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QP and Chevron Qatar eyes in exploration World Tour slot deal in Morocco from next year

MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 • 29 Rabia II 1437 • Volume 20 • Number 6700 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar More private Emir sends message to Saudi King centres provide MoI services

who opt for their service to avoid the hassles of physically visiting a MoI Since 2011, the services centre or going through the Ministry of Interior procedures of online transactions. Such centres also help reduce has issued licences to the rush at the ministry’s services 96 firms to speed up centres since the work of many com- online transactions pany representatives can be done by a few employees. Another advantage for companies and is that the customers can avail of institutions their services even after the minis- try working hours since the services are available online. These firms have now tied up Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has sent a message to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud with Qatar Post to get the documents of Saudi Arabia on fraternal relations and the latest developments in the region and the world. The message was handed over by Foreign The Peninsula like ID cards directly delivered to Minister H E Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani during his meeting with the King in Riyadh yesterday. them after completion of the online transactions. Their services include issuance DOHA: With more services of the of visa for company employees, issu- Ministry of Interior (MoI) now avail- ance, renewal and cancellation of able online, the number of licensed residence permits, exit permits for Ministry seeks feedback on ID cards private centres offering these serv- company employees, issuance of Tomorrow is ices to companies and individuals new ID for companies and renewal against a fee is on the rise. of company registration number. The Peninsula account urging the public to par- stance on replacing of lost or dam- official holiday Since 2011, the ministry has They also provide the services ticipate. Some responses from the aged documents and the fees? issued licences to 96 such firms related to the Traffic Department people are also available on the Majority of the respondents spoke DOHA: The Emiri Diwan with a view to speed up online including vehicle registration, DOHA: With introduction of the new link, that can be accessed at the against taking strict measures since announced that tomorrow transactions for companies and renewal and transfer of road per- Residency Permits, the Ministry of ministry website. The survey seeks the documents can be lost due to will be an official holi- institutions that are interested in mit, taking vehicles for technical Interior is seeking feedback from the opinion from the public what do they many reasons while some felt that day to mark National Sport availing of their services, the min- check up, issuance and renewal or public on the measures being taken think about keeping official docu- those losing them due to neglect Day, celebrated on Tuesday istry said yesterday. driving licence and registration in in case of the loss or damage of their ments and about people who loose should be held accountable. Some of February’s second week A wide range of ministry serv- driving schools. identity cards. their documents due to neglect. suggested to make the procedures every year. ices have been offered by these The ministry yesterday posted Do they feel that the authori- for issuing new IDs in lieu of the lost centres mostly to corporate clients, →Continued on page 5 the survey link on its twitter ties concerned should take a strict or damaged ones simpler and faster.

Global outrage over N Korea 47 star hotels rocket launch offer discounts on AFP health packages SEOUL: North Korea hailed an “epochal event” but its latest long-range rocket launch yester- By Raynald C Rivera There are now 119 hotels and day sparked international anger The Peninsula hotel apartments in Qatar and more and plans for talks on a US missile to open this year, he said. defence system for the peninsula. Al Kuwari also stressed the QTA’s Pyongyang’s state TV role as a government arm that that announced the nation successfully DOHA: Forty-seven four and five ensures hotels are operating in the put a satellite into orbit, “legiti- star hotels in Qatar are offering highest standards. mately exercising the right to use free gym and spa access and gym “With the launch of the new hotel space for independent and peace- classes, up to 50 percent discount classification system we have taken ful purposes”. on gym membership, discounted another step towards raising the bar Many others saw an exercise healthy brunch buffets, and special for hotels,” he said. which clearly defied multiple UN Refugee tents near Turkish-Syria border in Kilis city, Turkey, yesterday. Turkey is expecting 60,000 more room packages including bed and As the various participating resolutions — a disguised test of refugees. healthy breakfast in celebration of hotels are providing different offers, a ballistic missile which could National Sport Day tomorrow. QTA advises residents to check a one day deliver a warhead as far This pioneering initiative was a detailed listing of the hotel deals as the US mainland. The United result of agreements between Qatar which it has made available on its Nations labelled the launch “deeply Turkey delivers aid across border as Tourism Authority (QTA) and the website. deplorable” and Japan termed hotels which offer gym facilities. Prior reservations are required it “absolutely intolerable”. Even Speaking at a press conference for all offers from hotels and those the isolated state’s sole major ally yesterday Saif Al Kuwari, Director interested should contact the hotel China expressed regret. Syrian forces step up Aleppo assault of International Cooperation at QTA directly to make a reservation. The international commu- underscored QTA’s commitment to QTA will also be celebrat- nity is still struggling to reach supporting National Sport Day aimed ing National Sport Day 2016 with agreement on how to respond to Reuters The Syrian Observatory for Assad regime has cut the north-south at promoting healthy lifestyle among the #QatarInMotion social media Pyongyang’s latest nuclear test -- Human Rights, which monitors the corridor ... Turkey is under threat,” citizens and residents. campaign. of what it claimed was a hydrogen war, said air strikes, thought to be Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan He thanked all the hotels Residents will be asked to cap- bomb — on January 6. from Russian planes, hit villages was quoted by the Hurriyet newspa- who have supported the initia- ture their view of Qatar while they After yesterday’s launch, South ONCUPINAR, TURKEY/BEIRUT: north of Aleppo on Sunday includ- per as telling reporters on his plane tive making their sports facilities are in motion – whether they are Korean and US defence officials Aid trucks and ambulances entered ing Bashkoy, Haritan and Anadan, back from a visit to Latin America. and specialty healthy cuisine more jumping rope, jogging, swimming or announced they would begin for- Syria from Turkey on Sunday to help the latter two near the road to Turkey. Turkey has given refuge to civil- widely available for the duration of doing yoga, through videos posted on mal talks on deploying a US missile tens of thousands of people who have Russia’s intervention has tipped ians fleeing Syria throughout the their offers. Twitter or Instagram with the cam- defence system in South Korea. fled an escalating government assault the balance of the war in favour of conflict, but is coming under grow- “The number of hotels partici- paign’s hashtag. The US says the highly advanced on Aleppo, as air strikes targeted vil- President Bashar Al Assad, revers- ing pressure from the United States to pating in this initiative is an evidence Abdulrahman Mosallam Al Terminal High Altitude Area lages on the road linking the city to ing gains the rebels made last year. secure the border more tightly, and, of the growth of the hospitality Dosari, Chairman of National Sport Defense (THAAD) system would the Turkish border. Advances by the Syrian army and from Europe, to stem the onward flow sector especially in the four- and Day Committee said National Sport be a deterrent necessitated by the Rebel-held areas in and around allied militias, including Iranian of migrants.It is already sheltering five-star categories. There are now Day is a holiday that people should North’s advancing ballistic missile Aleppo, Syria’s largest before the war, fighters, are threatening to cut the more than 2.5 million Syrians, the 16,000 rooms being supplied by take seriously by making changes in programme. are still home to 350,000 people, and rebel-held zones of Aleppo off from world’s largest refugee population. four- and five-star hotels and they their lifestyle. aid workers have said they could soon Turkish supply lines. form the majority of 20,000 rooms →See also page 9 fall to the government. “In some parts of Aleppo, the →See also page 7 that are currently available.” →Continued on page 5 02 MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 HOME National Sport Day activities to suit all ages

which cares for the investment in supported by three of FC Barcelona’s events being organised at the hos- two years ago as a global programme can find details of activities on offer human resources through the crea- coaches; basketball; cricket and much pitals. Activities will be held from with leading agency Magnum Photos through the ‘Life in Aspire’ mobile Government tion of physically and psychologically more. Qatari employees will serve as 7am to noon at Bayt Al Dhiyafah and using images to promote sport values, app, www.aspirezone.qa, or any of institutions and strong generation. on-site leaders during the day, help- other locations. HMC is also joining will award best photos with two tick- AZF’s social media channels. He stressed that sport is an inter- ing families navigate various activity the Ministry of Public Health and the ets to the Qatar Moto GP taking place The programme comprises a wide private organisations national physical language that brings zones. To create a unique and team Primary Health Care Corporation in at Losail International Circuit from variety of sport activities to suit all finalise programmes together countries and contributes to atmosphere, employees and their events at Aspire Park. There will be March 17 to 20 and will promote the ages, from early in the morning. to make it a cultural integration. families will also be presented with a 1.5km walkathon which will start images through its global platforms. Registration is open for the Fun “Out of this concept we directed branded caps and T-shirts on arrival from near Aspire Park Lake at 8am as For a chance to win, fans should Run at 7am and visitors can take part family-centred day our diplomatic and consular missions at the club. QA is one of the fastest well as free basic health checks and tweet or send Facebook photos having in a 3K Fun Run around Aspire Zone. abroad to organise events to high- growing airlines operating one of the other activities. fun and playing sport on NSD using Families will be able to enjoy light National Sport Day and convey youngest fleets in the world. the hashtag #savethedream bikes in Aspire Zone, situated behind Qatar’s civilisational message to all UDC the children’s playground area next to The Peninsula communities.” OOREDOO the Aspire Dome. He referred to close relations KAHRAMAA United Development Company The 5,000-step journey will start between sport and diplomacy and (UDC), in collaboration with Qatar Ooredoo will return to Museum at Aspire Park, next to the Burgeri res- the role of sport as popular diplomacy Qatar General Electricity and Olympic Committee, has planned of Islamic Art Park (MIA) tomorrow taurant. It consists of 12 stations at DOHA: A wide variety of sport- that complements official diplomacy Water Corporation’s (Kahramaa) sporting activities on the picturesque for the third year running to host an which participants will receive tips ing activities to suit all ages will be and enhances relations among states events will start with a bicycle ride, Lido Venezia Beach in the Qanat all-day event. and advice on physical activity and held tomorrow by government insti- and brotherly and friendly peoples. led by Minister of Energy and Indus- Quartier precinct at the Pearl-Qatar, The activity-packed schedule has a healthy lifestyle. tutions and private organisations to He said sports clubs and national try H E Dr Mohammed bin Saleh Al from 9am to 4pm been designed with a focus on get- Events for men will be held mark National Sport Day (NSD) 2016. teams have always been recognised as Sada, Kahramaa President Essa bin Sport activities include beach ting visitors to think about their fitness between 8am and noon and will Aspire Zone, Cultural Village an equivalent to diplomatic missions Hilal Al Kuwari and other officials. volleyball, beach football, basket- levels and strength and will include include beach soccer and basketball. Foundation-Katara and Education due to the role they play in promot- Several fun-filled sport activities ball, table tennis, badminton, fitness classes, trainers and activities to help Ladies’ activities between 9am City are among the major venues for ing peace between nations. and competitions have been lined up, classes, outdoor gym, and a des- the whole community get into shape. and 10.30am will be at the ladies club the celebrations. He cited the visit of the US Ping including ‘Find the Treasure’ race, ignated zone hosting kid-oriented Starting from 8.30am, Ooredoo and will include Zumba classes. Marked on second Tuesday of Feb- Pong team to China in 1971, which was which is expected to be a major draw. attractions, ensuring that the day is will hold fitness classes for all ages Activities for children include Judo ruary every year, the occasion aims to the gateway for US president Richard a family-centred occasion. and levels, including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and football. Between 10am and 4pm raise awareness among people about Nixon to visit Beijing and normalise HMC a walking group, gladiator joust, cir- the wall- climbing activity will aim sport being vital to healthy living. relations once more. SAVE THE DREAM cuit training, football, kayaking and to teach participants mountaineer- The Minister said FIFA World Cup The main activities of Hamad more. To ensure that activities pro- ing skills under the supervision of FOREIGN MINISTRY 2022 will make Qatar an important Medical Corporation (HMC) for its Save the Dream has launched a mote benefits of healthy living among licensed instructors on an outdoor destination for sports lovers world- staff and their families will be held at new social media competition for participants, Ooredoo has hired pro- climbing wall. The event will take The Foreign Ministry will partic- wide and act as a diplomatic boost Bayt Al Dhiyafah in Hamad Bin Kha- sport fans to celebrate and win on fessional sports trainers to teach them place near the outdoor pitches behind ipate with sport, social, cultural and for the country. lifa Medical City. National Sports Day. exercise skills such as warming-up, the Grand Heritage hotel. recreational activities at the Diplo- More than 1,000 people will take As part of its commitment to which can then be used in everyday ‘Beat the champion’ is a variety of matic Club from today. QATAR AIRWAYS part in activities, including a walka- empower youth through the values life. indoor activities, including a 20-metre Foreign Minister H E Sheikh thon, starting at 8am from the Nurses of sport, a photo contest — which sprint to see if people can run as fast Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani Qatar Airways (QA) Group Club and the popular mini football will take place on all Save the Dream ASPIRE ZONE as Usain Bolt, a throwing speed test said in a statement: “I don’t need to employees, alongside their family tournament at the club. social media platforms — will give to see if they can match Major League remind that ‘a healthy mind is in a members, are gearing up to celebrate Staff and their families as well sport fans the opportunity to contrib- Venues and facilities at Aspire baseball pitchers, a vertical jump to healthy body’ and the role of sport in NSD at Al Sadd Sports Club tomorrow. as patients and visitors to Al Wakrah ute with their creativity to promoting Zone Foundation (AZF) are ready to see if they can fly like Michael Jor- bringing up a healthy generation in They will take part in competi- and Al Khor hospitals and the Cuban and preserving values of sport. receive thousands of participants. dan, and a 200m bike race for friends line with Qatar National Vision 2030 tions, including football tournaments, Hospital will take part in separate Save the Dream, which started People interested in visiting AZF and family. Sales of sports goods surge Tribute to football players ahead of National Sport Day

By Sachin Kumar many companies prefer to give bulk organisations to mark the National The Peninsula orders well in advance,” she added. Sport Day 2016. Aspire Zone, Katara- According to the retailers, com- Cultural Village Foundation and panies gave bulk orders for sports Education City are among the major related items. The wholesale orders activity venues for the National Sport DOHA: Sale of sports goods have from companies were mainly for Day 2016. surged in Qatar ahead of National cones, ropes and hurdles. According to the retailers, major Sports Day. Retail outlets have wit- “Majority of the demand of sports buyers of sports accessories were nessed a rise of up to 30 percent in goods is from companies as many from adults. the sales of sports accessories as the companies organise football matches “The massive awareness cam- country gears up for National Sports and other events on National Sports paign is a crucial factor responsible Day. Day,” said Hadi Iskandarani, Direc- for rise in sales of sports accessories Aggressive awareness campaigns tor, Galaxy Sport. because it has motivated people to by the government institutions and “Among individual customers, participate in National Sport Day,” private companies have helped in the demand was for tracksuits, foot said branch manager of a sports retail boosting the sales of sports goods. wears, T-Shirts, shorts and other store in West Bay. “Compared to normal days, we sports gears from retail customers,” “Most of the demand of sports An exhibition of memorabilia honouring veteran football players of Al Rayyan Sports Club opened have witnessed a rise of 20-30 per- said Iskandarani. accessories is from adults because yesterday at Katara Building 22. Minister of Culture and Sports H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali opened the cent in the sale of sports goods in the The government department and children had bought sports accesso- exhibition ‘Road to Glory’ which showcases the players’ medals, trophies, photographs and personal past week. companies are running campaigns ries in advance,” he said. items. The exhibition is open from 9am to noon and 4pm to 9pm until February 17. “When it comes to sales, foot- to encourage people to participate Retailers say that the demand of Pic: Baher / The Peninsula ball is undoubtedly the most loved in sport day. sports accessories is gradually rising sports in Qatar. Sales of football Going by the mood of residents, every year because of Qatar’s focus related items have surged in the last the National Sport Day celebrations on sports. few days,” said Xaviera Evangelista, are expected to see huge turnout. Apart from the celebration of Sports Coordinator, Olympic Sports, A range of sport activities for all National Sports Day every year, the a sports goods retailer in Qatar. ages is set to be held tomorrow by football World Cup 2022 has also Qatar Development Fund “In order to avoid last day rush, government institutions and private motivated people to enjoy sports. reviews QRCS projects in Gaza Saudi and UK Another cold spell likely ties reviewed The Peninsula

The Peninsula extension of a ridge of high pressure QNA centered over northwestern Arabian DOHA: A Qatar Development Fund Peninsula from today afternoon until (QDF) delegation visited Qatar Red Wednesday accompanied by north- Crescent Society (QRCS) office in DOHA: Another cold weather is westerly fresh to strong winds. The Gaza as part of its official mission DOHA: Minister of Transport expected to lash the country at northwesterly wind speeds expected to the enclave to review some of the and Communications H E Jassim weekend, dipping the mercury to to peak on Tuesday to range between humanitarian projects undertaken by bin Saif Al Sulaiti yesterday met less than 10°C in southern and open 15-25 knots with gusts reaching 38 Qatar to improve the living standards Saudi Ambassador Abdullah bin areas of the country, said Qatar’s knots over some areas causing off- of Palestinians in various aspects. Abdulaziz Aifan and discussed weather Bureau. shore high waves ranging between The team of Ali A Al Dabbagh, cooperation in the field of trans- The fresh to strong northwest- 8-11 feet reaching 13 feet in some Executive Director, QDF, and Sultan portation and communication. erly winds will help temperatures areas with a chance for blowing dust Alasiri, visited the office to know He also met US Undersecre- decrease again pushing them back that may reduce visibility to 3km or more about its achievements in the tary for International Trade Stefan to their normal averages with max- less in open areas. service of the Palestinian people of Selig and discussed relations in the imums expected to range between On Thursday, winds are expected Gaza. fields of transport, communica- 21-23 °C and minimums between to become southeasterly light to Dr Akram Nassar, Director, QRCS Officials at a meeting at the QRCS office in Gaza. tions and information technology. 12-14°C dipping to less than 10°C moderate and warnings will be office, briefed them on key accom- in southern and open areas of the cancelled temporarily. However, plishments in the fields of healthcare, country. The weather will continue the high pressure is expected to water and sanitation. partnership between QRCS and Among QRCS-QDF projects are to feel chilly at night and early morn- deepen again on Friday accompa- The meeting explored proposed other Qatari organisations working the $4m intervention to support the Indian mission closed ing throughout the weekend. nied by fresh to strong winds as sea projects to enhance these vital sec- in Gaza. medical sector in Yemen and treat A slight increase in temperatures warnings resume once again. tors to help alleviate the suffering of Both sides agreed to further pur- war injuries; the $1m relief pro- on National Sport Day is expected in Qatar today due to The Meteorology Department the Palestinian people. sue cooperation to contribute to basic gramme on water and sanitation and southwesterly winds as Maximums reminded all to be cautious and Dr Nassar said QRCS has been services provided for Palestinians. cholera control for the war-affected forecast to range between 25-27°C avoid venturing into sea during working in Gaza since 2008, con- QRCS has major humanitarian communities in South Sudan; and the DOHA: The Indian embassy which is considered to be above windy conditions. It also urged all ducting almost $100m worth of interventions funded by QDF, under $10m programme to provide food, will be closed tomorrow to mark average by 3-4 degrees. to follow latest weather and warn- projects. their partnership and QRCS’s role as shelter, medical aid, drinking water, National Sport Day, it said in a Weather charts indicate that ing updates through the website and Al Dabbagh praised QRCS’s an auxiliary to Qatar in its humani- and health education for the Libyan statement yesterday. the country will be affected by an social media accounts. work, stressing the importance of tarian efforts locally and abroad. displaced families in the country. HOME MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 03 First palm tree planted in Sheikh Abdullah’s Palace

The palace is now part of National Museum of Qatar, the new award-winning project nearing completion under the Officials signing one of the sponsorship agreements. supervision of ASTAD

66 sponsors sign deals under The Peninsula

DOHA: Mansour bin Ibrahim ‘Ibhath Project’ for Gaza Al Mahmoud, Acting CEO, Qatar Museums (QM), and Engineer Ali Al Khalifa, CEO, ASTAD Project Man- agement, planted the first palm tree The Peninsula eco-friendly proposals that had never the ‘Ibhath Project’ reflected great inside the gardens of Sheikh Abdullah been implemented before. progress in the field of humanitar- bin Jassim Al Thani’s Original Palace Each proposal was concerned ian and development work. yesterday. with one of the following sectors: He said: “We work on support- The palace is now part of DOHA: For the first time in the Water, environment, agriculture, ing development and construction, National Museum of Qatar, the new Gaza Strip, Qatar Charity (QC) held and veterinary medicine; health, but we also try to build minds and award-winning project nearing a signing ceremony of 66 sponsor- applied and pharmaceutical sciences; encourage research creativity, hoping completion under the supervision ship agreements for proposals that basic applied sciences; engineering, that researchers will find solutions of ASTAD. have won the ‘Ibhath Project’ grant. industry and energy; computers, for some of the problems faced by “We are committed to reflect- The ceremony was attended by and information technology and Gaza.” ing the full vitality, complexity and Mansour bin Ibrahim Al Mahmoud, Acting CEO, Qatar Museums (QM), Ali Al Dabbagh, Executive Director, communications. Dr Zeyad Taha, Manager of the diversity of Qatar’s arts and tradi- and Engineer Ali Al Khalifa, CEO, ASTAD Project Management, plant Qatar Development Fund (QDF), and The project provides these win- project, said the project revived the tions, while partnering and fostering the first palm tree inside the gardens of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim his delegation in addition to repre- ners with financial and technical field of creative research in the Gaza relationships to support the develop- Al Thani’s Original Palace yesterday. sentatives of universities, research support to implement their research. Strip. He said a group of well-known ment of local culture. centres, concerned ministries, Engineer Mohammed Abu experts in scientific specialisations “This was the first palm tree international organisations, and Haloub, Director, QC’s Office in Gaza, from outside Gaza had reviewed the plantation for QM and there will be entrepreneur companies in the Strip. welcomed the delegation from QDF proposals thoroughly to choose the many more, reflecting on the histor- the palace, renovated in the 1970s will further build upon the region’s At a cost of about QR7.4m, the and the audience and congratulated best. He said the evaluation process ical support of the local heritage and to serve as the National Museum heritage and will prove to be a cul- ‘Ibhath Project’ aims to encourage the winners. was implemented with maximum culture,” said Al Mahmoud. of Qatar at that time, aims to build tural icon within Qatar,” said Al creative research and link them to the “You are most welcome in Gaza. commitment from QC, and the 466 The palace, built at the end of the bridge between Qatar’s herit- Khalifa. market. The project is funded by the You are the ones who supported the research proposals were reviewed the 19th century, was the residence age and its rapid development and The ceremony was attended by GCC Programme for Reconstructing Palestinian people, particularly in with utmost transparency and and the ruling Seat Palace of Sheikh modernisation. senior staff and engineers from QM Gaza under the supervision of Islamic Gaza. You have supported them on integrity. Abdullah and his family. “It is an honour to be taking part and ASTAD. Development Bank and implemented the political, financial, humanitar- Choosing the winning 66 propos- It represents an integral part in this plantation, and I believe the The event was the first step by QC. ian and development levels,” said als came after consultation with 98 of the new National Museum of growth of palm trees will reflect our towards continual plantation in the The winning researchers are Abu Haloub. highly qualified experts and academ- Qatar, which will be surrounded by continued growth and collaboration perimeter of the National Museum distinguished academics and post- He stressed QC’s commitment to ics, mostly from the West Bank, the a semi-public park and an artificial with QM. of Qatar as part of the project’s sus- graduate students who presented the needs of Palestinians and said UAE, Germany, the US and Turkey. lagoon. The decision to preserve “The National Museum of Qatar tainable scheme. 04 MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 HOME RAF helps displaced families in Iraq Mercedes-Benz The Peninsula 2015 models recalled DOHA: Sheikh Thani Bin Abdul- lah Foundation for Humanitarian Doha: The Ministry of Services (RAF) has sent fresh aid com- Economy and Com- prising basic food items, blankets and merce, in collaboration heaters at a cost of QR500,000 to res- with Nasser Bin Kha- cue displaced families in Iraq from led Automobiles, dealer cold wave. of Mercedes Benz vehi- Some 1,400 families have bene- cles, has announced the fitted. They were forced to leave their recall of Mercedes Benz homes due to unrest and took shelter GLC and CLA 2015 mod- in Irbil, Kirkuk and Baghdad. els to replace the exhaust RAF has distributed 1,400 baskets camshaft. The ministry of basic food items, 4,000 blankets urged customers to report and 1,000 heaters to some 8,500 any violations to its Con- people. sumer Protection and The initiative was launched in Anti-Commercial Fraud collaboration with RAF’s partner in Department through hot- Iraq ‘AAN Association for Needy peo- line: 16001; email: info@ ple’ to alleviate the suffering of the mec.gov.qa; Twitter: @ MEC_Qatar; Instagram: displaced people whose number is Beneficiary families with aid provided by RAF to fight cold wave. growing due to escalating conflicts MEC_Qatar; and its mobile in several governorate, RAF said in app for Android and IOS: a statement. — enough for a family for a long time. heater. RAF conducted a field survey humanitarian aid to 97 countries 55341818 and its collection centres MEC_Qatar Each family received a basket Two to three blankets were also dis- before sending aid to ensure it reaches worldwide. across the country. containing rice, cereal, beans, sugar, tributed based on the number of each the most deserving people. Donation can be made through Donors can also visit RAF head- tea, edible oil, pasta and baby milk members. Families of six were given a RAF has been providing RAF’s website, SMS system, hotline quarters with contributions. Directives to finish work on A’Saffa Foods to host Omani ministry HQ Doha: Minister of Munici- pality and Environment Food Fair on February 12 and 13 H E Mohamed bin Abdul- lah Al Rumaihi yesterday issued directives to com- plete maintenance work The Peninsula on the ministry’s head- quarters on the Corniche within two months. He vis- ited the headquarters and DOHA: A’Saffa Foods, Oman’s listened to supervisors on fastest growing and leading work progress. The visit home-grown food producers, will aimed to follow up on the host an Omani food fair in Qatar ministry’s projects. on February 12 and 13. A’Saffa Foods Brand Ambas- sador Chef Issa Al Lamki will Qatar attends make his presence at Family Foods Centre and Rayyan out- customs meet let on February 12 and Masskar Hypermarket, Maider, on Feb- Cairo: Qatar is attedning ruary 13 to reinforce the brand’s the 15th meeting of the ideology of healthy eating and customs committee on living, stressing the corporate A’Saffa Foods is Oman’s largest fully integrated poultry procedures and informa- philosophy — ‘Core values of producer. tion at the Arab League Healthy Food, Health and Hap- General Secretariat, piness’ to patrons. and nutritious and healthy value- soya), produced in a sophisticated along with represent- He will also host a live added processed products that factory, and slaughtered manu- atives of Arab customs cookery show at both venues taste great and provide energy ally by knife (halal) as per Shariah. departments. Issa Rashid showcasing healthy, nutritious and for wherever life’s adventures Sidhartha Lenka, Head, Mar- Al Suwaidi, Director of appetizing signature dishes. The may lead. keting & Sales, A’Saffa Foods, Customs Procedures show. Omani Dishes with A’Saffa A’Saffa’s Foods Farms and S.O.A.G., said: “For the slaugh- Unit at General Author- Chicken by celebrity Chef Issa Al plant, Oman’s largest fully inte- tering of our chicken, techniques ity of Customs, is leading Lamki’ will be held at both out- grated poultry producer, is in we use ensure all our birds are Qatar’s delegation. The lets from 5pm to 9pm on each day. Thumrait, on a 40sqkm area and slaughtered by hand using a knife, three-day meet will dis- A‘Saffa Foods’ mission is to produces high quality fresh and processed in a way that is hygi- cuss a draft for unified bring consumers 100 percent nat- frozen poultry products. A’Saffa enic and ensure the birds are of Arab customs procedures urally-fed, hygienically-raised, poultry is fed with 100 percent the highest quality and fit for guide. farm-fresh, halal, healthy chicken natural fodder (yellow corn and human consumption.” Al Rayyan Municipality issued 226 building permits last month

The Peninsula

DOHA: Al Rayyan Municipality, including Shee- haniya, issued the highest number of building permits last month, accounting for 37 percent of total permits, according to data released by the Ministry of Develop- ment Planning and Statistics. The municipality issued 226 permits, followed by Doha Municipality in the second place with 164 permits accounting for 37 percent of total permits. Al Wakrah Municipality issued 60 permits (10 per- cent), Al Khor Municipality 56 (nine percent), Al Da’ayen Municipality 50 (eight percent), Umm Salal Municipal- ity 44 (seven percent) and Al Shamal Municipality 18 permits (three percent). Data shows new permits constitute 57 percent (350) of the total permits issued during the month, while addi- tions permits constituted 39 percent (242), and fencing permits four percent (26 permits). Villas’ permits topped the list, accounting for 79 percent (232 permits) of all new residential buildings permits, followed by dwellings of housing loans at 11 percent (31 permits) and apartment buildings at eight percent (25 permits). Commercial buildings topped non-residen- tial buildings permits with 40 percent (22 permits), followed by industrial buildings — workshops and factories 29 percent (16 permits), mosques 15 percent (eight permits) and government buildings nine per- cent (five permits). The ministry worked together the Ministry of Munic- ipality and Environment to prepare data by making use of the existing electronic link between them, said a statement yesterday. HOME MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 05

Firms require legal nod by customers for each Quarter ‘of youth obese and diabetic’

Continued from page 1 service provided to them events in celebration of National Sport Day, Ahmad Al Sayed, deputy gen- He highlighted the enormous health eral manager for operation in Katara, challenges Qatar faces with alarming announced yesterday. Continued from page 1 high obesity rates and rise in lifestyle The events which range from marine diseases. “A quarter of youth living in and aerial activities to games such as They facilitate fingerprinting for company employees Qatar are obese and suffering from dia- basketball, soccer and beach handball and their families and help companies handle transac- betes. Seventeen percent of adults in will take place at Katara Esplanade and tions related to the Civil Defence Department. Qatar are battling with diabetes.” beach. Some companies will also con- Besides a ministry licence, the firms require a legal “Many people in Qatar don’t take the duct medical checks and offer health authorisation by customers for each service provided to time to exercise and that’s why we have tips. them, a statement posted on the ministry website yes- National Sport Day to remind people that “Culture and sports are integral terday quoted Captain Abdulla Al Mohannadi, Technical they have to take the time to exercise.” parts in everyday life. They are respon- Officer, General Directorate of Borders, Passports and He said National Sport Day was sible for the development of the human Expatriate Affairs, as saying. created to raise awareness of the impor- mind and body, and have a positive and The licensed companies provide services as per spe- tance of physical activity and it is the pivotal role in disseminating profound, cific conditions, including full compliance with the laws. responsibility of private and public sec- sublime, and civilized thinking in the regulations and relevant decisions and instructions issued tor entities. society. From this perception, Katara by the directorate or other entities concerned. “I would like to take this opportu- was keen to diversify the sports and “These companies are fully responsible and accounta- nity to encourage all public and private events of the National Sport Day that ble for the outcomes of their services and for any possible entities in Qatar as well as community reached more than 80 events,” said Al misuse of the system by their officials or staff against the leaders to ensure that National Sport Day Sayed. interests of the clients,” said Al Mohannadi. really is taken advantage of in the way He said more than 40 entities and They are not allowed to process any transaction for the leadership intended to,” he said. institutions across the State are host- others without a legal or official authorization from the Meanwhile, the Cultural Village ing the various events targeting all age Saif Al Kuwari, Director (right), International Cooperation, QTA, and Abdulrahman person concerned. The client is required to authorize the Foundation-Katara is organising over groups for the celebration under the slo- Mosallam Al Dosari, Chairman, National Sport Day Committee, at the press company to process the application on his behalf. 80 entertaining, healthy and sportive gan “Be the Champion”. conference yesterday. The firms must display their licence in a visible way in their premises. The ministry has set a number of con- ditions and technical and administrative requirements for these companies, added Al Mohannadi. A company must have at least three computers, tel- ephone line, fax, Internet connection and the special software to access the online services of the ministry. They must have an archive to save all transactions and documents and must provide enough space for receiv- ing the customers. The company must subscribe to the e-government system (Hukoomi) and use the postal services for deliv- ering the documents. Al Mohannadi said the directorate is coordinating with Qatar Postal Corporation for delivery of Qatari IDs for customers for a fee. Applications invited for Unlimited Doha Design Prize 2016

The Peninsula

DOHA: The British Council and its partners are invit- ing Gulf-based designers to participate in the Unlimited Doha Design Prize 2016. The contest offers opportunity to come together with UK counterparts for a week-long design-residency in Doha. It is open to architects, urban designers, engi- neers, 3D designers, technologists and researchers. Twenty participants – 10 from the Gulf and as many from the UK – will take part in a live one-week design- residency between March 18 and 26. They will work in teams to research and explore the ‘The Open City’ theme and develop ideas and innovative design solutions to improve the experience of movement and accessibility within the 21st century city. Under the patronage of H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson, Qatar Muse- ums, and in partnership with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, the design-residency will give short- listed participants opportunity to work in Doha, one of the youngest and most dynamic cities in the Gulf where the pace of change is creating opportunities to build new communities, public urban spaces and transportation links that will shape the lives of inhabitants in the next decade and beyond. At the end of the residency, a winning team will be awarded the prize and a grant of £15,000 to further develop the project proposal as a team. It might include implementation of the project in the form of an exhibition, research project, publication, instal- lation, public intervention or film. The jury will include international experts, including Brian Timmoney, Foster + Partners, Virginia Newman Director at KSR Architects and RIBA Diversity Ambassa- dor; Tim Makower, Makower Architects; Professor Nick Tyler, CBE FREng, Professor of Civil Engineering, Uni- versity College London; and Abdullah Al Baker, Qatar Engineering Society. Stephen Stenning, Director of Arts, Middle East and North Africa, British Council, said: “Those who take part will benefit from a chance to develop their creative think- ing within a challenging, vibrant and constantly shifting cityscape and we expect that selected designers will come together to forge new partnerships and share ideas and best practice. “We hope the prize will not only encourage people to participate, but also think about how they can make the projects they work on in March, a reality going for- ward,” he added. Said Fatima Mansour, Design Manager, Msheireb Prop- erties, said: “The one-week charette during Old Doha Prize was great, it enabled me to get some hands-on experi- ence at the early stages of the design process, and I had the opportunity to apply my knowledge in a healthy and competitive environment. “I would encourage young architects to participate in such competitions, as it gives you a challenge and stimu- lates you, something we don’t always get during the daily routine work.” Applications are open until February 28 and shortlisted applicants will be announced on March 2. For details, please visit http://tinyurl.com/ Unlimited-Doha-Design-Prize 06 MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 HOME

Qatar International Food Festival Scholar reviews US-Saudi ties extended to seven days

(pictured) at the Georgetown Uni- war in Yemen. He said while the for- The Peninsula “The festival showcases our CIRS Monthly versity in Qatar (GU-Q) campus. eign policy trajectories for the two country-wide five-star culinary “The Middle East is in a turbu- countries were increasingly at odds, and hospitality offerings, giving Dialogue public lent condition. And that condition shared regional interests still insured visitors a taste of the most authen- lecture highlights means that traditional alliance pat- positive future relations. DOHA: The seventh edition of tic experiences. We look forward to terns and US foreign policy should be “Even with doubts over Saudi, the Qatar International Food Festival welcoming residents and visitors to the impact of re-thought and re-examined,” said US can’t afford to lose them. There’s will be extended to seven days and the festival.” recent political Dr Hudson, also Seif Ghobash Pro- continuity there — the long relation- expanded to more locations, Qatar Salam Al Shawa, Senior Vice- fessor of International Relations and ship with the US military and their Tourism Authority (QTA) and Qatar President, Marketing and Corporate developments in Arab Studies, Emeritus, at Georget- counterparts in the region, continu- Airways (QA) announced yesterday. Communications, QA, said: “The regional diplomatic own University in Washington, DC. ing American presence in the Middle With the theme ‘A Different Side festival has proven to be one of the Launching into a review of his- East remains very substantial,” he of Food’, the annual culinary event most popular city-based events in relations torical roots of bilateral relations concluded. will be held from March 22 to 28 at the world, and QA is pleased to join that have traditionally been based on Dr Mehran Kamrava, Director, Museum of Islamic Art Park in addi- with QTA to create an experience for mutual benefits of the oil industry, he CIRS, said: “It was an honour to host tion to satellite festival experiences residents. We are very proud of our argued that the lifting of sanctions on a scholar of Dr Hudson’s stature for at other landmarks and eater- role in bringing the world to Doha The Peninsula Iran, plunging energy prices, regional the first CIRS Monthly Dialogue lec- ies, including the Pearl-Qatar and to taste the country’s finest culinary security issues and budgetary con- ture of the semester. Katara Cultural Village. and cultural offerings.” straints and rising unemployment in “Dr Hudson has long been a keen Chinese food lovers will also Participants can look forward the kingdom, have introduced new observer of US foreign policy in the have plenty to look forward to, with to the return of the festival’s signa- DOHA: The impact of recent political challenges to the relationship today. Middle East and of Saudi Arabia, and Chinese cuisine featuring as part of ture events, including QA’s Dinner in developments in regional diplomatic “The concern is over how the his analysis of subtle but significant Qatar-China 2016 Year of Culture the Sky and Cooking Theatre featur- relations was the focus of a Center strategy to re-establish stability and a changes in US-Saudi relations are Institute and professor of political celebrations. ing celebrity chefs from Doha and for International and Regional Stud- rebalance of regional powers is being perceptive and timely.” science at the National University of “The festival is an important part around the world. ies (CIRS) Monthly Dialogue public executed. Dr Hudson is a former director of Singapore. of QTA’s strategy to grow and diver- The festival will offer new expe- lecture ‘The US-Saudi Arabia Rela- “That’s why the special rela- Georgetown University’s Center for He was also the Kuwait Founda- sify the country’s tourism offering in riences, designed for the whole tionship: ‘Special’ or Broken?. tionship is no longer special,” he Contemporary Arab Studies. tion visiting scholar at the Harvard partnership with the private sector,” family. It was delivered by Middle explained, noting GCC countries’ From 2010 to 2014, he was the Belfer Center’s Middle East Initiative said Rashed Al Qurese, Chief Mar- Last year, it attracted about East scholar Dr Michael C Hudson stance on Iran and their role in the first director of the Middle East in Spring 2015. keting and Promotion Officer, QTA. 170,000 visitors during its five days. Honda Qatar Facebook page Institute invites applications for master’s course

The Peninsula institute offers attractive scholarship Red Crescent Society, Peace Research celebrates 100,000 fans opportunities for accepted applicants. Institute in Oslo, Overseas Develop- The programme offers students ment Institute’s Humanitarian Policy opportunity to engage with sub- Group and Humanitarian Forum. DOHA: The Doha Institute for Grad- jects, including conflict resolution; Prof Barakat said: “With its The Peninsula uates Studies is to start receiving humanitarianism; peace-building; focus on conflict-affected and frag- students’ applications for Conflict state-building; and reconstruction ile contexts, CHS is a much needed and Humanitarian Studies (CHS). theories and practices, from regional opportunity to develop region- It is an inter-disciplinary research and international perspectives. ally rooted knowledge at a time DOHA: Honda Qatar Facebook page and study centre that conducts orig- The two-year programme is when the Arab world continues has reached a major milestone with inal and rigorous research from structured to bridge the fields of to struggle with creating just and 100,000 fans. conflicts, humanitarian crises, state academia and practice by incorpo- stable societies, enjoying sustain- Keeping in line with Domas- fragility and war to peace transitions rating a field visit to a post-conflict able political, economic and social co’s philosophy, the page had been in the Middle East and North Africa. region and an optional professional development.” created to promote customer engage- Applications are open for Fall work placement. The primary teaching and ment and attract as many Honda fans 2016 enrolment for CHS’ flagship CHS is being designed and devel- research language is Arabic at the as possible in Qatar. Interesting online content and have traditionally witnessed a high teaching programme — Master in oped by an international team, led by institute. Faisal Sharif, Managing Direc- visually appealing photos cover key attendance. Conflict Management and Human- Professor Sultan Barakat, a leading However, prospective students tor, Domasco, said: “The launch of insights, which allow the brand to Greig Roffey, Head, Sales and itarian Actions (CMHA). expert in the field of post-war recov- are expected to have an excellent the page was an integral part of our reach across to a wider audience. Marketing, Domasco Honda, said: The deadline is March 31. ery, at the University of York. command of English to make best use strategy to create a new way of inter- The page highlights information “We are very happy to have reached Applicants will have until April 28 The team has worked in consul- of international opportunities offered acting with Honda clientele, promote on Honda innovations and products, such an important milestone and this to submit TOEFL or IELTS results. The tation organisations, including Qatar by CHS and its partners. customer engagement and build an including cars, motorbikes, marine is just the beginning of our efforts to active brand community. and power products and racing. Reg- provide our fans with a true ‘Honda “Since its commencement, the ular contests with amazing giveaways Experience’ and look forward to fur- page has generated significant online and information about latest offers ther expanding our fan base on our interaction and succeeded in creating are also featured on the page. page. SU-Q appoints new executive dean a two-way communication channel Honda ensures that the engage- “As part of our strategy, we con- with our fans online.” ment is not restricted to the online stantly interact with fans, providing The page is being consistently space, and makes efforts to trans- them with exclusive benefits for being The Peninsula The programme was recognised monitored by Domasco’s professional late them to the offline arena. To part of the Honda brand community. as exemplary by the UAE Ministry team which always listens to fans and bring together the online commu- We encourage Honda customers and of Higher Education and Scientific provide them with content to maxim- nity, Domasco organises special fans to join our page and stay con- Research and external audits. ise their engagement with the brand. events and in-store celebrations that nected with us.” DOHA: Stenden University Qatar Dr Ninov was also involved in (SU-Q) has announced that Dr Ivan daily operations of the university and Ninov (pictured) has been appointed was in charge of directing and man- as Executive Dean effective January aging the MBA programme. 17. During his welcoming ceremony, He was selected after an exten- he said: “I am grateful to the Board of sive international search and is SU-Q for entrusting me with the lead- joining SU-Q from the Emirates ership of this institution and I will Academy of Hospitality Management do my best to continue and initiate in Dubai, where he was an assistant efforts towards making the university dean. one of the premier higher education Dr Ninov brings extensive providers of hospitality management, industry and academic knowledge, tourism management, and business combined with successful interna- management education on a regional tional and regional experience. the same university. and international level. He holds a PhD degree in hospi- At the academy, he was respon- “SU-Q is very well situated to give tality administration from Texas Tech sible for developing the Institutional our students great opportunities for University in the US, and a Master of Effectiveness Programme to ensure learning, and our location in Doha Science degree in restaurant, hotel the highest quality in all areas of the and the GCC region is vital to our and institutional management from university. identity and our success as a school”. GULF / MIDDLE EAST MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 07 UAE says ready to send ground troops to Syria

Syria if the US-led coalition fight- ing Islamic State militants decided Emirates minister to start such operations. says potential Gargash said that any poten- tial supply of troops would not be supply of boots particularly large. on ground should “We are not talking about a be led by US and thousand troops but we are talk- ing about troops on the ground would be small that will lead the way, that will train, that will support ... And I think our position remains the same and we will have to see Reuters how this progresses.” “Of course an American leadership in this effort is a pre-requisite,” Gar- gash said. ABU DHABI: The United Arab He added that the UAE had Emirates (UAE) said yesterday been frustrated at the slow pace An aid truck enters Syria from Turkey at the Oncupinar border crossing in the southeastern Turkish city of Kilis yesterday. it was ready to supply ground of the international efforts against troops to help support and train Islamic State “although there an international military coali- has been some progress in Iraq tion against Islamic State in Syria recently, of confronting Daesh.” Turkey won’t abandon Syrian refugees: Minister provided such efforts were led by Gargash said the UAE had the United States. always stated there also needed Asked whether the UAE could to be a “genuine political process be expected to send ground in Baghdad that will encompass AFP “Turkey has reached the limit of its an AFP reporter said. They waited des- Without Borders (MSF) said camps for troops to Syria, and if so under the Sunnis” in Iraq, which has a capacity to absorb the refugees,” Dep- perately for the moment the gate will displaced people in northern Aleppo what circumstances, Minister of Shia-led government. uty Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus open, as Turkish aid trucks delivered province were overwhelmed. State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Following Saudi Arabia’s told CNN Turk television. food inside Syria. “From what MSF can see the situa- Gargash said: “I think that this announcement, Syria’s foreign ONCUPINAR: Turkey said yester- “But in the end, these people have President Recep Tayyip Erdogan tion in Azaz district is desperate, with has been our position through- minister said on Saturday Damas- day it would not abandon thousands nowhere else to go. Either they will die said Saturday that Turkey was ready ongoing fighting and tens of thousands out ... that a real campaign against cus would resist any ground of Syrians stranded on its border after beneath the bombings... or we will open to open its gates to Syrian refugees “if of people displaced,” said Muskilda Daesh has to include ground incursion into its territory and fleeing a major Russian-backed regime our borders.” necessary”. Zancada, head of the group’s Syria elements,” he said, referring to send the aggressors home “in offensive, as aid agencies warned of a “We are not in a position to tell Carrying what few belongings they mission. Islamic State’s name using the coffins”. “desperate” situation. them not to come. If we do, we would still have, Syrians queued in the cold “We are still conducting assess- Arabic acronym. Saudi Arabia and most other Tens of thousands of people, be abandoning them to their deaths.” and rain in squalid camps near the bor- ments but so far have seen problems Saudi Arabia, one of several Gulf states are opposed to Syrian including many women and children, Turkey’s Oncupinar border cross- der, waiting for tents being distributed with lack of space to accommodate Sunni Muslim Gulf Arab states, President Bashar Al Assad. have been uprooted as pro-government ing, which faces the Bab Al Salama by aid agencies. people, and insufficient water and including the UAE, who are Russian and Syrian govern- forces backed by intense Russian anti- frontier post inside Syria, remained Others are reportedly sleeping in sanitation in many areas.” It said three opposed to Islamic State, said ment forces have intensified rebel air strikes advance near Syria’s closed yesterday to thousands of ref- the open, in fields and on roads. MSF-supported hospitals had been last week it was ready to partici- an assault on rebel-held areas second city Aleppo. ugees gathered there for a third day, The medical aid agency Doctors bombed in recent days. pate in any ground operations in around the Syrian city of Aleppo.

Frontier call Air strike on Libya hospital kills four, including child

AFP

BENGHAZI: An air strike hit a hospital in Derna in eastern Libya yesterday, killing four people including a woman and her child and two anti-government fighters, a doctor said. “There are four dead — a nurse, her 10-year-old son and two members of the Shura Council,” radiologist Dr Mohamad Al Jed- dayimi at Al Wehda hospital said. In its own statement, the Mujahedeen Shura Council said the attack was in the area of the Faculty of Medical Technology Sci- ence in the Bab Tobruk district of eastern Derna came at 0400 GMT. The Mujahedeen Shura Council of Derna is a coalition of Islamist militias in the city. It was formed to oppose forces of the controver- sial General Khalifa Haftar, head of forces loyal to the internationally recognised authorities based in the east. Jeddayimi said the nurse and her son were killed in a direct hit on Al Wehda hospital’s urology department, adding that the unit was “completely destroyed”. The hospital is near the medi- Tunisian Defence Minister Farhat Horchani (left) walks near the cal faculty in Bab Tobruk. frontier with Libya in Sabkeht Alyun, Tunisia. The north African No claim of responsibility has country has completed a 200-km barrier along its frontier with been made, and forces loyal to the Libya to try to keep out Islamist militants, and will soon install recognised government did not electronic monitoring systems. report any air strike in the area yesterday. Four militants shot dead near Cairo

Reuters 2014 and has targeted security forces killing of two policemen, a soldier in and around Cairo. The suspects and a civilian and they were also sus- had opened fire first, it said. pected of blowing up a police vehicle “Engagement resulted in the and bombing a security checkpoint, CAIRO: Egyptian police shot dead death of four known elements and it said. four suspected Islamist militants the uncovering of an assault rifle, a Egypt is fighting an Islam- inside a house a few miles from cen- 9mm pistol, an improvised firearm, ist insurgency in Sinai that gained tral Cairo, the Interior Ministry said a car previously used in many terror- momentum in mid-2013 when the yesterday, the third such incident in ist attacks, and a motorcycle without military ousted Muslim Brotherhood as many weeks. licence plates,” a ministry statement president Mohamed Mursi after mass It said the men belonged to Ajnad said. protests against his rule. Hundreds of Misr, a group that emerged in January The men were suspects in the soldiers and police have been killed. 08 MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 GULF / MIDDLE EAST Algeria parliament adopts constitutional reforms

The package also prevents Algerians with dual national- Two-term limit for ity from running for high posts in presidency to be public office, which has sparked criticism among the Franco-Alge- brought back, but rian community. President Bouteflika It foresees the creation of an independent electoral commis- will be allowed to sion and recognition of the roles contest for fifth term of women and youth. Freedoms of assembly and the press will be explicitly guaranteed. The Amazigh language spoken AFP by the indigenous Berber population will also be recognised as official, alongside Arabic. After the vote, Prime Minister ALGIERS: Algeria’s parliament Abdelmalek Sellal hailed the pres- adopted a package of constitutional ident as “the architect of the new reforms yesterday that authorities Algerian republic”. say will strengthen democracy, but But critics disagree, saying the opponents doubt it will bring real reforms are little more than a show change. and will do little to reduce the influ- The reforms are meant to ence of the powerful elite, including address longstanding public griev- Bouteflika’s National Liberation ances in the North African nation, Front party and army generals. and possibly to prepare for a smooth Former lawmaker and regime transition amid concerns over the opponent Djamel Zenati said that health of 78-year-old President “with the current revision, our Abdelaziz Bouteflika. country’s constitution finally brings The package was passed by 499 together the main elements neces- votes to two, with 16 abstentions, sary to build a democracy”. Algerian parliamentary group leaders listen to the national anthem during a vote on a package of constitutional reforms in the capital Algiers Senate speaker Abdelkader Ben- But as “violating laws has salah said. become the law” in Algeria, it is hard yesterday. A two-term limit on the pres- to believe those in power are being idency — lifted in 2008 to allow even “the slightest bit sincere”, he Bouteflika to run for a third time wrote in El Watan newspaper. of Intelligence and Security and jail- of state,” Sellal told parliamentarians. relatively stable since the 2011 Arab teaching the Berber tongue in public — will be reintroduced and the pres- Former prime minister Ali Benf- ing or sidelining top officials. The reforms guaranteed “dem- Spring. schools, has welcomed the Berber lan- ident will be required to nominate lis, who was Bouteflika’s rival in the Bouteflika and his inner cir- ocratic change by means of free But it is facing a range of chal- guage becoming official. a prime minister from the largest 2014 presidential polls, slammed the cle have held a firm grip on power elections” and were “a bulwark against lenges, including regular jihadist It will allow “the state to dedicate party in parliament. reforms as a “constitutional power since 1999 and, as the end of his rule the vagaries of political change,” he attacks, sporadic outbreaks of violence more means and measures to make up Bouteflika — whose public grab” to “solve only the regime’s — appears to close in, there are fears said, referring to parts of the constitu- between Berbers and Arabs, and a pre- for shortcomings”, HCA secretary-gen- engagements have become rare not the country’s — problems”. of instability in the mainly Muslim tion that cannot be altered if Islamists cipitous drop in state revenues as oil eral Si El Hachemi Assad said. since suffering a stroke in 2013 — The president and his support- country of 40 million, a key energy form a majority. prices have plummeted as a result of Around a fourth of Algerians speak will be allowed to finish his fourth ers have moved in recent months to producer. Unlike many countries in the global supply glut. regional variants of Amazigh, but less term, which ends in 2019, and run take control of the security services, “This project crowns the process of region, including its neighbours The High Council of the Amazigh than 3 percent of students learn it at for a fifth if he wishes. dissolving the powerful Department political reforms promised by the head Libya and Tunisia, Algeria has been affairs (HCA), set up in 1995 to promote school, the HCA says.

Arrested former Joining the bandwagon BBC journalist Don’t interfere in our in Tehran’s affairs: Saudi King Evin prison Reuters in all areas in defending our lands and ensuring their Reuters independence and guarding their government systems RIYADH: The Custodian as sanctioned by their peo- DUBAI: The family of an Iranian- of the Two Holy Mosques ples,” he added. British former BBC journalist who King Salman bin Abdulaziz King Salman did not was detained last week in Tehran Al Saud of Saudi Arabia elaborate, but his remarks were told yesterday that he was in yesterday called on other seemed aimed at Iran, the capital’s Evin prison, a friend countries not to interfere which Riyadh accuses of told Reuters. in the kingdom’s internal destabilising Arab states Bahman Daroshafaei, 34, a affairs in what appeared to and spreading sectarianism translator and former BBC Persian be a rebuke to Riyadh’s main by backing militias in Syria, service reporter, was detained on foe Iran, which it accuses of Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen Wednesday at his home, according attempting to stir unrest. and fomenting unrest in to the opposition website Kaleme. “It is our right to defend Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. com. ourselves, without interfer- Iran denies seeking to “His family went to Evin prison ing in the affairs of others. destabilise the region or today. They managed to talk to We call on others to not inciting sectarian hatred. someone on the phone who said interfere in our affairs,” It in turn accuses Riyadh of Bahman was in Evin but he would King Salman said in a fomenting discord by back- not be able to contact his family speech opening the annual ing rebels in Syria. for another week or so,” said the Janadriya cultural festival in The Saudi King brought friend, who was in direct touch Palestinian members of the Dawaween music band play traditional oriental songs during a musical heritage concert Riyadh, state news agency together a coalition of Arab with the family but declined to be in Gaza City on Saturday. The Dawaween music band, founded three months ago by three musicians, now counts SPA reported. states to back military named. more than 40 members. “We cooperate with our action in Yemen to restore Daroshafaei’s family said they Arab and Muslim brothers its government. had not been informed what the charges against him might be. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in London on Thursday that he did not know about the case. Some opposition activists When this Gaza travel agency did robust business have suggested that Darosha- faei’s arrest, on the eve of the first visit to Britain by an Iranian for- Reuters a border to speak of. Gazans could uprising erupted in 2000, the air- eign minister in 12 years, might book a plane ticket and take a four- port’s runway and control tower were have been orchestrated by hard- hour bus or train to Cairo to catch bombed by Israel and it remains in liners to thwart an improvement their flight. ruins. in relations as Iran emerges from GAZA: Nabil Shurafa’s travel agency The agency had a close relation- Since 2007, when the Islam- international isolation under the in Gaza was once packed with clients ship with BOAC, the forerunner of ist group Hamas seized control moderate government of President booking flights to London, Paris, New British Airways, and Air France and is of the territory following a brief Hassan Rowhani. York or cities across the Arab world. general sale agent for each. It remains civil war with the Western-backed After living in London for sev- These days, he’s lucky if anyone a member of IATA, the International Fatah movement, entry to and exit eral years, Daroshafaei returned to comes in, as so few people can get out. Air Transport Association. from Gaza have become even more Iran in 2014 to be near his family. The posters of the Eiffel Tower, “The era from 1952 to 1967 was a restricted, both by Egypt and by Israel. His friend said six plain- the Statue of Liberty and a map of the golden one,” Shurafa, 53, said. People Israel does allow around 1,000 clothed officers had arrested world look out of place on the walls, used to travel to Gaza as well, at least Gazans to cross into its territory every Daroshafaei at his home and con- given the sense of isolation that per- until the 1967 Middle East war, when day, for work, medical treatment or fiscated his computer, hard drives vades Gaza, a narrow strip of land Israel captured Gaza from Egypt and other humanitarian reasons. But it is a and mobile phone. hemmed in by Israel on two sides, the West Bank from Jordan. far cry from the thousands that could A few of Daroshafaei’s friends Egypt to the south and the blockaded “Gaza was like a duty-free zone, pass through the vast border terminal in Tehran and London said they Mediterranean to the west. with Egyptians coming to buy goods Israel built in the mid-2000s, before had received messages on social “Once borders are closed, things brought by merchants from Lebanon,” Hamas took over. Palestinian travel agent Nabil Shurafa (left) gestures as he works at media in the last few days pur- switch off,” said Shurafa with a sense he recalled. There was also a boom in Egypt meanwhile has kept its porting to come from him. One of resignation. A plastic model of a the late 1990s, after the Oslo peace crossing with Gaza mostly closed his office in Gaza City. said that she had been hacked passenger plane stands on his desk, accords between Israel and the Pal- over the past five years, citing secu- after clicking on a link she received next to the silent phones. estinians, and Gaza opened Yasser rity concerns and to put the squeeze to fly out of Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion air- but the arrangements are a lottery. from Daroshafaei’s account. When Shurafa’s father opened Arafat International Airport in 1998. on Hamas. Human rights groups say port or to travel to the West Bank and The crossing stays open only for two Britain reopened its embassy the bureau in 1952, it quickly earned But the years since have seen a 95 percent of Gaza’s 1.95 million peo- on to Jordan to catch a flight. Jordan, or three days, so no one can be sure in Tehran last year after Iran a reputation as a helpful and relia- steady decline in business as Gaza has ple cannot get out of the enclave. too, has started restricting visas for they will get across. They call Shurafa agreed with world powers to curb ble agency. become more and more cut off from Even those that are able to cross Palestinians from Gaza. once they are over the border and the its nuclear programme in return Back then, Gaza was governed the world. into Israel cannot easily travel from Every few months, Egypt lets agency then scrambles to book them for a lifting of sanctions. by Egypt and there was not much of When the second Palestinian there. They need special dispensation around 3,000 Gazans leave via Rafah, flights or hotels. ASIA / PHILIPPINES MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 09 Philippines’ raucous election season gets under way

usual — be name recognition and cha- video clips to portray himself as the risma rather than ideology or policy. man of the poor. The three-month “In the Philippines, elections are Another top contender for the campaign begins like a circus with the candidates try- presidency is Grace Poe, 47, the ing to attract attention with their adopted daughter of a dead movie tomorrow with most performances,” Earl Parreno, an ana- star whose success so far can largely interest on a crowded lyst at the Manila-based Institute for be attributed to her father’s endur- Political and Economic Reform, said. ing popularity. However the Supreme contest to succeed “Programmes and policies are sec- Court could knock her out of the race President Benigno ondary... it’s a personality contest.” before the May 9 elections, with jus- Aquino Aquino won in a landslide six tices currently listening to arguments years ago largely due to the popularity she is ineligible based on citizenship of his parents, who led the democracy and residency laws. movement that saw Marcos flee into The constitution requires presi- US exile in 1986. Aquino, 56, is still dents have Filipino parents. But Poe AFP relatively popular but the constitu- does not know who her biological par- tion limits him to a single term. ents are. Complicating matters, she His preferred successor is US-edu- lived in the United States for many cated investment banker Mar Roxas, a years and took US citizenship before MANILA: The Philippines’ raucous trusted ally with many years governing renouncing it. Binay and Poe have democracy cranks into top gear experience who is vowing to continue over recent months swapped top spot this week as campaigning begins the pair’s “straight path” agenda of in popularity surveys. The latest poll, for national elections, with familiar steady reforms and fighting graft. released on Saturday, showed Poe themes of corruption, dictatorship But Roxas, 58, is trailing in polls edging back ahead by a small margin. and celebrity star-power to dominate. and analysts say he has a huge task to The wildcard contender is Rod- The three-month campaign ignite an electorate that generally per- rigo Duterte, 70, a controversial figure begins tomorrow with most interest ceives him as having little charisma. nicknamed “The Punisher” for his on a crowded contest to succeed Pres- “He is dry, he can’t connect to ordi- ruthless but successful tactics fight- ident Benigno Aquino, who has won nary people,” Parreno said. ing crime as mayor of Davao, a major global applause for six years of strong In contrast is Jejomar Binay, 73, southern city. economic growth and a bruising anti- a natural campaigner who grew up Human rights groups have graft campaign. in poverty but rose to become one of accused Duterte of running vigilante There are myriad other sub-plots, the nation’s most powerful politicians. “death squads” that killed suspected including a bid by dead dictator Fer- Binay heads the main opposition criminals. Duterte has denied lead- dinand Marcos’s son to take the vice party and is the current vice-presi- ing death squads but gave a speech presidency and eight-time world box- dent — the nation’s two top posts are late last year in which he bragged ing champion Manny Pacquiao’s run elected separately in the Philippines about killing drug traffickers. His for a Senate seat. — but he has had to endure a barrage vows to clean up crime and end cor- The jailhouse campaigns of two of corruption allegations. ruption in the nation of 100 million politicians charged with murder A Senate committee recently rec- people have won him many fans, who are running in local mayoral ommended Binay be charged with both rich and poor. elections, as well as graft-tainted graft for kickbacks allegedly taken Meanwhile, Ferdinand Marcos ex-president Gloria Arroyo’s run for during his long stint as mayor of the Jnr, the son of the dead dictator, has a third term as congresswoman while nation’s financial capital, Makati. a strong chance to become the Phil- This combo file picture shows from top (left to right) Jejomar Binay and his running mate Senator Gringo behind bars, fuel a sizzling political Binay denies the allegations, ippines’ next vice president, currently atmosphere of chaos and chicanery. insisting they are part of a smear in second place in polling. Honasan; the adopted daughter of a late movie star, Senator Grace Poe, and her running mate Senator Chiz There are four major contenders campaign by his opponents and that His father and mother, Imelda, are Escudero; (bottom left to right) current President Benigno Aquino’s preferred successor and US-educated in the battle to move into the pres- his family’s new riches have been accused of plundering billions of dol- investment banker, Mar Roxas, and his running mate Congresswoman Leni Robredo; and late dictator idential palace and most analysts earned legitimately. Meanwhile, he lars from state coffers and overseeing Ferdinand Marcos’s son and vice-presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos with his mother and former first predict the deciding factors will — as has sought via slick TV and Internet widespread human rights abuses. lady Imelda Marcos. N Korea triggers fresh outrage UN ‘against’ amnesty for with space rocket launch jailed rebels

AFP that a launch so soon after the nuclear test will probably only incrementally in Sri Lanka North Korea last affect the UN sanctions arising from launched a long-range that test,” said Alison Evans, a senior SEOUL: North Korea said yesterday analyst at IHS Jane’s. AFP that it had successfully put a satellite rocket in December China has been resisting the US- into orbit, with a rocket launch widely 2012, placing a similar led effort to tighten the economic condemned as another defiant step screws on its maverick neighbour. COLOMBO: The UN rights chief towards a missile capable of striking Earth observation While infuriated by North Korea’s has said Tamil rebels still detained the US mainland. satellite in orbit refusal to curb its nuclear ambitions, years after the end of Sri Lanka’s The launch, which violated mul- China’s overriding concern is avoiding bloody civil war should not be tiple UN resolutions, amounted to a collapse of the regime in Pyongyang granted universal amnesty, a top the North doubling down against an Permanent Security Council mem- and the possibility of a US-allied uni- regional official said yesterday. international community already bers Britain, France and Russia all fied Korea on its border. More than 200 suspected struggling to punish Pyongyang for expressed anger and concern, while North Korea last launched a long- Tamil separatists remain in prison, its nuclear test barely a month ago. North Korea’s main diplomatic pro- range rocket in December 2012, many without charge, following There was no immediate external tector China voiced “regret”. placing a similar Earth observation the country’s bitter 37-year-war confirmation that the final stage of the The rocket, carrying an Earth satellite in orbit. Western intelligence that ended nearly seven years ago. satellite-bearing rocket had success- observation satellite, blasted off at experts say that satellite has never Tamil political and civil society fully achieved orbit, although the US around 9am Pyongyang time (0030 functioned properly, fuelling suspi- groups have long demanded their Strategic Command said it had tracked GMT) and, according to state TV, cion of the mission’s scientific veneer. unconditional release, tough the “the missile launch into space”. achieved orbit 10 minutes later. Despite Pyongyang’s bellicose government has rejected demands In a special state TV broadcast, Both South Korea and Japan claims to the contrary, the North is for universal amnesty. a female North Korean announcer, had threatened to shoot it down if it still seen as being years away from Speaking on a trip to the island wearing a traditional Korean hanbok encroached on their territory. developing a credible inter-continen- nation, UN rights chief Zeid Ra’ad dress, hailed the “epochal” launch, Multiple UN Security Council tal ballistic missile (ICBM). Al Hussein said jailed Liberation personally ordered by leader Kim resolutions proscribe North Korea’s A key challenge it faces is master- Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) mem- Jong-Un, as a major success. development of its ballistic missile ing the re-entry technology required to bers should clear their names in While stressing North Korea’s right programme, and its rockets are con- deliver a payload as far away as the US. court, according to the chief minis- to the “peaceful and independent” use sidered dual-use technology with both “An ICBM warhead, unlike a sat- ter of Sri Lanka’s former war zone, of space, she also noted that it marked civil and military applications. ellite, needs to come down as well as C. V. Wigneswaran. a breakthrough in boosting national The United States and its allies go up,” said aerospace engineer John “He (Zeid) said it is not the com- “defence capability”. had warned Pyongyang it would pay a Schilling, who has closely followed the mon practice of the international Condemnation was swift, with UN heavy price for pushing ahead with the North’s missile programme. “North community to give common par- chief Ban Ki-moon calling the launch launch, but analysts said the North’s Korea has never demonstrated the don to such suspects,” Wigneswaran “deeply deplorable” and US Secretary timing was intended to minimise the ability to build a re-entry vehicle that told reporters in Jaffna, where much A view of the rocket launch of the earth observation satellite of State John Kerry denouncing a “fla- repercussions. can survive at even half the speed an of the fighting took place. “The Kwangmyong 4 at an undisclosed location in North Korea yesterday. grant violation” of UN resolutions. “North Korea likely calculates ICBM would require,” Schilling said. issue should be resolved through a legal process, but they should not be granted a common amnesty.” Wigneswaran’s opposition Tamil South Korea and US to discuss deployment of THAAD system National Alliance (TNA) party has repeatedly called for the prisoners to be released unconditionally. AFP There has been speculation for years about damage regional peace and stability. Speaking in response to the North’s rocket Zeid visited Jaffna on the sec- the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude South Korea said there was no alternative. launch, Kim Yong-Hyun, chief operations officer ond day of a four-day visit and met Area Defense (THAAD) system — one of the most “The Korea-US alliance had no choice but to at the South’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, told lawmakers with several women whose rela- SEOUL: South Korean and US defence officials advanced in the world — to the South, one of take such a defence action because North Korea that the upcoming annual joint US-South Korea tives remain missing years after said yesterday that they would begin formal Washington’s main Asian allies. staged a strategic provocation and is refusing military exercises would be the largest yet held. the end of the conflict that left talks on the deployment on the Korean penin- The US insists that it is a deterrent necessi- to have a genuine dialogue on denuclearisa- The Key Resolve and Foal Eagle exercises, to be 100,000 people dead. sula of a US missile defence system to counter tated by the North’s advancing ballistic missile tion,” Yoo said in a joint briefing with Lieutenant staged in March and April this year, will boast the His visit comes after the UN the growing threat from North Korea. programme, while China and Russia argue that General Thomas Vandal, commander of the US “most cutting-edge” technology, Kim said. Human Rights Council adopted The announcement followed a North Korean it would undermine stability and could trigger Eighth Army based in the South. The South’s military will also set up more a resolution late last year calling rocket launch which the US and its allies con- an arms race in a delicately balanced region. Vandal argued that it was “time to move for- loudspeakers along the border to broad- for an investigation into wartime demned as a covert ballistic missile test. China said it was “deeply concerned” at the ward” with the THAAD issue, saying there was cast propaganda programmes to the North in atrocities committed by both the “It has been decided to formally start talks decision to begin official negotiations. “growing support” in the South for its deploy- response to the rocket launch, he added. government-backed military and on the possibility of deploying the THAAD sys- “When pursuing its own security, one coun- ment. Pyongyang says any such move would Pyongyang has long criticised both the Tamil Tiger separatists. The aim of tem to South Korea as part of steps to bolster try should not impair others’ security interests,” be a Cold War tactic to “contain” China and joint US-South Korea military exercises, which Zeid’s trip is to gauge progress of the missile defence of the Korea-US alliance,” said foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chuny- Russia. But Yoo stressed the THAAD system — it claims are practice for an invasion, and the the investigation ahead of a report said Yoo Jeh-Seung, the South’s deputy defence ing, adding moves to advance the deployment if deployed — would “operate only regarding South’s loudspeakers, which it has previously to the UN rights council he is set to minister for policy. would escalate tensions on the peninsula and North Korea”. threatened to open fire on. deliver in March. 10 MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 VIEWS

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI

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

ACTING MANAGING EDITOR HUSSAIN AHMAD [email protected]

EDITORIAL

Pyongyang’s provocation When it is time to pack it in

Bush (and their respective super candidates? PACs) did not skimp on spending What about the value of hav- orth Korea excels in provocation. This impoverished, If candidates who in New Hampshire. As for Fio- bombed in Iowa ing one governor stick around reclusive communist state never misses an opportunity to rina, she chose to pout over her (if Cruz, Rubio and Trump are launch a new missile or conduct a nuclear test in violation exclusion from the debate, but that bomb again in New the top three finishers in New of all international laws which forbid it from undertaking would be no excuse for a bad loss. Hampshire, there Hampshire)? Questions about She was not remotely close to any public sector executive prowess such provocative and jingoistic measures. Its latest action is no reason to Nis the launch of a long-range rocket carrying what it called a satellite, of the entry criteria (third in Iowa are legitimate. If, however, voters which comes weeks after a nuclear bomb test. Pyongyang said the launch or sixth in polls either nation- think they will do in two states have dismissed exec- ally or from New Hampshire). If utive public sector experience as of the satellite Kwangmyongsong-4, named after late leader Kim Jong Il, neither early state shows much better down the a necessity, it is hard to insist on was a complete success and it was making a polar orbit of Earth every 94 interest in her, does she expect road. There is no force-feeding them a steady diet minutes. But its neighbours and the US denounced the launch as a missile to win in bigger, more expensive of “you need to have experience test, conducted in defiance of UN sanctions. states? historical precedent making tough calls.” In any event, As expected, the North Korean test has invited international In the modern primary era, for such a candidate at most this is a rationale for the condemnation, especially from Pyongyang’s neighbours who are worried we have never seen a candidate to go on to win the top-finishing governor moving By Jennifer Rubin who came in, say fifth and sev- on to South Carolina, provided about the persistent escalation in tension caused by the communist state. The Washington Post enth in the first two states, go on to nomination. he finishes in double digits on The United Nations Security Council condemned the launch after an win the nomination. Ever. Indeed, Tuesday. That means one gover- emergency meeting in New York and the US, South Korea and Japan called since 1976 (the first year of the nor, no more. for talks on how to respond to the isolated country’s latest action. The 15 Iowa caucuses), on the GOP side So where does that leave us? council members unanimously approved a statement that said any launch e do not know the eventual nominee always has A favourite retort would be, If candidates who bombed in of ballistic missile technology, “even if whether Sat- finished in the top three in Iowa “We have a national organisation!” Iowa bomb again in New Hamp- characterized as a satellite launch or urday’s or New Hampshire. Wait. A national organisation is shire, there is no reason to think Republican Rational observers looking at there to extend one’s winning they will do better down the road. space launch vehicle”, contributes to debate will such a state of affairs would read- streak, to ensure one has the There is no historical precedent for North Korea’s development of systems changeW the direction of the New ily conclude that where candidates infrastructure so that popularity such a candidate to go on to win to deliver nuclear weapons. World Hampshire race. We do not have maximised efforts in the in early states is not overwhelmed the nomination. Ego or resent- North Korea’s leaders too have warned of serious know if the polls (any of them) states most favourable to them and by an opponent’s superior ment is not a reason to remain in rocket launch consequences. are accurate. What we do know failed to gain any traction, contin- resources. If they had their terrific the race, especially if the candi- The UN and the world are yet to find a is that on Tuesday night there uing on would be highly unlikely organisation in New Hampshire date’s effort is reduced to negative has ratcheted will be a bunch of candidates to produce any different result. To and/or Iowa and still lost badly, attacks on the other contenders. way to rehabilitate North Korea and get up tension in an who finish out of the top three the contrary, the results are likely why would their national organ- Even if desperate candidates want it to abandon its insane policies which spots. Those may include some to deteriorate as money dries up isation have any better luck? to continue on, donors and the already tense serve no other purpose than satisfying or all of the following: Jeb Bush, and they are perceived as nonvi- Another argument for soldier- party itself (by influencing debate region. the ego of its 33-year-old leader Kim Carly Fiorina, Ben Carson, New able candidates. In addition to the ing on despite the voters’ clear criteria and calling for consolida- Jong Un. The threat of more sanctions is Jersey Gov Chris Christie and order of finish, candidates need to verdict would be to make sure that tion of the field) can force their highly unlikely to disturb the country, as Ohio Gov John Kasich. consider the magnitude of their certain issues are “heard.” The hand. Better, then, to go out grace- it is already facing a slew of sanctions Recall that in Iowa, Carson losses. If they have yet to hit dou- issue in this case must be some- fully as Rick Santorum, Sen. Rand finished fourth, Bush sixth, Kasich ble digits it is hard to argue their thing more than the candidate’s Paul, R-Ky, and Mike Huckabee resulting in its complete isolation. The eighth, Fiorina ninth and Chris- is a felt need for thier candidacy. own record and specific propos- did than be known as someone UN is thinking of stiffening sanctions tie 10th. The question for these From the point of view of fam- als (which already have failed who got humiliated in state after after the rocket launch, but the security council has been discussing a new candidates, if they finish no bet- ily members, staff and friends, to impress voters). Beyond that, state and paved the way for a can- round of sanctions following its fourth nuclear test last month. Some experts ter than fourth in New Hampshire, the emotional, and in some cases is there really a case that major didate like Trump. say domestic reasons could have been behind the latest adventures. Kim is what rationale they could have financial toll, would be great as policy positions (pro- and anti- could be trying to bolster his domestic image and legitimacy ahead of a for remaining in the race. Car- the losses piled up. Future hope immigration reform, tax reform son will have had his best shot in of a Cabinet post or another pres- of various types, internationalist Jennifer Rubin writes the Right ruling party congress in May, the first since 1980. But that’s no consolation Iowa; Christie, Kasich and Bush idential run would dim. and less internationalist foreign Turn blog for The Washington Post, for a region which wants peace and stability, not an arms race. will have had their chance in New So what would be the ration- policy, etc.) require advocates in offering reported opinion from a South Korea, Pyongyang’s main rival, is planning counter measures. Hampshire. Christie, Kasich and ale for continuing on? the race beyond the first three conservative perspective. Seoul said that it and the US would begin discussions on deploying an advanced missile defence system, called the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD), to counter the growing threat from North’s weapons capabilities. Its military also said it would make annual military exercises Handing minors to human traffickers with US forces “the most cutting-edge and the biggest” this year. The world is still struggling to restrain North Korea. The Washington Post Guatemala and Honduras; almost treatment - forced to work six or it has strengthened its back- 40 percent of them are 15 or 16 seven days a week, 12 hours a day, ground-check procedures and years old. and the traffickers “repeatedly that adults with serious crimi- n the summer of 2014, head- The Office of Refugee Reset- threatened the victims and their nal offenses are now disqualified lines were dominated by tlement, part of the Department families with physical harm,and from becoming sponsors. But Ia crisis of unaccompanied of Health and Human Services, is even death, if they did not work or HHS accepts no responsibility Quote of the day migrant children fleeing to the responsible for placing unaccom- surrender their entire paychecks.” for the care and safety of minors United States, seeking shelter from panied children in the custody of The children were housed in trail- once they are placed with spon- poverty and violence in Central adult sponsors who are expected ers with “no bed, no heat, no hot sors, insisting that state and America. However, many of these to care for them while their immi- water, no working toilets, and local child protection agencies If they (Syrian refugees) migrant children left desperate gration cases are being processed. vermin.” are responsible for their wel- reached our door and have conditions in their home coun- But according to whistleblower The Trillium trafficking case fare. HHS and the Department tries only to be caught in the grip claims, many of these children is symptom of a wider problem of Homeland Security urgently no other choice, if necessary, of human traffickers here in the were released into the hands of with monitoring unaccompanied need to establish a clear agree- we have to and will let our United States, delivered to crimi- sponsors with criminal records, minors once they enter the United ment as to which federal agency nal captors by the federal agencies including homicide, child moles- States. The Senate report noted is responsible for monitoring brothers in. mandated to help protect them. tation and trafficking. 13 other cases of post- placement the welfare of unaccompanied Since 2011, more than 125,000 A recently released Senate trafficking of minors, with 15 more minors from the time they are minors have crossed the US-Mex- report confirmed that HHS in cases indicating signs of possible placed with a sponsor until the ico border; October and November 2014 placed at least six children trafficking. Inexcusable gaps in time of their immigration hear- of last year alone saw more than with a ring of human traffickers, HHS policies and procedures led ings. Vulnerable, lonely children 10,500 unaccompanied minors who then forced them to work at to unaccompanied minors being fleeing violence and abuse in Recep Tayyip Erdogan apprehended by Customs and Trillium egg farm in Ohio for as placed with sponsors or relevant Central America shouldn’t be Border Protection. Since 2014, the little as $2 a day. According to a adults in a household without subjected to more of the same Turkish President majority of unaccompanied chil- 2015 criminal indictment, the chil- background checks. once they arrive in the United dren have come from El Salvador, dren were subjected to inhumane The administration says that States.

EDITORIAL TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR E-MAIL: [email protected] ADVERTISING TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 CLASSIFIED: 44557857 E-MAIL: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 E-MAIL: [email protected] OPINION MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 11 Fighting corruption in Arab Spring countries

By Dr Noureddine Miladi

ne key demand for which peo- ple took to the streets in the Arab Spring countries back in 2011 was uprooting corruption.It Owas hoped that, in that part of the world, a serious attempt to stop all forms of unethi- cal misconduct would have been set up.A simple definition of corruption, according to ‘tranparency.org’, is ‘dishonest or fraud- ulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery’. However the scope of such a concept in some parts of the Arab Spring countriesinvolves a wide array of fraudulent behaviour by those in poweras well asin private sector bodies. A file picture shows Tunisians holdiing banners and the national flag during a silent demonstration in Tunis. Thanks to the Tunisian revolution we knew that ousted Tunisian President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali and his family amassed billions from public funds, in Tunisia Dinars corruption soared due to various reasons. of fighting bribery and all forms of unethi- Currently, those who attempt to expose cor- as well as USA Dollars and other European Firstly, there wasa lack of stringent control cal misconduct especially when it comes to ruption get targeted and sometimes receive currencies. Much of his wealth has been mechanisms to monitor fraudulent conduct. the public sector. However these systems death threats. stashed abroad in Switzerland, London, Tax evasion in all sectors has been on the are not much adhered to when operating The UK as with other European coun- France and Canada. increase and bribes resurfaced again after in third world countries. The USA involve- tries have been serious in working tounveil Also to the shock of the world, the Lib- disappearing albeit briefly during 2011 and ment in Iraq for instance and the corruption corrupt funds and report this back to the yan revolution revealed that Gaddafi owned 2012. Committees created for instance after scandals of the US backed government after Arab Spring countries. However what is over 100 billion dollars, in addition to lav- the revolution in Tunisia were not fully sup- 2003 is a case in point. uncovered is only the tip of the iceberg. The ish castles which were discovered were for ported by the government and parliament. By the end of 2015,the Corruption Per- new Swiss law, known as the Restitution of his family’s use while he pretended to lead Their reports tended to face fierce attacks ceptions Index 2015 revealed that Northern Illicit Assets Act, which took effect a couple a modest life (in an Arab tent). by some ofthe media outlets, and blocking European countries such as Denmark, Fin- of years ago and gives the Swiss govern- Former Egyptian Minister of the Inte- from some legal quarters. What is worse is land, Sweden, New Zealand, Netherlands ment ‘more freedom of action to repatriate rior, AdliMansoor, is being tried for stealing that the recommendations that appear in and Norway emerged as top in anticor- questionable funds’ is a move in the right over 2 billion dollars while in office after those reportsare not normally put into effect ruption. But having a ‘clean public sector direction. However, this has not yet facil- the Egyptian revolution of 25 January 2011. by the executive branch. Secondly, the dem- at home’, says the report ‘doesn’t mean it itated the release of large parts of funds According to a recent UN report Abdul- ocratically elected governments such as in isn’t linked to corruption elsewhere.Take illegally kept in Swiss banks by dictators such lah Salih has gathered more than 60 billion Tunisia have also so far nottaken rigorous Sweden for instance. It comes third in the as Ben Ali, Gaddafi, and Mubarak,among Fighting corruption dollars during the last three decades of his measures to hold to account corrupt poli- index, yet the Swedish-Finnish firm Telia- scores of others. rule which he currently invests to finance ticians, state employees and well-known Sonera – 37 per cent owned by the Swedish Democratically elected governments and fraudulent his militia that is causing havoc in Yemen. family members of ousted president Ben Ali state – is facing allegations that it paid mil- in the Arab Spring countries should also conduct should During the Nouri Al Maliki rule in Iraq who were accused of immense corruption. lions of dollars in bribes to secure business inculcate the culture of transparency in eventually become more than 100 billion dollars disappeared Moreover,what can be dismalsometimes in Uzbekistan’. society. This process starts from the educa- from the state fund, while the government is the fact that Western powers have not On a final note, for the Arab Spring coun- tional system before it gets imparted to all the concern of not has had problems in paying its employ- been of much help in reducing corruption tries to prosper and establish a just system realms of life. Fighting corruption and fraud- only the media, the ees’ salaries. partly because they knew all about it in they need to eradicate corruption through ulent conduct should eventually become Five years after the Arab Spring countries like Tunisia, Egypt and Yemen setting up sturdy mechanisms to fight cor- the concern of not only the media, the jus- justice system, and revolutions,corruption seemsto be on the before the revolutions and yet they sus- ruption. Dictatorial regimes in Tunisia, Egypt tice system, and policy makers but also of policy makers but increasein Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Iraq, Syria tained those regimes. and Libya and Yemencreated systems of civil society organisations, education and and Yemen. These countries are becoming As a matter of fact, the West has suc- money laundering not easy for any inves- indeed all citizens. also of civil society the worst in terms of the corruption index. cessfully built over the yearsvery robust tigation to break. Such systems entail the organisations, The Corruption Perceptions Index 2015 has anti-corruption measures and systems to collaboration of law enforcement bodies, Dr Noureddine Miladi is a university pro- revealed that by the end of 2015 Iraq ranked fight all sorts of corruption internally. The government agencies, parliament as well as fessor of Media and Communication. He can education and 16, Syria 18, Egypt 36 and Tunisia 38. media in Europe and the USA tend to reveal civil society. Individuals who work in anti- be reached via email: [email protected] indeed all citizens However, it is worth noting that has stories about scores of examples in terms corruption bodies should be well protected. ‘Big men’ setting back hopes for democracy in Africa

By Mike Cohen and David Development. An unstable political abuse of state resources, allegations long-serving leaders and a country’s Malingha Doya environment was judged the big- Museveni denies. The vote may lack ability to grow and attract investment Bloomberg gest deterrent to investment by 501 credibility because civil rights groups may depend on the individual con- executives canvassed in accounting and the media have been harassed, cerned, said Aubrey Hruby, founder firm EY’s 2015 Africa Attractiveness New York-based Human Rights Watch of the Africa Expert Network. Its Survey. said in a Jan. 10 report. members provides advice on doing hen then-Presi- Africa made democratic strides Speaking on the campaign trail business on the continent. dent Bill Clinton in the 1990s, when Zambia had its last month, Museveni said he helped “There are some companies visited Africa in first democratic change of govern- increase access to health care, water that look upon continuity favorably 1998, he praised “a ment, Mozambique’s civil war ended and electricity and that his record in because it signals that there’s proba- new generation of and South Africa negotiated a peace- office showed he was the best man bly going to be policy continuity and leaders”W as champions of a dawn- ful end to apartheid. Zairean dictator for the job. His spokeswoman, Lin- predictability,” she said from Wash- ing “African Renaissance.” Uganda’s Mobutu sese Seko was toppled from dah Nabusayi, didn’t answer calls to ington. “Rwanda is a case in point.” Yoweri Museveni was one of them: what later became Democratic her mobile phone or return messages Many entrenched African lead- Two years before, he’d been elected Republic of Congo, and Ghana and seeking comment. There have been ers have a poor record of combating president after a decade as a mili- That led another U.S. president to started by Sudanese-born billionaire Nigeria reverted to democracy. few signs of dissent in neighboring corruption and fostering development tary ruler. deliver a much sterner message. Mo Ibrahim. Standards slipped in 21 More recently Muhammadu Rwanda, where more than 98 percent and civil rights. Museveni is again running for “When a leader tries to change countries between 2011 and 2014, it Buhari wrested the Nigerian presi- of people who voted in a referendum Uganda ranked 139th out of 168 president -- at the age of 71, after the rules in the middle of the game said. John Akokpari, an international- dency from Goodluck Jonathan in last year backed a constitutional countries on Transparency Interna- abolishing constitutional limits on just to stay in office, it risks instability relations professor at the University April, the first such deposition of an amendment to extend term limits. That tional’s 2015 Corruption Perceptions presidential terms. He refers to the and strife, as we’ve seen in Burundi,” of Cape Town, said China’s increased incumbent since independence in will allow President Paul Kagame, 58, Index. Angola ranked 163rd, while East African nation’s oil reserves Barack Obama told an African Union interest in the continent has lessened 1960. Six months earlier, mass dem- to seek a third term next year. Zimbabwe and Burundi were both as his own, holds a public holiday summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in pressure to follow democratic rules onstrations in Burkina Faso forced “There are places where they rated 150th. Rwanda was the excep- to mark when he seized power in a July 2015. “And sometimes you’ll hear because leaders can get investment Blaise Compaore to quit after 27 years observe term limits and the only tion, ranking 44th. coup 30 years ago and is expected to a leader say, ‘Well, I’m the only person and financing regardless. in power. But the Ibrahim Founda- thing that is constant is the mess they To Yolande Bouka, a Nairobi- easily win a fifth term in the Feb. 18 who can hold the nation together.’ If “Countries don’t feel that they can tion, which offers a lucrative annual are in,” Kagame said in an interview based researcher at the Institute for elections. that’s true, then that leader has failed be punished and that they will lose award to former African leaders who published by the Nairobi-based East Security Studies, Africa’s so-called Over the past few months, long- to truly build their nation.” anything substantial,” he said. “That dedicated their rule to improving their African newspaper in July. big men entrench themselves at their serving leaders in Rwanda, the He wasn’t just talking about initial euphoria of embracing democ- people’s lives, has only selected five Rwanda remains an investors’ country’s expense. Republic of Congo and Djibouti also Burundi. Fifteen leaders of the 48 racy in the 1990s is waning.” winners since 2007. favorite. The economy has grown an “Friction and instability comes have demonstrated their resolve to African countries that hold regular Political upheaval is adding Some key countries seem to be average of 7.6 percent a year since from resistance to the legacy of the cling to power. All are favorites to elections have served more than two to economic strain in a continent faltering,” Ibrahim said at the release Kagame took office in 2000 after big man,” she said by email. Leaders secure re- election this year or next. terms or indicated their intention to do reeling from the commodity price of the governance report last year. leading a rebel army that ended the who personalise power often have Burundian President Pierre Nku- so. Advances in governance in Africa rout. Foreign direct investment into “This is a warning sign for all of us.” 1994 genocide. It ranks among Africa’s “bad human-rights records, and dur- runziza won a third term last year, have stalled since 2008 after nine Africa dived 31 percent to $38 billion Uganda’s opposition parties, which easiest places to do business, accord- ing electoral periods more repression spurring violence that’s claimed more years of progress, according to a study last year, according to the United have mounted protests against Musev- ing to the World Bank. is used to keep power in the hands than 440 lives. released in October by a foundation Nations Conference on Trade and eni’s rule, complain of harassment and The connection between of a few.”

All thoughts and views expressed in these columns are those of the writers, not of the newspaper. All correspondence regarding Views and Opinion pages should be mailed to the Editor-in-Chief. 12 MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 ASIA / AFRICA Rescuers drill into rubble to save 120 people

also raised questions over the quality Residents had of the materials used. Yueh Chin-sen, whose mother-in- complained of law’s family of eight is still trapped, cracks in walls of said the residents had complained of defects in the building. the building built “They complained that the building by a firm gone wasn’t well constructed as there were cracks in the walls and tiles fell off out of business after several quakes in recent years,” he said. “I hope the government will pros- ecute the builder on criminal charges AFP as people lost their lives.” Rescuers said 122 residents were still missing, with 103 of them trapped “very deep” in the rubble, according TAINAN: Rescuers raced yesterday to Lai. to free more than 120 people bur- “There’s no way to get to them ied under the rubble of an apartment direct, it’s very difficult,” Lai said, complex felled by an earthquake in adding that emergency workers were southern Taiwan that left 29 confirmed having to shore up the ruins to ensure dead, as an investigation began into they were secure before digging. the collapse. Several survivors were pulled The death toll rose as emergency from the rubble yesterday, more than workers dug for survivors of the 24 hours after the quake struck, as 6.4-magnitude quake that toppled the rescuers used life detectors in their 16-storey complex of almost 100 homes desperate search. in the city of Tainan on Saturday. One 20-year-old man was freed Officials said an investigation from the ruins after emergency work- had been launched as questions were ers spent eight hours carefully digging raised over the safety of the residen- him out. tial blocks in the complex. Census records show around 260 Tainan mayor William Lai said sur- people living in the blocks but Lai said vivors and relatives had reported legal it was now thought that more than 300 Taiwan Army members and civilian rescuers search for survivors in the building that collapsed in Saturday’s quake in Tainan in Taiwan. “violations” but gave no further detail. had been inside. “I’ve contacted judicial units and Officials have said that some stu- prosecutors have formally launched dents renting rooms would not have an investigation,” said Lai. been registered as living in the build- Around 200 have been rescued so far killed by the quake, 27 died in the Another woman said her son had the closet to get the attention of res- “We’ve also commissioned three ing, and additional family members and more than 50 others were able to apartment complex collapse, includ- been found dead but she was hold- cuers who broke the window to get independent bodies to preserve evi- may have returned there to celebrate escape unaided. ing several children. ing out hope for her daughter-in-law me,” said Su Yi-ming, 48, who lived dence during the rescue so we can the Lunar New Year holiday starting Emergency workers used cranes, Tearful relatives huddled by the and two grandchildren still trapped with his family on the sixth floor of assist the residents if they want to file today. Rescuers drilled down into the ladders and sniffer dogs to trace and ruins, hoping for news. inside. “I won’t give up hope, I will the Wei-kuan complex. lawsuits in the future. We will hold the rubble yesterday, urging survivors to extract survivors. Chen Yu-mei told how her three- wait here until I see them come out Su escaped unhurt while his wife builder responsible if they have bro- stay strong as they tried to reach them. Among the 29 people confirmed month-old son was trapped inside safe,” she said. and their two children sustained ken the law.” with her sister’s family of seven. “He’s Survivors spoke of their terror minor injuries. Local media reported the con- a small child, I’m worried sick,” she and relief. One man said how he was The quake struck at a shallow struction company that built the told AFP, her voice cracking and eyes rescued after tapping on a wardrobe depth of 10km (six miles) at around complex had gone out of business and red from crying. that was trapping him. “I knocked on 4am Saturday (2000 GMT Friday). Al Qaeda frees Loan rejection may have been Australian lady warning of poor construction kidnapped in

Reuters who had ties to the first bank, told signed the contract.” The two-dec- Burkina Faso them that it had a policy of refusing ades-old building is at the centre of loans to residents of the 17-storey rescue efforts after the 6.4 magni- Wei-guan Golden Dragon Building, tude quake struck before dawn on Reuters TAINAN: Before their apartment due to its poor construction. Saturday, with at least 24 known to tower collapsed in a Taiwan earth- Now, Chen, 35, and her husband, have died there and more than 120 quake at the weekend, a young Lin Wu-chong, 38, are in intensive- still missing deep in the rubble. NIAMEY: An elderly Australian couple living on the 14th floor had care in two separate hospitals in the It was the only major highrise woman kidnapped with her hus- already been given a clue that the southern city. She has a cracked skull building in the city of 2 million peo- band in Burkina Faso by a group building was unsafe. and he has damaged lungs. ple to have completely collapsed. Its affiliated to Al Qaeda has been But it came too late. Their seven-year-old daughter lower stories, filled with arcades of freed, neighbouring Niger’s Pres- Chen Yi-ting and her husband is dead. shops, pancaked on top of each other ident Mahamadou Issoufou said bought the apartment in the centre “People from outside of the town, before the entire U-shaped complex on Saturday. of Tainan city five years ago, having people like them, had no idea what toppled in on itself. Issoufou presented the woman, relocated from an outlying district. was going on before they moved Sixty-one-year-old Kuo said Jocelyn Elliott, at a news confer- They had a small hiccup with the in,” Chen’s mother, Kuo Yi-chien, residents of the building had long ence in Dosso, southwestern Niger, mortgage — the first bank they explained as she waited in a hospital complained of many problems and said authorities were intensi- approached had declined their loan corridor outside the intensive-care before the quake, such as tiles fall- fying efforts to secure the release application without stating why — unit where her daughter is. ing from walls, malfunctioning lifts of her husband. but they found another lender and “They did not know the build- and blocked pipes. The pair were seized on Jan- moved in with their infant daughter. ing was completed by the second The couple paid 3.5 million uary 15. A relative cries after being informed that his family member was dead Soon after, according to Chen’s developer after the first one went Taiwan dollars ($105,000) for the Al Qaeda in the Islamic in the tragedy, yesterday. mother, one of the couple’s friends, bust. They only found out after they apartment. Maghreb said on Friday it had kidnapped the couple and would release the woman uncondition- ally due to public pressure and guidance from Al Qaeda leaders not to involve women in war. Grave diggers of Nigeria’s Maiduguri tell morbid tales The circumstances of her release and how she arrived in Niger were not immediately clear. AFP 200, 300, 400 bodies were being the ground, uniformly facing east For over 40 years, Dr Ken Elli- brought here. Sometimes the sanita- towards the holy city of Makkah. ott and his wife, who are in their tion department trucks were bringing Groups and individuals quietly 80s, have operated a 120-bed three truckloads of dead bodies,” said pay their respects to the dead off clinic in the town of Djibo near MAIDUGURI: Even the dead weren’t Modu. the sweeping paths lined by neem Burkina Faso’s border with Mali. safe from Boko Haram when the “If they still had more left, they trees, with the sounds only of bleat- Their children in Australia said Islamist insurgency erupted in the would go back and bring them the ing goats, birdsong and the rustle of they were “deeply grateful for the northeast Nigerian city of Maiduguri next day. This road just outside the lizards darting through fallen leaves. safe release of our mother Jocelyn”. nearly seven years ago. cemetery was not passable because Not all graves are marked. Those “We are trusting that the moral “They began to destroy this one,” of the stench.” that are and with dates from 2009 and guiding principles of those said Babagana Modu, gesturing to a Modu’s estimation may be an onwards only hint at the possibility who have released our mother mound of baked earth and sand — the exaggeration but not by much. At least of a connection to the insurgency. will also be applied to our elderly grave of a prominent Muslim cleric. 17,000, possibly more, have died over- “It’s not our business to ask how father who has served the com- “We tried to stop them but we all across the Muslim-majority north. they died,” said Ali. munity of Djibo and the Sahel for couldn’t. They had guns and we The police and military launched The young grave diggers, though, more than half his lifetime,” they didn’t. We only had our shovels,” the a crackdown in Maiduguri after a are well aware of who lies just under said in a statement. 30-year-old told AFP. series of Boko Haram attacks at the the earth towards the high perime- Australian Prime Minister The dead may no longer be able end of July 2009. Some 800 Islam- ter wall. Malcolm Turnbull thanked the to tell tales but the grave diggers of ists, including the group’s then leader “From here to the wall over there governments of Niger and Burkina the Gwange cemetery certainly can. Muhammad Yusuf, were killed in just and from there to the other end of the Faso for their assistance and con- They talk of a place where piles of a few days in what is considered the A man digs a grave for victims of Boko Haram militants at Gwange cemetery... is all Boko Haram dead firmed that his government had bodies were routinely dumped from start of Boko Haram’s insurgency. Cemetery in northeast Nigeria’s Maiduguri. bodies,” said Modu, pointing to a spoken to Jocelyn Elliott follow- trucks and some were even brought Modu’s boss, Bulama Ali, speaks stretch of open ground and scrub the ing her release. to be killed. of smaller numbers, although he relative peace returned to Maidug- little else. They now dig graves in the size of a football pitch. The Elliotts were abducted But in recent times, Modu and his admitted there was a time when the uri and the metropolis,” he added. parched earth, cut down trees for the Islamic custom dictates the dead from the town the same day colleagues say their workload has cemetery was almost full. Sixty-year-old Ali’s 22 staff are wood to cover the bodies or make are washed and wrapped in a shroud Al Qaeda fighters raided a restau- decreased as attacks become more “In the past we would get up to volunteers, young men dressed in earthenware pots that serve as grave before being placed on their right side rant and hotel in Burkina Faso’s sporadic and a sustained counter- 20 to 30 bodies every day. Now we fading replica football shirts, dusty markers for families of the deceased. and the body covered with wood and capital, Ouagadougou, and killed insurgency brings a relative calm to get five to 10. Most of these are deaths trousers and flip flops. Three-metre-long (10 feet) earth. 30 people, many of whom were the much-targeted city. from natural causes.” Some started work with their mounds of earth for adults and Boko Haram’s dead were not foreigners. “At the height of the insurgency, “It’s an indication that there’s fathers at a young age and know smaller ones for children rise out of extended the courtesy. PAKISTAN MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 13 PIA crisis may bring PPP and PTI closer

After several meetings, leaders of two PIA employees, adding that his all the opposition parties decided to party would go to any length to pro- The main opposition adopt a joint strategy against the gov- tect the workers’ rights. He admitted PPP says that since ernment inside parliament on public that in the past, the PPP had reserva- issues. In a rare display of unity last tions over joining hands with the PTI, PTI Chairman Imran week, the PPP, the PTI and other but said that the way the government Khan has started opposition parties submitted requisi- had been handling the PIA issue, “the ‘behaving maturely’ tion notices to the National Assembly situation may lead to a larger coop- and Senate secretariats to convene eration between the two parties in and his party is sessions of the two houses to discuss the future”. now playing its role the ongoing fiasco pertaining to the Last week, the PPP held a dem- Pakistan International Airlines. onstration against the Orange Line inside parliament, it Qureshi said the PTI had pre- Metro Train Project in Lahore but cannot rule out the sented its new “charter of demands” did not allow PTI leaders to become on Sunday. “Now my question to the part of ‘its show’. Led by Lahore PPP Afghan Defence Minister Masum Stanakzai (right) and General John F Campbell, commander of Resolute possibility of holding PPP leaders is if it is acceptable to them president Samina Khalid Ghurki and joint demonstrations or not,” he said. The charter pertains to information secretary Faisal Mir, the Support Mission in Afghanistan, talk with journalist during a joint press conference in Kabul yesterday. issues that have a direct impact on the protesters shouted slogans against the life of the people, such as insufficient Punjab government for depriving reduction in oil prices and imposition people of their houses and businesses of new taxes in gas bills. and damaging the city’s heritage. Internews Kaira said the PPP had always Opposition leader in Punjab US urged to expand military stood for the rights of the work- Assembly MianMahmoodur Rashid of ing class and would continue to the PTI faced embarrassment when extend its “traditional support” to a group of PPP workers did not allow ISLAMABAD: The PPP’s leaders, who PIA workers in their protest against him to join the demonstration. role in Afghanistan: Report had so far been reluctant to join the the government’s plans to sell the Next day, the PPP’s provincial Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI) pro- national flag carrier. The PPP leader leaders contacted Rashid and apol- tests, believe that the government’s alleged that the government had ogised over the incident, putting handling of the PIA crisis may lead started using force and resorted to the blame on some “undisciplined” Agencies Afghanistan, officials familiar with a longer military presence. “They to a larger cooperation between the extreme steps, including “murdering” workers. the matter said. banked on hope instead of reality, two opposition parties outside par- The recommended changes to and now they’re paying the piper.” liament. authorities in Afghanistan would Gen. Campbell, who will retire The main opposition PPP says KABUL: The commander of US once more expand the scope of US when he steps down from the that since PTI Chairman Imran Khan and Nato troops in Afghanistan has military activities in Afghanistan, Afghanistan command, was in has started ‘behaving maturely’ and presented military leaders with rec- where foreign forces were supposed Washington last week to discuss his party is now playing its role inside ommendations that, if approved, to be limited to a chiefly advisory role Afghanistan’s security outlook with parliament, it cannot rule out the would further expand the US military since Washington declared an end to lawmakers possibility of the two parties hold- role in helping local forces confront combat operations in 2014. Meanwhile, Afghan police have ing joint demonstrations. the Taliban and other militants. Increasingly, US military lead- killed two Taliban commanders in “Imran Khan Sahab has realised Senior Pentagon officials are ers are talking about a years- or even Narkh District of Maidan Wardak that the PTI should play a role inside examining steps designed to enhance decades-long presence in Afghani- province in central Afghanistan, parliament. Therefore, we cannot support to the Afghan military in stan. David Sedney, a former senior the Afghan Ministry of Interior rule out the possibility of joining the what is expected to be a bloody Pentagon official for Afghanistan announced on Sunday. PTI on the streets,” the PPP’s infor- 2016, including potentially allow- and Pakistan, described Presi- According to a statement released mation secretary Qamar Zaman ing US forces to accompany a wider dent Obama’s withdrawal plans as by the ministry, one raid was con- Kaira said on Sunday. range of Afghan units close to the “flawed” from the start and said ducted in Deh Muslim area last night According to PTI’s deputy par- front lines and expanding the use of they had made local forces vulner- in which Baryalai was gunned down liamentary leader in the National US air power, Gen. John F. Campbell able because they phased out foreign along with his bodyguard, Afghan Assembly, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, said in an interview with The Wash- support too quickly. News Agency (Khaama) reported. the two parties have already started ington Post. “What happened in the last few Baryalai was involved in most of cooperation in parliament and he “I’m not going to leave without months of 2015 is that it became so the attacks on the cellular phone tow- sees no harm in joining hands with making sure my leadership under- obvious that we had to make a deci- ers in the area. the PPP outside too. The two parties stands that there are things we need sion to go back to what we should The second raid was conducted came closer in parliament when the to do,” the general said during a visit have done in the first place,” he said. in Shah Kabuli area around 6 am this Imran Khan, head of opposition political party Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf, government introduced a controver- to Washington. The proposals could He said the Obama administra- morning in which another Taliban sial tax amnesty scheme for traders speaks with workers of Pakistan International Airline (PIA) during an also broaden the US military’s abil- tion had been wrong to assume that commander by the name of Abdul in the National Assembly last month. anti-government protest, in Karachi. ity to target different militants in hoped-for peace talks might preclude Wahid was killed. Hillary e-mails suggest US examines Pakistani media closely

Internews state Judith McHale wrote in an email presidential candidate’s recently The summaries of talk shows in Islamabad actually started issuing For example, a series of emails to Hillary Clinton in February 2010. declassified emails, most frequently and news coverage, which contain official statements meant to “correct exchanged between State Department The reports she refers to are between 2009 and 2012. exhaustive details on what-was-said the record” when ‘false or mislead- officials in April 2010 expressed frus- exhaustive summaries of Pakistani The emails offer a rare insight and who-was-saying-it, would be dis- ing’ claims were made in media about tration with former ISI chief Hamid ISLAMABAD: “I get these reports prime time talk shows that log the dis- into Washington’s engagement with cussed among Clinton’s aides at the the US or its policies. “It’s an initiative Gul’s allegations that the US is impli- every morning. They are somewhat cussion on various local TV shows on Islamabad through the lens of the Washington level if there was some- that didn’t last long - and at any rate cated in the assassination of Benazir painful to read since, as you know, a daily basis. local media. In background discus- thing of interest to them. I’m not sure how effective it was given Bhutto. in Pakistan, the media can be par- The media summaries, which sions, current and former embassy Michael Kugelman from the that many Pakistanis, including those The exchange notes that Gul was ticularly outrageous. However, we regularly arrive in the email inboxes officials admitted that journalists and Woodrow Wilson Centre explained most likely to believe the media asser- one of the people named by Bhutto as can’t ignore the fact that these talk of US embassy employees or State media were the primary sources of that the importance Washington tions that the US was trying to reject, possible ‘threats to her security’ in a shows are the most watched program- Department officials in Washing- information for many officials who placed on Pakistani media could be probably were not aware of these US letter sent to Gen Musharraf before ming,” former US undersecretary of ton, appear repeatedly in the US came to Pakistan. gauged from the fact that the embassy counter-statements,” he said. she came to Pakistan.

Fire kills 10 Canteen on wheels Cheap housing scheme in southern still awaiting PM’s nod Pakistan

Internews and the government will construct AFP 500,000 housing units at 1,000 places around Pakistan in five years. The seriousness of the gov- ISLAMABAD: Pakistani govern- ernment about the project can be KARACHI: A fire started by a fall ment officials seem least interested gauged from the fact that the housing ing oil lamp engulfed several huts in initiating work on a housing society has yet to get a permanent in a Pakistan fishing village and scheme involving the construction chief executive and related staff killed 10 people including women of 500,000 houses for low income to run the programme as another and children early yesterday, people as the Prime Minister Nawaz summary for these appointments is police said. Sharif has yet to approve the sum- pending with the PM for over four The tragedy occurred on mary. months. Currently a joint secretary Bachoo island in the Thatta district Such approval has been pending of the ministry is holding acting of the southern province of Sindh. for the last eight months. charge. The ministry’s joint secre- “The fire broke out after an The prime minister announced tary and acting head of the project oil lamp in one of the huts fell to the scheme — ApnaGhar Hous- Akhtar Jan Wazir said that some land the ground. The fire later engulfed ing Society — in November 2013 had been identified for the project in several huts, killing 10 people,” a right after coming into the power Jhelum, Gwadar and other areas of senior local police official, Fida but nothing is coming out of the Balochistan. Hussain said. meetings, mapping and follow- “We are following up the matter He said nine people died on up huddles. The PM office has yet but waiting for the approval of sum- the spot and another on the way to release Rs500m for the project. mary from the PM,” he said. to the hospital. The housing and works ministry has Last week, in a Senate Standing Two children and four women An Afghan customer buys a burger from a Lazeez food truck in Kabul. When the first Lazeez food truck also not purchased a single piece of Committee on Housing and Works, were among the dead, while two arrived in Kabul many mistook it for a rickshaw and wanted to hail a ride — the yellow chassis and land anywhere in the country for the Minister of State AkramDurrani told injured children were transferred three wheels so reminiscent of taxis popular in South Asia. But it took little time for the city’s emerging project. the members that for the last eight to the Civil Hospital in Karachi for middle class to embrace the novelty of canteens-on-wheels serving Western fast foods around town. As per the scheme, the provinces months they were waiting for the treatment. will provide the land free of charge approval of summary from PM. 14 MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 INDIA

Modi regrets Kashmir unrest delay in key projects

lakhs of poor since several down- stream industries will come up after The Prime Minister its commissioning. Modi said his gov- said a new work ernment had distributed about Rs1 lakh crore in recent months under the culture is being Micro Units Development and Refi- developed to nance Agency scheme to make the youth self-employed. materialise the “MUDRA Yojana has given an projects within fixed opportunity to India’s youth to stand time frame on their own feet and become job- creators, not job-seekers. We don’t want the youth to be job-seekers; they should be job-creators,” said the IANS prime minister. He said effort was on to decrease oil imports and make India self-reliant in petroleum sector. “I have asked the petroleum PARADIP: Prime Minister Naren- ministry to decrease oil imports by dra Modi yesterday dedicated to 10 percent by 2022, when India will the nation a 15-million tonnes a celebrate 75 years of Independence. year refinery of the Indian Oil Cor- The ministry will try hard to be self- poration Ltd (IOCL), and expressed reliant in oil,” Modi said. regrets over delay in execution of He said the government was also People attend the funeral of local Hizb-ul-Mujahideen militant, Syed Mufeed Bashir, alias Raqib, in Zadoora village of Pulwama istrict,d different projects. emphasising on solar energy so that Kashmir, yesterday. Raqib was killed in a brief gun battle with security forces recently. “Projects are marred by delays it does not depend on other countries due to legal and tender processes for its energy needs. The Indian Oil and local agitations, resulting in cost Corp’s refinery was a step towards overruns to the country. Initiatives that goal, he added. have to be futuristic and completed Modi also congratulated the sci- before the designated time limit so entists for developing indigenous Swaraj and Nepal minister discuss Oli’s visit that the country does not sustain technology for the refinery project. cost overruns due to delays,” the “Paradip refinery is made in prime minister said. India, for India and by Indians, using He said a new work culture is indigenous technology and this has IANS year that claimed over 8,000 lives. Unnerved by the prolonged Mad- passing daily. The waiting is down being developed to materialise the amazed the world,” said Modi. He is also scheduled to meet hesi agitation, the ruling coalition and to about 300-400 trucks,” he said. projects within fixed time frame. The refinery at Paradip would Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in this the opposition last month approved The spokesman said that before Modi took a dig at the Congress produce 78 crore kg of liquefied petro- connection. two amendments to the four-month- this whole logjam started, about 1,500 after inaugurating the Rs34,555- leum gas, 500 crore kg of petrol, 680 NEW DELHI: Nepalese Prime Min- There has been speculation about old Constitution partly meeting the trucks used to go daily. crore refinery project of 15 million crore kg of disel and 120 lakh quintal ister K P Sharma Oli’s upcoming visit the possibility of Oli’s visit to India demands of the protesters. “Now 1,300 trucks are going metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) of petroleum coke. The project will to India was among the issues dis- after over 50 people were killed in the However, the Madhesi Morcha and this is despite (the major border capacity, saying: “Nowadays, when- primarily produce BS-IV fuels and cussed when the Himalayan nation’s now more than five-month-long anti- spearheading the agitation has crossing points) Raxaul and Birgunj ever I go to inaugurate any project, serve the eastern and south-eastern Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel called constitutional protest by Madhesis in rejected the amendments and being blocked by the protesters on the the friends in Congress party say it markets, apart from exports. on External Affairs Minister Sushma the southern Nepali Terai. announced a fresh agitation besides Nepalese side. This tells you that the was started during our time.” The refinery is the largest on Swaraj yesterday. Most of the 41 transit and customs calling for a broader alliance among situation has normalised to a large Describing Paradip refinery as the country’s eastern coast, and is “FM Poudel discusses recon- points along the southern portion of all forces in the Terai-Madhes region. extent,” he said. Odisha’s ‘Vikas Deep’, Modi said equipped with the latest technol- struction assistance. Briefs EAM on the Himalayan nation’s open border The blockade of trucks from India Swarup said that as far as the it will fulfil the aspirations of the ogy, including IOCL’s own patented political situation, remaining con- with India have been besieged by to Nepal by the Madhesis has led to constitutional amendments were state’s bright youngsters. He said it IndMax technology for better and stitutional issues & PM Oli’s visit Madhesi protesters who are demand- severe shortage of medicines and concerned, India has welcomed those will also take gas cylinders to the higher output of liquefied petro- to India,” external affairs ministry ing, among other things, a redrawing other essential supplies in the Kath- as good positive steps “and we hope homes of the poor. leum gas (LPG). spokesman Vikas Swarup tweeted. of the boundaries of the provinces in mandu Valley. that the remaining issues which the Modi said the Paradip refinery has Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Poudel arrived in New Delhi yes- Nepal as proposed in the new Consti- Swarup, however, said in a media Madhesis have with the Nepalese gov- set a record of sorts when it came to Patnaik urged Modi to ask the Indian terday on a two-day visit to discuss tution — promulgated on September briefing here last week that now the ernment can also now be sorted out ‘Make in India’ initiative -- the refin- Oil Corp. to fulfil its commitment in reconstruction assistance following 20 last year — and representation in situation has improved quite a lot. in a spirit of reconciliation, flexibility, ery will become a source of jobs for creating jobs for the region’s people. the earthquake in Nepal in April last parliament on the basis of population. “Now, about 1,300 trucks are compromise and dialogue”.

Mass marriage ceremony Indian and Chinese armies Form govt or hold joint tactical exercise break ties with BJP: Omar

IANS actions to be coordinated to jointly tells PDP tackle aspects of humanitarian aid and disaster relief,” Col. Goswami added. IANS JAMMU: The Indian and Chinese The Indian team of 30 personnel armies have held their first joint tac- was led by Colonel Ritesh Chandra tical exercise in the Ladakh region Singh while the Chinese side was led JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir’s of Jammu and Kashmir, a senior by Colonel Qu Yi. former state chief minister Omar defence official said yesterday. “Lasting the entire day, the joint Abdullah yesterday asked the PDP “The first joint tactical exercise exercise was based on a situation of to form an elected government in between the border troops of both a national disaster occurring on the the state or have the courage to the countries was conducted in the border and the subsequent coordina- break its alliance with the BJP. Chushul-Moldo area on Saturday,” tion of rescue mission by joint teams Speaking to media on the side- Colonel S D Goswami, spokesman of both the countries.,” he said. lines of a National Conference of the army’s Udhampur-headquar- “The joint exercise, codenamed function in Nagrota area, Abdul- tered Northern Command said while ‘Sino-India Cooperation 2016’, com- lah said: “For ten months the PDP describing about the exercise. pliments the hand-in-hand series of had been praising the alliance with It was part of the ongoing initi- the India-China joint exercises and the BJP. Now (Peoples Democratic atives to ensure greater interaction the recently conducted border troops Party chief) Mehbooba Mufti has between the troops of the two neigh- Joint Exercise in Sikkim.” been asking the BJP-led govern- bouring countries stationed along The spokesperson said: “The ment at the centre to announce the Line of Actual Control and increased interaction among Indian CBMs. Muslim brides pose for a selfie at a mass marriage ceremony in Ahmedabad yesterday. Eighty-four thereby ensure peace and tranquil- and Chinese border troops is a very “I don’t know whether her Muslim couples from various parts of Ahmedabad took the vows during the ceremony organised by ity on the border. positive step in enhancing confi- party leaders know what these a Muslim voluntary organisation. “As previously agreed by both dence-building relations between CBMs are, but the people of the countries, the exercise focused on the two armies.” state don’t know what she is demanding,” he said, adding the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also asked the PDP to state clearly what they want. Former Andhra minister and wife continue fast on quota issue “Mehbooba Mufti must spell out clearly what she wants. Oth- erwise, she must have the courage IANS house at Kirlampudi in East Goda- the couple had decided to dedicate are also seeking Rs1,900 crore for a Meanwhile, police have made to break the alliance and seek fresh vari district since Friday. The couple their lives for the Kapu community’s Kapu corporation. tight security arrangements across elections in state,” he said. locked themselves up and refused to cause. He also accused police of pre- Chief Minister N Chandrababu the district and enforced orders ban- Abdullah said as far as his NC undergo medical check-up. venting people from visiting his house. Naidu earlier appealed to Mudra- ning assembly of 10 or more people. was concerned, it would not sup- VISAKHAPATNAM: Kapu leader Though Joint Collector Meanwhile, police and paramil- gada to call off his fast and assured Deployment of security forces port any alliance in the state, but Mudragada Padmanabham and his Satyanarayana and district Super- itary forces were deployed near the that the Andhra Pradesh government has been made in Tuni town that start preparing for the next elec- wife continued their indefinite fast intendent of Police Ravi Prakash house amid indications that the fast- was committed to fulfil its promise to witnessed large-scale violence last tions. He also said those appointed for the third day yesterday in support along with a team of doctors reached ing couple may be forcibly shifted to include the Kapus in the BC list. Sunday when protestors set afire a on various important positions in of the demand for reservation for the Mudragada’s house on Sunday, the a hospital to break their fast. The government has said a com- train, two police stations and sev- the state on political considera- community in education and jobs in couple sent them back. The officers They are demanding inclusion mission will make a detailed study eral vehicles. tions by the previous government Andhra Pradesh. made a similar attempt on Saturday of the Kapus in a list of backward of the socio-economic status of the The Kapus account for 27 per- must now resign their positions The former minister and his wife night as well. The Kapu leader said classes and reservation for the com- Kapus and recommend the quantum cent of nearly five crore population since an elected government does Padmavati have been fasting at their there was no need for check-up since munity in education and jobs. They of reservation to be provided. of Andhra Pradesh. not exist in the state. INDIA MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 15 Parrikar rules out withdrawal of troops from Siachen

IANS suggested is not a proper analysis,” The loss of life is less in the last few Then prime minister Manmo- search for its men. These include wall changing. Original laws and treaties he said, referring to demands that years,” he told reporters on the side- han Singh suggested in 2005 that penetrating radars. may not be of much use... we need to Indian soldiers be withdrawn from lines of an International Maritime the world’s highest battlefield be Ten soldiers, including a Junior find ways to resolve disputes more the glacier. Conference. converted into a “peace mountain” Commissioned Officer, were buried peacefully,” Parrikar said. VISAKHAPATNAM: Terming the Asked if the proposal to convert He said the incident had noth- without redrawing the boundaries on Wednesday after an avalanche hit Parrikar pointed out that impor- recent death of 10 soldiers in an Siachen into a “peace mountain” still ing to do with preparedness. “I don’t between India and Pakistan. their post located 19,000 feet above tance of oceans will increase in future avalanche on the Siachen glacier exists, the minister said: “The deci- find any loose ends. It’s an avalanche... India and Pakistan maintain per- the sea level on the southern side of as land availability will shrink due “painful”, Defence Minister Manohar sion (on deploying troops) on Siachen These are unpredictable in nature.” manent military presence at heights the glacier. to rise in water levels due to glo- Parrikar said yesterday that with- is based on the security of the nation.” Parrikar said the search operation of over 6,000 metres or 20,000 feet. Meanwhile, Parrikar also empha- bal warming. “Oceans have always drawing troops from the world’s He said the loss of human lives on was on though there was little hope Both have lost many men to extreme sised the need to evolve mechanisms directly or indirectly influenced highest battlefield could not be a the Siachen had come down in recent of survival of the soldiers. cold in the area where temperature to resolve disputes at sea peacefully. events on land. At present too, besides solution. years due to improved facilities. “The hope of any survival is nil. can dip to minus 50 degrees Celsius. “In the changing economic situ- power projection, oceans are increas- “This incident is painful to me “We have lost thousands of sol- They are covered in tonnes of ice,” The army has meanwhile ation, the scenario of finding more ingly being looked upon as resource personally, but the solution that is diers to get control (of the glacier)... he said. deployed advanced equipment to and more resources in deep seas is provider,” he said. Navies need to First woman car rally cooperate and not compete: PM

first ever Global Maritime Summit in April this year. ‘The threat of “To build on the gains from sea-borne terror, today’s gathering, India would host of which India the first ever Global Maritime Sum- mit in April this year. has been a direct “Its priority would be to scale up victim, continues and strengthen the vibrant trade, investment, technology and com- to endanger the mercial linkages between India and regional and global other maritime nations,” he said. The prime minister also released peace and stability’ a photo essay book on the “Maritime Heritage of India”. Modi said world politics in present times was “turbulent”, and IANS its challenges were “complex”. Observing that a major part of the world economy was based on sea activities, the prime minister said the VISAKHAPATNAM: Global navies oceans were the “lifelines of global need to cooperate not compete to prosperity”. secure oceans to propel the econ- “They (oceans) present us with Women drive their cars as they take part in the first women’s car rally organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and omy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi great economic opportunities to Industry in Bengaluru yesterday. said yesterday as representatives build our nations. Over 90 per- from 50 navies participated in the cent of global merchandise trade is International Fleet Review. carried on the oceans,” Modi said, “I believe that if oceans were to adding that oceans were also critical propel our economies, then we must for global energy security as over 60 use seas to build peace, friendship percent of the world’s oil production ‘Clean Ganga’ campaign on track: Minister and trust, and curb conflict, respect moves through sea routes. and ensure freedom of naviga- Modi also spoke of terror and tion; and cooperate, not compete other threats which emerge from the in responding to the challenges in seas. He identified sea-borne terror IANS - where the contractors who built it been significantly reduced. are five industrial sectors - sugar, the seas,” Modi said as the Indian and piracy as major threats. now maintain it as well. He said the installation of paper and pulp, distilleries, textiles Navy displayed its power, which “The threat of sea-borne terror, Javadekar, the minister of state Online Continuous Effluent Mon- and tannery. was followed by a colourful parade of which India has been a direct for environment, forest and cli- itoring Systems has been a success The CPCB is directly monitoring by contingents from India and inter- victim, continues to endanger the PALDEV: The government is con- mate change, was also upbeat about and therefore the government would the progress of the implementation national navies. regional and global peace and sta- sidering a policy whereby the the progress of the ‘clean Ganga’ like to strengthen it more in the days of the action plan. It also carried out “The large presence of foreign bility,” Modi said. He added that the contractors assigned to clean the campaign. to come. inspections of 130 industries since navies at this Fleet Review is a con- threat of natural disasters like tsuna- Ganga river will maintain it as well, The level of pollution in the river The minister said out of the 764 December last year. firmation of our shared urge to walk mis and cyclones was ever present. union Environment Minister Prakash is now one third of what it was one polluting industries, 514 units have The minister was here on Sun- the pathways of peace and cooper- Modi expressed concern over Javadekar said yesterday. year ago, he said. already installed the monitoring sys- day to oversee the construction ation to keep the maritime domain manmade problems such as oil “We are considering a policy “European countries also take tem and they are now able to keep a of a primary school and a water safe and secure,” Modi said. spills, climate change which con- whereby the contractors hired for time to clean their rivers. The Ganga tab on the units’ daily activities via pond-reservoir. “The oceans and world’s tinue to pose a risk to the stability cleaning the river will also main- will be cleaned in the next 10 years. It an SMS. He held informal meetings with waterways are global commons. of the maritime domain. tain it for 10 years,” said the union will be like the Thames in 20 years,” Some 150 units that did not teachers and farmers and discussed Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - the con- “A peaceful and stable maritime minister. Javadekar said during a visit to Pal- respond to the plans have been shut ways to increase the pass percent- cept of whole world as a family - is environment is, therefore, critical for The policy would be in line with dev gram panchayat - a cluster of down, he said. age in high school and crop yield perhaps most vividly witnessed on the regional and global security. It the Golden Quadrilateral - a 5,846- six villages - which he adopted in The Central Pollution Control respectively. the oceans of the planet, that con- is also a must to harvest the riches km network of highways connecting November 2014. Board had formulated an action The day-long visit saw the min- nect us all.” of the oceanic ecosystems,” Modi important industrial, agricultural and Javadekar said the discharge of plan for reduction of industrial pol- ister interacting with the locals, Modi said India will host the stated. cultural centres across the country industrial pollutants into the river had lution in the Ganga. The key culprits including women self-help groups.

BSF shoots dead four smugglers Tribal cultural event Two kidney failure patients in Punjab get fresh lease of life

IANS IANS for more than eight hours to ensure a smooth harvesting and trans- FEROZEPUR: BSF troopers yes- planting procedure. terday shot dead four smugglers, “The team worked tirelessly to including two Pakistanis, in Pun- NEW DELHI: Two kidney failure ensure that the two kidney trans- jab’s Ferozepur sector and seized patients got a fresh lease of life yes- plants are carried out successfully. nearly 10kg heroin, a senior BSF terday thanks to the noble deed of a The noble decision of the donorÂ’s officer said. family in donating organs of a brain- family has given a new lease of life The Border Security Force dead patient and some timely help to two people. We are proud to be troopers also seized arms and from Delhi Police. a part of such a brave act. We hope ammunition from the spot. These A 38-km ‘green corridor’ was millions of others take inspiration included two 9 mm pistols, one created to transport the harvested from the family of the 62-year old locally-made pistol and 54 rounds kidneys from the Max Super Spe- lady,” Dr Zaman said. of ammunition, a Pakistani SIM ciality Hospital in Shalimar Bagh On January 7, a 32km green card, a knife, a PVC pipe and other to Vasant Kunj where the two end- corridor from the same hospital in things. stage kidney failure patients were Shalimar Bagh to its Saket branch “Around 4.30am, Pakistani and admitted in a hospital, the hospital facilitated transportation of the Indian smugglers (total numbering said in a statement. heart of a 17-year-old road acci- four) opened fire on BSF troopers While it took only 37 min- dent victim in 45 minutes 27 seconds. near Border outpost (BoP) Meh- utes and 45 seconds for a team of The heart was transplanted into a ndipur in Ferozepur sector. The experts and police to deliver the 46-year-old woman with dilated Tribal artistes take a selfie before a cultural event at the ‘Tendu leaf collectors’ convention’ in Bhopal BSF troopers returned the fire in organs harvested from a 62-year- cardiomyopathy and suffering from which two Indian and two Paki- yesterday. Tendu leaves are used to make beedies which are thin hand-rolled Indian cigarettes filled old brain-haemorrhaged woman end-stage heart failure. stani smugglers were interdicted. with tobacco flake, usually wrapped in leaves from a Tendu tree. Some 50,000 persons took part in patient, a team of doctors - Dr The doctors at the hospital The bodies were recovered later the convention. Sonal Gupta, Dr Waheed Zaman expressed satisfaction after the suc- during a search of the area. and Dr Vikas Aggarwal - worked cessful surgery. 16 MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 EUROPE Cameron faces revolt from partymen on EU

Reuters position. Earlier this week Cameron of more than 40 local party associa- hopes it will help settle the long-run- told parliament that lawmakers should tions wrote in a letter to the Sunday ning splits within the Conservatives We urge the Prime not decide which side to campaign for Telegraph. over Europe. based on what their local party group “It is deeply regrettable that the The internal rifts over Britain’s Minister to refrain LONDON: British Prime Minister might say, instead telling them to do prime minister dismisses the very involvement in the European Union from showing any David Cameron is facing a revolt from what they think “is right for Britain”. people who helped secure his victory, have dogged the party for decades and disrespect to the among his Conservatives for encour- The comments have provoked an and he should remember that no prime contributed to the downfall of two pre- aging lawmakers to ignore their local angry response from party members, minister has a divine right to rule.” vious Conservative prime ministers, loyals who helped party’s views on an upcoming Euro- who said they had undermined the A survey of 144 of the Conservative’s Margaret Thatcher and John Major. him win a majority pean Union membership referendum. goodwill Cameron had gained from 330 lawmakers conducted by the Sun- The EU’s draft text addressed all Cameron has said he will back stay- promising the referendum in the first day Times newspaper found 57 percent four areas where Cameron wants government, some ing in the EU if a draft deal on Britain’s place. of those who had made up their mind reform. While officials claimed victory 40 local party future relationship published this week “We urge the prime minister to planned to campaign to leave the bloc. in winning concessions to stem migra- is agreed by other EU leaders, but many refrain from showing any disrespect to Cameron, who promised the mem- tion and to boost British sovereignty, associations said in his party, which is deeply divided the loyal servants who helped him win bership vote in part due to pressure eurosceptics said Britain’s demands had over Europe, do not plan to back his a majority government,” representatives from eurosceptic members of his party, been watered down.

Ukraine claims Carnival fever General defends finding arms French response linked to to massacre in 2014 protest Rwanda probe AFP AFP

PARIS: A French general has KIEV: Ukrainian investigators defended France’s response to the said they had found a cache of 24 1994 Rwandan genocide, saying guns implicated in a bloody crack- his troops did not give so much as down on pro-EU demonstrators a bullet to the perpetrators and did in February 2014 that led to the not immediately grasp the scale of downfall of the country’s pro-Rus- the killing, sources said yesterday. sian leader. General Jean-Claude Lafour- The cache comprised disman- cade was questioned over claims tled parts from 23 Kalashnikov that France’s UN-mandated Oper- assault rifles and a high-precision ation Turquoise, which he led, left rifle that had been assigned to a ethnic Tutsis to be slaughtered by now-dissolved special police anti- Hutu killers in the western Bis- riot unit called the Berkut, they esero hills in June 1994, sources said. The SBU security service and close to the case said. the public prosecutor said that the French soldiers had been guns had been found buried at a site deployed in Rwanda a few days on the outskirts of Kiev after they earlier under UN instructions to had been immersed in a nearby lake stop the genocide that had begun and their serial numbers removed. in April, and which three months The weapons had been later had left at least 800,000 peo- assigned to Berkut personnel ple dead, most of them Tutsis. who had been deployed in Kiev’s Lafourcade, who appeared as Maidan Square on February 20, an “assisted witness” —meaning he 2014, when about 50 demonstra- has not been charged but can be tors were killed, officials said. summoned for questioning at any However, further tests will be time —again refuted the accusa- needed to confirm if they were actu- tions during lengthy hearings on People dressed up in different colourful costumes pass through the streets during the carnival procession in Wloclawek, Poland,yesterday. ally used, said Sergi Gorbatyuk, in January 12 and 14, the sources said. The last Sunday of carnival is considered the last opportunity to celebrate and eat rich food before the start of the 40-day Lent period. charge of an investigative panel at The retired general, now 72, the prosecutor’s office. dismissed as “completely false” allegations that French sol- diers supplied arms to the Hutu extremists. “I will say it again here. No Seven arrested in Spain Majority of Spaniards prefer munitions, not even a bullet, was given by Operation Turquoise” to the Hutus, Lafourcade told a judge. over suspected jihad links “Where the French soldiers were, centre-left coalition: Poll there were no massacres nor abuses.” Reuters Moroccan descent and the remaining “It took some time for the two were a Syrian and a Moroccan, Reuters Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) and Minister Mariano Rajoy deferred a reality of the genocide to sink the ministry said in a statement. Ciudadanos is supported by 51 per- parliamentary confidence vote on in seeing... the presence of mass MADRID: Spanish police arrested Police searched homes, businesses cent of Spaniards according to the a new government as he lacked the graves, burned villages,” he added. seven people with suspected links and warehouses as part of the poll of 1,000 people, carried out support to win it. There was “a general under- to Islamist militant groups yesterday operation. MADRID: A majority of Spaniards shortly after Socialist leader Pedro Given the fragmentation of par- estimation —French and in a dawn raid in the Mediterranean Yesterday’s swoop was the result favour a coalition government led Sanchez was given a mandate by liament, the Socialists would need international —of the involve- regions of Alicante and Valencia and of two years of investigation into the by the Socialist party PSOE and mar- the king on Tuesday to try to form a the backing of at least three parties ment of local and government in Spain’s north African enclave ring by authorities. The arrested ket-friendly newcomer Ciudadanos, government. to achieve a simple majority of seats authorities.” Ceuta, the Interior Ministry said. people had carried out their activ- according to a poll published by El All other possible coalitions while several others would have to In 2005 survivors filed a com- It said those arrested were sus- ities in other European countries Pais newspaper yesterday as Spain’s received an approval rating of less abstain. plaint in France, saying the French pected of operating a supply network before settling in Spain, the minis- political deadlock continues. than 50 percent, the survey showed. Sanchez, who has said he needs troops had on June 27, 1994 vowed for Islamist fighters in Syria and Iraq, try said. Spain has yet to form a gov- The Socialists started talks to at least a month before seeking a to return to Bisesero, but when sending money, guns, computer Spain arrested 102 people with ernment seven weeks after an form a coalition on Wednesday, a confidence vote in parliament, has they came back three days later, equipment and material for mak- suspected links to Islamist mili- inconclusive December 20 election task seen as impossible unless sev- appointed a six-strong team to han- it was too late for hundreds of Tut- ing explosives in sealed containers tants last year, more than twice the in which no party won enough votes eral political parties drop some dle the negotiations. sis who were massacred. under the guise of humanitarian number arrested in the previous to govern. Newer parties, particularly conditions. The failure to reach a coalition so Lafourcade said he was relief. year as police stepped up security the anti-austerity Podemos and the Sanchez was formally nominated far raises the prospect of a new round short staffed, with a unit of 120- Five of the suspects were Span- measures following attacks in Paris liberal Ciudadanos, grabbed votes to try to replace the centre-right Peo- of elections later this year. However, 130 soldiers and had as priority iards of Syrian, Jordanian and in January 2015. from mainstream rivals. ple’s Party (PP), which won most a new election would likely deliver the “evacuation of the sisters of A coalition led by the Spanish votes in the election but acting Prime the same political deadlock. Kibuye” nuns in western Rwanda.

2 killed in blast at Political training school biodiesel plant

MADRID: Two workers were killed and a third was seri- ously injured in an explosion at a biodiesel plant in Spain regional emergency services said. The explosion took place at a factory of Biocom Energia, which specialises in the produc- tion of biodiesel fuel. It is located in Algemesi, around 30km south of Valencia. The victims of the blast were maintenance employees working at the factory, local authorities said without giving further details. A fire also broke out at the site but it was brought under control by Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi delivers a speech at the political training school of the Democratic firefighters. Policemen escorting a man who was arrested as part of an operation Party in Rome, Italy, yesterday. Police have opened an inquiry against jihadism in Crevillente, Valencia, eastern Spain, yesterday. into what caused the explosion. EUROPE MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 17 Harsh winter and border limits add to migrant woes

Even as winter bears down on difficulty traveling in the snow and Even as winter bears Europe and European Union countries ice, and there has been a surge in set up new administrative hurdles cold-related illnesses. down on Europe for their entry, tens of thousands of Women, children and babies, in and European migrants from the Middle East, Africa particular, are in danger of hypo- and Asia have been desperate enough thermia, according to the Save the Union countries, to embark on the weeks-long jour- Children aid group. It said migrants tens of thousands ney across the Aegean Sea and along have been arriving in Serbia with blue the so-called Balkan migrant corridor lips, distressed and shaking from the of migrants from where frigid weather and stricter bor- cold. Exhausted mothers have told the the Middle East, der controls have turned an already group’s aid workers they are unable to Africa and Asia are tough journey into an even more keep their babies warm and dry, and treacherous one. are stumbling while carrying them desperate to embark Safe in the Serbian town of Pre- on the icy roads. on the weeks-long sevo on the border with Macedonia, Saymira, from Afghanistan, Orwani said there was no turning crossed into Serbia with her hus- journey across the back. “Our trip is very dangerous band and two young children just days Aegean Sea and risky,” the 20-year-old Orwani before Orwani. Two months before said. “We crossed the sea, we were in her father and young sister died in a boat, and the waves in the sea could the sea trying to reach a Greek Island easily sink us in the water.” from Turkey. “Now I am very sad, I AP While Europe took in more than 1 cannot tolerate this situation,” she said A group of migrants who crossed the border without valid documents, escorted by police back to Greece million people in 2015, EU countries while pushing a baby stroller through near Gevgelija, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, yesterday. have been struggling to limit the big- the snow on the border path between gest migration to the continent since Macedonia and Serbia. Saymira said PRESEVO, SERBIA: Rasul Orwani World War II. Some countries along she was on her way to Germany out along the way, with authorities in restrictions were imposed in Janu- urged immediate EU action to control thought he had faced the worst after the migrant route have said they want because she has relatives there. each of the countries conducting their ary with only those seeking asylum in the flow — or even stop it completely braving cold, rough seas in a rickety to slow the influx or even completely Most refugees are not used to win- own selection procedures. Germany or Austria being let through. on the Greek-Macedonian border— wooden boat to travel from Turkey to block it. Some of the nations imposed ter conditions, and many set off from The International Organisation for This means all others are sent back before the expected spring surge of Greece, then came the Balkans. new, stricter regulations for those home countries without warm clothing. Migration said 368 people died trying from the borders, where they often asylum seekers when the weather gets After arriving in Macedonia with transiting toward their ultimate goal, Mirjana Milenkovski, the spokeswoman to cross the Mediterranean in January, seek smugglers’ help to continue warmer. In the Presevo refugee cen- dozens of other migrants, the group Germany or other rich west European for the UN Refugee Agency in Serbia, nearly one in six of them children, as through clandestine routes. tre, Orwani was waiting patiently for crossed into Serbia on foot in the mid- countries. said refugees are being provided heated minors make up a growing percentage Macedonia has recently started his turn to register. He said he wanted dle of the night, icy snow stinging their As a result, dozens of refugees shelter, bus transfers, warm drinks and of those making the treacherous trip. periodically closing its border with to go to Germany, which — since he’s eyes and lacing the children’s faces have been turned back from the clothes as they pass through Serbia and As Orwani made it to the Greek Greece, leaving thousands of desperate from Afghanistan — means he might with tears. borders amid freezing winter temper- other countries. shores last month, dozens of others migrants stranded for days in a make- be allowed through. After crossing the Their heads bent low to protect atures, while others have faced border From Serbia, migrants pack trains weren’t so lucky. Two other unsea- shift camp without any official word Aegean Sea, Orwani said nothing else from the cold, the migrants trudged closures and long hours in registration and buses to get to Serbia’s border worthy boats carrying migrants sank, when they could continue their journey. can be nearly as hard. slowly through the snow, carrying centers and refugee camps. Experts with Croatia. There, they again wait killing 46 people — many of them chil- In addition, anti-immigra- Orwani said he had never seen the babies, small children and belong- say the measures are unlikely to stop in refugee centers to head to another dren — and highlighting the plight of tion sentiment has been on the rise sea until he boarded a small wooden ings along the 2km stretch of the road the flow, but could instead prompt the registration center in Croatia, where people ready to risk their own lives and throughout Europe since the terror boat in Turkey last month and set off over the so-called green boundary refugees to again start using illegal authorities go through the lists and those of their children to start a new life attacks in Paris in November and the with dozens of other migrants deter- between the two Balkan nations. A routes over razor-wire border fences check their refugee papers. somewhere free of war and poverty. New Year’s Eve assaults on women mined to reach Europe. The sea was 10-year-old boy took a blanket from and through forests, pushing them From Croatia, migrants go on to Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia and in Germany. Austria said it will take rough and cold and Orwani’s boat had his shoulders to wrap it around his into the hands of ruthless smugglers. Slovenia and after more registration Slovenia first said they were letting 37,500 refugees this year and a total engine trouble, barely making it to a younger sister as they walked across Aid groups say migrants pass- and checkups, they move on to Aus- in only people from war-ravaged of 127,500 through 2019. Greek island. But, he says it was worth the frozen landscape hand in hand. ing through the Balkans have faced tria and then Germany. Dozens drop Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. New Countries like tiny Slovenia have the risk. Polls paint Bosnians protest Belgium to hire more mixed picture against hijab ban in judiciary cops to curb radicalism for Irish PM AP Islamist activity. Ninety-six police AFP investigators will be hired, and 260 Reuters TV cameras positioned to monitor movements on the highways. SARAJEVO: Some 2,000 people, BRUSSELS: The Belgian government The plan also includes funds for DUBLIN: Irish Prime Minister mostly women, protested yester- approved a sweeping plan to combat more judges, police snipers, compu- Enda Kenny’s conservative party day in downtown Sarajevo against Islamic radicalism and the threat of ter equipment, DNA scanners, prison halted a recent slide in popularity a recent ban on wearing a hijab extremist violence by hiring 1,000 guards and training of Muslim reli- according to one opinion poll, but headscarf in the majority Muslim new police officers over the next four gious leaders. Law enforcement fell sharply in another, maintaining country’s judicial institutions. years. The plan, presented by Interior personnel will also be reinforced at the potential for an inconclusive “We gathered to protest against Minister Jan Jambon, calls for add- Belgian airports and on the coun- outcome at upcoming elections. prejudices, discrimination and ing 300 officers this year, and more try’s North Sea coast. Prime Minister Ireland votes on February 26 in marginalisation,” Samira Zunic than 500 by 2017. Charles Michel told a joint news what promises to be a tight contest Velagic, one of the protest organ- “The impact that we are look- conference with Jambon and other that opinion polls suggest may fail isers, told the crowd. ing for is to maximise security in members of the federal government to produce a stable government. “The ban of wearing hijab this country and in Brussels and that 103 new hires will be made in Kenny’s Fine Gael, whose sup- in judicial insititious is a serious in all of the other cities of the the Belgian state security services. port had risen steadily all year attack against Muslim honour, per- country,” Jambon said. The gov- In a tweet, the prime minister until a slight dip as the election sonality and identity, a violation ... ernment’s decision, he said, will put the overall price tag of Belgium’s campaign was about to begin, rose aimed at depriving them of their mean “a lot more police officers in security upgrade at €300m ($334m). two percentage points to 31 per- right to work,” she added. the battle against terrorism.” The Molenbeek, the gritty indus- cent in the Sunday Business Post/ The protest was sparked by a November attacks that killed 130 trial district in western Brussels Red C poll, five points behind its recent decision of Bosnia’s high people in Paris were staged from that was home to suspected Paris 2011 election mark. judicial council, a body tasked with Belgium, and subsequent official attackers, became the symbol of However it fell three points to supervising the functioning of the investigations have revealed how the presence of Muslim radical- 28 percent in the Sunday Times/ judiciary, to ban “religious signs” ineffective the surveillance of sus- ism in Belgium and the inability of Behaviour & Attitudes survey. in judicial institutions. pected radicals in the country has authorities to stamp it out. Jambon Kenny will need the back- The decision which concerns often been. said 50 of the new police hires will ing of junior coalition partners judges and other employees in the Belgium has also been one of the quickly be deployed there. Labour to return to power. Labour sector, but does explicitly men- prime European recruiting grounds Francoise Schepmans, Molen- held steady on 10 percent in the tion hijab —a scarf which covers for foreign fighters enlisted by the beek’s mayor, expressed satisfaction Red C survey and was two points hair, ears and neck —was strongly Islamic State extremist group. at the decision. The new arrivals, she higher than previously, at 8 per- condemned by Bosnia’s Mulism Jambon said 300 new officers said, “are going to assist the local cent, according to the Behaviour A participant holds up a placard as hundreds of Muslim women wearing political and religious leaders as will be added in Molenbeek and officers, the police who collect infor- & Attitudes findings. the traditional hijab protest at Sarajevo’s historical centre, yesterday. well as numerous local Muslim other neighborhoods of greater mation on the ground and investigate At a combined 41 percent in the associations. Brussels with a history of radical who lives where.” more favourable poll, the parties would be six seats short of the 80 needed to secure a majority, according to Adrian Kavanagh, a politics lec- turer at National University of Ireland, Bosnian first-graders reach out to deaf schoolmate Maynooth. However another closely watched poll put their support sub- stantially lower on 35 percent. AP She tried to develop her own Zejd grabbed his notebook out of Zejd was lucky — and his teach- him and to other deaf people,” said Kenny’s party’s improve- tricks and signs to communicate with a bag and showed her the circles and ers say the effort being put in by all is Tarik Sijaric, one of Zejd’s best friends. ment in the Red C poll was at the Zejd but a parent had another idea, squares he drew at home. Uma signed boosting his self-esteem. “I like this language and I also expense of left-wing challenger proposing that the whole class learn “Thank you” and Zejd bowed a “you “He looks forward to going to think it will be useful when I grow Sinn Fein, which fell two points to SARAJEVO: When Mirzana Coralic sign language with him. are welcome.” school,” said his mother, who tried up,” added student Anesa Susic. 17 percent, level in second place asked the primary school in her Sara- Three months later, the first- In 2003, Bosnia adopted laws that to learn the sign language with him Zejd is fitting in now and the new with the centre-right Fianna Fail. jevo neighbourhood whether they graders of class 1-2 at Osman Nakas allow children with disabilities to be before school started but says he was language is spreading beyond the Sinn Fein was on the same would enroll her deaf son, teacher primary school in Sarajevo have mas- fully integrated into society, including not very interested in it. “Now he is classroom, said Ljumanovic. Children mark in the Behaviour & Atti- Sanela Ljumanovic volunteered with- tered the basics of sign language to schools. Children with special needs happy and motivated.” are teaching their parents at home. tudes poll, while Fianna Fail was out thinking much about it. communicate with their classmate. are supposed to have professional Still, Zejd is an exception in Bos- “We are all happy as we are learn- unchanged on 20 percent. Red C Then September came and “Zejd,” said Uma Nadarevic, 6, assistants who sit with them in class, nian society, said Anisa Setkic-Sendic, ing a new language,” she said. “The goal, analyst Richard Colwell said that 6-year-old Zejd was there, silently crossing her arms to sign his name. translating or helping them partic- the sign language teacher who teaches however, is also to teach Zejd to read with 25 percent of so-called “float- sitting on one of the school’s benches. “Please,” she then put her palms ipate. But in practice, impoverished the class. “When he sees how much lips ... he is a good kid, a smart kid.” ing” voters trusting Fine Gael on At the time, no one at the school, not together as if she would be praying. Bosnia barely has enough money to others insist on communicating with Ljumanovic said she would intro- the economy in its survey ver- even Zejd, knew sign language. “Can ... you ...show ...me ...our ...home- keep normal schools functioning and him, it is motivating,” she added. duce sign language into the curriculum sus low single-digits for the other “We have to come up with some- work ...in ... math?” Uma waved the children with disabilities are left to His classmates are embracing the not only to enable communication but main parties, Kenny’s party has the thing here,” Ljumanovic remembers signs with her little arms as she slowly the care and imagination of their par- challenge of new language. “I like to because it helps children become more potential to gain further support. thinking. pronounced each word. ents and the good will of school staff. learn Zejd’s language so I can talk to sensitive toward those with disabilities. 18 MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 AMERICAS Many Americans drop LatAm visit over Zika fears

advised pregnant women to avoid travel to areas with an active out- Of those aware of the break of Zika, and the World Health virus, 41 percent said Organisation has declared an inter- national emergency over the disease. they were less likely Erica, who asked only to be iden- to travel to Puerto tified by her first name for personal reasons, said she no longer plans to Rico, Mexico or South visit Jamaica this summer to cele- America in the next brate her wedding anniversary. 12 months “We’ve definitely gone back to the drawing board on that,” she said, referring to the island, which is on the CDC warning list. Of those aware of the virus, 41 Reuters percent said they were less likely to travel to Puerto Rico, Mexico or South America in the next 12 months because of Zika, the poll found. People join soldiers in the fight against aedes aegypti mosquito that transmits Zika virus, as well as viral diseases such as dengue and chikungunya, WASHINGTON: The rapidly spread- Some 48 percent said Zika had not ing Zika virus is discouraging many changed the likelihood of their vis- in Tegucigalpa, yesterday. Americans from traveling to Latin iting those destinations, while others America and the Caribbean, with 41 did not know. percent of those aware of the dis- Six out of 10 Americans aware of ease saying they are less likely to Zika said the virus concerned them, Doctors puzzled over severity of defects in babies take such a trip, a Reuters and Ipsos including 18 percent who said they poll shows. were very concerned, according to The poll is the latest sign the the poll. Reuters condition that I’ve been able to review, scale of malformations, he said. microcephaly cases. In general, Vedolin virus, suspected to be linked to “It’s contagious, and it’s new,” very preliminarily, is more severe than “These children have a very severe said, 5 percent of microcephaly cases are thousands of birth defects in Bra- said respondent Toni Brockington, simple microcephaly.” form of microcephaly,” Dobyns said. severe. But the proportion appears greater zil, could depress travel to popular 42, who lives near Fort Bragg, Cali- The Zika virus is transmitted by “The brain is not just small, it’s small among the cases in Brazil, he said. cold-weather getaways in the com- fornia, and had considered visiting NEW YORK/BRASILIA: Experts on mosquito, causing mild symptoms in with malformations of the cerebral Public health officials in Brazil are ing months. Mexico before learning about the microcephaly, the birth defect that about 20 percent of cases, and most cortex and calcifications. It has the investigating more than 4,000 cases Airlines and cruise ship oper- outbreak. “The virus, along with the has sparked alarm in the current Zika people experience no illness at all. But appearance of a very severe, destruc- of suspected microcephaly, and have ators have yet to report drops in reports of violence and drugs and virus outbreak, say they are struck by a spike in reported microcephaly cases tive injury to the brain.” confirmed more than 400. Prior to the bookings because of Zika, and ana- tourist ransoms, is making it less and the severity of a small number of cases among babies in areas of Brazil with Particularly alarming, Dobyns Zika outbreak, Brazil saw on average lysts have downplayed the impact less attractive.” they have reviewed from Brazil. Zika outbreaks has triggered an inter- said, is the presence in the Brazilian 163 cases annually of microcephaly that newly sedentary parents-to-be Much remains unknown about Consultations among doctors national effort to determine whether cases of excess spinal fluid between over the past five years, according could have on their revenue. Zika, including whether the virus in Brazil and the United States have the virus causes the condition. The sus- the brain and skull of the babies. to WHO. In 17 of the new cases, the Still, awareness of the mosquito- actually causes the birth defect increased in the last two weeks, and pected association moved the World “If the brain is growing and then presence of Zika was identified in borne virus has surged to nearly microcephaly. Brazil is investigat- some of the leading authorities on Health Organisation (WHO) to declare suddenly shrinks, then you’ll see fluid the mother or the baby. A study of 35 two-thirds of Americans, accord- ing the potential link between Zika the condition are finding patterns of an international health emergency. between the brain and skull,” he said. Brazilian babies born with microceph- ing to the poll of 1,595 adults in the infections and more than 4,000 unusual devastation in scans of the Dobyns has spent 30 years “It has a pattern that suggests that the aly during the Zika outbreak added United States conducted between suspected cases of microcephaly, newborns’ malformed brains. researching and treating microceph- brain has actually decreased in size.” strength to the suspected connection. February 1 and 5. That compares a condition marked by abnormally While it’s not known how rep- aly, a condition defined by abnormally Dr Leonardo Vedolin, a neuroradi- Mothers of all 35 infants had lived in with 45 percent who had heard of small head size that can result in resentative the scans are, the early small heads in newborns that can ologist and researcher at the Moinhos or visited Zika virus-affected areas dur- Zika in a poll from late January. developmental problems. observations of these doctors point lead to developmental disabilities, de Vento hospital in Porto Alegre, Bra- ing pregnancy. Twenty-five infants had “I am actively trying to get preg- Researchers have identified to a tough road ahead for the babies, from mild to severe. The US Centres zil, shared with Dobyns scans of two severe microcephaly, and 17 had at least nant with my husband, so I am a evidence of Zika infection in 17 of their families and their communities for Disease Control and Prevention more microcephalic babies this week. one neurologic abnormality. little bit concerned,” said Erica, a these cases, either in the baby or in and heighten the concern surround- (CDC) has sought out his expertise in The doctors belong to a brain defects Dr Frank Esper, an infectious dis- respondent who said she was bit- the mother, but have not confirmed ing Zika, which is suspected of causing understanding the unfolding epidemic. study group that convenes via video- ease expert from Rainbow Babies & ten by a mosquito during a January that Zika can cause microcephaly. microcephaly. With a small group of geneticists conference each month. The group is Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, said trip to the US Virgin Islands, where The poll of Americans’ concerns “We are in the process of very rapid and other microcephaly specialists, he now focused on Zika. he expects a steady wave of studies on Zika has been reported. and travel plans have a credibility information gathering on what has been recently reviewed scans of a handful Neither Vedolin nor Brazil’s Health Zika and microcephaly that will pro- The US Centers for Disease interval - a measure of accuracy - seen,” said Dr. William Dobyns, a genet- of babies sent by a colleague in Bra- Ministry were able to provide the break- vide a much clearer picture over the Control and Prevention (CDC) has of 3.8 percentage points. icist at Seattle Children’s Hospital. “The zil. All the experts were struck by the down on the severity of confirmed first half of 2016.

Two die in oil Fireworks over NY skyline Haiti leaders agree rig fire off Mexico coast to interim govt

MEXICO CITY: Two workers were Reuters “Every time they exercise violence killed and at least seven injured Haiti makes one step backward,” Mar- yesterday in an oil platform fire telly said of the protesters. off the coast of Mexico, state pet- Any caretaker government will rol company Pemex said. PORT-AU-PRINCE: Haitian lead- have to overcome deep disagree- The blaze broke out in a “com- ers have agreed to install a caretaker ments about how the election should pression area” on the rig located government to take over from Presi- be organised and which candidates in state of Campeche in the Gulf dent Michel Martelly when he leaves can participate, since many oppo- of Mexico, Pemex reported. It said power without an elected successor, sition politicians are convinced the nine injured workers were airlifted a move that failed to calm protest- first round vote was riddled with away for medical treatment and ers who clashed with police again. fraud that favored ruling party added later that two workers died. The agreement was reached less candidate Jovenel Moise. The gov- The fire was brought under than 24 hours before Martelly steps ernment denies the allegations. control and the platform did not down. Under the deal parliament A senior adviser to Celestin, Ger- need to be evacuated, Pemex will elect an interim president for a ald Germain, said his camp had yet added.Two Pemex installations in four-month term. to study the agreement in depth and the same area suffered explosions The temporary president, would make its position known later. last year, one of which killed four expected to be chosen in the next Martelly’s own election five years people. Pemex is a key source of few days, will be committed to hold- ago was seen by many in the oppo- income for Mexico’s government. ing delayed presidential elections by sition as being facilitated by foreign It has suffered lately from falling Fireworks burst over the New York skyline, the Empire State Building lit in red and gold in honour of April 24 and handing power to the pressure. His departure from office world oil prices and from theft of the Chinese Lunar New Year, yesterday. winner the following month. coincides with the 30th anniversary oil by criminal gangs. A presidential runoff due to be held of dictator Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” last month was scrapped after opposi- Duvalier’s flight from the country. tion candidate Jude Celestin threatened Instead of stable democracy, the to boycott the vote over allegations of years since the end of the Duvalier fraud in the first round, and protesters family’s 29-year regime on February Rio Carnival dances toward wild finale took to the streets in force. Port-au- 7, 1986 have been marked by frequent Prince has seen almost daily protests coups and transitional governments. by both opposition and government sup- The impoverished country has had a AFP samba ensembles, known as schools, a fall in funding for the hugely expen- neighborhood, many of them deeply porters since January, culminating in chequered experience with caretaker were to strut their stuff in front of sive samba school extravaganzas, impoverished favelas, where there the lynching of a former soldier during governments, which in the past have some 70,000 people in Rio’s specially whose floats and costumes for thou- may not be proper sanitation but a march on Friday. lingered longer than expected. built stadium, the Sambadrome. The sands of dancers and musicians take music is king. The agreement did not placate When Haiti was left without an RIO DE JANEIRO: Swatting aside contest, which goes through a second a year to prepare. The productions in Schools like Beija-Flor, Salgueiro all sectors of the opposition. Dur- elected president after Jean-Ber- fears over the Zika virus, the glitter- and final night on today, is the climax Rio are expected to be less over the top or Mangueira that make it to the night ing the signing in an annex of the trand Aristide was forced from ing dancers of the Rio Carnival samba of the annual Rio Carnival, possibly this year, while in 48 Brazilian cities, parades are the cream of more than presidential palace that survived a power in 2004, it took the transi- championship and their adoring fans the world’s biggest party, with some the Carnival was cancelled altogether. 100 ensembles across the city. Each devastating earthquake six years tional administration two years to were primed yesterday for their first five million people, including one mil- There’s no less excitement at gets about an hour to parade through ago, small groups of anti-govern- organise elections. all-night parade. lion tourists, estimated to take part. the Sambadrome where fans are the Sambadrome, with a themed set of ment protesters clashed outside with Failure to hold clean elections After a fortnight of street par- This year, Rio’s fiesta is over- vehement in their allegiance to a par- costumes and floats that are not only riot police who used a water canon before Martelly’s term ended means ties and the day and night sound of shadowed by the Zika virus, painful ticular school. lavishly decorated but have moving and tear gas to disperse them. Haiti is again left bitterly divided. drumming and singing throughout recession, battles over the impeach- For all their perfect choreogra- parts, so that they, too, seem alive. The “Despite this agreement, we will Sandra Honore, who heads the Brazil’s most iconic city, the really ment of President Dilma Rousseff and phy and literally dazzling costumes, event is so important, that the mayor need to continue to remain vigilant United Nations peacekeeping mission serious Carnival began. Kicking off a corruption scandal reaching into the the samba schools rely on the enthu- even symbolically hands over the city because there are people who won’t that has been in Haiti since Aristide’s after sunset and going all through the heart of the political and business elite. siasm of amateur performers. keys to King Momo, the elected leader agree,” Martelly said at an event with ouster, called on all sides to support night to dawn on today , the 12 best The gloomy backdrop extends to Each school is rooted in a specific of the Carnival. foreign diplomats at the palace. the agreement. AMERICAS MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 1917 Rubio springs back from debate glitch

told ABC. Next stop was a town hall event in Initially advertised as the town of Londonderry, New Hamp- a pancake breakfast, shire to address a crowd of hundreds his campaign packed into a school hall. Initially advertised as a pancake took pleasure in breakfast, his campaign took pleasure announcing it was in announcing it was so oversub- scribed they were forced to reclassify so oversubscribed it as a town hall, where coffee and they were forced to muffins would be served. “We couldn’t figure out how to reclassify it as a town make pancakes for 800 people,” hall quipped a relaxed and confident Rubio, warming up the crowd with jokes about the Super Bowl and mak- ing no mention of his debate drubbing. AFP He spoke eloquently about his par- ents’ struggle as young immigrants from Cuba and the pride they took in being able to own a house and watch LONDONDERRY, UNITED STATES: their children grow up to have more Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio campaigns at Londonderry High School in Londonderry, New Hampshire, yesterday. Marco Rubio, the young Republican opportunities than they had. senator fast building momentum in His personal narrative is a key the race for the White House, came part of his appeal, reaching out to back swinging yesterday after a maul- other immigrant families and tapping Waterboarding issue divides Republican hopefuls ing in the latest presidential debate for into his promise to revive the Ameri- his lack of experience. can dream at a time when the middle The charismatic Florida senator classes are more squeezed than ever. Reuters of Texas, said he would only allow in Iraq and Afghanistan. Ameri- terrorist attack, you can rest assured floundered, just days before the crucial Gathered in the school were young limited use of the practice. can interrogators utilised the tactic that as commander in chief, I would New Hampshire primary tomorrow. families, visitors from out of state, Waterboarding —the practice of to try to garner more information use whatever enhanced interrogation He was mocked for repeating the same ardent Rubio supporters, others yet pouring water over someone’s face to from captives, but critics argued the methods we could to keep this coun- rehearsed line over and over. to make up their minds and opponents WASHINGTON: Seven years after the mimic drowning as an interrogation method never actually yielded any try safe,” Cruz said. Yesterday he fought back, tell- drawn to the political theater. United States banned waterboarding tactic —remains controversial in the intelligence information. Florida Senator Marco Rubio ing ABC News that his campaign had “I think he was dead on,” said Derek as an interrogation tactic, two Repub- United States even after Democratic Republicans have been critical declined to say definitively whether raised more money last night in the Lafleur, a Ted Cruz supporter, who felt lican presidential candidates said President Barack Obama banned of Obama’s decision to eliminate he would reinstitute the use of first hour of the debate—precisely New Jersey Governor Chris Chris- they would revive its use and one of use of the method days after he took the practice, saying it telegraphs waterboarding. when he appeared to come undone— tie had been right to savage Rubio. “I them, billionaire businessman Donald office in 2009. a position of weakness to the “We should not be discussing in than in any other debate. think Rubio sounds very rehearsed Trump, would go even further. The Senate Intelligence Commit- nation’s enemies and concedes a widespread way the exact tactics “Let’s dispel with this fiction that and very poished. He doesn’t seem “I would bring back waterboard- tee released a report in 2014, despite that the United States erred in using that we’re going to use because that Barack Obama doesn’t know what he’s very genuine. Like he said, the 25-sec- ing and I’d bring back a hell of a lot the objection of Republicans, that waterboarding. allows terrorists to know to practice doing. He knows exactly what he’s ond speech, I agree wholeheartedly worse than waterboarding,” Trump detailed what it called torture tac- Cruz said he would not “bring it how to evade us,” Rubio said. doing,” Rubio said on a loop in clips with Christie.” said during Republican debate on tics used by the Central Intelligence back in any sort of widespread use” Former Florida Governor Jeb seized upon by Democrats and doing Outside two Democrat cam- ABC, days before New Hampshire Agency, including the extensive use and noted that he doesn’t believe Bush said he would not employ the rounds on social media. paigners made hay by dressing up holds its primary for the November of waterboarding. waterboarding meets the interna- waterboarding. “As far as that message, I hope as robots until Rubio’s team asked 8 election. Waterboarding came into more tional definition for torture. “Congress has changed the laws they keep running it and I’m going to them to move aside, but few in the Trumps’s rival and a fellow leader common use by the United States “If it were necessary to, say, pre- and I... think where we stand is the keep saying because it’s true,” Rubio crowd seemed that bothered. in the opinion polls, Senator Ted Cruz during the early days of the wars vent a city from facing an imminent appropriate place,” said Bush. Sea turtles Quieter and smaller Guantanamo with tumours as debate rages on prison’s fate fill Florida AP The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because, declined to say hospital A military task force which prisoners or where they might be of 2,000 is now sent but said they number about a dozen GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE: and would be sent to places whose cit- AFP Empty cells outnumber occupied devoted to holding izens were victims of terrorist attacks. ones. There are fewer prisoners just 91 men at the The Justice Department is also than the assorted medical person- considering an argument by lawyers nel to care for them. The number of detention centre, a for Guantanamo prisoners that some MARATHON, UNITED STATES: The hunger strikers is down to a handful. number expected to could be charged in federal court, young patient writhes on the oper- After 14 years, the detention cen- something that had previously not been ating table, kicking its flippers. A tre on the US base at Guantanamo drop by a third this considered legally feasible. That option team of medical attendants turns it Bay, Cuba, appears to be winding summer would increase the number who could over, revealing an underbelly clut- down despite opposition in Congress be charged following court rulings tered with tumours, some as big as to President Barack Obama’s intent that limited the jurisdiction of mili- golf balls. to close the facility, which once held tary commissions in terrorism cases. This endangered green sea turtle, nearly 700 people, and confine the officials hope there may be so few Wells Dixon, a lawyer for a pris- about two years old and too young for remaining prisoners someplace else. prisoners that some of the opposi- oner who pleaded guilty in the the staff to know yet whether it is male A military task force of 2,000 is tion will melt away. military commission and is await- or female, is infected with fibropapil- now devoted to holding just 91 men, The remaining prisoners include ing a chance to testify in the slowly lomatosis, a potentially deadly disease a number expected to drop by a third 34 who authorities have determined moving September 11 case as part caused by a type of herpes virus. this summer. can be released without a security of a plea agreement, welcomed that Experts still don’t understand The military this week allowed risk, most of whom are from Yemen. approach. “I do think as a general quite how the virus spreads, or what journalists inside the detention cen- The US won’t send Yemeni prison- matter that if the administration is causes it, though some research has tre, a cluster of camps encircled by ers to their homeland because it is serious about closing Guantanamo pointed to agricultural runoff, pollu- razor wire amid the rolling hills and too unstable and it must find other they are going to have to think crea- tion and global warming. cactus of southeastern Cuba, for the countries to take them. Lee Wolosky, tively about options like federal court As the population of green sea first time since a series of recent the State Department’s special envoy prosecutions,” he said. turtles rebounds in and around the releases brought the population for Guantanamo Closure, said in Jan- The administration official said Florida Keys, cases of fibropapillo- below 100, the lowest number since uary that it was expected to be done that through a combination of meas- matosis have exploded too, filling the shortly after it opened to hold sus- by the summer. ures they could reduce the number Veterinarians operate on a critically endangered sea turtle with a corridors of the United States’ oldest pected enemy combatants. Officials The remaining 57 pose a more of prisoners currently held at Guan- tumour, which turned out to be an abscess, at the Turtle Hospital in rescue and rehab facility, known sim- portrayed the environment as calmer, complex challenge. Some cannot be tanamo to an “irreducible number,” Marathon, Florida. ply as the Turtle Hospital. with few attacks on the Army soldiers charged because there is insufficient that could be small enough to make “When I first started here 20 who guard the men and fewer dis- evidence against them or what there their presence in the United States years ago, I would do six to eight —28,000 nests counted last year in Nestled in a bright green motel ciplinary problems overall, perhaps is has been tainted by their treatment acceptable to Congress. of these a month,” says veterinar- Florida, up from fewer than 500 dec- complex connected by pebble strewn related to the fact that for many their in custody. Some were either desig- “We are looking at ultimately two ian Doug Mader, as he injects a local ades ago. pathways, the Turtle Hospital opened long period of confinement is near- nated for prosecution or for indefinite dozen people who we would be look- anesthetic, then cuts off the cauli- Their status may be changed from its doors in 1986, taking in 12 patients ing an end. detention under the international ing at holding in the United States. It’s flower-like growths with a carbon “endangered” to merely “threatened” in its inaugural year. “I believe there is some optimism laws of war. Seven of those in custody a lot better than 90,” the official said. dioxide laser. “Now we are doing six as early as March. While conserva- Last year, it treated 173 sea turtles on the part of the detainees who are are in the early stages of trial by mil- At Guantanamo, which held to eight a week,” he says as the air tionists celebrate these successes, they —119 of them with fibropapilloma- left here that they might be next,” said itary commission, including the five nearly 680 prisoners at its peak in fills with the smell of saltwater, alco- also lament that the animals’ envi- tosis—according to manager Bette Army Col. David Heath, commander men accused of planning and aid- 2003 and about 245 when Obama hol wipes and burning flesh. ronment is increasingly polluted and Zirkelbach. These days, the hospital of the guard force. ing the Sept. 11 terrorist attack, and took office, the dwindling popula- Each turtle can require several hot, as the oceans absorb most of the has never been busier. Its staff of 18 Obama is expected later this three have been convicted and are tion has made for a quieter detention operations to remove all the tumours, warmth from human-driven climate and fleet of orange-and-white ambu- month to submit a Guantanamo serving sentences. centre and one that is only partially which cover their necks, underbellies, change. lances can be dispatched around the closure plan to Congress, where it is But military commissions have being used. Half of the eight blocks in and eyes, blinding them and making The evidence lays before Mader clock to fetch injured turtles. likely to encounter the same resist- proven to be grindingly slow so the Camp 6 are being used and three of it hard for them to find food. every day in the clinic. “I have this Zirkelbach says about half the ance that has prevented the president government is looking at “alternative the four in Camp 5. Much of an area Green sea turtles were first listed horrible feeling that as the oceans green sea turtles in the area are from making good on the vow to dispositions” that would include trans- known as Camp Delta that used to as endangered species in 1976, but warm we are going to see more and infected, and the cases are get- close the facility he made shortly ferring them overseas for prosecution in house hundreds of prisoners is now are now nesting in record numbers more disease,” he says. ting worse. after taking office. Soon, however, another country, according to an official. used for administrative offices.

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER Minimum: 12o C Maximum: 25o C

FAJR 04.56 am ZUHR 11.48 am MAGHRIB 05.25 pm HIGH TIDE 04:30 - 15:30 Misty to foggy at places at first becomes moder- SHOROOK 06.14 am ASR 02.59 pm ISHA 06.55 pm LOW TIDE 11:30 - 21:45 ate temperature daytime and cold by night.

20 MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 MORNING BREAK

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Souma Takeshi, a trainer from Japan, working with his monkeys before a performance at a monkey training school in a zoo in Dongying, eastern China's Shandong province.

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Open Snapchat and AFP another slamming down her plastic guitar before regularly star on TV shows in their native country. scan the Snapcode running to stage left. “We hope to attract audiences from all over to add The Peninsula “Our monkeys don’t listen to us very well. But China,” Xiao said, as monkeys were led around that’s what is funny about it all. Monkeys being in front of her on leashes. account. DONGYING, CHINA: Macaques in frilly dresses natural and being themselves,” added Soma. “We would like to take advantage of the turn backflips and answer maths questions for Such performances have a centuries-old monkey year for publicity... this will be a year crowds of screaming children at a Chinese mon- history in China, and today monkeys are often of promotion.” key school, where trainers teach them to waltz seen at country fairs catching knives and rid- A crowd of several dozen children and par- and play rock drums. ing bicycles. ents gathered outside the theatre building over Shows featuring performing simians, popu- As China’s economy has boomed, the an hour before the show started, mixing with lar in China and throughout Asia, are expecting scale of the shows has increased. More than a the animals who wore nappies with holes cut Fajr festival opens a boost in the Lunar New Year of the monkey, dozen zoos in the country now offer monkey for their tails. which begins today. performances. “Mum, I’ve seen monkeys! I’ve seen Sun But they are facing a growing backlash from China has no laws protecting non-endan- Wukong,” said three-year-old Zhao Yizi, refer- Chinese people concerned about animal welfare. gered species, but a growing animal protection ring to a hero of the classic Chinese novel Journey “It’s like a human school, but using monkeys,” movement has condemned the displays as cruel. To The West, and cajoling his mother into buy- said Takeshi Soma, the Japanese “headmaster” Their cause was aided when video of a bear ing a 30 yuan ($5) ticket. of the facility, at a zoo in Dongying in the east- biting and clawing a monkey after the two fell off Sun has cemented the image of mon- ern province of Shandong. their bicycles in an “Animal Olympics” in the east- keys in China as mischievous but essentially His charges are about a dozen macaques ern city of Shanghai, went viral in 2013. loveable. from snow-capped mountains near Tokyo, who One staff member at the Yangjiaping zoo in The centrepiece of the school’s afternoon receive one-on-one tuition from a team of live- Chongqing said that monkey shows had been can- show was a mock mathematics class, with ani- in instructors. celled this year “because of a complaint about mals in tunics and denim shorts sitting behind “This kind of training is the first in China,” animal cruelty”. miniature desks. tracksuited Soma said. Monkeys at the Dongying school sleep in They raised their hands and showed their He watched as staff in sequined waistcoats bare concrete-walled enclosures, and sometimes fingers to apparently answer basic arithmetic clothed the monkeys in multicoloured gowns, receive light slaps from their trainers. questions, as the young audience giggled and leading them on stage in a mock Viennese ball. Headmaster Soma admitted: “How should clapped. “I think this is the only place that does that,” I put this? They are tough things. I don’t think Later the monkeys rode atop large plastic he said. monkeys like the school.” balls and jumped over obstacles. And, of course, Four of the animals are training as a mock But the backlash has not deterred investors, waltzed. rock band, led by a monkey with a red bow tie with nearly 19m yuan ($2.9m) spent on the school, “I like the dancing best. They are like peo- and pink toy microphone. said Xiao Jingxia, president of the local govern- ple,” said four-year-old Ai Jiuqiu. But a recent rehearsal ended with one ment backed China-Japan Friendship Association. “Happy monkey year!” an announcer Iranian actress Sahar Ghoreyshi (centre) and cast members of macaque walking on his hands away from a It is a partnership with Japanese monkey boomed, before the animals were undressed 'Lollipop' at the 34th Fajr Film festival at the Milad tower hall in miniature drum kit after a few tender taps, and troupe Nikko Saru Gundan, whose animals and led back to their cages. Tehran, yesterday. The festival runs until February 10.

Malaysian filmmaker seeks to Huge waves rekindle lost pride in soccer

Reuters The match that defined the "Golden Era", however, was Malay- sia's 2-1 victory over South Korea before thousands of ecstatic fans that KUALA LUMPUR: In a country that earnt them a spot in the 1980 Moscow pays as much attention to England's Olympics - a tournament that, alas, soccer Premier League as it does to they ended up not attending. Malay- local politics, one film director is sia joined a boycott over Russia's 1979 seeking to rekindle lost pride in a invasion of Afghanistan. national game that has languished Malaysians can now only dream in the doldrums for four decades. of seeing their flag flying on an Top-grossing Malaysian film- Olympic pitch as the world read- maker Chiu Keng Guan's (pictured), ies for the Rio Games in six months. new movie "Ola Bola!" opened on Beyond performance on the field, Jan. 28 in cinemas nationwide with local football is still reeling from a the tagline "You Will Believe Again". nationwide match-fixing scandal in Belief, however, is in weak supply ringgit ($4.12m) and set a Malaysian the mid-1990s. among football-made Malaysians box office record in 2014. Malaysian soccer reached its low as the country slides down the glo- Malaysia reached the zenith of point last year when angry fans from bal rankings of governing body FIFA. its success in 1972 when it qualified the Ultras Malaya club threw flares "I want to bring back the golden and played in the first round of the onto the pitch during a World Cup era. We have to believe in something Munich Olympics, beating the United 2018 Asian qualifier against Saudi Waves crash against a lighthouse as the wind blows at around 100kph, in Boulogne-sur-Mer, to go further," said Chiu, whose last States 3-0 but losing to 0-3 to West Arabia, earning Malaysia a $40,000 northern France, yesterday. movie The Journey raked in 17 million Germany and 0-6 to Morocco. fine and a FIFA warning. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

PAGE | 22 QE 9,620.57 - 63.05 PTS PAGE | 23 QBA hosts DOW 16,204.97 -211.61 PTS Lulu expands in Swedish business FTSE100 5,848.06 -50.70 PTS Oman and opens delegation BRENT $34.06 -$0.40 16th hypermarket

MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 • 29 Rabia II 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

QP and Chevron MPHC records QR1.1bn net profit in 2015

The Peninsula 39.5 percent, over the same period in priced ethane feedstock and fuel gas paid as a cash dividend while main- in exploration 2014, while the fourth quarter earn- under long-term supply agreements. taining adequate liquidity for the ings of QR300.8m were down by This contracting arrangement is an group’s capital investments, work- 21.5 percent over the third quarter important value driver for the group ing capital and financing needs, and DOHA: Mesaieed Petrochemical of 2015. The year-on-year reduction profitability in a challenging market the principles of financial prudence. Holding Company (MPHC), a subsid- was driven by planned major main- condition. After ensuring sufficient cash deal in Morocco iary of Qatar Petroleum and one of tenance shutdowns and due to weak The company’s liquidity position is maintained for working capital, the region’s premier diversified pet- product prices. remained strong during the year on debt repayment and capital expend- rochemical conglomerates, recorded The preventive maintenance and buoyant cash realisation ratios across iture, and keeping in view the latest a net profit of QR1.1bn for the full year warranty shutdowns are an essen- all group companies, with cash held economic forecasts, the Board of ended December 2015. tial requirement for large, industrial by the company after distribution of Directors, in their meeting yesterday Total income reported for the plants as they can help minimise previous years dividend of QR1.3bn, recommended a total annual dividend QP to acquire a 30% year, including the tax refund was unplanned disruption, ensure product was at QR926m. The total assets at distribution for the full year 2015 of participating interest QR1.1bn, a decrease of QR707m, or quality is maintained and ultimately, December 31, 2015 was QR14.3bn, QR879.4m. from Chevron’s 75% 39 percent, versus the same period contribute to an extension of plant’s compared to the December 31, 2014 This is equivalent to a payout of of 2014. The decline is primarily due production life. total assets of QR14.6bn. QR0.7 per share and represents 80.9 share in three to planned facility maintenance in The quarter-on-quarter decrease Due to the unfavourable condi- percent of the group’s profits. deep-water offshore the current year and weaker prod- was due to decrease in selling prices tions experienced during the year, the The Board of Directors and sen- uct prices following the significant and sales volumes. The groups’ group closed the year with 9.6 per- ior management look forward to 2016 leases in Morocco fall in the global oil prices in Q4, 2014 profit was also aided by recognition cent less than the budgeted profit, with renewed confidence in the sound that started to affect product prices. of a tax refund of QR100.1m for the MPHC said. financial and operational position of MPHC’s QR1.1bn net profit year. The group continued to bene- The Board of Directors aim to the group, and continued strong sup- reflects a decrease of QR0.7bn, or fit from the supply of competitively maximise the percentage of net profit port from our esteemed shareholders. The Peninsula

towards building a mutually benefi- cial relationship with Chevron with DOHA: Qatar Petroleum (QP) has particular emphasis on international Ooredoo Myanmar secures $300m funding reached an agreement with Chevron upstream activities.” Morocco Exploration Ltd, a subsid- “It is no coincidence that Qatar iary of Chevron Corporation, to Petroleum’s international presence is acquire a 30 percent participating now extended to Morocco, a country The Peninsula ensures that people of Myanmar Ooredoo’s long-term commitment telecommunications network. Our interest from Chevron’s 75 percent which Qatar enjoys special relations benefit from best data services and to Ooredoo Myanmar, where it has investments in Myanmar continue share in three deep-water offshore with,” he added. crystal clear voice services. been operating since its licence was to support the good revenue and leases in the Kingdom of Morocco. Ali Moshiri, President of Chevron Since Ooredoo’s entrance into the granted in 2014 and underlines Oore- customer growth trends we have Under the agreement, which was Africa and Latin America Explo- DOHA: Ooredoo Group’s fully-owned market, more than 80 percent of the doo’s investment in Myanmar. recorded in the country. Our wide approved by the Moroccan govern- ration and Production said: “The subsidiary Ooredoo Myanmar has population is covered by its 3G net- In addition to its ongoing corpo- range of telecom services support ment, Qatar Petroleum will acquire agreement is a milestone in both made funding arrangements with the work with majority of the Ooredoo rate social responsibility initiatives the socio-economic development of the 30 percent interest in the deep- companies’ efforts to maximise the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and customers accessing this network via especially related to economic, the country through enhanced com- water leases, while Chevron will value of exploration and production the International Finance Corporation smart devices. Ooredoo Myanmar educational, social and cultural munication between businesses, retain a 45 percent interest and assets through long-term relation- (IFC), the private sector investment continues to invest in its infrastruc- development activities, Ooredoo organizations and individuals. We remains the operator and Morocco’s ships. We are pleased to partner with arm of the World Bank Group to ture to benefit from the opportunity Myanmar has also adopted a world- are proud that world renowned Office National Des Hydrocarbures Qatar Petroleum in offshore Morocco expand a nationwide modern mobile offered by low mobile phone and data class Environmental and Social lenders like Asia Development Bank Et Des Mines will continue to have and are looking forward to use our telecom network in Myanmar. Oore- usage penetration rates among the 51 Action Plan in line with the IFC’s and International Finance Corpora- a 25 percent interest. joint capabilities in this exciting sub- doo Group and Ooredoo Myanmar million population of Myanmar. and ADB’s performance standards tion participated in the funding deal The three offshore areas are Cap salt play for the benefit of Morocco”. teams have successfully secured The financing will support Oore- and guidelines, as part of the financ- with Ooredoo Myanmar to further Rhir Deep, Cap Cantin Deep and Cap The three offshore lease areas the funding. ADB and IFC will each doo’s strategy for Myanmar, enabling ing deal. expand our network and distribu- Walidia Deep. are located between 100 km and provide $150m loan to Ooredoo it to accelerate the reach of its mod- Sheikh Saud Bin Nasser Al Thani, tion in the country. The financing Saad Sherida Al Kaabi (pic- 200 km west and northwest of the Myanmar. ern telecommunications network for Ooredoo Group CEO commented: deal demonstrates our commitment tured), President and CEO of Qatar Morocco city of Agadir. They encom- Ooredoo Myanmar provides lead- the people of Myanmar, boosting eco- “Over the last two years, Oore- in Myanmar and strong potential of Petroleum, expressed pleasure at the pass approximately 29,200 sq kms ing telecommunication services to its nomic growth and job creation across doo has made significant progress Ooredoo Myanmar to accelerate the finalisation of the agreement, which with average water depths ranging millions of customers in the coun- the country. on its strategy to provide the peo- delivery of its network and services he described as “an important step from 100 metres to 4,500 metres. try. Its leadership in 3G technology The deal also demonstrates ple of Myanmar with a world-class to the people of Myanmar.” QCB active in managing liquidity to ensure stability: Governor

Satish Kanady broader strategy of liquidity man- currency asset to foreign currency environment and thereby facilitate The Peninsula agement. Despite this issuance, the liability of each bank should be at a adequate flow of credit to the pro- banking system liquidity was in a minimum of 100 percent. This means ductive sectors of the economy. If low primary surplus position as reflected that short positions are not allowed, oil prices persist for long, policy space in the sum of net Qatar Money Rate but long are allowed. available in terms of both fiscal buffers DOHA: The decline in oil revenue has (QMR) deposits and excess reserves The ratings of Qatar-based banks and QCB’s liquidity management oper- not led Qatar to significant spend- with QCB at QR5.4bn at end-Septem- continue to remain high. Qatari ations could be used flexibly. ing cuts, rather the government was ber 2015. banks have been playing an impor- On the impact of the newly embarking on a strategy of prioritising In an interview published by tant role in the development of the enacted laws on the performance of expenditures to improve investment international research firm The Busi- economy. They have been extending the Qatar Stock Exchange, the central efficiency. ness Year, he said the banks’ liquid credit to both the hydrocarbon and bank Governor said the introduction Although the drop in oil prices asset to liabilities continues to be sta- the non-hydrocarbon sector to meet of concerned laws helped Qatari has induced a fall in export earn- ble at around 50 percent, while the productive needs. The current high bourse to record high levels in traded ings and government revenues and quality of banking assets has contin- growth in credit to the private sector volume and index in September 2014. consequently government depos- ued to improve; the gross NPL ratio reflects the support they are providing The Strategic Plan also aims to main- its, the country’s banking system’s has declined to its lowest level since to the diversification of the economy. tain a conducive and investor-friendly liquidity has been comfortable so far 2011. At the same time, reflecting the In the year ahead, banks will environment. The liquidity provision partly reflecting QCB’s active liquidity implementation of Basel III frame- have to maintain additional capital scheme of 2013, together with the new management operations, Qatar Cen- work since January 2014, banks to meet the countercyclical capital rules on margin trading introduced by tral Bank (QCB) Governor H E Sheikh remained capitalized , significantly requirements. Moreover, domestic the Qatar Financial Markets Authority Abdulla bin Saoud Al Thani (pictured) above the current regulatory require- systemically important banks (D-SIBs) (QFMA) offer a number of advantages has stated. ment of 12.5 percent and profitable. have already been instructed for main- for the market and investors, such Sheikh Abdullah said QCB has This suggests the continued robust- tenance of additional capital from next as increasing trading volumes and been actively managing liquidity to ness of Qatar’s financial sector. plans are indications of the increas- as a regulator, QCB is ensuring that year onwards. On the monetary pol- liquidity, and should help to reduce ensure monetary and financial stabil- On the Qatar-based banks’ inter- ing strength and confidence of these the expansion should be prudential. icy front, QCB will continue to actively price volatility and promote con- ity. He said the $4.1bn bond issuance national expansion plans , the central banks to compete with other banks Limits have been fixed on the foreign manage liquidity in the system in fidence among investors, thereby in September 2015 was part of that bank Governor said the expansion in the international arena. However, currency gap. The ratio of foreign order to ensure a stable interest rate ensuring a fair and orderly market. 22 MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS Qatar spending spree to continue in 2016

they represent, will be outlined at the authorities press ahead with their Abdullah Al Attiyah, Director of recruiting through to project deliv- Dubai’s Emaar Qatar to award more annual MEED Qatar Projects Confer- capital investment plans as the dead- Economic Policies and Research ery - the lessons learned, managing ence in Doha from March 15 to 16. line for the World Cup looms closer. Department at the Ministry of Econ- risk and mitigating disputes in the than $22bn worth The forecast of $22.2bn worth of This will ensure a healthy pipeline of omy and Commerce in Qatar, Ahmed Qatari project market through well- Malls profit up of new contracts in contracts to be awarded in the state new projects will come to the market Nassar Al Kowsi, logistics Director constructed contracts, discussing 23% in 2015 this year is some 24 per cent lower throughout 2016, providing numerous and Kaldoon Truman, Senior Director the upcoming plans for growth and 2016 and details will than the $29.3bn worth of deals new opportunities for suppliers, con- of Contracts and Procurement both development of the hospitality indus- be outlined at the awarded in 2015, primarily due to tractors and vendors alike.” from Qatar Rail, Mohammed Al Malki, try in Qatar, and a recent update of Dubai: Emaar Malls, the lower oil prices but also thanks to Prestigious keynote speakers at Chief Planning Business Development the existing and future mega projects shopping and retail arm annual MEED Qatar a renewed focus on existing project the event will be Minister of Economy Officer at Manateq, Atter Exxat Han- happening in Qatar. mostly owned by Dubai’s Projects Conference delivery rather than the launch of new and Commerce, H E Sheikh Ahmed noura, Director of PPP Central Unit at “Qatar’s going to lead the region Emaar Properties giant, schemes. However, this year’s figure is bin Jassim Al Thani together with Eng the Ministry of Finance in Egypt and and the world once more with further said its annual profit also almost exactly in line with Qatar’s Nasser bin Ali Al Mawlawi, President senior representatives of the Public progress in the execution of its inspir- surged 23 percent to $22.3bn contract award average expe- of Ashghal, the largest single client in Works Authority (Ashghal) will also ing vision for the years to 2030,” says $451m in 2015, as rental The Peninsula rienced over the past five years. Qatar. With more than $30bn worth address the conference. Richard Thompson, Editorial Director income increased. “Like all GCC states, Qatar’s is of projects either planned or under Topics to be covered will include: of MEED Magazine. “Lower oil prices Net profit reached set to spend less this year as govern- construction, Ashghal is a key stake- an exclusive update on the implemen- can’t be ignored, but it’s clear that Dh1.66bn ($451m) in ment revenues are impacted by lower holder in Qatar’s future development, tation of PPP regulations in the $200 Qatar has the financial and human 2015, compared with DOHA: Qatar is set to award more oil prices,” says Ed James, Direc- and will outline its vision for the state bn Qatari projects market, Evaluat- resources overcome this challenge. Dh1.35bn the year before, than $22bn worth of new contracts in tor of Content & Analysis at regional at the event. It will also reveal details ing the existing funding options to The MEED Qatar Projects Conference said the company which 2016 as it maintains its spending spree projects tracker MEED Projects, which of its major challenges as well as how finance mega project programmes will be the perfect place to learn how owns Dubai Mall — one of in advance of the FIFA 2022 World created the forecast. “Nonetheless, companies can work more closely in Qatar, discussing the critical chal- Qatari, regional and global businesses the world’s largest shop- Cup. Details of these new projects, the projects market in the state is with it to achieve its objectives. lenges facing project owners and can play their part in delivering the ping centres. together with some of the challenges expected to continue apace as the Other speakers includes Saud contractors from the initial stage of vision.” In the fourth quar- ter, Emaar Malls saw net profit rise 16 percent on year to Dh435m. The company said its rental income grew by 11 QBA hosts Swedish percent to Dh2.99bn in 2015, with occupancy lev- els reaching 96 percent in the same year. business delegation “The retail sector is a key contributor to Dubai’s economy, said Chairman The Peninsula was attended by the chairman Sheikh Mohamed Alabbar. Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Hussein Al Fardan, QBA First Deputy Chair- man, Sheikh Hamad bin Faisal bin DOHA: The Qatari Businessmen Thani Al Thani, QBA Board Member China to continue Association (QBA) organised a meet- and QBA members Mohamed Kha- ing with a delegation of Swedish led Al Rabban, Maqbool Khalfan, and prudent monetary businessmen that included Max Bjuhr, Wassim Al Daiaa. Ambassador of Trade and Promotion Max Bjuhr spoke about the oppor- policy: PBoC Mena Region, Ministry of Foreign tunities and projects that Swedish Affairs, Cherif Sayed, Business Swe- companies are currently implement- Beijing: The People’s den Vice-President, Head of Middle ing in Qatar and which cover different Bank of China (PBoC), the East & Africa and Lennart Killander, sectors. Hussein Al Fardan praised central bank, said it will Director of Trade Promotion, Minis- the economic relations between the continue its prudent mon- try of Foreign Affairs, in the presence two countries especially in the field etary policy while striking of Ewa Polano, Ambassador of Swe- of cars and vehicles. a balance between tight den to Doha Sheikh Hamad bin Faisal Al and loose. The meeting was attended by rep- Thani stressed on the importance The PBoC will resentatives from the biggest Swedish of exchanging visits and trade dele- maintain its “policy conti- companies. gations between the businessmen of nuity and stability,” make From the QBA side, the meeting both countries. QBA Chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani with the Swedish business delegation. policies more forward- looking, carry out policy fine-tuning in a timely and appropriate man- Gulf Air unveils ner, adapt its aggregate Seven countries call for EU action to help steel industry demand management ‘Travel Together’ to supply-side structural reform, the bank said in promotion its monetary policy report Reuters and the chair of the EU Council of The EU is the second largest pro- asked the Commission to make full for the fourth quarter. Ministers. “The European steel indus- ducer of steel in the world after China. use of the full range of EU policy The PBoC will use a DOHA: Gulf Air, the Kingdom of try — already weakened by the 2008 It makes over 177 million tonnes a instruments to tackle unfair trade. string of monetary policy Bahrain’s national carrier, today economic crisis — is tackling chronic year, accounting for 11 percent of The EU intends to impose duties tools, including liquidity launched a “Travel Together” PARIS: Seven countries including use of unfair trade practices in a global output, according to EU data. on imports of cold-rolled flat steel and price management, Promotion giving travellers from France, Britain and Germany have context of strong international com- Europe has lost 85,000 steel jobs from China and Russia following its to create a financial envi- across the airline’s global network urged the European Union to step up petition intensified by overcapacity at since 2008, over 20 percent of the investigation into alleged dumping ronment conducive the chance to book and purchase action to relieve an ailing steel indus- global level,” they wrote in the letter, workforce, according to the indus- by the two countries, sources said. to Chinese economy’s two Falcon Gold (premium) class try suffering from tumbling prices initiated by French Economy Minister try body Eurofer, as prices crashed The ministers called for a sep- restructuring and upgrad- tickets for the price of one. and cheap imports from China and Emmanuel Macron. “The European to decade lows due to overcapac- arate investigation into imports of ing. China will optimise The promotion is availa- Russia. Union cannot remain passive when ity, shrinking demand and a flood of hot-rolled flat products from China. financing and credit ble for booking from February 8 Ministers from the three coun- rising job losses and steelwork clo- cheap imports, mostly from China. “We should not wait until the structures to help foster to 14 and for travel until May 31, tries, along with Italy, Poland, sures show that there is a significant The EU also has some of the damage from unfair practices new growth momentum. 2016 – to and from select Gulf Air Belgium and Luxembourg, sent a joint and impending risk of collapse in the world’s highest energy costs and becomes irreversible for our indus- destinations. letter to the European Commission European steel sector.” green taxes. The seven ministers try,” they wrote. Award for Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance Co

The Peninsula

DOHA: Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance Co (SAQ) was recognised as the top performing insurance com- pany in the ‘Overall Middle East and Non-Life’ (Middle East) categories at Michael Gunningham (left), SPE Programme Chair, with the presenter the 12th annual Middle East Insurance Brian Schwanitz, Welltec. Forum (MEIF) held in Bahrain, said a statement yesterday. Some five MEIF Institutional SPE Qatar holds talk Excellence Awards were granted to the best performing insurance compa- nies within the GCC, Levant and wider Middle East, as well as those in the on well technology Life and Non-Life insurance segments. The awards were delivered by Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Baker, The Peninsula of applications with increasing Executive Director of Financial Insti- capabilities and efficiency to well tutions Supervision at the Central interventions to repair and optimise Bank of Bahrain, the strategic part- oil and gas production. ner of MEIF. The MEIF Institutional DOHA: SPE Qatar Section held their Millions of dollars can be saved Excellence Awards have been the flag- first meeting of 2016 with a techni- by using these tools instead of hav- ship awards for the region’s insurance cal presentation by distinguished ing a coiled tubing unit or drilling rig industry for the past 12 years. lecturer Brian Schwanitz of Welltec. to repair these wells. Ehsan Abbas, Chairman of Middle Speaking at the technical pres- Qatar SPE Section Programme East Global Advisors, the conveners or entation Brian Schwanitz brought Chair Michael Gunningham MEIF, said: “This afternoon’s award to light the latest developments for informed that the section has a winners should be commended on the e-line stroking hydraulic tools for planned year of activities for 2016, quality and dedication of the manage- well interventions. aiming to address many more sig- ment team to serve the Middle East Since its launch in 2001, the nificant issues & technological insurance industry whilst maintain- Officials at the award ceremony. technology has seen a wide array developments in the field. ing sound fundamentals.” BUSINESS MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 23 Call for family-owned businesses to get listed

family-owned businesses from listing one generation to another,” Al Man- session on “Growing Opportunities this regard we are working closely their companies on Qatar Exchange soori told the audience at a discussion in Qatar” held at Doha Bank head- with QFC and other authorities con- Disclosure of the (QE). The disclosure of the value of forum organised by Doha Bank. The quarters. The other panelists included cerned,” he said. value of assets and assets and losing control over their event was well attended by a number top officials from the Qatar Financial He also highlighted that QE within companies seem to be real problems of business leaders and representa- Centre (QFC), Doha Bank and Amwal, a short period has made significant losing control over for them, said a top official at Qatari tives from the private sector. a local asset management company. achievements. Over the last few years their companies seem bourse. He said that QE tried to find out Al Mansoori hoped that QFC, it is sitting next to exchanges that have Rashid bin Ali Al Mansoori (pic- the reasons for not listing, and hosted which is set to revise its laws to enable been there for around hundred years. to be real problems tured), CEO of QE said that listing of a conference to discuss the issues with QFC-licensed firms aiming to provide “Over the last few years we made for family-owned big family-owned businesses and family-owned businesses, which was more access to the Qatar economy, it to the “Emerging market” status as private companies can help reflect attended by over 300 people. will encourage more companies to we have been classified and upgraded businesses the robust size and vibrancy of the “After the meeting we reached to a get listed. However, he noted that to this category by MSCI and S&P. And national economy. But such compa- conclusion that such business owners there is a need to contribute to fur- the FTSE Group has also announced nies are still out of the ambit of QE, are apprehensive about disclosure and ther strengthening the confidence of to upgrade QE to the same status this and are very reluctant to get listed. losing control over their companies. retail investors on the stock exchange year by September, which means By Mohammad Shoeb “Over the last six years we have They are relying only on government as it provides an alternative invest- more investments and liquidity in The Peninsula been waiting for family-owned busi- to contribute to the stock market”, he ment destination for those who can’t the market,” said the QE CEO. nesses and other private companies to said. “Then we launched a programme investment in real estate or other ave- Al Mansoori added that QE get listed at the QE, but they are shy- with an aim at convincing and guiding nues of investment. already witnessed the impact of the ing away. They think that after listing them to the right direction. As a result “We are going to introduce this upgraded classification, and it will DOHA: Concerns over the loss of they may lose control over their busi- this year we have some companies in year some new products such as continue supporting and empower- privacy and loss of autonomy are nesses, but they never thought about the pipeline for listing.” ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) pro- ing the Qatar economy as part of its the twin major reasons that prevent continuing their businesses from Al Mansoori was speaking at viding more options for investors. In ultimate mission. UM Sports Lulu expands in Oman and opens 16th hypermarket launched The Peninsula strong that form the nucleus of our operations here in Oman. Our aim in Qatar in the wake of the aggressive expan- sion plans is to provide employment DOHA: Middle East retail major to more Omani nationals by the end Lulu Group has further expanded its of 2017.”. Currently Lulu provides The Peninsula presence in the Sultanate of Oman best quality training to absorb them by opening its latest hypermarket in in various managerial and special- Suwaiq, a coastal town in the north ised sections to Omanis,” he added. east of the country. Regardless of the challenges DOHA: Award-winning agency The 16th Lulu hypermarket in arising from the volatile oil prices, UM MENA, yesterday announced Oman was officially inaugurated by Yussufali expressed optimism on the launch of UM Sports in Doha; Shaikh Muhna bin Saif bin Salim Al the economic outlook of the country. a specialised dedicated sports unit Lamki, Governor of North Al Batinah, “We’re very optimistic based on the dedicated to connecting brands to in the presence of several high-rank- circumstances in general. The impact Qatar’s sporting audiences. ing officials from various government of fluctuating oil prices is not going to UM Sports, which is the first departments and representatives distract us from the long-term goals unit of its kind, leverages UM’s from local business communities. of our business in Oman. extensive sports experience to pro- The new 100,000 sqft hypermar- “Despite the signs of fiscal cau- vide unique, tailored opportunities ket will serve the residents of Suwaiq tion, there is no need for residents to to clients. UM Sports offers clients and its surrounding areas with a wide press the panic button. The govern- consultancy for sports sponsor- range of products from all over the ment has initiated comprehensive ships and other activations by world. The hypermarket has sep- measures and substantial strategies combining the extensive exper- arate sections for fresh fruits and to tide over the crisis and create a pos- Shaikh Muhna bin Saif bin Salim Al Lamki, Governor of North Al Batinah, opens the 16th Lulu hypermarket tise of its sport media specialists vegetables, meat and poultry, dairy itive impact on the lives of citizens. with proprietary data and measur- products, ready-to-eat products and in Suwaiq, Oman, in the presence of Yusuffali MA, Chairman - Lulu Group, CEO Saifee Rupawala, Executive This is definitely a clear sign that the ing tools to maximise value. Since a state-of-the-art live bakery and Hot Director Ashraf Ali MA, Oman Regional Director, Ananth AV and other top officials. economy is on track to overcome the UM’s establishment in Qatar in Foods kitchen and a huge area ded- challenges and achieve its objectives 1994, the agency has been trusted icated to department store which new hypermarket will have lots of political environment and promising of the country in the next two years.” successfully,” he added. by some of the strongest brands includes garment, electronics, IT inaugural offers and deals in almost market. We thank His Majesty Sul- On providing training and Other important attendees at in the country including Ooredoo, products, home appliances, etc. The all categories. tan Qaboos bin Said and the people of employment opportunity to the edu- the inauguration: Lulu Group CEO Qatar Financial Centre and Aspire. product mix in Lulu Suwaiq encom- Speaking after the inauguration, this country for encouraging us in all cated Omani youth, Yusuffali said, “it Saifee Rupawala, Executive Direc- “Sport brings us together like passes a wide selection of premium Yusuffali MA, Chairman of Lulu, said: our expansion strategies and efforts is also our endeavour to nurture the tor – Ashraf Ali MA, Oman Regional few other activities can, making it UK and US goods, including special “Oman has always been a preferred in Oman. The Group will open seven local talent and a proof of this is our Director, Ananth AV and other top a very powerful vehicle for brands products air-flown for freshness. The destination for us because of its stable more hypermarkets in various regions strong Omani work force of 2,000 officials. to reach and connect with their audiences,” said Simon Bowthorpe, Managing Director, UM Qatar. “UM Sports has the industry expertise, local knowledge and global net- Meeting with Al Nuaimi productive: Venezuela oil minister work. This enables us to support organisations across markets with crafting an effective strategy for Reuters Del Pino, who is on a tour of oil pro- oil prices rise above $34 a barrel on international oil market”, Nuaimi said. some Opec delegates said. “They seem increasing brand value and deliv- ducers to lobby for action to prop Friday from a 12-year low close to $27 “During the meeting, there were dis- like just general talk about cooper- ering a high return on investment.” up prices, said his meeting with last month, despite widespread scep- cussions about the cooperation of the ation, but nothing about cutting “Qatar provides great oppor- Nuaimi was “productive”, his minis- ticism that a deal will happen. producing countries within Opec and production,” said one Opec source. tunities to organisations looking to DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s Oil Minister try reported. “It was a successful meeting and outside (Opec)... and the importance Opec oil production jumped to its capitalise on its status as a dynamic Ali bin Ibrahim Al Nuaimi discussed Venezuela has been calling for an (conducted) in a positive atmosphere,” of the continuation of such consulta- highest in recent history in January sports hub with global visibility,” cooperation between Opec members emergency meeting of producers to SPA cited Nuaimi as saying. tions,” SPA added. as Iran increased sales and its rivals said Jihad El Rassi, UM Qatar. and other oil producers to stabilise the discuss steps to prop up prices, which Both ministers discussed Del However, the comments by Saudi Arabia and Iraq also boosted “UM Sports is part of UM’s drive global oil market with his Venezue- are close to their lowest since 2003. Pino’s visits to other oil producers Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil supply, a Reuters survey showed. The to proactively connect brands to lan counterpart yesterday, state news The prospect of supply restraint and the outcome of his “meetings exporter, show no indication of a shift Iranian news agency Shana quoted high-value sports opportunities agency SPA reported. by the Organisation of the Petroleum that aim towards the cooperation in the country’s policy of refusing to Del Pino as saying six producing coun- that provide measurable results.” Venezuela’s Oil Minister Eulogio Exporting Countries and rivals helped of those countries to stabilise the cut supplies to prop up crude prices, tries supported a producer meeting.

Solar plant in Morocco

An aerial view of the solar mirrors at the Noor 1 Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plant, some 20km outside the central Moroccan town of Ouarzazate. Noor 1 is one of the largest solar plants in the world, which is the first stage of a larger project designed to boost renewable energy production in Morocco. 24 MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS Norway’s SWF hits out at VW leadership

“I don’t think that anyone genu- inely believes that the family wants The Porsche and to change anything about the struc- Piech families own ture,” Slyngstad told the newspaper. “We as co-owners don’t get the 50.73 percent of impression that the family wants VW’s voting shares to listen to us.” Norway’s ¤734bn ($819bn) fund holds a stake of 1.2 via the holding percent in Volkswagen. company Porsche It previously criticised the Ger- man group’s shareholder structure Automobil Holding in 2009 following the VW-Porsche SE, but they own takeover battle. only 31.5 percent of The embattled auto giant is cur- rently embroiled in its deepest-ever the company equity crisis after it was forced to admit that it had fitted 11 million diesel cars worldwide with software which Iranian-made cars seen in a parking lot at Iran Khodro, west of Tehran. intentionally skews the results of AFP emissions tests. On Friday, the company took the unusual step of delaying the publica- tion of its annual results and pushed Iran carmaker reveals €427m in Peugeot perks FRANKFURT: The head of Norway’s back its annual shareholder meeting sovereign wealth fund, one of the as it grapples with assessing the full biggest capital pools in the world, financial fallout from the scandal. AFP upon implementation of a landmark eventually produce 200,000 vehi- Yekkeh Zare added that talks yesterday lashed Volkswagen’s own- Separately, the star lawyer VW nuclear deal with world powers. cles a year using parts manufactured were under way with Germany’s ership structure as giving too much has hired to handle compensa- “To compensate for suddenly in Iran. Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen as power to family shareholders and tion claims in the United States told leaving Iran under sanctions”, Iran The aim is to make the Peugeot well as Italian carmaker Fiat. Iranian disadvantaging minority sharehold- another Sunday newspaper that it TEHRAN: French carmaker Peu- Khodro CEO Hashem Yekkeh Zare 208, the 2008 sport utility vehicle conservatives have been critical of ers. might take some time yet before a geot is to provide Iran Khodro with said yesterday, Peugeot has agreed and 301 compact models, with the Rouhani’s government for restoring As VW battles a global emis- deal is hammered out for owners of ¤427m in debt waivers, bonuses to waive ¤80m of outstanding debts first vehicles expected to roll off the trade with Peugeot and other foreign sions-cheating scandal, the fund’s the affected vehicles in the US. and discounts under their first and provide free car parts worth production line in 2017. firms whose departure under sanc- chief executive, Yngve Slyngstad, “My hands are tied as long as post-sanctions deal, the Iranian ¤25m, and a free production line for The joint venture will export 30 tions dealt a blow to the economy, slammed the carmaker’s share- VW and the authorities don’t over- manufacturer said yesterday. the Peugeot 207 model worth ¤11m. percent of its production, and the saying the international partners holder structure. come their differences. The original Iran Khodro signed a deal with Peugeot will also offer ¤311.6m remainder will be sold in the domes- proved themselves unreliable. “This cannot be a role model for timeframe could be delayed,” law- Peugeot during President Has- in discounts, he said, including tic market. But when Peugeot pulled out of Germany,” Slyngstad said. Frank- yer Kenneth Feinberg told Die Welt san Rouhani’s trip to France last ¤140m in royalty fees for cars made Peugeot spokesman Olivier Iran in 2012 it was a major loss for furter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung. am Sonntag. month to form a joint venture that under Peugeot’s name. Salmon said the deal with Iran Kho- the French company as the Islamic The Porsche and Piech families Feinberg is renowned as the is expected to invest up to ¤400m Instead of ¤100, “Peugeot will dro was “a balanced agreement”. republic was its second-largest mar- own 50.73 percent of VW’s voting go-to lawyer for high-profile legal ($436m) over five years. receive 30 euros in royalty for 2m “The joint venture that will ket, after France. shares via the holding company Por- cases. He managed the compen- Peugeot is the first Western car- cars,” Yekkeh Zare said. be established will help to pro- With the lifting of the sanctions, sche Automobil Holding SE, but they sation claims fund for General maker to announce a return to Iran As part of last month’s deal, vide vehicles to Iranian customers Iran has signed a raft of commer- own only 31.5 percent of the com- Motors related to the deadly igni- since many economic sanctions Peugeot and its French partner Cit- for sustainable mobility,” Peugeot cial deals, including one to buy 118 pany equity. tion switches used in some of its cars. against it were lifted last month roen will work with Iran Khodro to added. Airbus aircraft worth about $25bn.

Bremen Classic Motorshow fair China’s forex reserves fall Air Arabia records third straight by $99.5bn in January profit drop

AFP to continue rapidly shedding the Reuters reserves. “While the remaining reserves represent a substantial war chest, the rapid pace of depletion in BEIJING: China’s foreign exchange recent months is simply unsustain- DUBAI: Air Arabia, the United Arab reserves have fallen to their lowest able,” IHS Global Insight economist Emirates’ only publicly-listed airline, level in more than three years, the Rajiv Biswas said. reported its third consecutive quar- central bank said yesterday, as Bei- Outflows increased “as expec- terly profit drop yesterday, as fuel jing sells dollars to stop the yuan tations mount that the PBoC will hedges taken out at higher oil prices from depreciating further. eventually be forced to capitulate continued to hurt results despite a The world’s largest currency once its reserves are sufficiently jump in passenger numbers. hoard shrank by $99.5bn in Janu- depleted”, he added. It made a net profit of Dh59m ary to some $3.2 trillion, the People’s George Magnus, economic com- ($16.1m) in the three months to Bank of China said on its website, the mentator and associate at Oxford December 31, down 13 percent lowest since May 2012. University’s China Centre, wrote from the Dh68m made a year ear- Worries about China’s economy on Twitter: “China’s fx reserves fell lier, said the budget airline, which have pushed the yuan to a five-year another $100bn clearly this can’t go launched 23 new routes and its low. The country saw its first-ever on for long.” fourth hub in Jordan during 2015. annual decline in foreign exchange China has also tightened some Analysts at SICO Bahrain reserves last year as Beijing tried to capital controls to try to curb out- had estimated the airline would prevent a more drastic devaluation. flows. “The smaller decline in the make a fourth-quarter net profit The PBoC is selling dollars to buy reserves suggests that some capital of Dh79.3m — a figure attribut- yuan amid a capital flight spurred outflow restrictions imposed in Jan- able to shareholders. Air Arabia A Mercedes-Benz C111 dated from 1970 is one of the main attractions of the special exhibit of by the slowing growth in the world’s uary worked,” Shen Jianguang, chief passenger figures jumped 17 per- youngtimer cars from the 1970’s at the ‘Bremen Classic Motorshow’ fair in one of the exhibition halls second largest economy. Asia economist at Mizuho Securities, cent year-on-year in the quarter in Bremen, Germany. A total of 650 exhibitors from eleven nations present historical, classic and But some analysts predict a more wrote in a note. to 2m and revenue rose to Dh957m, vintage cars, motorbikes, spare parts and accessories in overall eight halls, until yesterday. drastic weakening of the yuan this The drop in February will be from Dh924m in the fourth quar- year and question China’s ability much smaller, he added. ter of 2014. The drop in profit was due to pressure on yields and hedges made at much higher fuel prices. Brent Crude fell about 23 percent in the fourth quarter alone and is down Investors cheer Argentina’s swift offer to holdouts 70 percent from its June 2014 peak. “The impact of low oil prices continues to have its effect on the wider global economy, while Reuters already accepted the discounted last month, the center-right leader defiant position of his leftist pred- expect the remaining holdouts to pressure on yields and geo-politi- terms. “We’re very encouraged by said he wanted a “fair agreement” ecessor, Cristina Fernandez, who demand better terms. Macri will cal uncertainty continued to weigh the pace with which Argentina is with the bondholders early this year. refused to offer better terms than also need approval from Congress, on the aviation industry,” Air Ara- finally resolving the outstanding Finance Minister Alfonso the steep writedown accepted where he lacks a majority. But for bia’s Chairman Abdullah Al Thani NEW YORK: Investors praised the disputes with all of its holdouts,” Prat-Gay said negotiations were by most creditors in earlier bond now, many investors are optimistic. said in a statement. speed with which new Argentine said Shahriar Shahida, co-chief continuing with creditors still push- restructurings. She labeled the hold- “A deal will totally change the Chief executive Adel Ali said President Mauricio Macri made a investment officer at New York- ing for an improved deal. They out investors “vultures”. outlook. It will be extraordinary for in September the impact on earn- cash offer to holders of defaulted based Constellation Capital include billionaire Paul Singer’s Macri needs a quick settlement this country,” Cristiano Rattazzi, ings from fuel hedging was likely to bonds aimed at ending a long and Management, which holds Argen- Elliott Management and Aurelius to restore foreign investors’ battered president of Fiat Argentina said. continue for the next two quarters bitter dispute that has strangled tine securities. Capital Management. confidence and return Argentina to Alejo Costa, chief strategist but he was comfortable with hedg- government finances. “We’re hopeful this government “There might be a chance that global debt markets. Foreign credit at Buenos Aires-based broker- ing policies for 2016. The carrier’s A financial markets pariah since will have a much more conciliatory in the next few days they come is sorely needed to bolster Argen- age Puente, said he expected bond board of directors proposed a 2015 defaulting on a record $100bn in relationship with all of its creditors,” on board,” Prat-Gay told Radio tina’s thin central bank reserves prices to stage a modest rally of up dividend of 0.09 dirhams per share, 2002, Argentina proposed on Fri- Shahida said. Mitre. “They’re looking at the offer. and to finance a gaping fiscal def- to one cent on the dollar on today in line with the 2014 dividend. day a $6.5bn payment to settle the As Macri sought to woo multina- They’ve been getting closer to icit. Argentina’s offer represents following news of the offer. More Air Arabia’s annual profit was legal battle and said two of the lead- tional chief executives gathered at our position.” Macri’s pursuit of a a roughly 25 percent discount on sustained gains would come with Dh531m, down from Dh566m in ing six “holdouts” in the case had the World Economic Forum in Davos swift settlement contrasts with the what they claim, and debt strategists a final deal, he said. 2014. BUSINESS MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 25 Oil giants plot different paths to come out of crisis

70 percent over the past 18 months to prices held above $100 a barrel, big its big presence in shale oil fields in production including in North Dako- Anglo-Dutch group, which posted its around $35 a barrel, leading to five of energy firms had raced to expand the US Permian basin at the expense ta’s Bakken Shale. lowest annual income for 13 years last Oil and gas the world’s top oil companies report- production capacity, including buying of high-cost, complex deepwater BP was one of very few compa- week, expects to complete the deal companies have ing sharp declines in profits in recent stakes in vast, costly fields sometimes projects after cutting its 2016 capital nies that approved a major project last this month. days. located thousands of metres under the expenditure, or capex, by 24 percent. year, with its $12bn investment deci- US giant Exxon may need to take slashed their overall Executives at energy firms face sea, and miles from land. “In terms of longer-cycle projects, sion in the West Nile Delta gas project a leaf out of Shell’s book and seek capital expenditure, a tough balancing act: they must cut Over the past year however, com- we aren’t initiating. We aren’t initi- in Egypt. The strategy is partly based a major M&A deal after it surprised spending to stay financially afloat panies have slashed their overall ating any ... You are going to see us its plans to see a large part of its future many in the market last week by scrapping plans while preserving the production capital expenditure, scrapping plans preferentially favour short-cycle production growth come from gas off slashing its 2016 spending by a quarter for mega projects infrastructure and capacity that will for mega projects that cost billions to investments, and if they don’t meet the coast of the North African country. to $23bn, said Anish Kapadia, ana- allow them to compete and grow develop and take up to a decade to our hurdles, we won’t invest,” Chevron But the company, which reported lyst at Tudor, Pickering, Holt and Co. that cost billions to when the market recovers. bring online. Chief Executive Officer John Watson its biggest-ever loss last week, also The capex cut signals the com- develop and take up Companies have opted for dif- “Companies want to strike a bal- said in an analyst call. Even though does not have the line-up of long-term pany - which reported its smallest to a decade to bring fering approaches to secure future ance between long and short-cycle developing shale wells can be more projects boasted by the likes of Chev- quarterly profit in more than a dec- growth, often choosing to narrow investments while maintaining a costly than some deepwater projects ron; the development is also driven ade - is not planning to invest in many online focus to their areas of expertise and robust balance sheet to fund their on a per-barrel basis, a much shorter by the fact it sold more than $50bn new projects, he said. the geographic location of their main way through the down cycle,” said development cycle and lower execu- of assets after the deadly 2010 Gulf “That is a signal that Exxon doesn’t assets. BMO Capital analyst Brendan Warn. tion risks mean that companies can of Mexico oil spill, leading to a sig- have an attractive enough project American firms Chevron Cono- Focusing on a specific set of exper- reap benefits quicker. nificant decline in output, according queue to invest in and is not willing Reuters coPhillips and Hess Corp are tise and geographies allowed them to The short-term investment strat- to analysts. to invest in upstream, so if it wants to withdrawing from more costly deep- offer investors a “unique value prop- egy is driven in part by the fact that, “BP aren’t digging themselves grow it will have to make an acquisi- water projects to focus on shale oil osition”, he added. unlike for example BP, it already has through a hole. They are investing a tion,” added Kapadia. fields on their home turf, for example. Chevron, the second-largest US a pipeline of longer-term projects - it little bit through the cycle,” said Warn. “In this environment with the LONDON: As oil and gas compa- Britain’s BP is betting on offshore oil firm after ExxonMobil by mar- is currently developing some of the Shell, by contrast, opted at an potential for higher oil price, Chev- nies cut ever-deeper into the bone gas in Egypt, while Royal Dutch Shell ket value, last week outlined plans world’s largest liquefied natural gas early stage of the downturn to acquire ron are doing the right thing. They to weather their worst downturn in has opted for an alternative route as to target spending on “short-cycle” (LNG) projects such as the Gorgon and Britain’s BG Group in the sector’s larg- can survive over the next few years decades, boards have adopted con- it seeks to safeguard its future: the investments - lower-cost projects that Wheatstone plants in Australia. est deal in a decade. It will make it a and have the option to grow. Exxon is trasting strategies to lead them out $50bn takeover of BG Group. can take months, rather then several Smaller firms ConocoPhillips and leader in LNG and offshore oil pro- at the bottom of the pile. It looks the of the crisis. In the five years before the down- years, to come online. Hess have also shifted away from duction in Brazil and increase its most expensive but it is hard to jus- Crude prices have tumbled around turn began in mid-2014, when crude In particular, it is focusing on deepwater projects to onshore shale energy reserves by about a fifth. The tify given the lack of growth outlook.”

Airbus in talks to US call centre jobs reschedule delivery of A320neo jet may be exported Reuters PARIS: Airbus is renegotiat- ing delivery schedules for its revamped A320neo jet and has under Pacific deal told some airlines it will be delayed by about two months, industry sources said. The European plane maker Bloomberg saying they’ll stand up for workers missed a 2015 target for delivering who risk losing their jobs because of the first aircraft, an upgraded fuel- trade agreements. Democratic con- saving version of its best-selling tender Hillary Clinton also opposes medium-haul jet, by a few weeks WASHINGTON: American call- the TPP. due to what it described as issues centre jobs may be one casualty of a The agreement, signed Thursday with documentation for new Pratt pending Pacific trade deal that would in New Zealand, allows companies & Whitney engines. allow US federal contract work to be in Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei to Industry sources have pointed shifted to Malaysia, Vietnam and Bru- receive the same treatment as Amer- to delays in deliveries of the newly- nei. ican businesses when competing for developed Geared Turbofan engine Employees wear headsets while working at desks at the 24/7 Customer Philippines Inc call centre in Cebu, Opponents of the 12-nation many US agency contracts. It may from its US manufacturer, a sub- Trans-Pacific Partnership are seiz- actually be more likely to help US Philippines, in September. American call centre jobs may be one casualty of a pending Pacific trade deal sidiary of United Technologies. ing on the provision as an example companies that have operations in that would allow US federal contract work to be shifted to Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei. There was no immediate word on of how the pact may help US compa- those countries. the number of aircraft affected or nies with overseas operations to cut “For global American compa- include General Electric, Motorola policy specialist, said in an e-mail. federal money for state and local the full range of expected delays. costs when vying for their own gov- nies with operations in Malaysia and Solutions, Microsoft, Hewlett-Pack- The Pacific accord “limits that choice transit, highway and water projects, Airbus and Pratt & Whitney ernment’s work, and hurt US workers Vietnam, the benefit would be that ard and Cisco Systems, according to and expands the number of countries sensitive Defense Department pur- confirmed they were in talks over in the process. they could have the additional flex- an Obama administration official whose firms will get equal treat- chases, and programs designed to deliveries, without elaborating. “If you can pay workers $2 ibility of supplying a US government involved in negotiating the accord. ment with US bidders, regardless of boost spending with veterans or small “We are in talks with our cus- an hour, it’s a really easy way to contract from those locations,” said Still, the US government pro- whether the US has a verified reces- businesses. tomers on deliveries and once achieve cost savings at the expense Marc Mealy, vice president for policy curement market, which typically sion or depression.” Also still in place would be areas these talks will have concluded, of American jobs,” said Dan Mauer, a at the US-Asean Business Council, an awards more than $400bn in con- The other countries that are part where the Southeast Asian coun- then we’ll finalise the aircraft legislative representative for the Com- advocacy group for US corporations tracts each year, dwarfs the roughly of the Pacific deal, including Japan, tries’ cheaper labor markets might and deliver to our customers as munications Workers of America, a operating in Southeast Asia. $37bn in total contract spending by Mexico and Canada, are among more pose a significant threat to US work- agreed,” an Airbus spokeswoman labor union with about 700,000 US The US in 2015 awarded contracts the national governments of Malay- than 50 nations that are already eli- ers, such as the production of textiles said. members. totaling as much as $625m for call- sia, Vietnam and Brunei combined, gible, through other agreements, for or footwear for the military. State and “We are in talks with our The trade measure exposes sensi- centre work to companies including according to data from Public Citi- equal standing with American sup- municipal government contracting operator customers on deliv- tivities about jobs and the economy in subsidiaries of General Dynamics zen, a watchdog group that opposes pliers when competing for some US provisions favoring hometown com- ery schedules and once these a presidential election year. Outsider Corp and CenturyLink Inc. the trade deal. “Governments should government work. panies would remain, at least initially. are concluded we will finalise candidates—especially Republican The trade pact would also give retain the right to use fiscal policy to The accord wouldn’t alter some Adelicia Cliffe, counsel for Crowell the schedules as agreed,” said a Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders on US companies better access to gov- create jobs domestically when that directive designed to favour US & Moring in Washington, said many spokeswoman for Pratt & Whitney. the Democratic side—are appealing ernment contracts in the three Asian is the policy priority,” Celeste Drake, companies, including certain “Buy of her firm’s clients are watching the Although the delays are mini- to populist anti-establishment voters, countries. The possible beneficiaries an AFL-CIO trade and globalization America” requirements attached to trade accord closely. mal compared with some all-new programmes, the A320 and Boe- ing’s competing 737 drive a large chunk of aerospace industry prof- its and are closely watched. Classic Motorcycle Meeting South Africa aims to lift Airbus has said deliveries of the A320neo will be tilted towards the second half of the year. The A320neo is designed coal exports to India to save 15 percent in fuel con- sumption. So far, Airbus has delivered one aircraft to Ger- many’s Lufthansa. The launch Reuters miners and coal exporting coun- customer was originally supposed tries hard. Indonesian coal exports to be Qatar Airways but it rejected fell 50m tonnes in 2015 due to the early aircraft due to longer than market glut and Chinese slowdown. expected startup times, requiring CAPE TOWN: South Africa is hoping A drop in Indonesian exports to extra fuel. to boost coal exports to India after India, which imported around 165 Speculation about last-minute shipping a record 75.4m tonnes of million tonnes of thermal coal in fine-tuning resurfaced after the coal last year, industry officials said, 2015, offers an opportunity for South first aircraft was delivered after as a drop in exports from rival Indo- Africa, analysts said. an unusually extensive series of nesia opens up the chance to grab Exports last year were helped by 11 pre-delivery test flights, accord- market share. improved transport logistics mov- ing to data from website Hamburg Data from analytic consultancy ing coal to RBCT, while lower freight Finkenwerder News. IHS Energy shows that around 36m prices for global seaborne coal also In December, India’s IndiGo tonnes of South African coal was aided South African producers to said it would not receive its first shipped through Richards Bay Coal compete for “price-sensitive” Indian A320neo on time for “industrial Terminal (RBCT) to big coal con- buyers, analysts said. reasons” and warned of further sumer India last year, up from 30 “We have seen some competitive delays. million tonnes in 2014. rates coming from Australia, Colum- United Technologies said last “As far as South African coal for bia and Russia as well, but South month the engines needed “a soft- India, it is definitely on a growth Africa should be a consistent player ware fix and a minor hardware fix” path. How long and how much is yet going forward,” Mike Nelson, the head to deal with cooling problems. to be seen,” Arun Maheshwari, senior of petroleum coke and coal at Reli- Boeing said that it was working A biker riding a Harley Davidson leaves the popular monthly Classic Motorcycle Meeting in Germiston, vice president commercial for Indian ance Industries, said. Depending on to deliver the 737 MAX ahead of Johannesburg , South Africa, yesterday. The monthly meeting of motorcycle riders and collectors firm JSW Steel, told a coal conference the use, buyers of coal can expect to schedule. CFM said that it was on happens on the first Sunday of the month and attracts thousands of bikers who come to meet old in Cape Town. pay less if the rock has a lower cal- course to support targets set by friends, look at classic motorcycles, swap parts and have a breakfast. Global oversupply and a drop in orific value, which relates to the both plane makers as it set new coal prices to 7-year lows have hit amount of heat and energy contained. production goals. 26 MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS

QE INDICES SUMMARY QATAR STOCK EXCHANGE QE Index 9,620.57 0.65 % QE Total Return Index 15,004.25 0.65 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,417.1 0.53 % QE All Share Index 2,563.27 0.64 % QE All Share Banks & Financial Services 2,641.97 0.79 % QE All Share Industrials 2,757.32 1.25 % QE All Share Transportation 2,259.85 1.70 % QE All Share Real Estate 2,086.87 0.02 % QE All Share Insurance 4,034.1 0.03 % QE All Share Telecoms 1,071.34 0.71 % QE All Share Consumer Goods & Services 5,435.45 0.46 %

QE MARKET SUMMARY COMPARISON 07-02-2016 Today 04-02-2016 Previous day Index 9,620.57 9,683.62 Change 63.05 196.91 % 0.65 2.08 YTD% 7.75 7.15 Volume 6,818,321 10,041,368 Value (QAR) 215,831,816.35 304,529,099.38 Trades 3,553 5,064 Up 14 | Down 23 | Unchanged 02

WORLD STOCK INDICES Index Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low All Ordinaries 4930.761 -113.192 -2.24 5379.6 4857.9 Cac 40 Index/D 4274.32 -9.67 -0.23 4586.11 4084.68 Dj Indu Average 16153.54 -295.64 -1.8 18351.4 15370.3 Hang Seng Inde/D 18991.59 -455.25 -2.34 21794.84 18534.3 Iseq Overall/D 6324.69 -31.15 -0.49 6791.68 6146.61 Karachi 100 In/D 32084.06 123.45 0.39 33304.4 29785 Nikkei 225 Index 17191.25 -559.43 -3.15 18951.12 16017.26 S&P 500 Index/D 0 0 0 2134.72 1812.29

EXCHANGE RATE Currency Buying Selling US$ QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 UK QR 5.4930 QR 5.3261 Euro QR 4.0279 QR 4.1094 Saudi bourse CA$ QR 2.5915 QR 2.6505 Swiss Fr QR 3.6139 QR 3.6671 Most Gulf bourses fall uncertain Yen QR 0.0307 QR 0.0313 Aus$ QR 2.5453 QR 2.6099 Reuters about MSCI Ind Re QR 0.0529 QR 0.0542 Pak Re QR 0.0346 QR 0.0353 entry in 2017 Peso QR 0.0749 QR 0.0773 SL Re QR 0.0249 QR 0.0257 DUBAI: Major stock markets in the Middle East fell yesterday after oil prices pulled Reuters Taka QR 0.0458 QR 0.0469 back and global bourses sold off at the end Nep Re QR 0.0334 QR 0.0341 of last week. SA Rand QR 0.2280 QR 0.2325 The correlation between oil prices and DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s stock Gulf equity markets has strengthened in exchange (Tadawul) is not certain recent months with many investors believ- that it can join international index GOLD AND SILVER ing markets will continue to trade in almost compiler MSCI’s emerging markets lockstep with crude prices in the near term. index in 2017, the exchange’s act- GOLD QR134.4784 per gramme In Riyadh, the index dropped 1.3 percent ing chief executive was quoted as SILVER QR1.7320 per gramme to 5,896 points, erasing Thursday’s 0.8 per- saying. cent gain. The petrochemical sector was one The kingdom opened its mar- of the main drags with Saudi Basic Indus- ket to direct foreign investment in tries and Saudi Arabia Fertilizers, the two June last year. In November, the largest petrochemical producers by market exchange’s chief executive at the Egyptian pound slips value, falling 1.1 and 0.7 percent respectively. time, Adel Al Ghamdi, told Reu- The index has failed to close over the ters that he aimed for MSCI entry on black market psychologically important level of 6,000 cash dividend, 0.15 pound per share, and a under half of the bourse’s total market value, by mid-2017. points since January 14 as short-term traders bonus share issue of one for 20. fell 1.7 and 0.9 percent respectively. But Khalid Al Hussan, who CAIRO: The Egyptian pound continued to weaken on the sell to take profits on every bounce. Long- “Revenues stood at 957m Egyptian Small-cap stocks favoured by local retail took over on an acting basis in black market yesterday, piling more pressure on the cen- term investors are cautious about making pounds, beating our forecast of 664m traders tumbled, with Abu Dhabi National mid-November, told EconomicME tral bank to devalue the currency even as the official rate large commitments to the market because Egyptian pounds, on higher-than-expected Insurance and Invest Bank plunging 10.0 magazine, a regional publication, against the dollar remained unchanged at an auction. of volatile oil prices. deliveries of villas, apartments and chalets,” and 5.6 percent. that “there is still a level of uncer- Egypt, which heavily relies on imports for its food Saudi Cement erased early gains and a note by Cairo-based Naeem Brokerage In Qatar, the index slid 0.7 percent with tainty of when this could happen. and energy needs, is facing a foreign currency crisis closed down 3.3 percent. The company rec- said. Palm Hills is expected to have a strong Industries Qatar falling 2.8 percent. Blue- There are multiple things to be with the pound trading at substantially lower rates on ommended a dividend distribution of SR3 2016 in both off-plan sales and deliveries, chip banks also sold off, with Qatar National considered, some of them within the black market than the rate set by the central bank. per share for the second half of 2015, versus the note added. Bank and Masraf Al Rayan each retreat- the control of the exchange, some The central bank surprised the market in Novem- a proposed dividend of SR2.5 a year ear- Dubai’s benchmark edged down 0.7 per- ing more than 1 percent. Oman bucked the of them outside. ber when it strengthened the pound by 20 piasters and lier. But it also halted production at a clinker cent to 3,037 points in its lowest volume of regional downtrend. Its index rose 1.1 per- “If you ask me, I wish for 2017. has held it steady at 7.73 pounds to the dollar since then. kiln and scrapped a plan to upgrade mills trade for three weeks. At the opening the cent on the back of banks, with Bank Muscat But whether this is going to hap- At yesterday’s auction, the bank sold $39.1m at a because of weak cement demand. index traded in positive territory, but inves- climbing 1.8 percent. pen or not, I don’t know,” he was cut-off price of 7.7301 pounds to the dollar, unchanged Egypt’s index closed down 1.2 percent tors then booked profits, erasing some of quoted as saying. from the previous auction on Thursday. at 6,126 points, erasing some of the previ- Thursday’s 2.8 percent gain. HIGHLIGHTS Fund managers believe MSCI The black market rate was 8.72 pounds per dollar, ous session’s 2.2 percent gain. Foreign and Dubai Financial Market retreated SAUDI ARABIA: The index fell inclusion would draw billions compared with a range of 8.63-8.68 traders quoted on non-Egyptian Arab investors were net sell- 2.5 percent. The Gulf’s only listed stock 1.3 percent to 5,896 points. of dollars of fresh money to the Wednesday, even though some traders and bankers said ers, bourse data showed. exchange reported an 89 percent drop in EGYPT: The index dropped Saudi market. So far, foreigners then that no one was selling at such rates. Orascom Telecom tumbled 5.0 per- fourth-quarter net profit on Thursday to 1.2 percent to 6,126 points. have been lukewarm towards the The bank begun holding meetings with foreign cent. National Bank of Egypt’s investment Dh15.5m ($4.2m); HSBC had forecast Dh20m. DUBAI: The index slid bourse; they owned 4.58 percent exchange bureaus last week to try to keep a lid on black arm expressed interest in buying CI Capital, But Emaar Properties rose 0.9 percent. 0.7 percent to 3,037 points. of total market capitalisation at the market rates for the dollar, traders said, in a move one potentially hindering Orascom’s plan to form Investors are waiting for the emirate’s larg- ABU DHABI: The index declined end of January. banker said was doomed to fail. Officially the central a major financial operation by acquiring est developer by market value to release its 0.9 percent to 4,103 points. Hussan said the exchange had bank allows exchange bureaus to sell dollars at up to CI Capital from Commercial International quarterly results in coming days. SICO Bah- QATAR: The index fell been working closely with MSCI to 15 piasters either side of its set price, but the bureaus Bank. rain expects Emaar to make a net profit of 0.7 percent to 9,621 points. assess obstacles to inclusion. One have been known to demand more for the greenback Palm Hills last traded flat at 2.34 Egyp- Dh1.1bn, a 26 percent jump from a year OMAN: The index rose is that trades must be settled on when it is in short supply. tian pounds, off its session high of 2.39 earlier. 1.1 percent to 5,299 points. the same day, a practice known To help relieve a dollar shortage that has seen pounds. Egypt’s second-largest listed prop- Abu Dhabi’s index fell 0.9 percent in KUWAIT: The index edged up as T+0; it means foreigners must imports of essential goods piling up at ports, the cen- erty developer reported a 128 percent jump modest volumes, taking its 2016 losses to 0.2 percent to 5,207 points. have large amounts of money on tral bank in January raised the cap on foreign currency in fourth-quarter net profit to 203.5m Egyp- 4.7 percent. Blue chips First Gulf Bank and BAHRAIN: The index was flat hand before trading, which can be deposits at banks fivefold to$250,000. tian pounds ($26m). It also proposed its first Etisalat, which combined make up a little at 1,177 points. inconvenient given Riyadh’s time zone and its Sunday-Thursday business week. Many big emerg- ing markets have settlement after two days. “Clearly, it is the T+0 issue that Indian central bank’s buying activity swells forex reserves MSCI clients are having with the Tadawul market. There might also be some issues with foreign inves- IANS Analysts attributed the forex gains on the The individual movements of these curren- funds from the equity and debt markets. On a tor ownership limits,” Hussan was dollar buying activity of the central bank. cies against the US dollar impacts the overall weekly basis, the rupee weakened by 16 paise at quoted as saying. “India’s foreign exchange reserve grew on the foreign reserves’ value. According to other cur- 67.78-79 (January 29) to a US dollar from its pre- He added that he did not back of RBI’s buying activity. RBI used the buy- rency analysts, periodic US dollar sales by the vious close of 67.63 to a greenback (January 22). think the kingdom could move MUMBAI: Buying activity by the country’s cen- ing activity as an instrument to ease the liquidity RBI capped some of the gains made on account It touched a new 29-month low of 68.23 to a away from T+0 by 2017, and it tral bank and the revaluation impact of global crunch in the cash market segment,” Anindya of buying activity and currency revaluation dur- US dollar — its weakest level since late August, was unclear whether MSCI would currencies swelled India’s foreign exchange Banerjee, associate vice president for currency ing the period under review. 2013 during the intra-day trade on January 28. admit Saudi Arabia merely on the (Forex) reserves during the week ended Janu- derivatives with Kotak Securities, said. “The reserves could have increased further, The country’s gold reserves were stagnant basis of a commitment to make ary 29, experts said. In addition, currency revaluations strength- if not for the RBI’s selling activity which also at $17.24bn. The gold reserves had diminished the reform. “If you change the T+0 According to the Reserve Bank of India’s ened the foreign currency assets (FCAs) which is took place during the week under review. The by $303.7m to $17.24bn during the week ended environment, this takes us beyond (RBI’s) weekly statistical supplement, the over- the largest component of India’s Forex reserves. selling activity was conducted to contain the January 1. Furthermore, the special drawing 2017. If the Saudi Capital Market all forex reserves grew by $1.59bn to $349.15bn It grew by $1.58bn to $326.63bn during the week depreciation of rupee beyond the 68-69-level rights (SDRs) were higher by $3.8m at $3.98bn. Authority decides to change the for the week under review. The foreign reserves’ under review. Apart from the US dollar, the FCAs mark,” the analyst noted. Similarly, the country’s reserve position with settlement cycle, the change will kitty had risen by $355.1m to $347.56bn for the consist of nearly 20-30 percent of other major Lately, the Indian rupee has been on a down- the International Monetary Fund (IMF) inched- take effect, let’s say, in 2018,” he week ended January 22. global currencies, securities and bonds. ward trajectory due to heavy outflows of foreign up. It gained $1.2m to $1.29bn. said. BUSINESS VIEWS MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 27

Succession issue New breed of investors embrace looms large at world’s top glasses maker China’s white-knuckle ride

By Valentina Za and uncertainty at the group after Silvia Aloisi former Procter & Gamble exec- Reuters utive Adil Mehboob-Khan lasted only a year as Luxottica’s latest CEO could put candidates off. One of the sources said del or a man who created the Vecchio’s concentration of power world’s leading eyewear made it look as if that did not mat- company after growing ter much to him. up in a Milanese orphan- “The plan he has in mind is Fage and learning metalwork in a himself,” the source said. tool shop, the issue of who to hand The company did not make it on to should be relatively easy. Del Vecchio available for an But Leonardo Del Vecchio’s interview. He has been quoted as return to the helm of Italy’s Luxot- saying he is already looking for a tica, owner of Ray Ban and Oakley successor inside the company and sunglasses, at the age of 80 and could step down after 2017. insistence none of his six children When Guerra left, Del Vec- should carry the burden of such a chio’s eldest son Claudio, CEO big firm beg the question of who of US clothing company Brooks might fit the bill. Brothers, was seen by some as a His renewed hands-on role possible candidate. He headed up follows the departure of his Luxottica’s operations in North third CEO in 17 months and three America and subsequently served sources close to the company say on the board. other managers have also left. But his role ended when the Positions are not being filled, board was renewed in spring 2015. two of the sources said, com- In a letter to employees the pre- plicating Del Vecchio’s avowed vious October, Del Vecchio said search for a second-line manager he would keep his family at arms from within to step up to the plate. length from the company. The governance issues coin- “I would like to reassure you cide with signs of fatigue in the that through these changes there company’s main market, North hasn’t been and there never will A college student watches an electronic stock board at a stock exchange in Xiamen, in southeast China’s Fujian province. America, and slowing growth in be any influence from my family, emerging markets. Del Vecchio has numerous and complex, which for pledged to develop e-commerce, this reason I love intensely and where the company lags, invest- equally in its entirety.” By Jessica Macy Yu the opportunities to make money and has ment that could hit profitability. The following month, Del Vec- Reuters a greater willingness to take risks, using Luxottica has ambitious chio cut the stakes held by his six futures and options products. growth plans and a reputation for children in holding company new breed of small investor is “It could make the fluctuations of the top-notch managers. Most ana- Delfin, whose 66.5 percent Lux- riding China’s rollercoaster stock market more extreme if these investors take lysts recommend holding onto ottica stake has made him one of markets, looking for a quick buck more frequent short-term positions,” he said. the stock or buying more, citing the world’s richest people. and thriving on the volatility that China’s securities regulator did not a leading position in an industry They were allocated 12.5 per- has sent others scurrying to the immediately respond to requests for com- Many investors have set to expand as image-conscious cent each so he could leave a 25 Aexit clutching their stomachs. ment on the implications for the market. not just been put off by consumers age. percent stake to his second wife, Last summer’s 40 percent crash and Rao Xianjun is another of this new The share price has lost 9 whom he remarried in 2010. a 20 percent drop so far in 2016 have sent breed, who typically have trading apps on the falls, but by the wild percent since the announcement After Guerra left, Luxottica trading volumes tumbling on the Shanghai their phones and bone up on opportunities intraday swings, with del Vecchio was formally back in switched to a two-CEO struc- and Shenzhen bourses, where retail inves- through investor communities on media charge but remains up 30 percent ture, a move seen by critics as tors account for 85 percent of the business, platforms such as QQ, WeChat and Weibo. sharp morning gains since the first of the trio of CEOs an attempt to divide power. As unlike more developed markets, where insti- He’s looking at stocks in the new energy, frequently swallowed by left. One source said the depar- executive chairman, Del Vec- tutions dominate. technology and medical sectors, but he ture of long-term boss Andrea chio is taking on Mehboob-Khan’s Many investors have not just been put off doesn’t want to tie up his money for long, sharper afternoon losses Guerra in September 2014 had responsibility for markets while by the falls, but by the wild intraday swings, and says he will be looking to make money been followed by that of around a Massimo Vian will stay on as CEO with sharp morning gains frequently swal- by short selling, cashing in on the over-exu- dozen first and second line man- for product and operations. lowed by sharper afternoon losses. Not Zhao berant response of investors to government agers, including the latest head of An engineer who joined Lux- De. The 26-year-old Beijinger only has policies. marketing. ottica in 2005, Vian told Reuters around 55,000 yuan ($8,400) to play with, “The nation’s leaders will obviously focus Last year, the group lost Fabio last week he and Del Vecchio and he wants to make it work hard and fast. on new initiatives, and after the buzz of it D’Angelantonio, a manager close to shared the same vision on pro- He’s currently out of the stock market, all quietens down ... that’ll be my time to who gave his name as Zheng takes a sim- Guerra who was in charge of mar- duction - the side of the business not because it’s too volatile, but because move in.” ilar approach. He was clutching a copy of keting and oversaw retail chain the billionaire is known to be pas- it stops him making Rao is dismissive of traditional investors, Reference News, published by state news Sunglass Hut. He was replaced in sionate about. “He’s always been the most of that vola- the “aunties and uncles” who follow the buzz. agency Xinhua. August by Stefano Volpetti, with involved,” Vian said. tility. He wants to take People, perhaps, like the husband and “I don’t have any fixed plan for 2016,” Sunglass Hut regional chiefs left Luxottica, whose 2015 rev- bigger positions for wife team who turn up every morning at the Zheng said. “I just look at the situation, and to report directly to the CEO. enue rose 15.5 percent to 8.8 shorter periods, but the China Securities brokerage in Dongzhimen I look in the newspaper.” Two of a total of four sources billion euros helped by the dollar’s stock market makes him on the east side of Beijing. He shares a view with Wu that the best who spoke to Reuters about the strength, warned in October profit wait a day for trades to The husband, who gave his surname as stocks are the ones that have already soared, company, asking to remain anon- growth may slow as it steps up be settled, which pre- Wu, said he had been investing since 2005, that banks are not worth buying, and that ymous due to the sensitivity of the investments in retail and logistics. Last summer’s 40 vents intraday trading. and had lost a lot of money on the start-up gut instinct is the best guide. matter, said Volpetti had quit and Research on 10,000 family- He’s in commodity board in last summer’s crash. This year they will be up against nim- may not be replaced. owned Italian companies shows percent crash and a 20 futures for now. As a retiree in his 60s, he can ill afford ble young guns hoping to punish them for A spokesman for Luxottica performance usually worsens percent drop so far in “If I buy futures, I to lose. Unlike the younger generation of that instinct and make money even in the confirmed Volpetti had left in after the person in charge reaches can directly short sell,” investors, he said he relies on state media worst of times. December for personal reasons 70, said Guido Corbetta, an Ital- 2016 have sent trading he said. for his information. Rao thinks the vertiginous ride on Chi- and said any decision on his ian academic specialising in volumes tumbling Liu Jingde, Cinda “I look at CCTV Finance, as they are the nese stocks has been just the education he replacement would be announced family capitalism. But there are Securities analyst, voice of the Communist Party. They don’t needed to achieve that goal. “In a way, I feel in due time. Analysts warn exceptions. on the Shanghai and said this growing dare talk nonsense,” Wu said. lucky; I’ve experienced three bear markets Shenzhen bourses new cohort of inves- An octogenarian investor in the Founder that other investors take over a decade to tors is more open to Securities brokerage in western Beijing experience,” he said. Chocolate demand falls as candy bars shrink

By Nigel Hunt and Marcy Nicholson commodities expert and president of New Premium chocolate maker Lindt & “We are seeing very keen demand and Reuters York-based J Ganes Consulting. “Fun size” Spruengli reported sales growth of more off-take which is unusual for this time of bars in North America are two or three bites than 7 percent in 2015, while mass-market the year,” said Jeff Rasinski, vice-president big. A much lower-than-expected crop in rivals such as US-based Hershey Company of procurement and risk management for andy bars have shrunk and economic Ghana, the world’s second largest producer, have struggled. Blommer Chocolate Company, the biggest growth in Asia has slowed, meaning helped push global cocoa prices up by more The maker of Hershey Kisses and Reese’s cocoa grinder in North America. people are eating less chocolate and than 10 percent last year. The early weeks Peanut Butter Cups reported a bigger-than- Last year’s rise in cocoa prices had made its key ingredient cocoa, which has of 2016 have already seen prices fall back expected 5 percent drop in quarterly net sales it less profitable to grind cocoa. In the 2014/15 Cseen its price fall this year after defying com- again by as much as 15 percent, as production last week, noting weak demand in China and (October/September) crop year, the Interna- modities trends to soar in 2015. in Ghana rebounded and some investment North America. tional Cocoa Organisation estimated global High prices for ingredients last year funds reduced their holdings in commodi- “We believe the macroeconomic envi- grindings fell by nearly 5 percent to 4.1 million Consumers in more - including nuts and milk as well as cocoa - ties such as cocoa. ronment and competitive activity in the tonnes. Analysts and traders said the revival affluent countries have helped make chocolate a less affordable treat But those hoping for chunkier bars or international markets where we operate will in demand for processed cocoa may be driven for consumers in emerging markets such as cheaper chocolate are likely to be disap- continue to be a headwind for the chocolate by manufacturers restocking inventory, and developed a taste for China and India. Chocoholics in North Amer- pointed, with manufacturers likely to pocket category and Hershey in 2016,” John P. Bil- doesn’t necessarily mean people will soon premium chocolate, with ica and Europe, meanwhile, opted for quality most of whatever they save on ingredients. brey, president and chief executive of Hershey be eating more chocolate. at the expense of quantity. Euromonitor analyst Jack Skelly said most Co said during a conference call. “There are a lot of people who delayed the extra cost partially Market research firm Nielsen has esti- chocolate makers are focussed on cutting Euromonitor analyst Skelly said price purchasing when prices were high. They’re offset by less frequent mated there was a 3.7 percent year-on-year costs at the moment, noting that cocoa prices rises has stunted demand growth in Asia. going to look to take advantage of the lower decline in global chocolate confectionery are still much higher than a few years ago. “In emerging markets like China and prices. That’s going to help improve grind,” purchases demand in the September-November period. “Profit margins are at the forefront for India I think affordability is a real issue which Ganes-Chase said. With food retailers pressing manufactur- companies at the moment due to global mar- means chocolate isn’t growing as quickly as “It has nothing to do with how much ers to minimise price rises, one response was ket slowdown,” he said. it could,” he said. chocolate is being sold on the retail level. “shrinkflation”. Some companies put smaller Consumers in more affluent countries The fall in prices for cocoa has already This is more about inventory management bars in the pack but kept the price unchanged. have developed a taste for premium choc- begun to revive demand for grinders, who and trying to lock in lower price levels for “It used to be you had ‘fun sizes’ and now olate, with the extra cost partially offset by turn cocoa beans into ingredients like the manufacturers, bakeries or confectionery it’s bite sizes,” said Judith Ganes-Chase, soft less frequent purchases. cocoa butter used to make chocolate. manufacturers.” 28 MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 BUSINESS BACK TO BUSINESS

Chinese market electrifying sight for ‘green’ cars with govt aid Coke and Pepsi play for market share AFP during Super Bowl overnment subsidies are fuelling a boom in elec- tric vehicles in China, Reuters for Super Bowl ads, up 76 per- driving hopes for the cent over the past decade, industry’s global future according to market research Gas the world’s biggest car market firm Kantar Media. offers economies of scale that could SAN FRANCISCO: Coca-Cola More than 100m viewers make the technology mainstream. Co, PepsiCo and other con- in the United States and mil- Sales of electric cars, though still sumer-facing companies lions more around the world modest, have rocketed four-fold in a spending big bucks to advertise are expected to view Sunday’s year -- thanks in part to lavish gov- during Sunday’s Super Bowl Super Bowl in Santa Clara, ernment handouts -- as Beijing looks football extravaganza will be California. to cut down on dangerous air pollu- making a play for more market Many familiar consumer tion that shrouds urban areas. share to offset a slow economy brands are also struggling The sector has been a contrast and less overseas revenue. with the trend toward health- with the rest of the market for cars In the year since the last ier foods and reduced loyalty in China, where growth has slowed Super Bowl, shares of compa- to decades-old brands. markedly alongside the wider nies selling everyday consumer “Smaller niche brands are economy. products like food and clean- popular, they’re cooler among And observers say if carmakers ing supplies have outperformed the millennials and the incum- can crack China, with its vast popu- most other sectors, partly bents are challenged,” said lation and burgeoning middle class, because they are seen as rel- Bernstein analyst Ali Dibadj. the rest of the planet could follow. atively safe bets in world of Larger brands “have to get the “If China gets moving on electric growing macroeconomic consumer to think the brand cars then that would automatically worries. is worth something and that’s lower prices and have a favourable smog days, when some cities limit central industrial hub of Wuhan and But even that sector is why, in our opinion, they have ripple effect across the whole world,” vehicles according to their licence will start to produce electric cars vulnerable. Coca-Cola and to advertise more.” said Ernst and Young auto expert plate. They are also exempt from lot- there as early as next year, in cooper- PepsiCo are set to report Coca-Cola and Pepsi are Jean-Francois Belorgey. teries for plates several cities have set ation with local company Dongfeng. December-quarter results on expanding their lineups of “Pollution levels mean the gov- up in an attempt to cap on the total “If we can succeed in China we Tuesday and Thursday, respec- healthier drinks and snacks ernment has no other choice” than to number of cars. can succeed elsewhere,” says Renault tively. Wall Street expects to appeal to changing tastes, encourage the development of new Domestic firms have benefited, CEO Carlos Ghosn, whose firm has lower revenue and net income while Anheuser-Busch is energy vehicles, he added. with Warren Buffett-backed Chinese already produced several models in than a year ago for both, playing defense to growing Chinese cities are regularly firm BYD claiming to be the biggest Europe. US giant General Motors is according to Thomson Reu- numbers of small, local brew- smothered in a haze of particulates, electric vehicle maker in the world. making and selling its hybrid Cadillac The government ters data. eries catering to a thirst for often far exceeding global health China’s Geely, which owns Volvo, CT6 in China, and exporting it to the says it wants 5m They and other US multina- premium, craft beers. guidelines. is another major player, and says it United States, according to reports. tionals, including Super Bowl Exencial Wealth Advisors While much of the pollution wants to shift 90 percent of its sales Its American rival Ford has “green” vehicles on advertisers Anheuser-Busch is waiting to see how success- comes from coal burning for indus- to hybrid and electric vehicles by announced it will invest $4.5bn in the road by 2020 in InBev and Colgate-Palmolive ful Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are try, vehicle exhausts exacerbate the 2020 with the government’s blessing. electric cars between now and 2020, , have been clipped by a strong at rebalancing their businesses problem. The subsidy incentives only apply adding 13 models to its range, with a the country of more dollar that is cutting into rev- before investing in them, said Only 331,000 of the 24m new to domestic brands, not foreign man- particular focus on China. than 1bn people. enues in Latin America and David Yepez, an investment cars sold in China last year were elec- ufactured cars, and the government Mercedes-Benz also sells several Asia. They also face lackluster analyst at the firm, which over- tric or plug-in hybrids. says it will gradually phase them out hybrid models in China, and Nissan Growing public demand in the United States, sees $1.4 billion. Growing public anger has pro- by 2020 to ensure the sector does not has a version of its electric Leaf on anger has propelled where money saved from low The S&P consumer sta- pelled Beijing to act, with central become dependent on handouts. the Chinese market, and has found Beijing to act, with gasoline prices has failed to ples sector is expected to see government subsidies of up to 55,000 Despite the handicap, foreign favour with domestic consumers. fuel a long-awaited lift in first-quarter earnings fall yuan ($8,400) for buyers of zero- or firms have also tried to cash in on But as with other parts of the central government spending at stores. 0.7 percent, pulled down by low-emission vehicles, which are the potential gold rush. world, the market still remains on subsidies of up Tepid economic growth has a 12.5-percent drop at Wal- often matched by local authorities. France’s Renault is one of a grow- the margins because relatively high pushed companies to spend Mart Stores. That compares The government says it wants ing number of foreign manufacturers costs and a lack of charging stations to 55,000 yuan more on marketing in a bid to to a 3.6 percent drop, on aver- 5m “green” vehicles on the road by that see China as an ideal test ground has dampened public enthusiasm. ($8,400) for buyers steal rivals’ customers. That age, in earnings for S&P 500 2020 in the country of more than for low-cost electric vehicles that can Another problem is that China gen- increase is reflected in pricing companies. 1bn people. attract buyers in other markets. erates most of the electric power of zero- or low- Drivers of such cars can also The company opened its first which would be used to charge the emission vehicles avoid restrictions imposed on heavy Chinese factory last Monday in the cars from coal burning.

In terms of longer-cycle projects, we aren’t Capital initiating...You are going to see us preferentially John Watson, favour short-cycle investments, and if they don’t Chief Executive Officer, Comment meet our hurdles, we won’t invest, Chevron

TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS Market Talk National Bank of Egypt IMF @IMFNews MoneyBeat keen to buy CI Capital

Lagarde: Everybody is NAME IN THE MARKET: M&A VOLUME linked. The fate of one With valuations sinking Reuters in November for almost 650m country is going to be Egyptian pounds. OTMT is dependent on what back to levels last seen in owned by Egyptian billion- others do and vice 2012, during the grim days aire Naguib Sawiris, one of the versa. CAIRO: The National Bank of country’s most prominent busi- of the euro crisis, some Dealogic @Dealogic Egypt’s investment arm has nessmen and founder of the Free analysts are wondering expressed an interest in CI Cap- Egyptians political party, which Global core investment ital, a subsidiary of Commercial had a strong performance in banking (IB) revenue of whether investors should International Bank (CIB) which recent parliamentary elections. $3.9bn in January 2016 be a little more concerned has accepted a 1bn Egyptian NBE’s expression of interest was the lowest for the pound ($128m) bid from Oras- could threaten Sawiris’s hopes of month since January about credit risks com Telecom and Technology consolidating his new stake in 2012 ($3.8bn) (OTMT). Egypt’s financial services mar- In a statement dated Feb- kets. NBE has 50 percent market Forbes Woman @ ruary 4 that appeared on the share of Egypt’s banking indus- Wealth Adviser Cairo exchange yesterday, CIB try, estimated at between eight ForbesWoman said the written interest from and 10m clients. state-owned National Bank of Sawiris had previously An impressive 24% Egypt’s Al Ahly Capital did not tried to buy EFG Hermes, the of all businesses have I-bankers look at us as include a non-binding offer, or largest investment bank in the more than 50% owner- second-class citizens… If an indicative price. Middle East, through his New ship by women you are a wealth manager “As we have already Egypt Investment Fund, but the received a non-binding offer bid was unsuccessful. OTMT who has phoned an I-banker Adair Turner @ from a potential buyer which began a due diligence proc- without going through was disclosed on December 17, ess checking CI Capital’s books AdairTurnerUK accordingly, we highlighted to in January. That process is set proper channels,then you the interested party that they are to complete by Thursday, a CI When economists know exactly what the requested to sign a non-disclo- Capital source said. OTMT has ignore the human fac- sure agreement and present a holdings in media, technology tor, we all pay the price adviser means non-binding offer,” CIB said. and cable businesses as well as Financial, which it bought energy, transport and logistics. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 30 PAGE | 32 CostaCos and Chelsea Willett wins Dubai keepkee heat on Van Desert Classic in Gaal style

MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 • 29 Rabia II 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar Qatar eyes World Tour slot from next year

getting the upgrade we are looking for,” Sheikh Khalid said. QuickStep ‘not We have great “Since 2001, UCI initiated what’s history of staging called a World Tour. There are 18-20 invited’ to this memorable Tour of teams registered as Pro Tour teams. There is a promotion and relegation year’s Tour of Qatar races. I hope system. Our race was ranked a notch below before the Tour was launched,” all of this helps us in Sheikh Khalid said. Qatar getting the upgrade “Only 50 percent of Pro Tour we are looking for, Teams are allowed to feature at events such as ours. Now we have 8 The Peninsula says QCF President Pro teams participating at our event this week. If we get an upgrade to a World Tour event, then next year DOHA: Etixx-QuickStep rid- By Rizwan Rehmat all teams will be World Tour teams,” ers including Belgian star Tom The Peninsula Sheikh Khalid explained. Boonen won’t be seen in action “A World Tour event also runs sim- at this week’s Tour of Qatar for ilar duration - five or six days. It doesn’t non-cycling reasons, it emerged DOHA: Organisers of the hugely make any difference. You register by yesterday. popular Tour of Qatar race are hop- stages. You could even have four-stage The organisers of the Tour of ing for an upgrade to UCI World Tour event. The number of events don’t make Qatar - a hugely popular cycling Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al Thani (third right), President of Qatar Cycling Federation speaking at a press series status next year, it emerged any difference to teams or riders,” the race in the region - have not conference on the eve of the Tour of Qatar in Doha yesterday. Five-time Tour de France winner, and Belgian yesterday. QCF President said. invited Etixx-QuickStep due to The 15th edition of Tour of Qatar With increasing number of cycling legend Eddy Merckx (third from left) was also present. Picture by: S Matramkot/The Peninsula ‘poor conduct’. starts today when 8 World Tour teams events taking place around the region Out of the last 10 years, Quick- and other sides will be hoping to and the Asian continent, Qatar feels it increase in prize money for riders and it happens to be on the National Step riders had managed eight clinch the honours at Doha Corniche is time to get maximum mileage out and teams. The fees are high for the Sports Day. As you can see we have Tour of Qatar overall wins at Tour of Qatar on the final of the five-stage finish of their events. teams. We don’t know if other races very good teams,” Sheikh Khalid said. Stage 1: Dukhan to Al Khor Corniche, where Boonen had won 22 stages on Friday. “The calendar is becoming very (in the region) will be going for World The QCF chief said the organis- and 4 golden jerseys. “We have applied for World Tour busy around the world. The cycling Tour status. We could get it with other ing committee are committed to a 176km “As organisers of Tour of Qatar, status with the UCI. I hope we are world is booming. Teams are choos- teams - maybe Qatar and UAE getting five-day race rather than a six-day Stage 2: Katara Cultural Village - we try to ensure that we make a successful in our bid. We hope that ing to somewhere else. Once it is a it together but we don’t know,” he said. competition. Qatar University, 135km great effort to make the teams we join the calendar in 2017,” Sheikh World Tour event, teams will be lin- Sheikh Khalid said tomorrow the “There is technical reason for comfortable. QuickStep has won a Khalid bin Ali Al Thani, President of ing up to come here. It will be more riders will get a first-hand glimpse reducing the number of stages. There Stage 3: Lusail - Lusail (ITT), 11km lot in the Tour of Qatar. We appre- Qatar Cycling Federation (QCF), said. important for them to be here,’ Sheikh of the 2016 World Road Champion- are so many events happening in the Stage 4: Al Zubarah Fort - Madinat Al ciated their performances,” Sheikh “Now this is a decision that will Khalid explained. ships route. region at the same time. We feel that Shamal, 189km Khalid bin Ali Al Thani, President be taken by cycling world govern- The QCF chief said a World Tour “This year is very special for the so many races are coming up. The cal- of Qatar Cycling Federation (QCF), ing body UCI. We have great history status means increase in prize money riders. This is year of the 2016 World endar is full. We want to reduce the Stage 5: Sealine Beach Resort - Doha said at a pre-event press confer- of staging memorable Tour of Qatar for teams and riders. Championships. We will test the pressure on the riders,” Sheikh Kha- Corniche, 114km ence yesterday. races. I hope all of this helps us in “Yes, there will be an obvious worlds route (tomorrow, second stage) lid said “We noticed that - not only last year but even before that - we had a problem with their discipline. They delay a lot for the ceremo- nies. They would give interviews Upbeat Cavendish eyes winning performance in Doha while we were waiting. “And we had limited time on the (live) satellite production. We The Peninsula “The atmosphere is brilliant. It’s you need to do specific work for it. It’s sent people to hurry them up. They really relaxed. The difference with not about your endurance anymore. did not talk to them in a very nice Etixx is simple: one is Belgian, the That’s the hardest thing to try and cal- way. DOHA: British rider Mark Cavendish, other is South African. The difference culate. I think it’s do-able. “We had warned them that appearing for new team Dimension is as big as that between the two hem- “With careful planning I can do if this continues, we would not Data, is eyeing a winning perform- ispheres where both teams belong,” it. I might not win anything. I want to invite them. Last year the same ance at this week’s Tour of Qatar. he said. win throughout the year, on the track thing happened. So we decided The 30-year-old is one of top rid- When asked about his prospects and the road, but I might not win any- that since we respect all teams, ers at this week’s Tour of Qatar, now at the 2016 World Track Cham- thing,” Cavendish said. we will not send them an invita- into it’s 15th edition. pionships or the Olympic Games, Katusha rider Alexander Krist- tion. We hope to see them in the “We’d like to win. We’d like to win Cavendish said he will be in a better off said he is ‘feeling great’ ahead of future,” Sheikh Khalid said. at least a stage. We want to be visible position to comment on his chances Mark Cavendish puts on today’s first stage at Tour of Qatar. “It is a decision that has been and if you are here, it means you’re later this week. the yellow jersey, after “In training, I felt OK. Based on taken. People must understand going to be at the front,” Cavendish “I have to see how I am at the end receiving it from Sheikh the data, everything looks normal, that nobody is above the race, said yesterday. of this race to decide if I’m going to the Khalid bin Ali Al Thani, similar to last year,” Kristoff said. above the law. There were asked “I believe we can be very success- track World championships. I’ll make President of Qatar Cycling “I think I should be good but you many times for better conduct. ful with the riders we have here,” the a call then,” Cavendish said. Federation in this file never know how the others are. Some “They won too many times 2013 Tour of Qatar champion said. “Concerning the Olympics, every picture of February 2013. guys have already done some rac- in Qatar. They (probably) felt at Cavendish, who featured at the single day counts. It might not be do- ing and maybe they have a little bit home, maybe they thought they Tour of Dubai last week, said he was able. I might realise in a few weeks more speed in the legs. We will see,” could do whatever they want. We enjoying his partnership with Dimen- that I have to change everything. “I’ve won road races and done it used to be. The more you rode and he added. have talked to them before and sion Data. There are very few riders who can do well on the track. In 2008, I was trained, the better it worked. As sim- “Qatar is very important in my it did not help. There were sev- “I’ve only done four days of racing the road and the track at the high- World Champion and won in De ple as that. build up for the classics. It’s normally eral incidents. So we decided we but I’m really loving it. Our training est level, but I think I can do that,” Panne the same week. It’s harder “Now with the omnium, there are very hard racing with many classic should make an example,” Sheikh camp was great,” Cavendish said. he added. now because track cycling isn’t what three sprint events. It’s so specific that riders here,” Kristoff said. Khalid said. QCF are pioneers in the region, says legend Merckx

The Peninsula Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani following them. We have great sprint- are strong. That can make race dif- and he decided that we hold the ers for this event. I am sure we will ficult for riders. We will get a better Tour of Qatar,” the five-time Tour de have a nice race like we did during idea after riders do four laps. There DOHA: Qatar are pioneers in cycling France winner said at a pre-event the Ladies Tour of Qatar (last week),” is no danger at all,” he said. in the Middle East, retired Belgian star press conference yesterday. Merckx, 70, said. When reminded about the Eddy Merckx (pictured) said yester- “Ever since then, we’ve had When asked about the worlds absense of a few teams at this week’s day. a great collaboration with Qatar route to be used during this week’s event, Merckx said: “I don’t think it The 15th edition of the Tour of Cycling Federation (QCF). The coop- Tour of Qatar, Merckx said it was (their absence) makes any difference. Qatar starts today. The hugely pop- eration has been great. This is the used during last week’s women’s We have the Olympics and the Tour ular five-day race is one of many top 15th edition. We are proud that Qatar race also. de France. Lot of the riders don’t want sports events staged by the Qatari will stage the 2016 UCI World Road “One lap is not enough. You can to take too much pressure.” capital every year. Championships. say more when men will ride four laps He added: “There is a new race “In 2001, H H the Father Emir “Qatar are the pioneers in cycling (during stage two tomorrow). Then in Valencia. Then there was a race Etixx-QuickStep rider Tom Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in the region. They staged the first you will have a better idea. in Australia. There are more races. was the person who invited us to start Ladies Tour of Qatar as well. After “One lap is gone so fast. It also Teams decide to come or not. Yes, Boonen, speaking to journalists this Tour,” Merckx said yesterday. the events were staged in Qatar, we depends on the wind. It is not so all of this pushes the World Tour. But in Doha in this February 9 2015 “We were received by Emir H H saw countries like Oman and the UAE easy, but it is very safe. The winds teams can refuse to come to races.” file picture. 30 MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 SPORT Costa and Chelsea keep heat on Van Gaal

English Premier Manager Hiddink Manchester United’s Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea League results watches as Chelsea’s Brazilian-born Spanish striker extends unbeaten Bournemouth 0 Arsenal 2 (Ozil 23, Diego Costa scores during the English Premier League run to 10 matches as Oxlade-Chamberlain 24) football match at Stamford Bridge in London yesterday. Chelsea 1 (Costa 90+1) Manchester Costa scores equaliser United 1 (Lingard 61) in injury time against awkward afternoon that saw Kurt Manchester United Zouma stretchered off with a seri- ous-looking knee injury. Hiddink’s men remain 13th, 17 points below the top four. John Terry AFP was making his first home appear- ance since revealing that he will leave at the season’s end and while he did not mention the matter in his pro- LONDON: Diego Costa pounced in gramme notes, Chelsea’s fans made stoppage time as Chelsea nipped Man- their displeasure at the club’s failure chester United’s mini-revival in the to offer him a new deal by chanting bud with a 1-1 draw in the Premier his name from kick-off. League yesterday. Both teams were unchanged, but Jesse Lingard’s smartly taken while Chelsea made a cautious start, 61st-minute strike at a rainy Stam- United picked up where they had left ford Bridge had set United on course off in the mid-week 3-0 win over for a third straight win, which would Stoke City. have lifted them to within four Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and points of the Champions League Michael Carrick both dispatched long- places. range sighters before Thibaut Courtois But Costa equalised in the 91st was called into serious action in the minute, rounding United goalkeeper 18th minute, palming Anthony Mar- David de Gea to score and thereby tial’s drive around the post. extending interim manager Guus Chelsea were struggling to get out Hiddink’s unbeaten run to 10 matches of their own half, but United could not Borthwick-Jackson on the deck with after the change of ends and Courtois Zouma’s injury. The 21-year-old France to the mix and after De Gea had saved since he succeeded the sacked Jose maintain their initial rhythm and as a sharp feint. United flickered -- Mar- was obliged to parry a low shot from international screamed in agony after brilliantly from Ivanovic and Cesc Fab- Mourinho. the half wore on, the hosts took the ouane Fellaini heading wide, Matteo Wayne Rooney before Martial breezed landing awkwardly following an aerial regas, Costa equalised. Mourinho’s shadow continues to upper hand. Darmian crossing menacingly -- past Branislav Ivanovic and shot wide. challenge and following four minutes’ United substitute Memphis Depay stalk United manager Louis van Gaal Costa and Nemanja Matic threat- before Chelsea’s hands flew into the Shortly after, a curling effort from Lin- treatment he was stretchered off, with conceded possession, allowing Fab- and reports that the Portuguese has ened with headers, the latter obliging air when a shot from Terry struck gard drew a one-handed stop from Gary Cahill coming on. regas to slide a pass into the box, and been lined up to replace him are De Gea to leap to his right and save, Daley Blind on the elbow inside the Courtois, who sprang to his feet to Two minutes later United added with Borthwick-Jackson succeed- unlikely to go away after a result that while Costa drilled a shot across goal visitors’ box. shovel Rooney’s drilled follow-up insult to injury by taking the lead, ing only in sliding the ball away from left his side six points below the top and wide from Oscar’s pass. But as replays showed, the Dutch- behind. Seeking to give his side an Rooney cushioning Borthwick-Jack- De Gea, Costa had the simple task of four in fifth place. Oscar planted a shot into the man’s arm had been clamped to his attacking foothold, Hiddink intro- son’s cross into the path of Lingard, slotting into an empty net. The Spain Costa’s goal, his seventh in nine Shed End after a one-two with Cesar chest and referee Michael Oliver duced Eden Hazard in place of Oscar who took a touch before hooking home international might even have won it, games, gave Chelsea something Azpilicueta and Willian flashed waved away the penalty appeals. in the 54th minute, and a minute later a right-foot shot on the turn. but after taking aim from Hazard’s to show for their efforts after an a cross across goal after leaving United reasserted themselves his hand was forced again following Hiddink added Pedro Rodriguez pass, he was denied by De Gea.

Leicester can Barca equal unbeaten record with Levante win emulate Forest’s 1978 triumph, AFP Spanish League Results says O’Neill MADRID: Barcelona equalled a club Levante 0 Barcelona 2 record of 28 games unbeaten to move (Navarro 21-og, Suarez 90+2) three points clear at the top of La Liga Real Betis 1 (Ruben Castro 49) Valencia 0 Reuters with a hard-fought 2-0 win at Levante Playing today yesterday. Espanyol vs Real Sociedad (1930) Gary Neville’s stay in Spain as LONDON: Former Leicester City Valencia boss may be short-lived as Barca needed a slice of luck to manager Martin O’Neill believes his winless La Liga streak stretched to open the scoring on 21 minutes as Jordi Saturday’s stunning victory over nine games with a 1-0 defeat at fellow Alba burst down the left and his ball Manchester City could spur the strugglers Real Betis. into the box was deflected into his own Foxes to become the most unex- Barca were far from their best net by Navarro. pected English champions since in coach Luis Enrique’s 100th game Levante remain rooted to the foot his Nottingham Forest side of 38 in charge, but David Navarro’s first- of the table, but had won their previous years ago. half own goal and Luis Suarez’s two home games and deserved to be Forest won the league by seven strike in stoppage time was enough at least level at the break as they out- points in 1978 in their first season to secure a 10th consecutive win in played the Catalans in the latter stages after promotion and went on to tri- all competitions. of the first-half. umph in the European Cup in the The European champions now Jose Luis Morales came closest to following two years. lead Atletico Madrid by three points equalising when his low effort came O’Neill, currently manager of and have a game in hand on Diego back off the post eight minutes before Ireland, compared Leicester’s 3-1 Simeone’s men. the break. away win over title rivals City to Third-placed Real Madrid are Levante continued to enjoy the an equally stunning success just seven points adrift of Barca, but better of the game in the second before Christmas 1977 when the Barcelona’s Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez celebrates a goal during the Spanish League match against can cut the gap when they travel to period, but found clear-cut chances Forest team he played in under Levante UD at the Ciutat de Valencia stadium in Valencia yesterday. Granada. hard to come by as former Manchester Brian Clough won 4-0 at Manches- Barca’s 28-game unbeaten run United forward Giuseppe Rossi’s shot ter United. matches the feat of Pep Guardiola’s from outside the box was the only time “We scrambled up from the old side in 2010/11 with Enrique’s men Bravo was forced into action. at the hands of Barcelona in the Copa are between me and the owners.” effort off the line. Valencia were given Second Division in third position well on course to repeat their treble Barca had barely threatened del Rey in midweek. Betis hadn’t won for nine league a small lifeline when Jorge Molina’s and up until Christmas time peo- of Champions League, La Liga and themselves after half-time, but did “What matters are results. We games either, but eased their rele- goal was ruled out for a debatable ple were saying our bubble would Copa del Rey from last season. seal the points with the last move of knew this would be about one or two gation worries as Ruben Castro took offside decision, but any hopes of a burst,” he told BBC radio’s Sports- “More than statistics, I am inter- the match as Lionel Messi picked out moments and they have not gone our advantage of some statuesque Valen- fightback seemed gone when Jose Luis week programme. ested in the collective objectives that an unmarked Suarez to fire home his way,” said Neville. cia defending to tap home his 10th Gaya was sent-off for two quickfire “It never did. The Old Traf- we have and we can only reach them 36th goal of the season. “It’s just not going for us at the goal of the season four minutes after bookings. ford game was really something at the end of the season,” said Enrique. Valencia remain just four points moment. That was a pretty solid half-time. Yet, Neville’s men were also to be special and you can compare “We are very well-positioned in above the relegation zone as Nev- away performance. I continue to Alvaro Negredo had a great chance denied by a dubious offside decision this great result for Leicester at all competitions, but there is a long ille failed to produce the reaction he work, I continue to have belief and to equalise moments later, but Juan when Shkodran Mustafi’s stoppage the Etihad.” way to go.” hoped for following a 7-0 thrashing any conversations with the owners Manuel Vargas got back to clear his time header was ruled out. Rated as 5,000-1 outsiders before the start of the season after avoiding relegation last May, Claudio Ranieri’s side now top the table by five points with 13 games to play. “While the other teams are fal- Tottenham have title faith, says Pochettino tering, as well as being involved in other competitions, they just keep going on,” said O’Neill, who is in AFP weekend. A victory there would feeling, the energy that they believe. about the future so we can be ready day in every competition and we see San Francisco with his Ireland underline Tottenham’s title creden- But it is better not to speak too much, to compete again like we did today,” what happens in the end.” assistant Roy Keane to watch the tials, but Pochettino has no doubts his only show, work hard. he said. “For me historically Totten- Kieran Trippier’s first goal for Tot- NFL Super Bowl. LONDON: Tottenham manager Mau- side can sustain their challenge and “This is the better way to show ham is bigger than a lot of clubs in tenham was enough to seal the points “When you are opening up a ricio Pochettino is convinced his be crowned English champions for we are ready to compete. And after, England. It is not a surprise we are in against Watford, although the home gap and games are running out, players are starting to believe they the first time since 1961. we see what happens, but the most a good position. side’s domination meant the margin of you’ve got to give yourself a chance. can deliver the Premier League title “I believe in my players, I believe important thing is to do rather than “Maybe in the last few years but victory could have been much wider. They are winning games with less to White Hart Lane. in my squad. We will see. It is diffi- speak.” in the past Tottenham showed they Watford manager Quique Sanchez possession than the opposition but Pochettino’s side moved into sec- cult to guess what will happen in the Few would have predicted a top are one of the best or one of the big- Flores admitted his side had been out- that has continued month after ond place, five points behind leaders future,” Pochettino said. two of Leicester and Tottenham at this ger clubs in England. played and conceded the demands of a month. Leicester, after a 1-0 win over Wat- “In football belief is the most late stage of the season, but Pochet- “Leicester fully deserve their posi- testing week that also included a midweek “If ever there was an oppor- ford at White Hart Lane on Saturday. important word. If we believe, any- tino isn’t surprised by his team’s rise tion and how they won the game they draw with Chelsea had taken its toll. tunity, this is it. And it should give The north Londoners took thing can happen. I believe in my or the stunning ascent of the Foxes. completely deserved it because they “We had three players who haven’t hope to every other team.” advantage of Leicester’s victory squad and they believe too in the way “The gap we have now with were better than Manchester City. trained since the last match. We have Leicester, managed by O’Neill at Manchester City to move above we play. This synergy is very impor- Leicester is five points. We are in a “But our position, we do not look Valon Behrami, Odion Ighalo and Troy from 1995-2000, play away to Manuel Pellegrini’s side ahead of tant for the future. very good position but we need to at Leicester or different clubs. The Deeney. Three players who we didn’t another of their title rivals Arse- their crucial visit to Eastlands next “You can see in their eyes, the keep working and not think too much challenge is to win and improve every know the exact (fitness) level,” he said. nal next Sunday. SPORT MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 31 Monaco get Champions League boost

Nabil Dirar was sent off after he vig- Troyes last month to snatch a point. Midfielder Bakayoko orously disputed a call by referee Tony Reims made the most of Montpel- Chapron, as Angers were also playing lier’s slip-up as they saw off Caen 2-0. strikes for Monaco in a man down following a 16th minute Goals from Thievy Bifouma and Riveria derby clash red card for Thomas Mangani. Prince Oniangue helped take Olivier “The players showed that apart Guegan’s Reims three points clear of between second and from PSG, there is no team better the relegation zone. third-placed teams at than us. We know each other well, we Bastia picked up a much-needed know how to play at 10 and showed victory by easing past bottom club Stade Louis II this,” said Monaco coach Leonardo Troyes 2-0 despite having a man sent Jardim. “The players had a great off for the fifth time in five league match.” “Paradoxically, the sending games. Goalkeeper Jean Louis Leca’s off seemed to do them good,” said red card was sandwiched by a Floyd AFP Nice coach Claude Puel. Ayite brace for the Corsicans, as visit- “If they continue to be success- ing Troyes were reduced to nine men ful like that they can even envisage in a feisty encounter. catching Paris,” added Puel of Monaco Gazelec Ajaccio are now winless PARIS: Monaco’s hopes of Cham- who trail Paris Saint-Germain by 21 in six league games and just a point pions League football next season points. above the drop zone after playing out got a boost with a 1-0 win over Nice The reigning three-time cham- a goalless draw with fellow strugglers on Saturday as Lyon rekindled their pions will be looking to extend their Guingamp, who had Lionel Mathis European challenge by beating Angers Ligue 1 unbeaten streak at bitter rivals kick off the pattern of the night with 3-0. On a stormy, tense day in Ligue Marseille. his 10th minute dismissal. 1, seven players were red-carded in Lyon secured back-to-back league Meanwhile, a 0-0 stalemate with seven games. wins for the first time since November Nantes leaves Toulouse second-from- The Riveria derby clash between and gave new coach Bruno Genesio a bottom and six points from safety. the second and third placed teams first league victory away from home. failed to ignite Monaco’s Stade Louis Last season’s runners-up took an II before midfielder Tiemoue Bakay- early lead through Christophe Jallet, FRENCH LIGUE 1 oko struck after 81 minutes. and the hosts fell two behind when RESULTS A long free-kick off the boot of winger Rachid Ghezzal picked out Portuguese midfielder Moutinho the roof of the net just after half-time. Monaco 1 (Bakayoko 81) Nice 0 found Bakayoko who slotted in after Corentin Tolisso wrapped up Angers 0 Lyon 3 (Jallet 13, Ghezzal 46, Monaco’s Bernardo Silva (left) challenges Nice’s Ricardo Barbosa Pereira during their French Ligue 1 match the ball had bounced in front of Nice the scoring late on as Lyon moved to Tolisso 81) goalkeeper Yoan Cardinale. within three points of the Champions at the Louis II Stadium on Saturday. Toulouse 0 Nantes 0 The win allows Monaco, second League places. Bastia 2 (Ayité 10, 83-pen) Troyes 0 behind runaway leaders Paris Saint- “It is satisfying to have a second Saint Etienne or the draw with Mar- Saturday kick-offs it was unsurpris- Bellugou was given a straight red card, Lorient 1 (Cabot 49) Montpellier 1 (Ber- Germain, to move six points clear of consecutive victory and what was seille, but with our first real chance ingly a tense evening of football. and Kevin Berigaud took advantage igaud 45+2) Nice, who remain third, two points important is the way we found con- we got the opening goal and that is Montpellier blew a great chance to give Frederic Hantz’s Montpellier Gazélec-Ajaccio 0 Guingamp 0 ahead of Angers with Lyon moving up fidence as a team,” Genesio said. always so important now in Ligue 1.” to haul themselves out of the bot- a half-time lead. to fifth a further point back. “I am not sure that it was a bet- With eight of the bottom nine tom three as they were held to a 1-1 But Jimmy Cabot scored his first Caen 0 Reims 2 (Bifouma 20, Oni- Monaco’s Moroccan midfielder ter performance than in the defeat at teams in action in the five late draw by ten-man Lorient. Francois goal for Lorient since joining from angue 63) Title woe for Mancini as Verona hold Inter 3-3

AFP SERIE A RESULTS with a third header to send Vero- Verona 3 (Helander 13, Pisano 16, na’s fans, who had celebrated their Ionita 57) Inter Milan 3 (Murillo 8, side’s opening win of the campaign MILAN: Roberto Mancini was left Icardi 61, Perisic 78) against Atalanta last week, delirious counting the cost of missed chances just three minutes before the hour. On Saturday as Inter Milan slipped further out of But Inter were far from finished Serie A title contention with a 3-3 Bologna 1 (Giaccherini 63) Fiorentina 1 and quickly capitalised on soft draw away to basement side Verona (Bernardeschi 59) defending to pull level with 12 min- yesterday. Genoa 0 Lazio 0 utes on the clock. The result left Inter in fourth Croatian international Ivan Peri- place and in danger of trailing Napoli goal, the Swedish centre-back ris- sic replaced Felipe Melo at half-time by 11 points if Maurizio Sarri’s league ing above the Inter defence to glance as Mancini tinkered with his forma- Inter’s Jeison Murillo (left) celebrates with his team-mates after scoring a goal during the Italian Serie A leaders beat Carpi later Sunday. a header past Samir Handanovic at tion, and just after the hour sent match against Verona at Bentegodi Stadium in Verona, Italy, yesterday. Inter’s bid for just their sec- the keeper’s far post. Icardi through between two defend- ond win in their past six outings got Pisano was given even more ers for the Argentine striker to poke off to the perfect start when Jeison space by Inter’s defence three min- the ball past the onrushing Gollini Murillo rose above the hosts’ defence utes later when he rose to meet a free and into the net. to head past Pierluigi Gollini on eight kick to see his header spin into the Inter began to pile the pressure Mourinho says he will be back soon minutes. back of the net. on but Gollini was alert, the ‘keeper But even before then the visitors Inter could have levelled in notably stopping another point-blank had missed two great chance to break spectacular style soon after when effort from Palacio with his boot. Reuters But he did say that his family move,” added the former Real Madrid the deadlock through Rodrigo Pala- Brozovic met a cut-back cross from But Verona’s defence let the will remain in London and that he coach.“I need competition every cio, who fired straight at goalkeeper the byeline with a superb volley that ‘keeper down 12 minutes before the liked the competitiveness of English week. In Spain I was at an amazing Pierluigi Gollini, and Marcelo Bro- spun just wide of Gollini’s upright. end when Perisic ran at the far post LONDON: Jose Mourinho, sacked football. club but I had four matches a year - zovic after he sent his shot over the Gollini did well to come out and to meet Palacio’s pacy cross and beat as manager of Chelsea in December “For sure, I will be back soon,” Barcelona v Real Madrid, Real Madrid bar. block Palacio’s cross-shot into the Gollini first-time. seven months after winning the Pre- the Portuguese told GQ magazine in v Barcelona.” And the game turned on its head area as Icardi ran in for the final Gollini did well to parry Eder’s mier League title, has said he is not an interview published on its website Mourinho, who also won the in three first-half minutes when Filip touch, then had no problem collect- swerving effort, but Verona, too, enjoying his time out of work and will (www.gq-magazine.co.uk). It did not league with Chelsea in his first Helander and Eros Pisano struck to ing Geoffrey Kondogbia’s soft effort spurned late chances with Gilber- soon be back in management. say when the interview took place. two seasons there from 2004 to give Verona a 2-1 lead just after the from outside the area. to’s effort coming off the near post He did not comment directly “(London) is an amazing place to 2006, suggested that he deliber- quarter hour. Those misses proved costly and late substitute Romulo lobbing on media reports that have heavily live and for the family to be together,” ately created “instability” among Helander pulled Verona level when Artur Ionita rose above the Handanovic only to see the ball go linked him with Louis Van Gaal’s job said Mourinho. players once they won trophies, to with a near carbon copy of Murillo’s Inter defence to beat Handanovic wide of post and crossbar. at Manchester United. “As a professional, I am ready to avoid any complacency. Manager Ranieri grapples with Leicester favourites tag

AFP playing, they are favourites, as they are a negative effect on his players, who Tottenham here as they are another doing well and have an advantage in Leicester City’s only had Sergio Aguero’s late conso- team fighting for the title.” points,” he told reporters after Satur- manager Claudio lation to show for their efforts. For Leicester, the chief concern is day’s game in soggy east Manchester. Ranieri reacts during But he said: “I think I talked too about keeping feet on the ground, but MANCHESTER, United Kingdom: “It just depends on what they can the English Premier much about last week. I don’t think it Ranieri did not want to dampen the Manchester City manager Manuel Pel- do from now until the end of the sea- League match against is fair to try to have excuses for other travelling supporters’ spirits on one legrini declared Leicester City Premier son, but having to play 13 games more Manchester City at things.” of the great days in the club’s history. League title favourites after Claudio is very difficult to predict.” the Etihad Stadium, The City manager added: “Of “It’s fantastic. They must continue Ranieri masterminded a stunning 3-1 Leicester manager Ranieri, whose Manchester, Britain, course, we need to improve. We need to dream,” he said. victory over his side at the Etihad Sta- even-tempered approach has been on Saturday. to improve a lot from this game. We “We know and enjoy it. We don’t dium. one of the highlights of his team’s are not in our best moment, we just leave anything, we want to fight, but Two set-piece goals from Rob- unexpected success story, made light have 14 players fit and we have played without pressure. For us it’s impor- ert Huth, either side of a superb effort of their new and unfamiliar position. a lot of games. tant to play and continue in this way from Riyad Mahrez, allowed leaders “I don’t believe the bookmakers,” “We continue to be involved in all because it is a strange league. Leicester to pull six points clear of said the Italian, whose side visit Arse- the competitions and it is very impor- “The spirit is fantastic, but we chief rivals City and five points clear nal next weekend. “At the beginning tant to recover from this. said this from the beginning of my of second-place Tottenham Hotspur. of the season the bookmakers said, “We talked with the players before moments here in Leicester. There is a British bookmakers reacted by ‘Sack Ranieri.’ I hope one time they match, other fantastic players, another have a big say in the destiny of the the game. It was our chance at home fantastic dressing room. On the pitch making Leicester -- 5,000-1 long- are right, OK? fantastic stadium. But we’re alive and championship, while City focus on a to recover the lead in the table. We they help each other, they fight for shots to win the title at the start of the “I don’t know why, this season is a we want to fight. home meeting with fellow title hope- couldn’t do it, now we are six points each other, that’s fantastic. campaign -- favourites for the first crazy league. I don’t think about if we “I hope we concentrate as well fuls Tottenham Hotspur. behind Leicester and have another 39 “The spirit, we are 11 on the pitch, time this season, and Pellegrini could win the league, I don’t want to think these last matches and continue our Pellegrini’s announcement that he points to play for. we play every time (as) 11. It is the best not argue with their judgement. about it. “My mind goes over the next dream.” will hand over to Pep Guardiola at the “So it is important to be focused spirit I remember in my career. As well “If they continue the way they are seven days -- Arsenal, another tough Leicester’s visit to Arsenal could end of the season seemed to have had game by game and try to beat as a player, it is the same.” 32 MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 SPORT

Athletics: D-day arrives as Qatar sets Nigeria, the new marathon the ball rolling for NSD events hub?

AFP A series of events lined up for Qatar’s LAGOS: The infamously con- National Sport Day gested, concrete jungle of Lagos is far from a runners’ paradise, but set to be celebrated with the launch of a new annual by young and old marathon on Saturday organisers across the country hope to show that the city’s bad reputation is undeserved. Over 20,000 participants turned out before dawn on a typ- ically muggy morning in Lagos to The Peninsula compete in the biggest marathon the city has seen in thirty years. The streets of sub-Saharan Africa’s biggest metropolis, usu- DOHA: With only one day to go to the ally clogged with cars, battered start of Qatar’s National Sport Day, mini busses and whizzing okadas the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) -- motorbike taxis -- were cleared is encouraging all residents to make having fun with their family and The three photos that best display there will be an opportunity for visi- gymnastics and para-sport. for the event and patrolled by lines the most of Qatar’s sport-dedicated friends. the Olympic spirit will win. tors to the Lido Veneziaactivity area The full list of NSD activities and of armed police and soldiers. public holiday by celebrating Olym- “With the Rio 2016 Olympic The QOC have teamed up with to win a brand new bike. their location can be found on QOC’s Runners, some barefoot and pic year with all the family. Games around the corner, we call on the United Development Company Cycling fans will also be able to website http://bit.ly/1RYGdxV. others decked out head to toe in Speaking ahead of the start of all of Qatar’s residents to be a part of to organise a host of activities for all watch the Tour of Qatar travel through National Sport Day is an annual candy-coloured athletic gear, NSD 2016, Secretary General of the the Olympic spirit – regardless of age ages on the Lido Venezia Beach in the The Pearl between 1-3pm, during event celebrated across Qatar on the braved the haze, taking advan- QOC Dr Thani Al Kuwari said Qatar and ability – and to unite in a shared Qanat Quartier of The Pearl. which time the roads to and from The second Tuesday of February. tage of the rare opportunity to run remains one of few countries to run passion for sport and #BeOlympic,” From 9am to 4pm the beachfront Pearl will be closed. Qatar is one of few countries in on a smooth road with air free of a national campiagn on encouraging Dr Al Kuwari said. will come alive with sport, entertain- Qatar’s National Sport Federa- the world to have a public holiday exhaust fumes. sports as a way of life. The QOC is offering three lucky ment and competitions. tions will also be organising activities dedicated to sport. “It’s kind of hectic to stay in “Qatar is one of the few countries winners the opportunity to win an Activities will include football, throughout Qatar in areas such as Qatar, the sports hub of the Lagos, but people make it work,” in the world with a national holiday iPad on National Sport Day. volleyball, basketball, fitness classes, Katara Cultural Village, the Corniche, region, aims to bring the nation Lolade McJohnson, a 33-year-old dedicated to sport,” Dr Al Kuwari said. Simply take a photo of yourself an outdoor gym, an inflatable human Aspire Park and Al Gharafa. together in a shared celebration of lawyer cheering on runners, said. “We encourage all residents to participating in any of the sporting foosball and wall climbing, plus many Qatar’s residents will have an sport and inspire people to lead active “After this, we’ll have more take advantage of this unique oppor- activities taking place across Qatar more. opportunity to try over 30 dif- and healthy lifestyles. people interested in running, tunity to participate in sports and set and post it on social media with the To mark Doha’s hosting of the ferent sports which range from This year’s National Sport Day will maybe now we’ll even have a Nige- their life on a healthier track whilst hashtag #BeOlympic and tag the QOC. 2016 UCI Road World Championships, sailing, boxing and handball to karate, take place tomorrow. rian champion.” Unlike in Kenya and Ethiopia, two countries whose runners have dominated marathons for years, or in marathon-crazed South Africa, Nigeria has yet to develop a long More money needed to fight cheats: WADA distance running culture. For some, it’s a casualty of years of chronic mismanagement of lucrative oil funds that has left Reuters WADA’s budget, which were then their sports. “An independent testing Russia was banned from athlet- Africa’s biggest economy with- matched by the International Olym- body may or may not be a priority for ics after an independent commission out basic infrastructure, let along pic Committee (IOC). governments, who see that their own for WADA revealed widespread, state- quality sports programs. “The total is not nearly enough,” domestic anti-doping programmes sponsored doping in the country. “In the 70’s and 80’s there TORONTO: The World Anti-Doping he said. “WADA’s total annual budget are just as important.” Reedie said the IAAF had handled was a strong culture of running, Agency (WADA) faces a challenge to of $30 million a year is exceeded by Reedie said cycling was one sport the situation “in a reasonable man- all that died,” Lagos City Marathon tackle cheating in sport while it has an many athletes around the world who that had successfully addressed the ner” and that WADA maintained “an spokesman Olukayode Thomas annual budget of less than the income make more than that themselves in issue. ongoing relationship with the IAAF said. of many top athletes, its president one year.” “I suspect the most successful as it carries out its normal anti-dop- “But that is a culture we’re try- Craig Reedie (pictured right) said. Reedie said he was impressed body at the moment is the Interna- ing duties”. ing to revive.” Lack of money could equally with the support within sport and tional Cycling Union which clearly “WADA’s job is to protect clean With Nigeria, Africa’s biggest prove a handicap for a proposed inde- from governments for an independ- had problems, not specifically in any athletes, so it’s a case of peace not oil producer, taking a massive hit pendent testing authority, said Reedie, ent testing agency as proposed by one country. But it has now decided to war,” he added. from the low price of crude and who also expressed support for glo- IOC president Thomas Bach but the separate the testing and the handling Asked if he had faith in Coe, who battling an almost seven-year bal athletics chief Sebastian Coe and question of funding it needed to be of doping matters to an independent was elected last August, Reedie said: Boko Haram Islamic insurgency, said WADA was in a state of “peace addressed. body.” “On a personal basis, I have worked Thomas said events like the mar- not war” with Coe’s troubled sport. “Who pays the bill is a crucial Former WADA president Dick with Sebastian Coe for many years, athon show it’s not only doom and “I could do with a lot more question,” he said. Pound said last month that the IAAF, particularly in the build-up to the gloom for the country. money,” Reedie said in an exclusive “This is one of the challenges as governing body of world athletics, successful delivery of the London “It’s not just about Boko interview with Newsweek published we investigate a new independent needed to be completely restructured Olympic Games, and I think he has Haram, there are a lot of positives yesterday. body that would remove the conflict because of “corruption embedded in the wide range of skills which will be in Nigeria.” The Scot said governments of interest inherent with international the organisation” under former pres- necessary to achieve the transforma- Thousands of people turned decided their own contributions to federations who promote and police ident Lamine Diack. tion that Dick Pound talked about.” out to encourage the runners along the 42 kilometre stretch of road, with gardeners hosing down panting contestants and a mini-marching band composed of a trumpeter and two drummers Willett wins Dubai Desert Classic in style adding an impromptu soundtrack to the event. Kenyan Abraham Kipton won the marathon and the $50,000 AFP several yards and left him with a “It means when the pressure is on prize with a time of 2:16.21, cross- curling 12-feet birdie putt to get to I can produce the goods.” Sullivan felt ing the finish line with his arms 18-under par. Sullivan did that to fin- he did not do enough in the middle of raised in victory before collapsing ish with a four-under par 68, and was the round and said: “Fair play to Dan, on the ground just after the fin- DUBAI: Overnight leader Danny joined at 18-under par moments later holing that putt, that was a tough putt. ish line. Though happy for his win, Willett (pictured with the trophy) by Cabrera-Bello. “I didn’t feel like I put him under he had to acknowledge Lagos’s battled hard to hold on to his lead The Spaniard birdied the 17th hole enough pressure through the mid- oppressive heat. yesterday and got his reward with a and hit two towering shots to set up an point of the round. Had a lot of “It is my first time running in final green, one shot win in the $2.5m eagle putt from the back of the green. chances and didn’t quite take them.” very high humidity but I thank God Dubai Desert Classic. However, his effort from 35 feet World number two Rory McIl- for this day,” Kipton said. “Nigeria At the Emirates Golf Club, the just slid past the hole, leaving him roy finished with a seven-under par is very hot but it is very good,” Englishman was finally caught up by with a tap-in birdie. 65 round, but that was good only for agreed the women’s winner Ethi- the unrelenting chasing pack of Andy Willett hit a good tee shot on the tied sixth place at 15-under par 273 opian Halima Hussein Kayo. Sullivan and Spain’s Rafael Cabrera- 18th, but rolled into the rough and had alongside world number six Henrik Adeyemi Kazeem, one of the Bello on the 18th hole. But the world to lay up with his second. Stenson (66). first Nigerian finishers, said that number 20 stepped up and made a The approach shot wasn’t the And McIlroy, who could only despite not placing in the top three pressure-packed 15-feet birdie putt best and left him with a testing 15 make a par on the par-5 18th hole, he was proud of his performance. to win his fourth European Tour title. feet downhill putt to win the tour- said: “It was okay I guess. Sort of got “I feel good, I can inspire more Willett, who had opened up a nament outright, but he nailed it it going today a little bit better and people to run in Nigeria,” he said. three-shot lead mid-way through the right in the middle. Willett, who is played the front nine better. Played Still in its infancy, the race suf- front nine, had to battle hard on the expected to move into the top-15 of nicely for the most part but disap- fered a few hitches. back nine. And as his rivals started the world rankings for the first time pointed about the 18th. I made a One runner said that by the making more birdies on the easier in his career with the victory, said: wrong decision off the tee by not hit- THE FINAL ROUND SCORES time he reached the refreshment back nine, Willett had to grind out “It’s always great to come out early ting the driver. But all in all, it was a station there was no bottles of pars to stay ahead. in the season and win. decent weekend and decent way to 269 Danny Willett (ENG) 70-65-65-69 water left and was forced to pull Sullivan, who had finished sec- “Everything I’ve done has been play the last 27 holes, anyway. 270 Andy Sullivan (ENG) 70-66-66-68, Rafael Cabrera-Bello (ESP) 67-67-67-69 out of the race at the 30 kilome- ond in Dubai less than three months really good this week, and mentally “The game feels in decent shape. 272 Byeong-hun An (KOR) 71-67-69-65, Alvaro Quiros (ESP) 68-69-70-65 tre mark. But with the next Lagos ago to Rory McIlroy in the DP World I’ve been as good as I have been for a Struggling with the driver a little bit, 273 Rory McIlroy (NIR) 68-72-68-65, Henrik Stenson (SWE) 69-68-70-66 marathon already pencilled in for Tour Championship, made a birdie long, long time. I stayed patient and let so just want to try and work on that. 274 Alejandro Canizares (ESP) 71-69-68-66, Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) 70-70-68-66, February next year, Thomas insists on the difficult par-3 15th hole, and things happen. It’s very nice to know “Got a week off to work on those Thorbjorn Olesen (DEN) 72-64-70-68, Soren Kjeldsen (DEN) 70-70-66-68, these are just hiccups in the grand then saved remarkable pars on the that I can dig deep and produce what things and get ready for LA in a cou- Chris Wood (ENG) 68-68-69-69, Scott Hend (AUS) 71-68-66-69, Hadyn Por- scheme of things. 16th and 17th holes after hitting errant I can when it is needed the most. ple week’s time.” teus (RSA) 72-66-66-70, Joost Luiten (NED) 69-67-67-71 “We were facing many fears drives. “You’d love to win by five or six Spain’s Alvaro Quiros and Korea’s before the race -- security, traffic 275 Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) 68-71-69-67, Mikko Ilonen (FIN) -70-67-68 But when it mattered the most every time you win, but when you win Byeong Hun-An were tied fourth at -- but so far there’s not been any - on the 18th hole - he hit a superb in that fashion, it does feel that little 272 with identical rounds of seven- 276 Gary Stal (FRA) 70-68-71-67, Ernie Els (RSA) 68-67-74-67, Bradley Dredge (WAL) issues,” Thomas said, “it can only wedge third shot that spun back bit extra special. under par 65 each. 70-70-68-68, Johan Carlsson (SWE) 71-67-70-68 get better.” SPORT MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 33 Qatargas chess event starts on Feb 11

strategy we have adopted in promot- The tournament ing sporting activities that are gaining popularity in Qatar. will be played from He added: “The aim of this strat- February 11 to egy is to help in nurturing young talents in the country by creating 14 at Al Muntaza opportunities for them to develop fur- Model Primary ther, thereby contributing to achieving the Human Development goals of School for Boys, Qatar National Vision 2030.” says Mohammed Al Al Medaihki thanked the spon- Medaihki sors for their ‘overwhleming support’: “We thank Qatargas for its con- tinued support to this championship which will help to further promote The Peninsula the game of Chess in Qatar partic- ularly amongst the youngsters,” Al DOHA: The third edition of the Qatar- Medaihki said. gas Chess Championship will be held “The past two editions of the tour- from February 11 to 14, organisers said nament were a great success and we yesterday www.qatarchess.com, Al Medaihki hope to attract even more participants The four-day event will be said. this year. organised by the Qatar Chess Asso- “Whoever wantsto feature in the “Chess, as we all know, has great ciation for children falling in the age event, they can go to the home page benefits in terms of enhancing the Reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen playing chess with Aspire Academy student athletes and members bracket of 6 - 16 years, Mohammed of our website, download the form, fill mental skills of children and boosts of Academy staff in this file photo taken in Doha on December 31, 2015. Al Medaihki (pictured right), Gen- it up and bring it to us,” Al Medaihki their academic achievement. eral Secretary, QCA, said. said. “Qatargas’ support to this event The event will be held at the Al Commenting on Qatargas’ sup- underlines the Company’s commit- PRIZE MONEY AND TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE Muntaza Model Primary School for port for the championship, Azam ment to the local community and its Boys. Abdulaziz Al Mannai, Qatargas Pub- keenness in supporting the overall Championship Awards Ninth place QR 600 Third place QR 500 Qatargas is the title sponsor of lic Relations Manager said:“We are development of our young genera- First place QR 5000 Tenth place QR 500 Tournament schedule Thursday, 02/11/2016, at 5pm the first this annual tournament which will pleased to continue our support to the tion,” Al Medaihki said. Second place QR 3,500 Awards for top Qatari boys round + second round be conducted as per the Swiss-sys- Qatar Chess Association in organising He added that QCA has completed Third place QR 2500 First place QR 1500 tem for rapid chess involving nine this tournament, which will provide all preparations for making the tour- Friday, 02/12/2016, at 3pm the third rounds with each round lasting 25 an excellent opportunity for young nament a grand success. Fourth place QR 150 Second Place QR 1000 round + fourth + fifth round minutes and allowing ten seconds chess enthusiasts in Qatar to com- It is expected that the tourna- Fifth place QR 1000 Third place QR 500 Saturday, 02/13/2016, at 3pm the sixth round + seven o’clock + eighth round for every move. pete against each other and hone ment will witness strong competition Sixth place QR 900 Awards for top Girls Sunday, 02/14/2016, at 4:30pm the Young chess enthusiasts residing their skills.” among nearly 250 young players who Seventh place QR 800 First place QR 1500 ninth round + the end of the champion- in Qatar can register their names via Al Mannai said: “Our support will include this year those from sev- Eighth place QR 700 Second Place QR 1000 ship ceremony the Qatar Chess Association’s website: to the game of chess is part of a eral Gulf countries.

FED CUP WORLD GROUP Mildon sparkles with 25 points as QUARTER-FINAL RESULTS 1-Czech Republic bt Romania 3- 2 Al Shamal hammer Al Arabi 74-61 Switzerland bt 4-Germany 3- 2 France bt 3-Italy 4- 1 Netherlands bt 2-Russia 3- 1 The Peninsula Russia, Italy crash; DOHA: Ambres Mildon dunked 25 points and managed 3 assists to power Al Shamal to 74-61 win over Al Arabi yesterday. Swiss reach semis Avdic Faris chipped in with 19 points and 5 assists to complete an enjoyable outing for Al Shamal at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall yesterday. AFP final loss to the Czech Republic. “No, Hachad Mohamed Kamal (15) she had a problem with her left arm Adam Khalid Abdalla Mohamed (11 and that wasn’t good. We decided points) were the other two players PARIS: Russia and Italy, who have on Thursday that she wouldn’t play,” for Al Shamal to reach double figures. won eight of the last 12 Fed Cup titles, said Myskina. Kosar Abdulqadir scored only 4 crashed out of this year’s tournament In Marseille, Caroline Garcia points and managed 2 assists. yesterday with four-time winners defeated Camila Giorgi 6-3, 6-4 to For Al Arabi, Soyebo Temi Narcel- Czech Republic fighting a rearguard put France into the semi-finals for lius produced 26 points and 4 assists action to avoid joining them at the the second year running. but in a losing cause. exit. Earlier, Kristina Mladenovic saw O’Brien Todd Edward was the Russia, the champions in 2004, off Sara Errani 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 to put other Al Arabi player to reach the 2005, 2007 and 2008, suffered an the French 2-1 ahead after the two 20-mark. Edward scored 23 points. embarrassing 3-1 defeat to the Neth- nations had split the opening singles Matalqah Osama Adel Mohamed erlands in Moscow. on Saturday. scored 6 points for Al Arabi. Italy, who were title winners In Leipzig, 18-year-old Bencic In another game yesterday, Al in 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2013, won her third point of the weekend Khor crushed Al Ahli 107-87 thanks were also dumped out in the first when she teamed up with 35-year- largely to Patrick Rembert who round, going down 4-1 to France in old Hingis to beat Andrea Petkovic scored 41 points. Marseille. and Anna-Lena Groenefeld 6-3, 6-2 An Al Shamal player jumps to score against Al Arabi in their Qatar Basketball League (QBL) match at Al Rambert was well supported by But Switzerland, who have in the deciding doubles. Gharafa Indoor Hall in Doha yesterday. Al Shamal won 74-61. Charles Abouo who scored 36 points yet to win the Fed Cup, made the Standing 1-1 overnight, Bencic and managed 7 assists. semi-finals with a thrilling 3-2 win downed Australian Open cham- Alen Hadzibegovic scored 16 For Al Ahli, Terrence Lav- performance by scoring 41 points Ndoye Elhadj Seydou (23 points over Germany in Leipzig thanks to pion Angelique Kerber 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 points and had a tally of 5 assists. alle Joyner Jr matched Rambert’s and managing 2 assists. and 3 assists) also played well for Al teenager Belinda Bencic and Mar- before Annika Beck celebrated her Ahli. tina Hingis clinching the decisive maiden singles appearance by see- Mustafa Elsadiq (16 points and 3 doubles. ing off Timea Bacsinszky 7-5, 6-4 to assists) was the other player for Al While the Netherlands and 2003 make the tie 2-2. Ahli to reach the double figures. champions France meet in one semi- The Czech Republic, meanwhile, Also yesterday, Qatar Basket- final in April, the Swiss will tackle recent champions in 2011, 2012, 2014 ball Federation (QBF) yesterday either the Czechs or Romania in the and 2015, were taken to a deciding announced the play-off schedule. other. doubles in Cluj by Romania. The top four sides on the QBL The Dutch, without a single Simona Halep put Romania points standings will feature in the player in the top 100, made the 2-1 up after battling past two-time play-offs. semi-finals for the first time since Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova On February 16, 2016, the second- 1997 after Kiki Bertens defeated two- 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 before the impressive placed side will take on third-placed time Grand Slam winner Svetlana Karolina Pliskova levelled the tie team while the top side will face the Kuznetsova 6-1, 6-4. with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 win over Mon- fourth-placed team on the same day, Kuznetsova, the world 17, had ica Niculescu. according to the schedule released by lost a four-hour marathon against Meanwhile in Montpellier, QBF yesterday. Richel Hogenkamp on Saturday in France, Richard Gasquet won a In the return clashes, the fourth- the longest singles match ever played 13th career singles title by beating placed side will take on the top side at a Fed Cup. Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu 7-5 on February 20, 2016, when another The 24-year-old Bertens, ranked 6-4 in the Open Sud de France final game involving the third-placed side at 106, took her Fed Cup singles yesterday. will face the second-placed team in record to 13 wins and one loss after It was Gasquet’s third title from QBL. the Dutch, 2-0 up overnight, claimed four straight finals at the ATP World The final of the season will be a famous win against a Russian team Tour 250 indoor tournament. played on March 4, 2016 while the who had world number six Maria Gasquet is now 13-12 in ATP semi-finals have been scheduled for Sharapova warming the bench all World Tour finals, having last February 27, 2016, QBF said in a state- weekend. clinched a trophy in May 2015 at ment yesterday. “We are now among the last four Estoril (d. Kyrgios). countries in the Fed Cup, so it’s just The 29 year old earned 250 QBL Games on Wednesday, Feb- unbelievable,” said Bertens. Emirates ATP Rankings points for ruary 10, 2016 at Al Gharafa Indoor Russia captain Anastasia his efforts. Hall Myskina said she wasn’t tempted to The World No. 10 went on to Action from Al Khor’s QBL clash against Al Ahli at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall in Doha yesterday. Al Khor won 5:30pm Qatar SC vs Al Gharafa risk Sharapova, who won both sin- complete his fourth win of 2016 in 107-87. RIGHT: A player of Al Shamal attempts a block against Al Arabi. 7:30pm Al Rayyan vs Al Sadd gles rubbers in the country’s 2015 one hour and 48 minutes. 34 MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 SPORT

U-19 World Cup: Sri Lanka Shah gets banned book India semi-final

IANS Callum Taylor top-scored with 42 after England won the toss and elected to bat, but the rest of the bat- ting fell apart against the sustained for three months MIRPUR: Opener Avishka Fern- pressure applied by the Lankan ando struck a fluent 95 after Wanidu bowlers. Hasanranga grabbed three wick- Leg-spinner Hasaranga fin- ets as Sri Lanka defeated England ished with three wickets for 34 Pakistani leg-spinner by six wickets in the quarter-final runs after seamer Asitha Fernando match yesterday and thus set up a had wrecked the start with two Steyn faces guilty of breaching semi-final clash against India in the dismissals. Article 2.1 of the ICC Under-19 cricket World Cup. In reply, Sri Lanka made a breezy Fernando hit 11 boundaries and start racing to 51 for no loss in eight down Black Anti-Doping Code one six as Sri Lanka dismissed Eng- overs before the lunch break, with land for 184 in 49.2 overs and then Fernando contributing 35 of those Mamba surpassed the modest target scoring runs. 186 in 35.4 overs. Leg-spinner Has- Kaveen Bandara helped Fern- AFP anranga grabbed three wickets for ando put on 76 for the first wicket AFP the island nation. by the 14th over when he was run Sri Lanka will take on India in out for 22. the first semi-final in Mirpur tomor- Fernando was about to steer JOHANNESBURG: When one of DUBAI: Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir row. The second semi-final on his team towards an emphatic win the world’s most feared fast bowl- Shah has been banned for three Thursday will feature hosts Bang- before he was caught behind off ers came face to face with one of months after pleading guilty for a ladesh against the winner of today’s Saqib Mahmood when just 14 runs the planet’s deadliest snakes, there failed dope test last year, the Inter- Pakistan-West Indies match. were needed for victory in 17 overs. was only one winner and South national Cricket Council (ICC) said This is only the third time Lanka Skipper Charith Asalanka, who Africa’s Dale Steyn (pictured) was yesterday. have reached the semi-final of this put on 69 for the third wicket with happy to concede defeat. “Shah has been suspended from tournament since its inception in Fernando, fell for 34 soon after, but Steyn, the spearhead of the all cricket-related activities for three 1988. Sri Lanka cruised home easily. South African bowling attack, months after pleading guilty to In the home event in 2000, they posted a video on his Instagram breaching Article 2.1 of the ICC Anti- reached the final where they lost to Brief Scores: England 184 in 49.2 account showing him and a friend Doping Code,” the ICC announced in Mohammad Kaif-captained India, overs (Callum Taylor 42; Wanidu thinking they were coming to the a statement. while in 2010 in New Zealand, Sri Hasaranga 3-34, Asitha Fernando aid of a stricken, harmless Brown “Shah had provided a urine Lanka reached the last four and fin- 2-16) vs Sri Lanka 186-4 in 35.4 overs House snake on an isolated road in sample as part of the ICC’s random ished in fourth position. (Avishka Fernando 95). the Kruger National Park. in-competition testing programme On closer inspection, the after the conclusion of the one-day 32-year-old Steyn then realised international between England and he was just inches away from a Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, UAE on 13 deadly Black Mamba. November 2015. Santner a doubt for final ODI “So this poor guy was hit by “His sample was subsequently a car, we stopped to move him tested and found to contain chlo- out the road thinking it was a rtalidone. This is classified as a Reuters his side to 281-9 and then taking brown house snake,” Steyn wrote “Specified Substance” under World 3-47 with his left-arm spin. Leg spin- in a message alongside the brief Anti-Doping Agency’s Prohibited List ner Ish Sodhi has been brought into footage. and is prohibited both in-competition the squad as precautionary cover, “Got a little too close and then and out-of-competition.” WELLINGTON: New Zealand all- should Santner not be fit enough to realised what we were actually Shah has emerged as a match- rounder Mitchell Santner is in doubt play at his home ground at Seddon dealing with! Mr Black Mamba! winner for Pakistan in Tests after ace for the final One-Day-International Park. A decision on Santner’s fit- “This post is not to show how spinner Saeed Ajmal lost form due to against Australia in Hamilton today ness would be made just before the brave we were, it’s to show that if having to remodel an illegal bowl- after complaining of a sore right foot match, New Zealand Cricket said in you don’t know what you deal- ing action. following the second game in Wel- a statement on Sunday. ing with then best you leave it “Shah admitted the violation and lington. Santner, who only made his alone! Lesson learnt! #wildouthere a three-month suspension has been The 24-year-old Santner was international debut last year, is #blackmamba.” imposed, backdated to 27 December New Zealand’s best player in Aus- quickly impressing as an automatic Steyn, the veteran of 82 Tests 2015, the day when he was provision- tralia’s four-wicket victory, that selection in all formats of the game and 112 one-day internationals, is ally suspended. Shah will, therefore, levelled the three-match series, with his fluid batting and handy left- currently sitting out the limited be eligible to return to cricket on 27 scoring 45 not out and marshalling arm spin. overs series against England. March 2016.” The ICC said it accepted that the doping offence had been inadvert- ent as the medication had been taken Pakistani leg-spinner Yasir Shah Dickwella replaces injured Dilshan Netherlands “for therapeutic reasons, specifically to treat his blood pressure. “He was able to satisfy the ICC look to through evidence and submissions “We are happy that we made a news with bated breath. Agencies in Ranchi, on Friday. This injury is prepared on his behalf by the Paki- genuine reply in Shah’s case,” Salim “The most difficult phase of my an aggravation of an old complaint revive past stan Cricket Board (PCB) that he had said. life is over now,” said Shah. for Dilshan, who sustained it while no intention to enhance his sporting “At the time of Shah’s suspension “I have been bowling in the nets attempting a catch during the semi- success performance or to mask the use of a lot of former cricketers, experts and so as soon as I am eligible to play PUNE: Wicketkeeper-batsman Niro- final of the recently-concluded Super another performance enhancing doctors were giving their opinions I will get into the groove,” said the shan Dickwella has been included T20 Provincial Tournament. He did substance. without any knowledge and that was spinner. in Sri Lanka’s squad as replacement not play in the final, but the injury AFP “He had, instead, mistakenly disturbing.” “The target, of course is to be part for veteran batsman Tillakara- is not thought to be serious. He is taken his wife’s blood pressure Under anti-doping rules Shah of Pakistan’s tour of England where tne Dilshan, who was ruled out of scheduled to resume training in the medication that was identical in could have been hit with a two to my team will need me,” said Shah of tomorrow’s first T20 against India nets on Monday. AMSTERDAM: The Nether- appearance to his own but which four year ban. Pakistan’s tour where they play four with a hand injury. Dickwella earned his call-up fol- lands on Saturday named a contained the prohibited substance Shah said he was delighted at the Tests, five one-day internationals and Dilshan did not travel with the lowing a good run in the Sri Lankan 15-man squad for the 2016 World chlortalidone.” news. a Twenty20 starting in July. team to India on Saturday. He will Super T20 tournament, where he Twenty20 tournament to be played The head of the Pakistan Cricket “I am delighted and thankful to Shah has 76 wickets in 12 Tests. instead spend a few days recovering struck 189 runs in six innings, with a in India, looking to rekindle the Board’s medical panel, Sohail Salim, Almighty,” Shah said. His 12 wickets helped Pakistan beat from injury at home, before joining strike rate of 173. He has played four triumphs of 2009 and 2014 when said he was satisfied with the ICC “I was attending a religious con- Australia 2-0 in 2014 and took 25 in the side mid-series. He is expected Tests and one ODI for Sri Lanka, but they shocked England. decision. gregation and was waiting for this 2-1 win over Sri Lanka last year. to be available for the second match, is uncapped in the shortest format. Key to their hopes will be all- rounder Logan van Beek who took 3-9 from two overs when the Dutch beat England by 45 runs in Chittagong two years ago. That win followed their famous Australia’s Richardson returning home ahead of final ODI four-wicket triumph over the Eng- lish at Lord’s in the 2009 World Twenty20. “This group has shown an Reuters Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins both Paris replaces immense amount of commitment long-term injury concerns. to what we are trying to achieve on Nathan Coulter-Nile is also side- Richardson the field of play,” said coach Anton lined, though James Pattinson, who Roux of a squad captained by Peter WELLINGTON: Australia pace has been complaining of shin sore- Borren. bowler is to return home for fur- ness, has joined up with the test squad AFP Van Beek, who plays his club ther examination on a back injury in New Zealand. cricket at Canterbury in New Zea- and has been replaced by Joel Paris Opening batsman Aaron Finch land, has 129 runs at a strike-rate in the squad for their final One Day and all-rounder James Faulkner SYDNEY: Paceman Kane Rich- of 107.5 and 40 wickets from 45 match against New Zealand in Ham- are suffering from hamstring inju- ardson has been ruled out of Twenty20 games. ilton today. ries. Australia’s bowlers limited New Australia’s final One-Day-Inter- The Netherlands reached Richardson, 24, did not play in Zealand to 281-9 in the second match national against New Zealand with the second stage Super 10s of Australia’s four-wicket victory in at Wellington, with only a late flurry back trouble and will be replaced the World Twenty20 in Bangla- the second match in Wellington on from Mitchell Santner and Adam by Joel Paris, Cricket Australia desh in 2014, chasing down 190 Saturday. Milne taking the hosts to a compet- said yesterday. Richardson was a Kane Richardson of Australia bowls in under 14 overs to beat Ireland “Kane Richardson’s back pain itive total. late withdrawal from Saturday’s during the first One-Day-International and secure their place amongst the hasn’t subsided sufficiently to take While Mitchell Marsh and John second ODI and CA said he would cricket match against New Zealand elite nations of the game. part in the final ODI in Hamilton,” a Hastings got Australia home, a batting return home “for further investi- This time around, the Dutch Cricket Australia spokesperson told collapse should be of some concern at Eden Park in Auckland in this gation into the issue”. are drawn in Group A, along with Australian reporters in Wellington after captain Steve Smith, George Bai- February 3, 2016 file picture. Paris had been with Western Bangladesh, Ireland and Oman. yesterday. ley and Glenn Maxwell all failed for Australia’s Sheffield Shield squad If they finish first in the group, “He will return home today for the second successive game. in Lincoln, New Zealand, where they will join Group two for the further investigation into the issue Smith has scored 20 runs in two In the first game at Eden Park before Marsh (69 not out) and Hast- he took four wickets for 37 in the Super 10s stage, along with India, and Joel Paris will join the squad in innings, while Bailey has two, and they slumped to 41-6 inside nine ings (48 not out) guided the tourists drawn match against New South Australia, New Zealand and Auckland this afternoon as cover.” was bowled for a golden duck on Sat- overs, while on Saturday they lost to victory. Wales. He made his ODI debut in Pakistan. Paris has just finished playing a urday, with Maxwell scoring a total four wickets for 22 runs after a cen- Australia have not lost a bilat- this season’s ODI series against They begin their campaign Sheffield Shield match for Western of six. tury stand between Usman Khawaja eral One Day series since they went India. Richardson faces an anx- against Bangladesh (March 9), Australia against New South Wales Another concern for Australia has and David Warner. to India in October 2013, while New ious wait to determine the extent followed by games against Oman in New Zealand. been their inability to halt New Zea- They also lost two wickets for six Zealand are seeking to retain the of his back injury with Australia (March 11) and Ireland (March 13), Richardson joins a long list of land’s bowlers when they have their later in the innings, giving New Zea- Chappell-Hadlee trophy at Seddon set to announce their World T20 all to be played in Dharamsala. injured Australian pace bowlers with tails up. land a whiff of an unlikely victory Park. squad later this week. SPORT MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 35

Celebrate and win with Save the Dream on NSD

The Peninsula take place on all Save the Dream having fun and playing sport on “As a major national mile- young people around the world to social media platforms - will give National Sport Day using the stone for sport in Qatar, National play sport.” sports fans across the country the hashtag #savethedream Sport Day provides an important Established by the Interna- opportunity to contribute with Commenting on the compe- opportunity to inspire and edu- tional Centre for Sport Security in DOHA: Save the Dream, a glo- their creativity to promote and tition, Massimiliano Montanari, cate young people about how to partnership with the Qatar Olym- bal programme with leading preserve the values sport. Executive Director of Save the lead a healthy lifestyle as well as pic Committee and supported agency Magnum Photos using Save the Dream, which Dream, said: “Save the Dream teaching them about the positive by technology partner Ooredoo, images to promote sport val- started two years ago, will award was founded to inspire hope and values and lessons that sport can Save the Dream implements and ues, has launched a new social best photos with two tickets to empower young people around teach. inspires actions to empower youth media competition for sports fans the forthcoming Qatar Moto GP, the world through sport and social “This is why Save the Dream is through sport, while promoting in Qatar to celebrate and win on taking place at Losail Interna- media has provided the younger calling on young people attending inter-cultural dialogue and social National Sport Day. tional Circuit from March 17 to generation with an ideal platform the National Sport Day in Qatar innovation through the power of As part of Save the Dream’s 20 and will promote these images to engage with other young people to capture moments of human- its values. Fans can obtain more Tweet or facebook photos having fun and commitment to empowering through its global platforms. around the world and share their ity and friendship around sport information on http://www.save- playing sport on NSD using the hashtag youth through the values of sport, For a chance to win, fans experiences and the lessons they and share their photos with Save the-dream.org/ or on Facebook #savethedream to stand a chance to win the photo contest - which will should tweet or facebook photos learn through sport. the Dream so we can inspire other or Twitter.

Montreal Canadiens Newton becomes season’s MVP as in easy win

Agencies

Favre inducted into Hall of Fame MONTREAL: Tomas Plekanec scored a goal and added three assists to lift the Montreal Cana- NFL HONOURS SHOW diens to a 5-1 victory over the Newton the runaway Edmonton Oilers at the Bell Cen- tre on Saturday. favourite to scoop the Television comedian Conan Brendan Gallagher, Lars Eller, MVP award after a O’Brien launched the evening with P.K. Subban and Tom Gilbert also a jab at the movie industry’s Acad- scored for Montreal (25-24-4), who record-breaking NFL emy Awards, which has been reeling snapped a four-game losing streak. season from accusations of institutional rac- Rangers 3, Flyers 2 (shootout) ism after no black actor received a In a feisty game that featured nomination. 48 penalty minutes, the New York “Winning an NFL honor is like Rangers forced overtime in the AFP winning an Oscar - if the Oscars final seconds of regulation before nominated black people,” O’Brien stealing a 3-2 shoot-out win over quipped. There was more glory for the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Carolina Panthers with head coach Fargo Centre. Mats Zuccarello and SAN FRANCISCO: Cam Newton Ron Rivera winning the coach of the centre Derek Stepan scored in the was crowned the National Football year award. shootout to win it. League’s Most Valuable Player on Rivera masterminded a 17-1 cam- Capitals 3, Devils 2 Saturday as the Carolina Panthers paign for the Panthers to guide them (shoot-out) quarterback warmed up for the Super into yesterday’s Super Bowl against Panthers quarterback Cam Alex Ovechkin scored the Bowl with two honours on the sport’s the Denver Broncos. Newton celebrates during the deciding goal in a shoot-out to annual awards night. Houston Texans star JJ Watt was NFC Championship football game give the Washington Capitals a Newton, who had been the runa- named Defensive Player of the Year against the Arizona Cardinals in 3-2 win over the New Jersey Devils way favourite to scoop the MVP award while Jameis Winston of the Tampa Charlotte, North Carolina, in this at Prudential Centre. Adam Hen- after a record-breaking season which Bay Buccaneers was named Rookie January 24 file photo. Newton rique and Joseph Blandisi scored saw him pass for 35 touchdowns and of the Year. Like Newton, Rivera did was named the National Football third-period goals to help the Dev- rush for 10 more, also won the offen- not attend the ceremony as he pre- League’s Most Valuable Player on ils erase a 1-0 deficit. sive player of the year award. pares his team to face Denver. Saturday at the NFL Honors show. Red Wings 5, Islanders 1 The 26-year-old signal-caller’s Meanwhile the awards saw con- Dylan Larkin and Tomas Tatar father Cecil was on hand to collect the firmation of the latest batch of players each had a goal and an assist to honors on behalf of his son before a to be admitted to the Pro Football Hall confirmation for late Oakland Raid- disease chronic traumatic enceph- Anthony “Dick” Stanfel. However lead the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-1 star-studded audience at the Bill Gra- of Fame. The eight-strong class of ers quarterback Ken Stabler, who died alopathy (CTE) before his death. there was no place for the often win over the New York Islanders ham Civic Auditorium in downtown 2016 was headed by Green Bay Pack- of colon cancer last July. Other NFL figures to enter the polarizing figure of Terrell Owens, at Joe Louis Arena. San Francisco. ers legend Brett Favre, the three-time Stabler’s entry came just days Hall of Fame included owner Edward a six-time Pro Bowl selection who Tomas Jurco, Kyle Quincey and Newton’s rivals for the MVP MVP winner who held the all-time after researchers revealed the man DeBartolo, their coach Tony Dungy, played 15 seasons in the NFL which Mike Green also scored for Detroit, award were New England Patriots passing yardage record until it was known as “The Snake” during flam- defensive end Kevin Greene, wide included stints at the San Francisco who broke a five-game home los- veteran Tom Brady and Arizona Car- surpassed by Peyton Manning this boyant playing career in the 1970s receiver Marvin Harrison, tackle 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and Dal- ing streak. The Red Wings’ last dinals quarterback Carson Palmer. season. There was also a poignant had been suffering from the brain Orlando Pace and guard Richard las Cowboys. win at Joe Louis Arena came on December 20 last year. Penguins 3, Panthers 2 (overtime) The Pittsburgh Penguins got an overtime goal by Kris Letang Warriors rally to beat Thunder with 3:33 left to snap the Florida Panthers’ five-game win streak, rallying for a 3-2 win at the BB&T AFP NBA ROUND UP contest. Bryant got off to another slow Centre. Sidney Crosby got the assist start, scoring just four points on two- and finished with three points, of-10 shooting in the first 15 minutes. including the 900th of his career. his team’s final 11 points. “He strug- LaMarcus Aldridge scored 26 Letang also had three points. LOS ANGELES: Klay Thompson gled but he still found a way, like all points for the Spurs, who improved Senators 6, Maple Leafs 1 rattled in a clutch three pointer with MVPs do, to take over at the end of to 28-0 at the AT&T Center this sea- The Ottawa Senators snapped 1:40 left as the Golden State Warriors the game and make sure we took care son, extending their record for the a three-game losing streak with a won their ninth straight with a 116- of business,” said assistant coach best home start ever by a Western 6-1 thumping of the Toronto Maple 108 victory over the Oklahoma City Luke Walton. Conference team. Forward Chan- Leafs at Canadian Tire Centre. Thunder on Saturday. Thompson finished with 18 points dler Parsons scored a game-high Curtis Lazar led the Senators The Thunder made Golden State on eight-of-15 shooting but was just 26 points and the Dallas Mavericks with two goals. Zack Smith, Mika work for the victory as the Warriors one-of-six on three-pointers. beat the Memphis Grizzlies 114-110 Zibanejad, Bobby Ryan and Mark led by 20 points at one stage then His lone three pointer was key in overtime at FedExForum Stone had the others. had to come-from-behind to erase however as it gave Golden State a Parsons, who scored a combined Bruins 2, Sabres 1 (overtime) a nine-point Oklahoma City lead. 110-104 lead and it came just 19 sec- 18 points in his last two games, made Brad Marchand scored on a Golden State improved to 46-4 onds after Thunder star Kevin Durant 10-of-15 from the floor and five-of- penalty shot in overtime to give and tie the 1966-67 Philadelphia missed a potential game-tying three eight from three-point range. the Boston Bruins a 2-1 win over 76ers for the best 50-game start in pointer. Durant led the Thunder with He hit two threes in the overtime the Buffalo Sabres at TD Garden. league history. 40 points and point guard Russell and also finished with eight rebounds The Bruins left winger flipped “This was a playoff-like atmos- Westbrook added 27. Westbrook also and four assists as the Mavericks a backhand shot over Buffalo goal- phere,” said Warriors Stephen Curry, had 12 assists. Before Thompson’s improved to 29-25 and snapped a tender Robin Lehner to give Boston who scored a team-high 26 points. clutch three-pointer, Oklahoma City’s three-game losing skid. a second straight win over their “The intensity, the adrenaline Enes Kanter tied the game at 104-104 Guard Deron Williams finished Atlantic Division opponents. down the stretch that is what you with 3:25 but the Warriors finished with a double-double for Dallas with expect in a playoff game.” with a 12-4 surge to earn their 41st 22 points and 11 assists, and forward The mighty Warriors are off to a straight home victory. Forward Har- Dirk Nowitzki scored 18 points with historic start which has not only bas- rison Barnes added 19 points for seven rebounds. NHL Results ketball fans, but also football fans in Golden State while reserves Mar- the San Francisco area buzzing this reese Speights added 15 and Shaun Washington 3 New Jersey 2 (So) weekend. Livingston had 10. NBA Results NY Rangers 3 Philadelphia 2 (So) The only other hotter ticket in Guard Tony Parker drained a pair Montreal 5 Edmonton 1 town than one of the 19,600 seats at of clutch baskets down the stretch Portland 96 Houston 79 Oracle arena is one for yesterday’s and San Antonio turned up its defense Detroit 5 NY Islanders 1 Charlotte 108 Washington 104 Super Bowl between the Denver in the last four minutes as the Spurs Boston 2 Buffalo 1 (Ot) Indiana 112 Detroit 104 Ottawa 6 Toronto 1 Broncos and Carolina Panthers. outlasted the Los Angeles Lakers 106- “It is nice to play a great team 102 to remain unbeaten at home. Cleveland 99 New Orleans 84 Pittsburgh 3 Florida 2 (Ot) Philadelphia 103 Brooklyn 98 St. Louis 4 Minnesota 1 like that in an atmosphere like this,” The Spurs survived a superb Curry said. performance by Lakers guard Kobe Dallas 114 Memphis 110 (Ot) Nashville 6 San Jose 2 Guard Curry had a rare off night Bryant, who is retiring after 20 sea- Minnesota 112 Chicago 105 Chicago 5 Dallas 1 from beyond the arc, missing seven- sons in the NBA. San Antonio 106 LA Lakers 102 Russell Westbrook (right) of the Oklahoma City Thunder goes up to shoot Winnipeg 4 Colorado 2 of-eight three-pointers. He made Bryant scored 16 of his 25 points Utah 98 Phoenix 89 Calgary 4 Vancouver 1 over Marreese Speights of the Golden State Warriors during their NBA 10-of-25 shots overall, dished out in the third period to allow the Lak- Golden State 116 Oklahoma City 108 basketball game at ORACLE Arena on Saturday in Oakland, California. 10 assists and scored or assisted on ers to claw their way back into the MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2016 36 Saudi’s Al Ahli show the exit to PSG

Most Valuable Player Al Ahli’s goalkeeper Bakr Eissa excels against PSG

The Peninsula

DOHA: Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli caused the upset of the tournament so far, delivering a convincing 3-0 victory Qatar against Paris Saint-Germain, caus- Total Open ing the reigning champions to drop out of Al Kass 2016 at the group stage defending yesterday. champion PSG came into the game know- Lucie Safarova ing that only a victory could preserve their chances of reaching the knock- out stage, and they started the brighter of the two sides. But the Safarova at young Saudis had keeper Bakr Eissa to thank for keeping PSG scoreless. Khalifa The Parisians kept Al Ahli’s attacking threat to a minimum in the opening stages and, on 12 minutes, almost Complex took the lead when Thimoty Weah’s long-range effort flew narrowly over. Most Valuable Player of the match, Al Ahli’s goalkeeper Bakr Eissa (centre) makes an excellent save today In the early stages though, during their Al Kass 2016 International Cup game against PSG, played at Aspire Zone yesterday. it seemed like an upset is highly The Peninsula unlikely, as PSG’s imposing team made life difficult for Al Ahli, who header from Guclu onto the bar, when struggled to retain possession and FOOTBALL: AL KASS a goal seemed inevitable. The game INTERNATIONAL CUP DOHA: The winner of Qatar build chances. had become a hugely entertaining Celtic safe despite Total Open 2015, world No. As the second half began, the end-to-end spectacle, and Al Sahhari 10 Lucie Safarova jetted off Royals continued to stick to their Ibrahim Al Sahhari, who gratefully once again ran from his own half and for Doha yesterday. game plan. Again content to allow side-footed home to prompt scenes rampaged down the right before find- Estudiantes effort The Czech tennis diva PSG to shoot from distance, they of delirium on the Saudi bench. ing the unmarked Faras Al Ghamdi takes Doha early this year also looked to play the ball early As the game approached the hour near the penalty spot. to ensure herself a proper from midfield for their pacey wing- mark, the Parisians attacked in num- Instead of shooting, he attempted training series ahead of ers and attackers to run on to, thereby bers, but time and again were unable to round Chesneau, who came out The Peninsula into an offside position. The Estu- Qatar Total Open 2016 which bypassing the physically dominant to apply the finishing touch to their and smothered at the midfielder’s diantes keeper was less fortunate will be held from February Paris midfield. And, on the 49th powerful build-up play. On the 65th feet. On the 74th minute, Al Ghamdi several minutes later, however, as 21 to 27. She has recently minute, the tactic paid off hand- minute, Al Ahli relieved the pressure made amends for his earlier mistake Celtic surged forward and equalised. returned to physical train- somely as the Saudis took the lead. on their defence when Al Sahhari ran by finishing coolly after collect- DOHA: A determined Celtic side Daniel set off on a determined run ing after her long story with Captain Hani Al Sibyani hit a with the ball from deep. The goal- ing a superb first-time pass from Al narrowly prevailed against Estudi- before supplying Ciaran Diver wide a bacterial infection that high, first-time cross from wide on scorer came under pressure as he Zaqarta. antes De La Plata in an action-filled on the left. enforced her to bypassing the left that looked to be going over bore down on goal, and chose to pass Unbelievably, the rampant Saudis game on the third day of the Al Kass His teasing cross was parried by many tournaments includ- until, at the last second, the ball when a shot may have been a bet- added a third just two minutes later. 2016 International Cup where the Cordoba straight into the path of Kei- ing the Australian Open. dipped goalwards. Chesneau took ter option. This time the roles were reversed as boys from Scotland tasted a 2-1 win ran Campbell, who fired home from In 2015, she won the desperate evasive action, clawing the A minute later Eissa was again Al Ghamditurned supplier, crossing over the Argentinians to keep their close range. Australian Open and French ball out from under the crossbar, but the Saudi hero as he somehow man- smartly for Al Zaqarta to power a stu- hopes of reaching the knockout ‘The Bhoys’ , buoyed by the lev- Open doubles titles partner- directly into the path of the onrushing aged to touch a powerful, point-blank pendous diving header home. stages alive at Aspire Zone yesterday. eller, instantly appeared to grow ing Bethanie Mattek-Sands It was the Argentines who ini- in confidence and, as a finely bal- and also could clinch the tially looked most dangerous, with anced game entered the last quarter, title of Qatar Total Open their muscular centre forward they went looking for a second goal. beating the Belarusian Star Reysol move into knock-out phase with 2-1 win Mariano Merli testing the Scot- It arrived on the 77 minute when Victori Azarenka in the final tish backline with some powerful substitute Christian Antoniazzi 6-4, 6-3. running. embarked on a determined run that She has won six WTA The Peninsula to centre back in place of the benched box which seemed harsh on Reysol. With few chances being created took him into the opposition area tour singles titles, six dou- Goncarlo Loureiro. On the 25th minute, a loose pass in the initial stage, the game took a before feeding Johnston. bles titles and reached the Still, the Benfica defence strug- from Kenta Tsutsumi was intercepted different look after 18 minutes of play His smart, short pass teed up quarterfinals of the 2007 DOHA: Kashiwa Reysol withstood a gled to contain their opponents and, by Dantas who passed it on to Pedro when Javier Romero’s high ball from Man-of-the-Match Kerr McIlroy Australian Open, upsetting stern examination from their West- on the 14th minute Reysol took the Correia who took a touch before lash- deep on the left evaded the entire eight yards out, and the dynamic defending champion Amélie ern European counterparts Benfica lead in stunning fashion. Ryosuko ing a low shot to level the score at 1-1 Celtic defence, and Franco Avila midfielder made no mistake, smash- Mauresmo en route. to record a dramatic win of 2 goals Asakura was set free down the left as the balance of the game seemed made no mistake in hammering the ing a low drive through the legs of The 29-year-old star will to 1 at Aspire Zone late on Saturday. and beat his man before cutting a ris- shifted after the first Red Card of the ball high into the net. Cordoba to give Celtic a lead that had show up at Khalifa Complex The Japanese side began the ing ball back to Taiyo Namazuta, who tournament With the first period coming to seemed unlikely for long periods of this afternoon to start her game, pressing relentlessly against lashed a spectacular first-time vol- On the 70th minute, a rare attack an end, Ivan Erquiaga sprinted clear the game. first training session aim- a Benfica side who had given their all ley home. from the Japanese brought a cor- from the right and smacked a low With three minutes of added ing to be fully fit to meet the to salvage a 2-2 draw against Aspire Reysol had dominated the early ner on the left. Namazuta crossed shot against the left-hand post, with time awarded, Estudiantes piled for- star studded field during the Football Dreams the previous day. stages but their early superiority was low and hard, captain So Nakagawa McAdams beaten. The keeper could ward in search of an equaliser, but Qatar Total Open 2016. Portuguese manager Luis Araujo put into a test when Takuto Kato was dummied at the near post, and Riku then only parry Avila’s effort from Celtic’s strong organisational skills made changes to his backline, with given a straight red card for upend- Ochiai battered the ball home from the rebound and Erquiaga tapped came to the fore to keep their oppo- Jorge Silva switching from left back ing Tiago Dantas on the edge of the point blank range. home, but he had somehow strayed nents at bay.

79th AIPS Congress in Doha

TOP: The Executive Committee Meeting of the 79th AIPS Congress in progress at the Sheraton Hotel in Doha, yesterday. AT LEFT: AIPS The International Sports Press Association (AIPS) Executive Committee members pose for a President Gianni Merlo (left) and Interim Secretary General Evelyn photograph on the opening day of the 79th AIPS Congress in Doha yesterday. The Congress Watta during the Executive Committee Meeting at the 79th AIPS will conclude on Thursday. Picture by: Adham Elkawas Congress in Doha yesterday.