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Heir Apparent watches tennis OPINION Syria embassy Killings in Arab Spring countries in Doha goes hat is happening in WArab Spring countries now is con- fusing and to opposition raises many questions. Why should civilians Al Haraki is rebel coalition’s envoy be beaten, dragged on BEIRUT: Qatar has handed on November 11. A day later, the road Khalid Al Sayed the Syrian Embassy building in Qatar and other Gulf countries and even be EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Doha to the National Coalition, recognised the group as the killed? Are Syria’s main opposition group, a legitimate representative of the there some people who still statement said yesterday. Syrian people. view the uprisings in coun- “Qatar has decided to hand And a week after that, the tries like Tunisia, Egypt, and over the Syrian embassy build- European Union followed suit and Yemen as different forms ing in Doha to Mr Nizar Al recognised the coalition. of chaos, not revolts aiming Haraki after his appointment The Coalition in November at bringing citizens more as ambassador to Doha for the named ambassadors to Paris The Deputy Emir and Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani watches a match of the Qatar freedoms and dignity? National Coalition,” the Coalition and London but neither France Total International women’s tennis championships (WTA) at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, Most of the successful statement said. nor Britain have yet handed last evening. Report on page 30 uprisings in Arab coun- “Qatar has acted faster than over embassy buildings to the tries, from Tunisia to Yemen the Friends of Syria coalition,” opposition. (except in Libya, of course) the opposition statement said, in Meanwhile, Syrian Foreign were peaceful, which achieved reference to a string of Western Minister Walid Al Muallem and their objectives without spill- and Arab states, along with opposition National Coalition Tourism body to get judicial powers ing much blood. They have Turkey, which support the revolt chief Ahmed Moaz Al Khatib will managed to have their own against Syrian President Bashar make separate visits to Moscow DOHA: The executive regula- facilities. The QTA has also been in the country with this view. We parliamentary and presiden- Al Assad. for talks in the coming weeks, tions or bye-laws of the new given the right to cancel the are exploring all tourism spots, tial elections. These elections “The flag of the revolution will a top Russian diplomat said tourism law will give judicial licence of any hotel or tourism especially the islands. There is should have been conducive to be raised above the building,” the yesterday. powers to the Qatar Tourism facility found violating the law. a plan to develop the islands in creating stability. Syrian National Coalition added. Deputy Foreign Minister Authority (QTA) to monitor the “The committee concerned collaboration with the authori- But the assassination of Speaking to AFP by phone, Mikhail Bogdanov told the tourism industry in the country, is currently working on the ties responsible for development Tunisian politician Choukri Haraki said the Qatari authorities RIA Novosti news agency that a senior QTA official has said. bye-laws. It will give some QTA of the Doha Corniche,” he added. Belaid has sent shockwaves had accepted his appointment. Muallem would visit Russia by QTA chairman Engineer Issa employees judicial powers. The Sports tourism and confer- across the Arab world. “A formal decision has been the end of February while Khatib bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi new tourism strategy will encour- ence tourism are also important Continued on page 6 made to accept my appointment would come in the next two or said that the executive regulations age investment in the industrial as part of seasonal tourism that as ambassador,” he said. three weeks. will be issued in eight months sector and the bye-laws are neces- helps increase hotel occupancy. “I will start work along with Final dates for both visits were to help implement the new law. sary to implement this strategy,” City tourism is another impor- Egypt police strike two other diplomats,” said Haraki. still being agreed, he added. Several projects to develop the Al Mohannadi told Al Sharq. tant segment that focuses on “Depending on whether they Syrian state television reported tourism industry will be imple- He said the thrust of the new entertainment, heritage, culture, CAIRO: Thousands of Egyptian support the revolution, we will that the Syrian foreign minis- mented after the bye-laws are law is to encourage the pri- trade etc. riot police and conscripts have decide which former embassy try “welcomes the invitation for issued. vate sector to invest in tourism Al Mohannadi said QTA will gone on strike to demand the staff members we will keep, and Muallem to meet with his Russian The tourism law issued in industry. set up a statistics section for tour- interior minister’s resignation, who we will lay off.” counterpart”. August last year has made a QTA “There is an emphasis on ism data like the number of visi- saying he is too close to the The National Coalition was AFP licence mandatory for opening nature tourism and we are pre- tors at different locations. country’s Islamist leadership. formed in the Qatari capital See also page 9 new hotels and other tourism serving several traditional spots THE PENINSULA See also page 9 THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2013 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME HMC expert Deputy PM meets Envirotrade Group delegation warns of ATV accidents Survey suggests safety law, age limit BY FAZEENA SALEEM to determine prevalence of pro- tective equipment use; and to DOHA: Injuries due to all ter- define the potential role of injury rain vehicle (ATV) accidents prevention in addressing the increase during winter and problem. especially because people drive During a 10-month period the vehicle without taking researchers studied some 56 proper safety measures, said an patients who were injured in expert. ATV crashes seriously enough ATV crashes can cause seri- to require admission at the ous injuries, including death and hospital. permanent disability. The lack of Patient demographics, site of awareness on the injury poten- crash, prior ATV experience, tial of this popular recreational and use of safety measures were activity has escalated the risk recorded. Injuries were charac- of injury. Absence of safety pro- terised according to which body grammes and regulations has part was affected and tabulated. further increased the problem, Outcomes, including deaths and said Dr Ahmad Zarour, Director, impairments, were recorded. Trauma Intensive care Unit at According to the findings, T he Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs H E Ahmad bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud met President of the Envirotrade Group Hamad Medical Corporation there were 47 males (84 percent) Robin Birley and his delegation, including Prince Michael of Kent, Mark Rose, CEO of Fauna and Flora International (FFI), and Charles J Hall, Chief (HMC). and nine females (16 percent) Executive of Envirotrade. Envirotrade Group and FFI made a presentation on low environmental impact projects, which the companies seek to offer He suggested that compulsory among the patients. Most injuries to Qatar to implement in Darfur and neighbouring areas. The projects cover agriculture and small industries. The meeting was attended by several use of helmets and other protec- occurred in people older than 18 tive clothes could avoid serious years, but 20 percent happened officials at the Cabinet General Secretariat. injuries. in children less than 14 years of “ATV accidents are very high age. Helmet use was confirmed during the winter season, because in 12 percent. Three patients many people take ATV rides in died (five percent mortality). QSA launches latest edition of Qatar Atlas the desert area. All these serious Significant disability occurred in accident injuries are preventable, 19 patients (34 percent) and per- if people take precautions,” Dr manent impairment in four (seven DOHA: The third edition of statistical data and geographical is presented under eight topics population in each area, in terms Zarour told The Peninsula. percent). Head, face and muscu- the Qatar Atlas has been pub- information about Qatar collected and five maps. of age, gender and work force. “Unfortunately, many patients loskeletal injuries were most com- lished with latest GIS technol- by QSA in 2010 and this edition Information on infrastructure A chapter has been dedicated we receive were not wearing mon, according to the findings. ogy in the form of a book and has census and data analysis of development, available services to information on agriculture, helmets and protective clothes. Among the patients who had CD. It contains several basic population, houses and facilities, and facilities such as transport, industry and foreign trade. It has Protective gears should be made received head and face injuries, 24 information about the country comparing them with the former telecommunication, electricity, been analysed with related data compulsory,” he added. were admitted with musculoskel- and is published by the Qatar censuses carried out in Qatar.” water, civil services, education and presented with 11 maps. HMC recently concluded a etal injuries. Eighteen received Statistics Authority (QSA). The Atlas contains 162 items and health has been published in The Atlas is prepared in a very research ‘All Terrain Vehicle torso injuries and 10 were with It has been released based on that have been presented through one chapter. simple and expressive way to give (ATV) crashes in an unregulated spine injuries. the 2010 census, with a compari- graphs and maps and categorised Geographical character of full integrated picture of Qatar. environment: A prospective study The research also suggests son with census in 1986. into eight sections. houses and families in Qatar has It reflects the huge develop- of 56 cases.’ introducing an ATV safety law. It Sheikh Hamad bin Jaber bin The administration section been separately given in the lat- ment which has taken place in The research aimed to find suggests that certain restrictions Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of shows places of Qatar with satel- est Atlas. infrastructure and population about injury patterns, impair- such as minimum age of operator QSA, on the occasion of launch- lite pictures taken between 1946 Characters of the population in and about perspective projects ments, and outcomes among and passengers to be introduced. ing the Atlas, said: “This is one and 2012. Qatar has been presented with 44 for 2022. patients injured in ATV crashes; THE PENINSULA of the basic of information, The natural geography of Qatar maps showing distribution of the THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2013 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Governor of Riyadh mourned

DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh the death of Prince Sattam bin and Foreign Minister H E Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin has sent a cable of condolences of Riyadh Region. The Deputy Jabor Al Thani also sent cables to the Custodian of the Two Emir and Heir Apparent H H of condolences to the Custodian Holy Mosques King Abdullah Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al of the Two Holy Mosques on the bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia on Thani and the Prime Minister death of Prince Sattam. Condolences sent to Bahrain DOHA: The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has sent a cable of condolences to H M King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain on the death of Sheikha Saida bint Hamad bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. The Deputy Emir and Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani sent cables of condolences to the Bahrain King on the death of Sheikha Saida. Message from Kuwait for Emir

DOHA: The Deputy Emir and Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has received a written mes- sage for the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani from Emir of Kuwait H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, per- taining to bilateral relations and issues of common concern. The message was handed over by Deputy Minister of the Kuwaiti Emiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al Sabah, when the Deputy Emir met him at the Emiri Diwan office yesterday. QNA THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2013 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME $100m fund set up for financing feature films DFI ties up with Participant Media

DOHA: Doha Film Institute (DFI) in conjunction with Participant Media, a leading provider of entertainment, has formed a $100m revolving fund to finance a slate of feature films. It was announced yesterday by Jim Berk, CEO of Participant Media, and Abdulaziz Al Khater, CEO of DFI. The five-year Film Fund will provide production and devel- A section of the exhibition. opment financing for 12 to 16 feature films, with Participant and DFI working in collabora- Abdulaziz Al Khater Jim Berk UCLQ holds 3D expo on ancient artefacts tion to develop the films, oversee production and arrange global currently co-financing, along that aims to finance and produce distribution. with other parties, an animated films that are both commercially DOHA: University College The exhibition explores how 3D the past five years, the Petrie Participant and DFI are also feature film adaptation of Khalil successful and socially relevant — London Qatar (UCLQ) has digital replicas of museum col- Museum and UCL Department exploring a joint venture to cre- Gibran’s The Prophet, which will a vision that is very much shared unveiled its inaugural exhibition lections can be used to advance of Geomatic Engineering have ate content for Participant’s new be released next year. at DFI. We are confident that this entitled ‘3D Encounters: Where museum, archaeological and worked together to examine the television channel, launching in Berk said: “We are excited collaboration will be a catalyst for Science Meets Heritage’, allow- conservation practice. Using 3D use of 3D imaging technologies, August; establishment of a dis- about working with DFI to cre- greater cross-cultural apprecia- ing public access to 3D scanning visualisations of artefacts from specifically photogrammetry and tribution outlet for DFI’s film ate a transformational partner- tion as we embark on a diverse technology of ancient artefacts UCL Petrie Museum of Egyptian laser scanning to make museum production through Participant’s ship for both parties. This new and exciting set of projects. The for the first time. Archaeology in London, the exhi- collections more accessible and media interests in the US and relationship provides us with a partnership gives us the opportu- The 3D interactive exhibition bition offers a 360 degree view of engaging for all.” other territories; creation of an partner whose goals of interna- nity to reach and inspire broader is one of a series of activities that ancient items that range from With the support of its com- Arabic version of TakePart.com, tional expansion and desire to audiences and expand our plat- UCLQ is planning to increase fragments of stone vessels and mercial partner, Arius3D, UCL Participant’s online division and co-finance a diverse slate of films forms for the development, public engagement and interest in carved wooden hair combs to a has helped improve the way 3D Social Action Network, to create that entertain, enlighten and promotion and distribution of cultural heritage and its preserva- skull of an ancient Egyptian ruler. laser scanning technology can Middle-Easter content in Arabic engage with global audiences are compelling storytelling.” The deal tion. The exhibition aptly takes Professor Thilo Rehren, replicate heritage materials as and English for distribution in total alignment with our own was negotiated by DFI’s head of place in the Qatar-UK 2013 Year Director of UCL, said, “UCL is well as develop end-user applica- around the world; and establish- long-term business strategies.” Film Financing Paul Miller and of Culture, a year of festivities leading the way in exploring the tions using 3D images. This exhi- ment of a Participant branch at Al Khater said: “We are Advisor/Consultant Hal Sadoff, to celebrate the long-standing application of new digital tech- bition presents these prototype DFI’s headquarters. delighted to partner with and Jeff Ivers, COO, Participant relationship between the two nologies for the study and enjoy- applications to the public for the Participant and DFI are Participant Media, a company Media. THE PENINSULA countries. ment of cultural heritage. Over first time. THE PENINSULA Museums urged to reflect actual image of society

BY AZMAT HAROON nomads,” she said anthropologi- grandfathers would bring their yesterday. cal research into families and all of them would DOHA: The national muse- Dr Montigny the customs and enjoy the experience.” ums of the Gulf, includ- was giving a a history of Qatari Speaking as a museologist, ing Qatar, do not reflect the lecture ‘Museums bedouins as well she focused on opportunities actual image of societies and in the Gulf; What as work in under- to expand outdated approaches the changes that occur in is their Identity?, standing the for- to artefact presentations in them, argues a senior French co-hosted by mation of identity regional museums, such as museologist. the Georgetown in a region that the use of explanatory terms The common pattern of all University has seen tremen- that are oversimplifications national museums of the region School of Foreign dous changes in a that don’t reveal the wealth is that they offer a very simpli- Service in Qatar (SFS-Q) and relatively short period of time. “I of knowledge a deeper under- fied traditional image, which University College London have visited museums in Qatar standing of tribal life conveys. gives the impression that noth- Qatar (UCLQ) at the SFS-Q and other Gulf countries with Context, she argued, is a vital, ing changes in these societies, campus in Education City. local women many times. They and often overlooked focus in says Dr Anie Montigny (pic- Dr Montigny’s interest in the would go there once maybe but Gulf state museums. tured), Assistant Professor of Gulf began in 1976 when a search they never come back. They feel “Society is not blocked or Anthropology at the French for a PhD focus brought her here it’s boring,” she said adding that static. When I see the muse- National Museum of Natural to work with a French team although she was sorry for say- ums (in the Gulf) I don’t see History. of social scientists invited by ing that, it was only a matter of the diversity or the specificity of “Maybe, people (in the Gulf) Qatar’s Minister of Information, stating facts. each country,” said Dr Montigny, are not reading enough or lis- following the launch of the first The first Qatar National who has been visiting Qatar for tening to others. I have noticed, Qatar National Museum. Museum, however, particularly 30 years. She said her objective maybe, it’s a decision of the GCC “I was fascinated by the its pearl diving section, pre- was not to criticise, although that they present their national desert. And the Qatari people sented a dynamic image of the it was a sort of provocation. cultural aspect through pearls. welcomed me completely. My country. “It was very open and “When I speak about identity... But for Qatar, I think it is com- interest in the region has con- had diversity of subject. I used what I’m trying to do is push the pletely wrong because most of tinued ever since.” to follow people who came to people to think and reply.” the people here were pastoral This interest has covered the museum and I noticed that THE PENINSULA Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall to visit Qatar

DOHA: The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will pay an official visit to Qatar next month. In response to a request from the British Government, they will also visit Jordan and Oman, in a trip that will begin on March 11 and conclude on March 20. The tour aims to strengthen the United Kingdom’s bilateral relations with key partners in the region, rela- tions which are underpinned by close personal friendships which exist between the royals and ruling families in each country, Clarence House has said. With the visits, the UK also seeks to support its eco- nomic interests by highlighting the growing commercial links between British companies and their counterparts in Jordan, Qatar and Oman, and by encouraging the devel- opment of an enterprise culture in the private sector in each country. Other themes of the tour will include military collabo- ration, opportunities for women in society, inter-faith dialogue, education and environmental sustainability. The tour starts in Jordan and will feature meetings with the King and Queen, an inter-faith gathering to discuss the ‘Amman Message’ on the role of Islam, a major busi- ness conference, and a visit to learn how Jordan is coping with the influx of refugees from neighbouring territories. In Qatar, they will meet the ruling family and senior officials, see first-hand how the country is tackling its food security challenges, visit British technology, innovation and educational partnerships with Qatar and will attend a major event to celebrate the ‘Qatar-UK Year of Culture 2013’. The final leg of the trip is to Oman, where engagements will cover the work of UK military forces in the region, the support being given to young entrepreneurs by a specialist new-business “incubator” and a regional visit to see an ancient form of water irrigation for oasis communities. In all three countries, the Duchess will undertake engagements focusing on the role of and opportunities for women in each society. She will also visit several primary schools to learn about literacy programmes run in conjunction with the British Council — literacy being a central element of her work with charities in the UK. THE PENINSULA

THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2013 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Legal expert hails Qatar’s Constitution Prof Al Jidda writes book on statute BY MOHAMMED OSMAN legal issues, Jidda says that he has tried to make it acceptable to all DOHA: Professor Ra’ad segments of readers. Naji Mustafa Al Jidda, a “I did my best to make the lan- legal expert and former lec- guage as simple as possible so that turer of constitutional law in it will be accepted by all readers Baghdad University, who has whether they are experts or ordi- authored a book on the Qatar’s nary readers. I tried to avoid using Constitution, says that the technical jargons since the aim of Constitution was built on solid the book is to reach all readers principles that make it capable and raise public awareness. to respond to the new develop- “Of course, this book is on ments and growing needs of the Qatari Constitution but it is also country and its people. important for every Arab reader, An Iraqi national born in 1950 who wants to know about the con- in Baghdad, Jidda had taught con- stitutional institutions in Qatar, stitutional law in different Iraqi the principles of the Constitution universities for more than two and the democratic process in the decades. He has authored more country,” he added. Abdul Latif Al than eight books and tens of The book is divided into three Mahamoud, General research papers on constitutions parts. The first focuses on the Manager of Dar Al and legislations. He is currently general principles of making a Sharq, and Khalid Al working in Qatar. constitution and the second part Sayed, Editor-in-Chief “The Qatari Constitution has tells about the development of the of The Peninsula, with adopted the principles in the con- Qatari Constitution and the third other officials and stitutions of leading democracies is about the current Constitution. staff of The Peninsula in the world and has integrated “Through my book, I have tried and Al Sharq during them with the Arab and Islamic to help the Qatari reader judge National Sport Day identity of the Qatari society. the development of the consti- celebration at Umm This is what makes it capable tution and the approach used in Abiriya. (KAMMUTTY to respond to the political, social Qatar in interpreting the con- VP) and economic development of the stitution and ways of making country and its people,” Jidda told amendments to the constitution. The Peninsula. “I have discussed the differ- Asked about the inspiration ent stages in the development behind writing his new book, of the Qatari Constitution from Jidda said: “When I joined my the interim constitution issued current job in Qatar, I felt there in 1970 and amendments made is the need for a book that can in this in 1972 after independ- Dar Al Sharq joins Sport Day celebrations contribute to creating a consti- ence, which continued until the tutional culture in this country. final approval of the permanent The Emir’s decision to conduct Constitution in 2004,” said Jidda. DOHA: Dar Al Sharq cele- different departments of Dar Al Day,” said Al Mahmoud. of sport in the hearts of our staff parliament elections in Qatar in “I have focused more on the brated National Sport Day at a Sharq, including editorial, admin- “This is an unprecedented ini- which is very necessary.” the second half of this year (2013) permanent Constitution which private farm in Umm Abiriyah istration and distribution, took tiative taken by the country to He further said that the encouraged me to speed up writ- was developed through an inter- to promote healthy lifestyle part in several activities organ- mark the National Sport Day in National Sport Day will help ing this book. I believe such a book nationally approved process, among its employees. ised to mark the National Sport a bid to create awareness among achieve the national vision of will contribute to creating legal including a public referendum. The event was attended Day. people about the importance of Qatar in term of caring the pub- awareness among Qataris in a Referendum is one of the best by Abdul Latif Al Mahmoud, “Dar Al Sharq is always keen sports for a healthy lifestyle,” he lic health. scientific way and prepare them ways of seeking public approval General Manager of Dar Al to participate in all national added. “As a newspaper, we are doing for the coming elections with an for constitutional documents and Sharq, Ibrahim Al Sayed, Deputy events, including the National Deputy General Manager Al our best to cover all types of sport understanding of the law and the this is what happened in Qatar in General Manager, and Khalid Al Sport Day that is being cele- Sayed, expressing his views about activities whether they are being Constitution,” 2003,” he added. Sayed, Editor-in-Chief of The brated in response to the Emeri the National Sport Day, said, “The organised within the country or Although the book deals with a THE PENINSULA Peninsula. decree that declared the second National Sport Day provides good abroad,” he added. More than 300 employees from Tuesday of February as Sport opportunity to create the spirit THE PENINSULA

Despotism winning the day instead of democracy

Continued from page 1 call for more freedom, some reli- they should not follow in the foot- to Allah than the unlawful killing Public figures, including famous gious scholars issue edicts that steps of dictatorial regimes that of a believer.” religious scholar Sheikh Yousef open the way for assassinating were overthrown. By using the What happens in Arab Spring Al Qaradawi, the chairman of the regime opponents and detractors. same track, they are violating the countries these days is nothing but a International Union for Muslim Most clerics issuing these edicts true essence of Islam, a religion setback to the revolutions. If hatred Scholars (IUMS), condemned had spent the prime of their lives that preaches nothing but toler- and violence continue to rule, these Belaid’s assassination. Al Qaradawi in jail under the previous regimes. ance and mercy. They should read countries will be torn apart. said regime opponents have the They suffered a lot at the hands of this verse from the holy Quran, Leading scholars and Al Azhar right to express their views freely oppressive regimes. The surprising “But whoever kills a believer in Egypt must act to curb reli- and without fear. He called on thing, though, is that when they intentionally - his recompense is gious excesses. They should the Tunisian government to con- came to power, these clerics are Hell, wherein he will abide eter- promote unity among different duct an investigation into what he showing their true colour – their nally, and Allah has become angry sections of society so that this called an ‘awful crime’ and punish brutal side. with him and has cursed him and society can stand on its feet again. the guilty, regardless of who they They exploit the time they has prepared for him a great pun- The fact that despotism and are. He said that spilling Muslim appear on TV or on mosque pul- ishment,” [An-Nisaa (4:93)]. intolerance are quickly winning blood is forbidden, including that pits to call political rivals ‘infi- They should also remember the day when democracy and tol- of opposition leaders. dels’. They even say that they Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) erance should have been victors is The sorry thing is that in the deserve to be killed. saying, “The destruction of the just maddening. Professor Ra’ad Naji Mustafa Al Jidda with his book. same countries where activists These clerics must realise that whole world is more acceptable THE PENINSULA

LuLu promotes 2022 panel’s nod for healthy lifestyle Lusail Stadium site DOHA: Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee Board DOHA: LuLu Hypermarket Group in their held yesterday its first meeting this year at the stride to promote sports culture and widen the Emiri Diwan under the chairmanship of the Deputy scope of community participation joined hands Emir and Heir Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim bin with Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) to cele- Hamad Al Thani. brate the National Sport Day, a press statement The committee approved the proposed site of the issued by LuLu said yesterday. Lusail Stadium. It also made a comprehensive over- Apart from a host of sport-related activities, view of the other stadiums sites. LuLu, following the advice of QOC, had set up a The meeting was attended by H H Sheikh Jassim stall at the Sports Zone displaying of a wide range bin Hamad Al Thani, the Personal Representative of of organic, fat-free, gluten-free, free range, special- the Emir and the Deputy Chairman of the Committee ity food and healthy choice products to promote as well as members of the panel. healthy food habits among people. The meeting reviewed the steps completed for tech- H E Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, nical projects for hosting the World Cup 2022 and the Secretary General of Qatar Olympic Committee, general plan for the projects in its first edition. during his visit to the Sports Zone, visited LuLu Stall They also discussed details of consultancy tender and appreciated the efforts taken by them. Besides, project management of Al Wakrah Stadium, Al Wakra 30 kiosks were set by them at different locations to stadium design and the proposal for amending the scale serve apple, banana and water to the participants of financial powers. The meeting also discussed a follow- and visitors. up report of the security committee and another report Mohamed Althaf, Regional Director of LuLu by the national heritage committee as well as issues Hypermarket Group, along with other LuLu offi- and topics related to the Committee’s tasks, projects cials had participated actively in the marathon on and their preparations for the World Cup 2022. the Corniche. QNA THE PENINSULA The LuLu team which took part in various activities. THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2013 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Dubai okays $1.6bn island plan with giant ferris wheel The one billion dirhams wheel is inspired by the 135-metre high London Eye on the River Thames

DUBAI: Dubai gave the go shape of palms and the world’s the 135 metre high London Eye on Engineering — whose engineers sector. The Gulf Arab emirate, the region. ahead yesterday to plans for a tallest tower, projects which the River Thames. helped build the London Eye — hard hit by the 2008 credit crunch Large amounts of capital fled new $1.6bn island project fea- were built using high amounts of State-owned Meraas Holding have been appointed primary and a property collapse, has seen Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, Yemen and turing the world’s largest fer- leverage and which triggered its will develop the Bluewaters contractors for the design and a gradual recovery in its fortunes other Arab countries in search ris wheel at its centre, as the 2009 credit crisis. Dubai’s ruler project, which will begin con- construction of Dubai Eye. thanks to its logistics, trade and of safe havens after political emirate resumes constructing approved the Dh6bn Bluewaters struction in April, state news In November, Meraas was cho- tourism businesses. It has also ben- and economic turmoil erupted extravagant projects reminis- Island development yesterday, agency WAM said. Building on sen to develop a Dh10bn complex efited from its safe-haven status in those countries in early 2011. cent of its boom years. which includes a 210 metre (688 the Dubai Eye is slated to begin of five theme parks, including one amid the Arab Spring revolts in REUTERS The emirate is already home foot) high ferris wheel, the Dubai in the second quarter this year. focused on India’s Bollywood to lavish property landmarks Eye. The wheel, which will cost South Korea’s Hyundai cinema industry, as Dubai such as manmade islands in the one billion dirhams, is inspired by Contracting and Starneth bids to boost its tourism

UAE father to be executed for torturing daughter to death

DUBAI: A UAE court yesterday sentenced to death an Emirati father for torturing his two daughters, one of them to death, and jailed his mistress for life on the same charges, local media reported.“An Emirati father who mercilessly tortured and killed his eight-year-old daughter Wadeema will be executed,” reported local daily Gulf News on its website. The Dubai Court of First Instance sentenced 29-year- old Hamad Saud Juma Al Shirawi, a security official, to death. His 27-year-old girlfriend Al Anoud Mohammed Al Ameri, a housewife, was jailed for life, said the daily. Shirawi “will be executed by facing a firing squad as soon as the capital punishment becomes irrevocable and is endorsed by the ruler,” it said. The couple had tor- tured the two girls — Wadeema and Meera — over a six- month period at their Dubai flat. They are charged with torturing Wadeema to death and burying her without a permit, as well as causing a permanent disability to her seven-year-old sister. The couple, arrested last year, were charged with imprisoning and using physical and mental torture against Wadeema and Meera. The verdict is subject to appeal within 15 days. HRW urges Saudi to free ex-judge

DUBAI: Human Rights Watch yesterday urged Saudi authorities to free an ex-judge and founder of a rights group who is serving a 15-year jail sentence for “break- ing allegiance to the king.” Sulaiman Al Rashudi, 76, was one of 16 people detained in 2007 and sentenced to jail in November 2011 “for peacefully trying to establish a human rights organisation in Jeddah” and “breaking allegiance to the king,” HRW said. “Saudi authorities should immediately release and drop all charges against” Rashudi, founder of the Saudi Association of Civil and Political Rights, said the watchdog. AFP THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2013 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Testing patience Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate

esting nuclear weapons is what the reclusive North Korea loves most and does best. And it looks crazy to the rest of the world that this nation, which doesn’t The world’s freedom: Up or down? Thave enough to feed its people, is expending its energy on weapons pursuit, whose benefits are more emotional than BY JONATHAN POWER real. and Sierra Leone. The declines include But Pyongyang’s latest nuclear test, held on Tuesday, Kenya (which is about to have an elec- he Cold War ended and the good tion whose outcome will either sharply is more risky and marks a dangerous escalation. Previous times began — the big powers upgrade it or downgrade it). The detonations appeared intended mostly as crude provocations. Tstopped using their veto in the declines also includes Mali, Nigeria, The number of civil But there are fears that the poverty-stricken state may be UN Security Council, the number of Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Sri Lanka, aiming to become a full-fledged nuclear power, with warheads wars fell dramatically, human rights Ecuador, Paraguay and Surinam. On wars has started and missiles that could threaten its neighbours. improved all over the world, including balance Africa improved. to rise again. The global reactions have been furious. The UN Security in Russia, and the number of democra- • In the Arab world, despite Egypt’s cies increased substantially. present troubles, it is still in a better Council held an emergency meeting in New York to ‘strongly Where have all the flowers gone? state than it was under Hosni Mubarak. The number of condemn’ the test. It called the test a “grave violation” of The veto has returned. The number (For that matter so is Russia much bet- democracies has earlier resolutions and warned it will strengthen sanctions just of civil wars has started to rise again. ter compared with the old Soviet days.) three weeks after the latest wave took effect. US President The number of democracies has begun Tunisia is the star. Syria is its antith- begun to decrease. Barack Obama has vowed to take ‘swift and credible’ action to decrease. Perhaps better human esis. Morocco has done well. But there rights practices are still holding their have been setbacks in Bahrain, Iraq, Perhaps better against the state. But the most significant has been China’s ground — in China they are improv- Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman and reaction. Beijing has so far adopted a policy of mollycoddling ing slowly, including a more open press among most of the Gulf states. human rights the fellow communist state and acted as a big brother, and more freedom for academics in the • The countries with the worst but this time, it made its displeasure more clear. In a rare universities, but in Russia after some records are Eritrea, once one of the practices are still display of anger, Beijing summoned Pyongyang’s ambassador opening up under shining stars of Africa, Equatorial holding their ground. in Beijing and conveyed its the presidency of Guinea, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Dimitri Medvedev Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Turkmenistan ‘strong dissatisfaction’ and ‘firm freedoms are now and Uzbekistan. Two occupied territo- North Korea’s opposition’ for acting in disregard If one looks retreating under ries, Tibet and the Western Sahara, also the results. Newspapers have become to the opinion of the international Vladimir Putin. are among the very worst. more daring in their criticisms. latest nuclear community. at the world’s The Arab Spring • The following countries are just The deeply embedded culture test has caused But more notable has been continues its a notch higher: Belarus, Chad, China, of corruption continues unabated. the reaction of ordinary Chinese, population in uncertain course Cuba, Laos and South Ossetia. Prosecutions on Nigerian soil have only alarm, but the with Egypt awash Still, all is not right with Freedom netted one imprisonment. But Freedom who castigated their government total, rather with uncertainty. House’s report. The organisation does House don’t mention the successful con- world must through the social media networks than measuring Only in Tunisia have flaws. One man’s judgement is viction of a big-time politician in a UK refrain from for its mild response to the tests. does freedom another man’s poison, although that is court, with the evidence supplied by Beijing should listen to the opinion states, my seem secure. to put it too strongly. Nigeria. overreaction. of its people and react more Freedom House When I look at its report on Nigeria, Moreover, the sense of impunity guess is that has a long history a country I have visited a dozen times has diminished. The cabinets of the sensibly and responsibly to prevent of measuring over 30 years, I think back on my visits three governments have been almost North Korea from sliding down freedom is still progress on some and recall that every time I go I feel corruption-free. the path of self-destruction. China is the only country which of the key human astonished by its progress both political The police have been reformed and can perform this duty, and it’s a duty which its neighbours and improving. rights indicators and economic. its boss was sacked for corruption by the rest of the world expect it to perform. — democracy, It’s only 14 years ago that it was Obasanjo. However, they still retain One reason Beijing has been a little more strident in freedom of the ruled by a brutal dictatorship. Under their propensity for violence, and road press and the courts. It has produced its first elected government, freedom of blocks to halt drivers until they pay a its response this time could be due to fears that instability some interesting results in its new the press and assembly were instantly bribe are common in some parts of the in North Korea would bring refugees flooding across the report. granted. A strong attack was made on country. The army is much improved. I border or, more reckless acts by its neighbour could result • The number of countries it ranks as its embedded corruption. The courts have watched it at work in Liberia after in US intervention. In power for barely more than a year, “free” at the end of 2012 is 90. Twenty- were freed to do their job and steadily the bloody dictator, Charles Taylor, was the new North Korean leader has adhered overwhelmingly seven countries showed significant improved their quality. deposed. It behaved impeccably. to the policies of his father, using a familiar mix of internal declines in freedom, compared with 16 The first election was flawed but since At home its second-tier troops have that showed notable gains. Nevertheless, then there have been three general elec- exhibited brutality, as have the police, repression and nuclear showmanship to boost his prospects the number of electoral democracies tions and each time they have become when dealing with tribal flare-ups and and popularity. But he must realise that this policy will not was a handsome 117. (At the end of the fairer. their tracking down of Boko Haram, bring him dividends. With every nuclear test, he has been Second World War it was only seven.) The legal system has improved and the extremist Muslim guerrillas in the testing the patience of the international community, and is • Among the most striking gains was the government has been challenged in north. now reaching a stage where patience can’t be tested anymore, Libya which advanced from “Not free” the courts, including over the election Nevertheless, I feel positive: If one to “Partly free”. Among the other coun- results when the court in one knife- looks at the world’s population in total, without fatal consequences. tries that have improved their perform- edged judgment decided there had been rather than measuring states, my guess At the same time, the world must refrain from ance are Myanmar, the Ivory Coast, a good deal of fraud in the election but is that freedom is still improving. overreactions. Doing so would be falling for Kim Jong-un’s bait. Guinea, Lesotho, Senegal, Tanzania that the cheating wouldn’t have altered THE PENINSULA The other side Quote of Getting real on guns the day

NE unsettling result of the reflect anticipation of new gun-control no place on our streets. This is the bills to be brought before the House and debate over gun violence legislation, and those bets are well goal of legislation introduced by Sen. Senate. Last week Rep. Eric Cantor, has been a spike in firearm founded. Public pressure for action is Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., that would R-Va., the House majority leader, sug- Opurchases. New figures still running strong in the aftermath of the prohibit the sale and manufacture of gested modeling a federal check sys- Syria is self- released by the FBI suggest that December 14 massacre at Sandy Hook 157 types of semiautomatic weapons tem on the one developed in his state Americans bought firearms in record Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. in an effort to “dry up the supply,” as after the 2007 shootings at Virginia destructing. After numbers in November, December and Bills are being drafted on Capitol Hill. the senator put it. The president has Tech. At hearings recently before the January. Although it is not a precise President Obama and Vice President Joe also endorsed such a ban; the last one Senate Judiciary Committee, Baltimore nearly two years, one-to-one indicator of purchases, Biden have kept the issue on the front expired in 2004. But politically, this is County Police Chief James Johnson, the FBI performed more than 2.7 burner. The gun lobby is trying frantically the most difficult bridge to cross, and speaking on behalf of the National Law we no longer count million firearm background checks in to throw up obstacles, but the prospects there are real doubts about whether Enforcement Partnership to Prevent Gun days in hours, but in December and more than 2.4 million are promising for new legislation. sufficient votes exist for it in Congress. Violence, noted that 40 percent of gun in January; in November the total was Now the question becomes: What Public opinion surveys show over- sales are not subjected to background bodies. Another day, more than 2 million. All three months should be done, and what can be whelming support, even among gun checks, which he compared to “allow- were the highest since the agency done, given the politics? We’ve advo- owners, for measures to require universal ing 40 percent of passengers to board another 100, 200, began keeping records in 1998. cated a ban on semiautomatic assault background checks for gun purchases, a plane without going through security.” 300 dead. Ban Ki-moon The frenzy of gun purchasing may rifles, military-style weapons that have and this ought to be the backbone of THE WASHINGTON POST UN Secretary-General THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2013 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Egypt cabinet approves Preparations draft law on protests Nearly 60 have died in recent street protests

CAIRO: Egypt’s Islamist-led anniversary of the start of Egypt’s right to seek a court injunction government approved a draft popular uprising, and February 4. banning a demonstration, and the law on demonstrations yes- Protests on everything from bill would outlaw blocking roads terday that backers say meets political rights to economic griev- and squares and wearing masks international democratic stand- ances have become a routine fea- or scarves obscuring the face. ards but critics believe will give ture of public life in the last two One contentious article would the state too much power to sti- years, prior to which they were prohibit carrying banners or fle protest. severely repressed. chanting slogans that include The bill will be sent to the Under the draft law, Mekky insults, defamation or contempt Shura council, the Islamist- said, peaceful protest would be of “heavenly” religions, or that dominated upper house of par- a right that must be protected stir sedition, violence or hatred liament, which currently has sole and this would require formal or include an offence to state bod- legislative power during Egypt’s notification of demonstrations at ies and institutions. People hold Libyan national flags as part of preparations for the upcoming celebrations to commemorate the transition to democracy. least three days in advance. Police Visiting US Assistant Secretary second anniversary of the revolt against Muammar Gaddafi, in Benghazi, yesterday. “This law has been drafted to may order the route of a protest of State for Human Rights restore peace to protests, which march to be changed. Michael Posner said that it was are considered to be among the Morayef said the draft law important that the Egyptian gov- strongest rights granted to the would give police too sweeping ernment “respect international Mubarak’s closest aide to be freed nation,” Justice Minister Ahmed powers to disperse protests, and principles of free assembly and Mekky said, according to the included unacceptable restric- association and the critical role state news agency Mena. tions on demonstrating within civil society plays in any demo- CAIRO: A Cairo court yes- to a popular uprising in February for more than 18 months. Azmi Heba Morayef, Egypt Director 200 metres (yards) of government cratic society”. terday ordered the release 2011, but activists say the long, has been in detention for about 22 of Human Rights Watch, coun- buildings, parliament, embassies, Thousands of Egyptian riot from prison of one of deposed complicated legal proceedings months, state news agency Mena tered: “This law seems designed courts, places of worship, police police and conscripts have gone Egyptian President Hosni have failed to produce real justice. reported. to actually increase restric- stations, courts and military on strike to demand the interior Mubarak’s closest aides after he Zakaria Azmi, Mubarak’s The former top aide, one of tions, whereas the existing legal zones. minister’s resignation, saying he is was granted a retrial in a cor- former chief of staff, was sen- the most senior members of framework, which dates back to However, Mekky said the draft too close to the country’s Islamist ruption case. tenced last May to seven years Mubarak’s inner circle, will still the early 20th century, was bad gives the police the duty to pro- leadership, security sources said Four other high-ranking offi- in jail and fined 36.4m Egyptian face travel and financial restric- enough. “If one protester com- tect protests. It aims to avoid yesterday. cials from Mubarak’s govern- pounds ($6m) on charges of mak- tions but not be confined to his mits a crime, it gives the police any confusion between the right The Interior Ministry said the ment, including a former prime ing illegal gains. home. Mubarak is in a prison hos- the right to disperse the entire of peaceful assembly, which the walkout was based on an errone- minister, were also given retrials An appeals court recently pital. Last month a Cairo court protest,” Morayef said. state is obliged to protect, and ous belief that the government in their graft cases, according to ordered a retrial in that case, and granted him a retrial after he was Close to 60 people died in vio- acts of aggression against people planned to ban demonstrations, state media. a separate criminal court ruled jailed for life over the killing of lent protests against Islamist and property, or obstruction of pitching the police into confronta- Many former officials have yesterday that Azmi must be protesters by security forces try- President Mohammed Mursi highways and public facilities. tion with protesters. been convicted on graft and released under a law that says a ing to quell the uprising against between January 25, the second The authorities would have the REUTERS other charges since Mubarak fell suspect can not be held in prison him. REUTERS

Iran agrees on some points Turkey moves to boost freedom of expression ISTANBUL: Turkey has thousands of politicians, activ- The reform was in line with writing an article or making a the island of Imrali near Istanbul with IAEA drafted changes to the penal ists and journalists, frequently European Court of Human Rights speech can lead to long prison since his capture in 1999. code, narrowing the definition for things they have said or criteria, under which only a direct sentences for membership of a The peace process envisages a DUBAI: A senior Iranian offi- of terrorist propaganda in a written. incitement to violence constitutes terrorist group. PKK ceasefire, their withdrawal cial said yesterday that Iran and step to boost freedom of expres- Turkey regularly tops the list of a crime, he told reporters. Thousands of Kurdish politi- from Turkish territory to their the UN nuclear watchdog had sion in line with EU demands countries violating the European “When a person shares an idea cians and activists have been bases in northern Iraq and even- agreed on “some points” during and potentially encourage a Convention of Human Rights and and writes it down, if it does not prosecuted since 2009 over alleged tual disarmament in return for talks in Tehran and would meet fledgling peace process with a the European Commission has contain, inspire, incite or try to links to the Kurdistan Workers reforms boosting the rights of again, Iran’s Fars news agency jailed Kurdish militant leader. called on Ankara to amend its legitimise violence, how can some- Party (PKK) - deemed a terrorist a Kurdish minority numbering reported, without giving a date. The bill, presented to Prime laws to distinguish between incite- body be convicted?” the minister group by the EU and Washington, around 15 million. The comments by Ali Asghar Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan ment to violence and expression said. If approved, the legislation is as well as Turkey. The process has come to an Soltanieh, Iran’s envoy to the and likely to be sent to parlia- of non-violent ideas. likely to be welcomed by Europe, The judicial reform coincides apparent halt over the last month International Atomic Energy ment this month, may lead to the “Regulations have been pre- which frequently criticises with a government bid to bring due to a dispute over a Kurdish Agency, indicated that the two release of defendants accused of pared which rescue this country Ankara’s human rights record a end to the PKK’s 28-year-old delegation due to visit Ocalan. sides had failed again to final- links to Kurdish rebels, a justice from such trouble ... opening the and imprisonment of political insurgency, in which more than Erdogan has rejected the inclu- ise a deal that would allow the ministry official said yesterday. way for freedom of expression activists and journalists. 40,000 people have been killed, sion of politicians previously IAEA to restart an investigation Turkey has used anti-terror and thought in Turkey,” Justice Under the current anti-ter- through peace talks with its filmed embracing PKK militants. into Tehran’s atomic activities. “In legislation widely to prosecute Minister Sadullah Ergin said. rorism law and criminal code, leader Abdullah Ocalan, jailed on REUTERS addition to removing some differ- ences and agreeing on some points in the text...the two sides decided to review and exchange views about the new proposals that were given in this meeting, in the next meet- ing,” he said, according to the Fars report. European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said she hoped Iran would show some “flexibility” at upcoming talks with world powers on its nuclear pro- gramme in Kazakhstan. Hamas closes many Gaza tunnels

GAZA CITY: Gaza’s Hamas rulers have closed hundreds of tunnels running under the ter- ritory’s border with Egypt due to health concerns over some smuggled items, an official said yesterday. “Less than 270 tun- Damaged buildings in the Al Massir area in Aleppo, yesterday. nels are operating now, down from around 1,200 tunnels in 2010,” the official said. “Many of Syria rebels seize most of them were closed down because they were used to smuggle banned materials that harm cit- izens.” The Hamas government army base in north: Watchdog forbids the importation of drugs and any other items it consid- BEIRUT: Syrian rebels took their focus from targets in the it is resisting with ferocity the ers potentially harmful into the control of most of a strategic provincial capital to air bases insurgents in Daraya (south- Palestinian enclave which is army base in northern Syria because they are a source of west of Damascus) and Homs under an Israeli blockade. after a fierce firefight with ammunition and weaponry, and (central Syria),” Abdel Rahman President Bashar Al Assad’s to put out of action warplanes said. forces yesterday, a monitor- used to bomb rebel bastions. At least 121 people were Outpost demolition ing group said. In Aleppo city itself, mean- killed in violence across the The military complex, known while, electricity or water sup- country yesterday, half of them sparks settler protests as Base 80, is tasked with plies were down on Wednesday civilians, the Observatory said. JERUSALEM: Israeli authori- securing the nearby Aleppo for a fourth day in a row, said UN Secretary General Ban ties yesterday demolished sev- international airport as well as the anti-regime Aleppo Media Ki-moon called on the Security eral buildings at a wildcat the Nayrab military airport. Centre, warning of a “humani- Council to overcome its paral- settlement outpost in the south- Rebels launched a coordi- tarian disaster” in what was ysis and take “meaningful” ern West Bank but the supreme nated assault on both airports once Syria’s commercial hub. action to stop the bloodshed in court later issued a tempo- on Tuesday, according to the Commenting on the rebels’ Syria where nearly 70,000 peo- rary injunction against further Syrian Observatory for Human advance in Aleppo province, ple have died. such action. The demolition Rights, which added that most Observatory director Rami “It is essential for the of six mobile homes at Maale of Base 80 “has come under Abdel Rahman said the army Security Council to overcome Rehavam, in the Gush Etzion insurgent control”. may be giving up on parts of the deadlock and find the group of settlements sparked Dozens of fighters and northern Syria in order to unity that will make meaning- angry protests by settlers who troops have been killed in the secure the centre. ful action possible,” he said at scuffled with police outside par- fighting, the Britain-based “The army is barely resist- the Organization of American liament and blocked Jerusalem Observatory said. Activists have ing the rebels’ advance on States here. streets. AGENCIES said Aleppo’s insurgents shifted bases in the north. Meanwhile, AFP

THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2013 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com QATAR PERSPECTIVE Qatar’s successes arouse envy in others

wise political leadership. This is JABER AL HARMY a leadership that has the patriot- ism, vision, and the experience it takes to make a real success of he economic, political, a prominent position at the this country. social and educational international level. Money alone cannot achieve all accomplishments of Qatar has invested $215bn out- these successes. Some countries our leadership over side its borders, according to the have abundant wealth, but they the past 12 years has International Monetary Fund are still mired in poverty and cor- Thit a raw nerve in some places (IMF). These investments were ruption. The sorry thing is that as in the world. Some countries are not haphazardly distributed. On these countries get richer, the lines working hard to hide the achieve- the contrary, they were made to of jobless people in them get longer. ments of Qatari policies by using cover a wide range of economic Qatar invests the bulk of its the media to spread fabricated sectors in countries across the money on the brains of its citi- news. world. zens, and this is what makes it Distortion of the national Qatari investments abroad are different and unique. In doing image is the price every honest expected to reach $485bn in five this, it exploits the blessings God country has to pay. This should years, the IMF says. It adds that has bestowed on it to make its not surprise us, especially when Qatar’s economic growth will people lead a prosperous life. we keep in mind the successes continue to spiral in the years to Qatar, however, is not a self- our country manages to achieve come. This year, our economy is centred country. True, it focuses every day. It should not catch expected to grow by 5.2 percent. on its internal development. But us off-balance, especially when Qatar has managed to achieve as it does this, it never forgets we take into consideration the record economic growth rates in its Arab brethren. Qatar has renaissance we have achieved, the past few years. This made the borne the major burden of back- thanks to the wise policies and Qatari economy one of the world’s ing needy Arabs and advocating clear vision of our leadership and fastest growing even as a down- their causes, although it has faced the hard work put in to improve turn bogged down many other many obstacles on the way. the life of the citizens of this economies. There is always a price for country. Qatari investments are in success, and this price can be the In economic terms, Qatar’s important sectors, such as real smear campaigns successful coun- presence is strongly felt every- estate, banking, agriculture, tries are subjected to every now where. Qatar has made many food, car manufacturing, sports, and then by their foes, whether investments outside its borders in mining, energy, space, telecom- individuals or institutions. The its bid to diversify its resources. munications, petrochemicals, sorry thing is that most of this is This means that our country electricity, technology, luxury, done by countries Qatar has never does not rely on one economic the hospitality industry and the development in this country. Qatar one of the largest research centres beacon of knowledge-based econ- balked at supporting in the past. activity for its income; it does retail sector. Qatar has intel- has vigorously started putting the in the world. The Sidra Medical omy in the Middle East. What makes Qatar a special not rely only on oil and natural ligently managed to buy several vision of the leader of the country and Research Center works under These tremendous efforts, country is that it does not care gas for money. Qatar is one of international companies operat- and the Heir Apparent for the the umbrella of Qatar Foundation. which bring us regional and inter- a whit about the negative media few countries that have managed ing in these different sectors. This future into effect. Qatar also created a special fund national success, must be the rea- campaigns launched against it by to exploit their potentialities in has stimulated the economy back Qatar has earmarked a huge at the Qatar Foundation to foster son why so many people grit their its enemies. It moves ahead fully all sectors to the full in order to home to grow. budget for scientific research. scientific research. The fund had teeth in envy seeing us gallop on believing that the reality will be bring about an all-out renais- The Emir, H H Sheikh Hamad It has become the only country allocated $500m to support various the way to development. They do clear to everybody one day. It sance over a short period of time. bin Khalifa Al Thani, and Heir in the Gulf region to allocate research projects in the past five this instead of taking Qatar as a works in silence and does not care The way Qatar seizes invest- Apparent H H Sheikh Tamim 2.8 percent of its gross domestic years. Qatar University spent $63m role model for themselves. about either the rumours spread ment opportunities outside its bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, product to scientific research. in the fiscal year 2011/2012 to sup- It is important to note here against it or gossiping. It contin- borders amazes international have managed to adopt a coherent This amounts to $3.5bn every port scientific research. The uni- that these successes have been ues to succeed and rise above eve- economic observers. And this is economic strategy that has turned year. versity also established the Qatar achieved not because we have rybody else, leaving talk and envy why our oil-rich nation occupies into a main pillar for economic Qatar spent $8bn to establish Science and Technology Park, a money, but because we have a to its foes.

TAHANI AL HAJRI MOZA ABDEL AZIZ ALISHAQ Developing a Egypt, Tunisia rulers doomed to fail?

want to make sure that the pres- Fashionable funerals saving culture ABDULLAH AL AMADI ence of other unlike-minded peo- ple will not sabotage their master he changes taking place in the social, economic and cultural plan for reforming things in their walks of our lives cannot be ignored. These changes are being o drive my point home, chance to rule at all? Islamists countries. Tdriven by our country’s economic development. They show I will have to give hypo- have been in power in both Egypt Democracy has sufficient themselves in our lifestyle, income — which is one of the highest in thetical examples. The and Tunisia for a very brief time, mechanisms for bringing about a the world — and welfare measures. Tfirst example is of a pro- after all. change of government. If people Our country’s traditions have also changed as a result. This change fessional player like Lionel Messi, Islamists have been working in are not happy with their presi- can be clearly seen in our wedding parties and other similar joyous who joins a new soccer team both the countries under enor- dent or government, they can events. New celebratory occasions have become a part of our lives, where the players tend to ignore mous pressure. They have to suc- easily remove the president or such as Christmas and successes in school. him in the pitch and put him in ceed under all this pressure and government by going to the poll- Our countrymen and women hold the first birthday parties of their situations that make him commit also under the legacy of corrup- ing stations and voting against children in the most luxurious hotels. Some people even like to brag mistakes over and over again in tion and economic ruin they have them. No revolutions are needed about the enormous amounts of money they spend on social occasions. ways that force the coach to take inherited from the deposed cor- here. The standard of the celebration is believed to reflect the economic him off the pitch. How will the rupt regimes of their countries. Revolutions always aim at and social status of the family organising it. fans view the player then? What I am sure that Egyptians would change. After the change is made, This change has even altered the way people in our country mourn will observers and commentators have taken to the streets now to however, people should wait until the dead and arrange funerals. Sending condolences has become say about him? demand the overthrow of their they see whether the action taken costly these days. Costlier still The second example is of an ruler even if this ruler had been by elected people meets their is the organising of funerals expert hired by an organisation Omar Ibn Al Khattab, the most aspirations or not. and mourning following some- Women attending to carry out reforms inside the powerful and most influential cal- What is happening in Egypt one’s death. Some people lay out here are a number organisation. As the expert takes iph in the history of Islam. and Tunisia at present, in my week-long banquets for relatives, mourning of financial options over, workers in the organisation The opposition says Islamist view, only aims to serve the per- friends and visitors coming to ceremonies wear Tavailable to the pub- agree to ignore him and give him parties want to take over every- sonal interests of some people. offer their condolences. lic, such as investment in a hard time. Do you think this thing in the state, but my question As for the people in both coun- Women attending mourn- their best attire. stocks, real estate and trade. expert will manage to achieve is that is there anything wrong tries, they have to realise that ing ceremonies wear their most They carry stylish Unfortunately, saving hardly any success? Will his employers with this? Is not it necessary for a governments need time to prove splendid attire. They carry styl- exists. Individuals tend to con- be satisfied with him? party in power to make use of its whether they are good or bad. ish bags to impress other women bags to impress sume rather than to save. It is These two examples can be eas- own human capital in order to put Nobody will lose anything from attending the funereal event. other women necessary to adopt a culture of ily applied to the cases of Egypt its vision to effect and push things waiting. Impatience, however, can This is a far cry from the past, saving. The following are tips and Tunisia, two countries that forward in the country? Islamists lead to disasters. when life was simpler and wear- attending the to do this: have one thing in common, which ing make-up to attend mourning funereal event. This • Cancel all your credit cards is that Islamists have managed to ceremonies was unheard of. We is a far cry from as interest overburdens your reach the driver’s seat in them no longer have respect for death, finances. after their popular uprisings regardless of whether the dead is the past, when • Quit undue generosity and brought long-standing autocra- a young man or an old one. wearing make-up start to share dinner bills with cies to an end. At the ceremony, women your friends. An unexpected scenario has prove that mourning can only to attend mourning • Save roughly 10 percent of occurred in both Egypt and be a short-lived feeling. A few ceremonies was your monthly income. Tunisia after the downfall of their minutes into the funereal mood, • Shut your eyes to dis- autocratic regimes, namely the they quickly start talking to each unheard of. counted offers or you would political rise of the two nations’ other and cracking jokes. Cell overbuy goods you don’t want. Islamists. Some people were opti- phones jiggle from side to side • Never go shopping with mistic. Others, however, were in the hands of the mourning ladies, some of whom never take the friends. Their suggestions pessimistic. phone off their ears. would be cumbersome. You Islamists have managed to Men are keen to attend the burial. While doing so, however, they might end up buying things win elections in both Egypt and too don’t demonstrate any sympathy for the family of the dead. They that never crossed your mind. Tunisia. But this has made the laugh, talk and use their portable gadgets as if they were attending a • Never go shopping without opposition angry. This opposition merry social occasion. They have debates about whether the mourn- a detailed list. is in ceaseless protest. It does not ing ceremony had more important people in attendance than the • Do not buy expensive give the opportunity to the elec- previous one. They also debate whether the funeral cost more than goods via the Internet! You tion winners to put either their the previous one. would exhaust your budget fast political or economic vision to For some people, attending a funeral is unthinkable. They only send through online shopping. effect. It does not offer them the text messages to offer condolences, in a bizarre show of indifference • Cancel subscriptions to space or time to run public affairs. to the feelings of the family of the dead. newspapers and magazines that Hardly had a year passed since Parents are not free from this indifference. They never bring their you don’t read. Unsubscribe Islamists mounted Tunisia’s sad- children to the mourning ceremonies to train them in social and reli- from clubs that you never go to. dle and less than a year since gious duties, as was done by their grandfathers. The parents always • Write a budget for every- Islamists got into the driver’s seat say that the children are still too young to be part of such events. thing to keep track of revenues in Egypt, protests have become We have forgotten that we will all die one day. We have forgotten and expenses. ubiquitous in the two countries. that when we die, we will leave all our luxury and comforts behind. • If you like an expensive I hear with astonishment some I am not against change brought by prosperity. But I am against product, don’t buy it right intellectuals saying Islamists have blowing things out of proportion. True, we have the right to enjoy away. Wait for a week, then failed miserably in the two coun- our life to the full, but in doing this we should not forget about the see if you really want it. tries. I always ask whether these afterworld. Islamists have been given any THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2013 QATAR PERSPECTIVE www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Has Qatar been promoted well?

beautiful image still and see the negative and positive media, this online photo sharing Live from Qatar lingers in my mind. at the same time. MARIAM AL KHATER website has played an important A valuable online service is It is one of a man This was clear in the head role in promoting Qatar at the provided by Qatar News Agency, standing beside a of an Arab diplomat who paid international level. Users keep which provides links to vari- lighthouse in the old a visit to our country recently. exchanging fascinating photos ous Qatari media outlets and Aarea, directing traditional ves- The diplomat had heard a lot from Qatar in ways that outdo facilitates downloads in English sels in the sea against the back- about Qatar before she came traditional media in reflect- language too. However, it just ground of a modern Qatar with here, and read a lot about its ing the beautiful reality of our presents the links without any its skyscrapers, flags fluttering at stand on international issues. country. QTA should buy some promotion of Qatar or a back- the top of these buildings. When the diplomat arrived in photos from Instagram users ground about its wonderful This is not a scene captured Qatar, she was surprised to find and use them in its promotion present, though QNA is the ideal by a camera that can vanish in a that this country’s international campaigns for this country. For news and information medium to matter of seconds, or a temporary image was no different from its more information, please see reach out to the media audience. achievement. It is the symbol of a reality in any way. She saw for instagramqatar# Qatar# In comparison is the example nation that has not compromised herself the uniqueness, harmony of a neighbouring country which on its traditions for development, and innovation that mark life in Qatari TV has succeeded in promoting nor wallowed in the past at the this country and relations among Qatar’s official television net- itself. Its strategy goes beyond expense of growth. its nationals and the citizens of work has started broadcasting its borders and includes reach- It is Qatar in reality, not on other countries living in it. beautiful shows about individual ing out to audiences through paper; it is Qatar as seen by “Qatar is beautiful, prestig- experiences and people’s views media outlets in neighbouring real eyes, not via the media. The ious, and developed,” the diplo- of Qatar. Broadcasting “Qatar and friendly countries, includ- media may distort reality or mat said. “It is a country where in the eyes of other people” is ing Qatar. The outlets men- change it and present it in an all social classes are prominently an important, praiseworthy step. tioned above were not marketing unfair manner. present. You cannot find this eas- Still, Qatar TV needs to upgrade themselves as much as they were I am not talking about Qatar ily in many other countries. Your its standards. promoting this country in order at the international level. This Emir is far-sighted. But I need Equally important are picto- to boost its construction and country’s international standing, to underline the shortcomings of rial promos, which need to be tourism sectors and investment political stance and economic the job done by your media. The accompanied by original music. inflow. This country has gone to stature speak for themselves. media in a neighbouring coun- Such promos can portray the the extent of getting its adver- The policies adopted by the Emir try has given the world a great Qatari renaissance without tisements displayed on buses have enabled the country to leave impression about that country, artificiality. Media experts say in Qatar, which has raised the an indelible mark on the inter- even though the country has not because it focused on an inter- channels, such as CNN. These that “a photo never lies”, and viewing rates in Qatar, according national scene. reached Qatar’s degree of devel- esting era in the history of our documentaries can show the as the civilisational and human to recent statistics. Qatar is one of the few coun- opment,” the diplomat told me. country. As I watched the docu- world the progress this country legacy contains both physical and Promotion is legitimate and tries galloping to the future while I nodded in agreement. The mentary, I was filled with hope is making in all walks of life. human aspects, they must be pre- necessary. I want to say, in holding on tightly to their past. Arab diplomat had put her fin- that more documentaries about sented together. Intensive airing short, that all good intentions We have seen videos about ger on the real problem. I always things unknown about modern Tourism Authority of these promos is required as need good media to present and Qatar’s vision, videos that seek to feel sorry that our media has not Qatar would be produced. The The Qatar Tourism Authority it is one of the main aspects of promote them, and that good project ideas about the future as done justice to the development documentary sought to restore (QTA) aims to manage the devel- promotion, especially since Qatar plants need good soil and regu- the leadership and the people of our country has achieved in all the spirit of our beautiful past. opment of the tourism industry deserves it. lar irrigation. this country imagine it and want walks of life. Our media does not I hoped that there would be and promote Qatar as a tourist Qatar is neither a state it. We, however, have forgotten have a strategy that can help the other documentaries that seek destination. My impression is Al Rayyan Channel on paper nor a philosophical to invite the world’s attention to world see the greatness of our to reflect the beautiful spirit of that this authority does not do This channel has recently dream or a utopia wanted by Al the reality of this country today. country. our present. its job perfectly. The authority improved its programmes to Farabi. Nor is it a future repub- Some of us have become con- Why does not Al Jazeera will do better if it focuses more creatively represent Qatar’s lic wanted by Plato. It is a state siderably self-centred, having Al Jazeera Documentary or the Tourism on the cultural riches of Qatar traditions and show its history by virtue of its reality, will and lost faith in society. Other peo- I watched a documentary a few Authority have the zeal to pro- than on this country’s sporting to the current generation. But leadership, and has succeeded to ple see only the negative aspects, days ago about Qatar’s architec- duce such documentaries, which and business facilities. its message is limited to local move forward. while a third group of people see ture before the oil boom. The can be made in both Arabic and viewers, and does not attempt Thus how can one forgive any only the positive side. It is impor- documentary focused on things English to be broadcast on Al Instagram to tell Qatar’s story to outsid- authority that delays project- tant to note here that one has a that are not known about Qatar. Jazeera? The documentaries can Although Instagram is not in ers, despite the importance and ing this reality, of which we are moral obligation to be objective It was interesting, especially be broadcast on other important any way a part of official Qatari quality of its message. proud?

KHALED AL JABER Driving forward looking at the rear view mirror Using our surplus wisely magine someone trying to need to learn from the successes of drive a car forward while ABDULLAH ABDULAZIZ AL KHATER the past. Then we can build on these he Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Saudi looking at the rear view mir- successes to make a good future for Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain Iror. Doing this will only take all of us. Justice and equality must and Oman, posted a surplus of $350bn last year, accord- one backwards, our country is hell- be the pillars on which our society Ting to a report released by the International Monetary bent on mimicking this backward- is built in the future. Fund (IMF). This figure exceeded China’s surplus by more than looking driver. Does the Chamber of Commerce 80 percent. Whether it is in the economic still look at the past? Does it make Revenues from oil exports are deposited at central banks, which field, in development or in educa- plans for the future? Has anybody invest most of these proceeds in safe portfolios like US treasury tion, we are in a state of confusion tried to think of solutions for traffic bonds, the IMF report said. with our desire to move forward jams on our roads in order to save Some of these revenues are pumped into sovereign wealth funds while also preserving our past and our time and effort? owned by the GCC member states, which buy foreign assets. traditions. The more we look forward, the Some of these funds are allocated to government budgets, in Our education depends too much better will be our life. If we look which military and national security spending take the lion’s share. on memorization, repetition and forward, we will be able to find Spending on defence in the GCC member states rose by nine per- learning by rote. It views innova- solutions to our problems. This will cent to $74bn last year. tiveness as odd. make our life better in future. It is forecast that military spending in the six GCC countries By refusing to take the risk of But in order to solve our prob- will hit $86bn by 2017. Naval defence spending alone is expected innovation, our education builds a lems, we have to find out the to reach $17.5bn by 2020. retroactive person with retrograde reasons that ushered in these More and more funds are also being allocated to social benefits thoughts; a person whose only mis- problems. This means we must and creating jobs in the GCC member states, which allot funds sion in life is to repeat the past, learn from the past and apply a as well for developing non-oil sectors to withstand crude price even when he thinks of the future. new vision in the future without fluctuations. Our past, traditions, heritage, repeating the mistakes of the past. Now that we know how much these revenues are, where they language and religion are, undoubt- Driving forward by looking at the come from and how they are spent, it is crucial to learn how to edly, our primary sources of inspi- rear view mirror can be good only if deal with them. ration, and any attempt to ignore we learn from the mistakes of the Analysts call on governments in the Gulf to enact a law banning them will do us no good. past in order to avoid repeating spending more than 75 percent of oil revenues. They also call for Following in the footsteps of our those mistakes and the consequent raising the share of state proceeds pumped into sovereign funds for ancestors is not a bad thing to do. criticism in future. the sake of the future when oil reserves run out. It is also necessary The bad thing, however, is for us We are badly in need of decision- to boost other economic sectors to increase tax revenues, which to do this in a blind manner that present and reach the future. That to learn from it, but we also need makers who have the courage to finance state budgets. prevents us from innovating. is why it is reasonable to say that by the future in order to move ahead. innovate and think out of the box Consequently, by diversifying the GCC economies, more jobs Relying totally on the past will looking only at the rear view mir- By thinking only of the past, we in order to help us lead a better life will be created for our future generations in the coming 20 years. not help us keep up with the devel- ror, our country will enter an end- will bring ourselves nothing but in future, a life that has nothing of opments that are happening in the less, dark tunnel. We need our past tragedies and sectarian strife. We the mistakes of the past. Together against a vice spreading globally

ay God the Almighty not born, but rather becomes a protect us from homo- KHALED ABDULLAH AL ZIYARAH woman”. Msexuals, who blatantly US President Barack Obama, voice their demands in the West. who is partly of Muslim origin, Recognition of same-sex mar- casting light on this issue will boldly announced last May his riages and adoption of children stave off any possible perils. support of gay marriage to remain by gay couples have become the The majority of the public in the White House for a second most controversial ethical issues It is essential that across the world opposes same- term, in contrast to the conserva- in the West. our young people sex marriage bills. Three British tive nature of Americans. In France, for instance, thou- Muslims who handed out flyers In our conservative society, we sands of pro- and anti-gay mar- be protected calling for the killing of homo- avoid getting into a debate over riage demonstrators rallied in against this vice, sexuals were condemned for this issue. Our religion, Islam, is connection with a bill that would hate speech. The flyers featured a fortress that will protect our allow gay marriage. which is proscribed a hanged dummy. It read, “all children from this vice. However, We are at a turning point in our by all monotheistic homosexuals will go to hell”. shutting our eyes to it will not do conservative Arab societies, which Pope Benedict XVI said in one us any good. We all should combat could be affected by this raging fire religions. of his public addresses that same- this vice in our schools and homes. in the West. sex marriage “threatens the fam- It is essential that our young ily to its foundations”. The views expressed in the articles on this people be protected against this monotheistic religions. As pre- French writer Simone de page do not reflect the viewpoint of the vice, which is proscribed by all vention is better than cure, Beauvoir once wrote that “one is newspaper. THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2013 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL

Mali conflict Six held anew in News of the World EU calls for hacking probe LONDON: British police arrested six former News of the DNA tests on World journalists yesterday in a new probe into alleged phone hacking at Rupert Murdoch’s now-closed tabloid, Scotland Yard said. beef products Investigators had identified a “further suspected conspiracy” at the paper in 2005 and 2006 which was separate to the alleged hack- Germany testing meat consignment ing under which a number of peo- ple have already been charged, it BRUSSELS: The EU’s execu- products. Currently the require- said in a statement. tive yesterday said that it would ment only applies to fresh beef, Two of those arrested yester- call on all European Union and will be extended to fresh lamb day now work at the daily tabloid states to carry out DNA tests and poultry from December 2014. The Sun, according to an internal on beef products to check the The European Commission, memo by the chief executive of presence of horsemeat. which oversees EU labelling News International, the British The recommendation was part rules, said it was studying the newspaper wing of Murdoch’s of a plan devised by the European option. But officials have warned US-based News Corp empire. Commission to contain Europe’s privately that the complexity of Police arrested three men aged horsemeat scandal, the bloc’s supply chains would make this 46, 39 and 45 and two women health commissioner Tonio Borg almost impossible to implement. Children walk as they leave a school in Gao, northern Mali, yesterday. Mali risks descending into “catastrophic” aged 33 and 40 in London, and a said at the close of crisis talks EU and national authorities are violence after a string of attacks by Islamist rebels increased the pressure on French-led forces in the west 39-year-old woman in Cheshire, with countries embroiled in the still trying to uncover the source African nation. After four days of suicide bombings and guerrilla fighting in Gao, fears of fresh attacks were northwest England, and were food crisis. of the suspected fraud. high following a call from Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) for a holy war. questioning them at various police Earlier, European countries “All those countries through stations, the statement said. demanded more DNA testing of which this meat product has Searches were also under way at meat products and tougher label- passed of course are under suspi- a number of addresses. ling rules over a scandal involv- cion,” Borg told a news briefing. “By “In due course officers will be ing horsemeat sold as beef that the countries, I mean the compa- making contact with people they has shocked the public and raised nies in those countries which dealt Obama stakes second term believe have been victims of the concerns over the safety of the with this meat product.” He added suspected voicemail intercep- continent’s food supply chains. that it would be unfair at this stage tions,” the statement said. News Officials have said there is no to point the finger at any organisa- International declined to com- risk to public health from the tion in particular. ment on the arrests. tainted foods. But the suspected On January 15, routine tests by on progressive goals fraud has caused particular out- Ireland’s Food Safety Authority Fugitive ex-LA cop rage in Britain, where many view found horsemeat in frozen beef WASHINGTON: US President The address, before a huge an emotional tribute to victims the idea of eating horsemeat with burgers produced by firms in Barack Obama yesterday national audience, was Obama’s of gun crime. “These proposals believed dead after distaste, and exposed flawed food Ireland and Britain and sold in staked his second term on an best chance to sell his second- deserve a vote.” controls. Ministers from the supermarket chains including ambitious bid to mend America, term plans to a divided nation In a keenly awaited move, Obama gun battle, fire worst-affected EU nations met Tesco, Britain’s biggest retailer. pledging to narrow inequality, and to stave off the domestic lame announced the return of 34,000 of here to discuss their response to Concerns grew last week when reignite the economy, fight gun duck status all second-term presi- the 66,000 US troops in Afghanistan ANGELUS OAKS: A fugitive the scandal, which erupted after the British unit of frozen foods crime and fix immigration. dents dread. by next February. Obama said ex-cop accused of a grudge- tests in Ireland showed products group Findus began recalling pack- Anchoring his annual State of Obama called for fixing North Korea’s nuclear test would fueled killing spree targeting labelled as beef contained up to ets of beef lasagne on advice from the Union address on domestic the gaping budget deficit, but only further its isolation, and police officers and their fami- 100 percent horsemeat. its French supplier Comigel, after priorities, Obama dealt only in described billions of dollars in promised to stand by Asian allies, lies is believed to have died in “This is impacting on the integ- tests showed up to 100 percent of passing with churning foreign pol- automatic spending cuts due strengthen missile defence and lead a mountain cabin that burned rity of the food chain, which is a the meat in them was horse. icy crises, including North Korea’s March 1 as “a really bad idea”. the world in a firm response. down in the climax to a mas- really significant issue for a lot The affair has since implicated recent nuclear test and Iran’s In an address steeped in pro- Arguing Al Qaeda was a sive week-long manhunt across of countries. Now that we know operators and middlemen in a controversial atomic programme. gressive ideology, he slammed “shadow” of its former self, Southern California, authorities this is a European problem, we host of EU countries, from abat- Closing in on his goal of end- Republican ideas of adjusting Obama pledged to help nations said yesterday. need a European solution,” Irish toirs in Romania and factories in ing an era of draining US wars retirement benefits and health like Yemen, Libya, and Somalia Police were awaiting forensic farm minister Simon Coveney Luxembourg to traders in Cyprus abroad, Obama announced plans care for seniors as “even worse.” provide for their own security, and analysis to confirm that charred told reporters. and food companies in France. to halve US troop numbers in “A growing economy that cre- to aid allies like France, which is human remains found in the Britain’s farm minister said the Germany said it was investigat- Afghanistan within a year, while ates good, middle-class jobs—that fighting extremists in Mali. smoldering ruins of the cabin type of tests that revealed the prob- ing a consignment of beef lasa- vowing that the global pursuit of must be the North Star that guides Breaking new ground, Obama were those of the 33-year-old lem should be carried out routinely gne sent from Luxembourg to an terror would go on. our efforts,” Obama said, seeking to announced the start of formal fugitive, Christopher Dorner. in future. “I would like to see DNA unnamed retailer in North Rhine- He also struck a note of opti- turn election vows that everyone talks between the United States Los Angeles Police Department testing of processed meat products Westphalia on suspicion it might mism in counseling middle class should get a “fair shot” into reality. and the European Union on a spokesman Lieutenant Andy during process and as finished prod- contain horsemeat. The first evi- Americans still gripped by eco- Obama was at his most pas- trans-Atlantic trade pact and pre- Neiman said special security ucts established as soon as possible dence that the labelling scandal nomic angst. “Together, we have sionate when making the case for viewed a new plan to thwart cyber details assigned to about a dozen right across every member state,” could go beyond horsemeat also cleared away the rubble of cri- measures to stem gun violence, attacks on US infrastructure. officers and their families threat- Owen Paterson said. emerged, as upmarket British gro- sis, and can say with renewed following the shocking massa- Obama pledged to keep up ened by Dorner would remain in Both ministers urged EU cer Waitrose said its testing found confidence that the state of our cre of 20 kids at a Connecticut pressure on Bashar Al Assad’s place for the time being. Dorner authorities to propose changes that some of its frozen British beef union is stronger,” Obama said, elementary school in December. regime and said he would stand is suspected of killing four people to labelling rules that would meatballs might contain pork. The in a speech punctuated by 23 “If you want to vote no, that’s firm in defence of Israel, which in all, including a deputy sheriff force producers to give the coun- firm has withdrawn the product standing ovations in the House your choice,” he cried, draw- he will visit next month. who was shot on Tuesday. try of origin on processed meat from sale. AGENCIES of Representatives. ing lawmakers to their feet in AFP AGENCIES Zimbabwe sets March referendum, July polls Four killed as plane crash-lands in Ukraine

KIEV: At least four peo- ple were killed when a plane carrying 45 pas- sengers and crew crash- landed in fog in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk late yesterday, officials said. The plane overshot the runway at Donetsk airport as it attempted to execute an emergency landing and Zimbabwe’s Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai addressing a meeting in Harare yesterday where he announced broke up, the emergen- that the country will hold a constitutional referendum in March followed by elections in July, a timetable that cies ministry, quoted by will decide the fate of veteran President Robert Mugabe. Interfax news agency, said The twin-engined Antonov 24 turboprop had flown to Donetsk, which was shrouded in thick fog, Pope urges end to hypocrisy at final mass from the Black Sea coastal city of Odessa. VATICA N CIT Y: Pope Benedict pontiff to resign voluntarily in the “for the good of the Church”. Andriy Shyshatsky, XVI urged an end to “religious Church’s 2,000-year history. “Keep praying for me, for the head of Donetsk’s regional hypocrisy” and “rivalry” in the He condemned “religious Church and for the future pope,” administration, said four Catholic Church as he donned his hypocrisy” and urged an end to he said, his voice full of emotion. people were confirmed papal mitre for the last time for “individualism and rivalry”. Wearing his workaday white dead, while the fate of two an emotional mass in St. Peter’s “The face of the Church ... is at cassock and skullcap, the pon- others was not yet clear. Basilica yesterday. times disfigured. I am thinking tiff said he could feel the faith- “The large majority of The 85-year-old Pope was in particular of the sins against ful’s love “almost physically in passengers have been saved. hailed with a standing ovation the unity of the Church,” he said, these difficult days”. The Vatican At the moment, there are and waves of applause from a a possible reference to the many announced that cardinal electors four dead. One person is congregation of thousands where scandals plaguing the institution. — the princes of the Church — will visible in the wreckage, but many broke down in tears, as The pope cut short the applause meet on March 15 or soon after to we don’t yet know whether cardinals doffed their mitres in a at the end of mass, saying “Let’s choose Benedict’s successor. he is alive or not. We are final gesture of respect. return to prayer”, before leaving “The beginning of the con- searching for one other Wearing the purple robes of the basilica, waving and smiling clave cannot be before March person,” Shyshatsky told Lent — a period of penitence for at the congregation. 15,” Vatican spokesman Federico journalists. Christians — the Pope was con- Earlier, the frail pontiff was Lombardi said. “We have to expect The crash took place veyed through the basilica’s vast greeted by chants of “Benedetto” a conclave starting on the 15th, hours before a Champions nave on a mobile platform that and a banner reading “Thank You, 16th, 17th, 18th or 19th.” Rumours League soccer match in underlined his growing infirmity. Holiness” at his weekly audience have begun flying over front-run- Donetsk between Shakhtar Benedict called for greater sin- with thousands of believers in a ners to succeed Benedict, but no Donetsk and German side cerity in his final mass as leader Vatican auditorium. clear favourite has emerged yet Borussia Dortmund. of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics Benedict told the crowd he had and the decision will be up to the REUTERS before he becomes only the second taken his momentous decision 117 elector cardinals. AFP THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2013 ASIA / PHILIPPINES www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 100th Tibetan burns self Chinese tick off govt KATHMANDU: A Tibetan exile turned himself into a ball of fire in front of a Buddhist monument yesterday, the 100th self-immolation attempt after Korea N-test since 2009 in a wave of protests against Chinese rule. Witnesses told AFP the man Online comments show public anger at Pyongyang in his early 20s doused him- self with petrol in a restaurant BEIJING: Chinese social washroom in the Nepalese capi- media users berated authorities tal, ran outside and set himself yesterday for their relatively alight next to Kathmandu’s mild response to North Korea’s Boudhanath Stupa, one of the nuclear test, with one likening world’s holiest Buddhist shrines. Pyongyang to a “crazy dog” that “After setting himself on had humiliated Beijing. fire at the foot of the stupa, The hostility towards China’s he started running — he cried defiant neighbour contrasted with out something but I couldn’t the official response from Beijing understand the language,” said — expressing “firm opposition” a waiter at the restaurant. but reiterating calls for calm and “Police arrived within minutes restraint and not mentioning any after people started to shout reprisals or sanctions. for help,” the waiter, Phursang Pyongyang conducted the test Tamang, told AFP. on Tuesday, two days after Lunar The bespectacled man was New Year, which is China’s biggest engulfed by flames before police annual festival, and as the public were able to extinguish the fire holiday continued. and take him to hospital where “If you pursue an unjust long- he was listed in critical condition. term diplomatic policy, then The Tibetan government-in- people will dare to explode a exile, based in the Indian town stinkbomb at your door while you of Dharamshala in the foothills are on holiday,” said Yu Jianrong, a South Korean soldiers march on snow during a military drill in Paju near of the Himalayas, had previously director at the Chinese Academy the demilitarised zone dividing the two Koreas, yesterday. put the number of burnings since of Social Sciences. 2009 at 99, with 83 of them fatal. The exiled Tibetan monk sets himself on fire at Boudhanath Stupa in “You are inviting your own slammed some suggestions that China alone to emphasise China The office of the Dalai Lama, Kathmandu, yesterday. humiliation,” he added on Sina North Korea’s nuclear pro- and North Korea’s so-called the exiled Tibetan spiritual Weibo, China’s popular Twitter- gramme strengthened China’s friendship, this is the ultimate leader, had identified the man like service, where he has 1.5 mil- security, likening Beijing’s policy stupidity.” One user called Long as a monk. Police in Kathmandu Speaking to AFP ahead of the in Dharamshala. lion followers. to “keeping a crazy dog to guard Can supported the use of military could not confirm that he was milestone of 100 cases, Tibetan “To the international commu- Beijing is Pyongyang’s most the house”. force against North Korea, saying a monk, and he was clad in a exile prime minister Lobsang nity I say ‘stand up for Tibetans’. important backer, providing it Xie Wen, a former manager at that “if America mobilises troops jacket and red cap rather than Sangay had blamed Chinese The Chinese government has with trade and aid that have ena- Yahoo China, urged Beijing on his against North Korea, I will give in a monk’s robes. authorities and called for the completely militarised the bled the state to survive since the Weibo account at least to aban- its government my entire year’s The gruesome burnings, international community to Tibetan area,” he added. end of the 1950-53 Korean War. don a 1961 treaty of mutual assist- salary”. most of which have occurred take note. Beijing accuses the Dalai China fears instability would ance, cancel all aid and military Meanwhile on Twitter — which in Tibetan-inhabited areas of “Because there is no free- Lama of encouraging the immo- bring refugees flooding across or security cooperation and recall is blocked in China — one of the China, are seen as a sign of des- dom of speech or outlet for any lations and says huge investment the border, or even ultimately a China’s ambassador. country’s most prominent dissi- peration in the community over form of protest, unfortunately has brought modernisation and a unified Korea with a US military North Korea “simply doesn’t dents, Hu Jia, called China and perceived religious persecution Tibetans have chosen self-immo- better standard of living to Tibet. presence on its doorstep. trust China and is not willing North Korea “the most des- in Chinese-ruled Tibet. lations,” he said in an interview AFP But an online commentator to be inhibited by China”, wrote picable big rogue and ruthless using the nickname Wuyuesanren Weibo user Zhuanshengben. “For little rogue”. AFP Opposition members being killed, abducted in Sri Lanka: UN

GENEVA: Sri Lanka is failing to resolve outstanding wartime crimes and Tamil civilians in the shrinking territory Pillay said the government has not Bandaranayake could jeopardise efforts investigate alleged atrocities commit- end impunity. held by rebels of the Liberation Tigers of set up a mechanism to trace adults who to prosecute war crimes. ted by government forces in defeating “The steps taken by the government Tamil Eelam just before their defeat in went missing during the latter stages of President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s gov- a Tamil insurgency and activists and to investigate allegations of serious viola- May 2009. the war and that investigations of dis- ernment says it never targeted civilians. opposition politicians are still being tions of human rights further have also An expert panel set up by UN appearances had not led to arrests or In written comments on Pillay’s report, killed or abducted, the United Nations been inconclusive and lack the independ- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, whose prosecutions. it complained of inaccuracies and said said yesterday. ence and impartiality required to inspire findings have been rejected by Colombo, The commissioner, a former judge of a court of inquiry would probe a video UN High Commissioner for Human confidence,” Pillay said in a report on a has said the army committed large-scale the International Criminal Court, last broadcast by Britain’s Channel 4 televi- Rights, Navi Pillay, called on authorities UN mission to Sri Lanka in September. abuses and that as many as 40,000 civil- month accused Sri Lanka of “gross sion in 2009 purporting to show summary to allow international experts in crimi- Rights groups say the Sri Lankan mili- ians were killed in the last months of the interference” in the judiciary, say- executions of Tamil prisoners by govern- nal and forensic investigations to help tary killed thousands of ethnic minority conflict. ing its removal of chief justice Shirani ment soldiers. REUTERS

Ex-president of Maldives 16 militants killed in Thailand BANGKOK: A pre-dawn He revised the death toll to Thailand’s most popular tour- takes refuge in raid on a Thai military base 16 from an earlier 17. None of ist beaches, Prime Minister ended with 16 Muslim insur- the Thai military defenders of Yingluck Shinawatra appears gents killed yesterday in the base was hurt, he said. powerless to quell the almost Indian embassy the deadliest violence in the Violence is common in daily gun fights and bomb country’s south in nine years, Thailand’s south but the scale attacks. MALE: Former Maldives marking a dangerous esca- of the attack and targetting “It was only going to be a president Mohamed Nasheed lation in one of Asia’s least- of a marine base illustrate the matter of time before this type took refuge in the Indian High known conflicts. difficulty Buddhist-majority of incident happened,” said Commission in the capital Male Acting on a tip-off, marines Thailand faces in prevent- Anthony Davis, a Thai-based yesterday as police attempted lit flares and opened fire as ing the low-intensity Muslim analyst at security consulting to arrest him, raising the pros- up to 60 insurgents wearing insurgency from turning into a firm IHS-Jane’s. pect of protests by supporters military fatigues approached more dangerous conflict. “The insurgents have been who say he was ousted a year the base at about 1am in Although there is no indica- moving towards larger attacks ago in a coup. Narathiwat province on the tion of the fighting spreading on military bases since 2011. At Nasheed, the Maldives’ first Malaysian border, said Internal beyond the provinces of Pattani, the same time, there has been democratically elected leader, Security Operations Command Yala and Narathiwat, just a more proactive security intel- was removed from office in con- spokesman Pramote Phromin. few hours’ drive from some of ligence work.” REUTERS tested circumstances and his sup- porters have frequently clashed with security forces in the Indian Ocean archipelago, famous as a luxury tourist resort. “Mindful of my own security Women take lead in mediating and stability in the Indian Ocean, I have taken refuge at the Indian High Commission in Maldives,” Nasheed wrote on his Twitter page. Philippines peace process Riot police barricaded the street outside the High Commission MANILA: The idea that a woman can medi- she speaks eloquently of the need to ensure that after Nasheed’s arrival at noon, ate successfully between armed groups of all those affected by the agreement, high and as his supporters began to gather. hostile men, and that one of these groups com- low, have ownership of the process. “As in all India’s External Affairs prises hardline, Shariah-touting Islamists, peace processes, there is a symbiotic relation- Ministry said in a statement might seem far-fetched to traditional western ship between the people on the ground and the that Nasheed had sought India’s societies. But not so in the Philippines, where negotiators,” she said. “Both parties are expected assistance and that the High not one but two women have taken the lead in to deliver on that belief. We are creating a vir- Commission was in touch with resolving the long-running Muslim insurgency tuous cycle, it is building. So we are hopeful we Maldivian authorities. in Mindanao. will get there.” A court ordered Nasheed’s Teresita Quintos Deles, a former teacher, In a speech in Davao City on 4 February, arrest after he missed a February women’s rights advocate and anti-poverty tsar Deles showed a very humane understanding of 10 court appearance in a case known popularly as ‘Ging’, was reappointed reconstruction and development issues in the relating to accusations that he presidential adviser on the peace process by Bangsamoro region, whose long-term resolution illegally detained a judge during President Benigno Aquino in July, 2010. Since will be crucial if the peace deal is to stick. the last days of his rule, police then, her steady and patient hand has guided “We all know that the areas [covered by the spokesman Hassan Haneef said. the combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation pact] remain the most underdeveloped com- “We have received the order Front (MILF) and their government interlocu- munities in the country. Almost all indicators, and we will be trying to carry tors towards a historic peace deal that both sides from health to education to maternal and infant it out in accordance with the now regard as all but inevitable. mortality and women’s participation, are lowest Maldivian constitution and the If one word sums up Deles’ approach, it is [there] . . .” order itself.” REUTERS “inclusive”. Interviewed in her office in Manila, GUARDIAN NEWS & MEDIA THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2013 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN Kabul welcomes Obama’s withdrawal plan Afghan soldiers to replace US troops by end of 2013

KABUL: The Afghan gov- Afghan security forces by the end “The commanders will have ernment yesterday welcomed of 2014. discretion on the pace” of the President Barack Obama’s Nato, which has about 37,000 withdrawal, a senior defence offi- announcement that the US will troops, will also withdraw in cial said. And the “focus will be withdraw 34,000 troops from stages before the end of 2014. keeping as many forces in play the country over the next year. In his address on Tuesday, until after the fighting season” “We welcome this,” defence Obama unveiled plans to scale ends in the fall, said the official. ministry spokesman General back US forces from 66,000 to For US troops, the “primary Mohammad Zahir Azimi said. 32,000 in 12 months, as part of a mission is to support the Afghan “We will take all security respon- long-standing goal by Washington forces to make them effective in sibilities by the end of 2013. Our and its allies to pull out by the the fighting against the Taliban, troops will replace them.” end of 2014. not to do the job for them,” said Afghan President Hamid The move reflects the adminis- Barno, a fellow at the Center for Karzai has long supported the tration’s commitment to turn the a New American Security, which scheduled withdrawal of US and page on the conflict, after conclud- has a close relationship with the Nato troops by the end of 2014, ing that a large-scale counterin- Obama administration. saying Afghan forces are capable surgency campaign was not worth While Barno believes Afghan of taking responsibility for the pursuing amid stalemate on the forces are “far more capable” fight against Taliban insurgents. battlefield and more than a decade than Western experts give them Obama, who made the troop of troop casualties, analysts said. credit for, some in and outside the withdrawal announcement dur- “The administration and the Pentagon say hard-won progress ing his State of the Union address, president have been very clear against the Taliban could unravel said the drawdown would con- over the last 18 months or more because of the troop withdrawal tinue and “by the end of next that the drawdown would con- schedule. year, our war in Afghanistan will tinue at a steady pace. It just “It’s a big number of troops be over”. represents a continuation of the to withdraw in a short amount The Taliban dismissed the administration’s plan,” said David of time,” said Thomas Donnelly troop pull-out as insufficient. Barno, a retired general who com- of the right-leaning American Afghans watch a TV broadcast of US President Barack Obama delivering his State of the Union speech, in Kabul, “The problem is not going to be manded US troops in Afghanistan Enterprise Institute. yesterday. solved with reducing or increasing from 2003 to 2005. Instead of waging war against the number of troops,” spokesman Although most Americans have the Taliban, the priority inevita- Zabihullah Mujahid said. grown weary of the war, some bly will shift to managing a large- favoured by the Pentagon. to keep the Kabul government army and police to keep insur- “As long as the invading forces Republican lawmakers worry the scale withdrawal, he said. Top generals at one point pro- afloat. gents at bay, said Stephen Biddle, remain in Afghanistan, the jihad withdrawal pace is too fast and “Just because of the size of the posed 15,000 to 20,000 boots on “Obama needs to lay out a clear a professor of political science and (holy war) continues. The prob- will play into the hands of Taliban drawdown and the complexity of the ground, but officials say the strategy for Afghanistan for the international affairs at George lem is solved with the complete insurgents American troops have operations in Afghanistan, a lot White House favours a light foot- months and years ahead,” Michael Washington University. withdrawal of the invading forces been fighting since 2001. of the command is going to be print of several thousand. O’Hanlon of The Brookings “The issue is whether the US and returning Afghanistan back But officials say US and Nato focused on the drawdown.” As US diplomats negotiate an Institution wrote on the Politico Congress is going to keep fund- to Afghans.” forces need to start handing more Obama has yet to say how agreement with Kabul for a post- news website. ing the Afghan National Security Obama’s move effectively halves responsibility to Afghan gov- many troops he wants to keep 2014 mission, the administration With the war at a stalemate, the Forces to keep them in the field the size of the 66,000-strong US ernment forces and that senior in Afghanistan after the Nato has yet to articulate what the US crucial question is not how many and is there any way to end the force, as Nato troops prepare officers on the ground will have withdrawal, but officials have commitment to Afghanistan will US troops stay in Afghanistan, war satisfactorily before the to hand over control for secu- flexibility to adjust the drawdown indicated the White House wants be in the future, and how many but how long Congress will be Congress cuts off the money,” he rity operations to some 352,000 as needed. a smaller presence than initially billions the US needs to spend willing to bankroll the Afghan said. AFP

Pakistan calls for Indian Oscar winner Taliban ceasefire Nato ‘air strike kills 10 Afghan civilians’ pulls out of Karachi before crunch talks KABUL: A Nato air strike they prepare to withdraw from Four children were wounded in It was not clear if the owner of literary festival killed 10 civilians, mostly the war against Taliban Islamist the raid, Wahidi said. the targeted house was a member ISLAMABAD: Pakistan yes- women or children, Afghan offi- insurgents by the end of next year. Three Taliban commanders, of the Taliban or a civilian, but KARACHI: A leading Indian terday urged the Taliban to cials said yesterday. The civilians were killed by a including an Al Qaeda-linked mil- the Taliban were visiting when poet who won an Oscar for writ- announce a 30-day ceasefire Nato forces said they were Nato air strike during an over- itant leader called Shahpoor, were the home was attacked, he added. ing song lyrics for the smash hit as a precursor to peace talks investigating the claims. “We night raid on a Taliban hideout also killed, said District Governor The Taliban often force villag- movie Slumdog Millionaire has which the militants offered take every allegation of civil- in a remote eastern region, offi- Abdul Zahir. He said the civilians ers to provide them with food and pulled out of Pakistan’s top lit- earlier this month, adding the ian casualties very seriously,” a cials said. “Five children, four were killed in the raid in support shelter. Civilian casualties caused erary festival at the last minute, nation had rejected their cam- spokesman said. If the deaths are women and a man were killed,” of a ground operation by US-led by Nato forces are a sensitive organisers said yesterday. paign of terror. confirmed, it will be another blow Kunar provincial Governor Sayed coalition and Afghan forces in a issue and regularly condemned by The move follows weeks of ten- The umbrella Tehreek-e- to the prestige of US-led forces as Fazulullah Wahidi said. Taliban-controlled valley. President Hamid Karzai. AFP sion between the nuclear-armed Taliban Pakistan (TTP) faction neighbours sparked by the killings has stepped up attacks in recent of five soldiers along the de facto months, leading to fears that vio- border in the disputed region of lence could mar general elections Kashmir. in May. Syed Ahmed Shah, one of In a video message, TTP pro- the organisers of the Karachi posed talks with Islamabad pro- Media cautioned over Valentine’s Day Literature Festival, confirmed vided that certain opposition Gulzar had pulled out — just two politicians, including main oppo- ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s media regula- the day was not in line with “our religious and opinions while conceptualising any pro- days before the start of the event. sition leader Nawaz Sharif, act tor yesterday asked TV and radio stations cultural ethos”. gramme or celebrating any event connected “We can’t say about the reasons as guarantors. Sharif welcomed to avoid offending religious sentiments “Such events have been perceived as a to the Valentine’s Day,” it added. and circumstances that led to his the offer but refused to be a and corrupting the nation’s youth in their source of depraving, corrupting and injuring Supporters of Pakistan’s main religious return home without attending guarantor. Valentine’s Day broadcasts. the morality of Pakistani youth and violating party staged a noisy protest against Valentine’s the festival,” Shah said. “First there should be cease- Stopping short of an outright ban, the the code of conduct developed by PEMRA,” Day on Tuesday in the northwestern city of Indian officials denied fire and peace talks can be held Pakistan Electronic Media Regulator it said. Peshawar, denouncing it as un-Islamic and Pakistani media reports that they only after it,” Interior Minister Authority (PEMRA) circulated a letter, saying “All satellite TV channels/FM stations are calling for a “day of modesty” instead. had advised the poet, who won an Rehman Malik said. AFP it was acting on complaints that celebrating requested to honour viewers’ sentiments/ AFP Oscar for the lyrics to rags-to- riches hit Slumdog Millionaire- theme Jai Ho, to return to India. Free ammunition Vishal Bhardwaj, an Indian director travelling with Gulzar, Afghanistan can’t handle said there was “nothing political” about the withdrawal. direct aid: US watchdog AGENCIES WASHINGTON: Afghanistan’s interests, and whether Afghans Top court rejects government does not appear able needed or even wanted them. to manage the large amounts So far, the US has invested plea to dissolve of direct aid the US and other almost $100bn in Afghan recon- countries have pledged, the US struction efforts, Sopko pointed election panel watchdog monitoring funds out. spent on Afghan reconstruction Afghanistan is regularly ranked ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top said. as one of the world’s most corrupt court yesterday threw out a John Sopko, the Special countries. petition from a populist cleric Inspector General for Afghan More than $16bn pledged in seeking to dissolve the election Reconstruction (Sigar), raised future aid at an international commission, taking the country a red flag over US plans to give donor’s conference in Tokyo last a step closer to holding historic Kabul billions of dollars more in year was tied to a serious effort polls. direct aid instead of providing to crack down on graft. Although no date has been assistance through contractors But to provide Afghanistan announced, the nuclear-armed and non-governmental organisa- with more control over aid, inter- country of 180 million is due to go tions operating on behalf of the national donors also promised to to the polls by mid-May — mark- US government. increase the amount of direct aid An Afghan policeman inspects the ammunition collected as part of disbanding private security companies ing the first time a democratically “The Afghan government does to Kabul. in Herat, Afghanistan, yesterday. elected government would have not appear to have the capacity Sopko said the US govern- seen out a full term in the coun- to manage the amount of funding ment had committed to channel try’s history. envisioned in the international at least 50 percent of its devel- The government and the oppo- community’s pledges of direct opment assistance through the 103 parties yet to qualify for elections sition are publicly united that assistance,” Sopko told a House Afghan national budget, but he elections must be held on time, Committee in testimony prepared had seen little progress in clean- ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan a list of the parties which had (BNP-A) and National Party but politicians have expressed for a House of Representatives ing up fraud. Muslim League-Q (PML-Q), “not submitted the details of due (NP). fears about delay by claiming hearing. “Despite stated commitments Muttahida Qaumi Movement intra-party elections”, as required The BNP-A held last party conspiracies are being hatched He said oversight provisions, from the Afghan government to (MQM), Pakistan Tehrik-i- under the Political Parties Order election in 2006 and the NP in to postpone the polls. such as doling out funds incre- address this problem, we con- Insaaf (PTI) and Pakistan of 2002. May 2004. Critics had warned that there mentally instead of in large lump tinue to see reluctance on the Awami Tehrik (PAT) are It warned that parties failing The PML-Q, registered as was a further risk to holding sums, should be built into direct part of Afghan officials to take among 103 parties which still do to submit certificates of internal PML, held its polls in July 2009 elections on time if the Supreme aid programmes “to protect the serious action,” he said in writ- not qualify to contest the com- elections would not be entitled to and an election has been due since Court accepted the petition from American taxpayer.” ten testimony to the National ing elections as they have nei- obtain election symbols. July last year. cleric Tahirul Qadri, who has Sopko said Sigar would be Security Subcommittee of the ther held party polls nor have The list of the parties, out of The last elections in the PTI unsettled politics by whipping up monitoring the use of US aid, House Oversight and Government disclosed their accounts. 216 registered — which have failed and PAT were held in 2002 and support for sweeping, pre-elec- including whether programmes Reform committee. The Election Commission of to hold party elections includes 2006, according to ECP record. toral reforms. made clear contributions to US REUTERS Pakistan (ECP) yesterday issued the Balochistan National Party-A INTERNEWS AGENCIES THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2013 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17

Gang rape case: $750m helicopter deal put on hold Police want Nobody will be spared in scandal, says Antony; former air force chief denies any wrongdoing media coverage

NEW DELHI: India put on Finmeccanica’s Chief Executive including more helicopters and documents last October and ran rules in favour of AgustaWestland ban to stay hold a $750m deal to buy heli- Giuseppe Orsi on Tuesday for military transport planes. a series of stories giving detailed in the helicopter tender. None of copters from Finmeccanica allegedly paying bribes to secure Prime Minister Manmohan accounts of the alleged bribery the Tyagis has been accused of NEW DELHI: Police yesterday SpA after the arrest of the head the sale of 12 AgustaWestland Singh’s government has been and named several Indians said wrongdoing by officials in India. told the Delhi High Court to con- of the Italian defence group, as executive helicopters to the Indian buffeted by scandals over the sale to have been involved. Shashi Tyagi denied all wrong- tinue the ban on media access political opponents tried to cap- Air Force when he was head of of mobile phone spectrum, coal Prasad asked why the govern- doing and described the charges to the trial in the December 16, italise on the latest scandal to the Finmeccanica helicopter unit. fields and contracts for the 2010 ment had not launched a police as “bunkum”. Speaking at his 2012, Delhi gang rape case. hit the government before elec- The first three helicopters have Commonwealth Games in Delhi, investigation earlier. “The suspi- home near Delhi, he said that a Advocate Dayan Krishnan, tions next year. already been delivered. Orsi’s law- and its record on graft will be a cious circumstances surround- specified service ceiling of 18,000 appearing for the police, opposed India will not make more pay- yer denied the allegations. key issue in elections due by 2014. ing this raises one fundamental feet had been reduced to 15,000 a plea seeking access to the trial ments or take delivery of nine India has a long history of In the 1980s, a multi-million question again — the fact that it feet, but during a government led going on in a fast-track court in helicopters until a probe by the defence deal corruption. The dollar scandal over the purchase was an Italian company, was it the by the opposition BJP and before south Delhi, saying that “every Central Bureau of Investigation opposition Bharatiya Janata Party of Swedish Bofors artillery guns grounds to go slow?” his time as air chief. rape case trial has to be in-cam- (CBI) is complete, two officials at was quick to attack the Congress contributed to an election defeat Defence Minister Antony criti- He said the change had been era”. Krishnan said there were Defence Ministry said yesterday. party-led government for not for Congress and its prime min- cised Italy for not responding to necessary because only one heli- several witnesses in the case and “India decides to put on hold acting sooner on allegations that ister, Rajiv Gandhi. requests for information about copter was able to fly that high. for their interest the trial should the delivery of helicopters,” one of bribes had been paid in the deal. The Defence Ministry has the case. “From day one, we have Tyagi, who spoke openly and be held in-camera. the sources said, adding that the Antony ordered the CBI inves- put in place strict guidelines for been trying to find out the truth extensively with media yesterday “Charges have been framed in suspension would hold until the tigation on Tuesday into the pur- arms deals in an effort to crack and we conveyed that to them,” he about the case, also said the heli- the case. We have 80 witnesses and CBI completed its enquiry. When chase of the luxury helicopters, down on corruption. Last year, six said. “So far we have not received copter deal had been sealed three till now 11 have deposed and the asked about payment, the official which were destined for use by companies including Rheinmetall any details.” years after he retired from the air trial is being carried out on a day- said: “Payment as well.” India’s leaders. “If any individual Air Defence, part of Germany’s He said his ministry’s internal force in 2007. to-day basis,” added Krishnan. The second source confirmed or foreigner, any firm, are involved Rheinmetall AG, were placed on enquiries had so far found no evi- Antony, who became defence Justice Rajiv Shakdher asked that the decision to suspend the in this malpractice, nobody will be a blacklist of arms firms banned dence against Finmeccanica, but minister in 2006, said he could not Krishnan whether accredited deal had been taken. The coun- spared. We will take action against from doing business in India. refused to answer specific ques- comment on accusations against journalists could be allowed to try’s most watched English- them, whatever may be the conse- Rheinmetall strongly denied the tions about the Italian allega- Tyagi. “I have no information cover the court proceedings, to language news channel, Times quences,” he told reporters. allegations against it. tions, saying the CBI investigation within my hands ... How can I say which he replied in the negative. Now, later ran its own report Finmeccanica’s Alenia “I see the making of another would find the truth. The Italian anything? At the moment, I will “Can you have some kind of cali- saying Defence Minister A K Aermacchi and AgustaWestland Bofors in this,” said opposition BJP arrest warrant for Orsi said three not say anything against any indi- brated access to allow accredited Antony had confirmed that the units are pursuing Indian busi- spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad. cousins of former Indian air force vidual unless I get some reports journalists at least one from each deal was suspended. ness worth $12bn this year, The Indian Express newspaper chief Shashi Tyagi had received from CBI,” he said. media,” the court said. The court Italian police arrested defence analysts IHS Jane’s said, had access to Italian prosecution kickbacks and helped to twist REUTERS posted the matter for February 28. The fast-track trial court on January 7 ordered in-camera trial of the case following unruly scenes that prevented the accused from being led into court. It also told the media not to report any Cop’s killing: 12 remanded in news related to the case without its permission. Police, in its report submitted to the high court, said that its custody, rivals slam Mamata advisory to media houses was a measure of “courtesy” as violation KOLKATA: Twelve people erupted over the issue of pick- Congress councillor Mohammad of the court-imposed ban on cov- were remanded by a city court ing up nomination forms for the Iqbal. Iqbal has been charged with erage could lead to registration of to custody yesterday for vio- students’ union election. Another rioting, attempt to murder and first information report against lence here in which a policeman person was also injured in the certain sections of the Arms Act. reporters. The high court was was shot dead during a clash firing. Television channels aired He was seen at the spot of the hearing a plea filed by legal jour- between Trinamool Congress footage of a youth in red shirt incident, threatening a policeman nalists saying their “fundamental and Congress student activists rushing into a melee and firing, and mobilising his supporters right of freedom of speech and at a college. The opposition par- before escaping from the spot. While the Trinamool Congress expression” was being violated. ties slammed Chief Minister Prime suspect Mohammad accused supporters of the Left “My right as a responsible Mamata Banerjee’s alleged Shubhaan was presented before Front and the Congress of being media reporter is violated,” said silence on the issue. the court yesterday and remanded behind the attack, the opposition one of the petitioner against the While two prime accused, in police custody till February 26. accused the ruling party of shield- advisory issued by police to media charged with the murder, were Except for the presence of police, ing the guilty. restraining them from publishing remanded to police custody till the college was almost empty. The Trinamool supremo news related to the case. February 26, the rest, booked under Armed policemen were posted attracted severe criticism for The plea filed by advocate charges of attempt to murder and in large numbers in the entire her “silence” on the issue from Meenakshi Lekhi said: “The role rioting, were sent to judicial cus- area surrounding the college her political rivals. “Why is she of police in the case is under sus- tody till February 19 by the court. and patrol vans made repeated silent?... she has not bothered to picion from the day one, and pass- Tapas Chowdhury, a sub-inspec- rounds. “The situation is peace- spare even a couple of minutes ing a gag order (by trial judge) and tor attached to the special branch, ful. There is no tension,” Deputy for a policeman who lost his life advisory of police will come in the was shot from close range while Commissioner (Port) of Police V. in the line of duty,” Leader of way of a fair trial. Media should be trying to control clashing students Solomon Nesakumar said. the Opposition in West Bengal allowed so that people in the coun- in Harimohan Ghose College in the In a related development, a case Assembly and CPI-M leader try could get to know what is going Garden Reach area Tuesday. under non-bailable offences was Surya Kanta Mishra said. on behind the closed doors.” The violence in the college initiated against local Trinamool IANS IANS

Petrol, diesel prices likely to rise

NEW DELHI: Petrol price could be hiked by Re1 a litre and diesel rates by 50 paise a litre by this weekend, according to indications available yesterday from state oil marketing com- panies (OMCs). “We will review the prices at the fortnightly Queen Elizabeth roses bloom in the Mughal Gardens at Rashtrapati Bhavan. review (due on Friday),” R S Butola, Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation said here. “We won’t say there is no possibility (of a price hike) but I cannot say what we will decide in that review,” he added. Mughal Gardens set to open With international oil rates firming up over the last month, OMCs are losing Rs1.32 a litre on petrol sales. Since fuel prices NEW DELHI: The warm spring sunshine graciously bathes the floral were last revised on January 17, the Indian basket of crude oil carpets of exquisitely manicured lawns of Mughal Gardens adorned prices has increased by $5 per barrel to Rs114.68. Owing to the with myriad flowers of every description. Rashtrapati Bhavan’s treas- rupee’s depreciation during the last fortnight, crude oil price ured gardens are set to be opened to the public from tomorrow. increased to Rs6,188.13 per barrel on February 12, as compared While there are 120 varieties of roses across the 15-acre Mughal to Rs5,926 during the prior fortnight. Gardens, this time around the main attraction are the 2,500 dahlias Oil firms are currently losing Rs9.22 per litre on sale of diesel, that will certainly grab eyeballs. While it will be President Pranab Rs31.6 per litre on sale of kerosene and Rs481 per cylinder of Mukherjee’s maiden ‘Udyanoytsav’ on February 15, he strolls around cooking gas (LPG). OMCs’ daily under-recovery is to the tune the garden every morning. The Mughal Gardens will remain open to of Rs400 crore on the sale of subsidised petroleum products general public from February 16 to March 17 while the differently-abled like diesel, kerosene and domestic LPG. The government last and the visually impaired people can visit it till March 19. Rashtrapati month partially deregulated diesel, allowing OMCs to raise rates Bhavan, the president’s official residence, is spread over 330 acres and in small doses of 40-50 paise a litre every month till losses are was designed by British architect Edwin Luteyns. IANS completely wiped out. IANS

Village in Maharashtra hits Rs125 crore jackpot CHANDRAPUR: This sleepy, little village “However, the entire process took longer Ahir said he and his party had been tucked away in the lesser known district of than stipulated and hence I had to inter- fighting for the last decade for an adequate Chandrapur in Maharashtra is humming vene to get these simple farmers their compensation package, including higher with life as its residents have hit a jackpot rights. They will now be paid compensa- per acre rates for land and jobs for the dis- — enhanced compensation for their land tion as per the revised rates approved by placed in WCL for the land acquired by it acquired by a public sector coal miner. the Maharashtra government,” Ahir said. from farmers. After a long struggle, he said, And happy is their local parliamentarian, A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha WCL accepted the demand and the farmers Hansraj Ahir, whose persistent efforts have member from the backward Chandrapur dis- are now elated that their lands will fetch a helped the villagers make the windfall gains. trict in eastern Maharasthra, Ahir said in whopping collective pay off amounting to Ahir’s intervention has ensured that 2010 the Chhattisgarh government issued a Rs125 crore. the local farmers will get Rs8-10 lakh per notification, making it mandatory for CIL and “On an average, each farmer is likely to acre for their land, against the beggarly its subsidiaries operating in that state to offer get a handsome Rs 833,000 for his land,” Rs20,000-45,000 per acre which was origi- a minimum rate of Rs6 lakh per acre for fal- Ahir said. Dinkar Derkar, 35, who is a third nally offered by Western Coalfields Ltd low land, Rs8 lakh per acre for rain-fed land generation farmer with only three acres of (WCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Ltd (CIL). and Rs10 lakh per acre land for irrigated land. land, was elated by the news. “I cannot tell WCL has decided to acquire 1,700 acres “This did not happen in the Vidarbha you how happy I am to have received this of the village land for its coal mine project. region of Maharashtra, from where the compensation for my land. There sure is a The Maharashtra cabinet last year had WCL is operating. For the farmers here, it tinge of sadness that my land will be lost to passed a resolution bringing rates of the offered only Rs20,000 to Rs45,000 per acre. coal mines, but I can finally pay off all my land to be acquired for coal mining on a par We demanded that WCL must offer rates on debts and still have something saved for my with the rates in neighbouring Chhattisgarh. the lines of Chhattisgarh,” he said. children’s future,” Derkar said. IANS THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2013 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA Defence, trade top Hollande’s visit agenda French President arrives today

NEW DELHI: Strategic part- declined to reveal the details. Details ners for nearly 15 years, India of the deal for the purchase of 126 and France will seek to fur- Rafale medium multi-role com- ther cement their multi-faceted bat aircraft — manufactured by ties during the visit of French Dassault Aviation — for the Indian President Francois Hollande Air Force are being worked out, as who arrives here today. well as the commercial aspect of the The French president will head contract for the purchase of six reac- a high-level delegation, including tors for the Jaitapur project. six ministers and a 50-member French nuclear giant Areva trade delegation. For Hollande, and Nuclear Power Corporation who became president last May, of India are discussing the details this would be his first bilateral of the deal, as well as the liability state visit to Asia, and on a per- issue. Post-Fukushima, France sonal level, his first visit to India. has tried to assure India that Polling officials carrying electronic voting machines in Agartala. Tripura will hold the 13th assembly elections today. He will be accompanied by his the reactors are “totally safe”. companion Valerie Trierweiler French ambassador Francois — a journalist. They are the first Richier has said the nuclear unmarried couple to represent power project would prove to be Congress, BJP brace for electoral battles France. While the two big ticket a “game changer” for India. deals with France — the over Among the defence deals likely NEW DELHI: Beginning today, battle will be crucial for both the The December electoral win in Karnataka, which goes to the $10bn contract for the purchase to be inked would be for India’s nine states will go to the polls this Congress and the BJP. Himachal Pradesh boosted the polls mid-year, is one state where of 126 Rafale fighter jets and $2bn light utility helicopter year before the 2014 Lok Sabha While the Congress rules in Congress, but it was routed by the BJP is at war within, giving a French reactors for the Jaitapur (LUH) programme. Eurocopter of elections with the Congress Delhi and Rajasthan, the BJP is in the BJP in Gujarat. ray of hope to the Congress. The nuclear power plant — are not France is one of the competitive and the Bharatiya Janata Party power in Karnataka, Chhattisgarh Winning in Delhi for the fourth exit from the BJP of former chief ready for being inked during the bidders to sell 197 LUHs to India, (BJP) set to take on each other and Madhya Pradesh. consecutive time is expected to be minister B S Yeddyurappa, who visit, Hollande and Prime Minister a diplomatic source had said. in five major states. In Tripura, the Congress hopes an uphill task for Chief Minister now heads the Karnataka Janata Manmohan Singh are to discuss Trade would also figure in their The string of contests will be to put up a good fight against the Sheila Dikshit, particularly after Party, is expected to dent the the status of the contracts during talks with France maintaining a window to assess the Indian ruling Left Front, more so since the the gang-rape of a young woman in BJP’s vote share. their delegation-level talks today. that “economic relations have not electorate ahead of a decade of Trinamool Congress has decided not December that triggered national But that itself is no guarantee The ties between the two coun- grown as they should have”. India- rule by the Congress-led United to put up candidates. Manik Sarkar, outrage. A new player in Delhi is that the Congress will win. In tries covers areas such as defence, France trade in 2012 was at ¤8bn. Progressive Alliance (UPA). who has been the Tripura chief going to be anti-corruption activist any case, Karnataka has a third civil nuclear energy, space and Hollande arrives in New Three states in the northeast minister for 15 long years, and his Arvind Kejriwal’s Aam Admi Party. player — the Janata Dal-Secular. counter terrorism, besides educa- Delhi today morning. He will will see balloting this month: Communist Party of India-Marxist Factional feuds in the Madhya In Rajasthan, Congress Chief tion, science and technology and be given a ceremonial welcome Tripura (today) and Meghalaya are equally confident of a victory. Pradesh Congress may prove to Minister Ashok Gehlot will face culture among other areas. at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He will and Nagaland (both February In Meghalaya, the ruling a hindrance to the party’s desire a tough fight from BJP state Six ministers, including Foreign deliver a lecture at the Nehru 23). Mizoram will follow later in Meghalaya United Alliance headed to unseat Chief Minister Shivraj unit chief Vasundhara Raje. The Minister Laurent Fabius, Defence Memorial Museum and Library the year. While the Congress is a by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma Singh Chouhan, who has ruled the Bahujan Samaj Party has varying Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and tomorrow, where he will honour player in all northeastern states, will face a spirited challenge from state for a decade. influence in all the five states. A Trade Minister Nicole Bricq, will Nobel laureate Amartya Sen with the BJP is not. former Lok Sabha speaker P A The Congress is not too strong string of national and local issues be part of the delegation, a dip- the Commandeur de la Legion So their political clout will be Sangma’s National People’s Party. in Chhattisgarh either and will will dominate the election cam- lomatic source said. Around four d’Honneur, France’s highest hon- tested when elections take place In Nagaland, the Naga find it difficult to take on BJP paign in all the election-bound agreements, including in the field of our. He will then visit Mumbai to in Delhi, Karnataka, Rajasthan, People’s Front of Chief Minister Chief Minister Raman Singh, who states. These include rising food education, are to be inked between participate in a business confer- Chhattisgarh and Madhya Neiphiu Rio is pitted against the has the reputation of an efficient prices, corruption, governance and the two sides, said a source, but ence. IANS Pradesh later in the year. This Congress headed by T. Yepthomi. administrator. economic development. IANS Lone contestant is Miss Tibet Three Manipur rebel outfits sign peace accord

IMPHAL: In a first step towards ushering in peace in insurgency-ravaged Manipur, a tripartite memorandum of understanding was signed yes- terday between the central and Manipur governments and three secessionist outfits. The three outlawed rebel out- fits which signed the agreement include United Revolutionary Front (URF), Lamphel faction of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP-L) and the MDF faction of Miss Tibet 2013 Tenzing Lhamo waves during the coronation ceremony the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup in Bangalore, yesterday. Dolma was the lone contestant and was unani- (KYKL-MDF). The three outfits mously crowned. have been waging war against the Indian state, seeking an inde- pendent Manipur. The Union government was Kerala govt seeks Left’s represented by the joint sec- retary of the home ministry in-charge of north east affairs, stance on Suryanelli case Shambu Singh; and the Manipur government was represented by THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kurien, alleged that the Chandy principal secretary in-charge of Faced with relentless demands government was playing tricks, home, J Suresh. from the Left opposition to reo- with the sole intention of saving The URF was represented pen the 17-year-old Suryanelli Kurien from disgrace. by its chairman, Khwairakpam sex case, the Kerala govern- State Home Minister Gopendro Singh, the KCP-L ment has sought the opinion of Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, by its military chief Naorem the Left on how to proceed in replying to Sreeramakrishnan, Brojen Meitei, and the KYKL- the matter. said that apart from the opinion of MDF by its chairman Maisnam On Tuesday, Rajya Sabha Director-General of Prosecutions Athouba. Deputy Chairman P J Kurien, T Asif Ali, who held that there A total of 197 rebels belong- also a senior Congressman from was no need for a fresh probe, the ing to the three outlawed outfits the state, who has been named government had also received the — the URF (90 rebels), KCP-L in the case both by the family of advice of the state law secretary. (40 rebels) and KYKL-MDF (67 the victim and the sole convict in “We then got a third opin- rebels) — surrendered before the case, wrote to Congress presi- ion from Justice (retired) Chief Minister Okram Ibobi dent Sonia Gandhi citing court Padmanabhan Nair, who appeared Singh with 138 weapons. verdicts that had exonerated him. for the state in the apex court last As per the deal, the rebels will Replying to the opposition’s month in this case. He too has have to ensure that their private demand to reopen the case, Chief concluded that it is not possible armies and arms are surrendered Minister Oommen Chandy said the to go through a fresh probe.” within 90 days of the signing of government will place the three The Suryanelli sex scandal gets the accord. legal opinions that the government its name from the place in Idukki Welcoming the rebels, the chief got on this issue on the table of the district from where the victim minister urged them to make a house. “We request you to please hailed. In January 1996, a 16-year- new beginning, renouncing vio- take possession of the three legal old girl was threatened, abducted lence. “I do not consider you ene- opinions that we received, which and abused by a bus conductor, mies of the state. Let us forgive clearly state that it is no longer pos- and later taken from place to and forget, and start anew,” Singh sible to reopen this case and order a place for 45 days and subjected said at the function. fresh investigation. Please read the to sexual assault by 42 men. The chief minister assured legal opinions, give it to your legal The victim, now 32 and an the rebels that the government experts, and see what further steps employee of the state govern- would ensure their safety and can be taken,” Chandy said. ment, and her family have con- offer them proper rehabilitation. P Sreeramakrishnan, the sistently maintained that P J Manipur Deputy Chief Minister CPI-M legislator who moved the Kurien should stand trial in the Gaikhangam termed the signing third motion seeking a discussion case. They allege that he has been of the agreements a ray of hope. in the house on the Suryanelli shielded from law because of his IANS sex case and the involvement of political influence. IANS

THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2013 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Hyper-parents a bane for college students

LONDON: Fajr (Dawn) 4:53 Turbo-charged parents Schiffrin’s study, published in Springer’s helicopter parenting in the past 10 years still running their university-aged chil- Journal of Child and Family Studies, was had accompanied a changing attitude Shorook (Sunrise) 6:10 dren’s schedules, laundry and vaca- based on an online survey of 297 US towards childhood, with more anxiety and Zuhr (Noon) 11:48 tions could be doing more harm than undergraduate students in which stu- fear over youngsters now seen as being good with a study yesterday showing dents described their mothers’ parenting at risk and vulnerable if confronted with Asr (Afternoon) 3:02 these students were more likely to be behaviour and their own autonomy and failure. The greater focus on testing and Maghrib (Sunset) 5:28 depressed and dissatisfied with life. researchers assessed their happiness and success at exams has fuelled this and Researcher Holly Schiffrin from satisfaction levels. raised anxiety levels further. Isha (Night) 6:58 the University of Mary Washington The study comes as debate rises over “There is a very fine line between the in Virginia found so-called helicopter how much parents should run their helicopter parent and the committed and parenting negatively affected college stu- children’s lives to make them succeed. caring parent while at the other end of the dents by undermining their need to feel Schiffrin said the increase in technology spectrum is the negligent parent which can autonomous and competent. had changed the involvement of parents in be more dangerous,” Grenier said. WEATHER Her study found students with over- their children’s college lives as the once-a- Grenier said it was disconcerting to see Weather controlling parents were more likely to week phone call home was replaced with parents putting children as young as 3 Today Friday Saturday be depressed and less satisfied with their regular texting, emails and messaging. or 4 into tutoring to ensure they get into Conditions: lives while the number of hyper-parents The competitive marketplace and jostling the best schools and remain in the best Clear Clear Clear was increasing with economic fears fuel- for top college slots and the best jobs has schools to get top university places. Slight dust to ling concerns over youngsters’ chances of also boosted the involvement of parents in “There is the fear that if they don’t get blowing dust at success. “You expect parents with younger college lives. She said to counteract this, the right school and don’t get the right places. High: 25° High: 25° High: 25° kids to be very involved but the problem rising numbers of universities were starting university then they won’t get the oppor- Low: 17° Low: 16° Low: 18° is that these children are old enough to to run parental orientation days parallel to tunity to fight for the best jobs,” he said. look after themselves and their parents events for students to help encourage par- Grenier is an advocate of a movement are not backing off,” Schiffrin, an associ- ents to give their children more freedom. called “slow education”, a concept that has ate professor of psychology, said. In the UK, a housemaster from top prompted a wider philosophical approach DOHA - SUN & SEA “To find parents so closely involved with British public school, Eton College, is to travel, business, living and now schooling. SUN TIDE SEA their college lives, contacting their tutors involved in a campaign to get parents to “The real danger of hyper-parenting is that and running their schedules, is something slow down a little, arguing that hyper- it is intrusive and parents don’t let their SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND new and on the increase. It does not allow parenting may in fact demotivate a child children make their own decisions, take 06:10 | 17:28 08:00 / 21:00 1:00:14:00 20-30/35 KT independence and the chance to learn and even cause psychological damage. risks and learn for themselves,” he said. from mistakes.” Mike Grenier said the increase in REUTERS THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW

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MUSCAT 25/19 Mostly sunny 23/17 Mostly sunny MAKKAH 31/23 Clear 32/24 Clear KUWAIT 21/13 Clear 21/16 Clear BAHRAIN 22/11 Clear 24/07 Clear SANAA 24/06 Clear 25/09 Clear RIYADH 24/10 Clear 25/13 Clear DUBAI 24/16 Mostly sunny 26/18 Mostly sunny BAGHDAD 20/10 Mostly sunny 21/13 Mostly sunny

THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW

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ATHENS 14/09 Chance of rain 13/10 Chance of rain WASHINGTON 10/04 Mostly sunny 14/01 Chance of rain SYDNEY 25/17 Chance of rain 25/18 Chance of storms LONDON 03/03 Fog 09/01 Mostly sunny PARIS 07/03 Chance of rain 10/02 Clear ISTANBUL 11/06 Mostly sunny 09/03 Chance of rain MANILA 32/24 Mostly sunny 32/23 Mostly sunny DHAKA 31/16 Mostly sunny 31/17 Mostly sunny DELHI 24/12 Mostly sunny 22/12 Chance of storms ISLAMABAD 17/09 Mostly sunny 18/08 Chance of rain Handcuffed Hong Kongers play out escapist fantasies

HONG KONG: Being blindfolded, role of charismatic games master. handcuffed and locked in a dark room The centre is on the fourth floor of under the gaze of a surveillance cam- an anonymous tower block in the heart era is not everybody’s idea of fun. But a of Mongkok, one of the most populated new game in high-pressure Hong Kong areas on earth, an appropriate location is playing on people’s escapist fantasies. for people looking for a portal out of the Freeing HK is a “real escape game” in city’s frenetic hustle-bustle. which players are pitted against a tick- For HK$128 (US$16.5) each, players ing clock as they desperately try to work in small teams can take on one of three their way out of the room by finding clues, rooms — “Prison Break”, “Lost”, or “Dr cracking codes, and solving puzzles. Alpha” — where they face scenarios that The phenomenon originated in Japan, include being handcuffed to your team- and has spread to China, Taiwan, mate, or having to negotiate a Mission Singapore and the United States. But Impossible-style laser maze. the creators of the Hong Kong version Only about one in five successfully say it has struck a nerve in the ultra- find their way out within the 45-minute crowded city of seven million, as highly countdown, pressured by the ticking of stressed students and over-worked the clock and looping piano music drift- young business people look for a literal ing through the speakers. — and metaphorical — way out. Freeing HK takes inspiration from “I think Hong Kong is the most “room escape games” that can be played stressed city in Asia,” said Freeing HK on the Internet, and also has similarities creator Instant Wan. “There are long to films such as Cube, The Game and the working hours, everybody is always Saw series — but without the risk of a talking about money, and there is little painful death. In less than three months, entertainment — we only have films and about 5,000 people, mostly aged 15-35, karaoke. People want to find something have already taken up the challenge, new and escape from their stress in the drawn to the chance for a more intense, money-hungry city. Here, they come interactive experience. from reality into the game.” The success of the venture means Wan, 27, a member of the high IQ soci- the company is expanding, with two ety Mensa, author, and part-time lec- new centres due to open in the coming turer on love and relationships, opened months. And Wan hopes that soon the the game centre in November along with phenomenon of real escape games in three young business partners. Hong Kong will itself be impossible to Wearing an open-necked white shirt escape, as more and more people trapped and black blazer with a silk handkerchief in their fast-paced city lives choose to get tucked into his top pocket, he fits the locked up for a bit of adventure. AFP

Participants (right) get ready to play Freeing HK in Hong Kong. Thursday 14 February 2013 4 Rabial II 1434 Volume 17 Number 5610 Price: QR2

Peruvian trade team visits ahead Emir’s trip

Business | 23

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 January inflation Al Attiyah attends infrastructure seminar in Tokyo TOKYO: The Chairman of Qatar’s Administrative Control and Transparency Authority edges higher H E Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, who also heads the Qatari side in the Qatar-Japan Friendship Association, took on education part yesterday in a semi- nar on Qatar Infrastructure Projects, currently in ses- sion in Tokyo, in the presence Rent, fuel and energy up by 4.4 percent of Japan’s Minister of Land Infrastructure, Transport and DOHA: Qatar’s inflation, based The price indices in other Tourism Akihiro Ohta, as well on consumer price index (CPI), groups increased between 1.4 per- as several executive heads of rose 3.4 percent year-on-year cent and 2.2 percent. government bodies and institu- (y-o-y) and the index was up 0.7 The CPI data recorded a tions in Qatar. percent month-on-month (m-o- month-on-month increase in five Addressing the opening of the m) in January 2013, figures major groups. seminar, Al Attiyah hailed the released by the Qatar Statistics The ‘entertainment, recreation friendly and strong political and Authority (QSA) revealed. and culture’ grew by two percent. economic ties between Qatar and The y-o-y inflation was mainly “Furniture, textiles and home Japan, underlining that these driven by ‘entertainment, recrea- appliances”, became costlier by relations have become a model of tion and culture’ group, 7.5 per- 1.8 percent. cooperation, and an example of cent up. The increase was mainly “Rent, fuel and energy grew by mutual understanding between attributed to the rise in educa- one percent. While ‘food, bever- two sovereign states. tion training services. The CPI ages & tobacco” rose 0.9 percent, Al Attiyah noted that the two data issued by Qatar Statistics the medical care &medical serv- countries celebrated the 40th Authority for the month of ices edged by 0.8 percent. anniversary of establishing January 2013, recorded increase Compared to December 2012, diplomatic relations last year, in all the groups except gar- garments and footwear, miscel- adding that the success of the ments and footwear, where prices laneous goods and services and various events that have been The Chairman of the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority (ACTA), H E Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah declined by 0.9 percent compared transport and communication organised in recognition of such with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo, yesterday. Al Attiyah extended his best wishes to Abe on his to January 2012. became cheaper in January 2013. important event in both coun- election as new Prime Minister. While the rent, fuel and energy While the garments and foot tries provide a valid testimony grew by 4.4 percent, furniture, wear dropped by 0.4 percent, the of the depth and strength of friendly and diverse economic Qatar’s massive energy devel- technology, financing and guar- textiles and home appliances miscellaneous goods and services relations. relations with Japan based on opment projects which allowed antee of off-take of our energy became costlier by 4.1 percent and transport and communica- Ever since Qatar has become trust, mutual respect and win- the country to become the larg- exports were instrumental in than a year ago. The food, bev- tions dropped 0.5 percent and 0.1 an independent and sovereign win cooperation, Al Attiyah said. est LNG exporter in the World the success of Qatar’s plans, he erages and tobacco grew by 3 percent respectively. state, it has given top prior- During the last two decades, and a major player in the pet- added. percent. THE PENINSULA ity to develop and maintain Japan played a leading role in rochemical industry. Japanese QNA

Omantel profit falls as text messaging QFC, Turkey have best Islamic finance-friendly tax systems loses appeal DOHA: The Qatar Financial alternative approaches a country with the collaboration of Salah series. The team intends to extend of this pioneering study into the Centre (QFC) and Turkey can take to update its tax system Gueydi, Senior Tax Advisor, the work in future studies to tax treatment of cross-border DUBAI: Oman have the most Islamic Finance- to support Islamic finance trans- Ministry of Economy & Finance, cover, for example, the impact of Islamic finance transactions Telecommunications (Omantel) friendly tax systems out of eight actions, and concludes by recom- Qatar and Hafiz Choudhury, consumption taxes such as Value within the Mena region. Islamic reported a 10 percent fall in countries in the Mena region. mending the one that is adopted Tax Administration and Policy Added Tax on Islamic finance finance is of growing importance fourth-quarter profit, missing The Phase-1 of a study, spon- in Malaysia as being quicker and Advisor, International Tax and transactions, the cross border within the Mena region, but the analysts’ estimates as revenue sored by QFC in partnership simpler to implement for Muslim Investment Center. Ernst & treatment of Islamic finance taxation systems of almost all from text messages and interna- with the Washington DC-based majority countries. Young’s Qatar office coordinated transactions within international Mena countries were developed tional calls declined. International Tax and Investment The study reviewed the tax the distribution of questionnaires double tax treaty arrangements in an environment of conventional Omantel made a net profit of Center,showed that while simpler treatment of four common to Ernst & Young’s offices in the designed primarily with conven- finance. This too often means 26.19m rials ($68.03m) in the Islamic finance transactions can Islamic finance structures, com- MENA region for completion and tional finance in mind, the Zakat that Islamic finance suffers an three months to December 31, be carried out in some countries modity murabaha, sukuk, salaam review by country tax authorities treatment of Islamic finance additional and therefore unfair down from 29.2m rials in the without prohibitive tax costs, and istisna in eight Mena region while PricewaterhouseCoopers transactions and the Shariah tax burden not borne by conven- year-earlier period. of the countries reviewed only countries: Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia completed a ques- governance framework for Islamic tional finance. This report points The former monopoly’s profit Turkey and the QFC have a tax Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, tionnaire for Malaysia to pro- finance. Other countries in the out the best way forward to help drop follows a prolonged slump system that enables sukuk trans- Turkey, and also in the QFC. vide a comparison from outside Mena region may also be reviewed level the playing field in the Mena at smaller rival Nawras, a unit actions to be carried out without The detailed research work was the MENA region. The United in subsequent reports. region and potentially beyond. We of Qatar Telecom (Qtel), as excessive tax costs. led by Mohammed Amin who is Kingdom provided a second non- Ian Anderson, Chief Finance are delighted to have sponsored Internet-based services includ- The study, conducted by three an experienced Islamic finance MENA comparison, based upon and Tax Officer at the QFC this research, the first of its kind, ing instant messaging and Voice- leading experts, Mohammed consultant and was previously Mohammed Amin’s knowledge as Authority, commented: “The and support the development of Over-IP phone (VoIP) calls hurt Amin, Salah Gueydi and Hafiz UK Head of Islamic Finance at a UK tax advisor. QFC Authority welcomes the Islamic Finance worldwide.” margins. REUTERS Choudhury, examined two PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, The report is the first of a findings and recommendations THE PENINSULA Russia plans $25-30bn oil-for-loans deal with China LONDON/MOSCOW: Rosneft Russia’s leading oil company, “It can be a combination of the situation said. reserves and are looking to diver- Pacific coast. is seeking to borrow up to controlled by the Kremlin, is con- delivery options. The strategic “The reason why China is will- sify their investments,” he added Should deliveries to China dou- $30bn from China in exchange sidering ultimately doubling sup- line is to increase supplies to ing to lend is simple. They sit referring to China’s forex reserves ble, the share of Russian exports for possibly doubling oil sup- plies to China, sources said. China,” one source familiar with on over 3 trillion of dollars in of $3.3 trillion. Rosneft and CNPC to Asia will amount to over a fifth plies, making Beijing the larg- declined comment. of overall exports by the world’s est consumer of Russian oil and The first loan-for-supply deal largest oil producer and the sec- further diverting supplies away Rosneft, ExxonMobil ink between the two companies con- ond largest exporter after Saudi from Europe. Alaska oilfield deal nected directly for the first time Arabia. Energy relations between Four industry sources familiar the world’s largest energy pro- Moscow and Beijing has been, with the situation told Reuters MOSCOW: Russia’s state ducer and consumer. however, complicated in the past Rosneft was in talks with China’s oil giant Rosneft signed yes- It came after a number of years by disputes over oil shipping state firm CNPC about the bor- terday an agreement with energy disputes between Russia tariffs along the existing pipeline. rowing, which would echo a $25bn ExxonMobil to participate in a and its neighbours which cut They were ultimately resolved deal the two companies clinched major project owned by the US gas and oil supplies to Europe after Russia agreed to apply a last decade. super-major in Alaska, state several times, drawing criticism discount on supplies. The head Back then, Rosneft and Russian media said. and calls from the European of Russia’s pipeline monopoly pipeline monopoly Transneft bor- The deal for the Point Union for diversification away Transneft, Nikolai Tokarev, said rowed money to help Rosneft Thomson project, signed by from Russian energy resources. this week deliveries to China acquire the assets of nationalised Rosneft Chief Executive Igor Russian President Vladimir Putin would rise over time. oil producer YUKOS while agree- Sechin and ExxonMobil explo- retaliated by saying Moscow would “We are neighbours and we ing to build a pipeline to supply ration head Stephen Greenlee divert more energy resources to need to develop ties, especially China with 300,000 barrels per in the presence of President Asia. given that China has a crazy oil day for 15 years. Vladimir Putin, extends a strate- Since then Russia has been deficit,” he told business daily This time, Rosneft wants to gic agreement that the two com- steadily increasing crude exports Kommersant. borrow money as it is close to panies signed last year focusing Rosneft Chief Executive Igor Sechin (right) and President of ExxonMobil to Asia at the expense of deliver- Sources said it would take con- completing a $55bn acquisition on Russia’s Arctic offshore field Exploration Company Stephen Greenlee sign documents, in the presence ies to Europe with flows due to siderable time before a final deal of rival TNK-BP to become the development. of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, yesterday. amount to around 15 percent of was reached and differences world’s largest oil producer among AFP total Russian oil exports this year over various delivery options publicly traded firms. via pipelines to China and to the were resolved. REUTERS

THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2013 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23

Four banks shortlisted Peruvian trade team visits Doha ahead of Emir’s trip for sale of Citigroup’s DOHA: A high level delegation contribute substantially to Turkish retail unit from Peru, led by Ambassador strengthen the relations between Santiago Marcovich, Director the two countries in the coming ISTANBUL: Four local banks General for Africa, Middle East years. have been shortlisted in the and GCC at the Ministry of The Peruvian delegation sale of Citigroup’s retail bank- Foreign Affairs of Peru, visited held meetings with Qatar ing business in Turkey and Doha last week ahead of the Airways, Qatar Holding, Qatar the deal is expected to close in Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Petroleum International and late March or April, banking Khalifa Al Thani’s scheduled high officials of the Ministry sources said yesterday. visit to Peru from today. of Energy and Industries, the Turkey’s Garanti Bank, “We are glad to welcome the Supreme Education Council, the Fibabanka, Denizbank and Emir to our country,-the first one Ministry of Trade and Business, Odeabank, the Turkish unit of ever form a leader in the region. the Ministry of Municipal Affairs Lebanon’s Audi Bank , were on During the visit a number of and the Tourism Authority, the shortlist, two of the sources agreements and MoUs between among others. said. Citigroup, the third-biggest the two countries are expected to “Peru, like other Latin American US bank, said early in December be signed,” said Marcovich. nations, has realized the impor- it would cut 11,000 jobs world- The focus is on strengthen- tance of building relations with FROM LEFT: Julio Salvador (Ministry of Energy), Carlos Herrera (The Private Investment Promotion Agency ), wide to save as much as $1.1bn ing common interests in trade, the GCC states, and the best way Alvaro Silva-Santisteban (Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism), Ambassador Santiago Marcovich, Lucía Ruiz a year in costs and that the plan environment, tourism, education to achieve it is through diplo- (Ministry of Environment) and Edgar Vasquez (Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism) during their visit to Doha. included selling or cutting back its and promoting investments in matic missions in the region,” said consumer operations in Turkey. gas, energy, real estate, petro- Markovich. countries. Besides Qatar, Peru in Dubai,” he added. said that Peru has immense natu- Citi and Denizbank declined to chemical industry and agricul- “In the last three years, established embassies in Kuwait The Director of the Trade & ral resources and large tracts of comment. Odeabank and Garanti ture. Improving the connectivity there has been a phenomenal and Saudi Arabia as well as a Investment Office of Peru in agricultural lands hence could Bank were not immediately avail- between the two nations is also improvement in the relations Consulate General and a Trade Dubai, Alvaro Silva-Santisteban, be an important partner in food able to comment. a main objective, and would between Peru and the GCC & Investment Office for the GCC who was part of the delegation security. THE PENINSULA Thomson Reuters swings to profit

Frozen food NEW YORK: The financial Lexus, Porsche top in news and information firm Thomson Reuters reported yes- terday its profit for the fourth quarter was $372m, and said its rebound was on target. dependable car ranking The results followed a loss in the same period a year earlier of $2.6bn, due to a large writedown Twenty-one brands improve scores in the JD Power survey on its financial services business. Thomson Reuters, which is DETROIT: Toyota Motor J D Power, said in a statement. Group is now controlled by Fiat . incorporated in Canada and has Corp’s luxury brand Lexus Vehicle dependability is impor- Following Lexus, which led its headquarters in New York, topped a US vehicle depend- tant to automakers because fewer for a second year in a row, were said its full-year 2012 profit rose ability study of owners of three problems translates into more Porsche (94 problems per 100 to $2.1bn from $1.4bn the prior -year-old cars and trucks loyal customers. J D Power said vehicles), Ford’s luxury Lincoln year. as model-year 2010 vehicles that 54 percent of owners who brand and Toyota (each at 112), The adjusted profit per share improved to record-high quality don’t experience any problems Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz brand amounted to 60 cents a share in levels. with their vehicles stay with that (115) and GM’s Buick (118). the past quarter, slightly better The industry’s cars, introduced brand for their next purchase. Lincoln was the top ranked brand than expected on Wall Street. in 2009 when the sector was hit- Twenty-one of the 31 brands in the 2011 study. Rounding out Revenues grew five percent to ting a 28-year sales low during the measured improved their scores in the top 10 were Honda Motor $3.4bn over the quarter and were recession, saw a 5 percent improve- the survey, with US domestic name- Co’s namesake and luxury Acura down four percent for the year ment in quality, falling to 126 prob- plates improving at a slightly greater brands (119 and 120, respectively), at $13.3bn. “2012 was a watershed lems per 100 vehicles from 132 last rate than imports. The domestics and Chrysler’s Ram pickup truck year for us,” said chief executive year, according to the J D Power narrowed their scoring gap with and Suzuki (122 each). Mazda and James Smith. and Associates survey released yes- imports to 10 problems per 100 vehi- GM’s Chevrolet brand also scored Smith said 2012 “will best be terday. Lexus led with a score of 71 cles with an overall average of 133, lower than the industry average known as the year we turned problems per 100 vehicles. from a gap of 13 last year. at 124 and 125, respectively. the tide in our Financial & Risk “The continuous improvement In 2009, US auto sales hit their The bottom five scoring brands business. I said last year that our A poster of hachis Parmentier (shepherd’s pie) in the front of a Picard in long-term dependability means lowest level since World War Two in the survey were Volkswagen journey would entail a multi-quar- frozen food chain store in Vincennes, near Paris, yesterday. Picard, consumers should have more con- when, adjusted for population, (174 problems per 100 vehi- ter turnaround; we are halfway France’s largest frozen food chain with some 800 stores, removed fidence in three-year-old vehicles, and both Chrysler and General cles), Chrysler’s Jeep brand through that process.” Thomson its beef lasagne in a scandal over horsemeat sold as beef which has whether they are keeping their Motors Co underwent govern- and Mitsubishi (each at 178), Reuters was created in 2008 with shocked consumers and exposed flaws in European systems of food current vehicle or shopping for ment-sponsored bankruptcies and Chrysler’s Dodge (190) and Tata Canadian media giant Thomson safety control. a used car,” David Sargent, Vice Ford Motor Co borrowed heavily Motors Ltd’s Land Rover brand Corp’s takeover of British-based President of global automotive at to avoid the same fate. Chrysler (220). REUTERS Reuters. AGENCIES

QATARI MARKET European stocks advance, Gulf markets gain Bond Coupon Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P Qatar Govt 5.15% 4/9/2014 USD 104.88 0.84 % Aa2 AA Qatar Govt 3.125% 1/20/2017 USD 105.63 1.64 % Aa2 AA LONDON/DUBAI: European the London Bullion Market on inflows, while Gulf markets benchmark advanced 1.1 percent equities advanced yesterday Tuesday. extend gains from an early-year to a 39-month high. Qatar Govt 6.55% 4/9/2019 USD 124.38 2.28 % Aa2 AA while the yen rose against the Markets will also be watching rally. Moody’s downgraded Egypt Small-cap property stocks Qatar Govt 5.25% 1/20/2020 USD 117.25 2.52 % Aa2 AA dollar amid uncertainty sur- a two-day Bank of Japan (BoJ) one notch to B3 and warned a fur- dominate trade, signalling a Qatar Govt 4.5% 1/20/2022 USD 112.75 2.87 % Aa2 AA rounding Tuesday’s Group of policy meeting, which wraps up ther downgrade is possible. The high level of retail activity. Qatar Govt 9.75% 6/15/2030 USD 175.00 3.80 % Aa2 AA Seven (G7) statement on for- today, and whether policymakers ratings agency cited the economic Eshraq Properties and Rak Qatar Govt 6.4% 1/20/2040 USD 132.75 4.33 % Aa2 AA eign exchange volatility. unveil fresh easing measures. impact of civil unrest two years Properties rise 13.1 and 3.7 per- Qatar Govt 5.75% 1/20/2042 USD 123.25 4.33 % Aa2 AA London’s FTSE 100 index of In European corporate action, after the ousting of President cent respectively. Qatari Diar 3.5% 7/21/2015 USD 104.88 1.46 % Aa2 AA leading companies gained 0.33 shares in Peugeot Citroen soared Hosni Mubarak as the main fac- Qatar’s bourse gained 0.6 per- percent to 6,359.11 points, closing by over seven percent to 6.40 tor behind the downgrade. It also cent, driven by a 1.7 percent Qatari Diar 5% 7/21/2020 USD 115.25 2.72 % Aa2 AA at its highest level since May 19, euros in late afternoon trade, said it had doubts about Egypt’s advance from Qatar Telecom. Comqat 5% 11/18/2014 USD 105.50 1.79 % A1 A- 2008. Frankfurt’s DAX 30 rose despite the French automaker ability to secure International Gulf International Services Comqat 3.375% 4/11/2017 USD 103.94 2.37 % A1 A- by 0.67 percent to 7,711.89 points, reporting a record loss of 5.0 bil- Monetary Fund support. jumped 4.6 percent, its largest QIB 3.856% 10/7/2015 USD 104.75 2.01 % NR NR and in Paris the CAC 40 climbed lion euros. Elsewhere, most Gulf mar- one-day gain since September QNB 3.125% 11/16/2015 USD 103.38 1.86 % Aa3 A+ by 0.32 percent to 3,698.53 points. US stocks were mixed in mid- kets rose, with Dubai’s Emaar 2011. The stock has risen in 11 of QNB 3.375% 2/22/2017 USD 104.50 2.20 % Aa3 A+ “European markets have man- day trade, with the Dow Jones Properties propelling the emir- the last 12 sessions. Doha Bank 3.5% 3/14/2017 USD 103.75 2.53 % A2 A- aged to maintain a positive tone Industrial Average down 0.41 ate’s rally as investors await divi- Oman’s measure rose 0.3 per- Qtel 3.375% 10/14/2016 USD 105.25 1.89 % A2 A despite some disappointing earn- percent to 13,961.16 points. dend announcements. cent, with heavyweight Bank ings announcements from across The S&P 500, a broad meas- Investors expect Emaar to pay Muscat supporting. The lender Qtel 7.875% 6/10/2019 USD 130.25 2.65 % A2 A Europe,” said CMC Markets UK ure of the markets, slipped 0.06 a dividend of around 0.1 dirhams said on Wednesday it was in Qtel 4.75% 2/16/2021 USD 111.25 3.15 % A2 A analyst Michael Hewson. percent to 1,518.52 points, while ($0.03) at its annual general advanced talks on a private share Qtel 5% 10/19/2025 USD 111.25 3.87 % A2 A In foreign exchange activity, the the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite meeting in the coming weeks, in sale with an international institu- Rasgas 5.5% 9/30/2014 USD 107.00 1.11 % Aa3 A dollar dipped to 93.43 yen com- edged up 0.09 percent to 3,189.44 line with what was given out over tion, with the deal set to complete Rasgas 5.832% 9/30/2016 USD 108.25 3.40 % Aa3 A pared with 93.47 yen late in New points. the last two years. by the end of the month. Rasgas 5.298% 9/30/2020 USD 112.13 3.47 % Aa3 A York on Tuesday. The euro fell to Egypt’s bourse slipped from a Shares in Emaar rose 2 per- In Saudi Arabia, the benchmark $1.3448 from $1.3454, and also fell one-week high yesterday after cent, extending 2013 gains to ticked up 0.08 points, its fifth SOVEREIGNS against the yen. ratings agency Moody’s cut the 34.4 percent. Dubai’s index consecutive gain, while Kuwait’s Bond PDA* Maturity Currency Mid-Price Yield Moody’s S&P Gold prices dipped to $1,645 country’s credit rating, rais- climbed 0.8 percent, up 17.3 per- index advanced 0.4 percent. Abu Dhabi Govt 5.5% 4/8/2014 USD 106.00 0.21 % Aa2 AA AFP/REUTERS an ounce from $1,647.50 on ing fears of diminishing foreign cent year-to-date. Abu Dhabi’s Abu Dhabi Govt 6.75% 4/8/2019 USD 127.38 2.00 % Aa2 AA Dubai Govt 6.7% 10/5/2015 USD 110.50 2.54 % NR NR Dubai Govt 4.9% 5/2/2017 USD 107.38 3.02 % NR NR Dubai Govt 7.75% 10/5/2020 USD 125.50 3.86 % NR NR Dubai Govt 6.45% 5/2/2022 USD 118.31 4.05 % NR NR Amazon seeks relaxation of Qatar Govt 4% 1/20/2015 USD 105.25 1.22 % Aa2 AA Bahrain Govt 6.273% 11/22/2018 USD 114.88 3.41 % NR BBB India e-commerce rules • Bullion - Mumbai Bahrain Govt 5.5% 3/31/2020 USD 109.63 3.94 % NR BBB Gold (10 gm) Standard Rs. 30500 Egypt Govt 5.75% 4/29/2020 USD 96.00 6.45 % B3 /*- B- NEW DELHI: US online retail giant Amazon said it had asked Silver (1 kg) Rs. 58100 Morocco Govt 4.5% 10/5/2020 EUR 104.00 3.89 % NR BBB- New Delhi to consider relaxing a law that stops its Indian subsidi- • Indian Rupees QR1 = 14.68 *Periodic Distribution Amount ary from selling directly to customers. The topic was raised when • Sensex IMPORTANT NOTE: Paul Misener, Amazon’s global vice president, met Indian Trade Published by HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, P O Box 57, Doha, Qatar which Minister Anand Sharma in New Delhi. BSE 19608.08 is licensed and regulated by Qatar Central Bank and Jersey Financial Services “We talked about it (ending the ban on direct sales to customers),” NSE 5932.95 Commission. Information quoted is from publicly available sources or proprietary Misener said after the meeting, adding that the company is always • LIC (International) launches New Gold Investment Plan ‘GOLD PLUS’ – data and subject to change. HSBC accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising out of the use of all or part of this material. This information is general and does not “trying to find a better way to serve our Indian customers, both sell- which provides an opportunity to invest in GOLD ETF & GOLD SPOT, PAN take into account individual circumstances, objectives or needs. The price of bonds ers and buyers”. Card/Demat Account not required. can and does fluctuate. The secondary market for bonds may not provide significant Asked by reporters whether Sharma had made any commitment • Short-term investment plan from LIC International upto 6.4 percent return liquidity or may trade based on prevailing market conditions. Past performance is not to change the retail policy Misener replied, “The government of India a reliable indicator of future performance. You should consider these matters and p.a. (in dollar) has been very kind to Amazon.com and we continue to grow here.” consult your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. • Housing loan from HDFC LTD Early last year, Amazon made its first foray into India with the launch of a shopping website, Junglee.com. Junglee, which means “wild” • Mutual Fund: Buy & Sell: SBI MF, HDFC MF, UTI MF, Birla Sun Life MF, in Hindi, is a modified version of the world’s top online retailer’s shop- Tata MF, Reliance MF etc. ping portal, allowing customers to search for different products and Contact: Investec, Tel: 44325060/44365060 email: [email protected] compare prices. REUTERS THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2013 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS VIEWS

ICE faces tough competition This is bigger than Barclays

in iron ore swaps launch BY JORIS LUYENDIJK reformed urgently. Jenkins may or may not forward to formidable campaign donations fail in his attempts to clean up his own bank while in office and highly lucrative jobs BY SILVIA ANTONIOLI AND MANOLO SERAPIO JR s Barclays’ Chief Executive but if the global financial cartel is not over- afterwards. Hoping for a politician to come Antony Jenkins presented his hauled, it will not make any difference. forward with a clear blueprint for what a ntercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE.N) may struggle to wrest bank’s strategic review today, There are three huge problems with the stable and moral financial sector looks like, much business from Asian rival Singapore Exchange (SGXL. I was reminded of what a sen- way global finance works today. One is that and a roadmap of how to get there? Don’t SI) as US-based ICE embarks on its latest push into the ior regulator at the FSA told the sector’s internal checks and balances look to Tony “light-touch regulation” Blair, Ilucrative, 115m tonne market for iron ore swaps. Ame last year. His job was to follow a bank are broken, meaning the system no longer who receives £2.5m a year for unspecified More than three years after the launch of its first iron ore like Barclays all year long — his team of self-corrects. “advice” from JP Morgan. derivative, the US exchange expanded its offering with Monday’s maybe two dozen regulators versus a glo- In theory, risky and fraudulent behav- Five years ago we came terrifyingly close launch of two iron ore swap futures contracts. bal behemoth with tens of thousands of iour should be spotted by accountancy to a total economic collapse. If you thought The Atlanta-based exchange aims to capitalise on growing employees (Barclays has a 140,000). “I am firms and credit rating agencies. However, the London riots of 2011 were frightening, interest among US investors in using iron ore derivatives as a not so much worried about bankers lying in the current setup, both are financially try to imagine what it would be like if the play on China, the world’s No 1 consumer of the key ingredient to me,” the regulator said. “I am far more dependent on the very banks they are sup- world economy froze, trade finance broke in steelmaking. But some traders say it will be a challenge to lure worried about bankers lying to themselves” posed to be a check on. Imagine it was the down and supermarkets in major cities money away from an entrenched benchmark that has the support — deluding themselves they are in firm con- restaurants that paid the salaries of the stopped being supplied. It nearly happened, of the market’s biggest traders. trol of an institution that might be too big Michelin reviewers. Expect to see a lot but since then nothing has been achieved in “The general impression seems to be that the new ICE contracts to manage. more stars or triple-A ratings. the way of fundamental, structural reform. will not make much of an impact. Although there is growing Jenkins’ proposals seem useful and impor- This failure of self-correction is com- Indeed, things are worse now, with even big- liquidity, volumes are still not high enough to be split” said Lee tant, and the man deserves a fair chance. pounded by market failure at the top of the ger banks than in 2008. Taylor, an iron ore broker at London Commodity Brokers. But his presentation marks a dangerous global financial sector. When companies What we need is a breaking up of the SGX, which was the first to launch a cleared iron ore contract in further step in the reframing of the debate perform as disastrously as the big global global financial cartel into bits that are 2009, has more than 90 percent of global volume, according to SGX about financial reform. Where the crisis of banks, accountancy firms and credit rating not only small enough to fail but that also and trader estimates. Its proximity to China, the world’s top iron ore 2008 laid bare the systemic failure of the agencies did before 2008, economic theory actually compete, driving out bad prac- importer, also represents a clear advantage for the Asian exchange. global financial sector, we are now con- predicts new entrants into the market. tices and driving down profits. What we However, there are factors in ICE’s favour. For one, it may have stantly encouraged to view the problem as But we haven’t seen a single new bank or get is a tacit acceptance of the status quo a home advantage, although the relatively small size of the US one of culture. rating agency break through. What this by politicians in big bank-hosting nations, market limits potential gains. “This is about running the bank in line means is that at the apex of the world covered up by promises to change the cul- With new rules forcing banks to use cleared markets rather with our values,” he said today. Adding: “It economy there is no competition but a ture of finance. than over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives, Wall Street banks may will take years before people change their cartel; three big rating agencies, four big Perhaps the problem is that the major prefer to use a domestic exchange registered with the Commodity impression of us. I’m not daunted by that accountancy firms and a dozen “bulge- banks operate on a global scale, while Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as designated clearing at all.” bracket” global banks. responses to them must be formulated on organisation, a requirement under Washington’s Dodd-Frank Act. But the culture of finance was not the In their turn, the external checks and a national level. Which brings us to the “The expansion of ICE’s iron ore offering could provide addi- cause of the 2008 crisis, it is a symptom of balances are also broken — or rather, co- unresolved issue five years after the crisis, tional market access for some participants,” said Mike McGovern, the incentive structure which banks and opted. Talented regulators and central can you even have a global financial sector Vice President for commodities at Citi. US firms, though, are esti- the wider global financial sector are locked bankers are offered life-changing salaries without a global regulator? mated to account for less than 10 percent of global iron ore swaps. into. That structure must be broken up and by the big banks, while politicians can look THE GUARDIAN “The only people who will look at ICE might be those who already do gas or other products with them. If they already have an ICE account, iron ore is just an extension,” said a London- based trader, who uses SGX and CME to clear iron ore swaps and options respectively, and is not considering switching to ICE. SGX is still awaiting CFTC registration as a designated clearing organisation. It has said it will introduce on February 25 an iron ore futures contract, which unlike swap contracts should not be affected by US regulation. The move is seen aimed at retaining its US market share. IroAn iron ore player can use swaps to offset physical price exposure by taking an equal and opposite position in the paper market. Such instruments provide price certainty for the buyer and seller by setting a fixed price for a set time. ICE may find stiff competition in the fledgling market closer to home too, traders said. Domestic rival CME Group (CME.O) has similar contracts, which have struggled against SGX’s dominance. CME’s more liquid swap contract settled against The Steel Index (TSI) .IO62-CNI=SI saw about 3.5m tonnes traded in 2012, against 109m on SGX. Although growing quickly, the global iron ore swaps market represents only about a 10th of the 1.1bn tonnes of physical sea borne iron ore traded each year. If liquidity does expand over the long term, the Chicago-based exchange’s first-mover advantage may mean it benefits more from any migration, traders said. “I think CME would be the first choice because a lot of people already have exposure to CME with the options and their con- tracts have been around longer,” said a derivatives trader at a steel trading firm who uswes the SGX and CME products. ICE’s first iron ore contracts have not attracted significant vol- ume, market participants say, although ICE refrains from publish- ing volume data. Its first iron ore derivative, a monthly swap future launched in late 2009, settles against the Platts 62 percent iron ore price, the prevalent assessment in physical iron ore transactions. One of the exchange’s new contracts will settle against TSI, which is more popular in financial transactions, and similar to contracts already traded on SGX and CME. ICE’s other new contract will be set against the difference between TSI and Platts, offering a spread trade opportunity. It is aimed at capturing rising liquidity in TSI and demand for hedging spreads or outright positions, an ICE spokeswoman said. But with little to differentiate them from existing products and the market still in its infancy, challengers will have a tough time beating their Asian rival. “SGX has continuously had other exchanges try to encourage liquidity away from it, but the market seems to have accepted it as the main source of flow,” broker Taylor said. REUTERS US fuel prices soar, hedge fund oil bets near record BY CEZARY PODKUL and analysts, and regulators over how traders held paper contracts because there was not enough US and European benchmarks. (speculators) are buying it and DAVID SHEPPARD big of an impact speculators have equivalent to almost 420m bar- evidence linking speculation to So even though US production they’re encouraged to buy it on the market — and what, if rels of oil. That’s more crude than big price swings. is expected to grow at the fastest because the price is going up,” said S motorists searching anything, should be done to limit the US consumes in three weeks. On Tuesday, US crude oil traded pace on record this year, accord- Tim Evans, energy futures spe- for someone to blame their participation in oil trading. At the same time, lower oil above $97 a barrel, up from $85 ing to the Energy Information cialist at Citi Futures Perspective for the highest fuel Stories about booming US oil production from Saudi Arabia a barrel in mid-December. Brent Administration, the market is in New York. Uprices ever at this time production help create expecta- and stronger Chinese demand crude was near a five-month high also taking its price cues from Ultimately, the big bets can of year have an easy target: Hedge tions among consumers for lower are just two factors that have above $118, having risen from near elsewhere, analysts say. backfire. funds who have been quietly prices. But it remains a global boosted the price of the world’s $108 a barrel two months ago. “The market is looking at the The rush of funds into the oil amassing winning bets on hun- market and the US is still reliant most important commodity. US US fuel prices have closely fol- potential for supply disruptions market at the start of the year dreds of millions of barrels of oil. on around eight million barrels of sanctions targeting Iran’s dis- lowed, surging 28 cents to $3.60 around the world, not just the mirrors moves seen in early 2011 At a filling station in Midtown crude imports every day. puted nuclear program have fur- cents per gallon on average US,” said Andrew Lipow of Lipow and 2012, when speculators’ paper New York last week, several peo- Hedge funds say they are just ther cut supplies. since December 11, according to Oil Associates, a Texas-based bets topped out at 444m and ple were prepared to blame trad- an easy target and blaming them The way things are going, data provided by the American crude oil consulting firm. 422m barrels worth of crude oil, ers on Wall Street as they paid ignores global reasons for higher Americans could spend more on Automobile Association (AAA). Alongside lower output from respectively. more than $4 per gallon to fill up oil prices and the benefits they fuel this year than ever before. Fuel prices can vary widely by Saudi Arabia and growing In both 2011 and 2012, prices their cars. have brought to the US economy. The average US household is region due to local taxes. demand from China, both poten- rose into the second quarter before “It really is not supply and “Consumers shouldn’t com- already spending nearly $3,000 “Motorists are paying more tial and real supply disruptions in collapsing. After topping $110 a demand. It’s definitely specula- plain,” said a London-based a year on fuel expenditures, for fuel at this time of year than Venezuela, Nigeria, North Africa barrel in March of last year, US tion,” said John Keegan, an exter- manager of a commodity hedge according to a recent government they’ve ever paid,” said AAA and the Middle East have also crude oil plummeted below $80 a minator with pest control company fund who declined to be named. estimate. spokesman Michael Green. The put markets on edge, said James barrel by late June. Terminate Control, who was filling “Sustained higher prices led to a That could become a political average price could rise as high Williams, energy economist at Brent fell from above $125 to up his van. A cab driver said he massive increase in US produc- hot potato for President Barack as $3.73 a gallon in May of this WTRG in London, Arkansas. below $90 over the same period. was convinced the price would be tion and decreased US demand, Obama’s administration ahead of year, the US Energy Information “I think in the last three Fuel prices followed the market just $1 a gallon if the government which is helping the economy in the summer driving season, which Administration said on Tuesday. months we’ve seen certainty lower. “stopped Wall Street trading oil.” a big way.” officially starts on the Memorial The extent of speculators’ about uncertainty,” Williams said. Many funds booked huge losses It is all very reminiscent of the Hedge funds have almost dou- Day holiday weekend at the end impact on oil — and, by extension, That uncertainty is attractive when they were caught by the anger in 2008 when fuel prices bled their bets on higher oil prices of May. fuel prices — is complicated by the to speculators, who want to be rapid sell-off — especially in 2011 were sent surging by a massive since December 11, regulatory and Plans by US regulators to curb way the commodity is traded. ready should a big supply disrup- when oil prices dropped $10 dur- oil spike — also a time when there exchange data in New York and the number of oil contracts hedge Unlike stocks or bonds, which tion hit. Some analysts say that ing just one day in May. was a lot of speculative interest London show, taking their total funds can hold are currently on are issued by a specific business can lead to even more buying as “It’s a wonderful party,” said from investors. position close to the highest level appeal. A judge ruled last year and only available in limited quan- funds don’t want to be left behind Citi’s Evans. “Just don’t be the And yet five years on, there is ever reported. they had failed to demonstrate tities, companies all over the world by their peers. last one to leave.” still no consensus among traders, As of last week, speculative position limits are necessary can produce oil and sell it against “The market’s going up because REUTERS THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2013 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

QE Indices Summary WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Index 8,824.00 0.55 % QE Total Return Index 12,019.4 0.55 % RATE QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 2,580.31 0.33 % QE All Share Index 2,129.93 0.59 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,043.28 0.82 % GOLD Buying Selling Services All Ordinaries 5024.535 43.007 0.86 5024.535 4664.6 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 4,970.94 0.58 % QR193.2564 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Services Cac 40 Index/D 3685.4 -1.18 -0.03 3793.26 3601.05 UK ...... QR 5.6360 QR 5.7153 QE All Share Industrials 2,832.25 0.00 % SILVER QE All Share Insurance 1,949.97 1.57 % Dj Indu Average 14018.7 47.46 0.34 14039 12035.1 QR 3.6430 Euro ...... QR 4.8819 QR 4.9505 QE All Share Real Estate 1,608.25 0.06 % CA$ ...... QR 3.5988 QR 3.6694 Egypt Cma Gn Idx 1026.29 32.57 3.28 999.95 312.38 QE All Share Telecoms 1,188.61 1.60 % Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.9446 QR 4.0000 QE All Share Transportation 1,412.22 0.59 % Hang Seng Inde/D 23215.16 38.16 0.16 23944.74 22860.25 Yen ...... QR 0.0386 QR 0.0393 QE Market Summary Comparison Aus$ ...... QR 3.7280 QR 3.8022 Iseq Overall/D 3646.57 20.12 0.55 3626.45 3396.67 CRUDE OIL Today Previous day Ind Re ...... QR 0.0671 QR 0.0684 13-02-2013 11-02-2013 Karachi 100 In/D 17696.45 85.05 0.48 17658.21 16036.31 Index 8,824.00 8,775.60 BRENT Pak Re ...... QR 0.0368 QR 0.0376 Change 48.40 5.63 Nikkei 225 Index 11251.41 -117.71 -1.04 11498.42 10398.61 Peso ...... QR 0.0887 QR 0.0905 % 0.55 0.06 $118.48 SL Re ...... QR 0.0285 QR 0.0291 YTD% 5.56 4.98 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 1522.29 1266.74 DUBAI Taka ...... QR 0.0457 QR 0.0466 Volume 8,199,685 5,438,930 Straits Times/D 3301.04 30.74 0.94 3319.19 3160.83 Nep Re ...... QR 0.0422 QR 0.0430 Value (QAR) 425,407,438.46 260,144,203.96 $116.38 Trades 4,275 3,396 SA Rand ...... QR 0.4066 QR 0.4145 Straits Times/D 2989.31 24.69 0.83 3035.78 2657.77 Up 29 | Down 10 | Unchanged 01

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 13-02-2013

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

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

A C C-A/d 1249.9 10.55 23882 DAI-BICHI KAR-/d 40.1 -0.5 2077 HOUS DEV FIN-A/d 814.55 14.35 123706 LUPIN-A/d 594.2 -10.9 39122 RELIANCE INDUS/d 407 -2.6 157278 LAND SECS GROU/d 833 2 199597 ABAN OFFS-B/d 322.8 2.05 63303 DCM FINANCIA-B/d 1.48 -0.02 5241 I F C I-A/d 32 -1.25 1942196 LYKA LABS-B/d 10.55 -0.03 6398 RUCHI SOYA-B/d 66.05 -0.55 3646 LEGAL & GENERA/d 150.6 -0.3 2149917 AEGIS LOGIS-B/d 146.65 3.1 20335 DCM SHRAM IND-/d 41.45 1.45 2959 IDBI-A/d 99 -1.3 205334 MAFATLAL IND-T/d 117.45 -0.05 3302 S BK BIKANER-B/d 456.5 1.55 41786 LLOYDS BNK GRP/d 54.73 -0.72 62646649 AHMED.FORG-B/d 128 -0.85 3302 DHAMPUR SUGAR-/d 43 0.1 19765 INDIA CEMENT-B/d 82.25 -2.45 79218 MANGALAM CEM-B/d 145.6 2.95 6921 SAUR.CEM-B/d 27.8 -0.35 15479 MARKS & SP./d 386.4 -0.6 488211 ALEMBIC-B/d 16.95 -0.05 16398 DR. REDDY-A/d 1905.6 -8.15 107477 INDIA GLYCOL-B/d 137.65 -2.25 13224 MARAL OVERS-B/d 13.2 0.25 2817 STERLING TOOL-/d 99.85 -6.15 19224 NEXT/d 4119.595 -22 87143 ALOK INDUS-B/d 9.98 -0.05 698688 E I H-B/d 69.35 -1.25 148282 INDIAN HOTEL-A/d 61.75 -0.75 78196 MASTEK-B/d 144.2 -1.05 2365 THIRUMALAI-B/d 104.9 -3.1 9485 PEARSON/d 1217 -1 481171 ANDHRA PAPER-B/d 188.05 -3.55 52247 E.I.D PARRY-B/d 164.9 0.45 8312 INDUSIND-A/d 440.65 1.9 115215 MAX INDIA L-A/d 247.8 3.3 11299 TIMEXGROUP-T/d 18.95 -0.1 16870 PRUDENTIAL/d 941.5 -3 531933 APOLLO TYRE-A/d 84.25 -0.85 86868 ELECTROSTEEL-B/d 23.7 -0.1 23819 J.B.CHEMICAL-B/d 82.05 -0.2 9679 MRPL-A/d 60.5 -0.25 61660 TINPLATE-B/d 47.6 -0.5 9190 RANK GROUP/d 152.89 0.8 8564 ASAHI I GLASS-/d 50.3 0.3 15868 EMCO-B/d 25.3 -0.05 12931 JAGSON PHAR-B/d 12.07 -0.14 5162 NAGREEKA EX-B/d 22.6 1.6 5846 UB ENGINEER-B/d 26.85 0 48542 RENTOKIL INITI/d 89 -1.4 1587270 ASHOK LEYLAND-/d 23.1 -0.25 459748 ESCORTS-B/d 65.85 -0.7 136010 JAMNAAUTO-B/d 86.1 -0.5 2793 NAGREEKA EX-B/d 22.6 1.6 5846 UB ENGINEER-B/d 26.85 0 48542 ROLLS ROYCE PL/d 987.5 16.5 1233589 BAJAJ HOLD-A/d 982.25 3.3 12489 ESSAR OIL-A/d 90.65 0.8 732133 JBF INDU-B/d 106.6 -6.9 22448 NAHAR SPG.-B/d 77.55 -0.75 9729 ULTRAMARINE-B/d 50.8 0.25 3110 RSA INSRANCE G/d 133.3 0.4 1135548 BALLARPUR IN-B/d 20.65 -0.4 38403 EVEREADY INDU-/d 20.85 -0.15 277218 JCT ELECT P -B/d 0.59 0.01 6261 NATH SEEDS-B/d 5.04 -0.31 4400 UNITECH P -A/d 28.75 0 22464769 SAINSBURY(J)/d 336.7316 -0.1 911947 BATA INDIA-A/d 796.6 5.8 57277 F D C-B/d 92.8 0.5 17519 JCT LTD-B/d 1.26 0 19725 NATION ALUM -A/d 46.4 -0.4 25032 SCHRODERS/d 2001 7 45853 BEML LTD-B/d 250.3 -0.4 7708 FEDERAL BANK-A/d 507.6 -7.35 8928 JENSON&NICH.-B/d 3.55 0.22 15593 NAVNEET PUB.-B/d 63.8 -0.25 32770 LONDON SEVERN TRENT/d 1597 -14 142328 BHEL-A/d 205.9 -3.2 293947 FERRO ALLOYS-B/d 6.02 0.04 35379 JIK INDUST-B/d 1.63 -0.02 77386 NEPC INDIA-B/d 2.36 -0.1 8233 SMITH&NEPHEW/d 710.14 2 425242 BOM.BURMAH-B/d 120.05 0.7 44582 FGP LTD-B/d 2.33 0.17 8591 JKTYRE&IND-B/d 113.1 -0.85 9651 NEULAND LAB-B/d 111.85 -3.05 2472 3I GROUP/d 292.2 0 1453624 SMITHS GROUP/d 1221 -1 129616 BOMBAY DYEING-/d 101.9 1.7 200295 FINOLEX-B/d 79.05 -0.1 53959 JMC PROJECTS-B/d 91.1 -2.2 6349 NRB BEARINGS-B/d 35.2 -0.45 2307 CANFIN HOMES-T/d 158.35 2.4 2468 GAIL-A/d 327.9 -6.55 54013 KAJARIA CER-B/d 208.4 4.45 7219 ASSOC.BR.FOODS/d 1787 -7 335028 B STANDRD CHART /d 1719.5 -6 790609 O N G C-A/d 323.6 3.45 313477 CASTROL IND-A/d 305.6 -5.4 12048 GAMMON INDIA-B/d 33.85 -0.05 24500 KALPAT POWER-B/d 87.2 -0.95 5487 SKY B/d 832.5 -4.5 790355 TATE & LYLE/d 794.5 -1 220534 OCL INDIA-B/d 151 0 4136 CENTURY ENKA-B/d 117.5 0.05 8402 GANGOTRI TEX-T/d 2.55 -0.05 3420 KALYANI STEL-B/d 48.55 0 28487 BARCLAYS/d 328.1165 0.6 34223543 TESCO/d 372.3 0.4 4578415 OIL COUNTRY-B/d 46.4 -0.7 2642 CENTURY TEXT-A/d 376.3 -5 112265 GOODRICKE-B/d 139.15 -0.15 5445 KANORIA CHEM-B/d 37.5 0.3 15656 BG GROUP/d 1151.125 12 2115220 UNILEVER/d 2546.5 4 682451 ONWARD TECH-T/d 42.75 0.15 6951 CHAMBAL FERT-B/d 64.7 -0.35 53419 GOODYEAR I -B/d 300.9 -5.3 2387 KG DENIM-T/d 14 0.01 10267 BP/d 453.2 -6.85 8285738 UNITED UTIL GR/d 727.5 -2.5 494760 ORCHID CHEM-B/d 77 -0.55 89896 CHOLA INVEST-B/d 280.1 -5.35 4309 HCL INFOSYS-B/d 35.6 -0.35 52542 KILBURNENGG-B/d 16.35 -0.15 3769 BRIT AM TOBACC/d 3285 -36.5 901720 VODAFONE GROUP/d 170.171 -3.3 58149126 ORIENT HOTEL-B/d 20.25 -0.25 5864 CHOWGULE ST-B/d 16.3 -0.1 12025 HIM.FUT.COMM-B/d 8.88 0.14 2381221 KIN.MOTOR-B/d 10.25 0.09 2076 BT GROUP/d 273.0177 1.5 4644504 WHITBREAD/d 2628 -11 211494 ORIENT.CARB.-B/d 100.45 -1.3 4408 CIMMCO-B/d 38.05 -0.95 3700 HIMAT SEIDE-B/d 35.7 0.35 4343 KLG SYSTEL-T/d 15.5 -0.05 3478 CENTRICA/d 342.15 -0.1 1075593 ORIENT.CARB.-B/d 100.45 -1.3 4408 CIPLA-A/d 388 -4.8 82926 HIND MOTORS-B/d 10.02 -0.08 56639 KOPRAN-B/d 16.95 0.5 39026 GKN/d 258.4 3.6 1012952 PATSPIN INDIA-/d 8 0 12363 CITY UNION BK-/d 59.75 -0.1 29823 HIND ORG CHEM-/d 15.55 -0.4 21940 LLOYD METAL-B/d 13.15 -0.65 2479 HSBC HOLDINGS/d 728.7 -0.2 4431905 RADICO KHAIT-B/d 140.55 -1.15 13662 CMC LTD-B/d 1330.6 36.1 27860 HIND UNILEVER-/d 454.1 -5.8 127871 LLOYD STEEL-B/d 13.1 -0.4 105806 IMPERIAL TOBAC/d 2308 -9 397315 COLGATE-A/d 1334.15 -9.55 5016 HIND.PETROL-A/d 317.1 -9.8 274997 LLOYDSFIN.-T/d 1.01 0 10294 RALLIS INDIA-B/d 127.05 0.65 34913 KINGFISHER/d 279.7 -1.5 1082681 CONTAINER COR-/d 997.85 19.85 31510 HINDALCO-A/d 110.4 -2.05 795919 LOK.HOUS&CON-T/d 18.85 -0.35 5490 RALLIS INDIA-B/d 127.05 0.65 34913 THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2013 28 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Ducks nip Nasser thrilled by Chicago in NSD fan response shoot-out NEW YORK: Rookie goal- tender Viktor Fasth lifted Anaheim Ducks to a 3-2 shoot- I enjoy being a role model for the society out win over the Chicago Blackhawks yesterday to extend the perfect start to his NHL DOHA: Multi-talented Olympic inspire young people to love and completed his Olympic dream, but career. medallist and Motorsport leg- follow sports. I have been involved Qatar’s great is still hungry for Anaheim trailed 2-1 in the end Nasser Al Attiyah drew in the sport business for 20 years, success and sets his next target. final minutes of regulation when attention with his multiple I learned many things and I “The gold medal at the 2016 Andrew Cogliano equalized at appearances across Qatar in a always love to share parts of my Olympic Games is really impor- 17:20 in the third to extend the celebration day, where hundreds experience with the people.” tant for me. I will surely reduce battle and leave it to Fasth to of thousands Qatar residents 42-year-old Nasser has been my Motor racing and go down carry them to victory. participated at the National pretty successful in both Shooting from 18 races to six or seven. It The 30-year-old Swedish net- Sport Day (NSD) festivities. and Motorsport. is not easy to do two totally dif- minder made three saves during a “I fully supported the National Apart from the bronze he ferent sports simultaneously. I scoreless overtime, finishing with Sport Day celebrations. We in snatched in London in his fifth always make my plan for next 28, and denied Chicago’s final two Qatar are privileged to have a spe- Olympic appearance, he has also season in December and pick the shootout attempts to improve to cial day dedicated to sports. It was won many medals in other inter- target that is most important for 6-0-0 in his magical first season. fantastic to see all those families national competitions, but world- my country. “You always work hard to get to going out and celebrating sports. wide he is better-known for his “At Olympic years I concen- play and when you play you work I saw many children practising 2011 Dakar Rally triumph. trate in Shooting, like I did before hard to try to get the wins. I don’t various sports at the Sport Zone “All the things I did, I did them the 2012 Olympic Games. I took take anything for granted and I’ve and in other places and I sensed for Qatar. The Emir H H Sheikh part in five different pre-Olympic got to work hard every day to get that many people will add sports Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani sup- events, I found my rhythm and I my chances,” Fasth said. to their ordinary life. I trust a ports me and I am always willing was sure that the Olympic medal Nick Bonino and Corey Perry new generation of sport-friendly to honour that trust. I want to would be mine,” the ace Rally converted shootout goals for youngsters will soon rise.” send to the world the message driver said. Anaheim (9-2-1) as the Ducks won Nasser opened his day by par- that Qatar is capable of accom- When asked which of the two for the sixth time in seven games ticipating at the VIP Walk, he plishing great things and sports sports he likes most, Nasser said: and moved two points clear of San later had a few shots on a bas- is the best way to promote this “The good thing is that when Jose for first place in the Pacific ketball court in Sport Zone and aspiration,” said Nasser. I am getting bored with the one Multi-talented Olympic medallist and Motorsport legend Nasser Al Attiyah Division. The San Jose Sharks fell ended his busy National Sport “That’s why I compete in the sport, I concentrate on the other. speaking to journalists in Doha, yesterday. to Nashville Predators 1-0 in over- Day experience at a traditional WRC with the Qatar M-Sport If you ask me now, I prefer shoot- time yesterday to lose ground. hunting event in Al Galail, close Rally Team along with the Qatar ing. In Rallying I have my own adopted by the Deputy Emir and private sector organisations Anaheim grabbed a 1-0 edge on to Qatar’s border with Saudi World Rally Team and the Qatar team but the Olympics… I really and Heir Apparent H H Sheikh and sports clubs organised sport- Chicago on a Ryan Getzlaf wrist Arabia. Red Bull Team, which races at the enjoy being a part of the Olympic Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. ing activities for all on February shot early in the second period, “People from different ethnici- Dakar Rally. Our main aim is to team, I like the atmosphere, the The 2013 edition has been a 12, 2013. The annual event aims to but the home Blackhawks quickly ties and ages reached me, they put Qatar into Motorsport’s map,” whole set up.” massive success with thousands create awareness about sports and seized the lead. wanted to take pictures with me, he added. The National Sport day is cel- of people attending events across its health benefits and sees the Cogliano’s tying goal came as he ask me questions. I enjoy being After the Olympic bronze, ebrated every second Tuesday the country where ministries, participation of many Qatari elite tipped a shot from Ben Lovejoy. a role model for the society, to many people assumed that Nasser of February and is an initiative government departments, public sportpeople. THE PENINSULA “I was at the right place at the right time,” Cogliano said. “I think it was just fitting for the kind of night we had.” Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford made 29 saves to keep pace with Fasth who was just a James sets record in win over Blazers little better in the extra sessions. Despite the defeat, Chicago MIAMI: LeBron James became Chris Bosh said. “To have a outscored Portland 15-2 to go into (10-0-3) are still without a loss the first player to score at least scored 32 points NBA Results record for myself halftime trailing 59-58. in regulation and remain on top 30 points and shoot 60 percent and grabbed 11 Toronto 109 Denver 108 is an honor. Miami carried the momentum of the league’s standings. The in six consecutive games as rebounds, and Miami 117 Portland 104 “I was just in into the third quarter, using a Blackhawks were returning home the Miami Heat wrapped up a Dwyane Wade Memphis 108 Sacramento 101 a flow. I wanted 23-8 run to take an 81-67 lead en following a six-game road trip homestand with a 117-104 win finished with Utah 109 Oklahoma City 94 to be aggres- route to the win.The Heat now while the Ducks are in the mid- over the Portland Trail Blazers. 24 points, nine sive early in the embark on a four-game road trip dle of a similar road stint. LA Lakers 91 Phoenix 85 Reigning league MVP James rebounds and game. I just went against Oklahoma City, Atlanta, AGENCIES finished with 30 points and nine seven assists for Houston 116 Golden State 107 with the flow Chicago and Philadelphia. assists in the final contest of the Heat, who of the game. I Meanwhile, the Toronto NHL Results a five-game homestand at the have won six straight contests. didn’t pressure anything. It just Raptors squandered an early lead Carolina 4 New Jersey 2 American Airlines Arena yes- James joined Hall of Famers happened.” and withstood a furious rally by NY Rangers 4 Boston 3 terday. He also shot 11-of-15 (73.3 Adrian Dantley and Moses Damian Lillard had a game- the Denver Nuggets for a 109-108 percent) from the field. Malone as the only NBA players high 33 points and LaMarcus victory over one of the NBA’s hot- Ottawa 2 Buffalo 0 “With how many great and to score 30-plus points and shoot Aldridge added 29 for the Trail test teams yesterday. Montreal 4 Tampa Bay 3 dominate players that have come at least 60 percent five straight Blazers, who have lost four The Raptors, who led by as Washington 6 Florida 5 through over the years and paved times in the Heat’s previous win. straight. Wesley Matthews had many as 13 points late in the Philadelphia 3 Winnipeg 2 the way for me, to be able to have Now he is the first NBA player 20 points on eight-of-13 shooting first quarter, got 22 from DeMar Houston Rockets’ power forward Nashville 1 San Jose 0 this streak, and to be able to have to do it in six straight games. in the loss. DeRozan and moved to within Anaheim 3 Chicago 2 Marcus Morris reacts after scoring won each game while also being “To see how small the list was Portland led 57-43 with just six games of the eighth and Dallas 4 Edmonton 1 against the Golden State Warriors efficient from the floor means a and for me to even be part of that under five minutes left in the final playoff spot in the Eastern in Oakland, California, yesterday lot,” James said. list to start off was -- wow,” James second quarter, but the Heat Conference. AGENCIES Vancouver 2 Minnesota 1 Qatar, USA all set to clash in new Leg 2 of The Tour power boats racing programme kicks off from Doha DOHA: The Leg 2 of the seven- Leg 2 taking as much as two days, DOHA: Sheikh Hassan bin stage EFG Bank Sailing Arabia but the forecast is now indicating Jabor Al Thani is delighted to 2013 Super Boat The Tour took off from here a much breezier ride east-south- announce that the Qatar Marine yesterday for Abu Dhabi. east towards the UAE’s Capital. Sports Federation (QMSF) is International (SBI) The 15-day sailing event, that The result is that the crews are making its final preparations takes the nine teams clockwise now expecting to only spend one for an exciting new racing pro- Calendar around the Gulf Co-operation night at sea, but the ride will be gramme in the United States of April 25-28 Biloxi, Mississippi Council (GCC) states, which a shorter and very much more America and that Qatar will go started from Manama, Bahrain intense one. May 17-19 Cocoa Beach, Florida head-to-head with the mighty on February 10 will follow a tricky Earlier in the week, the fore- USA with a two-pronged racing May 31-June 2 Orange Beach, Alabama course, strewn with oil field exclu- cast showed that the boats might challenge this season. July 5-7 Sarasota, Florida sion zones and other hazards, en experience as much as 30 knots What has already been July 19-21 Miami, Florida route to Abu Dhabi - the first of but the forecast has thankfully termed the new ‘Ryder Cup’ August 2-4 Michigan City, Michigan three stops in the UAE. moderated since then. of world powerboat racing will September 6-8 New York, New York State The teams have had only min- “I am not so sure the wind will be fought out on rounds of this imal rest since their bruising be so strong. The last forecast we September 27-29 Clearwater, Florida year’s Super Boat International encounter in the short course got was showing a maximum of (SBI) Championship, although Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al Thani (left) announces the 2013 Qatar vs USA November 3-10 Key West World stage on Tuesday, a three-race 17 knots, although it is stronger the president of the QMSF laid challenge in American SBI racing. PICTURE BY: BILL OSBORNE Championships, Florida series which was dominated by to the east,” said Bertrand Pacé, down the gauntlet for the ‘Qatar America’s Cup veteran Bertrand who is hoping he can follow up on v USA’ challenge last season with USA are very strong and it is the QMSF president. “It’s in the final stages of rig- Pacé and his Dubai based Team Tuesday’s success when his Team ongoing support for U-1 Spirit of difficult to choose between them. “After the Key West experience, ging and painting, so it’s all coming AISM. AISM won all three in-port races, Qatar 96 in the 2012 H1 Unlimited We must also remember that winning the World Championship along nicely,” added the defending In a stronger breeze than on elevating them to third place Championship. piston-engined boats are very title and the challenges that we Key West world champion, who has the opening leg from Manama, overall behind Cédric Pouligny’s “A two-fold attack on the competitive as well and we should faced, I felt that it was time to used many of his original Class 1 Team AISM delivered a master- Team BAE Systems and the Americans was the plan from never lose sight of their competi- raise the bar even higher,” said an racing crew, in addition to new class in tactical sailing and team- Sidney Gavignet-skippered EFG the start of the season,” enthused tiveness. They are capable of the excited Sheikh Hassan. American team members to get work, and leaving the standings Bank Monaco. Sheikh Hassan. same speed as turbines and will “Now is the time to fight with the project up and running. before leg 2 wide open. Taking in four countries and “I know that it adds to the play a major role in determining the big power in the different The new Mystic Spirit of Qatar The result leaves AISM in third eight ports of call, EFG Bank weight of responsibility with our the outcome of the title race.” classes and at new race venues Extreme/Turbine racing boat will position on the leader table, just Sailing Arabia – The Tour is a racing programme, but I am con- A second yet-to-be-decided where the fans appreciate the be powered by a pair of T53 tur- 1.75 points behind second placed showcase of everything that the fident that we can do it.” crew will use a rebuilt version of racing and the atmosphere is fan- bine engines, delivering around Sidney Gavignet and EFG Bank Gulf has to offer in terms of state- Sheikh Hassan and Steve Curtis the Key West-winning Spirit of tastic. That’s why we are coming 1,600hp apiece and capable of pro- (Monaco) and 2.25 points behind of-the-art facilities and idyllic will challenge the Americans in Qatar 96 in one of the classes at to American open waters to race!” pelling the boat to a top speed of overall leader Cedric Pouligny sailing conditions their own waters at the helm of the same race meetings as Sheikh Sheikh Hassan’s new turbine 354km/h using Five-Axis technol- and BAE Systems, who placed EFG Bank Sailing Arabia The a mighty turbine-engined race Hassan and Steve Curtis. boat, which has been built in ogy. If everything goes accord- respectably in the in-shore sail- Tour calls at Doha, Abu Dhabi, boat on as many rounds of 2013 “We have yet to decide upon the USA in collaboration with ing to plan in the coming weeks, ing after a win on the first leg. Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Dibba Super Boat International (SBI) the crew or the class that will be Whispering Turbines, Five-Axis the eagerly awaited Qatar v USA At 159 miles long and with and Mussanah and ends February as possible. entered at the same races by the Industries and Mystic Powerboats, challenge will be held on April 25. the possibility of light winds, the 25 in Muscat. “All the turbine boats in the Spirit of Qatar Team,” confirmed is nearing completion. THE PENINSULA organisers prudently catered for THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 29 Woods adds Pakistan batsmen face big three PGA Tour events to Masters challenge in Cape Town build-up

NEW YORK: Tiger Woods will South Africa likely to retain the side that won in Johannesburg play in three consecutive PGA Tour events, starting with next week’s WGC-Accenture Match CAPE TOWN: Pakistan’s bats- competitive totals, after Misbah South Africa won by 211 runs to Play Championship in Arizona, men face a big challenge when and Asad Shafiq both hit half- take a 1-0 lead in the three-match as part of his build-up to the they take on South Africa’s in- centuries in the second innings series. Masters, the year’s first major. form fast bowlers in the second in Johannesburg. “I’d like to put it down to our The American world number Test starting at Newlands today. At least one change is expected guys creating good angles, getting two will also compete at the Feb. After being bowled out for 49 in Pakistan’s bowling line-up, good swing,” said Smith. 28-March 3 Honda Classic, which on the way to a 211-run defeat in with the tall Mohammad Irfan “For them, the bounce and the is staged close to his home in the first Test in Johannesburg, favoured to replace Rahat Ali, shape (means) there is a very dif- Florida, and then the March 7-10 Pakistan will be up against Dale who did not take a wicket in ferent style of batting needed in WGC-Cadillac Championship Steyn, Vernon Philander and Johannesburg. Irfan had match those conditions. Any time you at Doral, he said on his official Morne Morkel on the ground figures of seven for 40 against the have that many caught-behinds, website. where Australia were bowled Cobras side. you need to have a look at how Woods enjoys a good track out for 47 last season and New South Africa, meanwhile, seem you leave the ball.” record in both World Golf Zealand for 45 last month. certain to retain the side that won Smith said he hoped the Championships (WGC) events, Pakistan captain Misbah-ul- in Johannesburg as they seek to Pakistanis, who were bowled out having won the Match Play Haq identified combating the clinch the three-match series on a for a record low 49 in the first three times and the Cadillac new ball as the top priority for ground where they have won 20 of innings at the Wanderers, would Championship on six occasions. his team following the first Test. 25 Tests since returning to inter- come into the second match with He tied for second in last year’s The left-handed Imran Farhat, national cricket in 1991. a tentative mindset. Honda Classic at Palm Beach who played the most recent of his They have been unbeaten at “They allowed us to bowl at Gardens, two shots behind Rory 39 Tests in August 2010, opened the ground in their most recent them. We managed to control the McIlroy, after closing with a siz- the batting in both innings in a nine Tests, seven of which have run rate for a large part of the zling eight-under par 62. two-day practice match against been won. game. That allowed us to attack “I’m excited to be playing in the an Emerging Cape Cobras team South African captain Graeme them more. If they come into this Honda Classic again,” Woods, who which ended on Monday, but it Smith will captain his country for match with a mindset to leave, lives in nearby Jupiter Island, said is uncertain whether he will play the 100th time after being feted they are going to be tentative. in a statement. “It’s a really good in the Test. for a century of captaincies in That will allow us to create pres- tournament, and it does a lot for Mohammad Hafeez failed twice Johannesburg, with one of the sure on them and will play into the community. in the first Test and did not bat matches having been for a World our favour.” “I like the golf course, and I in the practice match, while Nasir XI. Teams: South Africa (likely): came pretty close last year. It’s Jamshed, who showed promise as The match is being billed as a Graeme Smith (capt), Alviro part of a busy stretch for me, and an opener in his first Test appear- tribute to Mark Boucher, South Petersen, Hashim Amla, Jacques I want to continue playing well.” ance, suffered an ankle injury Africa’s long-serving wicket- Kallis, AB de Villiers (wkt), Faf Former world number one in the field against the Cobras keeper, who was forced to retire du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Robin Woods has not played on the PGA team and also did not bat, but is after suffering an eye injury at Peterson, Vernon Philander, Dale Tour since he clinched his 75th expected to be fit for the Test. the start of a tour of England Steyn, Morne Morkel title on the US circuit by four There was a boost for the tour- last year Pakistan (from): Misbah-ul- strokes at the Farmers Insurance ists when Younis Khan, their most Meanwhile, Smith said he Haq (capt), Mohammad Hafeez, Open in San Diego three weeks experienced batsman, ended a run hoped Pakistan’s batsmen would Nasir Jamshed, Imran Farhat, ago. The 2013 Masters will of poor form with an unbeaten 74 be tentative when they face South Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Asad be played from April 11-14 at in the second innings of the prac- Africa’s fast bowlers in the second Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed (wkt), Augusta National where Woods tice match. Test starting at Newlands today. Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Junaid is a four-times champion. Khan’s success gives added Fifteen of the 20 Pakistan Khan, Mohammad Irfan, Ehsan Meanwhile, world No. 4 credence to Misbah’s claim wickets that fell in the first Test Adil, Abdur Rehman, Faisal Iqbal, Brandt Snedeker, coming off a that Pakistan’s middle order in Johannesburg were to catches Tanvir Ahmed, Rahat Ali Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq in action in the first Test match against victory at the US PGA Pebble were capable of posting behind the wicket or in the slips. AGENCIES South Africa in this file picture of February 2. Beach National Pro-Am, pulled out of next week’s World Golf Championships event yesterday with sore ribs. Snedeker will skip the $8.75m Prior wants England to ‘bully’ Australia WGC Match-Play Championship, joining Phil Mickelson as top LONDON: England wicket- dominated cricket’s oldest Test spin department, it’s all there. by Steve Waugh, of which area all day long.” However, Prior players to drop out of the lineup keeper Matt Prior believes rivalry, with the likes of Shane “But Ashes series are strange -- McGrath and Warne were key was still wary of an Australia side of the 64-man showdown which Alastair Cook’s men are ready Warne and Glenn McGrath star- there is no such thing as a weak members, used to revel in what that, on home soil, caused South starts February 20. to “bully” old rivals Australia in ring during a run of eight straight Australian Test side and we will their skipper called “mental dis- Africa problems before losing at “I certainly will miss competing this year’s back-to-back Ashes series wins for the men in Baggy have to be on our game to do it.” integration” and the rest of the home to the top-ranked Proteas in the Match Play Championship,” series. Green caps. The Australia side that tours world knew as “sledging”. and then promptly whitewashed Snedeker said. Cook’s side are bidding to “I remember watching Shane England this year will have an England too have shown lately Sri Lanka. World No. 1 Rory McIlroy of become the first England team Warne, Matthew Hayden and unfamiliar look, with the top they can dish out verbal abuse “Players like Ponting and Northern Ireland, second-ranked in over a century to win four Glenn McGrath, and the way order missing two mainstays fol- in the field although, as Prior Hussey can’t be replaced over- Woods and third-ranked Luke straight Ashes campaigns, a they walked around and bullied lowing the retirements of both pointed out and traditionalists night and I know our guys will be Donald of England will be the top chance they have this year when a England,” Prior told BBC Sport. former captain Ricky Ponting and have long believed, the most effec- relieved they don’t have to bowl seeds at next week’s tournament. trip Down Under follows on from “Maybe it’s our time to do a bit Michael Hussey. tive way to worry an opponent is at them again. Snedeker’s withdrawal opens a home series in order to set up a of bullying ourselves. Meanwhile, although Australia to simply play well. “But as one steps out, it leaves the door for World No. 5 Justin new cycle that ensures England “If we prepare and perform as have a raft of promising fast bowl- “There’s more to it than the the door open for someone else. Rose of England to claim a top are not always in Australia imme- we want to, there’s no reason why ers doubts several have already odd sledge here and there,” he The game moves forward and we seed spot when pairings are made diately before a World Cup. we shouldn’t dominate Australia suffered injury setbacks in their said. are going to have to prepare very on Sunday. Snedeker had finished Prior, a key figure with both in these two Ashes series. short careers and much will “There are ways of creating an well against whichever team plays, second to Woods at Torrey Pines gloves and bat in England’s 2009 “You look at our dressing depend upon the durability of the intensity out on the pitch, like the because they will all be wanting to and to Mickelson at Phoenix in and 2010/11 Ashes triumphs, room and the skills we have in likes of Peter Siddle. way we hustle around, the way our do well and prove a point.” the two weeks prior to his tri- grew up in an era when Australia our team -- batters, bowlers, the The Australia teams captained bowlers put the ball in the right AFP umph. REUTERS Final round of Arab Drag Racing League begins today

DOHA: The fifth and final with 714 points closely follow the with 1425 points and Emirati round of the Arab Drag Racing top three. Fahd Al Raeesi in third place with League will begin today at Qatar In the category of “Top 925 points. Racing Club. Sportsman” Emirati driver In the category of “Pro Bike”, Today’s action will be a culmi- Khalil Ansari holds the first Kuwaiti rider Mohammed nation of the exciting action wit- place with 1632 points. Borshid occupies first place with ness over the last four rounds. Fady Tomor is second with 1375 points, while US rider Billy Founded in 2008, the Arabian 1121 points followed by Anabi Foz is in second place with 1349 Drag Racing League features driver Ali Al Merri in third points, and the Kuwaiti Mishary intense competition in 11 place with 1024 points and the Saber in third position with 1177 diverse classes including Pro Kuwaiti driver Imad Qenae is in points. Extreme Motorcycle, Extreme fourth place with 820 points. In the category of “Superstreet” 10.5, Pro Nitrous and Pro In the category of “4.50 com- Emirati Mishary Turky is in first Extreme - the quickest and petition index”, Bahraini driver place with 1431 points, and the fastest bikes and passenger cars Ali Hussein Haggi occupies first Kuwaiti Yacob Ali in second place on the planet. place with 1125 points. with 1426 points, while Qatari In the category of “Pro-Extre”, Meanwhile, Kuwaiti driver rider Mohammed Darwish will Al-Anabi driver Alex Hossler is Tarek Al Tary is in second place challenge the top two with 1021 leading in first place with 1014 with a score of 1120 points, and points in the third place. points, while US driver Frank the Saudi driver Hisham Al In the category of “Street Bike” Taylor is in second spot with a Mulla in third place with 1016 Kuwaiti rider Misfer Mesfer is in score of 1013 points, followed by points. the first place with 1824 points. Von Smith in third place with 607 In the category of “Superstreets Saudi Arabian rider Ibrahim Al points outlaw 8 cylinders”, American Hofy is in second place with 1656 In the category of “Pro Nitrous, driver, Steve Jackson occupies points, and Kuwaiti Khaled Fozan occupies Al-Anabi driver Mike first place with 1740 points, while is in third place with 1141 points. Kasatlana in ranked first are four Saudi Arabian driver Majid Al Meanwhile, in the “Drugster” ruonds with 1632 points folllowed Twailan is in second place with category: Kuwaiti rider, by Anabi driver Khaled Balushi in 826 points and Hassan Yousef in Mohammed Al Sabbah is in second place with 1220 points, and third place with 819 points. first place with 1122 points, and the UAE driver, Sultan Al Zaabi In the category of “Superstreets the UAE’s riders Mohammed with 721 points. outlaw 6 cylinders”, Bahraini Abdullah is in second place 1121 Anabi driver Muhanna driver Mohammed. Mohammed points and Muhammad Alilies in Action from the fourth round of the Arab Drag Racing League at the Qatar Racing Club (QRC). The fifth and final Al-Naimi with 719 points and US is top with 1432 points, followed third place with 1119 points. round of the Arab Drag Racing League will take place today and tomorrow. driver, Steve Jackson in fifth place by Joseph Zayani in third place THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2013 30 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Azarenka eases into third round World number one registers an easy straight sets win over Oprandi of Switzerland

BY RIZWAN REHMAT more patient, work more (on) the points. (That) got me more Qatar Open Results DOHA: World number one and into the game and started to play Results from the third day of the WTA Qatar top seed Victoria Azarenka of much better,” the 23-year old said. Open yesterday (x denotes seeded player): Belarus yesterday wasted little Azarenka plays Christina 2nd round time in reaching the third round McHale of the US in the third Victoria Azarenka (BLR x1) bt Romina of the Qatar Open, crushing round. Oprandi (SUI) 6-2, 6-3 Romina Oprandi of Switzerland Yesterday, McHale shocked Christina McHale (USA) bt Lucie Safarova in straight sets. Lucie Safarova of the Czech (CZE x17) 6-4, 6-2 There were easy wins for fourth Republic, winning 6-4, 6-2 against Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) bt Ekaterina seed Agnieszka Radwanska of the 17th seed. Bychkova (RUS) 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 Poland, sixth seed Sara Errani Russia’s Petrova overcame a Sara Errani (ITA x6) bt Timea Babos (HUN) of Italy, 10th seed Caroline stuttering start to beat Su-Wei 6-4, 6-0 Wozniacki of Denmark, 11th seed Hsieh of Taipie on court number Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x4) bt Nadia Petrova of Russia and 13th two. Anastasia Rodionova (AUS) 6-3, 6-2 seed Ana Ivanovic of Serbia. Petrova, a two-time Qatar Ana Ivanovic (SRB x13) bt Simona Halep In the day’s biggest shock, Open champion, lost the first set (ROM) 6-3, 0-0 - retired Czech player Klara Zakopalova but won the next two for a 3-6, Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x10) bt Sorana beat Sloane Stephens of the US 6-2, 6-4 card. Petrova could win Cirstea (ROM) 7-6 (9/7), 6-0 in three sets. Zakopalova won the ‘Diamond Ball’ if she lands the Klara Zakopalova (CZE) bt Sloane Stephens 4-6, 7-6, 7-6. Zakapalova will now trophy later this week by com- (USA x16) 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5) meet third seed Maria Sharapova pleting a hat-trick of Qatar Open Petra Kvitova (CZE x7) bt Ekaterina of Russia in the third round today. wins. Makarova (RUS) 6-4, 0-0 - retired Yesterday, world number one Former world number one Nadia Petrova (RUS x11) bt Su-Wei Hsieh Azarenka signed for the third Ivanovic yesterday was declared (TPE) 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 round beating Oprandi for the the winner after only one set Urszula Radwanska (POL) bt Roberta Vinci third time in four matches. when opponent Simona Halep of (ITA x15) 6-2, 5-7, 6-0 The 23-year-old, who won the Romania surrendered due to a Australian Open last month broke lower back injury. her opponent three times in the The withdrawal was announced Today’s Order of Play first set and then quickly grabbed by Halep’s camp after Ivanovic CENTRE COURT the second to secure a one-sided had won the first set 6-3. Starts at 3:30 pm win. Radwanska quickly disposed off [4] A Radwanska (POL) vs “It was a slow start for me,” qualifier Anastasia Rodionova of [13] A Ivanovic (SRB) Azarenka said. Australia. Radwanska won 6-3, [1] V Azarenka (BLR) vs C Mchale (USA) “I am glad I picked up my game 6-2. K Zakopalova (CZE) vs after that. It is not easy to play “I was really feeling pretty good [3] M Sharapova (RUS) her in such windy conditions,” she out there,” Radwanska said. Not Before 8:00 PM added. “But for sure the conditions U Radwanska (POL) vs [2] S Williams (USA) “I was lucky that I could step today were not easy at all. It Victoria Azarenka of Belarus gestures during her second round match of the Qatar Total Open 2013 against COURT 1 up when I needed to,” Azarenka was really windy and the wind Romina Oprandi of Switzerland at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, yesterday. RIGHT: Caroline Starts at 3:30 pm said. changed (directions) every couple Wozniacki of Denmark in action against Sorana Cirstea of Romania. PICTURES BY: SHAIVAL DALAL [10] C Wozniacki (DEN) vs M Barthel (GER) “She plays a lot of tough balls of minutes. It was very tricky, but Not Before 5:00 PM and is a tough competitor. I am I’m just very happy that I could [8] S Stosur (AUS) or M Niculescu (ROU) vs glad my feet were moving well play really good tennis in the S Kuznetsova (RUS) or [9] M Bartoli (FRA) after the first few games. important moments and I finished [7] P Kvitova (CZE) vs [11] N Petrova (RUS) “She has a lot of shots and can this match in two sets,” the Polish L Raymond (USA) / S Stosur (AUS) vs J hit the balls well. I grabbed my star added. Husarova (SVK) / S Zhang (CHN) opportunities to make a differ- Also yesterday, Errani hammered COURT 2 ence. Yes, it was a good match out Timea Babos of Hungary 6-4, 6-0. Starts at 4.30pm there. I am glad I started well,” Wozniacki beat Sorana Cirstea of D Hantuchova (SVK) vs [6] S Errani (ITA) Azarenka said in reference to her Romania, winning 7-6, 6-0. [7] A Hlavackova (CZE) / L Safarova (CZE) Supporters of Caroline first match after the Australian In today’s action, second seed or O Govortsova (BLR) / A Klepac (SLO) vs C Open final. Serena Williams of the US and Wozniacki cheer dur- Black (ZIM) / A Rodionova (AUS) “I wasn’t easy (because of Sharapova will be battling for a ing her match against [WC] C Garcia (FRA) / C Mchale (USA) vs strong winds), for sure, but you place in the quarter-finals. Sorana Cirstea in D Hantuchova (SVK) / A Medina Garrigues never want to take this as an Serena, who needs two more Doha, yesterday. (ESP) or [5] S Hsieh (TPE) / L Huber (USA) - excuse because it’s the same for wins to reclaim the world number After Suitable Rest both players. I think she’s a very one ranking, will meet Urszula COURT 3 tricky opponent, especially in Radwanska of Poland today. Starts at 4.30pm those conditions. Sharapova, chasing her D Jurak (CRO) / K Marosi (HUN) vs [6] A “I’m glad I could turn around. third title in Doha, will take on Groenefeld (GER) / K Peschke (CZE) I felt like it was a little bit of a Zakopalova, a surprise winner [4] N Llagostera Vives (ESP) / J Zheng (CHN) slow start for me. I started to go over Stephens, who beat Serena at vs M Jugic-Salkic (BIH) / S Klemenschits for too much for my shots at the the Australian Open last month. (AUT) or [WC] A Naydenova (BUL) / F beginning. Then I started to be THE PENINSULA Schiavone (ITA) First round of Losail Motocross Championship begins tomorrow

DOHA: The first round of the Losail MX Championship will take place tomorrow at the new Losail Motocross Track. The Championship, organised by Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), will con- sist of five rounds, with two different motorbike categories competing for the top prize in the championship. Motorbikes of 2-stroke and 4-stroke category will com- pete in the event, informed the organisers. Riders will be seen in action in MX1 category which is open for 2-stroke motorbikes of 175CC to 250CC and from 290cc to 450cc for 4-stroke motorbikes. In MX2 category, motor- bikes ranging from 100cc to 125cc of 2-stroke and 175cc to 250cc of 4-stroke will compete for top honours. The new Losail Motocross Track is built just next to the Losail International Circuit and the access to the MX track is from behind the main grand- stand, informed the QMMF officials. The track activity will start today at 10:30am with free prac- tice and two races will follow, A rider during a practice at the new Losail Motocross Track. The first round of the Losail MX Championship Race 1 at 1:00pm and Race 2 at will take place tomorrow at the new Losail Motocross Track. 3:00pm. In all the sessions, both categories will compete at the World Championship. The lot of expectations among the QMMF President stated that he same time. Qatar round will be the open- motor sports fans. It will be for is very happy to bring the FIM The QMMF meanwhile is ing round of the 2013 season the first time the MXGP will MX1/MX2 Motocross World gearing up to host yet another and will be held on the March be held in the Middle East but Championship to Qatar and international event. 1 and 2. also the first-ever Grand Prix is looking forward to building Two weeks from now, the new The FIM MX1/MX2 to be staged at night under and creating a new fan base for Losail Motocross Track will host Motocross World Championship floodlights. Motocross in Qatar. the FIM MX1/MX2 Motocross Qatar round has generated a Nasser Khalifa Al Attiyah, THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2013 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 31

UEFA Champions League Results Ibrahimovic sent off as Champions League last-16 first leg results on Tuesday: At Glasgow Celtic (SCO) 0 Juventus (ITA) 3 (Matri 3, Marchisio 77, Vucinic 83) At Valencia PSG win; Juventus cruise Valencia (ESP) 1 (Rami 90) Paris Saint- Germain (FRA) 2 (Lavezzi 10, Pastore 43) The French side beats Valencia 2-1; Juventus edge closer to quarters Today’s Europa League Fixtures PARIS: Juventus took a huge step towards the Champions Europa League round of 32 League quarter-finals on first-leg fixtures today: Tuesday by beating Celtic 3-0 (All 18.00GMT kick-offs unless away, and although French out- stated otherwise) fit Paris Saint-Germain also won away, 2-1 at Valencia, it In Saint Petersburg came at a cost. Zenit (RUS) vs Liverpool (ENG) (1700) The huge investment made in players by PSG’s Qatari owners In Moscow was paying handsome dividends Anzhi Makachkala (RUS) vs Hanover (GER) until a catastrophic final few min- (1700) utes which saw them concede a In Prague goal and then have star Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic rather Sparta Prague (CZE) vs Chelsea (ENG) harshly sent off. In Valencia The volatile Swede will now Levante (ESP) vs Olympiakos (GRE) miss next month’s second leg as a result. In Naples It could therefore fall upon the Napoli (ITA) vs Viktoria Plzen (CZE) shoulders of their latest high- In Kiev profile signing, David Beckham -- who was watching from the Dynamo Kiev (UKR) vs Bordeaux (FRA) stands -- to produce some of his In Leverkusen old inspiration to see them into the last eight. Bayer Leverkusen (GER) vs Benfica (POR) Things were much more In Grodno, Belarus straightforward for Juventus in BATE Borisov (BLR) vs Fenerbahce (TUR) Glasgow, however. They silenced the raucous In Amsterdam home crowd within three minutes Juventus’ Claudio Marchisio celebrates his goal against Celtic during their Champions League match at Celtic Park Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland Ajax (NED) vs Steaua Bucharest (ROM) as a mistake by Nigerian defender on Tuesday. RIGHT: Paris Saint-Germain’s English midfielder David Beckham (front) controls a bell during a training session at the club’s Camp des (All 20.05 GMT kick-offs) Efe Ambrose -- perhaps still feel- Loges training centre in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, near Paris, yesterday. Beckham, PSG’s latest prized signing, is taking part in his first full training In Basel ign the effects of his country’s session today, with the view to possibly making his debut in the Ligue 1 match at Sochaux on February 17. Africa Cup of Nations triumph FC Basel (SUI) vs Dnipro (UKR) on Sunday -- let in Alessandro Matri for the opening goal first goal and he missed a great duo Ezequiel Lavezzi and Javier did. It was a forceful tackle but shows this level of confidence and In Milan Further goals late in the second chance to equalise. We switched Pastore gave them a comfort- a football tackle. I really don’t calm going to Valencia is a sign Inter Milan (ITA) vs CFR Cluj (ROM) half from Claudio Marchisio and off for the second and third goals.” able lead until the mad last two understand.” that we are in good shape in this In Newcastle Mirko Vucinic ensured there was Juventus coach Antonio Conte minutes where Valencia’s French The win is proof that the big- competition,” he said. no repeat of the famous home win was delighted with how his side centre-back Adil Rami scored and spending Ligue 1 club have become Valencia manager Ernesto Newcastle (ENG) vs Metalist Kharkiv (UKR) over Barcelona in the group stage. handled a hostile crowd. Ibrahimovic saw red. a force in Europe but they should Valverde said his side discounted In Stuttgart Celtic manager Neil Lennon “It was a difficult match and PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti not get carried away, according the importance of the absence of VfB Stuttgart (GER) vs Genk (BEL) was not happy with the referee, in this atmosphere with Celtic -- who will also be without the to director of football Leonardo. Ibrahimovic in the second leg. but accepted that his decision to playing with the intensity they increasingly influential young “I think that we sent a strong “They were very strong. Every In Madrid play Ambrose had backfired. did we could have lost the match,” Italian midfielder Marco Verratti message,” Leonardo said. counter-attack they had was very Atletico Madrid (ESP) vs Rubin Kazan (RUS) “The scoreline flatters he said. for the second leg due to suspen- “We should not forget where we dangerous,” he admitted. In Moenchengladbach, Germany Juventus,” he said. “But my players kept their sion -- was not happy with the have come from, where we were “We managed to get a late “For 70-odd minutes we were heads and showed great matu- sending-off decision. a year-and-a-half ago,” added the goal, which means we still have Borussia Moenchengladbach (GER) vs Lazio by far the better side but you rity and overall it was an excellent “I don’t understand the deci- Brazilian, who played 71 games for a chance, but we must take into (ITA) can’t give away sloppy goals. result for us.” sion,” said the Italian. Valencia between 1991 and 1993, account the fact they have some In London “We took a gamble on Efe PSG looked to be cruising as “He went for the ball at the scoring six goals. extraordinary players,” he added Ambrose but he was poor for the first-half goals from Argentinian same time as another player “But building a team which after the match. AFP Tottenham (ENG) vs Lyon (FRA) Sagan wins again on Tour of Oman IOC will not reattribute WADI DAYQAH DAM, Slovakia’s rider Froome, as well as the likes of Oman: Slovakia’s Peter Sagan Tom Boonen, Cadel Evans, Fabian Armstrong’s bronze Peter Sagan of the of the Cannondale team won Cancellara and Alberto Contador. Cannondale team a second consecutive stage on Today’s fourth stage is a LAUSANNE: The Sydney games in 2000 after he the Tour of Oman yesterday to puts on the overall 152.5km ride through the moun- International Olympic was stripped of his career record strengthen his grip on the over- leader’s red jersey tains to the finish at Jabal Al Committee said yesterday that back to August 1998 for taking all race leader’s red jersey. on the podium Akhdar. it would not reattribute the 2000 performance-enhancing drugs. Sagan emerged victorious after winning the Meanwhile, reigning world cycling bronze medal stripped Armstrong was first accused on the 190km third stage from third stage of the time-trial champion Tony Martin from Lance Armstrong because of taking performance-enhanc- Nakhal Fort to Wadi Dayqah Dam Tour of Oman has said he aims to dominate the of doping. ing drugs in a damning US in the Hajar mountains. cycling race speed discipline and challenge “It (the medal) will not be reat- Anti-Doping Agency dossier last In the same spot where between Nakhal Britain’s Olympic and Tour de tributed,” IOC vice-president October and said to have been at he claimed his first win for Fort and Wadi France winner Bradley Wiggins. Thomas Bach said on the side- the centre of the most sophisti- Cannondale a year ago, Sagan beat Dayqah Dam, “I want to try to win every lines of a meeting of the organi- cated doping programme in the Belgium’s Greg Van Avermaet of Oman, yesterday. major time trial I race this year,” sation’s executive commission in history of sport. BMC and France’s Tony Gallopin Martin told VeloNews. Lausanne, Switzerland. He admitted in a chat show of RadioShack to take victory on “I know I will not win them all. The IOC last month asked host Oprah Winfrey last month the line. seconds ahead of Gallopin in the by last year’s Tour de France win- The goal is to be competitive in the disgraced cycling icon to that he used a cocktail of drugs to Sagan, who won three stages on overall standings. ner Bradley Wiggins, and also fea- every time trial and try to win,” hand back the Olympic time- win the Tour de France, between last year’s Tour de France, sits 16 A strong field in Oman is headed tures his Sky team-mate Chris he said. REUTERS trial bronze medal he won at the 1999 and 2005. AFP IOC plays down wrestling’s exit after uproar LAUSANNE: The surprise recom- Buenos Aires. The IOC is eager to revamp other countries where wrestling is popu- candidate said. “No matter what we do, it mendation to drop wrestling from the its sports programme to keep it relevant lar to help the sport remain an Olympic will be criticised by someone,” said Puerto Olympics has angered athletes, offi- to a new generation of viewers, fans and discipline. Rican Carrion, whose country won a sil- cials and fans around the world and the sponsors. “These reactions, they are quite normal,” ver medal in wrestling at the London 2012 International Olympic Committee (IOC) The vote prompted an instant wave of IOC Vice President Thomas Bach told Olympics, one of two medals overall. played down the finality of its decision protest and anger from the sport’s global reporters. “This would have happened with “From a personal point of view I am sad. yesterday. community with FILA calling it an aber- any decision. You have to find the right I have become attached to the wrestling “We knew even before whichever sport ration, petitions launched with the United balance between tradition and progress. club (in Puerto Rico) which doesn’t even will not be included would lead to criti- States White House and on-line wrestling “This was a decision about core sports have a regulation-size mat and still man- cism from followers of that sport,” IOC support groups signing up thousands of and nothing more,” he said of Tuesday’s aged to send three athletes to the Games.” President Jacques Rogge told reporters. supporters. vote that cut the core Olympic sports from For Juan Antonio Samaranch Junior, “I had contact with the FILA (interna- The Greek Olympic Committee (HOC) 26 to 25, leaving out wrestling. who is both an executive board member tional wrestling federation) president and urged the IOC to reverse its decision “Keep in mind a final decision has not and a modern pentathlon vice-president, we agreed to meet at the first opportunity. regarding the sport that was practised at yet been taken. If they (FILA) continue the decision was a good one. “They have reacted well to this disheart- the ancient Games and was part of the first like that they will win a lot of sympathies,” “I am very sorry for wrestling as it is ening news. They vowed to adapt the sport, edition of the modern Olympics in 1896. said Bach, a potential presidential candi- a sport I respect,” the son of former IOC to fight to be included in 2020. “This is undoubtedly a decision against date later this year. president Samaranch, told reporters “The vote of yesterday is not an elimi- the history of the Olympics and of sports The IOC’s executive board will meet in yesterday. nation of wrestling from the Olympics, I in general,” the HOC said in a statement. St Petersburg in May to decide which of “I cannot be surprised by the reaction want to be clear on that. Wrestling will be The IOC holds its Olympic torch-lighting eight candidate sports, including wrestling, because any sport would have created the at the (Rio de Janeiro) 2016 Games and to ceremony for the modern Games in ancient will be put forward to win the spot left same reaction.” the athletes I say continue to train for Rio Olympia, metres from the gymnasium used vacant for the 2020 Games. Wrestling’s surprise exit has been and your federation is working towards by wrestlers in ancient Greece. It will then put its recommendation for blamed by some on a lack of political sup- International Olympic Committee inclusion in the 2020 Games.” “There needs to be a reconsideration of the 25 core sports and the new entry to a port within the executive board, where (IOC) President Belgian Jacques The IOC’s 15-member executive board this decision after careful study,” the HOC vote at its session in Argentina. other sports at risk - including modern Rogge speaks during a press voted on Tuesday to recommend that the said. “It was always going to be a painful pentathlon and taekwondo - had the upper conference after the last day of sport be dropped from the 2020 Olympic India’s government said yesterday the decision,” IOC member and head of the hand with representatives in the 15-mem- a board meeting in Lausanne, programme, with a final decision rest- decision was “unfortunate and shock- organisation’s finance commission Richard ber group. ing with the IOC session in September in ing” and it would seek the support of Carrion, also a potential presidential REUTERS yesterday. 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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 QFA and Qatar Shell set West Indies beat Australia in T20

BRISBANE: Johnson Charles innings total of 191 after captain Guinness World Record smacked a half-century and Darren Sammy won the toss and West Indies tore through elected to bat at the Gabba. Australia’s batsmen with slow Australia’s Adam Voges blasted 523 players participate in largest five-a-side football match bowling to win their Twenty20 a swashbuckling 51 off 33 balls to match by 27 runs in Brisbane give them hope of hauling in the yesterday. total, but paceman Kieron Pollard DOHA: The Guinness World part included Wael Sawan, Charles, coming off his maiden and spinner Sunil Narine com- Record for the largest ever five- Managing Director and Chairman one-day international century, bined for five quick wickets to a-side football match was bro- of Qatar Shell Companies, Sheikh struck 57 off 35 balls to propel make sure the hosts’ chase came ken at Aspire Zone on National Thani Al Thani, Deputy General the tourists to an imposing first to a crashing halt. REUTERS Sport Day, it was announced Manager, Qatar Shell and Hamad yesterday. Al Kuwari, Head of Marketing & Scoreboard The highly anticipated match Commercial, QFA. was organised by Qatar Football The Guinness World Record WEST INDIES S Marsh(run out) ...... 21 Association (QFA) and Qatar attempt was part of the QFA and C Gayle c Coulter-Nile b Hazlewood ...... 8 A Voges (run out)...... 51 Shell, and officiated by Guinness Qatar Shell initiative KOORA J Charles b Coulter-Nile ...... 57 G Bailey c Deonarine b Narine ...... 15 World Records. TIME, a five-year sustainable Darren Bravo (run out) ...... 32 B Rohrer c Deonarine b Pollard ...... 16 The match which ran continu- initiative which is designed to K Pollard c Marsh b Faulkner ...... 26 B Haddin c Russell b Pollard ...... 22 ously for 11 hours, 58 minutes and improve the health and wellbeing Dwayne Bravo b Faulkner ...... 13 J Faulkner c Sammy b Pollard ...... 7 12 seconds was played by a total of Qatar’s youth through football. A Russell (not out) ...... 23 B Cutting st Thomas b Narine ...... 0 of 523 participants from all over Al Kuwari said: “We knew we D Sammy c Marsh b Faulkner ...... 20 N Coulter-Nile (not out) ...... 16 Qatar. were aiming high – but we did it. N Deonarine (not out) ...... 6 C McKay (not out) ...... 6 The event was attended by Dr I am excited to see that we have Extras (LB-4, W-2) ...... 6 Extras (B-1, LB-2, W-3) ...... 6 Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada, managed to kick off a driven and Total (for 6 wkts in 20 overs) ...... 191 Total (for 8 wkts in 20 overs) ...... 164 Minister of Energy and Industry, passionate football movement we Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-99, 3-106, 4-139, Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-79, 3-82, 4-96, 5-121, who came on to play as one of the envisioned would be characteris- 5-141, 6-172. 6-139, 7-139, 8-141. record breaking players surpass- tic of the KOORA TIME initia- Bowling: McKay 4-0-44-0; Hazlewood 4-0- Bowling: Best 3-0-19-0 (2w); Sammy 3-0-30- ing the 464 player mark that was tive. We look forward to having 36-1; Faulkner 4-0-28-3 (1w); Coulter-Nile 1 (1w); Narine 4-0-19-2; Russell 1-0-9-0; De- Kirsty Bennett (left),a representative from Guinness Book of World Records set by BBC Radio 5 Live, at the a positive impact on the health hands a certificate to Sheikh Thani Al Thani, Deputy General Manager 4-0-36-1 (1w); Cutting 4-0-43-0. onarine 3-0-37-0; Dwayne Bravo 2-0-17-0; Sheffield United Academy, UK and wellbeing of Qatar’s youth AUSTRALIA Pollard 4-0-30-3. of Qatar Shell (centre), and Hamad Al Kuwari, Head of Marketing and in 2012. through many more events like A Finch b Sammy ...... 4 Result: West Indies win by 27 runs Commercial of Qatar Football Association in Doha. Among the others who took this.” THE PENINSULA