40 percent of world trouble taking America-is- the- into centuries-long dark ages. Proximity to the king brought trade in the early 1500s, was cause. The European Union’s policy of labelling products made in Israeli new-Rome arguments all that This isn’t to say that mod- privileges and tax exemptions; a city, not a superpower, so settlements has dealt a huge blow to Israel. Israel branded Sweden’s foreign seriously, mainly because of the ern human civilisation couldn’t distance brought a heavier bur- maybe it’s not the best compar- minister as an anti-Semite after she called for an independent investigation implication that we’re headed collapse in the face of a pan- den. As best I can tell from ison. Per-capita GDP has been into Israel’s efforts to quell the current wave of violence. for a Rome-style collapse. demic, environmental crisis, Lewis’s account, a poor farmer about the same in Japan as in The criticism of Israeli policies is not enough. The UN, US and the That’s why, when I look for par- super solar storm, alien inva- was likely to pay more in taxes France since the late 1990s, European Union must force Netanyahu to abandon the settlement allels with the modern US, I sion, zombie invasion, robot than a government bureaucrat. which is why you can’t really expansion which is killing the peace process. Ban said he was “deeply tend to go for post-1300 Euro- uprising or really convincing Partly as a result, farmers left see the line for Japan from then pean powers instead. virtual reality technology. But the land to seek better lives in on in the chart. troubled” by reports that the Israeli government had approved plans for That’s because, when Rome such a fall wouldn’t be confined the towns. Agriculture, the core more than 150 new homes in “illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. declined and fell, there was no to one nation. It would presum- of the French economy, began to But these words must be translated into action. rival able to take up the slack. ably take down the lot of us. fall behind. The barbarians knew how to So what is an appropriate If you believe that govern- sack the place, but not how to historical parallel for the US? ment in the US has become In the early 1900s, the run it. Since the late Middle Well, I’ve just finished reading excessively imperial, this is US began challenging Ages, things have been differ- W H Lewis’s classic “The Splen- intriguing. Yes, most tax dollars Quote of the day ent. Knowledge has spread via did Century: Life in the France are spent outside Washington. Britain for the lead, print and other means; trade of Louis XIV,” so I’m going to And while our tax system may and has stayed on has continued to grow, with give 17th-century France a try. be too complicated, poor rural top since the onset occasional interruptions. The In those days, France was residents seldom pay higher European economy, and then Europe’s superpower -- not as taxes than DC officials. But con- of World War II. But the world economy, have been rich per-capita as the trading nections to power mattered a interesting things characterised by shifting for- cities of Holland, but wealth- lot in 17th-century France, and have been going on Nuclear-armed North Korea tunes, not outright collapses. ier than any other major they seem to be mattering more Here, for example, from an nation, with military ambi- in the US than they used to. just below the top, poses an overt threat, a article by Roger Fouquet and tions to match. After a series What happened next (which with France and Stephen Broadberry in the Fall of civil wars at mid-century isn’t in Lewis’s book) may be Japan passing Britain declared threat to the world. 2015 issue of the Journal of Eco- during which the aristocracy even more instructive. After nomic Perspectives, is how challenged the king, France Louis XIV died, France strug- for a time before European countries for which experienced a long period of gled under unpopular kings relinquishing their there is adequate data fared political stability and prosper- as freer, less-centralised Eng- lead in the 1990s, and from 1300 to 1800. ity. Louis XIV became king as land gained economic ground. John Kerry Northern Italy’s city-states a four-year-old in 1643, and As finance minister in the 1770s, China beginning its US Secretary of State pioneered capitalism, then really ran the country from 1661 the great economist Anne-Rob- great rise after 1980. ceded leadership to the Dutch until his death in 1715. ert-Jacques Turgot tried to fix

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and the entire Arab world with no excep- tion. These offences against the Kingdom are a similar in scale to the historical Kuwait invasion, and have aroused a similar level of passion to that of the Saudi’s regarding the freedom of Kuwait, occurring around the 25th anniversary of the Desert Storm Operation to liberate the country from Iraqi occupation. That war was rapidly over, and was associated with massive losses and sacrifices in order to rid Kuwait of the occupation. Late at night on the16th and in the early morning of the 17th of January 1991, the international coalition forces launched the By Dr. Saad bin Teflah Al Ajmi ‘Desert Storm’ operation from the Saudi lands. It was a special night in which Saudi Arabia offered everything to liberate Kuwait, rejecting any solution which did not include ife and death became equal to the liberation of Kuwait and the complete us. There is no more Kuwait withdrawal of Iraqi troops to the border or Saudi Arabia- they are of before August 2nd 1990, without any single country. Kuwait and conditions. “LSaudi Arabia should remain together or The Kingdom then faced missile attacks, end together- one will not remain with- including its capital Riyadh which was out the other.” Said the late King Fahad bin attacked by Scud rockets. This never affected Abdualziz, August 1990. its determination and instead it stood firmly This article is going to focus on Saudi against the aggression. The Government Arabia, without undermining the role played and the people of Saudi Arabia received by governments and peoples of other GCC the leadership of Kuwait, including the then states and other brotherly Arab countries in late Emir of Kuwait- Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmed the just war for the liberation of Kuwait, a Al Sabah, and the crown Sheikh Sa’ad Al A file picture shows Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia receiving quarter of a century ago. However the focus Abdullah Al Sabah, in addition to groups of here is on the role played by the leadership civilian Kuwaitis who were forced to leave Emir of Kuwait H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah. and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the country. The Kuwaitis found a warm and the blood they sacrificed and difficul- welcome in their second homeland, from ties they experienced in order to restore the their brothers and sisters who opened their the main Islamic sites of pilgrimage, and a requires standing united beside the King- rights of Kuwaitis and to liberate its land. homes to them and showed solidarity. destination for millions looking for decent dom in its battle against Iran’s ambitions. The reason for focusing on Saudi Arabia These days Saudi Arabia is facing fierce life. It is time to remind those who critize Iran is adopting destructive policies such is the enormous attacks this great country attacks and enmity, including the Western Saudi Arabia that the Kingdom of Saudi as insisting on interfering in our internal is currently facing on various fronts. Tar- media campaign, and attacks on its diplo- Arabia does not interfere in the internal affairs, and the recent unveiling of its intelli- geting Saudi means to target all GCC states matic headquarters in and Mashad affairs of others, does not sponsor political gence network in Kuwait is a good example. city. This is in addition to the Iranian dag- assassinations or intelligence operations For the misled people I would like to ger whose head exists in Sa’ada, Yemen, or conspire against anyone or impose a assure them that Saudi Arabia will remain its handle in Beirut, its middle in Baghdad, Caliphate on anybody. a safe haven for the honest and oppressed, and whose wounds are found in , Rather, it is known for its solid posi- the Qibla for prayers, the heart of the Arab It is time to remind those who Aleppo, Homs and the entire Syrian lands. tion against any ambitions, conspiracies nation and the origin of Islam. Therefore, criticise Saudi Arabia that the It is facing sectarian attacks from Tehran, or terrorism, deriving its strength from its it is a historical duty to stand beside it and As a Kuwaiti, terrorists barking from Raqqa, threats military , political and economic strengths, support its right to defend itself. I express my Kingdom of Saudi Arabia does not from Baghdad and disappointment from as well as a long history of resistance, and Recalling the words of the late King interfere in the internal affairs of Lebanon, and all these are supported by deep confidence in its faith and its capac- Fahad bin AbdulAziz, I would like to say: gratitude, devotion others, does not sponsor political Western media campaigns reflecting hid- ity to remain a castle of steadfastness, not “We will be beside the Kingdom, because and magnanimity to den hypocrisies. only for the GCC region but for the whole solidarity with it is solidarity with ourselves, assassinations or intelligence It is not fair to say that Saudi Arabia has Arab nation. and we should remain a united nation to end Saudi, recalling their operations or conspire against angelic polices or it is a utopia but I could As a Kuwaiti I express my gratitude, all the nefarious ambitions of dreamers”. fateful sacrifices say, ‘ungrateful’ to anyone think it is hell. I devotion and magnanimity to Saudi, recall- for my country and anyone or impose a Caliphate on would like to remind Arab nationalists that ing their fateful sacrifices for my country anybody. Saudi is the largest and oldest united Arab and people. Furthermore, I am aware of The writer is an academic people. state in terms of area; it is the guardian of the common destiny of our region, which and media expert. faces more challenges this year

President’s appeal to court to allow him The crisis has worsened to almost a stage could be buying less tea. Ironically Iran was to proceed to Britain for medical treatment of desperation. About a month ago, Finance a big tea buyer with Colombo’s tea shipped was turned down, Samaraweera and Sri Minister Karunanayake, at a meeting with through different ports to reach Tehran, Lankan Finance Minister Ravi Karunanay- local bankers, reportedly asked them to and the lifting of sanctions would ideally ake, a long-time friend of President Yameen, lower stringent rules on foreign exchange have seen a spurt in tea exports from Sri held emergency talks in the Maldivian - inflows (through investment or parking Lanka which is also facing a crisis from its ital of Male with the Maldivian President funds in Colombo) to allow any amount biggest tea buyer, Russia, where the Rou- and Gayoom and successfully brokered a of $1 million and below on a “no questions ble has crashed. As it is now, the status quo deal for Nasheed to proceed to the UK for asked” basis and to apply the rules only remains. treatment. on any inflow above this figure. Bankers Eminent economist Dr. Saman Kele- On Thursday, Nasheed arrived in Britain however protested saying strict rules on gama, Executive Director of Sri Lanka’s top and soon after met British Prime Minis- anti money laundering and anti terrorism think tank, Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), ter David Cameron at 10 Downing Street. funding are in place and no bank will risk was quoted in a local newspaper as saying Sri Lanka’s mediation in securing Nash- ignoring these rules to help the government that while there is a need for IMF assistance, eed’s release for medical treatment (on shore up its reserves position. such support doesn’t come without condi- By Feizal Samath the grounds that he would return home) It was in this backdrop that Wickremes- tions tied to structural reforms. was however not the main flavour of the inghe and his team proceeded to Davos for “Although Sri Lanka received IMF assist- week in Colombo where the economy and the WEF parley where the world’s rich and ance in 2009, under quite lax conditions, efforts to improve the country’s shaky for- famous meet once a year to discuss the glo- we must not be deceived into thinking that ri Lanka and the Maldives have always eign reserves position via foreign support bal economy, its future and what it means things will be as easy this time around. In been good neighbours and often lent drew most of the public and media atten- to business. During the trip, the Sri Lankan 2009 the world economy was reeling from Ssupport to the other in a crisis or when- tion. The presence of a powerful delegation Premier met top officials from multinational the world financial crisis and the (former ever a situation arose. of Sri Lankan ministers and business leaders banks and heads of business conglomerates. President Mahinda) Rajapaksa adminis- However in recent months relations have led by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesin- Among the promises, a top Microsoft exec- tration had access to what seemed like Add the economic soured after the Sri Lankan government ghe and including senior Ministers Kabir utive promised to step up investment in Sri unlimited assistance from China. Thus, woes to the burden expressed concern over the imprisonment Hashim and Ravi Karunanayake, at the Lanka while both the Managing Director of we were in a better position and the IMF of former Maldives President Mohamed World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, the IMF Christine Lagarde and ADB Presi- was feeling particularly generous. But, it of managing and Nasheed (also fondly known as ‘Anni” to raised expectations of a high dent Takehiko Nakao agreed to Sri Lanka’s would be a miracle if we get off easy this holding together a many of his people). Sri Lanka was joined level of support that would come Sri Lan- request for a financial bailout. time around,” he has said. by many western countries including Britain ka’s way from the international community. An IMF team is now due in the island Also under preparation is a 3-year eco- government which and the US in urging the Maldivian author- Despite bloody fighting between gov- next month while the ADB has agreed to nomic policy strategy being put together by is made up of two of ities to release Nasheed, jailed over alleged ernment troops and Tamil rebels ending in send a mission in the same month, in an a team of Harvard University dons along the country’s main interference in the judiciary among other May 2009 paving the way form normalcy exercise that Sri Lanka hopes will garner with Sri Lankan experts in an initiative to matters, expressing concern over the trial in the land, foreign investment over the more than $1 billion in support as a buffer be funded by Hungarian-American billion- political parties and, and a subsequent 13 year-long jail term. past few years has been less than a billion against dwindling foreign reserves and to aire George Soros. until a year ago, The intervention annoyed the Maldives US dollars and efforts to attract investors fund infrastructure, thus reducing foreign Add the economic woes to the burden with President Abdulla Yameen and Foreign haven’t worked. The government has been borrowing needs. of managing and holding together a gov- were diametrically Minister Dunya Gayoom strongly oppos- dependent on remittances by over 1.5 million A volatile global environment where ernment which is made up of two of the opposed to each ing any interference in local affairs. But migrant workers based in the Middle East, China’s growth spurt has been stalled and country’s main political parties and, until in a flurry of meeting that followed with export earnings and foreign borrowings, oil prices have crashed is blurring econo- a year ago, were diametrically opposed other, and Sri Lanka Gayoom, daughter of former Maldives strong- the latter of which in recent times buffeted mies across the world. While crashing oil to each other, and Sri Lanka is in for some is in for some man Abdul Maumoon Gayoom who ruled any crisis in meeting import bills. How- prices – now below $30 per barrel - should challenging times – and more likely stress- the country for the three decades, flying ever while the reserves position stood at have resuscitated economies like imported ful times - this year. challenging times to Colombo for talks with her Sri Lankan $7.29 billion at the end of December 2015, oil-dependent Sri Lanka and further helped – and more likely counterpart Mangala Samaraweera, the it is seen reaching dangerously low levels by an additional bonus of economic sanc- stressful times - this differences were quickly sorted out. since a large chunk will go to pay debt (loan tions being lifted on Iran, this is not the case. However Sri Lanka’s fondness for Nash- repayments) maturing this year – unless Lower oil incomes means the Middle The writer is Consultant Business Edi- year. eed seemed stronger. After the former more money comes in. East, one of the Colombo’s biggest tea buyers, tor at The Sunday Times, Sri Lanka.

All thoughts and views expressed in these columns are those of the writers, not of the newspaper. All correspondence regarding Views and Opinion pages should be mailed to the Editor-in-Chief. 12 THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 ASIA / Japan’s Akihito visits Philippine WWII cemetery

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III (right) greets Japan Emperor Akihito (centre) and Empress Michico (left) inside Malacanang Palace in yesterday. RIGHT: Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko lay a wreath at the monument to Philippine national hero Jose Rizal in Manila.

AFP our visit,” he said at a banquet hosted died during World War II. for Japanese casualties of the war in and South Korea when he marked the by President Benigno Aquino. During the Japanese WWII occu- Caliraya, a lake resort village about 70th anniversary of Japan’s surrender ‘During this war, fierce Aquino in turn, praised Akihito’s pation, tens of thousands of soldiers three hours’ drive south of Manila. last year by saying that future genera- battles between role in reconciliation, saying: “I am died marching to Japanese concen- Before leaving Tokyo on Tues- tions should not apologise for the war. Japan and the United MANILA: Japanese Emperor Akihito held in awe, recognising the burdens tration camps or during confinement. day, Akihito said a main focus of his But the Philippines now views bowed his head in sorrow during a you have borne, as you have had to An estimated 100,000 Filipi- trip was to honour the war dead. “In Japan, its biggest source of develop- States took place sombre ceremony at the Philippines’ live with the weight of the decisions nos also died during the month-long the Philippines, many lives of Filipi- ment aid and foreign investment, as on Philippine soil, biggest war cemetery yesterday as he made by others during the dark epi- campaign to liberate Manila in 1945, nos, Americans and Japanese were a trusted ally. vowed never to forget the many Filipi- sodes in the history of our nations.” which saw aerial bombings and artil- lost during the war,” Akihito said. He Highlighting the warmth of the resulting in the loss nos killed during World War II. Akihito’s visit is the first by lery flatten the city. specifically referred to the Manila relationship, Akihito and Aquino of many Filipino lives Akihito, 82, and his wife Empress a Japanese emperor to the Phil- Akihito has made honouring Jap- independence battle in his remarks. enjoyed a wide-ranging 20-minute Michiko are in the Philippines to cel- ippines and comes as the two anese and non-Japanese who died in His remorse over the war helps to chat after the welcoming ceremony and leaving many ebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties, countries strengthen economic and World War II a touchstone of his near improve Japan’s international image yesterday. injured. while also honouring those who died defence ties, partly to counter Chi- three-decade reign — known as Hei- and counterbalances his government’s Outside the palace, though, about during Japan’s brutal occupation of na’s increasingly assertive actions sei, or “achieving peace” — and now more nationalist bent, according to 200 people rallied to demand justice This is something the Philippines. in disputed regional waters. in its twilight. Manila-based political analyst Rich- for women forced into sexual slav- we Japanese must “During this war, fierce battles The official events of his five-day He has previously journeyed to ard Javad Heydarian. ery by occupying Japanese soldiers never forget and we between Japan and the United States trip began yesterday morning with a other Pacific battle sites where Jap- “The emperor will serve as the in World War II. took place on Philippine soil, resulting red-carpet welcome at the presiden- anese troops and civilians made apologetic, sincere face of Japan... “To the emperor of Japan, talk to intend to keep this in the loss of many Filipino lives and tial palace hosted by Aquino. desperate last stands in the name of it will balance out his government’s your leader about Filipina grandmoth- engraved in our hearts leaving many Filipinos injured,” he said. In the afternoon he visited the his father Hirohito. controversial, pugnacious and seem- ers who are fighting for their rights,” “This is something we Japanese Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ The other key symbolic event on ingly revisionist statements,” he said. one of seven former sex slaves at the throughout our visit’ must never forget and we intend to keep Cemetery) in Manila, which was built Akihito’s agenda in the Philippines Conservative Japanese Prime protest, Narcisa Claveria, 85, said over this engraved in our hearts throughout in 1947 to honour Filipino soldiers who will be a visit tomorrow to a shrine Minister Shinzo Abe angered China a megaphone.

Aquino meets Sri Lanka orders China planning to build arrest of 22 floating N-power plant cops over party killing

AFP project is reportedly already under construction. AFP included the development of two marine nuclear power plants, BEIJING: China is planning to build to be built by China General Nuclear COLOMBO: A Sri Lankan mag- a floating nuclear power station as it Power Corporation (CGN) and China istrate ordered the arrest of 22 seeks to double its atomic capacity by National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) police officers yesterday follow- 2020, a senior official said yesterday. respectively, in its 13th five-year plan ing an outcry over footage showing Authorities are making plans for for 2016-2020, the two companies officers assaulting revellers at a a “marine floating power station”, announced earlier this month. party where one man died after which will go through “strict and The CNNC plant is expected to allegedly being thrown through a scientific demonstration”, said Xu start operation in 2019 and CGN’s window. Dazhe, chairman of China Atomic the following year, according to Magistrate Prasanna Fern- Energy Authority. “China is devoted their statements. They could provide ando called for the immediate to building itself into a maritime power for offshore oil and gas drill- arrest of two senior officers and power and so we will definitely make ing platforms, island development other lower-ranking police per- full use of ocean resources,” he told and remote areas, both firms said. sonnel as a government minister a press conference. Beijing is at loggerheads with apologised to parliament over his The use of nuclear power at sea neighbours including Japan and the initial version of events. A photo by Malacanang Photo Bureau shows Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (left) and is not unknown — aircraft carriers Philippines over territorial rows in Footage captured on closed- and missile submarines are often the East and South China Seas, and Philippine President Benigno Aquino III during a courtesy call in Manila on Tuesday. Pia returned home circuit television, which has been nuclear-powered — but doing so has alarmed rivals with its massive to the Philippines on January 23 for a weeklong visit, the first since she won the crown in December. widely circulated on social media, for civilian purposes appears to be reclamation and construction of Wurtzbach is the third Filipino to win Miss Universe after in 1969 and in 1973. showed a group of officers drag- unprecedented, although a Russian facilities on disputed reefs. ging partygoers out onto the street and then thrashing them with their batons in the southern town of Embilipitiya earlier this month. Police had initially claimed they came under attack from Vietnam re-elects conservative party leader Trong partygoers. But after a flood of witnesses came forward and the CCTV footage emerged, national AFP to appoint a replacement. This is agenda and talking tough to China a return to a more moderated style of Kien Thanh said. “I don’t see the police chief N K Illangakoon expected to be Nguyen Xuan Phuc, over a festering maritime dispute. governance. “The (Communist) Party machine going backwards... no one ordered an investigation into the currently a deputy prime minister, He had been tipped to ascend to has been around for 85 years and is completely indispensable,” he said, incident which found that officers state media said. the party leader position but in the always been steered by committee— referring to fears that Dung’s exit had fabricated evidence. HANOI: Vietnam’s top communist “Delegates to the first meeting of end he lost out in internal elections. in this context, the ‘go slow’ approach would stall economic reforms and Many witnesses said the police leader Nguyen Phu Trong was re- the party’s central committee con- He was not selected for the 180-mem- makes sense,” he added. integration of Vietnam into the glo- went on the rampage, describing elected yesterday in a victory for the gratulated Comrade Nguyen Phu ber central committee, which in effect Trong’s ascent — which owes as bal economy. how the 29-year-old man who died party’s old guard which some fear Trong who was elected general sec- ends his official political career. much to Dung’s divisiveness as to his Dung himself was hardly “a had been assaulted and then pushed could slow crucial economic reforms retary,” the official Vietnam News The charismatic Dung was a rare own popularity — is unlikely to mark superstar reformer” and his succes- through a second-floor window. in the fast-growing country. Agency reported. “political celebrity” amid the com- a dramatic change of course on key sor will undoubtedly continue key Medical reports showed the Factional fighting overshad- Trong, 72, seen as more of a con- munist country’s faceless collective issues such as a dispute with Beijing economic reforms so most foreign victim had over 180 lacera- owed a week of closed-door talks servative apparatchik and closer to leadership, Jonathan London, a Viet- over parts of the South China Sea and investors are not concerned, said tions after being dragged over at the five-yearly Communist Party China than Dung, has been party chief nam expert at City University of Hong participation in a series of trade deals, Tony Foster, a lawyer with Freshfields. glass shards from a number of Congress. But Trong, 72, retained his since 2011 and will stay on following a Kong, said, adding that this style including the US-led Trans Pacific Dung’s 40-year-old son Nguyen windows which were smashed. position while his rival — reformist compromise deal which analysts say alienated other cadres. Partnership. Thanh Nghi was elected to the cen- Law and Order Minister Sagala Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung — is a move back towards more consen- Although both his reformist cre- The entire politburo — which tral committee, alongside other Ratnayake told lawmakers he was pushed from power. sus-based decision-making. dentials and achievements in office was also elected with 19 members — politicians seen as his allies, includ- was retracting an earlier report Dung remains prime minister but Dung, 66, a two-term prime min- were debatable, he was unquestiona- is committed to economic reforms ing the Transport Minister Dinh La which claimed that the victim will step down later this year when ister and political heavyweight, is bly “someone who had a vision”, said and the change in leadership is more Thang and Foreign Minister Pham had jumped though a glass door the National Assembly convenes credited with pushing a pro-business London, adding that his exit marked “a question of style”, economist Bui Binh Minh. to escape from police. ASIA / AFRICA THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 13

March for jobs in Johannesburg 13 dead in triple suicide attacks North Korea a ‘threat in Nigeria’s Chibok town to the world’: Kerry AFP

KANO: At least 13 people were on a new resolution, Kerry told a joint China, the United States, Russia and killed yesterday when three sui- Wang said that China press conference with his Chinese Japan. cide bombers blew themselves up counterpart Wang Yi. “The goal is to take the nuclear in the northeast Nigerian town of also backed a new But he acknowledged that they issue on the Korean peninsula back Chibok, where Boko Haram kid- Security Council had not agreed on the “parameters to the right track of negotiation”, napped more than 200 schoolgirls. of exactly what it would do or say”. Wang said. “Sanctions are not an The blasts happened at about motion, but added “The United States will do what is end in themselves.” As Kerry arrived midday (1100 GMT) as the remote that it “should not necessary to protect the people of our in Beijing on Tuesday, the state-run town in Borno state was packed country and our friends and allies in China Daily ran an article headlined: with traders from surrounding provoke new tension the world,” Kerry added. “Experts have low hopes for Kerry’s villages for the weekly market, in the situation” Wang said that China also backed China trip.” Chibok elder Ayuba Chibok said. a new Security Council motion, but Before yesterday’s meeting, the “Ten died on the spot and added that it “should not provoke new official Xinhua news agency issued another one died on the way to tension in the situation”. a commentary blaming the US’s hospital,” said health worker Dazz- AFP Beijing’s ties with “uncompromising hostility” and ban Buba, who volunteered to treat were forged in the blood of the “Cold War mentality” for the situa- the injured at hospital. “A woman Korean War and analysts say its lev- tion on the Korean peninsula. and a child died as they were being erage is mitigated by its overriding Washington’s actions, such as fly- admitted (to hospital), so now the BEIJING: Nuclear-armed North fear of a North Korean collapse and ing a nuclear-capable B-52 bomber death toll stands at 13. Thirty oth- Korea poses an “overt threat, a the prospect of a reunified, US-allied close to the inter-Korean border, ers were injured, 21 critically.” declared threat to the world”, US Sec- Korea directly on its border. were heightening the North’s “sense The blasts bore the hallmarks retary of State John Kerry said here China has a “particular ability... of insecurity and thus pushing it of Boko Haram, which has repeat- yesterday following Pyongyang’s to be able to help us significantly to towards reckless nuclear brinkman- edly hit “soft” civilian targets such fourth nuclear test earlier this month. resolve this threat”, Kerry said, not- ship”, it added. as markets, mosques and bus Washington is pushing for a ing that as the North’s main provider Wang and Kerry’s discussions stations as well as military and strong United Nations response to the of trade and aid it could apply pres- — which lasted for nearly five hours civilian vigilante checkpoints. North’s latest atomic blast — which sure through “movements of ships” — also addressed the strategically Chibok came to prominence Pyongyang said was a miniaturised and “various resource exchanges”. vital South China Sea, where Beijing in April 2014 when Islamist fight- hydrogen bomb, a claim largely dis- Wang said he rejected “all has built up artificial islands capable ers stormed a boarding school and missed by experts — with enhanced groundless speculation or distortion of hosting military facilities in dis- kidnapped 276 girls, causing glo- sanctions. of China’s position”, re-iterating that puted waters. bal outrage. But China, North Korea’s chief Beijing was committed to the denu- China asserts ownership over Fifty-seven girls managed to diplomatic protector and economic clearisation of the Korean Peninsula. virtually the entire area, putting it escape in the immediate after- benefactor, is reluctant, despite the Kerry later met with President Xi at odds with regional neighbours math but 219 are still being held pair’s ties becoming strained in Jinping, with the Chinese leader say- the Philippines, Vietnam, , and have not been seen since recent years as Beijing’s patience ing: “Generally speaking when China Brunei and Taiwan. they appeared in a Boko Haram wears thin with its neighbour’s ambi- and the United States work together Washington has called Beijing’s video in May that year. Chibok was Members of the Democratic Alliance display placards during tions for nuclear weapons. we can make good things happen”. land reclamation projects a threat briefly overrun by the Islamic State The two powers — both permanent China regularly calls for calm in to freedom of navigation and has a march for jobs in Johannesburg yesterday. More than 5,000 group-allied rebels in November members of the UN Security Council — the region, and for the resumption sent military ships and planes to the people took to the streets of Johannesburg calling for government 2014 but recaptured by the mili- had agreed to mount an “accelerated of the long-stalled six-party talks, region to demonstrate that it will not action to deal with unemployment. tary after several days. effort” to try to resolve their differences which bring together the two Koreas, accept a change to the status quo. Ayuba Chibok and Buba both said Wednesday’s blasts were sui- cide attacks and had prompted terrified residents to lock them- selves inside their homes or flee in fear of repeat attacks. US slams Taiwan’s Ma over disputed island visit Buba said the first explosion, at a checkpoint where people coming into the town were being searched, AFP Ying-jeou plans to travel to Taiping Island,” New Year holiday, Chen said. China, which sees months left of his term and will be succeeded was thought to have been carried said Sonia Urbom, spokeswoman of the Amer- Taiwan as part of its territory and claims almost by Tsai Ing-wen of the opposition Democratic out by a young boy. ican Insitute in Taiwan, the de facto US embassy. all of the South China Sea, offered a measured Progressive Party (DPP), who won presidential But identifying the attacker’s “Such an action is extremely unhelpful and response to the visit. elections in a landslide victory earlier this month. age was difficult, as only his legs TAIPEI: The United States slammed Taiwan’s does not contribute to the peaceful resolution Although Taiwan is self-ruling after split- The presidential office invited Tsai to join were recovered. The second, at the President Ma Ying-jeou after he announced that of disputes in the South China Sea,” she said. ting with the mainland in 1949 following a civil the trip, but the DPP said it did not plan to send market, and a third nearby were he would visit a disputed island in the South The US is Taiwan’s main ally and a key arms war, Beijing still sees it as part of “one China” to any representative. Taiwan has been boosting carried out by women, he added. China Sea, criticising the plan as “extremely supplier but has repeatedly said it does not want be reunited. “It is a joint responsibility and duty its presence in Taiping, the largest island in the Buba said he rushed to help unhelpful” in a region rife with tension. to see an escalation of tensions in the region. of compatriots in the mainland and Taiwan to Spratlys. It inaugurated a solar-powered light- his brother who was injured in the Yesterday’s announcement of the visit came Taiwan said earlier that it wanted to reaf- safeguard state sovereignty and territorial integ- house, and expanded an airstrip and a pier on first blast in the Bamzir Road area weeks after Taiwanese coastguards drove off a firm its sovereignty of Taiping. “Taiping Island is rity,” said Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for China’s the island late last year. of the town. Vietnamese fishing boat near Taiping Island, a an inherent part of the Republic of China’s ter- Taiwan Affairs Office, according to official state China is seen by other Spratly claimants The second blast happened Taiwan-administered islet in the Spratly archi- ritory,” said Charles Chen, spokesman for the news agency Xinhua. as the biggest threat in the South China Sea. shortly afterwards, fitting a pat- pelago. The chain is claimed in part or whole presidential office, using the official name for The only time a Taiwanese president has vis- Separately, Taiwan conducted military drills tern of Boko Haram suicide by Vietnam, China, the Philippines, Malaysia Taiwan. ited Taiping Island was in 2008, when former in the face of growing fears that tensions with attacks with multiple bombers and Brunei. The purpose of the trip was to visit Taiwan- leader Chen Shui-bian went. Ma, of the China- the mainland will escalate in the wake of Tsai’s setting off their devices almost “We are disappointed that President Ma ese personnel stationed there ahead of the Lunar friendly ruling Kuomintang, has less than four election. simultaneously.

Taiwan naval drill West Africa boosts security as jihadist threat grows

AFP That, however, is now making it threatened allies of the Western “cru- an attractive target for destructive saders” in reference to Burkina Faso, forces, “a symbolic target, because Chad, Niger, Senegal and Togo. in attacking Senegal, you hit many Troops from the five countries DAKAR: Faced with a growing jihad- interests,” he said. make up most of the UN forces in ist threat, West African nations are Mohamed Fall Oumere, security Mali, and some of these nations host scrambling to boost security but are expert and director of the Maurita- US and French military bases on seeing visitor numbers fall as foreign nian newspaper La Tribune, said he their soil. “We say to all those coun- governments warn their nationals expects Islamist attacks to extend tries in the region which are allied about the risks. westwards to countries such as to France and which participate in “The alert is being taken very Senegal, Ivory Coast and Maurita- this Crusader war against Umma seriously,” said a Senegalese security nia which have hitherto been largely (the Islamic community) that we will source after police carried out a week- spared “because of the security spare no effort to strike them, and the end of security operations in a bid to noose” around the area. Western interests they house,” Yahya tackle the “terrorist threat”. Some 900 The jihadists want to send three Abou El Hamame said. people were detained, mainly for secu- messages, Oumere says. One is to French security expert Yves Troti- rity checks. The situation is being taken France, telling them that their 2013 gnon, who knows the region well, said particularly seriously in Dakar’s Cor- intervention in Mali “remains unre- Niger seems very vulnerable and that niche district, which is home to many solved” while another is to France’s mounting an attack on the capital hotels, he said. allies to warn them that “they are still Niamey “wouldn’t be very difficult”. Hotel security has been stepped in the firing line,” he said. Last week, Niger’s Interior Min- up after 30 people were killed earlier The third is a message to the ister Hassoumi Massaoudou spoke this month in a deadly attack on a top Islamic State group, a competing for the first time of arrests over the Burkina Faso hotel and a nearby res- jihadist faction, “which will unfor- past month of people who came to taurant in the capital Ouagadougou. tunately result in much damage Niamey intending to carry out the Senegal is “an island of stability in and bloodshed,” he said. Northern kind of attacks seen in Ouagadougou. an ocean of instability,” said Bakary Mali fell under the control of jihad- “We receive information and Sambe, researcher on religious rad- ist groups linked to Al Qaeda in 2012. threats around every two months,” icalism at Gaston Berger University, They were largely ousted by he told the French broadcaster RFI. referring to the unrest gripping Mali a French-led military operation In Dakar and Abidjan, the US to the east and Nigeria further south launched in January 2013, although and French envoys have urged their where the Boko Haram jihadists are large swathes of the area remain law- nationals to “avoid crowded areas” Taiwan Naval warship KIDD class destroyer manoeuvres during a military naval drill in Kaohsiung, active. “It is increasingly a strategic less and prone to attacks. as they did after the November 20 Taiwan, yesterday. The defence command showed their skills as part of their drills to provide security retreat area for western organisa- In an interview with Mauritania’s attacks on a hotel in the Malian cap- in the Taiwan Strait. tions” and occupies a “privileged Al Akhbar website, a leader of the Al- ital Bamako, which killed 20, 14 of position” in the region, he said. Qaeda Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) group them foreigners. 14 THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 PAKISTAN

Afghanistan Prized seizure faulted for rights record

poorest economies, had to work more closely with Afghan author- Human Rights Watch ities to ensure that human rights worried about gains made since 2001 were not lost. custodial torture, The section on Afghanistan, part of a 659-page report reviewing women and media human rights practices in more than 90 countries, painted a bleak pic- ture more than 14 years after US-led forces drove the Taliban from power. Reuters The brutal murder of 27-year-old Farkhunda Malikzada after she was falsely accused of burning a copy of the Holy Quran and the flawed trial KABUL: Afghanistan has failed to which followed threw into stark remedy a series of chronic human relief the failure to advance women’s rights abuses ranging from the tor- rights, despite repeated government ture of prisoners by security forces pledges, the report said. to brutal mistreatment of women, Hundreds of civilians were also Human Rights Watch said in a report killed in suicide and roadside bomb yesterday. attacks last year. Islamist insurgents The rights watchdog’s 2016 targeted judges, prosecutors and annual report said reform efforts other government officials as well Pakistani soldiers pose for photographs alongside seized automatic weapons displayed for media in Peshawar yesterday. by President Ashraf Ghani’s national as journalists and Afghan and for- unity government had been under- eign aid workers. mined by failure to contain internal In addition, Taliban groups differences and keep local strong- and others including Islamic State men and power brokers in check. carried out kidnappings and “indis- “Afghanistan’s national unity criminate” attacks against civilians, Book on ethics for Sindh’s non-Muslim students government squandered impor- the report said. tant opportunities to tackle serious Despite an action plan to elim- human rights problems,” Patri- inate torture by government forces cia Gossman, senior Afghanistan and militias, documented cases of Internews for minority students from the aca- from class seven while STBB also non-Muslim students are not forced researcher at Human Rights Watch, torture increased in 2015 but there demic year 2016-2017 that starts from has plans to introduce it in primary to study Islamiat. “The book will help said in a statement. were no reported investigations or April 1. classes. students of Umerkot and Tharparkar, “As reforms have slipped, so prosecutions, it said. KARACHI: The Sindh Text Book The book, written in Urdu, covers “Books will be provided free where Hindus are in majority, as they have essential human rights pro- “Atrocities by the Taliban and Board (STBB), Jamshoro, has various topics including Hinduism, of charge to government schools did not have any option but to study tections for detainees, women, and other insurgents are no excuse for introduced a book on ethics for non- Christianity, Sikhism and Sufi poetry, and will also be sent to some pri- Islamiat,” Shah added. the media.” the government to deploy abusive Muslim students from class seven. The and also has information on all reli- vate schools which use STBB course The STBB chief explained that HRW said international donors, militias or fail to hold the security book, which covers different religions gious festivals in Pakistan. material,” said STBB chairperson they have been working on the course whose support is essential to the forces accountable for violations,” and ethical values, will become part In the first phase of the book’s Zakir Ali Shah. He also said the book outline and syllabus of the book for government of one of the world’s Gossman said. of coursework at government schools implementation, it will be introduced will be used all over the province so the last two years.

38 international Facing the law Govt wants back luxury authors to attend literature festival car from ex-chief justice in Karachi Internews become a serious point of criticism of the government by the public as Internews well as politicians,” the letter added. A chart was also attached ISLAMABAD: The government has with the letter highlighting a total KARACHI: More than 200 Paki- approached the Attorney General’s expenditure of Rs4m on the luxury stani and 38 international authors office for exploring the possibility Mercedes-Benz from January 2014 will take part in the 99-plus ses- of seeking relief from the Supreme till January 2016, of which Rs3.37m sions at the 7th Karachi Literature Court as well as taking steps for was spent on repairs and Rs638,419 Festival to be held on February 5, the early disposal of its intra-court for 6,818 litres of fuel. 6 and 7 at the Beach Luxury Hotel. appeal against the January 15, 2014, The car travelled the most in This was announced by KLF Islamabad High Court direction for June 2015 with fuel consumption founder and Oxford University the provision of a bulletproof official of 570 litres. The letter also said the Press Managing Director Ameena car to former chief justice of Paki- government’s intra-court appeal Saiyid at a press conference last stan, Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry. having been fixed for hearing on evening. Written by the law minister, a several dates was still pending in Saiyid said since Febru- letter addressed to Attorney Gen- high court. The copies of the letter ary 5 would be a public holiday eral Salman Aslam Butt also pointed were also submitted to a Supreme on account of Kashmir Day, the out that the former chief justice Court bench, headed by Justice Mian organisers would have a whole had declared himself a politician Saqib Nisar, which asked Deputy day of activities. This year, she Members of the Afghan security services escort alleged members of the group calling themselves the after launching the Justice Party of Attorney General Sohail Mehmood said, there would be five simulta- Pakistan. to assist it in arriving at a decision Islamic State (IS) and Taliban. They were arrested during an operation in the Caperay Khar district of neous sessions. “Thus the use of official car and if the apex court can hear the case Nangarhar province in Afghanistan, yesterday. She said the keynote speakers petrol by a politician under the cov- when the matter was pending in the for the opening day were Pervez erage of the high court order has high court. Hoodbhoy and poet Fahmida Riaz, while a UK-based Islamic scholar, Ziauddin Sardar, and Indian liter- ary critic Rakshanda Jalil would deliver keynote speeches on the Kabul middle class savours delicacies from food trucks closing day. She said 21 books would be launched at the event. Talking about prizes for the AFP Food hygiene is terrible in Paris or New York. It has been a year- best books written in the genres Afghanistan, with 60 children out of and-a-half since the six food trucks of fiction and non-fiction, she said 1,000 dying from diarrhoea before the emblazoned with the Lazeez logo — the KLF peace prize winner would age of five, according to the French meaning “delicious” in Dari, one of be awarded on the second day of KABUL: When the first Lazeez food NGO Acted. Afghanistan’s two national languages the festival. truck arrived in Kabul, many mistook So for Naveed Noori, who founded — began crisscrossing the streets of She said a new category ‘Italy it for a rickshaw and wanted to hail a Lazeez with his cousin Abdullah Kabul. Reads Pakistan’ had been intro- ride — the yellow chassis and three Karim, finding meat without break- Today Naveed has 15 employ- duced in which a Pakistani book wheels so reminiscent of taxis pop- ing the cold chain — the series of ees and business is going well — for would be selected and translated ular in South Asia. transportation and storage options example, Obaidullah says the truck into Italian. The announcement But it took little time for the city’s that maintain a given temperature — he manages serves between 30 and for it would be made in 2017, she emerging middle class to embrace the is a challenge. 60 customers a day. added. novelty of canteens-on-wheels serv- Naveed buys his hot dogs — made After expenses and paying his Saiyid said apart from ing Western fast food around town. of chicken— frozen from Karachi, the employees, Naveed pockets $150 a Rakhshanda Jalil, actors Anupam Parked on one of the capital’s Pakistani port megacity located 1,400 day, a fortune in Afghanistan where Kher, Nandita Das and Noor busiest roads, Obaidullah’s truck — kilometres from Kabul. 72 percent of households earn less Zaheer (daughter of Sajjad Zaheer) emblazoned with a giant hot dog, “We have to pay attention to the than $150 a month and social ine- would speak at different sessions. and the Lazeez logo — is unmissa- conditions of the journey to be sure qualities are enormous. She also took some names of ble. He serves a handful of customers, everything is going well, otherwise His success is even more impres- international authors represent- who are seemingly undeterred by our cargo rots,” says the 26-year old sive given that spiced dishes of lamb, ing eight countries. She highlighted the roadside pollution, and bullish entrepreneur. mutton and rice still enjoy pride of sessions on Rumi and Khusrau and about the sourcing and sanitation of For now, Naveed has found a suc- place in Afghan cuisine, rather than said the Pakistani film ‘Manto’ the meat. cessful route: Mohammed says his the American fast food which has An Afghan customer buys a burger from a Lazeez food truck in Kabul. would also be screened in the “Us Afghans are immune to all burger tastes just fine, as does the become so entrenched elsewhere. presence of its cast and crew. She sorts of illnesses,” jokes Mohammed hot dog he also purchased, even if the “Unfortunately, no food truck chow down on a chicken sandwich “Sure I’d prefer rice and Afghan also thanked all the sponsors of — an oral hygiene student buying a fare is a long way from the tempting offers Afghan dishes,” laments Nas- from Manoto, a food truck also doing dishes but they don’t have them,” says the event. quick burger. morsels available from food trucks in sir, a student who is getting ready to the rounds in Kabul like Lazeez. Saifuddin, a cleaner. INDIA THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 15

Migratory birds Jet Airways Arunachal: Apex Kathmandu flight evacuated court issues again this week notice to centre Reuters NEW DELHI: Passengers on a Kathmandu-bound aircraft of governor recommended the impo- India’s Jet Airways were forced to sition of President’s Rule, Nariman evacuate minutes before take-off Supreme Court said senior counsel Harish Salve, from New Delhi yesterday due to ordered the Centre who appeared for the governor, told a security alert, the second such the court on January 14 that nothing incident this week on the same to file its response untoward would be done to precipitate flight. by tomorrow on a the situation. Describing as “crucial” The plane’s doors were closed the date on which President’s Rule rec- and it was ready for take-off when plea challenging ommendation was sent by Rajkhowa, the alert was raised, according the imposition of senior counsel Kapil Sibal sought to to a Jet Airways spokesman. All know the grounds and material relied 122 passengers and seven crew President’s Rule in upon by the governor while making members were asked to leave the the north-eastern the recommendations. plane and security agencies were state of Arunachal Opposing the plea, Attorney investigating. General Mukul Rohatgi said that the The incident comes two days Pradesh governor’s report was confidential after the same Jet Airways’ Delhi- and could not be shared with peti- Kathmandu 9W 260 flight was tioner Tacho. However, he said, it delayed due to a security scare, but IANS could be shared with the bench. investigations later found nothing Nariman contested Rohat- unusual. gi’s plea that the governor’s report Flamingos fly over the Arabian Sea coast in , yesterday. Migratory birds arrive in the winter “It is the same flight. This is was confidential as he cited an ear- season from different parts of India and neighbouring countries and are usually leaving the region something that doesn’t happen NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court lier seven-judge bench judgment in again in the spring months. normally,” a company spokes- yesterday issued notices to the cen- former Karnataka chief minister man said. tral government and Arunachal late S R Bommai’s case, wherein the Police at Delhi’s international Pradesh Governor Jyoti Prasad court said that the governor’s report airport were not immediately Rajkhowa on a plea challenging the was not confidential. available for comment on what imposition of President’s Rule in the Justice Lokur confronted the caused the security scare. Indian north-eastern state on January 26. attorney general with the apex court Railways to form JVCs with media said police received an An apex court constitution bench judgment wherein the governor’s anonymous call warning bombs comprising Justice Jagdish Singh report was reproduced. were on two aircraft. Khehar, Justice Dipak Misra, Jus- The presidential proclamation The other aircraft, operated tice Madan B Lokur, Justice Pinaki mentions “a” report by the gover- Kerala and Andhra Pradesh by Air India, was also headed to Chandra Ghosh and Justice N V nor, Justice Ramana pointed out as Nepal’s capital Kathmandu. The Ramana also ordered the Centre to Rohatgi said there were a series of plane was taken to a bay area and file its response by tomorrow and reports by Governor Rajkhowa. IANS on project development, resource “However, the JV company shall security personnel screened the directed further hearing in the mat- “Whatever is the worth of this mobilisation, land acquisition, project be a mandatory stakeholder with baggage, the company said on its ter on Monday, February 1. petition (by Rajesh Tacho), you reply. implementation and monitoring of minimum 26 percent shares in the Twitter account. The court gave liberty to the You may accept it or you may not critical rail projects. SPV.” Security was been beefed up petitioner, Congress chief whip in accept it,” the court observed as the NEW DELHI: The Indian Railways On the occasion, Railway Minis- Besides, the ministry will sign a across India this week because of Arunachal Pradesh Rajesh Tacho, to AG contested the maintainability yesterday entered into two separate ter Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu said the concession agreement of 30 years Tuesday’s Republic Day parade, at amend the plea to include a challenge of the plea challenging the cabinet agreements with Kerala and And- railways have a large shelf of ongo- with the project SPV for operation, which French President Francois to the presidential proclamation. The decision to recommend President’s hra Pradesh for the formation of joint ing new lines, gauge conversions and revenue sharing and providing tech- Hollande was the guest of honour. court directed that Tacho be provided Rule. venture companies (JVCs) with state doubling projects. nical and marketing logistics. the date on which Rajkhowa sent a Contending that the cabinet governments. He elaborated that the develop- Besides, the MoU entails the land report recommending the imposi- recommendation was immune According to the Ministry of ment projects need about Rs.3.5 lakh ownership with the SPV. Thus, pro- tion of President’s Rule. from challenge, Rohatgi said that Railways, it signed two separate crore to complete and thus forma- viding it with financial leverage to 2 policemen killed At the outset of the hearing, unless there is an order, decree or Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) tion of JVCs with state governments exploit the commercial potential of senior counsel Fali S Nariman told a crystallised situation, you can’t with the state governments as part of will go a long way in faster commis- the land. in Jharkhand the apex court that ever since the challenge it. it’s budget plans. sioning of critical rail infrastructure. Earlier, the Indian Railways last hearing on January 22, Aru- As the AG told the court that The MoU envisages formation of “After finances for a project are signed MoUs for the formation of the landmine blast nachal Pradesh had been put under there was no challenge to the pres- JVCs having a 51 percent stake of the tied up, a project specific special pur- JVCs with Maharashtra and Odisha. President’s Rule and two advisors idential proclamation in the matter state government and a 49 percent pose vehicle (SPV) shall be formed. Currently, 17 state governments appointed to assist the governor in before the court, Nariman said the stake of the railway ministry. This SPV can have other stakeholders have agreed to the formation of JVCs IANS running the affairs of the state. Attorney General could not be tech- Under the Mou, JVCs formed from industries, central PSUs, state for development of rail infrastructure Seeking the date on which the nical in his approach. with state governments will focus PSUs,” a ministry statement said. in their respective states.

RANCHI: Two policemen were killed and five injured in a land- mine blast triggered by suspected Kerala CM dismisses bribery charges in solar scam Maoists in Jharkhand’s Palamau district, police said. According to police, secu- rity personnel were travelling in IANS claimed, was part of the Rs70m bribe Chandy. Yesterday, Nair said: “I gave I will get back the money I gave, but a vehicle when Maoist guerrillas demanded by Chandy through his Rs11m to Thomas Kuruvilla in Delhi now I feel it’s time to open up,” said triggered a powerful landmine then staff Jikumon. and another Rs8m in the state capi- Nair. blast. “Even a Rs20m cheque she gave tal. I was arrested 15 days after giving CPI-M state secretary Kodiyeri Two policemen, including the THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ker- to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund the second instalment.” Balakrishnan demanded Chandy’s vehicle’s driver, died on the spot ala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had bounced and then they say Nair also said that she had given resignation after Nair’s disclosure. while five policemen were seri- yesterday dismissed allegations of they gave crores (of rupees) as bribe Rs4m to State Power Minister Ary- State Congress president V M ously injured as the incident took bribery in the solar scam levelled money. This is not tenable,” Chandy adan Mohammed. Sudheeran backed Chandy and place near Kalapahri situated against him by Saritha Nair, one of told reporters. Nair and her live-in partner Biju said this was the latest release in under Chattarpur police station the main accused in the case. Chandy also questioned the bene- Radhakrishnan were arrested in the the series of canards and was timed of Palamau district, around 170 His comments came after Nair fits Nair’s company allegedly got from solar scam in 2013. with an eye to the upcoming assem- km from Ranchi. deposed first before the judicial com- the state government. While Nair is out on bail, Rad- bly elections. The injured policemen were mission probing the case. “The state government has not hakrishnan is still in custody after it “Kerala will take this disclosure hospitalised. She later told reporters at Kochi given any benefits to their company, came to light that he murdered his with a pinch of salt and none will pay Eighteen of Jharkhand’s 24 that she had given Rs.1.90 crore nor has this scam caused a single first wife. heed to what has been alleged,” said districts are facing the Maoist in two instalments which, she paisa loss to the exchequer,” said “I waited all this while expecting Sudheeran. Oommen Chandy menace.

Bengal food Kolkata Book Fair opens India’s ranking improves security scheme to benefit 70 million in global corruption index

IANS IANS corruption remains a blight around the world. But 2015 was also a year when people again took to the streets to protest corruption,” Jose Ugaz, KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief NEW DELHI: India has been ranked chair of Transparency International, Minister Mamata Banerjee yes- at 76th position in public sector cor- was quoted as saying. terday launched an expanded ruption out of 168 countries in the “People across the globe sent a food security scheme under which Transparency International Cor- strong signal to those in power: it is around seven crore people would ruption Perceptions Index 2015, time to tackle grand corruption,” get rice and wheat at Rs2 per kg improving its slot from 85 in 2014 Ugaz said. Denmark took the top each. and 94 in 2013. spot scoring 91 points, while North Launching the scheme — Although corruption is still Korea and Somalia were the worst christened Khadya Sathi — at the rife globally, more countries performers, scoring just eight points sprawling Indira Gandhi Sarani, improved their scores in the 2015 each. Banerjee said around 80 percent of edition of the corruption index, a Top performers share key char- the state’s nine crore people would Trasparency International state- acteristics including high levels of benefit from the scheme. ment said yesterday. press freedom, access to budget Thanking the farmers for con- Overall, two-thirds of the 168 information, high levels of integrity tributing to the stock of grains countries on the 2015 index scored among people in power, and judici- required for Khadya Sathi, she below 50 points on a scale from 0 aries that don’t differentiate between said: “Fifteen lakh tonnes of rice Visitors at the 40th Kolkata International Book Fair, in Kolkata yesterday. This year’s theme country (perceived to be highly corrupt) to rich and poor. was the big- have already been procured, which is Bolivia. The biggest book fair in Asia is a popular cultural event in the city that attracts publishers, 100 (perceived to be very clean). gest decliner in the index, falling five is more than our target of ten lakh writers, buyers and book lovers from all over India and aboard. The event runs until February 8. “The 2015 corruption per- points and dropping seven positions tonnes.” ceptions index clearly shows that to a rank of 76. 16 THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 EUROPE Denmark may tighten asylum policies

said about the government. Danish People’s Party “It wouldn’t be the first time that the Danish People’s Party has to work expected a legislation to get curbs (on immigration) through to be passed making parliament,” he added. On Tuesday, when Denmark’s par- it easier to deport liament adopted the reforms aimed at refugees who have dissuading migrants from seeking asy- lum by delaying family reunifications committed crimes and allowing authorities to confiscate migrants’ valuables, Rasmussen’s right-wing Venstre government said it had no immediate plans to tighten Migrants and refugees walk after crossing the Macedonian border into Serbia, near the village of Miratovac yesterday. More thanone million AFP asylum rules further. migrants and refugees crossed the Mediterranean Sea to Europe in 2015, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR. “At the moment, no, we do not. We’ve introduced several pieces of leg- islation to keep the amount of asylum : Denmark will proba- at a manageable level,” Marcus Knuth, their stay in asylum centres. bly tighten its asylum policies further, Venstre’s spokesman on immigration The DPP is also behind a resolu- Belgian PM urges France for Calais solution the country’s influential anti-immigra- issues, said. tion, passed by lawmakers last week, tion party said yesterday, a day after In order to pass legislation the pushing the government to look into lawmakers passed a controversial bill right-wing minority government the construction of temporary housing Reuters the migrants onto each other. a result, migrants are increasingly allowing authorities to seize valuables needs parliamentary backing from complexes outside cities for refugees, As the refugee crisis has spread trying to reach Britain via neigh- from refugees. the DPP, which became Denmark’s like the country did during the Bal- across Europe, numbers at Cal- bouring Belgium. Since December, The Danish People’s Party (DPP) biggest right-wing party in last year’s kans war in the 1990s. ais have swelled to around 4,000 Belgian police have intercepted hun- has already reached agreement with general election. The DPP sees it as a first step BRUSSELS: The Belgian prime migrants, and another camp has dreds of migrants around the cargo Prime Minister Lars Lokke Ras- “A lot of the curbs that were towards building state-run camps minister has urged France to find a sprung up near Dunkirk. Both ports port of Zeebrugge, which had previ- mussen’s minority government to adopted for the migrants have only where refugees would stay without solution to the sprawling camps shel- are ferry or train rides away from ously not been affected. retroactively lower social benefits for been introduced because the Danish integrating into Danish society. tering thousands of Britain-bound Britain. “We want a concrete proposal by those granted asylum under the pre- People’s Party has pushed for them,” The government has opposed the migrants at its northern ports, say- Belgian Prime Minister Charles France on how to deal with the situa- vious centre-left coalition, the DPP Henriksen said. idea. ing the failure to do so was pushing Michel wrote a letter to French coun- tion in Calais,” a Belgian official said. spokesman on immigration issues “The government initially pro- International outrage against Den- growing numbers towards neigh- terpart Manuel Valls urging France to In August, Britain said it would Martin Henriksen told reporters. posed a package of migration laws mark has focused on the plans to take bouring Belgium. find a solution for the camps, a Bel- contribute 10 million euros ($11 He also expected a legislation to that was much smaller than what was cash and valuables from refugees to The camp Calais, known as gian official said. million) to increased French human- be passed making it easier to deport passed yesterday,” he added. help pay for their stay in asylum cen- the “jungle” because of its make- The two prime ministers will itarian assistance and a fast-track refugees who have committed crimes. He noted that the DPP was the tres, while rights activists have blasted shift, squalid conditions, is already meet in Brussels on Monday. asylum process for the migrants at “We have influenced the govern- first party in the parliament to raise a proposed three-year delay for family a thorn in the side of France’s diplo- France has tightened security the camp. The countries also tight- ment in several different areas and the issue of whether the migrants’ reunifications as a breach of interna- matic relation with Britain, with both around the makeshift camp at Cal- ened security around the port and we see that as our job,” Henriksen valuables could be used to pay for tional conventions. sides trying to push responsibility for ais and Belgian officials say that as Channel Tunnel. Germany backs deportation law for foreign criminals French minister

Reuters investigations are focused on illegal will be threatened with even faster year, has been shaken by the assaults migrants from north Africa as well as deportation, Maas said.” which have deepened scepticism Taubira quits over asylum seekers. Foreigners convicted of resisting towards Merkel’s refugee policy. The proposal by Justice Minis- police or crimes against property will Maas said the new law should BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela ter Heiko Maas and Interior Minister face compelling grounds for expul- help protect the hundreds of thou- nationality measure Merkel’s coalition government backed Thomas de Maiziere will make it eas- sion, as long as the offences were sand of refugees who do not have a a new law yesterday to make it eas- ier to deport non-EU foreign nationals committed using violence, threats criminal record. ier to deport foreign nationals who found guilty of committing physical or trickery. “They don’t deserve to be lumped AFP of terror is a strong symbolic act commit crimes, in the wake of attacks assaults. The law will not apply to cit- The law should also make it easier together with criminals. Migrants against those who have excluded on women on New Year’s Eve, many izens of the European Union. to deny asylum status to new arriv- among us must not be put under gen- themselves from the national com- blamed on migrants. “Nobody among us should be als who are sentenced to at least one eral suspicion,” he said. munity,” Prime Minister Manuel More than 600 women have com- above the spirit and the letter of the year in prison. The draft law must now be PARIS: French Justice Minister Valls said after the measure was plained of being attacked in Cologne law,” Maas said in a statement. “If they Germany, which took in more approved by the Bundestag lower Christiane Taubira quit yesterday, announced. and other cities. Police have said their are criminal foreigners, in future they than 1.1 million asylum seekers last house of parliament. apparently in protest at government But many in the Socialist party efforts to strip convicted French- see the proposal as an act of ideo- born terrorists of their citizenship logical treason that discriminates if they have a second nationality. against one part of the population. Lenin statue Taubira, popular among the rul- Just a day before the reforms Elite meet ing Socialists of President Francois were presented, Taubira announced Hollande but a target of criticism the measure would be dropped, only survives bomb from right-wing politicians, tweeted: to be overruled at the last minute by “Sometimes to resist means staying, Hollande. The reforms also aim to plot in Ukraine sometimes resisting means leaving.” inscribe the right to declare a state The outspoken 63-year-old, of emergency into the constitution, who is from French Guiana, became including powers to raid homes and France’s most senior black politician place people under house arrest DONETSK: A Lenin statue when she was named to the justice without judicial oversight. escaped largely unharmed yester- ministry post in 2012. Valls will present the revised day after unidentified plotters tried She has often been at the centre constitution to parliament and the to blow up the massive monument of controversy as the victim of racial debate starts in early February. of the Soviet Union’s founder in the slurs. Her latest battle saw her una- Hollande named Jean-Jacques de facto capital of rebel Ukraine. ble to see eye-to-eye with members Urvoas, the current president of the Pro-Russian insurgency lead- of her own party over the contro- parliamentary laws commission, as ers quickly accused a “terrorist versial “loss of nationality” measure. Taubira’s successor to “carry out... group” of trying to topple the Hollande called for the measure the constitutional reform”, according statue, which is situated at the to be written into the constitution to a statement from the presidency. main square of the eastern indus- in the aftermath of the November One of the main criticisms of the trial city of Donetsk. jihadist attacks in Paris which left nationality clause is that it will drive A small part of the monu- 130 people dead. a wedge between those who are only ment’s foundation was damaged It is part of a string of reforms French, and those who hold a second in the explosion though the bronze meant to boost security as hundreds nationality. A law already exists that statute itself was left unscathed. of French citizens —many holding allows for naturalised citizens to be “According to our information, dual nationality —leave to fight stripped of their nationality. the explosives were planted by a alongside the Islamic State group in But political scientist Patrick terrorist group in Donetsk,” rebel Iraq and Syria, and in the case of the Weil said in December that military spokesman Eduard Bas- attackers, return to wreak devasta- France would become “the first urin said. tion in France. democracy in the world” to No one claimed immediate EU ministers gathered at the Maritime Museum for the Informal Competitiveness Council Meeting in “Removing French nationality enshrine in its constitution the responsibility and no arrests were yesterday. from those who blindly kill other principle of unequal treatment made, he said. French in the name of an ideology of dual nationals. Diplomats say Bosnia not yet ready for EU membership

Reuters would file its application next month. enlargement talks. The application has not implemented all the reforms economy to fighting corruption, safe- to reflect changes after , Politically decentralised along would need their unanimous backing. needed for membership and that EU guarding human rights and freedom another ex-Yugoslav republic, joined ethnic lines following a 1990s war, Speaking in Sarajevo on Tuesday, members are still “far from” an agree- of expression. Brussels also wants the bloc. and still economically impoverished, the Croat chairman of Bosnia’s rotat- ment to back any application. Bosnia, with its complex matrix of “It’s up to a country to decide BRUSSELS: Bosnia has not met the Bosnia is lagging behind its Balkan ing presidency, Dragan Covic, said An assessment in November governments in different regions, to when to officially file the application. criteria for European Union member- neighbours on the path to join the EU. that submitting the application would 2015 of Bosnia’s convergence with have one effective decision-making But it has been communicated clearly ship and the bloc’s 28 countries are far Sarajevo nevertheless said on be to show “our clear determination EU norms and standards made clear organ to deal with the EU. in the past that Bosnia needs mean- from agreeing to take in the ex-Yugo- Tuesday it would apply to join on to open talks on membership with the the country still had much work The EU also requires that Bosnia ingful progress on at least these two slav republic, diplomats in Brussels February 15, the day before a meeting European Union, nothing else.” to do, from amending its constitu- adjusts its 2008 pre-membership Sta- points to make its application more said after Sarajevo announced it of EU ministers for issues including But EU diplomats said Bosnia tion, reforming the judiciary and the bilisation and Association Agreement credible,” said one diplomat. EUROPE THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 17

Moscow warns French farmers’ protest continues of IS plans to abduct Russians

number one foreign tourism des- tination for years but this came to Russia’s federal an abrupt end following the shoot- tourism agency said ing down of a Russian military plane by Turkish jets on the Syria-Turkey leaders of the IS border in November. terrorist group plan The warning essentially targets all remaining Russian tourists in Tur- to take hostages key, as organised tours by travel from among Russian agencies were banned by Moscow as part of a raft of retaliatory meas- citizens in Turkey ures in the wake of the jet downing. The incident sparked a crisis in relations between Moscow and Ankara, with the Kremlin accusing AFP the Turkish leadership of essentially funding Islamic State jihadists. Russia reintroduced entry visas for Turks and slapped sanctions on MOSCOW: Russia’s federal tourism several Turkish products. French livestock farmers gather near a toll booth on the autoroute to protest falling prices in Ancenis, western France, yesterday. The agency yesterday issued a warn- Russia has been conducting air farmers are staging nation-wide protests since last couple of days. ing that Islamic State jihadists were strikes in Syria, its ally in the region planning to abduct Russian citizens since Soviet times, since September. in Turkey. Turkey meanwhile is part of a par- “According to the competent allel US-led coalition targeting IS in agencies, leaders of the IS terrorist the country. group plan to take hostages from The two countries have lately Belgium court upholds jail terms of Islamist leaders among Russian citizens in Turkey,” also clashed over the guest list for it said in a statement. Syria peace talks set for later this “Hostages can be transferred on week, with Moscow saying they AFP serving his sentence in Belgium, was €15,000 for Mohamed El Youssoufi, Turkey and Morocco, as well as one to territories controlled by militants would be pointless without Syr- convicted in Antwerp in February last a member of the group. of Europe’s biggest Jewish Orthodox to hold public executions and to be ian Kurdish group the Democratic year of radicalising, recruiting and dis- It was not immediately clear if the communities. used as human shields in combat Union Party, which Ankara consid- patching young men to wage war. three others were among the 37 who Belkacem, a hardline ideologue with Syrian government and coa- ers is linked to Kurdish rebels inside BRUSSELS: An appeals court in Bel- The appeals court in Antwerp were tried in their absence. known for his virulent street sermons lition forces,” it added. Turkey. gium’s northern port city of Antwerp also upheld jail terms of 12 years and Sharia4Belgium rose to promi- and online videos, was the leading fig- “Therefore we draw the atten- Turkish authorities have blamed upheld yesterday a 12-year jail term fines of €30,000 for two other Shar- nence in 2010 after a protest against ure in persuading young Belgians to tion of all independent tourists IS for a suicide bombing in the heart and fine of €30,000 ($33,000) for the ia4Belgium leaders, Said M’nari and a proposed ban on wearing burqa fight holy war in Syria. He had already departing for Turkey to the neces- of Istanbul’s tourist district earlier leader of an Islamist group that sent Houssein Elouassaki, the Belga news in public. It found fertile ground for been convicted in 2012 for incitement sity of taking all possible measures this month that killed 10 Germans, jihadists to Syria. agency reported. recruitment in Antwerp, Belgium’s of hate against non-Muslims, and was to ensure personal security.” one of a string of deadly attacks said Fouad Belkacem, 33, the chief The court also confirmed a second biggest city, which has a large portrayed by the others on trial as the Turkey had been Russia’s to be the work of the jihadist group. of the Sharia4Belgium group who is jail term of four years and a fine of Muslim community, mainly from spiritual leader of the group. Nato looks to combat Russia’s information weapon 2 linked to Nazi propaganda Reuters what they say is deliberate disinfor- to resonate with all audiences and communist rule. Russia has invested After Russia moved into Crimea, mation. The EU set up a special unit counter opposing narratives.” in a state-of-the-art media organ- Nato unveiled photographs of Russian website arrested last year to counter what it considers Though favoured by Britain and isation with hundreds of journalists deployments near the Ukrainian fron- overt propaganda. others, the United States is wary of abroad intended to wean the world off tier but they were commercial satellite BRUSSELS: Nato may combat Kremlin Draft Nato proposals could any strategy that could be construed what it calls aggressive Western prop- images and shown more than a month Reuters “weaponisation of information” used become part of a new Nato commu- as base propaganda. aganda - dubbing it, with echoes of the after the annexation. “They (the Rus- to support action such as the 2014 nications directorate. The 23-page Officials say the credibility of Nato, Cold War, Sputnik. It is also now very sians) can create a virtual reality that seizure of Crimea by creating a more document, part of a debate at the an alliance of 28 democracies, relies active on the internet, in social media is meant to confuse and achieve cer- BERLIN: German police yester- powerful communications section and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, on being open and truthful. such as twitter. tain aims,” said one Western diplomat. day arrested two people in raids declassifying more sensitive material, is sensitive. “One of the main principles of Nato , according to the proposals, Nato already has a Strategic Com- against a far-right group sus- according to draft plans. Nato , in its own parlance, is con- Nato is that we cannot counter prop- could move more quickly to declas- munications division and YouTube pected of using an Internet portal Both Nato and the European Union sidering “strategic narratives that lead aganda with more propaganda,” said sify images to back Nato warnings of channel and has increased its social to incite violence against foreigners, are concerned by Russia’s ability to use to aligned words and actions ... appro- Nato spokesperson Oana Lungescu, threatening activity, as well as com- media presence and its response to spread Nazi propaganda and deny television and the Internet to project priately adapted and culturally attuned who grew up in Romania under municating more on social media. media queries. the Holocaust, the public prosecu- tor general said. About 60 policemen and inves- tigators took part in the operation, which involved searching proper- Nazi concentration ceremony UK unions ready to ties in four German states and one location in Spain, prosecutors said in a statement. join fight to stay in EU They suspect Jutta V, 47, and Ralph Thomas K, 27, were the lead- ers of a criminal organisation that Reuters Opinion polls suggest voters are operated “Altermedia Deutsch- split almost 50-50 on whether to pull land”, where Internet users can Britain out of the EU in a vote. . subscribe and take part in forum “What we need to do is start discussions that appear to focus LONDON: Britain’s trade unions putting rights and jobs centre stage in on race. are close to joining the push to keep the campaign debate,” O’Grady said. “The destiny of this earth lies in the country in the European Union, “The bulk of the rights at work that the race,” one user who goes by the bringing grass-roots muscle to a fight matter to us originated in Europe.” name of Patron and has a profile that has so far been dominated by big Britain has around 6 million picture of a stamp featuring Hit- business and bankers, the head of the union members, half the number ler and the Nazi flag wrote in one country’s largest union group said. of the late 1970s. But the TUC, post. Another user posted Internet Unions will fight to stay in, which represents most unions, links on “race purity”. emphasising jobs and workers’ rights, remains a political force with close Three more suspects are part Frances O’Grady, general secretary ties to the opposition Labour Party of the group, prosecutors said. “In of the Trades Union Congress, said. which is broadly supportive of EU addition to banned Nazi salutes and Voters were not listening to the membership. expressions, mass public incitement arguments because the campaign to In a referendum in 1975, the was also published,” prosecutors date has had little to do with their TUC campaigned to get Britain out said. “These ranged from calls for everyday lives, she said. “There is of then European Economic Com- violence against foreigners living a real danger that the campaign is munity. But it turned pro-Europe in in Germany and members of other ’s President Andrzej Duda sits with Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic at a ceremony turning into a debate between elites the 1980s when Brussels promised to faiths and skin colour to the denial in the building of the so-called ‘Sauna’ at the former Nazi German concentration and extermination funded by the banks on the one combine the allure for business of a of the Holocaust.” camp Auschwitz-Birkenau near Oswiecim, Poland, yesterday. hand and hedge funds on the other,” single European market with strong The suspects will appear before O’Grady said. protections for workers. a judge today. Double flu blow forces Saint Petersburg school closures

AFP highest number of swine flu deaths in known as the H1N1 virus. Tuesday that the recent uptick in flu residents of Petersburg head to drug- an outbreak that has claimed some To stop regular flu and the H1N1 “We are hearing that swine flu is figures was not out of the ordinary. stores to stock up on medication and SAINT PETERSBURG: An outbreak of 80 victims nationwide since the start virus from spreading, the city’s pri- very dangerous this year.” “The incidence of flu is above masks, emptying the shelves of phar- swine flu has claimed some 22 lives in of the winter, according to calcula- mary schools will be closed for two Russian officials have tried to average in some regions,” the coun- macies across town. Russia’s second city Saint Petersburg tions based on statements by regional weeks from February 1, and some par- downplay the seriousness of the out- try’s top doctor, Anna Popova, told Some chemists have now already and combined with high rates of sea- officials. ents have already taken action. break with health minister Veronika Interfax news agency. “But overall run-out of prescription flu medica- sonal flu to force authorities to close Authorities say there are treating “I don’t want to take any risks,” Skvortsova saying Monday that the the number of cases does not exceed tion and other flu-season essentials. schools and send residents flocking some 12,000 people with flu symp- said Lyubov Anikanova, who has swine flu situation in the country was the average over many years.” “We haven’t had many popular to pharmacies. toms every day and up to 80 percent refused to send her daughter to school “completely under control.” Despite the assurance from offi- medications for a week now,” said Saint Petersburg has recorded the of these cases could be swine flu, also over fears she could catch the flu. The country’s top doctor said on cials the recent flu cases have seen pharmacist Natalia Selezneva. 18 THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 AMERICAS

Latin American Brazil says beach leaders meet apartments tied on peace process to corruption AFP

conference, adding Mossack has pre- QUITO: Latin American leaders viously helped hide criminal activity gathered yesterday for a summit Dozens of politicians offshore. focused on Colombia’s request are arrested or are “There is real evidence of money for personnel for a UN mission to laundering. We are looking prin- oversee what the region hopes is under investigation cipally at this time at the Vaccari an imminent peace deal with the on suspicion of family,” said prosecutor Carlos Fern- FARC rebels. ando dos Santos , referring to The request from the Colom- overcharging Joao Vaccari, the jailed former treas- bian government and the Petroleo Brasileiro urer of the Workers’ Party. leftist guerrilla group for unarmed Vaccari has been convicted and observers to monitor the eventual SA, and using part sentenced to just over 15 years in jail. end of their half-century conflict of the proceeds to Local O Globo said former tops the agenda as leaders from the bribe members of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva 33-member Community of Latin also had an apartment held under American and Caribbean States President Dilma another name in the complex. Lima (CELAC) meet in the Ecuadoran Rousseff’s ruling did not confirm this. capital Quito. “If there was an apartment that The UN Security Coun- coalition was in his name ... or someone in his cil agreed on Monday to send a family, we will investigate it like any “political mission” to Colombia other,” Lima said. Police emphasized once a peace deal is signed. This that all the apartments in the build- was seen as a strong signal that Reuters ings were under investigation. the end of Latin America’s long- Lula has said his wife had had est-running conflict is near. The an option to buy an apartment in two sides, which have been hold- the complex but that they never ing peace talks for the past three SAO PAULO: Beach-side apart- purchased it. He has threatened to years, asked CELAC countries to ments in Brazil may have been used prosecute journalists for smearing staff the mission. Jeffrey Feltman, as bribes and to launder money for his name in connection with the the UN’s under-secretary general members of the ruling Workers’ Petrobras case. for political affairs, will be in Quito Party, police and prosecutors said However, Lula’s office did not to discuss the regional group’s role. yesterday after ordering six arrests immediately respond to requests The summit, attended by some and 15 search warrants. for comment yesterday. 20 presidents, will also discuss In the latest phase of Brazil’s Neither Lula nor Rousseff is fight against poverty in the region, largest-ever corruption probe, inves- under investigation, though Rous- whose economies are stuck in a tigators are looking into whether seff’s approval rating has suffered painful slowdown. construction firm OAS SA used by the accusations against her polit- Some 27 percent of the apartments in the Solaris complex ical party. region’s 620 million people live in Guaruja as bribes in a corruption Police only gave the name of in poverty. The number of poor, scheme involving state-run oil firm one person that had been arrested, which fell dramatically at the Petrobras. publicist Nelci Warken. OAS and turn of the millennium as the Dozens of executives and pol- Mossack Fonseca, a law firm, did not region’s economies boomed, now iticians have been arrested or are immediately respond to request for risks creeping up again, econo- under investigation on suspicion of comment. mists warn. overcharging Petroleo Brasileiro SA, OAS’s former CEO is facing cor- The most notable absence from as the company is formally known, ruption charges, as is Vaccari. the summit will be Argentina’s new and using part of the proceeds to Around 80 police were involved President Mauricio Macri, who bribe members of President Dilma in the latest raids, called “Triple X” pulled out saying he had cracked a Rousseff’s ruling coalition. after the triplex apartments in the rib while playing with his daughter. The apartments were held in the Solaris building. They were col- Sparks had been expected name of front companies, such as lecting evidence of crimes including to fly between Macri, a busi- Murray Holdings LLC that was reg- corruption, fraud, money-laundering ness-friendly conservative, and istered by Panama-based Mossack and illegal foreign-currency mar- ’s leftist President Nico- Group, prosecutors said at a news ket offences. A view of a Solaris beach-side apartment in Guaruja, Brazil. las Maduro. Neglect led to death of woman in chair for 6 months: Cops One killed in Oregon

AP Barbara Beam died January 2, chair and put the 200-pound woman Prosecutors have been review- 2015, at her Greenville home. She on the floor. Her legs were still bent ing the case for a year. David Howell shootout as FBI lived with her sister Carole Howell in a sitting position when the officer was listed in jail yesterday, and Car- and Howell’s son David. At the time arrived. Officers noted indentions ole Howell was released on a personal COLUMBIA: Two relatives of an of her death, police said that Beam’s on the back of Beam’s legs and body bond. A woman who answered the 82-year-old woman who author- sister told them the woman couldn’t fluids staining the chair, saying the phone at a home number listed for arrests siege leader ities say died after she sat in the move on her own, “stays in the chair home’s smell was so bad that fire- Carole Howell said she did not know same chair for six months have been located in the bedroom and that she fighters set up a fan at the door as the woman and hung up on a reporter. charged with neglect, the police said had not moved out of the chair for they worked. David Howell has been arrested AFP anti-government activist who in yesterday. approximately six months.” The Greenville County Coroner’s more than a dozen times since 1991, 2014 engaged in an armed standoff The documents show that David The sister told police Beam refused Office ruled Beam’s death a homicide including charges for drug posses- with federal authorities over unpaid Scott Howell, 43, and Carole Beam to eat a few hours before her death and by neglect, saying that she died from sion, underage drinking and making cattle grazing fees at his Howell, 74, were arrested on January they watched a soap opera together in a blood clot in her lung. Beam also obscene phone calls. BURNS: One person was killed ranch. 21 and charged with abuse or neglect her bedroom before she went to the had deep vein thrombosis, which are There are also several arrests for and several others arrested in the Cliven Bundy confirmed LaVoy resulting in the death of a vulnera- kitchen. When the sister returned, clots caused by sitting for long peri- criminal domestic violence, assault US state of Oregon in a shootout Finicum’s death on his Facebook ble adult. Neither the warrants nor Beam was slumped in her chair, and ods of time, and a serious infection and stalking, although some of those between police and anti-government page, saying that he “was Shot and online court records listed an attor- didn’t have a pulse, police said. that started in her kidneys, accord- charges were ultimately dropped, gunmen that had been occupying a murdered in Cold blood today in ney for either of them. Paramedics took Beam from the ing to the coroner. according to state police records. federal wildlife refuge. Burns Oregon” (sic) by the FBI and The FBI said that Ammon Bundy, state police. the rancher who led the January 2 The FBI has scheduled a 1830 occupation in the northwestern state, GMT press conference to give details McCain to strive was among five people arrested on the arrests. Waking up the world when federal agents and state troop- The rural site the protesters took ers stopped vehicles carrying the over, the Malheur National Wildlife against use of activists on a remote ice-covered Refuge, is located some 48km away highway. from the nearest town —Burns, Russian engines Bundy, 40, faces a federal fel- which has a population of 3,000. ony charge “of conspiracy to impede On Tuesday state police arrested WASHINGTON: US Senate Armed officers of the United States from dis- a 45 year-old man from Arizona, and Services Committee Chairman charging their official duties through the FBI arrested a 50 year-old man John McCain yesterday said he the use of force, intimidation, or from Ohio “without incident,” both planned to introduce legisla- threats,” the FBI said in a statement. connected to the standoff. tion that would strike language During the arrest operation “thee Another militant leader, 32 year- included in a massive 2016 spend- were shots fired,” the statement read. old Jon Ritzheimer, surrendered to ing bill that eased a congressional Authorities did not immedi- police in the southwestern state of ban on the use of Russian rocket ately identify the dead person, who Arizona on the conspiracy charge, engines. The Oregonian newspaper said was US media reported. McCain told a hearing on the group spokesman Robert “LaVoy” It was not immediately clear if issue that he and House Major- Finicum. the string of arrests would end the ity Leader Kevin McCarthy would The FBI said another per- standoff. Malheur Refuge occupier introduce the legislation today, son “suffered non-life threatening Jason Patrick told The Oregon- the first of many actions planned injuries” and was rushed to a local ian that the site quiet, but added “to ensure we end our depend- hospital before being arrested. cryptically that “we’re all standing ence on Russian rocket engines The group was stopped on the here ready to defend our peaceful and stop subsidising Vladimir highway while traveling in two vehi- resolution.” Putin and his gang of corrupt cles, a section of media reported. Local radio reports said that cronies.” Details of the incident remain neighbors were being urged to leave McCain vowed to do “every- unclear, but apparently two men the area around the refuge. thing in my power” to ban future —including Bundy’s 43-year-old Last week some 30 people, use of the engines, which power brother Ryan -- disobeyed orders including women and children, were the Atlas 5 rocket built by United and resisted arrest, resulting in shots at the site, but it was unclear how Launch Alliance, a joint venture of fired, The Oregonian said. many were present on Wednesday. Lockheed Martin Corp and Boe- Sun rises behind residential homes on a hillside in Cardiff, California, yesterday. The Bundy bothers are the sons Oregon Governor Kate Brown ing Co. of Cliven Bundy, 69, a racist, vitriolic urged calm in a statement. AMERICAS THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 1917

Obama for Zika virus cases development among tourists of vaccines AFP increasing WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama yesterday has called for faster research on the Britain has reported five cases quick-moving Zika virus, which in travellers returning from South is spread by mosquitoes and has Brazilian President America since last year while the been linked to a rise in birth Dilma Rousseff vows Netherlands has confirmed 10 cases, defects in Brazil. also in people returning from the Obama urged better diagnos- to wage a ‘house-by- region. The virus was first reported tic tests and the development of house’ fight against in Africa, Asia and the Pacific before vaccines and treatments against leaping to the Americas, where it has the virus, which the World Health the virus been linked to a jump in the number Organisation has said is likely to of babies born abnormally with small spread throughout the Americas. heads, particularly in Brazil. Obama was briefed on the sit- The number of cases of the uation by top science experts in the AFP deformity in Brazil surged from 163 US government, including the US per year on average to 3,893 after the Centers for Disease Control and Zika outbreak began last year. Forty- Prevention, Health and Human nine of the babies have died. Services, and the National Insti- COPENHAGEN: Denmark and Swit- Some 20 Latin American and Car- tutes of Health, according to a zerland yesterday joined a growing ibbean countries have been swept up White House statement. number of European countries to in the outbreak which has extended On Tuesday, the CDC expanded report Zika infections in tourists as far north as . Travelers have its travel warning for pregnant returning from Latin America, where also brought it back to the US states of women and those considering the mosquito-borne virus has been Florida, Hawaii and New York. becoming pregnant to avoid 24 blamed for a surge in birth defects. Meanwhile, Brazilian President areas in Latin America and the “A Danish tourist who travelled Dilma Rousseff vowed Wednesday to Caribbean that have seen cases to Central and South America was wage a “house-by-house fight” against of Zika virus. diagnosed on his return with the Zika Zika sowing fear ahead of the 2016 Now, travelers are advised virus,” a hospital in Denmark said. The Olympics. to postpone visits to the US Vir- patient was a young man who was The outbreak is worrying officials gin Islands and the Dominican expected to make a full recovery, the as the country prepares to host the Republic, along with Puerto Rico, head of Aarhus hospital, Lars Oster- Olympics, which will bring hundreds Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Cape gaard, told public broadcaster DR. of thousands of travelers from around Verde, Colombia, Ecuador, El Sal- Two people returning from Haiti the world to Rio de Janeiro in August. vador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, and Colombia to Switzerland were also Rousseff said Brazil would place Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Hondu- diagnosed with the virus, the Swiss “extreme emphasis” on wiping out ras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Federal Office of Public Health said. mosquito breeding grounds, combat- , Saint Martin, Samoa, Neither was pregnant and neither ting transmission of the disease and Suriname and Venezuela. required hospital care. looking for a vaccine against Zika, for There have not yet been any A woman in the Swedish capital which there is no specific treatment. cases of local transmission of Zika was diagnosed with the “It’s going to be a house-by-house virus within the United States, virus in July 2015, the Swedish Public fight,” she said at a regional summit although infected travelers have Health Agency confirmed yesterday. in Ecuador. returned to the country after vis- “The symptoms were treated and “Although we don’t have a vac- iting other areas. the woman recovered,” said Karin cine today, I’m sure we will have one, The virus can pass from a Tegmark Wisell, head of microbiol- though it will take time.” pregnant women to her fetus, ogy at the health agency. Brazil’s health minister announced and global health authorities are There is no vaccine or specific on Monday that 200,000 soldiers concerned by an apparent link treatment for Zika, a flu-like disease would be deployed to go house to between Zika virus and nearly with a rash that goes unnoticed in 70 house as part of a mosquito control 4,000 cases of babies born with to 80 percent of cases. Most patients campaign. Insect repellant will be unusually small heads —a condi- treat the symptoms simply with pain- handed out to at least 400,000 preg- tion known as microcephaly —in killers and other medication. nant women, he said. Brazil. US researchers urge world health body to take rapid action

Reuters agency to convene an emergency ses- infected have no symptoms, making it and Lawrence Gostin, a global health worst Ebola outbreak on record. “That is in my view clearly needs sion of health and infectious disease difficult for pregnant women to know law expert, wrote in the viewpoint Lucey, a prominent infectious to happen, and should have happened experts to consider how to respond to whether they have been infected. article in JAMA. disease expert who treated Ebola already,” Lucey said. Convening the the outbreak. Until recently, the virus was seen The WHO’s leadership admitted to patients in Africa, said both Brazil and meeting would allow for global coor- CHICAGO: US researchers called on Just convening the meeting as a mild disease, but concern has serious missteps last April in its han- the Pan American Health Organisa- dination of travel advisories, research the World Health Organisation yes- would focus attention on funding been elevated after the recent discov- dling of the Ebola crisis, which was tion, the WHO’s Regional Office for priorities and infection control meas- terday to take swift action on the Zika and research, they said in a view- ery of a possible link to birth defects focused mostly on three West Afri- the Americas, had done a “great job” ures, he said. virus that is linked with thousands of point article published yesterday by in some affected countries and also can countries and which killed more responding to the Zika outbreak. That declaration might come as birth defects in Brazil and is rapidly the Journal of the American Medical to Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare than 10,000 people. But he added that only Chan had early as this week. spreading in Latin America and the Association. but serious condition that can cause They pledged reforms, with Chan the authority to convene an emer- Dr. Carissa Etienne, director of the Caribbean. The Zika virus has been linked to paralysis. declaring the WHO had “learned les- gency meeting of top experts on the PAHO regional office of the WHO, was Georgetown University research- brain damage in thousands of babies Recent models for how the dis- sons of humility” after the agency International Health Regulations’ expected to brief the WHO Executive ers urged WHO Director-General in Brazil. There is no vaccine or treat- ease is spreading predict “significant was strongly criticised for acting too Emergency Committee to consider Board on the Zika outbreak at a spe- Margaret Chan to heed the lessons of ment for Zika, which is a close cousin international spread by travelers slowly to declare an outbreak. Some declaring Zika a “Public Health Emer- cial session convened for today, WHO Ebola and act quickly to combat the of dengue and chikungunya and from Brazil to the rest of the Amer- critics have said the WHO’s slow gency of International Concern.” That officials said. The talks were expected mosquito-transmitted disease. causes mild fever, rash and red eyes. icas, Europe, and Asia,” Dr. Daniel response played a major role in allow- is defined by the WHO as a serious to take place at WHO headquarters Specifically, they called on the UN An estimated 80 percent of people Lucey, an infectious disease expert, ing the epidemic to balloon into the health crisis. . in Geneva.

AyyayayayayayayyyyAdmiring the art Trump picks up fight with Fox News

Reuters last televised debate before the Iowa Cruz, a conservative and a debat- caucuses on Monday will not fea- ing champion in college, challenged ture the man who has dominated Trump to a one-on-one debate. the Republican race for months and Another Republican hopeful, US WASHINGTON: US presidential leads many opinion polls. The cau- Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky, candidate yesterday cuses are the first contest in the told Fox News that he welcomed escalated a fight with Fox News, using nation to choose the Republican Trump’s absence from the debate the word “bimbo” in a derogatory presidential nominee. Trump has stage because it means “we don’t tweet about anchorwoman Megyn been feuding with Fox News since have to put up with a lot of empty Kelly after he dramatically pulled out the network put on the first Repub- blabber and boastfulness.” of a debate only days before the first lican debate in August, when Kelly New Jersey Governor Chris Chris- votes of the 2016 campaign are cast. asked Trump about his treatment of tie, who is also in the Republican Trump on Tuesday withdrew women, prompting a stream of insults race, described Trump’s decision at from the televised encounter, sched- from the candidate and complaints as “a big mistake” which calls into uled for tonight in Des Moines, Iowa, of not being treated fairly. question his ability to be president. irritated at host Fox Newsfor allowing Trump’s main rival in Iowa, US “Anytime you get a podium and a Kelly to moderate after her question- Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, poured microphone and 15-20 million peo- ing had angered him in a debate last scorn on the billionaire for pulling ple watching in an election campaign, year. out of the debate. you should take it,” Christie told Bos- Trump, who is the Republican In Twitter posts, Cruz likened ton Herald Radio. front-runner to win the nomination it a comical retreat from a “Monty US Senator Marco Rubio of Flor- for the November 8 presidential elec- Python” sketch and accused Trump ida, also a Republican candidate, tion, followed up with a thinly veiled of “trembling at being questioned” said he wanted to focus on keeping insult yesterday. by Kelly. Cruz used the hashtag the party united so as to beat Hil- “I refuse to call Megyn Kelly a #DuckingDonald to make fun of lary Clinton, the former secretary of Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani witnessed last evening the arrival of Fath Al Kheir bimbo, because that would not be the former reality TV star for duck- state, in November if she becomes the 2 at Katara Cultural village beach. The event was also attended by H H Sheikh Jassem bin Hamad Al politically correct,” he wrote on ing out of the debate and tweeted a Democratic nominee. “These kinds Thani, Representative of the Emir. Pic: Qassim/The Peninsula → See also page 26 Twitter. “Instead I will only call her mocked-up picture of Trump’s head of theatrics by Ted Cruz and Donald A girl looks at graffiti in the Aguablanca neighbourhood in Cali, Colombia, yesterday a lightweight reporter!” on Donald Duck’s body sitting on a Trump are an entertaining sideshow,” Trump’s withdrawal means the pile of money. Rubio said.

PRAYER TIMINGS

FAJR 05.00 am ZUHR 11.47 am MAGHRIB 05.17 pm SHOROOK 06.19 am ASR 02.53 pm ISHA 06.47 pm 20 THURSDAY

28 JANUARY 2016 WEATHER Minimum: 15o C Maximum: 21o C

HIGH TIDE 07:30 - 19:45 Dusty to blowing dust and partly cloudy to cloudy at first at LOW TIDE 00:30 - 14:45 places cold by night.

ONLINE CHART BUST Sundance films target www.thepeninsulaqatar.com gun violence MOST READ in America Emir reshuffles cabinet; many minis- 1 tries merged AFP Saudi central bank warns banks 2 against riyal speculation

What happens if you misplace identity card PARK CITY, UNITED STATES: Gun vio- 3 while abroad lence in America has taken centre stage at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, where four films focusing on the divisive issue and its impact are making their debut. TWEET OF THE DAY The films — including “Newtown,” a harrowing documentary on the after- math of the 2012 massacre at a school in in which 20 children died -- are sure to amplify the debate about gun control in the United States where mass shootings have become commonplace. They are also being shown against the backdrop of a presidential race in which gun violence is a hot-topic issue. “I wanted this to be an intimate portrait that would break through desensitisation,” Kim Sny- der, the director of “Newtown,” told a panel discussion at the festival. “My main goal was to try and pierce through what I think is dangerously happening where none of us can take in these repeated incidents.” “Newtown” looks closely at a broken community as it tries to come to terms with a mass shooting that horrified the nation and was considered a watershed INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY moment in the debate about gun violence. Several parents who lost children in the massacre open their shattered lives to Qatar’s first the camera in the film and speak of their concept car was determination to push for tougher gun laws revealed dur- to ensure others don’t endure their suf- ing the opening fering. “We knew that this story had to be of Qatar Motor told,” Mark Barden, who lost his youngest Show 2016 son Daniel in the massacre, told the audi- at the Doha ence after the film’s premiere at Sundance. Exhibition & “We felt that it was very important ... Convention for the vast majority of the people who Center. really care to see this window into what this is and how deep it goes,” he added. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

PAGE | 22 QE 8,979.50 +230.88 PTS PAGE | 23 Microsoft to DOW 16,160.35 -6.88 PTS Qatar’s real estate organise forum on FTSE100 5,990.37 +78.91 PTS market adjusts to innovation BRENT $31.90 -$0.10 challenges: DTZ

THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 • 18 Rabia II 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

QIIB’s income grows 4.6%, net profit touches QR784m

recommendation to the Ordinary various economic sectors, enhanc- Abdulbasit Ahmed Al Shaibei pointed Customer deposits General Assembly of the bank’s ing their performance, and the out that the bank’s operating reve- shareholders for distribution of achievement of interim and strategic nues reached QR1.59bn in December, increased at the profits equivalent to QR4 per share, objectives so as to serve the develop- 2015 compared with QR1.52bn in 2014, end of 2015 to unchanged from QR4 per share in ment plans and actually participate in a growth of 4.6 percent. Customer 2014. the implementation of Qatar National deposits increased at the end of 2015 QR26.7bn compared Disclosing the financial results, Vision 2030 and its ambitious goals”. to QR26.7bn compared with QR26.6bn with QR26.6bn in QIIB Chairman Sheikh Dr Khalid “While focusing on the local mar- in December 2014, thus register- reaffirmed the bank’s strong financial ket in 2015, the bank profited from ing a growth of 0.1 percent. He said December 2014 position and it’s capacity to achieve highly-beneficial, low-risk foreign financing assets grew by 14.8 percent continued growth. Sheikh Dr Khalid opportunities. It also strengthened its compared to end-2014, whereas QIIB’s said, “The continuous development partnerships in various regional and assets increased at the end of 2015 to achieved by QIIB confirms the active international markets. This is clearly QR40.6bn compared with QR38.4bn The Peninsula role we are playing in the Qatari reflected on a partnership agreement in 2014, registering a growth of 5.8 economy, which has witnessed, for concluded by QIIB with the aim of percent. Total shareholders’ equity quite some time, a boom in its vari- applying for the opening of a bank in amounted to QR5.6bn and the capital ous sectors thanks to the support and the Kingdom of Morocco. We hope adequacy in terms of Basel III reached DOHA: Qatar’s major Islamic lender patronage of H H Sheikh Tamim bin QIIB Chairman Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani (left) that QIIB will acquire approval this 16.7 percent, which indicates QIIB’s International Islamic (QIIB) recorded a Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar. and QIIB Chief Executive Officer Abdulbasit Ahmed Al Shaibei. year in order to initiate the establish- financial stability and efficiency. total income amounting to QR1.59bn, We are proud to move in tandem with ment of the new bank,” he said. Al Shaibei affirmed that QIIB’s with a net profit of QR784.2m for the this boom and we believe we will per- expectations as it has a positive and large, small, or medium-sized “The bank has an optimistic out- results for 2015 clearly indicated full year 2015. QIIB’s net profit stood sist and grow even further.” impact on the bank and its share- enterprises, which recently attracted look for the future, despite challenges that the bank was able to maintain at QR825.8m at the end of 2014. “If we look objectively at the holders alike”. great interest from the bank. QIIB is in the global economic landscape. We its growth rate. Its response to var- QIIB has achieved earnings per results, we will see that develop- Sheikh Dr Khalid noted the QIIB’s highly ranked, at the local level, in draw upon the high levels of liquidity ious market factors was also clear share (EPS) equivalent to QR5.18 in ment and growth were achieved in strategy to focus on the local market terms of financing such enterprises and strength of the Qatari economy and appropriate to meet the chal- 2015. The results were announced various items provisioned in the QIIB is gaining great momentum, in terms and building partnerships with the as well as its strong characteristics, lenges. This is certainly due to the fact after the board of directors’ meeting budget. The numbers achieved reflect of the bank’s active involvement in main goal of supporting and accom- which provide it with the ability to that QIIB is playing an active role in chaired by Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani the successful execution of most of the execution of development plans modating them. continue growing and achieve good Qatar’s economy, which witnessed a bin Abdullah Al Thani. the plans and targeted growth rates, and the financing of various projects. The bank will remain actively numbers”. distinguished performance in its var- QIIB Board of Directors made a although we always seek to exceed These include infrastructure projects involved in the financing of the QIIB Chief Executive Officer ious sectors.

Commercial Bank announces Apple sees Qatar Airways to first sales dip QR1.45bn profit for 2015 in more than receive 31 more a decade aircraft this year The Peninsula margin decreased to 2.48 percent as compared to the third quarter of 2015 SAN FRANCISCO: Apple at 2.51 percent. Net provisions for Inc forecast its first revenue loans and advances were QR814m, drop in 13 years and reported By Mohammad Shoeb DOHA: The Commercial Bank up 30.7 percent from QR623m pro- the slowest-ever increase in The Peninsula delivered a net profit of QR1.45bn vided in 2014. The non-performing iPhone shipments as the crit- for 2015, a 24.9 percent decrease in loan ratio has increased to 4.17 per- ical Chinese market showed profitability compared to 2014. On cent compared with 3.82 percnet at signs of weakening, suggest- DOHA: Qatar Airways is expected to a quarterly basis, Commercial Bank the end of December 2014 . ing the technology company’s add over 30 new aircraft to its fleet generated net profit of QR117m in the Impairment provisions on the period of exponential growth in 2016, Akbar Al Baker (pictured), fourth quarter 2015, as compared to Bank’s investment portfolio reduced may be ending. Group Chief Executive of Qatar’s QR387m in the fourth quarter 2014. to QR46.5m, compared with QR50m The slowdown comes as national carrier said yesterday. The Board of Directors is recom- in 2014. Wall Street analysts worry “We are expecting the delivery mending, for approval at the annual Commercial Bank delivered bal- the company does not have of some 31 aircraft this year pro- general assembly on March 16, a cash ance sheet growth of 6.7 percent at another blockbuster product vided all the delivery programme dividend payout of QR3 per share. with total assets at QR123.4bn, com- to replace the iPhone. Apple is on schedule,” Al Baker told The The financial results and profit dis- pared to QR115.7bn at the end of does not report Watch sales, Peninsula on the sidelines of a press tribution are subject to the approval December 2014. ABank contributed but it does not appear to have conference held by Hamad Inter- of the Qatar Central Bank. QR16.5bn of assets for the period. the makings of being a hit on national Airport to announce a The bank’s net operating income Balance sheet growth was driven the same level as the iPhone partnership agreement with German increased by1.2 percent to QR3.94bn mainly by an increase in lending to a year after launch. And football club, FC Bayern Munich. “We are still growing at the double- for the year ended December 31, development of the economy, as it has customers and financial investments. while the company is report- Al Baker added: “We are already digit rate and I still have more than 2015, up from QR3.90bn achieved in done for the past 40 years.” Loans and advances to customers edly working on a car, what delayed with the delivery of Airbus two months to go before we close 2014. ABank delivered net operating Hussain Al Fardan, Commercial were up by 5.6 percent to QR76.6bn it plans to do in that area and A320 variants; two of them we were (for the current financial year)… But income of QR711.6m for the year rep- Bank’s Vice-Chairman and Managing compared with QR72.5bn at the end of when are still unclear. supposed receive last year.” we are expecting to give very-very resenting 18 percent of the total net Director, added, “Commercial Bank December2014. The growth in lending The company’s shares, Qatar Airways has about 324 interesting figures.” operating income. reported a net profit of QR1.46bn since December 2014 has been gen- which have fallen 5 percent aircraft on order. Of them, 187 to On the issue of terminal access Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali bin Jabor for the full year 2015. Our financial erated mainly in the Services, Real this year, bounced around in be delivered by Airbus and the rest restriction faced by Qatari Airways Al Thani, Chairman of the Board of results for the year were affected Estate and Retail sectors. Investment after-hours trading and were 137 are to come from Boeing. These at New York’s John F Kennedy Air- Directors of Commercial Bank, said, by slowing economic growth in our securities were up by 36.4 percent to down more than 2.6 percent. orders include 80 Airbus A320 port, he said: “The option of exiting “Despite concerns over the global markets in addition to higher than QR15.8bn, up from QR11.6bn in 2014. “It’s disappointing to see Neo; 100 Boeing 777X and 7 Airbus from Oneworld is not a threat but economy, Qatar’s economy remains average provisioning taken by our Abdulla Saleh Al Raisi, Commer- them miss on an already A380-8007. a fact. This is a partnership. But robust, backed by the country’s UAE associate. However, the fun- cial Bank’s CEO, said, “Our markets downward adjusted sales About the delivery of A380 there are people who do not want strong reserves and the govern- damentals of our business remain have proved challenging during number and the fact is that (dubbed as Superjumbo), he said partnership, so what is the whole ment’s commitment to planned non strong and our strategy firm: to the course of the year, as economic with their iPhone growth that Qatar Airways is expecting to exercise all about? However, Qatar hydro-carbon projects. The review continue to build upon our 40 year growth slowed amidst concern over slowing what was needed receive one more A380 in Decem- Airways is still committed to the of major government projects ahead heritage, further developing a finan- the prospects of the global econ- was a product to be excited ber this year and one in January 2017. Oneworld alliance until we find that of last year’s drop in the price of oil, cial institution designed to meet our omy. 2016 will likely be a challenging about,” said JJ Kinahan, chief On the possibility of new orders, it is huge uphill way for us, and it is means that Qatar is in a strong posi- customers’ changing needs.” year as the world adjusts to lower oil strategist at TD Ameritrade. Al Baker declined to comment. only a ‘one-way street’. It has to be tion to continue the diversification The bank’s net interest income prices, increasing interest rates and “Pressure on the shares will The airline has achieved a phe- a two-way.” of its economy. This national strat- was QR2.53bn, 1.8 percent lower slower rates of growth from China. continue without a well- nomenal route expansion averaging On the acquisition plans of Royal egy provides Commercial Bank with than in 2014, as tightening liquidity However, Commercial Bank is well- defined plan to grow sales 30 percent growth year-to-year and Air Maroc (RAM) and India’s Indigo, a wide range of opportunities to gen- and asset yields compressed mar- positioned to generate value and we or a new product.” flying one of the most modern fleet he said: “Yes, we are negotiating with erate value for its customers and gin. ABank contributed QR499.5m, are optimistic about the long term of 158 aircraft in the skies today. them and hopefully you (media) will shareholders, whilst supporting the 19.8 percent of the total. Net interest prospects for the Bank.” On passenger growth, he said: get to know when we decide.” 22 THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 BUSINESS

Ultra-low interest Qatar foreign trade surplus hit QR9.3bn in Dec rates push Nordea bank online surplus decreased by QR1.6bn, or 14.8 Motor cars and other passenger vehi- Total exports percent, compared to November 2015. cles was at the top of the imported In December 2015, the total group of commodities, with QR 1.1bn, STOCKHOLM: The Nordic region’s amounted to exports of goods (including exports showing a decrease of 2.1 percent biggest bank, Sweden’s Nordea, QR20.3bn of goods of domestic origin and re- compared to December 2014. In sec- said it would cut its real estate exports) amounted to QR20.3bn, ond place were parts of aircraft and costs and focus further on online showing a decrease of 36.9 percent helicopters etc with QR0.9bn, show- services after a “challenging” 2015 compared to December 2014 and a fall ing an increase of 21.4 percent, and owing to unusually low interest The Peninsula of 4.7 percent compared to Novem- in third place were electrical appa- rates in the region. ber 2015. ratus for line telephony/telegraphy, Net profit for the year climbed Imports of goods in December telephone sets, etc; parts thereof with by 10 percent to €3.66bn ($3.97bn), 2015 amounted to QR11bn, showing QR0.3bn, decreased by 24.1 percent. enabling Nordea to offer share- DOHA: Qatar’s foreign merchan- a decrease of 1 percent over December reaching QR12.6bn in December 2015, In December 2015, Japan was at In December 2015, China was the holders a dividend of 0.64 euros dise trade surplus (the difference 2014. However, on a month-on-month i.e. a decrease of 43.8 percent, petro- the top of the countries of destina- leading country of origin of Qatar’s per share, up from 0.62 euros a between total exports and imports) basis, the imports increased by 6 leum oils and oils from bituminous tion of Qatar’s exports with QR4.4bn, imports with QR1.3bn, a share of year ago. The Nordea share shed was at QR9.3bn for December 2015. It percent. The year-onyear decrease minerals (crude) reaching QR2.2bn, a share of 21.9 percent of total exports, 11.4 percent of the imports, followed 4.28 percent in midday trading showed a decline of QR11.7bn, or 55.8 in total exports was mainly due to decreased by 50.6 percent, as well as followed by and India with QR2.6bn by United States of America with on the Stockholm exchange, as percent, compared to December 2014, lower exports of petroleum gases and the petroleum oils and oils from bitu- and a share of 12.9 percent, South QR1.2bn, a share of 10.8 percent, analysts had forecast stronger said the Ministry of Development other gaseous hydrocarbons (LNG, minous minerals (not crude) reaching Korea with QR2.5bn, a share of 12.4 and United Kingdom with QR0.9bn, performance in the final quarter. Planning and Statistics yesterday. The condensates, propane, butane, etc.) QR1bn, decreased by 12.5 percent. percent. During December 2015, a share of 8.5 percent. Last year “was a challenging year with exceptionally low inter- est rates, geopolitical tensions and market turmoil. Under these mar- ket conditions we are pleased to Manateq’s SEZs meet report an increase in the income level of three percent in local cur- rencies,” Nordea’s chief executive Casper von Koskull said in a state- quality standards ment. The central banks in Sweden and Norway have slashed their key rates to record low levels, while the bank is also active in Finland and with ISO certification the Baltic states which use the euro and interest rates are near zero. The group said it would devote The Peninsula statutory and regulatory requirements. the next three years to transition- The certification was issued to ing into “a truly digital bank”, the Manateq after a thorough and inde- reducing its real estate costs. pendent review and audit conducted Those efforts began in the DOHA: Manateq’s commitment to pro- by TUV NORD CERT GmbH, a service- fourth quarter, when net profit vide excellence in the Management provider for comprehensive testing and slid by three percent to €848m, of Design & Development of its Spe- certification on the basis of national weighed down by a restructur- cial Economic Zones (SEZs) has been and international specifications and ing charge of €263m “related to stamped with a global of approval, standards for products, services and staff, premises and some interna- in accordance with stringent inter- management systems. tional units.” national standards, through an ISO Manateq’s SEZs, as is its other Nordea explained it was 9001:2008 Certification. projects such as Logistics Parks and financing the “shift from physical According to the International Warehousing Parks, are aimed at to digital distribution and estab- Organisation for Standardisation, further promoting the growth and lishing e-branches.” an ISO 9001:2008 certificate means development of the private sec- During 2016-2017, the aim is Manateq Chief Executive Officer Fahad Rashid Al Kaabi receiving the certification. that an organisation has met specific tor in Qatar. These projects are also to “decrease the number of head requirements for a quality manage- envisioned to spur further business office locations and to relocate to ment system. economic activities in the country Officer of Manateq. “This also further done,” he added. “Now we can move entrepreneurship and innovation head office premises outside of the This includes having demonstrated and significantly contribute to the strengthens our resolve at Manateq further ahead into our core business through investments towards a sus- central business districts.” its ability to consistently provide prod- achievement of the ‘Economic Devel- to remain focused and continue to at hand and our vision of becoming tainable future. With its Client Services That was supposed to enable it ucts and services that meets customer opment’ pillar of the Qatar National work hard in order to not just meet Qatar’s trusted provider of Economic Team working tirelessly to assist both book savings “already in late 2016.” and applicable statutory and regula- Vision 2030. but actually exceed all of our clients’ Zones by delivering a streamlined local and foreign investors at every Nordea also wants to simplify tory requirements. Furthermore, the “The ISO 9001:2008 Certifica- expectations. range of property and business serv- stage in order to ensure speedy set- its global legal structure, central- organisation also aims to enhance cus- tion is indeed a deserving reward for “As I thank TUV NORD CERT GmbH ices to domestic and foreign investors, up process of businesses, this is well ising further around the Swedish tomer satisfaction through the effective all the dedication and hard work that for their strict testing and assessment SME’s and national champions in Qatar, complemented by a diverse range of parent group. Last year the bank application of the system, including the entire management and staff of that has enabled us to pass such high Middle Eastern and international strategically located Land and Prop- registered a drop in net interest processes for continual improvement Manateq has poured into our Special international standards, I also wish to markets.” erty solutions that will foster growth income — down four percent in of the system and the assurance of Economic Zones project,” said Fahad congratulate the entire management As a premium partner of amongst small, medium and large local currency — despite rising conformity to customer and applicable Rashid Al Kaabi, Chief Executive and staff of Manateq for a job well choice, Manateq aims to promote enterprises. lending volumes.

Microsoft to organise forum Retirement out of reach for 2 in 5 workers who want it: HSBC on innovation The Peninsula the proportion that said the same in 55 percent of working age people next five years (81 percent), with 39 Yet financial barriers are preventing 2015, when 10 percent of pre-retirees over 45 who would like to retire in percent saying they would like to do many people from retiring when they expected never to be able to afford to the next five years want to do so to so to join their partner in retirement. would like to – or, in some cases, at fully retire. have the freedom to travel or pursue Of those 45+ pre-retirees who all. Almost one in five people fear that DOHA: Sixty-five percent of pre- In the survey of more than 18,000 other interests, and 44 percent say would like to retire but are unable, they will never be able to retire fully, retirees aged 45 and over would like people in 17 countries worldwide, they would like to spend more time 64 percent say this is due to not hav- so the need for sound financial plan- to retire within the next five years if HSBC found that the desire to retire with family. Nearly one in three (29 ing saved enough, 32 percent say it is ning is stronger than ever. circumstances allowed, but 38 per- among 45+ pre-retirees is strong- percent) say they would like to retire because they have dependants who “People should consider these cent of these say they are unable to est in Argentina (78 percent), France because they are tired of the everyday rely on their income and 24 percnet aspirations when planning for retire- do so, according to HSBC’s report, (77 percent), China (75 percent) and routine of work and almost a quar- cannot retire due to having a lot of ment and ensure they are making The Future of Retirement Healthy in the UK (75 percent). Of those aged ter (23 percent) say it is because their debt. sufficient financial provisions for new beginnings. 45+ who would like to stop working work is having a negative impact on Charlie Nunn, Group Head of this new chapter in life. Even small Financial pressures are so great and are unable to do so, 81 percent their mental and/or physical health. Wealth Management, comments: amounts saved today can lay the DOHA: Software giant Microsoft that 18 percent of pre-retirees world- say this is because they would strug- Working age people over the age “People worldwide are recognising groundwork for a comfortable retire- will organise Innovation Forum wide predict that they will never be gle financially. of 45 who have a retired partner are that retirement can be an opportunity ment tomorrow, placing retirement and Technology Expo on Febru- able to retire fully. This is almost twice HSBC’s report also reveals that most likely to want to retire in the for reinvention and new beginnings. dreams squarely within reach.” ary 8 at St Regis Hotel, Doha. The event will be organised in associ- ation with Ooredoo. Microsoft will display its latest offering to the vis- itors. “Visitors will experience the Commercial Bank unveils new vehicle loan campaign latest of platform and productiv- ity soloution from Windows 10 devices, Surface Pro 4, Surface The Peninsula Dean Proctor, Commercial Bank EGM, Hub, Lumia, Windows 10 Devices Chief Consumer & Private Banking said: and Apps, office 2016, Internet “Commercial Bank leads the vehicle financing of Things Technologies, business business in Qatar both in terms of quality of intelligence and more,” said Naim DOHA: Commercial Bank, official bank spon- service and very competitive offers through- Yazbeck (pictured), General Man- sor of Qatar Motor Show 2016, has launched out the year. The bank aims to build on this ager, Microsoft Qatar. an exceptional Vehicle Loan Campaign to strong position and increase our Vehicle Loan Currently the company is run- coincide with the Show. market share through an innovative six-week ning Microsoft Innovative Educator Running from now for six weeks, the campaign in conjunction with our sponsor- (MIE) Expert programme. It is an campaign is available to both existing Com- ship of the Qatar Motor Show. Customers can exclusive programme created to mercial Bank customers and non-customers look forward to enhanced Vehicle Loan rates, recognise global educator vision- who obtain a Commercial Bank Vehicle Loan free gifts and a prize draw ensuring that Com- aries who are using technology during the campaign period. All can bene- mercial Bank continues to be the best and to pave the way for their peers fit from a special rate of 1.99 percent flat go-to bank in Qatar for vehicle financing for better learning and student (reduced from 3.69 percent) with an optional needs during this busy time of year.” outcomes. grace period of up to 3 months, so custom- He added: “Commercial Bank continues to Microsoft recognised 47 edu- ers don’t have to start repaying right away if provide the best-in-market vehicle solutions cators from Qatar as MIE experts they choose not to. Further, benefits include through strong alliances with dealerships for last year, joining more than 5,600 a reduction on vehicle insurance rates down both new and used cars. Our dedicated Vehi- educators globally. Each year, to 2.65 percent, a chance to get a QR500 free cle Finance team is located in our offices next Microsoft selects innovative edu- petrol voucher, and the option of paying the to the Nissan showroom in Salata, on Air- cator experts to exchange ideas, associated costs of owning a car by credit port Road and D Ring Road, and for added test new approaches and learn card at 0 percnet for the first 2 years sub- customer convenience, representatives are from each other through a global ject to eligibility. available at car showrooms or can visit you community dedicated to improv- Customers who secure a loan during the at work or home to provide more informa- ing learning outcomes through campaign period are also eligible to enter a tion on Commercial Bank’s attractive Vehicle Officials at the launch of Vehicle Loan Campaign. technology. prize draw to win a brand-new Mini Cooper. Finance offers.” BUSINESS THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 23 Qatar’s real estate market adjusts to challenges: DTZ

said the number of real estate trans- as landlords compete for new tenants. Number of real estate actions in Qatar will continue to grow “There has been a fall in demand in 2016, but with a slight correction for corporate lettings of entire res- transactions in Qatar in terms of land prices and transac- idential blocks and compounds. will continue to grow tion value. Companies are increasingly look to “Banks are reducing exposure to provide a rental allowance rather than in 2016, but with a riskier markets. Land value will stab- employee accommodation. This has slight correction lise overall with a reduction in some resulted in a number of residential place in Qatar. We are also expect- apartment blocks remaining vacant as ing a reduction in the speculate some landlords prefer to secure cor- purchase,” Richard Rayner, Senior porate leases”, said Mark Proudley, By Satish Kanady Chartered Surveyor, DTZ said. Director, Consultancy and Commer- The Peninsula On the office market sector, Johny cial Agency, DTZ. Archer, Associate Director, Consulting On the Pearl-Qatar, DTZ estimates and Research, DTZ said approxi- that new supply of apartments is likely FROM LEFT: Johnny Archer, Associate Director, Consulting and Research, DTZ; Richard Rayner, Senior Chartered mately 300,000 sq m of new office to increase by between 30 percent Surveyor, Valuation Advisory, and Mark Proudley, Director, Consultancy and Commercial Agency in Doha DOHA: Qatar’s real estate sector has accommodation is likely to com- and 40 percent in 2016 as up to thir- Pic: Salim M/The Peninsula enough room to adjust itself to the plete in West Bay within the next teen new towers in Porto Arabia and yesterday. Picture by: changing business cycles. The decline 12.18 months, which will increase sup- Viva Bahriya near completion. This of QCB’s real estate price index for the ply levels, however, over more than will have a significant impact on the in 2015 although DTZ noted down- are expected to increase supply by We think this is likely to continue into first time in eight months in December 200,000 sq m of this is at the QP Dis- prime residential market, and has ward pressure on average daily rates approximately 18,000 keys over the 2016 and the sector needs to be ready 2015 shows that the market is adjust- trict, which may not be available to potential to see rental levels reduce (ADR’s) with a drop of 12 percent com- next 3 to 5 years, Mark said. for a few tough months. But the long- ing to short term-long term challenges, the market. In the longer term, once further if delivered as expected and pared to the same period in 2014. “In the final quarter of 2015, term trajectory for Qatar remains an expert panel noted yesterday. developments complete in Lusail, the demand remains stagnant. Pressure on performance metrics in Qatar’s real estate market started to good with the government’s signifi- At a media round table, leading large supply pipeline may result in In the hospitality sector, 1,900 the hospitality sector is likely to con- show signs that the drop in hydro-car- cant infrastructure investment, valued real estate company DTZ’s top experts downward pressure on rental levels hotel keys were added to Qatar’s stock tinue, as up to 80 new establishments bon prices is really beginning to bite. at QR261bn,” Mark added. Shell shareholders back BG takeover

AFP regulators, but has been dogged by carrying the resolution to approve the transaction and we now await speculation in recent months owing and implement the transaction,” the the results of tomorrow’s BG share- to collapsing oil prices. company said in a statement. holder vote,” van Beurden said in the Shell said in a statement how- The two energy companies are statement. LONDON: Anglo-Dutch energy major ever that its shareholders have voted still waiting for the go-ahead from If BG investors approve the deal Royal Dutch Shell said yesterday that 83 percent in favour of the transaction BG’s shareholder meeting which is today then the takeover will be com- its investors had given the green light at a general meeting in The Hague in scheduled for today. pleted on February 15. to its mega-takeover of smaller rival the Netherlands. Shell chief executive Ben van The takeover is intended to Royal Dutch Shell CEO Ben van Beurden speaks at the shareholders BG Group. “Shell shareholders expressed Beurden said he was “delighted” with strengthen Shell’s position in the liq- meeting of Shell, The Hague, Netherlands, yesterday. The shareholders The £47bn deal was announced their support for the recommended the outcome. “Our immediate focus uefied natural gas (LNG) market in a vote on the proposed acquisition of the British gas producer BG. in April and has been cleared by combination with BG Group plc by is on the successful completion of context of tough market conditions. 24 THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 BUSINESS

Mitsubishi China’s slow economy threatens Apple and Hitachi

the company is beginning to see million. Apple is poised to benefit in get $150m “economic softness” in the region, the longer term if China shifts toward China is no longer particularly in Hong Kong. China is a more consumer-led economy, away able to offset no longer able to offset sluggishness from its emphasis on manufactur- elsewhere or counter the broader ing. “I don’t subscribe to the doom cartel fine sluggishness slowdown in the global smart phone and gloom predictions,” he said. elsewhere or counter market. Even with the Chinese New Even so, Tuesday’s results make Year shopping season approaching, clear Apple is no longer a hyper- BRUSSELS: Mitsubishi Electric the broader slowdown Apple is projecting its first quarterly growth company that’s riding the Corp and Hitachi Ltd agreed to pay in the global smart sales decline since 2003. twin coattails of a booming smart- European Union antitrust fines of “You need to take into account the phone market and buoyant Chinese about $150 million for fixing the phone market. Apple’s business opportunities that we have economy. For the first time since prices of alternators and starters reliance on the but also the realities of an economic Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone in sold to car manufacturers. country is now being environment that is not ideal right 2007, the company is projecting that Mitsubishi Electric will pay now,” said Luca Maestri, Apple’s chief quarterly phone sales will fall. Sales 110.9 million euros ($120.6 mil- put to the test financial officer, noting that sales in in Greater China may also fall. Mean- lion) and Hitachi 26.9 million Brazil, Canada, Japan, and Russia also while, other products such as the iPad euros to settle the cartel probe, the are being affected by global economic (down for eight straight quarters) and European Commission said in an Bloomberg malaise. Apple Watch (no sales figures provided) e-mailed press release. Cook remains optimistic show no signs of filling the void. They admitted to illegal agree- about China and vowed that Apple Apple’s shares fell in after-mar- ments to set prices and allocate will invest through any downturn. ket trading following the earnings customers and projects for parts SAN FRANCISCO: China has been And given the company’s resources release. They were down 4.2 percent sold to European carmakers. The one of Apple’s most reliable strong- (there’s still a whopping $216bn on its to $95.76 before the official market cartel ran from 2004 to 2010. holds during its historic stretch of balance sheet), he has the luxury of open on Wednesday. Denso Corp wasn’t fined technology dominance. Even when playing the long game. It has 28 stores In an interview after its earnings because it informed the EU of the sales began to level out in the US, in mainland China now and will have report, Maestri said Apple’s expand- cartel, the EU said. Europe, and Japan, China was a 40 by this summer. “We believe that ing services business will be a source In the US, companies includ- buffer, promising a massive market this, too, shall pass,” Cook said. “We of future growth. ing Bridgestone Corp have agreed of newly middle-class customers aren’t retrenching. We don’t believe The company generated $31bn to pay more than $2bn in fines. The looking for a high-end, brand-name in that. We are fortunately strong in such revenue from the App Store, EU fined makers of car and truck smartphone. Sales in Greater China, enough to continue investing, and we Apple Music, iCloud, Apple Pay, and bearings 953 million euros in 2014. which also includes Taiwan and Hong think it’s in Apple’s long- term inter- other services last year, he said, mak- Last year it sent antitrust Kong, grew 84 percent to $58.7bn in est to do so.” ing Apple one of the biggest Internet objections to companies that make 2015, making it the company’s sec- Demographic trends are working services companies in the world. But car batteries. It also raided firms ond-biggest market after the US Apple in the company’s favour. Roughly 80 investors remain skeptical, sending that make automotive exhaust sys- Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook percent of people in the country are the stock down about 20 percent in tems in 2014. showered the region with praise at the still using older phones that run on 3G the past six months. When it comes to “If European consumers are time for its importance to the com- networks. Those customers will be up evaluating Apple, they really only care affected by a cartel, the commis- pany’s future. for grabs when they finally decide to about the iPhone. Without the benefit sion will investigated it even if the Apple’s reliance on the country is upgrade. In 2010, Cook said less than of a booming Chinese economy, Apple cartel meetings took place outside now being put to the test. On a con- 50million people in China were con- is going to have to gin up another prod- People walk past by an Apple Store with a large Apple logo, in Beijing Europe,” EU Competition Commis- ference call with analysts after its sidered middle class, but by 2020, that uct—can we get a car, perhaps?—to city, China, yesterday. sioner Margrethe Vestager said in Tuesday earnings report, Cook said number is expected to jump to 500 keep them happy. the statement.

Greatrex to take Investors cautious as gold below 12-week peak charge as new

Reuters “I won’t be surprised if gold hits chief of UK’s NIA $1,150, even $1,200 in the first quar- ter”, said Barnabas Gan, analyst at OCBC Bank in . After a 10 LONDON: The UK Nuclear Indus- LONDON: Gold steadied below a percent drop in 2015, its third year of try Association, a trade group 12-week peak on yesterday as inves- losses, gold has so far benefited from representing more than 260 com- tors remained cautious ahead of the turmoil in equity markets and wor- panies, named former lawmaker Federal Reserve’s first policy state- ries about an economic slowdown in Tom Greatrex (pictured) as its ment of the year, which is expected China, which contributed to lift prices new chief executive officer. Gre- to give clues on interest rates. by nearly 6 percent this month. atrex, who lost his seat as a Labour While the US central bank is likely The dollar fell 0.4 percent versus Party lawmaker in last May’s gen- to keep key rates unchanged at the a basket of currencies , while Euro- eral election, will take over from conclusion of its two-day meet later pean equities succumbed to another Keith Parker on February 1, the in the day, investors are keen to see slide in oil prices. association said yesterday in a its latest outlook on global economic Reflecting rising confidence in statement on its website. He had headwinds. gold, holdings of SPDR Gold Trust, been an energy spokesman for the “A potential further decline in the world’s largest gold-backed opposition party in the last 5-year equities and market uncertainty exchange-traded fund, stood at 21.52 parliamentary term. about global growth is a good envi- million ounces on Tuesday, the high- ronment for gold because investors est since November 5. China’s net gold want something defensive,” ETF Secu- imports for December via main con- rities analyst Martin Arnold said. duit Hong Kong surged to the highest Spot gold was down 0.1 percent in more than two years, data showed at $1,118.73 an ounce by 1035 GMT, on Tuesday, as investors lost faith in within sight of Tuesday’s peak of collapsing stock markets and a weak- $1,122.90, its strongest since Novem- ening currency. ber 3. “China has taken advantage of US gold for February delivery was low gold prices and an equity mar- also down 0.1 percent, at $1,119.10 per ket rout to stock up on gold assets,” This undated handout image made available by the German Central Bank (Deutche Bundesbank) shows ounce. With risk aversion intact as said Helen Lau, analyst at Argonaut gold stored in the vault of the Bank in Frankfurt. concerns over global growth persist, Securities. RBS sees eighth consecutive annual loss of $5.2bn

Bloomberg looming settlement with US authori- contributions that it would otherwise ties over claims of misconduct in the have made through 2023. The pension bank’s handling of mortgage-backed program has about 220,000 mem- securities, as he shrinks the invest- bers and closed to new staff about a LONDON: Royal Bank of Scotland ment bank by eliminating thousands decade ago. Group Plc said it will take a 3.6bn- of jobs, while focusing on UK lending. The lender also took a charge pound ($5.2bn) hit to the value of its “I am determined to put the issues for the lawsuit from the US Federal assets and set aside more money for of the past behind us and make sure Housing Finance Agency after recent past misconduct, pushing the Brit- RBS is a stronger, safer bank,” McE- settlements by other banks, Chief ish lender into its eighth consecutive wan said. “We will now continue to Financial Officer Ewen Stevenson annual loss. The shares dropped. move further and faster in 2016 to said on a call with journalists. Measures to plug a pension deficit clean up the bank and improve our The provision doesn’t relate to a will hurt the tangible net asset value core business. This announcement is probe over mortgage-securities from by 1.6bn pounds in the fourth quar- a further step toward addressing leg- the US Department of Justice, while ter, RBS said in a statement yesterday. acy issues.” the bank doesn’t have any indication It also took a 1.5bn- pound charge The shares fell 2.6 percent to for the timing of any settlements, he tied to a US mortgage-backed secu- 254.2 pence at 9:07am in London. said. rities lawsuit and 500m pounds for They have decreased about 16 percent “We see the pension change as wrongly-sold payment protection this year, while Lloyds Banking Group a clear negative,” said Mark Phin, an insurance, which Chief Executive Plc, which was also bailed out dur- analyst at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Officer Ross McEwan said should ing the financial crisis, has declined in London. “There is still no provision bring an end to the bank’s part in the 13 percent. made for the ongoing DOJ/Attorney costliest British scandal since the RBS said it would alter the General investigations, so there will financial crisis. accounting policy for its pension be more to come in our view.” McEwan, 58, is facing a pivotal program, which will hurt the value RBS also said it set aside 498 mil- year in his battle to return RBS to the of its assets and reduce capital buff- lion pounds to write down the value statement. The lender said it expects a capital distribution early next year, “There is some incremental bad news first annual profit since its 45.5bn- ers. In addition, the bank said it would of its private banking business in the a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio, Stevenson said. here which will cap the scale of the pound taxpayer-funded bailout at make a 4.2bn-pound payment into fourth quarter. The measure won’t a measure of financial strength, of “It’s a set-back, but hardly fatal,” 2017 buyback.” The lender is sched- the depth of the global financial tur- its defined-benefit pension program have an impact on the net asset value 15 percent at the end of the fourth said Ian Gordon, an analyst at Investec uled to report full-year earnings on moil. His to-do list is dominated by a in the first quarter to accelerate or capital buffers, according to the quarter. RBS still expects to return to Plc with a buy rating on the shares. February 26. BUSINESS THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 25 Japan leads Asia stock rally with higher gains

0.4 percent amid Apple’s post-mar- The MSCI Asia Pacific Index rose Gains in Japan drove ket drop of more than 2 percent. 1.3 percent as of 9:33 am Tokyo time, Crude erased some of last session’s as Japan’s Topix index climbed 2.6 the regional equity rebound, falling back toward $30 a percent, set for its highest close since benchmark higher for barrel ahead of data on US stockpiles. Jan. 15. The Kospi index in was The South Korean won and Australian up 1.1 percent. the third time in four dollar rose, while a Bloomberg gauge “Japanese markets will rebound as days, while futures of the greenback versus its major we’re seeing attractiveness here and peers maintained Tuesday’s 0.4 per- there, but it won’t mark the return of on American indexes cent decline. Ten-year Treasury yields robust buying,” said Chihiro Ohta, slipped at least 0.4 held below 2 percent. general manager of investment Investors are counting down to information at SMBC Nikko Secu- percent amid Apple’s the first statement from the Fed this rities Inc. in Tokyo, said by phone. post-market drop of year, amid speculation US policy “We’re in wait-and-see mode until more than 2 percent makers will back away Wednes- the Fed and the BOJ. If the Fed indi- day from plans to hike interest rates cates four rate hikes for this year, it four times in 2016 amid the tumul- will be disappointing.” tuous trading we’ve seen in January. ’s S&P/ASX 200 Index Speculation central banks in Europe dropped 0.6 percent following a hol- and Japan may bolster their already iday on Tuesday, while in Wellington, Bloomberg unprecedented stimulus levels has the S&P/NZX 50 Index was up 0.4 per- underpinned some equity gains, cent, rising for the third time in four though volatile oil prices -- which days. S&P 500 e-mini futures fell 0.6 continue to hover close to a 12-year percent to 1,885.25, while those on WELLINGTON: Most Asian stocks low -- continue to unnerve traders. the Nasdaq 100 Index declined 0.7 rallied, while US index futures sig- “We could see a short-term rally,” percent. Contracts on the Dow Jones naled a retreat as oil resumed declines Angus Nicholson, an analyst at IG Industrial Average, which had its best and Apple Inc forecast its first drop Markets Ltd in Melbourne, said by day this year last session, slipped 0.4 in sales since 2003. The dollar held phone. “A lot of the markets around percent. A businessman walks past an electronic monitor showing the numbers on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (top) losses against high-yielding curren- are trading at such low levels that Futures on the Hang Seng and and Hong Kong Stock Exchange (below) in Tokyo, yesterday. cies as traders speculated ahead of the they tend to draw buyers back into Hang Seng China Enterprises gauges first Federal Reserve meeting of 2016. the market. We won’t be calling a bot- added at least 1.8 percent in most Tuesday’s bounce in oil helped 6.4 percent to a 13-month low Tues- reserves. China updates on industrial Gains in Japan drove the regional tom just yet. We’re probably going to recent trading, while those on the US and European stocks rebound in day amid concern outflows of capital company profits Wednesday, while equity benchmark higher for the third see weak economic data from China FTSE China A50 Index were up 1.1 the wake of a slump in Asian shares will gather pace as Asia’s largest econ- Australia reports on fourth-quarter time in four days, while futures on in the first quarter and that’s going percent. Kospi index futures in Seoul spurred by Chinese declines. The omy slows and regulators support for consumer prices. Markets in India also American indexes slipped at least add pressure on oil prices.” gained 0.9 percent. Shanghai Composite Index plunged the yuan eats into foreign-currency return after holidays. US oil explorers may Aberdeen has $13bn report $14bn losses in outflows

LONDON: Aberdeen Asset Man- Bloomberg of workers, abandoned drilling since at least 1987, according to agement Plc reported 9.1 billion projects, cut dividends and restruc- data compiled by Bloomberg. pounds ($13 billion) of net out- tured debt to conserve cash and Anadarko is next in line with flows in its fiscal first quarter fend off insolvency. results on February 1. The pro- amid waning investor confidence LONDON: During the next eight For most independent explorers ducer is expected to post a $6bn loss in emerging markets and as sov- days, independent US oil explorers -- those that don’t also own refin- for last year, which would also be ereign-wealth funds continued to are expected to report 2015 losses eries and retail gasoline stations its worst result since at least 1987. withdraw cash. totalling almost $14bn, the result -- cash flows have been “deci- Anadarko has been clobbered by Investors pulled a net 6.3bn of the steepest price collapse in a mated” by the decline in oil prices, both the fall in oil and tumbling pounds from a range of equity generation. a team of analysts at Wells Fargo prices for natural gas, which is funds in the three months through Hess Corp kicks off earn- Securities LLC including David more than 60 percent of the com- December, including 3.5bn pounds ings season for the companies on Tameron and Gordon Douthat said pany’s output. from global stocks, the Scot- Wednesday with what analysts pre- in a note to clients on January 25. Occidental Petroleum Corp and tish firm said in a statement on dict will be an annual loss of $1.6bn, After spending the past half ConocoPhillips are expected to post Wednesday. The shares climbed its worst performance in at least 28 decade slimming down from an full-year losses of $2.74bn and as the rate of outflows slowed and years. owner of refineries, filling stations $1.58bn, respectively, on February Aberdeen announced further cost It will be followed by peers and oil wells to a pure- play crude 4. For Occidental, that would rep- cuts. including Murphy Oil Corp and explorer, Hess may have few assets resent the steepest annual decline “Sovereign-wealth funds were A Chinese investor checks the share prices on a computer at a Anadarko Petroleum Corp which left to sell if it finds itself needing since at least 1987. set up for a rainy day and that securities brokerage house in Beijing, China, yesterday. also have been squeezed by a crude to raise cash, Fitch Ratings said in ConocoPhillips hasn’t reported rainy day has come,” drop of more than 70 percent since a report this month. Hess cut its an annual loss on that scale since Chief Executive Officer Martin June 2014. 2016 drilling budget by 40 percent 2008. Both companies are based Gilbert, 60, said on a conference “It’s not going to be pretty,” said to $2.4bn on Tuesday. in Houston. call with journalists. All investors Carl Larry, head of oil and gas for The New York-based pro- The combined estimated loss “are taking money off the table China raises $3bn in Frost & Sullivan LP in Houston. ducer’s per-share fourth-quarter for those five companies is $13.8bn. and that has been compounded Investors have punished oil loss, excluding one-time items, is “It’s going to be interesting to this quarter with further outflows and gas explorers, wiping out more expected to be $1.46, based on the see what the companies do with in the market. Sentiment is really than $300bn in market value for average of 22 analysts’ estimates their 2016 budgets,” said Michael very weak.” first domestic sale the companies in the Bloomberg compiled by Bloomberg. That’s the Scialla, an analyst at Stifel Nicolaus Gilbert, under pressure after Intelligence North America Inde- biggest estimated loss among the & Co. in Denver. more than two years of outflows pendent E&Ps Valuation Peer Group 61 companies in the BI E&Ps group. “Most have said they plan to from his emerging-markets funds, in the past year. Later on Wednesday, Murphy stay within their cash flows but said he was happy to stay at the of green bonds Distressed debt exchanges and Oil is expected to post a full- year with oil now down around $30, I helm as long as the board wanted bankruptcies are mounting. The loss of $1.8bn, which would be the think they’re going to be forced into him. He has previously ruled out companies have fired thousands worst 12-month result for the driller some draconian cuts.” a sale of the company.

Bloomberg resources as well as clean trans- portation and energy. ChinaBond, the nation’s debt-clearing house, announced earlier this week that European investment banks overhaul to wipe out profits BEIJING: Shanghai Pudong Devel- Industrial Bank Co will sell 10bn opment Bank Co raised 20bn yuan yuan of green bonds today. ($3bn) in China’s first domestic The bank will focus on choos- Bloomberg its investment bank, and UBS may green bond offer tied to support ing projects in curbing smog and post a 260mn-franc pretax loss on for clean energy and environmen- pollution along with saving and restructuring and legal costs, Citi- tal protection. recycling resources mainly in cities group said. Both report quarterly The bank will pay 2.95 percent surrounding Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, FRANKFURT: Europe’s investment earnings next week. Representatives interest annually on its three-year Shanghai, Jiangsu and Guangzhou banks will probably see profit wiped for the four European banks declined bonds, vice president Pan Weidong for the capital raised, said President out by restructuring costs in the to comment on the report. at a press conference in Beijing on Liu Xinyi. fourth quarter as they make changes Deutsche Bank said last week yesterday. The sale attracted orders The value of outstanding green started by their US competitors years that it had a 2.7bn-euro ($2.9bn) that were twice the size of the offer, bonds may almost double this year earlier, according to Citigroup Inc. pretax loss for the quarter. It will Pan said. to as much as $158bn as the niche Deutsche Bank AG, Credit Suisse disclose data on its securities unit Green bond issuance has been product used to fund projects tack- Group AG and UBS Group AG will Thursday in Frankfurt. The five big- gathering pace in recent years. A ling climate change starts to become post losses for the three months gest US investment banks, including record $41bn was raised in 2015 to mainstream. through December, while Barclays Citigroup, saw their combined reve- finance projects that help to reduce HSBC Holdings Plc predicts Plc will be “broadly break-even,” nue fall 4.9 percent to $24.2bn in the carbon emissions, such as renew- $55bn to $80bn green bonds will Citigroup’s Andrew Coombs and fourth quarter from a year earlier, able energy and energy efficiency be issued around the world in 2016, Nicholas Herman wrote in a report data compiled by Bloomberg show. schemes, according to data com- an increase of 32 percent to 91 per- on Wednesday. UBS’s investment-bank reve- piled by Bloomberg. cent from last year’s level, according Europe’s biggest securities firms nue fell 10 percent in the quarter China’s central bank in Decem- to a research note published Tues- are implementing reforms taken by Norwegian Prime minister Erna Solberg (left) and Finance Minister Siv on a dollar-adjusted basis while ber began allowing green bond day in London. many of their US competitors shortly Jensen (second left) meeting with Central Bank Governor Oeystein Credit Suisse will see a 17 percent issues in the interbank market. Ear- A growing number of coun- after the 2008 financial crisis. As the Olsen (right)in Oslo on Monday. slump and Deutsche Bank a 25 per- lier this month, the People’s Bank of tries, including China and India, are continent’s economies grow more cent drop, according to Citigroup. China approved Shanghai Pudong producing green bond guidelines, slowly than the US, bank efforts Barclays said last week that reve- Development’s issuing of as much as helping to deliver continued growth to cut costs have taken on a new trends and revenue attrition on primary issuance of securities. nue at its investment bank will be 50bn yuan of green bonds. in the market. Moody’s Corp.’s deci- urgency following a revenue slump restructuring,” the Citigroup ana- Credit Suisse may report a “broadly flat” in 2015 from the pre- Bonds labeled as green channel sion to assess new green bonds will caused by volatile global markets. lysts wrote. They cited constraints 3.9bn-Swiss franc ($3.8bn) loss vious year. That would indicate a their proceeds for projects that save also help to boost the market in the “We expect the Europeans to placed on repurchase agreements by before tax, including a 3.2bn-franc decline of about 11 percent in the energy, curb pollution and recycle second half of the year, HSBC said. underperform due to structural leverage limits as well as stronger US charge to write down the value of fourth quarter. 26 THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 BUSINESS

QE INDICES SUMMARY QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE QE Index 8,979.50 2.64 % QE Total Return Index 13,957.34 2.64 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,196.71 2.63 % QE All Share Index 2,386.85 2.56 % QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,445.01 2.24 % QE All Share Industrials 2,701.02 3.01 % QE All Share Transportation 2,137.36 2.50 % QE All Share Real Estate 1,878.74 2.09 % QE All Share Insurance 3,732.09 3.92 % QE All Share Telecoms 951.65 4.25 % QE All Share Consumer Goods & Services 4,886.37 1.38 %

QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON 27-01-2016 Today 26-01-2016 Previous day Index 8,979.50 8,748.62 Change 230.88 100.24 % 2.64 1.13 YTD% 13.9 16.12 Volume 7,051,940 6,183,201 Value (QAR) 213,149,532.84 217,427,485.92 Trades 4,091 3,358 Up 34 | Down 02 | Unchanged 03

WORLD STOCK INDICES Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low All Ordinaries 5000.791 -56.282 -1.11 5379.6 4857.9 Cac 40 Index/D 4331.74 -25.07 -0.58 4586.11 4084.68 Dj Indu Average 16167.23 282.01 1.78 18351.4 15370.3 Hang Seng Inde/D 19052.45 191.65 1.02 21794.84 18534.3 Iseq Overall/D 6320.61 -56.62 -0.89 6791.68 6146.61 Karachi 100 In/D 31101.38 27 0.09 33304.4 29785 Nikkei 225 Index 17163.92 455.02 2.72 18951.12 16017.26 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2134.72 1812.29

EXCHANGE RATE Currency Buying Selling US$ QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 UK QR 5.1766 QR 5.2496 INTERNATIONAL MARKETS - A LIST OF SHARES FROM THE WORLD Euro QR 3.9353 QR 3.9904 COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME CA$ QR 2.5648 QR 2.6157 NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED Swiss Fr QR 3.5598 QR 3.6097 Yen QR 0.0305 QR 0.0311 A C C-A/D 1230.9 -11.5 12835 Essar Oil-T/D 259.3 0.2 6839 Kg Denim-B/D 52 0.35 34965 Timexgroup-T/D 30.35 0.2 50937 Aus$ QR 2.5429 QR 2.5929 Aarti Drugs-B/D 528 3.25 1294 Eveready Indu-/D 250.1 -2.35 21897 Kilburnengg-Xd/D 69.05 -0.15 3657 Tinplate-B/D 66.85 -0.5 22408 Ind Re QR 0.0531 QR 0.0541 Aban Offs-A/D 186.6 0.45 214590 F D C-B/D 195.75 -3.9 1581 Kinetic Eng-B/D 96 4.5 4404 Ucal Fuel-B/D 114.8 2.5 12005 Aegis Logis-B/D 93.35 1.05 16782 Federal Bank-A/D 47.45 0.25 262052 Kinetic Eng-B/D 96 4.5 4404 Ucal Fuel-B/D 114.8 2.5 12005 Pak Re QR 0.0344 QR 0.0351 Alembic-B/D 40.35 -1.5 147071 Ferro Alloys-B/D 6.4 0.06 44659 Kinetic Eng-B/D 96 4.5 4404 Ultramarine-B/D 109.3 -0.1 5271 Peso QR 0.0753 QR 0.0768 Alok Indus-A/D 5.24 0.08 1292300 Finolex-A/D 306 -0.4 27843 Kopran-B/D 56.95 0.1 62916 Unitech P -A/D 5.78 0.03 4592272 SL Re QR 0.0250 QR 0.0257 Apollo Tyre-A/D 146 3.25 138138 Gail-A/D 358.25 2.15 49167 Laxmi Prcisn-B/D 46.2 4.2 6495 Univcable-T/D 77.5 3.65 1250 Asahi I Glass-/D 156.05 0.55 3166 Gammon India-T/D 18.45 2.6 463741 Lgb Broth-B/D 467 -3.5 5508 Uppergsugar-T/D 74.45 -2.4 5572 Taka QR 0.0459 QR 0.0470 Ashok Leyland-/D 88.2 1.7 577627 Garden P -B/D 25.25 -0.05 5293 Lloyd Metal-B/D 9.1 0.35 12099 Nep Re QR 0.0332 QR 0.0338 Ballarpur In-B/D 16.3 -0.2 99332 Godfrey Phil-B/D 1223.45 -7.6 18557 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 6.92 0.22 84417 SA Rand QR 0.2201 QR 0.2244 Banaras Bead-B/D 53.75 8.95 62269 Goodricke-B/D 169.3 -1.5 16036 Lupin-A/D 1688 -11.25 47572 LONDON Bata India-A/D 480.55 2.75 61439 Goodyear I -B/D 482 -14 13445 Lyka Labs-T/D 93.8 -2.7 88186 Beml Ltd-A/D 1085.85 -15.3 15279 Hcl Infosys-B/D 45.05 -1.65 684385 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 306 3 1448 3I Group/D 434.7 -0.4 392575 GOLD AND SILVER Bh Electronic-/D 1207 -0.95 133965 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 20.95 0.65 5076300 Maral Overs-B/D 31.9 -1.15 6650 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 3036 21 111051 Bhansali Eng-T/D 20.4 -0.6 94500 Himat Seide-B/D 194.1 -1.95 67034 Mastek-B/D 138.7 4.3 76069 Barclays/D 178.95 -4.05 14002461 GOLD QR131.1512 per gramme Bharat Bijle-B/D 850.5 -21.5 6966 Hind Motors-T/D 6.14 0.02 162417 Max India L-A/D 398.1 -73.55 13345 Bg Group/D 986.4 -8.5 6066870 SILVER QR1.6924 per gramme Bharatgears-B/D 77.1 -0.55 1893 Hind Org Chem-/D 14.75 -0.55 7929 Mrpl-A/D 64.65 -0.25 37511 Bp/D 350.8 -5.7 9698006 Bhartiya Int-B/D 511.25 -7.75 10354 Hind Unilever-/D 767.75 -13.9 73718 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 32.15 0.15 1356 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3678 -5 583016 Bhel-A/D 139.6 -6 505491 Hind.Petrol-A/D 797.5 7.45 68123 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 32.15 0.15 1356 Bt Group/D 468.75 0.45 5808139 Bom.Burmah-B/D 405.7 0.5 3039 Hindalco-A/D 71.25 -0.8 729219 Nahar Spg.-B/D 104.9 0 9611 Centrica/D 207.3 0.6 2823232 Bombay Dyeing-/D 52.9 0.45 117226 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1167.7 -6.4 61224 Nation Alum -A/D 34.85 0.15 104808 Gkn/D 275 -6.6 2111035 Camph.& All-B/D 493 -13 1116 I F C I-A/D 22.25 0.2 826374 Navneet Edu-B/D 89 3.55 5197 Hsbc Holdings/D 469.9 -4.6 7930605 Mideast markets Canfin Homes-B/D 1019.9 -13.2 9230 Idbi-A/D 59.2 0.05 1028993 Nepc India-T/D 2.13 -0.11 34695 Imperial Tobac/D 3610 20.5 691837 Caprihans-Xc/D 91.95 0.2 7925 Ifb Agro-B/D 420 3.9 1710 Neuland Lab-B/D 692.75 -13.5 1072 Kingfisher/D 314.522 -2.8 3378302 Castrol India-/D 425.65 4.4 21962 India Cement-A/D 88.65 1.35 215762 Nrb Bearings-B/D 118.2 -1.6 1242 Land Secs Grou/D 1086.184 -2 600858 move up as QE Century Enka-B/D 170.5 -0.6 7548 India Glycol-B/D 85 0.1 12015 O N G C-A/D 218.4 -1.45 397012 Legal & Genera/D 233.0637 -2.3 2508585 Century Text-A/D 519.2 -3.25 60898 Indian Card-B/D 266.1 18.3 4100 Oil Country-B/D 27.5 0.25 5042 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 63.59 -1.15 66287908 Chambal Fert-B/D 56.65 -0.15 28593 Indian Hotel-A/D 110.65 -0.85 38398 Onward Tech-B/D 80.5 -1.2 1359 Marks & Sp./D 418.9 -1.8 1679954 index gains 2.6% Chola Invest-A/D 615.6 10.05 3731 Indo-Tcount-T/D 1041 7.7 1306 Orchid Pharm-B/D 45.3 -0.85 327628 Next/D 6855 45 194430 Chowgule St-T/D 18.6 0.65 1266 Indusind-A/D 905 -1.75 37376 Orient Hotel-T/D 26.4 2.2 2338 Pearson/D 755.5 -14 975872 Cimmco-B/D 82.5 -0.8 13532 J.B.Chemical-B/D 259.95 2.9 5175 Orient.Carb.-T/D 536 17.25 6197 Prudential/D 1312.5 -6.5 898814 Cipla-A/D 580.5 -1 57601 Jagatjit Ind-X/D 67.65 1.5 1941 Orient.Carb.-T/D 536 17.25 6197 Rank Group/D 275.2 0 26179 Reuters City Union Bk-/D 79.75 1 15236 Jagson Phar-B/D 43.2 -1.35 106201 Oudh Sugar-B/D 39.2 -1.35 9000 Rentokil Initi/D 153.7 -1 359857 Colgate-A/D 854.95 -12.4 200654 Jamnaauto-B/D 144.9 -2 77792 Pacific Indu-B/D 145.4 -7.6 1089 Rolls Royce Pl/D 540.105 -3.5 1684615 Container Cor-/D 1208.55 -4.3 21042 Jbf Indu-B/D 222.55 -0.45 11687 Patspin India-/D 9.63 0.45 9280 Rsa Insrance G/D 405.4 3 764420 Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 417.9 -8 9157 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.35 0 21625 Punjab Chem.-B/D 151.5 -1.4 9177 Sainsbury(J)/D 231.036 0.1 1320786 DOHA: The Qatar Exchange index rose 2.6 percent Dcm Financia-T/D 1.23 -0.06 1150 Jct Ltd-B/D 7.32 0.24 693718 Radico Khait-B/D 113.35 1.35 27158 Schroders/D 2654 4 67003 to close at 8,980 points as energy-linked companies Dcm Shram Ind-/D 90.4 -0.2 1557 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 10.6 0.5 160521 Rallis India-A/D 164.9 0.85 19433 Severn Trent/D 2139 13 77737 firmed. Gulf International Services and Qatar Gas Trans- Dhampur Sugar-/D 62.2 -0.4 113507 Jik Indust-T/D 1.06 0.03 1000 Rallis India-A/D 164.9 0.85 19433 Smith&Nephew/D 1149 7 666925 port Co both advanced more than 3 percent. Dr. Reddy-A/D 2967.7 68.85 85396 Jindal Drill-B/D 118 -11.6 8464 Reliance Indus/D 355.75 2 133975 Smiths Group/D 892.5 -2 297883 Vodafone Qatar rose 1.1 percent. The telecom operator E I H-B/D 119.9 -0.5 15278 Jktyre&Ind-A/D 89.95 0.1 155944 Ruchi Soya-B/D 23.95 0 48267 Standrd Chart /D 464.15 -13.15 2083623 plans to review its costs E.I.D Parry-A/D 184.7 6.4 55969 Jmc Projects-T/D 211.3 0.8 25622 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 498.85 11.3 1977 Tate & Lyle/D 590.5 0 252839 in an effort to maintain Eicher Motor-A/D 16150 -276.1 2368 Kabra Extr-B/D 85 -0.6 2605 Samtel-Xt/D 8.91 0.41 21300 Tesco/D 157 -3.35 5323388 margins. Electrosteel-B/D 22.75 0.65 128500 Kajaria Cer-A/D 955 -15.7 33620 Saur.Cem-B/D 54.25 2.25 87119 Unilever/D 2963.64 8 955997 Other bourses Emco-B/D 27.8 0.55 14998 Kalpat Power-B/D 196.5 -4.2 12769 Sterling Tool-/D 481 3.25 11613 United Util Gr/D 933.5 9.5 307843 in the Middle East Escorts Fin-B/D 4.79 0.07 27275 Kalyani Stel-T/D 147.6 -1.7 37513 Thirumalai-B/D 189.5 5.9 3294 Vodafone Group/D 218.15 -0.5 10403596 Many traders Escorts-A/D 133.7 0.5 94102 Kanoria Chem-B/D 63.3 1.25 16697 Til Ltd.-T/D 421 20 7513 Whitbread/D 3920.7016 30 151338 advanced yesterday as investors nerves and fund were quelled, for now. managers Many traders and believe that if fund managers believe that if Brent trades Brent trades above $30 — a level above $30, then Global stocks on decline path on weaker oil investors have been eyeing as a floor — region’s stock then the region’s stock markets may after US industry data showed 2016. “Nobody is really sure where showing China’s imports of cop- technology is used in most smart- markets may get a tem- This year’s 17% stockpiles increased. European we go from here, and nobody is per and zinc at multi-year records phones, slid 2.5 percent after the porary boost. get a temporary shares deepened a monthly rout brave enough to make the call,” in December. Apple forecasts. Dialog Semicon- Saudi’s benchmark boost decline in the as disappointing earnings reports said Peter Dixon, Commerzbank Independent American oil ductor Plc retreated 3.1 percent and index traded up 1.1 per- price of crude has reignited investor concern about AG’s global equities economist in explorers are forecast to report AMS AG dropped 2.9 percent. cent to 5,699 points, but global growth prospects, with Apple London. “Corporate earnings sea- 2015 losses totaling almost $14bn The Stoxx Europe 600 Index is about 200 points contributed to Inc. forecasting its first drop in sales son won’t provide much of a support amid the collapse in energy prices, slipped 0.5 percent. The index is away from the next market upheaval since 2003. Treasuries slipped, Ger- — markets may find a floor if the according to data compiled by heading for a monthly decline of 8 resistance level. Technical charts suggested that the man note yields fell to record lows, Fed is extremely dovish tonight. Bloomberg. Hess Corp reported percent. A measure of volatility in index has entered a consolidation phase, Riyad Capi- and Malaysia’s ringgit climbed to At least investors will have time its first annual loss in 13 years as the market has risen 30 percent in tal said in a note. “The market was trading at a steady a seven-week high as Prime Min- to think and reassess valuations.” it cut spending to weather a pro- January. The MSCI Emerging Mar- range and managed to hold firm over the critical sup- Bloomberg ister Najib Razak was cleared in a WTI futures fell 2.6 percent to longed slump in oil prices. kets Index rose 1.1 percent as equity port level at 5,350,” said Shiv Prakash, senior analyst at corruption probe. $30.64 a barrel by 8:10 am New S&P 500 e-mini futures fell 0.4 benchmarks in Russia and South Abu Dhabi’s NBAD Securities. But investors will remain This year’s 17 percent decline in York time. Inventories surged by percent, while those on the Nas- Korea jumped at least 1.4 percent. cautious in the near term, he added. the price of crude has contributed 11.4 million barrels last week, the daq 100 Index declined 0.6 percent. Gulf shares rebounded, with Saudi Dubai’s bourse jumped 2.0 percent, with about half SINGAPORE: Oil resumed to market upheaval that’s dragged industry-funded American Petro- Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index of the traded shares advancing more than 2.0 percent. declines amid further evidence down equities, curbed corporate leum Institute was said to report. Cook said on a conference call with rising 1.1 percent and Dubai’s DFM The banking sector helped Abu Dhabi’s benckmark of a global glut, dragging Euro- debt issuance and caused traders Government data is forecast to analysts that the company is begin- General Index climbing 2 percent. recover earlier losses. The exchange edged up 0.7 percent pean stocks and US equity index to lower their bets on how fast the show supplies rose for a third week. ning to see “economic softness” The Shanghai Composite Index to 3,828 points, moving further away from a 28-month futures lower before the Federal Fed will move. Investors will scour Copper in London fluctuated in greater China, particularly in lost as much as 4.1 percent, before low hit last week. Reserve’s first policy statement the US central bank’s statement to after its biggest gain in more than Hong Kong. ending the day 0.5 percent down. In Egypt, the main index added 1.1 percent, its third this year. European bonds gained. see whether the violent price swings five weeks. The LME Index of six Apple slid 3.6 percent in pre- The Hang Seng China Enterprises session of gains. But volumes were modest and below West Texas Intermediate will cause it to reconsider plans to base metals on Tuesday rose the market trading. ARM Holdings Plc, Index of mainland companies listed the weekly average. crude fell toward $30 a barrel hike interest rates four times in most since Dec. 18 following data the semiconductor designer whose in Hong Kong advanced 0.8 percent. BUSINESS VIEWS THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 27

Bond bulls bank China’s $1 trillion exodus on Fed mention isn’t about capital controls of market chaos

By Alexandra Scaggs and two rate increases by year- Susanne Walker Barton end. That’s shrunk to about Bloomberg one, and traders see a one-in- four chance the Fed will raise rates at its meeting in March. Traders are also discount- ond bulls are looking to ing any possibility of an the Federal Reserve’s unexpected jump in inflation Bdecision for vindication or a surprise Fed decision on as Treasuries head for their interest rates. The 10-year best month in a year. term premium, or the extra The Fed is set to release compensation investors its first policy statement demand for such risks over since it raised interest rates the next decade, has been from near zero last month. negative all year and is close After January’s 1.9 percent to the lowest since April, rally in Treasuries, bond bulls according to a Fed Bank of are watching for signs that New York model. officials expect this year’s oil- “The belief is that interna- price plunge to damp inflation, tional issues will prevent the or any mention of tightening Fed from doing the four rate financial conditions resulting hikes indicated” in Decem- from tumult in global stocks ber, said John Briggs, head and higher- yielding debt. of strategy for the Americas Traders are banking on a in Stamford, Connecticut, at repeat of September, when RBS Securities Inc, one of the the central bank said “glo- 22 primary dealers that trade bal economic and financial with the Fed. Officials “are developments may restrain probably going to do as lit- economic activity somewhat” tle as they can, so they don’t after a surprise devaluation contribute to volatility in the of China’s currency roiled glo- market,” he said. A man tries to snatch 100-yuan banknotes inside a glass cage during an event held to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival, bal markets. The Fed stood Financial conditions have at a park in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. pat in September, and Wall tightened during this year’s Street anticipates the same market volatility. The meas- result. “Any reference to the ure is around minus 0.3, with By Enda Curran for authorities, who already have strict volatility we’ve seen in the a negative reading indicating Bloomberg rules in place on money flows. “There’s not global financial markets, and conditions have deteriorated much China can do, short of actually halt- the possible slowdown in relative to normal levels from ing overall trade,” said Andrew Collier, an Asia, is what the market’s before the financial crisis. It’s independent China analyst and former pres- going to be looking for,” said still above the minus 1.1 read- ast year, Chinese policy makers ident of the Bank of China International USA. Gary Pollack, who manages ing from August. watched $1 trillion in capital head The capital exodus is also a reflection of $12bn as head of fixed- This month’s tumble in oil for the exits. Now, the question better investment opportunities abroad, and Last year, Chinese income trading at Deutsche prices to a 12-year low calls on the minds of global investors that’s not necessarily a bad thing — at least companies spent a Bank AG’s Private Wealth into question the Fed’s asser- is what exactly will President Xi in moderation. Last year, Chinese companies record $61bn on foreign Management unit in New tions that consumer-price LJinping’s economic team do about it. spent a record $61bn on foreign acquisitions York. “That’ll be key.” growth is on its way back One option is to build a wall around the that could take them into new markets and acquisitions that could It’d be tough for traders to to officials’ 2 percent target. $10 trillion-plus economy with new and move up the innovation ladder in com- bet on an even slower pace The central bank’s preferred comprehensive capital controls. It’s the eco- ing years. This month, Haier Group Corp. take them into new of Fed increases, Pollack said. gauge of inflation hasn’t nomic equivalent of breaking the glass and announced plans to use its publicly traded markets and move up Futures prices show traders reached that level since 2012. pulling the alarm — and some serious people arm in Shanghai to pay $4.5bn for General the innovation ladder in consider it a foregone con- As energy prices fell, a gauge are advocating it. One is Bank of Japan Gov- Electric Co’s home-appliance business. clusion that officials will back of bond-market inflation ernor Haruhiko Kuroda, who turned heads at Other types of capital outflows are less coming years off the median projection expectations dropped as well. the talking salons of Davos last week when welcome: Sustained outflows can fuel defla- for rates that they released The 10-year break-even infla- he urged China to impose capital controls tionary pressures, be a drag on growth and in December. That forecast tion rate, or the difference to stem the flow of cash leaving. weigh on asset prices from real estate to called for four increases this between yields on 10-year China has been getting a lot of unso- shares. Some Chinese savers are shifting year, assuming they come in notes and inflation-linked licited advice of late. Its trading partners, their money out of the country for fear of a quarter-point steps. debt, fell to its lowest since including Japan, and dramatic devaluation of the yuan and uncer- The benchmark 10-year 2009 this month. commodity producers tainty about the government’s intentions. speculators, it may need to further wind Treasury note yield was lit- Pollack said he’s bullish the world over have a big The People’s Bank of China has insisted down the country’s $3.3 trillion foreign- tle changed at 2 percent as on longer-maturity Treasuries stake in China’s smooth it isn’t contemplating a big change in cur- exchange reserve stockpile. of 10:27 am in London yester- relative to shorter-term secu- transition from a high- rency policy. Last year, it spent a big chunk Analysts worry that the buffer may not day, according to Bloomberg rities, because he expects speed export economy of the county’s foreign-exchange reserves to be as liquid as it appears or may in part be Bond Trader data. The price of inflation to remain tame. Even into a more sustain- prop up the yuan. State-media have warned already committed to fund government the 2.25 percent security due so, he said Treasuries may able one anchored by speculators, including billionaire investor projects. The reserve assets could hit a point in November 2025 was 102 not reap any benefit if the services and consumer George Soros, to back off and not short-sell considered uncomfortably low by mid-year. 9/32. Five-year note yields Fed does include a reference spending. the currency. “China has a large reserve but at this rate or were little changed at 1.44 to global financial conditions The capital exodus Yet the transi- And yet the yuan keeps falling — hitting higher, the liquid portion of the reserve may percent before the Treasury posing a risk for growth. By is also a reflection tion isn’t easy. China is a five-year low earlier this month and tak- run low in months — not years,” said Victor auctions $35bn of debt due in signalling fewer rate increases, growing at its slowest ing its drop over the past year to more than Shih, a professor at the University of Califor- January 2021. The securities that may boost stocks, lur- of better investment pace since 1990, and its 5 percent. The PBOC doesn’t act with com- nia at San Diego who studies China’s politics scheduled to be sold yielded ing money away from US debt, opportunities domestic stock markets plete independence and sometimes bends to and finance. 1.445 percent in pre-auction he said. “You could see equity abroad, and that’s in Shanghai and Shen- the will of the government, where some offi- Then there are more draconian meas- trading. Even before the Jan- markets rally on that news zhen have experienced cials might be tempted to boost the export ures such as hiking interest rates or allowing uary market turmoil, fed funds and fixed- income markets” not necessarily a bad massive and renewed sector by guiding the currency down further. a steep one-off depreciation. But steps like futures were pricing in just decline, he said. thing — at least in sell-offs in January that Further undermining the Chinese sav- that come with significant risks in an econ- have destroyed $1.8 tril- ers’ confidence are the tough policy choices omy that is slowing and requires massive moderation lion in wealth. Nor are ahead. If the government is serious about restructuring among its debt-burdened there any quick fixes supporting the yuan and warding off state-owned industries. Brazil currency hedges lose lustre with CFOs as volatility eases

By Filipe Pacheco “In September, there were many concerns The total notional value for long and short September than it did from selling beef, Bloomberg about how things would evolve domestically positions of over-the-counter non-deliverable chicken and pork, the company’s financial — nobody knew exactly what was coming, forward contracts, the most common hedg- documents show. JBS’s press office declined and many companies were willing to pay ing instrument used by companies in Brazil to comment on its hedging strategy. he worst-performing major currency whatever price was needed to hedge,” said excluding banks, totaled $112bn at the end of At the same time, the company is spend- of 2015 is sidestepping the worst of Fabio Zenaro, who oversees trading prod- December, according to Cetip, which registers ing more than 4bn reais ($978m) — twice the market turmoil this year, and ucts including currency forwards at Cetip SA, the transactions. That’s down from a record- what it earned in 2014 — in interest a year to companies are set to reap the bene- Brazil’s biggest clearing house in Sao Paulo. high of $134.5bn on September 1. carry a derivatives position totaling $10.4bn, Tfits. Brazil’s real has seen the biggest drop in Now “it is less volatile, so it makes it easier “September was a month of high volatility, the largest for any non-financial company anticipated price swings among the 16 most- for companies to make forecasts and imple- and we saw a rush for protection at that time in Brazil. Derivatives are contracts, such traded currencies since December 31, after ment different hedging strategies.” — people were afraid the real could breach as forwards, based on another financial posting the sharpest increase last year. The While no one would say the real is doing the 4.25-per-dollar level,” said Cleber Alessie, instrument. outstanding amount of contracts in Brazil well — it’s down 37 percent in the past 12 a currency trader at H Commcor in Sao Paulo, Ambev SA, the Brazilian unit of brewer designed to protect against currency vola- months and reached a record 4.2478 per dol- who counts commodity producers among his Anheuser-Busch InBev NV, spent so much tility, most of which are bought by companies lar in September — it’s starting to stabilise. clients. “Things settled down after that,” giv- hedging against losses that it offset some of looking to hedge risk, fell by 18 percent in Implied three-month volatility fell to 19 ing “more clarity to companies.” the savings it would have gotten from falling A slowdown in China’s the final quarter of 2015 from a record high percent on Tuesday, down from a four-year Companies rushed to hedge currency commodity prices, Chief Financial Officer economy, tumbling oil in September. high of 25.6 percent in late September. exposure last year as political turmoil in Con- Nelson Jamel said. Ambev’s press office While the real is less than 5 percent from That’s the biggest drop, both this year gress and efforts to impeach President Dilma declined to comment. prices and bear markets its all-time low amid a widening budget defi- and from its peak, among 16 major curren- Rousseff threatened the nation’s finances. Currency hedges are particularly expen- in stocks mean the cit, the worst recession in more than a century cies tracked. Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings lowered sive in Brazil because of the huge difference and political turmoil, swings are abating as The median estimate of more than 30 the sovereign’s rating to junk, upending an between local interest rates and those in relative calm in Brazil traders turn their attention to bigger global strategists surveyed has the real weakening economy that had enjoyed investment-grade developed nations, a cost that companies marks a contrast with the challenges. A slowdown in China’s economy, 3.5 percent from Tuesday’s close of 4.0514 per status since 2008, when it was in the midst betting against the real have to cover. The rest of the world as 2016 tumbling oil prices and bear markets in stocks dollar to 4.2 by year-end. That puts it in the of a commodities-led boom. Latin American nation’s benchmark interest mean the relative calm in Brazil marks a con- middle among forecasts for the world’s top The real fell so fast last year that meat rate is 14.25 percent, the highest among major gets underway trast with the rest of the world as 2016 gets currencies. The real advanced 0.4 percent to producer JBS SA made more money bet- economies and compared with no more than underway. 4.0371 per dollar as of 10:58 a.m. in Sao Paulo. ting against it in the nine months through 0.5 percent in the US. 28 THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 BUSINESS BACK TO BUSINESS

Here is what China is doing to sight tighten noose on capital flow Ackman finds

Bloomberg shorting yuan,

hina is increasingly resort- riyal more vexing ing to administrative measures to curb cap- ital outflows and calls Bloomberg percent versus the dollar this are mounting for further year after weakening 4.7 per- Crestrictions as the defense of the yuan cent in 2015. The Saudi riyal is burns through the nation’s foreign- NEW YORK: Bill Ackman is pegged at 3.75 per US dollar. exchange reserves. finding out the hard way the This isn’t the first time Per- The tightening of controls marks lengths policy makers are shing has made wagers on a a reversal after years of easing that willing to go to defend their cur- currency peg. In 2011, the fund spurred global usage of the yuan and rencies. placed a wager that would profit secured reserve status for the cur- Bets against China’s yuan if Hong Kong allowed its cur- rency at the International Monetary and the Saudi Arabian riyal, rency to appreciate against the Fund. The yuan has retreated 2.7 made by the billionaire founder dollar. The peg held. percent since the IMF decision was of activist hedge fund Pershing The hedge fund’s bets announced at the end of November, Square Capital Management, against the yuan and riyal are even as intervention to support the have largely failed as hedges meant as hedges, Ackman wrote. currency led to an unprecedented against the effects of slumping Pershing started building up $108 billion drop in China’s reserves the scope of reserve requirements to to channel funds offshore via fake Chinese stocks and declining puts -- options that allow the last month. include some yuan holdings of over- transactions, most notably in Macau oil prices due to intervention by purchaser to sell the currency Bank of Japan Governor seas financial institutions. casinos. the nations’ central banks, Ack- at a set price in the future -- Haruhiko Kuroda called over the Suspension of foreign banks Underground banking clamp- man wrote in his annual letter to and put spreads on the yuan in weekend for Chinese policy makers -- DBS Group Holdings Ltd. and down -- China busted the nation’s investors released Tuesday. Per- August, two days before Chi- to clamp down on capital flows and Standard Chartered Plc were among biggest “underground bank,” which shing, which has almost $15 bn na’s surprise devaluation of the Yu Yongding, a former member of the overseas banks suspended from handled 410bn yuan ($62bn) of ille- of assets under management, currency. People’s Bank of China’s monetary conducting some foreign-exchange gal foreign-exchange transactions, lost 20.5 percent in its publicly Buying currency options policy committee, said Wednesday business in China until the end of the official People’s Daily reported traded fund last year. was a cheaper way than buying that controls should be strength- March. The bans included the set- in November. The Shanghai branch “Both China and Saudi puts on stocks or oil for Pershing ened. Here’s what’s been done so far tlement of offshore clients’ yuan of the State Administration of For- Arabia have inadvisably, in to offset risk that Chinese equi- to slow the record exodus of funds transactions in the onshore market eign Exchange said last week that it China has our view, continued to expend ties were “in bubble territory” that drove the yuan to a five-year low and was introduced as a widening will crack down on illegal currency suspended new hundreds of billions of dollars and that oil could slide further, and options that have been raised for gap between the currency’s exchange transactions, including underground to protect their currencies,” Ack- Ackman wrote. consideration: rates in Shanghai and Hong Kong banking. applications under man wrote. “To date, despite The options “have not, Increased scrutiny of transfers encouraged arbitrage trades. Tobin tax -- Chinese officials the Renminbi the large notional size of this to date, served to be a useful overseas -- Some Shanghai banks Outbound investment quotas mentioned the possibility of taxing currency/market hedge and hedge against declines in our have recently asked their outlets frozen -- China has suspended new foreign-exchange transactions -- Qualified Domestic continued weakness in the portfolio as our investments to closely check whether individu- applications under the Renminbi a so-called Tobin Tax -- to reduce Institutional yuan and growing pressure on have declined much more dra- als sent money abroad by breaking Qualified Domestic Institutional volatility at least twice in October. the Saudi riyal, we have made matically than we would have up foreign-currency purchases into Investor program, which allows yuan PBOC Deputy Governor Yi Gang said Investor only a modest profit on these expected in light of their limited smaller transactions and to take from the mainland to be used to buy the move could counter short-term programme, which investments.” exposure to the Chinese econ- punitive action if violations were dis- offshore securities denominated in capital flows that aim for arbitrage. allows yuan from Policy makers in both omy and oil prices,” Ackman covered, according to people familiar the currency. It has also refrained Muddle through -- China could nations are actively propping wrote. “That said, we believe with the matter. Each person can from granting new quotas for resi- continue with the current mix of ver- the mainland to up their currencies as they look that both currency investments send $50,000 abroad annually and dents to invest in overseas markets bal support, onshore and offshore be used to buy to minimize capital flight and continue to offer an important so large sums can be transferred by via its Qualified Domestic Institu- intervention, and dialing back cap- discourage speculation against hedging benefit and represent utilizing the bank accounts and quo- tional Investor program since March. ital-account opening. The PBOC is offshore securities their exchange rates. China is an attractive risk-reward, and tas of a range of individuals, a tactic Delaying the stocks considering new measures to prevent denominated in letting the yuan weaken grad- therefore, we continue to hold known as smurfing. link -- China originally planned to high volatility in the exchange rate ually, intervening when daily them.” * Curbing the offshore supply of start a link between the Shenzhen in the short term, and will continue the currency. It declines are deemed too large; The yuan, which is allowed yuan to make shorting costlier -- The market and the Hong Kong bourse direct intervention in the currency has also refrained Saudi Arabia is burning through to trade 2 percent either side of PBOC told some onshore lenders to last year, but the plan was delayed market. its reserves to defend a 30-year a reference rate set daily by the stop offering cross-border financ- amid a mainland equities rout. Devalue -- China will proba- from granting new peg to the greenback. That’s People’s Bank of China, is fore- ing to offshore counterparts late last UnionPay debit-card clampdown bly have to devalue its currency to quotas for residents capping gains from wagers cast to slump about 3 percent year, and on January 11 advisedsome -- New measures were introduced in combat slowing economic growth, to invest in overseas predicated on the currencies’ by year-end, according to the Chinese banks’ units in Hong Kong December to crack down on illegal Goldman Sachs Group Inc. Presi- decline. median estimate of 41 analysts to suspend offshore yuan lending China UnionPay Co. card machines, dent Gary Cohn said this month at markets via its QDI The yuan has slipped 1.3 surveyed by Bloomberg. unless necessary. It’s also widened which were suspected of being used the World Economic Forum in Davos.

New regulations have reduced (stock market ) Capital volume on a normal day because you don’t have Oeyvind Schanke, CIO, Asset that type of market-making activity from the Strategies (Norway’s $790 Comment investment banks and other large players. bn fund)

TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS Deutsche to Market Talk cut its Brazilian Moody’s Ratings News @ DealB%k team by half MoodysRatings NAME IN THE MARKET: UNDERWRITING VOLUME Developers’ financial Bloomberg discipline a key rating consideration as China The stock market slump property sales growth has hit activist hedge funds slows particularly hard, raising SAO PAULO : Deutsche Bank AG, Christiana Figueres @ the question of whether the German lender exiting Latin CFigueres American countries including shareholder activism can Argentina and Mexico, is planning HSBC sees #ParisA- to cut about half its employees in greement also driving survive a down market. Brazil as it moves trading else- green bond market where, five people with knowledge - could reach $158 Bil- of the decision said. lion in 2016 Four directors and a vice president were let go Tuesday, The Economist @ according to two of the people, MoneyBeat who asked not to be identified TheEconomist because they’re not authorized to 1 billion young peo- speak publicly on the subject. The ple will start work in bank had 334 employees in Brazil the next decade—only as of December 2014. 40% in jobs that now Today’s policy statement Deutsche Bank said in October exist from the Federal Reserve is a that it planned to eliminate about 26,000 jobs worldwide over the Rorschach test for the market, BlackRock @blackrock next two years as part of an over- in that the reaction to it will haul by Co-Chief Executive Officer John Cryan to simplify the lender say more about the market and improve returns. In addi- The VIX index is back than it does about the mindset tion to Argentina and Mexico, the to levels post-China’s Frankfurt-based bank also intends “Black Monday” crash of the Fed decision makers. to shut operations in , Peru and Uruguay. www.thepeninsulaqatar.comom PAGE | 32 PAGE | 344 India regain Kerber stuns No.1 spot in ICC Azarenka to set up Test rankings Konta semi-final

THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 • 18 Rabia II 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at the Doha Golf Club

Action from the first round of the $2.5m Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at the Doha Golf Club yesterday. Louis Oosthuizen of shares the first round lead with Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal. Right: Jorge Campillo of Spain in action in the first round. Picture by: Q Rahmatullah/The Peninsula

Former DGC Qatar eye Rio ticket member Lutton shines on Euro in play-off clash debut in Qatar The Peninsula

Qatar looked to have done enough Qatar players must to take the semi-final into extra-time DOHA: Former Doha Golf Club when Ahmed Alaa levelled the scores member Clarke Lutton enjoyed a deliver in pressure 11 minutes from time after Ryu Seung- stunning start to his European Tour game set to be played woo had given Korea Republic the debut yesterday by shooting a four- lead in the 48th minute. under-par 68 in the first round of at Jassim Bin Hamad Ali Asad went close to putting the Umm Salal‘s coach Ulent Bugen (right) speaking on the eve of the the $2.5m Commercial Bank Qatar Stadium tomorrow host nation in front in the 84th minute, (QSL) match against Al Rayyan. Umm Salal and Masters. but goals from Kwon and Moon in the Al Rayyan will face off today at Al Gharafa Stadium. Lutton, who hails from Aber- dying minutes secured places in the deen in Scotland, was 13 when his final and at the Olympic Games for family moved to Qatar and joined The Peninsula the South Koreans. Doha Golf Club, where the teenager “I think it was a very equal game,” QSL: Umm Salal keen first picked up the game. In 2008, added Sanchez. he won the club championship and “In the first half we were very after a decade living in Doha, he DOHA: Hosts Qatar will aim to for- well organised and it was a very close moved to Dubai. get their semi-final loss against South game. In the second half we started to upset Al Rayyan Last October, Lutton won his Korea in a hurry and instead focus on a little sleepy and they scored and first MENA Golf Tour title with a the next match against Iraq. it took some minutes to come back. wire-to-wire win at the Golf Citi- The home team lost the AFC U-23 Then we scored but when it looked The Peninsula Umm Salal midfielder Fabio Cesar zen Classic at The Els Club, Dubai, Championship semifinal 3-1 on Tues- like we would score a second they to Al Rayyan. Hovever, Bugen made where he’s currently a member. day night and must beat Iraq in the the game,” said the Spanish coach. scored and we sent some players for- clear that this shouldn’t change his Lutton, 27, was later offered a third-place play-off to seal their ticket “Everyone is sad just now but when ward, because it was the same to lose DOHA: Qatar Stars League (QSL) side. sponsor’s invite to the 19th Com- for the football competition at the we go to the hotel we will start to 2-1 or 3-1. leaders Al Rayyan have lost just one “Cesar is a very good player but mercial Bank Qatar Masters and 2016 Olympic Games. prepare. “The players tried hard. Now we match from the 15 they have played we are not to be affected by the loss again made the most of his local Qatar coach Felix Sanchez (pic- “They need to have a good rest have to prepare for the next one, but so far, their only loss coming against of one player. Umm Salal relies on the knowledge by finishing the day tured) will spend the next two days and recover fast because in less than it’s going to be tough. I think after Al Sadd. Their impeccable record team work, something that we really level with the likes of four-time trying to lift the mood of his dejected three days we have another impor- we scored the goal we were pushing however will not stop Umm Salal focused on during our training camp.” Major winner Ernie Els. players as they aim to keep their tant game. We have to try to get a harder and we had the best chances, from gunning for the Jorge Fossati’s Al Rayyan coach Fossati was “I grew up here, first swung Olympic Games dream alive after two good result, to keep the good things but this is football. They scored the team scalp as the two clash in the proud of his sides efforts in the break a golf club here and watched this late South Korea goals eliminated the we did and avoid the things that were opportunity they had when they Round 16 match here today. in QSL action. tournament for years. It has been hosts from the Championship. not good enough. were suffering and sometimes this Umm Salal‘s Turkish coach Ulent “We took huge advantage of my favourite tournament to watch, While Qatar’s chances of claim- “We know we’re going to face can happen. We just have to accept Bugen has reiterated his sides desire the QSL stoppage period worked so it’s good to finally play it,” said ing the continental title evaporated another final and Iraq had the same what happened and prepare for the to defeat Al Rayyan. according to the set training program Lutton, who has previously shot a thanks to goals from Kwon Chang- scenario as us, they lost in the last next game. “Make no mistake our match including a four-day rest followed by 65 at Doha Golf Club. hoon and Moon Chang-jin in the final minutes so we are in the same situa- “I think in all the games the play- against Al Rayyan is a tough fixture, training sessions twice a day we are “I only felt at ease on my sec- six minutes, Sanchez and his team will tion. We’re going to recover fast and ers showed this team spirit,” he said. you only have to look at the league fully prepared for our match,” the ond shot, because the first shot was meet Iraq tomorrow in a battle for the we will try to perform well. “It’s very important to play in these table to know that,” Bugen said at a Uruguayan tactician said . a bit nerve racking, if I’m honest. continent’s third and final berth at the “We know Iraq is a top team in kind of competitions and in the next pre-match press conferencce. “Umm Salal are a difficult team, After that, it was a good, steady Rio de Janeiro Games in August. “We Asia and we will try to do well and games they will try their best to per- An interesting sub-plot has devel- like any other side in the league. We round. I played pretty consistently knew the possible scenarios before have a good result.” form well and have a good result.” oped in the tie due to the transfer of will fight hard for the win,” he added. out there and had lots of fun.” Tour of Qatar races: beIN Sports prepare for extensive coverage

The Peninsula participating teams and the leaders in addition unique digital coverage via internet and social to exclusive interviews with the sports stars. media. Where the digital coverage provided by Tour of Qatar this year consists of 4 women’s the network on its official website and pages, DOHA: beIN SPORTS channels are gearing stages while the men’s has been reduced to be finds high turnout by those who can’t watch up to cover the 8th edition of Tour of Qatar for 5 only instead of 6 stages and 15 teams will par- the Tour on Television; as they can now watch women which will be held from February 2 to ticipate in the Women’s Tour while 18 teams this event on smartphones, besides to follow- 5 and the 15th for men which will be held from will in the men’s. ing up all the news moment by moment on beIN February 8 to 12. The final day of the men’s Tour which SPORTS social media pages and accounts; Face- beIN SPORTS will cover the unique event will be on the 12th of February, beIN SPORTS book, twitter and Instagram. providing live coverage in both languages Eng- will dedicate an analytic studio that reviews The coverage of Tour of Qatar this year lish and Arabic commentary seeking to offer the race course and discusses deeply all the is just the beginning of a series of an impor- the best for its viewers and special coverage details related to the participating teams and tant coverage of the sport, in which the Qatar will feature a daily summary that reviews the the crowned champions. Cycling Federation (QCF) shall be organising A file picture of the Tour of Qatar. most important stages and sheds the light on beIN SPORTS network promises to provide the world championship later this year. 30 THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 SPORT Madson strike helps Al Khor shock El Jaish

over the bar. El Jaish were more lively in the second half but Al Khor went Al Harazi’s double close to doubling their lead in the 55th helps Al Sailiya see minute. Madson broke from midfield and off Mesaimeer, Dioko showed great strength before picking strike enough for Al out Julio Cesar with a pinpoint cross. In the other match, Al Sailiya Gharafa to win 1-0 closed the gap on the top six after a 3-1 against Al Ahli victory over bottom side Mesaimeer. Abdurahman Al Harazi put Al Sailiya in front in the 13th minute at Al Arabi Stadium. The Peninsula Abdulgadir Ilyas Bakur robbed the ball from Hazem Khaled deep in Mesaimeer’s half, played a neat one- DOHA: Al Khor followed up their two, and set up Al Harazi for the finish impressive December form with a after the number nine found himself 1-0 victory over high-flying El Jaish in plenty of space in the penalty area. in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) Round Al Harazi doubled his and Al Saili- 16 match yesterday. ya’s tally in the 48th minute. Bakur Brazilian striker Madson scored was the creator yet again with a strong the only goal of the game in the 40th run down the right. The El Jaish loan minute at Al Khor Stadium. man found Al Harazi in space and the Al Sailiya SC players celebrate during the Qatar Stars League (QSL) He latched on to a ball over the forward slotted home without being match against Mesaimeer SC at Al Arabi Stadium yesterday. Bottom: top, shrugged off the attention of Ali pressured by the Mesaimeer defence. Al Gharafa goalkeeper Qasem Burhan makes a timely save before Al Sanad and calmly slotted the ball The game appeared to be as good Ahli SC Pejman Mohammedreza (right) can do any damage during the home. The goal came against the run as over but Mesaimeer pulled a goal QSL match at Al Arabi Stadium yesterday. of play at the end of a quiet first half. back in the 60th minute through Pictures by: Kammutty/The Peninsula The Soldiers’ only chance of note Wajdi Bouazzi. Al Sailiya goalkeeper came on the half-hour mark when Gregory Gomis rushed off his line to and Bouazzi passed the ball into an In the second half Al Ahli came Sardor Rashidov hit a left-footed effort clear but his defence got in a tangle empty net from well outside the area. out with renewed vigour and replaced Despite a few nervous moments, striker Ndombe Mubele with new Sailiya made the game safe in the signing Danilo Carando. It didn’t take 82nd minute when Bakur grabbed long for the Argentine to carve out his a deserved goal. He lashed the ball first chance for the Brigadeers, with home after Mostafa Abdulhafidh’s a swivel and shot bringing a good header had been cleared off the line. save from Gharafa stopper Burhan Meanwhile, Al Gharafa main- Quassim. tained their unbeaten streak under new coach Pedro Caixina with a tight QATAR STARS LEAGUE 1-0 victory over Al Ahli at Al Arabi Results Stadium yesterday. Al Ahli 0 Al Gharafa 1 Former Al Ahli striker Alain Dioko Al Sailiya 3 Mesaimeer 1 scored in the first half to pile the mis- Al Khor 1 El Jaish 0 ery on his former side. Al Gharafa Today’s Schedule started the match on the front foot Al Kharaitiyat vs Lekhwiya at Al Khor and quickly showed their dominance. Stadium (16:30) Attacker Adel Ahmed’s powerful run and accurate cross found the feet Umm Salal vs Al Rayyan at Al Gharafa Stadium (16:30) of Dioko who bundled the ball in from close range to score his fifth goal of Al Arabi vs Qatar SC at Al Gharafa Stadium (19:00) the season. The first half lacked any Al Gharafa’s Alain Dioko is challenged by Al Ahli’s Mohammed Hassan other key chances of note and the Al Wakrah vs Al Sadd at Al Wakrah Aqib (right), during their QSL match at Al Arabi Stadium yesterday. Cheetahs went in 1-0 up at the break. Stadium (19:00) QSL: Al Arabi not taking struggling Qatar SC lightly

The Peninsula relegation zone. “Our training camp to get our players by January 30. at the hands of Lekhwiya in the first Osim also insisted that his side Al Sadd in the Sheikh Jassim Cup went well in Abu Dhabi. I should On the other hand, Qatar SC coach half of the season. was readied for the second half of the match counted for nothing as the expect that we will play with a dif- Sebastião Lazaroni said his squad is “We will have to make up for that season. “Our break went well, many second half of the season was about DOHA: Al Arabi will not take things ferent style moving forward into the now ready for a relegation dog-fight. previous defeat, Lekhwiya are one of of our squad improved their fitness, to start. lightly when they take on stuggling second part of the season,” the Ital- “We have brought in some new the best sides in the league and will I think this will help us in the second “We now have to focus on the Qatar Sports Club in the Round 16 ian said. players to the squad in Emiliano Vec- be a major challenge for Al Khariti- part of the season. “ league campaign and finish as high match of the Qatar Stars league (QSL) Zola also cleared up the recent chio and Rafik Halliche. They are yat,” Osim said. “I would also like to congratulate as possible. The gap to the league here today. transfers at Al Arabi. hungry to win, and this is what our Osim also confirmed that Khariti- Qatar on their progress in the AFC leaders is big, but Lekhwiya is used Speaking at the pre-match press “Firstly I would like to welcome side needs based on our position.” yat will be without influential striker U23 championships, they now have to fighting for titles we shall battle to conference coach Gianfranco Zola Anwar Diba to the squad. In terms of In the other match, Al Kharitiyat Hassan Abdel-Fattah for the match the change to go the Olympics and I the very end,” explained the former said: “We will not underestimate changing Junior Dutra, this will only take on Lekhwiya. against the current QSL champions. wish them the best against Iraq,” said Qatar national team boss. Qatar Sports Club, their position does happen if I can find an ideal replace- Al Kharitiyat coach Amar Osim “He will not play this week, but we the Bosnian tactician. Belmadi also revealed that his not represent their quality.” ment. Javad Nekounam has replaced insisted that his side will not like to will see if he can be available for next Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi side will be without two crucial play- The Kings are currently in the Rod Fani in the squad. We have time repeat the 7-0 humbling they received week.” insisted that his sides 4-1 victory over ers for the match against Al Kharitiyat. Khalid, Anthony sparkle as Al Sadd edge Al Wakrah

The Peninsula

DOHA: Abdi Khalid (22) and Raffa Anthony (20) produced a daredevil performance to power Al Sadd past Al Wakrah by just a solitary point at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall yesterday. Khalid and Anthony combined well to help Al Sadd post a 80-79 vic- tory in a game in which the winners trailed in three of the four quarters. Al Sadd, trailing 61-67 at the end of the third quarter, found extra reserves to seal their win in the fourth and final quarter. Anthony clearly enjoyed a mem- orable outing as he also managed 12 assists in the tough encounter. Kha- lid managed 4 assists. Former Qatar national team player Ali Saad Abdulrahman (13) and Action from the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) League match between Al Sadd and Al Wakrah at Al Saeed Erfan Ali (11) also reached dou- ble figures for Al Sadd. Gharafa Indoor Stadium in Doha yesterday. Right: Action from Al Gharafa and Al Shamal match. Daoud Daoud Mousa scored 8 points for Al Sadd. For Al Wakrah, Watson Boney In the second game of the day, Al points and 4 assists) and Salem Omar Hachad Mohamed Kamal also Harold produced 20 points and 7 Gharafa beat Al Shamal 95-75 after Abdelkader (10 points and 1 assist) reached double digits for Al Shamal, assists. He was ably supported by Saad Abdulrahman Mohamed and also reached double figures for Al scoring 14 points for his team. Ndour Mame Souleye who scored 16 Adako Emmanuel Osaro hit the 20s Gharafa, Kamal had 5 assists. Adam Khalid points and 1 assist. with ease. Mohamed scored 29 points For Al Shamal, Ambres Mildon Abdalla scored 9 points. Mujkic Emir (15 points and 3 and had 5 assists while Osaro man- produced a tally of 20 points and The next round will be played on assists) and Saaka Adamu (14 points aged 28 points and 4 assists to lift Al 5 assists while team-mate Kosar January 30 with Al Rayyan playing Al Players of Al Gharafa and Al Shamal vie for ball possession during their and 5 assists) also well played well Gharafa playing on home turf. Abdulqadir managed to score 17 Arabi and Qatar SC taking on Al Ahli for Al Wakrah. Galloway Kevin Dwayne (13 points. Abdulqadir had 2 assists. at Al Gharafa Indoor Stadium. QBF League match. SPORT THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 31

Aspetar Promotional Video: PSG stars draw over 14 million viewers in 10 days

The Peninsula directly from these medical services PSG FOOTBALLERS PROMOTE ASPETAR after receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the 2015 football season. DOHA: A number of players from In the film, the players experience French club Paris Saint-Germain in the 10 days in Middle East, Africa the care of Aspetar’s international (PSG) have been given the starring and Europe. experts in terms of medical check- roles in a recently recorded promo- The promotional video features ups and comprehensive screening. In tional video that shines a spotlight on Paris Saint-Germain players includ- addition, they highlight the benefits of the unique care and medical services ing Lucas Moura, Serge Aurier, Thiago access to Aspetar’s world-class facil- provided by Aspetar, the world’s lead- Motta, Maxwell and Jean-Kévin ities and praise the hospital’s efforts ing specialised orthopaedic and sports Augustin. to provide comprehensive health care medicine hospital. It provides an overview of the services designed to support the play- The video was produced during remarkable range of medical serv- ers’ development. Paris Saint-Germain’s winter train- ices provided to the club through The hospital provides its medical ing camp, recently held in Doha, and Aspetar’s three-year-partnership with and scientific capabilities to enable was launched on January 12 on Asp- Paris Saint-Germain which runs to the athletes to train and compete at their etar’s official website, www.aspetar. end of the 2016/2017 season. maximum potential, and has become com, its YouTube channel and across Two of those players featured in an ideal destination for the provision all its social media platforms. the film – the Brazilian right winger of medical services to international To date, the campaign has Lucas Moura and Ivorian right back sports events, athletes and clubs from PSG footballers star in Aspetar promotion video during their trip to Doha earlier this month. received more than 14 million views Serge Aurier – have recently benefited around the world. BBC abandons plans of Simon takes Liverpool into final FIFA presidential debate

native Crouch only his fifth start of Goalie saves decisive Liverpool’s Simon the season. Reuters declined, some others wanted to, penalty as Klopp’s Mignolet celebrates The gangly former England striker um, move the goalposts,” she said. after blocking the got his head to plenty of balls, but it Five candidates are bidding to was from an approach more in keep- replace Blatter: Prince Ali Bin Al- side edge out Stoke penalty shootout ing with Stoke’s football this season Z U R I C H : BBC has abandoned plans Hussein of Jordan, South African City to enter the at the second leg that the hosts procured their best to stage a televised debate with the politician and businessman Tokyo League Cup final of League Cup first-half chances. five candidates vyving for the pres- Sexwale, UEFA General-Secretary semi-final against Two opportunities fell to Jon Wal- idency of soccer’s scandal-plagued Gianni Infantino, Sheikh Salman Stoke City at ters. From Arnautovic’s through-ball governing body FIFA after one Bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa of Bahrain Anfield, Liverpool in the 14th minute the Irishman saw declined to take part and others and Frenchman Jerome Champagne. on Tuesday. a shot deflected over and when Erik imposed conditions. They could not immediately AFP Pieters’s pass was allowed to bounce The broadcaster had hoped to be reached for comment apart through to him eight minutes later, he stage the debate in London in mid- from Champagne, who said he had shot wide under pressure from the February, two weeks before election been told that the debate had been sliding Mamadou Sakho. in Zurich on February 26, but con- cancelled. LIVERPOOL: pro- A tame first half was trundling firmed in a statement that it would Plans for another planned tel- duced a decisive spot-kick save from towards its conclusion when Stoke no longer go ahead. evised debate, due to be held at Marc Muniesa as Liverpool edged struck in stoppage time, Bojan Krkic It was the second time in three the European parliament in Brus- Stoke City 6-5 on penalties at Anfield crossing from the right and Arnau- days that plans to bring the candi- sels yesterday and broadcast by US on Tuesday to reach the League Cup tovic stealing in behind Kolo Toure dates together and publicly discuss sports network ESPN, collapsed after final. to side-foot home. their plans for the sport’s future had Prince Ali and Sexwale withdrew at After Marko Arnautovic had can- Liverpool’s defenders appealed been scuppered. 48 hours’ notice. celled out Liverpool’s 1-0 aggregate eliminated holders Chelsea in round Ibe skewing a shot over late on, the in vain to the linesman, but television FIFA is in the throes of an That left Champagne as the only lead with a goal that seemed to have four, but despite recording a first game went to penalties and after each replays confirmed that the Austrian unprecedented crisis, with crim- candidate present. been scored from an offside position, win inside 90 minutes at Anfield side had squandered a spot-kick – had been offside. inal investigations into the sport No televised debate has ever the game went to extra time and then since March 1959, they were unable Mignolet saving from Crouch, Emre The home fans’ boos became under way in the United States and been held in a FIFA presidential penalties, and with Mignolet thwart- to secure a place in what would have Can hitting the post – it went to sud- roars early in the second half as Switzerland. election. ing Muniesa, it was left to Joe Allen to been their first League Cup final since den death. Liverpool looked to reassert their The world body’s president Sepp British broadcasters BBC and Sky net the decisive spot-kick. they won the tournament in 1972. Van Ginkel and Lucas Leiva advantage, with Butland diverting a Blatter and European soccer boss made a similar proposal before the Following some slapdash recent It took until the first minute of scored, but Mignolet – maligned for drilled shot by Firmino onto the goal Michel Platini, banned for eight years vote in May last year but Blatter, who displays, it was a much-needed extra time for Liverpool to register a some shaky recent performances post. each, are among officials who have won that election against Prince Ali, breakthrough for Liverpool manager shot on target from open play, Stoke – plunged to his left to parry Munie- The hosts’ defensive weaknesses been sanctioned by its own ethics turned down the invitation. Jurgen Klopp, appointed in October, goalkeeper Jack Butland saving a toe- sa’s spot-kick and Allen stepped up to remained apparent, however, and it committee. The FIFA president is chosen by whose side will face either Manches- poke from Roberto Firmino. settle the semi-final by planting the took a last-ditch block from Sakho The BBC highlighted a comment the 209 national football associa- ter City or Merseyside rivals Everton But Stoke substitute Marco van ball into the top-right corner. Liver- to thwart Walters after Liverpool on Twitter by presenter Victoria tions which are affiliated to it, each in the final on February 28. Ginkel twice went closer, and each pool’s fragility beneath the high ball had failed to clear a free-kick from Derbyshire, who said the decision holding one vote. It will be Liverpool’s first major time from Peter Crouch flick-ons, first was demonstrated anew in Satur- Pieters. was made after one candidate had Critics say the system leaves final since 2012, when they won the scuffing a shot against the right-hand day’s madcap 5-4 win at Norwich With a late Liverpool penalty declined to take part. the other stakeholders, including last of their eight League Cups and post and then testing Mignolet with City and Stoke manager appeal for handball against Pieters “We’ve pulled our live head- supporters, players, clubs and the lost to Chelsea in the FA Cup final. a volley. sought to target their aerial vulnera- dismissed by referee Jon Moss, the to-head TV debate (with) FIFA media, effectively sidelined from Mark Hughes’s Stoke had With Liverpool substitute Jordon bility by awarding one-time Anfield game went to extra time. Presidential hopefuls. After one the election.

Wanderers mark India’s Republic Day Doha Meeting: UAE names eight stadiums to host 2019 Asian Cup

The Peninsula

DOHA: Eight stadiums in four cities have been proposed for the finals of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 to be held in the at the first meeting of the Organising Commit- tee for AFC Asian Cup 2019 held in Doha yesterday. The AFC Organising Commit- tee was informed that the inaugural 24-team tournament, described by its chairman Saoud Al Mohannadi as the ‘jewel in the AFC crown’, would kick off at the Zayed Sports City Stadium, one of three stadiums in Abu Dhabi, Australia’s players celebrate with the Asian Cup trophy after winning which would also host the final. their final in this January 31, 2015 file photo. The committee agreed in princi- ple to the proposal and to the use of two other stadiums in Abu Dhabi – venue, with every ground hosting the AFC Executive Committee at their Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium and at least one match in the knock- meeting in Doha tomorrow. Al Nahyan Stadium - and two in Al out stage. To increase spectator and Mohannadi said that Aus- Ain, which would be the Hazza bin broadcast interest, the semi-finals tralia 2015 had set the bar high for Zayed Stadium and the Khalifa bin will be played on different days in future Asian Cups, and added: “The Zayed Stadium. Abu Dhabi and Dubai. No city will resounding success of the AFC Asian In Dubai it is proposed there host two matches on the same day Cup 2015 in Australia simply under- would be two venues - the Zabeel – except in the final round of group lined the fact that it is the pinnacle of Qatar’s most decorated hockey club, Wanderers celebrated India’s 67th Republic Day with gusto Stadium and the still to be confirmed stage matches when simultaneous football in Asia. on Tuesday. A Three-a-Side quick-fire hockey tournament was held at their club house in Wakrah, Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum kick-off is required. There will be “We again thank Australia and with teams aptly names Safron, White, Orange and Green. Prizes were distributed by their senior Stadium. The eighth venue will be no third/fourth place game. the Local Organising Committee members – Cyril Fernandes and Fabian Faleiro. The event was sponsored by Gulf Agency Qatar. Sharjah Stadium in the Emirate of Hotel and training grounds for the and the AFC Organising Committee, Bosco Menezes, Brand Manager for the club gave a vote of thanks. The Wanderers hockey club was Sharjah. tournament, which will comprise 51 chaired by His Royal Highness Prince established in 1979 and since then it has been organising various tournaments. The Wanderers are The committee also approved the matches over 28 days, will be recom- Abdullah Ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah, for known as the major hockey club in the country and has won the Qatar Hockey League several times. match schedule which will maxim- mended in March 2016 by the Local their outstanding efforts, but now we ise the use of venues. At least five Organising Committee. must turn to 2019 and the next host - matches will be allocated to each The decisions will be ratified by the United Arab Emirates.” 32 THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 SPORT ICC Test Rankings: India regain No.1 spot

IANS defeated England by 280 runs. But Rabada recorded figures of 7/112 Amla scored 109 and 96 in the the Virat Kohli-led Indian team can- and 6/32 in the two innings of the Centurion Test. For this perform- not afford to breathe easy. Centurion Test to vault 32 places to ance, Amla has been rewarded with With only 11 points separating top 30th in the rankings for Test bowlers. a jump of four places, which has put DUBAI: India have reclaimed the ranked India from sixth-ranked New Rabada started the series in the him in fourth place. top spot in the International Cricket Zealand, there is potential for further 122nd position and has gained 92 Stokes, who scored 166 runs Council’s (ICC) Test rankings yester- changes before the April 1 annual cut- places after earning 447 points fol- and took seven wickets at the U19 day after a gap of almost four and off date. lowing his 22 wickets in the series. Cricket World Cup 2010 where Eng- a half years, thanks to their recent Australia and South Africa are As Rabada is still in the qualification land finished eighth, has achieved series win over South Africa at home. on equal points at 109 but when the period for bowlers, he is expected to career-high rankings in the bowlers India had previously held the points are calculated beyond the move further up the ladder, depend- and all-rounders categories. number one Test position from decimal point, Australia are ranked ing on how he performs later this He has moved up three places December 2009 to August 2011. second as they have 109.4 points as year. to 27th in the bowling table, while They were guaranteed the top posi- compared to third placed South Afri- De Kock scored his maiden he has leapfrogged Vernon Philan- tion after South Africa trailed 0-2 ca’s 108.9. unbeaten Test century in the final der and Ravindra Jadeja into fourth after three Tests in the recent four- In the ICC Test player rank- Test against England. place in the all-rounders’ list. Test series in the sub-continent. ings, South Africans Kagiso Rabada, As a result, the left-handed wick- The bowling table is headed by The rankings were released Quinton de Kock, Hashim Amla and etkeeper-batsman has broken into the England’s Stuart Broad, while Ravi- Virat Kohli-led Indian team will have to work hard to maintain their top following the conclusion of the Cen- England’s Ben Stokes have made top 50 for the first time, occupying the chandran Ashwin is the top-ranked spot in the ICC Test rankings. turion Test in which South Africa impressive gains. 48th position after rising 27 places. all-rounder. England, SA face tough work ahead

England stay on fifth in ICC rankings while Proteas slip to third position after series defeat on home soil David Warner Star Warner AFP wins Allan

CENTURION: Both England and Border medal South Africa have hardwork ahead if they are to climb the Test rankings AFP following the series in South Africa won 2-1 by England. England stayed in fifth place on : David Warner was the rankings, although South African named Australia’s Test Player of captain AB de Villiers said he believed the Year yesterday, beating captain the tourists could soon be “the team Steve Smith for the Allan Border to beat”, while South Africa dropped Medal. from first to third after their second Warner won Australian successive series loss. cricket’s highest individual prize England’s two wins were con- -- judged on performances in Tests vincing but South Africa’s 280-run and one-dayers over the season -- win in the final Test in Centurion left with 240 votes, 21 ahead of Smith England’s team poses for a photograph after winning the Test series 2-1 against South Africa at Centurion, South Africa, on Tuesday. “unanswered questions” in the words and 57 more than Mitchell Starc. of captain Alastair Cook. The prolific run-scorer totalled The series averages point to the 30 votes for Test player of the year, strengths and weaknesses of the Eng- and discipline in Durban, Compton shakily before becoming one of Eng- bowling, with Chris Jordan not used six more than Smith with Starc land performances. fell to some loose strokes later in the CRICKET: TOUGH BATTLE land’s leading wicketkeepers. in the series and Finn and Mark Wood again in third position (18). Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes and series and finished with 245 runs at FOR ICC TEST RANKINGS Stokes, the Man of the Series, likely to press for places when they “My heart is racing. I honestly Joe Root scored heavily and averaged 30.62. If Compton did not make cer- scored runs at a rapid rate and took had recovered from injuries. thought Smudge (Smith) had a ter- over 50 but the only other batsman to tain of a long-term place, Alex Hales 12 wickets to show himself as a gen- South Africa looked in disarray rific year and he would have taken average 30 was Nick Compton, whose was unconvincing as Cook’s opening uine Test all-rounder. England batted early in the series, when it seemed this out,” Warner said. form fell away after he scored a cru- partner. His only innings of substance Africa as well as in county matches deep, with Moeen Ali a spin bowl- they were still suffering a hangover “People said to me I could cial 85 in the first Test in Durban. was 60 in Cape Town where both before England’s next Test series ing all-rounder. Stuart Broad was from a 3-0 defeat in India. But they have been one of the greats of the Handed the problematical teams topped 600 in the first innings. against Sri Lanka in May. the match-winner in the third Test improved and finished the series game but I just sat there and let it number three role, Compton seemed Cook said that while he believed While Bairstow batted well, Cook in Johannesburg. England’s bowling strongly. go through my ears. You can only stung by comments by England coach players should be given too many noted that he had “a huge amount of was less effective in the final match De Villiers took over the captaincy control what you control on the Trevor Bayliss favouring positive chances rather than too few, he also work to do” on his wicketkeeping, when the impressive Steven Finn from Hashim Amla and made it clear field.” stroke play at the top of the order. hoped Hales would do well in the although he drew a comparison with was missing because of injury. But he wanted to put his personal stamp Twenty-nine year-old Warner, After showing immense patience upcoming one-day series in South Matt Prior, who started his Test career Cook said England had depth in pace on the job. who last year was named Test vice-captain, powered his way to his 16th Test century this summer. In a Man-of-the-Match per- formance against the West Indies Use of on-field microphones slammed earlier this month he reached 100 off 82 balls to achieve the faster Test century at the Sydney Cricket Ground. AFP chipped Ravindra Jadeja and was interview. Thanks, Channel 9.” T20, a And in the earlier series caught at mid-off by Virat Kohli for quick-fire, high-octane format, was against , he scored 21, with the star Indian batsman mak- designed to draw crowds to tourna- 163 and 116 in the first Test in Bris- ing a “chatterbox” hand gesture at the ments.Sports writer Robert Craddock bane, before scoring 253 in the ADELAIDE: The use of on-field Test captain. said Smith’s dismissal raised the ques- second Test in Perth. microphones by players in Twenty20 Australia fans slammed Channel tion of whether the T20 short-form Fellow players, the media and matches came under fire yesterday Nine on Twitter, blaming the commer- structure was meant to be a carnival umpires vote for their choice of after star Australian batsman Steve cial station for distracting Smith, while or a contest. Allan Border Medal winner. Smith lost his wicket while commen- others said Kohli’s gesture was a criti- “Did it cost Australia the game? Previous recipients include tating during a game against India. cism of live chat during a game. Possibly. If it happened in a Test match Ricky Ponting, Glenn McGrath, Smith was answering questions “Whilst we try to bring the viewer I would be punching a hole in my key- Steve Waugh, Adam Gilchrist, from broadcaster Channel Nine’s com- into the contest. We can’t forget it is a board protesting at the farce of it all,” Shane Watson, Michael Clarke mentators while he was in the middle contest. Smith wasn’t comfortable and he wrote in Brisbane’s Courier Mail. and Smith. with Aaron Finch as Australia chased Kohli knew it,” one Twitter user wrote. “But it was T20 international and All-rounder Glenn Maxwell down India’s 188 runs during Tuesday’s Another tweeted: “Kohli’s message like the rest of the world, I am still was named One Day International Steven Smith (left) and James Faulkner of Australia are pictured match at Adelaide Oval. to Steve Smith was pretty clear there. trying to work out what these games Player of the Year and Adam Voges Shortly after speaking, Smith This is a cricket game not a television actually mean.” during the first T20 against India in Adelaide. the domestic Player of the Year. Pacer Amir focused despite ‘I’ve got a dollar for you’ taunt

Agencies NZC for many years played the sound trivialising one of the biggest issues to his knowledge no complaint had he has to do is deliver his skill well, before the game. Meanwhile, Paki- of a cash register when Amir was facing cricket at the moment. I’ve con- been issued by team management. which he did in the last game, he stan team had to cancel their training running in to bowl during the third tacted the Pakistan team management Amir was reported to be “disturbed” bowled brilliantly. Life moves on, and session due to heavy rain yesterday Twenty20 international at Westpac to apologise, and to assure them there by the taunts. Amir and the management are con- ahead of second game in Napier today. AUCKLAND: Pakistan pacer Moham- Stadium last Friday. will be no repeat,” White said. “We are here to play cricket for centrating on doing well for Pakistan.” As rain enforced cancellation of mad Amir remains ‘focused’ after a NZC chief executive David White The NZC also reprimanded the Pakistan and win games for Pakistan, Amir, who was had to leave the training the training session, to keep taunt from a spectator during the issued an apology to the Pakistan spectator who reportedly told Amir and the rest of things coming from the field owing to cramps in both legs in the team together outdoors, man- opening one-dayer against New Zea- team, unimpressed that McLeod Amir I‘ve got a dollar for you’ when the crowd, that’s for the anti-corruption his 9th over, has recovered. ager Intikhab Alam and head coach land in Wellington on Monday. was banned from cricket for five years pacer for fielding near the boundary or ICC people. They are doing their job And fitness of Shoaib Malik, who Waqar Younis quickly organised for New Zealand Cricket has also and jailed for his part in the spot-fix- during the first one-dayer. very well, and I promise you New Zea- had played all three T20Is after pain the entire squad a spell of Ten Pin issued a statement for being “inappro- ing scandal in England in 2010. Pakistan assistant coach Mushtaq land crowds are very good, ” Ahmed killers were administered to him and Bowling. priate and disrespectful” after Mark “I think it was inappropriate and Ahmed insisted the issue hadn’t been said. rested for the first ODI lest he aggra- More rain and gusty winds is the McLeod, a veteran DJ contracted by disrespectful, and has the effect of discussed in the dressing room, and “Amir has been very focused. All vated his foot injury, shall be assessed forecast for today. SPORT THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 33

Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao exchange punches during their fight on May 2, 2015 which officially regarded as the richest fight in the sport’s history.

Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch ‘a possibility’

The 37-year-old is planning to run A high-ranked contender would BOXING: REMATCH OF The veteran boxing for a seat in the Philippines’ senate FIGHT OF THE CENTURY follow in September and, if success- later this year after already serving ful, Tso would get a shot at becoming promoter believes a as a representative in the country’s Hong Kong’s first boxing world cham- repeat of the Fight congress. “I’d love to see a Mayweather- pion in December against the WBA “I’m so happy to be hanging up Pacquiao second fight, of course I super flyweight champion, currently of the Century is a my gloves after this fight,” Pacquiao would,” said Arum. “The first fight Japan’s Kohei Kono. distinct possibility told a press conference in Los Ange- was by far the most lucrative in the The deal signals the end of Arum’s les a week ago. history of boxing. tie-up with the nearby resort city of But Arum thinks that could all “But Mayweather has to un-retire, Macau, where he has promoted eight still change. Manny has to decide whether or not casino-based shows in the past three AFP “Once that bell rings for that he’s elected to the senate and he’ll do years, including two multi-million final round, Manny Pacquiao’s going the rematch, so we’ll have to see. dollar Pacquiao fights. to rethink it and who knows if he “You know, I’m done predicting Macau has been hit hard by decides to return?” he told in Hong what athletes are going to do.” China’s high-profile corruption HONG KONG: Veteran boxing Kong. Bradley’s WBO welterweight title crackdown which has kept high roll- promoter Bob Arum believes Fili- “I’ve been in this boxing business will be on the line in the April 9 bout ers from the gaming tables and saw pino legend Manny Pacquiao may for 50 years and I know that fight- at ’s MGM Grand, in the casino revenues in 2015 fall to a five- reconsider retirement after his final ers retire and other than, say, Rocky third meeting of the two fighters. year low. fight against Timothy Bradley, and Marciano, they come back,” said the Top Rank guru Arum was in Hong “We thank Macau for hosting box- Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat shoots against Wayne Ellington declared yesterday he would “love” 84-year-old Arum. Kong to announce a three-fight deal ing and bringing it on a tremendous to see a rematch with Floyd May- “Will it be Manny’s last fight? I’m to promote local super flyweight and basis to this part of the world. If you’re (right) of the Brooklyn Nets during their game at the Barclays Centre weather. not ready to guarantee that,” added world title prospect Rex Tso. not going to get that type of support on Tuesday in New York City. Pacquiao insists he will step away Arum, who also hinted at a rematch Arum confirmed that Tso would from the casinos in Macau, it is log- from the ring after the third and final for the Filipino against Mayweather, fight South Korea’s Young Gil-Bae ical to bring the events to where the instalment of his rivalry with Brad- who himself retired after their mega- in May in Hong Kong for an Asian people are - and that’s Hong Kong,” ley in April. fight in Las Vegas last May. regional title. said Arum. Wade, Bosh tame

Australia warns Nets in Brooklyn athletes against Agencies NBA HIGHLIGHTS Zika at Rio season Durant went over the AFP NEW YORK: Dwyane Wade and 40-point mark. The All Star forward Chris Bosh combined for 54 points scored 43 against the Orlando Magic to lead the Miami Heat to a 102-98 on October 30. SYDNEY: Australia’s Olympic ath- win over the Brooklyn Nets at Bar- Bucks 107, Magic 100 letes were yesterday told to take clays Centre. Jerryd Bayless sank a three- precautions against Zika-carrying Bosh had 27 points, five pointer from the corner with 13.3 mosquitoes at the Games in Bra- rebounds and four assists, Wade seconds left to lock down the Mil- zil, with officials advising them to had 27 points and eight assists for waukee Bucks’ 107-100 victory over consider whether to travel to Rio de the Heat (25-21). the Orlando Magic. Janeiro if pregnant. 76ers 113, Suns 103 Bayless hit two three-pointers in A surge in babies suffering from Ish Smith had 20 points and nine the quarter - and three of the Bucks’ microcephaly, in which children assists as the Philadelphia 76ers beat five for the game - and finished with have abnormally small heads, born the Phoenix Suns 113-103 in a meet- 12 points as Milwaukee staved off a to women infected with Zika has ing of two of the NBA’s worst teams. late Orlando rally. prompted warnings from Australia Robert Covington added 19 Trail Blazers 112, Kings 97 and other governments about trav- points 15 for Philadelphia, who are CJ McCollum scored 18 points elling to affected countries. 4-17 at home and 7-39 overall, both and Damian Lillard chipped in 15 In Brazil, Zika virus infections in league worsts. Archie Goodwin and 13 assists as the Portland Trail pregnant women have been linked scored 26 for the Suns, the NBA’s Blazers broke open a tight game at Local workers disinfect the famous Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Tuesday, ahead of the to 3,893 births of babies with micro- fourth-worst team (14-32). halftime to beat the Sacramento cephaly compared to an average of beginning of Rio’s Carnival parades, to fight against the mosquito Aedes aegypti, which spreads the Zika, Clippers 91, Pacers 89 Kings 112-97 at the Moda Centre. about 160 a year, the World Health Dengue and Chikunguna viruses. The carnival stadium Sambadrome will host the archery events during Chris Paul scored 26 points, Gerald Henderson added 15 Organisation has said. the Summer Olympic Games Rio 2016. including a clutch jumper with points, and seven players scored in The Australian Olympic Commit- 33.7 seconds remaining, and the double figures for the Trail Blazers tee (AOC) said the health of its team Los Angeles Clippers defeated the (21-26), who moved ahead of Sac- was “paramount”. struggling Indiana Pacers 91-89 at ramento in the race for the eighth It warned that females of child- Britain aiming for record ‘away’ Bankers Life Fieldhouse. and final playoff spot in the West- bearing age “need to be aware of JJ Redick added 19 for the Clip- ern Conference. the specific risks of microcephaly in pers, who made 15 of 37 shots from Mavericks 92, Lakers 90 newborns, should the mother become medal haul at Rio Summer Games three-point range, while the Pacers Dirk Nowitzki’s baseline jumper infected during pregnancy”. were five of 16 from beyond the arc. with 2.1 seconds remaining lifted the “Any team members who are Paul George had 31 for the Pac- Dallas Mavericks to a 92-90 victory pregnant at the time of the Games ers, who are 3-17 when trailing after over the Los Angeles Lakers at Sta- need to consider the risks very care- Reuters from a home Games was 47 medals three quarters. ples Centre. JJ Barea came off the fully before deciding whether to ZIKA OUTBREAK won in Beijing in 2008. British ath- Raptors 106, Wizards 89 bench to deliver 18 points, and Chan- proceed with travel to Brazil,” it said letes won 29 golds, 17 silvers and 19 Kyle Lowry scored 29 points, dler Parsons scored 17 and collected in a statement. bronzes in London. and the Raptors defeated nine rebounds for the Mavericks (26- Australia’s Department of For- LONDON: Britain could win more in British athletes achieving the best Britain won more medals than the Washington Wizards 106-89 to 21). Nowitzki, who was hindered by eign Affairs has advised pregnant medals at the Rio Olympics than at ever ‘away’ Olympics. Based on the ever at the diving, gymnastics and tie the franchise record with a ninth foul trouble, added 13 points and six women to consider postponing travel any previous ‘away’ Games and pos- latest sophisticated analysis, UK swimming world championships last consecutive win. The Raptors also rebounds. to Brazil. The Olympic Games begin sibly exceed the record haul of 65 at Sport also believes the aspirational year, while cycling also picked up won nine straight in 2002. on August 5. home in London four years ago, UK goal of doing what no host nation the pace. Final medal targets will be DeMar DeRozan added 17 points NBA RESULTS The AOC said athletes and offi- Sport said on Tuesday. has done before by winning more made public in July after team selec- for Toronto while Terrence Ross con- LA Clippers 91 Indiana 89 cials would be given mosquito No nation has ever followed up Olympic and Paralympic medals at tion is finalised but are likely to be a tributed 15 points off the bench. Philadelphia 113 Phoenix 103 repellent, and told to wear long hosting a Summer Olympics with the next Games post hosting, remains in a range of 47 to 79. Thunder 128, Knicks 122 sleeves when they were at risk of bites an even bigger medal tally at the ‘within sight’,” it said in a statement. “I remain confident the aspira- (overtime) Miami 102 Brooklyn 98 from the insects such as in areas with subsequent Games but the body UK Sport Director of Performance tional goal will be within the medal Kevin Durant poured in a sea- Oklahoma City 128 NY Knicks 122 stagnant water. responsible for promoting sport in Simon Timson told reporters that ‘if target ranges when we announce son-high 44 points to lead the Toronto 106 Washington 89 Athletes living in the Games vil- Britain refused to rule that out come all stars align and things go perfectly’ them in July but the least I expect is Oklahoma City Thunder to a 128-122 Milwaukee 107 Orlando 100 lage are to be advised to keep their in August. Britain could be looking at up to 79 the best ever ‘away’ Olympics and to overtime win against the New York Portland 112 Sacramento 97 windows and doors closed and use “UK Sport’s latest intelligence medals in Rio. remain as competitive at the Paral- Knicks at Madison Square Garden. air conditioning. suggests confidence should be high Team GB’s previous best away ympic Games,” said Timson. It was the second time this Dallas 92 LA Lakers 90 34 THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 SPORT

Azarenka No split finds positive loyalties for in return to form tri-citizen Konta Reuters Reuters

MELBOURNE: Victoria Azarenka’s hopes of a remarkable comeback MELBOURNE: With not one, or Australian Open victory crumbled two but three passports in her pos- under Angelique Kerber’s winners session, Britain’s Johanna Konta yesterday but the Belarusian was could have been forgiven for suf- pleased with solid three weeks fering an identity crisis. Down Under that made her feel Germany’s Angelique Kerber But the woman who could have she had turned a corner. celebrates her win against shown her allegiance to the coun- The twice champion at Mel- try of her birth, Australia, or the Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka after their bourne Park had been battling a country where her parents hailed women’s singles match of the 2016 Australian foot injury for two years, which from, Hungary, was eager to prove combined with a plummeting Open tournament in Melbourne yesterday. that she was no triple agent. ranking and the breakdown in a “I’m pretty much the female personal relationship had contrib- version of Jason Bourne,” Konta uted to bouts of depression. said laughing after she reached The 26-year-old, however, her maiden semi- reproduced some of the tennis final at the Australian Open with that had made her world number a 6-4, 6-1 win over Chinese qual- one over the last three weeks in ifier Shuai Zhang. Australia, with many tipping her Kerber stuns Azarenka “I am a tri-citizen... but I defi- as a potential winner of the year’s nitely belong to Great Britain.” opening grand slam. Like the fictional CIA assas- She stormed to the Brisbane sin of the Bourne Identity films, title, dispatching Kerber in the Konta killed the hopes of seven- final, by dropping just 17 games times grand slam champion Venus over five matches. Williams and 2015 Melbourne Park At Melbourne Park, she lost just to meet Konta in semis semi-finalist 11 games in the first four rounds on the way to becoming the first and was hitting the ball as cleanly British woman to reach the last as she had when she won succes- four of a major in 33 years. sive titles on the blue hard courts Kerber outplays When joined her in 2012 and 2013. in the last four, Britain had two “I think I’ve been playing multiple champion players in the last four of a grand pretty well,” Azarenka told report- while Konta becomes slam for the first time since 1977. ers. “Three weeks of good tennis, But rather than getting car- you know, solid effort. the first British ried away with the possibility of “I’m in the right direction.” woman in a Grand becoming the first British woman Her 6-3 7-5 loss yesterday, Slam semi in 33 years to lift a grand slam trophy since however, could be put down to “a Virginia Wade at Wimbledon 39 bad day at the office” as she said, years ago, Konta played down her though it was more due to two unexpected run. periods of extreme hitting by the Agencies “If you live and die with your seventh-seeded German. wins and losses, it’s an incredibly Kerber raced out to a 4-0 lead tough lifestyle to live,” said the in the first set and then while fac- 24-year-old, who failed to make ing three set points at 2-5 in the MELBOURNE: Angelique Kerber the main draw a year ago while second, began to swing for the stunned two-time champion Vic- ranked 147th in the world. fences and reeled off winner after toria Azarenka at the Australian Looking ahead to her last-four winner that left the Belarusian Open yesterday for a last-four clash showdown with German seventh looking bereft as to what to do. against Johanna Konta, the first Brit- seed Angelique Kerber, she added: Despite being disappointed ish woman to reach a Grand Slam Johanna Konta of Britain hits a “I’m going to go out there, really and while she may succumb to semi-final in 33 years. return against Shuai Zhang of enjoy it and enjoy the battle. tears or, in a remotely possible out- The seventh-seeded Kerber, who China during their quarter-final “It’s very important to take burst of anger, break something, had never gone beyond the fourth round of the Australian Open your positivity from things that the defeat would be put behind her round at Melbourne Park before, tennis tournament in Melbourne, you have control over. Otherwise by today. blasted past the dangerous Azarenka Australia yesterday. you come into the danger of having 6-3, 7-5 in her first win against the very highs and lows, which is not Belarusian. a nice place to be. Middle ground It was a huge upset for the Ger- the second set against Azarenka, a of extraordinary, with her last trip to is nice.” man, whose six defeats against the player who has been in ominous form TENNIS: AUSTRALIAN OPEN Melbourne Park cut short with a hum- Her grounded expectations 14th seed included this month’s Bris- this season. WOMEN’S SINGLES bling exit at qualifying when ranked have served her well over the past bane International final and an epic Azarenka had lost just 11 games 147th in the world. six months. She reached the fourth three-hour marathon at last year’s in her four matches prior to meet- The Sydney-born 24-year-old has round of last year’s US Open, beat- US Open. ing Kerber and was seen as the main up in the second as the Belarusian emulated ’s breath- ing Wimbledon runner-up Garbine Her reward is a clash with Konta, threat to ’ relentless imploded at the end, failing to bury taking run at the 2014 tournament by Muguruza en route, and arrived in whose fairytale main-draw debut march to a 22nd Grand Slam crown. set points that would have kept her reaching the last four on her main Australia ranked 47th in the world. tournament continued when she out- World number one Williams plays hopes alive draw debut at Melbourne Park. She now wants to show that classed giant-killing Chinese qualifier fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska in She had never been beyond the “I’m just so happy that I’m enjoy- her parents’ decision to relocate Zhang Shuai 6-4, 6-1. the other semi-final. Kerber, who had fourth round at a Slam before with ing what I’m doing. That is me living from Australia to Britain so that This time last year Konta was a stellar 2015, winning four tourna- her exploits Wednesday matching fel- my dream,” a beaming Konta told their daughter could chase her ten- ranked 147 and fell in qualifying for ments, second only to Williams’ five, low Brits Virginia Wade (who won the reporters after fending off Zhang in nis dreams was not in vain. Melbourne Park, but she has since is the first German into the last four title in 1972) and Sue Barker (1975 and an hour and 23 minutes. “When I left Australia I started risen 100 places, crediting her trans- here since Anke Huber in 1998. 1977) in making the Melbourne semis. “When I was a little girl I dreamt training in Barcelona. I was at the formation with a new mental attitude. She gave Azarenka the run- She also became the first British of winning grand slams and being Sanchez Academy. While I was “I will just be trying to focus on around early in the match and woman to press on to a Slam semi number one in the world. That dream there, my parents felt that at 13, 14 doing the same stuff I’m doing before took a 2-0 lead - the first time the since Jo Durie at the US Open in 1983. stays the same I think as long as you’re years old they didn’t really want to Victoria Azarenka of Belarus every match, focusing on my game,” 26-year-old had been a break down The 47th-ranked Konta will seek doing the career that you’re on.” be on the other side of the world. reacts after losing her quarter- Kerber said, looking ahead to the all tournament. to continue her fairytale run today The last British woman to make a And because we are Hungarian final match against Angelique semi-final today. The Azarenka serve was weak when she meets German seventh seed grand slam semi-final was Jo Durie European passport holders, they Kerber of Germany at the The 28-year-old is a renowned and with Kerber playing sublime Angelique Kerber for a place in the at the 1983 US Open, while the last decided to base themselves in Brit- Australian Open in Melbourne, fighter and the quality shone through tennis with perfect shot placement, title-decider. finalist was the 1977 Wimbledon ain. It was their sacrifice for me,” Australia yesterday. as she battled back from 2-5 down in she took the first set and didn’t let Konta’s rise has been little short champion Virginia Wade. she said. Ivanisevic demands proof Authorities to review anti-corruption of match-fixing allegations

unit after match-fixing scandal Reuters numbers were not enough to prove guilt. “There is no evidence. We are MELBOURNE: Former Wimble- talking about algorithms and math- don champion Goran Ivanisevic has ematics and some computer spits demanded proof of the match-fix- your name out like a serial killer Reuters Tennis Integrity unit (TIU) governance issues, and head the inquiry and its ing allegations that have rocked the and everyone is chasing you,” he for not adequately inves- how to extend the scope of report will be made pub- Australian Open, saying tennis play- told reporters yesterday. tigating some 16 players tennis’ anti-corruption edu- licly available. Allegations ers were being hounded as if “serial “You need proof. Show me that MELBOURNE: Ten- repeatedly flagged over cation programmes.Tennis of match-fixing surfaced at killers”. somebody did something wrong then nis officials yesterday suspicions they had thrown authorities repeated they felt the Australian Open when Tennis officials have been forced I will believe you.” launched an independ- matches in the past decade. the allegations made in the a global bookmaker sus- onto the back foot at the season The reports by the BBC and Buz- ent review into their Recent corruption report by the BBC and Buz- pended betting on a mixed opening grand slam after media zfeed News in part involved using an anti-corruption prac- scandals involving the zfeed News were historical, doubles match last Sun- reports alleged the anti-corruption algorithm to cross-check thousands tices after allegations the world governing bodies of but could help the sport in day after unusually large watchdog had failed to properly of tennis matches with those that sport’s watchdog had not soccer and athletics have the long run.Tennis great amounts were bet on it. police the game. produced irregular betting patterns. done enough to stamp out thrown those sports into Martina Navratilova, who The players have A review of the Tennis Integrity The reports did not identify play- possible corruption in the turmoil and tennis was won 51 grand slam titles, denied any involvement Unit (TIU) was announced earlier on ers but said the matches had been game. not keen to follow them said she was sceptical about and International Tennis Wednesday by the sport’s power bro- red-flagged to tennis anti-corrup- The announcement at down that path, Associa- The review would the match-fixing reports and Federation (ITF) Presi- kers in an effort to head off criticism tion officials, who then failed to act. the Australian Open came tion of Tennis Professionals address issues of trans- wanted proof. dent David Haggerty said that could lead to it being dragged Ivanisevic, however, said irregu- in the wake of media (ATP) Chairman Chris Ker- parency and resourcing Prominent London bar- they had spoken to the TIU down the same path as athletics and lar betting patterns on matches only reports criticising the mode said. at the TIU, structural or rister Adam Lewis QC will afterwards. soccer. resulted in players being placed on Ivanisevic said statistics and a ‘maybe list’. SPORT THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 35

AUSTRALIAN OPEN Australian Quotes of the day Murray, Raonic thunder into Open Results “I grew up in Scotland and the MEN’S SINGLES weather’s not like here.” Quarter-finals - Andy Murray says he feels Andy Murray (GBR x2) bt David Ferrer quite at home playing indoors, (ESP x8) 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2, 6-3 after the Rod Laver Arena roof Milos Raonic (CAN x13) bt Gael Monfils was closed during his match last four in Melbourne (FRA x23) 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 with David Ferrer. WOMEN’S SINGLES “I’m pretty much the female ver- Quarter-finals sion of Jason Bourne.” Angelique Kerber (GER x7) bt Victoria - Johanna Konta says that with TENNIS: AUSTRALIAN Murray marches into Azarenka (BLR x14) 6-3, 7-5 her three passports - British, OPEN MEN’S SINGLES Australian and Hungarian - she his sixth Australian Johanna Konta (GBR) bt Zhang Shuai (CHN) 6-4, 6-1 could be a spy. Open semi-final Konta downed China’s Zhang Shuai to become the first British “If I need to break something, while Raonic proves woman to reach a Grand Slam hopefully I don’t break anything. too good for Monfils semi since 1983. It is the first time But I just might.” that two British singles players - Ferrer - Victoria Azarenka on how she man or woman - have featured copes with a big loss. in the last four at the same Grand AFP Slam event since John Lloyd and victory was “In my heart I’m feeling I already Sue Barker at the 1977 Australian won the tournament because I Open. my best won seven matches.” Adding further lustre to the - China’s Zhang Shuai is happy MELBOURNE: Andy Murray set British day to remember, Murray’s match, says in defeat. up an Australian Open semi- brother Jamie reached the men’s final against the much-improved doubles semi-finals with his Bra- “I’m not sure he’d give his mother Milos Raonic yesterday when he zilian partner Bruno Soares. Murray one point while he was playing.” weathered a fierce attack by David Murray said it was a special - Men’s tour boss Chris Kermode Ferrer on a day of rare success for time for British tennis, after he on the absurdity of Lleyton Britain. also led his country to Davis Cup Reuters Hewitt’s name being linked to A thunderstorm proved an glory against Belgium in Novem- unusual betting patterns. unlikely ally for Murray when it ber -- the first time they have won forced the Rod Laver Arena roof the teams tournament since 1936. MELBOURNE: Andy Murray to be closed mid-match, helping Ferrer proved a difficult prop- thinks he played his best ten- Australian Open him accelerate to a 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), osition for Murray, relentlessly nis of the tournament during his 6-2, 6-3 win in the indoor condi- slugging it out from the baseline Australian Open quarter-final vic- at a glance tions he enjoys. and keeping the Scot working tory over David Ferrer yesterday Later Raonic, now working hard in a physically demanding after a tough few days when he % Murray weathers Fer- under former world number one match. was distracted by his father-in- rer assault to set up Raonic Canadian Milos Raonic Carlos Moya, continued his ascent Murray appeared to benefit law’s illness. semi-final. celebrates his victory with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory in the change to the slower court The 28-year-old Scot came %Kerber stuns Azarenka, will over France’s Gael Monfils face Britain’s Konta in semis. over Gael Monfils to reach the Aus- conditions when the roof was yesterday. through a three-hour, 20-minute % Raonic beats Monfils to tralian semi-finals for the first closed on Rod Laver Arena in the tussle with the Spanish eighth seed become first Canadian ever in time. Murray is into sixth Aus- third set, ahead of an approach- 6-3 6-7(5) 6-2 6-3 to take his place last four. tralian Open semi-final and 18th ing thunderstorm. in the semi-finals for the sixth time %Konta ends fairytale run of overall in the Grand Slams, as he In the evening match, Raonic The newly composed and pur- The 13th seed also beat French in seven years. Chinese qualifier Zhang. attempts to go one better after fin- proved too good for Monfils as poseful power-server extended Open champion Stan Wawrinka His win contributed to the %Britain has two Slam semi- ishing runner-up at four of the last he became the first Canadian to his unbeaten run this year to nine for the first time in the previous best week for Britain at a Grand finalists for first time since 1977. six editions in Melbourne. reach the semi-finals, in what will matches, and has not lost at tour round and he said he hoped to Slam for nearly 40 years, with But this time, the world be only his second appearance in level since going down to Rafael make the most of his opportunity Johanna Konta into the last four number three has British company a Grand Slam last four after Wim- Nadal in the third round at Shang- against Murray, against whom his of the women’s draw and Murray’s BRIEF STORIES FROM in the final stages after Johanna bledon 2014. hai in October. head-to-head record is 3-3. brother Jamie into the last four of YESTERDAY the men’s doubles with Brazil’s Bruno Soares. “I think today was probably the Well, this is awkward best match I played, especially in the second and third set. I started hitting the ball better from the Britain’s Johanna Konta back of the court. has earned a slice of history “Obviously the last few days by reaching the semi-finals, have been tough and maybe I despite never going beyond hadn’t played my best tennis and qualifying before and being managed to get through.” ranked at world number Murray endured a worrisome 147 just one year ago. Her few days after Nigel Sears, the all-round game has earned father of his wife Kim and coach admirers, apart from one of , collapsed in the element: the odd way she stands at the Rod Laver Arena and bounces the ball before was taken to hospital on Saturday. serving. While most players Sears was discharged on bounce it almost basket- Sunday after being examined by ball-style, Konta catches a cardiologist and given the all- the ball each time, lifts it up clear to join his pregnant daughter high before very deliberately back home in Britain, leaving Mur- throwing it back down again. ray free to focus on his tennis. “I did see myself (serving) The former Wimbledon cham- and I thought, ‘Ooh, this looks pion, four times a losing finalist at really awkward,’” she said. Melbourne Park, has now reached “But that is just the way it is the semi-finals or better at four of and it feels really natural, so his last five grand slams. sorry if you guys don’t like it.” Murray will play Milos Raonic, who beat Gael Monfils in the last quarter-final, as he bids to reach a Andy Murray of Great Britain serves to Break point fifth Australian Open final. David Ferrer of Spain during their quarter- Reflecting on the strong Brit- Victoria Azarenka final match of the Australian Open tennis ish showing, Murray said: “It’s reserved the right to cry and tournament in Melbourne, Australia pretty good for us to have peo- break things after her prom- yesterday. ple competing in almost all of the ising bid for a third title was competitions.” halted by a shock loss to Angelique Kerber. “I’m just going to let what- ever emotion comes to me. I’m just going to work through it. If it’s sadness, if I need to cry, Any round is like a final between Djokovic and Federer I may cry.” “I don’t know. If I need to break something, hopefully AFP but still yearns for his elusive 18th But Djokovic will be look- I don’t break anything. But I major. The Swiss legend’s last ing to step up after being taken to just might. You know, what- major win was at Wimbledon in five draining sets by methodical ever is natural, is going to MELBOURNE: One of the great- 2012, and since then Djokovic has Frenchman Gilles Simon, and only come, I’m just going to let it est tennis rivalries resumes at the accumulated five of his 10 Grand spasmodically producing his best happen today.” Australian Open today, once again Slam titles, plus another five finals against a misfiring Kei Nishikori posing the question whether age- appearances. in the quarters. ing Roger Federer still has it in him “It’s part of the reason why I’m “Any round (against Federer) Short shrift to master Novak Djokovic. still playing. I feel like I’m com- feels like a final because of the fact The Serbian world number petitive at the top. I can beat all that we are big rivals,” Djokovic Eugenie Bouchard didn’t one, coming off an astonishing the guys on tour,” said the Swiss, said. “We have played so many make much of an impression 2015 season which fell only one after trouncing Tomas Berdych in times against each other. There’s a at the Australian Open but her win short of a calendar-year Grand the quarter-finals. lot of tension. There’s a lot at stake. daring new haircut is making Slam, is zeroing in on a sixth Aus- “It’s nice now that in the last I’m expecting a great fight.” waves on social media. tralian title in Melbourne. three Slams I’ve been as consistent The world number one, with Reactions to her new Federer, at 34, is in the twilight as I have been. I’m playing good six-time slam champion Boris look, with her trademark of an imperious career including tennis, fun tennis for me anyway. Becker in his camp, knows he has long blonde hair shaved at his all-time men’s tennis high of “So I’m very pleased. It would to produce his best tennis to beat the sides, were mixed when 17 Grand Slam titles, and still has mean a lot to me, no doubt about arguably the greatest player of all she posted the finished result the game to remain in the men’s it.” time. on Instagram, ranging from top three. Federer will be the sentimen- “Roger is playing really terrific “punk rock grrrrl” to “ouch”, Today’s semi-final will be their tal favourite with the Australian tennis in the last two years. We “what is this crap?” and 45th meeting in a head-to-head crowd, who revere the Swiss for played two Grand Slam finals last This combo of file photos shows Serbia’s Novak Djokovic (left) and Switzerland’s “nooooooo”. She did, how- which is on a knife-edge at 22 his past exploits on Rod Laver year,” he said. “I know very well ever, get 23,100 likes. wins each. Federer has lost their Arena where he has won four Aus- how good he plays, especially in Roger Federer in action during the tennis tournament last three Grand Slam encounters, tralian crowns. the later stages of a major event. in Melbourne yesterday. THURSDAY 28 JANUARY 2016 36

I like playing in the desert, says Larrazabal, Oosthuizen share South Africa’s Oosthuizen The Peninsula

Masters lead in windy Qatar DOHA: South Africa’s Louis Oost- huizen, who carded seven under par 65 in the opening round of the Qatar Masters, yesterday said he ‘liked playing in the desert’. The 33-year-old South African Defending champion enjoyed a bogey-free round at DGC Branden Grace and to tie for the second spot. Oosthuizen is one many South former winner Sergio African golf players competing for Garcia are two of the Pearl Trophy at DGC. Here’s a quick Q & A with Louis nine players tied at Oosthuizen after the first round at 2 under par 70 at DGC. Question. What satisfied you wind-swept DGC the most from the first round? Oosthuizen: Probably the bogey-free. I was two occasions where I looked like I was going to make bogeys but recovered well, By Rizwan Rehmat and the rest was just played pretty The Peninsula solid. Good ball-striking today, and yeah, I made one or two putts. Q. Now as Open Champion, runner-up in The Open last year, DOHA: Title favourites Pablo as well. When you see conditions Larrazabal of Spain and Louis Oost- when you wake up in the morn- huizen of South Africa yesterday ing, do you start licking your carded bogey-free rounds to share lips? honours on the opening day of the Oosthuizen: Not quite, but I $2.5m Commercial Bank Qatar Mas- like playing in windy conditions. ters. Today it was fair I think. I think the Larrazabal and Oosthuizen fin- whole day is going to stay like this, ished the day’s proceedings with which is good. But they are expect- similar scores of seven under par 65 ing some horrible winds, so then it as windy conditions greeted the play- gets really difficult. ers at Doha Golf Club (DGC). Q. What is it about this place ‘Belgian Bomber’ Nicolas Col- that really ticks the box for you? saerts, a Ryder Cup winner in 2012, Oosthuizen: I don’t know, I Britain’s Andrew Johnston and Swe- like playing in the desert. I always den’s Bjorn Akesson share the third play well around here, and just like spot on the leaderboard with a score the golf course. Like I said, I like of six under par 66. the type of shot-making, grainy Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa tees off on hole 10 during day one of Former champion Paul Lawrie of greens. It brings back a lot of good Scotland and Spain’s Rafa Cabrera- the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at Doha Golf Club yesterday. LEFT: memories. Bello were two among a group of eight Pablo Larrazabal talks to the media after the day’s play. Q. The last five years, four golfers to share the sixth spot with five with these conditions is very good. I “When I drive it that well, it makes times you’ve won your first start under par 67. put myself in a lot of birdie chances a round a lot easier,” Colsaerts said. of the calendar year, which is Former champion Ernie Els of and that was key. “When it’s on like this, it’s very stress- fairly incredible. Why is it you South Africa finished the day at four “I mean, to have always a birdie free. If I’m as good as I was off the tee think you get off to such a fast under par 68, thanks largely to four putt is key in these conditions because today, it makes a big difference to the start? birdies on holes 9, 14, 17 and 18. you know with these kind of greens, rest of my game because I can come Oosthuizen: I think I should Els is tied for 14th spot with you’re not going to hole too many, but in with shorter irons into the greens,” take more eight-week breaks. nine other golfers including DGC I holed seven, so very good,” he said. Colsaerts said. Have to say well-rested. player Clarke Lutton and ’s Oosthuizen, 33, also enjoyed a Lutton, making his debut on the Q. Thoughts on a wonder- Thongchai Jaidee. bogey-free round at DGC to tie for European Tour, was delighted with ful start like this, in terms of the Defending champion Branden the second spot. The South African his 4 under par 68. score at least. Grace of South Africa is one of nine carded a total of seven birdies to lay “It was pretty good. I was a little Oosthuizen: Bogey-free, you players tied at 2 under par 70 along foundation for what could be a good bit nervous if I’m honest, first Euro- always take a lot out of it. I think with former champions Sergio Gar- week in ‘windy’ Qatar. pean Tour event. It was a good, solid the three of us were pulling each cia of Spain and compatriot Alvaro Oosthuizen carded birdies on round. Didn’t make too many mis- other the whole way. We played Quiros. holes 1, 6, 9, 10, 11, 16 and 18 to com- takes and just stuck to my game plan really well. Hit some good shots. Grace stuttered with a couple of by firing four in the first nine holes the conditions you’re playing on, so plete his bogey-free round at DGC. really,” Lutton said. The wind was pretty similar the bogeys - on holes 6 and 7 - but the after starting on the 10th hole and you have to play like it is and enjoy it. “Probably the bogey-free,” Oost- Lutton said playing alongside whole day, or the whole morning, South African staged a steady if not then carded another three at the Yeah, probably I’m a good player with huizen said when asked to comment Andrew McArthur was ‘relaxing’. and I think it’s going to probably spectacular recovery with four bird- 7,374-yard course. the wind,” Larrazabal said. on the best part of his game yesterday. “Yeah, never met him before but be the same this afternoon. But ies - on holes 5, 10, 11 and 17. “Very happy. I hit it very well, The Spaniard added: “I like to play “There were two occasions where nice to play with him. He’s a nice guy,” we’ll see what it does tomorrow. I Champion in 2014, Garcia also very solid round. I missed only one it down. I’m getting better without the I looked like I was going to make Lutton said. “Kind of kept me fairly think we are expecting some hor- suffered bogeys on holes 13 and 17. green on 13 with a great shot, so yeah, wind, but I still play very well with bogeys but (I) recovered well, and the relaxed out there,” he said. rible winds tomorrow. Garcia, who missed the cut in his very happy,” Larrazabal said after his the wind.” rest I just played pretty solid,” Oost- In a rather forgetful performance, Q. I’s say the wind is nothing rookie appearance in 1999 at DGC, impressive round in windy conditions. “Yeah, very happy,” Larrazabal huizen said. John Daly of the US carded 7 over par like as strong as we feared but it fired four birdies at a wind-swept When reminded about how windy said when he was asked if he was Colsaerts, 33, yesterday said his 79 yesterday. Daly, a player who grabs is still challenging, isn’t it? DGC. it was at DGC, Larrazabal said it didn’t satisfied with the day’s proceedings. renowned driving game that earned headlines for his eccentric ways on Oosthuizen: Yes, it’s definitely Larrabazal, the 2010 British Open bother him. “As I said before, I hit it very well him his nickname was back to its and off the course, carded bogeys on still -- it’s a lot of cross-wind shots. champion, split his birdie dominance “You know, you cannot control tee-to-green. 17 greens in regulation fearsome best. holes 1, 2, 5, 9 and 15. So there’s a lot where you’re not sure if it’s in or a little down, so you need to have that wind map out and handy. All three of us hit the ball really well today. Q. With your pedigree, you DeChambeau, Qatari youngsters talk golf relish it, don’t you? Oosthuizen: I like windy con- ditions. You know, if it gets really strong, then it gets difficult. I think The Peninsula the names of the two Qatari play- patience is the big thing when it ers, so it’s great to meet Ali and Saleh really blows hard. But today was today. I talked a bit about my game just a good wind, and a lot of DOHA: Reigning US Amateur Cham- and experience, and they gave me flighted shots, which I like. pionship winner Bryson DeChambeau some tips about the course, which Q. Is there a particular reason gave leading Qatari amateurs Ali was very useful!” why you always seem to start a Al Shahrani and Saleh Al Kaabi an Last year, DeChambeau made his- new season so well? insight into top-flight golf in a lively tory when he became only the fifth Oosthuizen: I don’t know, the exchange on the beachfront of The St player to win the US Amateur and only thing I can think of is it’s the Regis Doha ahead of this week’s Com- NCAA Division I individual title in one only time I can have proper time mercial Bank Qatar Masters. season, a feat previously achieved by away from golf, six to eight weeks, The talkative DeChambeau, 22, is only Jack Nicklaus (1961), Phil Mick- and not really touching a golf club. making his tournament debut in the elson (1990), Tiger Woods (1996) and Just having a good break and a $2.5m European Tour event, while Ryan Moore (2004). good holiday, and looks like we Shahrani and Kaabi, both 21, are each Al Kaabi said: “It was fun to talk to need to do that more. competing for the fourth time as they Bryson as we know about his big wins Q. Just freshen up and get it continue to try to forge a new path for in the USA and that he’s now travelling out of the mind and not have that Qatari golf. the world to play in pro events. He’s an regular drill you’re always going DeChambeau, arguably the interesting guy and we learned a lot. through? world’s most famous amateur golfer, “We also told him about golf in Oosthuizen: I think it’s more met the Qatari duo at The St Regis Qatar and Doha Golf Club, our home wanting to come back just to play Qatari amateurs Ali Al Shahrani and Saleh Al Kaabi are seen during a promotional event at St Regis Hotel Doha’s private beach, where the trio course, and some of the best ways to and be back on the golf course. I chatted, watched each other swing play holes when it gets windy, which Doha where reigning US Amateur Championship winner Bryson DeChambeau gave the two golf tips. think a lot of times, you lose that by and even had a discussion about the is likely this week.” first-round lead in Abu Dhabi last I’m looking forward to it. The greens “When the wind gets up, it’s about having a too hectic schedule, so the American’s unusual set of irons, which DeChambeau’s US Amateur vic- Thursday with an eight-under-par are great and the fairways are awe- controlling trajectories and ball flight. break in December was really nice. are all the same length. tory earned him starts in this year’s 64, he’s currently focused on con- some. The rough isn’t up as much as it If you’re able to do that and gauge how Q. I heard you mention the DeChambeau said: “I looked at the first three Majors – the Masters Tour- quering the DGC in the second event was last week, so it’s going to be a bit much the wind is affecting it based word physio. Is health an issue? entry list for the Commercial Bank nament, US Open and The Open of The European Tour’s ‘desert swing’. more playable, but the wind is going it on the height of the ball, you’ll be Oosthuizen: No, a bit of tender Qatar Masters before I arrived and I Championship. “The course at Doha Golf Club to toss us in for a little bit of a loop,” fine, so that’s what I’m going to try loving care I think, TLC we call it. saw that there were only five. I saw However, after grabbing the is incredible and in great shape, so DeChambeau said. and do,” he said. No, my body feels great.