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Challenges facing Al Attiyah seals Islamic banking crushing victory industry reviewed in Kuwait

SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 • 18 Jumada II 1437 • Volume 21 • Number 6748 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

Desperate for aid Emir congratulates Rules relaxed Bangladesh President

DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent yester- day a cable of congratulations to for GCC driver’s President of Bangladesh Moham- med Abdul Hamid on his country’s Independence Day, reports QNA. licence holders Syria to restore ancient Palmyra and Nepal, for instance. Also, the demand for heavy vehi- DAMASCUS: Palmyra’s ancient Demand for heavy cle licenses is much more than those Roman temples and archway, vehicle driving for light vehicles due to the fact that blown up by Islamic State fight- licence on the so many infrastructure development ers last year, will be restored once projects are going on in the country Syria recaptures the city from the rise because of and they need more and more heavy ultra-hardline Islamist group, the infrastructure boom. vehicles, equipment and machinery. head of the antiquities authority Giving an idea, the driving school said yesterday. official quoted above, said his school Mamoun Abdelkarim said he received some 40 to 60 requests for hoped Palmyra would be retaken admission on an average daily and a within days, after government By Sidi Mohamed vast majority were for heavy vehicle forces fought their way into the The Peninsula training and licence. western and northern parts of Adel Salem, manager of Al Rayah the city, and promised to revive Driving School, said the ongoing the Roman-era monuments “as a construction boom in Qatar was Migrants and refugees reach out to get humanitarian aid at a makeshift camp at the Greek-Macedonian message against terrorism”. DOHA: Expatriates holding driver’s pushing the demand for heavy vehi- border near the village of Idomeni, Greece, yesterday. → See also page 15 licence from other GCC states can go cle licensing up rather considerably. → See also page 8 directly for road test to be eligible to Talking of the pass percentage, obtain a Qatari driver’s licence. he said it was roughly 70 percent This privilege is available to in respect of both, heavy and light licence-holders from the US and vehicles. some European countries as well, About the computer test which Qatar firm to help develop Turkey’s solar industry said a senior official of a driving assesses a learner’s knowledge of school. traffic signs and rules, Salem said For the road test an aspirant is one could take the tests until one given only two chances to clear it. cleared it. However, after one fails By Satish Kanady diversification plans and the country’s increasing country’s energy mix. The cooperation will draw The old rule which allowed the fourth time an interpreter is The Peninsula solar energy requirements. Turkey is aiming to upon the strengths of QSTec and its partners licence-holders from other GCC made available to him. Currently, have over 3 gigawatts of installed solar capacity across several key areas including solar industry countries to get their licences interpreters are available for sev- and has expressed strong support for prioritising expertise, research and development collaboration directly converted into Qatari licence eral languages, including English, DOHA: Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec) signed renewable energy investment and the involvement opportunities, solar energy applications, is done away with. Urdu and Hindi. Clearing the com- an MoU yesterday with Turkish state energy com- of the private sector to assist in the diversification investments as well as examining other areas of The rule regarding driving puter test is a must to be eligible for pany Elektrik Üretim Anonim Şirketi that will of Turkey’s energy sources. mutual interest where QSTec can make a positive licenses from countries other than ‘L’, parking and road tests. explore areas of mutual interest that aim to fur- Additionally, to enhance arrangements contribution to Turkey’s solar industry. those cited above hasn’t changed. “The new training system ther develop Turkey’s solar industry. The signing implementation QSTec has signed MoUs with QSTec has steadily been expanding its presence One must join a learner’s course ensures that people are more aware ceremony was held in the presence of Dr Khalid K. Turkish industrial groups, Bendis Enerji and within the global solar industry and its strategic at a driving school and take the full of road safety rules and the traffic Al Hajri - Chairman and CEO of QSTec and Ali Rıza Fernas Group, to cooperate in solar energy industry investments in key German solar companies have test if he holds driver’s license from law in general,” said Salem. Alaboyun – Deputy Minister of Energy and Natu- investments. With Turkey’s energy requirement turned it into a world leading integrated solar one of such countries like India, ral Resources; Turkey. forecast to increase at 6 percent per year until company. Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka → Continued on page 6 The MOU addresses Turkey’s progressive energy 2023, solar energy will play a major role in the → Continued on page 2

Qatar’s medical Winning leap Obama tells Americans offices abroad linked with not to stigmatise Muslims Health Ministry AFP the idea of religious freedom. It’s also counterproductive,” he said. By Mobin Pandit “It plays right into the hands The Peninsula WASHINGTON: President Barack of terrorists who want to turn us Obama yesterday urged Americans against one another — who need not to stigmatise Muslims follow- a reason to recruit more people to DOHA: The Ministry of Public ing this week’s deadly attacks in their hateful cause.” Health, Finance Ministry, Hamad Brussels, saying that doing so is Obama made his remarks as the Medical Corporation (HMC) and “counterproductive” in the fight global community continues to reel Qatar’s medical offices overseas against radical Islam. from Tuesday’s attacks in Belgium, are being linked online. In his weekly media address, claimed by the Islamic State group, This is to ensure quick travel of Obama said Muslim-Americans which killed 31 dead, including two Qatari citizens needing specialist are “our most important partners in Americans, and wounded 300. treatment abroad. Qatar has med- the nation’s fight against those who “At least 14 Americans were ical offices in a number of places would wage violent jihad. injured, and we pray for their full overseas, including London, Wash- “That’s why we have to reject recovery, along with everyone else ington, Bonn, Cairo and Thailand. any attempt to stigmatise Muslim- affected by these attacks,” Obama The idea behind interlinking Americans, and their enormous said. The remarks by the Democratic the ministries of health, finance, contributions to our country and president follow controversial state- HMC and the overseas medical Qatari rider Rashid Towaim Al Marri astride Kannada on his way to winning the CSI2* — Competition our way of life,” Obama said. ments in the wake of the Brussels offices online is to make sure that 8, 145cm event at Katara in Doha yesterday. Al Marri won the event on the third and final day of the “Such attempts are contrary to bombings by the two top Republi- the procedures to send a Qatari QNB Doha Tour show jumping event. → See also page 30 our character, to our values, and to cans vying to succeed him in the patient for treatment to a foreign our history as a nation built around White House. land are quick. “This way the waiting time will be reduced and admission of a patient to a health- care facility abroad will be quick,” said Dr Ghalia Al Harmi, Director Scare scuppers Brussels ‘March Against Fear’ today of Medical Relations for Overseas Treatment at the Ministry of Pub- lic Health. Swift interaction among AFP to do so because of security fears. The authorities earlier asked for Interior Minister Jan Jambon said, “This week, we, Belgian citizens different bodies would ensure “We understand this request. The the march to be put off, perhaps for speaking in English. have been attacked, in how we live, that the financial, administrative security of our citizens is an abso- several weeks, to allow the police to In an earlier statement, the organ- our customs, our rights, our liberty,” and medical procedures to send BRUSSELS: The organisers of a lute priority. We join the authorities concentrate their resources on the isers said the march planned for today they said. patients abroad would be made “March Against Fear” planned for in proposing a delay and ask peo- investigation into the attacks which was meant to show that Brussels “The first reaction in such events easier, she said. today to mark the Brussels terror ple not to come this Sunday,” the left 31 dead and 300 wounded. and the country at large refused to is to withdraw but on reflection, attacks said they had cancelled the organisers said in a statement “We invite the citizens tomor- be intimidated by terrorism and that fear must give way to hope and the → Continued on page 6 event after the authorities asked them yesterday. row to not have this manifestation,” everyone stood together. defence of our values.” 02 SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 HOME

Greetings sent to Bangladesh President on his country’s Independence Day Social responsibility forum opens

The Peninsula & QNA H E Sheikha Hind bint DOHA: Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday Hamad Al Thani, Vice- sent a cable of congratulations to Bangladesh President Mohammed Abdul Chairperson and CEO, Hamid on his country’s Independence Day. Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Qatar Foundation, bin Khalifa Al Thani also sent a congratulatory cable to President Hamid. and Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Qatar second safest country in world Thani, Chairman, AlFaisal Without DOHA: Qatar is ranked second globally in the World Safety Index 2015 released by GoldenVisa.ch, Switzerland. Overall, Qatar came second — a Borders Foundation, very impressive performance. It was rated at the top in three categories — open Qatar’s First global terrorism, unemployment rate, and disaster risk. Singapore clinched the top slot and Switzerland comes third. International Social The remaining top 10 positions were occupied by Denmark, Germany, Responsibility Japan, Austria, Norway, Finland and Iceland in that order. Japan had the most competitive ratings in terms of life expectancy, global terrorism, and Conference. quality of healthcare. But its disaster and suicide rates were alarmingly high. The country ranked six overall. Canada (14) and Panama (22) were the only countries from the Americas to make it to the global list of 24 safest nations. Africa had no qualifying candidate, following poor performance in most The Peninsula of the rank criteria used in this index. The report puts together a list of the 24 safest countries in the world across 10 categories that include the 2015 crime index, pollution index, glo- H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson and CEO, Qatar Foundation, and other officials bal peace index, global terrorism index, unemployment rate, disaster risk, DOHA: Qatar’s First International at the opening ceremony. consumer price index, quality of healthcare, WHO’s suicide per 100,000, Social Responsibility Conference, and UN life expectancy rate (2010-2015). an initiative of Al Faisal Social The final score for each country was determined based on how they Responsibility Centre’ was opened pillars of sustainable economic projects, including steps to provide community leadership to develop ranked on each of these factors/categories. yesterday by H E Sheikha Hind bint development. It is paramount ethical cultures in corporate affairs. self-responsibility in community Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chairperson that organisations in Qatar make Social responsibility is close to her affairs and leadership building.” and CEO, Qatar Foundation (QF); and concerted attempts to integrate heart and she believes that business Ali Talal Al Mar’e, Executive RAF to launch health project for Syrians Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, social responsibility into corporate organisations have an obligation to Director, ALF Foundation, said: “In Chairman, AlFaisal Without Borders leadership. the communities they operate in. line with the centre’s vision and DOHA: Sheikh Thani Bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services (ALF) Foundation, in the presence of “This would significantly change All sponsors were also honoured objectives, the conference features (RAF) will launch its health initiative ‘Save-A-Life’ (SALI) to provide free Minister of Energy and Industry H E Dr the dynamic of how we do business. during an award ceremony for their 11 absorbing sessions, covering healthcare services to Syrian refugees and those displaced inside the country. Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada. Today, we are honoured to have the support to the conference. They subjects including ‘Main platforms The initiative aims to improve the performance of existing health facil- Promoted under the theme ‘Reality presence of H E Sheikha Hind bint included Vodafone Qatar (diamond for Social Responsibility’; ‘Social ities in fragile countries worldwide and help build new ones in countries and Future Outlook’, the three-day Hamad Al Thani and we thank her for sponsor), Al Arab newspaper Responsibility in Education’; ‘Social where they don’t exist. event is being held at Qatar National her continued support for our efforts (media sponsor); Qatar Lawyers responsibility and the private sector’; RAF held a meeting with the representatives of three international medi- Convention Centre. to leverage the importance of social Association, Abu Dhabi Environment, ‘Social responsibility from the legal cal associations to discuss partnership and cooperation to implement health Distinguished guests, ambassadors responsibility,” said Sheikh Faisal. Ghayaaldoha and Social Media perspective’; ‘Experiences and projects for Syrian people affected by war in the country and those taking and a cross-section of audiences, A highlight of the event was Solutions. Mubarka Hamad Al Practices of Social responsibility in shelters in neighbouring countries. including over 40 researchers a presentation of a trophy to Marri, Manager of the centre, said: the Energy Sector’; ‘The reality of The organisations were Syrian American Medical Society Foundation; representing 14 countries, attended Sheikha Hind for her support and “Our vision is to be frontrunners social responsibility’; and more.” Syrian Expatriates Medical Association; and Physicians Across Continents the opening event. encouragement to social issues. of community responsibility in the An exhibition featuring of Muslim World League. “We believe that social She is involved in the delivery region, and we aspire to be a global companies, centres and individuals The meeting was attended by Dr Ayed bin Dabssan Al Qahtani, Chair- responsibility is an essential human of high-quality education in Qatar model. active in social responsibility man, Board of Trustees, General Director, RAF, and Dr Ibrhaim Al Janahi, and national obligation. and has played an important role in “We have in place initiatives, initiatives is being held as part of the Head, Supreme Committee for SALI, and other senior officials. “It has to be seen as one of the launching and supporting national programmes and projects of conference. Global solar installations rose 34% last year

Continued from page 1 sectors. “QSTec and its partners are The Qatari Ambassador to Tur- delighted to be working with Tur- QSTec’s holds a 29 percent stake key, Salem Mubarak Shafi Salem Al key to assist in enabling its full solar in SolarWorld AG, a global solar com- Shafi, sees this important MoU as energy potential. Turkey’s high solar pany that recently announced that a natural extension of these well- irradiation is excellent for producing it is on target in 2016 for revenues established partnerships. “Our two clean solar energy and by working of over 1bn euros, additionally in great countries share many inter- together with the right researchers, 2015 QSTec acquired 50 percent of ests and have a very long history of investors and local companies, we the solar and semi-conductor man- collaboration across many different can make a substantial contribution ufacturing equipment technology industries. to Turkey’s renewable energy goals,” provider, Centrotherm, who also “I’m very proud that QSTec is fur- said Dr Khalid K Al Hajri, Chairman revealed that it had received sub- ther strengthening these close ties by and CEO of QSTec. stantial orders for its products this assisting in the development of Tur- Solar energy costs have reduced year on the back of high solar indus- key’s solar industry,” said Al Shafi. considerably over the last few years try demand. “We applaud the leadership of while technology and efficiency have QSTec’s investments allow it to Turkey and the Minister for Energy improved leading to a booming mar- provide solar solutions right across and Natural Resources, Barat ket for solar. As solar costs continue the solar value chain and its key part- Albayrak, for their renewable energy to decline we have seen a 34 percent nerships, MoU’s and cooperative initiatives and Turkey’s continued increase in 2015 in the number of glo- agreements with local and inter- commitment to solar energy.” bal solar installations. national companies and research Turkey has one of the highest These reduced costs combined institutes have turned QSTec into a solar irradiation levels in Europe, with Turkey’s high solar energy global powerhouse. especially in the central and south- potential and renewable energy Turkey and Qatar have a long ern regions, and long daylight hours, vision are a good combination for history of friendship and coopera- making for ideal conditions for pro- Turkey’s continued solar industry tion in the political field and business ducing solar energy. development.

FROM LEFT: Dr Khalid K Al Hajri, Chairman and CEO, QSTec; Ali Riza Alaboyun, Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources; and Halil Alis, General Manager, Elektrik Üretim Anonim Sirketi (Turkish State Energy Company) at the event at the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Environment. HOME SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 03

Ministry signs MoU with Arab Centre QU hosts student leadership conference for Research and global context. The forum was organ- Policy Studies ised in collaboration with College of Students from across the North Atlantic-Qatar (CNA-Q); Doha: The Ministry of Qatar discussed Community College of Qatar (CCQ); Development Plan- Hamad Bin Khalifa University ning and Statistics and strategies on driving (HBKU); and Stenden University Qatar. the Arab Centre for change, developing It aimed to leverage the students’ Research and Policy Stud- leadership skills and participation in leadership training ies (ACRPS) yesterday and prepare them for transition to the signed a memorandum of solving problems in workplace. understanding (MoU) to a local, regional and QU President Dr Hassan Rashid enhance cooperation in Al Derham; CNA-Q President Dr human, social, economic, global context. Ken MacLeod; QU Vice-President, environmental and insti- Student Affairs, Dr Khalid Al Khanji; tutional development and QU Associate Vice-President, Student modernisation to con- Life and Services, Abdulla Al Yafei; tribute to achieving goals The Peninsula several QU, CNA-Q, CCQ and HBKU of Qatar National Vision officials, and QU faculty and staff 2030. Minister of Devel- were among the participants. Keynote opment Planning and speaker Qatari intellectual and writer Statistics H E Dr Saleh DOHA: The student leadership con- Dr Jassim Al Sultan highlighted Officials at the forum. Mohammed Salem Al ference ‘Taqadam: Tanmeea, Enjaz, ‘Tanmeea’. Nabit and ACRPS General Qiaadah’ organised yesterday by The conference agenda com- Director Dr Azmi Bishara Qatar University (QU) Student Affairs, prised plenary sessions led by Qatari Abdulrahman Al Harami in addition Leadership’. societal activities. signed the deal at the brought together around 400 students national sports personality Moham- to presentations by students from QU, Dr Al Derham said, “QU is a model “The conference marks a mile- ministry. from colleges and universities across med Sadoon Al Kuwari and Founder, CNA-Q and Stenden University. of society and includes targeted team- stone in collaboration between higher The MoU aims to the country. Wertaqi Youth Centre-Bahrain Salah They spoke on ‘Leadership work opportunities that highlight the education institutions in the area of exchange experiences It was a platform for students to Al Yafei. They discussed issues related through Self-Motivation’; ‘Inclu- spirit and skills of leadership and the leadership development. It provides a between the ministry, discuss, share knowledge and learn to ‘Enjaz’ and ‘Qiaadah.’ sive Leadership: The Magic of Great ability to assume responsibilities and unique platform for students to share Doha Institute for Grad- strategies on driving change, devel- A professional workshop ‘Be Leaders’; ‘Women’s Leadership Devel- overcome challenges whether through views on topics such as women’s lead- uate Studies and ACRPS oping leadership skills and solving a Leader’ was conducted by QU opment’; ‘Qualities of a Leader on academic and methodological activ- ership and cultural leadership, among in preparation of national problems in a local, regional and Lecturer and Education Consultant Dr the Light of Quran’; and ‘Man-Made ities or through other university or others.” strategies, including the preparation of the second Qatar National Develop- ment Strategy 2017-2022. Cooperation includes joint studies on Qatar Metropolitan Libraries 2016 Qatar forum from April 23 National Development Strategy and its sectors, holding scientific semi- The Peninsula of Qatar Foundation (QF). but also experience Qatar’s rich her- discussion will encourage partici- “The conference is set to present nars and meetings and The six-day programme aims to itage, culture and hospitality.” pants to explore innovative ways to unprecedented opportunities for enhancing statistical provide professional development The conference will get under- stimulate young people’s creativity the information services sector as it expertise. The MoU aims opportunities to librarians and infor- way with the ‘Innovation in Library and imagination. strives to embrace innovation,” she to enhance scientific and DOHA: The Metropolitan Librar- mation services professionals. Services’ session, where participants Topics on how libraries are devel- said. academic ties between ies (MetLib) 2016 Qatar conference, Engineer Saadi Al Said, Director, will explore how libraries respond to oping their staff to create new modes MetLib 2016 Qatar will be held the ministry and scien- organised by Qatar National Library Planning and Administration, QNL, community needs by adapting their of operations and new service para- from April 23 to 28 under the theme tific and academic state (QNL), will feature insightful sessions said, “MetLib 2016 puts Qatar and service philosophies, and highlight digms will be discussed during the of ‘Pearls in the Desert: Unleash- institutions to support focusing on innovation in the infor- the wider region on the international new best practices in the industry. ‘Staff Development’ session. ing Potential’. By registering online, the development proc- mation services sector, children’s information services map, and will be The ‘Community Learning’ ses- On the opportunities MetLib 2016 members of the public will have ess, contribute to building services and community and staff a driving force for the development of sion on the second day will examine Qatar offers, Dr Claudia Lux, Project the opportunity to attend alongside national human capac- development. metropolitan libraries in the region. new ways libraries can bring peo- Director, QNL, said, “Being selected library professionals. ities and establishing a This year’s forum is taking place “We have designed the pro- ple together to acquire new skills in to host MetLib 2016 Qatar is indica- To register, please visit www. network for scientific and in the Middle East and North Africa gramme in a way that allows a shared space. tive of the region’s growing influence metlib2016qatar.org/en/register and academic exchange. region for the first time, demonstrat- participants from Qatar and abroad The ‘Developing the Future and ability to become a key player in visit www.qnl.qa to learn more about ing the international renown of QNL, to not only initiate vital conversations, through Children and Teen Services’ the global information services sector. QNL. 04 SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 HOME India deputes team, Naval QF and Siemens complete training ship for DIMDEX 2016

The Peninsula and INS Beas for DIMDEX 2016 Three Qatar will further strengthen the his- Foundation toric friendship between India and employees benefit Qatar and defence cooperation DOHA: India has deputed a between the two countries, said the from the Talent high-level delegation to Doha statement. Training Programme International Maritime Defence The INS Beas, built at Garden Exhibition and Conference (DIM- Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd, developed jointly DEX 2016) to be held this week, the Kolkata, is 126-metre long, with a by the two Indian embassy said in a statement maximum width of 14.5 metres and yesterday. displaces over 3,600 tonnes. organisations. The delegation is led by Vice The ship is capable of main- Admiral Sunil Lanba, Flag Officer taining speeds in excess of 30 knots Commanding in Chief, Western (about 55 kmph) and is designed The Peninsula Naval Command of the Indian Navy for extended ‘Blue Water’ naval and includes Inspector General S operations. K Goyal, Deputy Director Gen- It has a compliment of 30 officers DOHA: Three exceptional members eral (Materiel and Maintenance), and 312 other personnel under the of staff from Qatar Foundation for Indian Coast Guard and other sen- command of Captain Deepak Bhatia. Education, Science and Community ior officials. The ship is based in Mumbai, Development (QF) have become the The INS Beas, an indigenously under the administrative and oper- first graduates of a joint training initi- designed and built Brahmaputra ational control of the Western Naval ative developed in collaboration with Class Guided Missile Frigate of the Command. Siemens WLL Qatar, entitled ‘The Indian Navy, is scheduled to visit The visit of INS Beas will be the Qatar Foundation and Siemens Tal- H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO, Qatar Foundation, with QF and Siemens Doha Port during DIMDEX 2016. third by Indian Naval ships to Qatar ent Training Programme’. representatives during the ‘Ceremony of Talent’. The visit of the delegation in the past three years. QF partnered with Siemens in September 2015, in an agreement to provide comprehensive professional efforts of both companies to further our organisational culture, and will training programmes is mutually training for selected individuals over unlock human potential in Qatar by contribute to the advancement of pro- advantageous and utilises our com- six months. investing in human capital. fessional best practice within QF. bined resources to further enhance Up to six QF employees will par- The three QF staff were selected “We believe that our employ- Qatar’s development and workforce. ticipate in the second phase of the as high potential individuals who ees are our greatest asset and we “The ‘Ceremony of Talent’ dem- programme beginning next month. could benefit professionally from the are proud of their achievements,” he onstrates the success of the initiative, The achievements of QF employ- enriching work environment of the added. and we look forward to welcoming ees — Ahmed Al Sumaiti, Haya Al global technology company. Al Mohannadi said: “The training the second group next month.” Khater, and Aisha Al Mohannadi Their commitment was recog- was an invaluable professional expe- The programme is the latest ini- — were celebrated at a ceremony nised by QF and Siemens, as they rience, but I feel it also developed me tiative jointly created by QF and attended by H E Sheikha Hind bint received certificates of commenda- personally. I was shy when I entered Siemens. Both are already collab- Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairper- tion from Al Qahtani and Kugel, and the programme, but I came out of my orating on QF Tram System and son and CEO, QF; Fahad Al Qahtani, praised as exemplary programme shell with the encouragement of my working to transform QF’s flagship President, Community Development, participants. Siemens mentors. I have benefitted development, Education City, into an QF; Janina Kugel, Member, Managing Al Qahtani said: “We are delighted immensely from all events and activ- environmentally-friendly ‘smart city’. Board, and Head, Human Resources to be honouring this first group of ities, and I am certain this experience The partnership is helping ful- People & Development, Siemens AG; QF employees, who have set the will allow me to better serve QF.” fil Qatar National Vision 2030, and Fatih Sakiz, CEO, Siemens WLL, standard for this six-month training Sakiz said: “It was our pleasure to facilitating Qatar’s transition into a among other guests. programme. The initiative advances train these high-calibre QF employ- knowledge-based economy, while The INS Beas. The inaugural ‘Ceremony of Tal- the knowledge, experience and trans- ees as part of our partnership with it. fostering an advanced, prosperous ent’ showcased active and sustained ferable skills of our staff, who enrich The agreement to provide six-month society. Committee on animal farms reconstituted QC sponsors international forum in Gaza

QNA The panel comprises the Live- regulate ranches in the light of the The Peninsula & QNA generate supporting pub- wounded and people with sponsorship. By 2015-end, stock Department; Legal Affairs legislation and regulations, examine lic opinion to meet their disability. the number of sponsored Department; and Environmental requests for ranches, make recom- needs according to sci- In his opening speech, people in the Strip reached Protection, Reserves and Wildlife mendations and study and review entific bases and visions Engineer Mohammed Abu more than 7,400, includ- DOHA: Minister of Municipality Department and representatives of plans, programmes and projects of DOHA: Qatar Charity offered by experts and Halloub, Director, QC office ing 500 people with and Environment H E Mohamed bin the office of the Assistant Undersec- ranches. (QC) has sponsored the researchers. in Gaza Strip, said, “QC disabilities. They receive Abdullah Al Rumaihi yesterday issued retary for Urban Planning and the The committee may seek assist- Palestine International It was attended by a QC tries its best to highlight periodical aid of around a ministerial decision, reforming the office of the Assistant Undersecre- ance from experts and specialists at Conference for Wounded delegation, public figures, a very important group of $25,000 a year. committee on regulating animal tary for Environmental Affairs. the ministry or any other government and Persons with Disabil- and researchers special- society. The wounded and breeding farms. It will develop mechanism to agencies. ity held in Gaza recently, ised in the field of local and disabled people need to be Projects for Syrians in cooperation with Uni- international wounded and supported; not out of pity, versity College of Applied disabled persons. but out of understanding QC has implemented Sciences and Assalama It discussed the impor- that they have the right to three educational projects Charity Society. tance of media outlets live in a dignified manner,” in coordination with the The conference high- in the field, the role of He highlighted QC’s Syrian Committee for lighted the issue of the government and non-gov- accomplishments in Pal- Education and Science, wounded and disabled ernmental organisations, estine in the fields of including printing text- people, and sought to and the legal rights of the social care and orphans’ books and curricula, providing school supplies, reconstructing schools and training teachers. QC said hundreds of thousands of Syr- ian students, refugees and displaced people have benefited from the projects as part of agree- ments signed on the sidelines of the first inter- national conference in Istanbul under the theme ‘Syrian and Education... Reality and Challenges’ funded by QC and organ- ised by the committee. The first project aims to ensure the educational needs of schools in some areas in Syria by provid- ing them with textbooks (mathematics, physics, chemistry and science). Textbooks worth QR2.2m were printed and distributed for 366,000 students in Syria, Syr- ian students in Turkish schools and the refugee camps, covering all stages of education and scientific disciplines and taking into account compliance with the Syrian curriculum before the crisis. The second project aims to support schools to ensure the educational process at Syrian schools in the Turkish territory at all academic levels, at a cost of QR750,000. The third project worth QR1.5m aims to restore and maintain destroyed schools in Aleppo and Latakia. HOME SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 05

Pakistan Day celebrated Deal signed to set up 3 water plants in Sudan

Qatar Charity and Islamic Dawa Organisation join forces for the benefit of 24,000 people.

The Peninsula

Pakistan Ambassador Shahzad Ahmed (centre) and Israr Khan, CEO, Today’s fashion, and other officials Youssef bin Ahmed Al Kuwairi, CEO, QC, and Hammad Abdulqader Al DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC) and cut a cake to mark Pakistan Day at the company’s showroom in Doha. Pic: Abdul / The Peninsula Fadni, General Director, Islamic Dawa Organisation, sign the agreement Islamic Dawa Organisation have at the QC office in Doha. signed an agreement to set up three water plants in Sudan for the bene- fit of 24,000 people. Turifi in River Nile Wilaya. trusts QC, and is a sign for contin- Youssef bin Ahmed Al Kuwairi, The project will provide the uous cooperation and development. CEO, QC, and Hammad Abdulqader areas with clean drinking water at QC’s main goals for establishing TAMU-Q wins multiple accolades at ARC’16 Al Fadni, General Director, Islamic a cost of QR4m; each party will pay water plants are to improve the Dawa Organisation, signed the agree- half of the total cost. QC will imple- health of the poor communities and ment at the QC office in Doha. ment the project and offer services prevent diseases resulting from pol- The Peninsula defer upgrades by making better use Maya Abi Akl. Mohammed bin Ali Al Ghamdi, to the affected people according to luted water. QC also aims to enable of available infrastructure. Mohammed Al Hashimi, a CEO, International Development, and the agreement. Around 24,000 vil- the poor communities to manage This is the second year in a row research scientist in Science Pro- Ahmed Al Ameen Al Fadni, Director, lagers suffering due to a shortage of water plants. Using environmentally that a TAMU-Q faculty member has gramme advised by Dr Hassan S Public Relations at the organisation, drinking water will benefit. Around friendly and easily maintained tech- DOHA: Texas A&M Univer- received the award. Dr Tingwen Bazzi, received the Best Research were present. 2,400 cubic metres of Nile water will nologies in water plants reinforces sity at Qatar’s (TAMU-Q) Huang, a maths professor in the Sci- Presentation Award in the Energy QC and the organisation have be withdrawn every day, treated, their sustainability.” outstanding research programme ence Programme received the award and Environment Pillar. joined forces to solve issues related to purified and distributed through the Abdulqader said, “Islamic Dawa received multiple accolades during in 2015. Other faculty researchers — Dr water pollution in the targeted areas main network to the villages. Imple- and QC consider providing clean Qatar Foundation’s Annual Research Another repeat winner from Bing Guo, Dr Erchin Serpedin, Dr of Sudan. They also want to invest mentation of the project begins next drinking water one of the most Conference 2016 (ARC16) at Qatar last year was the branch campus’ Qammer Hussain Abbasi, Dr Kuma- their expertise in the field of water. month after the funding procedures important sectors in our field. The National Convention Centre. research office, named Best Research ran Kannaiyan and Dr Reza Sadr They are funding a water project cov- are completed and work will last nine expertise of QC and Islamic Dawa Dr Shehab Ahmed, Associate Office of the Year for a second year — were in the Top 10 at the inaugu- ering Hasaya Ad-damir, Al Makabrab, months. Al Kuwairi said: “The deal will be made use of in other African Professor in Electrical and Compu- in a row and the fourth time in the ral Best Representative Image of an Al Aqida, El Kitayab, Banqa, and Om reflects how much Islamic Dawa countries.” ter Engineering Programme, received past five years. Outcome competition sponsored by the Best Research Project of the Year Aya Safan, a Master’s student in QNRF. Kannaiyan and Sadr’s image, Award for his ‘HVDC Architectures Chemical Engineering Programme ‘Converting Liquid Fuel into Small for Offshore Grid Connected Wind advised by Dr Ahmed Abdel Wahab, Droplets’ won second prize. The Energy Systems’ in which he and won the second-place Best Poster image was captured by a camera Qatar takes part in Global Education Summit in Istanbul his team of researchers developed Award in the Energy and Environ- operating at 20,000 frames per sec- a suite of novel power conversion ment Pillar. Receiving the first-place ond and is from Sadr’s QNRF-funded technologies that aid in integrating UREP (Undergraduate Research project ‘In-depth Characterisation of ISTANBUL: Qatar is taking part in a a Qatari delegation to the first sum- and reforms. Current and former renewables into the power grid. Experience Programme) Oral Pres- Spray and Combustion Performance two-day Global Education Summit mit being held under the theme ministers of education, represent- The developed technologies entation Award was the team of of Alternative Jet Fuels at Gas Turbine which ends today in Istanbul. ‘New Trends in Education in the 21st atives from educational NGOs, spanned power generation and trans- Abdulla Al Sowaidi, Bilal Al Assadi, Combustor Conditions’. Minister of Education and Higher Century’. universities, investors in education mission enhancements to reduce Jawad Yamine, advised by Dr Oth- TAMU-Q also received funding Education H E Dr Mohammed bin It features panel discussions to and columnists on education are tak- system cost, improve efficiency and mane Bouhali and co-mentored by for 16 proposals. Abdul Wahed Al Hammadi is leading share best practices of restructuring ing part. 06 SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 HOME

Bangladesh Independence Day QM unveils Healthy Food Initiative

The initiative has been developed under the guidance of H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson, Qatar Museums, with support of Alain Ducasse whose first Middle Eastern restaurant, IDAM, is at Museum of Islamic Art. Officials at the event.

The Peninsula between being overweight, diabetes and other took part in each workshop led by trained illnesses. It also conveys positive messages coaches and designed to educate youngsters about healthy eating habits and demonstrates on healthy eating, organic foods and leading DOHA: Qatar Museums (QM) has launched a that healthy food can be easy and appealing too. a healthy lifestyle. Workshops took place in new Healthy Food Initiative designed to raise Sheikha Al Mayassa said: “The international the healthy food zone and included activities awareness on maintaining a healthier lifestyle food festival provides the ideal opportunity to such as planting seeds and making smoothies and eating habits. highlight the relationship between food, healthy after which each child was given a certificate, The initiative is an innovative programme eating, exercise and wellbeing. We’re delighted chef’s hat and their own plant pot of seeds to designed to increase awareness amongst that leading figures such as Valerie Espinasse take home. Qataris about leading a healthier lifestyle and and Alain Ducasse have chosen to back our ini- Kicking off the healthy eating initiative at has been developed under the visionary guid- tiative. With their involvement and support, Qatar’s museums and as part of a long-term ance of H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad we hope to engage as many people as possi- programme, MIA Café is launching a series of bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson, Qatar Muse- ble in taking positive steps to eat well and lead recipes that have been developed through a Bangladesh Ambassador Ashud Ahmed hoists his country’s flag to mark ums, with support of Alain Ducasse whose first a healthy lifestyle.” unique collaboration with a selection of lifestyle the 45th Independence and National Day of Bangladesh at the embassy in Middle Eastern restaurant, IDAM, is at Museum Espinasse explained how to improve health and food bloggers from the local community. Doha yesterday. Pic: Salim / The Peninsula of Islamic Art. and well-being by simply changing some eating The brand new, updated menu will be featur- Qatar has one of the highest rates of adult habits while Ducasse discussed how to balance ing a range of healthy eating options. obesity and diabetes in the world, and the great tasting food with eating well, and how to QIFF features the children’s play My Health initiative aims to increase awareness and encourage children to eat healthily. is in My Food by Baraem TV, alongside the understanding among parents, teenagers and As part of the wider initiative, three chil- Health Court at MIA Park where visitors can Doha Peace Agreement praised children about the importance of a balanced dren’s workshops have been held at the festival also receive health checks and advice from pro- diet and eating well. It seeks to highlight the link from Wednesday until today. Up to 20 children fessionals on how to stay fit.

QNA the progress in terms of development, and cited the growth in trade and construction of airports in the region. He told Sudanese Radio that the peo- Qatari donates QR6.5m for orphan house in Somalia KHARTOUM: The Darfur Regional ple of Darfur are embracing peace, which Authority (DRA) yesterday said the Doha has weakened militant groups. He high- peace agreement has helped establish lighted Qatar’s support to boost the peace The Peninsula Somalia, fully funded by a donation It is financed by a donation by a education, health and comprehensive peace in Darfur. process and said conditions in Darfur were from a Qatari woman. Qatari woman to cover the cost of entertainment. It also DRA’s Minister of Cabinet Affairs full of violence, which have completely The project is being developed in construction and furnishing the facil- includes a school. Youssef Al Tulaib said the biggest gain is changed after the agreement. an area of 15,000 square metres in ity and operate it for a year. “Orphan houses are DOHA: Sheikh Thani Bin Abdullah Benadir Province of Mogadishu, Cap- The facility will accommodate needed in Somalia to Foundation for Humanitarian Serv- ital of Somalia. 500 orphan children — girls and boys. accommodate the grow- ices (RAF) has laid the foundation It is expected to be completed They will be provided with com- ing number of orphan stone for a QR6.5m orphan house in within 14 months. plete services, including shelter, children due to natural New ‘driving curriculum extensive’ disasters and wars,” said Abdul Nassir bin Ibrahim Fakhro, Deputy Head of Continued from page 1 Visitors at Al Khor Park the Ambassadors of the Mercy Unit, RAF. The new curriculum of the driving “The project will help schools is extensive and puts emphasis develop the Somali com- on promoting the culture of safe driving munity and provide a among learners. complete services to the “Especially as you are told about the beneficiaries,” he added. common mistakes motorists make, and A delegation led by then you are explained in detail the traf- Fakhroo, comprising rep- fic law, as said earlier,” said Salem. resentatives from RAF About the fee, he said without citing and its strategic part- current charges, that plans are afoot to ner Zamzam Foundation Adel Salem, Manager, Al Rayah Driving increase it. “Nothing has been decided as participated in the ground- School, speaking to The Peninsula. yet,” he added. breaking ceremony of the project last week. Online system to help in faster Al Khor Park received 30,000 visitors last weekend. The Ministry of Municipality and Environment said the number of visitors on Friday reached 20,000 and 10,000 on Saturday. The park, with a mini healthcare zoo, has been witnessing a large number of visitors, including school trips, during weekends since it opened last month. appointments

Continued from page 1

The online system would also help in taking appointments with foreign healthcare providers fast. Dr Ghalia said there would soon be a list of new health service provid- ers abroad where patients will be sent for treatment. According to her, the period of treatment of nationals abroad will be reduced to one month and it would be extended based only on treatment plan submitted by the doctors concerned and the exten- sion will be decided by a committee based on med- ical reports. All patients who are being treated overseas for more than six months without recovery will be brought back for treat- ment at HMC. And only those patients for whom treatment is not available locally will be sent abroad, said Dr Ghalia. The gov- ernment is committed to providing best medical treatment to its people, she told Al Sharq. MIDDLE EAST SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 07

Erdogan slams UN chief urges diplomats for attending Iraqi politicians journalists’ trial to back reforms Reuters ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday “This spirit of compromise must harshly criticised foreign diplo- Ban Ki-moon extend to making sure that the mats in Turkey for attending the executive and legislative branches, trial of two prominent journalists emphasises including the parliamentary blocs, charged with espionage, saying reconciliation in work closely together to support the their behaviour was not in line prime minister, as he implements with diplomatic protocol. speech to parliament. the needed reforms to address the The first hearing of Can multiple crises you face,” Ban told Dundar, editor-in-chief of Cum- lawmakers. huriyet, and Erdem Gul, 49, head Ban, who had last visited the of the newspaper’s Ankara bureau, AFP Iraqi capital in March 2015, was took place on Friday in a court- travelling with World Bank chief room packed with journalists, Jim Yong Kim and Islamic Develop- academics, and half a dozen for- ment Bank head Ahmad Al Madani. eign diplomats, mainly European, BAGHDAD: UN chief Ban Ki-moon “This is a joint and combined in a case that drew international yesterday urged Iraq’s politicians to demonstration of our support for criticism. support embattled Prime Minister the noble efforts, sometimes very The two journalists are Haider Al Abadi’s reform drive. difficult efforts of the Iraqi govern- accused of trying to topple the Speaking in Baghdad on his ment in first of all securing peace government with publication last eighth visit to Iraq as secretary and stability through national rec- May of a video purporting to show general of the United Nations, Ban onciliation and socio-economic Turkey’s state intelligence agency emphasised the need for national reforms, through inclusive dialogue,” helping to ferry weapons into Syria reconciliation. Ban said. by truck in 2014. “I call on all political leaders A drop in oil prices has had a “The consul-generals in Istan- Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al Jaafari (right) meets UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (second left), here today to continue your efforts devastating effect on the economy bul attended the trial. Who are towards a single, unified vision to of Iraq, already strained by the and World Bank President Jim Yong Kim. you? What business do you have advance national reconciliation cost of the fight against the Islamic there? Diplomacy has a certain in Iraq,” Ban said in an address to State group. As areas are gradually to help it weather its financial crisis Supporters of Shia cleric Moqtada He has given Abadi until Tuesday propriety and manners. This is parliament. retaken from the jihadists in intense — the institution’s largest ever direct Sadr have been camping outside to present names of technocrats for a not your country. This is Turkey,” He said such a vision should battles, Baghdad is left with little to budget support in the region. entrances to the fortified Green Zone reshuffled cabinet. he told a meeting of businessmen include the justice and accountabil- spare on the reconstruction of rav- “A clear commitment to reforms — which houses the country’s main But his move leaves Abadi’s gov- in Istanbul. ity law, a controversial amnesty law aged cities. The head of the World would build confidence, which he institutions — for more than a week. ernment hanging by a thread, with “You can move inside the Con- and the establishment of a national Bank pledged his institution’s sup- hoped would lead to greater inter- Sadr says the goal of the protest is powerful Shia leaders in his own bloc sulate building and within the guard. Abadi is facing tough resist- port to Iraq as it begins rebuilding national support for coping with the to support Abadi’s reform drive and both reluctant to relinquish their posi- boundaries of the Consulate. But ance from his own political camp reconquered areas. The World Bank impact of low oil prices,” a statement demand more measures in the fight tions and rattled by Sadr’s return to elsewhere is subject to permis- over several of these issues. recently granted Iraq a $1.2bn loan from Kim’s office said. against corruption. the spotlight. sion,” he said.

Suicide bombers’ group kills three Islamic State dealt body blow with top aide’s death

Iraqi soldiers at Reuters “show that the United States has sources of commander, turned against Al Qaeda in 2013 information close to their top command level,” and declared himself caliph a year later, win- military base the analyst added. ning the backing of Qaduli, Hashimi said. US officials say Islamic State is losing a bat- “He is considered the group’s top civilian AFP BAGHDAD: Islamic State will struggle to tle to forces arrayed against it from many sides administrator,” he added, with duties under recover from the death of a top aide, reported in the vast region it controls. The jihadist fight- Baghdadi including the deportation of religious this week in a US air strike, whose overview of ers were on the retreat this week in the strategic and ethnic minorities and the organised rape BAGHDAD: A group of suicide the group’s finances, politics and administra- Syrian city of Palmyra. of Yazidi women. The commander expected to bombers from the Islamic State tion was unmatched, Iraqi and US sources said. In Iraq, the group has been pulling back replace Qaduli as Syria governor is the group’s group killed three Iraqi soldiers Abd Al Rahman Mustafa Al Qaduli, also since December when it lost Ramadi, the capital spokesman Abu Mohammed Al Adnani, who yesterday in an attack on a military known as Haji Iman and Abu Alaa Al Afri, was of the western province of Anbar. The Bagh- has a $5m bounty on his head, Hashimi said. base hosting hundreds of coalition a veteran jihadist with a bounty of $7m on his dad government is hoping this year to recapture Its likely new financial comptroller is Iyad advisers, officers said. head. Mosul, the largest city in northern Iraq, seized Al Obaidi, also known as Fadel Haifa, a security “Four suicide bombers this That was second only to the $10m offered for by the militants nearly two years ago. officer under Saddam who took over the role of morning infiltrated the military Islamic State leader Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi and “The loss of Haji Iman will be massive. war minister after Shishani was killed, accord- base of Al-Asad on its northern accurately reflected his importance to the group. Although (Islamic State) ... has a strong system ing to Hashimi. edge,” said Major General Ali Ibra- “This is the heaviest blow to Islamic State in in place to replace key leaders it still takes time Abdallah Al Khatouni, the group’s head of him Daboun, head of the Al Jazeera terms of assassinations because Qaduli was at to readjust,” said Ranj Talabany, an official from justice, may become chairman of the Shura Operations Command. the heart of (its) ...administrative structure,” said the Kurdish Zanyari intelligence agency. council, he added. US Defense Secretary Ash “The bombers were of vari- Hisham Al Hashimi, an analyst who advises the “He was fully aware of their finances, and Carter on Friday said Qaduli was likely killed ous nationalities, they were killed Iraqi government on the militants. key leadership decisions were made with Haji this week in an offensive targeting Islamic State’s by Iraqi security forces,” he said, “Baghdadi can’t replace Haji Iman with Iman being consulted.” financial operations. Carter said Qaduli had without specifying any casualties a person of equivalent value. He will have to Unlike many Islamic State commanders, played a role in recruiting foreign fighters, but among army ranks. appoint three people to fill the vacuum... That Qaduli came from Osama bin Laden’s Al Qaeda could not confirm he had anything to do with Al Asad air base, located about reduces (Baghdadi’s)... efficiency and leaves him rather than the dissolved Baath party of Saddam Tuesday’s bombings in Brussels. 180km northwest of Baghdad in more exposed to danger than before.” Hussein, who was toppled by a US-led invasion US Army Col Steve Warren, Baghdad-based Anbar province, is one of the larg- As well as heading the Shura council that in 2003. He was arrested several times under spokesman for an international coalition bat- est military installations in the advises Baghdadi, Qaduli was governor of the Saddam because of his extremist religions opin- tling Islamic State, said Qaduli was also country. Syrian provinces and the group’s financial ions and went to Afghanistan in 1998, where he providing finances and counsel on launching It is home to Iraqi federal comptroller, Hashimi said. met Bin Laden, Hashimi said. attacks in the West, adding: “He had been an An Iraqi family fleeing the violence in the forces and tribal fighters currently His death, and just before him that of war Bin Laden wanted him to take over com- international terrorist for more than a decade. engaged in operations to retake the minister Abu Omar Al Shishani and the capture mand of the group’s Iraq franchise in 2010. His experience and knowledge will be missed northern city of Mosul arrives at a Kurdish nearby town of Hit from IS, as well of an unidentified chemical weapons operative, But Baghdadi, already settled in as the local by (IS).” checkpoint in Makhmur, yesterday. as to a large contingent of foreign military advisers. Colonel Steve Warren, the spokesman for the US-led coali- tion fighting IS in Iraq and Syria, Iraq buries victims of said no foreigners were involved in the incident. Another Iraqi security source football pitch blast said the number of bombers was higher than four and said one of them managed to detonate his suicide vest, killing three Iraqi sol- AFP south of the capital. diers and wounding four. The bomber detonated his sui- “One of the killed soldiers had cide vest late afternoon on Friday as the rank of major,” the officer said ISKANDARIYAH: Iraq yesterday local officials were handing trophies on condition of anonymity because buried the victims, among them to the players after the tournament. he is not authorised to speak to the many young boys, of a suicide A video posted on social media press. The Baghdad-based “war attack that ripped through a trophy shows a local official speaking in media cell” that issues statements ceremony after a local football tour- front of a table covered with tro- for Iraq’s myriad pro-government nament and killed 32 people. phies and calling out the name of a forces also said three soldiers had The attacker, who himself looks player before a huge blast. been killed in the attack. like a teenager on a photo distrib- The footage cuts off with a big It said the site of the IS attack uted by the Islamic State group that flash of yellow light. was an outpost on the northern claimed the attack, cut through a “The suicide bomber cut through edge of Al Asad base and warned crowd gathered after the game and the crowd to approach the centre of that the casualty figures were pro- blew himself up. the gathering and blew himself up as visional. Jihadist fighters are holed “There are 32 dead and also 84 the mayor was presenting awards to up in Hit, a Euphrates Valley town wounded, 12 of whom are in a crit- the players,” Ali Nashmi, an 18-year- about 145km west of Baghdad, ical condition,” an official in Babil old eyewitness, said. with Iraqi forces closing in on them province health directorate said. The mayor, Ahmed Shaker, was from several sides. The govern- “Seventeen of those killed are among the dead, as was one of his ment has had to pull several units boys aged between 10 and 16,” the bodyguards and at least five mem- out of the Anbar offensive however official said. bers of the security forces. to beef up security in Baghdad, The attack took place in the vil- Pictures posted on social media where protesters have been camp- lage of Al Asriya, which lies near of the blast site showed mangled goal People gather in the aftermath of a suicide bombing at a soccer field in Iskandariya, Iraq, yesterday. ing outside the Green Zone. Iskandariyah, a town about 40km posts smeared with blood. 08 SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 MIDDLE EAST Syrian troops push deeper into Palmyra

Despite a major drawdown last week, Rus- Palmyra told AFP that he expected “the old sian warplanes have continued their bombing city and the edges of Palmyra to be mined Forces capture Al Amiriyah campaign around Palmyra, conducting more with explosives.” He said the use of bombs and town on northern outskirts than 150 air strikes in recent days. roadside mines had complicated the battle for But with pro-government forces now the city’s perimeter. of strategic city. engaged in street battles with the jihadists, The government’s fresh advance yesterday raids have markedly decreased. builds on gains made by pro-regime forces “This is because the fighting before was in in the city’s southwestern outskirts in recent the hilltops, whereas city fighting doesn’t need days. AFP heavy air power,” the source said. State news agency SANA reported that “Instead, it needs heavy artillery power — Syria’s armed forces had “launched several and that’s what we are noticing now whether operations at dawn this morning (Saturday) it’s from the Russians or from the Syrian army.” towards the Gardens District south of the city.” PALMYRA: Syrian troops backed by Rus- IS overran the Palmyra ruins and adjacent It said pro-government forces were also sian ground and air forces yesterday pushed modern city in May 2015, sparking a global fighting IS in Palmyra’s airport, to the city’s deeper into the Islamic State group stronghold outcry and fears for the fate of the Unesco east. If Syrian forces take the city, “it will be of Palmyra, as Washington considered boost- world heritage site known as the “Pearl of the first major defeat of Daesh by the Syrian ing its anti-jihadist fight in neighbouring Iraq. the Desert”. army,” the military source said. IS, behind a string of attacks in the West The group has since blown up Unesco- “The army will have regained confidence including this week’s Brussels bombings, is listed temples and looted relics that dated back and morale, and will have prepared itself for under growing pressure from Syrian and Iraqi thousands of years. the next expected battle in Raqa.” military offensives to retake two key bastions Government forces began their large-scale The northern city of Raqa is the de facto in its self-proclaimed “caliphate”. offensive to retake Palmyra earlier this month, capital of IS’s self-styled “caliphate” across Pro-government Syrian forces battled IS but yesterday marked the most significant swathes of territory in Syria and neighbouring fighters yesterday in northern and western advance yet. Iraq. The Pentagon on Friday said it will neighbourhoods of Palmyra, a strategically “This is the fiercest offensive in the last propose boosting the US military presence in located ancient desert city, under the cover three weeks,” said Rami Abdel Rahman, head Iraq to help government forces there battling of Russian and Syrian artillery fire. of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for IS. “We have a series of recommendations In a boost to their campaign, regime Human Rights which monitors the war. that we will discuss with the president in the forces captured the town of Al Amiriyah on “Regime forces have seized two coming weeks to further enable our support the northern outskirts of Palmyra. neighbourhoods in the city’s west and for the Iraqi security forces,” said General A Syrian military source said that Al Amir- northwest in a simultaneous push,” he told Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs Syrian pro-government forces hold a position in Palmyra yesterday. iyah was “Daesh’s gateway into the city,” using AFP. of Staff. an Arabic acronym for IS. IS was putting up a fight, however, with 10 “(Defence Secretary Ashton Carter) and I An AFP journalist on a western hilltop on IS positions in the city. whether in fighting directly on the ground, government forces killed overnight in a car both believe that there will be an increase in overlooking Palmyra saw nearby artillery The military source said Russia was with their planes, or by intercepting commu- bomb west of the city, Abdel Rahman said. US forces in Iraq in coming weeks, but that operated by Russian and Syrian troops firing “widely involved in the battle for Palmyra, nication” among IS fighters. The military source on the outskirts of decision hasn’t been made,” Dunford said. Yemenis protest air strikes

AFP

SANA’A: Thousands of Yemenis rallied in the rebel-held capital yesterday to denounce the Saudi-led coalition that launched a military campaign against the country’s insurgents a year ago, witnesses said. The intervention in support of President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi that began on March 26 last year has yet to deal a decisive blow to the Houthi rebels and their allies, who still control the capital Sana’a and key parts of the country. “Together against aggression,” said a large banner in Sanaa’s Sabaeen Square where protesters gathered, as coalition warplanes flew overhead, breaking the sound barrier in an apparent show of force. Former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, who is allied People look at the wreckage of a vehicle at the site with the Iran-backed rebels and whose party had called of a suicide bombing in Yemen’s southern port city for the protest, appeared briefly at the rally, a witness said. of Aden yesterday. The Houthis have called for another protest later in north Sana’a. Rebel chief Abdulmalik Al Houthi addressed reference to increased tension between regional rivals his supporters in a defiant televised speech on Friday. Saudi Arabia and Iran. “One year on, we look at the outcome of this aggres- The Houthis seized Sana’a in September 2014 then sion... It was said to be aimed at helping and serving the advanced south, raising fears in Riyadh that the Shia Yemeni people. (But) this help came in the form of crim- rebels from Yemen’s highlands would extend Iran’s influ- inal killings and genocide,” he said. ence in its southern neighbour. “The aggression and those criminal aggressors have Riyadh and its Sunni Arab allies in the coalition vowed only caused huge damage at all levels in our country to restore Hadi’s government to power after he was forced and in the rest of the region,” he added, in an apparent to flee into exile in March last year.

Iran denies supporting hacking of US bank

AFP

TEHRAN: Iran yesterday denied supporting cyber attacks against the United States after a New York court indicted seven Iranians over hacking dozens of American banks and a major dam. “The Islamic Republic of Iran has never had dangerous cyber actions on its agenda and does not support such measures,” Hossein Jaber Ansari, the spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The United States on Thursday announced com- puter hacking charges against seven Iranians who it said worked for firms linked to the Iranian govern- ment, accusing them of infiltrating nearly 50 banks and financial institutions, as well as a major New York dam. The announcement comes after a nuclear agree- ment last year between Iran, the United States and five other major powers raised hopes for better rela- tions between Tehran and Washington. In a standoff that lasted more than a decade, the US and the European Union imposed sanctions in a bid to stymie Tehran’s disputed nuclear programme and ensure a bomb was out of reach. Iran persistently denied seeking atomic weapons. The United States and Israel allegedly attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities in 2010 with a computer virus called Stuxnet, although neither government has acknowledged it. The virus, which temporarily hob- bled Iran’s nuclear refining facilities, was believed to be the first programme designed not just to steal infor- mation or hijack computers, but to damage equipment. “The United States, which with its cyber attacks against Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities put millions of innocent Iranians at the risk of an environmental disaster is in no position to accuse citizens of other countries, including those of Iran,” Ansari said. ASIA / PHILIPPINES SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 09 N Korea video Activists in Seoul launch anti-Pyongyang leaflets depicts attack AFP over the next three months condemn- ing North Korea’s nuclear tests”, Park told journalists. In October 2014, North Korean on Washington PAJU: South Korean activists frontier guards attempted to shoot launched tens of thousands of anti- down a set of such balloons, trigger- Pyongyang leaflets into North Korea ing a brief exchange of fire across the yesterday, amid heightened tensions border. slamming down in front of Wash- on the divided peninsula, using a Park and other activists face ington’s Lincoln Memorial. propaganda tool that usually sparks protests by residents and merchants The four-minute The US Capitol building explodes threats of reprisals. living near the border, who are con- video romps through in the impact and a message flashes Conservative activists, including cerned that their livelihood might be up on the screen in Korean: “If US many North Korean defectors, have affected. the history of imperialists budge an inch toward been carrying out leafleting exer- Since North Korea’s fourth nuclear US-Korean relations us, we will immediately hit them cises using giant gas-filled balloons test on January 6, South Korea has with nuclear (weapons).” for years. resumed blasting a mix of K-pop and and ends with a The North has issued similar Defector-turned-activist Park propaganda messages into the North, missile surging videos in the past, including one in Sang-Hak and his colleagues released using giant banks of speakers on the 2013 showing the White House in a 50,000 leaflets tied to three large bal- heavily militarised border. through clouds, sniper’s crosshairs and the Capitol loons from an empty field near Paju North Korea has responded by swerving back to building exploding in a fireball. City close to the border with North dropping its own leaflets over the bor- Earth and slamming The latest offering was published Korea, marking the sixth anniversary der, attacking South Korean President on the North’s propaganda website of the sinking of a South Korean war- Park Geun-Hye and returning to psy- down in front of DPRK Today and shows images from ship with the loss of 46 sailors. chological warfare methods used in Washington’s Lincoln the Korean War, the capture of US Seoul pinned the blame for the the 1950s and 1960s. spy ship Pueblo in 1968 and the first sinking on the North and froze trade Tensions between the two Koreas Memorial. crisis over North Korea’s nuclear and investment ties. have been rising since North Korea programme in the early 1990s. One of the three balloons was carried out its fourth nuclear test in North Korea has been pushing to strung with a large banner printed January, and a satellite rocket launch acquire a submarine-launched bal- with a Pyongyang-published pic- a month later that was widely seen as AFP listic missile (SLBM) capability which ture of leader Kim Jong-Un smiling a disguised ballistic missile test. would take its nuclear strike threat against the backdrop of a missile Pyongyang has upped the rhetor- to a new level, allowing deployment being assembled. ical ante in recent weeks, with near A large balloon is strung with a banner printed with a picture of North far beyond the Korean peninsula and “Bring down a firestorm on daily threats of nuclear and conven- SEOUL: North Korea released a new the potential to retaliate in the event Korean leader Kim Jong-Un as South Korean activists launched balloons nuclear maniac Kim Jong-Un”, read tional strikes against the South and propaganda video yesterday showing of a nuclear attack. containing anti-Pyongyang leaflets into the air at a field near the the slogan. “We plan to launch a total the US mainland in response to large- a nuclear strike on Washington and It has conducted a number of Demilitarised zone dividing the two Koreas, in Paju, yesterday. of 10 million leaflets into the North scale South-US war games. then threatened South Korea with a successful tests of an SLBM, but “merciless military strike” for slan- experts have questioned the claim, dering leader Kim Jong-Un. suggesting Pyongyang had gone lit- Pyongyang has been ramping tle further than a “pop-up” test from up the bellicose rhetoric and propa- a submerged platform. Defector flays Beijing’s repatriation of migrants ganda for weeks, since the launch of Tensions always rise on the annual South Korea-US war games Korean peninsula during the annual that it views as provocative rehears- South-US military exercises, but AFP seekers, who they say face torture also described harassment by Chi- als for invasion. have reached a particularly elevated and imprisonment when repatriated. nese police. Seoul and Washington made the level this year. China is North Korea’s sole major “I want to tell the very basic things already large-scale joint drills big- That is partly due to the nuclear ally and chief trading partner. Lee about what is happening to North ger than ever this year in response test and the UN sanctions that fol- BEIJING: A North Korean defector said she was detained and interro- Koreans here,” she said, speaking to the North’s nuclear test in Janu- lowed, but also because of the made a rare public appearance in gated by police after arriving in China in English to an audience of several ary and long-range rocket launch a first-time inclusion in the drills of China yesterday, criticising Beijing’s in the 1990s. Though later released, dozen mostly non-Chinese listeners. month later. an operation that envisages strikes repatriation of asylum seekers despite she said she subsequently had to hide “China is the place we have to Menacingly titled “Last Chance”, to “decapitate” North Korea’s top alleged warnings from South Korea from authorities during her near cross, but here many people are the video released on Satur- leadership. not to speak out. 11-year stay in the country, fearing caught, less than 50 percent will day shows a submarine-launched Pyongyang has taken that as a Hyeonseo Lee (pictured), who repatriation. succeed”. Lee said intelligence offi- nuclear missile laying waste to direct threat to leader Kim Jong-Un escaped from North Korea to China in Speaking at a book festival to cials from South Korea, where she Washington and concludes with the and responded with increasingly 1997, called on Beijing to let refugees promote her recently published title now lives, tried to dissuade her from US flag in flames. abusive personal attacks on South from her original homeland -- who it “The Girl With Seven Names” which visiting China, warning of possible The four-minute video romps Korean President Park Geun-Hye. routinely sends back -- pass “safely describes living in constant fear of damage to diplomatic relations. through the history of US-Korean Kim presided over a huge, long- without being caught by the Chinese Chinese authorities -- Lee told an “They are telling me I had to be relations and ends with a dig- range artillery drill simulating a authorities”. audience that China “has no obliga- careful in China, saying only talk itally manipulated sequence strike on Park’s office and official Human rights groups have for tion to listen (to) the North Korean about North Korea, don’t ever touch showing a missile surging through residence in Seoul. The North had decades condemned Beijing for regime”. “China is a heaven com- China, especially don’t touch the Chi- clouds, swerving back to Earth and issued similar videos in the past. deporting North Korean asylum pared to North Korea”, she said, but nese government,” she said.

Sunset in Manila Family detained over letter calling for Xi to Two killed in Philippines quit: Chinese activist clash MANILA: Two suspected Reuters aid anyone in broadcasting the let- militants were killed in a ter, and third, that I did not post the clash with government letter on any website,” he said. troops in the southern The online letter had called for Philippines, the military NEW YORK: A New York-based the immediate resignation of Xi and said yesterday. Chinese Internet activist said yes- blamed him for “unprecedented Five soldiers were terday that China’s authorities have problems.” wounded in the fire- detained three members of his fam- The Chinese government has fight on Friday in Al-Barka ily in connection with an open letter consistently and strongly denied any town in Basilan province, calling for the resignation of Presi- complicity in human rights abuses, 900km south of Manila, dent Xi Jinping. but says those who break the law said Major Filemon Tan, a In an interview in New York must be punished. regional military spokes- where he lives, Wen Yunchao said his Wen said the authorities vis- man. The clash erupted parents and younger brother were ited his family after Liu Gang, a when troops were dis- “taken away” by the authorities on former student activist of China’s patched to a village in Tuesday and have disappeared, days 1989 pro-democracy Tiananmen Al-Barka after residents The sun sets during a Penumbral eclipse as residents experienced the hottest temperature recorded after the government “harassed” his Square protest, wrote in a blog post sought help to “drive by the weather bureau in Taguig city, South of Manila, Philippines, yesterday. family to investigate his suspected that Wen had authored the letter. Liu away armed bandits,” Tan involvement in distributing the letter. could not be reached for comment. said. Wen denied writing the online On Monday, the lawyer of a letter, which was signed by “a loyal well-known Chinese columnist, Jia Communist Party Member” and Jia, said police “took away” the col- South Korea circulated widely at the beginning umnist after he had warned former Myanmar grants fourth telecom licence of China’s parliament session this colleagues of the danger of re-pub- confirms new month. Wen also said he did not help lishing the letter. distribute the letter, and had only “The authorities should call off bird flu case AFP Suu Kyi’s National League for Democ- country,” the paper quoted presiden- linked to it on his Twitter account the political hounding of those sus- racy (NLD), crowning her party’s long tial advisor Saw Oo as saying. after the letter had been published pected to be behind the open letter SEOUL: South Korea con- struggle against harsh junta rule. Viettel operates in eight mar- by a Chinese news website. and release all those detained in firmed a new case of bird Hanoi-based Viettel, run by the kets spanning Asia, Latin America Calls to the Ministry of Public connection with it,” William Nee, flu yesterday, the first YANGON: Myanmar’s outgoing gov- Vietnamese military, will own a 49 and Africa, according to its web- Security in Beijing seeking com- China researcher at Amnesty Inter- outbreak in about five ernment granted the country’s fourth percent stake in the venture, with the site. The company could not be ment went unanswered. national, said in a statement on months. All 10,900 ducks telecom licence to a joint venture rest going to 11 local firms and a com- reached for comment. The move “There is no reasonable excuse Friday. were culled as a precau- owned by a Vietnamese operator and pany owned by the defence ministry, was part of a broader lineup of polit- for them to take away my parents President Xi has embarked on tionary measure, and a local consortium that includes the according to the state-backed Global ical and economic reforms steered and my brother, no matter how an unprecedented effort to clamp the farm has been under military, state media reported yes- New Light of Myanmar. by a quasi-civilian government that you look at it,” Wen said, referring down on the Internet and censor quarantine to prevent the terday. “To give the public more choices ended outright military rule 2011 and to authorities in China’s southern opinions that do not reflect those of virulent virus from spread- The deal comes days before in telecommunications and to loosened the army’s grip on political Guangdong province where his fam- Communist Party leaders, includ- ing, according to the Myanmar’s army-backed government increase the funds of the country, rights, paving the way for November ily lives. ing by imposing tougher penalties for ministry. S Korea has not is scheduled to cede power to a civil- we carefully scrutinised and selected elections that saw Suu Kyi’s party “I’ve told them very clearly I’m what the Chinese government calls reported any other cases. ian administration led by Aung San the fourth telecom operator of the storm into power. not the author of the letter, I did not spreading rumours. 10 SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 OPINION

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 IS setbacks Obama’s doctrine and

he Islamic State is being pummeled with a force that can push it out of existence. In the latest of the King Salman’s principle setbacks for the terrorist group, Syrian forces, with Theavy support from Russian aircraft, advanced into the Syrian city of Palmyra and took control of several at the time his allies were ready and the support of his people to accept the move unless the US districts from the Islamic State fighters which were holding the to intervene in Syria and end the and has determination to take makes a direct intervention sim- area. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, it conflict, and his reluctance caused decisive actions. The success of ilar to what former US President, was the biggest assault in a three-week campaign by the Syrian their anger. decisive storm in Yemen will make Bill Clinton did on two occasions It is important to deal with this it a principle applicable to other in the Balkans. The first time was army and policy, as American and West- places, and this is what is hap- in Bosnia, when Serbs were bom- its allied fighters to recapture the desert city. The Syrian ern strategy in general as well pening in Syria since the Kingdom barded until they surrendered and forces have taken control of one-third of the city, mainly in the as the ‘imperialism mood” have announced its readiness to inter- complied with the demands of the west and north, and can move further to eliminate the Islamic retreated following changes in vot- vene using ground forces. Dayton Accords, Ohio in 1995. The State fighters. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Desert’, the city was ers’ moods and the rise of young Salman’s principle ends second time, hardliner Serbs were overrun by IS in May, 2015 and since then the jihadists have leaders far from the generation Obama’s claim that GCC countries shelled in Kosovo war in 1999. By Jamal Khashoggi of post-World War II. It is enough are dependent on US, because no Saudi Arabia wants this type destroyed UNESCO-listed temples and looted priceless relics. to compare Europe’s level of hes- one is waiting for the US to take of real seriousness when dealing The recapture of Palmyra would mark the biggest reversal for itation to intervene against ISIS, action on behalf of them, but they with the regime in Syria, to make it Islamic State in Syria and follows the setbacks the group suffered he storm of criticism of which kept threatening them even are leading and taking actions. accept the resolutions of the Inter- in Iraq. On Thursday, Iraqi forces had ousted jihadists from Obama following his before the Paris attacks and last What is needed from Obama’s national Community. This will not villages south of Mosul, which is IS’s main hub in Iraq. The army interview entitled “the week’s attacks in Brussels, with country as super power is to be possible as long as Obama keep said the attack was the first phase of an operation to recapture Obama doctrine” in President Regan’s intervention in remain an ally to protect them in exercising the policy of “non-inter- Nineveh province and its capital Mosul. On December 8, the Iraqi The Atlantic magazine Libya in 1986 when he accused the UN Security Council, and pro- vention”. Even the negotiations and Thas blown over. The interview the Libyan regime of killing two vide them with necessary logistic peaceful solutions that are pre- troops had retaken a key district of Ramadi, prior to which there included, among many things, crit- American soldiers in a night club and intelligence supports. ferred by the US President need was string of small and big successes against this terrorist group. icism of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf in Western Berlin. Saudi Arabia did not ask force to continue. The Palmyra operation comes in the wake of terrorist attacks in States and his unhappiness about Change in policy is an indis- Obama to send ground troops to The principle of Salman pro- Brussels which was claimed by the IS the dependency of the GCC coun- pensable matter which develops Syria but to take a strict stance vides an exit for Obama. Saudi jihadists. tries on the US. over time, not only due to against the Iranian interventions Arabia does not want a “free ride” The elimination of IS has become Obama next month will visit changes in politicians. But this in the region and to help the GCC at the expense of US. Saudi Arabia Riyadh to meet GCC leaders and policy change can be influenced states to end the chaos and ter- took on its responsibilities in Yemen key to fighting terrorism all over the While the this means we may blame each by the ability to convince, inter- rorism. There is another chance and Syria, and it is ready to shoul- advance world as these jihadists have been able other but we are indispensable. act and take initiatives like the for Obama in the coming weeks der more accountability to support to expand their nefarious networks Jeffery Goldberg, the author of principle of Custodian of the Two to get rid of the stain of retreat a peaceful political change in both against IS in and launch strikes in the heart of the article, did not put ‘the Obama Holly Mosques King Salman bin and hesitation, otherwise he will countries. The US is required only to Syria must be Europe. Several measures are being doctrine’ in brackets, but the whole Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia based be described as a former passive support its regional alliances and to welcomed, taken to thwart future attacks, like issue was about the ‘non-interfer- on “decisive initiative”. It is a prin- president. The Syrian crisis is take the initiative on the issues they the stepping up of security, greater ence’ policy, and the policy that ciple which does not contradict going through a very critical sit- have agree upon. The good thing is the world is solving problems with dialogue Obama’s doctrine. Salman’s prin- uation that is not different from that Saudi Arabia supports neither worried about intelligence sharing between countries is much better than using force. If ciple crystallised a year ago at the the chemical attack on Ghouta two dictators nor any sectarian system and crackdown on homegrown this is the core of the Obama doc- time when the first Saudi warplane years ago. The Geneva talks were in Syria and Yemen. Saudi Arabia is the role IS terrorists, but the most important step trine, then he is not unique in this, attacked the bases of the Houthis concluded a few days ago with an not imposing even its own agenda is playing to is to attack terrorists at their base. The but it is a policy sweeping Europe and the ousted President Saleh, to announcement by the UN Envoy, on the people of both countries, as prop up Assad operations in Syria and Iraq assume also. Obama’s successor is also restore legitimacy in Yemen. The De Mistura, that the UN would Iran is doing with the blessings of great importance in this regard. expected to adopt the same policy. principle was described then as begin to enforce a mechanism Obama. Saudi Arabia just wants to However, Obama has been ‘independence of regional pow- for transitional government. The enforce UN resolutions that were in Syria. The entry of IS and other jihadist extreme in his implementation ers in their decision making’. move is still being rejected by the passed with majority votes during groups has complicated the conflict of this policy, especially in Syria Strong regional powers like regime through ridiculous politi- its sessions, for their interests. in Syria and diminished the prospects where he refused to take action Saudi Arabia can lead and change cal manoeuvres, in a bid to divert of the legitimate opposition which against the regime when it crossed at least their history. The US will the move that required it to dis- The writer is a Saudi Arabian jour- is fighting to oust Bashar Al Assad. Their presence gave an the red line he had drawn and used respond and follow the strong band the regime and to establish nalist, columnist, author and the excuse to Russia to enter the battle to support its ally Assad. chemical weapons in Ghouta, in regional leader, as long as he is a new system. General Manager and Editor-in- Chief of Al Arab News Channel. While Arab countries and the western world would welcome August 2014. Obama retreated independent, enjoys legitimacy The regime will never agree the fight against terrorists, they are equally worried about their role in propping up Assad. For example, IS and al Qaeda’s Syrian branch the Nusra Front are excluded from a month-long Automatic braking system needed to reduce accidents cessation of hostilities that has brought a lull in fighting between the government and rebels battling Assad in western Syria. But The Japan News/Yomiuri this clause is helping Assad because he is bombing rebels under braking system, and installation is Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, the movements of approaching mandatory for some types of large killing 15 people. The automatic pedestrians as well as dealing with the guise of bombing terrorists. trucks and new models of buses. braking system is believed not to drivers dozing off and the effects apid progress in automo- Installation is scheduled to suc- have been installed in either case. of sudden illness. tive technology must lead cessively be made mandatory for Make installation mandatory It goes without saying that driv- Rto reducing the number of midsize trucks and other types of Data show that the accident rate ers must also be responsible for tragic road traffic accidents. automotive vehicles. for passenger cars equipped with driving safely without placing too The US Transportation Depart- But the installation rate for the automatic braking system is much trust in accident-prevention ment and 20 automakers of Japan, passenger cars stands at a mere 60 percent lower than those with- functions. Quote of the day the United States, Europe and other 5 percent, and the rate is no more out it. It is one option to make it The government and car man- countries have agreed to install than 15 percent for large trucks. mandatory for passenger cars to ufacturers agreed late this month in principle automatic emergency Tragic accidents never cease to have the system as it is for trucks to jointly promote the development Around the world, braking in all new cars by 2022. It occur, making the importance of and buses. of automatic-driving technology. is estimated that this will reduce the automatic braking system all As things stand now, danger- For vehicles to be guided to desti- football unites people. rear-end collisions by 40 percent. the greater. Its prevalence must be avoidance features vary widely nations without drivers’ operation, I’m shocked and terribly Efforts to put the automatic expanded urgently. among carmakers and car models. practical use of safety devices with braking system, which stops cars A passenger car ran onto a Discounting insurance premiums higher levels of performance will saddened to have learnt by detecting obstacles with such sidewalk along a busy street in for vehicles equipped with high- become necessary. about the awful tragedy sensors as radar and cameras, into Osaka’s Umeda district last month, performance automatic braking It cannot be allowed that mal- full operation have begun in Japan. leaving 11 people dead or injured. systems would be an effective way functions caused by defective parts, which occurred at a Carmakers have been installing the The likely cause is the driver los- to encourage the spread of such as in the case of Takata Corp.’s air- football game in Iraq. system on new models of passen- ing consciousness at the wheel systems. bags, lead to multiple deaths and ger cars, trucks and buses. due to a sudden ailment. In Janu- Businesses, including carmak- injuries. It is important to pre- Slightly more than 40 percent of ary, a chartered bus carrying ski ers and electronic product makers, vent accidents by conducting Gianni Infantino new passenger cars on sale in Japan tourists accelerated and veered must make efforts to develop repeated demonstration tests of FIFA President are equipped with the automatic off a road and down a bank in devices capable of precisely sensing new technology.

All thoughts and views expressed in these columns are those of the writers, not of the newspaper. All correspondence regarding Opinion page should be mailed to the Editor-in-Chief.

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Reuters The NSW Electoral Commis- “If these people were illegally corruption,” he said in an emailed ending. One Newspoll released on last sion said this week it will withhold donating to the Liberal Party when statement yesterday. Monday showed Turnbull’s popular- One Newspoll showed $3.3m in public funding for the party Arthur Sinodinos was in charge of “I deny any wrongdoing or illegal- ity falling into negative territory for Turnbull’s popularity after it failed to disclose the source the money then his position really ity.” The affair adds to the pressure on the first time. SYDNEY: Prime Minister Malcolm falling into negative of donations made in the lead-up to becomes untenable,” Jason Clare, the Turnbull just days after he called an If successful, Turnbull’s high-risk Turnbull’s ruling Liberal Party is an election victory in Australia’s most opposition Labor Party’s communica- election for July 2, well before it falls election strategy will also clear out embroiled in a financial scandal, an territory for the first populous state in 2011. tions spokesman said. due in January 2017, as he looks to parliament’s upper house, the Sen- unwanted additional challenge for time. The commission ruled that the Sinodinos, who was the state divi- capitalise on early - but fading - pop- ate, potentially giving the coalition the Australian leader as he takes the party’s so-called Free Enterprise sion’s finance director and treasurer ularity. Turnbull has consistently led a clearer passageway for favoured major political gamble of calling an Foundation was used by senior Lib- at the time, said in its ruling, the NSW opinion polls since he came to power bills. Australia has become notorious early federal election. yesterday to dismiss Cabinet Secre- eral officials to disguise prohibited Electoral Commission “used loose in a party-room coup last year. His in recent years for its revolving door Turnbull, who has already sacked tary Arthur Sinodinos over donations donors including property developers, language which could convey erro- ruling Liberal-National coalition has political leadership. If Turnbull was three ministers over misdemeanours made to the ruling Liberal Party’s New who are banned from making political neous impressions”. led Labor in recent polls but there are to lose the election, Australia would in the past few months, faced calls South Wales (NSW) state branch. donations to NSW campaigns. “I have never been accused of signs his honeymoon period may be have its 6th prime minister since 2010.

Burundi rebel group Mountain spring water claims killing army officer 17 dead in Reuters will not stop until the mission is Ivory Coast accomplished,” FOREBU announced on a Twitter account. Journalists clashes confirmed the account had been NAIROBI: A Burundi rebel group led used for other FOREBU statements. ABIDJAN: Seventeen peo- by a former officer who launched an “Those who took that oath are ple have died in clashes abortive coup claimed responsibility behind the operation against Lt Col between arable farmers yesterday for the killing of an army D Ikurakure. You’ll see them again and nomadic herdsmen colonel this week in the capital, the soon. For, it is just the beginning,” in Ivory Coast’s northeast- group said on a Twitter account. it said. ern town of Bouna, the The claim by FOREBU, which It was not possible to get inde- government announced wants to topple the government of pendent comment from members yesterday warning that President Pierre Nkurunziza, will of FOREBU, who has said it is led the toll could rise. add to international worries that by Godefroid Niyombare, a former A further 39 peo- Burundi’s year-long political cri- intelligence chief and senior army ple were injured in the sis is sliding towards a full-blown officer behind an attempted coup in fighting, including five conflict. More than 400 people have May. The government had said this members of the security died so far. week it had retrieved the weapon forces who intervened, Lieutenant Colonel Darius used in the assassination and was he added. Around 900 Ikurakure was shot dead on Tuesday pursuing the killer. defence and security per- by an assassin dressed in a military Burundi’s crisis was sparked by sonnel were deployed in uniform, the army said. Soldiers Nkurunziza’s bid for a third term in the town to restore order. gave similar accounts and also said April last year, a move the opposition Violent disputes he was killed inside the ministry said violated the constitution and the A resident from Kowloon’s Tsz Wan Shan collects spring water from a pipe in Kowloon, Hong Kong, between nomadic herd- compound in the capital Bujumbura. terms of a peace deal that ended the China, yesterday. People are turning to mountain water after heavy metal lead was found to be ers and farmers, often “We promised the people to nation’s 1993-2005 civil war that left tainting water. over grazing and watering defend them. We are at work. We 300,000 dead. rights, are not uncommon, but such a high death toll is rare Taiwan’s Kuomintang party picks China-friendly leader Four dead in Japan plane AFP party, which is also plagued by inner had been a cornerstone of KMT’s crash rivalries. “Of course I know the road policies under outgoing president Ma ahead is very long, with all kinds of Ying-jeou over the past eight years, TOKYO: A small plane risks, difficulties, and setbacks, but but many voters feel benefits have with four people on board TAIPEI: Taiwan’s Kuomintang party I definitely believe that I can fulfil not trickled down. crashed to the ground at picked a China-friendly leader yes- my promise with everyone’s mutual The public -- especially the a western Japanese air- terday as it struggles to regain public support and unity,” she said after younger generation -- is also increas- port yesterday, leaving all support after a crushing defeat in winning the contest. ingly protective of Taiwan’s way of four dead, an official and national elections. She obtained 56 percent of vote, life and democracy, much to China’s local media said. Former presidential candidate beating three other candidates chagrin. Television footage Hung Hsiu-chu was elected to steer including acting chairwoman Huang Taiwan is self-ruling after split- showed the front and the embattled party, despite being Min-hui and Taipei City councillor ting from the mainland in 1949 after back of the fuselage as ousted last October for her conserv- Lee Hsin. Hung’s victory also makes a civil war, but Beijing still consid- severely damaged, with ative views. her the party’s first woman leader. ers it part of its territory awaiting the wing tips broken, and The KMT not only lost the pres- Adding to Hung’s tall task as unification. the crashed aircraft near idency to opposition leader Tsai the KMT’s new leader is answering Beijing is wary of Tsai’s Dem- a runway at Yao airport in Ing-wen in January’s vote, it also demands for the party to surrender ocratic Progressive Party (DPP) Osaka. lost control of parliament for the its assets, which critics say have been -- which is historically pro-inde- A local fire depart- first time in the island’s history as the misappropriated or misused. pendence -- and analysts are ment official said that four public became increasingly uneasy Former KMT chairman Eric Chu, expecting cross-strait relations to people on board were over closer ties with China. who was chosen to replace Hung in cool. Chinese leaders will be watch- found dead following the Hung -- whose stance leans the presidential election, stepped ing Tsai’s inauguration speech closely accident without involving Former presidential candidate Hung Hsiu-chu waves after winning the towards pro-unification with China down in January after the party’s loss. on May 20 for how she addresses anyone on the ground. outgoing Kuomintang party chairman elections in Taipei, yesterday. -- vowed Saturday to revive the Improved relations with China relations with Beijing. 5 inmates dead in Indonesian Sleeping panda Team defends Nigeria’s last prison fire JAKARTA: Five inmates have died in a prison fire in Indonesia, police said elephants against poachers yesterday, after an oper- ation to flush out a drug kingpin sparked a violent riot. AFP Abdullahi, known as ‘The wildlife is more amorphous. Hunt- The blaze was started Armourer’, is an unlikely conserva- ers emboldened by voodoo charms by angry inmates late Fri- tion convert, hired by Yankari as a pick off animals from the reserve and day evening as police ranger in 2012 for his talent in craft- destroy key infrastructure such as entered the prison in NIGERIA: For years, blacksmith ing the firearms. bridges to thwart rangers on patrol. Bengkulu, on Sumatra Hashimu Abdullahi was making guns Now he is part of a 80-strong Herdsmen shepherd cows, sheep island, in search of a for ivory poachers and hunters invad- team that protects Yankari in a bush and donkeys into the park, who chow wanted inmate, local ing the Yankari Game Reserve, one battle where ivory poachers, hunters, the food of the elephants, waterbuck police spokesman of the last wildlife areas home to ele- herdsman and even Acacia tree sap and roan antelope. Sudarno told AFP. phants in Nigeria. harvesters are pitted against rang- Now there are growing fears More than 250 pris- The 5kg, 1.5-metre-long flintlock ers protecting the park and its 300 that Boko Haram fighters, on the oners were rescued as muskets are a relic of West Africa’s elephants -- the last viable elephant back foot after a Nigerian military the fire tore through the colonial past, when slave traders population in the country. counter-offensive, may set up camp facility, but there were used and swapped almost identi- Abdullahi says he and the other in Yankari and use the bush as a five who did not make it cally designed guns for people. rangers are often shot at “by a gun base to launch deadly attacks. The out alive. “It’s true that But today the ‘Dane guns’ -- the like this”, pointing to one of more majority of the 141 arrests made in five prisoners died. They colloquial name for the homemade than 200 confiscated Dane guns, 2015 were grazers. Subsistence hunt- were trapped inside,” firearms -- are the weapon of choice held together with rusted wire and ers were also detained. Still, despite said Sudarno, who like for people fighting Yankari’s rangers one with a shoulder strap fashioned the human onslaught, the rangers are many Indonesians goes for control of the park and the lucra- from faded blue shoelaces. slowly gaining back territory in the by one name. “Several tive animals within. Unlike South Africa, where a reserve. Last year, Geoffrey and his of the prison buildings A panda resting on a tree at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant “I feel shameful. I don’t want to rhino poaching crisis is driven by team recorded just two elephant car- have been damaged, but see poachers again,” Abdullahi, a sophisticated international crime casses, compared with more than 10 in Southwest China’s Sichuan province. The base is a research and the investigation is still 44-year-old man with impeccable syndicates who sell horns to over- in years before. It’s a small victory breeding centre for pandas and is also open to the public. underway.” posture and a neat moustache, said. seas clients, in Nigeria the threat to that makes up for the daily grind. 12 SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 PAKISTAN Pakistan eyes $5bn trade with Iran Pensioners run from pillar to post Iran is interested in Pakistani textiles, to get their dues surgical goods, sports goods and Internews Shahid Khan, secretary to the pres- agricultural products. ident, refused to comment when contacted. Ali is among thousands of peo- ISLAMABAD: Ghulam Ali who ple who are left running from served his entire working life in the pillar to post to get their pensions Reuters Printing Corporation of Pakistan, a released from different ministries state owned institution, but he was and departments. Many pension- denied pension after his retirement. ers have approached the Federal Ali, 63, retired in 2013 as a sen- Ombudsman and the Presidency to ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran aim ior proof-reader and since then he get their rights. to increase annual trade volumes was waiting to get his pension. His According to the documents, between the two countries to $5bn appeal has been pending before the 3,451 pension cases were filed with by 2021, Pakistani Prime Minister president, Mamnoon Hussain, for the the office of the Federal Ombudsman Nawaz Sharif said yesterday. last six months. from 2012 to 2016 against different Sharif spoke at a business confer- A father of six, he said that government departments including ence with Iranian President Hassan after his retirement he applied in Accountant General of Pakistan Rev- Rowhani, who arrived in Islamabad Employees Old-Age Benefits Insti- enue (AGPR), Pakistan Post Office, on Friday for two-day talks focused tution (EOBI) to get his pension, but Pakistan Public Works Department on increasing Pakistan’s electricity his application was rejected on the (PWD), Pakistan Railway, PTV, Sen- imports from Iran, boosting trade ground that his age on his matric- ate Secretariat, State and Frontier relations and reviving plans for a gas ulation certificate was not correct. Regions and Division, State Bank pipeline between the two countries. He claimed that his department of Pakistan and others. According “In the five years strategic action tried to engage him in technical to the documents, 18 cases were plan signed yesterday we have aimed issues. Ali said the issue of his age filed by retired employees in cur- at boosting our bilateral trade to the Pakistan Army Chief Raheel Sharif (left) talks with Iranian President Hassan Rowhani during a meeting in on matriculation certificate came up rent year against AGPR for holding level of $5bn by 2021,” Sharif said. Rawalpindi, yesterday. after four decades. back their dues. Similarly, 79 cases “More land routes for trade on “I gave my department over 40 were filed against EOBI, 32 against our border, trade exhibitions, indus- was aimed at developing a nuclear Pakistan-Iran Business Forum. iron and steel. years of my life but that department post office, 44 against railways and trial and agricultural cooperation and bomb. Most of the sanctions were Iran currently exports around 100 Iran is interested in Pakistani tex- deprived me of my pension. This is 14 cases were filed against Wapda mutual recognition of standards will lifted in January in return for Iran megawatts (MW) of electricity to the tiles, surgical goods, sports goods and the reward I got for a lifetime of by perturbed pensioners. boost trade.” complying with a deal to curb its areas of Pakistan that border Iran. agricultural products. service,” he added. EOBI is on the top of pension Trade between Pakistan and Iran nuclear ambitions. Pakistan is in the final stages of nego- Pakistan also plans to set up Ali filed a petition with the Fed- dodgers, as 864 cases were filed fell to $432m in 2010-11 from $1.32bn “Iran has the capability to help tiating a deal that will increase that to industrial sites in the impoverished eral Ombudsman, an institution which against it in the last four years. The in 2008-09, according to the Trade the development of the economic 1,000 MW, the ministry of water and border area, especially petrochemical addresses the citizens’ complaints department is responsible for col- Development Authority of Pakistan, infrastructure of Pakistan includ- power has said previously. storage, and link the infrastruc- against maladministration on the part lecting funds from government and after western powers imposed sanc- ing roads, railways dams and others Energy-starved Pakistan suffers ture to a $46bn project with China of federal ministries and agencies. private sector, invest the funds and tions on Tehran aimed at halting a area,” about 12 hours of power cuts per day dubbed the China-Pakistan Economic However, his appeal was also issue pensions to registered people nuclear programme they suspected Rowhani said in his speech at the and is keen to import Iranian oil, gas, Corridor. rejected on the grounds EOBI took. after they turn 60. Several measures taken to ensure N-safety: Report

Internews March 31-April 1 in Washington and White House spokesman Josh and Partnership for Global Security Nuclear Security Action Plan with the Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistani and Indian prime minis- Earnest said the 2016 meeting “will — issued a special report, reviewing IAEA and has developed a national council elections ters are among scores of other world continue discussion on the evolving the state of global security around Nuclear Emergency Management Sys- leaders who are participating in the (nuclear terrorism) threat and high- the world. tem, the report adds. on April 7 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has taken a conference. light steps that can be taken together In its chapter on Pakistan, the Pakistan also has renewed its number of steps to ensure the safety US President Barack Obama to minimise the use of highly- report notes that the country has Nuclear Security Action Plan with the ISLAMABAD: After a and security of nuclear materials at launched the effort in Prague in April enriched uranium, secure vulnerable revised its National Export Con- IAEA and has developed a national delay of 10 months, the both civilian and military facilities, 2009 in this regard. materials, counter nuclear smuggling trol Lists and has received a mission Nuclear Emergency Management Sys- Gilgit-Baltistan Election says a report issued on the occasion The first summit was held in and deter, detect, and disrupt attempts from the International Atomic Energy tem, the report adds. Commission yesterday of a nuclear summit. Washington in 2010, second in Seoul at nuclear terrorism.” Agency’s (IAEA) Emergency Prepar- Pakistan has established Nuclear announced schedule for The fourth and final nuclear in 2012, and the third in The Hague On Thursday, two Washington edness Review Service. Security Training and Support Cen- the GB Council election. It security summit will take place on last year. NGOs — Arms Control Association Pakistan also has renewed its tres as well. will be held on April 7. After elections to the Gilgit-Baltistan Legisla- tive Assembly in June last year, the GB Council Afghanistan’s electoral Bird vendor in Mazar-i-Sharif polls to elect six members from the region could not be held. According commission head quits to the schedule, return- ing officers would issue public notices for invit- Reuters power, which descended into near- ing nomination papers chaos when both Ghani and his rival, of candidates on March Abdullah Abdullah claimed victory. 28. Filling of nomination Abdullah’s supporters have long papers with the return- KABUL: Afghanistan’s top elec- sought Nuristani’s ouster, and Satur- ing officers would be toral official resigned yesterday, day’s resignation might be seen as a done on March 29-30. potentially complicating efforts to concession to them. It took months The nomination papers organise parliamentary elections for for both Ghani and Abdullah to agree would be securitised on this autumn. to form a power-sharing unity gov- March 31. Ahmad Yousuf Nuristani, who ernment brokered by US Secretary has repeatedly accused the govern- John Kerry. PML-N’s revamp ment of meddling in the electoral After a recount supervised by the process, stepped down two years United Nations, Ghani was declared pending after himself being accused of failing the election winner and on the day of to prevent fraud in a bitterly disputed his inauguration created the post of LAHORE: The re-organ- presidential ballot. Chief Executive for Abdullah. isation process of A spokesman for the Independ- The pair agreed on electoral Pakistan’s ruling Pakistan ent Election Commission, which reform as a prelude to holding future Muslim League (Nawaz) is Nuristani chaired, said he had elections, but little progress has been pending for want of par- resigned in the “national interest”, made since they have long disagreed ty’s internal report. Sartaj declining to comment further. over who should lead the reform Aziz, adviser to Prime President Afghan Ghani accepted commission. Minister Nawaz Sharif his resignation, the presidential pal- Frustrated international donors on Foreign Affairs, was ace said on its Twitter feed. decided to cut short a multi-mil- assigned to prepare the He was in charge of organising lion-dollar project to fund electoral An Afghan bird vendor looks on as he waits for customers on a roadside in Mazar-i-Sharif. report a few months ago. the 2014 presidential election, the bodies last year because of the The PML-N’s re-organisa- country’s first democratic transfer of delays setting a date for the vote. tion is overdue for the last couple of years. Election rules demand that a party, desirous of contesting general elec- tions, must have held PIA urged to slash Haj fares by 40 percent intra-party polls within three years before the polls. It is learnt that Aziz Internews the lower house of parliament yes- and international fares in February. from Karachi. total population of Islamabad was has suggested in the yet terday that the government had “The national carrier has taken During the question-hour, the estimated to be 1,025,000. to be finalised report completed all necessary arrange- the decision to reduce its fares, in government also revealed there are The health minister stated the fed- that a membership cam- ments, including accommodation order to facilitate its valued custom- 25 districts, including Islamabad, with eral government recognised hepatitis paign should be held six ISLAMABAD: The religious affairs and transportation, for pilgrims vis- ers and stabilise the unrealistic rise in high prevalence of Hepatitis B and C as a major public threat in the country months before the party ministry has proposed slashing air- iting Makkah and Medina. airfares caused by the recent strike,” patients. According to the statistics and had taken steps for its prevention elections. The polling fares of the national flag carrier by He said the government would a PIA press release stated. provided by national health services, and control. These include awareness process should start from 40 percent for Haj pilgrims this year. announce the revised Haj airfare Airfares for Karachi-Islamabad- regulations and coordination minis- campaigns on media and implemen- the primary units and go The decision will be finalised if after receiving a positive reply from Karachi and Karachi-Lahore-Karachi try in a written reply, Islamabad has tation of infection control campaign up to city/district, provin- the ailing Pakistan International Air- the state-owned airline. currently is Rs7,500. Return tickets for a high prevalence of Hepatitis B (5.6 in the 25 high-risk districts. Preven- cial and central levels, it lines agrees to the proposal. With the aim to stabilise an Umra passengers cost Rs54,500 for per cent) and C (4 percent). The sta- tive medicines for HCV and certified proposes. Minister of State for Religious unrealistic hike in fares, the PIA people living in Lahore and Islama- tistics are from the National Hepatitis vaccines for HBV are also being sold Affairs Pir Aminul Hasnat Shah told announced a reduction in its domestic bad, and Rs44,500 for those travelling Survey conducted in 2008, when the in the market. INDIA SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 13

Headley raises Kerala nurse doubts on NIA and son killed statements IANS in Libya attack MUMBAI: Pakistani-American terrorist-turned-approver David Coleman Headley yesterday alleged that the National Investi- zones,” Sushma Swaraj said in gation Agency (NIA) did not record another tweet. his statements on various aspects External Affairs The office of Kerala Chief Minis- of the 26/11 investigations in his Minister Sushma ter Oommen Chandy said that they “exact” words. were making efforts to reach out to He said that on the fourth day Swaraj renewed people in Libya to find out the lat- of his ongoing cross-examination her call to Indians est situation. before a Mumbai special court that abroad to move out The attack also killed a few he had given details on various others who resided in the same com- aspects to the NIA officials. How- of conflict zones. plex, according to reports. ever, his statements were not read An official in Chandy’s office said out to him, he did not seek a copy the chief minister spoke to Swaraj of his statement nor was it pro- and sought all assistance of the cen- vided to him by the NIA, Headley IANS tral government. said, raising serious doubts on the “We have requested to see that NIA statement. Headley referred the bodies are brought and also to certain statements he made to around 15 Keralites, who are work- the NIA on the former terror group Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures as he addresses an election rally at Majuli Island in Assam, yesterday. NEW DELHI/THIRUVANAN- ing in Libya to return for good to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander THAPURAM: A nurse hailing from here, after unrest continues there,” Muzammil Bhatt and Thane col- Kerala and her infant son were killed said the chief minister’s aide, who legian Ishrat Jahan who was in a shell attack at their residence did not wish to be identified. killed in an encounter by Gujarat in Libya, External Affairs Minister The external affairs minister Modi slams Congress for Bangladeshi influx Police along with three other male Sushma Swaraj said yesterday. promised all help to bring back the friends near Ahmedabad in 2004. “I have received report regarding bodies of the nurse and her son. Headley made the startling the death of an Indian nurse and her Meanwhile, in a separate inci- IANS The prime minister, who spoke at people have,” said Modi, terming it revelation before Special Judge G infant son in Libya,” Sushma Swaraj dent, the Vatican and the FBI are four largely attended rallies and a cit- “criminal negligence”. “We, in Delhi, A Sanap by lawyer Abdul Wahab tweeted. among those working hard to res- izens’ meeting in four districts, said are taking such steps which will not Khan, who is defending Sayed “This happened in Zawiya, 45km cue Catholic priest Tom Uzhunnallil only a BJP government -- led by its only stop fresh infiltration into Assam Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jun- from Tripoli,” she said. belonging to the same state of Ker- BORGURI/MAJULI/BIHPURIA/ “young” chief ministerial candidate but will ensure that those infiltrators, dal, one of the prime accused in Sunu Sathyan, the nurse who ala. Uzhunnallil is currently in the BOKAHAT: Launching a scathing Sarbananda Sonowal could fulfil the who have been living in Assam, have the 26/11 Mumbai terror strikes. hailed from Kerala, and her son custody of the Islamic State terror- attack on Assam’s ruling Congress dreams of the people of Assam. to go back,” he said. He said that in 2003, LeT chief Pranav, who was 18 months old, ist group in Yemen, an official said. for its “60 years of misrule”, Prime Modi said if the BJP was voted to Modi, who began the day with a Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi had intro- were killed on Friday when a shell A massive joint operation has Minister Narendra Modi yesterday power, the central and state govern- rally at Borguri in Tinsukia district, duced him to Muzammil Bhatt as a hit their apartment. been launched, with officials coor- promised to stop infiltration from ments would work hand in hand to said his fight was not with Chief top LeT commander who had car- Sushma Swaraj said that Indian dinating from various places, to see Bangladesh and even force those take Assam’s development to a dif- Minister Tarun Gogoi, but against ried out the Akshardham Temple authorities have got in touch with that the priest is rescued, an offi- living illegally in the state for years ferent level, ushering in a change poverty, corruption and the dev- strike and Ishrat Jahan matter, of the nurse’s husband Vipin and added cial said. to go back. a change in the people’s living astation of the state. “But I have a which he had prior knowledge that there were 26 more Indians “The Vatican, the Federal Addressing a series of rallies in standards. fight against poverty, corruption and through the newspapers. working in Zawiya hospital. Bureau of Investigation, the Catholic the poll-bound northeastern state, At Narayanpur near Bihpuria in against the destruction of Assam.” Headley said, “I cannot explain The minister also renewed her church’s working groups in Jor- Modi spoke on issues like devel- Lakhimpur district, Modi raised the Today, he would speak at two why NIA did not did not record my call to Indians abroad to move out dan and Abu Dhabi, besides Indian opment and corruption, and even infiltration issue. more rallies. A total of 1.98 crore vot- statement in my exact words... of conflict zones. Embassy officials in Djibouti along accused the Congress of providing “The Assam government always ers will elect legislators for the 126 They never read out the statement “We have issued advisories many with Indians based in Yemen are all political patronage to those killing wants the Bangladeshis. They offer seats in the Assam assembly. Polls to me after recording... I did not ask times. I request you once again — working hard to see that the priest is Assam’s state animal — the one- golden plates to Bangladeshis but will be held in two phases — April for the copy and they never gave please move out of the conflict rescued,” the official said. horned rhino. take away whatever the indigenous 4 and 11. me a copy,” Headley said. Congress’ Kerala Rebel MLAs accuse Uttarakhand CM of horse-trading unit recommends ticket for all IANS Congress Members of Legislative Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal had government is indulging in horse- whole situation. There is a constitu- Assembly (MLAs) showed CM Harish served notice to nine rebel Congress trading of the MLAs,” said one of the tional crisis in the state.” sitting MLAs Rawat, where he is seen allegedly legislators, seeking their responses rebel MLAs Harak Singh Rawat. Soon after the sting was released, offering money to legislators to vote by March 26 on why they should not He also said that the sting video CM Harish Rawat held a press confer- NEW DELHI: Rebel Congress MLAs for his government in the vote of con- be disqualified from membership of clearly showed that the chief minis- ence and accused the journalist, who IANS of Uttarakhand yesterday released fidence mandated by governor KK the house under the anti-defection law ter was talking of offering Rs5crore to conducted the sting, of conniving with a sting video of Chief Minister Har- Paul, before March 28. for violating the party discipline and each legislator to return to the party opposition parties to “destablise his ish Rawat and alleged that he was Releasing the video, rebel Con- aligning with the opposition Bharatiya and was also heard saying ‘the issue government and bring a bad name to indulging in horse-trading to save his gress MLA Harak Singh Rawat said Janata Party (BJP). has been settled at a cheap price’. the state.” THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government, prompting BJP to call for that the chief minister was trying to “There is an attempt by the CM Rawat said: “We have also writ- The BJP and the people behind Congress’ Kerala unit has prepared dismissal of the state government. bribe the nine rebel Congress MLAs to bribe the nine rebel MLAs and few ten a letter to the President Pranab the sting operation, he charged, were its list of candidates for the May 16 The sting released by rebel and few other BJP MLAs. other BJP MLAs. The Uttarakhand Mukherjee to take objection to the “immoral and greedy”. assembly elections for approval by the party high command with all 38 sitting legislators fielded. Out of the 82 constituen- cies, four have just one candidate Kashmir blooms Mehbooba stakes — Puthupally (Chief Minister Oom- men Chandy), Haripad (Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala), claim to power in J&K Aruvikara (K. S. Sabarinath) and Mananthavady (Scheduled Tribes Welfare Minister P K Jayalekshmi) while in the others, there are more IANS ideologically opposed BJP than one name. when Mehbooba’s father Mufti “The final selection, depend- Mohammaed Sayeed formed the ing on the guidelines of the high government last year. command, would decide who JAMMU: Mehbooba Mufti yesterday The alliance was on the brink will contest where,” state Con- staked claim to power in Jammu and of a collapse after Sayeed died in a gress president VM Sudheeran told Kashmir after the Bharatiya Janata Delhi hospital on January 7. A day reporters at the party headquar- Party (BJP) informed the governor later, Jammu and Kashmir came ters yesterday. that it was ready to support the PDP under Governor’s Rule when a According to sources, the top chief as the first woman chief min- bereaved Mehbooba refused to take leaders from the state will reach ister of India’s only Muslim-majority the oath as chief minister. Delhi tomorrow to finalise the list state. However, the BJP refused to give in consultation with the national However, the date for the swear- fresh concessions to Mehbooba and leadership. The rest of the seats ing-in ceremony has not been the rapprochement was reached only to the 140-member assembly will decided as yet because the two coa- when she met Prime Minister Naren- be fought by other constituents of Kashmiri men walk in a mustard field on the outskirts of Srinagar yesterday. With the arrival of early lition partners are still discussing dra Modi in Delhi earlier this week. the party-led United Democratic spring this year, fields in Kashmir are in full bloom. ministerial portfolios — a last-minute The two partners are now ready Front (UDF). hitch in forming the state government to govern the state again even as the — which leaders of the two parties portfolio issue still hung fire. Meh- said would be resolved soon. booba, however, denied the issue “We have to discuss it with our was causing the delay in holding coalition partners,” Mehbooba Mufti the swearing-in ceremony. KCR to take up Hyderabad varsity issue with PM told reporters after she met Governor “Portfolios are not important. N N Vohra along with Nirmal Singh, That is something we can sit together BJP’s nominee for the post of deputy and sort out. It is a coalition govern- chief minister. ment. The BJP’s portfolios are ours IANS Replying to a debate in the assem- known, was responding to the He also announced that a probe Senior PDP leaders and party and ours portfolios are of the BJP,” bly on the unrest in the central demand by Majlis-e-Ittehadul Mus- by a senior official will be conducted MPs Muzaffar Hussain Beigh and she said, smilingly though. university in the wake of Appa Rao limeen (MIM) and others that the into the incidents that occurred on the Tariq Hamid Karra accompanied She heaped praises on Prime resuming charge as the vice chancel- house pass a resolution to urge the campus on March 22. Mehbooba to the governor’s resi- Minister Modi and said he has assured HYDERABAD: Telangana Chief Min- lor, he said he would bring to Modi’s central government to recall Appa “If any excesses were found to dence in Jammu in a sign that the “all help to my government”. “We will ister K Chandrasekhar Rao yesterday notice the incidents that occurred in Rao as VC as his return has created be committed by police, government party stood behind her decision to stick to the Agenda of Alliance formed announced that he will take up with the aftermath of suicide of research fresh unrest. will take appropriate action,” he said. realign with the BJP after a nearly between Prime Minister Narendra Prime Minister Narendra Modi the scholar Rohith Vemula. He expressed Stating that UoH is a central Alleging that police committed three-month-long break. Modi and late Mufti Mohammad Say- demand for recall of University of the hope that a solution will be found institution and does not fall under atrocities on students, the opposition Karra and Beigh were vocal eed.” She said her father’s vision of Hyderabad Vice Chancellor P Appa soon. the state government’s purview, he Congress and MIM wanted a thor- opponents of their party form- peace and development will be ful- Rao. KCR, as the leader is popularly rejected the demand. ough probe. ing a ruling coalition with the filled with “a renewed vigour”. 14 SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 EUROPE / UK

Brussels airport Charges slapped not to reopen on suspected before Tuesday AFP

BRUSSELS: Brussels airport will airport bomber not reopen before Tuesday as it implements new security meas- ures and repairs the departure hall injured in metro and airport bombs. wrecked by a suicide bomb attack However, the organisers of “March earlier this week, it said yesterday. A huge manhunt Against Fear” said they had can- “Passenger flights at Brussels netted the suspect celled the event after authorities Airport will not resume before asked them to do so because of secu- Tuesday March 29,” Zaventem air- officially identified rity fears. port said in a statement. as Faycal C and Prosecutors meanwhile, also “Brussels Airport is starting charged a man arrested in Bel- preparations to partially resume identified by local gium over a new plot to hit Paris, passenger flights and to implement media as Faycal deepening the connections in what new security measures at Belgian Cheffou. French President Francois Hollande airports, decided by the federal has described as a single terror cell government,” it added. straddling both France and Belgium. It gave no details of what the The Belgian government faces new security measures involve but a torrent of criticism at home and after Tuesday’s attacks, there was a People pay tributes to those killed and injured in multiple terrorist attacks in Brussels bomb attacks, at Place AFP abroad, with key ministers on the lot of criticism that security at the de la Bourse, in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday. back foot saying they had done eve- airport was light, with no system- rything possible to prevent Tuesday’s atic checks on passengers entering attacks and track a network also she was advised to do so “for the safety Faycal Cheffou, a freelance journalist. According to reports, a security the departure hall. BRUSSELS: Belgium yester- linked to November’s Paris attacks. of my fans, my band, crew and every- He is the first person charged guard at a Belgian nuclear power plant On Tuesday, two suicide bomb- day charged a man believed to be Many believe it failed to stop one involved with the tour.” with terror offences over the Brussels was murdered on Thursday. Prosecu- ers blew themselves up there while the fugitive third Brussels airport young Belgian fighters going to Syria In contrast, veteran French rock attacks, the worst in the history of a tors denied any terror link, Belga news another attacked the Brussels bomber with terrorism murder, in to join Islamic State (IS) — which star Johnny Hallyday was going ahead country that is home to the European agency reported, and said that in fact metro, leaving 31 dead and more a breakthrough for security forces claimed the attacks — and then with two planned concerts in Brussels Union and the Nato military alliance. the man worked at a medical research than 300 wounded in Belgium’s facing criticism for letting suspects returning home battle-hardened and over the weekend. A second suspect Rabah N linked facility that used radioactive isotopes. worst ever terror attack. slip through the net. more extremist than before. Prosecutors said Faycal C was one to a foiled plot in France was charged These reports follow the discovery The Easter weekend is nor- A huge manhunt netted the sus- “It is an endless nightmare for a of three people arrested outside Belgian with taking part in terrorist activities. by investigators last year of surveillance mally one of the busiest of the year, pect officially identified as Faycal country turned upside down,” said federal prosecutor’s office in Brussels A suspect shot in the leg on Friday footage of a nuclear plant official in the with thousands of holidaymakers C—and identified by local media Le Soir daily in a front-page edi- as part of a huge sweep of detentions at a tram stop in the Schaerbeek district flat of a suspect linked to the Brussels jetting off from Brussels to desti- as Faycal Cheffou—and investiga- torial. Heavily armed soldiers and across Belgium and Europe. of Brussels is being held for another 24 and Paris attacks. nations worldwide. tors are now working on the theory police remained on patrol in the cap- “He has been charged with taking hours as investigations into the French The Belgian government has Following the attacks, air- that he could be the man in a hat ital and Zaventem airport. part in a terrorist group, terrorist mur- plot continue. admitted “errors” and two ministers lines moved operations to regional and white jacket pictured with two In an indication the city is still der and attempted terrorist murder,” Belgium’s ageing nuclear power offered to resign after Turkey said it airports or even to neighbouring other airport bombers, but whose on edge, a bomb disposal squad car- the prosecutor said. When asked if Fay- plants have also come under scrutiny as had arrested and deported Ibrahim El countries such as the Netherlands device failed to go off. ried out a controlled detonation on a cal C. was the suspected third bomber a possible terror risk, with the EU’s anti- Bakraoui, who blew himself up in the and Germany. Low-cost pioneer Belgians in mourning had southern Brussels street to destroy a dubbed the “man in the hat”, a source terror chief Gilles de Kerchove telling airport attack. Ibrahim and his brother Ryanair moved its Brussels flights decided to gather today for a rally suspect backpack. said, “That is a hypothesis the investi- La Libre Belgique newspaper they face Khalid, the suicide bomber in the metro to its main base at Charleroi, about in a central Brussels square to pay Pop diva Mariah Carey on Friday gators are working on.” the threat of a terrorist cyber-attack attack, were also on a US counter-ter- an hour’s drive south of the Bel- tributes to the 31 killed and 300 cancelled a show in Brussels, saying Local media named the suspect as over the next five years. rorism watch list. gian capital.

Two Ukrainian Tourists flock Spain Savchenko ‘will serve’ soldiers dead her sentence: Kremlin and 8 wounded AFP condemnation from the European in fresh clashes Union and Washington, which have called for her release. Peskov denied any decision was taken on AFP MOSCOW: Ukrainian military her release or exchange, despite pilot Nadiya Savchenko will serve Ukrainian President Petro Poro- her 22-year jail term over the shenko saying he is ready to swap KIEV: Two Ukrainian soldiers have killing of two Russian journal- her for Russian prisoners. been killed in the latest uptick in ists, the Kremlin said yesterday “Only the head of state can fighting with pro-Russian sepa- despite Kiev’s pushing for a pris- take any other decision. As yet ratists in the country’s war-torn oner exchange. there is no such decision,” Peskov east, a Kiev military official said “With Savchenko, the situation said in an interview. yesterday. is as simple and understandable He condemned what he called “As a result of fighting two as possible. Savchenko is a con- “Russophobic hysteria” in the West Ukrainian servicemen were killed vict... She will serve her sentence,” over Savchenko’s case, saying that and another eight were wounded,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov “it is much easier to resolve such Ukrainian military spokesman said in a televised interview. problems in quiet.” Oleksandr Motuzyanyk said. A court in Russia on Tuesday Peskov acknowledged that He accused pro-Russian sepa- found Savchenko guilty of involve- US Secretary of State John Kerry ratist rebels of using banned heavy ment in the fatal 2014 shelling of and German Foreign Minister weaponry over the past 24 hours. Russian state television reporters Frank-Walter Steinmeier raised In a separate incident, three People take selfies at La Concha beach in San Sebastian, Basque Country, northern Spain, yesterday. and sentenced her to 22 years in Savchenko’s case on visits to Mos- Ukrainian officers were wounded The city is crowded with tourists. prison. cow this week, but downplayed in a blast caused by an unidentified Her case has prompted their comments. explosive device, he added. Motuzyanyk reported that the government-held town of Avdi- ivka, some 10km north of rebels’ de facto capital Do netsk, came under fire from 82- and 120- millimetre Germany calls for better data exchange on terrorism calibre mortars. These and other heavy weap- ons are prohibited under the peace Reuters debate on how to tighten security can be quickly assessed and terror- standardised to make it possible for Maiziere said security should be agreements aimed at ending the while safeguarding data protection. ist acts can be prevented if possible security agencies in other EU mem- given a priority over data protection, 23-month conflict. Suicide bombings in Brussels on before they take place or cleared up ber states can access data. prompting criticism from the oppo- More than 9,000 people have Tuesday and last November’s attacks in a more focused way,” Germany’s “It can’t be that we collect data sition Greens. been killed and over 20,000 BERLIN: Europe needs to improve in Paris have highlighted weak links EU Commissioner Guenther Oettinger in Germany and that investigations Germans are sensitive about data injured since the revolt against the way its security agencies share in information-sharing between told the daily Bild. in other countries fail because they protection because of their experi- Ukraine’s new pro-Western lead- information, members of German Western intelligence services. Oettinger, a member of Mer- are not allowed to look at it. We need ence of state surveillance by the Stasi ership erupted in eastern Ukraine Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conserva- “Faster communication is impor- kel’s Christian Democratic Union, a security union,” he said. secret police in East Germany and the in April 2014. tives were reported as saying, stoking tant so that tips about possible attacks called for data protection rules to be Interior Minister Thomas de Gestapo under the Nazis. Final edition of UK’s The Independent newspaper goes to print

AFP “as an example for other newspapers known for its eye-catching, cam- The Independent was politi- around the world to follow”. paigning front pages and emphasis cally left of centre, and campaigned “Today the presses have stopped, on photos. At the peak of its popular- strongly against Britain’s involvement the ink is dry and the paper will soon ity , it had a circulation of more than in the US-led war in Iraq in 2003. LONDON: Staff at The Independent crinkle no more,” it said. 420,000, but this slumped to 40,000. Yesterday’s final edition included sent their final edition to the printing “But as one chapter closes, In an editorial, The Guardian paid four special magazines looking back presses before the 30-year-old British another opens, and the spirit of The tribute to a “really rather wonderful at its history, before it becomes the newspaper becomes available only in Independent will flourish still.” newspaper” that had suffered from first daily national to close in Britain digital format. The newspaper’s Russian-born dramatic changes to the advertising since 1995, when Today folded. Journalists posted footage online British owner, Evgeny Lebedev, who market, notably the shift in revenues The weekly News of the World of the team “banging ourselves out”— announced closure of the print edition to sites such as Facebook. owned by US media tycoon Rupert an old tradition of banging the desks last month, wrote that journalism had “Great newspapers which have Murdoch closed in 2011 in the wake to mark the departure of a colleague. “changed beyond recognition” and the survived for centuries find their of a series of phone hacking scan- The newspaper’s final editorial newspaper “must change too”. business models challenged as never dals, but was replaced by the Sun on said history would be the judge of Independent was set up by three before. So no one will celebrate end Sunday, which is owned by the same The last print edition of The Independent in London, Britain, yesterday. its “bold transition” to online media, former journalists in 1986 and became of the Independent in print,” it said. group. EUROPE SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 15 Greece starts removing migrants as arrivals trickle

Idomeni camp for a month with his double”, Kyritsis added, pledging to wife and two young children, thinks create 30,000 more places in the next Those persuaded to he will probably leave. three weeks in new shelters. Mean- move were mainly “There’s nothing to do here. The while, flow of refugees arriving in children are getting sick. It’s a bad Greece slowed dramatically. parents with children situation the last two days it’s windy, Greece on Thursday said no who could no longer sometimes it’s raining here,” he said. migrants had arrived on its Aegean tolerate the difficult “We don’t have a choice. We have islands in the previous 24 hours, for to move,” he said. the first time since the controversial conditions in the Desperation was evident in the EU-Turkey deal came into force. squalid camp. camp. One tent bore the slogan: “Help Before the deal, the numbers us open the border.” arriving each day had numbered in “People who have no hope or have the thousands. The day after it came no money, maybe they will go,” said into force, 1,662 people arrived, and 40-year-old Fatema Ahmed from Iraq, that fell to 600 on Tuesday and 260 AFP who has a 13-year-old son in Germany on Wednesday. and three daughters with her in the On Friday, the number of new camp. “But I have hope, maybe some- arrivals was 161, down to 78 yester- thing better will happen tomorrow, day, according to numbers given by IDOMENI, GREECE: Greece said maybe today,” she added. Greek government, while the number yesterday it has begun emptying the She said she would consider leav- of migrants in Greece was 50,236. main migrant camp on its Macedonia ing Idomeni if Greece gives every Greek authorities have used the border, as the huge tide of refugees migrant family decent shelter and relative calm to put in place logistics flooding into the country slows to a doesn’t send them to a similar camp to send people back, including the trickle following the EU-Turkey deal. elsewhere. A total of 11,603 people deployment of 4,000 security per- Eight buses transported around remained at the sprawling border sonnel and asylum experts. 400 refugees from the Idomeni camp camp yesterday, according to the lat- All new arrivals in Greece are on Friday, while a dozen more buses est official count. being taken to registration centres Migrants and refugees reach out to get humanitarian aid at a makeshift camp at the Greek-Macedonian were waiting for migrants so far reluc- Giorgos Kyritsis, spokesman of the set up on five Aegean islands. Those border near Idomeni village, Greece, yesterday. tant to leave the border, shut down SOMP agency which is coordinating seeking asylum will stay there while earlier this month. Athens’ response to the refugee crisis, their applications are considered by Those persuaded to board the said the operation to evacuate Ido- Greek and European officials. criticised the EU-Turkey deal on eth- Germany shouldering most of the bur- on the Greek-Albanian border. first buses were mainly parents with meni will intensify from tomorrow. Medical charity Doctors With- ical grounds and scaled back some of den. Of these, around 850,000 people Albanian police yesterday children who could no longer tol- “More than 2,000 places can out Borders (MSF), the UN refugee their activities. made the sea crossing to Greece from arrested 7 Syrian refugees who erate the difficult conditions in the be found immediately for the refu- agency UNHCR, the International In 2015 more than a million Turkey—a route that also claimed had entered Albania from Greece. squalid camp. Janger Hassan, 29, from gees that are at the Idomeni camp Rescue Committee and the Nor- migrants entered Europe, about half more than 300 lives. According to the Albanian police, the Iraqi Kurdistan, who has been at the and from tomorrow this number can wegian Refugee Council have all of them Syrians fleeing war, with Refugees are also trying their luck refugees were sent back in Greece.

Freedom Day in Minsk Poland approves Ex-ICTY official held under logging Europe’s last primeval forest ‘suicide watch conditions’

WARSAW: Poland gave the go ahead for large-scale logging in AFP between 2000-2006. the Bialowieza forest intended to She had been prosecuted in 2007 combat a spruce bark beetle infes- for revealing details of two confiden- tation, despite scientists, ecologists tial appeals chamber decisions in a and the EU protesting the move in THE HAGUE: The former prosecu- book published that year. Europe’s last primeval woodland. torial spokeswoman for the Yugoslav The data, which emerged during “We’re acting to curb degrada- war crimes court, convicted in 2009 the trial of late Serbian strongman tion of important habitats, to curb on contempt charges, was held under Slobodan Milosevic, allegedly impli- disappearance and migration of “suicide watch conditions” at the tri- cated the Serbian state in the 1995 important species from this site,” bunal’s detention unit, her lawyer massacre of some 8,000 Muslim Jan Szyszko, environment minister said yesterday as efforts continued men and boys in Srebrenica, Bosnia. with Poland’s right-wing govern- to get her released. In 2009, Hartmann was initially ment told journalists. French national Florence Hart- fined $7,800 for contempt for dis- Szyszko vowed that logging mann, who was sentenced on appeal closing confidential information in plans would not apply to pro- to seven days in prison in 2009 after her book Paix et Chatiment (Peace tected areas of primeval forest writing a book containing confiden- and Punishment). that was designated a UNESCO tial court details, was grabbed at the In 2011, after Hartmann had not World Heritage site in 1979. But tribunal’s entrance as she tried to paid the fine, ICTY judges sentenced under the new plan, loggers will get in to hear the landmark verdict her to seven days in jail. The court harvest more than 180,000 cubic against former Bosnian Serb leader asked French authorities to arrest metres of wood from other areas of Radovan Karadzic on Thursday. her, which the French foreign min- the forest over a decade, dwarfing Hartmann’s lawyer Guenael istry refused to do. Belarusian opposition activists shout slogans as they celebrate Freedom Day in Minsk. previous plans to harvest 40,000 Mettraux said she was held sepa- Mettraux said yesterday he has cubic metres over the same period. rate from other detainees, “under also asked “ for her early release, suicide watch conditions, mean- a course of action even extended ing with light in her cell 24-hours to war criminals convicted by the a day and that she is being checked court, who are released after serv- on every 15 minutes by the guards.” ing two-thirds of their sentence... she Reports hint at pilot error in flydubai jet crash “She has only been visited by the should be entitled to the same.” French consul,” he said. He added that he did not expect “I have filed applications any reaction from The Hague-based including one for her conditions UN tribunal, set up in 1993 to try AFP last words exchanged a minute switching off the autopilot. the pilot accidentally switched on a of detention to be urgently modi- those accused of atrocities during before the Boeing 737 plunged to the “Don’t worry,” the pilot says stabilising fin at the tail as he tried fied as these measures are totally the 1990s Balkan wars, as it was ground from a source in the investi- repeatedly in the transcript trans- to pull the plane back to a horizontal unnecessary, unjustified and dis- closed for weekend public holidays. gative commission with access to the lated into Russian, before repeating position. With this fin activated, “the proportionate,” Mettraux said. “We expect to know more on MOSCOW: Russian state televi- plane’s voice recorders. seconds later “Don’t do that!” The last plane practically does not react to the Hartmann, a former Balkans Tuesday,” he said. sion has aired the final words of the The plane, which was arriving words are repeated calls to “Pull up!” pilot’s control panel” the channel said. correspondent for French daily Le The ICTY could not immediately pilots of the flydubai passenger jet from Dubai, exploded into a fireball For the last six seconds of the “The pilots did not understand Monde, was grabbed by UN guards be reached for comment. ICTY war that crashed in Rostov-on-Don last last Saturday after missing the run- plane’s dive, all that can be heard that the stabiliser was to blame for in front of the International Criminal crimes judges on Thursday sen- week killing 62 people, suggesting way while making a second attempt are “inhuman screams,” the channel’s the steep dive.” The channel said the Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia’s tenced Karadzic to 40 years in jail pilot error could be to blame. to land in heavy wind and rain. source said. The channel suggested — pilot could have accidentally switched (ICTY) entrance, where she once for his role in Bosnia’s 1992-95 war Russia’s Rossiya-1 channel said The transcript suggests that the citing specialists while stressing that on the button activating the fin due to worked as the spokeswoman for that killed some 100,000 people and it had obtained a transcript of the pilot lost control of the plane after this was not the official version—that his reported “chronic fatigue.” former prosecutor Carla Del Ponte left 2.2 million others homeless.

Italy casts doubt over Egyptian Bomb threat? explanation of student’s death

AFP graduate whose mutilated body was promised parents of the student that found in Cairo in January. Rome will continue to put pressure Egyptian police said they identi- on Egypt to establish the full truth fied people linked to Regeni’s murder, behind his death. “Italy will never ROME: Italy has cast doubt on Egypt’s after killing four members of a crim- content itself with anything less than explanation for the murder of Italian inal gang and finding the victim’s the truth, the whole truth, without student Giulio Regeni, after Egyp- passport at one of their apartments. shadows or mystery.” tian police said they had killed four Regeni disappeared on January Regeni’s parents said they were gang members and found the victim’s 25 in central Cairo. His body was “injured and bitter” at Egyptian passport at one of their apartments. found nine days later on the side of authorities’ latest attempt to explain “Italy insists: we want the truth,” a motorway, badly mutilated and their son’s death. Regeni, 28, had said Italian Foreign Minister Paolo showing signs of torture. been researching labour movements Gentiloni on his Twitter feed, while Rome prosecutor Giuseppe Pig- in Egypt, a sensitive topic, and had prosecutors in Rome rejected the lat- natone said in a statement that written articles critical of the gov- est conclusions of the Egyptian probe. “details communicated so far are not ernment under a pen name. Italian media and western dip- satisfactory to shed light on the death The incident threatened relations lomatic sources in Cairo have voiced of Giulio Regeni. Investigations must between Egypt and Italy, a strong First help team with police and medical ambulance stand in the area where an unattended suitcase suspicions that Egyptian security therefore continue.” supporter of President Abdel Fattah was found at Leonardo da Vinci Rome airport that caused a bomb alert in Fiumicino, near Rome, Italy, services kidnapped and tortured According to Italian government al-Sisi whose security services have yesterday. The suitacse was inspected by the police and was found to be empty. to death the Cambridge University sources, premier Matteo Renzi has been accused of abusing dissidents. 16 SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 AMERICAS

Insults to Sanders goes women may cost Trump after Hillary dear: Polls lead in race AFP

seize the Democratic nomination. NEW YORK: Donald Trump has Sanders, 74, gave a rousing ren- never minced his words about Sanders needs dition of his standard stump speech women he doesn’t like, but pro- success because in Seattle, Washington, just hours lific insults and personal attacks Clinton has a ahead of the caucus there, railing on prominent females may cost against police brutality, a too-low him the election. comfortable lead in minimum wage, and soaring student This week America’s extraor- the delegate race debt and other ills. dinary presidential campaign “Real change historically always descended to new lows when the with 1,711, including takes place from the bottom on billionaire and his main challenger super-delegates who up when millions of people come for the Republican nomination, Ted together,” Sanders said to applause Cruz, escalated their bitter feud, Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders speaks during a rally at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. are unelected by and cheers from the crowd in the taking to social media to clash over voters, compared to city’s Safeco baseball stadium. two unlikely figures: their wives. Sanders also needs success our partners and doesn’t make us any backed Obama over Hillary in 2008. Clinton against Republicans Trump, Before the episode was over, 952 for Sanders. because Clinton, the long-time front- safer,” she said. But Sanders has refused Saturday’s three contests were Cruz and Ohio Governor John Kasich. Trump had tweeted a picture of runner, has a comfortable lead in the to throw in the towel, repeatedly stress- caucuses, essentially neighborhood Millennials and first-time voters his third wife, Melania, a former delegate race with 1,711, including ing that his grassroots campaign is meetings where voters discussed polit- have been flocking to Sanders’s mes- model, next to an unflattering pho- super-delegates who are unelected heading all the way to July’s nominat- ical platforms and debate the merits of sage of economic equality, universal tograph of Cruz’s wife, Heidi. AFP by voters, compared to 952 for Sand- ing convention in Philadelphia. the candidates. health care, and his call to reduce the “The images are worth a ers, according to a CNN count. Washington was yesterday’s biggest Since they generally require vot- influence of billionaires on the cam- thousand words,” read the cap- To win the Democratic nomi- prize with 101 pledged delegates up for ers to show up in person rather than paign finance system. tion. Cruz, an arch-conservative, nation, 2,383 delegates are needed. grabs. When Sanders brought his mes- mailing primary ballots, the format But the delegate math still dramat- reacted with fury. “Leave Heidi SEATTLE: A resilient Bernie Sanders On the campaign trail, Clinton, sage of “political revolution” to a Seattle favours Sanders, whose supporters ically favors Clinton. the hell alone,” he hit back. went gunning for Hillary Clinton’s the former secretary of state, has arena last Sunday, an estimated 17,000 have consistently shown more grass- According to RealClearPolitics Trump posted the tweet after an commanding lead as Alaska, Hawaii already shifted her focus towards people showed up. roots enthusiasm. His campaign pointed poll averages, in the remaining states anti-Trump coalition unveiled a and Washington states took their November’s general election. The Pacific island state of Hawaii, to a new poll that shows Clinton, who with the three largest delegate allo- controversial campaign ad using turn voting yesterday in the Dem- She delivered a somber counter- birthplace of President Barack Obama, entered the race as the Democrats’ cations—California, New York and a magazine photo of Melania. ocratic presidential nominating terrorism speech in the aftermath of has 25 delegates at stake. Remote Alaska overwhelming favorite, deadlocked Pennsylvania—Clinton leads Sanders The incident likely did little contest. deadly attacks in Brussels, using it as has 16. with Sanders. by nine points, 34 points and 28 points to boost Trump’s ratings among Defeat to Clinton in the trio of an opportunity to launch vigorous There has been little reliable polling A Bloomberg Politics national poll respectively. women in a week when opinion western caucuses was unlikely to assaults on Republican candidates in the three states, but in Washington found Sanders actually inching ahead of Despite that, Sanders had his sup- polls revealed the very depth of deal a fatal blow to the chances Donald Trump and Ted Cruz and Sanders can take comfort in previous Clinton, 49 to 48 percent, among Dem- porters on their feet on the eve of voting, the problem he faces with females. of the Vermont senator, a self- warn their “reckless” foreign poli- results. ocrats who voted or are likely to vote in especially when during a rally that drew Thirty-nine percent of Repub- described democratic socialist, but cies would harm US interests. Bill Clinton placed fourth in Wash- the nominating contests. 11,000 in Oregon, a bird popped up and lican women have an unfavorable opportunities are running out if he “We need to rely on what actu- ington in the 1992 nominations race, A series of recent polls has shown landed on the podium right in front of opinion of Trump, according to a is to pull off an unlikely upset and ally works, not bluster that alienates while Democrats there overwhelmingly Sanders consistently doing better than him as he addressed the crowd. CNN/ORC poll. California judge US ramps up intelligence cooperation to review IS fight denies bail for Reuters condolences to the families of the intelligence cooperation. leaders including Chinese President our counterterrorism work, and our flight attendant Americans and others killed or hurt “We’re also working to disrupt Xi Jinping for a nuclear summit in diplomacy. And that’s the power of in the suicide bombings in Brussels plots against the United States and Washington on Thursday and Friday. our example,” he said. on Tuesday. against our friends and allies. A team He said he would use that opportu- Muslim-Americans, and their in drug case WASHINGTON: The United States “Yesterday, we learned that at of FBI agents is on the ground in Bel- nity to review joint counter-terrorism enormous contributions to our coun- has ramped up intelligence cooper- least two Americans were killed. gium supporting the investigation,” efforts and ensure the world remained try and our way of life.” ation and will review international We pray for their families and loved he said. united on the topic. Republican presidential front- Reuters efforts to combat Islamic State (IS) ones,” he said. “At least 14 Americans “We’ve ramped up our intelligence The president also pushed back runner Donald Trump has called for militants after the Brussels attacks were injured. And we pray for their cooperation so that we can root out again against rhetoric from Repub- a temporary ban on Muslims entering during a nuclear summit with world full recovery, along with everyone IS’ operations. And we constantly lican presidential candidates aimed the United States. Fellow Republican NEW YORK: A federal judge in leaders next week, President Barack else affected by these attacks.” review our homeland security pos- at Muslims within the United States. candidate Ted Cruz, a U.S. senator California overruled a Brooklyn Obama said. The president emphasised that ture to remain vigilant against any “As we move forward in this fight, from Texas, has called for heightened magistrate and ordered a flight In his weekly address broad- fighting Islamic State was a top pri- efforts to target the United States.” we have to wield another weapon police scrutiny of neighborhoods with attendant held without bail on cast yesterday , Obama expressed ority that had included greater US Obama will meet with foreign alongside our air strikes, our military, large Muslim populations. charges that she dumped a bag of cocaine and fled authorities at Los Angeles International Airport. The decision by US District Judge Andre Birotte in Los Ange- Remembering the coup Mexico embraces US-style les came a day after the federal magistrate in the New York City borough of Brooklyn set bail at trials to fight impunity $500,000 for her release. Flight attendant Marsha Rey- nolds, 31, must now remain in custody until she is transported to AFP court in February to face charges California to face the charges. Her over the killing. The accused were in next court hearing in Los Angeles street clothes and without handcuffs, is set for April 7. a big change from the old system, Reynolds, a JetBlue Airways CUERNAVACA, MEXICO: It was where they would have worn prison Corp employee, is charged with once unthinkable in Mexico: A uniforms. But in a key moment, their possession of cocaine with intent courtroom open to the public, with lawyer barely questioned the main to distribute. She is accused of a prosecutor presenting evidence piece of evidence presented by the dropping a bag containing almost against murder suspects in a dead- prosecutor. 32 kg of cocaine when she was pan tone while a lawyer argues It was a yellow envelope left randomly selected for screening at against it. anonymously at the door of the may- the Los Angeles airport last Friday, Mexico is embracing US-style or’s house a few days after gunmen taking off her shoes and dashing open courts and ditching an opaque forced her from her room and shot away. She later turned herself in to system more than a century old in her dead in front of her parents. authorities in New York. which prosecutors and defence Written on the envelope, The magistrate in Brook- lawyers make their cases through addressed to her mother: “If you lyn had granted her release on a mountains of paperwork and judges want to know who killed your $500,000 bond but put the order mete out sentences without seeing daughter, open it.” Inside were pic- on hold to allow the judge in Cali- Members of Madres and Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo Human Rights organisation and demonstrators the suspect’s face. tures of three people, including the fornia, where she would face trial, carry a large banner with portraits of people disappeared in the 1976-1983 military dictatorship Authorities are racing against the two men in court. to weigh in. during a gathering to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 1976 coup, along Mayo Avenue in clock to meet a June 18 deadline to The judge ruled that the evidence Judge Birotte ordered her “to Buenos Aires, Argentina. install the accusatory system in all was sufficient to send the case to remain in custody. 32 federal entities as part of judicial trial on murder charges. reform passed in 2008. While the new system may not Seven states are ready while the be perfect, “nothing is worse than remaining 25 have been dragging what we have now,” an instructor their feet, only partially implement- recently told a group of journalists US seeks records of 80,000 Novartis ‘sham’ events ing the new system. during a course on how to cover oral “Mexico has made a titanic arguments. effort,” said Maria de los Angeles The old system has been mired Fromow, a federal official coordi- in flaws that were exposed in the Bloomberg in a whistle-blower lawsuit that alleges through sham speaker events. March 22 request by Novartis to the nating the implementation. “We are 2011 documentary Presumed Guilty, Novartis provided illegal kickbacks to “The requested documents go to judge, seeking a hearing because the transforming and strengthening the about a man who was sentenced to health-care providers through bogus the core issues in this case: whether company says the US has “exploded” rule of law by making it efficient and 20 years in prison, based on false educational programmes at high- educational materials were provided the size of the case by demand- transparent,” Fromow said. testimony, for a murder that he did LOS ANGELES: The US is ask- end restaurants where the drugs were at these events; which doctors actu- ing information about as many as A recent court case in the cen- not commit. He was acquitted thanks ing Novartis AG to provide records barely discussed. ally attended the events; how much 80,000 promotional events set up tral state of Morelos highlighted the to appeals from the documentary of about 80,000 “sham” events in In a filing, the US said it needs money was spent on meals and by its salespeople. growing pains for prosecutors and makers. which the government says doctors Novartis to provide information to honouraria; and indeed, most fun- Last year Novartis agreed to pay lawyers unaccustomed to using the The US government has trained took favours so they would prescribe support its allegation that the com- damentally, whether the underlying $390m to settle a lawsuit in which spoken word, rather than paper, to 30,000 Mexican judges, prosecutors the company’s cardiovascular drugs pany defrauded federal health-care documentation shows that a partic- the US government claimed the Swiss make their cases. and lawyers and spent $250m to help to their patients. programmes of hundreds of millions ular event actually took place,” the company paid kickbacks to phar- A month after the mayor of its southern neighbor transition to The Swiss drugmaker and the of dollars over a decade by inducing government said in its court filing. macies to boost sales of some of its Temixco was murdered, two new the new system as part of a crime- Manhattan US Attorney are engaged doctors to prescribe its medications That filing came in response to a prescription drugs. suspects were brought to a modern fighting aid programme. AMERICAS SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 17 Rousseff slams ‘fascist’ attempts to oust her

mass protests and impeachment she asked, according to The New York proceedings in Congress. Times. “I can assure you that they’re The Brazalian In the interview with The in the backstage of power.” President said, Guardian, The New York Times, The impeachment case is based Le Monde, El Pais and Argentina’s on accusations that Rousseff doctored any attempt to Pagina 12, Rousseff said any attempt the government’s accounts to boost remove her without to remove her without legal basis public spending during her 2014 would represent a “coup”. re-election campaign and hide the legal basis would “I am not comparing the coup here depth of a recession last year. represent a “coup”. to the military coups of the past, but it She denies her actions were illegal would be a breaking of the democratic or different from standard practice in order of Brazil,” she said, in comments previous administrations. reported by The Guardian. Her opponents are also seeking AFP She said any such move would to link her to a multi-billion-dollar “leave a deep scar on Brazilians’ corruption scandal at state oil political life”. company Petrobras, but investigators Rousseff, an ex-guerrilla tortured have not accused her and she LONDON: Brazilian President Dilma under Brazil’s military dictatorship, vehemently denies involvement. Rousseff condemned the “fascist said she was in favour of protests With her coalition splintering methods” of opponents seeking her because she was from “a generation amid the crisis, Rousseff called former ouster and said the country’s current in which if you opened your mouth president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to political crisis would leave a “scar” if you could go to jail”. the rescue last week, naming him her not resolved democratically. She emphasised, though, that the chief of staff. In an interview with several estimated three million people who But the move blew up in her face foreign media groups, Rousseff protested against her in the largest when the judge heading the Petrobras said she was being pressured to rally so far represented less than two investigation, Sergio Moro, released resign because her rivals wanted “to percent of Brazil’s population. a wire-tapped phone call suggesting Citizens rally in favour of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff's government in Batata Lake, Sao Paulo, Brazil, avoid the difficulty of removing— She painted her opponents as the appointment was really aimed at unduly, illegally and criminally—a powerful elites opposed to the saving the ex-president from arrest legitimately elected president from social changes that have swept on corruption charges. said, banging the table as she made Brazil criticised “sexist political “Why do they want me to resign?” power”. Brazil in the past 13 years of left- “Violating privacy breaks democ- her point, The Guardian reported. violence” in the campaign to oust she asked in the interview. “Because The leftist leader earlier this week wing government. racy because it breaks the right of The interview came as the United Rousseff, the country’s first female I’m a woman, fragile. I am not frag- ruled out stepping down despite “Who stands to benefit from this?” every citizen to a private life,” she Nations office on women’s rights in president. ile. That is not my life.”

Haitian parliament Admiring cherry bloom Number of US drones will approves new government nearly triple by 2020: FAA

AFP AFP of small unmanned aircraft weigh- ing more than 250 grams and less than 25 kilograms, including pay- PORT-AU-PRINCE: Haiti’s parlia- loads such as on-board cameras. ment approved a new government, WASHINGTON: An estimated seven “This registration rule will aid a step toward holding a delayed million drones will fly in US skies in investigations and allow the FAA runoff presidential election in a by 2020, nearly tripling the number to gather data,” the agency said in country mired in political chaos. expected to be in circulation by the its report. The 15-member cabinet pro- end of the year, the Federal Aviation The number of hobby drones is posed by the new prime minister, Administration (FAA) said. expected to climb from 1.9 million Enex Jean-Charles, appointed only “Unmanned aircraft systems will in 2016 to 4.3 million in 2020, while this week, was approved in both be the most dynamic growth sector commercial drones are predicted to the senate and the lower chamber. within aviation,” the agency said in soar from 600,000 to 2.7 million. Jean-Charles, 55, is a civil a report, which forecast that some However, the FAA added that servant and professor of admin- 2.5 drones million will be in use by predictions for commercial drones istrative law. He has also served the end of 2016. “are more difficult to develop given as an adviser to several presidents. How the civilian drone mar- the dynamic, quickly-evolving His appointment was announced ket evolves, however, will depend nature of the market.” by acting President Jocelerme on future security and regulatory The FAA will publish final regu- Privert. Haiti has been battling a measures put in place by the US gov- lations regarding drone use within political crisis since a runoff pres- ernment, the FAA said, emphasising the next few months, it said. idential election in January was that “unprecedented milestones” The agency worked with Teal suspended amid allegations of were already set in 2015. Group, a drone industry expert, to People photograph cherry trees bloom along the tidal basin before dawn in Washington, yesterday. fraud by the government. In December of last year, the FAA better understand the market for Privert was named acting released rules requiring registration unmanned aircraft systems. president to replace the outgoing Michel Martelly and appointed a prime minister in late February— former central bank governor Fritz-Alphonse Jean. Majority of Venezuelans want Maduro presidency to end But the , parliament rejected his programme to form a govern- ment, so Jean was basically fired. Privert, whose mandate began Reuters contraceptives, galloping three-digit percent in January, with negative amendment to cut his mandate, and the next three months. February 14 and is to last 120 days, inflation, and a profound recession. views slipping to 63.4 percent from a recall referendum, as allowed under But the number who vote against went back to the drawing board Some 63.6 percent of Venezuelans 66.4 percent. the constitution half-way through a Maduro would need to be more than and turned to Jean-Charles. say Maduro should quit this year or be The opposition’s December legis- presidential term. the roughly 7.5 million who backed The acting president had said CARACAS: Just under two-thirds of removed via a recall referendum, ver- lative victory has re-polarised parts of In the event of a referendum, 52.1 him in the 2013 election. he will wait for a new government Venezuelans think Nicolas Maduro’s sus some 29.3 percent of Venezuelans the OPEC-member nation and Maduro percent of Venezuelans would vote Based on voting patterns in the to be formed before naming mem- presidency should end this year as the who want him to keep governing until has reaped rewards for labeling some to remove him from office, up from December 6 legislative elections, bers of the electoral commission so opposition pushes to oust him amid a 2019, when his mandate ends, accord- of his political rivals as divided elitists 44.5 percent in January, while 30.1 Datanalisis said just 7.49 million peo- the delayed president runoff can grueling economic crisis, a survey by ing to the poll published yesterday. incapable of solving economic crisis. percent would vote to keep him on, ple would vote to remove Maduro, a finally be held. This is his main a leading pollster said. A whopping 90.9 percent of those The opposition, which retorts that down from 37.7 percent, according whisker below the threshold. task as acting president. Haiti, the Socialist-run Venezuela’s strug- surveyed by pollster Datanalisis in Maduro’s unwillingness to reform to the poll. But when using abstention pat- poorest country in the Americas, gling state-led economic model and February viewed the country’s situ- is pushing Venezuela towards an The opposition needs to collect terns from the April 2013 presidential is still struggling to get back on its a fall in the price of oil, its biggest ation as negative. economic disaster, is pursuing a some 3.9 million signatures in three elections, some 7.9 million Venezue- feet after being hobbled by a dev- export, have led to acute short- But Maduro’s approval rating multi-pronged strategy to oust days, ratified by the national electoral lans would cast their ballots against astating 2010 earthquake. ages of everything from rice to edged up to 33.1 percent from 32 him via protests, a constitutional board, to trigger a referendum within Maduro.

Thousands call for guns at US Inmates have fun Republican convention

AFP The petition went up on the at risk both inside and outside of the Change.org website and by yesterday convention site, ” it has been stated had been signed by 22,633 support- in the petition. ers in just a few days, with numbers In the event of an attack on the WASHINGTON: More than 22,000 rising fast. venue people there “will be sitting people have signed a petition calling “Cleveland, Ohio is consistently ducks,” raising the specter that the for Americans to be allowed to carry ranked one of the top 10 most dan- Islamic State extremist group could firearms at the Republican National gerous cities in America,” says the target it, the petition says. Convention—because the ban puts petition, which among others is “We are all too familiar with the lives at risk, the people who have addressed to the Republican presi- mass carnage that can occur when signed the petition have said. dential frontrunner Donald Trump citizens are denied their basic God- According to reports, guns are and his rivals Ted Cruz and John given rights to carry handguns or not allowed inside the Quicken Kasich. assault weapons in public,” the peti- Loans Arena in Cleveland, where “By forcing the attendees to tion adds. the event—which could descend leave their firearms at home, the Firearms were banned by the into a heated battle for the party Republican National Conven- Secret Service at the Republican An inmate dressed as a clown jokes with other inmates, as they attend a concert by a band formed presidential ticket—is taking place tion and Quicken Loans Arena are convention in Tampa in 2012, the by a group of inmates called “Zona Cero”, in Mexico City’s Reclusorio Norte prison, Mexico. in July. putting tens of thousands of people US media say.

PRAYER TIMINGS WEATHER Minimum: 18o C Maximum: 31o C

FAJR 04.15 am ZUHR 11.39 am MAGHRIB 05.50 pm HIGH TIDE 06:45 - 19:45 Strong wind and high seas by afternoon. Partly SHOROOK 05.31 am ASR 03.08 pm ISHA 07.20 pm LOW TIDE 01:00 - 13:00 cloudy with slight dust.

20 SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 MORNING BREAK

ONLINE CHART BUST Hiddleston sings Hank Williams’ hits www.thepeninsulaqatar.com himself in biopic MOST READ

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Two Ukrainian soldiers killed, 8 3 wounded in fresh clashes in rebel east

TWEET OF THE DAY

Reuters

LOS ANGELES: British actor Tom Hid- dleston (pictured) explores the short life of country music star Hank Williams in “I Saw the Light”, and performs the singer’s hits himself in the new biopic. The movie follows Williams’ career from his breakthrough in the 1940s to his death from heart failure, slumped in the back of his Cadillac, at the age of 29 in 1953. London-born “Thor” actor, Hiddleston, said one of the biggest challenges he faced was learning Williams’ accent. “He has a resonant tone of a gospel Towan, one of the first set of twin orangutans known to be born in captivity, died this week at the Woodland preacher, which comes from something deep in his southern roots,” he told Reu- Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington. ters at the film’s premiere in Los Angeles Follow us on on Tuesday night. “As soon as I started to Snapchat listen to the cadence and the musicality of the way he spoke, that was when it clicked Open Snapchat and for me.” One of twin orangutans dies He described the singer-songwriter - scan the Snapcode whose hits included “Your Cheatin’ Heart” to add The Peninsula and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” - as “a Reuters distinct species, she said. As a result remain in the wild, down from as account. cornerstone in the development of Amer- of her brother’s death, Chinta is now many as 60,000 a decade ago, it said ican music”. the oldest hybrid in North America, on its website. “Music is the most evocative, most Allianic said. Sumatra is part of Indonesia, immediately emotional art form, I think. NEW YORK: An orangutan that was The median life expectancy of while Borneo is divided among Indo- My admiration for singers is huge and I one of the first set of twins known to orangutans is 28, although some have nesia, Malaysia and Brunei. think singing is the most naked means of be born in captivity died at the Seattle lived to be as old as 59, the zoo said. Towan, which means “Sir” in Guns N' Roses set 21-date reunion expression, there’s nothing to hide behind,” zoo this week at age 48, after living The highly intelligent, reddish- Malay, died during an examination Hiddleston said. two decades longer than the median brown apes tend to live longer in by veterinarians concerned about his tour across North America The film also looks at Williams’ rela- life expectancy for the Asian great captivity because of the medical care recent respiratory difficulties, often a tionship with his first wife Audrey, played ape, a zoo spokeswoman said yes- they receive in zoos, Allianic said. cause of death in orangutans, the zoo AFP destinations for the summer tour. by “Avengers” star Elizabeth Olsen, which terday. Orangutans, part of the same said in a statement. It will announce No dates, venues or ticket grew more tempestuous as the singer Towan and his sister, Chinta, born biological family as Africa’s goril- the specific cause of the 257-pound information were provided. relied increasingly on painkillers and at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo in las, chimpanzees and bonobos, are (116-kg) animal’s death after final NEW YORK: Guns N' Roses yes- In a likely wink to the lack of alcohol. 1968, were hybrid crosses between endangered, primarily because of pathology tests. terday announced a 21-date tour details, the announcement was It is one of several music biopics, the two orangutan species indigenous poaching and the rapid destruction Woodland Park said Towan was of North America, expanding a accompanied by a snippet of the including “Miles Ahead” with Don Chea- to the islands of Sumatra and Bor- of the forest environments required the inspiration for the character Mau- reunion that will bring the orig- group's song "Patience." dle as Miles Davis and “Born to Be Blue” in neo, spokeswoman Gigi Allianic said. for their survival, according to the rice in the “Planet of the Apes” movie inal lineup back together for the Guns N' Roses' "Appetite for which Ethan Hawke portrays Chet Baker, Interbreeding between Sumat- Orangutan Conservancy. franchise. “Towan gave me the soul of first time in two decades. Destruction" remains the top- to be released this year. ran and Bornean orangutans, the The conservancy, which sup- Maurice,” Karin Konoval, who por- A short video on the hard selling debut album. The band “I Saw the Light” opens in cinemas in only great apes native to Asia, ended ports rehabilitation centers in Borneo trayed the character in two of the rockers' website lists 20 major has long received lucrative offers Los Angeles, New York and Nashville on after zoologists established that spec- and Sumatra and other initiatives, movies, was quoted as saying in the US cities and Toronto as to come back. Friday. imens from each island belonged to believes only 40,000 orangutans statement. Rolling Stones rock Cuba ready for ‘change’ Miyajima's LED numbers tell tale of life in Hong Kong AFP video screens and a sound system that got the crowd jumping, arms swaying, to classic after classic, AFP from “Angie” to “Paint It Black.” HAVANA: Cubans had never seen And, because this was happening the Rolling Stones before and on an island seemingly frozen in after Mick Jagger rocked them time -- yet bursting with desire HONG KONG: Japanese artist Tat- in their hundreds of thousands for change -- this was not only suo Miyajima's (pictured) new work in Havana, they and their com- rock ‘n roll. "Time Waterfall" has been shrouded munist island were unlikely ever Friday’s free concert turned in dense fog for most of the week, his to be quite the same again. history on its head, in a coun- trademark numbers partly hidden The massive crowd flowed try where just a few decades ago as they cascade down Hong Kong's across the Cuban capital’s Ciu- all rock music was considered tallest building. dad Deportiva, a sports complex part of an enemy plot against But despite the heavy weather, with a capacity of 450,000, the the communist state. “We know Miyajima is still hopeful that his cre- human tide spilling beyond into that years ago it was difficult to ation will deliver a message to the the streets. Fans even stood thick hear our music in Cuba, but here bustling city's residents: to be in the on neighboring rooftops to get a we are playing,” Jagger said in moment. The 59-year-old's newest glimpse of history. Spanish, prompting huge cheers. work is designed to convey the flow energy, vitality. It was the ideal place When fans raised their “I think that finally the times of human life through large lumi- to reflect on the questions of life and phones and cameras to get snap- are changing. That’s true, isn’t it?” nous numbers which work their way death," Miyajima said. shots of Jagger strutting across The crowd erupted during down the 490-metre tall Interna- "The numbers from nine to one the giant stage, the flashes looked songs like “Out of Control” and tional Commerce Centre (ICC), a scroll gradually, then comes the like a new galaxy. “Satisfaction,” with people of all beacon by night in the centre of the darkness, then the countdown starts Kicking off Friday with ages singing along to the cho- southern Chinese city. over. The countdown represents life. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” as the sun ruses and hopping up and down Each separate digit, in various Darkness symbolises death. It's the set over Havana, this was the in rhythm to thunderous guitar sizes and falling at different speeds, cycle of life that repeats itself." British superstars’ first concert in solos. But few in Cuba, where represents the trajectory of differ- The artist is in town for Art Basel, Cuba. But it was more: it was the Internet is not widely available, ent individual lives, and Miyajima which has been exhibiting more than (Left to right) Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger, and Keith Richards of British band first gig by any rock band that big, would have been able to even see felt Hong Kong was the best place for 4,000 artists from over 200 galleries The Rolling Stones, perform during a free concert in Havana, Cuba. with a production featuring giant Twitter. the exhibit. "I found this city full of around the world all week. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

PAGE | 24 QE 10,285.50 -166.78 PTS PAGE | 25 UAE firm Marka set to DOW 17,515.73 + 13.14 PTS Turkey readies for launch three brands at FTSE100 6,106.48 -92.63 PTS launch of 4G Mall of Qatar BRENT $40.44 -$0.03 services on April 1

SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 • 18 Jumada II 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar

QP delivers 500th LNG cargo to South Hook Terminal

The Peninsula to other receiving terminals in the development of Qatar’s oil and gas United Kingdom. The arrival of this resources, stands at the forefront of The landmark 500th shipment to South Hook raises efforts to enhance the growth and delivery on March 24 the all-time total number of Qatari development of the oil and gas indus- DOHA: Qatar Petroleum (QP) yes- LNG cargoes imported into the United try in the country. terday announced the delivery of was made on board Kingdom to more than 600. Covering the upstream, mid- the 500th liquefied natural gas (LNG) the Q-Flex LNG vessel South Hook LNG Terminal is a stream and downstream sectors cargo from QP affiliate Qatar Lique- Al Hamla. joint venture between affiliates of of the oil and gas industry locally, fied Gas Company (2) to the South QP, ExxonMobil and Total. It is part regionally, and internationally, the Hook LNG Terminal at Milford Haven of the Qatargas 2 value chain, which is principal activities of QP, its sub- in the United Kingdom. for Qatar’s LNG industry”. a fully integrated LNG shipping project sidiaries and joint ventures are the The landmark delivery, on Thurs- Al Kaabi said “this milestone reaf- from the Ras Laffan Industrial City exploration, production, local and day (March 24), was made on board firms the importance of Qatari LNG in the State of Qatar to international international sale of crude oil, nat- the Q-Flex LNG vessel Al-Hamla. as pillar for the energy industry and markets, including the United King- ural gas and gas liquids, liquefied Saad Sherida Al Kaabi (pictured), the security of global gas supplies. dom, which is one of Europe’s largest natural gas (LNG), refined prod- the President and CEO of Qatar It also highlights Qatar Petroleum’s the world”. delivered to the South Hook LNG Ter- LNG importers. ucts, synthetic fuels, petrochemicals, Petroleum, described the delivery commitment to the reliable supply of While most of Qatari LNG des- minal, QP’s affiliates Qatargas and QP, the national oil corpora- fuel additives, fertilizers, steel and as “another significant achievement clean energy to its customers around tined to the United Kingdom is RasGas also deliver LNG shipments tion responsible for the sustainable aluminium.

Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Research Studies and Consulting in Islamic Banking, chairing the meeting yesterday. Challenges facing Islamic banking industry reviewed

The Peninsula Trustees, also discussed the strength- growing size of the global Islamic ening role of the company in Islamic banking industry, the task of the banking services. company has also become more Also present at the meeting were indispensable as it aims at play- DOHA: The Board of Trustees for Dr Walid bin Hadi, General Super- ing important role in addressing Research Studies and Consulting visor, and members of the Trustees some of the key challenges facing in Islamic Banking held its meeting Council. the industry. and discussed the growing oppor- The meeting also discussed the The company, since its incep- tunities and challenges facing the company’s work-plan for the com- tion, has been filling the gaps which global Shariah-compliant banking ing period and its mandate to further the system lacked through discus- and financial industry. strengthening its role in serving the sions and reproducing them with The meeting, chaired by Sheikh Islamic Banking sector in Qatar and creativity. Dr Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah overseas. The participants of the meeting Al Thani, Chairman of the Board of The meeting stressed that with expressed their desire to expanding the scope and areas of studies of the institute and disseminating the con- cept and benefits of Islamic banking The meeting stressed that with growing size at global level as more economies of the global Islamic banking industry, the in the world are encouraging and attracting the Islamic banking task of the company is also becoming more system. indispensable as it aims at playing important The meeting also discussed some administrative and organ- role in addressing some of the key challenges isational aspects of the company facing the industry. and decisions were taken in this regard. 22 SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS Two more Fed rate hikes likely this year: QNB

The Peninsula raising rates. reportedly, the People’s Bank of China. Second, weak US economic data However, the stimulus from easier According to the early in the year has led to a small monetary policy by a dovish Fed may research note, as downward revision to the Fed’s real not last. There are a number of rea- DOHA: The markets may have over- GDP projections. The Fed now expects sons to believe that there are upside done in their response to Federal long as there are the economy to expand by 2.2 percent risks to the Fed’s central projection of Reserve’s dovish surprise on March no more shocks to in 2016 compared with a forecast of two hikes this year. 16 and they could have set themselves 2.4 percent in December. First, the global economy appears up for a hawkish surprise down the economic growth Third, the Fed has revised down to be getting back on track after a line, QNB noted in its weekly ‘eco- and global financial its estimate of the long-run unem- rough start to the year and global nomic commentary’ yesterday. markets, more than ployment rate from 4.9 percent in financial markets have recovered. According to the research note, as December to 4.8 percent. Second, the jobs market in the long as there are no more shocks to two Fed rate hikes Finally, the Fed has revised down US remains strong and the economy economic growth and global finan- could still be on its projections for headline inflation at could soon rise above full employ- cial markets, more than two Fed rate the end of the year from 1.6 percent in ment, increasing the likelihood that hikes could still be on the cards this the cards this year, December to 1.2 percent, as a result of the Fed would raise interest rates. year, which could lead to a stronger which could lead to lower oil prices. This is well below the Third, the Fed’s projection of two dollar and tighter monetary policy in Fed’s target of 2 percent. Lower US hikes is based on the median of fore- emerging markets. a stronger dollar and interest rates could be beneficial for casts generated by the participants in The Fed revised down its projec- tighter monetary the world economy by easing mon- Fed meetings. However, a significant tions for the policy rate in 2016 from etary policy at a time when other proportion of participants still expect four hikes to two hikes of 25 basis policy in emerging major central banks may be run- more than two hikes. Out of 17 partici- points each. The move was a bigger markets. ning out of options to spur growth. pants, nine project two hikes this year, downward revision than expected The policy interest rates of the seven project more than two hikes and and led to lower market interest rates two other major global central only one projects a single hike. This sug- in the US and a weaker dollar. This its projections for policy rates at the banks, the Bank of Japan and the gests that it would not take a significant provided a reprieve to central banks end of 2016 from 1.375 percent in European Central Bank, are sink- improvement in US economic data to tip around the world, freeing up space December to 0.875 percent currently. ing deeper into negative territory the Fed back towards a higher number for easier monetary policy. How- It is possible to decipher four main and their quantitative easing pro- of rate increases. ever, there are a number of reasons reasons for this downward revision, grammes are losing efficacy. Finally, the Fed’s forecasts for to believe that markets may have QNB analysts said. In emerging markets, lower US inflation could be too low. Core infla- overreacted to the Fed’s dovish mes- First, the Fed stated that global interest rates and a weaker dollar pro- tion unexpectedly rose to 1.7 percent sages and a more hawkish surprise economic and financial developments vide more room for central banks to cut in January from 1.5 percent in Decem- could be in store down the road. pose risks to the economic outlook. rates without instigating capital flight ber, rapidly approaching the Fed’s 2 After its March meeting, the Fed The start of 2016 has been plagued and weaker exchange rates. A number percent target. The Fed expects this 2015. However, markets and a number more shocks to economic growth and kept its main interest rate target by severe volatility in global finan- of emerging market central banks have measure of inflation to ease during of commentators expect core inflation global financial markets, more than unchanged at 0.25 percent-0.5 per- cial markets. This has prompted the already lowered rates since the Fed’s 2016 and is forecasting 1.6 percent, in to remain persistently higher. two Fed rate hikes could still be on cent, as expected. However, it lowered Fed to become more cautious about meeting, such as Bank Indonesia and, line with its projection in December Therefore, as long as there are no the cards this year, QNB analysts said.

One of the four modernised branches. QIB renovates four branches

The Peninsula

DOHA: Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), Qatar’s leading Islamic bank, has announced the modernisation of its four branches: Al Fanar, Salwa Road, Al Rayyan and Al Khor, all located in the heart of Qatar’s most popular commu- nities’ areas. The four branches reflect a new design that is cur- rently being rolled out to all the bank’s key branches. Each branch has a special section set aside for the bank’s valued Tamayuz clients, and a separate area for female customers to enjoy complete privacy. The layout of the branches has also been designed with the customer expe- rience in mind. Customers are seated alongside customer service representatives to create a moment of trust and mutual respect. All of the branches are equipped with state-of-the- art functionality, including areas where customers can undertake transactions online. They also incorporate ATMs and Cash Deposit machines that can be used for withdrawing and depositing cash, as well as general serv- ices on a 24/7 basis. In keeping with the Bank’s customer-centric approach, the branches will offer customers a full range of pre- mium QIB products and services to meet both every day and specialised finance needs. Customers can open bank accounts, use their QIB debit and credit cards, apply for a suite of financing products, and receive expert and per- sonalised advice about Takaful services and other Islamic banking services. The Al Fanar, Salwa Road and Al Rayyan branches will be open from 7:30am–1pm Sunday to Thursday, 5pm–7:30pm Sunday to Wednesday and 9am–12pm on Saturday. The Al Khor branch opens from 7:30am–1pm Sunday to Thursday. “We are pleased to welcome QIB customers to our four newly renovated branches, each of which is cen- trally located and highly accessible. While our digital channels including QIB Mobile Banking are extensively used by our customers for their routine banking trans- actions like funds transfers and bill payments, customers still prefer to visit our branches for a more personalized advice on their financial and investment needs”, said D Anand, General Manager of QIB’s Personal Banking Group. “The roll-out of the newly designed branches is part of our on-going effort to bring QIB’s banking services to customers everywhere, and in the near future we will open new branches in major shopping malls, Hamad international airport and at key locations across Qatar to meet the growing demand for Islamic Banking Serv- ices,” Anand added.

24 SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS Qatari projects win national honours at quality awards

This is Qatar’s best performance in the awards, with nine projects winning the National Winner accolade compared to five in last year’s edition.

The Peninsula

DOHA: Qatar achieved a major breakthrough when nine of its highest quality projects were named national winners at the MEED Quality Awards The Grand Mosque Project and Lusail Sports Arena Project. for Projects. National winners in Qatar, which boast a consolidated project value Contraco) as Social, Culture & Herit- list in Qatar were Qatar Foundation’s Complex–Retail, Food & Beverage Fit- “The projects were evaluated by the projects industry in the region.” exceeding $1.5bn, were Al Rayyan age Project of the Year; Gulf Drilling Construction of Main Works for Male out Construction Project (entered by an esteemed judging panel against The winners of the 2016 MEED Hospitality’s Banana Island Resort International’s Warehouse Project as and Female Student Housing for Qatar Parsons) – was named Qatar’s Retail criteria that included not only engi- Quality Awards for Projects, in associ- Doha by Anantara Project (entered by Industrial Project of the Year; Consol- Foundation Project (entered by Joannou Project of the Year. neering and construction excellence; ation with Mashreq will be announced UrbaCon Trading & Contracting) as idated Contractors Company’s Lusail & Paraskevaides) as Residential Project This is Qatar’s best performance but also sustainability and inno- at a ceremony on May 25, 2016 that Leisure & Tourism Project of the Year; Sports Arena Project (entered by Astad of the Year; as well as its Headquarters in the awards, with nine projects win- vation,” says Richard Thompson, will serve as the culmination of the Ashghal–Public Works Authority’s Project Management) as Sustaina- Project as Building Project of the Year. ning the National Winner accolade Editorial Director at MEED. “They MEED Construction Leadership Sum- Doha South Sewage Treatment Works ble Project of the Year, sponsored by Meanwhile, a collaborative compared to five in last year’s edition. are a testament to the quality of mit, a high-level gathering of the Phase II Expansion Project (entered by Besix; and Dolphin Energy’s Export project by the New Doha Interna- They will now compete at the regional projects being built throughout the Gulf’s construction leaders, which Galfar Al Misnad and Larsen & Tou- Gas compression upgrade Project tional Airport Steering Committee, level against national winners from Gulf and MEED is honoured to be seeks to promote open dialogue bro) as Power and Water Project of (entered by Al Malki Trading & Con- Hamad International Airport and Civil Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia able to recognise these achieve- between stakeholders to explore the the Year; Private Engineering Office’s tracting) as Small Project of the Year. Aviation Authority – the Hamad Inter- and the United Arab Emirates for GCC- ments to highlight their contribution strategic direction of the region’s con- Grand Mosque Project (entered by Also joining the national winners’ national Airport Passenger Terminal wide recognition in various categories. towards the future development of struction industry. UAE firm Marka set to launch QFBA launches app on open programmes

The Peninsula programmes available at the Academy. cutting-edge technologies, while mak- Dr Abdul Aziz Al Horr, CEO of QFBA, ing the lives of HR Directors easier.” three brands at Mall of Qatar said: “We are happy to announce the Since its founding in 2009, launch of QFBA’s new mobile application QFBA has been playing a key role in DOHA: Qatar Finance and Busi- for our users. In line with the Academy’s responding to the urgent market need ness Academy (QFBA) has launched mission and vision of ensuring that pro- to harmonise the academic qualifi- The Peninsula a new mobile application (app) “QFBA fessionals can acquire what they need in cation and education on one hand, Calendar 2016” for both Apple and terms of skills, qualifications and other and the changing requirements of Android users providing easy access competencies for career growth, our the labor market on the other. The to the Academy’s open programmes state-of-the-art mobile app is a perfect academy believes in its role in the DOHA: Marka PJSC, the first public and courses. fit for our busy clients, who want to be development and empowerment of joint stock retail operator in the UAE, The mobile app will also allow able to get a detailed overview of our human capital along with the insti- announced yesterday its expansion HR Directors and those interested open programs and courses with just a tutions and bodies operating in the beyond the UAE in a move that will to view the courses directly on their few taps on their smart phone screens, State of Qatar and the region through see the company launch Morelli’s smart phones and quickly iden- as well as easily and efficiently make helping talented and professional Gelato ice cream, fashion brands City tify which ones their staff need, all decisions regarding their organizations’ youth to stay on top of changes within Chic and Weill, and jewellery house in a matter of mere seconds. More- professional training and workforce the sector, as well as promote inno- dinh van at Mall of Qatar during the over, the app features QFBA’s 2016 development needs.” He added: “The vation and create new opportunities third quarter of 2016. open calendar, giving its users a quick new app is a part of QFBA’s strategy to in the sector’s vast fields, in line with Khaled Almheiri, Vice-Chairman glance at the wide range of training stay up to date with the digital age and the Qatar National Vision 2030. and Managing Director of Marka, said: “Qatar has always been a part of our strategic expansion plans beyond the Khaled Almheiri (left) and Nick Peel UAE - in particular because of the dynamic retail environment in the QF Annual Research Conference country, and the excellent location beauty brand, Shiseido, to launch of look and style, Weill, the oldest and tenant composition of the Mall the region’s first Shiseido Beauty French Fashion House in the world, of Qatar. Our expansion into Qatar is Boutique in Dubai’s City Walk Phase will also be opening its doors at the a significant milestone for Marka, not II – which will open in Q2 of 2016. Mall of Qatar. only because it marks our first inter- With fabulously fresh Italian The brand, which aims to national expansion, but also because gelato of the highest quality, More- reinvent the codes of Parisian it demonstrates the progress we are lli’s Gelato offers freshly sculpted elegance, is notorious for its unri- making on our business strategy and dairy and culinary creations that valled ready-to-wear collection the commitments we have to our are hand-crafted to a 100-year-old and stunning seasonal pieces for shareholders.” family recipe. every occasion. Nick Peel, CEO of Marka, said: Their flavours and extravagant In addition, contemporary “Our expansion into Qatar is Marka’s presentations will be tickling cus- French jewellery house dinh van first reach beyond the UAE, and after tomers’ taste buds as one of the first will add the perfect complement to only 12 months of full operations, of Marka’s F&B brands to be opened any outfit with its bespoke range we are proud to be delivering our at the Mall of Qatar. of luxury, hand-crafted master- strategy for expansion and growth. In addition, fashion retailer City pieces. After the successful launch This remarkable opportunity in Chic is ready to bring its celebration of its boutique in Dubai in the first Qatar has cemented our reputation of curves in all sizes to fashionistas quarter of 2016, dinh van is poised as an international retail operator in Qatar. Having a well-established to be the perfect fit for Qatar’s jew- within the GCC. Our first brands for fan base of over 100 stores world- elry connoisseurs. Qatar are a perfect fit for the mar- wide, its expansion throughout the Marka now boasts over 40 outlets Alistair Routledge, President and General Manager for ExxonMobil Qatar; Saleh Al Mana, Vice-President ket, and we are closely reviewing UAE saw new outlets opening in Ras with over 1,200 employees through- additional opportunities to expand Al Khaimah, Dubai and Sharjah out the UAE. With a steady expansion and Director of Government and Public Affairs at ExxonMobil Qatar; Dr Mohamad Al Sulaiti, Research these brands across Saudi Arabia, before dazzling discerning shop- plans to unveil many more coveted Director at ExxonMobil Research Qatar (EMRQ), and other members of the EMRQ team attended the 2016 Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.” pers in Qatar with its elegant and brands in the GCC, the retail operator Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference this week. EMRQ’s booth at the exhibition showcased Yesterday’s announcement follows stylish brand of womenswear in is well ahead of the curve in estab- the centre’s work and achievements in the areas of environmental management, water reuse, LNG the company’s recent announcement plus shapes and sizes. lishing its presence as an industry safety and coastal geology, including its efforts to research and conserve Qatar’s dugong population. of partnership with leading Japanese For fans of the elegant French leader throughout the region. Al Rawabi to invest Dh80m this year

Agencies Congratulating Dr El Tigani on his new role Rawabi will also centralise operations of stores and commenting on the company’s consistent for more effective supply chain management growth milestones over the years, Abdallah and increased productivity. Sultan Al Owais, Chairman, Al Rawabi Dairy The chairman said that this year Al Rawabi DUBAI: Al Rawabi, the UAE’s locally based Company, said: “In 2015, we grew by 15 per- will add a new modern state-of-the-art auto- dairy producer by herd size and production cent compared to an industry average of 7 mated facility which will help the company capacities, yesterday said that it is planning percent. This achievement is the result of stra- increase output to 70 percent from the cur- a new investment of Dh80m this year to tegic thinking, phased investments over the rent 30 percent. enhance production and to enter new export years, innovation and commitment of Dr El Currently, Al Rawabi produces 175,000 markets in the region. Tigani and his team to the brand. We have an litres of fresh juice products and 325,000 lit- Addressing a press conference to unveil ambitious road ahead and our mission is to ers of dairy products daily. The company had the company’s growth plans in the context of be a MENA brand by 2020 with presence in invested Dh125m to expand farm facilities the recent elevation of Dr Ahmed El Tigani as key markets across the region.” He said that and dairy cattle in 2013 and another Dh22m the CEO of the company, officials said that the the company is confident that it will grow by in 2014 in new third generation filling and new investment follows last year’s Dh25m in 15 percent this year too. pasteurization lines as part of its strategy to Al Rawabi officials at the event. state-of-the-art cold storage infrastructure. As part of streamlining processes, Al become a regional leader. BUSINESS SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 25 Turkey readies for launch of 4G services on April 1

Reuters “We have to bring fibre to every “Turkey needs 250,000km more told telecom operators in February to household and that requires a mobi- fibre-optic lines in the next five years. stop “showing off” with boasts about While Turk Telekom lisation for digital transformation,” To expect that from just one operator their speed and network size and start has just 23.4 percent Turkcell Chief Executive Kaan Ter- is not fair or possible,” he told Reuters. working together. “We have to start fibre ISTANBUL: As Turkey prepares for zioglu (pictured) said. He estimated Yet Turk Telekom CEO Rami Aslan mobilisation,” he said. the launch of high-speed 4G cellphone of the mobile market, that by working together on building bristles at the idea of having to share While 4G has been available in services next month, a row is brew- compared with 46.2 fibre networks, rather than invest- his network and says he plans to some markets for years, Turkey’s ing over rivals wanting cheaper access ing separately, operators could save invest another 10bn lira in the next plan to roll out the service was com- to partly state-owned Turk Telekom’s percent for Turkcell $12.5bn. three years. plicated last year when President fibre optic network, saying that other- and 30.4 percent for Turk Telekom is hoping that faster “Turk Telekom has invested in Tayyip Erdogan suggested the coun- wise they cannot compete in a market Vodafone Turkey, mobile data will whet customer appe- every single area in Turkey regard- try should “skip” 4G and wait instead where fixed-line and mobile services tites for better fixed line broadband. less of the region, regardless of the until fifth-generation technology are set to converge. analysts say its fibre “That’s been the global trend of geographical conditions,” he said at becomes available. At stake is a fast-growing market network is the big ‘convergence’, where customers move a news conference. The government then rebranded of 78 million people where the median to a single provider for mobile, fixed “Another operator’s fibre network its tender for 4G mobile spectrum as age is around 30, younger than any- attraction. voice, broadband, and TV,” said Cenk is around 35,000 km over the course “4.5G” although that is not a globally where else in Europe, and an attractive Sezginsoy, a partner and managing of their eight-year journey in the recognised standard and the term has proposition for telecoms companies, as to bundle high-speed fixed line and the big attraction. director at Boston Consulting Group. business, another claims there is not already fallen into disuse. One official younger people demand more band- mobile services into a single contract It has laid 213,000km of fibre, six Turkcell has a fibre network of enough fibre and I believe they haven’t suggested the government has little width to stream movies, play online to attract more mobile customers after times more than Turkcell, while Voda- around 35,000 km, mostly in big cit- invested at all.” However, Aslan said appetite for a sweeping move to force games and communicate both at home the April 1 launch of 4G services. fone is further behind still. It charges ies. Its fibre network serves 900,000 he would not rule out joint invest- rivals to share their fibre networks. and on the move. While Turk Telekom has just 23.4 its rivals to use the network, setting subscribers, compared with 1.5 mil- ments with the other two operators “It is not fair to force Turk Tele- Turk Telekom has spent 20bn lira percent of the mobile market, com- the price itself. Turkcell and Vodafone lion for Turk Telekom. But wiring up in rural areas. kom to transfer its fibre network,” the ($7bn) over the last decade on building pared with 46.2 percent for Turkcell want prices regulated and are push- the rest of Turkey will require a joint It remains unclear what, if any- official said. “It is like you have built the country’s most extensive fibre- and 30.4 percent for Vodafone Tur- ing for the creation of a joint company effort, said Vodafone Turkey’s Chief thing, the government will do. a house and others are trying to live optic network and is now looking key, analysts say its fibre network is to manage the network. Executive, Gokhan Ogut. Transportation Minister Binali Yildirim there without paying a rent.”

Uber faces Lotus Qatar showroom opens on Salwa Road battles with

The Peninsula Ola, Lyft and other rivals

DOHA: The official opening of the brand new Lotus showroom in Doha Bloomberg marked with the unveiling of Lotus Evora 400 sports car. The new Lotus Qatar facility on Salwa Road, is the BRUSSELS: The furious land result of a partnership between Lotus grab by Uber and its ride-sharing Cars Middle East, the distributor for competitors has, from the very Lotus cars in the region, and Univer- beginning, been something of a sal Motors, offering new and existing street fight — sometimes literally. customers the opportunity to expe- In the latest salvo, Uber Tech- rience the famous brand first hand. nologies Inc., the top global player, The showroom was opened sued Indian rival Ola claiming by Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group it set up fake rider accounts to Lotus Plc, and Sheikh Mohammed flood Uber’s system with more bin Ahmad Al Thani, President, Uni- than 400,000 ride requests that versal Motors. The opening ceremony were ultimately canceled. Jugnoo, The Lotus Qatar facility on Salwa Road. RIGHT: Jean-Marc Gales, Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmad Al Thani and other guests at the opening ceremony. included guests and senior manage- a booking service for auto-rick- ment officials from both businesses. shaws in India, has similarly said The Lotus Exige was also on display. our customers to the highest levels. now has dealerships in the United Arab Ola employees were disrupting Jean-Marc Gales said: “When We are looking forward to a long and Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Lebanon, its service. Ola, which has raised it comes to high performance, and successful partnership.” with further market and showroom more than $1bn from investors highly desirable sports cars, Lotus Jonathan Stretton, Regional launches planned in the near future. such as Tiger Global Management sets the standard, and we have never Director of Lotus Cars Middle East Lotus cars: Speed and style and Sequoia Capital, has denied had a stronger or faster line up. Qatar FZ-LLC, said: “Partnering with Uni- With a power to weight ratio of the accusations and agreed, as part remains an important market with versal Motors is the next step in our over 300 hp / tonne, the Lotus Exige of a court order, to avoid making great potential and, with Lotus Cars expansion for Lotus Cars Middle is regarded by many as the fastest fake rider accounts. Middle East and Universal Motors, East and demonstrates our commit- real-world, point-to-point supercar. That suit is just one of many we’re looking forward to welcoming ment to expanding the brand and Reaching 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, the examples of somewhat question- the next generation of customers in its presence in the region. Lotus’ Lotus Exige perfectly demonstrates able business practices involving Qatar to the Lotus brand.” cars are world famous, being both the Lotus design philosophy of ‘lighter companies in the still-nascent but Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmad Al exclusive and delivering an unri- and faster’ and sets the benchmark hyper-competitive ride-hailing Thani said: “We are excited and proud valled blend of performance and for performance and handling both industry. “It’s a brass-knuckles busi- to represent the globally recognised style. We are delighted to be working on road and on track. ness,” said Evan Rawley, a business brand of Lotus in this market. We with Universal Motors to introduce The Lotus Evora 400 has already professor at Columbia University. have a great deal of knowledge and Lotus’ outstanding range of sports received praise and accolades from This time, Uber is positioning experience of the automotive industry cars to Qatar.” customers and media in Europe and itself as a victim. In the past, it’s The Lotus Evora 400 sports car being unveiled. in Qatar and are committed to pro- As one of the latest showrooms in Asia and has reaffirmed Lotus as the been cast as a bully. In 2014, Uber viding exceptional customer service. the Lotus Cars Middle East portfolio, maker of some of the finest, light- employees requested and canceled This new, standalone Lotus show- Lotus Qatar is a key part of the plans weight, pure and most efficient sports American market, the Lotus Evora been extensively and rigorously tested rides through Lyft Inc.’s app. Uber room signifies the return of Lotus to to expand the Lotus brand across the cars sold today. 400 has already generated great in the Middle East specifically for the and Lyft subsequently banned Qatar and will allow Universal Motors region by developing both existing and Already on sale in Europe and excitement worldwide. The Lotus particular extreme climate demands the practice. Sound familiar? to display our products and support new markets. Lotus Cars Middle East Asia, and soon to enter to the North Evora 400 and the Exige have both of the region. “Pot meet kettle,” Anand Sanwal, the head of a research firm CB Insights, wrote in his newsletter. Like the taxicab industry before it, the ride-hailing business can lend Malabar Gold winner receives prize Texas still booming itself to guerrilla tactics. “The shar- ing economy isn’t in the relatively rarefied air of digital interaction. It’s a combination: It’s transportation. despite oil bust It’s real estate. These are industries in the trenches,” he said. Here’s a roundup of some of Bloomberg County, a global hub for the energy the other nasty competitive tactics industry, has added more than deployed in this industry, which is 440,000 people since 2010 with barely five years old. annual increases averaging 2 percent Uber and Didi Kuaidi have NEW YORK: US oil prices tumbled over the past five years, according to blasted out contradictory reports from more than $100 a barrel in the historical data from the census. The about the performance of their summer of 2014 to less than $50 a year Dallas-Ft. Worth area, with such large businesses and their competitor later, but that didn’t stop workers from corporate employers as AT&T and in China. Uber Chief Executive flocking to Texas, the nation’s biggest American Airlines, has grown too, Officer Travis Kalanick told the energy-producing state. with Dallas County adding 186,000 Financial Times in January that Eight of the top 20 counties that people over the same period. Didi Kuaidi was spending $70 gained the most population last year All those new workers searching million to $80 million to subsi- were in Texas. Four Lone Star metros for homes have made housing more dize rides in China, amounting to — Dallas, Houston (Harris County, in expensive, with the state’s median $4 billion a year. Didi denied those the chart below), San Antonio (Bexar home price reaching $189,000 in numbers and has said it is profit- County), and Austin (Travis County) January 2016, up 37 percent from able in more than 100 cities. The — collectively added more than five years earlier, according to data two have also offered very differ- 412,000 people from July 2014 to compiled by the Texas A&M Univer- ent versions of their market share. July 2015, according to Census data sity Real Estate Center. Blocked on WeChat published Thursday. Of those new Despite that increase, the state’s Uber has had trouble using the residents, 63 percent had migrated major housing markets look cheap most popular messaging appli- from either elsewhere in the U.S. or compared with big cities on the coasts. cation in China after Tencent from other countries. In Harris County, it takes 22 percent of quietly blocked Uber from using If energy prices tanked, why one’s average wages to cover mortgage the platform. Uber hired Travis did the population keep growing? A payments and other costs of a typi- VanderZanden, Lyft’s former diverse labor market, fueled in part cal home, according to data published chief operating officer, in 2014. Hima Karki, one of the lucky winners of ‘Malabar Gold & Diamonds - Win Up to QR1.5m worth gold by Texas’s corporate-friendly tax Thursday by RealtyTrac. Compare that In a lawsuit, Lyft claimed that coins campaign’ receives the prize of ‘50% cash-back voucher’ from Naufal Thadathil, Zonal Head, structure, combined with relatively with Los Angeles County, where those VanderZanden took with him in the presence of Raju T Johny, Deputy Branch Head, Doha branch, Qatar, and other dignitaries of affordable housing and proximity to costs amount to 67 percent of wages, documents containing company Malabar Gold & Diamonds. the Mexican border, has been draw- or Brooklyn, where the figure is 120 secrets downloaded to his Drop- ing people to Texas for years. Harris percent. box account. 26 SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS Big gift to US firms: $500bn from Draghi and Kuroda

Bloomberg Demand from Asian and Euro- for securing profits,” said Yoshi- Japanese investors often gravitate rates further. Yields on even some pean investors has already helped hiro Yamanaka, an executive officer to companies whose brand they rec- corporate securities in the euro zone Nearly $8 trillion of cut risk premiums on US investment- at Bank of Kyoto Ltd., a Japanese ognize, such as Coca-Cola, Mishina this week fell below zero. bonds globally have grade corporate bonds by about half a regional bank. said. A report from the Federal M&G’s European high-yield bond NEW YORK: Mario Draghi and percentage point since mid-February, Corporate securities and some Reserve said that about 32 percent of fund has been ramping up its expo- Haruhiko Kuroda have handed a big negative yields now, according to Bank of America Merrill kinds of municipal bonds are more the roughly $9.46 trillion of outstand- sure to American companies in recent gift to US companies like Coca-Cola which has spurred Lynch index data. attractive to many investors because ing US corporate bonds were held by months. The fund is now 21 per- Co and General Electric Co: Piles of By year-end, the premiums may fall they offer higher returns after cur- foreigners as of the fourth quarter, a cent invested in U.S. junk notes and money from European and Japanese fund managers from to about 1.5 percentage points from cur- rency hedging costs, said Masato proportion that has risen by 8 per- Treasuries, near the highest amount investors. around the world to rent levels of around 1.72 percentage Mishina, an institutional sales head at centage points since 2009. allowed under its policy statements. Nearly $8 trillion of bonds globally buy corporate debt in points, said Hans Mikkelsen, head of Nikko Asset Management Co in Tokyo, Money managers in Japan have In 2013, that figure was closer to 10 have negative yields now, which has U.S. investment-grade credit research at with about $163bn in assets under experienced low yields for a genera- percent. Japanese government secu- spurred fund managers from around the US, where interest Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Inves- management at the end of last year. tion. The trend intensified after Bank rities currently have negative yields the world to buy corporate debt in the rates are positive. tors in Europe and Asia could buy as The firm sells funds to lenders of Japan Governor Kuroda announced for maturities out to 10 years, and the US, where interest rates are positive. much as $500bn of American compa- that invest in dollar- denominated a negative interest-rate strategy on average yield on domestic corporate “Draghi has forced me as a Euro- nies’ debt in 2016, up 50 percent from assets, and hedge currency risk. “In January 29 in an effort to fend off debentures is 0.2 percent, accord- pean investor to look at overseas Japanese regional banks that Bloomb- last year, Mikkelsen forecast. the past, regional banks used to tell deflation. Japanese government bonds ing to Bank of America indexes. That holdings that aren’t euro-denom- erg surveyed recently said they’ve Recent central bank decisions in us not to bring them investments that account for about 66 percent of the compares with the average 3.3 per- inated,” said James Tomlins, a already begun or are considering buy- Europe and Asia have lowered yields didn’t meet clear internal rules and nearly $8 trillion of sovereign debt cent on US investment-grade notes. London-based high-yield money ing riskier securities outside of their on many bonds from just above zero they wouldn’t buy no matter how with negative yields. “For global investors, invest- manager at M&G Investments, which home market. A Japanese insurance to negative levels. “We have to turn often we brought them,” said Mishina. Europe first embraced negative ment-grade investors, there is only oversees about £250bn ($352bn) of trade group said last month the indus- to foreign bonds, such as US and “What they say now is different: ‘We rates in mid-2014. European Central one game in town, and that is US assets. “The potential for returns is try will have little choice but to buy European notes, or alternative prod- won’t say no at the door, bring us your Bank President Draghi said earlier corporate bonds,” Bank of America’s much better in the US.” Eight of 11 debt issued in other countries. ucts, to meet business expectations investment ideas.” this month the institution was cutting Mikkelsen said. Economic data could Sun Life eyes more Asia put US stocks expansion back on higher path Reuters

Reuters reporting period, Thomson Reuters TORONTO: Sun Life Financial Inc data shows. Analysts now expect a expects to make further acquisi- first-quarter earnings decline of 6.9 tions in Asia, the Canadian insurer percent - which would be the big- said, after agreeing on Wednesday NEW YORK: The March US employ- gest drop since the third quarter of to take full control of its Indo- ment report and other key economic 2009 - sharply below the 2.3-per- nesian business by buying out numbers next week could help US cent gain they had been projecting partner CIMB Group. stocks resume their recent win- as recently as Jan. 1. Sun Life said it would buy the ning path as long as that data hits Stabilising oil prices could at remaining 51 percent of CIMB the sweet spot: Not strong enough to least slow the rate at which future Sun Life (CSL) to further expand add to worries about further inter- earnings estimates fall, McMillan its presence in a key Asian growth est rate hikes, yet not weak enough said. Recent weakness in the US market. Financial details of the to cause concern about a recession. dollar could help, as well. US mul- transaction were not disclosed. Reports on the housing market tinationals were hit hard by sharp In the last three years, Sun Life A staff enters a pass code for a safety deposit box at a security showroom in Tokyo, Japan. could also draw investors’ attention gains in the US dollar last year but has made acquisitions in Malaysia, given recent sharp gains in home- the dollar index is down 2.6 percent India, Vietnam as well as Indone- builder stocks. so far in the first quarter. sia. Chief Executive Dean Connor Major indexes remain well above “We’re seeing the strong dollar Japan firms could stash cash said it would consider more deals their 2016 lows, thanks to evidence trade unwinding a bit, and that has in the region as well as investing of a reviving U.S. economy and a helped those beaten-down areas to support organic growth. sharp rebound in oil prices, even as really take off,” said Adam Sarhan, “We’ve invested close to C$1bn stocks broke a five-week streak of chief executive of Sarhan Capital in in safes if rates go negative ($757m) to broaden and strengthen gains on Thursday, their last trading New York, referring to commodity- our Asian platform and we think day before a long holiday weekend. related shares. there are lots more opportunities While the volatility that marked Some early results are trickling Reuters with some 150m yen to 1.6bn yen with managers responding anon- as we look ahead,” Connor said. the start of the year has diminished in, but the earnings season is still ($1.3m-$14m) in Japan’s biggest- ymously. Of those, 240 replied to a Sun Life currently operates in and many strategists have adopted weeks away for the bulk of Stand- denomination bills. question on what they would do if seven Asian countries, which also a cautiously optimistic outlook, the ard & Poor’s 500 companies. The central bank shocked their own deposit rates went negative. include the Philippines, China, India market seems to have paused. Next week’s economic data TOKYO: Some Japanese firms, fac- investors in January by cutting a Banks insist they won’t pass and Hong Kong. The company hopes A catalyst could come from cor- could also bolster or hurt the mar- ing the possibility of negative interest benchmark interest rate to below on negative rates to their small- to take advantage of the region’s porate earnings. “What we’ve seen ket, depending on how it signals the rates on their deposits, would con- zero, seeking to put an end to two account holders, but some lenders burgeoning middle class as they over the past couple of weeks is next step for Federal Reserve policy. sider stuffing their cash in a safe decades of deflation and encourage have left open the possibility of look to save and invest for the future. really just a return to normal,” said Comments from Fed officials rather than pay to keep it in the loan and investment demand. raising fees on big deposits, mean- “The demand for what we do in Brad McMillan, chief investment this week, hinting at a slightly more bank, a Reuters poll found, in what But the willingness of a notice- ing a net charge to customers. Big our industry is accelerating in Asia. officer for Commonwealth Finan- aggressive rate hike path than inves- would be an unintended and unwel- able chunk of corporate Japan to companies tend to park their cash As the middle class grows people cial in Waltham, Massachusetts. tors have been expecting, dampened come side-effect to the country’s new squirrel cash away rather than leave in current accounts - akin to check- start to save and they start to protect Stocks’ next big move will largely some enthusiasm for stocks. Strong monetary policy. it on deposit highlights the difficulty ing accounts in the West - which themselves and their families and depend on earnings, he said. “We’re economic data could signal a more While the bulk of companies in Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is having already yield zero interest. save for education,” he said. Connor kind of in a show-me phase, and it’s aggressive Fed - considered a neg- the Reuters Corporate Survey said in getting companies to do their part To be sure, even those companies said Sun Life had stayed out of Japan got to be earnings.” ative for stocks. they would keep their money in bank in supporting his policies, which have pondering withdrawals could decide and South Korea, markets it views First-quarter earnings estimates For next Friday’s jobs report, a accounts if their lender followed the also included pleas to raise wages the cost, risk and bother of holding as relatively mature, and is focus- have collapsed since the start of the Reuters poll shows nonfarm pay- Bank of Japan in cutting rates below and invest more. cash outweighs the loss from negative ing on what it sees as faster growth year, and in some cases may have rolls expected to have increased zero, 15 percent said they would The survey, conducted March rates. The companies in the survey markets such as Indonesia. fallen too far, possibly setting the by 200,000 jobs in March, which withdraw funds. 3-17, also showed that 62 percent did not indicate how much they might In Indonesia, he said around stage for an upbeat profit season, would be below February’s gains of Safes or safe-deposit boxes were of firms disapproved of the cen- consider taking out of the bank. 80 million of the country’s 250 McMillan and other market watch- 242,000 jobs. the most popular alternative to bank tral bank’s new policy, believing it The concerns at the compa- million population could now ers said. Housing data will include pend- accounts cited by respondents. A pop- will hurt business and consumer nies mirror those of many of Japan’s afford insurance and savings prod- US earnings are expected to ing home sales as well as the S&P/ ular series of company safes from sentiment. Just over 500 large and legions of savers, especially older ucts but only around 15 million had be down for a third consecutive Case-Shiller price index. Secom Co Ltd can be crammed mid-size companies were polled, people on fixed incomes. purchased them.

Tokyo job fair China leads as global green energy investment plans hit record high

Reuters expensive, due to falling equipment hydrological power projects because costs, which will also enable fur- of environmental concerns. Other ther growth, especially in light of studies which include such data the new momentum from the Paris therefore may arrive at larger sums. FRANKFURT: China helped push climate summit goals,” he told China accounted for $103bn of global green energy investment plans reporters. the total, up 17 percent, ahead of to record heights in 2015, offsetting Firmly committed renewable Europe with $49bn, the United States a sharp fall in Germany, authors of a investment plans totalled $286 bil- with $44.1bn and Asia, excluding UN-backed report said, predicting lion last year, up 5 percent from $273 China and India, at $48bn. further growth. billion in 2014, according to the study, China expects its greenhouse gas Solar and wind power, especially which is prepared annually by the emissions to peak by “around 2030” in developing countries, are driving Frankfurt School-United Nations as part of its commitments to a glo- spending higher and last year for Environment Programme (UNEP) bal pact to combat global warming the first time renewables made up Collaborating Centre and Bloomb- signed in Paris last year. more than 50 percent of new elec- erg New Energy Finance. China, India and Brazil and other tricity capacity plans, the Frankfurt Solar power accounted for $148 emerging nations jointly outdid School of Finance report said. billion, up 12 percent partly driven developed nations, with $156 billion “The term ‘niche product’ no by an ongoing solar boom in Japan. or 55 percent of the total. longer applies to renewables,” said Wind accounted for $107bn, up 9 Spending plans in Germany, a Ulf Moslener, professor for sustain- percent helped by offshore projects. leader in renewable projects, technol- A view of a job fair held for fresh graduates in Tokyo. able energy finance at the school and Biomass accounted for just $5bn of ogy and research, fell by 46 percent one of the report’s authors. investment pledges, down 46 percent. to $8.5 billion in their steepest fall in “Investments are becoming less The study excludes large 12 years, the report said. BUSINESS VIEWS SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 27

Paris lure dims for Honda Motor and Takata’s China’s tourists, not for its investors stealth airbag fix

By Ania Nussbaum International raised its stake in Bloomberg French hotel group Accor to 11.7 percent, becoming the hotelier’s largest shareholder. Shanghai-based Jin Jiang FTER years of draw- also acquired the Louvre Hotels ing bus-loads of Group last year, while Fosun, Chinese tourists, controlled by Chinese billion- France saw the aire Guo Guangchang, bought flow ebb follow- the Club Med resort company ing November’s along with other investors. Aterrorist attacks in Paris. Chi- Andre Loesekrug-Pietri, the na’s investors haven’t been so founder of ACapital, a private squeamish. While the Eiffel equity fund which invested in tower and the Champs Elysees Club Med and brought in Fosun are seeing fewer Chinese vis- Internationalas a co-investor, itors, investors from the Asian said the investment that began giant are plowing money into in 2010 was in part to bring Europe’s second-largest econ- more Chinese business to the omy. Chinese investment in company’s resorts. “The goal France jumped 160 percent last of this deal was to capture the year, reaching $3.62m, according growth of Chinese clientele,” to a study by Baker & McKenzie. Loesekrug-Pietri said. Although small when set against Chinese investment isn’t the $15.3bn they poured into the limited to tourism and leisure, US, investments in France may said Stephane Davin, M&A Part- be set to rise. ner in Baker & McKenzie’s Paris “There are simply good deals office. In 2014, Dongfeng Motor to be made,” Yan Jufen, general Group Co. bought a stake in the secretary of the Chinese cham- French carmaker PSA Peu- ber of commerce in Paris, said in geot Citroen and a consortium an interview. “In all sectors, both led by Shandong Hi-speed Co the amount and the number of bought a minority stake in Tou- investments increased. Chinese louse- Blagnac airport, while investors invest in anything that telecommunication equipment can be put to work.” company Alcatel-Lucent SA By Paul Lienert and Jessica Dye redesign to “protect against the possibil- and other manufacturers — agreed that With growth slowing at sold its enterprise unit to state- Reuters ity of future manufacturing errors - it was the cause or type of a safety risk is irrel- home and France offering euro- owned China Huaxin. not an acknowledgement of a larger design evant to legal notification requirements. denominated assets and a stable Overall, France is now the flaw in the inflators,” Martin wrote. Honda Honda officials “made a determina- economy, Chinese investors are second-largest European recip- started installing the modified inflators in tion of a defect when they asked for the snapping up everything from ient of Chinese funds after Italy, N August of 2009, after ruptured some, but not all, vehicles in 2011 and con- fail-safe design,” said Kristensen. “They Bordeaux vineyards and hotels Baker & McKenzie’s study shows. airbag inflators in Honda vehicles tinues to do so today, Martin said. Honda had an obligation to tell the government to suburban shopping malls. Italy climbed to first place after were linked to least four injuries expanded recalls as it became aware of more back in 2009. Good luck defending that.” More than 80 percent of the ChemChina agreed to buy a and a death, the automaker quietly defects, he said. In many states, plaintiffs alleging Chinese money coming into stake in Italian tyre maker Pirelli. requested a design change and did The fail-safe modification — outlined design defects are required to prove that France is currently going into The one financial flow not notify US regulators, Honda con- in Takata technical documents and internal companies could have used a safer design, the real estate and hospitality from China to France that has Ifirmed in response to inquiries from Reuters. presentations between 2009 and 2011 and said Rob Ammons, a Houston lawyer who industry. Take Jack Ma, founder stopped growing? Tourist spend- Honda Motor Co asked supplier Takata confirmed by Honda — added vents in the has represented clients suing Honda and of Internet conglomerate ing. While tourist growth for Corp to produce a “fail-safe” airbag infla- inflator to channel pressure from an explo- Takata in three cases alleging that infla- Alibaba and China’s second- the Paris region was 40 percent tor, according to Takata presentations and sion away from a driver’s neck and torso. tor defects caused death or injury. richest individual, who has just in 2015, arrivals fell after the internal memos reviewed by Reuters. NHTSA spokesman Bryan Thomas “Obviously, this would be significant picked up Chateau de Sours, a November 13 attacks that killed The previously undisclosed redesign declined to comment on the design change evidence that one existed, certainly as beverage producer that traces 130 people in the French capi- could make Honda and Takata more vul- or whether Honda had a legal obligation to early as 2009,” said Ammons, who has set- its origins to the 14th century. tal, according to the city’s Office nerable in more than 100 pending federal notify the agency. Takata confirmed that tled two of the cases and has one pending. Or Wang Jianlin, its richest, of Tourism. lawsuits and dozens more state suits, accord- it “tested and deployed” several versions Bryant Walker Smith, a law professor who’s contributing funding for Chinese tourist spending ing to several legal experts and an attorney of the redesigned inflator “at the request at the University of South Carolina and an EuropaCity, a €3bn ($3.3bn) in Europe is down about 7 per- suing the companies. The of an automotive customer.” The supplier expert in automotive safety and regulation retail and leisure project north cent in the first quarter, mainly request shows that Honda declined to answer more detailed questions said that Honda could make an argument of Paris. because of a drop in trips to understood the safety and declined to respond to Honda’s explana- that “it’s always improving its products - “We’ve wanted to develop in France, according to an esti- risks posed by the infla- tion of the reasons for the change. for instance, that air bags are getting safer France and Paris in particular, mate by UBS. The bank estimates tors long before it started Takata has previously acknowledged every year,” he said. for a long time,” Jianlin saidFeb. that Chinese spending in France expanding recalls by the that some of the ruptures were connected The federal cases against Takata, 26, explaining that he discussed alone fell 10 percent in February. millions in 2014, the attor- to manufacturing errors at its factories. Honda and other carmakers have been his plans with President Francois Thomas Deschamps of the neys and law professors Honda is Takata’s biggest customer, and consolidated in a Miami court. They Hollande in China in November. Paris Office of Tourism says said. the automaker owns a small stake in the involve individual claims for injuries and “This project is ambitious and he’s confident that a rebound US law requires car- airbag supplier. deaths and proposed class actions seek- innovative and is for now for us will come before long. As the makers to disclose safety Peter Henning, a corporate law pro- ing to represent millions of customers who the biggest outside China.” middle class expands, the Since 2008, Honda has risks and actions to pre- fessor at Wayne State University in Detroit, say their vehicles lost value. Trials in both Large French companies are Chinese will become better recalled 8.5 million vent them to the National called Honda’s distinction between manu- types of federal cases could start as soon also tapping China for funding. informed and come as inde- vehicles to replace Highway Traffic Safety facturing and design problems a “technical as 2017, according to court filings. China’s HNA Group Co acquired pendent visitors rather than in Administration. But argument” that is at odds with the law and Honda has reached confidential set- a 10 percent stake in holiday organized groups, he said. defective inflators, Honda spokesman Chris regulatory practice. tlements in some personal-injury lawsuits, rental operator Pierre & Vacan- “Mass tourism is made of peo- including 2.3 million Martin said the redesign “You can’t say, ‘It’s a supplier problem, not court records showed. Since 2008, Honda ces-Center Parcs for about €25m ple who are less informed and did not require notice ours, so we don’t have to talk about it,” he has recalled 8.5 million vehicles to replace in January and agreed to pro- more anxious,” he said in an in February. All but to regulators because said. “They are responsible for every part defective inflators, including 2.3 million in vide €1bn in financing for the interview. “Individuals take the 875,000 of those the safety risk involved on their car and also responsible to report February. All but 875,000 of those recalls development of five projects time to get informed and will Takata manufactur- a problem with any part on that car.” came in 2014 or later. Takata inflators in in China. In February, Jin Jiang come,” he said. recalls came in 2014 ing errors rather than a John Kristensen — a Los Angeles product Honda vehicles have been linked to nine or later. specific design defect. liability plaintiff’s lawyer who has worked on deaths and more than 90 injuries in the Honda requested the major product defect lawsuits against Toyota US, according to NHTSA. Banks’ leeway on credit risk narrows as Basel tightens rules

By Silla Brush and John Glover in results. A 2013 Basel study found variations the use of internal models for trading-book In a separate proposal in December on the Bloomberg of as much as 20 percent in the risk weights assets in 1996, extending this to the banking standardised approach for measuring credit banks attach to similar assets in the bank- book in 2004. Proponents of models say they risk, the regulator reintroduced the use of exter- ing book, undermining confidence that the deter banks from over- investing in high-yield nal ratings in a “non-mechanistic manner” for capital ratios lenders report reflect the real assets and provide an incentive for lenders loans to banks and other companies. ANKS’ latitude in assessing their risks they take on. to analyze risk more thoroughly. The Basel Credit ratings of Moody’s Investors Service, biggest source of risk is set to be “Addressing the issue of excessive variabil- Committee sees capital floors and the risk- Standard & Poor’s, Fitch Ratings and similar curtailed as global regulators try to ity in risk- weighted assets is fundamental to blind leverage ratio as reinforcements for the firms came under fire during the financial cri- prevent the financial industry from restoring market confidence in risk-based cap- risk-weighted capital framework. sis because of the over-optimistic grades they gamingB capital requirements. ital ratios,” Basel Committee Chairman Stefan Critics argue that because the amount of assigned to securities backed by subprime The Basel Committee on Banking Super- Ingves said in a statement. While the proposal regulatory capital banks must have is a func- US real estate loans that imploded as prop- vision proposed on Thursday to remove the continues to allow the use of internal models in tion of risk-weighted assets, they have both erty prices slumped during the credit crunch. The Basel group, whose option for lenders to use their own models some cases, it introduces “important safeguards an incentive to shrink assets and, through Some countries went so far as to forbid the use members include the US to determine how much capital they need that will promote sound levels of capital and internal models, the means to do so. of external ratings for regulatory purposes. to fund exposures to financial firms, equi- comparability across banks,” he said. The industry rejects this assertion. A study In Thursday’s consultation paper, the Federal Reserve and the ties and large corporations, forcing them to The Basel Committee has soft-pedaled the earlier this year funded by the Association Basel Committee said it’s currently determin- European Central Bank, use a standardised method set by the regu- impact of its post-crisis agenda in response to for Financial Markets in Europe, an indus- ing how to set a floor for how much capital lator. The plan also envisions a floor to limit industry warnings that the new rules could try group, looked for links between potential banks must have where they continue to rely is adjusting its rules for how far risk assessments using the models hinder their ability to lend. In January, the reasons for the gaming of models and the on internal models. These will continue to gauging banks’ credit, still allowed for assets such as mortgages and regulator said that as it wrapped up work on observed variation in modeling changes for be used to assess the riskiness of mortgages, small- business loans can diverge from those credit risk and other issues, it would “focus risk-weighted assets. card lending and of loans to corporations with market and operational obtained with the standardized approach. on not significantly increasing overall capital In its credit-risk proposal, the Basel Com- assets of less than €50bn ($56bn). The reg- risks to simplify the The Basel group, whose members include requirements” for banks, a claim it repeated mittee concludes that banks lack adequate ulator is considering setting an aggregate process and reduce the the US Federal Reserve and the European on Thursday. The planned capital floor will data to estimate the potential for a default floor at between 60 percent and 90 percent Central Bank, is adjusting its rules for gauging be set after an impact assessment. by other lenders, financial firms and large of the level of risk determined by regulators variation in results. banks’ credit, market and operational risks to The credit-risk plan amounts to a retreat corporations, and should instead rely on the in the standardised approach. The consulta- simplify the process and reduce the variation for the Basel Committee, which first allowed standardized approach. tion period ends on June 24. 28 SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 BUSINESS

BACK TO BUSINESS sight Apple’s robot rips apart AIIB’s Jin says bank isn’t source of iPhones for recycling tensions with US

Bloomberg said of the $100bn bank that for- By Valerie Volcovici the technology sector toward more mally opened in January with 57 Reuters recycling, by manufacturers and member nations and is likely to consumers. add to its ranks this year. “We need more R&D if we are SIAN Infrastructure The US isn’t opposed to par- going to realise the idea of a circu- Investment Bank Pres- ticipating with the AIIB, President PPLE Inc last week lar economy in electronics,” she said. ident Jin Liqun said the Barack Obama said in 2014. China unveiled a robotic sys- Jackson, who was US Environmental Beijing-based develop- would welcome U.S. involve- tem called Liam to take Protection Agency administrator from Ament lender “should not be a new ment, President Xi Jinping said apart junked iPhones 2009 to 2013, spoke to Reuters before hot spot for frictions between the later that year. and recover valuable she unveiled Liam at Apple’s spring US and China,” and that it would The AIIB would match glo- materials that can be product launch on Monday. welcome the US as a member. bal best practices on standards Arecycled, such as silver and tungsten. Some environmental activists The AIIB can be “very patient” and governance, Jin said on Fri- The move is an attempt to address have criticised Apple for not making if the US wants to join, Jin said at day. “Credibility has to be earned. criticism that Apple’s products, while its products more green. In the ultra- a panel Friday at the Boao Forum Trust has to be earned,” he said. sleek and seamless in design, are so thin MacBook Air, for instance, the for Asia on the southern island of “The challenge now is how we tightly constructed that their compo- chips, hard drive, battery and proc- Hainan, where top government live up to expectations of all nents can be difficult to disassemble, essors cannot easily be upgraded. The and corporate officials gathered shareholders.” refurbish and reuse. units use bespoke screws or glue to this week to discuss economic Jin cautioned that Chinese Liam, which has been under hold them together. issues facing the region. companies bidding for work on development for nearly three years, Computers made by other com- “Even if the US isn’t a mem- AIIB-funded projects will be hard will initially focus on the iPhone 6. panies tend to be more modular and ber, we have quite a number of to beat. “Chinese companies are Apple plans to modify and expand easier to break apart. Kyle Wiens, seasoned professionals with very, very, very competitive,” Jin the system to handle different devices co-founder of iFixit, an open-source American passports working in said. “You have to be careful about Lisa Jackson, Apple vice-president for Environment, Policy and Social and recover more resources, the com- repair manual for devices, said one my institution, and I trust them,” that.” pany said. Initiatives, introduces a robot named Liam that deconstructs iPhones reason iPhones, iPads and iPods are said Jin, who previously worked The AIIB is among three enti- The system started to operate during an event at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California. difficult to pry apart is that their bat- at the World Bank and the Japan- ties China is promoting, along at full capacity last month and can teries are glued into the devices. led Asian Development Bank on with the New Development Bank take apart one iPhone 6 every 11 sec- great,” said Gary Cook, senior IT ana- to an April 2015 United Nations Uni- A large number of older iPhone China’s behalf and also served as with Brazil, Russia, India and onds to recover aluminium, copper, lyst for Greenpeace. “But making it versity report. models are resold to consumers in a supervisory chairman of the South Africa, and a Silk Road tin, tungsten, cobalt, gold and silver easier for a human, who will be doing Apple does not disclose how many China and parts of Africa, which have country’s sovereign wealth fund. Fund designed to boost commer- parts, according to Apple. most of this, is part of the solution.” of its devices are turned in for recy- more limited recycling options. Putting China established the AIIB cial ties in south and central Asia. At that rate and working unin- Greenpeace urged Apple to cling every year. Under its existing robots in California and Europe may partly out of frustration with the They join existing bodies such as terrupted, Liam likely can handle no build more products using recycled programme, the company offers not address that problem, he said. dominance of Western nations the ADB, World Bank and Inter- more than a few million phones per metals, and to make its devices customers store credit for recycling “It’s notable that they (Apple) are at existing institutions such as American Development Bank in year, a small fraction of the more than easier to deconstruct. Cook said certain devices and will recycle old talking about this, but unless you get the Washington-based World offering financing to develop- 231 million phones Apple sold in 2015. Apple has been an industry leader products for free. one of these robots inside every recy- Bank. Jin pushed back on views ing nations. Greenpeace welcomed Apple’s on some environmental issues, The Liam system consists of 29 cler in the world, it’s not going to have that China was aiming to create China aims to fund projects initiative as an example of how the such as asking suppliers to run robotic modules on a single site near an impact,” Wiens said. a new order of the global finan- that will aid development in what company is committed to keeping on renewable energy. Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, “On the one hand there is this cial system, comparing the AIIB already are some of the world’s more products out of land fills, but “A lot of the sector has followed California. It will focus initially on really cool robot, and that’s great. On to setting up a “new kitchen” that fastest-growing areas. The vision the environmental group questioned their lead because they’ve helped iPhone 6 phones sold in the United the other hand there are a lot of reali- isn’t aimed at knocking out exist- could produce benefits that match how much of an impact the Liam change the supply chain,” he said. States, where Apple gets about 40 ties on the ground that will make this ing businesses. China’s integration with the glo- robot would actually have on over- The world is awash in discarded percent of its revenue. not really have an impact,” he added. “It is absurd to say just bal economy when it joined the all iPhone recycling volumes. electronic equipment, with the United A second Liam is being installed Jackson said Apple’s design because we have a new restaurant World Trade Organisation in 2001, Independent e-waste recyclers, States and China accounting for in Europe, Apple said. Lisa Jack- approach will not change, but the we would drive out the catering Australia & New Zealand Bank- which handle the bulk of discarded nearly a third of it. Less than a sixth son, Apple’s vice-president of company is working on better ways services in the neighborhood,” Jin ing Group Ltd said last year. iPhones, will not have access to Liam. of global e-waste is properly recycled environment, policy and social ini- to disassemble its devices and recover “If it’s easy for a robot, that’s or made available for reuse, according tiatives, said Liam can help push reusable materials.

Despite low oil prices, Saudi Arabia’s banking Capital sector still maintains strong liquidity and no Fahad Al-Mubarak, special measures will be taken to inject more Governor, Saudi Arabian Comment funds into it. Monetary Agency (SAMA)

TOP TWEETS BLOGS AND VIEWS China coal use Market Talk to slide further MLC Digital Media @ Private Equity Beat MLCDigitalMedia SHANGHAI: China’s coal use NAME IN THE MARKET: OIL PRICE AND ASSET CLASS PERFORMANCE is forecast to fall a third year as Did you know 42% industrial output slows, adding of all traffic to http:// The Florida State Board of force to President Xi Jinping’s drive AlJazeera.com , the Administration is eyeing to cut overcapacity and dimming English website, is from the US? emerging markets and the hopes of global miners for an uptick in demand by the world’s distressed investment biggest consumer. Demand will slide 2 percent Dealogic @Dealogic strategies as part of a growing strategic investments portfolio this year and prices will remain at US banks’ share is a low level, according to the state- 55% of US leveraged that spans credit and special run Xinhua News Agency, citing Xu #loan #revenue, the situations funds. Liang, deputy secretary general of lowest YTD share on the China Coal Industry Associa- record tion. Output by the world’s largest producer will also fall by 2 percent. Consumption has weakened Argaam Plus @ Wealth Adviser amid a push to use cleaner fuels ArgaamPlus and shift a slowing economy away from heavy industry. Demand for #Saudi #centralbank Raymond James Financial says coal, which accounted for 64 per- governor shrugs off cent of the country’s total energy use liquidity concerns more than 90% of the brokers last year, contracted 3.7 percent last of Deutsche Bank’s US private year, following a 2.9 percent decline in 2014, according to the National client services unit have Bureau of Statistics. Bloomberg Business @ agreed to join the brokerage, China’s easing coal appetite business following Raymond James’s has helped push prices in Asia to Japan’s companies their lowest since 2006, punishing and households agreement in December to buy mining companies and prompting piled up cash at the bank unit. the government to propose capac- record levels in final ity cuts that threaten the jobs of 1.3 quarter of 2015 million coal miners. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com PAGE | 32 PAGE | 35 Barcelona pay Pistons beat respects as world Hornets to extend remembers Cruyff streak to five

SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 • 18 Jumada II 1437 thepeninsulaqatar @peninsulaqatar @peninsula_qatar Al Attiyah seals crushing victory in Kuwait

with the loss of third gear on their Subaru Impreza for two stages and 2016 KUWAIT INTERNATIONAL RALLY – STANDINGS: The Qatari racing icon retired from third position with ongo- bags a staggering ing gearbox issues with one stage to 1. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAT)/Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Skoda Fabia R5 - 2hr 08min 06.1sec go, although they maintained the 2. Meshari Al Thefiri (KWT)/Nasser Al Kuwari (QAT) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X - 2hr 19min 31.0sec 62nd MERC rally as unofficial MERC 2 championship 3. Yigit Timur (TUR)/Ufuk Uluocak (TUR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X - 2hr 20min 59.2sec Kuwaiti champion advantage after two rounds. 4. Khalifa Al Attiyah (QAT)/Savvas Laos (CYP) Subaru Impreza - 2hr 21min 59.5sec Al Thefiri, partnered Yigit Timur lost his way in one 5. Khalid Al Suwaidi (QAT)/Giovanni Bernacchini (ITA) Ford Fiesta R5 - 2hr 27min 25.3sec stage for a time in a Tok Sport Mit- 6. Rakan Al Rashed (SAU)/Jarkko Kalliolepo (FIN) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX - 2hr 28min 40.6sec by Al Kuwari comes subishi Lancer Evolution X, but he 7. Rodolphe Asmar (LEB)/Joseph Matar (LEB) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX - 2hr 28min 56.2sec second and co-driver Ufuk Ulocak bene- 8. Abdullah Al Kuwari (QAT)/Adel Hussein (QAT) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X - 2hr 33min 17.5sec fited from Al Nuami’s misfortune to 9. Vedat Diker (TUR)/Erdal Oral (TUR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X - 2hr 48min 05.7sec confirm third place and the runner- 10. Saleh Ali (KWT)/Othman Hamdar (KWT) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII - 2hr 54min 54.0sec The Peninsula up spot in MERC 2. 11. Elie Chachati (KWT)/Naji Sfeir (LEB) Subaru Impreza - 3hr 03min 43.7sec The winner’s brother Khalifa Al Attiyah and Cypriot navigator Sav- vas Laos finished the event in fourth, FINTAS, Kuwait: A record sixth vic- while the Lebanese duo of Rodolphe tory in the Kuwait International Rally Asmar and experienced co-driver was never really in doubt for Qatar’s Joseph Matar dropped from fifth to Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah. The 11-time seventh when they incurred a two- FIA Middle East rally champion won minute penalty after the finish. all the 13 timed special stages at the Qatar’s Khaled Al Suwaidi and second round of the regional series Italian co-driver Giovanni Bernac- and reached the finish in Fintas last chini benefited from the Rally 2 ruling afternoon with a winning margin of to start the second day in eighth over- 11min 24.9sec. all in their Ford Fiesta R5. But the He and French navigator Matthieu Qatari was too far behind to make a Baumel controlled their pace at the real impression and, despite a string three-day rally from start-to-finish to of second fastest times, he could only deliver yet another faultless team per- finish sixth and then climbed to fifth formance, a record 62nd MERC rally after Asmar’s penalty. win for the driver and an 11th for his Saudi rookie Rakan Al Rashed navigator. and Finnish navigator Jarkko Kalliol- “It was important that I won here epo held seventh overall before being and collected the maximum points, overhauled by Al Suwaidi. Al Rashed but I wasn’t really pushed on this finished his second ever rally in sixth rally,” said Al Attiyah. “I would like place, however, after Al Nuami retired. to see my rivals come back on the next The Qatari pairing of Abdullah Al rallies. The car was fantastic and we Kuwari and Adel Hussein returned managed to win every stage on an to action under Rally two and com- event that I enjoy very much.” pleted the event in eighth. Turkey’s Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and his French navigator Matthieu Baumel with BMRC Chairman Sheikh Athbi Al Sabah, QMMF President Newly-crowned Kuwaiti national Vidat Diker and the Kuwaiti duo of champion Meshari Al Thefiri capped Saleh Ali and Elie Chachati rounded Abdulrahman Al Mannai and Issa Hamza of the KT Club pose for a photo after winning the 2016 Kuwait International Rally which was concluded a memorable weekend with second off the international finishers in ninth, at Fintas in Kuwait yesterday. RIGHT: The victorious Qatari driver and his French co-driver on their Skoda Fabia R5 with their trophies. overall and outright victory in the 10th and 11th overall. hard-fought MERC 2 category in his The event was organised by the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. His Basil Salem Al Sabah Motor Racing The ninth special, near the mili- 57.5sec and he pulled a further 20.6 important that we finished both days, 13th consecutive fastest time to seal winning margin was 1min 28.2sec. Club (BMRC) under the chairmanship tary base at Arifjan, ran for 15.37km. seconds away from Al Nuami, who but I am taking it easy now. This is one the win by a massive 11min 24.9sec. Partnered by Qatar’s Nasser Al of Sheikh Athbi Nayef Jaber Al Ahmad Al Attiyah was coasting and arrived had lost third gear and was clearly of my favourite rallies.” There was joy as well for Al Thefiri Kuwari on this occasion, he became Al Sabah and in conjunction with the at the stage start with an outright lead struggling. It was also sufficient for A repeat run through the three and a first ever second-placed finish only the second Kuwaiti in MERC his- General Authority for Sport. of 7min 28.3sec. His only R5 rival, Al the Kuwaiti to extend his MERC 2 stages was on the agenda for the for a Kuwaiti on a round of the MERC. tory to reach the podium and the first Al Attiyah began the final day with Suwaidi, was beginning to make a lead over Timur to 32.4 seconds at afternoon and Al Thefiri closed But gearbox problems thwarted Al to record a second-placed finish – the a comfortable lead of 6min 27.3sec move back up the leader board from the halfway point, after the Turk was in on history with a time of 11min Nuami within sight of the finish Kuwaiti duo of Mufeed Mubarak and over Thefiri. eighth position, but held little chance reported to have lost his way in the 47.4sec and gained another 12.4 and gifted the final podium place to Saad Al Melaifi finished third in the The first of two runs through the of reaching the podium. special stage. seconds on Al Nuami. The Qatari Timur. MERC category at the Jordan WRC 16.61km of the Bnaider stage, south of Al Attiyah reached the regroup “There is no competition, unfor- reached the start of the final stage The regional series now moves on Rally in 2011. Kuwait City, was first on the agenda and service break with an overall lead tunately, in my category here,” said safe in the knowledge that his lead to demanding special stages near the Qatar’s Rashed Al Nuami and Ital- and Al Attiyah set the benchmark with of 8min 47sec. Al Thefiri laid down the leader Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah. was 10min 37.1sec and rounded off Dead Sea in the Hashemite Kingdom ian navigator Nicola Arena struggled a time of 10min 45.3sec. MERC 2 gauntlet with a time of 7min “With the new points system it was a clinical weekend’s work with the of Jordan at the start of May. Coach Carreno demands ‘disciplined effort’ against China

The Peninsula looked pleased with his team’s we are playing China next,” Al performance. Haydos said. “This win will give “We achieved consistency in the players the confidence going our attacks. We saw a good level of into our next clash. DOHA: Qatar coach Daniel Car- football,” Carreno said on Thurs- “We will be playing for a win to reno wants his players to up the day. “The early goal got us going. It remain unbeaten in Group C,” he ante against China on Match 29 helped us calm down. That’s when said. “Today I would like to thank when the two sides clash in a we started controlling the game,” the fans who turned up in large 2018 FIFA World Cup qualify- Carreno said. numbers,” Al Haydos said. ing clash. “We got three more points. It Soria feels Qatar’s 2-0 win Points leaders Qatar beat Hong was our seventh successive win. against Hong Kong on Thursday Kong 2-0 in Doha on Thursday to We didn’t concede any goals had given the Group C leaders retain their unbeaten status in today,” he added. “We need the ‘positive lift’ ahead of their next Group C, Asian Zone qualifying same discipline against China also. 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. But the veteran Uru- It will be a tough game. We should match. guayan coach wants more from fight hard,” he said. “We are thrilled to have won his side. “Right now we have a great our seventh consecutive win. It has “China must be fought with atmosphere in the change room given us the boost that we needed. discipline and a good level of and that is great,” he said. The win has lifted the mood in the football. It is important to qualify Hosts of the 2022 FIFA World side,” Soria said. directly to the next stage of qualifi- Cup, Qatar leave for China on Sun- “We are playing an important ers,” Carreno said yesterday. day and hit the training pitch the match against China and we need “I will be looking at some (new) same day. every bit of confidence going into players in this clash as we have Earlier, striker Hassan Al Hay- that clash. The players played with important games coming in May,” dos termed his team’s 2-0 win as a lot of heart and positive attitude Carreno said yesterday while talk- ‘important’ ahead of Qatar’s next today,” he said. “We deserved this Qatar’s Rodrigo Tabata (left) and Hong Kong’s Sandro vie for the ing about international friendlies clash against China next week. win,” Soria said. Qatar coach ball possession during of their World Cup 2018 Asian qualifying against Albania and Austria in a Al Haydos and Sebastian Soria Soria scored late in the second Daniel football match on Thursday at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha. little over two month’s time. scored for Qatar. half after Hassan Al Haydos had Carreno Carreno, however, on Thursday “It is an important win since opened the scoring in the first half. 30 SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 SPORT Qatar’s Sheikh Ali grabs final day’s honours

of QR 130,000. Garlic VH Kapelhof QNB SHOW JUMPING RESULTS The outstanding clocked a time of 58.21 sec- Qatari rider onds as Al Duhami picked up CSI2* - Competition 8: Table (A) against the clock with jump off, Art. 238.2.2, 145cm - Prize Money: guides Imperio the top prize of QR 32,500. 80,000 QAR Qatar’s Hamad Al Attiyah 1: Rashid Towaim Al Marri (QAT) Kannada 83.34 QAR 20,000.00 Egipcio Milton finished second when his ride 2: Cyrine Cherif (FRA) Ben D Aelsterhof 82.16 QAR 16,000.00 towards victory in Whitaker produced a flawless 3: Ali Al Khorafi (FEI) Cheril 78.63 QAR 12,000.00 routine. Whitaker clocked a the feature event time of 59.57 seconds against CSI4* - Competition 9: Table (A) against the clock , Art. 238.2.1, 145cm - Prize Money: 130,000 QAR of the day the clock. 1: Ramzy Hamad Al Duhami (KSA) Garlic VH Kapelhof 58.21 QAR 32,500.00 Turkish rider Omer Kara- 2: Hamad Ali Al Attiyah (QAT) Whitaker 59.57 QAR 22,750.00 evli guided Rabane De Sury 3: Omer Karaevli (TUR) Rabane De Sury 59.57 QAR 22,750.00 to third in a time of 59.57 The Peninsula seconds. CSI4* - Comp. (10) Two rounds with jump off, Art. 273.3.4.1, 4.5 , 2.2, 160cm - Prize Money: QAR Gyptian duo Mohammed 460,300 Osama El Borai (Dina, 68.05 1. Sheikh Ali bin Khalid al-Thani (Qatar) Imperio Egipcio Milton. seconds) and Saed Saad (Quin- KATARA: Qatar’s Sheikh Ali tero, 71.21 seconds) completed 2. Saudi’s Khaled Abdulaziz al-Eid (Saudi Arabia) (Old Chap Tame) bin Khalid al Thani won the the top. 3. Abdullah al-Sharbatly (Saudi Arabia) Roso Au Crosnier feature event of the third and “We had two horses, one final leg of the QNB Doha tour of them - we felt - was ready yesterday. for this competition. When rider. We have future plans On the concluding day of we gave him the competi- and we are moving towards the championship at Katara, tion, you saw that showed those targets.” Shiekh Ali guided Imperio great performance, he showed In competition 8, Qatar’s Egipcio Milton to victory in good form,’ Al Duhami said rider Rashid Towaim Al Marri the CSI 4* 160cm class, which yesterday. guided Kannada to an impres- carried a total prize money of “We are trying to do what sive win in the 145cm jump off QAR 460,300 . we can in terms of winning class. Saudi’s Khaled Abdulaziz performances. We have had Kannada clocked a time al-Eid (Old Chap Tame) came three good competitions this of 36/07 seconds as Al Marri second ahead of his country- week,” the Saudi rider said. won QR 20,000 for his efforts. man Abdullah al-Sharbatly “Some horses show good French rider Cyril Cherif (Roso Au Crosnier) time and with good pace. But astride Ben D Aelsterhof fin- Meanwhile, al-Eid walked some horses get tired dur- ished in second spot in a time away with the QNB Doha Tour ing competitions without of 46.66 seconds. Cheirf won series trophy, which was adequate rest. That’s why QR 16,000. awarded to the rider who sometimes we don’t get good Ali Al Khorafi of Kuwait won most points over the results,” he said. guided Cheril to third place three legs. Qatar’s Al Attiyah said: in a time of 36.03 seconds In competition 9, Ramzy “We have prepared well. We (4 faults). Al Khorafi won QR Al Duhami of Saudi Arabia have had good runs, as you 12,000. guided Garlic VH Kapelhof can see. There are experi- Qatar’s of Abdullah Ali Al to victory in the 145cm class enced riders here with quality Ajeil (Goldan, 46.32 seconds, 4 which carried a total prize bag horses. We are not wary of any faults) finished fourth.

ABOVE: Saudi Arabian rider Ramzy Hamad Al Duhami astride Kannada on his way to winning the CSI4* - Competition 9, 145cm event at Katara in Doha yesterday. Al Duhami won the event on Horses entertaining the third and final day of the QNB crowd during the third and Doha Tour show jumping event. final leg of the QNB Doha BOTTOM LEFT: Ramzy Hamad Tour at Katara. Al Duhami astride Kannada receives the winner’s shield. Al Rayyan reach Qatar Cup final after crushing El Jaish

The Peninsula Stergios - set a mouthwatering momentum in the third quar- An Al Rayyan player dunks to final date with Al Gharafa. ter (54-50) to underline their score during their Qatar Cup The final of the tournament intentions. basketball semi-final against will be played on Tuesday at Al For El Jaish - coached by El Jaish which was played DOHA: Ngombo Tanguy Alban Gharafa Indoor Hall. Dragoslav Milovanovic -Mack- yesterday. Al Rayyan beat El and Hill Lawrence yesterday Abdulla Malek Salem (11), lin Vernon Leon sparkled with Jaish 81-75 to reach the final. worked in tandem to help Al Musa Yasseen Ismail (10) and 22 points and 2 assists. Rayyan reach the final of the Mohamed Mohamed Hassan (10) Leon saw Bell Rashad Ernest Qatar Cup after the basketball were the other Al Rayyan play- pour in 18 points while team giants crushed El Jaish 81-75. ers to reach the double figures. mate Abilmona Fadi Hani man- Ngombo scored 28 points Al Rayyan and El Jaish aged 14 points to go along with and managed 3 assists while were tied at 17-all at the end 5 assists. Lawrence poured in 22 points as of the first quarter but the Mohmmed Mohd Yousuf Al Rayyan - coached by Koufos former champions picked up chipped in with 10 points.

Al Rayyan players and officials in a jubilant mood after beating El Jaish 81-75 to reach the final of the Qatar Cup yesterday. SPORT SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 31

ATP AND WTA MIAMI OPEN SCORES MIAMI: Scores on Friday from the fourth day of the ATP and WTA Miami Open (x denotes seeded player): MEN’S SECOND ROUND Tomas Berdych (CZE x7) bt Rajeev Ram (USA), walkover, illness Marin Cilic (CRO x11) bt Dusan Lajo- vic (SRB) 6-4, 6-1 Dominic Thiem (AUT x14) bt Sam Groth (AUS) 7-5, 6-2 Lucas Pouille (FRA) bt Guillermo Gar- cia-Lopez (ESP x32) 6-2, 6-4 Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) bt Feliciano Lopez (ESP x21) 6-4, 6-4 David Ferrer (ESP x8) bt Taylor Fritz (USA) 7-6 (8/6), 6-1 Gilles Simon (FRA x18) bt Juan Monaco (ARG) 7-5, 6-1 Horacio Zeballos (ARG) bt Juan Mar- tin Del Potro (ARG) 6-4, 6-4 Benoit Paire (FRA x20) bt Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) 6-3, 6-4 David Goffin (BEL x15) bt Marcel Novak Djokovic of Serbia in action against Kyle Edmund of Great Britain during their second round match at Granollers (ESP) 6-4, 6-4 the Miami Open on Key Biscayne, Miami, Florida, US, on Friday. RIGHT: Mats Wilander of Sweden leaves the Fernando Verdasco (ESP) bt Jeremy court after watching Madison Keys play Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium at the Miami Open. Chardy (FRA x28) 6-4, 6-4 Joao Sousa (POR x33) bt Vasek Pos- pisil (CAN) 6-7 (1/7), 7-6 97/5), 6-2 Nadal warns rule Viktor Troicki (SRB x19) bt Inigo Cer- vantes (ESP) 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (11/9), changes needed 7-6 (7/3) Djokovic wins Miami opener Steve Johnson (USA x31) bt Alexan- to sustain interest der Zverev (GER) 7-6 (11/9), 7-6 (7/3) Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Kyle Edmund (GBR) 6-3, 6-3 AFP Richard Gasquet (FRA x10) bt Albert while Federer withdraws Ramos-Vinolas (ESP) 6-4, 6-4 WOMEN’S SECOND ROUND Angelique Kerber (GER x2) bt Bar- MIAMI: Rafael Nadal issued a bora Strycova (CZE) 6-1, 6-1 2016 trophy haul that also includes year’s Wimbledon runner-up, reached warning to tennis leaders on Fri- Kiki Bertens (NED) bt Anastasia Pav- Doha and Indian Wells. TENNIS: MIAMI OPEN the third round. German second seed day that the sport faces future Russian qualifier WRAP-UP lyuchenkova (RUS x25) 6-1, 4-6, 6-1 The 28-year-old Serbian is 23-1 Kerber cruised past Czech Barbora troubles if equipment evolution Vesnina eliminates this year and has 25 of his past 26 Strycova 6-1, 6-1 while Muguruza makes speed and power domi- Timea Babos (HUN) bt Karolina Plisk- ova (CZE x17) 5-7, 6-2, 7-6 (7/0) three-time Miami Miami matches, including 11 in a and not the knee, so it’s not a big battled for two hours and 45 minutes nant over skill and tactics. row. deal,” said long-time Federer rival before subduing Slovakia’s 54th- On the eve of his opening Magda Linette (POL) bt Jelena Jank- winner Venus But third-ranked Federer, a Rafael Nadal. Federer was replaced ranked Dominika Cibulkova 6-7 (3/7), match at the ATP and WTA Miami ovic (SRB x18) 1-0, retired, right 17-time Grand Slam singles cham- by 58th-ranked lucky loser Horacio 6-3, 7-5. Open, the 14-time Grand Slam sin- shoulder injury pion who underwent left knee surgery Zeballos, who made the most of his Next up for Kerber, whose best gles champion said rule changes Naomi Osaka (JPN) bt Sara Errani (ITA last month, withdrew from the tour- chance by defeating Argentine com- Miami showing was a 2014 quar- are needed to allow for taller and x14) 6-1, 6-3 AFP nament just hours before his match, patriot Juan Martin Del Potro 6-4, ter-final run, is 108th-ranked Dutch stronger players using modern rac- Nicole Gibbs (USA) bt Kristina Mlad- citing a stomach virus. 6-4. qualifier Kiki Bertens. Muguruza will quet technology to make quick enovic (FRA x27) 6-2, 6-4 “I have not felt great for a few days “I was sitting in the locker room meet US wildcard Nicole Gibbs. work of points and matches. Garbine Muguruza (ESP x4) bt and unfortunately it got worse in the playing chess and watching others Spanish sixth seed Carla “The sport in general needs to Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) 6-7 (3/7), MIAMI: Top-ranked Novak Djokovic last 24 hours,” Federer said. playing when they told us the news. Suarez Navarro was ousted by improve in all aspects,” Nadal said. 6-3, 7-5 made a strong start on Friday in his “I was really excited to have my I was really happy,” said Zeballos. American CoCo Vandeweghe “The players today are taller than quest for a third consecutive Miami comeback in Miami but I am in no “I was so relaxed. I played great. I 6-4, 6-2 while Swiss seventh seed before. The racquets hit the ball Monica Niculescu (ROM x32) bt Peng Open title while Roger Federer’s condition to play. I tried to warm up knew I was playing Juan Martin and Belinda Bencic retired with a lower harder than before. Same time, it’s Shuai (CHN) 6-1, 3-6, 6-0 expected return from a two-month this morning but it was clear that I he had more pressure than me so I back injury trailing Czech Kristyna true that nothing changed in our Irina Begu (ROM) bt Sabine Lisicki layoff was over before it started. could not compete.” played relaxed.” Pliskova 4-1. sport in terms of rules, how high (GER x29) 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7/2) Djokovic, seeking his sixth The 34-year-old Swiss legend It was only the third event for Tenth seed Venus Williams, a is the net, everything. CoCo Vandeweghe (USA) bt Carla Miami crown overall and the first missed the event for the third time 366th-rated Del Potro, the 2009 US seven-time Grand Slam singles cham- “People get emotional when Suarez Navarro (ESP x6) 6-4, 6-2 “three-peat” since Andre Agassi in in four years. He won at Miami in Open champion, in his comeback fol- pion and three-time Miami winner, the points are intense, long. If Kristyna Pliskova (CZE) bt Belinda 2001-2003, opened by defeating Brit- 2005 and 2006 but has not reached lowing left wrist surgery last year and was eliminated by Russian qualifier every time we make that happen Bencic (SUI x7) 4-1, retired, lower ain’s 87th-ranked Kyle Edmund 6-3, the final since. he struggled with pain. Elena Vesnina 6-0, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2. less often, it’s obvious our sport back injury 6-3 in the ATP and WTA hardcourt Federer has not played since los- “I was suffering a little bit,” Del “I couldn’t afford many errors can be in trouble for the future.” event. ing to Djokovic in the Australian Potro said. “It was worse than my first and she was on,” Williams said. “It’s The 29-year-old Spanish left- Madison Keys (USA x22) bt Kirsten “I had a solid performance,” Djok- Open semi-finals two months ago. match but I hope nothing dangerous. tough to play your best tennis against hander, whose 67 career titles Flipkens (BEL) 6-4, 6-2 ovic said. “I started with the right The next morning, Federer suffered “This is a long road to get bet- an opponent so inspired that you can’t include nine on the red clay at Roberta Vinci (ITA x9) bt Lucie Hra- intensity and good focus. I had slight a torn meniscus while preparing to ter and play tennis again. For me, it’s get into the match.” Roland Garros, said tennis must decka (CZE) 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) ups and downs. I’m pleased. I’m look- bathe his children. like a surprise when I win a match. Vesnina, ranked 96th in the adapt for future generations to Elena Vesnina (RUS) bt Venus Wil- ing forward to the next one.” Federer had not expected to be I’m trying to deal with the pain. I’m world, next faces British 23rd seed enjoy it as much as past ones have. liams (USA x10) 6-0, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2 Djokovic, who captured his 11th ready in time to play at Miami but suffering but I’m playing tennis and Johanna Konta, who defeated Mon- “Tennis has been tremendously Johanna Konta (GBR x24) bt Danka Grand Slam singles crown at the Aus- recovered well from the opera- that’s good.” tenegro’s 51st-ranked Danka Kovinic successful for a long time. The Kovinic (MNE) 6-4, 6-2 tralian Open two months ago, will tion and said he was excited for the Reigning Australian Open cham- 6-4, 6-2 and is the top-seeded sport is healthy. But it’s obvious at face Portugal’s Joao Sousa in the third opportunity. pion Angelique Kerber and Spanish remaining player in her eighth of the the same time we need to move, Victoria Azarenka (BLR x13) bt Mon- ica Puig (PUR) 6-2, 6-4 round today as he tries to add to a “It’s good it’s a stomach problem fourth seed Garbine Muguruza, last draw. to predict the future,” Nadal said.

Campos maintains lead in hometown Rory McIlroy downs Na to Puerto Rico Open advance at WGC Match Play LOS ANGELES: Local favourite Rafael Campos rode the support of another enthusiastic gallery to maintain a one-shot lead over AFP to make some birdies. I had a cou- 6 up lead through nine holes over George McNeill after the second ple of chances to maybe finish him Phil Mickelson en route to a 5 and 4 round at the Puerto Rico Open on in regulation. victory that sent the five-time major Friday. “It took a mistake from him to winner packing. Both players carded one-under- LOS ANGELES: Defending cham- get me over the line and obviously Reed birdied the fourth and fifth par 71 on the Coco Beach course in pion Rory McIlroy advanced to the I’m just happy to be in the weekend.” and drained a 43-foot eagle putt at breezy conditions on the Caribbean knockout stage of the WGC Match McIlroy said he was looking for- the sixth. He holed out for another island. Campos, trying to become Play on Friday after winning a ward to locking horns with 14th seed eagle at the 10th and through three the first Puerto Rican since Chi Chi nervy sudden death play-off against Johnson, who reached the last 16 with matches has yet to trail. Rodriguez in 1979 to win on the PGA Kevin Na. a 4 and 3 win over Ireland’s Shane In other winner-takes-all Tour, could not emulate his opening McIlroy progressed to a last 16 Lowry. matches, Matt Kuchar defeated Eng- 64, but did enough to post a nine- showdown with in-form American “This is a golf course that sets up land’s Justin Rose 3 and 2, Brandt under 135 midway total. Zach Johnson after his winner-take- perfectly for Zach,” said McIlroy. Snedeker beat South African Charl American McNeill was alone all Group 3 clash with Na finished all “If he can get it in play he’s going Schwartzel 5 and 3 and South Afri- on eight-under, with Englishman square after 18 holes at the Austin to be tough to beat. We’ve had some can Louis Oosthuizen beat England’s Ian Poulter (66) among a group two Country Club in Texas. good battles over the years in the Andy Sullivan 4 and 2. shots off the pace. After both players parred the team format in Ryder Cup so tomor- Oosthuizen earned a clash with “It really does feel great to be first sudden death hole, McIlroy was row should be a good one.” world number one Jordan Spieth, who in this position,” said Campos, who handed the initiative when Na sent Johnson’s passage to the knock- again leapt to an early lead and held plays primarily on the secondary his drive into a hazard on the second. out rounds as Group 3 winner never on for a 3 and 2 victory over Justin Buy.Com circuit. McIlroy comfortably took care of looked in doubt as he raced into a Thomas. “Ironically enough I feel really business to par while Na made bogey. commanding lead over the front nine “Jumping to a 3 up lead early on relaxed out there. I’m not think- “It was tough. All three of my against the Lowry. the front nine for the third straight ing of my swing, not thinking of matches this week have been pretty He reached the turn at four up day takes a lot of stress off,” said Spi- the problems out there. I’m actu- tough,” said a relieved McIlroy after before a birdie on the 393-yard par eth, who hasn’t trailed at any point ally enjoying it. It’s great having the win. four 10th took him to five up, leaving this week. Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland watches his approach shot on the first so much support. We’re trying to “I didn’t get off to the best of victory a formality. “I just need to be a little more dis- (make) golf here well known, so it’s hole during the round of 16 in the World Golf Championships-Dell Match starts again, but I found my rhythm In another match between ciplined as we get in the middle of the great to be playing well.” Play at the Austin Country Club in Austin, Texas on Friday. in the middle of the round and started unbeatens, Patrick Reed raced to a back nine.” 32 SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 SPORT

‘He made us great Barcelona pay respects as champions’

AFP world remembers Cruyff BARCELONA: It was Johan Cruyff who “made us great champions”, wept long-time Barcelona fan Jose Gilabert Cortina, a retired printer who joined the thousands of fans Fans, players and who came to the Camp Nou yes- club officials gather terday to pay tribute to the Barca in Barcelona to pay legend. Dutchman Cruyff, who first moved to Barcelona from glowing tributes to Ajax Amsterdam in 1973, died on the man who was Thursday in his adopted city aged 68 after a five-month battle with credited for creating lung cancer. ‘Total Football’ “When he arrived as a player 43 years ago I came to all the matches for the sheer entertain- ment he provided,” recalled the AFP bespectacled 69-year-old. “We were a team of losers, it was 14 years since we’d won the Liga and he changed everything. BARCELONA: Barcelona fans, play- You would have thought that foot- ers and officials paid tribute yesterday ball had been transformed into to the memory of former player and another sport,” he recalled with manager Johan Cruyff in front of tears in his eyes like many of his a memorial space set up inside the generation who mixed with the club’s Camp Nou stadium. international crowd including The eulogies for the Dutch legend, Spaniards, Chinese, Japanese and who died from lung cancer on Thurs- Moroccans who came to the spe- day at the age of 68, were led after cial condolence area opened by the a minute’s silence by club president club at the Camp Nou. Josep Maria Bartomeu. Cruyff’s debut in 1973 “was like Standing in front of a giant photo a revelation,” recalled 74-year- of a smiling Cruyff, Bartomeu said old retired taxi driver Fidel Diaz that it was a sad day not only for eve- Fernandez. ryone who loved Barcelona football The style and freedom with club, but also for everyone who loved which the 1.80 metre athlete with football. blue eyes and a Beatles haircut “In agreement with the Cruyff played was a breath of fresh air family we set up this memorial to during a time when Spanish dic- allow everyone to express their feel- tator Franco was still in power. ings and say a final farewell to this “Franco was still in power legend,” he said. and you couldn’t wear long hair Hundreds of people of different at that time without being taken nationalities, many in tears, filed past Football fans pay tribute to late Dutch football star Johan Cruyff in a special condolence area set up at Camp Nou stadium, in Barcelona yesterday. for a transvestite. Cruyff did it,” the memorial, which was bedecked Cruyff, one of the greatest footballers of all time who dazzled with his artistry, died on March 24, 2016 at the age of 68 afterlosing a battle said Fidel. with flags and bouquets of red roses, with lung cancer, prompting an avalanche of tributes from around the sports world. “He was always inventing and signed a condolences book. something,” recalled 70-year-old Johan Cruyff “came to Barcelona composer Franck Charles, partic- when Barcelona was winning nothing The memorial will remain in touchline sucking on a lollipop which orange number 14 shirt was hauled about Barcelona’s playing philoso- ularly of Cruyff’s time as a coach ,” said one of them, Ignace Mosengo, a place until Tuesday evening with became his prop after he stopped across one end of the ArenA stadium phy,” said Joachim Loew, coach of from 1988 to 1996. “I remember a 45-year-old from the Congo who was Barcelona football club observing a smoking cigarettes. in his home city as fans and players the German team who won the 2014 lovely phrase that he said to the on holiday in Barcelona with his wife. period of mourning until April 2. On Friday night, the Nether- applauded. World Cup. players before they took to the “He gave them a new style of Fans as well as tourists had lands’ international against France A seat covered with flowers and A one-time heavy smoker who pitch: ‘guys have fun’. And they game, with intricate passing, to already placed tributes at the in Amsterdam was halted in the 14th a number 14 shirt was left empty in gave up after double heart by-pass had fun!” keep possession of the ball. What we entrance to the Camp Nou stadium on minute as a mark of respect. the VIP stand at a game which saw surgery in 1991, Cruyff revealed in “Today it’s Messi who resem- admire in the current Barcelona team Friday, including roses and lollipops. A huge portrait banner show- the Dutch slip to a 3-2 defeat against October last year that he had lung bles him the most. Like Cruyff said all harks back to him,” he said. Cruyff often patrolled the ing Cruyff and his familiar Dutch the hosts of the Euro 2016 tournament cancer. there’s no need to run a lot to con- this summer. It was the first time that The Cruyff family said it was trol the game and Messi doesn’t an international has been halted for arranging “a private farewell to run much.” Suddenly, Fidel, the A large banner is such a gesture. Johan.” But they did not say when it former taxi driver with grey hair, displayed during a “It was special,” said France coach would be held. begins to laugh loudly as he recalls standing ovation Didier Deschamps. “A great man like The family also said it would soon Cruyff’s legendary goal against in honour of late Johan Cruyff deserved such a tribute announce a public memorial for the Atletico Madrid in 1973 when the Dutch football and the stadium responded to him.” player who won three European Cups striker leapt into the air, twist- legend Johann Leading football figures have as a player with Ajax Amsterdam and ing his body to score as he faced Cruyff during meanwhile continued to pay trib- European player of the year titles in away from goal. And it amuses a pause in the ute to the Dutch star and highlight 1971 with Ajax and 1973 and 1974 with him now to see top officials from 14th minute of the importance of Cruyff’s impact Barcelona. Barcelona’s eternal rivals Real the friendly at on the game. Cruyff, who is considered to be Madrid - such as president Floren- “I knew nothing about football one of the greatest players of all time, tino Perez - come to pay tribute to the Amsterdam before knowing Cruyff,” said Pepe moved from Ajax to Barcelona in the player who “changed the face ArenA, on Friday in Guardiola, the Bayern Munich coach 1973 and stayed there until 1978. He of football”, 43 years after Real’s Amsterdam. who played under Cruyff at Barcelona returned 10 years later to coach the humiliating 0-5 home loss. and later became its most success- Spanish side. They won four consec- When Cruyff arrived at Bar- ful coach. utive league titles and their first ever celona the team were second “He helped us to understand foot- European Cup in 1992 at Wembley. bottom in the league. But they ball ... and he encouraged you to trust Cruyff helped end an era of dour won 17 games in a row to win their your instinct, your nose. To make defensive football, inspiring the Dutch first La Liga title in 14 years. In an decisions,” Guardiola told Catalan team in their Total Football offen- eight-year spell in charge he won radio station Rac1. sive that took them to the 1974 World four consecutive league titles, and “He revolutionised football and, in Cup final where they were narrowly Barcelona’s first European Cup in particular, he embodied everything beaten by Germany.. 1992. Johan Cruyff - the Catalan resistance fighter

AFP Catalonia regional government, in the at Barca.” “Probably because I was Cruyff was an advocate of the Sport newspaper on Friday. Dutch and famous nobody could right of the Catalonia people to vote At that time, Catalan names were touch me, that’s why I said: ‘Well, on their own independence in a ref- BARCELONA: Barcelona fans took banned by the regime of Spanish dic- you can do it’,” Cruyff said in the erendum, a view which even now is Johan Cruyff to their hearts because tator General Francisco Franco. documentary. only backed by one Spanish politi- of his football brilliance but also his Danny Cruyff returned to Amster- “Cruyff began to realise that in cal party at a national level, the far stubborn backing for Catalonia’s inde- dam in 1974 to give birth so that he Barcelona there is a different lan- left Podemos. pendence from Spain. could be called Jordi. The Dutch birth guage, a way of being different. This “I think that Catalonia should The Dutchman, who died on certificate was no problem but Span- then permeated his personality,” always decide for itself,” Cruyff said. Thursday aged 68, believed that sport ish officials refused to accept Jordi Ramon Miravitllas, author of ‘The “There can be no other person who and politics did mix. and demanded that the boy, who went Political Function of Barca’, tsaid. decides for you to do things a cer- “We cannot avoid politics, that’s on to play for Manchester United, be When Cruyff arrived at Barce- tain way.” why I had to mix in a bit,” said Cru- registered as ‘Jorge’. lona the team were second bottom The relationship between player, yff in a 2013 documentary “The Last “Then write down Johan-Jordi,” in the league. But they won 17 games club and fans became even stronger Game” about his impact on the region Cruyff told the bureaucrats, according in a row -- including 5-0 against Real after he took over as head coach in where breakaway sentiment is again to Joan Laporte, the former Barcelona Madrid -- to win their first La Liga 1988. In an eight-year spell in charge on the rise. president. title in 14 years. he won four consecutive league titles, The pioneer of ‘Total Foot- Cruyff’s stubborn resistance “Once we were champions, and Barcelona’s first European Cup ball’ moved to Barcelona from Ajax entered Catalan folklore. instead of saying ‘congratulations’, in 1992. From 2009 to 2013, he was A man takes a photo of players from Italian football team Torino USD Amsterdam in 1973 at the age of 26. When the three-time Ballon d’Or everyone said ‘thanks’, and it was also coach of the Catalonia team, who Piscineseriva posing in front of a sign that says: ‘Thanks Johan’ on Friday “He realised very quickly what winner heard that Franco’s police had then that I realised that it was not play only friendly matches, in 2013. was going on here, and that’s why arrested 13 members of the Catalan just about the title, it was more than at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona a day after the death of football On Friday, the day after his death with Danny (his wife), they decided opposition, he sent an autographed that,” Cruyff recalled. “He always said legend Johan Cruyff. from lung cancer, Catalan flags and that their son would be called Jordi photo to his friend and journalist that he was a Catalan Dutchman, he Barcelona banners flew at half mast (the patron saint of Catalonia),” Xavier Folch in prison saying: “Xavier, identified with the people, the culture Jordi Finestres said. to wear an armband with the colours at the Camp Nou, where a massive wrote Artur Mas, former president of I am hoping to see you again soon and customs of Catalonia,” journalist He was also the first club captain of the Catalan flag. sign simply said: “Thank you Johan”. SPORT SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 33

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING RESULTS GROUP A Guatemala shock US 2-0 in At San Salvador El Salvador 2 (Punyed 47, Bonilla 88) Honduras 2 (Elis 19, Lozano 59) At Vancouver Canada 0 Mexico 3 (Hernandez 32, Lozano 40, Corona 72) World Cup qualifying match GROUP B At Port-au-Prince Haiti 0 Panama 0 At Kingston Two early goals from Jamaica 1 (Watson 16) Costa Rica 1 (Acosta 68) Rafael Morales and GROUP C Carlos Ruiz guide At Kingstown Guatemala home as St. Vincent and Grenadines 2 (Samuel 45- Mexico crush Canada pen, Shandel Samuel 77) Trinidad and Tobago 3 (Jones 58, Garcia 71, 82) 3-0 with relative ease At Guatemala City Guatemala 2 (Morales 7, Ruiz 15) United States 0 AFP

R onaldo misses LOS ANGELES: Guatemala dealt a lackluster United States a devastat- penalty as ing 2-0 defeat in a 2018 World Cup qualifier on Friday in Guatemala City. With goals in the first 15 minutes Bulgaria shock from Rafael Morales and Carlos Ruiz and an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Paulo Motta, Gua- Portugal Hamilton Lopez (left) of Guatemala and Bobby temala earned their first ever World Cup qualifying victory over the USA Wood of the US battle for the ball as US coach Reuters and leapfrogged over Jurgen Klins- Jurgen Klinsmann watches from the sidelines at mann’s men into second place in Mateo Flores Stadium, Guatemala City, Guatemala. Group C in the fourth round of qual- LEIRIA, PORTUGAL: Brazil- ifying in North and Central America ian-born Marcelinho scored on (CONCACAF). “For us it’s obviously disappointing,” was one-on-one with Tim Howard.” put them in third, ahead only of St. on two points after a 2-2 draw at his Bulgaria debut while Cris- Klinsmann had been bullish said Klinsmann, who praised the After struggling throughout the Vincent and the Grenadines with home to Honduras. tiano Ronaldo missed a penalty heading into the match -- the play of Guatemala but said the United first half to create clear chances, the none. In Vancouver, Mexico defeated In Kingston, Johnny Acosta for Portugal as the visitors pulled first of two in five days against States made “too many mistakes”. visitors looked more dangerous early Canada 3-0 to post their third win in grabbed the equalizer in the 68th off a shock 1-0 friendly win over Guatemala -- saying he was hoping “On the international level in the second. as many matches. minute for Costa Rica in a 1-1 draw the Euro 2016 finalists on Friday. for maximum points so the United you cannot make the mistakes Motta, however, made half a The dominant victory included against Jamaica that kept the Ticos Marcelinho, born in a small States could secure their spot in the that led into the two goals, you dozen solid saves to keep the US at goals from Javier “Chicharito” atop Group B. town in the Amazon region of final “Hexagonal” phase of qualifying simply cannot allow that,” he said, bay, including stopping an 81st-minute Hernandez, Hirving Lozano and Jesus Je-Vaughn Watson had put the Brazil and making his first inter- before turning their attention to the noting that the near post was left attempt by substitute Jozy Altidore. Corona. Reggae Boyz ahead with a diving national appearance at the age of Copa America Centenario. unguarded on the corner that “We said at halftime let’s turn Hernandez headed in the opener header past Keylor Navas in the 16th 31, struck in the 20th minute of a Instead the Americans will be produced Morales’ goal. this thing around,” Klinsmann said. in the 32nd minute. Canadian keeper minute. game almost totally dominated by in damage control mode when they “The second goal was a “There were enough chances to win Milan Borjan came up with a number Acosta equalised after Jamaican Portugal. host Guatemala in Columbus, Ohio, sequence of mistakes,” said the game, but we didn’t put it in.” of saves to keep the hosts in the goalkeeper Andre Blake was unable to The hosts were repeatedly on Tuesday. Klinsmann, as a succession of US The victory gave Guatemala contest before Lozano delivered his control a shot from Cristian Bolanos. foiled by Bulgaria goalkeeper Guatemala got off to a dream start players failed to pick up the ball six points from three matches, one first international goal in the 40th, Costa Rica lead the group with Vladislav Stoyanov who capped when Morales rose for a corner and leading to Ruiz’s chance. behind Group C leaders Trinidad and taking the ball through Canada’s half seven points, three more than Jamaica an outstanding display by diving nodded it off the back of Mix Diskerud “That’s what Carlos Ruiz is Tobago, who battled back from a 1-0 and slotting home a shot. and Panama, who were held to a to his right to save Ronaldo’s pen- and past US goalkeeper Tim Howard famous for, he’s sniffing around, halftime deficit for a 3-2 victory at Corona capped the scoring in the goalless draw in Port-au Prince by alty, awarded for handball, in the in the seventh minute. that’s what he’s done his whole lowly St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 72nd. Mexico lead Group A with nine Haiti. 69th minute. Ronaldo, who has Ruiz made it 2-0 in the 15th when career,” Klinsmann said. “The pitch Levi Garcia’s two goals for points, five more than second-placed The top two teams from each missed three penalties this sea- a long goal kick from Motta rolled was fast,” Ruiz said. “So one bounce, Trinidad included the game-winner Canada going into their next clash on of the three groups advance to the son for Real Madrid, also turned untouched past the US defence, Ruiz I think Omar (Gonzalez) didn’t see in the 82nd minute. Tuesday. final six-nation round of qualifying, the rebound wide. racing onto it and beating Howard. the bounce. I ran behind him and I The United States’ four points El Salvador are third in the group officials said. Suarez strikes as Uruguay hold Brazil in qualifier

AFP

RECIFE, BRAZIL: Luis Suarez scored on his return from a worldwide ban for biting as Uruguay fought back from 2-0 down to grab a 2-2 draw with Brazil in a pulsating World Cup qualifying battle here on Friday. Barcelona star Suarez -- playing his first international since infamously chomping on Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup -- struck in the 48th minute to com- plete a remarkable Uruguayan fightback. Uruguay had looked to be sliding to a heavy defeat Portugal’s national team players (from left) Nani, Pepe, Andre Gomes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Alves after Brazil went 2-0 up inside the first half an hour thanks and Rafa, during a training session at Restelo stadium in Lisbon, Portugal. Portugal will face Belgium in to goals from Bayern Munich striker Douglas Costa and a friendly match on Tuesday. Renato Augusto. But Edinson Cavani pulled a goal back for Uruguay Brazil’s to allow Suarez -- installed as captain by coach Oscar Neymar (left) Tabarez - his moment of glory at the Arena Pernambuco. and Uruguay’s The draw left Uruguay in second place in the South Luis Suarez American standings, three points behind leaders Ecua- FIFA chief says ‘shocked’ leave the field dor with 10 points from five games. Brazil moved up to third, level on eight points with at the end of Argentina and Paraguay but ahead on goal difference. their 2018 Brazil took the lead in the opening minute with a well FIFA World by Iraq pitch bombing worked goal created by Chelsea winger Willian. Cup qualifying The 27-year-old teased and tormented Sebastian match in Coates on the right flank before floating a cross to Costa Recife. The who delicately steered home the finish. match ended AFP 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of football friends in Iraq,” he added. Brazil’s dream start set the tone for the rest of the 2-2. Baghdad. Meanwhile, Iraq yesterday buried half, with the hosts rampant against a feeble Uruguay GENEVA: FIFA President Gianni The attack, claimed by the the victims who offered only token opposition for long periods. How- Infantino expressed shock and sad- Islamic State group, killed 32 people Babil province announced three ever, Brazil had to wait until the 26th minute to grab their ness yesterday at a suicide attack that -- nearly half of them boys aged 10 days of mourning following the second, which arrived after more sorcery from Neymar. ripped through a trophy ceremony to 16 -- and injured 84 others. attack, that sparked condemnation The Brazilian captain split Uruguay’s defence with after a local football tournament in Infantino, who took over as FIFA from visiting UN chief Ban Ki-moon a wonderful pass that Alvaro Pereira could only deflect shooting just wide on 34 minutes as Brazil laid siege to the Iraq, killing 32 people. leader in February, stressed that and outrage across the global foot- into the path of Renato Augusto. Uruguayan goal. But in the opening minutes of the sec- “I’m shocked and terribly sad- “around the world, football unites balling community. Augusto then pulled off a magical dummy to wrong- ond half Uruguay drew level with another goal against dened to have learnt about the awful people.” “The suicide bomber cut through foot the advancing Fernando Muslera before firing high the run of play. tragedy which occurred yesterday at “It is a very sad day when peo- the crowd to approach the centre of into the net for 2-0. Pereira released Suarez, and the striker drilled a low a football game,” Infantino said in a ple going to a match together become the gathering and blew himself up as Yet Uruguay came roaring back to score with their shot that the advancing Brazil goalkeeper Alisson couldn’t statement. the victims of such violence,” he said. the mayor was presenting awards to first attack of the game and what turned out to be their grasp. The bomber detonated his sui- “On behalf of FIFA and the glo- the players,” Ali Nashmi, an 18-year- only attack of the half. The goal galvanised Uruguay who showed far greater cide vest late Friday afternoon as bal football community, I would like old witness, said Pereira advanced down the left flank and crossed to resilience thereafter. local officials were handing trophies to extend our deepest condolences to The mayor, Ahmed Shaker, was Carlos Sanchez at the far post, who knocked down into Although Brazil dominated they were kept at bay, and to the players after a tournament in the victims’ families,” Infantino said. among the dead, as was one of his the path of Paris Saint-Germain star Cavani who lashed Neymar’s frustration boiled over on 63 minutes when the Iraqi village of Al-Asriya, which “Our thoughts are with all those bodyguards and at least five mem- in a perfectly timed volley to make it 2-1. he was booked for a peutlant kick on substitute Alvaro lies near Iskandariyah, a town about affected by this tragedy and all our bers of the security forces. Thereafter, however, it was all Brazil, with Neymar Gonzalez. 34 SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 SPORT

Australia take on India in do-or-die clash

AFP 2015 and also starred during the team’s winning campaigns in the Champions Trophy finals of 2006 and 2009. MOHALI: Australia will look to The Aussies have won two games dump hosts India out of the World in this T20 edition while going down Twenty20 tournament today in a do- to New Zealand, who have already or-die clash between cricket’s two qualified for the semis with three biggest teams. wins from as many matches. A narrow win by India over India were also handed a thrash- Bangladesh, followed by Australia’s ing by the Black Caps, who are sitting 21-run triumph against Pakistan, has on top of Group 2 and are clearly one effectively reduced today’s group of the better-looking sides in the encounter into a knockout, with the tournament. The home side, which winner making it to the semi-finals. won the inaugural World T20 edi- Australia are the reigning tion in 2007, bounced back to defeat 50-over world champions and the arch-rivals Pakistan before pulling number one Test side, but have failed off a nerve-wracking one-run win to win the World T20 in five previ- against Bangladesh. ous attempts. The Indians will be praying for a If they do manage to win the tro- full game Sunday because a wash- phy this time around, it would be a out would throw the hosts out of Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews (right) completes a run as England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler dives to run him out during the World T20 fitting tribute to all-rounder Shane the tournament, since Australia cricket tournament match between England and Sri Lanka at the Feroz Shah Kotla cricket ground in New Delhi yesterday. England beat Sri Watson, who is set to quit inter- enjoy a better run rate. India’s star Lanka by 10 runs to reach the semi-finals. national cricket at the end of the batsman Virat Kohli admitted the tournament. players would have to raise their Watson was part of Australia’s game against the Aussies and not World Cup triumphs in 2007 and let themselves be overwhelmed. England hold nerve to beat Desert Warriors edge Bangla Tigers

Sri Lanka and reach semis The Peninsula he followed it up with an attractive three-wicket haul to complete the rout of the rivals. The 2010 winners returned to SCOREBOARD Besides Qamar, Murtaza cracked Mathews hits 73 to blow away Sri Lanka’s top order before DOHA: Desert Warriors saw off the a nice half-century (54) and Shahid Angelo Mathews battled a hamstring ENGLAND T Dilshan c Hales b Willey 2 challenge of Bangla Tigers by three contributed 42. Ali and Qadeer were turn what looked injury to drag his team back into the J Roy lbw Vandersay 42 M Siriwardana c Morgan b Willey 7 wickets as they put in a fine team the pick of the bowlers with three like a dull chase into match with a brilliant unbeaten 73. A Hales lbw Herath 0 L Thirimanne (run out-Stokes) 3 effort during their Qatar Airways scalps apiece. Sri Lanka’s defeat also dashed J Root c Thirimanne b Vandersay 25 A Mathews (not out) 73 Division A Cricket League. Rawal County failed to get a nail biting finish South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for The Qatar Cricket Association is going, despite an entertaining 77 by J Buttler (not out) 66 C Kapugedera c Stokes b Plunkett 30 but English bowlers the last four. Put in to bat, England lost hosting the national league to prao- Dilshad. Sajeth (22) and Qadeer (21) Alex Hales in the second over but Jason E Morgan (run out-Perera) 22 T Perera c Willey b Jordan 20 vide exposure to the players. were the other only two double-digit

restrict defending Roy (42) and Joe Root (25) added 61 B Stokes (not out) 6 D Shanaka c Root b Jordan 15 Desert Warriors first lim- scorers. Qamar and Abbas Shah ran champs to 161 runs in 8.3 overs to steady the innings. Extras (B-1, LB-5, W-3, NB-1) 10 R Herath b Jordan 1 ited Bangla Tigers at 189 all out through the innings of Rawal County, Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay Total (for 4 wkts in 20 overs) 171 J Vandersay (not out) 0 in 42 overs as Abdullah grabbed sharing three wickets each. dismissed both batsmen but Buttler four wickets, while Ashar and Saif Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-65, 3-88, 4-162. Extras (LB-2, W-7) 9 capitalised on the foundation, hit- accounted for two each. BRIEF SCORES: ting eight fours and two sixes in his Bowling: Mathews 4-0-25-0; Herath 4-1-27- Total (for 8 wkts in 20 overs) 161 Mujahid struck a responsible 82 Bangla Tigers: 189 (Mujahid 82, Leton 27, Ashar Reuters unbeaten 37-ball blitz to punish the 1; Vandersay 4-0-26-2; Siriwardana 1-0-9-0; Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-4, 3-15, 4-15, 5-95, from one end, while they kept losing two wickets, Abdullah four wickets, Saif two Sri Lankans. Chameera 4-0-36-0; Perera 2-0-27-0; Shana- 6-137, 7-155, 8-157. wickets from the other. Only Leton wikets) England skipper Eoin Morgan ka 1-0-15-0. Bowling: Willey 4-0-26-2; Jordan 4-0-28-4; could survive enough to chip in 27. Desert Warriors: 190 for seven in 41 overs (Mir- NEW DELHI: England held their nerve made 22 before being run out and Ben SRI LANKA Plunkett 4-0-23-1; Stokes 4-0-19-0; Rashid With some small but useful za 36, Faisal 30, Talha 16, Uzair 34, Hammad 29, to beat Sri Lanka by 10 runs in a thrill- Stokes faced the final delivery of the D Chandimal c Buttler b Jordan 1 2-0-31-0; Ali 2-0-32-0. knocks, Desert Warriors achieved Riffat two wickets, Mujahid two wickets) ing World Twenty20 Group One match innings from Thisara Perera which he the target in 41 overs. Mirza led them yesterday, reaching the semi-finals hit for six. with 36 and Uzair hit 34. Mujahid Ooredoo DCC: 258 for 8 in 45 overs (Shahid 42, and knocking the defending champi- Sri Lanka made a dismal start in the top order caved in as Malinda Siri- Rashid over that produced 21 runs. was named the Man-of-the-Match. Qamar 74, Murtaza 54, Awais 20, Qadeer three ons out of the tournament. their pursuit of a victory that would wardene and Lahiru Thirimanne fell Perera scored 20 quick runs down In another match, Qamar wickets, Ali three wickets) Jos Buttler struck a blistering have kept their semi-final hopes alive. off successive deliveries. Mathews and the order but Mathews looked tired by excelled with his all-round dis- Rawal County: 174 (Dilshad 77, Qadeer 21, Sajeth unbeaten 66 to power England to a Openers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kapugedera revived the chase, how- the end and could only score four of play and powered Ooredoo DCC to commanding 171-4 after they had Dinesh Chandimal were dismissed ever, mixing caution with aggression the 15 runs required from the last over a big 84-run triumph over Rawal 22, Tabrez two wickets, Abbas Shah three wickets, made a slow start. inside the first eight deliveries and and smashing three sixes off an Adil sent down by Stokes. County. Qamar blasted 74 and then Qamar three wickets)

India shootout is elementary Ruthless New Zealand thrash hapless Bangladesh for Watson Reuters Mitchell McClenaghan bowled before getting tail-ender Al-Amin New Zealand’s Iqbal’s strike partner Mohammad Hossain out for a duck. Reuters captain Kane Mithun for 11 and left-arm spinner Medium-pacer Elliot used the Williamson hits Mitchell Santner took the wicket of slower ball to good effect, bowling a six during KOLKATA: New Zealand crushed the dangerous Shakib Al Hasan to Mushfiqur Rahim for a duck and get- MOHALI: It will be a virtual quar- their World Bangladesh by 75 runs in a World leave Bangladesh struggling at 31-3 ting Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe ter-final when his team take on T20 cricket Twenty20 Group Two match at Eden in the eighth over. Mortaza lbw for three. Rahman hosts India in a potential World tournament Gardens yesterday to maintain their Santner saw off Sabbir Rah- was caught behind by Luke Ronchi Twenty20 humdinger today and match against 100 percent record and ensure their man with a well-judged catch off immediately after hitting the only retiring Australian all-rounder Bangladesh opponents exited the tournament a Nathan McCullum delivery in the six of Bangladesh’s innings. Shane Watson likes the simplicity at The Eden without a win in the Super 10 stage. next over, before Ish Sodhi and Grant “There is no doubt that New Zea- of the situation. Gardens New Zealand won the toss and Elliot took three wickets apiece land have always been a tough side, A red-hot New Zealand have Cricket Stadium skipper Kane Williamson, who opted to bring the contest to a speedy especially in the World Cup. They stormed into the last four with a in Kolkata to bat on a very dry pitch, struck five conclusion. have already proved it in their last hat-trick of wins, leaving India fours and a six in his 42 off 32 deliv- Leg-spinner Sodhi got Soumya three matches and I just want to yesterday. and Australia vying for the second eries to guide his side to 145-8. Sarkar stumped on six and deceived wish them luck in the semi-finals,” semi-final slot from Group Two. Williamson, whose captaincy Mahmudullah with a googly on five, Mortaza said. Both suffered their only defeats and team selection have been one against the rampaging Kiwis and of the highlights of the tournament, SCOREBOARD are level on points which means it brought in Nathan McCullum as an would be a straight-forward situ- extra spinner in place of pacer Adam NEW ZEALAND BANGLADESH ation with the winners of today’s Milne, and watched his side stroll to H Nicholls b Mustafizur 7 T Iqbal (run out-Munro) 3 match advancing to the business an emphatic victory. K Williamson b Mustafizur 42 Mohd Mithun b McClenaghan 11 end of the tournament. “I think going into each game we C Munro b Hosain 35 S Rahman c Santner b McCullum 12 “I’ve played in games where the look to read the wicket as best we R Taylor c Mithun b Hossain 28 game is really based on the run rate can, the opposition as best we can S Al Hasan c McCullum b Santner 2 and I’ve had some bad experiences and pick the team that’s best suited,” C Anderson b Mortaza 0 S Sarkar st Ronchi b Sodhi 6 with that. It’s good that it’s basically Williamson told reporters. G Elliott c Hom b Mustafizur 9 Mahmudullah b Sodhi 5 come down to us winning. It’s a Paceman Mustafizur Rahman L Ronchi (not out) 9 Mushfiqur Rahim b Elliott 0

simple equation. We know we are made life difficult for the Black M Santner b Mustafizur 3 Shuvagata Hom (not out) 16 going to have to be at our absolute Caps, taking five wickets for 22 runs, N McCullum b Mustafizur 0 M Mortaza lbw Elliott 3 best against India,” Watson said. including two off consecutive deliv- Every do-or-die match brings eries in the final over, but ultimately M McClenaghan (not out) 6 M Rahman c Ronchi b Elliott 6 its own tension and the 34-year-old Bangladesh had no answer for New Extras (B-4, LB-1, W-1) 6 Al-Amin Hossain b Sodhi 0 has seen enough in his 14-year-old Zealand’s prowess in the field. Total (for 8 wkts in 20 overs) 145 Extras (LB-5, W-1) 6 international career to learn the Colin Munro set the tone in the Did not bat: I Sodhi Total (all out in 15.4 overs) 70 virtue of calmness. second over, running out the in-form Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-57, 3-99, 4-100, Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-29, 3-31, 4-38, 5-43, “It certainly gets you up for the Tamim Iqbal on three with a direct 5-122, 6-127, 7-139, 8-139. game. Knockout games certainly hit from short third man and New 6-44, 7-48, 8-59, 9-65, 10-70. you’ve got to be just as calm as you Zealand picked up wickets at regu- Bowling: Mortaza 3-0-21-1; Hom 3-0-16-0; Bowling: McCullum 2-0-6-1; Anderson 2-0-7- possibly can. I suppose that’s what lar intervals to dismiss Bangladesh Al Hasan 4-0-33-0; Mustafizur 4-0-22-5; Hos- 0; Santner 3-0-16-1; McClenaghan 1-0-3-1; El- I’ve learnt over my whole career,” for 70, their lowest total in Twenty20 sain 4-0-27-2; Mahmudullah 2-0-21-0. liott 4-0-12-3; Sodhi 3.4-0-21-3. Watson said. internationals. SPORT SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 35 Pistons beat Hornets to extend streak to five

Warriors register NBA ROUND-UP 52nd consecutive home-court victory play that opened the scoring. They never looked back, leading by dou- ble digits most of the way. Agencies The only thing that went right for the Hornets during the half was Walker’s outside shooting. He poured in 25 points, including a shot from MIAMI: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope beyond midcourt just before the sec- scored 16 of his 21 points in the sec- ond-quarter buzzer. ond half and the Detroit Pistons Meanwhile, the Golden State extended their winning streak to Warriors took advantage of a five games by holding off the Char- short-handed Dallas Mavericks lotte Hornets 112-105 on Friday night squad to record a 52nd consecutive at The Palace. home-court victory, riding another Caldwell-Pope, who missed record-setting 3-point-shooting per- Detroit’s previous game with an formance to a hard-earned 128-120 illness, also contributed seven win. rebounds and four assists. On a night when the Warriors Marcus Morris scored 20 points presented Mavericks power for- -- all but one in the first half -- for ward David Lee his championship the Pistons (39-34), who lead the ring, Golden State set an NBA record Chicago Bulls by two games for the for most 3-pointers in a season by eighth and final playoff spot in the connecting on 21 in 45 attempts. Eastern Conference. The 17th of the 21 came with 9:51 Andre Drummond posted his to go in the game and was Golden league-high 60th double-dou- State’s 934th of the season, allow- ble with 18 points and 14 points as ing them to surpass the previous Detroit led from virtually start to record set by the Houston Rockets finish. Reggie Jackson chipped in last season. Salah Mejri (50) of the Dallas Mavericks is guarded by Andrew Bogut (12) of the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California on 17 points, six rebounds and seven Klay Thompson bombed in nine assists for the Pistons, who are 5-1 3-pointers on a 40-point night and Friday. RIGHT: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a basket during their game against the Dallas Mavericks during their franchise-record nine- backcourt sidekick Stephen Curry in Oakland, California on Friday. game homestand. Aron Baynes nailed five 3’s to account for almost added 16 points and eight rebounds half his 33 points, helping Golden Kemba Walker’s 29 points led State (65-7) remain four games NBA RESULTS the Hornets (41-31), who entered the ahead of the San Antonio Spurs (61- Minnesota 132 Washington 129 night trailing first-place Atlanta by a 11) for top seeding in the Western Spurs edge Grizzlies to Detroit 112 Charlotte 105 half game in the Southeast Division. Conference playoffs. It was just Charlotte’s third loss in the The Warriors already have Miami 108 Orlando 97 last 14 games. clinched the home-court advan- Atlanta 101 Milwaukee 90 Caldwell-Pope’s 3-pointer early tage in the NBA Finals should they Houston 112 Toronto 109 in the third quarter made it 77-58 get that far for a second consecu- keep pace with Warriors San Antonio 110 Memphis 104 and another one in transition upped tive year. Sacramento 116 Phoenix 94 the lead to 86-63. He finished the Lee, who helped the Warri- quarter with 14 points as Detroit took ors win their first championship Golden State 128 Dallas 120 a 98-76 lead into the fourth. since 1975 last season before get- AFP were looking for me out there.” San Antonio’s streak is the sec- Denver 116 LA Lakers 105 When Caldwell-Pope dunked ting dealt to the Boston Celtics San Antonio had a 98-92 lead ond longest in history, trailing only with 9:20 left, the lead was up to 26 over the summer, had 12 points, and were struggling to put away the the continuing 52-game streak by 12. JaMychal Green’s 20 points led six at 104-78. nine rebounds and a team-high Grizzlies until Manu Ginobili hit a Golden State, who beat the visiting Memphis players in double figures. But the Hornets made a fran- six assists in his first return as an LOS ANGELES: The shorthanded San three-pointer with 3:22 left to give Dallas Mavericks 128-120 on Friday. Lance Stephenson added 17 points tic comeback and got the Pistons’ opponent this season. Antonio Spurs fended off the pesky them a cushion. They got two more The depleted Spurs played with- and Matt Barnes scored 14. The Spurs advantage down to 108-103 in the Lee played 24 minutes in large Memphis Grizzlies with a 110-94 win baskets from beyond the arc by Kevin out an injured Kawhi Leonard and led 37-23 after the first quarter and final minute after Jeremy Lamb’s part because Mavericks coach Rick to tie the Chicago Bulls for best home Martin and Ginobili on the next pos- Boris Diaw, Danny Green and Patty 64-51 at halftime. 3-pointer. Jackson and Baynes sealed Carlisle chose to rest veteran stars start in NBA history on Friday night. session to ice the victory. Martin was Mills, who were all held out for rest. The Warriors took advantage of a the Detroit win with free throws. Dirk Nowitzki and Deron Williams LaMarcus Aldridge had 32 points starting his first game with the Spurs. Memphis’ injuries woes were even shorthanded Mavericks squad to ride Morris and Drummond com- with a winnable back-to-back and 12 rebounds as the Spurs played San Antonio “hit three threes in worse than the Spurs. another record-setting three-point- bined for 33 points and 15 rebounds upcoming Sunday and Monday in just well enough to remain undefeated a row and that was it -- it was very, Marc Gasol (right foot fracture), shooting performance to a win. in the first half to power Detroit to Sacramento and Denver. at home this season, stretching their very frustrating,” said Grizzlies coach Mike Conley (left Achilles tendin- On a night when former Warrior a 72-56 halftime lead. The halftime The loss dropped the Mavericks win streak to 37-0 at the AT&T Center Dave Joerger. itis), Zach Randolph (right ankle and current Mavericks power for- point total was a Pistons season high (35-37) behind the Houston Rockets arena. They are now tied with the The Spurs improved to 61-11 sprain) and Brandan Wright (right ward David Lee was presented with and the first time they reached 70 (36-37), who won Friday night, and 1995-96 Bulls for the longest home overall. They have also won a fran- MCL sprain) all missed the contest. his championship ring, Golden State by the break. The Pistons reeled off into a tie with the Utah Jazz (35-37) winning streak to start a season. chise-best 46 straight regular-season Tony Parker scored 14 points for San set an NBA record for most three- 12 straight points after Hornets for- for the eighth and final playoff spot “I had good offensive rhythm games at home since a loss to Cleve- Antonio, Martin and Ginobili added pointers in a season by connecting ward Marvin Williams’ three-point in the West. tonight,” Aldridge said. “The guys land in March of last season. 13 points apiece and Tim Duncan had on 21 of 45 attempts. El Shorbagy, David reach British Open semi-finals

AFP BRITISH OPEN Monday, I didn’t even know if I could win one match because I couldn’t see SQUASH RESULTS the ball, I had no reactions,” Gault- Men’s Quarter-finals: Ramy Ashour ier said. KINGSTON UPON HULL, United (EGY x5) bt Ali Farag (EGY) 11-8, 11-7, “When you have to work on your Kingdom: World number one 9-11, 11-6; Gregory Gaultier (FRA x2) vision you feel like a beginner. So I’m Mohamed El Shorbagy moved nearer bt Simon Rosner (GER) 11-6, 11-6, 11-8; happy to be able to play and to feel to a successful defence of the British Mohamed El Shorbagy (EGY x1) bt Miguel no pain.” Open title with a 11-8, 11-8, 11-9 win Angel Rodriguez (COL x6) 11-8, 11-8, 11-9; Earlier the record-breaking Nicol over Miguel Angel Rodriguez, which Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY) bt Marwan El David raised her level to beat an old carried him to the semi-finals on Fri- Shorbagy (EGY) 11-9, 11-7, 4-11, 12-10. rival and reach the semi-finals of the day. Women’s Quarter-finals: Nour El Sher- women’s event, boosting hopes that The top-seeded Egyptian mostly bini (EGY x4) bt Amanda Sobhy (USA x7) the 32-year-old still has what it takes nullified the seventh-seeded Colom- 11-4, 11-7, 14-12; Nicol David (MAS x2) to win the title for a sixth time. bian’s speed, suggesting that he is bt Omneya Kawy (EGY x6) 11-4, 12-14, Certainly David suggested she is adding more thoughtful dimensions 12-10, 11-2; Nouran Gohar (EGY x8) bt taking out insurance against advanc- to his hustling attacks. Raneem El Welily (EGY x3) 11-9, 11-6, ing years by developing more of an El Shorbagy also responded well 9-11, 11-9; Camille Serme (FRA x5) bt all-court court game, though her 11-4, during the later stages of each game Laura Massaro (ENG x1) 11-8, 11-5, 11-7. 12-14, 12-10, 11-2 win over Omneya Vancouver Canucks centre Henrik Sedin (33) skates with the puck past St Louis Blues right wing Troy when Rodriguez began to threaten Abdel Kawy, the sixth-seeded by gaining energy from the crowd’s The three-times former world Egyptian. Brouwer (36) during the third period of their NHL game at Scottrade Center on Friday. The Blues won 4-0. enthusiastic responses to his dynamic champion from Egypt played his “I was playing a good game, retrieving. best match for a year and a half as maybe I stepped back slightly for Each time El Shorbagy kept to the he bounced and bounded around the some of the tighter shots and, after basics of line and length and varia- court during a 11-8, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6 that, I knew I had to force my game so Carlson scores as Capitals down Devils tions of pace and it usually worked win over his compatriot Ali Farag. I got tighter and deeper on the crucial well. Ashour’s performance was all the points to put my game all together at “I just hate losing,” he said. “I hate remarkable for having come on to the the end,” said David. nothing more in life than losing. So court feeling “a bit stressed” because “I’m definitely going in there and AFP NHL RESULTS “He looked a lot more like he did that’s probably why I am number his taxi was late. Ashour next has a learning from my past experience. I Washington 1 New Jersey 0 the first stint of the year,” Holtby said one.” mouth-watering meeting with Gre- am going in stronger, sharper and I after Carlson played for the first time Tampa Bay 7 NY Islanders 4 Karim Gawad beat Marwan El gory Gaultier, the world champion am ready to fire on.” NEWARK: The Washington Capi- since February. 24, his second injury Shorbagy -- the brother of Mohamed from France, who moved well during David will seek to do that against tals got a missing piece back and it St Louis 4 Vancouver 0 stint this season. -- 11-9, 11-7, 4-11, 12-10 in a match an encouraging 11-1, 11-6, 11-8 win the fourth-seeded Nour Sherbini, the helped them move within grasping The win gave Washington 111 delayed by half an hour after a spec- over Simon Rosner, the sixth-seeded 20-year-old Egyptian who won the distance of the Presidents’ Trophy - Braden Holtby made 22 saves and the points. They can clinch their first tator collapsed in the arena. German. It was Gaultier’s first tour- Tournament of Champions and who and the top seed when the play-offs Capitals all but clinched the NHL’s Presidents’ Trophy since 2009-10 and The other semi-final contains nament since suffering a bad ankle won a repeat of that final against start next month. best record in the regular season the No. 1 seed for the playoffs with a Ramy Ashour, who showed he has injury ten weeks ago. Amanda Sobhy of United States by John Carlson scored at 2:17 of with a 1-0 victory over the New Jer- point against the Blues or Dallas los- revived his injury-wracked career. “When I first came here on 11-4, 11-7, 14-12. overtime in his return to the line-up, sey Devils on Friday night. ing earlier in the day. 36 SUNDAY 27 MARCH 2016 Steingruber walks off with two golds as World Challenge Cup ends

Azarbaijan’s Stepko and Ponor of Romania also secure medals as three-day World Challenge Cup ends at Aspire Academy

By Fawad Hussain The Peninsula

DOHA: Switzerland’s star Giulia Ste- ingruber grabbed her second gold medal while Azerbaijan’s Oleg Stepko and Catalina Ponor of Romania also reigned supreme on the final day of Ninth FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup, which concluded yes- terday after three days of thrilling action in Doha. The last day of the spectacle, which also featured five finals at the iconic Aspire Dome saw Steingruber Giulia Steingruber of Switzerland (centre), Bulimar Diana Laura (second left) of Romania and Zsofia Kovacs of Hungary show off their medals on the final day of the 9th FIG Artistic claiming top position in women’s floor Gymnastics World Challenge Cup held at Aspire Academy in Doha yesterday. RIGHT: A gymnast in action. BELOW: Qatar Gymnastics Federation President Ali Al Hitmi is seen with to win her second gold medal in as the organising team after the third day of competitions. BOTTOM: Officials at a prize distribution ceremony yesterday. PICS: MOHAMMED FARAG many days. The 24-year Swiss earned the women’s vault gold on Friday, the first European Games in Baku the same day of the finals. year, claimed his second medal in Yesterday, the European cham- the Qatari capital by winning the pion displayed another superb show men’s parallel bars final with a total and collected 14,700 points in the of 15,825 points, edging out Manrique women’s floor to overshadow bril- Larduet of Cuba. liance from Romania’s Bulimar The high-profile gymnast also Diana Laura who impressed specta- won bronze medal in men’s pommel tors while earning 14,125 points for a horse on Friday. silver medal. As expected, Cuban sensation Hungary’s Zsofia Kovacs (13,925) gave tough time to experienced Oleg won bronze medal in the contest. but the 20-year-old had to be content Oleg, a bronze medallist of with a silver medal after he earned the 2015 World Championships in 15,775 points. Glasgow and gold medallist at the But Larduet made his mark on RESULTS 1 - MEN’S VAULT Mingqi Huang (China) 15,200 points Christopher Remkes (Australia) 14,950 Diego Hypolito (Brazil) 14,900 event’s debut after an impressive who earned silver and bronze medals 2 - MEN’S PARALLEL BARS run. Hung Phuoc Pham of Vietnam respectively. The Qatar Gymnastics Oleg Stepko (Azerbaijan) 15,825 got bronze medals with a tally of Federation’s (QGF) showpiece com- Manrique Larduet (Cuba) 15,775 15,350 points. petition, featured over 100 gymnasts Hung Phuoc Pham (Vietnam) 15,350 Ponor, a triple gold medallist in representing a total of 33 countries 2004 Olympics Games lived up to top from all over the world. 3 - Men’s Horizontal Bars billing by clinching the women’s beam Apart from top gymnasts, dig- Fuya Maeno (Japan) 15,175 gold medal. nitaries and heads of several sports Ashley Watson (Britan) 15, 050 The 28-year old who scored 14650 bodies visited Doha during the three- Marijo Moznik (Croatia) 15850 points overcame Brazil’s Thauany Lee day event and lauded the QGF’s 4 - Women’s Beam De Araujo (14,150) and Portuguese Lee efforts, saying the federation is ready Catalina Ponor (Romania) 14,650 De Araujo (13,900) following an excit- to host the World Championships in ing competition. Doha. Thauany Lee De Araujo 14,150 In the men’s vault final, Mingqi It was also a fruitful event for Lee De Araujo (Portugal) 13,900 Huang of China secured gold medal Qatari gymnasts who impressed dur- 5 - Women’s floor with 15,200 points with Aussie Chris- ing their respective competitions. Giulia Steingruber (Switzerland) 14,700 topher Remkes claiming silver medal Ahmed Al Dayan reached the final Bulimar Diana Laura (Romania) 14, 125 after compiling 14,950 points. medal. with a tally of 15,175 points, followed of men’s pommel horse while Farah Zsofia Kovacs (Hungary) 13,925 Brazil’s Diego Hypolito accumu- Japan’s Fuya Maeno was victo- by Britain’s Ashley Watson (15, 050) Mahmoud also showed improvement lated 14,900 points for the bronze rious in men’s horizontal bars final and Croatia’s Marijo Moznik (15850) in the women’s uneven bars.

Gymnastics venue for Tokyo 2020 to be given longer lifespan Reuters

TOKYO: Organisers of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics announced that the planned temporary venue for gym- nastics will be given a 10-year lifespan so that it can be used as a convention and exhibition centre following the conclusion of the Games. “In order to maximise the legacy, it has been decided that this venue’s lifespan will be extended by an additional 10-year period after the 2020 Games and will become a state-of-the-art convention and exhibition centre, as required by the city of Tokyo,” spokesperson for the Tokyo Games, Hikariko Ono, said in a statement. The venue will be situated in Tokyo’s Ariake area and will have a capacity to seat 12,000 spectators. It will also be in close proximity to venues hosting tennis, BMX cycling and indoor volleyball. Ono also stated that “specific discussions about shar- ing of the budget” haven’t been held yet since the change in plan means that the budget of construction would be shared with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Table tennis action from the penultimate day of the 2016 ITTF World Tour Qatar Open being The Olympic Games organisers aim to have 590 staged at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Sports Hall, in Doha yesterday. The five-day tournament training facilities across the country for the participat- ends today. ing athletes.