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THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 • 13 Jumada II 1436 • Volume 20 Number 6388 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 QTA staff given judicial powers Sandstorm envelops Qatar to raid hotels, Schools closed; zero visibility at many places; some relief can be expected after 10am check violations DOHA: A number of employees DOHA: A massive sand- “It is unbelievable. It is dark all of Qatar’s tourism promotion storm swept through Qatar over,” an expatriate told newspa- agency have been armed with and other parts of the Arabian per at 11.50pm. “People are driv- judicial powers to conduct raids Peninsula late yesterday with ing at snail’s pace. The visibility is on hotels, tourist facilities and the government ordering all immensely poor,” he added. exhibitions to check violations schools, including private and Thick layers of dust were and book them. Independent, closed today. hanging in the air in several The Qatar Tourism Authority “All schools, whether places, including Doha, Dukhan, (QTA) said in a statement yester- Independent or private, will Jumailiya, and Umm Bab. day that the Public Prosecution remain closed today to ensure Al Mannai said that high pres- Department had conferred judicial the safety of students,” said school sure had built over large parts of authority on several of its staff. regulator, the Supreme Education the Arabian Peninsula that was Calling them judicial commission- Council (SEC). causing high wind which was ers, QTA said staff members have Staff members of the schools kicking up sand from the deserts been imparted special field train- will, however, report for duty, the mainly in Saudi Arabia. The ing for the purpose. The Ministry SEC said on its Twitter account. storm moved to Qatar from there. of Economy and Commerce, the University students are not Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh news- licensing authority for all businesses included in the SEC’s decision, paper said that some cities like in the country, has ratified the deci- the regulator clarified. Riyadh were totally engulfed by sion of the Public Prosecution, said The regulator has cancelled dust and winds were cruising at the statement. all school examinations that speeds at some places at 110km an The ‘judicial commissioners’ were scheduled to be held today hour. Riyadh newspaper’s online have the authority to pursue and said new exam dates will be edition said there were chances of offenders of the provisions of Law announced soon. rain today. Most GCC cities and No. 6 of 2012 regulating tourism, However, the exams that are areas were affected by the sand- and Law No 7 of 2013 governing to take place from Sunday will be storm, media reports said. exhibitions. The move will help held as scheduled, said the SEC. Fire alarms went out in shop- ensure that hotels, tourist facili- A senior weather forecaster ping complexes as the sandstorm ties and exhibitions in Qatar fully said dusty conditions may remain lashed Doha, making people panic comply with the provisions of the intense until at least 10 this morn- and run helter-skelter, especially laws and regulations issued from ing. “After 10am we can expect in the Villaggio Mall where a fire time to time. some relief,” said Abdullah Al tragedy had claimed many lives The move will make sure that Mannai, veteran researcher and in May 2012. hotels and other tourism sector analyst at the weather bureau. It couldn’t be known until the institutions adhere to international The sandstorm of the inten- time of going to the press as to tourism standards and practices. sity never seen at least in recent Vehicles move in low-visibility conditions during the sandstorm that hit Qatar yesterday. BAHER AMIN what damages the sandstorm “We are working to upgrade Qatar’s years, enveloped large parts of caused in Qatar in terms of road tourism sector to global standards,” Qatar all too suddenly by around from near the Old Airport, my car at several places in Doha and in meant only for emergency park- accidents. The interior ministry said the statement. “There is no 9.30 last night. seemed to have literally sailed into places outside as well. ing,” the Ministry of Interior said tweeted asking people, particu- doubt that the decision is a mile- “It came on suddenly like an a black hole,” said an expatriate. “Visibility is almost zero in all on its Twitter account. larly children, to avoid direct con- stone in QTA’s history,” said the avalanche. I was driving from “Nothing was visible. roads and highways. Motorists The ministry kept tweeting, tact with the sandstorm due to agency’s chief tourism development the Corniche area to the Airport Fortunately, I was close to my are requested to follow safety asking motorists to be cautious allergies they may develop. officer, Hassan Al Ibrahim. Road, and as I entered a little destination,” he added. instructions. Don’t use hazard as most parts of the country were Continued on page 6 Continued on page 6 deeper into the D Ring Road Visibility had turned to zero lights while driving. They are affected by the sandstorm. THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA HMC bed plan irks CMC GCC in talks with DOHA: Several members of the small compared to the population Russia on Yemen Central Municipal Council have growth,” CMC member Hamad Al expressed surprise and disap- Kubaisi told a local Arabic daily. arms embargo pointment over the announce- He urged the health authori- ment made by Hamad Medical ties to do a proper assessment UNITED NATIONS: Gulf Corporation (HMC) on Sunday and review the decision. “The countries are locked in tough that hospital beds in the coun- announcement is disappointing negotiations with Russia on a try will be doubled in 15 years. and it does not meet the aspi- UN draft resolution to impose an HMC said that by 2030 hospital rations of Qatar and the Qatar arms embargo and sanctions on beds will increase from the exist- National Vision 2030,” he added. Yemen, diplomats said yesterday. ing 2,100 to 4,200. The civic coun- Mohammed Zafir Al Hajri, The Gulf Cooperation Council cil members, however, believe that representing the Al Shahaniya (GCC) states has been negotiating it is a very small number com- constituency said that the HMC with the five permanent Security pared to the burgeoning popula- announcement came as a shock Council members and Jordan on a tion in the country and HMC’s “at a time the population is grow- text after Saudi Arabia launched decision was not realistic. ing fast and all the hospital cor- an air campaign on Yemen on “HMC’s assessment ignored the ridors are filled with visitors”. March 26, without a UN mandate. population growth taking place “Patients are forced to wait for Its push for an international every year and the huge infra- two to three months for surgeries arms embargo and sanctions tar- structure projects as well as the due to lack of beds. What HMC has geting the Houthis has run into World Cup and tourism projects. announced now must happen in major opposition from Russia, All these require more number of the next five years. That was what which has friendly relations with workers. At least 10,000 hospital I was expecting,” said Al Hajri. Iran. “The GCC will now need beds are required until 2030 and Continued on page 6 to lobby the Russians very, very what has been announced is very THE PENINSULA hard,” said a Security Council diplomat. During negotiations, Russia INSIDE presented amendments to the Iran talks extended draft resolution that would extend Page 9 an arms embargo to all sides, LAUSANNE: US Secretary including President Abdrabuh Riyadh’s actions of State John Kerry and his Mansur Hadi’s forces in the con- signal a new German and French coun- flict, diplomats said. AFP terparts extended marathon See also page 7 Saudi era talks in Switzerland yester- By Mohammed day for a second day beyond a IS storms refugee Al Rashed self-imposed deadline to reach a preliminary agreement with camp in Damascus Iran on its nuclear programme. When will Gulf A diplomat close to the talks DAMASCUS: Islamic State mil- Arabs wake up? said that a deal could be announced itants infiltrated a Palestinian within hours but had not yet been refugee camp in Damascus yes- By Mubarak Al reached, and the talks could still terday and were clashing with Duwailah collapse. Kerry and German a Palestinian group, the deepest Foreign Minister Frank-Walter foray yet by the extremist group IS destroying Steinmeier announced they would into the Syrian capital, seat of stay at least until today. French President Bashar Al Assad’s human history Foreign Secretary Laurent Fabius power. Jordan closed its only By Khalil Ali Haidar returned for more talks after fly- functioning border crossing with ing back to Paris the previous day. Syria following heavy clashes. Full report on page 10 Full report on page 10 THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 HOME 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

Deputy Emir honours outgoing envoys Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani met outgoing Korean Ambassador Chung Keejong and Benin Ambassador Seydou Baku Bukhari at his Emiri Diwan Office yesterday and presented them with the Sash of Merit in appreciation of their role in strengthening relations between Qatar and their countries. He also wished them success in their future assignments. The ambassa- dors expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Deputy Emir and Qatari officials for cooperation that contributed to facilitating the success of their work in the country. Shortages raise prices of popular fish in March DOHA: Popular Rabeeb and Jesh fish were not available at the Central Market for most days last month so they com- manded high prices. The average retail price of Rabeeb (small) at the market was QR47 a kg in March and it was available on 10 days of the month. Figures released by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce for March show that Jesh fish was also available for limited number of days and its smaller version commanded QR24 per kg. The cheapest fish was Fraish which was sold in retail for QR6 per kg. Faskar was another One of the fish stalls at the Central Market. cheaper variety sold for QR8 per kg. The prices of Hamour aver- aged QR26 in the month while stable in March, said the minis- (QR5.8/kg). As for fruits, the Qatari King Fish was sold for try, citing figures. Tomatoes were bananas from the Philippines QR34 a kg. sold for an average QR2.7 per kg. were available at the market in Safi fish was sold for QR31 a kg, Saudi green peas were the retail for QR5.9 per kg, whereas and Qatari Balul (small), QR32. costliest at QR7.4 per kg on aver- the American apple was sold for Shery was available for QR10 a age. Australian carrots were sold QR6.4. The pineapple from the kg. These were the average prices for QR4.9 a kg, while Saudi car- Philippines was sold for QR5.6 a for the month. The prices of fresh rots for QR2.5. The second most kg. African orange prices averaged vegetables at the market were expensive vegetable was capsicum QR3.2 a kg. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03

Leaders greet Nigeria president Five-year plan to combat drug trafficking, abuse urged DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim DOHA: An apex committee parts. The first part focused on (for five and eight years) to and its contents of clear visions choosing one of the two punish- bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable devoted to fighting drug traf- fighting and draining out sup- big and small farm owners (for and positions towards the differ- ments. Reconciliation shall not be of congratulations to Nigerian ficking and abuse in the country plies and on the demand side, animal breeding, fisheries and ent Arab issues. applied in crimes punishable by President Muhammadu Buhari has called for developing a five- it was stressed that preventive agricultural production) as part The Cabinet took measures mandatory imprisonment. on his election, wishing him suc- year (2016-20) national strategy education and awareness was of Qatar’s plan to ensure food towards the issuance of a draft Reconciliation in such crimes cess and relations between Qatar to combat the menace. needed. The third part related to security. law amending some provisions of and violations shall be made in and Nigeria further progress. The panel has recommended treatment and rehabilitation of Prime Minister and Interior Law No. 8 of 1996 on endowments exchange for the payment of an Deputy Emir H H Sheikh that upgraded methods in line addicts. Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah after the Cabinet took note of an amount equal to a quarter of Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani with latest developments in the The report contained data and bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani Advisory Council recommenda- the maximum limit of the fine’s also sent a cable. Prime Minister arena of fighting the drug menace the number of arrests made of chaired the Cabinet’s weekly tion on that draft law. amount set for the violation and Interior Minister H E Sheikh internationally should be adopted gangs involved in the nefarious session. It approved a draft law on within seven days after the viola- Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa to fight drug abuse and traffick- trade as also consignments seized, At the outset, the Cabinet was the reconciliation law in crimes tion was reported. Reconciliation Al Thani sent a similar cable. ing here. cooperation with international briefed on the outcome of the and violations stipulated in some after the passage of that period The Cabinet yesterday reviewed agencies and awareness drives 26th session of the Arab League municipal laws and decided to shall be made in exchange for the Premier meets an annual report of the Standing launched, among other things. Council in Sharm El Sheikh, refer it to the Advisory Council. payment of half of the maximum Committee on Drugs and Alcohol The Cabinet approved the Egypt, on March 28 and 29 and According to the provisions amount of the fine set for it. No outgoing envoy on the 4th phased plan to imple- grant of right to benefit to those Qatar’s support for all that would of the draft law municipalities reconciliation shall be made with ment the National Anti-Drug entitled to benefit from a farmer push forward the joint Arab and competent departments at the violator before the correc- DOHA: Prime Minister and Strategy, reports Qatar News market scheme (Phase 1) of the action and realize Arab solidar- the Ministry of Municipality and tion and removal of the violating Interior Minister H E Sheikh Agency (QNA). state-owned Qatar Development ity and cooperation among Arab Urban Planning may resort to works, the payment of due fees Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa In the upgraded fight, the Bank (QDB). states for the good of their peoples reconciliation in crimes stipu- and the restoration of the situ- Al Thani yesterday met outgo- importance of family, mosques, The scheme, unveiled in was lauded. lated in the municipal laws before ation to the previous situation ing South Korean Ambassador schools, the media and civil soci- December 2013, envisages allot- The Cabinet praised the speech a final verdict thereon was passed before the perpetration of the Chung Keejong and wish him eties should be stressed to ensure ting plots of land for farming, of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin whenever the crime is punishable crime at the expenses of the vio- success in his future postings. a drug-free society. fish and animal breeding to and Hamad Al Thani gave at the by fine or imprisonment and fine lator, QNA said. QNA The annual report had three providing soft, long-term loans opening session of the summit in case that the text allows for THE PENINSULA Art is about having an open mind, Sheikha Al Mayassa tells forum BY RAYNALD C RIVERA exhibition QM has organised. part in programmes and opportu- Hirst’s Relics expo from October nities offered by QM and its part- DOHA: H E Sheikha Al Mayassa 10, 2013 to January 22, 2014 was ners and other cultural entities in bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al met with mixed reactions from the country. Thani, Chairperson, Qatar audiences for the unconventional “I believe strongly on what you Museums (QM), has stressed the pieces which ‘shock and challenge’ can do in learning within the edu- need to educate society on art for viewers. cational institution. I know you a broader understanding of the “Not many can travel around the have state-of-the-art facilities but world. world and see things. We are try- you learn a lot when you are inter- “Art is about having an open ing to bring key artists and impor- acting with the objects of the time mind,” Sheikha Al Mayassa told tant exhibitions, specifically Hirst. and Museum of Islamic Art collec- over Education City students He revolutionised British art; he tion spans from the sixth century and faculty in the audience at an changed the landscape of British to 15th century sometimes beyond.” interactive panel discussion on modern and contemporary art. We She also encouraged students H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson, QM, attending the panel discussion. ‘Generations for Culture’ she led respect oppositions; if people don’t who wish to engage in art to be pas- yesterday at Georgetown University like an exhibition or don’t like an sionate in whatever they wanted School of Foreign Service in Qatar artist that’s personal choice. But I to pursue. “Be passionate of what (SFS-Q). think we need to educate ourselves you do. We are looking for new “We have to showcase what is about art and its different forms ideas. There is no limitation and I Qatar investing in museums due happening around the world if to understand how the world is encourage you if you are an artist we are to compete with the rest working.” to pursue that difficult career and of the world,” she said, respond- She encouraged university stu- we are here to support you.” to their important role: Official ing to a question on Damien Hirst dents to visit museums and take THE PENINSULA DOHA: Qatar is invest- for quality time with family, muse- Museum: Celebrating the his- ing in museums because ums enrich the lives of individuals, tory and love of sports, Orientalist of their importance in strengthen communities and contrib- Museum: Emphasising the creative supporting the economic, ute to enhance the creativity of the fusion of the East and the West, and educational and diplo- public,” he said. the Children’s Museum to offer a matic aims of a coun- He pointed out museums’ learning experience for children and try and in enhancing importance in nation branding families.” the quality of life of its and strengthening bilateral rela- Both NMoQ and Olympic Museum citizens. tions, social cohesion and conflict are slated to open next year and This was underscored resolution. Orientalist museum is expected to at the ‘Generations of To enhance the museums industry, open by 2018, Al Mahmoud said. Culture’ panel discussion Qatar is investing in many projects “Investing in museums and collec- yesterday at Georgetown which cater to various sectors of tion however is not enough; the other University School of society. half of the investment relies on our Foreign Service in Qatar “We recently opened Fire Station relationship with students. Our goal (SFS-Q). artists in residence, a hub to engage is to inspire the next generation of “The museum industry in creative exchange. Under con- creative audience and producers. It is relatively new in the struction is National Museum is youth that will become our future region and the interest of Qatar: A journey to the past, and carry the growth of this art of the audience is in the present and future of Qatar. Our and culture industry in the years to early stage. However, our plan is Qatar Olympic and Sports come.” THE PENINSULA government has begun to realise the importance of museums,” said Qatar Museum’s (QM)CEO Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud, explaining why there is a need to enhance the museums industry in the region. He highlighted the growth and popularity of museums around the world, growing from 23,000 in 1994 to 55,000 in 2014. “Today, museums are one of the most popular attrac- tions and educational cen- tres of the world. Globally, demand for museums has grown substantially. In the last 20 years the number of museums and attendance has nearly doubled. “Museums have very strong positive impact on the economy. In the US, museums employ over four million people and receive more visitors than sports events and theme parks combined.” Statistics have shown museum visitors in the US number 850 million com- pared to those visitors to sports events and theme parks which is 483 million, he said, adding museums account to 40 percent of world tourism revenues, cultural tourists invest 63 percent more on average than other tourists and museums is among the top three family destinations. “Museums also have shown to improve the qual- ity of life of a society pro- viding unique environment THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Filipinos set up council to provide business support DOHA: A group of Filipino professionals, businessmen, investors and entrepreneurs Mowasalat officials Nasser Al Khanji, Engineer Ali Abdulla Bahzad and Khalid Al Hail. have joined hands and set up a forum to share experiences with the community. The Philippine Business Mowasalat officials elected to UITP Council-Qatar launched to pro- mote financial and business acu- DOHA: Two senior officials of International Bus Committee. Khalid men in the Filipino community Mowasalat have been elected Al Hail, Chief Executive Officer, is expanding its membership to key positions in the UITP Mowasalat recently became a mem- base. (International Association of Public ber in UITP International water- It aims to promote private Transport) MENA and UITP borne transport platform. sector trade and investment International platform at a meet- The UITP represents 1,300 mem- between the Philippines and ing held in Casablanca, Morocco ber companies giving access to over Qatar and provide assistance, last month. 14,000 contacts from the various advice and promotional support Philippine Ambassador Crescente R Relacion speaks at the Philippine Business Council-Qatar’s interactive Nasser Al Khanji, Mowasalat’s fields of local, national and regional to Filipino business community session as council officials look on. executive director for Support inter-city mobility from more than 92 here. Services has been elected UITP countries across all continents. The next meeting of the in its recent interactive session at the event and discuss possible audience”. Various insurance MENA Large Events Vice Chairman Since its inception, the UITP is Council will be on May 8 and was attended by some 120 par- collaborations in future. and other security schemes while Eng. Ali Abdulla Bahzad, direc- considered an expertise and knowl- on agenda is a discussion on how ticipants, including members. In remarks to this newspaper of the Philippine government tor of Mowasalat Taxi & Limousine edge hub and a place to exchange to prepare an effective business Ambassador Crescente R yesterday, Magsino said there are available to such workers, Department has been elected UITP best practices and benchmarks. The plan. Relacion, present as a guest of were an estimated 5,000 Filipino he said. “Our target audience Taxi Vice Chairman of MENA UITP MENA was established with A senior council official said honour, hailed the organisation CPAs (certified public account- mainly comprises professionals.” Board and UITP International taxi the objective of promoting awareness yesterday that future meet- and said entrepreneurial diplo- ants) in Qatar. Magsino is a Asked about Filipino busi- platform. and culture of public transport and ings will focus on varying other macy and development were double CPA (from the US and nessmen in Qatar, he said he Eng. Ahmed Busherbak Al its growth, especially in the MENA issues related to business and one of the major roles of the the Philippines). knew of around 50. “There could Mansoori, Mowasalat’s executive region. Mowasalat is a member of investment. embassy. The strength of the Filipino be more or even less.” Most director for operations had already UITP since 2004. Setting up a business in Qatar The highlight of the session community here is estimated to Filipino businesses here relate been named as a member of the UITP THE PENINSULA and tips on stock trading and was a panel discussion with be 250,000. to food. Besides, there are three personal finance management Chairman of the council, Greg The council, which has some engineering consultancies. and financial management for Loayon, General Manager of 50 members, is expanding its Magsino reacted sharply when non-finance persons will be Zurich Internal Qatar, with membership base. Membership told that the general impression some of the key topics. Bob Lepon, Senior Director of is open to all Filipinos in Qatar, about Filipinos in Qatar was Lyndon Magsino, the coun- an audit firm here and the coun- he said. Those keen can email that they were happy-go-lucky cil’s Vice-President, said funda- cil’s Adviser and Vice-Chairman the Council on info@phbusi- and less savings-oriented. mental and technical analysis Magsino, who is a senior audit nesscouncil.com “Not at all… I don’t know how of stocks and mutual fund and manager with a leading bank in Asked if the council planned you got this wrong impression. insurance investments are also Doha. to create awareness about sav- If you mean they don’t save lined up for future discussions. Richard Ali, the council’s ings and investment among low- locally, that is true, but they The council was formed last Treasurer, said participants income overseas Filipinos such mostly send money home for November under the auspices were really excited to share as maids, Magsino said they investment.” of the Philippine embassy, and various business opportunities were not part of “our target THE PENINSULA

Ras Bu Aboud tunnel to close for eight hours tomorrow DOHA: The Ras Bu lighting, electrical and con- Aboud tunnel on Sharq trol systems of the tunnel, Interchange leading to said Ashghal. Hamad International Motorists who intend to Airport (HIA) will be use the carriageway to go closed tomorrow for eight towards HIA and Al Wakra hours from 3am to 11am, via Ras Bu Aboud tunnel are the Public Works Authority advised to use traffic diver- — Ashghal — said in a sion down Ras Bu Aboud statement yesterday. tunnel to go directly to Sharq The closure is to carry out Interchange and then turn periodic inspection works of left at the traffic lights. infrastructure, ventilation, THE PENINSULA Ooredoo offers Mobile Data Scratch Cards DOHA: Ooredoo’s Go Hala! Ooredoo offers a full family Ooredoo Mobile Data Scratch significant upgrades in recent campaign yesterday focused of Mobile Data Scratch Cards, Cards have become one of the years. The company was the on the convenience and including 250MB of data for most popular Ooredoo serv- first and is currently the only accessibility of Mobile Data just QR20, 1GB of data for only ices, due to their ease of use company in Qatar to offer 4G+ Scratch Cards, which enable QR60, 3GB of data for QR80 and the benefits provided. With services, which can deliver high customers to get a quick data and the 6GB for QR100. no renewal or subscription fees, speeds. boost wherever they are. Customers can simply pur- Mobile Data Cards are valid The company achieved Based on the popularity of chase, scratch, reveal the for 30 days once activated, and nationwide 4G coverage in the Mobile Internet Packs activation code and follow the customers can use more than 2014, in addition to launching range, Ooredoo has launched a instructions on the card to one scratch card during the 4G roaming services so that range of Mobile Data Scratch enjoy their data boost to access 30-day validity period. customers could enjoy the fast- Cards including the 15GB Pack, the Internet, download apps, Ooredoo customers benefit est speeds when they travel which delivers an incredible stream movies and more. from Ooredoo’s bigger, faster abroad. data burst for QR200. Launched in 2013, the network, which has seen THE PENINSULA Turkish Airlines adds four more flights to Doha DOHA: Turkish Airlines has announced the addition of four new flights to its regular weekly schedule to and from Doha starting from March 30 until October 25. The additional weekly flights will be operated from the carrier’s hub in Istanbul during the peak summer season, bring- ing the total number of weekly flights to 14. Mehmed Kursad Caymaz, General Manager, Turkish Airlines, Qatar, said: “Our increased dou- ble-daily flights to Doha will cater to growing cus- tomer demand for global connections, especially over the summer when travellers like to explore new destinations.” The additional flights will leave Doha at 02:15am and 05:45am. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Survey to analyse residents’ Qatar Airways unveils April movie premieres tourism activities soon DOHA: Qatar Airways yes- passengers a consistent experi- terday announced its lat- ence and look and feel when- DOHA: A Domestic Tourism policymakers in setting the path est TV and movie premieres ever they fly, no matter which Survey will begin soon to forward for the nation’s upcoming for the month of April while aircraft they travel on. understand and analyse tour- era of advancement,” he added. also unveiling an entirely This enhancement in the ism activities of Qatar’s resi- “Within the context of our refreshed “look and feel” for user experience builds upon the dents within the country and efforts to boost cooperation with its on-board entertainment fact that the five-star airline is their travels abroad. stakeholders from the public and system. also increasing its number of Qatar University’s Social and private sectors, we signed the Movies that will premiere movies and TV shows on board Economic Survey Research MoU which will allow us to gather on board in April include The from 950 to up to 2,000, provid- Institute (QU-SESRI) and Qatar information that will help define Hobbit 3, Selma and Turner, ing its passengers with a doubly Tourism Authority (QTA) yes- the impact of domestic tourism on while simultaneously new fam- enhanced service. terday signed a memorandum the overall tourism economy and ily movies will include Flight of Passengers flying on Qatar of understanding to conduct the help determine residents’ prefer- The Navigator and Pacific Rim. Airways flights served by its survey. ences,” Al Ibrahim said. A collection of 10 Meryl Streep B787, A350, A380, A319 and The survey is being developed “Such surveys and studies are a classics including, Mamma Mia, select A330 aircraft can also collaboratively by SESRI and very powerful tool, allowing us to The Devil Wears Prada and The stay in touch with their friends QTA experts and will be con- better plan, regulate and develop Bridges of Madison County, will and family around the world by ducted each quarter starting this a sustainable tourism sector in also launch in April and will be using the five-star airline’s on- June. Qatar.” available on board until the end board Wi-Fi and GSM service. It will feed into Qatar’s Tourism He said Qatar’s tourism sector of July. Additions to the programme Satellite Account (TSA), a sys- will benefit considerably from the A wide selection of new of entertainment include tem for establishing the economic survey as it will help QTA under- Arabic and Bollywood mov- the latest season of Downton impact of tourism on a country’s stand domestic tourism behav- ies including Royal Love, The Abbey, Gotham, The Big Bang economy. Officials sign the memorandum of understanding. iour, assess experience and level Sleeper, Bang Bang and Action Theory and The Missing, all of The 2013 draft TSA estimated of satisfaction with the offered Jackson will also all premiere which expand upon the exist- domestic tourism spending at will include Qataris and profes- Dr Al Emadi said: “Drawing products and services and find the on board in April. ing popular library of content QR9.3bn that directly benefits sional expatriates living in Qatar inspiration from Qatar National best means to vitalise and develop The new design of the inflight on board Qatar Airways, which Qatar’s economy, and the survey for at least six months. Vision 2030, Qatar is moving into domestic tourism activities. entertainment system will bring includes full box sets of movies will help refine estimates and SESRI Director and QU a new direction of promoting the “The survey’s outcomes will be it into line with Qatar Airways’ such as the Harry Potter series; fill data gaps such as propor- Associate Vice-President for tourism sector as a key driver a real support to the continued corporate style by incorporating The Lord of the Rings tril- tion of hotel revenue that can be Research, Dr Darwish Al Emadi, of socio-economic growth in the development of TSA, which is the airline’s familiar burgundy ogy; The Dark Knight trilogy; attributed to domestic/resident will oversee the project from QU’s country. the only satellite account system colour. the X-Men series; the Matrix spending. side while QTA Chief Tourism “We are grateful to contribute approved by the United Nations Over the coming months, series; the Aliens titles and all SESRI will conduct the survey Development Officer, Hassan Al to QTA’s efforts in finding oppor- Statistical Commission,” he this new design will be imple- the Twilight movies. through mobile telephone sam- Ibrahim, will oversee the QTA tunities and identifying concerns added. mented across the fleet giving THE PENINSULA pling and targeted respondents side. and obstacles that will help THE PENINSULA Ooredoo’s women’s GOAL Sports Tournament a success DOHA: Ooredoo yester- Ooredoo employees. the Women’s Tournament. “This is the first time I have women’s GOAL tournament “This event encourages day congratulated Ooredoo In total, 105 female players In the closing ceremony, attended a women’s sports event as we believed that our female healthy living and exercise for employees who took part in the from across the company took medals were presented to the organised by a company, rather employees should also get the the whole family, and has been 2015 edition of the Women’s part in activities such as volley- winners by Ahlam Salem M than sporting organisation. chance to represent their a significant success in 2015,” GOAL Sports Tournament, ball, shooting, table-tennis and Al Mana, President of Qatar “Ooredoo is to be congratu- departments in the event and said Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari, which saw a record-breaking table-football. Woman’s Sport Committee lated for taking a proactive have some fun. Director, Community & Public number of female employees The company organised a (QWSC) and Sheikh Nasser approach to employees’ health “All of the women who took Relations, Ooredoo. participate. dedicated children’s zone, which bin Hamad bin Nasser Al and fitness,” said Ahlam Salem part in the event were amazing, The tournament took place at Women’s GOAL Tournament saw more than 130 children take Thani, Chairman of the Goal M Al-Mana. and we couldn’t wish for a better Qatar Sports Club. is a team-building exercise for part in sporting activity during Committee. “We launched the turnout. THE PENINSULA New Philippine envoy to arrive this month

DOHA: New Philippine Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Ambassador to Qaar Wilfredo Turkey, Austria, Qatar and Korea. C Santos (pictured) is expected Santos is a recipient of Order to arrive later this month. of Lakandula, a political and civic Santos is a career diplomat merit which is one of the highest with the rank of Chief of Mission, honours given by the Philippines. Class II in the Department of The sixth Ambassador Foreign Affairs, according to the Extraordinary and profile circulated by Alliance of Plenipotentiary to Qatar replaces Filipino Journalists in Qatar. Crescente R Relacion who com- Prior to joining Foreign pleted his tenure as Chief of Service, he worked as a profes- Mission last month. sional journalist. With 22 years’ Recently, Emir H H Sheikh experience in Foreign Service, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Santos has served as Deputy secretaries — Blas Ople, Delia awarded Relacion the Sash of Consul General in San Francisco, Domingo Albert and Alberto G Merit during the latter’s farewell Second Secretary and Consul in Romulo. call at the Emiri Diwan in recog- Singapore and Third Secretary He has led Philippine delega- nition of his meritorious service. and Vice Consul in Kuwait. tions to international meetings This was the first time a Sash of He has the distinction of having and conferences in countries, Merit was given to a Philippine worked for three Foreign Affairs including China, Indonesia, envoy. THE PENINSULA Mediterranean and Asean Food Festival begins at Lulu

The Director of Lulu Group International, Mohamed Althaf, with Malaysian Ambassador, Ahmad Jazri Mohd Johar, and other diplomats from Mediterranean and Asean countries cut a cake to open the Mediterranean and Asean Food Festival at Lulu Hypermarket in Barwa City. SALIM MATRAMKOT

DOHA: Lulu Hypermarkets Asean countries, in the presence Asean Festival is organised to have again set the stage to of dignitaries and senior execu- celebrate the culinary heritage of explore major food and food tives from the retail industry and the East, accelerate imports of habits of the world together other walks of life. agricultural produce from Asean through innovative events — The festival aims to highlight countries to the Middle East. Mediterranean and Asean Food Mediterranean and Asean food The Association of South East Festival. and food products and make them Nations (Asean) comprises Brunei Hosted by Lulu Hypermarket popular in the local community. Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Group in line with its ongoing The Group has been organis- Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Food Fiesta 2015, the event was ing Food Fiesta for last 13 years Philippines, Singapore, Thailand inaugurated yesterday at newly which culminates in a cookery and Vietnam. The festival con- opened hypermarket in Barwa contest. This year the contest tinues for a week, with display City by diplomats from embassies will be held on Saturday at Lulu country-wise products. representing Mediterranean and Hypermarket, Barwa City. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 06 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Al Khor Hospital holds first nursing grand round NU-Q, DFI to conduct study DOHA: Al Khor Hospital’s (AKH) Nursing Service held its first nursing grand round to provide a platform for medi- on Mideast media industry cal and nursing professionals from across Hamad Medical DOHA: Northwestern compile reliable and useful data Corporation (HMC) to exchange University in Qatar (NU-Q) and about media consumption and cul- knowledge and expertise. the Doha Film Institute (DFI) tural attitudes in the region.” During the session, attended will conduct a collaborative study In 2014, NU-Q and the Doha by over 300 participants, nursing on the media industry in the Film Institute conducted the survey leaders from AKH highlighted Middle East. project “Entertainment Media Use their nursing services and man- The study is the first initiative in the Middle East,” that involved agement procedures for normal under a newly-agreed alliance that 6,000 face-to-face interviews in six and complex cases. will foster joint research projects, nations. The two organisations pre- Dr Faiza Yousef Bahnas (pic- event collaboration, workshops, sented a special session of NU-Q’s ture), Assistant Executive film screenings and master classes, Qatar Media Industries Forum Director of Nursing, AKH, said, pulmonary embolism, a condition internship and training opportuni- (QMIF) panel discussion during “This is the first time AKH has in which one of the pulmonary ties as well as panel and conference Qumra, the DFI’s new industry led a session like this and we arteries in the lung is blocked, its programmes. event dedicated to the development are delighted to have shared our major symptoms and best prac- The study aims to produce both of emerging filmmakers. achievements with our colleagues tices to treat it. This was followed new information and insights The study will follow the across HMC. We used this oppor- by another lecture on anticoagu- made readily available to indus- same collaborative model as the tunity to share information about lants (medications that prevent try professionals, academics and ‘Entertainment Media Use in the a complicated gynaecological case blood-clotting), showing types a general readership in late 2015. Officials at the event. Middle East.’ NU-Q will lead the that was successfully dealt with of medications, the appropriate Collaboration on the study design process by reviewing existing lit- by our highly-skilled nursing doses and possible side effects. will begin this month and likely NU-Q has been building a body of DFI CEO Fatma Al Remaihi erature and available information, team. The nursing staff at the An entertaining physical activ- address scarcity of publicly avail- research that takes a keen look said: “By drawing on the combined gathering input and specific areas hospital is dedicated to provid- ity was also held, including some able data on subjects such as at media and entertainment con- strengths of the DFI and NU-Q, of interest from DFI, its own fac- ing the best possible care to our exercises advisable for people who ownership structures, emerging sumption in the region. This new we expect the results of the joint ulty, and other experts, and then patients and have demonstrated perform jobs that need prolonged production and distribution mod- collaboration with the DFI is an media study to make a valuable collaborating with the Institute on this commitment through effec- seating to prevent thrombosis, els, and the role of government sub- opportunity to look at the other contribution to understanding determining the scope and specific tive management of patients’ which is the formation of a blood sidy and legal constraints. side of the equation: the organisa- content creation, production and areas of inquiry. Results of the conditions and taking necessary clot in a part of the circulatory “Media and communication in tions and businesses that produce distribution in the Middle East. study will be released and made actions to prevent complications.” system. the Middle East is an area that is content,” said NU-Q Dean and This is an organic extension of our publicly available late this year. The event featured a lecture on THE PENINSULA ripe for insightful, in-depth study. CEO Everette E Dennis. earlier joint survey, which helped THE PENINSULA

Qatar mourns Turkey Our homes are full of HMC hospital bed figures ‘disappointing’ Continued from page 1 because they are waiting for a hospitals. “ The number of hos- Prosecutor “They must reconsider the plan long time for surgeries. The num- pital beds must be doubled now dust, say residents and the number of beds should bers (announced now) are good not later. How could they come DOHA: Qatar expressed be raised to 15,000 by 2030,” he for the coming five years. If the out with such disappointing fig- condolences and sympathy added. population continues to increases ures? This data may be based on to the Turkish govern- Continued from page 1 Airing similar sentiments, by the current ratio, the country old information. We may need ment and people on the Many people called up this newspaper saying their homes were full of Hamad Lahdan Al Mohannadi will need more than 15,000 hospi- 10,000 to 15000 hospital beds only death of Public Prosecutor dust. “This is the first time we are witnessing a sandstorm of such intensity. said that people are already suf- tal beds by 2030,” he said. for emergency cases during the Mehmet Selim Kiraz There is dust all over our home,” said the expatriate. fering, with a current population Mohd Saleh Al Khayarin, CMC World Cup. They have to make a who died of wounds after The weather bureau had issued warnings of the sandstorm but failed to of 2.3 million. member representing the Al new assessment in collaboration being held as hostage by highlight its intensity. “ There is a severe shortage Nasiriyah constituency said peo- with the authorities concerned,” gunmen. Al Mannai said northwesterly wind was moving at speeds from 65km to of (hospital beds). This is the ple have been continuously ask- said Al Khayarin. In a statement yester- 70km an hour. main complaint of the people ing for expansion of the existing THE PENINSULA day, the Foreign Ministry Ahmed Al Ishaq, from the Civil Aviation Authority, said an incoming flight expressed Qatar’s sympa- was diverted from Hamad International Airport (HIA) to a neighbouring city. thy and solidarity with the He said the neighbouring countries were also affected by the sandstorm so Turkish government and “we had to manage and ensure that all incoming flights landed safely” at HIA. people and with the family He didn’t give details of the lone flight that was diverted immediately of the deceased, who was after the sandstorm hit Qatar. Move to boost tourism sector: Official the victim of the criminal Al Mannai said the seas were rough and in some places the waves were act. rising up to 12 to 14 feet. Continued from page 1 aspects which will help to raise the sector’s contri- The ministry also There were rumours that government will also remain closed today but The jurisdiction of these officials includes spotting bution to the country’s economy (GDP). expressed strong disap- until the time of going to the press there was no confirmation. violations, pinpointing and gathering the evidence QTA said it adheres to the norms of UNWTO (the proval of such actions which The weather bureau, in a bulletin released at 12.38am, warned that due to needed for investigation and trial. World Tourism Organization, a UN agency) Global contradict humanitarian the sandstorm visibility in Qatar could turn to zero. The bureau said wind “The decision will be a real push for the efforts Code of Ethics for Tourism. values and principles and speed was up to 60km an hour. aimed at promoting the tourism sector,” said Al Many hotels and tourist facilities here signed the aim to destabilise security Sandstorms are an environmental problem in the GCC and cause damages Ibrahim. Code last year which stresses the importance for and terrorise innocent peo- that in terms of money sometimes are worth billions of dollars. The move is part of QTA’s efforts to develop the hotels and tourist establishments across the world ple. QNA THE PENINSULA tourism sector’s human resources and economic to observe global standards. THE PENINSULA Ooredoo Official Telecom Partner for Soccerex forum

DOHA: Ooredoo has been network and trade. support the company will named Official Telecom An agreement was provide. Partner for the Soccerex signed at Ooredoo’s head- Ooredoo will be at the Global Convention 2015 quarters in West Bay by UK-based event alongside to be held at Manchester Waleed Al Sayed, Chief the Supreme Committee Central Convention Operating Officer, Ooredoo for Delivery & Legacy and Complex in September. Qatar, and Duncan Revie, work with it to showcase Soccerex is the world’s Chief Executive Officer, Qatar’s support for football largest football business Soccerex. It confirms and readiness to host the event that brings together Ooredoo’s sponsorship 2022 FIFA World Cup. Officials at the event. global leaders to debate, of the event and outlines “Ooredoo supports the vision of the committee in ‘delivering amazing’ for the people of Qatar and the global community of soccer fans. We will dem- onstrate that Qatar is becoming the ideal venue for major sporting events, with a nationwide network of smart stadiums being developed,” said Al Sayed. “We are delighted to have Ooredoo on board as partners for the conven- tion. With the proposed development ahead of 2022, Qatar is one of the most relevant and talked about markets in football today. Partnering with Qatar’s leading telecoms organisation is the per- fect fit for Soccerex and we look forward to work- ing with Ooredoo to help them achieve their aims in football,” said Revie. Soccerex 2015 will start with a Football Festival on September 6 and 7 and the conference will begin on September 8. A glo- bal exhibition and a pro- gramme of networking and social events complete the schedule. THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Dozens dead as dairy plant bombed in Yemen Houthi fighters in tanks reach central Aden SANA’A: Dozens of civilians the factory was hit by an air raids that also targeted the capi- were reported dead yesterday strike or rebel shelling. tal and other areas. after a dairy plant was bombed The head of the provincial The Aden strikes were focused in Yemen, as aid groups warned health authorities, Abdulrahman on the rebel-held provincial of a brewing humanitarian cri- Jarallah, gave a toll of 35 people administration complex in Dar sis from Saudi-led strikes on killed and dozens wounded. Saad in the city’s north, accord- Shia rebels. Part of the factory was ing to a military official. Yemeni Foreign Minister destroyed and rescue teams were He said there were “many dead Riyadh Yassin called for the coali- looking for survivors under the and wounded” among the Huthi tion to send ground troops, saying rubble, according to a medic at Shia rebels but was unable to give that “at some stage air strikes will a Hodeida hospital that received a precise toll. be ineffective”. the casualties. The coalition has vowed to keep Rights groups have voiced The circumstances of the targeting the Houthis and allied growing alarm about civilian bombing were unclear, with some army units loyal to Saleh until casualties from the nearly week- witnesses saying the dairy was hit they end their insurrection. old air war aimed at preventing by a coalition air strike and oth- Egyptian President Abdel the fall of President Abdrabuh ers blaming rebel forces loyal to Fattah Al Sisi urged the rebels Mansur Hadi. former president Ali Abdullah to “back off” for the sake of their At least 37 workers were killed Saleh. country. “The stability of Yemen and 80 wounded overnight at the The Saudi-led coalition bom- and the safety of its people hangs dairy in the port city of Hodeida, barded rebel positions early yes- from your necks,” Sisi said in a provincial governor Hasan Al Hai terday in Yemen’s main southern televised speech to military and said, without specifying whether city Aden in a seventh night of police officers. Iran is accused of backing the rebels but Tehran denies provid- ing military support. Armed Houthi members raise their guns during a rally protesting the air strikes carried out by a Saudi-led coalition, Iran asks UN to press for Overnight strikes targeted in Sana’a, Yemen, yesterday. rebel positions including camps of army units loyal to Saleh in the wounded, the UN human rights intervention” in Yemen but the President Abdrabuh Mansur end to Yemen strikes north of Aden, around Sana’a and office said. need might arise “at any time”. Hadi, witnesses said. KUWAIT: Iran’s deputy foreign minister has asked United in the central region of Ibb, resi- “We have reports that the hos- A Western diplomatic source The Houthis’ military push into Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to do everything pos- dents said. pitals are really full of dead and said a land offensive would be the Khor Maksar district hap- sible to immediately halt Saudi-led air strikes in Yemen, state Six civilians were killed in an injured people,” spokeswoman “very, very complicated and diffi- pened despite a week of Saudi-led news agency Irna reported. air raid targeting Maydi in the Cecile Pouilly said. “We have cult”, partly because it would have air strikes as well as bombard- “The military path in Yemen is doomed to failure. National dia- northwest province of Hajjah, heard about lots of dead bodies.” to pass mountainous terrain in ment from naval vessels off the logue without external meddling is the only political solution,” according to medical sources. UN High Commissioner for the country’s north, with which coast of Aden aimed at reversing Hossein Amir Abdollahian was quoted as saying. Abdollahian and And several Huthi positions Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al the Houthi rebels are highly relentless Houthi gains on the Ban spoke on the sidelines of an international conference in Kuwait were targeted in the northern Hussein warned that Yemen familiar. battlefield. aimed at addressing the humanitarian crisis in Syria, Irna reported. rebel strongholds of Hajjah and “seems to be on the verge of total The source ruled out a sea- The Shia Muslim fighters and Saudi Arabia launched air strikes a week ago against Shi’ite Saada. collapse”. borne landing because the coali- their ally, former president Ali Houthi fighters who control the Yemeni capital Sana’a and are bat- After entering the capital in Yassin, the foreign minister, tion lacks amphibious forces. Abdullah Saleh, emerged as the tling to take the southern port city of Aden — the last stronghold September, the Houthis and their said sending ground troops would But Yassin said troops could dominant force in Yemen after of supporters of Saudi-backed President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi. allies gradually conquered areas cause “less civilian casualties” but come in from the south, around they took over the capital six Riyadh says Iran has provided military support to the Houthis, in the centre, west and south of added that the main reason he the port city of Aden, which would months ago. a charge Tehran denies. The Islamic Republic and Saudi Arabia Yemen before bearing down on was proposing a land operation be relatively easy to secure and Aden residents saw large groups also support rival forces in the four-year civil war in Syria and in Aden last month, prompting Hadi was to enable aid deliveries. could become a safe haven for of fighters carrying rocket pro- neighbouring Lebanon. Iran says Saudi Arabia’s intervention in its to flee to Saudi Arabia. “I am suggesting to start as humanitarian operations. pelled grenades accompanied by southern neighbour is a strategic mistake. The embattled president had soon as possible,” he said in Houthi fighters and their army tanks and trucks mounted with “We cannot allow the flames of war to be fanned and the taken refuge in Aden in February Riyadh. On Tuesday, the Saudi-led allies advanced in a column of machine guns in Khor Maksar, shared security of the region to be jeopardised by further strikes,” after escaping house arrest in the coalition’s spokesman, Brigadier tanks yesterday into a central dis- which lies on narrow neck of land Abdollahian told Ban, according to Irna. AFP capital. Since Friday at least 93 General Ahmed Assiri, said that trict of the southern city of Aden, linking central Aden with the civilians have been killed and 364 “so far there is no need for land the main foothold of loyalists of mainland. AGENCIES

Air strikes Female bomber killed in hit airport in Libyan town clash at Istanbul police HQ ISTANBUL: Turkish security killed in the clash. The other assailant TRIPOLI: An unidentified forces yesterday shot dead a female fled and was injured and one policeman warplane carried out air strikes assailant armed with bombs and was lightly injured,” he added. on the airport in Zintan, a town a gun after she and an accomplice Television images showed the body in western Libya allied with the sought to attack the police head- of the female attacker sprawled on the internationally recognised gov- quarters in Istanbul, reports said. tarmac on the road outside the police ernment, and gunmen killed The male accomplice was injured but station in the Fatih district of central three guards at a checkpoint in fled the scene of the clash, which came Istanbul after being shot dead. a rival city, officials said. a day after a top prosecutor was killed Terrified passers-by crouched No one claimed responsibility in a hostage drama, Istanbul governor behind fences to avoid being caught in for the strike, which slightly dam- Vasip Sahin was quoted as saying by the crossfire. aged a passenger terminal, but a Turkish media. Turkish television said that the military source in Prime Minister One policeman was also lightly attacker was carrying two bombs Abdullah Al Thinni’s government wounded in yesterday’s attack. which were then made safe by disposal blamed Libya Dawn. The male assailant, who fled after teams in controlled explosions. The armed group seized the also being wounded by police in the Istanbul is on a high security alert capital Tripoli last summer after Turkey’s Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu (second right) and former president Abdullah Gul attend the shooting, was then arrested. “An armed after the hostage-taking, claimed by weeks of factional fighting and funeral ceremony of prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz at the courtyard of Eyup Sultan mosque in Istanbul attack targeted our police department leftist militants, resulted in the death set up a rival administration to yesterday. Kiraz died from his wounds after security forces stormed the office where members of a far- in Istanbul,” Sahin said. “A female of prosecutor Mehmet Selim Kiraz. Thinni’s. The military source left Turkish group took him hostage on Tuesday, killing his two captors. terrorist, with bombs and a gun, was AFP said Libya Dawn forces also hit the town of Rujban, again without causing casualties. “A warplane attacked Zintan Palestinian official tasked airport this morning with seven explosives, one of which went off next to the passenger terminal with Gaza rebuilding quits and damaged the front of the RAMALLAH: The Palestinian official tasked with the recon- building, and there are no casu- struction of the Gaza Strip following a devastating 50-day war with alties,” Zintan airport spokesman Israel has resigned, following criticism of the pace of work. Omar Matooq said. Economy Minister Mohammed Mustafa, who is also deputy prime Separately, military officials minister for the national unity government between Islamist Hamas said three fighters were killed by and President Mahmoud Abbas’s Fatah movement, did not give a unknown gunmen at a checkpoint reason for his resignation. outside Misrata, a city used as a Mustafa headed a committee responsible for the reconstruction of base for Libya Dawn forces. the Gaza Strip following the Hamas-Israel war in July and August that Fighting in Libya has continued killed 2,200 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and left thousands homeless. even as the United Nations holds The war left 73 dead on the Israeli side, mostly soldiers. negotiations between the two rival Mustafa faced a torrent of criticism in recent months for the slow factions to try to form a unity pace of reconstruction in Gaza. government, establish a ceasefire He repeatedly denounced international donors for failing to deliver and put Libya’s transition back on a pledged $5bn (¤4.6bn) for reconstruction efforts, with only a few track nearly four years after the hundred million dollars reaching the Palestinians. fall of leader Muammar Gaddafi. Meanwhile, Israel denounced as hypocritical yesterday the Palestinian Since Libya Dawn reinstated the decision to join the International Criminal Court in order to seek to old parliament and set up its own prosecute officials from the Jewish state. government, armed factions have “The Palestinian decision to join the ICC to initiate judicial proceed- carried out tit-for-tat air strikes for ings against Israel is political, cynical and hypocritical,” the foreign weeks on infrastructure and oil facil- ministry said. ities, the main source of income in Palestine formally joined the ICC yesterday in a closed-door cer- the North African OPEC producer. emony at the court’s headquarters in The Hague. Oil production is currently “The government of the Palestinian Authority, which is associated 564,000 barrels per day, because with the deadly terrorist Hamas committing war crimes... is the last fighting has closed some ports and to be able to threaten legal action” before the court, a statement said. fields, compared to 1.6 million bpd Unilateral Palestinian actions such as joining the ICC are “violations produced before the anti-Gaddafi of the principles established between the two parties with the support uprising. of the international community to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian con- REUTERS flict,” it added. AFP THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 08 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Editorial Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Fresh start for Nigeria

IGERIANS have shown the door to their president Putin seizes on Armenia row Goodluck Jonathan, and it doesn’t come as a surprise. Jonathan’s stint in office saw a surge Nin the power of Boko Haram and the Nigerian to buttress Iron Curtain leader’s image took a severe beating when more than 200 girls of a school in the northeast were kidnapped, and are BY SELCAN HACAOGLU and Union has not materialised. Armenia’s Armenia last year, it said. An air link yet to be found. The election in the most populous African SARA KHOJOYAN foreign trade declined 28 percent in between the countries is operating. state is a watershed and shows a strengthening of democratic February, according to the state sta- Tensions between the countries date institutions. It brings to power former military commander URKEY’S closed border with tistics service. Remittances sent home back to the breakup of the Ottoman General Muhammadu Buhari. Armenia is a final remnant of from Armenians working in Russia have empire during World War I, when the Since independence from British rule in 1960, it is the first the Iron Curtain. It may also declined more than 10 percent on a year Turkish authorities’ decision to expel be the first building block of a earlier to about $1.5bn. Armenians from their homes led to time an opposition candidate in Nigeria has won a presidential T new cold war border taking shape across The Turkish-Armenian border was mass killings. Armenia says 1.5 million election. An elated Buhari, who ruled the West African state former Soviet satellites. a former front line between NATO and died in actions that amounted to geno- from 1984 to 1985 after a military coup in 1983, has hailed the Russian President Vladimir Putin will the Soviet Union. Putin’s determina- cide, a charge Turkey rejects. victory of his All Progressive Congress. The opposition group arrive in Yerevan in April to mark the tion to keep Western influence out of The unresolved conflict in Nagorno- polled 15.4 million votes against the ruling People’s Democratic 100th anniversary of Armenian massa- what he considers Russia’s backyard in Karabakh led Azerbaijan to broker a cres during World War I, his spokesman the Caucasus was a factor in tensions $10bn deal with Turkey and Georgia for Party’s 13.3 million. said Monday. He will also be asserting that led to war with Georgia over South the Trans Caucasus Anatolian gas pipe- The relatively low victory margin is perhaps a result of Russia’s dominant position in a country Ossetia and Abkhazia in 2008. line to Europe — even though a much voting along ethnic lines. Support for Jonathan is based in that was wooed by the West yet chose to Apart from a brief period after the shorter route would cross Armenia. the south, while the largely Muslim north voted for Buhari’s join the Eurasian Economic Union, the Soviet collapse, Turkey has kept its Turkey is also building a new highway group. Jonathan’s performance as a president left much to Kremlin’s rival to the European Union. Armenian border closed since April and rail-link to Azerbaijan that bypass be desired. Besides corruption and poverty, Nigeria is dealing Armenia’s decision in January was a 3, 1993, as a gesture of support for the country. victory for Putin after losing sway in Azerbaijan in its conflict with Armenia “We have no hostility toward anyone, with an Islamist insurgency that has virtually taken over Georgia, which signed an association over the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. but it is our duty to defend the rights of many parts of the oil-rich country’s northeast. agreement with The dispute has left Armenians with our brothers and ask the price of their The kidnap of the girl students became Jonathan’s bane the EU in 2013, access to the outside world only through blood and suffering,” Turkish President as his administration’s initial and war-torn Iran to the south and Georgia in the Recep Tayyip Erdogan said March 17 in approach to the incident was Ukraine. Yet the north. Russia is the country’s largest Kars, in reference to Azerbaijan, with Buhari’s lackadaisical. ‘Bring back our girls’ Tensions between deal runs the risk single trading partner, with total trade which Turkey shares linguistic and cul- of further isola- of ¤1.27bn ($1.36bn) in 2013, accord- tural affinities. victory over became an international movement the countries tion for Armenia ing to a European Commission report, Armenia took over Nagorno- after the incident grabbed global under Russia’s although the EU as a whole is its largest Karabakh, a mountainous enclave made Goodluck headlines. date back to protectorship, market. up of mostly ethnic Armenians, from Jonathan The Nigerian leader was the breakup of according to A 2013 energy deal handed the Azerbaijan in a war after the Soviet criticised when in power but is Alev Kilic, head Armenian government’s 20 percent Union’s collapse in 1991. About 30,000 of the Ankara- stake in ArmRusGazProm, the coun- people died and 1.2 million were dis- being praised for allowing free the Ottoman will likely based Center for try’s main gas supplier, to Russia’s placed before Russia brokered a cease- and fair elections amid a raging empire during Eurasian Studies. Gazprom, which already owned the fire in 1994. Armenia has a mutual lead to better insurgency that has hit the “While remaining 80 percent, in return for a defence pact with Russia that ensures governance in morale of security forces. Even World War I, Ukraine turned reduction in prices. Two of the three the presence of a 4,000-strong Russian Buhari congratulated Jonathan when the Turkish its face toward mobile phone companies serving military base in Gyumri until 2044. the country. for peacefully relinquishing power, the West at the Armenia are Russian-owned, Gazprom Relations between Turkey and authorities’ risk of civil war, controls the country’s gas pipelines, Armenia hit a new low as the centenary saying that he proved to be a Armenia without Russian Railways its rail tracks, and of the Armenian massacres approaches worthy opponent. decision to expel any power was Inter Rao UES owns 100 percent of this April. Erdogan turned down an The 72-year-old leader’s victory comes as a shot in the arm forced to bow to Armenia’s electrical grid. While joining invitation from Armenian President for democracy not only in Nigeria but also in Africa, which has Armenians from Putin,” Kilic said. the economic bloc reflects Armenia’s Serzh Sargsyan to attend commemora- seen military dictators usurping power and floundering elected their homes led to The closed bor- dependency on Russia, it may dim pros- tions in Yerevan and moved a ceremony governments struggling to come to terms with weak state ders with Turkey pects of resolving the country’s long- marking the 1915 Gallipoli battle to the mass killings. and nearby standing disputes with Turkey and same day. institutions. Azerbaijan mean Azerbaijan. Putin was invited to both events but It is natural that expectations from the new leader will be that without Chances of opening Turkey’s border chose to travel to Armenia. high. Buhari, who will hit the ground running,is seen to be a Russian support, “life in Armenia would with Armenia are “worse than they were “It serves Russia’s interests to disciplinarian. After he takes over in May, the international come to a standstill.” in 2010,” when a brief thaw between the see Armenia’s border closed,” Tevan community will closely watch the politics of the Opec nation. As part of the Eurasian Economic countries led to discussions about re- Poghosyan, a member of the opposition Union, Armenia has entered into a establishing diplomatic ties, according Heritage party in the Armenian parlia- The new government’s first task would be taking on Boko free trade zone with other members to Tom de Waal, senior associate at the ment, said by phone. Armenia’s entry Haram that seems to be getting stronger with every massacre while agreeing to a common customs Carnegie Endowment for International into the Eurasian Union was linked to it perpetrates. Buhari yesterday vowed to squash the Islamist regime that’s seen its duties to rise in Peace in Washington. the standoff between Russia and the insurgency in comments seen to reflect the power of the state line with Russia’s. With the Russian Turkey’s imports from Armenia fell West because “Russia wants to show he is going to lead. The general has been given a mandate by economy struggling amid low oil prices to $1.5m in 2014 from $2.6m in 2010, that the EU’s Eastern Partnership pro- the people to lead a nation riven by militancy and corruption. and sanctions, the expected stimulus according to Turkey’s state statistics gramme failed,” he said. from joining the Eurasian Economic institute. Turkey exported no goods to WP-BLOOMBERG He should not give them a reason to believe he cannot. The other side Quote of Full steam ahead on climate strategy the day RESIDENT Barack Obama’s from the carbon-heavy electricity sec- matters came in November, when commitment represents a more realis- climate plan is no longer just tor, an effort that will contribute to the the emerging US carbon dioxide plan tic approach to climate diplomacy than at the center of a domestic closure of old coal-fired power plants helped persuade China — the world’s past efforts. Instead of attempting to Pdebate about coal country the country should have retired years largest greenhouse-gas emitter but impose emissions cuts via a legally and the Environmental Protection ago. The plan also calls for efficiency traditionally a reluctant partner in anti- binding treaty, the United Nations is Agency. On Tuesday, the Obama improvements in commercial build- emissions efforts — to commit to an asking governments to submit volun- I assure you that administration made the president’s ings and appliances, vehicles that ambitious greenhouse-gas control tary commitments based on assess- Boko Haram will soon greenhouse-gas emissions strategy burn less fuel, the phaseout of harmful plan of its own. Critics who insisted ments of their own circumstances. an official international commitment, refrigerants and a reduction of meth- that American effort wouldn’t do any Climate negotiators will collect and know the strength of staking the good faith and reputation ane leaks from natural gas operations. good because no one would follow certify these national submissions at a our collective will and of the United States on its fulfillment. Administration officials say the plan can were proved wrong. Mexico since has conference in Paris this year. It’s an important step that should prod be implemented under existing law — submitted a serious emissions commit- Such commitments aren’t as cer- commitment to rid other nations to follow suit. and will be before Obama leaves office. ment, as well. The major nations of the tain as treaty obligations. In the United The components of Obama’s plan They say it can achieve an economy- world must respond to scientists’ warn- States, for example, a Republican this nation of terror were largely known before Tuesday. wide emissions cut of 26 percent to 28 ings, and US leadership is a necessary president could all too easily curb or and bring back peace. The EPA will demand a 30 percent percent by 2025. prerequisite. cancel the US commitment. Muhammadu Buhari cut in greenhouse emissions by 2030 Proof that this sort of US leadership The Obama administration’s The Washington Post Nigerian President-elect THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 ARAB VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09 Riyadh’s actions signal a new Saudi era

According to a study, Saudi The Kingdom, with its new vitality and Arabia ranks third regionally in terms of its strategic capabilities. dynamism, is capable of creating a This should qualify it for strategi- cally leading the region. regional council that will include Saudi According to strategy reports issued by global organisations, Saudi Arabia is one of the stra- Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan and Egypt to tegically influential countries in the world along with America, achieve strategic balance and stability, China, the European Union, Japan, Russia and Turkey. develop the region, and forge new Saudi Arabia can mobilise a unified Sunni coalition from relations with Iran and other states. the Gulf to the ocean. Also, the Kingdom’s strong ties with bring about changes in the region. Pakistan, a Sunni nuclear state, The strategic developments of provide a counterweight to the the past four years were negative Iranian nuclear programme. for the Arab world in general and In addition to its new alli- the Gulf states in particular. The ance with Turkey, the Kingdom Gulf and Arab states witnessed can use its economic power and fragmentation and things reached political clout to control Opec and the point where disagreements influence oil prices to achieve its emerged among the Gulf states political and strategic goals. on important issues. Saudi Arabia will continue to The new, dynamic Saudi era be the leading force in the Islamic is marked by an unprecedented world and the ideological leader of way of thinking, the first aim of Sunnis to repel Iran and its allies BY MOHAMMED AL which is to stop the deterioration in the region. RASHED Saudi border guards on Ashiq island, in southern Jizan province, near the border with Yemen. on the Yemeni front and repel the The military operation in Iranian tide and Tehran’s military Yemen is a step towards ensur- t seems that Saudi Arabia equipment in Yemen that was ing the region’s security. stability, develop the region, and pressure the Zionist bully in the regional security arrangements. is again taking positive ini- going to be used to boost Iranian It represents an important and forge new relations with Iran and region. The countries and citizens of tiatives. All the empirical control over strategic points for necessary strategy that only Saudi other states. 5. Take advantage of the stra- the region are looking forward to Ievidence and the trends of trade through the Red Sea and Arabia with its new leadership is The most important objectives tegic competence and capacities a new strategy from Saudi Arabia the new regime in the Kingdom, Arabian Sea. capable of executing successfully. of the strategic council could be of Turkey and Pakistan. in the era of King Salman, in the led by the Custodian of the Two Iran has succeeded in filling I think forming a body to end to: 6. Help Egypt change its vola- context of the serious challenges Holy Mosques King Salman bin the strategic vacuum in the Arab regional conflicts and contain 1. Reduce the expansion of tile and shaky position on Syria faced by the region, especially the Abdulaziz, show that Saudi Arabia space, in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Iranian expansion and Israeli Iranian influence in the Arab and Iraq, and give it back its more Gulf. has begun a new era. Gaza and Yemen. Its influence has pride will be an important stra- region and in the Arabian Gulf. important responsibility of main- After the first step of stopping Operation Storm Resolve, the extended to three seas surround- tegic step. 2. Turn the Iranian nuclear taining Arab national security. the deterioration of the situation military campaign against those ing the Arab countries. It is a real- The Kingdom, with its new project into a peaceful project. 7. Form a political and stra- in Yemen, forging mutual under- who deposed the legitimate gov- ity that must be seriously dealt vitality and dynamism, is capa- 3. Pressure Iran to initiate tegic bloc to influence interna- standing on various regional ernment of Yemen and rejected with; Arabs must increase their ble of creating a regional council peaceful negotiations with the tional affairs in such a way that issues and creating a strategic the “Gulf initiative,” indicates confidence and regain influence that will include Saudi Arabia, countries of the region, especially the US doesn’t intrude in the regional council will be moves in that a new era, initiated by the over these areas, which will create Turkey, Pakistan and Egypt to in the Gulf. affairs of the Gulf states, espe- the right direction. Kingdom, has begun, which will a sense of security among Arabs. achieve strategic balance and 4. Find a strategic balance to cially Saudi Arabia, when making The author is a columnist When will Gulf Arabs wake up? IS destroying human history a nuclear agreement with Iran. The destruction by IS of the to destroy religious sites began in Thus, it is all about When Arabs of the Gulf wake museum in Mosul, the city under September in Aleppo and rural up, they will discover the bitter their control, has been described as Damascus. Antiquities from Syria self-interest, for truth that the only important an act of ignorance done by a ter- are being traded across borders principle of American politicians rorist group that cares for neither and the value of stolen antiques which America let is to promote their own interests history nor human civilization. is believed to have reached $2bn. for the benefit of their people. The head of the Iraqi Council of Syria, which is rich in historical down its regional Look at what is happen- Representatives, Salim Al Jabouri, monuments and sites, is witness- ing around us! What is stop- said: “These heinous groups prove ing the annihilation of its great allies, and for ping America from checking every day that they are the ene- cultural heritage, which is being the Iranian expansion in Iraq? mies of Iraq, its past, present, and subjected to destruction by mer- which the West What is preventing America future.” ciless hands. Theft and destruc- BY MUBARAK AL from putting an end to the per- BY KHALIL ALI HAIDAR In one of the videos aired by IS, tion by the IS is in addition to the DUWAILAH secution of Sunnis in Iraq? Why a spokesperson, standing in front destruction wrought by the war abandoned its doesn’t America stop the forced of a big statue in what is believed between the regime and rebels. hope we do not busy ourselves displacement of Arabs in Iraq ozens, if not hundreds, of to be Nineveh Archaeological IS has earned millions of dol- with internal affairs and principles. To be from their cities and neighbour- historical sites in Iraq and Museum, pointed at the antique, lars from such theft, and since it I conflicts and ignore external hoods? Why does the West, under DSyria are at the mercy of saying: “People in the past owned controls regions with thousands of affairs and developments that are very clear, it is all American leadership, let Iran the terrorist group, Islamic State these idols, which were worshiped years old antiques, it will continue dangerous to the security of the and Hezbollah support Bashar (IS), and its thieves. The most other than God.” He added: “The its crimes. region and its stability. about a war on Al Assad’s regime? important, beautiful, and ancient so-called Assyrians, Akkadians If IS is aware of what it can earn I also hope that our concern It is a matter of self-interest treasures of the Arab world are and others had gods for rain, agri- by selling the antiques, why does for external affairs will not be a moderate Islam. pursued through a bloody regime under threat; Egypt and other culture and war, that were asso- it destroy them? And how can the reason for accepting violations, that causes half the country’s pop- countries could face the same fate. ciated with God, and what drew international community check giving donations and restriction ulation to be displaced to neigh- Backhoes are crushing muse- them closer to these false gods was trade in antiques by this group? of public and private liberties. facing economic collapse and bouring countries. Meanwhile, the ums in Mosul, ancient sculptures the offering of sacrifices.” Some have called for the crea- It requires wisdom to under- social disintegration, is achieving regime has turned its cities and and other antiquities. Archaeologists and experts tion of an international body that stand the danger of Iranian political and military victories on villages into ruins, where you see After the destruction of the consider Nineveh Archaeological will include all parties involved expansion and the reality that the ground in an undeclared war. nothing but devastation, with the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan, Museum in the Iraqi city of Mosul in the antique trade, such as will be imposed on us after any For Iran, this war makes up for smell of chemical weapons hang- everything that was said by one of the most important muse- governments, auction houses, nuclear agreement between Iran the impact of sanctions and the ing in the air. religious leaders who object to ums in the world, as it houses museums, traders, insurance and the US, which has sold its oil price fall on its economy. Thus, it is all about self-inter- such actions does not seem to thousands of ancient artefacts. companies, ports and collectors, allies, who are busy with their Iran is expanding even as we est, for which America let down have changed the sentiments of Local sources in Nineveh gov- to ensure that the source of any war on the Muslim Brotherhood. live under the illusion that it is its regional allies, and for which Muslims, especially the extrem- ernorate revealed that armed IS antique is known before it is sold, They have paid billions of dollars facing a predicament in Iraq and the West abandoned its prin- ists, who see the finest sculptures members had burned more than transferred, insured, stored or to ensure that the movement Yemen. ciples. To be very clear, it is all and statues as idols. 8,000 rare books and manuscripts displayed. does not return to the political Iran does not face any predica- about a war on moderate Islam, According to a religious ruling, from the central library of Mosul. Such a move will help protect arena, not even to inviting people ment, dear readers. The ones fac- making use of false Muslims who making images or sculptures of Experts say that IS has also the cultural heritage and the to Islam. ing a predicament are the Gulf’s are extremists to defame this anything that has a soul is forbid- declared war on the rich heritage monuments of the Middle East They should be wise to know Arabs, who have seen fast-paced religion and destroy the moder- den. Buying and selling statues, of Syria and is about to destroy its and also contribute to stopping how to balance their concerns for events unfold in front of them ate Islamic trend. supporting those who make them religious diversity. the funding of terrorism. external and internal affairs. and are still hoping that Obama Look at this hidden war waged and installing them in homes and The Organisation for Defending The Muslim world forgot the Iran, which we all believe is will reverse his decision to sign by some Arab regimes on behalf clubs are all forbidden. A Muslim Monuments has counted 450 cultural crimes of the Taliban in of America; a war against moder- is not allowed to earn his living by cases of destruction of sites in Afghanistan; will the actions of IS ate Islamic groups that present dealing in statues. However, mak- Syria since July 2014. Possibly refresh its memory? a good image of Islam and sensi- ing statues of anything that does the number of such cases has The author is a columnist and ble religious thoughts to manage not have a soul is allowed. increased since then, as operations researcher people’s affairs. We are witnessing the removal of Islamists from their positions, replacement of moderates with those lacking information, and restriction and suppression of lib- erties under the pretext that it is being done before the whole world, which is not moved to stop it. We have started hearing pub- licly that Palestinian resistance to the Zionist invaders is a crime punishable by law. At the same time, the Zionist state is a rec- ognised entity. All these things confirm that the Arabs have paved the way for the American-Iranian agree- ment. It is as if we are telling them to do whatever they want, even though we will be the first victims of the agreement; but Shia fighters from the Popular Mobilisation units flash the victory sign in that doesn’t matter. This image made from a video posted on a social media account affiliated with the Islamic State shows militants Tikrit. What is stopping America from checking the Iranian expansion in Iraq? The author is a columnist and taking sledgehammers to an ancient artefact in the Nineveh Museum in Mosul, Iraq. political analyst THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 MIDDLE EAST 10 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com IS militants storm refugee camp in Syrian capital DAMASCUS: The Islamic State (IS) Palestinian groups also opposed to Yarmuk in February 2014 under a deal Syrian civil war. Last week they seized post and were facing a barrage of group stormed the Yarmuk refugee President Bashar Al Assad’s regime. that left only Palestinian anti-regime full control of the ancient town of Bosra crudely constructed barrel bombs and camp in southern Damascus yesterday, The militants had infiltrated the camp groups inside. Al Sham, pushing pro-regime forces out rocket fire from government forces. capturing large parts of the Palestinian from the rebel-held town of Hajar al- The siege has caused significant short- after days of heavy fighting. Jordan’s government said later that it haven and demonstrating its ability to Aswad, according to the Britain-based ages of food, water and drugs at the camp. In January rebels — including fighters had closed the crossing to both travel- attack Syria’s capital for the first time. monitoring group. IS, which last year declared a self- from the Al Qaeda affiliated Al Nusra lers and goods. IS militants entered the camp in a Yarmuk was the scene of a widely styled “caliphate” over large parts of Front — seized an important government The closure was a “preventive meas- lightning assault, said Anwar Abdel Hadi, shared picture taken by the UN Syria and Iraq under its control, has army base in the province. ure to safeguard the lives and security of political affairs director at the Palestine Palestinian refugee agency in January fought against the Assad regime as well Elsewhere yesterday, a coalition of travellers due to the fighting underway Liberation Organisation in Damascus. 2014 showing thousands of people packed as other rebel groups as it seeks to gain rebel fighters including Islamists attacked on the other side of the border,” Interior “Fighters from IS launched an assault into a destroyed street awaiting food aid. territory. An activist in Yarmuk said IS Syria’s main border crossing with Jordan, Minister Hussein Majali said. this morning on Yarmuk and they took It was once a thriving neighbourhood launched the attack on the camp after known as the Nasib post, prompting the Meanwhile, northwest of the capital, over the majority of the camp,” he said, home to 160,000 Palestinian refugees and some of its members were detained fol- authorities in Amman to close it. the army captured a strategic position adding that fierce clashes were continu- Syrians but has been caught up in the lowing the murder of a leader of the “Fierce fighting over the control of in the rebel-held town of Zabadani, west ing inside. “They reached the Palestinian country’s fighting and besieged by regime Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas the Nasib border crossing with Jordan of Damascus and on the road in Beirut. hospital and 15th Street which are in the forces for more than a year. there on Monday. erupted early this morning between More than 215,000 people have been centre of the camp,” he added. Only about 18,000 residents are esti- Rebel fighters have been gaining terri- Islamists and rebels and regime forces, killed and more than half of the coun- The Syrian Observatory for Human mated to remain in the camp after many tory in the southern province of Daraa, with the rebels putting the crossing try’s population has been displaced since Rights said IS took control of a “large fled the fighting. cradle of the 2011 Arab Spring-inspired under siege,” said the Observatory. Syria’s uprising broke out in March 2011. part” of Yarmuk during fighting with Rebel fighters had withdrawn from uprising against Assad that triggered the The rebel fighters had besieged the AFP Despite progress Iran N-talks hit impasse Russia, Iran say agreement reached on key issues

LAUSANNE, issues that have to be worked on lifting of financial, oil and SWITZERLAND: Major pow- through,” he told the BBC. banking sanctions immediately ers and Iran were closer to a Western diplomats said Iran ... for other sanctions we need to preliminary accord on Tehran’s had on Tuesday reaffirmed its find a framework,” senior Iranian nuclear programme as mara- “nuclear rights”, suggesting the negotiator Abbas Araqchi told thon talks ran into yesterday, talks were again getting bogged state television. “We insist on but were stuck over key details down entering their seventh day. keeping research and develop- such as lifting UN sanctions and Officials cautioned that any ment with advanced centrifuges,” Iran’s future atomic research. agreement would probably be he said. Araqchi said he expected After missing a self-imposed fragile and incomplete. the parties to issue a joint state- March 31 deadline for a deal, the “We hope to wrap up the talks ment declaring that “progress has negotiators ended talks in the by Wednesday night ... We insist been made in the talks and that Swiss city of Lausanne in the we have come to a solution on key early morning hours with an air issues. We will have the solutions of chaos, disunity and cacophony Talks ‘productive’: in written form.” as delegations scrambled to get German Chancellor Angela contradictory viewpoints across. White House Merkel told reporters in Berlin The six powers — the United she hoped for a compromise States, Britain, France, Germany, WASHINGTON: The ensuring Iran cannot get nuclear High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini (right) and Russia and China — aim to stop White House yesterday said weapons. All sides had made US Secretary of State John Kerry walk during a break outside the Beau Rivage Palace Hotel as Iran nuclear talks Iran from gaining the capac- progress was still being made a lot of progress, she said, but continue, in Lausanne, Switzerland, yesterday. ity to develop a nuclear bomb in in crunch nuclear talks with “such negotiations only come to exchange for easing international Iran, but warned the United an end if there is agreement on on Tuesday to walk away if the an immediate deal,” Fabius said hours was crucial. Some parts of sanctions crippling its economy. States would walk away if all points.” talks yield no political framework in Paris. “We are firm. We want a any understanding reached by the Iran says its nuclear pro- negotiations stall. Other diplomats close to the accord. The talks have stalled on robust deal with detailed checks.” parties will likely remain confi- gramme is peaceful. “The sense that we have talks said any preliminary deal the issues of Iran’s nuclear centri- China warned of failure and dential. Congress has warned it France’s foreign minister, often is that, yes, the talks con- would include a document with fuge research, the lifting of U.N. urged all sides to compromise. will consider imposing new sanc- seen as making the most strin- tinue to be productive and some key figures - such as per- sanctions and their restoration if “If the talks are stuck, then tions on Iran if there is no agree- gent demands of Iran, returned that progress is being made,” mitted numbers for centrifuges Iran breaches the agreement. all previous efforts to resolve ment this week. A Democrat, to Paris because things had not said White House spokesman and uranium stockpiles - though Iran’s nuclear standoff with the Obama has threatened to veto advanced enough for an “immedi- Josh Earnest. “As long as we it would remain confidential for KEY DETAILS AGREED six major powers will have been any such sanctions moves. ate deal”. are in a position of convening the foreseeable future. Russian Foreign Minister wasted,” said the rare statement Lavrov said the possible agree- But as negotiators from the serious talks that are making A preliminary deal would be Sergei Lavrov, who returned to by the Chinese delegation after ment included the International powers met Iranian Foreign progress,” Earnest said the a major milestone toward a final Moscow, said negotiators had Foreign Minister Wang Yi left Atomic Energy Agency’s monitor- Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif United States “would not arbi- accord, with an end-June dead- reached a general accord on “all Lausanne. ing of Iran’s nuclear programme again on Wednesday, Russia and trarily or abruptly end them.” line, that could end a 12-year key aspects.” But a diplomat The US administration of as well as steps to lift sanctions. Iran expressed optimism an ini- “But if we are in a situa- standoff between Iran and world close to the talks denied such an President Barack Obama had Experts would work out techni- tial agreement was within reach. tion where we sense that the powers and reduce the risk of agreement had been reached, and committed to meeting an end- cal details by end-June. “One can British Foreign Secretary talks have stalled then yes, the another Middle East war. French Foreign Minister Laurent March deadline for the outline say with enough confidence that Philip Hammond sounded a note United States and the interna- But it would only be a first Fabius left saying he would only political accord. Diplomats said ministers have reached a general of caution. “I think we have a tional community is prepared step and reaching agreement on return if it was “necessary”. they knew US credibility was at agreement on all key aspects of broad framework of understand- to walk away.” REUTERS details by June 30 will be difficult. “Things have progressed, but stake after missing that deadline a final settlement to this issue,” ing, but there are still some key The United States threatened not enough ... that we can reach and getting a deal in the coming Lavrov said. REUTERS

Sandstorm Turkey in the dark over mega power outage in 15 years

ANKARA: The causes of “The state collapsed. What Conspiracy theories over the Turkey’s biggest power cut in went out in the entire country cause were rife on the Internet. over 15 years that deprived was the light bulb of the ruling “This issue is being investi- most of the country of elec- party,” commentator Ertugrul gated. There is no clear result,” tricity remained shrouded in Ozkok wrote in the Hurriyet daily. he said, adding every possibility mystery yesterday, with the “The light bulb of the ruling was being examined, including government under pressure to party well and truly broke and “terror”. The power cut coincided give answers ahead of June 7 this time for good,” said Yusuf with the kidnapping of a prosecu- legislative elections. Halacoglu, MP for the opposi- tor in Istanbul that ended with his The cut — the worst since tion Nationalist Movement Party death. But the authorities blasted the earthquake of 1999 — halted (MHP). the opposition for suggesting the metro services in Turkey’s major As well as the irritation caused events could be related. cities, created huge traffic jams to millions of Turks the length Turkey’s lack of its own energy and inflicted losses on businesses. of the day-long power cut that resources has always been a stra- The problem appears to have affected both Istanbul and Ankara tegic weak point and it imports started at a power plant in the carried a heavy financial cost. most of its fossil fuels from Iran A sandstorm blows over Kuwait City yesterday. The Kuwait Meteorological Department issued a warning saying Aegean region of Turkey and then According to an estimate pub- and Russia. But with Erdogan that the wind speed could reach over 70km per hour. spread in a “domino effect” across lished by the Ankara Chamber seeking to vault Turkey into one the national grid in circumstances of Commerce, the cost to the of the world’s top ten economies yet to be fully explained. Turkish economy of single-day by 2023, the country is now mak- At one point, the only Turkish cut could amount to one billion ing a significant investment in region not affected by the cut was lira ($380,000). nuclear power. Saudis reject Canada’s criticism Van province in the east which The AKP is widely expected Russia is due to build Turkey’s imports all of its electricity from to win the June 7 elections but first nuclear power plant at MONTREAL: Saudi Arabia ambassador to Ottawa, Naif Bin violation.” Badawi received the first neighbouring Iran. it needs every vote to secure the Akkuyu while a second facility is yesterday told Canada and its Bandir Al Sudairy, said in a letter. 50 lashes of his sentence outside The disorder was a major blow majority it wants to change the planned in the Black Sea city of province of Quebec to stop criti- It was sent to both govern- a mosque in the Red Sea city of for the government and President constitution and boost the powers Sinop with the help of Japan. cizing the kingdom’s flogging of ments of Canada and Quebec, Jeddah on January 9, and subse- Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who at of the president. The authorities A third plant is also sched- blogger Raef Badawi, who was which have granted asylum to quent rounds of punishment were the time was out of the country have left all possibilities open as uled and officials have spoken of sentenced to 1,000 lashes for Badawi’s wife Ensaf Haidar and postponed on medical grounds. in Slovakia with key ministers to the cause of the calamity from nuclear energy providing 20 per- insulting Islam. their three children. The 31-year-old’s case has including Energy Minister Taner a technical fault, human error to cent of Turkey’s energy needs by “The kingdom does not accept Quebec’s Immigration Minister sparked worldwide outrage and Yildiz. Critics of the government even terrorism of a cyber-attack. 2030. But for now, the power cut any form of interference in its Kathleen Weil said yesterday that criticism from the United Nations, mocked its response, gleefully Prime Minister Ahmet has again highlighted Turkey’s internal affairs and rejects... her government would “continue United States, the European pointing out the emblem of the Davutoglu said an investiga- fallibility on energy as Erdogan the attack on the independence its defence of Badawi,” saying this Union, Canada and others. ruling Justice and Development tion was in progress but no fur- seeks to make the country a of its justice system,” the Saudi was a “clear case of human rights AFP Party (AKP) is a light bulb. ther details were given Tuesday. major world power. AFP THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 EUROPE / AMERICAS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11

Freed Serbian Labour makes nationalist sets fire to poll pledge on Croatian flag BELGRADE: A Serbian ultra- nationalist released on compas- sionate grounds by a United worker rights Nations war crimes court flaunted his freedom yesterday by setting fire to a Croatian flag two days after judges ordered Miliband offers zero-hour contracts him to return. Vojislav Seselj, who has cancer HUDDERSFIELD, United Prime Minister David and was released in November, Kingdom: British opposition Cameron’s Conservative Party repeated that he would not vol- leader Ed Miliband yesterday said that only one in 50 jobs in untarily return to the tribunal promised greater job security Britain are under this type of for the former Yugoslavia in The and a clampdown on “zero- contract and that the government Hague despite judges on Monday hours contracts” —a hot-button has already tackled abuses. revoking his release order. election issue despite the coun- Cameron has made economic “When they come to arrest me, try’s strong economic recovery. achievements a cornerstone of I’ll sit on the ground and they The centre-left Labour Party his campaign, touting healthy can carry me to the airport in leader was speaking at an engi- growth and tumbling unemploy- their heroic arms,” Serbian daily neering equipment factory in ment, but Labour says the recov- Blic quoted the firebrand politi- Huddersfield on a campaign stop ery has benefited the rich while cian as saying as he set light to ahead of a knife-edge general many Britons are stuck in a “cost Leader of the opposition Labour Party Ed Miliband (centre) speaks surrounded by members of staff and Labour a Croatian flag on the steps of election on May 7 that could make of living crisis”. Party candidate for the Leeds West constituency Rachel Reeves (right) on a general election campaign visit at Belgrade’s main courthouse. him the prime minister. The use of zero-hours con- engineering company David Brown Gear Systems in Hudderdfield, northern England, yesterday. The performance will only “There’s no greater symbol for tracts has mushroomed under increase the pressure on Serbian an economy that doesn’t work for Cameron’s Conservative-Liberal demonising flexible contracts is losing work. letter on the front page of The Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, many people than zero-hours con- Democrat coalition. playing with the jobs that many “We need a fairer system that Daily Telegraph newspaper back- formerly one of Seselj’s closest tracts,” Miliband told the factory Official statistics show that firms and many workers value guarantees zero-hours workers ing the Conservatives. political lieutenants, to arrest and workers in the northern English almost 700,000 people in Britain and need,” said CBI director gen- decent rights at work and stops Signatories included Bob return him to the UN tribunal. town. Under these contracts, have a zero hours contract as eral John Cridland. them from being treated like Dudley, chief executive of energy The Tanjug state news agency, introduced under a Conservative their main source of revenue— British trade unions have second-class employees,” she said. giant BP, as well as leaders of citing a spokeswoman, reported government in the 1990s to make four times more than in 2010 waged a long campaign against In a televised question and well-known brands such as bet- that prosecutors had lodged crim- it easier for students and seasonal when Cameron came to power. zero-hours contracts, although answer session last week, ting firm Ladbrokes, fashion busi- inal charges against Seselj for the workers to get jobs, employers Miliband said there had been a the ultra-liberal policy has appeal Cameron was repeatedly asked ness Ted Baker and restaurant flag-burning. have full discretion to vary work- 20 percent increase in zero-hours for European Union countries about zero-hours contracts and chain Pizza Express. Though his Radical Party ing hours. contracts in the past year alone. looking to increasing labour mar- said that students preferred them Cameron, who was visiting a appears a spent force, Seselj’s re- Miliband promised that Labour The Labour proposal imme- ket flexibility. although he accepted he could not brewery in Wolverhampton, cen- appearance in public life has proven would pass a law in its first year of diately raised hackles at the But Frances O’Grady, general get by on one. tral England, tweeted: “Today’s a headache for Vucic’s conservative government granting employees Confederation of British Industry secretary of the Trades Union Miliband’s promise came as business letter in the Telegraph government and triggered some- regular contracts after 12 weeks business lobby. Congress, said: “Zero-hours work- more than 100 British company shows job creators support our times angry exchanges between of working regular hours on a “Of course action should ers are often too afraid to speak leaders weighed in on the tight- long-term economic plan.” former foes Serbia and Croatia. zero-hours contract. be taken to tackle abuses but up for their rights for fear of fought election race with an open AFP Croatia has also sharpened widespread criticism of the UN tribunal’s handling of Seselj’s case. He spent more than a dec- ade in custody, but judges are still to reach a verdict after years of German ex-cop jailed for cannibalism website killing stalling tactics by the defendant and the replacement of one of the three trial judges. DRESDEN: A court sentenced arms folded as the verdict was that he ate any part of his victim. But prosecutors said they participants to say if they would Sixty-year-old Seselj surren- a German former police officer read out to the packed courtroom State attorneys had sought 10 stopped short of this demand like to go beyond the realm of the dered to the tribunal in 2003 to to eight years and six months in in the eastern city of Dresden. and a half years in prison for the because Stempniewicz had long imagination. face charges of inciting murder jail yesterday for killing a will- Guenzel, 57, went on trial defendant, a trim, soft-spoken harboured a sexually charged Guenzel, a three-decade vet- and ethnic persecution during ing victim he met on a website in August over the killing in father of three adult children death wish, a line of argument eran of the police force, retracted wars in Bosnia and Croatia as for cannibalism fetishists. November 2013 of Polish-born whom neighbours described as that Wiegand said the court had a confession he made to detectives Yugoslavia fell apart. In the macabre case which Wojciech Stempniewicz, a busi- friendly, generous and unfailingly accepted. soon after Stempniewicz’s death The tribunal said it had revoked captured international headlines, ness consultant, at the defend- polite. “He wanted to be killed to make in which he said he killed him by Seselj’s release order because he presiding Judge Birgit Wiegand ant’s home, a bed-and-breakfast He smiled briefly at his daugh- his fantasy come true,” she said cutting his throat. had repeatedly said he would not said the defendant, Detlev inn in a mountain town near the ter before taking his seat in the during a two-hour-long reading of His defence team argued that go back voluntarily. Guenzel, was guilty of “murder Czech border. courtroom to hear the verdict. the verdict. The men came across Stempniewicz had hanged him- Vucic, who has adopted a pro- motivated by sexual lust and dis- The court found that Guenzel Lawyers representing the each other in October 2013 on a self in Guenzel’s custom-designed Western policy since breaking turbing the peace of the dead”. had cut the body into small pieces family of Stempniewicz, 59, had website for slaughter and canni- “S&M studio” before Guenzel took with Seselj’s Radicals in 2008, The defendant, wearing a in a slaughter chamber he built in requested a 15-year sentence, balism fantasies billed as the “#1 a knife, then an electric saw, to now faces the prospect of having bright pink dress shirt and cargo his cellar and buried them in his usually the maximum in a mur- site for exotic meat”. the gagged-and-bound man. to arrest his former mentor. trousers, sat impassively with his garden. But there was no evidence der case. A click on a box allows AFP REUTERS

Canadian diplomat’s son killed, another Video of final seconds on crashed plane found arrested after Miami shooting BERLIN/LE VERNET: A video of the final seconds aboard MIAMI: The 15-year-old son of a Canadian diplomat was arrested the Germanwings plane that by Miami police and charged with murder after he was allegedly crashed in France last week involved in a drug-related shooting in which his teenage brother has been discovered, reports and another man were killed, according to news reports. said yesterday, just hours before The shooting occurred at a home in an upscale neighborhood about executives visiting the crash five miles (eight km) from downtown Miami on Monday afternoon, site dodged questions about the the Miami Herald newspaper reported, citing local police. mental health of the pilot. “We believe it was a dispute over a drug transaction,” Miami Police The video was found on a mobile Chief Rodolfo Llanes told the paper. The Herald cited unnamed sources phone belonging to one of the pas- as saying the alleged deal involved two pounds (one kg) of marijuana sengers killed on the plane which worth $5,000. investigators say German pilot Jean Wabafiyebazu, the 17-year-old son of Canadian Consul General Andreas Lubitz deliberately flew Roxanne Dubé, was killed inside the home along with a suspected drug into a mountain in the French dealer, the Herald reported late Tuesday. Alps, Bild newspaper reported. Police later arrested and charged his brother, Marc Wabafiyebazu, The scenes seen on the video 15, with felony murder, according to police, while another suspected were chaotic and very wobbly, said drug dealer, 19, who had fled the scene was arrested and charged with Bild, adding screams and shouts felony murder and marijuana possession with intent to sell. of “My God” could be heard, indi- cating the passengers knew what Storm kills at least nine in central Europe was happening. Prosecutor Brice Robin, who is BERLIN: At least nine people lost their lives as a powerful storm handling the case in France, said barrelled through central Europe, causing traffic chaos and leaving the phones collected from the thousands without electricity, the authorities said yesterday. crash had yet to be analysed and Seven people perished on Tuesday in Germany, where Storm Niklas were being kept on site. France’s strengthened into a hurricane in some areas, packing winds of more BEA investigation authority could than 190km an hour. Three drivers were killed by falling trees, while not immediately be reached for Rescue workers and investigators work near debris from wreckage at the crash site of a Germanwings Airbus another three died when they were caught in sudden snow and hail comment. A320, near Seyne-les-Alpes. storms that battered the country’s south. One man was also crushed On the video, which Bild to death when gales caused a wall to collapse. In Austria, a 63-year- described as being “indisputably pilots, according to a “special Lufthansa is facing legal action Spohr said in a prepared state- old man died as he tried to fix his roof, while a nine-year-old girl was authentic”, a banging of metal investigator”. from relatives of the victims. ment that it was still not clear injured by a falling tree. Niklas also claimed a life in Switzerland, when could be heard at least three When the captain left the Chief Executive Carsten what drove Lubitz’ actions. a tree crushed a 75-year-old motorist. times, possibly the sound of the cockpit to go to the toilet, he told Spohr, visiting the crash site on The head of the French police pilot who had been locked out of Lubitz that he was in control. “I Wednesday, declined to answer a forensic team said earlier this Singer Joni Mitchell hospitalised in US the cockpit by Lubitz trying to hope so”, Lubitz replied, according barrage of questions about what week it would take two to four break through the door. to the magazine. the airline knew of Lubitz’ mental months to identify the victims, LOS ANGELES: Canadian singer Joni Mitchell, one of the sym- Near the end there was a heavy Later the captain implored health. Lubitz, who was allowed and that there was no certainty bols of the Woodstock generation, was in intensive care in a Los shake and the cabin tilted sharply Lubitz to let him in. to restart training after passing all of them would be identified Angeles hospital yesterday, according to her website. to one side. After further screams Lufthansa said on Tuesday that all the medical and suitability because of the high speed at Mitchell, 71, was found unconscious in her home in the afternoon the video ended, said the paper. Lubitz had told officials at the air- checks again, had a note on his which the plane crashed. Tuesday but regained consciousness on the ambulance ride to a Los The footage appeared to have line’s training school in 2009 that flight licence indicating some sort A first step could be just days Angeles hospital, said a statement on her website. been taken from near the back of he had gone through a period of of illness, a person familiar with away though, said Brice Robin, the “She is currently in intensive care undergoing tests and is awake the plane but no individuals could severe depression, raising ques- the matter said. Marseille prosecutor in charge of and in good spirits. More updates to come as we hear them. Light a be identified, said Bild. tions about the screening process But under German doctor- the case. candle and sing a song, let’s all send good wishes her way,” it added. French magazine Paris Match for pilots. patient confidentiality laws, “We haven’t yet isolated all 150 The news was broken by the celebrity website TMZ, which said emer- also ran a story on the video Prosecutors have said he suf- Lufthansa as an employer may DNA sets but we hope to by the gency services came to the singer-songwriter’s house around 2.30pm and printed an account of a fered from “suicidal tendencies” not seek information about end of the week,” he said. (2130 GMT). conversation between the two before obtaining his pilot’s license. employees’ medical conditions. REUTERS AGENCIES THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / AFRICA

S Korea sets Buhari vows action on Boko Haram compensation Nigeria president-elect promises to tackle corruption, says Jonathan has ‘nothing to fear’ in ferry sinking

ABUJA: President-elect the world the strength of Nigeria’s SEOUL: South Korea said it Muhammadu Buhari yester- commitment to democratic prin- would pay about $380,000 in day vowed to rid Nigeria of ciples,” Obama said, while his top compensation for each of the 250 “terror” after his historic elec- Africa diplomat said Nigeria had students who died in last year’s tion victory marking the first raised the bar for the continent. ferry disaster, although some democratic transfer of power in “Nigeria is a trailblazer,” victims’ families accused the Africa’s most populous nation. Assistant Secretary of State for government of trying to divert The 72-year-old former mili- African Affairs Linda Thomas- attention from their demands tary ruler also pledged recon- Greenfield said. for an independent probe. ciliation with political opponents “They have sent a huge, huge The Sewol sank on April 16 who fear a return to his autocrat example across Africa that while making a turn on a routine regime of the 1980s, and a govern- democracy and change of govern- voyage to the holiday island of ment representing “all Nigerians”. ment can work and it can work in Jeju, leaving 304 people dead or “I assure you that Boko Haram a free and fair election.” missing and creating a crisis for will soon know the strength of our Buhari had singled out the government of President Park collective will and commitment Jonathan for statesmanship in Geun-hye over its handling of the to rid this nation of terror and conceding defeat before the final disaster. bring back peace,” he said in an result was declared, helping to Public demands by victims’ acceptance speech after his dra- defuse the potential for poll- families for the government to matic win. related violence and lengthy legal allow an independent investi- “We shall spare no effort until wranglings. gation into the disaster have we defeat terrorism.” Nigerian newspapers also lined intensified in the weeks leading Boko Haram, whose rampage up to applaud Jonathan, assessing up to the anniversary. Victims’ through northeastern Nigeria that his gesture was a clear sign families also want the ship to be has left more than 13,000 people that Nigeria had made a break raised, but the government has dead in six years, is Buhari’s most with the past. yet to decide on a plan for doing pressing security problem. “To desperate politicians so. He also promised to address a and those within the political “The families of the deceased culture of political impunity and class who believe that power is will not take 4.2 trillion won let the “evil” of rampant corruption not transient, Jonathan may alone 420 million won if the probe but said there would be no witch- seem naive and bespoke of a for the real truth and the rais- hunt and his beaten opponent weak leader,” the financial daily ing of the ship are not conducted Goodluck Jonathan had “nothing BusinessDay said. properly,” Yoo Kyung-keun, who to fear”. “But for us, it is a demonstra- heads the victims’ families asso- “Our long night has passed and tion of uncommon strength and Supporters of Muhammadu Buhari and his All Progressive Congress party celebrate in Maiduguri, yesterday. ciation, was quoted as saying by the daylight of new democratic political maturity... Jonathan Yonhap news agency. government has broken across the has earned the reputation of a In Kaduna, a flashpoint state Celebrations extended into a Elijah Ateki, chairman of the They say a government inves- land. Democracy and the rule of president who delivered genuine in the north central region where second day in Buhari’s home town Otuoke community development tigation last year was inadequate, law will be established in the land. democracy in Nigeria.” many of the 1,000 people who lost of Daura in northern Katsina committee. and that a joint government-pri- “Let’s put the past behind us, Buhari’s victory by 2.57 mil- their lives after the last elections state, but residents said they were “We are not going to cause any vate commission set up for a new especially the recent past. We lion votes, confirmed early in 2011 were killed, there were not expecting any special favours trouble over it because we cannot probe into the sinking does not must forget our old battles and Wednesday, came after a gripping jubilant scenes. from their favourite son. question God and the voice of the have enough representation from past grievances and forge ahead.” weekend contest hit by glitches Muslims in the religiously “Buhari never gave Daura any people.” the families. His victory wrote a new chap- with new voter technology, claims mixed state bought cows, chickens preferential treatment when he But others in the Christian More than two-thirds of the ter in Nigeria’s often turbulent of irregularities and Boko Haram and sheep to slaughter but some was head of state or when he was south raised fears of margin- 476 passengers aboard the Sewol political history after six military fears. reflected on the huge challenges chairman of the PTF (Petroleum alisation by Buhari, a northern were students on a school trip. coups since independence in 1960 Political violence which has that lie ahead for the incoming Trust Fund),” said resident Muslim, laying bare Nigeria’s Many of them died trapped in and 16 years of unbroken civil- blighted the aftermath of previous president. Ahmad Tijjani. religious and ethnic fault-lines the vessel following orders by the ian rule by Jonathan’s Peoples votes in the country of 173 million “Today it’s like we’ve gotten “I’m sure he will not do it now.” that he will have to work hard to crew to stay in their cabins as it Democratic Party. people failed to materialise. our freedom, student Muhammad There was disappointment in overcome. capsized and sank. UN chief Ban Ki-moon and US Instead Buhari support- Sani Albari said. Jonathan’s home town of Otuoke Niger Delta militants, who On Wednesday, the government President Barack Obama led the ers thronged the streets, many “We have been ruled for the in the oil-rich southern Delta wreaked havoc in the maze of announced compensation it said congratulations for Buhari. chanting “change, change” and past 16 years by the... PDP. They region, where near total support creeks and rivers of the Delta was in line with that of past dis- But it was the first unprece- brandishing wicker brooms, his have been ruling us and no jobs, for the president was not enough in the 2000s, have threatened to asters in the country, including dented opposition victory against party’s symbol, with which they no good roads, no hospitals, no for him to cling on to power. take up arms again if a govern- a 2003 subway fire started by an a sitting president in Nigeria that have pledged to sweep away years infrastructure. “Since it is the will of God ment amnesty that paid them off arsonist in Daegu that killed 192 won most plaudits. of government corruption and “There is nothing here to talk that Buhari should win, we have is not renewed later this year. people. “The last few days have shown waste. about.” no choice than to accept,” said AFP REUTERS

Thailand ruling Malaysia releases media CEO, editor held in sedition probe junta lifts KUALA LUMPUR: Police handling of the economy and cor- an article published on the The complaint over the report, “The investigating officer martial law released the publisher of ruption in state-run investment Malaysian Insider web por- media reports said. decided that most of the inves- a Malaysian media group fund, 1MDB. tal on March 25 that said the Police officials did not respond tigation was done,” he said. BANGKOK: Thailand’s ruling and a senior executive on Police have targeted oppo- Conference of Rulers had rejected to requests for comment. It was Three other editors of junta announced in a televised bail yesterday, after earlier sition politicians — including a proposal to amend a federal law unclear whether any charges The Malaysian Insider were statement yesterday that it detaining them on suspicion Anwar’s daughter — lawyers, that could allow the use of strict would be brought on the media arrested on Monday in con- had lifted martial law, in place of sowing sedition through journalists and political and Islamic punishment, or hudud, in executives. nection with same news report, across the country since just a news report published last social activists, as conserva- Malaysia. Publisher and group CEO of and later released on bail before a coup 10 months ago. month. tives in Najib’s United Malays An official representing the The Edge Media Group, Ho Kay after the magistrate rejected The military will retain sweep- Scores of people have been National Organisation (UMNO) Conference of Rulers - compris- Tat, and chief executive of the a remand application by the ing powers after the junta invoked detained under the Sedition party have pushed a more hard- ing the sultans of nine Malay group’s The Malaysian Insider police. a special security measure, Article Act, which dates back to line approach. states and governors of four news portal, Jahabar Sadiq, were Earlier on Wednesday, Malaysia 44 of the country’s interim consti- British colonial times, since The spate of arrests marked other states - filed a police released early on Wednesday, also rejected a petition seeking a tution, in its place. the imprisonment of opposi- the biggest crackdown since the report on March 26, denying about 24 hours after they were royal pardon for jailed opposition The measure will allow security tion leader Anwar Ibrahim in country’s long time leader and that they had discussed or ruled arrested. leader Anwar, who is serving a forces to continue to make arrests February. strongman, Mahathir Mohamad, on the issue. The police did not ask for a five-year prison term for sodomy, without a court warrant and to Prime Minister Najib Razak’s retired in 2003. The youth wing of UMNO remand for Ho and Jahabar, the a charge that he said was politi- detain people without charge. coalition government has faced The arrest of senior media in Kedah — the home state of company’s lawyer Syahredzan cally motivated. “We have lifted martial law mounting criticism also over its executives this week was over Mahathir — also filed a police Johan said. REUTERS around the country,” the junta said in a televised statement. The announcement came after Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej approved lifting the law which banned all political gather- Typhoon hurtles towards ings and gave the military wide- ranging powers. “There is no need to use mar- tial law anymore ... The king central Philippines has allowed martial law to be lifted from April 1,” said a Royal MANILA: The Philippines put British-based Tropical Storm Gazette statement read out on troops on alert yesterday and Risk said Maysak would likely national television. prepared food and medical sup- weaken to a category 2 typhoon, Thailand’s military seized plies as it warned residents and with maximum winds of up to power on May 22, ousting the tourists along its eastern coast 175kph, when it hits land. government of former Prime to be ready for a super typhoon The typhoon could damage rice Minister Yingluck Shinawatra expected to land some time in and corn crops in central and after months of sometimes violent the next 72 hours. northern areas of the Philippines, street protests in Bangkok that Typhoon Maysak, initially a top- although damage is likely to be left nearly 30 people dead. rated category 5 typhoon, weak- minimal because the major har- Prime Minister Prayuth Chan- ened slightly as it moved towards vest of the national staple rice ocha, who is also junta chief, said the Philippines, hurtling over the was finished around February. he would replace it with a new Pacific Ocean with winds gusting up Alexander Pama, executive order retaining significant powers to 225kph, the weather bureau said. director of the national disaster for the military. It is expected to further weaken agency, said the biggest challenge The National Council for Peace once it hits the central or northern for authorities would be keeping and Order, as the junta is known, parts of the main Philippine island foreign and Filipino tourists trav- said in its statement that martial of Luzon on Saturday or Sunday, elling to northern provinces for law would be replaced by Article the agency said, as the Philippines the weekend safe when Maysak 44, which gives Prayuth power celebrates the Easter long weekend. makes landfall. over all aspects of government, “This is very strong and it will Thousands of Filipinos have law and order. maintain its strength as it nears, already begun travelling to the Article 44 will allow the mili- although we expect that the provinces and popular tourist tary to “catch anyone and hand typhoon will weaken,” Esperanza spots before the Easter weekend. them over to an investigation Cayanan, an officer at the weather Maysak is not expected to make team”, to help with investiga- bureau, said in a televised briefing. landfall where another category tions and to search buildings in “But this will still be typhoon 5 typhoon, Haiyan, struck more the interests of national security, intensity so it will bring strong than a year ago, leaving nearly said the statement. winds when it makes landfall on 8000 dead or missing. REUTERS Dark clouds loom over Makati’s financial district, Philippines, yesterday. the eastern coast,” Cayanan said. REUTERS THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 PAKISTAN / AFGHANISTAN www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13

Happy homecoming MQM member Devolution of held in London for money power to help laundering LONDON: A member of one of Pakistan’s major politi- cal parties, the Muttahida tackle terror Qaumi Movement (MQM), was arrested in London yesterday on suspicion of money launder- Expert urges community policing ing, the party said. Mohammed Anwar, a member ISLAMABAD: The best rem- In 2013, the top court had handed of MQM’s Central Coordination edy to counter extremism in down its judgment for establish- Committee, was arrested at his Pakistan is effective devolution ing local government structure home in north London and was of power to the grassroots level, as a vigilance measure, citing the currently being questioned, MQM security and local government absence of an effective community said in a statement. experts suggest. watch mechanism as one of the “MQM firmly denies any sug- Decentralisation, the experts main reasons behind militancy and gestion of money-laundering,” the believe, is necessary to ensure terrorism in Balochistan. statement said. government’s credibility among Despite the apex court orders, the London’s Metropolitan Police the masses through good govern- federal and provincial governments said in a statement officers had ance, rule of law, reforming police delayed this power-sharing system arrested a 64-year-old man as and other civil departments and under different pretexts. Balochistan part of an ongoing investigation eradication of corruption that will is the only province, which has put into money laundering. ultimately leave no space for mili- the local bodies system in place so Five other men previously tant groups. far. In other provinces, elections Internally displaced persons from North-Waziristan tribal areas, where Pakistani Army is engaged in full-scale arrested in connection with the The election commission have been due since 2009. military operation, prepare to return to their villages after the army claimed to have cleared some areas of investigation remained on police has decided to hold local bod- In the case of areas falling militants, on the outskirts of Bannu, Pakistan, yesterday. bail while inquires continued, the ies’ elections this year. In Sindh under the cantonment boards, statement said. and Punjab, polls will be held on elections have not been held for The party’s leader Altaf September 20. “The war on ter- the last 14 years. Hussain, who has been living rorism cannot be won without the “After violent conflicts, local in self-imposed exile in Britain support of the population,” said governments face enormous chal- Polio campaign gets little success since 1992, is one of those. He was Muhammad Munir, a research lenges,” says Dr Anwar Butt, an arrested and questioned last June, fellow at the Institute of Policy expert on local government issues. leading to protests which led to a Studies Islamabad. For lasting stability and develop- ISLAMABAD: Children in individuals in the sample that Gadap Town in Karachi was lockdown in Karachi. “Counter-narratives are needed ment, it is necessary to improve Pakistan’s restive tribal regions exceeds a pre-set decision value, another polio hub but for the MQM is the most influential to fight the war of ideas with the and maintain citizens’ security of North and South Waziristan the whole lot is classified as first time, three environmental party in Pakistan’s southern port aim being to win hearts and minds and integrate internally displaced remained highly vulnerable to having an unsatisfactory level samples collected from this area city of Karachi, its commercial of the population”, he said. “These persons or ex-combatants into the polio since the ban on polio vac- of vaccine coverage. The LQAS have tested negative for polio capital and home to 18 million counter-narratives should clearly local community. cination imposed by the Taliban conducted in Fata showed virus. people. establish the government’s cred- While sharing the new chal- in June 2012. improvement in the effective- Gadap Town is home to a large In 2010, Imran Farooq, a found- ibility before the public as to why lenges to governance and peace Polio cases in Pakistan have ness of campaigns. number of people from Fata who ing member of MQM who was their future is with the state rather building at local levels, Dr Butt been heavily concentrated in The number of polio cases frequently visit their hometowns on the run from Pakistani police, than with the non-state groups.” said the masses also need access to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and tribal reported in the country was in the tribal areas. The environ- accused of involvement in mur- In the absence of grassroots basic services such as roads, water, areas, with 56.8 per cent of all reduced by over 50 per cent since mental samples from Gadap Town der and other serious crimes, was governance system, the experts schools and healthcare as well as polio cases reported in Fata and the last year, as 48 cases were have tested positive for polio for a stabbed to death in London. say, there is no effective com- tangible economic opportunities. another 21.8 per cent reported in reported by March 30, 2014 and number of years. munity monitoring and policing Steve Hogan, mayor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. in the current year only 20 cases EOC Head Rana Safdar said Siegel refuses to system to keep an eye over the Colorado’s Aurora city, the ninth The military operation Zarb- were reported from across the that military operation in Fata suspicious activities of terrorists. biggest city in the US which hosts e-Azb allowed for a door-to-door country. had allowed children to be vac- testify in Benazir Another specialist, who is expatriates from over 135 states, polio campaign to take place World Health Organisation cinated and the transportation also a part of the government’s said that the only thing to win in Waziristan in 2014 and for (WHO) Country Representative of the virus from Fata to Gadap murder case recently revised counterterror- hearts and minds of the commu- the first time in two years, Lot Dr Michel Thieren said that while Town has been controlled. ism strategy, said there were no nity was through better policing, Quality Assurance Sampling cases had reduced by over 50 per “Campaigns in Karachi have ISLAMABAD: US lobby- direct representatives to monitor governance and their participa- (LQAS) was carried out in the cent, campaigns should now be also been helping in eradication ist Mark Siegel has refused to the legal and governance issues tion in different events. area. focused on children who were of the virus,” he said. come to Pakistan to record at district levels since the offices Hogan has introduced an The LQAS is used to monitor missed in every campaign. The last polio campaign his statement in the murder of magistrates and Nazims have organised neighbourhood system the effectiveness of polio vac- “The quality of campaigns was conducted on March 16 case of former prime minis- been abolished. in his city. In reply to a question, cination campaigns, by divid- should be further improved,” he but a number of areas includ- ter Benazir Bhutto because of “This has left a gap and miscre- he said: “Interest, desire and will ing the population into lots and said. ing Rawalpindi and Islamabad security concerns. The Judge of ants are taking benefit of the situ- are required for better govern- randomly selecting individuals in An official from the Emergency were missed because of security Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), ation,” he added, referring to the ance at local levels.” each lot. Operation Centre (EOC) for concerns. Rawalpindi, Pervez Ismael Joya, continuous rise in security issues. INTERNEWS If the number of unvaccinated polio, requesting anonymity, said INTERNEWS has adjourned the hearing of Benazir murder case till April 6, 2015. American journalist Mark Siegel was a key witness in the Benazir Bhutto murder case. The ATC Rawalpindi Judge, Pervez Opposition calls for all-party meet on Yemen crisis Ismael Joya, had summoned Mark Siegel to appear yesterday. But, KARACHI: Pakistan’s main its neighbour Iran, the major belief,” a joint communique issued Nawaz Sharif to refrain from tak- a military coup that abruptly the US journalist cited security opposition parties yesterday Shiite Muslim power. after the meeting said. ing any decision on his own. ended his last term in power in concerns as the reason for his not called on the prime minister A high-level Pakistani delega- But the parties demanded the “The gravity of the issue 1999. travelling to Pakistan to record to convene an all-party confer- tion including Defence Minister government only make a decision demanded that no individual But despite this history, there his statement. ence and refrain from making Khwaja Asif visited the Gulf king- after hearing other voices on the should take any unilateral deci- has been considerable resist- The murder case of the former a unilateral decision on joining dom for talks with the top Saudi matter. sion without a broad based dis- ance in Pakistani media to join- prime minister is being heard by the Saudi-led coalition fighting leadership. “The meeting demanded of the cussion and consultation with all ing what is seen by many as a an anti-terrorism court at the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Like Saudi, Pakistan has a government to immediately con- political parties and stake hold- “foreign” war, with a bitter fight Adiala Jail on a daily basis. The call came as the parties majority Sunni Muslim popula- vene all parties conference and ers,” the communique said. against terror outfits still going The prosecution team was met at the residence of former tion, but around 20 percent of joint session of the parliament to Pakistan has provided military on at home. informed by Siegel of his secu- president Asif Zardari, also the its citizens are Shiite, the world’s take the nation into confidence aid and expertise to Saudi Arabia Islamabad says it will defend rity concerns, however, the US head of the Pakistan Peoples Party second-largest such population and to propose a way forward,” for decades and enjoyed cheap Saudi “territorial integrity” but author is willing to record his (PPP), to discuss the situation. after Iran. said the communique read out by oil and massive financial help in insists no troops or equipment statement via video link. Siegel Pakistan is a longstanding ally “The meeting expressed the Sherry Rehman, a former ambas- return. have been sent yet and maintains had been summoned to record of Saudi Arabia with close mili- firm belief that the centrality of sador to the US. Sharif also has close per- Pakistan will not take part in any his statement in the murder case. tary ties but it has not yet com- Saudi Arabia was pivotal for the The heads of all the major polit- sonal ties with the royal family conflict that divides the Muslim To-date, a total of 49 witnesses mitted to the operation, which Muslims of the world and that ical parties attended the meeting, and was hosted by the kingdom world along sectarian lines. have recorded their statements. has drawn strong criticism from our response should reflect this which also advised Prime Minster when he went into exile following AFP AGENCIES

No child’s play Low inflation expected in Federal govt to replicate coming months KP healthcare plan KARACHI: People expect low inflation in coming months, PESHAWAR: The federal gov- The provincial government has according to a recent sur- ernment of Pakistan is replicat- informed the centre that it has vey jointly conducted by the ing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa already completed homework to State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) province’s Health Protection launch the programme in Mardan, and the Institute of Business Programme to provide free Chitral, Malakand and Kohat. Administration (IBA). health facilities to the poverty- The provincial government has The March edition of the bi- stricken population in four requested the centre to provide monthly SBP-IBA Consumer selected districts of each prov- funds to strengthen the ongoing Confidence Survey shows “no ince in the country, according programme instead of launching significant change” compared to to sources. a new one in new districts. its previous edition that came out The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa gov- Under the programme, the fed- in January. ernment has already approved eral government has planned to “Though there is a marginal the programme to provide free provide funds to the provinces to decrease in the share of respondents treatment to poor people in four support treatment of 60 per cent expecting lower inflation, generally districts of the province. The pro- of the population of the selected inflation expectations too remain gramme is likely to be launched districts. The programme is approximately at their January 2015 formally in August this year. aimed at providing medical treat- level,” the SBP wrote in its brief Last month, the federal gov- ment to the population whose commentary on the survey. ernment issued letters to all daily income is below $2. The survey covers three broad the provinces to send their rec- The programme to be launched themes: overall consumer confi- ommendations to launch the by provincial government is out- dence indices, inflationary expec- Prime Minister National Health come of the efforts started in 2011 tations and other key highlights Insurance Programme. It asked when the German government about households’ perception of Afghan vendor Naweed, 13, sells balloons in the courtyard of Hazrat-e-Ali shrine, or Blue Mosque, in the relevant departments to des- conducted a study regarding the important indicators. Mazar-i-Sharif. ignate four districts to be covered feasibility of the programme. INTERNEWS under the programme. INTERNEWS THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INDIA

Aerobatics exercise Andhra’s new Court suspends capital named Amaravati summons to HYDERABAD: Amaravati will be the name of the new capital city of Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced yesterday. Manmohan He told reporters after a cabi- net meeting that it was unani- mously decided to name the new capital Amaravati. Notice issued to investigation agency The new capital is being built in Vijayawada-Guntur region and NEW DELHI: In a relief private parties to allocate the Amaravati, the ancient town on to former prime minister mines? Is it illegal if I (the then the banks of the Krishna river, is Manmohan Singh, the Supreme prime minister) don’t agree with part of the region. Court yesterday put on hold the the screening committee — which Naidu said the new capital summons issued by a special has been held non-existent by the would have the strength of both court in connection with the apex court by its August 25, 2014 the ‘vastu’ and auspicious name. allocation of 15 percent share judgment?” Amaravati was home to the in the Talabira II coal block to Sibal asked where was the ille- Satavahana dynasty 2,000 years Kumar Mangalam Birla-owned gality and where was the “quid ago. It is famous for Buddhist Hindalco. pro quo”. sites including a stupa built dur- The bench of Justice V Gopala Telling the court that the ing Emperor Ashoka’s time. Gowda and Justice C Nagappan guidelines for the allocation of Naidu, who also briefed the cab- suspended the summons by the coal blocks were “not law” and inet about his visit to Singapore, special court holding trial of coal they have no “statutory inscrip- said Singapore had come forward scam cases as counsel Kapil Sibal tions”, Sibal said the prime min- to build the capital. He said the — describing the March 11 order ister can any time take decisions master plan for the first phase of summoning Manmohan Singh as which may not be conforming the capital would be ready by May “completely perverse” — asked to the guidelines to balance the Aircraft from the British Aerobatics Champions team fly over the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad yesterday 15. The chief minister announced where was the act of illegality. “competing public interests”. as they participate on the first day of a four-day air show. The air show was inaugurated by Chief Minister that the new capital would be Manmohan Singh’s two daugh- “Whether guidelines which are Anandiben Patel and is scheduled to conclude on Saturday. linked with radial roads. He said ters, Upinder Singh and Daman not statutory in nature could be a 200km-long ring road will be Singh, were present in the visi- invoked (by the special court) for built connecting the new capital tors’ gallery of court No 9 where launching a criminal prosecu- with Vijayawada and Guntur. the hearing was taking place. tion,” he asked. Sibal wondered The apex court also issued how the prime minister reviewing Togadia banned in Bengal notice to the Central Bureau of the decision of the 25th meeting AAP has right to Investigation (CBI) on a batch of of the screening committee was petitions challenging the March illegal. “Every day, we review our KOLKATA: The Mamata The note signed by Home Secretary later. Senior Bharatiya Janata Party set up new Lokpal, 11 order and also stayed further decisions. Does it mean that I Banerjee government yesterday Basudeb Banerjee said the orders leader Murli Manohar Joshi said: proceedings in the matter. should go to Tihar jail?” issued prohibitory orders ban- were issued “on the basis of infor- “This is wrong, this should not have says Gopal Rai The court also put on hold the Even if a decision has been ning the entry of VHP interna- mation available with them”. been done.” summons against industrialist taken but not communicated, tional vice president Praveen “They apprehend that the entry BJP Lok Sabha member S S NEW DELHI: The Aam Birla, former coal secretary P it was always open to review, Togadia in West Bengal, arguing of Dr. Praveen Bhai Togadia, Ahluwalia said the prohibitory Aadmi Party (AAP) said yes- C Parakh, D Bhattacharya and he said. He said even Mahatma that his presence could lead to his holding closed door or pub- orders were imposed to “keep terday that it had every right Hindalco. Gandhi had said, “I change my “communal tension” and disturb lic meetings, rallies will lead to a handful of people happy”, and to constitute a new Lokpal, a It also issued notice to the cen- opinion every few years”. public tranquillity. communal tension, and this would throttle the “voice of the major- decision that led to the exit of tral government on a writ peti- Counsel Harish Salve, appear- The Vishva Hindu Parishad cause disturbance of the public ity”. Congress leader Abdul retired admiral L Ramdas as its tion by Birla, who challenged the ing for Birla, said that in the leader, known for his controver- tranquillity. “Accordingly, these Mannan said with the civic polls ombudsman. constitutional validity of section Westminster form of government, sial speeches, was slated to take orders would be strictly enforced just days away, Banerjee needs the “AAP has rightfully constituted 13(1)(d)(iii) of the Prevention of the prime minister has plenary part in a programme in North and Dr. Praveen Bhai Togadia is votes of the “secular sections”. a new internal Lokpal. The party Corruption Act, 1988. powers and can call for review of Dinajpur district on April 5. prohibited from entry into any “But if need be, she will again has all the rights to do this,” Delhi The provision which has been any decision. The opposition parties, how- district or police commissioner- go to him with a flower bouquet,” Transport Minister and AAP challenged says “while holding Sibal asked whether the “alloca- ever, related the decision to the ate in West Bengal,” the note said. he said. Communist Party of leader Gopal Rai said in a state- office as a public servant, obtains tion of a part of natural resource civic polls in the state later this Chief Minister Mamata India-Marxist (CPI-M) central ment. His comments came after for any person any valuable thing to a private party and not entirely month, saying it was an effort Banerjee also holds the home committee member Mohammed Ramdas wrote to AAP general or pecuniary advantage without to a public sector undertaking be to garner votes of the minority portfolio. Salim called the decision “too secretary Pankaj Gupta question- any public interest....” an act of corruption”. communities. The opposition said the con- little, too late”. “During the last ing the party’s decision to set up a The court was urged to con- “Is it that in this country no A press note issued by the state straints of electoral politics were three and a half years, due to new Lokpal when his own tenure sider whether the principle of natural resource is to be given to home department on Wednesday behind the decision. While the the policies pursued by Mamata had not ended. strict liability could be invoked private party,” Sibal asked, point- said the “prohibitory orders under Kolkata Municipal Corporation Banerjee, communal forces of all Ramdas was removed as Lokpal when interpreting the section. ing out that everyone knows coal section 144 of the criminal penal polls are slated to be held on April hues, even those from abroad, on Sunday, a day after senior Sibal, appearing for Manmohan was in shortage and was needed code” were promulgated by the 18, a total of 92 other municipali- have set up base in the state. The party leaders Yogendra Yadav Singh, said: “Is it illegal to allo- for power, steel and cement. respective district magistrates or ties in various parts of the state administration has been caught and Prashant Bhushan and two cate mines? Is it illegal to choose IANS police commissioners on March 31. would go to the hustings a week napping. IANS more leaders were sacked from the AAP national executive. The party had said that Ramdas’ tenure as Lokpal had Wooden car ended. But Ramdas told Gupta that his tenure was to end in November 2016. Ramdas was Teenage girl shot dead in replaced by a three-member panel headed by N Dilip Kumar, Bengaluru school hostel a retired IPS officer. Jaswant Singh BENGALURU: A teenage girl was shot dead is disturbing,” Reddi said. Police came to know at a residential school hostel here allegedly about the incident when the hostel warden filed hospitalised again by an office attendant. The suspect has been a police complaint against Mahesh yesterday. arrested, police said yesterday. The girl, who completed the two-year pre- NEW DELHI: Former union “The shootout occurred around 10pm on university course (PUC) in Pragathi school- minister Jaswant Singh was yes- Tuesday, when the 41-year-old accused, Mahesh, cum-junior college, appeared for public exams terday readmitted to a hospital barged into the hostel room of 17-year-old last month and stayed back in the hostel to here with fever and difficulty in Gauthami and fired at her from close range prepare for entrance tests in pursuit of higher breathing, an official said. with a sophisticated pistol and fled the spot,” studies. “Jaswant Singh was brought to Bengaluru Commissioner of Police M N Reddi Gauthami and Shirisha hail from Pavagada in the hospital this afternoon by his told reporters later. Tumukuru district, about 70 km from here, while family with fever and difficulty The girl’s roommate, Shirisha, who received a Mahesh is from Agumbe in Shivamogga district, in breathing,” a spokesman with bullet injury in her ear, is recovering at a private about 300km from here. the Army Hospital Research and hospital here. “The probe teams are interrogating Mahesh Referral said. The 76-year-old A special team, formed to nab the accused, to find out why he shot the victim and from former Bharatiya Janata Party tracked Mahesh hiding at his sister’s house last where he got the pistol, which is expensive,” leader had been admitted to the afternoon and also recovered the pistol. Reddi said. Though Mahesh has been working hospital on August 8, 2014 in a Carpenter Mohinder Singh Lotay (right) with his son Amandeep Singh Lotay and “We have registered a murder case against in the school as an attendant since 2012, he has critical condition after his family their handmade five-seater wooden car at their home in Patiala yesterday. They the accused under sections 302 and 307 of the been living in the city for over the last 10-15 found him lying on the floor of claim the car which cost rupees 400,000 ($6,400) to make and is based on the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Arms Act and years, according to the school authorities. his house in an unconscious state. engine of a Maruti 800 with teak bodywork can attain a top speed of 120km per set up two teams to investigate the case, which IANS IANS hour and has an economy level of 16km per litre. Firms mock gender diversity as boardroom deadline passes

NEW DELHI: Corporate India by installing company bosses’ directors by 5 p.m. on March 31. director of Biocon Limited. suspension from trading, freez- world’s 200 largest companies has made a mockery of an order female relatives with no profes- Reliance Industries, India’s larg- “Having said that, at least we ing of promoters’ shareholdings have no women directors, accord- to appoint women directors by sional experience, analysts said. est conglomerate by market value, are breaking that particular male or even a fine of up to 250 mil- ing to an August 2014 report by recruiting wives, daughters and “It’s a mockery of the law. The has installed the wife of Chairman bastion and we are at least includ- lion rupees ($4m). Firms argue Biz Divas, a national network of even stepmothers, analysts said compliance has substantially Mukesh Ambani, while the step- ing women in the boardroom, that there is a scarcity of profes- professional women. as the deadline set by regulators been done in letter and not in mother of tycoon Vijay Mallya now even if they are from the promot- sionally qualified women to fill Some western countries such for boosting gender diversity in spirit,” Pranav Haldea, Managing sits on the board of Mangalore er’s families,” she told the NDTV positions in the boardroom, but as France, Italy and Norway have the boardroom passed. Director of PRIME Database, a Chemicals and Fertilizers. news station late on Tuesday. Haldea said that was simply not made it compulsory for larger The Securities and Exchange market research group, told the Other companies which have Mazumdar-Shaw said SEBI the case. firms to have women on their Board of India (SEBI) last year Thomson Reuters Foundation. appointed female relatives of key should revise the order to make “That is really just a bogey. board. As a result, in Norway imposed a quota of at least one “More than half the companies executives as directors include it clear that only independent There are plenty of highly quali- women’s representation on com- female director on the board of have appointed their relatives Raymond Ltd, Asian Paints, women can be recruited onto fied women out there in sectors pany boards surged to 41 percent every listed firm, and last month onto the board, who will speak in Godhra Phillips, Videocon boards. Some of the companies such as banking and finance, but in 2013 from 7 percent in 2003. SEBI head U.K. Sinha warned the same voice as their promoters Industries and JK Cement. guilty of non-compliance are large they are not being allowed to join But the largest economies - the of “very serious” consequences if and so the diversity being sought “I think it is a worry. This state-owned corporates such as this old boys’ club,” he said. United States, China and Japan companies did not comply. by SEBI has been defeated.” should not be about tokenism. energy firms Oil and Natural Gas “Only a thousand or so quali- - have no quotas for women and Despite a last-minute rush of Preliminary figures from the The intent was really to get Corporation, GAIL and Bharat fied women are needed. Is it really have had the lowest increase in appointments to meet the April PRIME database showed 247 more women professionals into Petroleum Corporation. that hard to find these women in female directors, suggesting that 1 deadline, more than 200 firms out of 1,478 firms listed on the the boardrooms,” said female They are likely to face stiff pun- India?” The scarcity of women companies do not bring women have not complied, and many of National Stock Exchange of India industrialist Kiran Mazumdar- ishment from SEBI, Haldea said, in the boardroom is not unique onto the board unless they are those which have, have responded had not appointed any women Shaw, chairman and managing adding that penalties could include to India - nearly one-fifth of the forced to. REUTERS THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 India evacuates 350 Inundated from war-torn Yemen New Delhi offers assistance to Bangladesh

NEW DELHI: With fight- Pradesh and Telangana, accord- paying any fees. “Some hospitals ing intensifying in Yemen, ing to tweets by external affairs including the Sana’a Military India yesterday evacuated 350 ministry spokesperson Syed Hospital are not permitting our nationals, mostly from Kerala, Akbaruddin. nurses to leave Yemen. They from the southern Yemeni port Two warships — destroyer INS are demanding compensation of Aden to Djibouti, where IAF Mumbai and stealth frigate INS and withholding the passports,” Globemaster transport planes Tarkash — are also on their way Chandy said. were waiting to transport them to Djibouti as part of an operation “The Indian embassy should to India. India has also agreed named “Op Raahat”. contact all such hospitals and do to assist Bangladesh pull out its Djibouti is located on the Horn the needful since the nurses and citizens. of Africa in the Gulf of Aden. paramedical staff cannot pay any The 350 Indians arrived in Fighting has been going on in compensation,” he added. Djibouti on Tuesday night on Yemen since January 22 when Kerala government sources board Indian naval ship INS the legitimate government under said some 600 Keralites were Sumitra and would be brought President Abd-Rabbu Mansour awaiting a relief flight from India back to India by yesterday, Hadi was ousted by Shia Houthi at the Sana’a airport. External Affairs Minister Sushma forces. This has provoked the Besides helping its own Swaraj said. recent military campaign by a nationals, India will also assist Minister of State for External coalition of 10 countries led by Bangladesh in bringing back its Affairs V K Singh, who reached Saudi Arabia. stranded nationals from Yemen. neighbouring Djibouti on Tuesday, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen According to Bangladeshi was coordinating the evacuation Chandy on Wednesday urged media, the Indian move came operation with the Indian Navy Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hours after Foreign Secretary and the Indian Air Force. act fast to help Keralites stranded Mohammad Shahidul Haque told Kashmiri women walk in an inundated area on the interiors of Dal Lake in Srinagar yesterday. Flood threat has Sushma Swaraj tweeted that in Yemen. journalists in Dhaka that they had reduced with the substantial decrease of waters in rivers. Last year 300 people were killed across Kashmir one IAF Globemaster transport In a letter, Chandy said he was spoken to New Delhi on ways to during the floods that hit the region. plane with Indian nationals would getting frantic calls from young bring back their nationals. land in Kochi and the other in Kerala nurses in Yemen. The Bangladeshi foreign sec- Mumbai. He pointed out that Pakistani retary yesterday said India “Indian nationals evacuated and Chinese nationals had already had agreed in principle to help from Aden by Indian Navy have been evacuated. Bangladesh evacuate its nation- Beef traders end strike, look to courts reached Djibouti. They will be “They (nurses) all are liter- als, but after pulling out its own brought back to India by Indian ally weeping and are afraid for nationals. MUMBAI: Faced with dwin- as no solution was coming and our “Our children were dying of Air Force today (Wednesday). their lives if urgent steps are not The Indian High Commission dling business, Indian beef families have been suffering,” said hunger because of the strike. One plane will land in Kochi and taken,” wrote Chandy. tweeted: “India to Assist in traders called off a month-long Mohammed Ali Qureshi, presi- We had no option but to resume the other in Mumbai late this He also pressed Modi to pre- Evacuation of Bangladesh strike against a beef ban yester- dent of the Bombay Suburban to work,” said Mohammed evening,” Sushma Swaraj said. vail upon Saudi Arabia to ensure Nationals from Yemen.” day and decided to mount a legal Beef Dealers Association. Shareef Qureshi, a supplier at Of the 350 Indians evacu- landing facilities for Indian According to the Bangladesh challenge to the government. “But we will not stop here and Deonar, the site of India’s big- ated, 206 belong to Kerala, 40 flights in Sana’a and other government estimates, between Maharashtra, India’s second will go to court against this ban gest abattoir on the outskirts are from Tamil Nadu, 31 from airports in Yemen. He said all 1,500 and 3,000 Bangladeshis, who most populous state, extended a which has rendered several thou- of Mumbai. Maharashtra, 23 from West Indians who want to return may mostly work with international ban on killing cows to bulls and sand people jobless.” About 250 buffaloes were Bengal, 22 from Delhi, 15 from be provided an exit pass and per- organisations, live in Yemen. bullocks in early March. Prime Minister Narendra slaughtered in Deonar yesterday Karnataka and 13 from Andhra mission to leave Yemen without IANS Cows are considered sacred by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party as against 400-450 cattle daily many Indians, but beef is eaten (BJP) has backed the clamp down before the ban was imposed, pres- by some poor and lower-caste on the beef trade, which is run ident Qureshi said. Hindus as well as by Christians mostly by Muslims. Other states Early this week, Home Minister ‘Dummy cheque protest’ and Muslims. Campaigns to pro- ruled by the Hindu national- Rajnath Singh said the govern- tect cattle are often used to vilify ist BJP, such as Jharkhand and ment would use “all our might” religious minorities. Haryana, have also tightened to ban cow slaughter. “We have called off the strike curbs. REUTERS

Congress activists hand out dummy cheques during a protest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Amritsar yesterday. The protest was organised against Modi government’s failure to carry out promises made before the election. Remark on Sonia triggers outrage

NEW DELHI/PATNA: Union of different kinds. How it was pre- reflected thinking of BJP or the Minister Giriraj Singh caused sented... If Sonia-ji or Rahul-ji government”. “The comment is embarrassment to the govern- have been hurt by my remarks, I inappropriate, derogatory. He has ment and triggered outrage express regret,” he said. expressed regret,” Kohli said. yesterday with a racist remark Businessperson Vadra wrote on Politicians roundly slammed about Congress president Sonia Facebook: “I am appalled to read the comments. Congress leaders Gandhi’s skin colour. The the comments by a union minister sought Giriraj Singh’s removal Congress demanded his dis- (Giriraj) on my mother-in-law, a from the government. missal, while Gandhi’s son-in- woman of immense dignity. Is this “It reflects a degenerated mind- law Robert Vadra said he was the way we speak about a lady set... How dare he say that about “appalled” at the remark which who has undergone hardships Sonia Gandhi who is our presi- was a reflection of the BJP lead- all through her life and has lost dent,” Congress general secretary er’s lack of respect for women. her loved ones for the nation. If Ambika Sonia said, adding that Bharatiya Janata Party presi- the government and its ministers Giriraj Singh expresed regret dent Amit Shah is said to have cannot respect her, if they make when things started “getting called up Giriraj Singh, the min- sexist/racist comments about her, hot for him”. Congress spokes- ister of state for micro, small and what about all other women in person Randeep Surjewala, in medium enterprises (MSME), country?” he asked. a statement, condemned “the and rebuked him for the remark Nigerian diplomat O B intemperate and distasteful on Sonia Gandhi. Okongor said Giriraj Singh should remarks”, saying they border The Nigerian mission in New apologise for his racist remarks. “on insanity”. Delhi indicated it might take Terming the remarks unfortu- Surjewala said that in the run- up the issue with the Indian nate, Okongor said he expects the up to the Lok Sabha elections, government. minister to withdraw the com- Giriraj Singh had said everybody Giriraj Singh, who has also ment and apologise. The diplomat opposing Narendra Modi should stoked controversy in the past, said: “It was unfortunate that the leave India and go to Pakistan. told reporters in Patna on Tuesday comment is coming from a minis- RJD chief Lalu Prasad that he wondered if former prime ter who also doubles as representa- described as “dirty politics” minister Rajiv Gandhi had mar- tive of India.” Giriraj Singh’s remarks and said ried a woman who was not white- “He should withdraw the com- that by targeting Sonia Gandhi, skinned, would the Congress have ment and apologise to the people of the minister exposed the true accepted her as its president. Nigeria,” the diplomat added. The colour of his training in the BJP “If Rajiv Gandhi had married a Nigerian official said he would file and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Nigerian and if she wasn’t white- a complaint against the minister’s Sangh. “For conduct of this skinned, would the Congress remark with the Indian foreign nature, he was rewarded by being accept her (Sonia Gandhi) as a ministry and notify his govern- appointed as a minister in the leader,” he said. ment for further instructions on union cabinet... the prime minis- After the remarks caused out- the issue. ter must dismiss such a minister rage, Giriraj Singh expressed Distancing the party from and apologise to the nation.” regret and said his remarks were Giriraj Singh’s remarks, BJP Communist Party of India- made during an off-the-record spokesperson Nalin Kohli said Marxist leader Brinda Karat conversation. “During off-the- these were remarks of an indi- termed the remarks “disgusting record conversation, there is talk vidual and “by no standard and sickening”. IANS THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

PRAYER TIME Guns for Peace

Fajr (Dawn) 4:08 Shorook (Sunrise) 5:25 Zuhr (Noon) 11:38 Asr (Afternoon) 3:06 Maghrib (Sunset) 5:52 Isha (Night) 7:22

WEATHER

Today Friday Saturday Weather Conditions: Clear Cloudy Sunny Dusty to blowing dust at first

High: 30° High: 29° High: 33° becomes slight Low: 23° Low: 20° Low: 23° dust and some clouds and relatively cold by night.

DOHA - SUN & SEA

SUN TIDE SEA SUNRISE | SUNSET HIGH | LOW WIND 05:25 17:52 03:45 & 16:30 10:30 & 22:00 15-20/30 KT

THE REGION TODAY TOMORROW A boy looks at one of the sculptures of an exhibition called “Guns for Peace” at Bishopric Hill in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon state, Mexico, yesterday. HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER “Guns for Peace” is part of a project of sculptures called “No Violence” done by different artists around the world.

MUSCAT 41/26 Sunny 32/24 Sunny MAKKAH 38/22 Sunny 39/24 Sunny KUWAIT 30/18 Cloudy 32/18 Sunny BAHRAIN 24/20 Cloudy 27/19 Sunny Male mice use ‘love songs’ to woo their women SANAA 29/12 Mostly sunny 29/13 Sunny RIYADH 28/14 Sunny 32/18 Sunny WASHINGTON: “Some people said. “There is a clear communi- Scientists have known for to me, and see how my complex DUBAI 30/20 Cloudy 28/18 Cloudy want to fill the world with silly cation signal in the mouse songs decades that mice make such song sounds great,’ as a measure BAGHDAD 27/13 Sunny 28/14 Partly cloudy love songs. And what’s wrong and not just random sequences of sounds, like when a pup calls of his health. Then the females with that? I’d like to know,” vocalisations.” for its mother, and have worked assess it, and he simplifies the THE WORLD TODAY TOMORROW Paul McCartney sings in his The researchers compared the to better understand what they song when she is directly next to 1976 song Silly Love Songs. Mice songs to the courtship songs of communicate. The researchers him in order to spend energy to HI/LO WEATHER HI/LO WEATHER might agree. male songbirds, although mice exposed male lab mice to different try to mate,” Jarvis said. ATHENS 18/11 Mostly sunny 20/11 Mostly sunny It turns out male mice actu- are more limited in their abil- situations, recorded their songs, The researchers played the two WASHINGTON 22/15 Mostly sunny 26/12 Scattered T-storms ally use ultrasonic “love songs” to ity to modify their tunes. The then analysed them. song types to sexually mature woo females, using different tunes mouse songs are a sequence of The males sang more complex females, finding they preferred SYDNEY 22/18 Scattered showers 21/17 Rain when they smell but do not see a utterances, or syllables, strung and louder songs when they were spending time next to speakers LONDON 09/07 Showers 12/07 Showers female and when they lay eyes on together, at times with a tempo. able to smell the urine of a female playing the complex song. PARIS 12/08 Showers 12/07 Showers their potential lady love, scientists “Those songs are really high in mouse but not actually see that “Whether or not it’s a specific ISTANBUL 11/07 Scattered showers 12/06 Mostly cloudy said yesterday. pitch, above 50 kilohertz, and are potential mate. With the female syllable type or something else in MANILA 36/23 Sunny 34/23 Partly cloudy “I do think there is more going not audible to humans. When we present, the males changed their the complex song, we don’t know,” DHAKA 32/26 Scattered T-storms 34/26 Isolated T-storms on with animal communica- pitch them down and play back tune, with longer, simpler songs. Chabout said. The research was DELHI 34/22 Mostly sunny 31/20 Scattered T-storms tion than we humans have been at real speed, it sounds like a “I think the mice are saying published in the journal Frontiers ISLAMABAD 23/13 Thunderstorm 21/12 Rain attuned to,” Duke University neu- bird,” Duke postdoctoral fellow with the complex songs, ‘Pay of Behavioral Neuroscience. robiology professor Erich Jarvis Jonathan Chabout added. attention to me, I’m here, come REUTERS Thursday 2 April 2015 13 Jumada II 1436 Volume 20 Number 6388 Price: QR2

Vodafone Qatar CEO named Telecom Leader

Business | 18

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 UAE unveils PPP projects companies law to attract in Qatar see investments

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates has issued a long- awaited companies law that major interest loosens rules covering stock market flotations and aims to attract more investment Infrastructure projects driving growth by moving corporate regula- tion closer to international DOHA: The Qatari Government James Stewart, KPMG’s standards. is showing an increasing appe- Chairman of Global Officials had discussed the tite to enter into public private Infrastructure, who was in Doha law for at least six years and partnerships (PPPs) to deliver recently to meet key govern- it went through multiple drafts infrastructure projects and ment and business leaders said; as the Arab world’s second- drive growth in the country, “globally, PPPs have served as biggest economy balanced its according to KPMG infrastruc- an important tool to bridge the desire to attract more foreign ture experts. infrastructure gap. A key driver Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani (centre), Chairman and Managing Director of QIIB, along with capital with protecting local The scale of Qatar’s infrastruc- in many emerging markets is the business interests. other officials, during the inauguration of the corporate branch at Grand Hamad Street yesterday. KAMMUTTY VP ture plans and the Government’s desire to spread the cost over the The law reduces the mini- commitment to increase the life time of the asset and avoid an mum “free float” of shares role of the private sector in the upfront hit to the capital budget. in company flotations on the nation’s economic growth has led Within GCC, there are clear signs QIIB opens new corporate branch UAE’s two main stock markets to an increase in the number of of a shift in momentum, with gov- to 30 percent from 55 percent, infrastructure assets being con- ernments exploring options to aiming to encourage company sidered for development through enter into PPPs and importantly, DOHA: Sheikh Dr Khalid to provide quality banking serv- Al Shaibei pointed out that “the owners to go public, state news the PPP model. This strategy is GCC nations are looking beyond bin Thani bin Abdullah Al ices that matched customers’ new branch does not only serve and agency WAM reported. in line with the desire to carve the investment element of infra- Thani, Chairman of the Board expectations. work with large companies, but also Previously, they could only out a larger role for the private structure. They are also looking and Managing Director of He stressed on the importance offers SMEs, which are an impor- sell less than 55 percent of sector in the economic diversifica- to partner with the private sector International Islamic (QIIB), of paying attention to the SMEs tant segment towards achieving their firms if they had obtained tion process. to improve delivery of public serv- has inaugurated the bank’s new and providing the best services national economic diversification.” a waiver from regulators or by Mihir Shah, Director and Head ices and efficient management of Corporate Branch at Grand and facilities for this impor- The branch will offer a wide listing on the smaller Nasdaq of Infrastructure at KPMG in public assets.” Hamad Street in line with the tant business category. The new range of services such as funding Dubai. Qatar said: “There are opportuni- On Qatar, Mihir Shah contin- its local outreach strategy. The branch is close to the main branch working capital, supportive fund- Company owners will also ties to apply the PPP model across ued; “KPMG is currently involved branch is equipped with a dedi- of QIIB on Grand Hamad Street. ing, financing fixed assets, con- for the first time be able to both traditional, hard infrastruc- in number of PPP initiatives in cated service platform for small Al Shaibei said opening of the struction works including bidding carry out floats by selling exist- ture and critical social infrastruc- Qatar and our experience has and medium enterprises (SMEs). new corporate branch was very and managing tenders and follow- ing shares, rather than by issu- ture. With a rapidly growing shown that the PPP approach The opening ceremony was important for QIIB as it would ing up construction stages with ing new equity. And flotation population, both these areas will has a significant potential to help attended by the QIIB CEO serve an important customer seg- contractors to ensure completion prices will be allowed to be set require significant investments achieve the objectives of the Qatar Abdulbasit Ahmad Al Shaibei and ment of the bank. of projects on time. by book-building, or obtaining and entering into partnerships National Vision 2030. However, to a number of the Board members “Hitherto, our corporate bank- The corporate branch also funds indicative bids from fund man- with the private sector provides develop a vibrant and robust PPP and senior officials of the QIIB. ing team was functioning from contractors in order to meet their agers, rather than through a an ideal solution to complement program, Qatar must ensure that After the inaugural ceremony, the Grand Hamad Street branch. various requirements for equip- fixed-price evaluation method. government spending, bolster there is a well thought out PPP Sheikh Dr Khalid and other sen- The new branch is equipped with ment and infrastructure. The new law also contains doz- capacity and drive growth.” framework in place, projects are ior officials visited various sec- all facilities that are required to At the new branch, the clien- ens of articles seeking to make According to the World Bank, backed up by thorough business tions of the branch. provide quality banking service tele can benefit from companies’ limited liability and joint stock over the last few years, the pri- case and affordability analysis, Sheikh Dr Khalid praised the to QIIB’s existing customers and insurance products and services, firms simpler to manage and vate sector’s contribution to pub- right expertise is available on the outstanding efforts of the QIIB attract new clients. This will whatever their requirements are, more attractive to investors, lic infrastructure through PPPs in public sector client side and a vis- management to establish a dedi- serve all types of businesses, big as well as other services that meet while strengthening corporate emerging economies has averaged ible pipeline of viable projects is cated corporate branch, which he or small, to the best standards the needs of different types of com- governance in areas such as about $180bn a year. created.” THE PENINSULA said reflects the bank’s aspirations available in the market.” panies. THE PENINSULA company loans to directors. A late draft of the law last year provided for companies’ documentation to be made publicly available, a step towards a more transparent QE index opens month lower, reverses three-day rally corporate environment. WAM did not say whether this provi- sion was included in the final DOHA: Qatar stocks pulled yesterday, from the previous ses- Services index shed 1.50 percent, producer, rose 1 percent to 80.75 Games movie series. version of the law. lower by a sell-off in the Telecoms sion’s QR633bn. Industrial fell by 1.19 percent. Gulf riyals, having found support just Abu Dhabi’s bourse rose 0.6 The law is less radical than and Banking sectors yester- Gulf International tumbled 3.75 International was the value leader above its March low of 79.25 riyals. percent on the back of Abu Dhabi some had hoped. Foreigners day. Snapping a three straight percent. QNB declined 2.22 per- as Barwa led the volume. Dubai’s index edged up 0.5 per- Commercial Bank and Union generally cannot own more bullish sessions, the market fell cent. Masraf Al Rayan fell 2.20 A midday turnaround of oil cent as Dubai Parks and Resorts National Bank, which jumped 2.9 than 49 percent of any UAE 1.54 percent to 11,531 points on percent and Industries Qatar prices and positive corporate news (DPR) surged 8.6 percent to 0.93 and 3.5 percent respectively. company, unless it is incorpo- the first trading session of the (IQ) lost 1.22 percent. Ooredoo helped Saudi Arabia’s bourse edge dirham, its highest close since Egypt’s bourse edged down rated in a special “free zone”. month. Local retail investors and Vodafone slipped 2.71 percent up, while fresh plans for amuse- the stock listed in December. The 0.4 percent in another broad Officials had at one stage were the net sellers. and 1.23 percent, respectively. The ment park attractions boosted firm, which is building a $2.9bn decline. Local food maker Edita intended to use the companies Trading volume declined to entire sector indices declined yes- Dubai, reported Reuters. amusement park complex, said it will resume trading today after a law to ease that rule, but the 10 million shares from the pre- terday, with Telecoms losing the The main Saudi stock index was partnering with Hollywood heavily oversubscribed public offer, reform was scrapped under vious session’s 5 million. Value most by 2.29 percent. Insurance edged up 0.4 percent as heavy- studio Lionsgate Entertainment and investors may have sold stocks political pressure. halved to QR282m from QR564m. sector fell by 2.06 percent. weight Saudi Basic Industries, to build attractions based on its to free up some cash for it. REUTERS Market cap dropped to QR624bn While the Banks and Financial the kingdom’s top petrochemicals franchises including the Hunger THE PENINSULA

Europa-Forum Now, you can buy BMW’s i3 e-models from Amazon in Japan

TOKYO: First it was books, thoroughly,” the spokesman said. cart, potential buyers will have to then household products; now “This will widen the sales chan- wait for a phone call from BMW you can buy an electric car from nel and improve convenience for requesting documents proving they online shopping giant Amazon. customers,” he said. “So many peo- have a parking space and a place The Japanese unit of German ple are using the website. We would to charge the vehicle. auto giant BMW yesterday started like to research potential customer Meanwhile, Amazon moved on selling its i3 electric models on groups who may be interested in Tuesday to become an errand serv- Amazon.co.jp our products.” ice for home staples, introducing a The high-end automaker’s small Two i3 models are available on “dash button” to allow consumers electric vehicle has been popular Amazon.co.jp, a regular BMW to instantly order popular prod- in European and North American i3 with a range of 229km and i3 ucts for home and kitchen. “When markets, but BMW Japan wants Range Extender that runs up to you’re running low, simply press to find more customers through 300km on one battery charge, the Dash Button, and Amazon quickly the online retailer, a spokesman company said. Customers accus- delivers household favorites so you FROM LEFT: Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko and Minister said in Tokyo. “We have 46 dealers tomed to completing their pur- can skip the last-minute trip to the for Economy and Trade Aivaras Abromavicius attend the ‘Europa-Forum’ series of events organised by the (which sell the electric model) in chases in one click might, however, store,” says the online retailer’s Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Foundation yesterday in Berlin. Japan, but we hope this e-selling be disappointed. After loading the website promoting the service for will cover the entire market more car into their virtual shopping its Amazon Prime members. AFP THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS

Qatar Shell Four Qatar CEOs feature in Top 25 wins Reyada 21 in Top 100’s list Vodafone Qatar CEO named GCC Telecom Leader entrepreneurial DOHA: Twenty-one Chief DOHA: Kyle Whitehill, I am additionally proud to stand support award Executive Officers (CEOs) of com- Chief Executive Officer of among a group of such distin- panies in Qatar have featured in Vodafone Qatar, has recently guished global business leaders DOHA: Qatar Shell was rec- the Top 100 CEOs ranked by Trends been named in the TOP CEO who are indeed shaking up their ognised at the Reyada Award and Insead Business School while Awards and the leading CEO industries and shifting the cen- ceremony for the company’s four CEOs from Qatar are among of the Telecom industry tre of gravity toward this region outstanding support to Top 25. The awards, a celebration of across the region. Organised as partners — not passengers Qatari entrepreneurs and the very best in GCC business lead- by business publication — on its remarkable economic small and medium enter- ership, recognised the region’s 100 Trends magazine in conjunc- journey.” prises (SMEs). best CEOs in a ceremony in Dubai tion with INSEAD business “With Vodafone Qatar sit- H E Sheikha Al Mayassa on Monday. school, the top CEO Awards ting at the heart of the largest bint Hamad bin Khalifa Top five CEOs among the 2015 ceremony paid tribute to mobile networks in the world, Al Thani, presented Qatar Qatari companies were from business leaders whose suc- we were confident that our Shell with the ‘Outstanding Gulf International Services, Gulf cess for their organisations presence in the local market Entrepreneurial Support’ Gold Warehousing Company, Qatar is an instrumental factor in will help to change the com- Award in recognition of the National Bank, Masraf Al Rayan and the continued growth of the petitive landscape, introduce company’s successful corporate Qatar Electricity and Water Company. region. world-class innovations and social responsibility initiatives. The event saw CEOs from Saudi The fifth instalment of the raise the bar of the industry; In partnership with Qatar Arabia walk away with the most annual programme honoured and that’s exactly what we did Development Bank, Qatar number of trophies at 36, followed by business heads judged to have and we keep on doing as we aim Shell provides local SMEs with 24 from the UAE, eight from Kuwait, excelled in the field of leader- to empower every single one of tangible business opportuni- six from Oman and five from Bahrain. ship. Mediaquest, the media our customers to be confidently ties within its supply chain. These awards have set a new company behind the initiative, connected by providing unique, Additionally, Qatar Shell, in benchmark for business awards pro- says that the scheme is the most worry-free experiences,” contin- collaboration with Bedaya, grammes in the region by honouring credible of its kind in the region, ued Whitehill. runs the ‘Enterprise Challenge only leaders from publicly listed com- as only leaders of the firms Before joining Vodafone Qatar,’ a programme that sup- panies. The companies were evaluated listed on the stock exchanges of Qatar, Kyle Whitehill was the ports and inspires young peo- on the basis of their performance in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, CEO for Vodafone Ghana from ple in Qatar to become future 2014, when the combined market capi- Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman are June 2010 to June 2013. Under entrepreneurs. Another pro- talisation for stock exchanges in the eligible for ranking. his leadership, Vodafone Ghana gramme that supports emerg- GCC grew to $1.029 trillion. Kyle Whitehill said: “I accept became the second largest tel- Kyle Whitehill, Vodafone Qatar CEO, receiving the award. ing leaders is the ‘Navigator,’ Along with Deloitte as auditors, the honour of being in the ecom operator in Ghana and which is run in collaboration Trends and Insead ensured the accu- Top CEO Awards on behalf of grew the subscriber base from Vodafone India as Chief Operating spent in fast moving consumer with Qatar Business Incubator racy of the process, data and formula, Vodafone Qatar’s talented and 2 million to over 5 million. Officer. During his tenure as Chief goods with L’Oreal and Jeyes Centre (QBIC), Social while Hawkamah — the corporate gov- tireless team, without whom we Prior to that, Kyle joined Operating Officer, the subscriber before he entered general man- Development Center (SDC), ernance institute — ensured corporate would have never reached this Vodafone UK in 2001 as head base of Vodafone India’s business agement with the Soft Drinks and Silatech. governance and disclosure criteria. stage. From telecommunica- of the Enterprise business. In grew from 47 million to over 100 division of PepsiCo. The Reyada Award, THE PENINSULA tions to banking and air travel, February 2008 he moved to million. His early career was THE PENINSULA launched by the Social Development Centre (SDC), is the leading entrepreneurship programme in Qatar, designed Currency woes in Indonesia to celebrate Qatari entrepre- neurs and the supporters of GoDaddy shares entrepreneurship. US ready to accept Commenting on the award soar in debut as Qatar Shell’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager, China-led bank: Lew Mohammed Abu Jbara, said: investors buy “We are extremely proud to receive this recognition. This WASHINGTON: US Treasury the new institution, guaranteeing award reflects our commit- into revamp Secretary Jacob Lew said that it a strong capital base and isolat- ment to support the Qatar Washington was “ready to ing the US position. National Vision 2030; together NEW YORK: GoDaddy Inc’s welcome” the China-led Asian That has left washington with our Qatari partners, QDB shares rose as much as 34 per- Infrastructure Investment appearing isolated in not whole- and Bedaya, we seek to create cent in their debut following a Bank, easing toward the heartedly welcoming Beijing’s long-term business opportuni- $460m initial public offering, as new development institution creation. ties for Qatari SMEs as well as investors spotted a bargain in a after the US expressed early Speaking at the northern inspire the future generation company making a shift from concerns. California chapter of the Asia to consider entrepreneurship Internet domains to small-busi- Lew said in a San Francisco Society, Lew said he was encour- as a career.” ness services. speech just after a trip to Beijing aged that Chinese leaders “made In 2013, QDB and Qatar Shell Founded 18 years ago by Bob that the United States would clear that they aspire to meet launched The ‘SME Business Parsons, GoDaddy is hardly a embrace any new international high standards and welcome part- Opportunity’, a programme technology start-up, yet investors development bank providing it nership.” “Our consistent focus that contributes to the devel- snapped up its shares in the first “complements” existing institu- on standards has already had an opment of the private sector in day of trading, betting the com- tions like the World Bank and impact and, as lending begins, the Qatar. During the 2014 edition, pany can grow further by provid- International Monetary Fund. test will be the character of the seven new business opportuni- ing tools to small businesses. He also stressed that new projects funded and their impact ties were presented to Qatari “Even though GoDaddy is institutions needed to “share the on the people and countries they SMEs to become suppliers of almost 20 years old, it’s a growth international community’s strong serve.” choice to the Pearl GTL, the company and it’s cash flow-posi- commitment to genuine multi- If the AIIB works with existing world’s largest gas to liquids tive, which is what investors are lateral governance and decision institutions to finance infrastruc- plant delivered by Qatar Shell interested in,” said Jackie Kelley, making, and ever-improving lend- ture projects around Asia, Lew and Qatar Petroleum. Five new global and Americas IPO leader ing standards and safeguards,” said, it “will help demonstrate Qatari SMEs were awarded for Ernst & Young. A dearth of according to his prepared speech. a commitment to the highest with contracts for Pearl GTL, technology IPOs in the first quar- China and 20 other countries standards of governance, envi- bringing the total number of ter may have also contributed to signed a memorandum of under- ronmental and social safeguards, awarded local SMEs to eight investor appetite, she added. standing to establish the Beijing- and debt-sustainability.” for the period of 2013-2014. Other tech IPOs this year headquartered bank in October. Lew still did not let on if the In addition to its efforts to include online data storage pro- Washington, worried about a United States would join the AIIB. support existing local SMEs, vider Box Inc. More Internet- China-dominated AIIB cutting He made clear Washington Qatar Shell in partnership focused companies are expected into the work of the World Bank still supports the mission of the with Bedaya Centre launched to go public soon. Etsy Inc, which and Asian Development Bank — World Bank, the International the ‘Enterprise Challenge operates a website that sells where the US is the leading voice Monetary Fund and other older Qatar’ in 2012; a programme An employee of Indonesian state-owned bank BNI prepares rupiah handmade goods and craft sup- — at first sought to persuade its regional development banks, and aimed at inspiring young peo- notes for their ATMs and branch offices in Jakarta yesterday. plies, said on Tuesday that is allies to hold off from joining the is concerned about how Beijing ple to consider entrepreneur- Indonesia’s Central Bank had warned that the risk of losses due to it planning an IPO that would banks. But in recent weeks most will proceed with a new institu- ship as a career option. the currency exchange rate of private and state-owned companies’ value it at $1.78bn at the top of European powers and other lead- tion poised somewhat as a rival to THE PENINUSLA foreign debts are still high and continue to haunt throughout 2015. its expected range. REUTERS ing economies have signed on to those. AFP

GBM to bring latest technology into Qatar RBS sells $817m of UAE

DOHA: Gulf Business Jarre greeted the guests and Machines (GBM), the region’s expressed his gratitude for their company loans to CBD leading provider of customised contributions to the company. IT solutions, is committed to “Qatar has always been an DUBAI: Royal Bank of Scotland Over the past decade, the UAE bring the latest technology in important market for GBM and (RBS) has sold around Dh3bn represented fertile ground for the world into Qatar to improve I am honoured to be here to cel- ($816.8m) of loans belonging to RBS’s overseas expansion as a the efficiency, competitiveness ebrate the anniversary with our companies in the United Arab booming economy encouraged it and security of its custom- customers, staff and partners,” Emirates to Commercial Bank to make loans to large state-con- ers, said a senior official of the he added. of Dubai (CBD), both banks said trolled companies such as Dubai company. GBM Qatar, according to yesterday. World and Dubai Group. Both of “Increasingly, we are seeing the Chebib, has more than 450 cus- RBS is shrinking its corporate those companies had debt troubles IT sector evolve at a rapid pace tomers across multiple sectors, and institutional banking business after the 2008 financial crisis. in Qatar and GBM has developed including government, oil and in the Middle East, Africa, parts RBS sold at least part of its ambitious plans to stay ahead of gas, banking and financial serv- of Europe and Asia as the lender, exposure in Dubai World as the the trend. We are highly focused ices, health, education, transpor- 79-percent owned by the British conglomerate nears a $14.6bn on customer service and aspire tation, media and trading. government, refocuses on its home debt restructuring, sources said to be the best IT company in the “Our team has a tremendous market. But it is the first time a last month. country for after sales support,” depth of experience in managing sale of RBS’s corporate assets in An RBS spokeswoman declined said Soubhi Chebib, General Enterprise and Mission Critical the region has been announced. to name the companies involved Manager at GBM Qatar, adding, systems and we are a trusted The portfolio of loans sold to in the CBD loan sale. She said “We will continue our journey partner for major government CBD were mostly to large UAE- the sale formed part of the bank’s to bring the latest technology to Officials at the function to celebrate GBM’s 25th anniversary. and business organisations here based companies, CBD said in a previously-announced plan to exit our customers by deploying lead- in Qatar. The 25th anniversary statement. They held “excellent” its corporate debt and debt capi- ing solutions in Cloud, Analytics, our new education centre to pro- event organised to celebrate is a significant milestone for the credit profiles, it added. tal markets business in the Middle Mobility and Security to improve vide training to our customers on GBM’s 25th anniversary on company and we are delighted The transaction was expected to East and Africa. our customer’s competitive the latest technologies and other Tuesday. to welcome so many guests this be complete this month, with the RBS has already taken steps advantage and reduce their costs. skills.” Philippe Jarre, CEO of GBM, evening,” said Chebib. bank using its own funds for the to slim down its business in We have also recently launched Chebib was speaking at an was also present at the event. THE PENINSULA purchase, CBD added. the UAE. REUTERS THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 19 India aims to double exports to $900bn Defence and e-commerce would be priority sectors New Delhi to shake up trade tariffs to compete globally NEW DELHI: India set an in the coming years,” Sitharaman agency CRISIL. “There are also NEW DELHI: India plans to pull its tariff to come more competitive. He did not give more ambitious target of almost said at a press conference. issues with India’s export non- regime closer in line with global norms to pre- details. Regional trade pacts are being promoted by doubling its annual exports to Prime Minister Narendra Modi competitiveness, which is essen- pare for new regional trade pacts being nego- advanced economies after years of failure to nego- $900bn in the next five years as promised to bring development tially on domestic factors which tiated by advanced economies, the government tiate a global agreement under the World Trade it seeks to boost the economy and new jobs to India when he the government can control and said yesterday. Organisation. and provide jobs for a growing swept to power last spring. But address,” he said. India has not been invited to join pacts such as China, which is not part of the TTP negotia- population. sceptics say the government Sitharaman said the govern- the US-led 12 country Trans-Pacific Partnership tions, is pushing for a separate trade liberalisation Commerce Minister Nirmala will first have to tackle corrup- ment would focus on “addressing (TPP) and is “not in a position to join,” partly framework. “They have been explicit about the Sitharaman said the government tion, unreliable power supplies constraints within the country”, because its tariffs are not competitive, a top official fact that there are these mega agreements that would encourage domestic manu- and the country’s dilapidated including weak infrastructure said at the unveiling of a new five year trade policy. we are not invited to — as a response to that they facturing to increase exports from infrastructure. and red tape. “Our target is to “If the country is to stand up to these agree- are trying to fix things internally,” said Akshay $469.5bn in the 2013-14 financial Analysts said the new export move towards a paperless work- ments, it’s important that we start to address these Mathur, head of research at foreign policy think year. She said the government target looked ambitious. “The ing environment,” she said, adding issues,” Trade Secretary Rajeev Kher said, adding tank Gateway House. wanted to increase India’s share hurdle will essentially be the that the government was working that India’s access to markets was likely to erode Kher said India was interested in a third group- of global exports from the current global environment, where the on allowing exporters to submit when such pacts take effect. ing known as RCEP that combines Southeast Asian 2 percent to 3.5 percent. growth is moving up but the documents electronically. Kher said India needed lower tariffs for interme- nations and six others — Australia, China, India, “This new policy lays out a sta- growth in trade is not moving Defence and e-commerce would diate goods to help it further integrate with global Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. ble and sustainable roadmap for in the same way,” said DK Joshi, be priority sectors, Sitharaman supply chains, and that these industries would have REUTERS India’s global trade engagement chief economist at Indian ratings said. AFP

Bahrain launches Malaysia launches wakala tool for consumption tax Islamic banks DUBAI: Bahrain’s central KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia the people’s good,” he was quoted as bank has launched a new liquid- implemented a 6 percent con- saying by Malaysian media. ity management tool for Islamic sumption tax aimed at plugging The government says the GST banks, part of efforts by the a leaky tax-collection system and will raise an estimated 22bn ring- Gulf Arab economies to put addressing a widening fiscal defi- git ($6bn) in additional revenue Sharia’h-compliant finance on a cit, but which has sparked oppo- each year. It hopes to trim its fis- level playing field with conven- sition protests over the past year. cal deficit to 3.2 percent of GDP in tional banking. The government and economists 2015, compared to 3.5 percent last The one-week wakala con- say the Goods and Services Tax year. An earlier 2015 target of 3 tracts, offered to Islamic retail (GST) will help address an inad- percent was scrapped in the wake banks every Tuesday, will allow equate revenue-collection system of the global oil price rout that set the banks to deposit excess funds under which income tax is cur- in last year. with the central bank, which will rently paid by only an estimated Malaysia is a net oil exporter, invest their money in portfolios 11 percent of registered companies and a 60 percent drop in crude containing sukuk. and 14.8 percent of employees. But prices in the latter half of 2014 The contracts mean Islamic the GST has prompted demonstra- prompted the World Bank in banks can invest liquidity with tions by opposition parties, who say January to shave its 2015 GDP the central bank in a similar way consumers were being left with the growth forecast for Malaysia to to conventional banks, Sheikh bill for government mismanage- 4.7 percent from an earlier 4.9 A Malaysian couple shops for groceries at a supermarket in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Salman al-Khalifa, the central ment of the economy. percent. bank’s executive director for Prime Minister Najib Razak on The ringgit currency has also Wan Suhaimi Saidi said the GST are wasted by the government or Lumpur car-rental company, said banking operations, said in a Monday said the GST — which plummeted on oil-linked con- would broaden the tax base. go missing each year and that deep he fears for his bottom line. “There statement yesterday. does not apply to staple food items cerns, as well as investor fears for “But whether it would help reforms are needed before intro- has been a lot of unhappiness from In the past, Islamic banks in such as rice, sugar and cooking oil, the stability of a troubled govern- to reduce the deficit depends on ducing the sales tax. my customers who want me to Bahrain have focused on man- as well as some medicines —would ment investment fund, 1Malaysia many other factors, especially on In concert with the GST, corpo- absorb the six percent,” he said. aging their short-term liquid- not overburden consumers. Development Berhad (1MDB), how the government would tackle rate, business, and personal income “On the other hand, if I don’t, my ity through the central bank’s “At the same time, we will raise which is mired in $11bn of debt. leakages,” he said. tax rates are to be slightly reduced. existing clients may stop renting monthly issues of 91- and 182-day the nation’s revenue, and this is for Kenanga Research economist Opponents say billions of dollars Fabian Leo, who runs a Kuala from me.” AFP sukuk. REUTERS

Bentley accuses Lincoln of stealing styling

NEW YORK: Ford Motor Co took to social media. “I would taillamps. The Flying Spur shares is firing back in an escalating have called it Flying Spur concept a similar profile. Graeme Russell, US auto sales war of words over the parentage and kept the four round lights,” a spokesman for Bentley, declined of the design of its new Lincoln Donckerwolke wrote on Facebook. to comment on the fracas. He said weaken in March Continental. The chief designer Woodhouse said he found Donckerwolke was not available of tony Bentley Motors Ltd has Donckerwolke’s Facebook com- for an interview. NEW YORK: The top two accused Lincoln’s designer of ments “offensive.” “It’s quite Before Bentley’s PR man could US automakers reported copying his style. unusual, especially for such a stop him, though, Donckerwolke weaker US sales in March, “Do you want us to send the prestigious brand” as Bentley, told Car and Driver: “This is not as consumers stayed cau- product tooling,” Bentley Chief Woodhouse said in an interview respectable. Such a copy is giv- tious through the end of a Designer Luc Donckerwolke wrote at the New York auto show. The ing a bad name to the car-design harsh winter. on the Facebook page of Lincoln Continental “is clearly not a world.” General Motors, the largest styling chief David Woodhouse, Bentley. It’s a Lincoln and we’re Stephen Odell, Ford’s global automaker, said its US sales suggesting that Lincoln could use quite proud of it.” marketing chief and a Brit him- fell about 2 percent from a year the factory tools to stamp out a Asked what he thought of self, dismissed Donckerwolke’s ago to 249,875 cars and trucks, The new Boxster Spyder. replica of Bentley’s design. Bentley design, Woodhouse said: criticism. And he offered a tart with strength in sales to com- Lincoln is bringing back the “I like our car better.” response to Donckerwolke’s sar- mercial fleets outweighed by Continental nameplate on a bold, Ford is counting on the castic suggestion. “We don’t need sagging retail purchases. Ford Porsche unveils new broad-shouldered sedan it’s deb- Continental to reverse a 59 per- the tooling, thank you,” he said. sales slumped 3.4 percent to uting at this week’s New York cent sales slide at Lincoln since “We’ll be fine.” 235,929 vehicles. But FCA US International Auto Show. To its 1990 peak. Ironically, Bentley, a unit of said its sales rose 1.7 percent Donckerwolke’s eye, Lincoln’s car The big sedan is designed to Volkswagen AG, also has a model to 197,261 units. Boxster Spyder in NY is a knockoff of a Bentley Flying appeal to the tastes of the rap- named Continental. The two lux- “March was a tough month, Spur, which starts at $200,500. idly expanding moneyed class in ury lines have managed to share yet we were able to extend our DOHA: Porsche is beginning the Boxster Spyder includes stylistic And he didn’t take kindly to China, where Ford began selling that model name amicably for year-over-year sales streak 2015 convertible season by cel- elements typical for the legendary Ford’s lagging luxury brand Lincolns late last year. Standing decades. to an even 60 consecutive ebrating the world premiere of sports and race cars from Porsche. attempting to burnish its image by on massive chrome spoked wheels, The current point of conten- months,” said Reid Bigland, the new Boxster Spyder at this As a tribute to the 718 Spyder borrowing the glory of Bentley’s the Continental has a silhouette tion, however, isn’t nomenclature. head of US sales for FCA. AFP year’s New York International from the 1960s, the new Boxster bespoke British cruisers. So he that sweeps back to sleek LED It’s design. BLOOMBERG Auto Show. Spyder has two prominent stream- The new top model in the open lined bulges that extend down two-seater series retains the inde- along the long rear lid behind the pendent character of the previous headrests. The partially manually Spyder, which has already attained operated, lightweight top is suit- cult status. The classic fabric roof able for everyday use and brings is opened and closed by hand, and to mind roadsters from the past, the sports car is only available while the fins that stretch back to with a manual transmission. the rear lend the vehicle’s silhou- As a true original roadster, the ette its characteristic design. The Boxster Spyder offers a traditional front and rear end of the model sports car driving experience but were taken from the Cayman GT4. with contemporary performance. More so than in any other This means a firm sports suspen- Boxster, the interior of the new sion with a 20-mm lower ride top model creates an atmosphere height, brakes taken from the that elicits a feeling of pure driving 911 Carrera, more direct steer- pleasure. The driver and passenger ing, and a 3.8-liter six-cylinder sit in light sports bucket seats with engine with an output of 375 hp. large side supports, while the new Drivers and passengers can look steering wheel with a diameter of forward to outstanding driving 360 mm helps to ensure that the dynamics in the lightest yet most mid-engine roadster can be driven powerful Boxster available. It only precisely and with great agility. takes around 4.5 seconds for the It can be ordered now, with the Boxster Spyder to sprint from 0 to first vehicles arriving in Qatar Jeff Bracken (left), Group Vice-President and General Manager, Lexus, introduces the new 2016 Lexus RX at the New York International Auto Show 100 km/h. The model’s top speed is from August onwards. yesterday in New York City. GM North America President Alan Batey (right) introduces the new Malibu model at the show. The auto show opens to the 290 km/h. NEDC overall fuel con- The basic retail price in Qatar public from April 3 to 12. sumption amounts to 9.9 l/100 km. is QR286,000. The distinctive design of the THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Low demand hits China factory, services firms More policy support likely to avert sharper slowdown

BEIJING: Surveys of China’s further interest rate cuts later month. While the labour market factory and services sectors this year and additional measures remained surprisingly resilient showed stubborn weakness in the to help the weakest sectors such as for much of 2014, some economists world’s second-biggest economy the housing market. Regulators on believe any marked deterioration in March, adding to bets that Monday cut downpayment require- in coming months could prompt Beijing will have to roll out more ments for home buyers for the sec- more aggressive easing measures policy support to avert a sharper ond time in six months. from Beijing. slowdown. The last time China reduced The surveys also suggested that Three separate surveys showed the amount of deposits that banks deflationary pressures did not let Chinese companies shed jobs last must hold as reserves was on Feb. up last month, pressuring firms’ month as they struggled with soft 4, three days after an official survey profit margins even as sales slow demand and deflationary pressures, of the factory sector showed activ- and competition heats up. suggesting that economic growth ity unexpectedly shrank to a 2-1/2- Producer prices in factories fell may have slipped below 7 percent year low. The official Purchasing again in March for at least the 13th in the first quarter of 2015, which Managers’ Index (PMI) released consecutive month, while the final would be the weakest in six years. on Wednesday was not as dire, but prices of services charged by firms “We expect first-quarter growth indicated that activity was tepid dropped last month. to drop to 6.8 percent and the gov- at best. Wary of following in Japan’s foot- People walk past a construction site in Beijing yesterday as China fights a broad slowdown in growth. ernment might start easing policies It edged up to 50.1 in March steps, where two decades of fall- significantly in the second quarter,” from February’s 49.9, the National ing prices have stifled economic around 7 percent this year from reduce financing costs. The official PMI looks at larger, said Zhang Zhiwei, an economist Bureau of Statistics said, stronger growth, Chinese policymakers 7.4 percent in 2014. Indeed, a smaller, private survey state-owned firms, while the HSBC at Deutsche Bank in Hong Kong, than a Reuters poll forecast of 49.7, have signalled that they are ready Even the services sector, which of China’s manufacturing sector version focuses on small and mid- adding that the central bank may but barely above the 50-point level to act to avoid a bruising deflation- was the lone bright spot in China’s showed on Wednesday that it con- sized firms which are facing greater relax banks’ reserve requirement that separates an expansion in ary cycle. slowing economy last year, appears tracted in March after two months stresses such as high financing ratio (RRR) as early as this week activity from a contraction. Central Bank Governor Zhou to be finally succumbing to the of recovery. costs. True enough, the official or next. In another sign that businesses Xiaochuan warned on Sunday that broader economic downdraft, judg- The final HSBC/Market China manufacturing PMI also showed “Growth faces headwinds from were facing lacklustre demand, a the country needs to be more vigi- ing by the recent patchy perform- Manufacturing PMI came in at that the downturn was worst felt the property slowdown and a fis- survey of China’s services sector lant about the impact of declining ance of the services PMI. Other 49.6, slightly higher than a prelimi- among the smallest factories. cal slide,” said Zhang, referring showed the official non-manu- prices. data this year have indicated that nary “flash” reading of 49.2 but still The PMI for big factories rose to a fall-off in government rev- facturing PMI cooled slightly to Weighed down by a property the economy has lost momentum below 50. “The latest data indicate to 51.5 in March, while the index enues that many worry could fur- 53.7 from February’s 53.9, hugging downturn, factory overcapacity and despite two interest rate cuts since that domestic and foreign demand slipped to 48.3 for mid-sized manu- ther dampen economic growth by a one-year low. Both the factory high levels of local debt, China’s November, a reduction in banks’ remains subdued amid weaker facturers, and fell by the greatest crimping investment. and services PMIs showed compa- economic growth is expected to reserve requirements, and repeated market conditions,” said Annabel margin to 46.9 for small workshops. Many economists also see nies continued to reduce staff last slow to a quarter-century low of attempts by the central bank to Fiddes, an economist at Markit. REUTERS

US payrolls, factory data point to weak Q1 Weak Japan business

WASHINGTON: US private for an increase of 225,000. Job against a basket of currencies. either postpone or scrap capital employers added the small- gains slowed almost across all sec- First-quarter gross domestic expenditure programmes. The confidence highlights est number of workers in more tors, with manufacturing payrolls product estimates range between sector, which accounts for about than a year in March and fac- declining for the first time since a 0.8 percent and 1.2 percent 12 percent of the economy, was tory activity hit a near two-year January 2014. annual pace, setting up what could hit by supply chain disruptions low, fresh signs that economic The ADP report, which is jointly be a replay of sorts of 2014, when created by a now-resolved labour recovery doubts growth slowed significantly in developed with Moody’s Analytics, output contracted sharply before dispute at the West Coast ports. the first quarter. was released ahead of the gov- rebounding strongly. Manufacturers continued to com- The economy has been slammed ernment’s more comprehensive The economy expanded at a 2.2 plain about the dispute’s lingering TOKYO: Doubts about a Takeda, an economist at Itochu by a harsh winter, a strong dollar employment report on Friday. percent rate in the fourth quarter. effects. rebound in Japan’s economy Corp. “Without an improvement and weaker global demand. While While the ADP report has a poor Forecasting firm Macroeconomic Another manufacturing survey are rippling through board- in business confidence, it’s hard the effects of bad weather should track record predicting nonfarm Advisers estimates that the harsh produced by financial data firm rooms across the country, a key to imagine Japan will achieve a start to fade, dollar strength could payrolls, it raises the risk that weather subtracted about 0.7 per- Markit showed factory activity at central bank survey suggested full-fledged recovery.” remain a constraint for a while and Friday’s number could be softer centage point from first-quarter a five-month high in March. yesterday, as efforts to revive The gloomy data highlight the limit a rebound in output. than economists are forecasting. A growth. The strong dollar, which “Manufacturers will likely con- growth falter. challenges facing Prime Minister Soft growth could prompt the survey predicted payrolls increased has gained 12 percent against the tinue to have to contend with a The Bank of Japan’s closely Shinzo Abe’s two-year-old bid to Federal Reserve to delay an antici- 245,000 last month after rising currencies of the main US trading stronger dollar, but we think fac- watched Tankan report showed conquer deflation and revive the pated interest rate increase until 295,000 in February. partners since June 2014, is pres- tory activity will pick up in the confidence among big manufac- long-sluggish economy, dubbed September. The US central bank In a separate report, the suring manufacturing by making coming months as the influence turers stood at plus 12 in March, Abenomics — and they stand in has not raised its key lending rate Institute for Supply Management US-made goods more expensive of the more transitory headwinds flat from the previous survey and stark contrast to Tokyo’s rela- since 2006. “The economy hit yet (ISM) said its national factory relative to imports. It also is pinch- of the weather and the ports dis- missing expectations that the tively rosy assessment of Japan’s another rough spot in the first activity index fell to 51.5 last ing the profits of multinational sipates,” said John Ryding, chief level would come in at 14. prospects. quarter ... which is one of many month, the lowest reading since companies. economist at RDQ Economics While sentiment among non- While a weak yen has lifted factors that will make it difficult May 2013, from 52.9 in February. Technology giant IBM, semicon- in New York. Separately, the manufacturers was more upbeat, profits among Japanese exporters, for the Fed to achieve ‘lift-off’ by A reading above 50 indicates ductor maker Intel Corp, indus- Commerce Department said con- they pared profit expectations it also jacks up companies’ import mid-year,” said Diane Swonk, chief expansion in the manufacturing trial conglomerate Honeywell and struction spending dipped 0.1 per- while Japan’s increasingly pes- costs and analysts have warned economist at Mesirow Financial in sector. New orders and factory Procter & Gamble, the world’s cent in February, restrained by a simistic corporate titans trim that the benefits of a cheap cur- Chicago. Private payrolls increased employment hit 22-month lows. largest household products maker, drop in public construction outlays. their spending plans. The survey rency were fading as firms get set by 189,000 last month, the small- Order books shrank and export have warned that the dollar will January’s construction spending of more than 10,000 companies to report their quarterly results est gain since January 2014, the orders contracted further. hurt their profits this year. was revised to show a 1.7 percent — which shows the difference later this month. “A stall in forex ADP National Employment Report US stocks fell, while prices for In addition, lower crude decline instead of the previously between the percentage of firms rates and a bottoming out of oil showed yesterday. That was well US government debt rose on the prices have squeezed oil compa- reported 1.1 percent drop. that are optimistic and those that prices would slam the brakes on below economists’ expectations weak reports. The dollar slipped nies’ profits, prompting some to REUTERS see conditions as unfavourable — firms’ profit momentum,” the is the most comprehensive indi- SMBC Nikko report said. cator of how Japan Inc is faring. “Abenomics could face its Tokyo’s benchmark Nikkei 225 moment of truth in the second index fell 0.89 percent morning half of this year.” trade as investors reacted to the Abe’s three-pronged plan con- Bulgaria drops downbeat report. “A weak yen and sists of big government spending, lower oil prices has provided some a massive Bank of Japan (BoJ) $4bn N-deal with support (to the economy) but monetary easing scheme, and the Tankan showed that firms, a pledge to overhaul the highly Westinghouse particularly manufacturers, are regulated economy. now acutely aware that overseas While the scheme initially SOFIA: Bulgaria has dropped demand is softening,” SMBC helped weaken the yen and stoked a deal with US-based firm Nikko Securities said in a report. a stock market rally, it ran into Westinghouse Electric to build The tepid survey comes days trouble last year when Tokyo a new reactor at its only nuclear after separate data showed output raised sales taxes to pay down plant because of financial pres- from Japanese factories shrank by Japan’s enormous national debt sures, Prime Minister Boyko a worse-than-expected 3.4 per- — one of the heaviest burdens Borisov announced. cent in February, while inflation among wealthy nations. “We cannot uphold the agree- stalled as a key measure of prices Consumer spending dived after ment” which is worth $4bn, was flat for the first time in nearly millions splashed out their yen on Borisov told parliament, adding two years. big-ticket items such as cars and that the cash-strapped country “Japanese companies aren’t appliances before the rise, push- was unable to shoulder the costs. convinced the economy is going ing the economy into contraction. The hasty deal, signed by the to get stronger,” said Atsushi AFP previous Socialist-led govern- ment just before it resigned last July, envisaged the building of a 1,100-megawatt AP-1000 reactor at the Kozloduy site, 200km north Irish manufacturing expands of the capital Sofia. Participants at the event in Doha. The agreement had been aimed DUBLIN: Irish manufacturing expanded steadily in March at weaning Bulgaria off Russia as after posting its fastest growth in 15 years in February, and its main supplier of nuclear fuel, Hitachi Data Systems, CGC join hands employment in the sector grew at the fastest rate since 1998, as well as gas used to produce a survey showed. The Investec Manufacturing Purchasing electricity. Managers’ Index slipped to 56.8 in March from 57.5 a month ear- Bulgaria’s energy output took DOHA: Hitachi Data Systems model to lay a foundation for the IT and storage innovations and lier. It has been above the 50 mark denoting growth for most of a hit after the country shut four Corporation (HDS) — a wholly future. The educational itiner- network. Hitachi Data Systems the past two years. 440-megawatt Soviet-built reac- owned subsidiary of Hitachi, ary consisted of topics including teamed up with CGC to teach Ireland’s economy has rebounded strongly since it exited an tors before joining the European Ltd— hosted an event with “Innovating with information”, representatives how to support EU-IMF bailout in late 2013, and gross domestic product grew by Union in 2007. Consolidated Gulf Company “Maximising your IT”, the focus the new breed of future-ready, 4.8 percent last year, the fastest expansion in the European Union. Westinghouse, a subsidiary (CGC) in Doha recently. of data centres and an overview IT-accelerated business and to Investec Ireland chief economist Philip O’Sullivan said the weak- of Japanese company Toshiba, Attended by over 100 repre- of converged infrastructures. reduce complexities and costs ness of the euro was a key factor for manufacturing businesses, had initially planned to take a sentatives, the event had a key Attendees were given the oppor- while delivering performance and making exports to the United Kingdom more competitive but push- 30-percent stake in the Kozloduy message to teach representatives tunity to hear technology lead- ensuring SLAs are met. ing up input costs. REUTERS project. AFP to shift to a Business-Defined IT ers and analysts share the latest THE PENINSULA THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 BUSINESS VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 21

Xiaomi’s passage to India How Japan exporting reflects global hurdles

BY KATIE BENNER

hen I started hearing stories about Xiaomi a few years deflation to S Korea ago, it seemed like China was ready to produce its first Wbig global brand. The electronics company had built an BY WILLIAM PESEK yen’s weak exchange rate is indi- decided to freeze the salaries of exchange rate even farther. Apple-like cult following in the country and had managed to stand rectly exporting deflation to the all workers in Korea for the first Containing the fallout will out in a market already overcrowded with cheap mobile phones. n 2006, seven years before region. Taiwan’s export-depend- time in six years amid weak sales require a united front in Seoul. Xiaomi started out making nice, low-cost devices that consumers he became Bank of Japan ent economy is feeling the strain, and plunging earnings. The first step would be for loved, and now it makes ultra-low-cost (and fairly attractive) fit- governor, a testy Haruhiko and Singapore might be next. The company didn’t tie the the Bank of Korea to push for ness trackers, cameras and connected home gadgets that compete Kuroda told me he thought But South Korea has been hit move to the yen. But for econo- lower short-term interest rates, with products from Jawbone, GoPro and Samsung. Venture inves- China was raising its own particularly hard. The country’s mists like Ronald Man of HSBC something it had been reluc- tors have poured money into Xiaomi, valuing it at $45bn. That’s Iliving standards at the expense 4.7 percent plunge in industrial in Hong Kong, it’s pretty clear tant to do. On March 12, cen- more than Uber and more than the market caps of companies like of its Asian neighbours. “The output in February is the lat- what’s going wrong in corporate tral bank Governor Lee Ju Yeol Delta Airlines and Salesforce.com. relationship between exchange est sign that deflation is on its Korea at the moment. “Monetary finally faced reality and cut the To live up to that big valuation, Xiaomi has to expand well beyond rates and poverty reduction is doorstep. The country’s con- easing in Japan may not push its benchmark interest rate to 1.75 China. The company runs on razor thin margins and generates not so direct, but a more flex- sumer prices also rose by only 0.5 neighbours into outright defla- percent. But the bond market hardly any income. It kept prices low in China by eschewing retail ible Chinese exchange rate percent last month (the slowest tion just yet, but deflationary suggests Korea should drop its stores and selling directly to its customers. would benefit Asia,” Kuroda, pace since 1999), and its exports pressures are certainly rising,” rate by another 25 to 50 basis The thinking goes that if Xiaomi can just get its devices into who at the time was head of the were down 3.4 percent. Man explains. He added that “a points. Lee should get over his a huge number of hands, it should be able to find a way to make Asian Development Bank, told Korean manufacturers have number of companies, includ- fears of high household debt and money later on software and services that support those devices. me in his office overlooking the responded to the yen’s 20 percent ing the chaebol, have decided to commit to monetary stimulus. Sound familiar? It’s the classic Silicon Valley playbook: Scale Manila skyline. “It would make drop in value by trying to keep freeze wages entirely. The key President Park Geun Hye first and monetise later. Xiaomi is less like Apple and more like a difference.” the prices of their own products implication is that even if infla- should also quickly craft a sup- Snapchat. In pursuit of all of that, Xiaomi has expanded into India, Today, those remarks demand down. In practice, that’s meant tion remains at a multi-year low, plementary budget to boost Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. It’s opening up an online store to be read with a sense of irony. executives with excess cash on real wages will still contract. demand, while also accelerating in the US to sell accessories. Last year the company became the As Japan’s leading central their balance sheets have avoided This hurts private consumption.” her efforts to build a more “crea- third-largest smartphone seller in China. It posted year-over-year banker for the past two years, making investments or giving The last thing Korea should do tive economy” — a startup boom unit sales growth of 252 percent in the third quarter of 2014, says Kuroda has relentlessly weak- workers a raise. The resulting is read too much into its recent would lift the country’s produc- Jeff Orr, the practice director for mobile devices at ABI Research, ened the yen, which means he is wage suppression, however, is announcement of a healthy 2.7 tivity and its wages. She should a technology research firm. now responsible for precisely the having negative consequences of percent growth rate. As long also implement her plan to tax Xiaomi’s numbers are impressive and its products get great same regional dynamic he once its own, by hampering domestic as the two biggest economies in excessive cash hoards that com- reviews, so what in the world could stop the Xiaomi machine from lamented. consumption. (It doesn’t help the region — China (which is panies like Samsung could use to marching inexorably forward? None of this is to suggest that Korean households are sit- struggling to meet its 7 percent fatten paychecks. Look no further than India’s 173 million mobile Internet users, Kuroda is up to anything sin- ting on record debt, equivalent to growth target) and Japan (which If Kuroda’s experience can who represent one of the fastest-growing mobile markets outside ister. His mandate, after all, is about 70 percent of gross domes- saw a 3.4 percent drop in indus- teach Korea anything it’s that of China. Xiaomi covets India, but the online retail strategy that to produce 2 percent inflation tic product.) trial production in February) deflation is the most stubborn worked for Xiaomi in China isn’t working there. for Japan, and thus pull its $4.9 Take Samsung Electronics, — are in a malaise, the region’s of all policy challenges. Seoul The company has cut a deal to sell devices in stores run by Bharti trillion economy out of a two- Korea’s biggest and most impor- economic situation will be fragile. needs to do all it can to avoid Airtel, the country’s largest telecoms operator. This week, media in decade deflationary spiral. But tant family-owned conglomer- It may only be a matter of time that fate —for its own sake, and India reported that Xiaomi is also selling devices in the New Delhi it’s impossible to deny that the ate, or chaebol. Last month, it until Kuroda drops the yen’s the region’s. BLOOMBERG locations of the MobileStore, a big electronics retailer. All well and good, but selling through retail stores could pose a challenge to Xiaomi’s business model. As Brad Stone wrote in his profile of the company, Xiaomi founder Lei Jun believes that holding inventory is a huge risk that can kill margins and sink a company. So Xiaomi eschews retail stores and sells directly, which helps it keep prices low. Once it begins relying on brick-and-mortar retailers, which take a cut of sales, that could quickly turn Xiaomi’s thin margins into losses. Xiaomi is also attracted to India’s stores because it doesn’t have the brand recognition and power there that it already enjoys in China. It’s so well known in China that it doesn’t just sell online there, it creates a mania for its devices. Product announcements are followed by the drip-drip- drip of a few hundred thousand devices being pushed out through flash sales. Xiaomi’s phones and tablets sell out in seconds, feeding an ensuing consumer frenzy, great word-of-mouth, and abundant media coverage. While Xiaomi says that its products sell out online in India, too, people there seem less enamoured with the company and its products. This may be why Xiaomi is entering the US cautiously, by trying to create consumer and media buzz by setting up online stores that sell accessories — but no Xiaomi phones. It seems to be working. The Verge has already reviewed the company’s MiNote, saying it’s “the best phone you can’t have.” Will that desire translate into sales in a country that is pretty much divided between Apple and Samsung? Will Xiaomi custom- ers anywhere but in China chase the company’s products as if they were prizes? I’m pretty bullish on Xiaomi becoming a big brand, and some of the challenges it faces in India may not exist in other markets. India has its homegrown handset makers like Micromax and Lava that could carve out a homefield advantage not unlike the one that Xiaomi has in China. India’s horrible infrastructure also makes e-commerce a huge challenge for companies like Xiaomi that are used to and dependent upon selling directly to consumers. As the world waits for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s infrastructure and market reforms to take hold, I think it’s a good idea for Xiaomi to do what it can to establish a presence in such an important market, even if it means taking some losses. Yet even if India poses unique challenges to Xiaomi, the company still faces obstacles in other markets like the US that could force it to play a very different hand than it’s accustomed to playing in China. Until Xiaomi can prove it has the ability to adapt, it’s too early to say whether or not it’s positioned to become a dominant global titan. BLOOMBERG Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Money managers can’t resist urge to herd BY JUSTIN FOX weeks. It’s part of a burgeoning were running some sort of contest. conclude that the prices were thus to behave conventionally (that is, aren’t really leveraged at all. new official literature on the prob- The winners will be those who in some fundamental way right. buy the same things everybody A more promising approach t was once widely believed lems with asset managers. There’s can sound the scariest warn- By the 1980s this view was begin- else is buying) is so explicit. The might be to look at the ways in that the rise of professional “Asset Management and Financial ings about the damage the ever- ning to lose adherents in academia, performance of active managers is which regulators have been pres- investors would make finan- Stability,” published in 2013 by the expanding asset management but it continued to inform financial now measured against the bench- suring asset managers to behave cial markets less prone to US Treasury Department’s Office industry could be set to inflict on regulation, monetary policy and marks of conventionality known conventionally, and maybe dial manias, panics and crashes. of Financial Research. There’s a humanity. other pursuits up to the financial as market indexes, while index some of them back a bit. In his ILately, the opposite belief has 2014 speech — “The Age of Asset The main problem with asset crisis of 2008. funds and most exchange-traded speech, the Bank of England’s begun to take hold. Take it from Management?” — by the Bank of managers, one learns from reading Now, as the IMF’s Jones explains funds are conventional by design. Haldane mentions risk-based the International Monetary England’s great thought-provoker, (or, in a couple of cases, skimming) in his entertaining and informa- What if anything should regu- capital rules and mark-to-mar- Fund’s Bradley Jones: Andy Haldane. There were also a these papers and reports, is that tive paper, there’s a growing body lators do about this? The notion ket accounting as forces that It should perhaps serve as a few fretful pages on the “ascent of they behave too much like other of theory and evidence that the that some asset managers are have driven pension funds and shot across the bow that the rise the asset management sector” in asset managers. That is, they incentives faced by professional so big that they should be des- insurance companies to buy and of the institutional investment the 2014 annual report of the Bank “herd” — buying into particular money managers push them to ignated as “systemically impor- sell assets in a procyclical, boom- management industry — popu- for International Settlements, the securities or asset classes mainly run with the herd and inflate tant” — regulatorspeak for too big and-bust way. I also get the sense lated with what are presum- international club for central bank- because lots of other asset man- bubbles rather than making their to fail — seems pretty silly, given that, in the US at least, any asset ably the most sophisticated, well ers. And in March the Financial agers are doing it. In the process, own decisions and betting that that, as the FSB/IOSCO report management approach that isn’t resourced and rational speculators Stability Board, the international they make market highs go higher bubbles will deflate. These incen- acknowledges, “asset managers built around low-cost index funds in the world — has coincided with club for the people at central and market lows go lower. tives aren’t new. “Worldly wisdom tend to have small balance sheets is being subjected to increasing three of history’s largest bubbles banks who care about financial This acknowledgement that teaches that it is better for reputa- and the forced liquidation of their scrutiny from regulators and the in the last twenty five years: the regulation, and the International professional investors don’t auto- tion to fail conventionally than to own assets would not generally courts. Japanese Heisei bubble of the late Organisation of Securities matically drive prices toward succeed unconventionally,” wrote create market disruptions.” There Still, I’m having trouble imagin- 1980s, the global equity bubble of Commissions together issued a something close to their correct John Maynard Keynes in 1936, was a time (1998) when a hedge ing how we could get to a world the late 1990s, and the structured set of proposed “Methodologies for levels is a welcome shift in eco- assessing the state of professional fund could pile on enough debt where asset managers felt encour- credit bubble of the mid 2000s. Identifying Non-Bank Non-Insurer nomic consensus. In the 1960s investing at the time. What’s dif- that its failure endangered the aged to follow the path less trav- That’s from a working paper, Global Systemically Important and 1970s, empirical evidence that ferent is that professional money global financial system, but that elled. Better to acknowledge that titled “Asset Bubbles: Re-thinking Financial Institutions.” financial market prices moved very managers now control a much big- doesn’t seem to be the case now, there will inevitably be asset bub- Policy for the Age of Asset It is as if, Steve Johnson quickly to reflect new informa- ger share of the world’s financial and the giant asset managers such bles and busts, and figure out how Management,” that’s been making recently wrote in the Financial tion led most people in academic assets than they did in the 1930s, as BlackRock and Vanguard that to keep them from doing too much the rounds during the past few Times, global financial regulators finance and many in economics to and that the pressure they face regulators are concerned about damage. BLOOMBERG THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MARKET

QE Indices Summary QE Index 11,531.01 1.54 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 17,918.28 1.54 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 4,248.96 0.64 % RATE QE All Share Index 3,091.98 1.33 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 3,122.75 1.50 % GOLD Services Buying Selling All Ordinaries 5861.923 45.666 0.79 5962 5248.5 QE All Share Industrials 3,837.64 1.19 % QR139.3338 QE All Share Transportation 2,396.03 0.53 % US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 Cac 40 Index/D 5050.56 -32.96 -0.65 5106.04 4076.16 QE All Share Real Estate 2,370.36 1.06 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.3525 QR 5.4290 QE All Share Insurance 4,098.01 2.06 % Dj Indu Average 17976.31 263.65 1.49 18288.6 15855.12 Euro ...... QR 3.8911 QR 4.9453 QE All Share Telecoms 1,295.78 2.29 % QR 1.9635 QE All Share Consumer Goods & CA$ ...... QR 2.8272 QR 2.8824 6,863.74 0.65 % Services Hang Seng Inde/D 24900.89 45.77 0.18 25101.96 23312.5 Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.7205 QR 3.7738 QE Market Summary Comparison Iseq Overall/D 6024.75 -76.64 -1.26 6212.11 5072.7 Yen ...... QR 0.0301 QR 0.0307 Aus$ ...... QR 2.7440 QR 2.7975 Today Previous day Karachi 100 In/D 30233.87 1306.83 4.52 35055.94 28648.23 CRUDE OIL 01-04-2015 31-03-2015 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0577 QR 0.0589 Index 11,531.01 11,711.40 Nikkei 225 Index 19206.99 -204.41 -1.05 19778.6 16592.57 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0354 QR 0.0361 Change 180.39 124.57 BRENT Peso ...... QR 0.0807 QR 0.0824 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2119.59 1814.36 % 1.54 1.08 $ 55.06 SL Re ...... QR 0.0271 QR 0.0277 YTD% 6.14 4.68 Straits Times/D 3447.01 -7.25 -0.21 3458.71 3267.89 Taka ...... QR 0.0463 QR 0.0473 Volume 5,005,671 10,325,394 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0361 QR 0.0368 Value (QAR) 282,948,210.73 564,855,633.84 Straits Times/D 3290.99 -1.82 -0.06 3387.84 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.2955 QR 0.3015 Trades 3,672 5,927 $ 53.52 Up 10 | Down 28 | Unchanged 02 Straits Times/D 3274.06 -8.82 -0.27 3291.83 2953.01

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 01-04-2015

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED A B G Infra-T/D 168 2.7 2894 Chowgule St-T/D 23.5 -0.8 17501 Godfrey Phil-B/D 419.95 -7.2 4760 Kalpat Power-B/D 217.65 -0.4 19098 Onward Tech-B/D 50.25 -1 13596 Imperial Tobac/D 2980 -88 2130839 A C C-A/D 1556 -26.4 12532 Cimmco-B/D 90.75 4.3 61816 Goodricke-B/D 148.5 0.3 3110 Kalyani Stel-T/D 134.8 -0.9 40362 Orchid Chem-B/D 51.65 -0.6 158334 Kingfisher/D 378.2 13.4 11939647 Aarti Drugs-B/D 651.75 -4.25 11810 Cipla-A/D 711.2 8.7 107889 Goodyear I -B/D 517.25 6.25 11608 Kanoria Chem-B/D 41 0.85 13665 Orient Hotel-T/D 19.95 0.5 2710 Land Secs Grou/D 1259 -5 914763 Aban Offs-A/D 425.7 2.7 247191 City Union Bk-/D 96.3 0.1 68050 Hcl Infosys-B/D 51.6 0.15 480739 Kg Denim-B/D 20.95 -0.1 11329 Orient.Carb.-T/D 453.4 12.3 4080 Legal & Genera/D 278.07 -4.8 4729792 Aegis Logis-B/D 607.9 9.7 35562 Cmc Ltd-A/D 1917.7 -0.35 3137 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 13.25 -0.55 1285676 Kilburnengg-T/D 54.3 3.45 203941 Punjab Chem.-B/D 183.7 9.4 39897 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 78.75 -0.64 52053215 Ahmed.Forg-B/D 227.7 20.6 281631 Colgate-A/D 2013.45 -11.4 13764 Himat Seide-B/D 80.7 0.4 24827 Kinetic Eng-B/D 44.15 0.1 7262 Radico Khait-B/D 89.2 1.75 52711 Marks & Sp./D 544.6 6.5 1773123 Alembic-B/D 34.65 -0.15 136314 Container Cor-/D 1581.25 26.65 4519 Hind Motors-T/D 6.28 0.16 72153 Kopran-B/D 45.5 0.5 90334 Rallis India-A/D 225.1 5.4 49384 Next/D 7020 -80 199244 Alok Indus-A/D 7.4 0.26 2790402 Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 156.9 0.7 2527 Hind Org Chem-/D 14.1 0.15 21991 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 322.4 18.9 3372 Rallis India-A/D 225.1 5.4 49384 Pearson/D 1454 -26 1108409 Apollo Tyre-A/D 168.25 2.85 6099237 Dcm Financia-B/D 0.84 -0.04 10000 Hind Unilever-/D 872.9 10.8 80123 Lakshmi Mach-A/D 3826.55 50.25 2503 Reliance Indus/D 398.1 8.2 167081 Prudential/D 1673.5 -23.5 1970330 Asahi I Glass-/D 144.15 -1.65 7338 Dcm Shram Ind-/D 73.9 1 3004 Hind.Petrol-A/D 650.6 22.95 311778 Lloyd Metal-B/D 6.39 -1.11 21436 Ruchi Soya-B/D 44.9 2.05 99296 Rentokil Initi/D 137.1 1.6 1135439 Ashok Leyland-/D 73.55 -0.45 2214750 Dhampur Sugar-/D 35.7 0.05 16470 Hindalco-A/D 129.15 -2.25 511620 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 10.84 0.45 43519 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 587 -13.4 3224 Rolls Royce Pl/D 957 -4.5 1744102 Ballarpur In-B/D 13.8 0.28 177711 Dr. Reddy-A/D 3492 65.6 9711 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1311.25 5.05 60159 Lumax Ind-B/D 335.8 2.9 3741 Saur.Cem-B/D 43.45 -0.45 48218 Rsa Insrance G/D 425.9 -4.6 1289914 Banaras Bead-B/D 35.9 3.4 2730 E I H-B/D 108.7 -0.7 4241 I F C I-A/D 33.35 -0.45 318433 Lupin-A/D 2007.05 6.25 36146 Timexgroup-T/D 19 1.15 148644 Sainsbury(J)/D 260.5 -1.3 2596197 Bannari Aman-B/D 819 -78.25 28961 E.I.D Parry-A/D 174.8 6.05 10275 Idbi-A/D 71.05 -0.7 416060 Lyka Labs-T/D 49.9 2.35 65156 Tinplate-B/D 54.3 -0.05 50587 Schroders/D 3203 -22 241226 Bata India-A/D 1090.75 12.65 24833 Eicher Motor-A/D 15890.2 -129.5 3514 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 583.5 -6 5680 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 154 3.6 2580 Ucal Fuel-B/D 110.3 -1 10943 Severn Trent/D 2078 -7 401835 Beml Ltd-A/D 1092.35 29.75 120020 Electrosteel-B/D 19 1.7 289925 India Cement-A/D 86.45 -2.85 211831 Mah.Seamless-B/D 197.35 8.6 23199 Ucal Fuel-B/D 110.3 -1 10943 Smith&Nephew/D 1148 3 1032929 Bh Electronic-/D 3347.25 98.65 44685 Emco-B/D 33 0.75 118193 India Glycol-B/D 81.25 -2.05 17473 Mangalam Cem-B/D 265.7 -3.5 2891 Unitech P -A/D 16.2 -0.15 7389582 Smiths Group/D 1128 -1 564634 Bhansali Eng-T/D 22.2 0.55 4688 Escorts Fin-B/D 4.25 0.17 2970 Indian Hotel-A/D 117 3.1 160994 Maral Overs-B/D 26.1 0.6 2360 Standrd Chart /D 1096.5 -23.5 4745433 Bharat Bijle-B/D 613 -13.25 2229 Escorts-A/D 127.05 -0.7 169957 Indo-Tcount-T/D 378.9 -19.6 8155 Mastek-B/D 426.2 35.5 576174 LONDON Tate & Lyle/D 597 -3 466714 Bharatgears-B/D 72.65 0.2 2234 Essar Oil-T/D 108.7 -1.4 63138 Indusind-A/D 882.5 -6 43814 Max India L-A/D 435 -11.15 74825 Tesco/D 243.75 2.8 10262642 Bhartiya Int-B/D 417.7 18 2838 Eveready Indu-/D 261 1.9 47813 J.B.Chemical-B/D 200.1 0.65 34415 Mrpl-A/D 67.15 0 156002 3I Group/D 483.3 -7 681615 Unilever/D 2837.25 -50 1289420 Bhel-A/D 234.95 -3.65 485271 F D C-B/D 151.65 0.35 2707 Jagson Phar-B/D 28.5 1.95 60437 Nahar Spg.-B/D 86.8 -2.65 7777 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 2823 -32 199929 United Util Gr/D 940.5 -4 1036743 Bom.Burmah-B/D 439.6 -15.55 63512 Federal Bank-A/D 132 0.1 135064 Jbf Indu-B/D 211.4 -0.6 36649 Nation Alum -A/D 46.65 1.9 133115 Barclays/D 242.8 -5 13858229 Vodafone Group/D 222 -2.35 14365127 Bombay Dyeing-/D 63.9 -0.3 301565 Ferro Alloys-B/D 4.02 -0.23 67115 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.37 -0.01 47332 Navneet Edu-B/D 99.25 -4 84226 Bg Group/D 836.7 -15.3 3566471 Whitbread/D 5230 -10 172929 Camph.& All-B/D 249.8 -5.9 3368 Fgp Ltd-B/D 1.97 0.08 2648 Jct Ltd-B/D 3 -0.12 76884 Nepc India-T/D 2.32 0.01 4539 Bp/D 439.1515 -7.05 9290977 Canfin Homes-B/D 606 15.5 12952 Finolex-A/D 283.65 -4.45 9167 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 6.12 -0.1 86228 Neuland Lab-B/D 334 12.1 5038 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3504 -90.5 1598936 Castrol India-/D 474.4 10.2 52695 Gail-A/D 388.85 9 63042 Jktyre&Ind-B/D 105.5 9.2 848561 Nrb Bearings-B/D 132.5 0.4 2892 Bt Group/D 440.1 -8.15 9980063 Century Enka-B/D 149 -1 19769 Galada Power-T/D 22 0.3 2747 Jmc Projects-T/D 183.1 -5.1 9860 O N G C-A/D 306.8 -7.9 279767 Centrica/D 255.9 -1.1 8658709 Century Text-A/D 637.15 -1.85 216160 Gammon India-T/D 17.6 0.25 72624 Kabra Extr-B/D 71.4 -3.15 9323 Ocl India-B/D 456 23.35 2604 Gkn/D 359.8 -4.6 2095325 Chambal Fert-B/D 67.5 3.1 147774 Garden P -B/D 26.25 1.65 10046 Kajaria Cer-A/D 803.3 6.4 6641 Oil Country-B/D 30.35 0.95 9355 Hsbc Holdings/D 576.7 -6.6 9697204 THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 First Rio Games tickets go on sale First batch of a total 7.5m tickets made available online to fans in Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO: Tickets for sport to host action outside Rio attractions. An electronic plat- Pensioners, the disabled and the Rio Olympics went on sale owing to the amount of matches. form is being established to redis- students will enjoy half price on Tuesday with the first batch World governing body FIFA tribute returns. concessions, meaning the cheap- of a total 7.5m tickets made has given the green light to six Foreign fans must apply est deal of all will be just 20 reais. available online to thousands cities and seven stadiums — Rio, through a separate process for National Olympic Committees of fans who had pre-registered Salvador, Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, the August 5-21, 2016 extrava- have around one million — around via the official web portal, www. Manaus in Amazonia and Sao ganza, South America’s first ever 13 percent of the total — to sell to rio2016.com. Paulo. Olympiad. foreign fans outside of Brazil via The sales process for Brazilian Porto Alegre in the south and Fans have been required to reg- authorised resellers listed on the nationals and residents started Fortaleza in the northeast are ister for both lottery draws — the official site. from 1700 GMT after organisers possible stand-in options should current one whose result will be Three percent of tickets will last week released a detailed com- Sao Paulo ultimately be dropped announced in June, then again cost upwards of 600 reais for petition schedule for each sport — but organisers insist there is in July, prioritising unsuccessful marquee events, including the allowing fans to seek out their “no plan B.” first-wave applicants. men’s 100m final whose defending favoured events. Tuesday, a source said: “Sao A real time, first come first champion is world record holder Tuesday, fans were asked to Paulo football tickets will be served, sale of remaining tick- Jamaican superstar Usain Bolt. choose based on sport, game day included in due course once nego- ets will follow from October for Such events are pricey propo- and event site, give their financial tiations are completed.” Brazilians and Brazil residents. sitions for the poorest fans in details and apply online. Home fans had to register via On-site box office sales for the a country where the minimum One missing element was tick- the official website for the initial remnants will then start from monthly wage is just 788 reais ets for football matches due to be sales phase running to April 30. June next year prior to tickets ($246) after January’s annual held in Sao Paulo amid a dispute Seventy percent — or 5.2m — being sent out from May, com- readjustment. The most expen- with Corinthians football club, tickets have been earmarked for pleting what organizing commit- sive seats of all will be box seats owners of the Corinthians Arena, Brazilian residents, millions of tee president Carlos Nuzman and for the opening ceremony at the over who must pay for “overlay” whom will be eligible for discounts commercial executive director Maracana stadium costing a hefty costs to adapt the venue for the and also able to pay in up to five Renato Ciuchini praised earlier 4600 reais ($1440). Olympic tournament. monthly instalments. this year as a “fair and transpar- Organisers have warned ticket The club wants local govern- Tickets will bear the name of ent process”. Just over half of touts will face fines — selling tick- ment to stump up funds running the applicant, each of whom may the tickets will be available for ets on for higher than face value, to an estimated $10m, though the apply for up to 20 event “ses- 70 reais ($30) or less. a practice illegal in Brazil but A general view of the Olympic Park which will host competitions during figure is widely disputed. sions” and a maximum of 4-6 for The cheapest full price tickets which notably occurred at last the Rio Olympics next year.. The football event is the only each — four for the most popular will be 40 reais for weightlifting. year’s World Cup. AFP US Olympic panel committed to Boston bid for 2024 Games

BOSTON: The US Olympic partnership with Boston 2024 Boston’s bid called for a statewide area oppose hosting the Summer officials remained confident they as we continue to inform and Committee (USOC) said on and their innovative concept for referendum in 2016 on Games. can swing public sentiment. engage the people of Boston and Tuesday it was committed to hosting the Games,” USOC chief whether the bid should go for- Since the USOC in January “Boston 2024 and the USOC Massachusetts about the long- supporting Boston’s bid to host executive Scott Blackmun said in ward, adding that they would named Boston as its surprise pick will conduct polls from time to term and sustainable benefits of the 2024 Summer Games, deny- a statement. “Any suggestion that abandon the attempt without to seek what would be the nation’s time during this bid process to the Games.” ing a report that it may drop the we are considering alternatives is majority support statewide and first Olympics since the 2002 ensure we are on track to win Rome and Hamburg, Germany, bid if public support does not simply not true.” in Boston. Winter Games in Salt Lake City, a majority support,” said Boston are also bidding for the 2024 improve. CNBC posted a Tweet cit- The proposal, made by John the idea has faced a groundswell 2024 CEO Rich Davey. Olympics while Paris, Doha, “We believe that Boston can ing Dow Jones, saying the US Fish, a construction executive of opposition, with many worried “In fact the IOC requires it. We Istanbul and Baku are seen as and should lead America’s bid Olympic Committee may drop serving as chairman of the Boston that city taxpayers would have to welcome this initiative and we are possible contenders. to host the 2024 Olympic and Boston’s bid “if public support 2024 Partnership, came in the foot much of the estimated $9.5bn confident that all polling over the The International Olympic Paralympic Games, and we are doesn’t improve.” wake of a poll that found most cost. coming months will reveal a sig- Committee will select the 2024 absolutely committed to our Earlier this month, backers of residents of the greater Boston Despite dwindling support, bid nificant increase in public support host city in 2017. REUTERS Ovechkin nets 50th Browns GM gets four-game San Antonio Spurs’ goal in Capitals’ win ban for texting guard Tony Parker (left) dribbles WASHINGTON: Washington After four seasons with no to sideline the ball as Capitals’ left wing Alex more than 38 goals, Ovechkin Miami Heat Ovechkin scored his National netted 51 goals in the 2013-14 CLEVELAND: Cleveland forward Hockey League-leading 50th campaign to set the stage for his Browns General Manager Ray Michael goal of the season on Tuesday latest success, which came at age Farmer (pictured) was sus- Beasley (30) in a 4-2 home victory over the 29. pended for four games without defends Carolina Hurricanes. Ovechkin has never won the pay by the National Football during the The Russian superstar reached Stanley Cup with Washington or League on Monday for violating second half the 50-goal milestone for the sixth a Winter Olympic gold medal with rules banning the use of elec- of an NBA season in his 10-campaign NHL Russia, but has won four NHL tronic devices during games. game at the career. goal scoring titles and is on pace Farmer sent text messages to Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy to capture his fifth this year, what the Browns sideline with a cell American own the NHL record with nine would be his third goals crown in phone during games last season. Airlines 50-goal seasons a row. He admitted to the violations dur- Arena in but Ovechkin NHL Results The nearest ing last month’s NFL Scouting Miami on matched Guy rivals to Ovechkin Combine. Tuesday Boston 3 Florida 2 Lafleur, Marcel this season, Rick The suspension will begin at night. Dionne and Mario Washington 4 Carolina 2 Nash of the New the start of the 2015 regular sea- Lemieux for third Columbus 3 New Jersey 2 York Rangers son and forbids Farmer from any on the list. Toronto 3 Tampa Bay 1 and Tampa Bay’s involvement in club matters or “Every year, Ottawa 2 Detroit 1 Steven Stamkos, from being at the team’s offices, it’s harder and Vancouver 5 Nashville 4 each have 40 goals practice facility or Browns games. harder,” Ovechkin NY Rangers 3 Winnipeg 2 with the cam- “I respect the said. “But it’s a paign set to close league’s decision San Antonio beat Miami in huge accomplishment with those next week. and understand names up there. It’s always nice. Rangers 3, Jets 2 that there are But every year, you don’t know Chris Krieder broke a 2-2 consequences what to expect from yourself, how deadlock with 3:46 remaining in for my actions,” rematch of last year’s final you are going to play.” the third to give the New York Farmer said. Ovechkin’s 50th goal of the Rangers to a 3-2 win over the “Accountability MIAMI: The defending is impressive,” he said. “When season, which came 11:12 into the Winnipeg Jets. is integral to champion San Antonio Spurs NBA Results I was a teenager I dreamed of first period and gave the Capitals Winger Mats Zuccarello and what we are returned to Miami for the first Brooklyn 111 Indiana 106 just playing in the NBA. I never a 2-0 lead, was his 472nd career center Derek Brassard also trying to build time since last year’s NBA Detroit 105 Atlanta 95 imagined I would get this far.” goal, tying Petr Bondra for the scored for the Rangers (48-21- and as a leader I need to set the Finals and delivered a 95-81 San Antonio 95 Miami 81 Parker says the four NBA titles Capitals’ all-time lead. 7), who snapped a two-game los- right example.” defeat to the struggling Heat. won the Spurs, including the last Golden State 110 LA Clippers 106 Ovechkin scored 52 goals as a ing skid. Center Jim Slater and Farmer apologized to Browns Kawhi Leonard scored a game- two seasons, are what he will rookie in the 2005-06 season and winger Lee Stempniak scored for owner Jimmy Haslam, team coach high 22 points and grabbed nine repeat, with Leonard becoming a always remember from his 1,000 enjoyed his NHL-best 65-goal the Jets (39-26-12), who sit two Mike Pettine and Browns fans, rebounds while French guard crucial playmaker. games. campaign in 2007-08 followed points ahead of Los Angeles in the adding, “Learning is a big part of Tony Parker added 16 points and “Guys are starting to double But he also acknowledges the by 56 goals in 2008-09 and 50 in last Western Conference playoff who I am and I will certainly be a game-high five assists and Tim team me and give me more atten- “sacrifices” that have to be made. 2009-10. spot. AGENCIES better from this situation.” Duncan contributed 12 points and tion in the post but I’ve learned a “You have to respect the rest time The Browns were also fined pulled down 11 rebounds. lot,” Leonard said. and not just do anything in the $250,000, although the league It was the 14th win in 17 games “It’s great confidence for me. summer,” he said. found no other members of the for the Spurs and their fourth The guys are starting to trust me. “When you add all the playoff front office were involved. in a row, boosting San Antonio I’ve just got to find my teammates games and all the summers spent “We accept the league’s rul- to 48-26 on the season, one loss open shots. I can’t be selfish or with the French team, that is a lot ing,” Haslam said. “Ray made a behind Portland for fifth place in stubborn out there.” of basketball. But I will look back mistake and takes full respon- the Western Conference. Goran Dragic led Miami with at that at the end of my career.” sibility for his role in violat- The Heat slid to 34-40, seventh 19 points while Dwyane Wade Parker, who made his debut on ing the policy. It is critical that in the Eastern Conference, one added 15. October 30, 2001 having struggled we make better decisions. Ray win ahead of Brooklyn and only Parker fastest to 1,000 NBA to convince coach Gregg Popovich has tremendous integrity and I one game ahead of ninth-place games to give him a chance, has been in know has great remorse for what Boston. San Antonio Spurs star guard the last 13 playoffs, six All Star occurred. We are all committed San Antonio and Miami met Tony Parker has become the fast- Games in all and scored 16,944 to learning from this and making in the past two NBA Finals, the est NBA player to reach 1,000 points. the Browns a stronger and better Heat winning in seven games in career games. “To tell the truth, His current contract, worth organization.” 2013 before falling to the Spurs in I did not even know it was my $12m a season, takes him until The texts involved were report- five last June. 1,000th game,” Parker said after 2018. And Parker believes there edly on play calling and person- While Miami has stumbled the Spurs beat Miami Heat 91-85 is more to come from the Spurs. Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals celebrates after scoring a goal nel and might have contributed since the departure of LeBron on Tuesday to get within a win “Our regular season has been a against the Carolina Hurricanes in the first period of a NHL game at the to offensive coordinator Kyle James to Cleveland, the Spurs of a play-off place. “When you bit difficult but we want to keep Verizon Center in Washington on Tuesday night. Shanahan’s decision to resign have maintained their solid base look at the history of the NBA our title and we believe we can,” after the season. AFP in hopes of contending for a title and all those names, it’s true it he said. AGENCIES THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT New ICC left red-faced as Zealand’s Mills follows Vettori into Kamal quits job in protest retirement WELLINGTON: New Zealand ‘I’m requesting these type of people should be away from cricket’ pace bowler Kyle Mills (pic- tured below) announced his retirement from all cricket yes- DHAKA: The International terday, following Daniel Vettori Cricket Council (ICC) was Spurned in calling it quits after the left red-faced yesterday when World Cup final. its president Mustafa Kamal Mills was consistently ranked resigned claiming he was Burns to plot among the world’s top 10 one-day snubbed at the presentation bowlers throughout his illustrious ceremony after Sunday’s World 14-year career, and for a long time Cup final in Melbourne. Australia was ranked number one. Kamal, as the head of the gov- “It’s been an honour and privi- erning body, was expected to comeback in lege to play cricket for my country present the trophy but ICC chair- over the past 14 years and I will man Narayanaswami Srinivasan miss it greatly,” the 36-year-old awarded it to the victorious India said. Australian side at the Melbourne “However the time is right for Cricket Ground. MELBOURNE: Queensland me to step away from playing this Many believe it was a price batsman Joe Burns (pictured) great game and devote more time Kamal paid for his outburst is determined to avoid member- to my family who have sacrificed against a controversial umpir- ship of the burgeoning club of so much for me to keep playing ing decision that went against Australian batsmen who have the game I love.” his country Bangladesh in their made brief cameos in the test Mills represented New Zealand World Cup quarter-final defeat team before permanently falling in 170 ODIs and took 240 wickets by India, the country Srinivasan into obscurity. to be the Black Caps’ second high- hails from. The 25-year-old was the only est wicket-taker in the shortened Kamal has been quoted in the member of the team that defeated game behind Vettori, who took local media flaying Srinivasan and India 2-0 in the 2014-15 series 297. the former Bangladesh Cricket not to be picked for the 17-man Vettori announced his inter- Board chief, on his return from tour squad national retirement on Tuesday Australia, said “people with ugly for the when the New Zealand side mindset” had no business running Caribbean returned from Melbourne after the ICC. Mustafa Kamal (centre), former president of the International Cricket Council (ICC), speaks to the media in and losing the World Cup final to “I was supposed to present the Dhaka yesterday. Kamal resigned as president of ICC, accusing colleagues within the game’s global body of England in Australia by seven wickets. trophy to the winners after the acting “unlawfully” June and Mills took part in three World Melbourne final. But I couldn’t July. Cups, although in the latest edi- do that,” he told reporters at the The tion he was one of three mem- Dhaka airport on his arrival from the truth -- who are these peo- against a controversial no-ball governing body looked into the highly- bers of the New Zealand squad Australia. ple, what are they doing and how decision in the World Cup quar- dismissal. ICC Chief Executive rated who did not take the field as “I’m requesting these type they are running ICC,” he added. ter-final match. Dave Richardson termed Kamal’s right- the Blacks Caps kept a largely of people should be away from The governing body confirmed India opener Rohit Sharma was outburst as “very unfortunate”. hander’s unchanged line up throughout cricket, otherwise cricket will be Kamal’s departure, saying that his caught in the deep and umpire “Any suggestion that the match spot was the tournament. spoiled, cricket will not move for- resignation letter stated he was Aleem Dar deemed it was an officials had ‘an agenda’ or did usurped by He also played 42 Twenty20s ward,” Kamal said. leaving “on personal grounds” above waist-height no-ball though anything other than perform to 35-year- and 19 Tests for his country. “My earnest request to ICC is and that “he had no complaints replays contradicted his opinion. the best of their ability are base- old “Kyle has been a wonderful to revisit those things. I’m sure to make against anyone”. After India won the match, less and are refuted in the strong- Western ODI player over a long period of people will find out why I have The ICC had criticised Kamal Kamal questioned the motive of est possible terms,” Richardson Australian Adam Voges, who time and, but for injury, would resigned and they will unearth for his outburst last month the umpires and demanded the had said. REUTERS amassed more than 1,300 runs have played closer to 200 games in Australia’s domestic Sheffield for New Zealand,” New Zealand Shield to lead the run-scorers in Cricket chief executive David Starc sidelined a stand-out season. White said. Though Voges dazzled selectors, “However, what I’ll always Hafeez prepares for for up to three Burns also had a decent Shield remember Kyle for most was and might feel unlucky after scor- when he knocked over the weeks with ing consecutive half-centuries in England Test team’s top-order his second and last Test against during his match-winning spell India in January. at Hamilton in 2008, dismiss- bowling action test knee injury “Sometimes tough calls are ing in quick succession Alastair made and 50-50 calls can go Cook, Michael Vaughan, Andrew KARACHI: Pakistani all- MELBOURNE: Australia against you but you can’t get too Strauss and Kevin Pietersen.” rounder Mohammad Hafeez will fast bowler Mitchell Starc, the down about it,” two-test Burns Mills finished that innings with undergo a reassessment test Pakistani player of the tournament at the told the Brisbane Times. his best return of four for 16 from on his bowling action in India recent cricket World Cup, will “You have to focus on what’s 13 overs. His best ODI figures all-rounder on April 9 to try to revive his be out for up to three weeks important and the things that you were five for 25 against South Mohammad struggling career, a statement after suffering a knee injury. need to continually keep doing to Africa in Durban in 2007. said yesterday. Hafeez The 25-year-old left-arm pace- keep performing. “To have the longevity that The 34-year-old off-spin- delivers the man climbed to the top of the “I think I’m not going to get too Kyle’s had takes an incredible ner’s action was deemed ille- ball during world’s one-day international caught up in getting down in the work ethic and desire to repre- gal after a biomechanical test the second rankings for bowlers after taking dumps about it. sent your country,” coach Mike at Loughborough University in and last 22 wickets in Australia’s World “I think it’s natural to be disap- Hesson said. England last December. International Cup winning campaign but suf- pointed when you get left out of “On top of what he’s achieved He was reported during T20 cricket fered a left knee niggle during the the Australian cricket team. It’s on the field, he’s also a fantas- a Test against New Zealand match against closing stages. a great team to be a part of and tic bloke and a great team man. last November, badly hitting New Zealand “Mitchell had some knee sore- I guess that’s why it hurts not to He’s a natural leader who did a Pakistan’s preparations for the at Dubai ness during the later stages of the get the chance to play.” superb job of captaining the side World Cup which ended with International World Cup,” team physiotherapist Australia’s recent history is in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka last Australia’s triumph on Sunday. Stadium in Alex Kountouris said in a report littered with batsmen who have year and has brought a lot of pas- Before Hafeez, Pakistan’s ace Dubai in this on Cricket Australia’s website. been thrown into the spotlight sion to the group.” REUTERS spinner Saeed Ajmal was also December “He will have a short period off after years of toiling in the suspended for an illegal bowling 2014 file to rest and recover, before being fringes, then promptly banished action. reassessed by CA medical staff. after a handful of games. photo. Hafeez Hafeez was selected for the “We estimate his recovery time Tasmania batsman Alex will undergo a World Cup purely as a batsman will be between two-three weeks.” Doolan had a brief flirtation with but had to be withdrawn after reassessment The knee niggle will also keep Australia’s number three spot in injuring a calf muscle. test on his Starc out of the start of the IPL the batting order last year but The Pakistan Cricket Board bowling action 2015. He will remain in Australia was dumped after his fourth test said Hafeez would go to India for in India on for “two-three weeks” of recu- produced consecutive failures. a re-test following approval by April 9,2015, peration before joining Royal Erstwhile one-day captain the International Cricket Council to try and Challengers Bangalore, with George Bailey failed to perform (ICC). revive his whom he had debuted last season. in the 2013-14 Ashes and has not “On PCB’s request for retest- struggling Australia will hope to have a had a look-in since. ing on Hafeez’s bowling action, the career, a fully fit Starc for their tours to Three-Test all-rounder Moises ICC has set April 9 as the date, statement the Caribbean and England in Henriques enjoyed a promising with Sri Ramachandra University, said June and July. The team will play debut in India with two half-cen- Chennai, India being the venue,” yesterday. two tests against West Indies in turies but was discarded before said a statement. June before the five-Test Ashes the end of the ill-fated 2013 tour Hafeez’s elbow extension series starts in England in July. that saw Australia whitewashed exceeded the 15 degree level of AGENCIES 4-0. tolerance permitted by the ICC On his 2012 debut against South regulations and was thus declared Africa in Brisbane, Victoria left- an illegal action. hander Rob Quiney scored nine, He underwent remedial work Graves mulls 4-day Tests which was memorably described with former Pakistan spinner as “the best nine” then-coach Saqlain Mushtaq and also report- LONDON: Incoming England The ECB could not itself intro- came to light earlier this year Mickey Arthur had seen. edly cleared an unofficial test in and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) duce four-day Test matches, but after an ECB document entitled He was dropped one Test later Chennai in January. chairman Colin Graves con- it could push for changes to the ‘Strategy Conversation Summary’ after two consecutive ducks and Hafeez has 43 Test wickets firmed that he is considering Test format in international nego- was leaked. Arthur was sacked the following and 122 in one-day internation- tabling proposals to shorten tiations. Expanding on the idea, Reacting to the leak, the ECB year. als as well as 46 in Twenty20 Test matches from five days to Graves added: “Every Test match revealed that it was “in the early Burns will head to India with internationals. four. would start on a Thursday, with stages of formulating a long-term Australia A and other test dis- Ajmal passed his reassessment “Personally, I think we should Thursday and Friday being corpo- strategy for the game in England cards, including Bailey, Usman test in January and will be avail- look at four-day Test cricket rate days and then Saturday and and Wales, which we anticipate Khawaja and spinner Ashton able for selection for Pakistan’s and play 105 overs a day start- Sunday the family days. will take a year to complete”. Agar. tour of Bangladesh later this ing at 10.30am in the morning, “From a cost point of view, Graves has held initial talks “I want to play for the next month. and finish when you finish as all you’d lose that fifth day, which about future proposals for the decade for Australia and I think Pakistan are due to play two the grounds now have lights,” would save a hell of a lot of money English county championship being able to perform on the sub- Tests, three one-dayers and a Graves, who takes up his role in from the ground’s point of view and a possible ‘English Premier continent is going to play a big Twenty20 international. May, told the Marylebone Cricket and the broadcasters. I would League’ Twenty20 competition. part in that,” he said. REUTERS Club (MCC) website. look at that.” The proposals first AFP REUTERS THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25 Djokovic D jokovic storms back to favours reforms in tennis reach Miami quarters schedule MIAMI: Novak Djokovic has British tennis star Andy Murray posts 500th career win on ATP Tour added his voice to those calling for a reform of the Davis Cup format, with the world number MIAMI: Desperate Novak 500th career victory, defeating one favouring a more con- Djokovic fought back from a South Africa’s Kevin Anderson centrated competition for the set and a break down to defeat 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. worldwide team event. Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-7 (3/7), The third-seeded Scotsman, In addition, the men’s top seed 7-5, 6-0 yesterday, salvaging who holds two Grand Slam titles, at the ATP and WTA Miami hopes of defending his Miami needed his best effort against his Masters would also like to see the Open title. 17th-ranked rival. Australian Open played a bit later World number one Djokovic Murray, who has won four of in the season but is fully on board won 24 of the last 27 points to five matches against Anderson, with the addition of an extra week reach a quarter-final against improved his career match record of grass preparation between the Spanish sixth seed David Ferrer, to 500 triumphs and 155 defeats end of Roland Garros and the a 7-6 (7/5), 6-0 winner over with 31 titles, including the 2012 beginning of Wimbledon. Frenchman Gilles Simon at US Open and 2013 Wimbledon For starters, the eight-time the ATP and WTA hardcourt crowns. Grand Slam winner said that he tournament. “I hope I’ve still got a lot more supports a pending proposal to Ukraine challenger Dolgopolov wins in me,” Murray said. add a tiebreaker to the fifth set was unable to stretch his lead to “To get to 500 is good. It’s not of any Davis Cup rubber, which a double break in the second set, an easy thing to do at my age. It’s would end marathons such as Novak Djokovic Djokovic saving two break points nice. Hopefully I can keep going.” the nearly seven-hour strug- of Serbia in the fourth game. Murray is the first British gle at a March first-round tie in returns the “I was really frustrated,” man, the ninth active player and Argentina. ball against Djokovic said. “I was trying to the 46th man in the post-1968 “I’m more in support of a tie- Alexandr calm myself down, because inside Open Era to achieve the 500-win break in the fifth set in any com- Dolgopolov of there was a big fire. You could see plateau. petition than for no tiebreak. That Ukraine during a little bit of that in the first set. “There have not been loads of would be my answer on that,” said day 9 of the “Just try to get to the state of players that have done it. It’s nice the 27-year-old Serbian. Miami Open at mind where I have a serene, con- for me the fact that it happened “I support the fact to have a Crandon Park trolled mind and emotions and here as well,” said Murray, who certain change in the sport, I Tennis Center in where I’m able to just be in the trains in Miami in the off-season. think it’s the right time. As we Key Biscayne, present moment. That’s where I “It’s just fitting just because I have evolve as a global sport, I think was focusing on.” spent so much time training here we should all strongly consider Florida. Novak The Serbian top seed turned the and working to get better and to applying certain changes. Djokovic fought match on its head in a 22-minute improve. That was nice.” “Of course, you don’t want back from final set in which he could do no Next up for Murray will be to change completely the game. a set and a wrong, sustaining his chance for a Austrian Dominic Thiem, who There is a long tradition in integ- break down to US double after his Indian Wells defeated Frenchman Adrian rity of the sport that is very rec- defeat Alexandr final victory over Roger Federer. Mannarino 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 7-5. ognised around the world because Dolgopolov 6-7 Dolgopolov began breaking “He had his best year on the of that - but I believe there is (3/7), 7-5, 6-0. down in the third set after get- tour last year. He’s a very talented some room for improvements,” ting blisters on both feet taped. guy. He’s strong,” said Murray. added the eight-time Grand Slam Near the end he was clasping at “I know him fairly well and winner. his thighs with cramps as he went practice with him quite a bit. I International Tennis down to defeat. expect tomorrow will be a tough Federation president Francesco “It wasn’t my kind of a day,” match.” Ricci Bitti told Argentina’s La Djokovic said. Japan’s fourth seed Kei Nacion newspaper last week that “Just on the warm-up the entire Nishikori beat Belgian David the idea was on the table for an day was one of those days where Goffin 6-1, 6-2 with Nishikori set autumn ITF congress and that it you don’t feel so great mentally. to move to a career-best fourth in had his support. “But I fought my way through. the world, sending Rafael Nadal Djokovic is adamant that the I was just trying to find a way to to fifth. century-old Davis format, which come back in the match. He was “I feel a lot of confidence. It’s is spaced out inconveniently over playing well. really going well these three four weekend dates throughout “He has a very unorthodox matches,” Nishikori said. the season,needs a shake-up. game, tricky opponent, mixes up “It’s tough to compare, but “The schedule is, especially the pace, and can easily get you maybe I have been playing a little for top players, very, very bad,” out of the rhythm.” better than last year,” he added. he said. “Maybe (make it) a two- Britain’s Andy Murray won his REUTERS week event every year, every two years, where you would have the top 16 teams playing in four 500 or More Wins on the ATP Tour ATP and WTA Miami Open Results groups of four in different loca- 1. Jimmy Connors United States 1970-1996 1253 tions, and then coming in the final MIAMI: Results on Tuesday from the eighth day of the ATP and WTA Miami Open(x denotes four. That’s one of the examples. 2. Ivan Lendl Czechoslovakia 1978-1994 1071 seeded player): “The important thing is to 3. Roger Federer Switzerland 1998- 1012 Men’s Fourth Round: Tomas Berdych (CZE x8) bt Gael Monfils (FRA x17) 6-3, 3-2, retired, right attract the top players to be 4. Guillermo Vilas Argentina 1969-1989 929 hip injury; Dominic Thiem (AUT) bt Adrian Mannarino (FRA x28) 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 7-5; Juan Monaco there. We all love representing 5. John McEnroe United States 1977-1992 875 (ARG) bt Fernando Verdasco (ESP x29) 6-3, 6-3; Andy Murray (GBR x3) bt Kevin Anderson (RSA our countries in Olympic Games x15) 6-4, 3-6, 6-4; David Ferrer (ESP x6) bt Gilles Simon (FRA x12) 7-6 (7/5), 6-0; Kei Nishikori (JPN 6. Andre Agassi United States 1986-2006 870 and Davis Cup, but you can’t be x4) bt David Goffin (BEL x18) 6-1, 6-2; Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR) 6-7 frequent. I speak from my per- 7. Stefan Edberg Sweden 1982-1996 801 (3/7), 7-5, 6-0; John Isner (USA x22) bt Milos Raonic (CAN x5) 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/5). sonal experience. 8. Ilie Nastase Romania 1968-1985 779 Women’s Quarter-finals: Andrea Petkovic (GER x9) bt Karolina Pliskova (CZE x14) 6-4, 6-2; Carla “You have the Davis Cup sched- 9. Pete Sampras United States 1988-2002 762 Suarez Navarro (ESP x12) bt Venus Williams (USA x16) 0-6, 6-1, 7-5. ule that is right after Wimbledon 10. Rafael Nadal Spain 2002- 721 or right after the Australian Open or right after the US Open. 11. Boris Becker Germany 1983-1999 713 “If you’re playing finals of these 12. Arthur Ashe United States 1959-1979 683 events, to change the time zone 13. Brian Gottfried United States 1970-1984 679 and arrive from US Open to 14. Michael Chang United States 1987-2003 662 Europe in matter of two, three 15. Stan Smith United States 1964-1985 658 days and adjust from hard court outdoors to indoor clay, it’s a huge 16. Manuel Orantes Spain 1968-1983 641 risk for injuries and so forth. 17. Novak Djokovic Serbia 2004- 626 “I would like to play it more, but 18. David Ferrer Spain 2002- 624 sometimes I have to make choices. 19. Thomas Muster Austria 1984-1999 621 That’s why I would strongly sup- 20. Andy Roddick United States 2000-2012 612 port to change the format as soon as possible.” Lleyton Hewitt Australia 1997- 612 Djokovic also laid into the ATP, 22. Björn Borg Sweden 1972-1984 609 voicing some fresh ideas for that Yevgeny Kafelnikov Russia 1992-2003 609 tournament calendar. 24. Goran Ivanisevic Croatia 1988-2004 599 “I still believe that Australian 25. Roscoe Tanner United States 1969-1985 587 Open should be couple of weeks later, at least,” he said of the mid- 26. Eddie Dibbs United States 1972-1984 586 January major which he won for a 27. Carlos Moya Spain 1995-2010 575 fifth time two months ago. 28. Tom Okker Netherlands 1964-1981 574 “To start off with a Grand Slam 29. Mats Wilander Sweden 1980-1996 571 right away and the season hasn’t 30. Harold Solomon United States 1972-1986 567 even started, and then to have a very long gap between Australian 31. Tommy Haas Germany 1996- 561 Open and Roland Garros (start- 32. Ken Rosewall Australia 1951-1980 550 ing in late May) and then a very 33. Rod Laver Australia 1956-1979 536 short one, it proportionately 34. Andres Gomez Ecuador 1979-1995 523 doesn’t make sense. But that’s the 35. John Newcombe Australia 1960-1981 520 way the schedule has been offi- cially present in our sport and we Raul Ramirez Mexico 1971-1983 520 kind of play with it, but I’m always Wojtek Fibak Poland 1974-1988 520 in support for new discussions 38. Brad Gilbert United States 1981-1995 519 and progress and change that can 39. Tomas Smid Czech Republic 1976-1989 517 kind of revolutionalise the sport.” John Alexander Australia 1968-1985 517 Djokovic does fully approve of the concept of extra Wimbledon 41. Vitas Gerulaitis United States 1971-1986 515 Andy Murray of Great Britain poses with a cake for his 500th ATP Tour victory against Kevin Anderson of South prep time on grass which comes 42. Wayne Ferreira South Africa 1990-2005 512 Africa in their fourth round match along with ATP umpire supervisor Lars Graff and Adam Barrett tournament into effect this season. 43. Tomas Berdych Czech Republic 2003- 507 director during the Miami Open Presented by Itau at Crandon Park Tennis Center in Key Biscayne, Florida. “It gives you a little bit more 44. Jim Courier United States 1987-2000 506 Murray, who has won four of five matches against Anderson, improved his career match record to 500 triumphs time to prepare between the slow- and 155 defeats with 31 titles, including the 2012 US Open and 2013 Wimbledon crowns. Murray is the first est surface (clay) in sport and the 45. Tommy Robredo Spain 1999- 505 British man, the ninth active player and the 46th man in the post-1968 Open Era to achieve the 500-win plateau. fastest surface in sport.” 46. Andy Murray United Kingdom 2005- 500 REUTERS THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT

Qatar cyclists receive warm welcome

Qatar Cycling Federation (QCF) officials at Hamad International Airport receive national riders who featured at 7th Arab Cycling Championship held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Qatari cyclists won 10 medals, including 3 gold, 6 silver and one bronze. Hamad Al Bardini, Khaleel Al Ginan, Diego Horfield, Ibraheem Faris, Mohammed Abdul Hakeem and Alaa Ezz El Deen took part in the event for Qatar. Nasser Al Kaabi, the Assistant Secretary General of QCF, was present at the airport to receive the team.

Players get set for Games gala 2nd GCC Beach Games begin in Doha tomorrow; Qatar face Oman in handball

DOHA: Hosts Qatar will take we hope to see our teams on the on neighbouring Oman in their podiums,” he added opening game of the handball Meanwhile, the Organizing competition at the 2nd Beach Committee of the 2nd edition of Games which kick off tomorrow. GCC Beach Games 2015 signed In other games tomorrow, four sponsorship agreements Bahrain will play Oman in what with three hotels - Ezdan, Ritz- is going to be a three-way tie for Carlton and Retaj Al Rayyan - to top honours at Al Gharafa Sports be accommodation during the Club. Games and the Cultural Village Over 300 athletes from across (Katara) as host location for the the GCC will participate in the swimming, rowing and air sports 2nd GCC Beach Games, which competitions. consists of 13 competitions across The signing ceremony attended seven sporting disciplines. by Mohammed Issa Al Fadalla The event will run from April Director of Public Relations and 3 to 9, organisers said yesterday. Media at the Championship, The multi-purpose complex at Sheikh Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Al Gharafa Sports Club will host Thani, the official in charge of the volleyball, handball, football media and broadcasting, Salah Al and 3x3 basketball events, while Saadi, the chairman of facilities, Katara Cultural Village, situated services and information technol- on Doha’s stunning Corniche, will ogy committee along with the host open water swimming, row- representatives of the sponsors. ing, sailing and air sports. Al Saadi signed the sponsorship Khalid Al Mohannadi, the agreement with Katara repre- Games Executive Director, said sentative, while Al Fadalla inked that the Organising Committee the agreements with the repre- Members of the 2015 GCC Beach Games Organizing Committee are seen during a meeting held to complete sponsorships agreement for the April 2 has completed all managerial sentatives of the three hotels. to 9 event in Doha. and technical arrangements to Also yesterday, organisers said host ‘an exceptional GCC Beach a high level delegation from Asian Games’ in compliance with the Rowing Federation (ARF) made Sheikh country’s good sport reputation. a productive visit to the location Saoud bin Al Mohannadi said the open- of Sailing and Rowing competi- Abdulrahman ing ceremony ‘will reflect Qatar’s tions prepared for the GCC Beach Al Thani, environment, heritage, tradition, Games. Secretary- culture and the country’s relation Hassan Abdullah, Director General, with the sea’. of Rowing events and Assistant Qatar Olympic The Games Executive Director Secretary General of Qatar Committee revealed that the Games’ Mascot Sailing and Rowing Federation (QOC), will be “ Sodeifi” and no financial (QSRF), gave a brief information inspects one awards are allocated for the top to the delegation members about of the two winners. the race track, competitions area, venues of “The winning athletes will only number of participating boats and the Games. receive trophies and medals,’ Al technical arrangements. Mohannadi said. The ARF delegation is on visit RIGHT: Khalid “No doubt we are looking to to Doha upon invitation from the Al Mohannadi, reach exceptional success in QSRF to attend the sailing and the Executive hosting the second GCC Beach rowing competitions at the pres- Director, of the Games by the collective effort of tigious second GCC Beach Games Games. all our sport federations. Likewise 2015. THE PENINSULA

Al Sadd handball squad is received by club officials at Hamad International Airport in Doha. Al Sadd beat Qatar’s Al Rayyan in the final of the 35th GCC Handball Championship in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Al Sadd defended their title by recording a 31-27 convincing victory over Al Rayyan THURSDAY 2 APRIL 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Netherlands too strong Portugal stunned by Cape Verde

JOHANNESBURG: Cape and Boakye struck the post after Verde upset a weakened Portugal half-time. for lacklustre Spain 2-0 in Estoril on Tuesday as Mali lost 4-3 to Gabon last seven days of international foot- Wednesday and Ghana fell 2-1 to ball friendlies involving African Senegal three days later. De Vrij and Klaasen score to give hosts 2-0 victory teams ended. A stoppage-time equaliser from Portugal lacked many stars, Yu Dabao forced Tunisia to settle including the biggest one of all for a 1-1 draw with China in the AMSTERDAM: The Cristiano Ronaldo, having won Nanjing Olympic Sports Centre Netherlands once again proved International 2-1 at home against Serbia just stadium. too good for an under-par Spain 48 hours earlier in a Euro 2016 After conceding a couple of as goals from Stefan de Vrij and Friendly Results qualifier. late goals to lose 2-0 in Japan, Davy Klaasen handed the hosts The Blue Sharks scored twice the Tunisians looked set for vic- a 2-0 friendly win in Amsterdam International friendly results on within six minutes close to half- tory having taken the lead on 39 on Tuesday. Tuesday time at Estadio Antonio Coimbra minutes. Spain were hoping to exact At Abu Dhabi da Mota for a rare away victory Substitute Mohamed Ali revenge for the 5-1 thrashing they Iraq 1 (Kasim 59) Democratic Republic of over European opposition. Moncer crept unnoticed to the far suffered at the hands of the Dutch Congo 0 An Odair Fortes cross found post and gave the Chinese goal- at last year’s World Cup, but their At Amsterdam, Netherlands the corner of the net on 38 min- keeper no chance with a powerful chances were undone by two goals Netherlands 2 (De Vrij 13, Klaassen 16) utes and Gege tapped the ball header. in the opening 15 minutes. Spain 0 over the goal-line at the far post Saber Khalifa wasted a chance De Vrij rose highest to head At Estoril, Portugal to double the lead to seal a win to double the advantage soon home Wesley Sneijder’s in- Portugal 0 Cape Verde 2 (Fortes 37, Gege 43) over a side that had four players after half-time as his penalty was swinging cross before Klaasen At Lviv making their debuts. blocked and he fired the rebound was given an alarming amount of Ukraine 1 (Yarmolenko 35) Latvia 1 Former Portuguese colony wide. space inside the box to fire home (Maksimenko 90+1) Cape Verde comprises a string of Democratic Republic of Congo, on the rebound after David de islands off the coast of Senegal who exceeded expectations with At Moscow Gea had saved his initial effort. and has just 500,000 inhabitants. a third-place Cup of Nations fin- Russia 0 Kazakhstan 0 Defeat means the European The Sharks are ranked 38 ish, were the only African team champions have now lost friend- At Paris in the world — 31 places below to lose both friendlies. lies against three continental Ghana 1 (Badu 53) Mali 1 (Sako 71-pen) Portugal — and made a first- A 1-0 defeat by Iraq at Khalid heavyweights France, Germany At Solna, Sweden round exit from the 2015 Africa Bin Mohammed Stadium in and the Dutch since being dumped Sweden 3 (Ibrahimovic 11, Berg 22, Toivonen Cup of Nations in Equatorial Sharjah followed a 2-1 loss to the out in embarrassing fashion after 89) Iran 1 (Nekounam 24-pen) Guinea after three consecutive same country three days ago at just two games at the World Cup. At Turin, Italy draws. another United Arab Emirates “It seems impossible that we Italy 1 (Pelle 29) England 1 (Townsend 79) Ghana and Mali drew 1-1 at venue. haven’t scored,” said Spain boss At Zilina Stade Sebastien Charlety in Yaser Kasim from English Vicente del Bosque. Slovakia 1 (Duda 49) Czech Republic 0 southern Paris, enabling both third-level side Swindon Town “We paid for the first 20 min- At Vienna countries to avoid suffering two scored the winner on the hour, utes. We dominated the game, Austria 1 (Janko 34) Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 straight losses during the inter- running across the field just out- were on top of them and had a (Hajrovic 48) national window. side the box before unleashing an lot of chances, the only thing we At Zurich, Switzerland Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, unstoppable rising shot. lacked was a goal.” Switzerland 1 (Stocker 80) USA 1 (Shea 45) who has not scored for Serie A Corentin Martins celebrated His Dutch counterpart Guus outfit Udinese this season, put the his first success since succeeding Hiddink said it was a good result Sweden the lead in the 11th 2015 Cup of Nations runners-up fellow Frenchman Patrice Neveu but denied that it had been a cru- minute. ahead on 53 minutes. as coach of Mauritania with a 2-0 cial one for him even though it His clever pass found Erkan He nudged a through ball past victory over Niger in Nouakchott. was only his third win in eight Zengin, whose chipped return was Soumaila Diakite and then ran After 73 goalless minutes at games since taking over after last powerfully headed home by the past the fallen goalkeeper to tap Stade Olympique, Adama Ba put year’s World Cup finals. Sweden captain at the far post, the ball into the net. the hosts ahead from a penalty “This result will boost the Davy Klaasen (right) of the Netherlands celebrates after scoring a goal despite the best efforts of Iran Bakary Sako from English and Ali Abeide added a second confidence of the team,” said the against Spain during a friendly in Amsterdam on Tuesday night. goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi to second-tier promotion contend- soon after. 68-year-old, who is in his second keep it out. ers Wolves levelled by converting Moussa Konate, whose two spell with the national side. close to De Gea, the rebound fell David Silva also had a goal Zlatan turned provider 10 a 71st-minute penalty needlessly goals sank Ghana last Saturday, “Is it a relief to me person- kindly for the Ajax midfielder to ruled out for a marginal offside minutes later, heading Pierre conceded when Richmond Boakye was on target again as Senegal ally? No because I didn’t have the lash the ball high into the net. call as Spain continued to have Bengtsson’s cross from the left fouled Molla Wague. won 2-1 at French Ligue 2 club impression I had a weight bearing Spain improved as the half the better of the second-half, but back into the path of Marcus Malian Modibo Maiga rattled Le Havre. Pape Souare was the down on me. wore in and should have pulled a they lacked a killer instinct in Berg, who swept home a deft the crossbar during the first half other Teranga Lions scorer. AFP “I have been criticised but goal back when Pedro Rodriguez the final third as the Netherlands first-time finish. journalists have a habit of being was denied by Kenneth Vermeer held on. Minutes later the huge con- scathing. We just get on with our after robbing Bruno Martins Indi, Ibra silences raucous Iran tingent of Iranian fans roared in Gege (left) of work and everyone is pulling in whilst debutant Juanmi curled an fans to give Sweden 3-1 win delight as their team reduced the Cape Verde the same direction.” effort inches wide. Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored deficit via a penalty, with captain celebrates after Del Bosque made nine changes Cesc Fabregas missed an ever one goal and made another in a Javad Nekounam thumping home scoring a goal to the side that sneaked past better chance at the start of the slick first-half performance as the spot kick after Vahid Amiri Ukraine 1-0 in a Euro 2016 qual- second period as he failed to make Sweden beat Iran 3-1 in a friendly was brought down in the box by against Portugal ifier on Friday, whilst Hiddink contact with Juan Bernat’s invit- in Stockholm, where the vast Andreas Granqvist. at the Antonio made just five alterations from ing cross. majority of the 33,773 crowd at Reza Ghoochannejhad came Coimbra da his side’s 1-1 draw with Turkey. However, the Netherlands’ set- the Friends Arena were cheering close to equalising early in the Mota Stadium The extra strength in the pieces were still causing problems for the away team. second half, bundling the ball past in Estoril Dutch side paid dividends in a at the other end and Martins Indi Sweden is home to more than goalkeeper Robin Olsen only to on Tuesday flying start as De Vrij, who also should have scored a third when 60,000 people who were born in see it come back off the foot of night, during a scored in the 5-1 thrashing in he headed over despite being Iran, and together with their the post. solidarity match Salvador 10 months ago, opened unmarked six yards out. children and grandchildren they Iran coach Carlos Queiroz for the victims the scoring with a superb header Sevilla winger Vitolo was also packed the stands, outnumbering urged his charges on from the of the volcanic from Sneijder’s dangerous cross. making his international debut the Sweden fans and creating a edge of the technical area, but eruption on the Just three minutes later it was and passed up a huge opportu- cascading wall of noise for much Ola Toivonen put an end to their Fogo Island in 2-0 when Klaasen pounced on nity to get the visitors back in of the match. hopes with a towering header Cape Verde. a loose ball inside the area and the game midway through the Ibrahimovic silenced them, from Sebastian Larsson’s cross despite firing his first effort too second-half when he skewed wide. albeit temporarily, when he gave just before fulltime. AGENCIES Real Madrid Sterling says he’s sign Porto Argentina and Mexico notch no money-grabber full-back Danilo second US tour victories MADRID: European cham- LONDON: Liverpool’s forward season, before being pipped by pions Real Madrid have com- NEW JERSEY: Argentina beat Raheem Sterling has denied he Manchester City. pleted the signing of Brazilian Ecuador 2-1 to notch a second is a “money-grabbing 20-year- Sterling says he would have international right-back Danilo straight Copa America warm- old”, but is in no rush to sign a signed a new deal with Liverpool (pictured) from Porto on a six- up victory without Lionel Messi new contract, he told the BBC had an offer been on the table last year deal. at a freezing MetLife Stadium yesterday. year. “Real Madrid and Porto have in New Jersey on Tuesday. England international Sterling “If, at that point in time, I was reached an agreement for the In other friendlies in the United has been offered an eye-watering offered a contract, I most defi- transfer of Danilo, who will join States ahead of the June 11-July 100,000 pounds ($148,300) a week nitely would have signed straight next season 4 tournament in Chile, Mexico to sign a new deal with Liverpool, away, probably for far less money and be tied to beat Paraguay 1-0 and Venezuela according to media reports, but than being said now,” he said. “I the club until overcame Peru by the same score. has yet to commit his future to just think the timing was a bit June 30, 2021,” Gerardo Martino’s Argentina, the club. off.” the club said in with captain Messi looking on He says, however, that money With just two years to run on a statement on again while he nurses a right foot is not a determining factor and his current deal, which media Wednesday. injury, had beaten El Salvador 2-0 ruled out discussing a new con- reports estimate to be worth A statement in Washington on Saturday. tract until at least the end of the around 35,000 pounds per week, by Porto to the They went in front after eight season. speculation has begun to grow Portuguese minutes on Tuesday when mid- FROM LEFT: Sergio Aguero, Sergio Romero and Angel Di Maria of “It’s not about the money at that Sterling is eyeing a future stock exchange fielder Javier Pastore glanced an Argentina look on as it snows before a friendly match against Equador all,” Sterling said. away from Merseyside. said the deal Angel Di Maria corner towards at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday night. “It’s never been about money. He denies, however, that he was worth 31.5m euros ($34.2m) the far post where striker Sergio I talk about winning trophies is distracted by the whirring The 23-year-old joined Porto Aguero headed his 22nd inter- ball under goalkeeper Alexander defender Ayovi won his 100th cap. throughout my career. That’s all rumour mill. from Santos in 2012 and has national goal and first since Dominguez. Mexico, who beat Ecuador on I talk about... “I try to kill it off, but I don’t won two league titles with the Argentina beat Germany 4-2 in “I thought this was a pretty Friday, also had their second con- “I don’t talk about how many think the public can see it that Portuguese giants as well as play- a friendly last September. good Argentina in general terms secutive win by beating Paraguay cars I’m going to drive, how many way,” he said. “I think they just ing a big part in their run to the Ecuador equalised midway though we have a lot to work on with a goal from Eduardo Herrera houses I’ve got. I just purely want see it as this 20-year-old boy quarter-final of the Champions through the first half when a with our coordination,” Martino in the third minute at the to be the best I can be. being greedy. League where they will face mistake in the centre of the told reporters. Arrowhead in Kansas City. “I don’t want to be perceived as “I just want to take the time to Bayern Munich next month. Argentina defence allowed left “Messi is having trouble getting It was Paraguay coach Ramon a money-grabbing 20-year-old. I think about what I’ve achieved in Danilo also won a silver medal back Walter Ayovi to square to his boot on because of the pain, Diaz’s second match in charge. just want to be seen as a kid who my career so far, where I need to with Brazil at the 2012 Olympics Miller Bolanos in the box and there’s no way he could play,” he Peru, playing under new coach loves to play football and to do the go and what I need to do to get and has become a regular with his the striker shot low past Sergio added. Ricardo Gareca for the first time, best for the team.” better as a player.” national team since Dunga took Romero. The match, which began in a went down 1-0 to Venezuela at Liverpool last won a trophy Liverpool, who are fifth in the charge of the five-time world Pastore scored the winner in sleet storm and was played in Lockhart stadium in Florida, Josef in 2012 when they claimed the Premier League table, face third- champions following a disappoint- the 58th minute when an Ecuador temperatures barely above freez- Martinez scoring the winner. League Cup, but came agonisingly placed Arsenal on Saturday. ing World Cup on home soil last clearance was blocked and he ing, was Gustavo Quinteros’s sec- Venezuela had lost 2-1 to close to lifting the league title last REUTERS year. AFP beat the offside trap to tap the ond in charge of Ecuador while Jamaica on Friday. REUTERS Thursday 2 April 2015 13 Jumada II 1436 Volume 20 Number 6388 Sport Price: QR2 Leading newspaper from Nepal San Antonio Netherlands beat Miami in too strong for

      final rematch Spain

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www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Tiger plays 18 but unsure of Qatar’s Nasser on course Masters: Reports AUGUSTA, USA: Tiger Woods played an 18-hole practice round Tuesday at Augusta National but remains uncertain if he will compete in next week’s Masters, to win Desert Challenge according to reports. ESPN and USA Today, citing comments from Woods agent Rally ace leads after penultimate stage, Coma favoured in bikes event Mark Steinberg, reported that Woods continues to work on his game but is undecided if he will be ABU DHABI: With one more ready in time for the year’s first day remaining in the Abu Dhabi major and try for a fifth green Desert Challenge, powered jacket. by Nissan, Qatar’s Nasser Al “Tiger clearly is working hard Attiyah is firmly on course for and he will advise as to when he his second victory in the event. is ready to play competitively,” In the bikes category, reign- Steinberg told ESPN. ing world champion Marc Coma Woods flew to Augusta early looks within reach of registering Tuesday, his plane being spotted his eighth success in the UAE. at the local airport to provide the Partnered by French co-driver first clue that he was in town and Mathieu Baumel in his Mini All4 looking to test himself over the Racing and looking to repeat his famed layout. success of 2008, Al Attiyah won The golfer has not played in yesterday’s 258km Nissan Patrol a US PGA Tour event since special stage — leaving defend- withdrawing at Torrey Pines on ing champion Vladimir Vasilyev February 5 after 11 holes with behind and extending his overall back pain, saying the follow- lead over the Russian to 19min ing week that he was taking an 47secs. indefinite break until he could With Dutchman Erik Van improve his game to a competi- Loon another 20 minutes away tive level. in third, Britain’s Harry Hunt, “My play, and scores, are not Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi acceptable for tournament golf,” and Poland’s Marek Dabrowski Woods said in February. “Like complete the top six. I’ve said, I enter a tournament It was a bitterly disappointing to compete at the highest level, day for Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi, and when I think I’m ready, I’ll holding fourth place overnight on be back.” his Desert Challenge debut, and Woods said his latest issues his fellow Emirati driver Yahya were unrelated to the back sur- Al Helei, winner of the first stage gery he had exactly one year ago, on Sunday. an operation that caused him to Partnered by Portuguese co- miss the Masters for the first driver Jose Marques in a Toyota time in 20 years. Hilux, Al Qassimi retired halfway Former world number one through the stage with a gearbox Woods skipped traditional problem, but after such a strong Masters tune-ups at Doral and showing on his first appearance Bay Hill, but told tournament in the FIA World Cup for Cross- Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah drives his Mini All4 Racing car during the penultimate stage of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge yesterday. host Arnold Palmer that he hoped Country Rallies there could be to be ready for the Masters. much more to come from him. Paulo Goncalves as Desert President of the Automobile and we needed to manage the terrain “Missing AP, but making Al Helei, who had slipped to Challenge bikes champion had Touring Club of the UAE — the but our Mini did well and the strides and working hard towards ninth 24 hours earlier after out- already been ended by mechani- rally organisers. “After winning Michelin tyres worked great in Abu Dhabi Desert hopeful Masters return,” Woods pacing the factory cars in his cal problems. the first stage, Yahya has had a the dunes.” tweeted. If Woods does play next locally-built Nissan Pick-up, The 234km Abu Dhabi Aviation tough time but we’ve seen two “I am happy to finish without Challenge Standings week at Augusta National, it will rolled early on the stage and Special Stage 5 takes the rally to Emirati drivers fighting it out any drama and safely. We don’t mark his longest layoff before a then suffered a heavy landing its finish at Yas Marina Circuit, with the best in the world and even see dunes like this in Dakar. Provisional Overall Standings major since the 2010 Masters, after 35km. Co-driver Khalid Al Abu Dhabi, at 4.30pm today. doing their country proud. Khalid The Desert Challenge is one of a after the penultimate stage of when he finished equal fourth Kendi was freed from the car by “It’s very unfortunate for Al Kindi is a top-class co-driver kind and we are always learning,” the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge after five months off in the wake the medical team and evacuated Sheikh Khalid who was mak- and we hope he makes a full and the Qtari said. Cars of his infamous sex scandal. by helicopter to Madinat Zayed ing a strong challenge for the quick recovery.” His closest competitor, Vasilyev, 1. Nasser Al-Attiyah/Mathieu Baumel (QAT/FRA) Woods, chasing the all-time Hospital with back injuries. top three, but that’s rallying,” Fittingly, the T2 class win- said: “We don’t want to push too Mini All4 Racing 14:33:01.0 record of 18 major titles won by By then the reign of Portugal’s said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, ner on the Nissan Patrol stage hard to fight Nasser and make a 2. Vladimir Vasilyev/Konstantin Zhiltsov (RUS/ Jack Nicklaus, has fallen to 104th was Denis Berezovskiy from mistake. The dunes are hot and RUS) Mini All4 Racing 14:52:48.0 in the world rankings, falling Kazakhastan in a Nissan Patrol, sometimes we have to try and 3. Erik Van Loon/Wouter Rosegaar (NED/NED) outside the top 100 for the first although the UAE’s Mansour Al find another way around. We take Mini All4 Racing 15:13:03.0 time since before his first PGA Helei — son of Yahya — retained care and try and stay safe, that’s triumph at the 1996 Las Vegas 4. Harry Hunt/Andreas Schulz ( GBR/DEU) Mini his overall production class lead our priority.” Invitational. All4 Racing 15:43:36.0 in another Patrol. Five-time Dakar Rally winner Woods has not won a major There were no problems for Coma said at the end of the bike 5. Yazeed Al-Rajhi/Timo Gotschalk (KSA/DEU) since the 2008 US Open with his stage winner Matthias Walkner, stage: “I rode in a group of five Toyota Hilux Overdrive 16:27:01.0 last Masters triumph coming 10 nor for his KTM team-mate and in the earlier part across the 6. Marek Dabrowski/Jacek Czachor (POL/POL) years ago — eight years after his Coma, who was second fastest open desert we managed to get a Toyota Hilux Overdrive 16:42:41.0 electrifying, record-setting first on the day to extend his over- good rhythm going. I then took it 7. Orlando Terranova/Bernardo Graue (ARG/ major crown in 1997. all lead from Dubai-based Sam easy because of the extreme driv- ARG) Mini All4 Racing 16:59:49.0 Next week, Woods would be Sunderland to 11 minutes and ing conditions and the heat. I’m 8. Adam Malysz/Rafal Marton (POL/POL) Mini playing his first major since turn- 55seconds. very happy with today’s stage.” All4 Racing 17:11:07.0 ing 39 last December. No player While the UAE’s top two driv- Sunderland, who is just behind 9. Ahmed Al Fahim (UAE) Polaris RZR 1000 T3 has won more than three major ers had a day to forget, the coun- Coma in the overall standings, 18:00:18.0 titles beyond his 39th birthday. try’s leading rider, multiple Arab said: “I feel sorry for Paulo as he 10. Ali Al Ketbi/Javid Waris (UAE/UAE) Nissan Since the start of last year, motocross champion Mohammed had a bike problem but this is life Patrol 18:51:32.0 Woods has played in only 10 Al Balooshi, again underlined his and rallying. If there’s anyone you events and completed 72 holes Bikes ability among the world’s best have to lose against, you want it only three times, one of those to be sixth fastest on the stage to be Marc. He’s a great rider so 1. Marc Coma (SPA) KTM 450 Rally Replica 1 last December at his Hero World and sixth overall. Chile’s Pablo hopefully we can get a KTM 123 14:49:05.0 Challenge charity event where Quintanilla, Portugal’s Ruben on the podium.” 2. Sam Sunderland (GBR) KTM 450 Rally there was no cut. Faria and American Ricky Stage winner Walkner said: Replica 1 15:01:00.0 Woods has played only 47 holes Brabec, filled the other top six “This stage was really nice, the 3. Pablo Quintanilla (CHI) KTM 450 Rally Replica this year, missing the cut at places. dunes come in a bit more rounded 1 15:09:21.0 Phoenix in January with a career- Victory on the stage gave and were pretty fun to ride. I 4. Ruben Faria (POR) KTM 450 Rally Replica worst 82 in the second round, his Qatar’s Mohammed Abu Issa an really enjoyed it but I tried to 1 15:17:06.0 once-mighty short game having overall lead of 24minutes and 43 push a lot and am happy to have 5. Ricky Brabec (USA) Honda CRF 450 Rally 1 become a glaring weakness. seconds from last year’s Desert won the stage by ten seconds.” J 15:23:22.0 With Augusta National’s trade- Challenge quads winner and After completing the stage 6. Mohammad Al Balooshi (UAE) KTM 450 Rally mark undulating greens a formi- reigning world champion Rafal Al Balooshi said: “Today was Replica 1 15:33:53.0 dable hurdle for those with poor Sonik of Poland. very difficult and hot and with a 7. Juan Salvatierra (BOL) KTM 450 Rally Replica approaches, Woods would need to Reaching the end of the Nissan high heart beat it’s even hotter. 1 15:52:11.0 have solved that trouble to have Patrol stage, Al Attiyah said: “It Although I am 100 percent fitter a strong chance at being com- 8. Matt Hart (AUS) KTM 450 SXF 1 16:02.20.0 was tough today, it was very hot than last year, I feel fatigued on petitive for a fifth career Masters and the sand is very hot but we day four and also need to improve 9. Joe Cornejo (CHI) Suzuki RMZ 450 X title. But Woods knows Augusta 16:02:36.0 Spain’s Marc Coma in action during the penultimate stage of the Abu did a good job. We took a lot my recovery time. I feel excited to National well, having finished no 10. David McBride (GBR) KTM 450 Rally Replica Dhabi Desert Challenge yesterday. of caution in this stage because be driving home tomorrow.” worse than fourth in seven of his there were a lot of big holes so THE PENINSULA 16:06:40.0 past nine Masters starts. AFP